bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manipulation of cytosine methylation does not remove latitudinal clines in two invasive goldenrod species in Central Europe
Authors: Eckert Silvia , Herden Jasmin , Stift Marc , Joshi Jasmin , van Kleunen Mark
Published: November 2020

Invasive species frequently differentiate phenotypically in novel environments within a few generations, often even with limited genetic variation. For the invasive plants Solidago canadensis and S. gigantea, we tested whether such differentiation might have occurred through heritable epigenetic changes in cytosine methylation. In a 2‐year common‐garden experiment, we grew plants from seeds collected along a latitudinal gradient in their non‐native Central European range to test for trait differentiation and whether differentiation disappeared when seeds were treated with the demethylation agent zebularine. Microsatellite markers revealed no population structure along the latitudinal gradient in S. canadensis, but three genetic clusters in S. gigantea. Solidago canadensis showed latitudinal clines in flowering phenology and growth. In S. gigantea, the number of clonal offspring decreased with latitude. Although zebularine had a significant effect on early growth, probably through effects on cytosine methylation, latitudinal clines remained (or even got stronger) in plants raised from seeds treated with zebularine. Thus, our experiment provides no evidence that epigenetic mechanisms by selective cytosine methylation contribute to the observed phenotypic differentiation in invasive goldenrods in Central Europe.
Morphological vs. DNA metabarcoding approaches for the evaluation of stream ecological status with benthic invertebrates: Testing different combinations of markers and strategies of data filtering
Authors: Meyer Albin , Boyer Frédéric , Valentini Alice , Bonin Aurélie , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Beisel Jean‐Nicolas , Bouquerel Jonathan , Wagner Philippe , Gaboriaud Coline , Leese Florian , Dejean Tony , Taberlet Pierre , Usseglio‐Polatera Philippe
Published: November 2020

Macroinvertebrate assemblages are the most common bioindicators used for stream biomonitoring, yet the standard approach exhibits several time‐consuming steps, including the sorting and identification of organisms based on morphological criteria. In this study, we examined if DNA metabarcoding could be used as an efficient molecular‐based alternative to the morphology‐based monitoring of streams using macroinvertebrates. We compared results achieved with the standard morphological identification of organisms sampled in 18 sites located on 15 French wadeable streams to results obtained with the DNA metabarcoding identification of sorted bulk material of the same macroinvertebrate samples, using read numbers (expressed as relative frequencies) as a proxy for abundances. In particular, we evaluated how combining and filtering metabarcoding data obtained from three different markers (COI: BF1‐BR2, 18S: Euka02 and 16S: Inse01) could improve the efficiency of bioassessment. In total, 140 taxa were identified based on morphological criteria, and 127 were identified based on DNA metabarcoding using the three markers, with an overlap of 99 taxa. The threshold values used for sequence filtering based on the “best identity” criterion and the number of reads had an effect on the assessment efficiency of data obtained with each marker. Compared to single marker results, combining data from different markers allowed us to improve the match between biotic index values obtained with the bulk DNA versus morphology‐based approaches. Both approaches assigned the same ecological quality class to a majority (86%) of the site sampling events, highlighting both the efficiency of metabarcoding as a biomonitoring tool but also the need for further research to improve this efficiency.
Sucrose synthase – an enzyme with a central role in the source–sink coordination and carbon flow in trees
Authors: Gessler Arthur
Published: November 2020

This article is a Commentary on Dominguez et al. (2021), 229: 186–198.
Interplay between the paradox of enrichment and nutrient cycling in food webs
Authors: Quévreux Pierre , Barot Sébastien , Thébault Élisa
Published: November 2020

Nutrient cycling is fundamental to ecosystem functioning. Despite recent major advances in the understanding of complex food web dynamics, food web models have so far generally ignored nutrient cycling. However, nutrient cycling is expected to strongly impact food web stability and functioning. To make up for this gap, we built an allometric and size structured food web model including nutrient cycling. By releasing mineral nutrients, recycling increases the availability of limiting resources for primary producers and links each trophic level to the bottom of food webs. We found that nutrient cycling can provide a significant part of the total nutrient supply of the food web, leading to a strong enrichment effect that promotes species persistence in nutrient poor ecosystems but leads to a paradox of enrichment at high nutrient inputs. The presence of recycling loops linking each trophic level to the basal resources weakly affects species biomass temporal variability in the food web. Recycling loops tend to slightly dampen the destabilising effect of nutrient enrichment on consumer temporal variability while they have opposite effects for primary producers. By considering nutrient cycling, this new model improves our understanding of the response of food webs to nutrient availability and opens perspectives to better link studies on food web dynamics and ecosystem functioning.
Time‐course of the visual Impact on presbyopes of a low dose miotic
Authors: Xu Renfeng , Gil Daniel , Dibas Mohammed , Rickert Martin , Meyer Dawn , Perron Laura , Kollbaum Pete , Bradley Arthur
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To examine the pupil and visual impact of a single early morning drop of a low concentration miotic.

Methods

Pupil size, refraction, visual acuity (VA), near reading performance and intraocular pressure were monitored for 8 h at a wide range of light levels following bilateral instillation of single drops of 0.1% brimonidine tartate in 19 early presbyopes (40–50 years) and 11 mature presbyopes (>50 years).

Results

Pupil miosis did not alter distance VA or refraction. Significant pupil miosis peaked at 1–2 h after dosing, which expanded the depth of focus of mature presbyopes with the mean improvement in near logMAR VA of −0.15, −0.07 and −0.03, at 20, 200 and 2000 lux, respectively. One hour after instillation, near reading speed improved by 21, 24 and 5 words per min for text size commonly seen in US newspaper and cellphone text messages, 18, 21 and 19 words per min for text size of grocery labels and 12, 13 and 30 words per min for text size of over‐the‐counter medications at light levels of 20, 200 and 2000 lux, respectively. No such improvements in near VA and near reading speed were observed in the young presbyopes having some residual accommodation. Most of the pupil miosis remained 8 h after instillation, whereas near VA improvements disappeared after 4 h.

Conclusion

Low dose miotics can enhance near vision in presbyopic subjects while retaining high quality distance vision over a wide range of light levels. Significant improvements in near vision were observed only during the 1–2 h period after dosing when miosis peaked.
Autoantigen presentation by splenic dendritic cells is required for RBC‐specific autoimmunity
Authors: Richards Amanda L. , Qiu Annie , Zotti Flavia Dei , Sheldon Kathryn , Usaneerungrueng Chomkan , Gruber David R. , Hudson Krystalyn E.
Published: November 2020

Background

Failure of humoral tolerance to red blood cell (RBC) antigens may lead to autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a severe and sometimes fatal disease. Previous studies have shown that although tolerance is robust in HOD mice, autoantibodies are generated upon adoptive transfer of OTII CD4+ T cells, which are specific for an epitope contained within the HOD antigen. These data imply that antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) are presenting RBC‐derived autoantigen(s) and are capable of driving T‐cell activation. Given that multiple APCs participate in erythrophagocytosis, we used a transgenic approach to determine which cellular subsets were required for autoantigen presentation and subsequent autoreactive T‐cell activation.

Study Design and Methods

HOD mice, which express an RBC‐specific antigen consisting of hen egg lysozyme, ovalbumin, and human blood group molecule Duffy, were bred with IAbfl/fl and Cre‐expressing transgenic animals to generate mice that lack I‐Ab expression on particular cell subsets. OTII CD4+ T cell proliferation was assessed in vivo in HOD+I‐Abfl/flxCre+ mice and in vitro upon coculture with sorted APCs.

Results

Analysis of HOD+I‐Abfl/flxCre+ mice demonstrated that splenic conventional dendritic cells (DCs), but not macrophages or monocytes, were required for autoantigen presentation to OTII CD4+ T cells. Subsequent in vitro coculture experiments revealed that both CD8+ and CD8− DC subsets participate in erythrophagocytosis, present RBC‐derived autoantigen and stimulate autoreactive T‐cell proliferation.

Conclusion

These data suggest that if erythrocyte T‐cell tolerance fails, DCs are capable of initiating autoimmune responses. As such, targeting DCs may be a fruitful strategy for AIHA therapies.
Effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for managing agitation during post-traumatic amnesia following traumatic brain injury: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Carrier Sarah L. , Hicks Amelia J. , Ponsford Jennie L. , McKay Adam
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To synthesize current evidence on the effects and harms of non-pharmacological interventions for managing agitation during post-traumatic amnesia in adults who have sustained a traumatic brain injury.

Introduction:

Agitation is one of the most disruptive and clinically significant sequelae observed during post-traumatic amnesia. Patients who experience agitation during this period demonstrate reduced engagement in rehabilitation and poorer long-term functional outcomes. Agitation also poses a risk to staff and patient safety. Research for the effects of pharmacological intervention for managing agitation during this period is inconclusive. Thus, synthesis of the research for non-pharmacological interventions for reducing agitation during post-traumatic amnesia is essential for improving long-term outcomes for survivors of traumatic brain injury.

Inclusion criteria:

Studies will be considered if they include participants aged 16 years and older who exhibit agitated behaviors during post-traumatic amnesia after sustaining a traumatic brain injury (irrespective of severity or mechanism). Studies will be considered if they evaluate any non-pharmacological intervention for reducing agitation, with all types of comparators accepted. Primary outcomes of interest include a change in agitation severity and any adverse effects.

Methods:

Key information sources include MEDLINE Ovid SP interface, PubMed, CINAHL, Excerpta Medica Database, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Studies published in English will be included, irrespective of publication year. Two independent reviewers will be involved in study selection and data extraction. Eligible studies will be critically appraised for methodological quality. Studies will be pooled with statistical meta-analysis where possible; otherwise findings will be reported in narrative form.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42020186802
A spicy solution for sickle cell disease
Authors: Billi Allison C.
Published: November 2020

In mice with sickle cell disease, signaling through the capsaicin receptor appears to mitigate vaso-occlusive episodes and organ damage.
More than just a platelet factory
Authors: Kanakry Christopher G.
Published: November 2020

Megakaryocytes are found in the lungs of mice and nonhuman primates, where they have a tissue-dependent antigen-presenting cell role and can activate CD4
+
T cells.
Supplemental Material: High-Ca boninitic melt inclusions in lavas of the Troodos ophiolite and a reappraisal of genetic relationships between different lava types
Authors: Wenjun HU , Zhou Mei Fu , al. et
Published: November 2020

Tables A1–A7; Figures A1–A4.
Consistency of variety of machine learning and statistical models in predicting clinical risks of individual patients: longitudinal cohort study using cardiovascular disease as exemplar
Authors: Li Yan , Sperrin Matthew , Ashcroft Darren M , van Staa Tjeerd Pieter
Published: November 2020

Objective

To assess the consistency of machine learning and statistical techniques in predicting individual level and population level risks of cardiovascular disease and the effects of censoring on risk predictions.

Design

Longitudinal cohort study from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2018.

Setting and participants

3.6 million patients from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink registered at 391 general practices in England with linked hospital admission and mortality records.

Main outcome measures

Model performance including discrimination, calibration, and consistency of individual risk prediction for the same patients among models with comparable model performance. 19 different prediction techniques were applied, including 12 families of machine learning models (grid searched for best models), three Cox proportional hazards models (local fitted, QRISK3, and Framingham), three parametric survival models, and one logistic model.

Results

The various models had similar population level performance (C statistics of about 0.87 and similar calibration). However, the predictions for individual risks of cardiovascular disease varied widely between and within different types of machine learning and statistical models, especially in patients with higher risks. A patient with a risk of 9.5-10.5% predicted by QRISK3 had a risk of 2.9-9.2% in a random forest and 2.4-7.2% in a neural network. The differences in predicted risks between QRISK3 and a neural network ranged between –23.2% and 0.1% (95% range). Models that ignored censoring (that is, assumed censored patients to be event free) substantially underestimated risk of cardiovascular disease. Of the 223 815 patients with a cardiovascular disease risk above 7.5% with QRISK3, 57.8% would be reclassified below 7.5% when using another model.

Conclusions

A variety of models predicted risks for the same patients very differently despite similar model performances. The logistic models and commonly used machine learning models should not be directly applied to the prediction of long term risks without considering censoring. Survival models that consider censoring and that are explainable, such as QRISK3, are preferable. The level of consistency within and between models should be routinely assessed before they are used for clinical decision making.
Mortality due to cancer treatment delay: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hanna Timothy P , King Will D , Thibodeau Stephane , Jalink Matthew , Paulin Gregory A , Harvey-Jones Elizabeth , O’Sullivan Dylan E , Booth Christopher M , Sullivan Richard , Aggarwal Ajay
Published: November 2020

Objective

To quantify the association of cancer treatment delay and mortality for each four week increase in delay to inform cancer treatment pathways.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Published studies in Medline from 1 January 2000 to 10 April 2020.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Curative, neoadjuvant, and adjuvant indications for surgery, systemic treatment, or radiotherapy for cancers of the bladder, breast, colon, rectum, lung, cervix, and head and neck were included. The main outcome measure was the hazard ratio for overall survival for each four week delay for each indication. Delay was measured from diagnosis to first treatment, or from the completion of one treatment to the start of the next. The primary analysis only included high validity studies controlling for major prognostic factors. Hazard ratios were assumed to be log linear in relation to overall survival and were converted to an effect for each four week delay. Pooled effects were estimated using DerSimonian and Laird random effect models.

Results

The review included 34 studies for 17 indications (n=1 272 681 patients). No high validity data were found for five of the radiotherapy indications or for cervical cancer surgery. The association between delay and increased mortality was significant (P<0.05) for 13 of 17 indications. Surgery findings were consistent, with a mortality risk for each four week delay of 1.06-1.08 (eg, colectomy 1.06, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.12; breast surgery 1.08, 1.03 to 1.13). Estimates for systemic treatment varied (hazard ratio range 1.01-1.28). Radiotherapy estimates were for radical radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (hazard ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.14), adjuvant radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery (0.98, 0.88 to 1.09), and cervix cancer adjuvant radiotherapy (1.23, 1.00 to 1.50). A sensitivity analysis of studies that had been excluded because of lack of information on comorbidities or functional status did not change the findings.

Conclusions

Cancer treatment delay is a problem in health systems worldwide. The impact of delay on mortality can now be quantified for prioritisation and modelling. Even a four week delay of cancer treatment is associated with increased mortality across surgical, systemic treatment, and radiotherapy indications for seven cancers. Policies focused on minimising system level delays to cancer treatment initiation could improve population level survival outcomes.
Multilevel modelling and multiple group analysis of disparities in continuity of care and viral suppression among adolescents and youths living with HIV in Nigeria
Authors: Badejo Okikiolu , Noestlinger Christiana , Jolayemi Toyin , Adeola Juliette , Okonkwo Prosper , Van Belle Sara , Wouters Edwin , Laga Marie
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Substantial disparities in care outcomes exist between different subgroups of adolescents and youths living with HIV (AYLHIV). Understanding variation in individual and health facility characteristics could be key to identifying targets for interventions to reduce these disparities. We modelled variation in AYLHIV retention in care and viral suppression, and quantified the extent to which individual and facility characteristics account for observed variations.

Methods

We included 1170 young adolescents (10–14 years), 3206 older adolescents (15–19 years) and 9151 young adults (20–24 years) who were initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) between January 2015 and December 2017 across 124 healthcare facilities in Nigeria. For each age group, we used multilevel modelling to partition observed variation of main outcomes (retention in care and viral suppression at 12 months after ART initiation) by individual (level one) and health facility (level two) characteristics. We used multiple group analysis to compare the effects of individual and facility characteristics across age groups.

Results

Facility characteristics explained most of the observed variance in retention in care in all the age groups, with smaller contributions from individual-level characteristics (14%–22.22% vs 0%–3.84%). For viral suppression, facility characteristics accounted for a higher proportion of variance in young adolescents (15.79%), but not in older adolescents (0%) and young adults (3.45%). Males were more likely to not be retained in care (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.28; p<0.001 young adults) and less likely to achieve viral suppression (aOR=0.69; p<0.05 older adolescent). Increasing facility-level viral load testing reduced the likelihood of non-retention in care, while baseline regimen TDF/3TC/EFV or NVP increased the likelihood of viral suppression.

Conclusions

Differences in characteristics of healthcare facilities accounted for observed disparities in retention in care and, to a lesser extent, disparities in viral suppression. An optimal combination of individual and health services approaches is, therefore, necessary to reduce disparities in the health and well-being of AYLHIV.
Attitudes towards the New Zealand Government’s Smokefree 2025 goal associated with smoking and vaping in university students aged 18 to 24 years: results of a 2018 national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Wamamili Ben , Wallace-Bell Mark , Richardson Ann , Grace Randolph C , Coope Pat
Published: November 2020

Objective

In March 2011, New Zealand (NZ) launched an aspirational goal to reduce smoking prevalence to 5% or less by 2025 (Smokefree 2025 goal). Little is known about university students’ awareness of, support for and perceptions about this goal. We sought to narrow the knowledge gap.

Setting

University students in NZ.

Methods

We analysed data from a 2018 cross-sectional survey of university students across NZ. Logistic regression analysis examined the associations between responses about the Smokefree goal with smoking and vaping, while controlling for age, sex and ethnicity. Confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported where appropriate.

Participants

The sample comprised 1476 students: 919 (62.3%) aged 18 to 20 and 557 (37.7%) aged 21 to 24 years; 569 (38.6%) male and 907 (61.4%) female; 117 (7.9%) Māori and 1359 (92.1%) non-Māori. Of these, 10.5% currently smoked (ie, smoked at least monthly) and 6.1% currently vaped (ie, used an e-cigarette or vaped at least once a month).

Results

Overall awareness of the Smokefree goal was 47.5% (95% CI: 44.9 to 50.1); support 96.9% (95% CI: 95.8 to 97.8); belief that it can be achieved 88.8% (95% CI: 86.8 to 90.7) and belief that e-cigarettes/vaping can help achieve it 88.1% (95% CI: 86.0 to 89.9).

Dual users of tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes had greater odds of being aware of the Smokefree goal (OR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.19 to 7.92), current smokers had lower odds of supporting it (OR=0.13, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.27) and of believing that it can be achieved (OR=0.15, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.24) and current vapers had greater odds of believing that e-cigarettes/vaping can help to achieve it (OR=8.57, 95% CI: 1.18 to 62.52) compared with non-users.

Conclusions

The results suggest strong overall support for the Smokefree goal and belief that it can be achieved and that e-cigarettes/vaping can help achieve it. Smoking and vaping were associated with high awareness of the Smokefree goal, but lower support and optimism that it can be achieved.
Prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in 2015–2016 and 8-year longitudinal weight and waist circumference changes in adults and elderly: the Tromsø Study
Authors: Løvsletten Ola , Jacobsen Bjarne K , Grimsgaard Sameline , Njølstad Inger , Wilsgaard Tom , Løchen Maja-Lisa , Eggen Anne Elise , Hopstock Laila Arnesdatter
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To describe the prevalence of general (body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2) and abdominal (waist circumference women >88 cm, men >102 cm) obesity in Tromsø 7 (2015–2016), and the secular change from Tromsø 6 (2007–2008). Furthermore, to study longitudinal changes in body weight and waist circumference from Tromsø 6 to Tromsø 7.

Setting

A population study in Tromsø, Norway.

Participants

The cross-sectional analyses included 20 855 participants in Tromsø 7 (aged ≥40 years) and 12 868 in Tromsø 6 (aged ≥30 years). The longitudinal analyses included 8592 participants with repeated measurements, aged 35–79 in Tromsø 6.

Outcome measures

Mean age-specific and sex-specific BMI, waist circumference, prevalence of general and abdominal overweight and obesity, as well as longitudinal changes in body weight and waist circumference according to sex and birth cohort.

Results

Over 8 years, the age-adjusted prevalence of general obesity increased (p<0.0001) from 20.1% to 23.0% in women and from 20.7% to 25.2% in men. The age-adjusted prevalence of abdominal obesity did not increase in women (from 54.7% to 53.4%), and the increase in men was modest (from 36.8% to 38.6%, p=0.003). Longitudinal analyses showed an increase in body weight, by 1.1 kg (95% CI 0.9 to 1.2) in women and 0.7 kg (95% CI 0.6 to 0.9) in men, and also waist circumference, by 1.3 cm (95% CI 1.0 to 1.5) in women and 1.4 cm (95% CI 1.2 to 1.6) in men. There were inverse relationships (p<0.001) between age at baseline and change in weight and waist circumference.

Conclusions

Repeated cross-sectional analyses showed that the prevalence of general obesity increased, whereas the increase in abdominal obesity was less marked. Longitudinal analyses showed increases in both body weight and waist circumference. The youngest age groups have the largest increase.
Expanding the upper age limit for cervical cancer screening: a protocol for a nationwide non-randomised intervention study
Authors: Tranberg Mette , Petersen Lone Kjeld , Elfström Klara Miriam , Hammer Anne , Blaakær Jan , Bennetsen Mary Holten , Jensen Jørgen Skov , Andersen Berit
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Cervical cancer screening ceases between the ages of 60 and 65 in most countries. Yet, a relatively high proportion of cervical cancers are diagnosed in women above the screening age. This study will evaluate if screening of women aged 65–69 years may result in increased detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) compared with women not invited to screening. Invited women may choose between general practitioner (GP)-based screening or cervico-vaginal self-sampling. Furthermore, the study will assess if self-sampling is superior to GP-based screening in reaching long-term unscreened women.

Methods and analysis

This population-based non-randomised intervention study will include 10 000 women aged 65–69 years, with no record of a cervical cytology sample or screening invitation in the 5 years before inclusion. Women who have opted-out of the screening programme or have a record of hysterectomy or cervical amputation are excluded. Women residing in the Central Denmark Region (CDR) are allocated to the intervention group, while women residing in the remaining four Danish regions are allocated to the reference group. The intervention group is invited for human papillomavirus-based screening by attending routine screening at the GP or by requesting a self-sampling kit. The reference group receives standard care which is the opportunity to have a cervical cytology sample obtained at the GP or by a gynaecologist. The study started in April 2019 and will run over the next 4.5 years. The primary outcome will be the proportion of CIN2+ detected in the intervention and reference groups. In the intervention group, the proportion of long-term unscreened women attending GP-based screening or self-sampling will be compared.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been submitted to the Ethical Committee in the CDR which deemed that the study was not notifiable to the Committee and informed consent is therefore not required. The study is approved by the Danish Data Protection Regulation and the Danish Patient Safety Authority. Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04114968.
Social and physical neighbourhood characteristics and loneliness among older adults: results from the MINDMAP project
Authors: Timmermans Erik , Motoc Irina , Noordzij J Mark , Beenackers Marielle A , Wissa Rita , Sarr Aliou , Gurer Asli , Fabre Guillaume , Ruiz Milagros , Doiron Dany , Oude Groeniger Joost , Deeg Dorly , Van Lenthe Frank J , Huisman Martijn
Published: November 2020

Background

Loneliness is associated with several adverse mental and physical health outcomes in older adults. Previous studies have shown that a variety of individual-level and perceived area-level characteristics are associated with loneliness. This study examined the associations of objectively measured social and physical neighbourhood characteristics with loneliness.

Methods

We used cross-sectional data from 1959 older adults (63–98 years) who participated in the Longitudinal Ageing Study Amsterdam (LASA; wave 2011/12) and the Health and Living Conditions of the Population of Eindhoven and Surroundings study (GLOBE; wave 2014) in the Netherlands. Study-specific loneliness scores were harmonised across both cohort studies and divided into tertiles denoting low, medium and high levels of loneliness. Objectively measured neighbourhood characteristics, including area-level percentages of low educated residents, social security beneficiaries and unoccupied dwellings, average income, crime levels and land use mix, were linked to individual-level data. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations of interest.

Results

There was no statistical evidence for an association of the included neighbourhood characteristics with loneliness. Although not statistically significant, the observed associations suggested that participants living in neighbourhoods with more heterogeneous land use mix were less likely to have a medium and high level of loneliness than those living in more homogeneous neighbourhoods in terms of land use mix (ORmedium=0.54, 95% CI=0.18–1.67; ORhigh=0.67, 95% CI=0.21–2.11).

Conclusion

The results indicate that the included objectively measured social and physical neighbourhood characteristics are not associated with loneliness in old age.
The effect of circuit resistance training on plasma levels of amino acids, alpha-hydroxybutyrate, mannose, and urinary levels of glycine conjugated adducts in obese adolescent boys
Authors: Rasooli Seyed Ali , Fathi Rozita , Golzar Farhad Ahmadi-Kani , Baghersalimi Masoumeh
Published: November 2020

Few studies have examined the improving effects of exercise on the association between metabolites of impaired protein metabolism and insulin resistance in obese children. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of circuit resistance training (CRT) on plasma levels of amino acids, alpha-hydroxybutyrate (α-HB), mannose, and urinary levels of glycine conjugated adducts in obese adolescent boys. Forty obese adolescent boys (body mass index above the 95th percentile) with an age range of 14–17 years were randomly divided into the CRT group (n = 20) and control group (n = 20). The CRT program (3 times/week, 70%–80% of 1-repetition maximum) was performed for 8 weeks. The results indicated that the body composition and plasma levels of glucose, insulin resistance, valine, mannose, lysine, and the sum of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) were decreased because of CRT. The plasma levels of asparagine, glycine, serine, and urinary levels of glycine conjugated adduct also increased in the CRT group. Although α-HB level decreased during CRT, it had no significant difference from that of the control group. It can be concluded that the improvement in obesity complications including insulin resistance in obese adolescent boys after CRT may be due to decrease in plasma levels of mannose and BCAA and increase urinary metabolites.

Novelty: CRT improves glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in obese adolescent boys. CRT decreases plasma levels of mannose and BCAA and normalizes other amino acids. CRT increases urinary levels of glycine conjugated adducts.
Structural analysis and metamorphism of the Barlow Fault Zone, Chibougamau area, Neoarchean Abitibi Subprovince: implications for gold mineralization
Authors: Bedeaux Pierre , Brochu Antoine , Mathieu Lucie , Gaboury Damien , Daigneault Réal
Published: November 2020

Faults and deformation zones are important features of Archean terranes because of their significance for structural evolution and the formation of large gold districts. In the Chibougamau area, northeastern portion of the Abitibi Subprovince, an Apogee Metal Earth seismic reflection survey identified an association between an exceptional shallow-dipping subsurface reflector zone and the Barlow Fault Zone visible at the surface. This fault zone is located adjacent to the Opatica Subprovince and shares many characteristics with well-documented major gold-bearing faults in the more gold-endowed southern portion of the Abitibi Subprovince. This study aimed to reconstruct the kinematic evolution of the Barlow Fault Zone, determine its position within the structural setting of this section of the Abitibi Subprovince, and evaluate its importance for gold potential in the northern part of the Chibougamau area. The fault zone can be divided into three segments that differ markedly in dip. Structural reconstruction and field observations are compatible with a reverse south-over-north movement related to a ductile north–south shortening event, which culminated with amphibolite metamorphism. A late normal movement is deduced at the final stage. Geothermobarometers indicate peak metamorphism conditions of 550 ± 50 °C and 6 ± 1.2 kbar. Results from this study suggest that amphibolite facies metamorphism covers a much wider area within the Chibougamau region than previously documented. The Barlow Fault Zone shares similar geometric characteristics and evolutionary history with other gold-bearing structures in the Abitibi Subprovince, but ultimately it was unable to provide optimal conditions for channelling fluid and precipitating gold. High-grade metamorphism and the limited crustal extent of the fault likely prevented the tapping of deep metamorphic fluid and magma reservoirs. The Barlow Fault Zone is interpreted as a back-thrust fault that belongs to a more extensive south-dipping fault system encasing juxtaposed tectonic slivers. This system, with amphibolite facies metamorphism, is a defining feature of the northern portion of the Chibougamau area and developed during the accretion between the Opatica and Abitibi subprovinces.
Managerial Political Spending Choice and Earnings Management
Authors: Li Shuo , Zhang Yu Tony
Published: November 2020

This study investigates whether and how the CEOs’ political spending choice is associated with their earnings management behavior. Using a sample of 8,502 firm-year observations from S&P 500 firms during 1993–2012 over 10 election cycles, we provide empirical evidence that CEOs making political spending mainly through the corporate channel to recipients advised by the firms’ own political action committees engage in less earnings management than those making political spending mainly through the private channel to their own selected recipients. This finding suggests that CEOs’ political spending choice of the private channel over the corporate channel represents their strong self-interests and is associated with higher agency costs. We further show that the distinction between the two channels is less important when the CEOs’ private political spending patterns are aligned with those of their own firms. Our results are robust to techniques alleviating the potential endogeneity issue related to political spending behavior.
The Hochschild Cohomology Ring of Temperley–Lieb Algebras Revisited
Authors: Lyu Weiguo , Wu Yuling
Published: November 2020

We determine the Gerstenhaber algebra structure on the Hochschild cohomology ring of Temperley–Lieb algebras in this paper.
A Note on DG-Gorenstein Injective Complexes
Authors: Lu Bo , Lan Kaiyang
Published: November 2020

The notion of DG-Gorenstein injective complexes is studied in this article. It is shown that a complex G is DG-Gorenstein injective if and only if G is exact with [Formula: see text] Gorenstein injective in R-Mod for each [Formula: see text] and any morphism [Formula: see text] is null homotopic whenever E is a DG-injective complex.
On Modular Vector Invariant Fields
Authors: Han Ying , Zhang Runxuan
Published: November 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite field of any characteristic and [Formula: see text] be the general linear group over [Formula: see text]. Suppose W denotes the standard representation of [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] acts diagonally on the direct sum of W and its dual space W∗. Let G be any subgroup of [Formula: see text]. Suppose the invariant field [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] are homogeneous invariant polynomials. We prove that there exist homogeneous polynomials [Formula: see text] in the invariant ring [Formula: see text] such that the invariant field [Formula: see text] is generated by [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text].
The Automorphism Group of Green Algebra of 9-Dimensional Taft Hopf Algebra
Authors: Zhao Ruju , Yuan Chengtao , Li Libin
Published: November 2020

Let H3 be the 9-dimensional Taft Hopf algebra, let [Formula: see text] be the corresponding Green ring of H3, and let [Formula: see text] be the automorphism group of Green algebra [Formula: see text] over the real number field ℝ. We prove that the quotient group [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to the direct product of the dihedral group of order 12 and the cyclic group of order 2, where T1 is the isomorphism class which contains the identity map and is isomorphic to a group [Formula: see text] with multiplication given by [Formula: see text].
Ursa
Authors: Ruan Na , Zhou Dongli , Jia Weijia
Published: November 2020

With the increasing number of users in blockchain-based cryptocurrencies, the public has raised the demand for transaction throughput, and many protocols are designed to improve the throughput following the
Nakamoto
consensus. Although astonishing progress has been made in the on-chain throughput improvement, high throughput makes the blockchains suffer from the increasing blockchain size, hard forks, and possible attacks. In this work, we propose a quantitative model to describe and analyze the
Nakamoto
consensus. We then design a robust scheme named Ursa to reduce storage requirements and to reduce the forks by automatically adjusting block size according to users’ needs.
Ginkgetin Alleviates Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis Induced by Hypoxia/Reoxygenation in H9C2 Cells via Caspase‐3 Dependent Pathway
Authors: Liu Xin , Bian Hong , Dou Qing-Li , Huang Xian-Wen , Tao Wu-Yuan , Liu Wen-Hua , Li Na , Zhang Wen-Wu
Published: November 2020

Ginkgetin, the extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves, has been reported to exert preventive and therapeutic effects on cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about its role in myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury (MIRI). The present study aimed to unveil the function of ginkgetin in cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury. Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) was employed to evaluate the impact of ginkgetin on cell viability in the absence or presence of H/R. Proinflammatory cytokines and malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (SOD), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined via corresponding kits. In addition, flow cytometry was performed to detect apoptotic level. Western blot analysis was utilized to estimate caspase‐3 and cytochrome C. Ginkgetin had no significant effect on cell viability; however, it could enhance viability of H9C2 cells exposed to H/R. Inflammation and oxidative stress induced by H/R injury were relieved via pretreatment with ginkgetin. Preconditioning of ginkgetin also decreased apoptotic rate and the protein levels of caspase‐3, cytochrome C under H/R condition. Furthermore, 2‐HBA, an inducer of caspase‐3, was used for the activation of caspase‐3 signaling pathway. It was found that induction of caspase‐3 eliminated the protective effect of ginkgetin on H9C2 cells exposed to H/R. These results indicated that ginkgetin attenuated inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. These protective roles of ginkgetin may attribute to caspase‐3 dependent pathway.
Identification and Validation of a Potential Prognostic 7‐lncRNA Signature for Predicting Survival in Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Zhong Yun , Liu Zhe , Li Dangchi , Liao Qinyuan , Li Jingao
Published: November 2020

Background. An increasing number of studies have indicated that the abnormal expression of certain long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is linked to the overall survival (OS) of patients with myeloma. Methods. Gene expression data of myeloma patients were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE4581 and GSE57317). Cox regression analysis, Kaplan‐Meier, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were performed to construct and validate the prediction model. Single sample gene set enrichment (ssGSEA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were used to predict the function of a specified lncRNA. Results. In this study, a seven‐lncRNA signature was identified and used to construct a risk score system for myeloma prognosis. This system was used to stratify patients with different survival rates in the training set into high‐risk and low‐risk groups. Test set, the entire test set, the external validation set, and the myeloma subtype achieved the authentication of the results. In addition, functional enrichment analysis indicated that 7 prognostic lncRNAs may be involved in the tumorigenesis of myeloma through cancer‐related pathways and biological processes. The results of the immune score showed that IF_I was negatively correlated with the risk score. Compared with the published gene signature, the 7‐lncRNA model has a higher C‐index (above 0.8). Conclusion. In summary, our data provide evidence that seven lncRNAs could be used as independent biomarkers to predict the prognosis of myeloma, which also indicated that these 7 lncRNAs may be involved in the progression of myeloma.
Regional Controllability of Riemann–Liouville Time-Fractional Semilinear Evolution Equations
Authors: Tajani Asmae , El Alaoui Fatima Zahrae , Boutoulout Ali
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we discuss the exact regional controllability of fractional evolution equations involving Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative of order

q
∈

0,1

. The result is obtained with the help of the theory of fractional calculus, semigroup theory, and Banach fixed-point theorem under several assumptions on the corresponding linear system and the nonlinear term. Finally, some numerical simulations are given to illustrate the obtained result.
The Impact of Air Pollution on Intestinal Microbiome of Asthmatic Children: A Panel Study
Authors: Zheng Ping , Zhang Bei , Zhang Kexing , Lv Xifang , Wang Qiang , Bai Xuetao
Published: November 2020

Air pollution could impact on the alteration of intestinal microbiome. Maturation of intestinal microbiome in early life played an important role in the development of allergic diseases, including asthma. Recent studies presented an increase in the evidence of association between the shift of gut microbiota and asthma. This article is aimed at exploring whether the alteration in the intestinal microbiome triggered by a short wave of air pollution could influence the colonization of bacteria that have been related to the immunological mechanisms of the asthma attack. The impact of air pollution on intestinal microbiome was assessed by longitudinal comparison. Fecal samples were collected twice for twenty‐one children in clean and smog days, respectively, including eleven asthmatic children and ten healthy children. Intestinal bacteria were discriminated by using the method of 16S rRNA gene sequence. The results showed that the composition of intestinal microbiome changed between clean and smog days among all children (PERMANOVA, P = 0.03). During smog days, Bifidobacteriaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 decreased, and Streptococcaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, Rikenellaceae, Bacteroidales S24-7 group, and Bacteroides increased in asthmatic children (Wilcoxon test, P < 0.05), while Fusicatenibacter decreased and Rikenellaceae and Terrisporobacter increased in healthy children (Wilcoxon test, P < 0.05). After controlling for food consumption, the relative abundance of some bacteria belonging to Firmicutes negatively associated with concentration of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and SO2 (multiple linear regression, P < 0.05). This study demonstrated that short wave of air pollution had an impact on the intestinal microbiome of asthmatic children. Intestinal bacteria, which have been related to immunological mechanisms of asthma attack, were also found to be associated with air pollution. This finding suggested that a short wave of air pollution may trigger asthma by impacting on intestinal bacteria.
Facial Emotion Recognition and Polymorphisms of Dopaminergic Pathway Genes in Children with ASD
Authors: Liu Zhuo , Liu Jun , Zhang Zengyu , Yu Hong , Hu Fengpei
Published: November 2020

Background. It is inconclusive whether children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience a deficit in facial emotion recognition. The dopaminergic pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. This study was aimed at determining facial emotion recognition and its correlation with polymorphisms in the dopaminergic pathway genes in children with ASD. Methods. Facial emotion recognition was examined in 98 children with ASD and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The severity of ASD was evaluated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). DNA from blood cells was used to analyze the genotypes of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in dopaminergic pathway genes. SNPs of DBH rs1611115, DDC rs6592961, DRD1 rs251937, DRD2 rs4630328, and DRD3 rs167771 were analyzed. Results. Children with ASD took a significantly longer time to recognize all facial emotions, and their interpretations were less accurate for anger at low intensity and fear at both low and high intensities. The severity of the disease was associated with significant delays in recognition of all facial emotions and with a decrease in accuracy in recognition of happiness and anger at low intensity. Accuracy in recognizing fear at high intensity and sadness at low intensity was associated with rs251937 and rs4630328, respectively, in children with ASD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SNP rs167771, response time for the recognition of happiness, sadness and fear, and accuracy in recognition of anger and fear were all associated with the risk of childhood ASD. Conclusions. Children with ASD experience a deficit in facial emotion recognition. Certain SNPs in the dopaminergic pathway genes are associated with accuracy in recognizing selective facial emotions in children with ASD.
Effects of Sublingual Duster Mite Drops on Lung Function and Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Children with Multiple and Single Allergic Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Wang Li , Ai Tao , Luo Ronghua , Fan Yinghong , Liao Huiling , Xia Wanmin , Xie Cheng , Duan Yaping , Liu Yanru
Published: November 2020

Objective. To evaluate the efficiency of sublingual immunotherapy with Dermatophagoides Farinae Drops in children with single and multiple respiratory allergic diseases. Methods. Seventy-one children with allergic respiratory diseases who had been treated with Dermatophagoides Farinae Drops for one year or more were divided into a single allergic group (12 cases) and multiple allergic group (59 cases). The rhinitis score, daytime and night symptom score of asthma, VAS score, drug score, pulmonary function, and FeNO level before and after treatment were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Results. The rhinitis score, night symptom score, VAS score, and drug score in the single allergic group after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (

p
<
0.05

), but there was no significant difference in the daytime symptom score before and after treatment (

p
>
0.05

). The rhinitis score, VAS score, and drug score in the multiple allergic group after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (

p
<
0.05

), but there was no significant difference in the scores of daytime symptoms and nighttime symptoms before and after treatment (

p
>
0.05

). In both the single allergic group and multiple allergic group, the pulmonary function indexes of the patients were significantly improved after treatment, and the FeNO after treatment was significantly lower than that before treatment (

p
<
0.05

). There was no significant difference in scores, pulmonary function, and FeNO between the two groups (

p
>
0.05

). Conclusion. Sublingual specific immunotherapy is effective in treating multiple and single allergic respiratory diseases in children.