bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic characterization of endothelial sprouting mediated by pro‐angiogenic signaling
Authors: Song Min , Finley Stacey D.
Published: December 2021

Objective

We aim to quantitatively characterize the crosstalk between VEGF‐ and FGF‐mediated angiogenic signaling and endothelial sprouting, to gain mechanistic insights and identify novel therapeutic strategies.

Methods

We constructed an experimentally validated hybrid agent‐based mathematical model that characterizes endothelial sprouting driven by FGF‐ and VEGF‐mediated signaling. We predicted the total sprout length, number of sprouts, and average length by the mono‐ and co‐stimulation of FGF and VEGF.

Results

The experimentally fitted and validated model predicts that FGF induces stronger angiogenic responses in the long‐term compared with VEGF stimulation. Also, FGF plays a dominant role in the combination effects in endothelial sprouting. Moreover, the model suggests that ERK and Akt pathways and cellular responses contribute differently to the sprouting process. Last, the model predicts that the strategies to modulate endothelial sprouting are context‐dependent, and our model can identify potential effective pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic targets under different conditions and study their efficacy.

Conclusions

The model provides detailed mechanistic insight into VEGF and FGF interactions in sprouting angiogenesis. More broadly, this model can be utilized to identify targets that influence angiogenic signaling leading to endothelial sprouting and to study the effects of pro‐ and anti‐angiogenic therapies.
Long‐term changes of the neural network in case of improved post‐hypoxic myoclonus and gait
Authors: Song Jimin , Bashir Shahid , Kang Wonil , Cha Eunsil , Ohn Suk Hoon , Jung Kwang‐Ik , Yoo Woo‐Kyoung
Published: December 2021

Chronic post‐hypoxic myoclonus (PHM) is a rare complication after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation that causes severe gait disability due to action myoclonus. We report a case of a 69‐year‐old male patient with chronic PHM who showed significant improvement in myoclonus and gait. The diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was taken at initial admission and long‐term follow‐up (3 years) to find the changes in the diffusion matrices of the related neural correlate region of interest (ROI). There was a change in pedunculopontine nucleus and several subcortical networks.
Retrospective Comparative Study of Pedicle Screw Fixation via Quadrant Retractor and Buck's Technique in the Treatment of Adolescent Spondylolysis
Authors: Li Yueyang , Li Haiyin , Chang Xian , Hu Zhilei , Mu Xuesong , Liu Chenhao , Gao Xiaoxin , Zhang Yuyao , Zhou Yue , Li Changqing
Published: December 2021

Objective

To compare the effectiveness and practicality of pedicle screw fixation via the Quadrant retractor and Buck's technique in the treatment of adolescent spondylolysis.

Methods

A total of 31 patients who underwent pedicle screw fixation or Buck's technique at our hospital from 2012 to 2017 were selected for this retrospective study. The patients were divided into a pedicle screw group (16 patients) and a Buck's technique group (15 patients) according to surgical procedure. Age, sex, disease duration, involved segments, preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for low back pain (LBP), intraoperative blood loss, incision length, operative time and length of hospital stay were documented. ODI scores, VAS scores for LBP and fusion rates at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year and 3 years postoperatively were used to evaluate surgical outcomes.

Results

The average follow‐up period was 32.75 ± 11.99 months in the pedicle screw group and 31.02 ± 9.64 months in the Buck's technique group. No significant differences in demographic data and perioperative data were found between the two groups (P > 0.05). The ODI scores and VAS scores for LBP in both groups were significantly improved at 3 years postoperatively compared with the values before surgery (ODI%: 45.74 ± 2.47 vs 10.99 ± 3.00; 45.29 ± 6.94 vs 15.73 ± 6.89. VAS: 5.94 ± 0.68 vs 1.50 ± 0.52; 6.13 ± 0.74 vs 2.13 ± 0.92, P < 0.05). The ODI scores of the patients in the pedicle screw group at 1 month to 3 years postoperatively were lower than those of the patients in the Buck's technique group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the VAS scores for LBP of the patients in the pedicle screw group at 6 months and 3 years postoperatively were lower than those of the patients in the Buck's technique group (P < 0.05). No significant difference in the VAS scores for LBP was found between the two groups at 1 month postoperatively (3.88 ± 0.50 vs 4.20 ± 0.56, P = 0.10). Three years postoperatively, good fusion of the pars interarticularis was achieved in all patients in the pedicle screw group, but four patients in the Buck's technique group did not achieve good fusion (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Both pedicle screw fixation and Buck's technique can achieve good outcomes in the treatment of adolescent spondylolysis. Pedicle screw fixation via the Quadrant retractor for the treatment of spondylolysis is associated with more satisfactory effects in terms of LBP relief and fusion results.
First afebrile seizures: Clinical and radiological view with emergent testing
Authors: Aksu Uzunhan Tuğçe , Kaçar Alper , Mısırlı Özdemir Ebru , Yapıcı Özge
Published: December 2021

Background

The first afebrile seizures in children are an important and common reason for emergency department admissions. We aim to examine the presentation, laboratory/neurodiagnostic investigation, and emergency management of children with first afebrile seizures.

Methods

The retrospective study included 333 patients aged 1 month to 18 years admitted with a first afebrile seizure to the pediatric emergency department of Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu City Hospital between January 2017 and January 2020. Age, gender, seizure duration and type, treatments for seizures, laboratory, neurophysiological, and radiological investigations, ward or intensive care unit hospitalizations, and antiepileptic drugs on discharge were recorded.

Results

The average age of the patients was 81.6 ± 62.9 months; 187 (56.2%) were male and 146 (43.8%) were female. Two hundred and sixty‐one (78.4%) patients had only one seizure. In 45 (13.5%) of the patients, the seizure recurred in the emergency department. Hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, and hypocalcemia were detected in 13 (3.9%) patients. Patients with clinically significant cranial computed tomography results were at an increased risk for seizures lasting longer than 5 min. Patients with focal seizures had more recurrences, were given more antiepileptic drugs during the emergency, had better known etiology, more intensive care unit hospitalization, and greater post‐discharge antiepileptic drug prescription.

Conclusions

Biochemical abnormalities remain in the background in the etiology of afebrile seizures. Patients with abnormal neuroimaging on cranial tomography tended to have longer seizures. Patients with focal seizures followed a more complicated course as they had more recurrences and more hospitalization in the intensive care unit.
Portal vein reconstruction with cryopreserved vascular grafts: A two‐edged sword
Authors: Saglam Kutay , Sahin Tevfik Tolga , Usta Sertac , Koc Cemalettin , Otan Emrah , Kayaalp Cuneyt , Aydin Cemalettin , Yilmaz Sezai
Published: December 2021

Background

Portal vein anastomotic complications related to size discrepancy are important causes of morbidity and mortality in pediatric liver transplantation. Interposed vascular grafts in portal vein anastomosis can solve this problem. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of pediatric liver transplantations performed using cryopreserved interposed vascular grafts between graft portal vein and superior mesenteric vein (SMV)‐splenic vein (SpV) confluence.

Methods

Twenty‐nine pediatric patients received liver transplantation using cryopreserved venous grafts in our Liver Transplant Institute between 2013 and 2020 were included in this study. Demographic, clinical, and operative characteristics and postoperative follow‐up were analyzed.

Results

Sixteen patients (55.2%) had portal hypoplasia and five patients (17.2%) had portal vein thrombosis. In total, six patients (20.6%) suffered portal vein thrombosis in the early postoperative period. Three patients (10.3%) experienced portal vein thrombosis in the late postoperative period. Late portal vein thrombosis rate was significantly higher in patients with early portal vein thrombosis (3/6 patients [50%] versus 0/23 patients [0%]; p = .034). Lack of portal flow was significantly higher in patients with both early (50% versus 0%; p = .002) and late portal vein thrombosis (66.7% versus 6.7%; p = .03).

Conclusion

Preoperative portal vein thrombosis and insufficient flow are important factors affecting success of liver transplant in children. The use of interposed vein grafts in problematic portal anastomoses can overcome portal flow problems.
The challenges of heterogeneity in gestational age and birthweight inclusion criteria for research synthesis on very preterm birth and childhood cognition: An umbrella review and meta‐regression analysis
Authors: Sentenac Mariane , Chaimani Anna , Twilhaar Sabrina , Benhammou Valérie , Johnson Samantha , Morgan Andrei , Zeitlin Jennifer
Published: December 2021

Background

Meta‐analyses of studies on very preterm (VPT) birth and childhood cognition select primary studies using gestational age inclusion criteria only, while others also include birthweight criteria. The consequences of this choice are unknown.

Objective

The objective of this study was to describe the gestational age (GA) and birthweight (BW) criteria used in studies of VPT birth and cognition and to investigate whether meta‐analysis results differ based on these criteria.

Data sources

Five systematic reviews on VPT birth and childhood IQ.

Study selection and data extraction

Country, birth years, GA‐BW selection criteria and participant IQ were extracted from 156 studies representing 103 birth cohorts.

Synthesis

Pooled standardised mean differences (SMD) in IQ between children born VPT and term‐born controls were estimated by sub‐group based on GA‐BW criteria (GA, BW and GA‐BW combined) and degree of preterm birth‐low birthweight combinations: extremely preterm (EPT, <28 weeks) and extremely low BW (ELBW, <1000 g); VPT (<32 weeks) and very low BW (VLBW, <1500 g); and moderately MPT (<34 weeks) and moderately low BW (MLBW, <1800 g).

Results

Cohorts used 27 distinct GA‐BW inclusion criteria. Most common criteria were BW <1500 g (24 cohorts), BW <1000 g (12), GA <32 weeks (12) and GA <33 weeks (12); 23 studies used GA‐BW combinations. BW‐only criteria were more frequent in North America than Europe (63% versus 24%) and for cohorts before than after 1990 (67% vs 26%). Pooled SMD in IQ varied: SMDEPT/ELBW −0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.07, −0.82; SMDVPT/VLBW −0.78, 95% CI −0.85, −0.71; SMDMPT/MLBW −0.68, 95% CI −0.79, −0.57; however, there was no difference in SMD across cohorts using BW compared to GA criteria after adjustment on risk group.

Conclusions

These findings support the inclusion of studies using GA and/or BW criteria in meta‐analyses on VPT birth and cognition to increase the geographical and temporal generalisability of the results and to allow investigation of the impact of the heterogeneous inclusion criteria in this literature on outcomes.
The impact of activated protein C resistance on the patency of arteriovenous grafts for hemodialysis access
Authors: Santler Stefanie Christine , Konstantiniuk Peter , Schramayer Georg , Prüller Florian , Siegl Gregor , Demel Ulike , Cohnert Tina
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Vascular access is required for hemodialysis treatment. An effect of activated protein C resistance on access thrombosis rates has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study is to determine whether an activated protein C resistance is correlated with the patency of polytetrafluoroethylene arteriovenous grafts.

Methods

The primary endpoint was the impact of activated protein C resistance; secondary endpoints were the influence of Factor V Leiden thrombophilia, homocysteine, ß2‐glycoprotein antibodies, and other laboratory values on the assisted primary patency.

Results

Forty‐three grafts in 43 patients were included. The overall mean assisted primary patency was 18.4 months (±3.16 SE). Activated protein C resistance (p = 0.01) and ß2‐glycoprotein antibodies (p = 0.018) had a significant influence on the assisted primary patency. The assisted primary patency for patients with low (<4) activated protein C resistance was 9.3 months compared to 24.8 of those with a high (≥4) activated protein C resistance. Patients with low (≤2.6) ß2‐glycoprotein antibodies presented an assisted primary patency of 31.8 months whereas those with high (>2.6) ß2‐glycoprotein antibodies showed 9.3 months. In all patients with a pathologic activated protein C resistance, a heterozygous or homozygous Factor V Leiden thrombophilia was detected.

Conclusions

This study identified low activated protein C resistance and high ß2‐glycoprotein antibodies as risk factors for thrombosis in polytetrafluoroethylene arteriovenous grafts. A prospective study is needed to clarify if oral anticoagulation should be administered to all patients with a pathologic activated protein C resistance blood value and/or factor V Leiden mutation.
Self‐injury in young bisexual people: A microlongitudinal investigation (SIBL) of thwarted belongingness and self‐esteem on non‐suicidal self‐injury
Authors: Dunlop Brendan J. , Coleman Sophie E. , Hartley Samantha , Carter Lesley‐Anne , Taylor Peter J
Published: December 2021

Background

Bisexual people are at an elevated risk for non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI). Psychological factors including self‐esteem and thwarted belongingness may help explain this risk. The aim of the current study was to investigate associations between self‐esteem, thwarted belongingness and NSSI urges and behavior in young bisexual people.

Methods

Participants aged 16–25 from 25 countries took part in this microlongitudinal online survey study (N = 207). Mixed‐effects linear and logistic regression were used for analysis, given the nested structure of data. Analysis examined the relationship between self‐esteem and thwarted belongingness on NSSI urges and behavior at the same point in time, and lagged by one week.

Results

At the same timepoint, self‐esteem and thwarted belongingness both had significant between‐ and within‐person associations with NSSI urges and behavior. For lagged models, self‐esteem had significant between‐person effects on urges, and thwarted belongingness had significant within‐person effects. For NSSI behavior, both variables were only associated with between‐person effects.

Conclusion

Findings support previous research suggesting the importance of self‐esteem in explaining NSSI among sexual minorities. Preventative and intervention strategies to improve self‐esteem may help reduce NSSI risk. Future studies should focus upon the experiences of bisexual people with intersecting identities and ensure that studies are statistically powered from inception to detect effects.
Narcissism dynamics
Authors: Edershile Elizabeth A. , Wright Aidan G. C.
Published: December 2021

The scientific study of narcissism has accelerated in recent years. However, this literature has primarily been cross‐sectional and descriptive in nature, making it difficult to integrate with theories of narcissism, which instead emphasize various dynamics. Theoretical work construes narcissism as a complex dynamical system with processes that interact to contribute to narcissism expression and maintenance. We begin by reviewing theoretical accounts of narcissism and what they suggest about dynamic processes. We then review research that examines processes associated with narcissism in naturalistic settings. Integrating clinical theories with empirical work, we highlight remaining tensions in the field and discuss major conceptual considerations. For example, we discuss the role of entitlement and antagonistic behavior within narcissism and the need to identify the temporal ordering of various processes (e.g., self‐esteem fluctuations and fluctuations in grandiosity and vulnerability). In light of limitations of the existing literature, we then discuss methodological barriers that currently limit the ability to fully align empirical research with theorized processes within narcissism.
THE MARKING OF MASS, COUNT AND PLURAL DENOTATIONS IN MULTI‐DIMENSIONAL PARADIGMS*
Authors: Caha Pavel
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates the morphology of nouns in pseudo‐partitive constructions, noun‐numeral constructions and plurals. The data discussed reveal a *ABA pattern that restricts syncretism among these categories. Specifically, in the sequence pseudo‐partitive, counting form and plural, only adjacent forms can be syncretic. I argue that the constraint can be derived from a particular morphosyntactic structure, where, following Borer (2005), mass nouns have the smallest structure, count nouns (found after numerals) are derived by dividing the mass into units, and plural is derived by restricting the count denotation to pluralities. The article further investigates how the relevant forms interact with case marking, and suggests that the forms should be organized into a two‐dimensional paradigm space where syncretic forms occupy contiguous regions.
Five novel HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐C alleles identified in Brazilian individuals by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Fabreti‐Oliveira Raquel A. , Vale Eliane M. G. , Oliveira Cíntia K. F. , Nascimento Evaldo
Published: December 2021

The novel HLA‐A*11:379, B*45:01:11, B*15:571, B*57:137, C*07:893 alleles were identified in Brazilian individuals.
Enhancing crop diversity for food security in the face of climate uncertainty
Authors: Zsögön Agustin , Peres Lázaro E. P. , Xiao Yingjie , Yan Jianbing , Fernie Alisdair R.
Published: December 2021

Global agriculture is dominated by a handful of species that currently supply a huge proportion of our food and feed. It additionally faces the massive challenge of providing food for 10 billion people by 2050, despite increasing environmental deterioration. One way to better plan production in the face of current and continuing climate change is to better understand how our domestication of these crops included their adaptation to environments that were highly distinct from those of their centre of origin. There are many prominent examples of this, including the development of temperate Zea mays (maize) and the alteration of day‐length requirements in Solanum tuberosum (potato). Despite the pre‐eminence of some 15 crops, more than 50 000 species are edible, with 7000 of these considered semi‐cultivated. Opportunities afforded by next‐generation sequencing technologies alongside other methods, including metabolomics and high‐throughput phenotyping, are starting to contribute to a better characterization of a handful of these species. Moreover, the first examples of de novo domestication have appeared, whereby key target genes are modified in a wild species in order to confer predictable traits of agronomic value. Here, we review the scale of the challenge, drawing extensively on the characterization of past agriculture to suggest informed strategies upon which the breeding of future climate‐resilient crops can be based.
‘You're stuffed, bear!’: Geography's colonial legacies in the ‘Paddington Empire’
Authors: Seitz David K.
Published: December 2021

As academic geographers continue to investigate popular geographical knowledges and imaginations beyond the bounds of academic publications, less attention has been given to moments when popular geographies reverse the gaze, expressly lifting the curtain on the production of knowledge by those of us who call ourselves professional geographers. What could turning to popular culture tell professional geographers about perceptions of our discipline, its history of complicity with imperialism, and its practices of knowledge production? This paper offers some partial answers by turning to an English popular cultural metaseries that is remarkably explicit and dynamic in its depiction of geography: Michael Bond's Paddington Bear franchise, or as Bond ironically referred to it, the “Paddington Empire.” From the very first Paddington story published in 1958 to the 2014 feature film, the Paddington franchise scrutinises geography and stages the work of professional geographical institutions, from the Royal Geographical Society to the imaginary “Geographers' Guild of Great Britain.” Drawing on archival work in Bond's collected papers, interviews, contextualising scholarship, journalism, and careful readings of the Paddington texts, I argue that the Paddington Empire iteratively reprises colonial encounters, at times in troubling ways, but also offers insightful critiques of extractive forms of geographical knowledge production.
Thick Si-Doped DLC Coatings With High Load Bearing Capacity on Cold Working Tool Steels by PECVD
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Sui Xudong , Zhang Shuaituo , Yan Mingming , Lu Yan , Hao Junying
Published: December 2021

For improving the wear resistance, thick silicon doped hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-SiC:H) coatings were deposited on cold working tool steels by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technology. The increase of the acetylene (C2H2) flow rate distinctly tuned the microstructure of a-SiC:H coatings, including an increase in the coating thickness (>15 µm), a decrease in the silicon content, a greater sp2/sp3 ratio, and higher degree of graphitization. The highest hardness of 19.61 GPa and the greatest critical load of 50.7 N were obtained. The coating showed low wear rate against different friction pairs and presented excellent abrasive wear resistance at high applied load and the wear rate decreased with increasing loads, which exhibited an outstanding application prospect in cold working tool steels.
Time-delayed interactions on acoustically driven bubbly screens
Authors: Fan Yuzhe , Li Haisen , Fuster Daniel
Published: December 2021

The influence of the compressibility effects is discussed, including the time delays on the dynamics of acoustically excited bubbly screens. In the linear regime, it is shown that the proposed model for the infinite bubbly screen recovers the results predicted by the effective medium theory (EMT) up to the second order without introducing any fitting parameter when the wavelength is large compared to the inter-bubble distance. However, the effect of boundaries on the finite bubbly screens is shown to lead to the appearance of multiple local resonances and characteristic periodic structures, which limit the applicability of the EMT. In addition, a local resonance phenomenon in the liquid spacings between the bubbles is observed for both the infinite and finite bubbly screens with crystal structures, and these effects vanish as the crystal structure is perturbed. In the nonlinear regime, the current model is treated with time-delay effects as a delay differential equation, which is directly solved numerically. The appearance of an optimal distance for the subharmonic emission for the crystal structures is shown, and the accuracy of the EMT in the strong nonlinear regime is discussed.
Ultrarapid cryo-arrest of living cells on a microscope enables multiscale imaging of out-of-equilibrium molecular patterns
Authors: Huebinger Jan , Grecco Hernan , Masip Martín E. , Christmann Jens , Fuhr Günter R. , Bastiaens Philippe I. H.
Published: December 2021

Fluorescence imaging under cryo-arrest allows resolution of dynamic signaling system features that are otherwise obscured.
Comment on “An early Miocene extinction in pelagic sharks”
Authors: Naylor Gavin J. P. , de Lima Arthur , Castro José I. , Hubbell Gordon , de Pinna Mario C. C.
Published: December 2021

Sibert and Rubin (Reports, 4 June 2021, p. 1105) report an early Miocene extinction in pelagic sharks based on the loss of shark denticle diversity in two widely separated deep-sea sediment cores. We assert that the pattern observed is not a consequence of extinction but results from shifting species ranges induced by global current reorganization.
PI(3,4)P2-mediated cytokinetic abscission prevents early senescence and cataract formation
Authors: Gulluni Federico , Prever Lorenzo , Li Huayi , Krafcikova Petra , Corrado Ilaria , Lo Wen-Ting , Margaria Jean Piero , Chen Anlu , De Santis Maria Chiara , Cnudde Sophie J. , Fogerty Joseph , Yuan Alex , Massarotti Alberto , Sarijalo Nasrin Torabi , Vadas Oscar , Williams Roger L. , Thelen Marcus , Powell David R. , Schueler Markus , Wiesener Michael S. , Balla Tamas , Baris Hagit N. , Tiosano Dov , McDermott Brian M. , Perkins Brian D. , Ghigo Alessandra , Martini Miriam , Haucke Volker , Boura Evzen , Merlo Giorgio Roberto , Buchner David A. , Hirsch Emilio
Published: December 2021

ESCRTing lenses away from senescence

ESCRT proteins control membrane fusion in various key cellular processes, but the mechanisms involved are still incompletely understood. Gulluni
et al
. report that ESCRT recruitment at the cytokinetic bridge is mediated by the binding of an ESCRT-II subunit to the signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate (see the Perspective by Brill and Wilde). This pathway acts in parallel to a known cascade driven by a protein called ALIX, but its failure is sufficient to lead to premature senescence in the lens of fish, mouse, and human eyes, where ALIX is expressed at lower levels. These results point to an evolutionarily conserved pathway for the cell-specific control of cytokinesis that serves to protect from senescence and the early onset of cataracts. —SMH
A lipid primes the final cut in dividing cells
Authors: Brill Julie A. , Wilde Andrew
Published: December 2021

A newly described pathway activates separation of lens cells at the end of cytokinesis
In Other Journals
Authors: Sugden Andrew M. , Hurtley Stella M. , Lopez Bianca , Funk Michael A. , Stajic Jelena , Kelly Priscilla N. , Yeston Jake
Published: December 2021

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Near-Complete Genome Sequencing of Influenza C Virus in the Philippines between 2014 and 2019
Authors: Fujita Daisetsu , Dapat Clyde , Kagning Tsinda Emmanuel , Saito Mayuko , Okamoto Michiko , Saito-Obata Mariko , Quiambao Beatriz P. , Lupisan Socorro P. , Oshitani Hitoshi
Published: December 2021

We report 19 nearly complete genome sequences of influenza C virus isolated from clinical samples recovered from children in the Philippines between 2014 and 2019.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CAU 1365, Isolated from Kimchi
Authors: Lee Yunjeong , Kim Jong-Hwa , Kim Wonyong
Published: December 2021

Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
CAU 1365, which was isolated from kimchi. The genome was composed of 1 contig with a total length of 2,991,039 bp and had 2,658 coding sequences, including 62 tRNA genes and 15 rRNA genes.
Complete Genome Sequences of Tomato Leaf Curl Guam Virus, a Novel Tomato-Infecting Begomovirus from Guam, USA
Authors: Schlub Robert L. , Li Rugang , Bamba Jesse P. , Marutani Mari , Ling Kai-Shu
Published: December 2021

Genome sequences of a novel begomovirus infecting tomato on Guam were obtained using primer-walking and sequencing. The complete genome sequences are 2,750 nucleotides long with a typical monopartite organization and display less than 91% nucleotide sequence identity to other begomoviruses. A provisional name, tomato leaf curl Guam virus (ToLCGuV), is proposed.
Genome Sequence of
Lysobacter
sp. Strain BMK333-48F3, the Producer Strain of Potent Lipopeptide Antibiotics of the Tripropeptin Family
Authors: Arlt Patricia , Hashizume Hideki , Igarashi Masayuki , Gross Harald
Published: December 2021

Lysobacter
sp. strain BMK333-48F3 is known primarily for its production of the antibiotically active tripropeptins. Here, we report its draft genome sequence, which will give insight into the biosynthesis of tripropeptins and enable genome mining for further secondary metabolites.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NMZ-1139, Isolated from Whisky Mash
Authors: Takagi Hiroshi , Moriuchi Ryota , Kanesaki Yu , Katsuyama Satoshi , Suzuki Masahiro , Mochizuki Reo , Yokozawa Ken , Iwahara Kenji , Dohra Hideo
Published: December 2021

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
NMZ-1139 was isolated from whisky mash and applied to sour beer production. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
L. plantarum
NMZ-1139, which contains 3,117 protein-coding sequences, including genes associated with hop resistance, such as
horA
and
hitA
.
Impact of COVID-19 on carers of children with tracheostomies
Authors: Hall Nicola , Rousseau Nikki , Hamilton David W , Simpson A John , Powell Steven , Brodlie Malcolm , Powell Jason
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the experiences of caregivers of children with tracheostomies.

Design

Qualitative semistructured interviews.

Setting

All participants were currently, or had previously cared for, a tracheostomised child who had attended a tertiary care centre in the North of England. Health professionals were purposively sampled to include accounts from a range of professions from primary, community, secondary and tertiary care.

Participants

Carers of children with tracheostomies (n=34), including health professionals (n=17) and parents (n=17).

Interventions

Interviews were undertaken between July 2020 and February 2021 by telephone or video link.

Main outcome measure

Qualitative reflexive thematic analysis with QSR NVivo V.12.

Results

The pandemic has presented an additional and, for some, substantial challenge when caring for tracheostomised children, but this was not always felt to be the most overriding concern. Interviews demonstrated rapid adaptation, normalisation and varying degrees of stoicism and citizenship around constantly changing pandemic-related requirements, rules and regulations. This paper focuses on four key themes: ‘reconceptualising safe care and safe places’; ‘disrupted support and isolation’; ‘relationships, trust and communication’; and ‘coping with uncertainty and shifting boundaries of responsibility’. These are described within the context of the impact on the child, the emotional and physical well-being of carers and the challenges to maintaining the values of family-centred care.

Conclusions

As we move to the next phase of the pandemic, we need to understand the impact on vulnerable groups so that their needs can be prioritised.
Co-occurring violent discipline of children and intimate partner violence against women in Latin America and the Caribbean: a systematic search and secondary analysis of national datasets
Authors: Bott Sarah , Ruiz-Celis Ana P , Mendoza Jennifer Adams , Guedes Alessandra
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Intersections between violent discipline (physical punishment and/or verbal aggression) of children and intimate partner violence (IPV) against women have received growing international attention. This study aimed to determine how many Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries had national data on co-occurring IPV and violent discipline in the same household, how estimates compared and whether violent discipline was significantly associated with IPV.

Methods

A systematic search (following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines) was used to identify which LAC countries had eligible, national co-occurrence data. The most recent eligible dataset in each country was obtained and reanalysed for comparability. Standardised national estimates were produced for prevalence of violent discipline, physical and/or sexual IPV and co-occurrence among ever partnered women of reproductive age living with a child aged 1–14. Bivariate analyses and logistic regressions produced levels and odds ratios (ORs) of physical punishment and verbal aggression in households affected by IPV (past year and before past year) compared with never, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

Nine countries had eligible datasets. Co-occurring physical punishment with past year IPV ranged from 1.7% (Nicaragua) to 17.5% (Bolivia); and with IPV ever from 6.0% (Nicaragua) to 21.2% (Haiti). In almost all countries, children in IPV affected households experienced significantly higher levels and ORs of physical punishment and verbal aggression, whether IPV occurred during or before the past year. Significant adjusted ORs of physical punishment ranged from 1.52 (95% CI 1.11 to 2.10) in Jamaica to 3.63 (95% CI 3.26 to 4.05) in Mexico for past year IPV; and from 1.50 (95% CI 1.23 to 1.83) in Nicaragua to 2.52 (95% CI 2.30 to 2.77) in Mexico for IPV before past year.

Conclusions

IPV is a significant risk factor for violent discipline, but few national surveys in LAC measure both. Co-occurrence merits greater attention from policymakers and researchers.
Perceptions of firearm-related harm among US adults living in firearm-owning households: a nationally representative study
Authors: Rowhani-Rahbar Ali , Haviland Miriam Joan , Azrael Deborah , Miller Matthew
Published: December 2021

Decision-making on having firearms at home may be contingent on perceptions of the likelihood of their negative and positive outcomes. Using data from a nationally representative survey (n=4030) conducted during 30 July 2019 to 11 August 2019, we described how US adults living in firearm-owning households perceived the relative likelihood of firearm-related harm by injury intent (‘accidentally harm self or someone else with a gun’, ‘injure self on purpose with a gun’ and ‘injure someone else on purpose with a gun’) for groups at risk of compromised decision-making (children; adolescents and individuals with mental health issues, substance use disorders or cognitive impairment). We found that US adults living in firearm-owning households believe that unintentional firearm injuries are more likely than intentional self-inflicted or assault-related firearm injuries, despite evidence to the contrary. Prior evidence indicates that communicating risk in relative terms can motivate behaviour change; therefore, findings from this study might helpfully inform health communications around firearm safety.
Hospitalisations for pelvic inflammatory disease in young Aboriginal women living in remote Australia: the role of chlamydia and gonorrhoea
Authors: Causer Louise , Liu Bette , Watts Caroline , McManus Hamish , Donovan Basil , Ward James , Guy Rebecca
Published: December 2021

Objective

Aboriginal women living in remote Australia experience a high burden of both chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections and disproportionately high rates of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). We estimated for the first time the fraction of PID attributable to these infections in young Aboriginal women living in these settings.

Methods

Using published data from two large Australian studies (2002–2013; 2010–2014), we calculated the fraction of emergency department presentations and hospitalisations for PID attributable to chlamydia and/or gonorrhoea infection in Aboriginal women aged 16–29 years living in remote Australia. We used a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the mean and 95% CIs for the assumed prevalence and population attributable fractions for PID for infection stratifications (chlamydia only, gonorrhoea only and dual infection) as well as for any infection (chlamydia and/or gonorrhoea). Additional outputs were calculated for chlamydia infection with/without gonorrhoea coinfection, and vice versa.

Results

The prevalence of chlamydia only was 12.9% (95% CI: 11.6% to 14.2%), gonorrhoea only was 7.8% (95% CI: 6.6% to 8.9%) and dual infection was 6.5% (95% CI: 5.8% to 7.2%); rate ratios of PID were 1.9 (95% CI: 1.5 to 2.3), 5.2 (95% CI: 4.3 to 6.4) and 4.6 (95% CI: 3.8 to 5.5), respectively. The overall fraction of PID attributable to chlamydia and/or gonorrhoea was 40.2% (95% CI: 36.0% to 44.4%); any gonorrhoea was 33.4% (95% CI: 29.2% to 37.8%) and any chlamydia was 20.6% (95% CI: 16.9% to 24.6%).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the importance of calculating the fraction of PID related to chlamydia and gonorrhoea in the local context, demonstrating the major contribution gonorrhoea makes to PID hospitalisations among Australian Aboriginal women living in remote settings. To significantly and sustainably reduce the unacceptable rate of PID in this population, strategies are urgently needed to improve timely testing and treatment and recognition and management of PID in primary care.
Changes in the time of COVID-19: a quality improvement initiative to maintain services at a youth sexual health clinic
Authors: Lim Andrew C , Venkatesh Meghana , Lewald Danielle L , Emmanuel Patricia J , Sanders Lisa
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) face difficulties accessing sexual and reproductive health services. These difficulties were exacerbated for a variety of reasons by the COVID-19 pandemic. We document strategies and outcomes implemented at an urban youth sexual health clinic in Florida that allowed uninterrupted provision of services while protecting against spread of COVID-19.

Methods

The plan–do–study–act (PDSA) model was used to implement COVID-19 interventions designed to allow continued service delivery while protecting the health and safety of staff and patients. This method was applied to clinic operations, community referral systems and community outreach to assess and refine interventions within a quick-paced feedback loop.

Results

During the COVID-19 pandemic, changes made via PDSA cycles to clinical/navigation services, health communications and youth outreach/engagement effectively responded to AYA needs. Although overall numbers of youth served decreased, all youth contacting the clinic for services were able to be accommodated. Case finding rates for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV were similar to pre-pandemic levels.

Conclusions

Quality improvement PDSA initiatives at AYA sexual health clinics, particularly those for underserved youth, can be used to adapt service delivery when normal operating models are disrupted. The ability for youth sexual health clinics to adapt to a changing healthcare landscape will be crucial in ensuring that under-resourced youth are able to receive needed services and ambitious Ending the HIV Epidemic goals are achieved.
Demographics and incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma in people living in high HIV prevalence geographical areas
Authors: Brogden Danielle Rebecca Louise , Kontovounisios Christos , Mandalia Sundhiya , Tekkis Paris , Mills Sarah Catherine
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is an uncommon cancer that is rapidly increasing in incidence. HIV is a risk factor in the development of ASCC, and it is thought that the rapidly increasing incidence in men is related to increasing numbers of people living with HIV (PLWH). We undertook a population-based study comparing the demographics and incidence of ASCC in patients residing high HIV prevalence areas in England to patients living in average HIV prevalence areas in England.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study following the ‘Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology’ statement. Demographic data and incidence rates of ASCC within Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) between 2013 and 2018 were extracted from the Cancer Outcomes and Services Dataset. CCGs were then stratified by HIV prevalence from data given by Public Health England, and high HIV prevalence geographical areas were compared with average HIV geographical areas.

Results

Patients in high HIV areas were more likely to be young and male with higher levels of social deprivation. Incidence rates in men between 2013 and 2017 were higher in high HIV areas than average HIV areas with a rapidly increasing incidence rates in early-stage disease and a 79.1% reduction in incidence of metastatic stage 4 disease.

Whereas women in high HIV areas had lower ASCC incidence than the national average and a low incidence of early-stage disease; however, metastatic disease in women had quintupled in incidence in high HIV areas since 2013.

Conclusions

Patients presenting with ASCC in high HIV geographical areas have different demographics to patients presenting in average HIV geographical areas. This may be related to screening programmes for PLWH in high HIV areas.
Spatially overlapping salmon species have varied population response to early life history mortality from increased peak flows
Authors: Nicol Colin L. , Jorgensen Jeffrey C. , Fogel Caleb B. , Timpane-Padgham Britta , Beechie Timothy J.
Published: December 2021

In the Pacific Northwest, USA, climate change is expected to result in a shift in average hydrologic conditions and increase variability. The relative vulnerabilities to peak flow changes among salmonid species within the same basin have not been widely evaluated. We assessed the impacts of predicted increases in peak flows on four salmonid populations in the Chehalis River basin. Coupling observations of peak flows, emissions projections, and multi-stage Beverton–Holt matrix-type life cycle models, we ran 100-year simulations of spawner abundance under baseline, mid-century, and late-century climate change scenarios. Coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) shared the highest projected increase in interannual variability (SD = ±15%). Spring Chinook salmon had the greatest reduction in median spawner abundance (–13% to –15%), followed by coho and fall Chinook salmon (–7% to –9%), then steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (–4%). Our results show that interspecies and life history variability within a single basin is important to consider. Species with diverse age structures are partially buffered from population variability, which may increase population resilience to climate change.
Why the English–Wabigoon river system is still polluted by mercury 57 years after its contamination
Authors: Rudd John W.M. , Kelly Carol A. , Sellers Patricia , Flett Robert J. , Townsend Bruce E.
Published: December 2021

Between 1962 and 1969, 10 tonnes of mercury were discharged from a chlor-alkali plant in Dryden, Ontario, to the English–Wabigoon River. Present-day fish mercury concentrations are amongst the highest recorded in Canada. In 2017, the Grassy Narrows Science Team found no evidence of ongoing discharges from the plant site to the river water, even though large quantities of mercury remain at the site. Instead, our data suggest that ongoing erosion of high mercury particles by the river, as it meanders through contaminated floodplains, is responsible for present-day transport of mercury to Clay Lake and to Ball Lake, located 154 km downstream. In Clay Lake, surface sediment total mercury concentrations and inflow water concentrations are still about 15 times above background (86 km downstream), and in Ball Lake mercury concentrations in sediments appeared to be still increasing. The remobilization of legacy inorganic mercury from riverbank erosion between Dryden and Clay Lake stimulates methyl mercury production there, in Clay Lake, and in Ball Lake. The large quantities of methyl mercury produced between Dryden and Clay Lake are mostly dissolved in water and are swept downstream, elevating concentrations in water and biota throughout the system. Several options for remediating the ongoing contamination are discussed.
Modeling the Barriers of the Resilient Supply Chain: A Fuzzy-Dematel Approach
Authors: Yadav Ajeet Kumar , Samuel Cherian
Published: December 2021

In the present era of vulnerabilities, the concept of the resilient supply chain has appeared to be the most promising and efficient tool to adapt and recover from significant disruptions. Though enormous research is available regarding the capabilities and practices that enable the resilient supply chain’s success, little consideration is given to the barriers that inhibit its successful implementation in the actual scenario. In this research, we have identified 14 critical barriers to resilient supply chain in the context of the Indian manufacturing supply chain. Further, we have used an integrated Fuzzy-DEMATEL approach to evaluate these barriers. The findings reveal that lack of managerial commitment is among the most influencing barriers to the resilient supply chain, followed by poor risk awareness and poor information sharing. This research enables the academicians to understand the resilient supply chain’s various capabilities, practices and barriers and provides a novel approach for quantitative analysis of the subjective parameters. Moreover, the findings enable the supply chain practitioners to allocate the resources and capabilities that mitigate the barriers and make the supply chain genuinely resilient.
Magnetic Abrasive Polishing of Stainless Steel SS304 with Diamond-Based Sintered Magnetic Abrasives
Authors: Gill Jagdeep Singh , Singh Lakhvir
Published: December 2021

The most critical phase of all the stages needed for quality sample preparation for microscopic study is perhaps surface polishing. Magnetic abrasive polishing is a nonconventional finishing operation that can finish different materials and produce nano-finished surfaces. This study emphasizes the fabrication of a magnetic abrasive polishing setup for metallurgical polishing of specimens. Utilizing this test arrangement, exploratory investigations have been conducted to analyze the impact of five significant interaction factors, specifically the gap between the magnetic pole and the workpiece ([Formula: see text]), the quantity of diamond-based sintered magnetic abrasives ([Formula: see text]), the rotational speed of the magnetic pole (RPM), the grit size of sintered magnetic abrasives ([Formula: see text]), and machining time ([Formula: see text]). The abrasives used in this study were diamond-based sintered magnetic abrasives. The percentage change in surface roughness (PCSR) of the stainless steel SS304 workpiece is the response variable. From the results of the ANOVA study, the most important factor affecting the PCSR of the stainless steel SS304 workpiece is the abrasive grit size (49.49%), and the least important factor is the machining time (4.89%). The differences in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and surface profiles of workpieces demonstrate that the developed setup can polish stainless steel SS304 plane workpieces.
A note on Dedekind zeta values at 1/2
Authors: Kandhil Neelam
Published: December 2021

For a number field [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] be the Dedekind zeta function associated to [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study non-vanishing and transcendence of [Formula: see text] as well as its derivative [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text]. En route, we strengthen a result proved by Ram Murty and Tanabe [On the nature of [Formula: see text] and non-vanishing of [Formula: see text]-series at [Formula: see text], J. Number Theory 161 (2016) 444–456].