bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covid‐19 outbreak and stocks return on the West African Economic and Monetary Union's stock market: An empirical analysis of the relationship through the event study approach
Authors: Zoungrana Tibi Didier , Toé Daouda Lawa tan , Toé Mamadou
Published: February 2021

This study uses the Wilcoxon's signed ranks test to identify the effect of the Covid‐19 outbreak on the stocks returns of companies listed on the West African Economic and Monetary Union's (WAEMU) stock market by considering two event dates (January 23, 2020 and March 2, 2020). To account for the temporal volatility in the event approach, the study resort to a GARCH model. Empirical findings suggest that January 23, 2020 event (first case of death due to Covid‐19 in China) have had a minor impact on the WAEMU stock market while the event on March 2, 2020 (first case of Covid‐19 in the WAEMU) strongly affected the financial market. This negative impact is much more pronounced for the distribution sectors (−34.16%). Robustness analysis reveals that the main information leading to disruption on the market is the weekly death cases and not the confirmed cases. In addition, government anti‐Covid‐19 measures such as social distancing and governance positively affect the stock return whereas lockdown, public health measures and movement restrictions contribute to a decline in the stock's price.
Role of capital investment, investment risks, and globalization in economic growth
Authors: Sun Chunxia , Abbas Hafiz Syed Mohsin , Xu Xiaodong , Gillani Samreen , Ullah Saif , Raza Muhammad Ahsan Ali
Published: February 2021

The study investigates the role of public and private capital investment and globalization in the economic growth of 34 Asian economies along with investment risk and demographic pressure. By applying the two‐step system generalized method of moment, results show that private capital investment in Asian emerging‐economies has been a substantial positive impact on regional economic growth and is significantly influenced by low‐investment risks and demographic conditions as compared to low‐income and advance‐economies from 2001 to 2019. It further states that economic globalization accelerates the economic growth in Asian emerging, developing, and low‐income economies compared to advanced‐economies. This study contributes to the existing literature by analyzing Asian economies in two ways (separately public and private investment and economic globalization index to economic growth), which has been scarce in this regard. The study also suggests that private capital investment should be backed with low‐risk investment policies that create more private investment, enhance the institutional capacity, productivity, and attract foreign investors. This study's findings highlight that, for the development of the economies, private‐investment inclusion with public‐investment is the backbone that can accelerate economic growth by controlling external pressures and business risk in the country with effective public policies.
Determinants and hedging effectiveness of China's sovereign credit default swaps
Authors: Muvunza Taurai , Jiang Yong
Published: February 2021

In this study, we examine determinants and hedging effectiveness of China's sovereign credit default swaps (CDS) spread from January 2010 to April 2020. While both domestic and global factors are important variables that explain China's CDS in changes and levels, we find that global variables have more explanatory power compared to China's domestic economic factors. Analysis of Markov regime‐switching results demonstrate that MSCI Asia is a good indicator for China's CDS spread during tranquil state while gold is a more relevant predictor in the turbulent state. Our results further indicate that domestic variables determine China's CDS spread better than global variables during crisis period. Using dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) GARCH model, we show that China's CDS are a strong hedge and effective diversifier for domestic and international stock market indexes.
Stock market reaction to macroeconomic variables: An assessment with dynamic autoregressive distributed lag simulations
Authors: Khan Muhammad Kamran , Teng Jian‐Zhou , Khan Muhammad Imran , Khan Muhammad Fayaz
Published: February 2021

This research investigates the impact of oil prices, gold prices and exchange rate on Shanghai stock exchange returns. In this study, we used monthly time series data from January 2000 to December 2018. The dynamic autoregressive distributed lag simulations model proposed by Jordan and Philips is used to examine the real change in regressors and their impact on regressand by using graphical representations. The examined results of the dynamic simulated autoregressive distributed lag model indicate that oil prices and gold prices have a positive effect on the stock returns in the short run and in the long run while the exchange rate indicate negative effect both in the short run and in the long run. Our research findings have significant implications for policymakers.
Predictors of cerclage failure in singleton pregnancies with a history of preterm birth and a sonographic short cervix
Authors: Pan Mian , Fang Jiao‐Ning , Wang Xiao‐Xiao , Zhang Jun , Lin Zhi
Published: February 2021

Objective

To identify predictors of ultrasound‐indicated cerclage failure in singleton pregnancies for preventing extremely preterm birth.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study included 96 singleton pregnancies with ultrasound‐indicated McDonald cerclage in women with previous preterm birth (PTB) and cervical shortening. Descriptive statistics were calculated at baseline and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with cerclage failure.

Results

In all, 28 (29%) of the women had a preterm delivery at before 28 weeks. Multivariate analysis identified cervical dilatation, non‐cephalic presentation, and platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as independent predictors of cerclage failure (odds ratio [OR] 3.12, 95% CI [confidence interval] 1.01–9.66; OR 5.81, 95% CI 1.04–32.53; OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03, respectively). The efficacy of these predictors was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristics curve. The area under the curve was 0.87 (95% CI 0.78–0.96, P < 0.001) with a sensitivity of 78.6% and specificity of 88.2%.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that cervical dilatation, fetal presentation, and PLR were valuable predictors of cerclage failure in singleton pregnancies with a history of PTB and a sonographic short cervix. The results can be potentially used to assess the prognosis of patients after cerclage and alert clinicians to consider enhanced surveillance and administration of individuals at an increased risk.
Data Governance 101: IR's Critical Role in Data Governance
Authors: Hubbard Dan , Freda Augie , Swanagan Andrea
Published: February 2021

Building a culture of data governance at a higher education institution involves collaboration across the entire institution. Before the creation of formalized roles to perform data management and data governance functions at colleges and universities, these functions were performed by traditional institutional research personnel. Documentation and management of data for analysis have, for a long time, been part of the institutional researcher's forte. However, a concentrated effort in data management and governance is necessary to transform traditional reporting into a dynamic analytic landscape complete with adequate definitions and documentation, and often this goes beyond the scope of today's institutional research offices. The following article offers a framework for developing a data governance program in a higher education setting and highlights the critical role that institutional research offices can play in helping to build institutional capacity for a well‐documented and managed data landscape. Support and rationale for developing a program at your institution are offered, and helpful tips and pitfalls to avoid are provided.
Genomic markers confirm introgressive hybridization in Cichla (Teleostei) in an invaded coastal system
Authors: Diamante Nathália A. , de Oliveira Alessandra V. , Petry Ana C. , Catelani Paula A. , Pelicice Fernando M. , Mueller Larissa P. , Prioli Sônia M. A. P. , Prioli Alberto J.
Published: February 2021

Hybridization seems frequent among Cichla species (peacock bass), as studies have reported hybrids in populations within and outside their natural range (the Amazon and Orinoco river basins). Cichla kelberi and C. monoculus were introduced to the São João river (Southeast Brazil) more than 20 years ago, where they successfully colonized different environments. In this system, specimens have coloration and morphology that differ from patterns observed in their native range, indicating that the contact between C. monoculus and C. kelberi eliminated reproductive isolation, leading to introgressive hybridization. In this context, we used the LWS and dlx2 genes and the random amplified polymorphic DNA technique to characterize Cichla species in the São João river and to detect possible hybridization processes. The genetic markers identified here showed mismatches between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA in C. monoculus and C. kelberi, sampled both in the reservoir and in the estuarine stretch. Fragments of nuclear DNA from both species, as well as the presence of mitochondrial DNA from one species associated with the nuclear genome of the other, provide strong evidence of hybridization associated with bidirectional genetic introgression. Because hybrids may be more resistant, competitive, and aggressive than their parental species, these invaders may pose a significant threat to native biodiversity in this and other coastal rivers of the region.
Substratum selection and feeding responses influence the demography of the sessile rotifer Cupelopagis vorax (Collothecacea: Atrochidae)
Authors: Espinosa‐Rodríguez Cristian Alberto , Sarma S. S. S. , Sarma Nandini , Wallace Robert L.
Published: February 2021

Larvae of the sessile rotifer Cupelopagis vorax swim using their ciliated corona, but do not feed. Once they attach to a substratum and metamorphose into adults, they are predatory on protozoans and micrometazoans. Here we present information on ingestion time, feeding behaviour and food preference of C. vorax using protozoans and non‐sessile rotifers as prey. We also tested effects of physical, chemical and biological stimuli on settlement of C. vorax larvae and, using life table experiments, determined their survivorship and fecundity on three, free‐floating macrophytes. Ingestion time was shortest on prey species smaller than 100 µm. Capture/attack ratio was low for Brachionus calyciflorus, but high for Lecane inermis and Peranema sp. The ingestion/capture ratio was lowest for Oxytricha sp. and highest for Euchlanis lyra and Squatinella lamellaris. Species that swim slowly and close to the surface of hydrophytes (E. lyra, Lepadella patella, L. inermis, Peranema sp., Philodina sp. and S. lamellaris) had lower ingestion time, higher encounter/attack ratio, and were the preferred prey in selectivity experiments. Larval settlement was higher on macrophyte leaves of Ceratophyllum demersum, Lemna valdiviana and Wolffiella sp., but lower on Azolla filiculoides and Wolffia columbiana. Coverslips coated with dried extracts of macrophytes showed lower rates of larval settlement compared to live macrophytes, as well as coverslips that had been allowed to develop natural biofilms or were physically roughened. Contrary to what might be expected from the settling tests, life‐table experiments showed that W. columbiana enhanced survivorship (mean lifespan and life expectancy) and rate of population increase, while animals attached to Wolffiella sp. had lower values for life history characteristics. This study adds to our understanding of the impact of Cupelopagis predation on protozoans and rotifers and the importance of substratum selection on larval settlement, adult survival, and reproductive potential after larval settlement.
Time‐varying income elasticities of healthcare expenditure for the OECD and Eurozone
Authors: Casas Isabel , Gao Jiti , Peng Bin , Xie Shangyu
Published: February 2021

We propose a panel data model for nonstationary variables with interactive fixed effects and coefficients that may vary over time and use it to examine time variation in the income elasticity of health expenditures in the OECD and the Eurozone. Our empirical analysis shows that the income elasticity of healthcare expenditure slightly increased in the OECD and the Eurozone during 1995–2004 but remained below one. This finding suggests that healthcare is not a luxury good in these countries.
Functional Scaffold-Free Bone Equivalents Induce Osteogenic and Angiogenic Processes in a Human In Vitro Fracture Hematoma Model
Authors: Pfeiffenberger Moritz , Damerau Alexandra , Ponomarev Igor , Bucher Christian H , Chen Yuling , Barnewitz Dirk , Thöne-Reineke Christa , Hoff Paula , Buttgereit Frank , Gaber Timo , Lang Annemarie
Published: February 2021

After trauma, the formed fracture hematoma within the fracture gap contains all the important components (immune/stem cells, mediators) to initiate bone regeneration immediately. Thus, it is of great importance but also the most susceptible to negative influences. To study the interaction between bone and immune cells within the fracture gap, up-to-date in vitro systems should be capable of recapitulating cellular and humoral interactions and the physicochemical microenvironment (eg, hypoxia). Here, we first developed and characterized scaffold-free bone-like constructs (SFBCs), which were produced from bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) using a macroscale mesenchymal condensation approach. SFBCs revealed permeating mineralization characterized by increased bone volume (μCT, histology) and expression of osteogenic markers (RUNX2, SPP1, RANKL). Fracture hematoma (FH) models, consisting of human peripheral blood (immune cells) mixed with MSCs, were co-cultivated with SFBCs under hypoxic conditions. As a result, FH models revealed an increased expression of osteogenic (RUNX2, SPP1), angiogenic (MMP2, VEGF), HIF-related (LDHA, PGK1), and inflammatory (IL6, IL8) markers after 12 and 48 hours co-cultivation. Osteogenic and angiogenic gene expression of the FH indicate the osteoinductive potential and, thus, the biological functionality of the SFBCs. IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF, and MIP-1β were detectable within the supernatant after 24 and 48 hours of co-cultivation. To confirm the responsiveness of our model to modifying substances (eg, therapeutics), we used deferoxamine (DFO), which is well known to induce a cellular hypoxic adaptation response. Indeed, DFO particularly increased hypoxia-adaptive, osteogenic, and angiogenic processes within the FH models but had little effect on the SFBCs, indicating different response dynamics within the co-cultivation system. Therefore, based on our data, we have successfully modeled processes within the initial fracture healing phase in vitro and concluded that the cross-talk between bone and immune cells in the initial fracture healing phase is of particular importance for preclinical studies. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Critical role of miR‐26a‐5p/Wnt5a signaling in gambogic acid‐induced inhibition of gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhixin , Liang Lili , Cao Gang
Published: February 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) represents the fifth most human malignant disease and the third‐most common cause of cancer‐related death. Gambogic acid (GA) is a natural compound with a polyprenylated xanthone structure and possesses remarkable antitumor activity in a variety of cancer cells. However, the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of GA in GC is far from being completely understood. The goal of the present study is to investigate whether potential microRNAs are involved in antitumor effect of GA toward GC and to elucidate the possible mechanisms. We identified that miR‐26a‐5p was significantly increased by GA in GC cell lines and xenograft tumor. Downregulation of miR‐26a‐5p not only prevented GA‐induced inhibition on GC cell growth, but also suppressed GA‐induced apoptosis of GC cells. Informatics assay predicted that Wnt5a was regulated by miR‐26a‐5p and GA‐induced downregulation of Wnt5a was prevented by anti‐miR‐26a‐5p. Reporter gene assay showed that miR‐26a‐5p could negatively regulate Wnt5a through direct binding with 3ʹ‐UTR messenger RNA of Wnt5a. Thus, upregulation of Wnt5a exhibited the same action tendency for GA‐induced GC cell growth and apoptosis as observed by downregulation of miR‐26a‐5p. In conclusion, these results indicated that the inhibitory effect of GA on GC was mediated by the upregulation of miR‐26a‐5p and downregulation of Wnt5a. Our study provided new clues for the potential therapeutic effect of GA against GC and highlighted the importance of miR‐26a‐5p/Wnt5a pathway in the regulation of GC development.
A comprehensive evaluation of skin aging‐related circular RNA expression profiles
Authors: Wang Lili , Si Xijian , Chen Shuang , Wang Xiuli , Yang Dan , Yang Henan , He Chundi
Published: February 2021

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to play important regulatory roles in a range of both pathological and physiological contexts, but their functions in the context of skin aging remain to be clarified. In the present study, we therefore, profiled circRNA expression profiles in four pairs of aged and non‐aged skin samples to identify identifying differentially expressed circRNAs that may offer clinical value as biomarkers of the skin aging process.

Methods

We utilized an RNA‐seq to profile the levels of circRNAs in eyelid tissue samples, with qRT‐PCR being used to confirm these RNA‐seq results, and with bioinformatics approaches being used to predict downstream target miRNAs for differentially expressed circRNAs.

Results

In total, we identified 571 circRNAs with 348 and 223 circRNAs being up and downregulated that were differentially expressed in aged skin samples compared to young skin samples. The top 10 upregulated circRNAs in aged skin sample were hsa_circ_0123543, hsa_circ_0057742, hsa_circ_0088179, hsa_circ_0132428, hsa_circ_0094423, hsa_circ_0008166, hsa_circ_0138184, hsa_circ_0135743, hsa_circ_0114119, and hsa_circ_0131421. The top 10 reduced circRNAs were hsa_circ_0101479, hsa_circ_0003650, hsa_circ_0004249, hsa_circ_0030345, hsa_circ_0047367, hsa_circ_0055629, hsa_circ_0062955, hsa_circ_0005305, hsa_circ_0001627, and hsa_circ_0008531. Functional enrichment analyses revealed the potential functionality of these differentially expressed circRNAs. The top 3 enriched gene ontology (GO) terms of the host genes of differentially expressed circRNAs are regulation of GTPase activity, positive regulation of GTPase activity and autophagy. The top 3 enriched KEGG pathway ID are Lysine degradation, Fatty acid degradation and Inositol phosphate metabolism. The top 3 enriched reactome pathway ID are RAB GEFs exchange GTP for GDP on RABs, Regulation of TP53 Degradation and Regulation of TP53 Expression and Degradation. Six circRNAs were selected for qRT‐PCR verification, of which 5 verification results were consistent with the sequencing results. Moreover, targeted miRNAs, such as hsa‐miR‐588, hsa‐miR‐612, hsa‐miR‐4487, hsa‐miR‐149‐5p, hsa‐miR‐494‐5p were predicted for circRna‐miRna interaction networks.

Conclusion

Overall, these results offer new insights into circRNA expression profiles, potentially highlighting future avenues for research regarding the roles of these circRNAs in the context of skin aging.
Group schema therapy for patients with cluster‐C personality disorders: A case study on avoidant personality disorder
Authors: Bachrach Nathan , Arntz Arnoud
Published: February 2021

This article presents a clinical illustration of group schema therapy (GST) for cluster‐C personality disorders (CL‐C PDs) to provide therapists an example on how one can perform GST for CL‐C PDs and break through persistent avoidance and control mechanisms. A summary of evidence supporting the effectiveness of GST for CL‐C PD's is given followed by an overview of basic principles of schema therapy and GST. A case presentation next illustrates the application of GST principles and interventions in the GST CL‐C protocol, which improve clients understanding of emotional core needs and development of adaptive ways of getting needs better met, instead of avoiding life. Implications of the case for future applications of GST for CL‐C PDs are discussed.
Comparison and interaction of morphine and CB1 agonist conditioned place preference in the rat model of early life stress
Authors: Pirri Fardad , Akbarabadi Ardeshir , Sadat‐Shirazi Mitra‐Sadat , Nouri Zadeh‐Tehrani Setareh , Mahboubi Sarah , Karimi Goudarzi Ali , Zarrindast Mohammad‐Reza
Published: February 2021

Early life stress (ELS) disrupts brain development and subsequently affects physical and psychological health. ELS has been associated with an increased risk of relapse and inadequate treatment response in addicted patients. The current study was designed to find the effect of ELS on the rewarding effect of morphine and cannabinoid and their interaction. Pregnant female Wistar rats were used in this study. On postnatal day 2 (PND2), pups were separated from their mothers for 3 hr daily. This procedure was repeated every day at the same time until PND 14. The control group was kept in the standard nesting way with their mothers. The adult male offspring of maternal separated (MS) and standard nested (SN) rats were used. Using conditioned place preference task (CPP), the rewarding effect of morphine (0.75, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg) was evaluated in both MS and SN groups. Besides, the rewarding effect of cannabinoids was investigated using the administration of CB1 receptor agonist (ACPA, 0.25, 0.5, 1 µg/rat) and inverse agonist (AM‐251, 30, 60, and 90 ng/rat) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). To evaluate the interaction between NAc cannabinoidergic system and morphine, the noneffective dose of ACPA and AM‐251 were administered with a noneffective dose of morphine (0.75 mg/kg) on both MS and SN animals. Obtained results indicated that MS groups had a leftward shift in the rewarding effect of morphine and conditioned with low doses of morphine. However, they had a rightward shift in the rewarding effect of cannabinoids. In addition, coadministration of noneffective doses of morphine and ACPA potentiate conditioning in both MS and SN groups. Previous evidence shows that ELS induced changes in the brain, especially in the reward circuits. Here, we demonstrated that MS animals are more sensitive to the rewarding effect of morphine compared with SN animals. In addition, ELS disrupts the cannabinoid system and affect the rewarding effect of cannabinoids.
Unraveling the heritage of lost traits
Authors: Sadier Alexa , Sears Karen E. , Womack Molly
Published: February 2021

We synthesize ontogenetic work spanning the past century that show evolutionarily lost structures are rarely entirely absent from earlier developmental stages. We discuss morphological and genetic insights from developmental studies reveal about the evolution of trait loss and regain.
Idiopathic multitudinous fundic gland polyposis: A new disease and a management dilemma
Authors: Lam Shiu Kum , Lau George K K
Published: February 2021

Two patients with idiopathic multitudinous fundic gland polyposis, a hitherto undescribed condition, were reported. They presented incidentally with a multitude of fundic gland polyps, 52 and 147, without a family history of polyposis, and these polyps were not attributable to the chronic use of proton pump inhibitors. All polyps were removed by hot‐biopsy polypectomy, and each was individually subjected to pathological examination, which showed no evidence of dysplasia. When confronted with gastric polyps of clinically undetermined origin, endoscopists would, to exclude dysplasia, usually resect all if they are few and sample some and survey the others periodically if they are numerous. The condition reported presents a management dilemma: Because the number of the polyps is such that they are manageable by total polypectomy, should this be carried out, despite the labor intensiveness involved, to exclude dysplasia, and are the polyps a variant of syndromic polyposis and therefore carry a malignant potential and inform the need for periodic surveillance and to investigate the patient's kindred? The frequency of this condition and whether it is truly not associated with dysplasia require further studies.
Glissonean approach for hepatic inflow control in minimally invasive anatomic liver resection: A systematic review
Authors: Morimoto Mamoru , Tomassini Federico , Berardi Giammauro , Mori Yasuhisa , Shirata Chikara , Abu Hilal Mohammed , Asbun Horacio J. , Cherqui Daniel , Gotohda Naoto , Han Ho‐Seong , Kato Yutaro , Rotellar Fernando , Sugioka Atsushi , Yamamoto Masakazu , Wakabayashi Go ,   Study group of Precision Anatomy for Minimally Invasive Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic surgery (PAM‐HBP surgery)
Published: February 2021

Background

The Glissonean approach has been widely validated for both open and minimally invasive anatomic liver resection (MIALR). However, the possible advantages compared to the conventional hilar approach are still under debate. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the application of the Glissonean approach in MIALR.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted on PubMed and Ichushi databases. Articles written in English or Japanese were included. From 2,390 English manuscripts evaluated by title and abstract, 43 were included. Additionally, 23 out of 463 Japanese manuscripts were selected. Duplicates were removed, including the most recent manuscript.

Results

The Glissonean approach is reported for both major and minor MIALR. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd order divisions of both right and left portal pedicles can be reached following defined anatomical landmarks. Compared to the conventional hilar approach, the Glissonean approach is associated with shorter operative time, lower blood loss, and better peri‐operative outcomes.

Conclusions

Glissonean approach is safe and feasible for MIALR with several reported advantages compared to the conventional hilar approach. Clear knowledge of Laennec's capsule anatomy is necessary and serves as a guide for the dissection. However, the best surgical approach to be performed depends on surgeon experience and patients’ characteristics. Standardization of the Glissonean approach for MIALR is important.
Estimating the contribution of key populations towards HIV transmission in South Africa
Authors: Stone Jack , Mukandavire Christinah , Boily Marie‐Claude , Fraser Hannah , Mishra Sharmistha , Schwartz Sheree , Rao Amrita , Looker Katharine J , Quaife Matthew , Terris‐Prestholt Fern , Marr Alexander , Lane Tim , Coetzee Jenny , Gray Glenda , Otwombe Kennedy , Milovanovic Minja , Hausler Harry , Young Katherine , Mcingana Mfezi , Ncedani Manezi , Puren Adrian , Hunt Gillian , Kose Zamakayise , Phaswana‐Mafuya Nancy , Baral Stefan , Vickerman Peter
Published: February 2021

Introduction

In generalized epidemic settings, there is insufficient understanding of how the unmet HIV prevention and treatment needs of key populations (KPs), such as female sex workers (FSWs) and men who have sex with men (MSM), contribute to HIV transmission. In such settings, it is typically assumed that HIV transmission is driven by the general population. We estimated the contribution of commercial sex, sex between men, and other heterosexual partnerships to HIV transmission in South Africa (SA).

Methods

We developed the “Key‐Pop Model”; a dynamic transmission model of HIV among FSWs, their clients, MSM, and the broader population in SA. The model was parameterized and calibrated using demographic, behavioural and epidemiological data from national household surveys and KP surveys. We estimated the contribution of commercial sex, sex between men and sex among heterosexual partnerships of different sub‐groups to HIV transmission over 2010 to 2019. We also estimated the efficiency (HIV infections averted per person‐year of intervention) and prevented fraction (% IA) over 10‐years from scaling‐up ART (to 81% coverage) in different sub‐populations from 2020.

Results

Sex between FSWs and their paying clients, and between clients with their non‐paying partners contributed 6.9% (95% credibility interval 4.5% to 9.3%) and 41.9% (35.1% to 53.2%) of new HIV infections in SA over 2010 to 2019 respectively. Sex between low‐risk groups contributed 59.7% (47.6% to 68.5%), sex between men contributed 5.3% (2.3% to 14.1%) and sex between MSM and their female partners contributed 3.7% (1.6% to 9.8%). Going forward, the largest population‐level impact on HIV transmission can be achieved from scaling up ART to clients of FSWs (% IA = 18.2% (14.0% to 24.4%) or low‐risk individuals (% IA = 20.6% (14.7 to 27.5) over 2020 to 2030), with ART scale‐up among KPs being most efficient.

Conclusions

Clients of FSWs play a fundamental role in HIV transmission in SA. Addressing the HIV prevention and treatment needs of KPs in generalized HIV epidemics is central to a comprehensive HIV response.
Morphological similarity and dental homologies in two sigmodontine rodents (Mammalia, Cricetidae) from different tribes: A topological analysis to explore convergence
Authors: Barbière Franck , Ronez Christophe , Ortiz Pablo E. , Pardiñas Ulyses F. J.
Published: February 2021

We present a topological analysis of the third upper molars (M3) using the recently developed ICAMER nomenclatural system as a way to understand the dental morphological similarity in sigmodontine rodents, the most speciose subfamily of cricetids. The method is explored inScapteromys aquaticusandAbrothrix olivacea, taxa belonging to two diverse tribes, Akodontini and Abrotrichini, respectively, which exhibit high similarity regarding several craniodental traits as well as external anatomy. Both species show morphologically similar M3 in adults characterized by cylindrification and the isolation of a large central fossette arising from the marginal fusion of the anterior and posterior lobes. The results indicate that, before the wear, these rodents have a strongly different topological pattern at the cuspal level, mostly involving production of the connection between the main cusps. The central fossette derives from the isolation of part of the metaflexus inScapteromys, while inAbrothrixit originates from the hypoflexus. The topological analysis provides a new approach to sigmodontine systematics, including the ability to detect diagnostic characters of both tribes. More important, it constitutes a new step toward an integrative phylogeny of fossil and living cricetids.
Whole‐genome analysis to describe a human adenovirus D8 conjunctivitis outbreak in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Miro Elisenda , Del Cuerpo Margarita , Rubio Marc , Berengua Carla , Español Montserrat , Marin Pilar , Vela Jose I. , Pomar Virginia , Gutierrez Cristina , Navarro Ferran , Rabella Núria
Published: February 2021

Conjunctivitis is a frequent ocular disorder caused by human adenoviruses (HAdVs). Only a few of the 45 HAdV‐D species are associated with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, including HAdV‐D8. Nosocomial outbreaks due to HAdV‐D8 have been rarely described, because keratoconjunctivitis cases are clinically diagnosed and treated without having to characterize the causative agent. Moreover, molecular typing is tedious when using classical techniques. In this study, a hospital outbreak of conjunctivitis caused by HAdV‐D8 was characterized using the recently developed whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) method. Of the 363 patients attending the Ophthalmology Department between July 13 and August 13, 2018, 36 may have acquired intrahospital conjunctivitis. Also, 11 of 22 samples sent to the Virology section were selected for WGS analysis. The WGS results revealed that 10 out of 11 HAdV‐D8 strains were closely related. The remaining strain (Case 28) was more similar to a strain from an outbreak in Germany obtained from a public sequence database. WGS results showed that outbreak HAdV‐D8 strains had a minimum percentage of identity of 94.3%. WGS is useful in a clinical setting, because it avoids carrying out viral culture or specific polymerase chain reaction sequencing. The public availability of sequence reads makes it easier to compare clusters in circulation. In conclusion, WGS can play an important role in standard routines to describe viral outbreaks.
An accurate edge‐based FEM for electromagnetic analysis with its applications to multiscale structures
Authors: Zhang Yangfan , Wang Pengfei , Li Wenping , Yang Shunchuan
Published: February 2021

This paper introduces an accurate edge‐based smoothed finite element method (ES‐FEM) for electromagnetic analysis for both two‐dimensional cylindrical and three‐dimensional Cartesian systems, which shows much better performance in terms of accuracy and numerical stability for mesh distortion compared with the traditional FEM. Unlike the traditional FEM, the computational domain in ES‐FEM is divided into non‐overlapping smoothing domains associated with each edge of elements, triangles in two‐dimensional domain and tetrahedrons in three‐dimensional domain. Then, the gradient smoothing technique is used to smooth the gradient components in the stiff matrix of the FEM. Several numerical experiments are carried out to validate its accuracy and numerical stability. Results show that the ES‐FEM can obtain much more accurate results compared with the traditional FEM and is almost independent of mesh distortion.
Automated adaptive TFSF method for solving time domain Maxwell's equations
Authors: Shah Vaibhav , Karuppanasamy Anandhanarayanan , Chatterjee Avijit
Published: February 2021

The total field–scattered field (TFSF) formulation is quite popular for solving Maxwell's equations in finite difference time domain (FDTD) and finite volume time domain (FVTD) methods. Here a fixed TFSF interface around the scattering body is employed to separate the total field (TF) cells and scattered field (SF) cells. This interface is selected based on experience as it is assigned prior to the solution, and, therefore, the solution accuracy may not be optimal. In the present work, a novel automated adaptive total field–scattered field (ATFSF) method is proposed for accurately computing the electromagnetic scattering by complex‐shaped metal objects excited by an external plane wave. In the proposed method, an algorithm is devised to dynamically identify the TF cells and the SF cells, to be solved using TF and SF methods, respectively, using intensity of electromagnetic (EM) wave. The algorithm is tested in a 2‐D spectral volume time domain (SVTD) framework for solving electromagnetic scattering, and the predicted surface current/radar cross section is compared against the SF, TF, and the conventional TFSF methods. It is seen that the present method improves the solution accuracy significantly.
Ethanol modulation of cerebellar neuroinflammation in a postnatal mouse model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Authors: Kane Cynthia J. M. , Douglas James C. , Rafferty Tonya , Johnson Jennifer W. , Niedzwiedz‐Massey Victoria M. , Phelan Kevin D. , Majewska Ania Katarzyna , Drew Paul D.
Published: February 2021

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are alarmingly common, result in significant personal and societal loss, and there is no effective treatment for these disorders. Cerebellar neuropathology is common in FASD and causes aberrant cognitive and motor function. Ethanol‐induced neuroinflammation is believed to contribute to neuropathological sequelae of FASD, and was previously demonstrated in the cerebellum in animal models of FASD. We now demonstrate neuroinflammation persists in the cerebellum several days following cessation of ethanol treatment in an early postnatal mouse model, with meaningful implications for timing of therapeutic intervention in FASD. We also demonstrate by Sholl analysis that ethanol decreases ramification of microglia cell processes in cells located near the Purkinje cell layer but not those near the external granule cell layer. Ethanol did not alter the expression of anti‐inflammatory molecules or molecules that constitute NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes. Interestingly, ethanol decreased the expression of IL‐23a (P19) and IL‐12Rβ1 suggesting that ethanol may suppress IL‐12 and IL‐23 signaling. Fractalkine‐fractalkine receptor (CX3CL1‐CX3CR1) signaling is believed to suppress microglial activation and our demonstration that ethanol decreases CX3CL1 expression suggests that ethanol modulation of CX3CL1‐CX3CR1 signaling may contribute to cerebellar neuroinflammation and neuropathology. We demonstrate ethanol alters the expression of specific molecules in the cerebellum understudied in FASD, but crucial for immune responses. Ethanol increases the expression of NOX‐2 and NGP and decreases the expression of RAG1, NOS1, CD59a, S1PR5, PTPN22, GPR37, and Serpinb1b. These molecules represent a new horizon as potential targets for development of FASD therapy.
Carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and lacosamide as adjunctive analgesics: a review of the literature
Authors: Reinert Justin P. , Nuon Katelin , Veronin Michael A.
Published: February 2021

The pursuit of ideal multi‐modal analgesic strategies remains ongoing, though the use of select antiepileptic drugs as adjunctive analgesics to opioids has been previously studied and postulated to have varying degrees of success. The objective of this review was to determine the efficacy and safety of select antiepileptic drugs as adjunctive analgesics in an update to a previously published Cochrane review on the subject in 2013. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science between January 2013–August 2020 using: “carbamazepine” OR “oxcarbazepine” OR “lacosamide” AND “analgesia”. The use of one of the study drugs as an adjunctive analgesic to opioids was included. Thirty‐five articles were identified through database inquiries, though only two reports met inclusion criteria, with one focusing on carbamazepine and one focusing on oxcarbazepine. No articles detailing lacosamide in accordance with the scope of this review were identified. Both carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine demonstrated safety and efficacy as adjunctive analgesics across numerous indications, including postoperative neuropathies and neuropathies associated with spinal cord injuries. While the search for a universal or definitive multi‐modal pain management regimen remains elusive, carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine have demonstrated clinical utility in pain syndromes beyond their historic relegation to trigeminal neuralgia. Limited evaluation and data has been derived regarding the use of carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and lacosamide since the previous Cochrane review in 2013. The results of this review solidify the need for continued future investigation. Additional data is necessary to define the role of lacosamide for this indication.
Influence of chitosan on the emulsifying properties of egg yolk hydrolysates: study on creaming, thermal and oxidative stability
Authors: Chang Cuihua , Gao Yang , Su Yujie , Gu Luping , Li Junhua , Yang Yanjun
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Egg yolk, as a natural emulsifier, is widely used in high‐oil‐phase food systems, such as mayonnaise and salad. However, the application of egg yolk in an oil‐in‐water system is still limited due to poor emulsifying stability. To improve the emulsifying capacity of egg yolk, the effect of chitosan addition sequence and concentration on emulsifying properties (creaming stability, thermal tolerance and oxidation resistance) of egg yolk hydrolysates were investigated.

RESULTS

Stacking sequence of multilayer materials has an influence on properties of composite emulsions. The composite emulsions with egg yolk hydrolysis dominate at the interface (functioning on reducing interfacial tension), and chitosan layered on the surface (providing steric hindrance) displayed better stability. Little chitosan addition (0.5 g × kg−1, w/w) was unhelpful for the dispersion of emulsion droplets as a result of bridging flocculation. At a chitosan concentration of 2 g kg−1 (w/w), the composite emulsion possesses the best stability. When chitosan concentration was higher than 2 g kg−1 (w/w), depletion flocculation would occur. Hydrolyzed egg yolk prepared composite emulsions possessed better thermal resistance, but with poorer oxidative stability as compared to natural egg yolk. In combination with chitosan it also displayed a negative effect on the oxidative stability of the emulsion system.

CONCLUSION

The research revealed the effect of chitosan addition on the physical and chemical stability of emulsions prepared with egg yolk hydrolysates. The results could provide guidance on expanding the application of egg yolk as an emulsifier in water‐abundant food systems such as beverages. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Daily Brazilian green propolis intake elevates blood artepillin C levels in humans
Authors: Ding Jiangli , Matsumiya Tomoh , Hayakari Ryo , Shiba Yuko , Kawaguchi Shogo , Seya Kazuhiko , Ueno Kayo , Imaizumi Tadaatsu
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Propolis is a natural product collected by worker bees from a variety of plant species. As a type of propolis, Brazilian green propolis contains a large amount of artepillin C. Artepillin C is a cinnamic acid derivative and has been shown to have a wide variety of biological functions, including anti‐inflammatory, antiviral and antitumor activities, in both cell culture and animal models. However, how propolis is digested and absorbed remains to be elucidated. Moreover, blood artepillin C levels after propolis intake have not been shown in human studies.

RESULTS

A randomized, single‐blind placebo‐controlled study on the effect of Brazilian green propolis on serum artepillin C levels was conducted with healthy volunteers. The participants (n = 133) were randomly allocated in an approximately 2:1 ratio to two groups: propolis (n = 91) and placebo (n = 42). The participants took daily propolis or placebo, and blood tests were performed on day 0 (before propolis intake) and days 1, 3 and 7. Artepillin C was detected in serum in almost all individuals in the propolis groups. No serum artepillin C was detected in the placebo group. Serum artepillin C levels in the female group tended to be higher than those in the male group. In the female group, menstrual status was unrelated to serum artepillin C levels.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that propolis intake might be more effective for females than for males. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of freshness prediction method for salmon fillet during different storage temperatures
Authors: Jia Zhixin , Shi Ce , Zhang Jiaran , Ji Zengtao
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Many new forecasting models have been applied to fish freshness prediction like support vector regression (SVR) and radial basis function neural network (RBFNN). In this study, RBFNN, SVR, and Arrhenius models were established and compared for predicting and evaluating the quality of salmon fillets during storage at different temperatures, based on thiobarbituric acid (TBA), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), total viable counts (TVCs), K value, and sensory assessment (SA).

RESULTS

The TBA, TVB‐N, TVC, and K values increased during storage whereas SA decreased. Residuals of the three models are random and irregular, indicating that these models were suitable for predicting the freshness of salmon fillets. The RBFNN predicted quality of salmon fillets stored at different temperatures with relative errors all within ±5% (except for the TVC value at day 6). Relative errors of the SVR model for predicting TVB‐N and K value were within 10%, while the relative errors of the Arrhenius model fluctuated greatly (ranging from ±0.46 to ±38.29%) and most of it exceeded 10%. RBFNN model had the best predictive performance by comparing the residual and relative errors of the three models.

CONCLUSION

RBFNN is a promising method for predicting the freshness of salmon fillets stored at −2 to 10 °C in the cold chain. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Hyperbranched aromatic polyamide modified magnetic nanoparticles for the extraction of benzoylurea insecticides
Authors: Liu Zikai , Xu Qinqin , Yan Chen , Li Jing , Zhou Wenfeng , Gao Haixiang , Zhang Sanbing , Lu Runhua
Published: February 2021

Herein, a novel hyperbranched aromatic polyamide‐coated magnetic sorbent was prepared by in situ polymerization on the surface of amino‐functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The magnetic sorbent was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurement, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, etc. The new magnetic sorbent was used in the magnetic solid‐phase extraction for the detection of seven benzoylurea insecticides. Under optimum conditions, low method detection limits (0.56‐1.20 ng/mL), acceptable coefficient of determination (0.9967‐0.9996), wide linear ranges (2.5‐500.0 ng/mL), and good repeatability (intraday: 2.0‐7.3%; interday: 1.9‐9.2%) were achieved. The magnetic solid‐phase extraction method based on the new magnetic sorbent showed good reliability in the analysis of seven benzoylurea insecticides in real water samples, as the relative recoveries were in the range from 80.1 to 116.3% with satisfactory RSDs (0.1‐9.8%). By means of density functional theory and semiempirical quantum mechanical, the binding configuration and interaction energy of hyperbranched aromatic polyamide and benzoylurea insecticides were calculated. The result of theoretical calculation revealed that the adsorption of benzoylurea insecticides by hyperbranched aromatic polyamide was derived from hydrogen bonding and π‐π stacking. The contribution of π‐π stacking was greater than that of hydrogen bond, which was confirmed by energy decomposition analysis.
Improvement of Pulmonary Function in Cystic Fibrosis Patients following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Kawai Kosuke , Dombrowski Natasha , Sawicki Gregory S. , Adil Eelam A.
Published: February 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

To compare pre‐and post‐operative pulmonary function relative to disease severity in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

Patients with CF who underwent ESS between January 1996 and July 2018 were identified, with subsequent study exclusions based upon surgical indications or incomplete records. CF disease severity was based upon percentage predicted of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (%FEV1) with <40% considered severe disease, 40% to 70% as moderate disease, and >70% as mild disease. The changes in %FEV1 before and after ESS were examined using multivariable mixed‐effects models controlling for age, gender, genotype, medications, nutritional status, diabetes status, microbiology results, extent of surgery, and number of surgeries.

Results

A total of 427 surgeries were performed in 188 patients during the study period. Mean age at first ESS was 12.7 years (SD 6.0 years, range 4–38) and 54.8% were females. The effect of ESS varied by severity of lung disease. After surgery, %FEV1 increased by 8.1% (95% CI: 2.3, 13.9%) among patients with severe lung disease and by 3.0% (95% CI: 0.7, 5.2%) among patients with moderate disease. %FEV1 also increased by 7.3% (95% CI: 4.2, 10.5%) among patients with mild disease whose %FEV1 value was 70% to 80% at baseline. No improvement was observed in patients with a baseline %FEV1 >80%.

Conclusions

When controlling for important confounding factors, lung function improved following ESS among CF patients with severe and moderate disease and in select patients with mild disease. This improvement was sustained at 12 months following surgery.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1930–1938, 2021