bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating two interventions for scaling up upcycling: Community event and upcycling plaza
Authors: Sung K
Published: November 2021

Upcycling – creation or modification of a product from used or waste materials, components, and products for higher quality or value – incorporates multiple strategies for increasing material efficiency and provides other environmental, economic and social benefits. With a growing concern for the environment, the past few years have seen a growth of upcycling practitioners and businesses, yet despite such a growth, upcycling largely remains a niche and requires scaling-up to have a significant impact on the environment and society. For scaling up upcycling, several promising interventions have been suggested. This paper evaluates two of these: community event and upcycling plaza. Two case studies (on “Art with Upcycling” co-creation family event in Leicester, UK, and Seoul Upcycling Plaza in Seoul, South Korea) have been conducted using questionnaire, observation and interview studies. The results show that the community event made positive psychological impact on participants, and that many programmes run by the upcycling plaza were perceived as successful by stakeholders. Based on the aforementioned positive impact, these two interventions are recommended for prototyping, piloting and monitoring in other cities and countries for scaling up global upcycling.
Integrated Management of Municipal Solid Waste in Brazil: A Case Study in São Paulo City
Authors: Xocaira Paes Michel , Puppim de Oliveira Jose A
Published: November 2021

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management Systems are constantly changing and innovating around the world. Thus, this work aimed to develop a methodology that allows identifying and understanding the main drivers, barriers and possible pathways for innovative waste management that accelerate the urban sustainability transition and how the political, social and institutional factors can impact operational, economic and environmental indicators in a municipality. The work was developed through a case study in the city of São Paulo (Brazil). It made it possible to identify the main actors involved in the processes of elaboration and conduct of public waste management policies, as well as operational impacts (97.79% of waste sent landfill), economic (US$126,51/ton.msw) and environmental (370.06 kg CO2eq/ton.msw), contributing to the definition of criteria for the construction of Integrated Solid Waste Management methodology. The results also made it possible to highlight guidelines and practices for the improvement of MSW public policies.
Sewage sludge management options and civil society stakeholders’ influence: first evidence from Italian cases
Authors: Cagno E , Garrone P , Neri A
Published: November 2021

Sewage sludge management is a pivotal process in the path toward sustainability, broadening the scope of wastewater treatment from removing pollutants to recycle and recover resources. Water utilities can choose among several management options and treatment technologies. The paper focuses on the possible influence of civil society stakeholders on the decision-making process of water utilities, and to investigated it, inductive case studies were conducted in Italian water utilities adopting different management options. The analysis allowed us to capture the richness of observations and make interesting variables possible shaping the relationship emerged, as the role of regulatory uncertainty. The first results show how the investigated water utilities look at other Countries for robust solutions and select the less risky in terms of civil society’s acceptance. Communication and involvement of civil society appear to be an important asset to mitigate possible negative relationships.
The state-of-the-art of methodologies related to biodigester location decisions in clustering situations
Authors: Gomes de Jesus Rômulo Henrique , Puglieri Fábio Neves , Carlos de Francisco Antonio , Moro Piekarski Cassiano , Taveira de Souza Jovani
Published: November 2021

Bioenergy is a renewable energy obtained from biomass and its main benefits are the reduction of greenhouse gases and the reduction of waste disposal. A common problem in feasibility analysis is the biodigester location due to biomass availability and its spatial dispersion. Therefore, decisions regarding to biodigester location is an important aspect of feasibility design when multiple biomass producers are involved in clusters. Studies in this research field of biodigester location address different methodologies, such as mathematical programming, multicriteria approach, scenario analysis, and Geographic Information System (GIS). This paper presents the state-of-the-art in the biodigester location decisions considering clustering situations. To accomplish that, a systematic literature review using Prisma approach was carried out. As results, a set of feasibility opportunities was arranged after reading 24 papers, allowing to identify that the main methodologies used for biodigester location decisions were mathematical programming (41,16%), followed by multicriteria approaches (29,16%) and GIS (12,50%).
Selective Bioflocculation of Ultrafine Hematite Particles using the Yeast Candida stellata
Authors: Camarate M C , Merma A G , Simões C R , Torem M L
Published: November 2021

The loss of ultrafine particles has been one of the biggest problems in mineral recovering during concentration process. One alternative to solve this problem is the use of biological raw material in processes like flotation, coagulation and flocculation, however, there are few studies related to ore treatment involving the bioflocculation process. This research aims at a study of the processing of ultrafine hematite particles using the biosurfactant extracted from the yeast Candida stellata. The bioflocculation experiments will be evaluated by jar-test assay, evaluating the influence of parameters like pH, solid concentration and biosurfactant concentration. The interaction of the bioreagent onto the mineral surface will be evaluated by FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-red) analyzing the functional groups absorbed and surface tension measurement. This research aims as a sustainable route for the recovery of ultrafine hematite particles using a biodegradable material with high efficiency meeting with the requirements demanded for this purpose.
Best response dynamics in waste-to-energy plants’ price setting problem
Authors: Eryganov I , Šomplák R , Hrdina J , Nevrlý V
Published: November 2021

This paper deals with the task of waste energy recovery and effective price setting of waste-to-energy plants. Its main contribution is the invention of a new approach to pricing of waste disposal in a particular waste management network. This novel method, which is based on a problem of finding the Nash equilibrium, takes into account the amounts of waste production of cities, capacities of waste-to-energy plants and their locations. The best response dynamics algorithm enables the computation of Nash equilibrium for a game of waste-to-energy plants in a normal form with numerous players and multiple strategies in comparison with other standard algorithms. The algorithm is able to find the Nash equilibrium for a sufficiently big step size between possible gate fees. The results of this work are applicable in the forecasting of prices of waste-to-energy plants’ services for real waste management networks.
Using Tanflos SG to Remove Fine and Ultra-Fine Iron Mineral Particles from Water
Authors: Werner Ian , Lopes da Silva Elivone , Leonardo Torem Mauricio
Published: November 2021

One of the biggest challenges in the mineral scenario is concentrating and removing fine particles, as consequence of that, there are a high concentration of mineral inside the Ganga and this reality needs to be changed. Seeking to contribute significantly, this research used the process of DAF (dissolved air flotation), because in this process the bubbles are less than 100 µ, what is fundamental because the fines and ultrafine particles. For the pretreatment was used the biosurfactant Tanfloc SG as much as flocculant and coagulant. Other techniques such as FTIR (Fourier-Transform infrared), Zeta potential and contact angle was used to show the mineral and the biosurfactant characteristics. As a conclusion, the IEP (isoelectric point) was close to pH 8,5 for Tanfloc, but for hematite, with Tanfloc the pH went down to 5,3-6,5 and the DAF depends the biosurfactant concentration, the best results were between 140 and 175 mg/L.
The changes and influencing factors of urban LUCC and EF footprint in energy resource areas: An empirical evidence from China using HLM model
Authors: He Miao , Xiao Wei , Zhang Hang , Liu Chao , Xie Donghui , Fan Mouyuan , Shen Lei
Published: November 2021

Analyzing urban land use and cover change and its influence factors are of great significance for understanding the situation of regional development and environmental constraints and for evaluating the ability of sustainable development. This paper calculates the three-dimensional ecological footprint and total factor productivity of research cities, these cities have significant individual differences,Yinchuan, Shizuishan, Yan ‘an, Yulin, Ganzhou, Shaoguan etc. are energy resource areas and comparing to those Guangzhou, Dongguan, Wuzhong, Qingyuan etc. are non-energy resource leading cities. The HLM model is used to decompose the influencing factors of three-dimensional ecological footprint. The study shows the important role of total factor productivity in regional and urban sustainable development. Also, the study shows the inter-group differences of three-dimensional ecological footprint produced by cities with different population sizes. And the inter-group difference of urban three-dimensional ecological footprint under the influence of total factor productivity. Result shows that land, population and technology factors have different impacts on three-dimensional ecological footprint. Also, relying mainly on mining areas of energy resources and other industries dominated areas of mining land proportion and industrial structure differences did not lead to the influence of different ecological footprint, energy resource area in affecting factors, the ecological footprint is still a total factor plays the leading role of ecological rate, population and real GDP, There is no obvious negative externality effect of mining activities on the value of regional ecological products, and the regional ecological carrying capacity keeps improving.
Ecosystem Services – An Approach for Sediment Management
Authors: O’Sullivan Ross , Harrington Joseph , Batel Brano
Published: November 2021

The ecosystem services approach involves classifying, describing and assessing the monetary value of natural resources in terms of the benefits that humans can derive from nature. An ecosystem services assessment has been developed and applied to the sediment management aspect of a harbour development for a scale typical for Ireland. Two sediment management techniques have been analysed for the sediment generated from dredging for the project; wetland creation and the widely practised disposal at sea. The wetland creation approach is consistent with the eco-friendly concept of ‘Building with Nature’ and also the circular economy. The ecosystem services assessment applied to the disposal at sea option yielded a negative overall monetary value (-€191,878/year) and the wetland creation option resulted in a positive overall monetary value (€1,403,275/year). These assessment results indicate that a ‘Building with Nature’ solution beneficially using dredged sediment can provide significant monetary benefit in the form of ecosystem services, for a sediment management project of this scale. This ecosystem services approach can contribute significantly to assessment of a sediment management projects and can inform stakeholders and policy makers of the benefits of ‘Building with Nature’ solutions.
Droplet-based microfluidics in biomedical applications
Authors: Amirifar Leyla , Besanjideh Mohsen , Nasiri Rohollah , Shamloo Amir , Nasrollahi Fatemeh , de Barros Natan Roberto , Davoodi Elham , Erdem Ahmet , Mahmoodi Mahboobeh , Hosseini Vahid , Montazerian Hossein , Jahangiry Jamileh , Darabi Mohammad Ali , Haghniaz Reihaneh , Dokmeci Mehmet R , Annabi Nasim , Ahadian Samad , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: November 2021

Droplet-based microfluidic systems have been employed to manipulate discrete fluid volumes with immiscible phases. Creating the fluid droplets at microscale has led to a paradigm shift in mixing, sorting, encapsulation, sensing, and designing high throughput devices for biomedical applications. Droplet microfluidics has opened many opportunities in microparticle synthesis, molecular detection, diagnostics, drug delivery, and cell biology. In the present review, we first introduce standard methods for droplet generation (i.e. passive and active methods) and discuss the latest examples of emulsification and particle synthesis approaches enabled by microfluidic platforms. Then, the applications of droplet-based microfluidics in different biomedical applications are detailed. Finally, a general overview of the latest trends along with the perspectives and future potentials in the field are provided.
Biomaterials for microfluidic technology
Authors: Chen Zehao , Lv Zhendong , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Yuhui , Cui Wenguo
Published: November 2021

Micro/nanomaterial-based drug and cell delivery systems play an important role in biomedical fields for their injectability and targeting. Microfluidics is a rapidly developing technology and has become a robust tool for preparing biomaterial micro/nanocarriers with precise structural control and high reproducibility. By flexibly designing microfluidic channels and manipulating fluid behavior, various forms of biomaterial carriers can be fabricated using microfluidics, including microspheres, nanoparticles and microfibers. In this review, recent advances in biomaterials for designing functional microfluidic vehicles are summarized. We introduce the application of natural materials such as polysaccharides and proteins as well as synthetic polymers in the production of microfluidic carriers. How the material properties determine the manufacture of carriers and the type of cargoes to be encapsulated is highlighted. Furthermore, the current limitations of microfluidic biomaterial carriers and perspectives on its future developments are presented.
Elliptic Theory for Sets with Higher Co-dimensional Boundaries
Authors: David G. , Feneuil J. , Mayboroda S.
Published: November 2021

Many geometric and analytic properties of sets hinge on the properties of elliptic measure, notoriously missing for sets of higher co-dimension. The aim of this manuscript is to develop a version of elliptic theory, associated to a linear PDE, which ultimately yields a notion analogous to that of the harmonic measure, for sets of codimension higher than 1.

To this end, we turn to degenerate elliptic equations. Let

Γ
⊂

R

n

\Gamma \subset \mathbb {R}^n

be an Ahlfors regular set of dimension

d
>
n
−
1

d>n-1

(not necessarily integer) and

Ω
=

R

n

∖
Γ

\Omega = \mathbb {R}^n \setminus \Gamma

. Let

L
=
−
div
⁡
A
∇

L = - \operatorname {div} A\nabla

be a degenerate elliptic operator with measurable coefficients such that the ellipticity constants of the matrix

A
A

are bounded from above and below by a multiple of

dist
⁡
(
⋅
,
Γ

)

d
+
1
−
n

\operatorname {dist}(\cdot , \Gamma )^{d+1-n}

. We define weak solutions; prove trace and extension theorems in suitable weighted Sobolev spaces; establish the maximum principle, De Giorgi-Nash-Moser estimates, the Harnack inequality, the Hölder continuity of solutions (inside and at the boundary). We define the Green function and provide the basic set of pointwise and/or

L
p

L^p

estimates for the Green function and for its gradient. With this at hand, we define harmonic measure associated to

L
L

, establish its doubling property, non-degeneracy, change-of-the-pole formulas, and, finally, the comparison principle for local solutions.

In another article to appear, we will prove that when

Γ
\Gamma

is the graph of a Lipschitz function with small Lipschitz constant, we can find an elliptic operator

L
L

for which the harmonic measure given here is absolutely continuous with respect to the

d
d

-Hausdorff measure on

Γ
\Gamma

and vice versa. It thus extends Dahlberg’s theorem to some sets of codimension higher than 1.
Emergency department interventions for frailty (EDIFY): improving functional outcomes in older persons at the emergency department through a multicomponent frailty intervention
Authors: Chong Edward , Zhu Birong , Ng Sheryl Hui Xian , Tan Hongyun , Goh Eileen Fabia , Molina Joseph De Castro , Pereira Michelle Jessica , Kaur Palvinder , Baldevarona-Llego Jewel , Chia Jia Qian , Chong Amanda , Cheong Selina , Foo Chik Loon , Chan Mark , Lim Wee Shiong
Published: November 2021

Objectives

emergency department interventions for frailty (EDIFY) delivers frailty-centric interventions at the emergency department (ED). We evaluated the effectiveness of a multicomponent frailty intervention (MFI) in improving functional outcomes among older persons.

Design

a quasi-experimental study.

Setting

a 30-bed ED observation unit within a 1,700-bed acute tertiary hospital.

Participants

patients aged ≥65 years, categorised as Clinical Frailty Scale 4–6, and planned for discharge from the unit.

Methods

we compared patients receiving the MFI versus usual-care. Data on demographics, function, frailty, sarcopenia, comorbidities and medications were gathered. Our primary outcome was functional status—Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and Lawton’s iADL. Secondary outcomes include hospitalisation, ED re-attendance, mortality, frailty, sarcopenia, polypharmacy and falls. Follow-up assessments were at 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results

we recruited 140 participants (mean age 79.7 ± 7.6 years; 47% frail and 73.6% completed the study). Baseline characteristics between groups were comparable (each n = 70). For the intervention group, MBI scores were significantly higher at 6 months (mean: 94.5 ± 11.2 versus 88.5 ± 19.5, P = 0.04), whereas Lawton’s iADL scores experienced less decline (change-in-score: 0.0 ± 1.7 versus −1.1 ± 1.8, P = 0.001). Model-based analyses revealed greater odds of maintaining/improving MBI in the intervention group at 6 months [odds ratio (OR) 2.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–6.03, P = 0.04] and 12 months (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.18–7.54, P = 0.02). This was similar for Lawton’s iADL at 12 months (OR 4.01, 95% CI 1.70–9.48, P = 0.002). ED re-attendances (rate ratio 0.35, 95% CI 0.13–0.90, P = 0.03) and progression to sarcopenia (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04–0.94, P = 0.04) were also lower at 6 months.

Conclusions

the MFI delivered to older persons at the ED can possibly improve functional outcomes and reduce ED re-attendances while attenuating sarcopenia progression.
EEG source imaging concordance with intracranial EEG and epileptologist review in focal epilepsy
Authors: Cox Benjamin C , Danoun Omar A , Lundstrom Brian Nils , Lagerlund Terrence D , Wong-Kisiel Lily C , Brinkmann Benjamin H
Published: November 2021

EEG source imaging is becoming widely used for the evaluation of medically refractory focal epilepsy. The validity of EEG source imaging has been established in several studies comparing source imaging to the surgical resection cavity and subsequent seizure freedom. We present a cohort of 87 patients and compare EEG source imaging of both ictal and interictal scalp EEG to the seizure onset zone on intracranial EEG. Concordance of EEG source imaging with intracranial EEG was determined on a sublobar level and was quantified by measuring the distance between the source imaging result and the centroid of the active seizure onset zone electrodes. The EEG source imaging results of a subgroup of 26 patients with high density 76-channel EEG were compared with the localization of three experienced epileptologists. Of 87 patients, 95% had at least one analysis concordant with intracranial EEG and 74% had complete concordance. There was a higher rate of complete concordance in temporal lobe epilepsy compared to extratemporal (89.3 and 62.8%, respectively, P = 0.015). Of the total 282 analyses performed on this cohort, higher concordance was also seen in temporal discharges (95%) compared to extratemporal (77%) (P = 0.0012), but no difference was seen comparing high-density EEG with standard (32-channel) EEG. Subgroup analysis of ictal waveforms showed greater concordance for ictal spiking, compared with rhythmic activity, paroxysmal fast activity, or obscured onset. Median distances from the dipole and maximum distributed source to a centroid of seizure onset zone electrodes were 30.0 and 32.5 mm, respectively, and the median distances from dipole and maximum distributed source to nearest seizure onset zone electrode were 22.8 and 21.7, respectively. There were significantly shorter distances in ictal spiking. There were shorter distances in patients with Engel Class 1 outcome from surgical resection compared to patients with worse outcomes. For the subgroup of 26 high-density EEG patients, EEG source localization had a significantly higher concordance (92% versus 65%), sensitivity (57% versus 35%) and positive predictive value (60% versus 36%) compared with epileptologist localization. Our study demonstrates good concordance between ictal and interictal source imaging and intracranial EEG. Temporal lobe discharges have higher concordance rates than extratemporal discharges. Importantly, this study shows that source imaging has greater agreement with intracranial EEG than visual review alone, supporting its role in surgical planning.
Long-range monosynaptic inputs targeting apical and basal dendrites of primary motor cortex deep output neurons
Authors: Geng Hong-Yan , Arbuthnott Gordon , Yung Wing-Ho , Ke Ya
Published: November 2021

The primary motor cortex (M1) integrates various long-range signals from other brain regions for the learning and execution of goal-directed movements. How the different inputs target the distinct apical and basal dendrites of M1 pyramidal neurons is crucial in understanding the functions of M1, but the detailed connectivity pattern is still largely unknown. Here, by combining cre-dependent rabies virus tracing, layer-specific chemical retrograde tracing, optogenetic stimulation, and electrophysiological recording, we mapped all long-range monosynaptic inputs to M1 deep output neurons in layer 5 (L5) in mice. We revealed that most upstream areas innervate both dendritic compartments concurrently. These include the sensory cortices, higher motor cortices, sensory and motor thalamus, association cortices, as well as many subcortical nuclei. Furthermore, the dichotomous inputs arise mostly from spatially segregated neuronal subpopulations within an upstream nucleus, and even in the case of an individual cortical layer. Therefore, these input areas could serve as both feedforward and feedback sources albeit via different subpopulations. Taken together, our findings revealed a previously unknown and highly intricate synaptic input pattern of M1L5 neurons, which implicates that the dendritic computations carried out by these neurons during motor execution or learning are far more complicated than we currently understand.
Static and dynamic topological organizations of the costly punishment network predict individual differences in punishment propensity
Authors: Li Ting , Yang Yuping , Krueger Frank , Feng Chunliang , Wang Jinhui
Published: November 2021

Human costly punishment plays a vital role in maintaining social norms. Recently, a brain network model is conceptually proposed indicating that the implement of costly punishment depends on a subset of nodes in three high-level networks. This model, however, has not yet been empirically examined from an integrated perspective of large-scale brain networks. Here, we conducted comprehensive graph-based network analyses of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data to explore system-level characteristics of intrinsic functional connectivity among 18 regions related to costly punishment. Nontrivial organizations (small-worldness, connector hubs, and high flexibility) were found that were qualitatively stable across participants and over time but quantitatively exhibited low test–retest reliability. The organizations were predictive of individual costly punishment propensities, which was reproducible on independent samples and robust against different analytical strategies and parameter settings. Moreover, the prediction was specific to system-level network organizations (rather than interregional functional connectivity) derived from positive (rather than negative or combined) connections among the specific (rather than randomly chosen) subset of regions from the three high-order (rather than primary) networks. Collectively, these findings suggest that human costly punishment emerges from integrative behaviors among specific regions in certain functional networks, lending support to the brain network model for costly punishment.
Significant Reduction in Vaccine-Induced Antibody Levels and Neutralization Activity Among Healthcare Workers and Nursing Home Residents 6 Months Following Coronavirus Disease 2019 BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccination
Authors: Canaday David H , Oyebanji Oladayo A , Keresztesy Debbie , Payne Michael , Wilk Dennis , Carias Lenore , Aung Htin , St. Denis Kerri , Lam Evan C , Rowley Christopher F , Berry Sarah D , Cameron Cheryl M , Cameron Mark J , Wilson Brigid M , Balazs Alejandro B , King Christopher L , Gravenstein Stefan
Published: November 2021

Antibody decline occurred from 2 weeks to 6 months post-BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination in nursing home (NH) residents and healthcare workers. Antispike, receptor-binding domain, and neutralization levels dropped >81% irrespective of prior infection. Notably, 69% of infection-naive NH residents had neutralizing antibodies at or below the assay’s limit of detection.
Prevalence and outcomes of chronic liver disease in patients receiving dialysis: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Swift Oscar , Sharma Shivani , Ramanarayanan Sivaramakrishnan , Umar Hamza , Laws Keith R , Vilar Enric , Farrington Ken
Published: November 2021

Background

Patients receiving dialysis for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) commonly co-exhibit risk factors for hepatic impairment. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the coexistence of chronic liver disease (CLD) and characterize risk factors and outcomes.

Methods

We searched the following databases from inception to May 2021: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Kings Fund Library, MEDLINE and PubMed. The protocol was pre-registered on PROSPERO (study ID: CRD42020206486). Studies were assessed against three inclusion criteria: adults (>18 years) with ESKD receiving dialysis, primary outcome involving CLD prevalence and publications in English. Moderator analysis was performed for age, gender, study size and publication year. Sensitivity analysis was performed where applicable by removing outlier results and studies at high risk of bias.

Results

Searches yielded 7195 articles; of these 15 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 320 777 patients were included. The prevalence of cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was 5% and 55%, respectively. Individuals with CLD had 2-fold higher mortality than those without {odds ratio [OR] 2.19 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–3.45]}. Hepatitis B [OR 13.47 (95% CI 1.37–132.55)] and hepatitis C [OR 7.05 (95% CI 4.00–12.45)], but not diabetes, conferred increased cirrhosis risk. All studies examining NAFLD were judged to be at high risk of bias. We found no data on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Deaths from CLD, cancer and infection were greater among cirrhotic patients.

Conclusions

CLD is prevalent in dialysis patients. Hepatitis B and C confer increased risk of CLD. The impact of NAFLD and NASH cirrhosis requires further study. CLD is associated with an increased risk of mortality in this setting.
Exploring the health care utilization of children and youth in the care of child welfare: a retrospective matched cohort study
Authors: Breneol Sydney , Rose Heather , Brown Marion , Andreou Pantelis , Bishop Andrea , Mitchell Carolyn
Published: November 2021

Background

Children and youth whose lives intersect with child welfare systems are amongst the most vulnerable paediatric populations. Despite the increased rates of chronic conditions, these children and youth often experience unmet health care needs.

Objectives

To examine patterns of health care utilization from birth for children and youth in the care of a child welfare authority.

Methods

This retrospective matched cohort design study examined children/youth aged 0–18 who had visited a paediatric tertiary care facility from 2016 April 1 to 2017 March 31 and had “social worker” documented as their guardian. A control cohort was matched based on age and sex. Primary outcomes of interest included primary health care, emergency, outpatient, and inpatient visits. Visits for immunizations, physiological development, well-baby checks, mental health, and oral health were also examined.

Results

A total of 200 cases and 200 controls were included in our cohort. No statistically significant differences were found between primary care visits, well-baby checks, inpatient admissions, outpatient mental health visits, or immunizations for children in care in comparison to their controls. There was a significant difference in oral health visits, lack of physiological development, and emergency department visits for children in care when compared to their controls.

Conclusions

Our study revealed disparities in health care utilization amongst children in the care of child welfare in comparison to those who are not, highlighting the need for improved practice, policy, and research initiatives. A collaborative data collection/sharing system is needed to identify and track the health care of this vulnerable population.
Comparative Population Genomics of Cryptic Speciation and Adaptive Divergence in Bicknell’s and Gray-Cheeked Thrushes (Aves:Catharus bicknelliandCatharus minimus)
Authors: Termignoni-Garcia Flavia , Kirchman Jeremy J , Clark Johnathan , Edwards Scott V
Published: November 2021

Cryptic speciation may occur when reproductive isolation is recent or the accumulation of morphological differences between sister lineages is slowed by stabilizing selection preventing phenotypic differentiation. In North America, Bicknell’s Thrush (Catharus bicknelli) and its sister species, the Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus), are parapatrically breeding migratory songbirds, distinguishable in nature only by subtle differences in song and coloration, and were recognized as distinct species only in the 1990s. Previous molecular studies have estimated that the species diverged approximately 120,000–420,000 YBP and found very low levels of introgression despite their similarity and sympatry in the spring (prebreeding) migration. To further clarify the history, genetic divergence, genomic structure, and adaptive processes in C. bicknelli and C. minimus, we sequenced and assembled high-coverage reference genomes of both species and resequenced genomes from population samples of C. bicknelli, C. minimus, and two individuals of the Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus). The genome of C. bicknelli exhibits markedly higher abundances of transposable elements compared with other Catharus and chicken. Demographic and admixture analyses confirm moderate genome-wide differentiation (Fst ≈ 0.10) and limited gene flow between C. bicknelli and C. minimus, but suggest a more recent divergence than estimates based on mtDNA. We find evidence of rapid evolution of the Z-chromosome and elevated divergence consistent with natural selection on genomic regions near genes involved with neuronal processes in C. bicknelli. These genomes are a useful resource for future investigations of speciation, migration, and adaptation in Catharus thrushes.
Ubiquity and Origins of Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) Proteins in Eukaryotes
Authors: Yoshinaga Mari , Inagaki Yuji
Published: November 2021

Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) protein complexes are common in Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryota. SMC proteins, together with the proteins related to SMC (SMC-related proteins), constitute a superfamily of ATPases. Bacteria/Archaea and Eukaryotes are distinctive from one another in terms of the repertory of SMC proteins. A single type of SMC protein is dimerized in the bacterial and archaeal complexes, whereas eukaryotes possess six distinct SMC subfamilies (SMC1–6), constituting three heterodimeric complexes, namely cohesin, condensin, and SMC5/6 complex. Thus, to bridge the homodimeric SMC complexes in Bacteria and Archaea to the heterodimeric SMC complexes in Eukaryota, we need to invoke multiple duplications of an SMC gene followed by functional divergence. However, to our knowledge, the evolution of the SMC proteins in Eukaryota had not been examined for more than a decade. In this study, we reexamined the ubiquity of SMC1–6 in phylogenetically diverse eukaryotes that cover the major eukaryotic taxonomic groups recognized to date and provide two novel insights into the SMC evolution in eukaryotes. First, multiple secondary losses of SMC5 and SMC6 occurred in the eukaryotic evolution. Second, the SMC proteins constituting cohesin and condensin (i.e., SMC1–4), and SMC5 and SMC6 were derived from closely related but distinct ancestral proteins. Based on the above-mentioned findings, we discuss how SMC1–6 have diverged from the archaeal homologs.
Evolutionary Dynamics of Asexual Hypermutators Adapting to a Novel Environment
Authors: Ho Wei-Chin , Behringer Megan G , Miller Samuel F , Gonzales Jadon , Nguyen Amber , Allahwerdy Meriem , Boyer Gwyneth F , Lynch Michael
Published: November 2021

How microbes adapt to a novel environment is a central question in evolutionary biology. Although adaptive evolution must be fueled by beneficial mutations, whether higher mutation rates facilitate the rate of adaptive evolution remains unclear. To address this question, we cultured Escherichia coli hypermutating populations, in which a defective methyl-directed mismatch repair pathway causes a 140-fold increase in single-nucleotide mutation rates. In parallel with wild-type E. coli, populations were cultured in tubes containing Luria-Bertani broth, a complex medium known to promote the evolution of subpopulation structure. After 900 days of evolution, in three transfer schemes with different population-size bottlenecks, hypermutators always exhibited similar levels of improved fitness as controls. Fluctuation tests revealed that the mutation rates of hypermutator lines converged evolutionarily on those of wild-type populations, which may have contributed to the absence of fitness differences. Further genome-sequence analysis revealed that, although hypermutator populations have higher rates of genomic evolution, this largely reflects strong genetic linkage. Despite these linkage effects, the evolved population exhibits parallelism in fixed mutations, including those potentially related to biofilm formation, transcription regulation, and mutation-rate evolution. Together, these results are generally inconsistent with a hypothesized positive relationship between the mutation rate and the adaptive speed of evolution, and provide insight into how clonal adaptation occurs in novel environments.
Long-term impacts of coal mine fire-emitted PM2.5 on hospitalisation: a longitudinal analysis of the Hazelwood Health Study
Authors: Xu Rongbin , Gao Caroline X , Dimitriadis Christina , Smith Catherine L , Carroll Matthew T C , Ikin Jillian F , Johnston Fay H , Sim Malcolm R , Abramson Michael J , Guo Yuming
Published: November 2021

Background

Little is known about the long-term health impacts of exposures to landscape fire smoke. We aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to coal mine fire-related particulate matter 2.5 μm or less in diameter (PM2.5) and hospitalisation in the 5 years following the 6-week Hazelwood coal mine fire in Australia in 2014.

Methods

We surveyed 2725 residents (mean age: 58.3 years; 54.3% female) from an exposed and a comparison town. Individual PM2.5 exposures during the event were estimated using modelled PM2.5 concentrations related to the coal mine fire and self-reported location data. The individual exposure and survey data were linked with hospitalisation records between January 2009 and February 2019. Recurrent event survival analysis was used to evaluate relationships between PM2.5 exposure and hospitalisation following mine fire, adjusting for important covariates.

Results

Each 10-µg/m3 increase in mine fire-related PM2.5 was associated with a 9% increased hazard [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 1.17] of respiratory hospitalisation over the next 5 years, with stronger associations observed for females (HR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.27) than males (HR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.89, 1.11). In particular, increased hazards were observed for hospitalisations for asthma (HR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.73) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.28). No such association was found for hospitalisations for cardiovascular diseases, mental illness, injuries, type 2 diabetes, renal diseases or neoplasms.

Conclusions

A 6-week exposure to coal mine fire-related PM2.5 was associated with increased hazard of respiratory hospitalisations over the following 5 years, particularly for females.
Long-term adjustable gastric band with resultant megaoesophagus causing cardiac compression
Authors: De Silva Ramesh , Pham My , Devadas Michael , Kiat Hosen
Published: November 2021

Oesophageal dilatation following laparoscopic-assisted gastric banding (LAGB) is a well-described complication reported in up to 80% of LAGB patients [ 1, 2]. Severe oesophageal dilatation in addition to aperistalsis is known as megaoesophagus. Symptomatic compression cardiac compression from oesophageal dilatation as a complication of LAGB is an extremely rare complication and is presented in this case report.
Enzymatic deamination of the epigenetic nucleosideN6-methyladenosine regulates gene expression
Authors: Jiang Zhuoran , Wang Chao , Wu Zixin , Chen Kun , Yang Wei , Deng Hexiang , Song Heng , Zhou Xiang
Published: November 2021

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most extensively studied epigenetic modification due to its crucial role in regulating an array of biological processes. Herein, Bsu06560, formerly annotated as an adenine deaminase derived from Bacillus subtilis 168, was recognized as the first enzyme capable of metabolizing the epigenetic nucleoside N6-methyladenosine. A model of Bsu06560 was constructed, and several critical residues were putatively identified via mutational screening. Two mutants, F91L and Q150W, provided a superiorly enhanced conversion ratio of adenosine and N6-methyladenosine. The CRISPR-Cas9 system generated Bsu06560-knockout, F91L, and Q150W mutations from the B. subtilis 168 genome. Transcriptional profiling revealed a higher global gene expression level in BS-F91L and BS-Q150W strains with enhanced N6-methyladenosine deaminase activity. The differentially expressed genes were categorized using GO, COG, KEGG and verified through RT-qPCR. This study assessed the crucial roles of Bsu06560 in regulating adenosine and N6-methyladenosine metabolism, which influence a myriad of biological processes. This is the first systematic research to identify and functionally annotate an enzyme capable of metabolizing N6-methyladenosine and highlight its significant roles in regulation of bacterial metabolism. Besides, this study provides a novel method for controlling gene expression through the mutations of critical residues.
Coordinated glucocorticoid receptor and MAFB action induces tolerogenesis and epigenome remodeling in dendritic cells
Authors: Morante-Palacios Octavio , Ciudad Laura , Micheroli Raphael , de la Calle-Fabregat Carlos , Li Tianlu , Barbisan Gisela , Houtman Miranda , Edalat Sam G , Frank-Bertoncelj Mojca , Ospelt Caroline , Ballestar Esteban
Published: November 2021

Glucocorticoids (GCs) exert potent anti-inflammatory effects in immune cells through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Dendritic cells (DCs), central actors for coordinating immune responses, acquire tolerogenic properties in response to GCs. Tolerogenic DCs (tolDCs) have emerged as a potential treatment for various inflammatory diseases. To date, the underlying cell type-specific regulatory mechanisms orchestrating GC-mediated acquisition of immunosuppressive properties remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the transcriptomic and epigenomic remodeling associated with differentiation to DCs in the presence of GCs. Our analysis demonstrates a major role of MAFB in this process, in synergy with GR. GR and MAFB both interact with methylcytosine dioxygenase TET2 and bind to genomic loci that undergo specific demethylation in tolDCs. We also show that the role of MAFB is more extensive, binding to thousands of genomic loci in tolDCs. Finally, MAFB knockdown erases the tolerogenic properties of tolDCs and reverts the specific DNA demethylation and gene upregulation. The preeminent role of MAFB is also demonstrated in vivo for myeloid cells from synovium in rheumatoid arthritis following GC treatment. Our results imply that, once directly activated by GR, MAFB plays a critical role in orchestrating the epigenomic and transcriptomic remodeling that define the tolerogenic phenotype.
Analysis of subcellular transcriptomes by RNA proximity labeling with Halo-seq
Authors: Engel Krysta L , Lo Hei-Yong G , Goering Raeann , Li Ying , Spitale Robert C , Taliaferro J Matthew
Published: November 2021

Thousands of RNA species display nonuniform distribution within cells. However, quantification of the spatial patterns adopted by individual RNAs remains difficult, in part by a lack of quantitative tools for subcellular transcriptome analysis. In this study, we describe an RNA proximity labeling method that facilitates the quantification of subcellular RNA populations with high spatial specificity. This method, termed Halo-seq, pairs a light-activatable, radical generating small molecule with highly efficient Click chemistry to efficiently label and purify spatially defined RNA samples. We compared Halo-seq with previously reported similar methods and found that Halo-seq displayed a higher efficiency of RNA labeling, indicating that it is well suited to the investigation of small, precisely localized RNA populations. We then used Halo-seq to quantify nuclear, nucleolar and cytoplasmic transcriptomes, characterize their dynamic nature following perturbation, and identify RNA sequence features associated with their composition. Specifically, we found that RNAs containing AU-rich elements are relatively enriched in the nucleus. This enrichment becomes stronger upon treatment with the nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B, both expanding the role of HuR in RNA export and generating a comprehensive set of transcripts whose export from the nucleus depends on HuR.
A randomized controlled trial of two dialysate sodium concentrations in hospitalized hemodialysis patients
Authors: Causland Finnian R Mc , Ravi Katherine Scovner , Curtis Katherine A , Kibbelaar Zoé A , Short Samuel A P , Singh Anika T , Correa Simon , Waikar Sushrut S
Published: November 2021

Background

Several large dialysis organizations have lowered the dialysate sodium concentration (DNa) in an effort to ameliorate hypervolemia. The implications of lower DNa on intra-dialytic hypotension (IDH) during hospitalizations of hemodialysis (HD) patients is unclear.

Methods

In this double-blind, single center, randomized controlled trial (RCT), hospitalized maintenance HD patients were randomized to receive higher (142 mmol/L) or lower (138 mmol/L) DNa for up to six sessions. Blood pressure (BP) was measured in a standardized fashion pre-HD, post-HD and every 15 min during HD. The endpoints were: (i) the average decline in systolic BP (pre-HD minus lowest intra-HD, primary endpoint) and (ii) the proportion of total sessions complicated by IDH (drop of ≥20 mmHg from the pre-HD systolic BP, secondary endpoint).

Results

A total of 139 patients completed the trial, contributing 311 study visits. There were no significant differences in the average systolic blood pressure (SBP) decline between the higher and lower DNa groups (23 ± 16 versus 26 ± 16 mmHg; P = 0.57). The proportion of total sessions complicated by IDH was similar in the higher DNa group, compared with the lower DNa group [54% versus 59%; odds ratio 0.72; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.36–1.44; P = 0.35]. In post hoc analyses adjusting for imbalances in baseline characteristics, higher DNa was associated with 8 mmHg (95% CI 2–13 mmHg) less decline in SBP, compared with lower DNa. Patient symptoms and adverse events were similar between the groups.

Conclusions

In this RCT for hospitalized maintenance of HD patients, we found no difference in the absolute SBP decline between those who received higher versus lower DNa in intention-to-treat analyses. Post hoc adjusted analyses suggested a lower risk of IDH with higher DNa; thus, larger, multi-center studies to confirm these findings are warranted.
Trends in Cigar Sales and Prices, by Product and Flavor Type—the United States, 2016–2020
Authors: Wang Xu , Kim Yoonsang , Borowiecki Mateusz , Tynan Michael A , Emery Sherry , King Brian A
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Cigar smoking has increased in recent decades as the cigar product landscape has diversified. This study assessed trends in US cigar sales during 2016–2020.

Aims and Methods

Unit sales and average unit price for cigars were assessed during January 3, 2016–June 13, 2020, overall and by product and flavor type, for the 48 contiguous US states and D.C. Assessed cigar types were large cigars, little cigars, and cigarillos; assessed flavor types were tobacco/unflavored, candy/sweets, fruit, menthol, alcohol, coffee, other flavors, and no flavor stated. A joinpoint regression model was used to assess the magnitude and significance of sales trends.

Results

During January 3, 2016–June 13, 2020, unit sales of cigarillos increased (average monthly percentage change [AMPC] = 0.7%, p < .001), while unit sales of large cigars (AMPC = −0.8%, p < .001) and little cigars decreased (AMPC = −0.2%, p < .001). The average price of cigarillos gradually decreased since mid-August 2017 (AMPC = −0.1%, p < .001), and the average price of little cigars decreased from mid-June 2016 to mid-June 2019 (AMPC = −0.3%, p < .001). In contrast, the average price of large cigars increased during the entire study period (AMPC = 0.6%, p < .001). Irrespective of cigar type, tobacco-flavored/unflavored products were the most commonly sold cigars during the assessed period; however, sales of other flavors varied by cigar type.

Conclusions

Cigar sales and price vary by type over time in the United States, including sales of cigarillos (94.2% of unit sales) increasing as their prices have decreased in recent years. Public health strategies are warranted to address the full scope of cigar types being used in the United States.

Implications

Surveillance of cigar sales data, including product characteristics, can provide a timely complement to self-reported survey data of cigar use. This study assessed trends in US cigar sales during 2016–2020, including by product and flavor type. The findings indicate that sales of cigarillos, which comprise most cigar sales in the United States during the assessed period, increased as their prices decreased. Sales of certain flavors, such as candy/sweet cigarillos and coffee large cigars, increased significantly. These findings reinforce the importance of evidence-based strategies, including increasing price and restricting flavors, to reduce the affordability and consumption of cigars in the United States.