bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of soluble guanylyl cyclase in platelets contributes to atherosclerotic plaque formation and vascular inflammation
Authors: Mauersberger Carina , Sager Hendrik B. , Wobst Jana , Dang Tan An , Lambrecht Laura , Koplev Simon , Stroth Marlène , Bettaga Noomen , Schlossmann Jens , Wunder Frank , Friebe Andreas , Björkegren Johan L.M. , Dietz Lisa , Sandner Peter , Soehnlein Oliver , Schunkert Heribert , Kessler Thorsten
Published: November 2021

Aim

The role of platelets in atherosclerosis remains incompletely understood. Variants in genes encoding the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) in platelets are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. Here we sought to investigate the contribution of platelet sGC to atherosclerosis and the therapeutic potential of targeting sGC in atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results

We genetically deleted sGC in platelets of atherosclerosis-prone Ldlr-/- mice. By intravital fluorescence microscopy such Pf4-Cre+Gucy1b1flox/floxLdlr-/- mice displayed enhanced leukocyte adhesion to atherosclerotic plaques in comparison with their litter mates. Moreover, histological and flow cytometry analyses revealed more numerous inflammatory leukocytes and larger plaque sizes in aortic tissue of Ldlr-/- mice lacking sGC in platelets. In vitro, supernatant from activated platelets lacking sGC promoted leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells (EC) via enhanced EC activation. Using cytokine profiling, we identified reduced angiopoietin-1 release by Pf4-Cre+Gucy1b1flox/flox and human GUCY1A1 risk allele carrier platelets to be responsible for enhanced activation of EC and subsequent leukocyte adhesion. Pharmacological sGC stimulation increased platelet angiopoietin-1 release in vitro and reduced recruitment of adoptively transferred leukocytes in Ldlr-/- mice fed a Western diet. Pharmacological sGC stimulation further reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation and vascular inflammation.

Conclusion

Loss of sGC in platelets contributes to atherosclerotic plaque formation via reduced release of the soluble factor angiopoietin-1 and, subsequently, enhanced leukocyte recruitment. Pharmacological sGC stimulation might represent a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent and treat CAD.

Translational perspective

Reduced platelet soluble guanylyl cyclase activity contributes to atherosclerotic plaque formation and vascular inflammation. Stimulators of the soluble guanylyl cyclase, an emerging class of drugs already used in pulmonary hypertension and heart failure, are able to reduce atherosclerosis and inflammation in this preclinical model. Together with evidence from human genetics, our findings suggest a promising role of soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulation to prevent coronary artery disease.
Duesselpore™: a full-stack local web server for rapid and simple analysis of Oxford Nanopore Sequencing data
Authors: Vogeley Christian , Nguyen Thach , Woeste Selina , Krutmann Jean , Haarmann-Stemmann Thomas , Rossi Andrea
Published: November 2021

Genome-wide analysis of transcriptomes offers extensive insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiology of all known species and discover those that are still hidden. Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) has recently been developed as a fast, miniaturized, portable and a cost effective alternative to Next Generation Sequencing. However, RNA-seq data analysis software that exploit ONT portability and allows scientists to easily analyze ONT data everywhere without bioinformatic expertise is not widely available. We developed Duesselpore™, an easy-to-follow deep sequencing workflow that runs as a local webserver and allows the analysis of ONT data everywhere without requiring additional bioinformatic tools or internet connection. Duesselpore™ output includes differentially expressed genes and further downstream analyses, such as variance heatmap, disease and gene ontology plots, gene concept network plots and exports customized pathways for different cellular processes. We validated Duesselpore™ by analyzing the transcriptomic changes induced by PCB126, a dioxin-like PCB and a potent aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist in human HaCaT keratinocytes, a well characterized model system. Duesselpore™ was specifically developed to analyze ONT data but we also implemented NGS data analysis. Duesselpore™ is compatible with Microsoft and Mac operating systems, allows convenient, reliable and cost-effective analysis of ONT and NGS data.
Bacterial but not fungal rhizosphere communities differ among perennial grass ecotypes under abiotic environmental stress
Authors: Sarkar Soumyadev , Kamke Abigail , Ward Kaitlyn , Ran QingHong , Feehan Brandi , Thapa Shiva , Anderson Lauren , Galliart Matthew , Jumpponen Ari , Johnson Loretta , Lee Sonny T M
Published: November 2021

Environmental change, especially frequent droughts, is predicted to detrimentally impact the North American perennial grasslands. Consistent dry spells will affect plant communities as well as their associated rhizobiomes, possibly altering the plant host performance under environmental stress. Therefore, there is a need to understand the impact of drought on the rhizobiome, and how the rhizobiome may modulate host performance and ameliorate its response to drought stress. In this study, we analyzed bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizospheres of three ecotypes (dry, mesic, and wet) of a dominant prairie grass,Andropogon gerardii. The ecotypes were established in 2010 in a common garden design and grown for a decade under persistent dry conditions at the arid margin of the species’ range in Colby Kansas. The experiment aimed to answer whether and to what extent do the different ecotypes maintain or recruit distinct rhizobiomes after ten years in an arid climate. In order to answer this question, we screened the bacterial and fungal rhizobiome profiles of the ecotypes under the arid conditions of western KS as a surrogate for future climate environmental stress using 16S rRNA and ITS2 metabarcoding sequencing. Under these conditions, bacterial communities differed compositionally among theA. gerardiiecotypes, whereas the fungal communities did not. The ecotypes were instrumental in driving the differences among bacterial rhizobiomes, as the ecotypes maintained distinct bacterial rhizobiomes even after ten years at the edge of the host species range. This study will aid us to optimize plant productivity through the use of different ecotypes under future abiotic environmental stress, especially drought.
COVID-19 in Elderly Patients with Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Ayar Yavuz , Deniz Olgun , Doner Barıs , Kilic Isa , Demir Canan , Sahin Abdulkadir
Published: November 2021

Objective

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid 19) started in China in December 2019 and spread all over the world, is more progressive in patients who are elderly and with chronic diseases. Especially kidney involvement affects the survival of patients. In this study, we analyzed Covid 19 patients who developed acute kidney injury treated in our unit, retrospectively.

Matherials

The clinical and laboratory data of 610 patients who hospitalized due to Covid 19 pandemic between 01.06.2020 and 30.06.2021 in the intensive care and other clinics of our hospital evaluated from the records, retrospectively. One hundred-fourty patients diagnosed with AKI according to the criteria of KDIGO (Kidney Disease Global Outcomes). The patients divided into two groups as KDIGO stage 1 and 2, 3.

Results

The median age in both groups was 70 (35-92) and 73 (35-90) years. Approximately seventy percent of them were over 65 years old. Almost all of the patients had hypertension. Most of the patients were using angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inh) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) (84%). AKI was present at the time of admission (61.9%) in the KDIGO 1 group and at the time of hospitalization (64.3%) in the KDIGO 2, 3 group. The mortality rate was higher in stage 2-3 AKI patients (35.7%). Ferritin and fibrinogen levels were high in the KDIGO 2, 3 group, while lymphocyte levels were low.

Conclusion

AKI can be seen at the time of admission and during treatment in patients who are hospitalized and treated due to Covid 19. Covid 19 is more mortal in patients with advanced AKI.
A combined effective time series model based on clustering and whale optimization algorithm for forecasting smart meters electricity consumption
Authors: Rostum Medhat Abd el Azem El Sayed , Moustafa Hassan Mohamed Mahmoud , Ziedan Ibrahim El Sayed , Zamel Amr Ahmed
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The current challenge for forecasting smart meters electricity consumption lies in the uncertainty and volatility of load profiles. Moreover, forecasting the electricity consumption for all the meters requires an enormous amount of time. Most papers tend to avoid such complexity by forecasting the electricity consumption at an aggregated level. This paper aims to forecast the electricity consumption for all smart meters at an individual level. This paper, for the first time, takes into account the computational time for training and forecasting the electricity consumption of all the meters.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel hybrid autoregressive-statistical equations idea model with the help of clustering and whale optimization algorithm (ARSEI-WOA) is proposed in this paper to forecast the electricity consumption of all the meters with best performance in terms of computational time and prediction accuracy.

Findings

The proposed model was tested using realistic Irish smart meters energy data and its performance was compared with nine regression methods including: autoregressive integrated moving average, partial least squares regression, conditional inference tree, M5 rule-based model, k-nearest neighbor, multilayer perceptron, RandomForest, RPART and support vector regression. Results have proved that ARSEI-WOA is an efficient model that is able to achieve an accurate prediction with low computational time.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new hybrid ARSEI model to perform smart meters load forecasting at an individual level instead of an aggregated one. With the help of clustering technique, similar meters are grouped into a few clusters from which reduce the computational time of the training and forecasting process. In addition, WOA improves the prediction accuracy of each meter by finding an optimal factor between the average electricity consumption values of each cluster and the electricity consumption values for each one of its meters.
The effect of Aloe vera powder on anthropometric and metabolic syndrome’s indices in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blinded controlled clinical trial
Authors: Zareian Najme , Taheri Reihane , Borgei Mohammad Hossein , Babajafari Siavash , Mosallanezhad Hamid , Nikoo Mohammad Hossein , Barati-Boldaji Reza
Published: November 2021

Purpose

It is well accepted that diabetes is associated with heart diseases and hyperlipidemia as a risk factor. In traditional medicines, some herbs such as Aloe vera seem to be effective in controlling diabetes. Owing to lack of human studies, this study aims to examine the effect of Aloe vera consumption on fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profiles and body composition in type 2 diabetic patients.

Design/methodology/approach

This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study was conducted in 2019, in Shiraz, Iran. A total of 56 diabetic subjects were randomized by block randomization to receive a daily supplement of 1,000 mg Aloe vera powder capsules (n = 28) or placebo (n = 28) for eight weeks. At baseline and after eight weeks of treatment, dietary intake and physical activity were assessed by three-day food recall and international physical activity questionnaire. Meanwhile, after an overnight fasting, FBS and lipid profiles were measured. Blood pressure and anthropometric parameters were assessed in the beginning and the end of the study. Independent t-tests were used for between-group analysis and paired t-tests for within-group analysis.

Findings

After intervention, weight, body mass index and waist circumference significantly decreased in comparison to the placebo group (p-value: < 0.001, 0.001 and 0.02). Although, FBS, total triglyceride and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p-value: 0.03, 0.001 and 0.01), no change has been seen in low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and total cholesterol blood level and diastolic blood pressure.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study are the short study duration and lack of Aloe vera powder’s ingredient analysis.

Originality/value

This study is one of few human studies investigating the effect of Aloe vera on metabolic syndrome’s indices in diabetic patients. Because pharmacological therapy is tough, not comfort and correlated with potential adverse drug interactions, it is important to find an alternative or complementary measure to aid the diabetic patients. This study shows that Aloe vera has positive effect on body weight and blood sugar.
Simultaneous extraction of profile and surface roughness of 3D SLM components using fringe projection method
Authors: Chen Terry Yuan-Fang , Lo Yu-Lung , Lin Ze-Hong , Lin Jui-Yu
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was expected to simultaneously monitor the surface roughness of each solidified layer, the surface roughness of the metal powder, the outline of the solidified layer, and the height difference between the solidified layer and the metal powder.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed approach, color images with red, green and blue fringes are used to measure the shape of the built object using a three-step phase-shift algorithm and phase-unwrapping method. In addition, the surface roughness is extracted from the speckle information in the captured image using a predetermined autocorrelation function.

Findings

The feasibility and accuracy of the proposed system were validated by comparing it with a commercial system for an identical set of samples fabricated by a selective laser melting process. The maximum and minimum errors between the two systems are approximately 24% and 0.8%, respectively.

Originality/value

In the additive manufacturing field, the authors are the first to use fringe detection technology to simultaneously measure the profile of the printed layer and its surface roughness.
Reproducible Science Is Vital for a Stronger Evidence Base During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Sy Karla Therese L. , White Laura F. , Nichols Brooke E.
Published: November 2021

Reproducible research becomes even more imperative as we build the evidence base on SARS‐CoV‐2 epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. In his study, Paez assessed the reproducibility of COVID‐19 research during the pandemic, using a case study of population density. He found that most articles that assess the relationship of population density and COVID‐19 outcomes do not publicly share data and code, except for a few, including our paper, which he stated “illustrates the importance of good reproducibility practices”. Paez recreated our analysis using our code and data from the perspective of spatial analysis, and his new model came to a different conclusion. The disparity between our and Paez’s findings, as well as other existing literature on the topic, give greater impetus to the need for further research. As there has been near exponential growth of COVID‐19 research across a wide range of scientific disciplines, reproducible science is a vital component to produce reliable, rigorous, and robust evidence on COVID‐19, which will be essential to inform clinical practice and policy in order to effectively eliminate the pandemic.
Prognostic significance of subjective oral dysfunction on the all‐cause mortality
Authors: Yang Zhe‐Yu , Chen Wei‐Liang
Published: November 2021

Background

As the proportion of elderly population grows, it raises concern about impaired oral health which has been reported to be associated with increased risk of numerous adverse health events. Emerging study defined oral frailty as poor oral health accumulation and demonstrated that oral frailty was a risk factor of disability, physical frailty and mortality. In this study, we examined the association between subjective oral dysfunction and all‐cause mortality in the United States.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional observational study, a total of 7827 participants who completed oral functions data from 1999 to 2002 NHANES database were recruited. Subjective oral dysfunction included 3 components: limited eating ability, dry mouth and difficult swallowing, which were obtained from self‐reported questionnaire. For primary outcome, all‐cause mortality was followed from baseline to death or 2006. The relationship of subjective oral dysfunction and all‐cause mortality was assessed by Cox regression model.

Results

A statistically significant relationship between subjective oral dysfunction and all‐cause mortality was observed in fully adjusted model. Participants with more components of subjective oral dysfunction had worse risk of all‐cause mortality. Limited eating ability was inversely associated with muscle strength.

Conclusion

Subjective oral dysfunction which was obtained from an easy self‐assessment survey might be a potential risk factor for all‐cause mortality and could be used for initial screening during general health examination.
Environmental drivers of breeding sites in blackfly species of medical and veterinary importance in eastern Spain
Authors: López‐Peña D. , García‐Roger E. M. , Lis‐Cantín Á. , Jiménez‐Peydró R.
Published: November 2021

Geographical distribution and abundance of the pupae of six blackfly species of medical and veterinary concern were studied in eastern Spain according to three different sets of explanatory variables including in‐stream variables, both (i) abiotic (i.e., physicochemical) and (ii) biotic (i.e., richness and abundance of either taxonomically or ecologically close related taxa), as well as (iii) meteorological and landscape variables. The results showed specific habitat requirements for pupation in Simulium (Boophthora) erythrocephalum (De Geer, 1776) and Simulium (Wilhelmia) equinum (Linnaeus, 1758), two of the six species studied regarding elevation and temperature. While the rest of the species showed a certain degree of ecological overlap, co‐occurrence was in general low, which suggested that antagonistic biotic factors may be important in structuring blackfly assemblages. In effect, biotic predictors explained a high proportion (50%–70%) of the variability in the abundance of the pupae of the most generalist blackfly species, although further studies are needed to disentangle the sign of interspecific interactions. At the landscape level, S. (W.) equinum and S. (W.) pseudequinum Séguy, 1921 breeding habitats were associated with the presence of pig farms, and S. (Simulium) reptans (Linnaeus, 1758) and S. (B.) erythrocephalum with the presence of cattle.
Immediate and long‐term effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic and lockdown on physical activity in patients with implanted cardiac devices
Authors: Rosman Lindsey , Mazzella Anthony J , Gehi Anil , Liu Yutong , Li Quefeng , Salmoirago‐Blotcher Elena , Lampert Rachel , Burg Matthew M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Physical activity (PA) is an important determinant of cardiovascular health that may be affected the COVID‐19 pandemic. Therefore, we examined the immediate and long‐term effects of the pandemic and lockdown on PA in patients with established cardiovascular risk.

Methods

Objectively‐measured daily PA data was obtained from cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) from 3453 U.S patients (mean and standard deviations [SD] age, 72.65 [13.24] years; 42% women). Adjusted mixed‐effects models stratified by device type were used to compare daily PA from periods in 2020: pre‐lockdown (March 1–14), lockdown (March 15 to May 8), and the reopening phase of the pandemic (May 9 to December 31) versus 2019. Patient characteristics and events associated with inactivity during lockdown and the proportion of patients who returned to their 2019 PA‐level by the end of reopening phase (December 31, 2020) were examined.

Results

Daily PA was significantly lower during the lockdown compared to the same period in 2019 (−15%; p < .0001), especially for pacemaker patients, adults aged <65, and patients more active prior to lockdown. Non‐COVID hospitalization and ICD shock were similarly associated with low PA during lockdown (p = .0001). In the reopening phase of the pandemic, PA remained 14.4% lower in the overall sample and only 23% of patients returned to their 2019 PA level by the end of follow‐up.

Conclusions

In this large cohort of patients with CIEDs, PA was markedly lower during the lockdown and remained lower for months after restrictions were lifted. Strategies to maintain PA during a national emergency are urgently needed.
“Monotheism” and the Hebrew Bible
Authors: Ballentine Debra Scoggins
Published: November 2021

The term monotheism often comes with many caveats. Biblical conceptions of God and categories of the divine that interpreters might designate as “monotheism” developed in response to factors within the ancient contexts of biblical authors. However, it is in later Enlightenment contexts that theologians and historians characterize their understanding of biblical theology as monotheistic. As with the terms religion and even Bible, many presume a definition of monotheism that is particularly modern, “western,” and Christian‐centric. Generally speaking, most categorical conceptions of monotheism do not reflect the nuance, variety, and situatedness of our ancient data, both biblical texts and the literature, inscriptions, and available material culture that we utilize in reconstructions of ancient Judean and Israelite traditions. From its outset and still today, scholarly conversation about the category monotheism reflects the impacts of how confessional and traditional histories utilize this term. “Monotheism” often appears as dichotomously paired with “polytheism,” but many scholars prefer alternative concepts such as monolatry, henotheism, or one‐deity discourse. This article invites readers to explore scholarly questions around the relationships between monotheism and the Hebrew Bible by introducing readers to the Enlightenment context for the conceptualization of monotheism, to scholarly considerations regarding the utility of the concept for explaining ancient phenomena, to select relevant ancient data such as deities featured in the Hebrew Bible, and to several topics of study that prominently intertwine with the category monotheism, especially the relationships of Israel and Judah with their neighbors.
Evaluation of the upper and lower proximal lacrimal canaliculi using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography in normal Beagle dogs
Authors: Shim Jaeho , Kang Seonmi , Lee Eunji , Kim Sol , Park Jisoo , Kim Hyelin , Seo Kangmoon
Published: November 2021

Objective

To confirm the feasibility of visualizing upper and lower proximal lacrimal canaliculi (LC) using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT).

Animals studied

Eight eyes of four normal Beagle dogs.

Procedures

To obtain an upper proximal LC image, the head was turned in the opposite direction to the eye being imaged, and the medial part of the upper eyelid was everted to expose the LC. To obtain a lower LC image, the lower eyelid was everted just below the punctum. Using “angle mode”, the scan line was placed parallel on the long axis of the LC. The inlet LC width (LCW) was measured. Artificial tears (AT) were instilled, and LCW was compared before and after AT instillation. Additionally, the return time to the initial LCW inlet width was recorded.

Results

Before AT instillation, there was a significant difference between the mean upper and lower LCW (91.8 ± 3.2 µm and 110.1 ± 8.4 µm, respectively). After AT instillation, the mean upper and lower LCW were 236.9 ± 27.7 µm and 238.4 ± 30.4 µm, respectively. Significant differences in the LCW before and after AT instillation in both the upper and lower LCWs were observed. The mean return time of the upper and lower LCW to their initial widths after AT instillation was within 4 min.

Conclusions

Spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography was an effective method for providing high‐resolution images of the upper and lower proximal LC. This method enables observation of LC changes after instillation of eyedrops in veterinary clinical practice.
Axonal excitability changes in children with spinal muscular atrophy treated with nusinersen
Authors: Kariyawasam Didu S. T. , D'Silva Arlene M. , Herbert Karen , Howells James , Carey Kate , Kandula Tejaswi , Farrar Michelle A. , Lin Cindy (Shin‐Yi)
Published: November 2021

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is associated with developmental disruption of motor axons in ventral roots of the spinal cord alongside motor axon degeneration. The pathogenesis of peripheral axonal change during development is pertinent to understand treatment response. Nerve excitability techniques, stimulating the median motor nerve at the wrist, were utilised to investigate axonal change during neurodevelopment in 24 children with SMA, compared with 71 age‐matched controls. Longitudinal axonal response to nusinersen treatment in 18 children was also investigated. Significant differences in axonal development were noted in the youngest children with SMA, signified by reduced compound muscle action potential (CMAP) (P = 0.030), higher axonal threshold (P = 0.016), rheobase (minimal current amplitude of infinite duration, required to generate an action potential) (P = 0.012) and greater changes in depolarising and hyperpolarising threshold electrotonus. Subexcitability increased in all children with SMA, compared to controls. With treatment, nerve excitability changes were observed prominently in young children, with increases in CMAP, reduction in axonal threshold, fanning‐in of threshold electrotonus, increase in resting current–threshold slope and reduction in subexcitability. Whilst motor axons continue to mature in SMA, developmental delays in passive and active membrane properties occur especially in early childhood. Concurrently, motor axons actively undergo degeneration. Nusinersen restores the developmental trajectory of motor axons reducing degeneration, especially in children with early treatment initiation. Our findings move the field forward in understanding the developmental aspect of childhood‐onset motor neurone diseases and changes in axonal function associated with disease modification.

Key points

Pathomechanisms in spinal muscular atrophy involve concurrent neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative processes.

The greatest delays in maturation of the passive and active properties of the peripheral motor axon are seen in early childhood.

Nusinersen facilitates developmental recovery of the motor axon whilst also reducing neurodegeneration.

Axonal dysfunction is reversed with SMN repletion particularly when intervention occurs early in development.
Lived Experiences of an Elite Performance Management Team Through Injury Rehabilitation: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Hess Courtney W. , Meyer Barbara B.
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Injury is a common and challenging experience for many athletes, and return-to-sport outcomes have been persistently poor despite advancements in research and practice. To ameliorate this challenge and to bridge a gap that exists in the sport injury literature between theoretical conceptualization and intervention design, research is needed to explore team-based approaches to professional practice. The current study aimed to begin this work through exploration of a single performance management team (PMT) through 2 injury and rehabilitation cases leading into and across the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Design: Qualitative, interpretative phenomenological analysis. Method: Interviews were conducted with the 5 members of the PMT (coach, physiotherapist, sport psychology consultant, case manager, and athlete) involved in both injury cases. Lower-order and higher order themes were identified and interpreted through the extent literature. Results: Results indicate that 3 higher order themes interacted to impact the lived experiences of the PMT members across the 2 injury cases. Participants described the sociocultural context that surrounded the team, the individual struggles they faced, and the functioning of the team as the primary contributors to their lived experiences as well as observed rehabilitation outcomes. Conclusions: Findings of this study mirror previous research in team science within the general health care domain, and prompt ongoing exploration of how to improve the experiences for PMT members as well as rehabilitation and return-to-sport outcomes for athletes.
Cytotype Affects the Capability of the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci MED Species To Feed and Oviposit on an Unfavorable Host Plant
Authors: Benhamou Sylvain , Rahioui Isabelle , Henri Hélène , Charles Hubert , Da Silva Pedro , Heddi Abdelaziz , Vavre Fabrice , Desouhant Emmanuel , Calevro Federica , Mouton Laurence
Published: November 2021

Microbial symbionts are universal in eukaryotes, and it is now recognized that symbiotic associations represent major evolutionary driving forces. However, the extent to which symbionts contribute to their hosts’ ecological adaptation and subsequent diversification is far from being fully elucidated.
Regional variations and prevalence of psoriasis in Germany from 2010 to 2017: a cross-sectional, spatio-epidemiological study on ambulatory claims data
Authors: Andrees Valerie , Wolf Sandra , Augustin Matthias , Mohr Nicole , Augustin Jobst
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Global prevalence rates of psoriasis differ significantly, with lowest rates in the equator region and increasing tendencies towards the north but also differences within-country. Information on regional variations in Germany is missing. This study aims to analyse the change of psoriasis prevalence in Germany over time and to detect regional variations.

Design

Cross sectional, spatio-epidemiological study on regional psoriasis prevalence in Germany.

Setting

Claims data study based on nationwide outpatient billing data on county level.

Methods

Analyses based on outpatient billing data for 2010–2017 derived from all people insured in statutory health insurances (about 72.8 million). We performed descriptive spatio-temporal analyses of prevalence rates using probability mapping and statistical smoothing methods, identified spatial clusters and examined a north-south gradient using spatial statistics.

Results

The prevalence increased from 147.4 per 10 000 in 2010 to 173.5 in 2017. In 2017, counties’ prevalence rates ranged between 93.8 and 340.9. Decreased rates occurred mainly in southern counties, increased rates in northern and eastern counties. Clusters of low rates occur in southern and south-western Germany, clusters of high rates in the north and north-east. The correlation between counties’ latitudes and their prevalence rates was high with Pearson’s r=0.65 (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Increased prevalence of psoriasis over time and marked regional variations in Germany were observed which need further investigation.
Characteristics of low-tier female sex workers who engage in commercial sex with old male clients in Zhejiang province, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Pan Xiaohong , Ma Qiaoqin , Jiang Jianmin , Chen Lin , Wang Hui , Zhou Xin , Chen Wanjun
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To characterise low-tier female sex workers (FSWs) who engage in commercial sex with old male clients (OMCs).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Twenty-one counties in Zhejiang province, China.

Participants

A total of 2647 low-tier FSWs who participated in our survey from September to November 2013, and responded to the question regarding whether they engaged in commercial sex with OMCs during the previous month.

Main outcome measures

Data on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviours, risk perception of HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI), ever exposure to an HIV prevention service and degree of self-efficacy regarding condom use were collected via a face-to-face questionnaire administered by trained interviewers.

Results

Of the 2647 participants, 1165 (44.0%) had engaged in commercial sex with OMCs in the previous month. Low-tier FSWs working out of roadside shops, those who had engaged in sex work for longer, those with a larger number of clients, those who had engaged in anal or oral sex during the previous month, those currently using contraception measures, those who had STI symptoms and those who had been exposed to HIV prevention services during the previous 6 months were more likely to engage in commercial sex with OMCs. FSWs with a high level of education; those working out of small venues other than streets, hair salons and roadside shops; those who charged more for commercial sex; those who had sex with young clients during the previous month and those who had seen a doctor during the previous 6 months were less likely to engage in commercial sex with OMCs.

Conclusions

Low-tier FSWs who engaged in commercial sex with OMCs reported more risky behaviours than those who did not engage in this behaviour. Attention should be paid to these behaviours in future interventions targeting low-tier FSWs.
Virtual team-based care planning with older persons in formal care settings: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Gao Harrison , Yous Marie-Lee , Connelly Denise , Hung Lillian , Garnett Anna , Hay Melissa Erin , Snobelen Nancy , Salatino Samantha
Published: November 2021

Introduction

COVID-19 has necessitated greater adoption of virtual care (eg, telephone (audio), videoconference) delivery models. Virtual care provides opportunities for innovative practice in care planning with older persons and meaningful family engagement by synchronously involving multiple care providers. Nevertheless, there remains a paucity of summarising evidence regarding virtual team-based care planning for older persons. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarise evidence on the utilisation of virtual team-based care planning for older persons in formal care settings. Specifically, (1) what has been reported in the literature on the impact or outcomes of virtual team-based care planning? (2) What are the facilitators and barriers to implementation?

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will follow a rigorous and well-established methodology by the Joanna Briggs Institute, supplemented by the Arksey & O’Malley and Levac, Colquhoun, & O’Brien frameworks. A three-step search strategy will be used to conduct a search on virtual team-based care planning for older persons in formal care settings. Keywords and index terms will be identified from an initial search in PubMed and AgeLine, and used to conduct the full search in the databases PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, AgeLine, PsycInfo and Scopus. Reference lists of included articles and grey literature retrieved through Google and Google Scholar will also be reviewed. Three researchers will screen titles and abstracts, and will conduct full-text review for inclusion. Extracted data will be mapped in a table.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics approval is not required for data collection from publicly accessible information. Findings will be presented at conferences, submitted for open-access publication in a peer-reviewed journal and made accessible to multiple stakeholders. The scoping review will summarise the literature on virtual team-based care planning for the purpose of informing the implementation of a virtual PIECES™ intervention (Physical/Intellectual/Emotional health, Capabilities, Environment, and Social).
Skeletal muscle adaptations to exercise are not influenced by metformin treatment in humans: secondary analyses of 2 randomized, clinical trials
Authors: Pilmark Nanna S. , Oberholzer Laura , Halling Jens F. , Kristensen Jonas M. , Bønding Christina P. , Elkjær Ida , Lyngbæk Mark , Elster Grit , Siebenmann Christoph , Holm Niels F.R. , Birk Jesper B. , Larsen Emil L. , Lundby Anne-Kristine M. , Wojtaszewski Jørgen , Pilegaard Henriette , Poulsen Henrik E. , Pedersen Bente K. , Hansen Katrine B. , Karstoft Kristian
Published: November 2021

Metformin and exercise both improve glycemic control, but in vitro studies have indicated that an interaction between metformin and exercise occurs in skeletal muscle, suggesting a blunting effect of metformin on exercise training adaptations. Two studies (a double-blind, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial conducted in 29 glucose-intolerant individuals and a double-blind, cross-over trial conducted in 15 healthy lean males) were included in this paper. In both studies, the effect of acute exercise ± metformin treatment on different skeletal muscle variables, previously suggested to be involved in a pharmaco-physiological interaction between metformin and exercise, was assessed. Furthermore, in the parallel-group trial, the effect of 12 weeks of exercise training was assessed. Skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained before and after acute exercise and 12 weeks of exercise training, and mitochondrial respiration, oxidative stress and AMPK activation was determined. Metformin did not significantly affect the effects of acute exercise or exercise training on mitochondrial respiration, oxidative stress or AMPK activation, indicating that the response to acute exercise and exercise training adaptations in skeletal muscle is not affected by metformin treatment. Further studies are needed to investigate whether an interaction between metformin and exercise is present in other tissues, e.g., the gut. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03316690 and NCT02951260).

Novelty: Metformin does not affect exercise-induced alterations in mitochondrial respiratory capacity in human skeletal muscle. Metformin does not affect exercise-induced alterations in systemic levels of oxidative stress nor emission of reactive oxygen species from human skeletal muscle. Metformin does not affect exercise-induced AMPK activation in human skeletal muscle.
HUMAN CAPITAL, WELL-BEING AND GROWTH RATE OF RURAL–URBAN MIGRATION IN CHINA
Authors: ZHOU JINGKUI , SONG JIAN , HUANG XIONG
Published: November 2021

This study investigates how human capital and well-being have influenced growth rate of rural–urban migration in China. Using rural household and family member data from the China Family Panel Studies database for 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016, we find that human capital has a significant and positive impact on migrant workers’ well-being. Migrant workers’ human capital and urban well-being positively affect growth rate of rural–urban migration, in which, urban well-being is an important mediator for human capital to play an important role in growth rate of rural–urban migration. Our study indicates that the Chinese government should accelerate implementing policies that increase investment in rural public’s basic education and financial support.
Decomposition‐Based Multistep Sea Wind Speed Forecasting Using Stacked Gated Recurrent Unit Improved by Residual Connections
Authors: Xie Jupeng , Zhang Huajun , Liu Linfan , Li Mengchuan , Su Yixin
Published: November 2021

Sea wind speed forecast is important for meteorological navigation system to keep ships in safe areas. The high volatility and uncertainty of wind make it difficult to accurately forecast multistep wind speed. This paper proposes a new decomposition‐based model to forecast hourly sea wind speeds. Because mode mixing affects the accuracy of the empirical mode decomposition‐ (EMD‐) based models, this model uses the variational mode decomposition (VMD) to alleviate this problem. To improve the accuracy of predicting subseries with high nonlinearity, this model uses stacked gate recurrent units (GRU) networks. To alleviate the degradation effect of stacked GRU, this model modifies them by adding residual connections to the deep layers. This model decomposes the nonlinear wind speed data into four subseries with different frequencies adaptively. Each stacked GRU predictor has four layers and the residual connections are added to the last two layers. The predictors have 24 inputs and 3 outputs, and the forecast is an ensemble of five predictors’ outputs. The proposed model can predict wind speed in the next 3 hours according to the past 24 hours’ wind speed data. The experiment results on three different sea areas show that the performance of this model surpasses those of a state‐of‐the‐art model, several benchmarks, and decomposition‐based models.
Comparison of Enoxaparin and Rivaroxaban in the Prophylaxis of Deep Venous Thrombosis in Arthroplasty
Authors: Çiçek Necati , Ağir İsmail , Tosun Hacı Bayram , Uludağ Abuzer , Sari Abdulkadir
Published: November 2021

Background. Pulmonary embolism is a serious early complication of arthroplasty procedures that can develop after deep venous thrombosis. The present study aimed to compare rivaroxaban and enoxaparin in terms of preventing DV and PE, and also in this study, we compared the complications due to these drugs in patients undergoing elective arthroplasty. Materials and Methods. 214 patients were divided into three groups based on their treatment regimens. In group I, enoxaparin was used, in group II, rivaroxaban was used, and in group III, enoxaparin was used throughout hospitalization, and after hospital discharge, rivaroxaban was used. These three groups were compared according to the occurrence of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and major and minor complications. Results. Major postoperative complications occurred in 5, 15, and 6 patients in group I, II, and III, respectively. Minor postoperative complications occurred in 10, 24, and 11 patients in group I, II, and III, respectively. No significant difference was found among the three groups. Deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism was not observed in any patient. Conclusion. Rivaroxaban was found to be as effective as enoxaparin in the prevention of deep venous thrombosis and other complications after arthroplasty. Moreover, oral rivaroxaban provided greater ease of use compared to subcutaneous enoxaparin. Based on these findings, we consider that rivaroxaban could be an effective alternative to enoxaparin.
A Primary Care Approach to Constipation in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Mathew Reshmi , Attarha Barrett O. , Kallumkal Govind , Cribbin Morgan , Izzo Christopher , Edwards Linda , Jacob Rafik
Published: November 2021

Constipation is a condition that is very prevalent and is reported in up to 40 percent of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Constipation in this patient population is most commonly secondary to neuromuscular abnormalities, immobility, suboptimal diet, and medication side effects. History taking is frequently limited in adults with IDD due to communication barriers, often leading to a missed diagnosis of constipation. Inadequately treated constipation may lead to adverse effects including behavioral disturbances, fecal impaction, intestinal obstruction, and even death from intestinal perforation and sepsis. As a result, a high index of suspicion must exist for this patient population. Treatment in these patients requires an individualized approach, to reduce the constipation and its associated health complications.
Efficacy and Safety of Ergoferon in Children from 6 Months to 6 Years Old with Acute Respiratory Viral Infections in Contemporary Outpatient Practice: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial
Authors: Geppe N. A. , Blokhin B. M. , Shamsheva O. V. , Abdrakhmanova S. T. , Alikhanova K. A. , Myrzabekova G. T.
Published: November 2021

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ergoferon in combination with symptomatic therapy in children from 6 months to 6 years old with acute respiratory infections (ARI) in contemporary outpatient practice, an international, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial was performed. Derived by technological treatment of antibodies to interferon gamma, histamine, and CD4, Ergoferon was previously proved to modulate its molecular targets promoting effective antiviral protection. The data of 282 patients with oral temperature ≥38.0°C plus mild to moderate severity of flu-like nonspecific and nasal/throat/chest symptoms were included in intention-to-treat analysis (n = 140, Ergoferon group; n = 142, placebo group). Time to alleviation of all ARI symptoms was the primary endpoint, and 8 outcome measures were estimated as the secondary endpoints. Respiratory viruses were confirmed in 57.1% (Ergoferon) and 54.9% (Placebo) of patients. Compared to placebo, Ergoferon reduced time to alleviation of all ARI symptoms (4.5 ± 1.7 versus 5.2 ± 2.2 days in placebo;

p
=
0.026

) including fever (2.8 ± 1.5 vs 3.4 ± 2.0;

p
=
0.031

), flu-like nonspecific (4.0 ± 1.8 vs 4.7 ± 2.2,

p
=
0.022

), and nasal/throat/chest (4.3 ± 2.0 versus 5.0 ± 2.3;

p
=
0.024

) symptoms. Ergoferon add-on therapy decreased the mean total symptom severity score (according to 4-point scale for each symptom), ARI severity, frequency of antipyretic use, and percentage of complication requiring antibiotics and increased the percentage of recovered patients. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) in the Ergoferon group was significantly lower compared to the placebo group (7.0% versus 18.8%;

p
=
0.004

) including infectious diseases (3.5% vs 12.5%;

p
=
0.008

). In the Ergoferon group, AEs were mild or moderate. In 8 (57.1%) cases, AEs were unrelated to Ergoferon, in 5 (35.7%), the relationship was uncertain, and in 1 (7.1%), it was possible (mild rash on the face). Ergoferon treatment is beneficial for infants and young children with ARI in contemporary outpatient practice. Being well-tolerated, Ergoferon increases the symptomatic therapy effectiveness and improves the patient condition and disease outcomes.
The Extent of Honeycombing on Computed Tomography Cannot Predict the Treatment Outcome of Patients with Acute Exacerbations of Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Nishikawa Yurika , Hara Yu , Tagami Yoichi , Nagasawa Ryo , Murohashi Kota , Aoki Ayako , Tanaka Katsushi , Watanabe Keisuke , Horita Nobuyuki , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Yamamoto Masaki , Kudo Makoto , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: November 2021

Background. The purpose of this retrospective study was to clarify whether the presence of honeycombing on computed tomography (CT) can affect the prognosis of patients with acute exacerbations (AEs) of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Methods. Clinical parameters including age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index Score (CCIS), blood biomarkers, and 3-month mortality were retrospectively compared between the CT honeycombing present and absent groups at the diagnosis of AEs of ILDs. Results. Ninety-five patients who were on corticosteroid pulse therapy were assessed. Though log-rank tests showed that Kaplan–Meier survival curves of the high and low ground-glass opacity (GGO) score groups differed significantly in 3-month mortality in patients with AEs of idiopathic ILDs (

P

 = 0.007) and overall patients (

P

 = 0.045), there was no significant difference between the CT honeycombing present and absent groups in patients with AEs of idiopathic ILDs (

P

 = 0.472) and AEs of secondary ILDs (

P

 = 0.905), as well as of overall patients (

P

 = 0.600). In addition, whereas CCIS (OR, 1.436; 95% CI, 1.156–1.842;

P

 < 0.001) was a significant predictor of 3-month mortality in the CT honeycombing absent group, serum LDH (OR, 1.005; 95% CI, 1.002–1.007;

P

 = 0.001) was a significant predictor in the CT honeycombing present group. Conclusions. The clinical features of patients with or without honeycombing may differ due to the difference in prognostic factors, but these groups were found to have similar prognoses 3 months after AE onset, and clinicopathological examinations according to these groups are essential.