bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional (3D) Printing: Implications for Risk Assessment and Management in Occupational Settings
Authors: Leso Veruscka , Ercolano Maria Luigia , Mazzotta Ines , Romano Marco , Cannavacciuolo Francesca , Iavicoli Ivo
Published: December 2020

The widespread application of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, commonly known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, in industrial and home-business sectors, and the expected increase in the number of workers and consumers that use these devices, have raised concerns regarding the possible health implications of 3D printing emissions. To inform the risk assessment and management processes, this review evaluates available data concerning exposure assessment in AM workplaces and possible effects of 3D printing emissions on humans identified through in vivo and in vitro models in order to inform risk assessment and management processes. Peer-reviewed literature was identified in Pubmed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases. The literature demonstrated that a significant fraction of the particles released during 3D printing could be in the ultrafine size range. Depending upon the additive material composition, increased levels of metals and volatile organic compounds could be detected during AM operations, compared with background levels. AM phases, specific job tasks performed, and preventive measures adopted may all affect exposure levels. Regarding possible health effects, printer emissions were preliminary reported to affect the respiratory system of involved workers. The limited number of workplace studies, together with the great variety of AM techniques and additive materials employed, limit generalizability of exposure features. Therefore, greater scientific efforts should be focused at understanding sources, magnitudes, and possible health effects of exposures to develop suitable processes for occupational risk assessment and management of AM technologies.
Malware and market share: a comment on Arce
Authors: Jegers Marc , Van Hove Leo
Published: December 2020

Arce (Malware and market share. J Cybersecur 2018;4:tyy010) presents a game-theoretic model in which users select and hackers target one of two IT platforms based upon the platforms’ network benefits and security levels. Unfortunately, in modelling the network benefits, Arce misinterprets Metcalfe’s law. In particular, he assumes that the utility that a user obtains from a platform increases quadratically with the number of users, whereas Metcalfe’s law holds that utility increases linearly with network size.
Comparing Anal Cancer Screening Algorithms Using Cytology and Human Papillomavirus DNA Testing in 3 High-Risk Populations
Authors: Gaisa Michael M , Sigel Keith M , Deshmukh Ashish A , Lenskaya Volha , Chan Courtney A , Silvera Richard , Winters John , Liu Yuxin
Published: December 2020

Background

Screening strategies for high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV)-associated anal cancer are evolving. Herein, we compare anal cytology to hrHPV DNA testing and 2 novel cytology/hrHPV cotesting algorithms among 3 high-risk populations.

Methods

Anal cytology, hrHPV DNA testing, and high-resolution anoscopy (HRA)-guided biopsy results were analyzed from 1837 participants (1504 HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM), 155 HIV-uninfected MSM, and 178 HIV-infected women). Performance to detect histological high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)/cancer was compared between 4 strategies with distinct HRA referral thresholds: cytology (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, ASCUS); hrHPV testing (any hrHPV positive); algorithm A (benign cytology/HPV16/18 positive or ASCUS/hrHPV positive); and algorithm B (benign or ASCUS/hrHPV positive).

Results

Histological HSIL/cancer was detected in 756 (41%) participants. Cytology had the lowest sensitivity (0.76–0.89) but highest specificity (0.33–0.36) overall and for each subgroup. Algorithm B was the most sensitive strategy overall (0.97) and for MSM (HIV-infected 0.97; HIV-uninfected 1.00). For women, hrHPV testing and both algorithms yielded higher sensitivity than cytology (0.96, 0.98, and 0.96). Specificity was low for all strategies/subgroups (range, 0.16–0.36).

Conclusions

Screening algorithms that incorporate cytology and hrHPV testing significantly increased sensitivity but decreased specificity to detect anal precancer/cancer among high-risk populations.
Effectiveness of Mechanical Traction for Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vanti Carla , Panizzolo Alice , Turone Luca , Guccione Andrew A , Violante Francesco Saverio , Pillastrini Paolo , Bertozzi Lucia
Published: December 2020

Objective

Lumbar radiculopathy (LR) is a pain syndrome caused by compression/irritation of the lumbar nerve root(s). Traction is a well-known and commonly used conservative treatment for LR, although its effectiveness is disputed. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was to evaluate the effects of different types of traction added to or compared with conservative treatments on pain and disability.

Methods

Data were obtained from CENTRAL, PUBMED, CINAHL, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and PEDro from their inception to April 2020. All randomized controlled trials on adults with LR, using mechanical traction, and without any restriction regarding publication time or language were considered. Two reviewers selected the studies, evaluated the quality assessment, and extracted the results. Meta-analysis used a random-effects model. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, and 5 were meta-analyzed.

Results

Meta-analyses of results from low-quality studies indicated that supine mechanical traction added to physical therapist treatments had significant effects on pain (g = −0.58 [95% confidence interval = −0.87 to −0.29]) and disability (g = −0.78 [95% confidence interval = −1.45 to −0.11]). Analyses of results from high-quality studies of prone mechanical traction added to physical therapist intervention for pain and disability were not significant. These results were also evident at short-term follow-up (up to 3 months after intervention).

Conclusion

The literature suggests that, for pain and disability in LR, there is short-term effectiveness of supine mechanical traction when added to physical therapist intervention.

Impact

This systematic review may be relevant for clinical practice due to its external validity because the treatments and the outcome measures are very similar to those commonly used in a clinical context.
Biliary Tract Emergencies
Authors: Goschka Andrew , Altinok Gulcin
Published: December 2020

Cholelithiasis has a high prevalence in Western populations; therefore careful evaluation of the biliary system is essential in acute patients undergoing abdominal imaging. An estimated 15% of the U.S. population has cholelithiasis, although 80% will remain asymptomatic. The disease burden results in 300,000 cholecystectomies performed annually for biliary colic, cholecystitis, and additional related complications.1 However, biliary pathology is not solely related to cholelithiasis. Additional biliary pathology may result from diverse etiologies with infectious, inflammatory, metabolic, neoplastic, traumatic, and iatrogenic causes. Therefore, appropriate management is not solely limited to cholecystectomy, but instead depends on the specific diagnosis. This article explores the various acute biliary pathologies with which radiologists should be familiar, with a particular emphasis on the clinical features, radiologic appearance, adjunct imaging modalities, and treatment.
Pseudo-Protrusio Acetabular Deformity in Osteogenesis Imperfecta Patients
Authors: Song Mi Hyun , Kamisan Norazian , Lim Chaemoon , Shin Chang Ho , Yoo Won Joon , Song Hae-Ryong , Choi In Ho , Cho Tae-Joon
Published: December 2020

Background:

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) can develop a protrusio acetabuli deformity. However, the authors observed a pseudo-protrusio-type acetabular deformity (PPAD) on 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). Hence, we systematically reviewed 3D-CT and pelvis radiographs of OI patients and report the incidence and patterns of acetabular deformity in OI patients and the associated radiographic signs.

Methods:

The study included 590 hips of 295 OI patients, who were older than 5 years, and did not have a pelvic fracture. The incidence of a deformed acetabulum (center-edge angle >40 degrees) and its correlation with disease severity were investigated. In 40 hips for which 3D-CT was available, 3-dimensional morphology of the acetabular deformity was analyzed to delineate PPAD. On plain radiographs, PPAD-related signs were determined, focusing on the contour of ilioischial line, iliopectineal line, acetabular line, and their relationship. These radiographic signs were also evaluated in the remaining hips with deformed acetabula that did not have 3D-CT.

Results:

One hundred twenty-three hips of 590 hips (21%) showed deformed acetabula. The incidence of deformed acetabula was significantly associated with disease severity (P<0.001). Three-dimensional analysis showed that 10 hips had protrusio acetabuli, whereas 17 had PPAD, which showed that the hemipelvis was crumpled, the acetabular roof was rotated upwardly and medially, and the hip center migrated superiorly, uncovering the anterior femoral head. Among the PPAD-related signs, superomedial bulging of the iliopectineal line was the most predictive radiographic sign (73% sensitivity and 100% specificity). This sign was also observed in almost one third of deformed acetabula of those investigated only with plain radiographs.

Conclusions:

This study showed that acetabular deformity is common in OI patients and is associated with disease severity. A substantial number of hips showed PPAD, which may not cause femoroacetabular impingement but result in anterior uncovering of the hip joint. Superomedial bulging of the iliopectineal line suggests this pattern of acetabular deformity.

Level of Evidence:

Lever IV—prognostic studies.
Acceptance and Attitudes Toward COVID-19 Vaccines: A Cross-Sectional Study from Jordan
Authors: El-Elimat Tamam , AbuAlSamen Mahmoud M. , Almomani Basima A. , Al-Sawalha Nour A. , Alali Feras Q.
Published: December 2020

Background

Vaccines are effective interventions that can reduce the high burden of diseases globally. However, public vaccine hesitancy is a pressing problem for public health authorities. With the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, little information is available on the public acceptability and attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccines in Jordan. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines and its predictors in addition to the attitudes towards these vaccines among public in Jordan.

Methods

An online, cross-sectional, and self-administered questionnaire was instrumentalized to survey adult participants from Jordan on the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines. Logistic regression analysis was used to find the predictors of COVID-19 vaccines’ acceptability.

Results

A total of 3,100 participants completed the survey. The public acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines was fairly low (37.4%) in Jordan. Males (OR=2.488, 95CI%=1.834–3.375, p<.001) and those who took the seasonal influenza vaccine (OR=2.036, 95CI%=1.306–3.174, p=.002) were more likely to accept Covid-19 vaccines. Similarly, participants who believed that vaccines are generally safe (OR=9.258, 95CI%=6.020–14.237, p<.001) and those who were willing to pay for vaccines (OR=19.223, 95CI%=13.665–27.042, p<.001), once available, were more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccines. However, those above 35 years old (OR=0.376, 95CI%=0.233-0.607, p<.001) and employed participants (OR=0.542, 95CI%=0.405-0.725, p<.001) were less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccines. Moreover, participants who believed that there was a conspiracy behind COVID-19 (OR=0.502, 95CI%=0.356- 0.709, p<.001) and those who do not trust any source of information on COVID-19 vaccines (OR=0.271, 95CI%=0.183 – 0.400, p<.001), were less likely to have acceptance towards them. The most trusted sources of information on COVID-19 vaccines were healthcare providers.

Conclusion

Systematic interventions are required by public health authorities to reduce the levels of vaccines’ hesitancy and improve their acceptance. We believe these results and specifically the low rate of acceptability is alarming to Jordanian health authorities and should stir further studies on the root causes and the need of awareness campaigns. These interventions should take the form of reviving the trust in national health authorities and structured awareness campaigns that offer transparent information about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines and the technology that was utilized in their production.
A Single Cell Gene Expression Atlas of 28 Human Livers
Authors: Brancale Joseph , Vilarinho Sílvia
Published: December 2020

The liver is the largest solid organ in the human body and is responsible for a multitude of essential functions for survival. Chronic liver injury affects over 1 billion people worldwide and therapeutic options other than liver transplantation are a critical unmet medical need. Thus, advances in molecular hepatology are essential to facilitate the discovery of new therapeutic targets. Here we describe the aggregation and integration of single cell RNA-sequencing in more than 36,000 cells from 28 human livers reported in five independent studies. Noteworthy, the merged data shows a high degree of overlap, demonstrating the robustness of liver gene expression at single cell level independent of age, gender, liver collection, processing and sequencing methods. Hence, this data allowed us to develop a user-friendly web browser for quick and easy interrogation and comparison of gene expression across a variety of parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cell populations. Collectively, this study provides the largest human liver transcriptomic single cell atlas accessible for interactive visualization via an open-access web portal to the research community worldwide.
FAM72A antagonizes UNG2 to promote mutagenic uracil repair during antibody maturation
Authors: Feng Yuqing , Li Conglei , Stewart Jessica , Barbulescu Philip , Desivo Noé Seija , Álvarez-Quilón Alejandro , Pezo Rossanna C. , Perera Madusha L.W. , Chan Katherine , Tong Amy Hin Yan , Mohamad-Ramshan Rukshana , Berru Maribel , Nakib Diana , Li Gavin , Kardar Gholam Ali , Carlyle James , Moffat Jason , Durocher Daniel , Di Noia Javier M. , Bhagwat Ashok S. , Martin Alberto
Published: December 2020

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) catalyzes the deamination of deoxycytidines withinImmunoglobulin(Ig) genes to induce somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR)1,2. AID-induced deoxyuracils withinIgloci are recognized and processed by subverted base excision and mismatch repair pathways that ensure a mutagenic outcome in B lymphocytes3–8. However, it is unclear why DNA repair pathways that remove deoxyuracil from DNA are not efficient at faithfully repairing AID-induced lesions. Here, we identified through a genome-wide CRISPR screen that FAM72A, a protein with no ascribed function, is a major determinant for the error-prone processing of deoxyuracil.Fam72a-deficient CH12F3-2 B cells and primary B cells fromFam72a−/−mice have reduced CSR and SHM frequencies. The SHM spectrum in B cells fromFam72a−/−mice is opposite to that observed inUng2−/−mice9, suggesting that UNG2 is hyperactive in FAM72A-deficient cells. Indeed, FAM72A binds to UNG2 resulting in reduced UNG2 activity, and significantly reduced protein levels in the G1 phase, coinciding with peak AID activity. This effect leads to increased genome-wide deoxyuracils in B cells. By antagonizing UNG2, FAM72A therefore increases U•G mispairs that engage mutagenic mismatch repair promoting error-prone processing of AID-induced deoxyuracils. This work shows that FAM72A bridges base-excision repair and mismatch repair to modulate antibody maturation.
pmTR database: population matched (PM) germline allelic variants of T-cell receptor (TR) loci
Authors: Dekker Julian , van Dongen Jacques J.M. , Reinders Marcel J.T. , Khatri Indu
Published: December 2020

T-cell receptor (TR) germline alleles are arranged, organized and made available to the research community by the IMGT database. This state-of-the-art database, however, does not provide information regarding population specificity and allelic frequencies of the genes all four humanTRloci (TRA, TRB, TRGandTRD). The specificity of allelic variants to different human populations can, however, be a rich source of information when studying the genetic basis of population-specific immune responses in vaccination and disease. To makeTRgermline alleles available for such population-specific studies, we meticulously identified true germline alleles enriched with completeTRallele sequences and their frequencies across 26 different human populations, profiled by “1,000 Genomes data”. We identified 205TRAV,249TRBV,16TRGVand 5TRDVgermline alleles supported by at least four haplotypes (= minimum of two individuals). The diversity of germline allelic variants in theTRloci is highest in Africans followed by Non-African populations. A majority of the Non-African alleles are specific to the Asian populations, suggesting a diverse profile ofTRgermline alleles in different human populations. Interestingly, the alleles known in the IMGT database are frequent and common across all the superpopulations. We believe that this new set of genuine germlineTRsequences represents a valuable new resource which we have made available through the new population-matchedTR(pmTR) database, accessible viahttps://pmtrig.lumc.nl/.
A Crystallographic Snapshot of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Maturation Process
Authors: Noske G. D. , Nakamura A. M. , Gawriljuk V. O. , Fernandes R. S. , Lima G. M. A. , Rosa H. V. D. , Pereira H. D. , Zeri A. C. M. , Nascimento A.A. F. Z. , Freire M. C. L. C. , Oliva G. , Godoy A. S.
Published: December 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of COVID-19. The dimeric form of the viral main protease is responsible for the cleavage of the viral polyprotein in 11 sites, including its own N and C-terminus. Although several mechanisms of self-cleavage had been proposed for SARS-CoV, the lack of structural information for each step is a setback to the understanding of this process. Herein, we used X-ray crystallography to characterize an immature form of the main protease, which revealed major conformational changes in the positioning of domain-three over the active site, hampering the dimerization and diminishing its activity. We propose that this form preludes the cis-cleavage of N-terminal residues within the dimer, leading to the mature active site. Using fragment screening, we probe new cavities in this form which can be used to guide therapeutic development. Furthermore, we characterized a serine site-directed mutant of the main protease bound to its endogenous N and C-terminal residues during the formation of the tetramer. This quaternary form is also present in solution, suggesting a transitional state during the C-terminal trans-cleavage. This data sheds light in the structural modifications of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease during maturation, which can guide the development of new inhibitors targeting its intermediary states.
Small-angle X-ray scattering from GaN nanowires on Si(111): facet truncation rods, facet roughness and Porod's law
Authors: Kaganer Vladimir M. , Konovalov Oleg V. , Fernández-Garrido Sergio
Published: December 2020

Small-angle X-ray scattering from GaN nanowires grown on Si(111) is measured in the grazing-incidence geometry and modelled by means of a Monte Carlo simulation that takes into account the orientational distribution of the faceted nanowires and the roughness of their side facets. It is found that the scattering intensity at large wavevectors does not follow Porod's law I(q) ∝ q
−4. The intensity depends on the orientation of the side facets with respect to the incident X-ray beam. It is maximum when the scattering vector is directed along a facet normal, reminiscent of surface truncation rod scattering. At large wavevectors q, the scattering intensity is reduced by surface roughness. A root-mean-square roughness of 0.9 nm, which is the height of just 3–4 atomic steps per micrometre-long facet, already gives rise to a strong intensity reduction.
Isolation and crystal structure of lawinal
Authors: Suthiphasilp Virayu , Meesakul Pornphimol , Richardson Christopher , Pyne Stephen G. , Laphookhieo Surat
Published: December 2020

The structure of the natural product lawinal [systematic name: (−)-(2S)-5,7-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4-oxo-2-phenylchromane-8-carbaldehyde, C17H14O5] at 150 K is reported. The compound crystallizes with monoclinic (I2) symmetry and with Z′ = 2. The absolute configuration could not be determined reliably from X-ray analysis only. However, our analysis returns the S-configuration at the C-2 position, consistent with previous stereochemical assignment from specific rotation. The independent molecules form into alternating hydrogen-bonded chains with C—H...O=CH intermolecular linkages that run parallel to the crystallographic a axis and are extended into the ac plane by π–π interactions between their phenyl substituents.
Bridging polarised Twitter discussions: the interactions of the users in the middle
Authors: Lorentzen David Gunnarsson
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to analyse the interactions of bridging users in Twitter discussions about vaccination.

Design/methodology/approach

Conversational threads were collected through filtering the Twitter stream using keywords and the most active participants in the conversations. Following data collection and anonymisation of tweets and user profiles, a retweet network was created to find users bridging the main clusters. Four conversations were selected, ranging from 456 to 1,983 tweets long, and then analysed through content analysis.

Findings

Although different opinions met in the discussions, a consensus was rarely built. Many sub-threads involved insults and criticism, and participants seemed not interested in shifting their positions. However, examples of reasoned discussions were also found.

Originality/value

The study analyses conversations on Twitter, which is rarely studied. The focus on the interactions of bridging users adds to the uniqueness of the paper.
Sport consumer flow and shopping well-being in online shopping
Authors: Paek Bomin , Morse Alan , Kim Minjung , Jung Hoyoon
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Due to the increased growth of Internet users, the examination of compelling online shopping behavior has emerged as a vital topic in developing positive consumer behaviors. However, there is a dearth of studies into how consumers of sport merchandise in the online setting spend their time and what types of factors contribute toward their positive shopping experience. To fill this gap, the purpose of this current study is to investigate the impact and complexity of sport commerce websites by providing the precondition of flow (e.g. convenience, content, aesthetics, interactivity and customization), as well as the consequences of flow (e.g. website satisfaction and shopping well-being).

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines relationships among perceived website quality, flow, web satisfaction, and shopping well-being by using structural equation modeling. This current study is based on online sport fans who have recent online shopping experiences of licensed sport products (n = 331).

Findings

Results of this present study show that flow plays a mediating role between perceived website quality and web satisfaction, which in turn is positively associated with consumers' shopping well-being.

Originality/value

This current study supports a mediating role of flow state in sport consumer perceptions of website quality and satisfaction; it expands existing knowledge through determining the factors that facilitate flow state and website satisfaction in online shopping. This empirical finding offers important implications regarding the function of flow as an essential factor via the optimization of website services and sport consumers' attitudes.
Prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV) during novel Covid-19 lock-down in Uganda
Authors: Nabukeera Madinah
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the challenges related to fighting gender-based violence (GBV) victims during the lockdown in Uganda and suggest prevention and response to GBV and domestic violence victims and stakeholders amidst the deadly novel coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis was used to collect data to answer the objective of the study. Relevant documents that related to prevention and response to GBV amidst the deadly novel coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic were reviewed i.e. both print ((inter)-national newspapers i.e. monitor and newspaper), electronic (television and radio) and social media (Facebook and Twitter) and presidential addresses on Covid-19.

Findings

The usual mechanisms that victims go through to report are curtailed and the lockdown and quarantine presented the perpetrators the perfect environment to continue disrespecting victims, as everyone was required to respect the stay at home orders, hence it gave fertile ground for isolation and control of the victims.

Originality/value

Proposing prevention and response to GBV during the coronavirus novel Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in Uganda.
Expatriate's engagement and burnout: the role of purpose-oriented leadership and cultural intelligence
Authors: Cavazotte Flavia , Mello Sylvia Freitas , Oliveira Lucia B.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study analyzes the impact of purpose-oriented leadership and leader cultural intelligence on engagement and burnout among expatriates undertaking long-term corporate assignments, grounded on social psychology frameworks on interpersonal bias.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with corporate expatriates from 21 different nationalities, who work for large multinational companies and were on assignment in 23 distinct countries – including Brazil, China, Japan and the UK Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was used to evaluate the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Results indicate that leader cultural intelligence is associated with lower burnout and higher engagement among expatriates, and that purpose-oriented leadership is associated with higher expatriate engagement but not with lower burnout.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the field by highlighting specific leader attributes that can foster successful expatriation: cultural intelligence and purpose-oriented leadership. The study adds to knowledge on leader–follower relationships amid national and cultural diversity by pointing to actionable leader qualities that can foster expatriate engagement and prevent his/her burnout.
How vigilant leaders prepare for a turbulent future
Authors: Day George S. , Kruse Karissa
Published: December 2020

Purpose

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck some organizations were more vigilant and better prepared to absorb the shock and are emerging stronger. This article describes the best practices of these vigilant organizations that enabled them to be more adept at anticipating whatever surprises are coming next.

Design/methodology/approach

The article describes the four ways that vigilant firms are distinguished from their under-performing vulnerable rivals.

Findings

Vigilant firms practice: A strong commitment to processes that promote vigilance. 10;9;They invest in foresight activities. They deploy flexible and adaptive strategy-making processes. They coordinate and share information across organizational silos.

Practical implications

Vigilance is rewarded when an organization is able to move faster than rivals once the ambiguities shrouding the weak signals of potential threats or nascent opportunities are clarified.

Originality/value

The practices of the vigilant organizations enable them to be more adept at anticipating whatever surprises are coming next, a crucial capability in the current and post-covid era.
INSURGENT PLANNING IN PANDEMIC TIMES: The Case of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Friendly Abigail
Published: December 2020

Given the growing importance of populism in cities both empirically and in scholarly discourse, planning is increasingly grappling with this ‘unsettling era’, focusing on how to respond to these times. This opening provides an opportunity to re‐engage with the idea of insurgent planning—practices that are counter‐hegemonic, transgressive, and imaginative—within populist contexts. I explore the case of mobilizations by community communicators in Complexo da Maré, a set of favelas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the spread of COVID‐19 in 2020. In contrast to these mobilizations, Brazil's federal right‐wing populist government failed to attend to the needs of favela residents. Through the case of Maré's communicators, I highlight the need for planning to account for the role of insurgent planning as a response to populist contexts in cities of the global South.
Molecular mechanisms of the disturbance caused by malondialdehyde on probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri PL503
Authors: Padilla Patricia , Andrade María J. , Peña Fernando J. , Rodríguez Alicia , Estévez Mario
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to provide insight into the molecular and genetic mechanisms implicated in the responses of Lactobacillus reuteri against the oxidative stress induced by malondialdehyde (MDA) by analysing protein oxidation and assessing the uspA and the dhaT genes. Four experimental groups were evaluated depending on the concentration of MDA added in Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth: Control (L. reuteri), 5 µM (L. reuteri + 5 µM MDA), 25 µM (L. reuteri + 25 µM MDA) and 100 µM (L. reuteri + 100 µM MDA). Three replicates were incubated at 37 °C for 24 h in microaerophilic conditions and sampled at 12, 16, 20 and 24 h. The upregulation of the uspA gene by L. reuteri indicates the recognition of MDA as a potential DNA‐damaging agent. The dhaT gene, encoding a NADH‐dependent‐oxidoreductase, was also upregulated at the highest MDA concentrations. This gene was proposed to play a role in the antioxidant response of L. reuteri. The incubation of L. reuteri with MDA increased the production of ROS and caused thiol depletion and protein carbonylation. L. reuteri is proposed to detoxify pro‐oxidative species while the underlying mechanism requires further elucidation.
First record of acoustic behaviour in Sulawesi bear cuscus (Ailurops ursinus)
Authors: Bool Ian , Slaymaker Matthew , Magrath Robert D. , Arfian Arthur , Karya Adi , Analuddin Kangkuso , Courtney Jones Stephanie K.
Published: December 2020

Possum acoustic behaviour is complex and varies substantially, with some species having numerous calls used in various contexts, while other species are limited to one known vocalisation or non‐vocal sounds. Here, we report that the first known recording of Sulawesi bear cuscus (Ailurops ursinus, 1824) acoustic behaviour and observations of associated behavioural displays. We observed an animal adopting a raised posture in apparent threat display and audio‐recorded the concurrent short, harsh sounds. The animal produced a ‘chatter’, composed of four notes given at short, regular intervals, followed by a series of ‘clicks’ given at longer and irregular intervals. We describe the frequency and temporal characteristics of these sounds. Clicks were variable in acoustic structure, possibly falling into three subtypes, and some clicks overlapped in acoustic features with individual chatter notes. Click and chatter notes were broadband and non‐tonal, and so appear to be non‐vocal sounds, produced by the mouth or tongue rather than larynx. Our observations and recording of A. ursinus contribute to the natural history of this poorly known and enigmatic species, that is currently threatened with extinction from illegal wildlife trade, hunting and deforestation.
Fertility potential in adult men treated for uncorrected bilateral cryptorchidism: A systematic literature review and analysis of case reports
Authors: Muncey Wade , Dutta Rahul , Terlecki Ryan P. , Woo Lynn L. , Scarberry Kyle
Published: December 2020

Objective

Reports of adult orchidopexy for bilateral undescended testicles (bUDT) are sparse, and fertility outcomes are not well established. Our aim was to determine prognosis for restoration of spermatogenesis among adult men (≥18 years) undergoing orchidopexy for bUDT.

Methods

A systematic literature review, conforming to the PRISMA statement, was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases through March 2020 using search terms "adult” AND “bilateral orchidopexy" OR "bilateral cryptorchidism.” Relevant referenced articles from non‐indexed journal were identified by Google Scholar search and additionally included.

Results

Fifty‐seven publications including adult men with uncorrected bilateral UDTs were identified. Baseline semen analysis was reported in 157 men, all of whom demonstrated azoospermia. Testosterone values were reported in 82 cases and were normal in 89%. Germ cells could not be identified in 72.6% of histologic specimens from 62 testicles. Abdominal testicles more frequently lacked germ cells (90%, p = 0.038) on univariate analysis.

Eleven cases identified ejaculated spermatozoa following adult bilateral orchidopexy (8 publications). Sperm extraction (TESE) during orchidopexy or orchiectomy was reported in 13 men without success. Delayed TESE (median 10 months) was performed in 22 persistently azoospermic men with success in 10 (45.5%), none of whom had abdominal testicles prior to orchidopexy. Six men experienced successful paternity via natural conception (3) or assisted reproduction (3).

Conclusion

Fertility is possible in adult men with inguinal bUDT following orchidopexy. Subsequent sperm retrieval may involve ejaculated specimens or delayed TESE. TESE performed prior to or at time of orchidopexy is unlikely to be of benefit.
Use of antibiotics during pregnancy is associated with infection in children at four years of age in Portugal
Authors: Cunha Antonio J. L. A. , Santos Ana Cristina , Medronho Roberto A. , Barros Henrique
Published: December 2020

Aim

To assess the association between taking antibiotics in pregnancy and the occurrence of infections in children at four years of age.

Methods

We studied children who participated in the follow‐up of the birth cohort Generation XXI, Porto‐Portugal, at the age of four years. We evaluated the associations between the use of antibiotics by the mother at any time in pregnancy with the occurrence of infections. Data were analysed using logistic regression, controlling for potential confounding variables.

Results

We studied 7459 children (50.7% boys). The use of antibiotics at any stage of pregnancy, and not only in the third trimester, was associated with the occurrence of tonsillitis at four years, even after controlling for potential confounders (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03–1.38). Other infections did not show association.

Conclusion

Maternal use of antibiotics during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of tonsillitis reported at four years of age. Antibiotics could favour the potential transmission of an unfavourable microbiome from mother to child.
Fixed‐dose combination antibiotics: The search for evidence using the example of ampicillin–cloxacillin
Authors: Sayer Ben , Bortone Barbara , Sharland Mike , Hsia Yingfen
Published: December 2020

High consumption of irrational fixed‐dose combination (FDC) antibiotics may pose a threat of antimicrobial resistance. In India, ampicillin–cloxacillin was the second highest sold FDC antibiotic behind amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. There remain, however, questions about its efficacy and safety and a lack of regulatory approval. We undertook a literature review for ampicillin–cloxacillin to identify available data on the safety and efficacy of its used as FDC. We identified 1071 studies for screening and 81 studies were considered for inclusion. Only 12 studies in English language were accessible full texts for final review. None of the studies identified provided strong evidence that ampicillin–cloxacillin differed in safety or efficacy to other treatments used, and in particular to the component antibiotics used alone. To fully assess the efficacy and safety of ampicillin–cloxacillin and other FDCs, a standardised search format would be required. This should include broad international collaboration, including contacting the relevant regulatory authorities to facilitate a more evidence‐based approach to their use.
Simultaneous confidence intervals for ranks with application to ranking institutions
Authors: Al Mohamad Diaa , Goeman Jelle J. , van Zwet Erik W.
Published: December 2020

When a ranking of institutions such as medical centers or universities is based on a numerical measure of performance provided with a standard error, confidence intervals (CIs) should be calculated to assess the uncertainty of these ranks. We present a novel method based on Tukey's honest significant difference test to construct simultaneous CIs for the true ranks. When all the true performances are equal, the probability of coverage of our method attains the nominal level. In case the true performance measures have no exact ties, our method is conservative. For this situation, we propose a rescaling method to the nominal level that results in shorter CIs while keeping control of the simultaneous coverage. We also show that a similar rescaling can be applied to correct a recently proposed Monte‐Carlo based method, which is anticonservative. After rescaling, the two methods perform very similarly. However, the rescaling of the Monte‐Carlo based method is computationally much more demanding and becomes infeasible when the number of institutions is larger than 30–50. We discuss another recently proposed method similar to ours based on simultaneous CIs for the true performance. We show that our method provides uniformly shorter CIs for the same confidence level. We illustrate the superiority of our new methods with a data analysis for travel time to work in the United States and on rankings of 64 hospitals in the Netherlands.
Spatial Metaphor Facilitates Word Learning
Authors: Starr Ariel , Cirolia Alagia J. , Tillman Katharine A. , Srinivasan Mahesh
Published: December 2020

Why are spatial metaphors, like the use of “high” to describe a musical pitch, so common? This study tested one hundred and fifty‐four 3‐ to 5‐year‐old English‐learning children on their ability to learn a novel adjective in the domain of space or pitch and to extend this adjective to the untrained dimension. Children were more proficient at learning the word when it described a spatial attribute compared to pitch. However, once children learned the word, they extended it to the untrained dimension without feedback. Thus, children leveraged preexisting associations between space and pitch to spontaneously understand new metaphors. These results suggest that spatial metaphors may be common across languages in part because they scaffold children’s acquisition of word meanings that are otherwise difficult to learn.
Microvesicles in active lupus nephritis show Toll-like receptor 9-dependent co-expression of galectin-3 binding protein and double-stranded DNA
Authors: Rasmussen N S , Nielsen C T , Nielsen C H , Jacobsen S
Published: December 2020

Circulating microvesicles (MVs) from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) express the type 1 interferon (IFN)-inducible protein galectin-3 binding protein (G3BP), which may enhance their deposition in the glomerular basement membrane. The release of G3BP-expressing MVs from normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is induced by Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR-9) ligands, and these vesicles contain autoantibody-accessible double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). This study compares the release of MVs expressing G3BP and dsDNA from PBMCs derived from SLE patients with or without active lupus nephritis (LN) and from healthy donors, and taps further into the potential dependency on IFN-α for their generation and impacts of TLR-7/TLR-9 co-stimulation. PBMCs from 10 healthy donors and 12 SLE patients, six of whom had active LN at study inclusion, were stimulated in-vitro with recombinant human IFN-α and the TLR-9 agonists oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN)2216 or ODN2395 alone or in combination with the TLR-7 agonist gardiquimod. MVs in the supernatants were subsequently isolated by differential centrifugation and their expression of G3BP and dsDNA was quantified by flow cytometry. Stimulation with ODN2395 significantly increased the release of MVs co-expressing G3BP and dsDNA from PBMCs isolated from healthy donors and SLE patients. The expression of G3BP on individual MVs and the proportion of G3BP and dsDNA double-positive MVs released were increased in active LN patients. Neither co-stimulation with gardiquimod nor with the IFN-α inhibitor IN-1 had any effect on the MV release induced by ODN2395. In conclusion, the TLR-9-mediated inducibility of MVs co-expressing G3BP and dsDNA is increased in SLE patients with active LN.
A model‐based approach to investigating the relationship between glucose‐insulin dynamics and dapagliflozin treatment effect in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Shah Millie , Stolbov Leonid , Yakovleva Tatiana , Tang Weifeng , Sokolov Victor , Penland Robert C. , Boulton David , Parkinson Joanna
Published: December 2020

Aims

To develop a quantitative systems pharmacology model to describe the effect of dapagliflozin (a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 [SGLT2] inhibitor) on glucose‐insulin dynamics in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, and to identify key determinants of treatment‐mediated glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction.

Materials and methods

Glycaemic control during dapagliflozin treatment was mechanistically characterized by integrating components representing dapagliflozin pharmacokinetics (PK), glucose‐insulin homeostasis, renal glucose reabsorption, and HbA1c formation. The model was developed using PK variables, glucose, plasma insulin, and urinary glucose excretion (UGE) from a phase IIa dapagliflozin trial in patients with T2DM (NCT00162305). The model was used to predict dapagliflozin‐induced HbA1c reduction; model predictions were compared to actual data from phase III trials (NCT00528879, NCT00683878, NCT00680745 and NCT00673231).

Results

The integrated glucose‐insulin‐dapagliflozin model successfully described plasma glucose and insulin levels, as well as UGE in response to oral glucose tolerance tests and meal intake. HbA1c reduction was also well predicted. The results show that dapagliflozin‐mediated glycaemic control is anticorrelated to steady‐state insulin concentration and insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions

The developed model framework is the first to integrate SGLT2 inhibitor mechanism of action with both short‐term glucose‐insulin dynamics and long‐term glucose control (HbA1c). The results suggest that dapagliflozin treatment is beneficial in patients with inadequate glycaemic control from insulin alone and this benefit increases as insulin control diminishes.
A 1 g dose of intravenous iron is sufficient to treat iron deficiency anaemia
Authors: Karim Syarihan , Butler Jennifer M. , Barclay Murray L.
Published: December 2020

One hundred and ninety‐four patient episodes were audited for response to a standardised 1 g intravenous iron infusion for medical outpatients with iron deficiency anaemia. Patients received either ferric carboxymaltose or iron polymaltose. At 5–7 weeks after infusion, mean increase in Hb was 26.7 g/L and ferritin was 161 mcg/L, and only one patient had Hb <100 g/L. This reassures that 1 g dose of intravenous iron is sufficient for most patients, with benefits for treatment costs and patient convenience.
Left bundle branch area pacing using stylet‐driven pacing leads with a new delivery sheath: A comparison with lumen‐less leads
Authors: De Pooter Jan , Calle Simon , Timmermans Frank , Van Heuverswyn Frederic
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) aims to achieve physiological pacing by capturing the conduction system in the area of the left bundle branch. LBBAP has exclusively been performed using lumen‐less pacing leads (LLLs) with fixed helix design. This study explores the feasibility, safety, and pacing characteristics of LBBAP using stylet‐driven leads (SDLs) with an extendable helix design.

Methods

Patients, in which LBBAP was attempted for bradycardia or heart failure pacing indications, were prospectively enrolled at the Ghent University Hospital. LBBAP was attempted with two different systems: 1/LLL with fixed helix (SelectSecure 3830, Medtronic Inc.) delivered through a preshaped sheath (C315His Medtronic Inc.) and 2/SDL with extendable helix (Solia S60, Biotronik, SE & CO) delivered through a new delivery sheath (Selectra 3D, Biotronik).

Results

The study enrolled 50 patients (mean age: 70 ± 14 years, 44% females). LBBAP with SDL was successful in 20/23 (87%) patients compared with 24/27 (89%) of patients in the LLL group (p = 0.834). Screw attempts, screw implant depth, procedural, and fluoroscopy times were comparable among both groups. Acute LBBAP thresholds were low and comparable between SDL and LLL (0.5 ± 0.15 V vs. 0.4 ± 0.17 V, p = 0.251). Pacing thresholds remained low at 3 ± 2.1 months of follow up in both groups and no lead revisions were necessary. Postprocedural echocardiography revealed a septal coronary artery fistula in one patient with SDLLBBAP.

Conclusion

LBBAP using stylet‐driven pacing leads is feasible and yields comparable implant success to LBBAP with LLLs. LBBAP thresholds are low and comparable with both types of leads.
Circulating exosomes repair endothelial cell damage by delivering miR‐193a‐5p
Authors: Cao Chang , Wang Bo , Tang Junnan , Zhao Jimin , Guo Jiacheng , Guo Qianqian , Yue Xiaoting , Zhang Zenglei , Liu Gangqiong , Zhang Hui , Wang Yunzhe , Zhang Jinying
Published: December 2020

Circulating exosomes delivering microRNAs are involved in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. How are the circulating exosomes involved in the repair of endothelial injury in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) convalescence (3‐7 days) was still not clear. In this study, circulating exosomes from AMI patients (AMI‐Exo) and healthy controls (Normal‐Exo) were extracted. In vitro and in vivo, our study showed that circulating exosomes protected endothelial cells (HUVECs) from oxidative stress damage; meanwhile, Normal‐Exo showed better protective effects. Through the application of related inhibitors, we found that circulating exosomes shuttled between HUVECs via dynamin. Microarry analysis and qRT‐PCR of circulating exosomes showed higher expression of miR‐193a‐5p in Normal‐Exo. Our study showed that miR‐193a‐5p was the key factor on protecting endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analyses found that activin A receptor type I (ACVR1) was the potential downstream target of miR‐193a‐5p, which was confirmed by ACVR1 expression and dual‐luciferase report. Inhibitor of ACVR1 showed similar protective effects as miR‐193a‐5p. While overexpression of ACVR1 could attenuate protective effects of miR‐193a‐5p. To sum up, these findings suggest that circulating exosomes could shuttle between cells through dynamin and deliver miR‐193a‐5p to protect endothelial cells from oxidative stress damage via ACVR1.