bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interrelationships of motivation, positive symptoms, stigma, and role functioning in early psychosis
Authors: DeTore Nicole R. , Balogun‐Mwangi Oyenike , Tepper Miriam , Cather Corinne , Russinova Zlatka , Lanca Margaret , Mueser Kim T.
Published: August 2021

Aim

Avolition, or the lack of motivation, has consistently been shown to be a significant predictor of poor psychosocial outcome, with decreased overall motivation as the single strongest predictor of poor work or school outcome in first episode psychosis. This study aimed to better understand the ways in which motivation impacts work and school functioning. This study first examined the factors related to motivation in people recovering from a recent onset of psychosis, then explored the unique interrelationships between positive symptoms, stigma, and motivation and how they influence role functioning.

Methods

A total of 40 participants with early psychosis were recruited for this cross‐sectional design study; with a mean of 14.5 months of treatment prior to study assessment.

Results

Neither experienced nor internalized stigma were related to motivation in this sample, but internalized stigma was related to work and school functioning. Positive symptoms were significantly inversely related to both work and school functioning and motivation, with mediation analyses showing that motivation significantly mediates the relationship between positive symptoms and role functioning.

Conclusion

This relationship may shed light on the link between motivational deficits and work and school outcomes early in the course of psychosis, an area of critical importance for early intervention.
Mechanism‐based therapeutic targets of pemphigus vulgaris: A scoping review of pathogenic molecular pathways
Authors: Kaur Bavleen , Kerbrat Jenna , Kho Jia , Kaler Manreet , Kanatsios Stefanos , Cirillo Nicola
Published: August 2021

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a potentially fatal autoimmune blistering disease characterised by cell‐cell detachment or acantholysis. The mechanisms which follow antibody (Ab) binding and culminate in acantholytic changes and skin/mucosal blistering have not been fully clarified. Current treatment strategies are not specific to PV pathophysiology and although life‐saving, harbour considerable side effects. We aimed to systematically assess the molecules amenable to targeted treatments that follow Ab binding and are associated with PV acantholysis. The resulting scoping review was conducted under PRISMA‐ScR guidelines with clear inclusion and exclusion criteria and focused specifically on kinases, caspases, proteases, hydrolytic enzymes and other molecules of interest postulated to take part in the pathophysiology of PV. The review process resulted in the identification of 882 articles, of which 56 were eligible for qualitative synthesis. From the included articles, the majority (n = 42) used PV‐IgG as the pathogenic agent, mainly via in vitro (n = 16) and in vivo (n = 10) models. Twenty‐five molecules were found to play a pathogenic role in PV, including uPA, ADAM10, EGFR, Src, PKC, cdk2, ERK, PLC, calmodulin, NOS, p38MAPK and caspase‐3. Selective inhibition of these molecules resulted in varying degrees of reduction in acantholysis and blistering. The pathogenic molecules identified in this review represent potential candidates for clinical translation.
Becoming what you are seeking: Building Relational Self‐Awareness in emerging adults
Authors: Solomon Alexandra H. , Martinez Carolina J. , Wren James Eric
Published: August 2021

Emerging adults are attempting to navigate a rapidly shifting and immensely complicated landscape of modern love, often without meaningful sex and relationship education. Although individually oriented relationship education programs for emerging adults make a difference in the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of the recipients (Simpson et al., Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2018, 47, 477) and most emerging adults report they yearn for relationship education (Weissbourd et al., The talk: How adults can promote young people’s healthy relationships and prevent misogyny and sexual harassment, 2017), these programs are not widely available. Educators who are working with emerging adults in a classroom or psychoeducational setting are well‐positioned to help emerging adults identify and enact healthy and purposeful relational and sexual choices. The first part of the paper orients readers to the “topography” of the modern love landscape by describing four macro cultural themes that impact the intimate lives of emerging adults. The second part of the paper introduces relationship educators to Relational Self‐Awareness (Solomon, Loving Bravely: 20 lessons of self‐discovery to help you get the love you want, New Harbinger, 2017), an integrative approach to helping emerging adults understand the self‐in‐relationship. Each of the five pillars of Relational Self‐Awareness is defined and operationalized, and specific recommendations are provided for how educators can integrate these pillars into their existing curricula. Clinical implications and future directions are offered.
Approaches to monitor ATP levels in living cells: where do we stand?
Authors: Ley‐Ngardigal Seyta , Bertolin Giulia
Published: August 2021

ATP is the most universal and essential energy molecule in cells. This is due to its ability to store cellular energy in form of high‐energy phosphate bonds, which are extremely stable and readily usable by the cell. This energy is key for a variety of biological functions such as cell growth and division, metabolism, and signaling, and for the turnover of biomolecules. Understanding how ATP is produced and hydrolyzed with a spatiotemporal resolution is necessary to understand its functions both in physiological and in pathological contexts. In this review, first we will describe the organization of the electron transport chain and ATP synthase, the main molecular motor for ATP production in mitochondria. Second, we will review the biochemical assays currently available to estimate ATP quantities in cells, and we will compare their readouts, strengths, and weaknesses. Finally, we will explore the palette of genetically encoded biosensors designed for microscopy‐based approaches, and show how their spatiotemporal resolution opened up the possibility to follow ATP levels in living cells.
Board monitoring and advising trade‐offs amidst economic policy uncertainty
Authors: Frye Melissa B. , Pham Duong T. , Zhang Rongrong
Published: August 2021

We examine the changes in the board's dual roles of monitoring and advising in times of fluctuating economic policy uncertainty (EPU). We find that a rise in EPU leads boards to reduce the size and increase independence and the proportion of female directors. They also decrease the involvement of insiders and outside executives. There is also a drop in the busyness of the directors. Overall, we find that boards enhance their monitoring power to deal with greater EPU.
Incidence, prevalence, and predictors of inflammatory arthritis in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hanna Nardin , Silverberg Orli M. , Reaume Michael , Gladman Dafna , Davis Mark D. P. , Piguet Vincent , Alavi Afsaneh
Published: August 2021

An increasing amount of evidence has emerged suggesting that hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated with inflammatory arthritis. This study reviewed the incidence, prevalence, and predictors of inflammatory arthritis in patients with HS. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in CINAHL, Embase, and Medline from inception to February 14, 2020. Articles were included in the review if they provided data on disease epidemiology or predictors of adult or pediatric HS patients with comorbid inflammatory arthritis. There are no validated diagnostic criteria for HS, thus we considered patients as having HS if they had at least one diagnostic code in a hospital or claims database or a diagnosis of HS/inflammatory arthritis in a medical record. The same criteria were used to confirm presence of inflammatory arthritis. We identified an increased incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in HS patients when compared with estimates in the general population. We identified a relatively high prevalence of RA, spondyloarthritis (SpA), and PsA in HS patients when compared with estimates in the general population. There was evidence to suggest that patients who are younger than 30, male, have severe HS, or are taking infliximab or adalimumab (which may also be confounded by HS disease severity) may be at greater risk for specific subtypes of inflammatory arthritis. However, further data are needed to confirm these associations. The increased incidence and prevalence of inflammatory arthritis within HS patients underscore the need for increased awareness and interdisciplinary partnership within rheumatology and dermatology.
Mortality outcomes for Māori requiring renal replacement therapy during critical illness: a single unit audit in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Mohd Slim M. Atif , Lala Hamish Mohan , Barnes Nicholas , Martynoga Robert Adam
Published: August 2021

Background

Māori in New Zealand (NZ) are disproportionately affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) and experience lower life expectancy on community dialysis compared with non‐Māori. We previously identified a higher renal replacement therapy (RRT) requirement for Māori in our intensive care unit (ICU), the tertiary referral centre for NZ's Te Manawa Taki region.

Aim

To describe mortality outcomes by ethnicity in the population requiring RRT in our ICU.

Methods

Retrospective audit of the Australia and NZ Intensive Care Society database for adult admissions to our general ICU from Te Manawa Taki between 2014 and 2018. Patients were stratified by non‐RRT requirement (non‐RRT), RRT‐requiring acute kidney injury (AKI‐RRT) and RRT‐requiring end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).

Results

Relative to the population of Te Manawa Taki, Māori were over‐represented across all strata, especially ESRD (61.8%), followed by AKI‐RRT (35.0%) and non‐RRT (32.4%) (P < 0.001). There was no excess mortality by ethnicity in any stratum. Crude in‐ICU mortality was similar by ethnicity among AKI‐RRT (30.8% among Māori, vs 31.5%; P = 1.000) and ESRD (16.4% among Māori, vs 20.6%; P = 0.826). This trend remained at 1 year. Adjusted for clinically selected variables, neither AKI‐RRT nor ESRD mortality was predicted by Māori ethnicity, both in‐ICU and at 1 year. Irrespective of ethnicity, AKI‐RRT patients had highest in‐ICU mortality (31.2%; P < 0.001), while ESRD had highest 1‐year mortality (46.1%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Increased RRT requirement among Māori in our ICU is due to higher representation among ESRD. We did not demonstrate excess mortality by ethnicity in any stratum. AKI‐RRT had higher in‐ICU mortality than ESRD, but this reversed at 1 year.
Tissue‐specific differences in detection of Yersinia ruckeri carrier status in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Sibinga Nathaniel A. , Marquis Hélène
Published: August 2021

Effective monitoring for subclinical infections is a cornerstone of proactive disease management in aquaculture. Salmonid fish that survive enteric redmouth disease (ERM) can carry Yersinia ruckeri as a latent infection for several months, potentially facilitating cryptic spread between facilities that exchange fish. In this study, fingerling rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were infected by immersion and sampled for up to 14 weeks post‐infection. Yersinia ruckeri was cultured from the posterior kidney of more than 89% of fish up to 4 weeks post‐infection, but from 2% or fewer of fish sampled at later time points. In contrast, qPCR‐based detection of the Y. ruckeri 16s rRNA gene in intestine and spleen extracts revealed a much higher rate of infection: at 14 weeks post‐infection Y. ruckeri was detected in nearly 50% of spleens and 15% of intestines. The difference between spleen and intestine is likely due at least in part to technical limitations of qPCR on intestinal DNA extracts; accordingly, we propose that qPCR of spleen DNA ought to be considered the preferred standard for detection of carriers of Y. ruckeri.
Effects of the decrease of β‐catenin expression on human vaginal fibroblasts of women with pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Gong Runqi , Xi Yong , Jin Xin , Xu Hainan , Feng Jiuxiang , Hu Qing , Xia Zhijun
Published: August 2021

Background

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) lowers the quality of life in elderly women, and there have been no studies on its role in the pathogenesis of POP. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of β‐catenin on proliferation and collagen anabolism in human vaginal fibroblasts (HVFs).

Materials and Methods

The adherence and differential adherence methods were used to culture and purify HVFs. RNA interference was applied to knockdown β‐catenin and lithium chloride was used to activate Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. β‐catenin nuclear translocation was tested by immunofluorescence, and HVF proliferation was detected by performing MTT assays.

Results

The expression of β‐catenin, phosphorylated‐β‐catenin, phosphorylated‐glycogen synthase kinase 3β (p‐GSK3β), collagen I, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and tissue‐derived inhibitors of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP2) was assessed by western blot analysis. The expression of β‐catenin and collagen I was lower in HVFs of POP group than that of control group. The proliferation rate of HVFs in POP group was lower than that in control group. Knockdown of β‐catenin decreased the cell proliferation rate and the expression of collagen I. Lithium chloride can activate the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.

Conclusion

β‐catenin participates in the proliferation and collagen I synthesis of HVFs. The decrease of β‐catenin expression may be closely related to the occurrence, and development of POP. LiCl can activate the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in HVFs and thus increase HVFs proliferation and collagen synthesis.
Regional disparities, transmission channels and country's economic growth
Authors: Piętak Łukasz
Published: August 2021

Regional disparities reflect the development pattern in many countries. Rich regions or prosperous cities confirm the unbalanced nature of economic growth. However, there is the lack of studies undertaking the role of regional stratification in the national economy. This study explores the transmissions channels through which regional disparities may affect the country's growth. A system or recursive equation by means of the control function approach (CFA) was applied to empirically assess the weight of these mechanisms. The level of regional disparities within the EU countries at nomenclature of territotial units for statistics‐2 level was calculated applying economic polarization measures. Empirical results, based on panel data analysis, showed that overall regional disparities affect negatively growth. However, after exploring transmission channels of this relationship, it was shown that regional differences in human capital or investments may enhance growth at the national level. The results were robust to various estimation methods.
Mean HBsAg decline at week 24 of PEG‐IFN‐based treatment predicts subsequent rate of HBsAg clearance — suggesting a valuable endpoint for early development HBV trials
Authors: De Ridder Filip , Sonneveld Milan J. , Lenz Oliver , Janssen Harry L.A. , Talloen Willem , Hansen Bettina E.
Published: August 2021

Earlier identification of potentially efficacious treatments in early development trials requires on‐treatment response markers. We hypothesized that mean week 12 or 24 HBsAg decline could be a useful marker for subsequent off‐treatment sustained HBsAg clearance at the treatment arm level in HBV trials. We used individual patient data from the studies HBV 9901 (peginterferon [PEG‐IFN] versus PEG‐IFN+lamivudine for HBeAg‐positive CHB), PARC (PEG‐IFN±ribavirin for HBeAg‐negative CHB) and published data from 0149 (PEG‐IFN±tenofovir for HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative CHB) and LIRA‐B (PEG‐IFN for HBeAg‐positive CHB) to define the relationship between mean week HBsAg decline and HBsAg loss at 6 months post‐treatment. A within‐study comparison of HBsAg decline at weeks 12 and 24 between patients with or without HBsAg clearance was used to make projections beyond the observed HBsAg data. Across trials, a more pronounced mean HBsAg decline at week 24 was associated with higher rates of subsequent HBsAg loss. Mean HBsAg decline data at week 24 for patients with or without HBsAg clearance from HBV 9901 (4.3 vs 0.5), PARC (4.8 vs 0.3) and 0149 (PEG‐IFN+TDF arm; 4.6 vs 0.6) were used to extrapolate this relationship beyond observed rates of HBsAg. An additional mean 1 log10 decline at week 24 versus a comparator arm is expected to translate into a 20%–30% increase in subsequent HBsAg loss during off‐treatment follow‐up. Observations were similar for week 12 data, but the relationship was less strong. Mean week 24 HBsAg decline predicts subsequent HBsAg loss and could be a valuable and useful early endpoint in HBV‐treatment trials.
Effect of tenofovir alafenamide vs. tenofovir disoproxil fumarate on hepatocellular carcinoma risk in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Lee Hye Won , Cho Young Youn , Lee Hyein , Lee Jae Seung , Kim Seung Up , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Beom Kyung , Park Soo Young
Published: August 2021

It is unclear whether tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is more effective for preventing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). In this study, we compared the effectiveness of these two antiviral agents for preventing HCC. We included treatment‐naïve CHB patients undergoing antiviral therapy with TDF only (TDF group) or a TAF‐based regimen (TAF group) at three academic teaching hospitals from 2012 to 2019. The TAF group included patients receiving TAF as first‐line treatment and patients switching from TDF to TAF. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis or HCC at enrollment were excluded. Cumulative probabilities of HCC were assessed using Kaplan‐Meier methodology. In total, 2,117 patients were included: 1,832 in the TDF group and 285 in the TAF group. The annual HCC incidence was not significantly different between TDF and TAF groups: 1.66 vs. 1.19 per 100 person‐years [PY], respectively (multivariate analysis: adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.774 [reference: TDF group]; p = .438). Male, liver cirrhosis, hepatitis B e antigen negativity, Fibrosis‐4 index>3.25 and low albumin were independently associated with a higher risk of HCC. Propensity score‐matched and inverse probability of treatment weighting analyses yielded similar results: 1.56 vs. 1.19 per 100 PY, respectively (HR 1.175; p = .708) and 1.66 vs. 1.29 per 100 PY, respectively (HR 0.888; p = .446). The risk of HCC development was not significantly different between TDF and TAF groups of CHB patients. Further studies with a larger sample size and longer follow‐up are required to validate our results.
Temporary business model innovation – SMEs’ innovation response to the Covid‐19 crisis
Authors: Clauss Thomas , Breier Matthias , Kraus Sascha , Durst Susanne , Mahto Raj V.
Published: August 2021

The Covid‐19 crisis has hit SMEs particularly hard. Numerous business models (BM) have been limited or rendered downright impossible due to decreased social contact. SMEs can respond to this exogenous crisis via temporary business model innovation (BMI). This empirical study investigates these temporary BMs using a multiple case study approach based on five SMEs in Austria, Germany, and Liechtenstein who within a short period of time applied their core competencies and networks to integrate new BMs, which were in some cases very different from existing ones. These had a positive effect on strategic flexibility, and if desired can also be incorporated into the firm long‐term. The paper contributes to SME crisis management during the Covid‐19 pandemic by pointing out and developing a successful management mechanism that allows to survive a crisis or even improve during this time. Moreover, we contribute to BMI literature by explaining temporary BMI as a new form of BMI. It also makes clear to managers that temporary BMs add value to firms and create new revenue streams.
Redistribution and efficiency: An empirical analysis of the relevant trade‐offs of welfare state fiscal policies
Authors: Muinelo‐Gallo Leonel , Miranda Lescano Ronald
Published: August 2021

This paper analyses the empirical trade‐offs between equity and efficiency of various instruments of welfare state fiscal policies. To this end, we present and estimate different systems of structural equations and their error components through which these fiscal policies affect redistribution and economic growth. The empirical results, obtained by using a panel data of 35 high‐ and upper‐middle‐income countries over the period 1980–2014, suggest that not all policies depress economic growth rates. In relation to cash transfer variables, we can observe a significant empirical trade‐off of old‐age‐related transfers. However, we do not find a significant equity–efficiency trade‐off for working‐age transfers. This variable has only a significant and positive effect in the redistribution equation, but does not affect the economic growth rate. If we consider measures of direct taxes, we find a significant and important trade‐off for social contributions, and to a lesser extent for income taxes. We do not find a significant trade‐off for capital taxes. These taxes only have a significant and negative unexpected effect on redistribution.
Comparison of mortality and complications between urgent‐start peritoneal dialysis and urgent‐start hemodialysis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ding Xinyu , Gao Wenfeng , Guo Yingbo , Cai Qian , Bai Yu
Published: August 2021

The advantages of urgent‐start peritoneal dialysis (PD) vis‐à‐vis urgent‐start hemodialysis (HD) are not clear. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies comparing the two modalities. Databases of PubMed, Embase, Ovoid, and Google Scholar were searched up to November 1, 2020. The primary outcome was mortality, and secondary outcomes were dialysis‐related infectious complications and mechanical complications. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for all outcomes. Seven studies were included. The pooled analysis revealed a statistically significant reduced risk of all‐cause mortality in patients undergoing urgent‐start PD as compared to urgent‐start HD (RR: 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.40, 0.94], I2 = 56.34%). A meta‐analysis of dialysis‐related infectious complications indicated no statistically significant difference between the two modalities (RR: 0.66, 95% CI [0.29, 1.50], I2 = 69.62%). Our analysis revealed a statistically significant reduced risk of mechanical complications in patients undergoing urgent‐start PD (RR: 0.54, 95% CI [0.40, 0.73], I2 = 0%). To conclude, unadjusted data from observational studies are indicative of lower mortality and lower risk of mechanical complications with urgent‐start PD versus urgent‐start HD. The risk of infectious complications was not different between the two groups. Further studies with a larger sample size using propensity‐matched cohorts are needed to strengthen current evidence.
Strategies to tackle racial inequalities in medical school
Authors: Gill Mitveer , Abu Qaoud Qaiys , Rashed Hend M. E.
Published: August 2021

The recent resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement has catalysed long overdue discussions around racial and ethnic discrimination, and systemic racism in institutions globally. One area where these discussions are crucial is within the medical field: staff and students from all backgrounds have been lobbying for change. Based on the approach of various faculties, this paper makes recommendations for establishing a race equality working group within a medical school. An evidence‐based approach outlines the existing problems, potential solutions and practical advice on how to implement them.
Retrospective evaluation of hyperproteinorrachia without pleocytosis (albuminocytologic dissociation) and survival in dogs
Authors: Draper Alexandra C. E. , Marshall Laura J. C. , Williams Timothy L. , Archer Joy , Alves Lisa
Published: August 2021

Background

Hyperproteinorrachia (raised cerebrospinal fluid total protein [CSF‐TP]) without pleocytosis (HP) (also known as albuminocytologic dissociation) is identified in dogs with different neurologic diseases. However, the association between survival and increased CSF‐TP is unknown.

Objectives

(a) Identify conditions commonly associated with HP in dogs and (b) investigate whether higher CSF‐TP concentrations or other relevant factors are associated with 1‐year survival.

Methods

This is a retrospective study that identified dogs with HP (Cisternal CSF‐TP >0.30 g/L, Lumbar CSF‐TP >0.45 g/L with total nucleated cell concentrations [TNCCs] and RBC counts within RIs) from 2008 to 2019: recording signalment, weight, vital parameters, inflammation, neuroanatomic localization, CSF‐TP, sampling site, final diagnosis, etiologic classification, and 1‐year survival. Corrected CSF‐TP was calculated as CSF‐TP minus 0.3 (cisternal) or 0.45 (lumbar or unknown). Descriptive statistics were produced, CSF‐TP differences between groups (eg, neuroanatomic localizations) were evaluated using the Mann‐WhitneyUtest or Kruskal‐Wallis test (post‐hoc testing). The Cox proportional hazards model was used for survival data. Statistical significance was set at aP < 0.05.

Results

In all, 39 dogs had HP, associated with 17 conditions, including neoplasia (n = 6), meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (n = 4) (MUO), and intervertebral disc disease (n = 4) (IVDD) as the most common conditions. There was no significant difference between the CSF‐TP/corrected CSF‐TP between 1‐year survivors and non‐survivors, nor was there a difference between different neuroanatomic localizations or etiologic classifications (P > 0.05). Neoplasia, after adjustment for age, was the only variable associated with a worse survival (P = 0.01 HR: 2.08 (95% CI: 1.65‐39.2). CSF‐TP was not associated with age (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

HP in dogs is associated with a wide range of conditions; the most common conditions are neoplasia, MUO, and IVDD. Higher CSF‐TP levels do not correlate with a worse 1‐year survival; however, they do correlate with neoplastic lesions.
Red cell distribution width is a predictor of all‐cause mortality in hospitalized dogs
Authors: Ludwik Tasia M. , Heinrich Daniel A. , Rendahl Aaron , Friedenberg Steven G.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To determine whether RBC distribution width (RDW) is associated with an increased odds of mortality in hospitalized dogs and cats.

Design

Retrospective, single‐center study; data collected from 2007 to 2017.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Six thousand six hundred and sixty‐one animals (5183 dogs and 1478 cats).

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Medical records were identified from animals presented to the emergency service and admitted to the ICU with a CBC and serum biochemistry performed on admission. Patients were stratified into quintiles based upon presenting RDW, and logistic regression modeling was performed to evaluate the relationship between RDW and in‐hospital mortality. Canine patients with a presenting RDW in the upper fourth and fifth quintiles had an increased odds of all‐cause in‐hospital mortality (p < 0.0001). Specifically, dogs in the upper fifth quintile had a 2.1‐fold greater odds of death compared to dogs in the first quintile, and dogs in the upper fourth quintile had a 1.9‐fold greater odds of death compared to dogs in the first quintile. This relationship remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, key laboratory values excluding HCT, medical versus surgical disease, and diagnosis category. This relationship was no longer significant with the inclusion of HCT. No significant association was identified between presenting RDW and in‐hospital mortality in cats.

Conclusions

Hospitalized dogs with higher RDW on presentation to the emergency service have greater odds of all‐cause in‐hospital mortality compared to dogs with a lower RDW. A similar association between RDW and mortality was not found in cats. Further studies are warranted to assess the usefulness of this biomarker for specific diseases in dogs and to better understand the mechanisms driving the association between increased RDW and mortality in canine patients.
Numerical Modeling of Hydrogen-Rich Gas Production From Gasoline Autothermal Reforming in a Plug Flow Reactor for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Kosa Ergin , Ezgi Cüneyt
Published: August 2021

Due to the increase in the greenhouse effect, lowering emissions is becoming a certain issue all over the world. It is a concern to develop alternative options to minimize the spread of exhaust gases. For this purpose, in this study, the plug flow reactor in the system consisting of solid oxide fuel cell, reactor, electric motor, battery, burner, and the heat exchanger is considered. Numerical modeling of hydrogen gas generation in a plug flow reactor is studied. The reactor indicated on-board hydrogen gas generation for an electric motor automobile has not been modeled in the literature yet. Autothermal reforming of isooctane is simulated in the comsol multiphysics software program in the reactor particularly. Conversion of isooctane and H2O is examined at different overall heat transfer coefficients, input temperatures, and steam/carbon ratios. Also, there are certain differences between adiabatic and non-adiabatic conditions. The produced synthesis gas of hydrogen drastically increases in the non-adiabatic case. The obtained results from the model are compared with experimental data obtained from the literature. H2 production at the end of the autothermal reforming process indicates that the power provided from the reactor can operate a motor of an automobile. In this study, the achieved power is 65.8 kW (88 HP) and is sufficient for an automobile. Simulation results show that the reactor volume of 75 L supplies 0.18 mol−1 of H2 and 0.08 mol−1 of CO in the non-adiabatic case.
Capacitive β-Ga2O3 solar-blind photodetector with graphene electrode
Authors: Kim Ayeong , Lee Geonyeop , Kim Jihyun
Published: August 2021

Conventional solar-blind photodetectors based on the conduction of photoexcited carriers are energy inefficient owing to the power dissipation caused by a resistive sensing mechanism and the narrow bandgap energy of the photon-absorbing layer. Herein, we demonstrate the energy-efficient capacitive sensing of deep-UV wavelengths by integrating an intrinsically solar-blind ultrawide bandgap (UWBG) β-Ga2O3 semiconductor with UV-transparent and conductive graphene electrode. A UWBG β-Ga2O3 eliminates the requirement of a solar-blind deep-UV bandpass filter. The high optical transmittance of the graphene enables UV-C light to be absorbed in the underlying β-Ga2O3, thereby facilitating carrier transport between the graphene electrode and β-Ga2O3. A capacitance change under UV-C excitation is observed, along with excellent reproductivity and spectral selectivity at various frequencies and bias conditions; the sensing performance improves with an increase in frequency. The average power dissipation of the fabricated photodetector in the stand-by (dark) and active (UV-C illumination) modes is 37.7 and 53.3 μW, respectively. Overall, this work introduces a new strategy for developing next-generation compact and energy-efficient solar-blind photodetectors.
Generalized radiation modes and microphone arrays for close-talking
Authors: Kaizuka Tsutomu , Terauchi Shuzo
Published: August 2021

In close-talking applications, such as mobile phones, selective measurement of the near-field sound is desirable as it can be used to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. In this study, the theory of generalized radiation modes is applied to the design of microphone arrays. The generalized radiation modes are formulated as a generalized eigenvalue problem related to the specific acoustic impedances on the array surface. The real eigenvalue corresponds to the near-to-far ratio for each mode and the real eigenvector indicates the modal shape, i.e., the amplitudes and phases of the individual microphones. The microphone array is designed according to the eigenvector with the largest eigenvalue so as to maximize the near-to-far ratio. The theory is verified based on computer simulations. The proposed method is also compared with conventional gradient microphones via numerical examples.
Prevalence and Correlates of Active Transportation to School Among Colombian Children and Adolescents
Authors: González Silvia A. , Sarmiento Olga L. , Larouche Richard , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Tremblay Mark S.
Published: August 2021

Background: In Colombia, active transportation has been assessed in multiple local and regional studies, but national data on active transportation are scarce. This study aims to describe the prevalence and factors associated with active transportation to/from school among Colombian children and adolescents. Methods: The authors analyzed nationally representative data from the National Survey of Nutrition 2015, with a sample of 11,466 children and adolescents aged between 3 and 17 years. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson regression multivariable models with robust variance. Results: Approximately 70% of Colombian children and adolescents reported engaging in active transportation to/from school over the last week. There were no differences by sex among preschoolers nor school-aged children. Fewer adolescent females than males used active transportation. Preschoolers and school-aged children living in Bogota were more likely to report active transport than children from other regions (prevalence ratios for other regions ranged from 0.59 to 0.86). School-aged children and adolescents with a lower wealth index were more likely to use active transportation than their counterparts (prevalence ratios = 1.32 and 1.22, respectively). Conclusions: The wealthiest children and adolescents, adolescents from rural areas, and female adolescents should be a focus for future interventions. Actions need to be implemented to improve the involvement in active transportation to/from school in Colombia.
Basic Psychological Needs, Motivation, Engagement, and Disaffection in Mexican Students During Physical Education Classes
Authors: Zamarripa Jorge , Rodríguez-Medellín René , Otero-Saborido Fernándo
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To test a structural equations model that analyzes the effects from satisfaction and frustration of the basic psychological needs on motivation types and the same effects on engagement and disaffection in physical education class, and to validate invariance among gender groups. Method: The participants were 1,470 fifth- and sixth-grade students from elementary schools in the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. Results: The model showed satisfactory data fit. The results underscore the importance of fulfilling basic psychological needs to generate both autonomous motivation and engagement, as well as to prevent amotivation and disaffection in the students, regardless of sex. Discussion/Conclusion: The findings were discussed and are deemed consistent with other studies, sustaining the idea of basic psychological needs universality as set forth by the self-determination theory.
High-resolution dietary reconstruction of victims of the 79 CE Vesuvius eruption at Herculaneum by compound-specific isotope analysis
Authors: Soncin Silvia , Talbot Helen M. , Fernandes Ricardo , Harris Alison , von Tersch Matthew , Robson Harry K. , Bakker Jan K. , Richter Kristine K. , Alexander Michelle , Ellis Steven , Thompson Gill , Amoretti Valeria , Osanna Massimo , Caso Marina , Sirano Francesco , Fattore Luciano , Colonese Andre C. , Garnsey Peter , Bondioli Luca , Craig Oliver E.
Published: August 2021

Compound-specific isotope analysis of human bone collagen provides a snapshot of dietary variability at Roman Herculaneum.
A cancer ubiquitome landscape identifies metabolic reprogramming as target of Parkin tumor suppression
Authors: Agarwal Ekta , Goldman Aaron R. , Tang Hsin-Yao , Kossenkov Andrew V. , Ghosh Jagadish C. , Languino Lucia R. , Vaira Valentina , Speicher David W. , Altieri Dario C.
Published: August 2021

A cancer ubiquitome landscape identifies metabolic reprogramming as target of Parkin tumor suppression.
The environment topography alters the way to multicellularity in
Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Ramos Corina H. , Rodríguez-Sánchez Edna , Del Angel Juan Antonio Arias , Arzola Alejandro V. , Benítez Mariana , Escalante Ana E. , Franci Alessio , Volpe Giovanni , Rivera-Yoshida Natsuko
Published: August 2021

Bacterial multicellular structures are altered by the environmental topography at both the individual and population scale.
Advances and challenges in time-resolved macromolecular crystallography
Authors: Brändén Gisela , Neutze Richard
Published: August 2021

Bright future ahead for crystallography

Macromolecular x-ray crystallography typically provides static snapshots of systems at equilibrium. Advances in time-resolved crystallography have made it possible to capture dynamics in biomolecules: large and small, fast and slow. Brändén and Neutze review techniques and concepts that have emerged from recent work at x-ray free electron laser sources and are now being applied in other settings and to a growing number of biological systems. Despite challenges in analyzing and relating these data to a biological context, experiments in this field have opened new frontiers in temporal and spatial resolution and yielded many new insights into nonequilibrium chemistry and conformational changes in biology. —MAF
Identification of a quality-control factor that monitors failures during proteasome assembly
Authors: Zavodszky Eszter , Peak-Chew Sew-Yeu , Juszkiewicz Szymon , Narvaez Ana J. , Hegde Ramanujan S.
Published: August 2021

Safeguarding protein complex assembly

The assembly of multiprotein complexes inside the cell requires each subunit to be produced at a defined level relative to its partners. Imbalances in subunit synthesis are inevitable, necessitating the elimination of unassembled intermediates. Zavodszky
et al
. found that a ubiquitin ligase called HERC1 is responsible for marking certain assembly intermediates of the proteasome for degradation. HERC1 finds these intermediates by recognizing a proteasome assembly factor that normally dissociates when assembly is complete. A point mutation in HERC1 that impairs its ability to recognize proteasome assembly intermediates causes neurodegeneration in mice, highlighting the importance of this quality control pathway. —SMH
Airborne transmission of respiratory viruses
Authors: Wang Chia C. , Prather Kimberly A. , Sznitman Josué , Jimenez Jose L. , Lakdawala Seema S. , Tufekci Zeynep , Marr Linsey C.
Published: August 2021

Mechanisms of airborne transmission

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted controversies and unknowns about how respiratory pathogens spread between hosts. Traditionally, it was thought that respiratory pathogens spread between people through large droplets produced in coughs and through contact with contaminated surfaces (fomites). However, several respiratory pathogens are known to spread through small respiratory aerosols, which can float and travel in air flows, infecting people who inhale them at short and long distances from the infected person. Wang
et al
. review recent advances in understanding airborne transmission gained from studying the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections and other respiratory pathogens. The authors suggest that airborne transmission may be the dominant form of transmission for several respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, and that further understanding of the mechanisms underlying infection from the airborne route will better inform mitigation measures. —GKA
Field-induced transition within the superconducting state of CeRh
2
As
2
Authors: Khim S. , Landaeta J. F. , Banda J. , Bannor N. , Brando M. , Brydon P. M. R. , Hafner D. , Küchler R. , Cardoso-Gil R. , Stockert U. , Mackenzie A. P. , Agterberg D. F. , Geibel C. , Hassinger E.
Published: August 2021

Not your usual superconductor

Most superconductors have only one superconducting phase. Khim
et al
. measured the magnetic susceptibility of the heavy fermion material CeRh
2
As
2
to reveal the presence of two distinct superconducting phases, one of which emerges from the other when an external magnetic field is applied (see the Perspective by Pourret and Knebel). The researchers ascribe the unusual properties of CeRh
2
As
2
to its crystal structure, which is globally centrosymmetric but consists of noncentrosymmetric layers. —JS
Pushing low thermal conductivity to the limit
Authors: Kim Shi En , Cahill David G.
Published: August 2021

Weak bonding between the distorted layer of Bi
4
O
4
SeCl
2
helps limit its heat transport
Development of a Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Assay To Detect and Quantify Group A Rotavirus Equine-Like G3 Strains
Authors: Katz Eric M. , Esona Mathew D. , Gautam Rashi , Bowen Michael D.
Published: August 2021

Since 2013, group A rotavirus strains characterized as novel DS-1-like intergenogroup reassortant “equine-like G3” strains have emerged and spread across 5 continents among human populations in at least 14 countries. Here, we report a novel one-step TaqMan quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR assay developed to genotype and quantify the viral load for samples containing rotavirus equine-like G3 strains.
Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus Strain CBS2016-05, Isolated from Contaminated Platelet Concentrates in Canada
Authors: Yousuf Basit , Flint Annika , Weedmark Kelly , Pagotto Franco , Ramirez-Arcos Sandra
Published: August 2021

We present the genome sequence of
Staphylococcus aureus
strain CBS2016-05, which was isolated from contaminated platelet concentrates by Canadian Blood Services in 2016. This strain caused a septic reaction in an acute leukemia patient. Genome sequence analysis revealed the presence of one chromosome (2,766,936 bp) and one plasmid (36,441 bp).
Genome Sequence of a Spodoptera frugiperda Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus Isolated from Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Nigeria, West Africa
Authors: Wennmann Jörg T. , Tepa-Yotto Ghislain T. , Jehle Johannes A. , Goergen Georg
Published: August 2021

We report the entire genome sequence of an isolate of
Spodoptera frugiperda
multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus from Nigeria, West Africa. The genome is 132,710 bp long and contains 144 open reading frames. The GC content is 40.3% and, based on baculovirus species demarcation criteria, the isolate belongs to the species
Spodoptera frugiperda
multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus
.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Gargle, Spit, and Sputum Specimens
Authors: Poukka Eero , Mäkelä Henna , Hagberg Lotta , Vo Thuan , Nohynek Hanna , Ikonen Niina , Liitsola Kirsi , Helve Otto , Savolainen-Kopra Carita , Dub Timothée
Published: August 2021

Control of the COVID-19 pandemic relies heavily on a test-trace-isolate strategy. The most commonly used specimen for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is a nasopharyngeal swab.
Atmospheric Loss of Atomic Oxygen during Proton Aurorae on Mars
Authors: Shematovich V. I.
Published: August 2021

Abstract—

For the first time, the calculations of the penetration of protons of the undisturbed solar wind into the daytime atmosphere of Mars due to charge exchange in the extended hydrogen corona (Shematovich et al., 2021) are used allowing us to determine self-consistently the sources of suprathermal oxygen atoms, as well as their kinetics and transport. An additional source of hot oxygen atoms—collisions accompanied by the momentum and energy transfer from the flux of precipitating high-energy hydrogen atoms to atomic oxygen in the upper atmosphere of Mars—was included in the Boltzmann kinetic equation, which was solved with the Monte-Carlo kinetic model. As a result, the population of the hot oxygen corona of Mars has been estimated; and it has been shown that the proton aurorae are accompanied by the atmospheric loss of atomic oxygen, which is evaluated within a range of (3.5–5.8) × 107 cm–2 s–1. It has been shown that the exosphere becomes populated with a substantial amount of suprathermal oxygen atoms with kinetic energies up to the escape energy, 2 eV. The atomic oxygen loss rate caused by a sporadic source in the Martian atmosphere—the precipitation of energetic neutral atoms of hydrogen (H‑ENAs) during proton aurorae at Mars—was estimated by the self-consistent calculations according to a set of the Monte-Carlo kinetic models. These values turned out be comparable to the atomic oxygen loss supported by a regular source—the exothermic photochemical reactions (Groeller et al., 2014; Jakosky et al., 2018). It is currently supposed that the atmospheric loss of Mars due to the impact of the solar wind plasma and, in particular, the fluxes of precipitating high-energy protons and hydrogen atoms during solar flares and coronal mass ejections may play an important role in the loss of the neutral atmosphere on astronomic time scales (Jakosky et al., 2018).
Impaired fasting glucose, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease among women and men: the Rotterdam Study
Authors: Ahmadizar Fariba , Wang Kan , Aribas Elif , Fani Lana , Heshmatollah Alis , Ikram M Kamran , Kavousi Maryam
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Data on sex-specific lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) across the glycemic spectrum, in particular in impaired fasting glucose (IFG) state, are scarce. Whether overweight/obesity modifies the CVD burden also remains unclear.

Research design and methods

Using a prospective population-based Rotterdam Study, normoglycemia, IFG, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) were defined. First incident cases of coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke during a follow-up time until January 1, 2015 were identified and formed the composite CVD end point. The remaining lifetime risks of CVD were estimated in each glucose category at 55, 65, 75, and 85 years of age, using a modified version of survival analysis adjusted for the competing risk of death.

Results

Among 5698 women and 3803 men free of CVD at baseline, the mean age was 64.5 years (SD 9.6) and 60.0% of participants were women. At age 55 years, the remaining lifetime risk of any CVD event among women was 55.1% (95% CI 48.3 to 61.9) for IFG, compared with 52.7% (95% CI 49.5 to 55.9) for normoglycemia and 61.5% (95% CI 54.7 to 68.3) for T2D. For men, the remaining lifetime risk of any CVD event was 62.1% (95% CI 55.2 to 69.1) for IFG, compared with 59.1% (95% CI 55.5 to 62.7) for normoglycemia and 60.3% (95% CI 53.1 to 67.5) for T2D. At age 55 years, the lifetime risk for incident CVD was higher, although not statistically significant, among women and men with IFG who were overweight or had obesity compared with normal-weight women and men.

Conclusion

IFG carried a large lifetime risk for incident CVD among both women and men compared with normoglycemia. In particular among men, the risk was comparable to that of T2D. Overweight/Obesity modifies the risk and conferred a larger burden of lifetime CVD risk among women and men with IFG.