bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-ray source population in the polar ring galaxy NGC 660 as observed by Chandra
Authors: Nazri Nurnabilah , Annuar Adlyka
Published: December 2021

We present Chandra observations of the nearby polar ring galaxy NGC 660 to study its X-ray source population. Based on our analysis, we detected a total of 23 X-ray sources in the 0.5−8 keV band, with luminosities ranging from ∼1037 to ∼1039 erg s−1. Twenty-two of these sources are located off-nuclear and have luminosities below the ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) threshold value of L
0.5−8 keV < 1039 erg s−1, suggesting that they are likely to be X-ray binary (XRB) candidates. The remaining source is located at the center of the galaxy, suggesting it is an active galactic nucleus (AGN). However, we estimated that four of the detected sources could be associated with background objects. Based on the source count rates in each of the Chandra observations, we found evidence for variability in nine of the 23 sources, including the AGN. However, further investigation with spectral analysis suggested no significant differences in the AGN luminosities between the observations. The X-ray luminosity distribution of the galaxy was found to be generally lower than that expected from previous studies on star forming and collisional ring galaxies. No ULX was also detected in the galaxy, in contrast with what was expected from the galaxyʼs SFR and metallicity (i.e., SFR = 14.43 ± 0.19 M
⊙ yr−1 and Z = 0.94 ± 0.01 Z
⊙, respectively). These results suggest a deficit in the X-ray sources detected. Based on source hardness ratio distribution, we found evidence that the fainter sources have a harder source spectrum, indicating higher absorption. This further suggests that there could be more X-ray sources that were not detected in the galaxy due to significant obscuration.
New photometric studies for two deep, low-mass ratio overcontact binaries: Y Sex and V1363 Ori
Authors: Yang Yuan-Gui , Wang Shuang , Yuan Hui-Yu , Dai Hai-Geng
Published: December 2021

We present new photometry for two contact binaries, Y Sex and V1363 Ori, which were observed by three small telescopes in China. By using the W-D method, the absolute parameters are updated from new BVR light curves and previous radial velocity curves. Results identify that two binaries are deep, low-mass ratio (DLMR) overcontact binaries with q ⩽ 0.25 and f ⩾ 50%. From the temperature-luminosity diagram, the primary components are slightly evolved main-sequence stars, whose evolutionary ages are ∼2.51 Gyr for Y Sex and ∼3.56 Gyr for V 1363 Ori, respectively. From the (O − C) curves, it is found that the orbital periods may be undergoing secular increase with cyclic variations, which may be interpreted either by magnetic activity cycles or by the light-time orbit effect. With period increasing, this kind of DLMR overcontact binaries, such as Y Sex and V1363 Ori, will evolve into the rapid-rotating single stars.
What causes the absence of pulsations in Central Compact Objects in supernova remnants?
Authors: Wu Qi , Pires Adriana M. , Schwope Axel , Xiao Guang-Cheng , Yan Shu-Ping , Ji Li
Published: December 2021

Most young neutron stars belonging to the class of Central Compact Objects (CCOs) in supernova remnants do not have known periodicities. We investigated seven such CCOs to understand the common reasons for the absence of detected pulsations. Making use of XMM-Newton, Chandra, and NICER observations, we perform a systematic timing and spectral analysis to derive updated sensitivity limits for both periodic signals and multi-temperature spectral components that could be associated with radiation from hotspots on the neutron star surface. Based on these limits, we then investigated for each target the allowed viewing geometry that could explain the lack of pulsations. We find that it is unlikely (< 10−6) to attribute that we do not see pulsations to an unfavorable viewing geometry for five considered sources. Alternatively, the carbon atmosphere model, which assumes homogeneous temperature distribution on the surface, describes the spectra equally well and provides a reasonable interpretation for the absence of detected periodicities within current limits. The unusual properties of CCOs with respect to other young neutron stars could suggest a different evolutionary path, as that proposed for sources experiencing episodes of significant fallback accretion after the supernova event.
Method for differential phase delay resolution of phase referencing VLBI technique and its experimental verification
Authors: Zhou Huan , Yan Jian-Guo , Xu De-Zhen , Huang Yong , Li Hai-Tao
Published: December 2021

The phase referencing Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) technique is a newly developed tool to measure the angular position of a deep space exploration probe in the plane-of-the-sky. Through alternating observations between the probe and a nearby reference radio source, their accurate relative angular separation can be obtained from the radio images generated by this technique. To meet the requirements of the current orbit determination software, differential delay should be firstly derived from those radio images. A method to resolve the differential phase delay from the phase referencing VLBI technique is proposed in this paper, and as well the mathematical model for differential phase ambiguity resolution is established. This method is verified with practical measurement data from the Chang’E-3 mission. The differential phase delay between the Chang’E-3 lander and rover was derived from the phase referencing VLBI measurements, and was then imported into the Shanghai astronomical observatory Orbit Determination Program (SODP) to calculate the position of the rover relative to the lander on the lunar surface. The results are consistent with those acquired directly from radio images, indicating that the differential phase ambiguity has been correctly resolved. The proposed method can be used to promote applications of the phase referencing VLBI technique in future lunar or deep space explorations, and more accurate orbit determination becomes promising.
Crystallization and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube/continuous carbon fiber/metallocene polypropylene composites
Authors: Tan Hongsheng , Guo Xiuxue , Tan Hao , Zhang Qinglu , Liu Changheng , Shen Penghui , Qiao liang , Yan Xu , Jing Liyue
Published: December 2021

In this work, a high fluidity polypropylene prepared with the metallocene catalyst (mPP) was used as matrix, carbon nanotube (CNT) and continuous carbon fiber (CCF) were added to prepare composites, and their mechanical properties, melting and crystallization behavior were investigated. In the mechanical properties, the effects of tension force in the preparation process and compatibilizer maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) on the tensile strength of the composites were researched. The results show that the tensile strength of the composites increases first and then decreases with the increase of tractive force. In addition, the melting and crystallization behaviors and dynamic mechanical behaviors of mPP, CNT/mPP and CNT/CCF/mPP composites were characterized and studied by a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The results show that the melting point (T
m), crystallization temperature (T
c) and storage modulus (E′) of CNT/mPP are all increased by adding 1 wt% CNT, especially the T
c is increased by 8.8 °C. It shows that after CNT was added to mPP as inorganic carbon material, it plays a prominent role in heterogeneous nucleation. After CCF was composited with CNT/mPP, the composites with CCF content of 30 and 42 wt% were prepared, and their T
m, T
c, crystallinity (X
c) and E′ were all improved, especially E′ was greatly improved, such as the initial E′ was increased by 5.64 and 11.74 times. Even at the end of the curve, the E′ of the composites with CF is still significantly higher than that of mPP and CNT/mPP. It indicates that adding CCF will greatly improved the deformation resistance and load deformation temperature of mPP.
Prediction of permeability of five-harness satin fabric by a modified Kozeny constant determined from experiments
Authors: Park Dong-Cheol , Yu Tianyu , Park Soo-Jeong , Shin Do-Hoon , Kim Yun-Hae
Published: December 2021

Permeability is a critical parameter not only in flow simulation analysis but also in liquid composite molding process. When a liquid resin is infused into a dry preform, the impregnation is mainly characterized by the permeability. The permeability of a dry preform can be obtained through theoretical and experimental methods. In the theoretical estimation of permeability, the effects of fiber arrangement as well as fabric type and form for various types of preforms are not sufficiently reflected in the calculation. Thus, there is a gap between the theoretical and experimental permeability. Recently, experimental determination has been gaining considerable attention as a mean to obtain accurate permeability values; however, it requires a number of trials. In this study, the permeability of the Hexforce G0926 5HS (five-harness satin) carbon fabric preform is estimated using representative theoretical prediction models, the Gebart and Kozeny–Carman equations. In addition to the Kozeny–Carman permeability (using the Kozeny constant values from literature), the Kozeny constant obtained through experiments was used to obtain a modified Kozeny–Carman permeability. All three calculated permeabilities were compared and verified with the fabric manufacturer’s reference value. The results showed that the modified Kozeny–Carman permeability using the experimentally determined Kozeny constant was closest to the reference value at 57% fiber volume fraction. Further, the predicted permeability was compared with other experimental permeability values from literature over the 40%–65% range of fiber volume fraction. We found that the modified Kozeny–Carman permeability once again came closest to the literature values. Finally, an optimized fitting equation was proposed to replace the Kozeny–Carman equation for predicting the permeability of Hexforce G0926 5HS carbon fabric over the 40%–65% fiber volume fraction range.
Atrial fibrillation screening: feasible approaches and implementation challenges across Europe
Authors: Engler D , Hanson C , Desteghe L , Boriani G , Diederichsen S Z , Freedman B , Pala E , Potpara T , Witt H , Heidbuchel H , Neubeck L , Schnabel R B ,   AFFECT-EU
Published: December 2021

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) screening has the potential to increase early detection and possibly reduce complications of AF. Guidelines recommend screening, but the most appropriate approaches are unknown.

Purpose

We aimed to explore the views of stakeholders across Europe about the opportunities and challenges of implementing four different AF screening scenarios.

Method

This qualitative study included 21 semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals and regulators potentially involved in AF screening implementation in nine European countries. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes evolved. 1) Current approaches to screening: there are no national AF screening programmes, with most AF detected in symptomatic patients. Patient-led screening exists via personal devices, creating screening inequity by the reach of screening programmes being limited to those who access healthcare services. 2) Feasibility of screening approaches: single time point opportunistic screening in primary care using single lead ECG devices was considered the most feasible approach and AF screening may be possible in previously unexplored settings such as dentists and podiatrists. Software algorithms may aid identification of patients suitable for screening and telehealth services have the potential to support diagnosis. However, there is a need for advocacy to encourage the use of telehealth to aid AF diagnosis, and training for screening familiarisation and troubleshooting.

3) Implementation requirements: sufficient evidence of benefit is required. National rather than pan-European screening processes must be developed due to different payment mechanisms and health service regulations.

There is concern that the rapid spread of wearable devices for heart rate monitoring may increase workload due to false positives in low risk populations for AF. Data security and inclusivity for those without access to primary care or personal devices must be addressed.

Conclusions

There is an overall awareness of AF screening. Opportunistic screening appears to be most feasible across Europe. Challenges that need to be addressed concern health inequalities, identification of best target groups for screening, streamlined processes, the need for evidence of benefit, and a tailored approach adapted to national realities.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): H2020 Screening ScenariosGraphical abstract
Nonresponse bias in change estimation: a national forest inventory example
Authors: Westfall James A , Wilson Barry T
Published: December 2021

Nonresponse in national forest inventories primarily occurs in forested areas due to accessibility issues or where hazardous conditions exist. As with all surveys, nonresponse has the potential to impart empirical bias into sample-based estimates and care should be taken to minimize any effects. A less-studied aspect is the effects of nonresponse when estimating change between two points in time. In this study, potential bias in change estimates was evaluated using imputed values for nonresponse inventory plots to compare differences between response and nonresponse means. Analysis of forest area and tree biomass density attributes revealed that systematic differences in probabilities of nonresponse that occur due to ownership type and forest/nonforest status produce overall estimates of change that are too small. The empirical bias appears to worsen as nonresponse rates increase. Underestimation of change inhibits detection of statistically significant shifts in forest resource attributes and concurrently thwarts effective management and policy responses. Thus, further study to ameliorate this issue is warranted, including improved strategies for defining populations and strata to better conform to nonresponse assumptions and/or alternative estimation methods that account for differential nonresponse probabilities due to ownership or forest/nonforest status.
Sole Family Survivors: Older Adults Lacking Family of Origin Kin
Authors: Brown Susan L , Mellencamp Kagan A , Lin I-Fen
Published: December 2021

Objectives

We introduced a unique form of kinlessness: sole family survivorship, which describes the lack of family of origin (i.e., biological parents and siblings) kin. This form of kinlessness may be particularly consequential for older adults who experience other forms of kinlessness (e.g., no spouse/partner or no children) as they are especially likely to have relied on their family of origin for support.

Methods

Data from the 1998–2014 Health and Retirement Study (N = 148,346 person-waves) were used to estimate the prevalence of sole family survivorship among adults aged 55 and older and men and women aged 55–74 and 75+. Variation in prevalence levels of sole family survivorship across sociodemographic characteristics, health indicators, and family factors were also estimated. Finally, we tracked cohort trends in sole family survivorship.

Results

More than 1 in 10 adults aged 55+ were sole family survivors and this figure rose to more than 1 in 4 among those aged 75+. Adults with no spouse/partner and no children were especially likely to be sole family survivors, meaning they face a double burden of kinlessness.

Discussion

Sole family survivorship represents the culmination of loss of multiple, lifelong kin ties. It is more common among those lacking other close kin, signaling the presence of a uniquely vulnerable group of older adults who experience multiple forms of kinlessness. Future research should address how older adults and society at large adapt to kinlessness to ensure successful aging.
Causal Association Between Atopic Dermatitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A 2-Sample Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Meisinger Christa , Freuer Dennis
Published: December 2021

Background

Observational studies postulated an association between atopic dermatitis (AD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it remains unclear whether this relationship is causal.

Methods

To determine whether AD is causally related to IBD and vice versa, a 2-sample Mendelian randomization study was conducted. Independent genetic instruments from the largest available genome-wide association study for AD (EAGLE eczema consortium without the 23andMe study including 10,788 cases and 30,047 controls) were used to investigate the association with IBD in the UK Biobank study (7045 cases, 456,327 controls) and a second European IBD sample (12,882 cases, 21,770 controls).

Results

Atopic dermatitis was strongly associated with higher risk of IBD as a whole (odds ratio [OR], 1.107; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.035; 1.183; P = .003) in the UK Biobank study. The positive association was not significant in the other IBD study (OR, 1.114; 95% CI, 0.956; 1.298), but in meta-analyses of results from the 2 studies, the strong association could be confirmed (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04; 1.18). When evaluating the causal relationship in the other direction, IBD as a whole did not show an association with AD. Subtype analyses revealed that AD was suggestively associated with ulcerative colitis (UC; OR, 1.149; 95% CI, 1.018; 1.297) but not Crohn’s disease (CD). However, there was a suggestive association between CD and AD (OR, 1.034; 95% CI, 1.004; 1.064) but not UC and AD.

Conclusions

This study supports a causal effect between AD and IBD—but not between IBD and AD. There seems to be considerable differences between UC and CD regarding their specific associations with AD. These findings have implications for the management of IBD and AD in clinical practice.
Multiple interfaces to recognize nucleosomal targets
Authors: Nakamura Rinko , Nakayama Jun-ichi
Published: December 2021

In eukaryotic cells, DNA is tightly compacted as chromatin. Chromatin states must be dynamically changed to increase the accessibility of transcription factors (TFs) to chromatin or to stably silence genes by higher-order chromatin structures known as heterochromatin. The regulation of chromatin needs cooperative action performed by a variety of proteins. Specific binding of TFs to target DNA is the initial step of chromatin regulation and promotes changes in the post-translational modifications of histone tails, which themselves are recognized by a set of histone reader proteins. Recent biochemical studies have revealed that some TFs that recognize specific DNA sequences can also interact with histones. Furthermore, histone reader proteins that recognize specific histone tail modifications have been shown to have the ability to directly bind to DNA. In this commentary, we introduce recent advances in the elucidation of how chromatin regulating factors recognize nucleosomal targets.
Basis for diurnal exacerbation of neuropathic pain hypersensitivity and its application for drug development
Authors: Koyanagi Satoru , Kusunose Naoki , Yasukochi Sai , Ohdo Shigehiro
Published: December 2021

In addition to diurnal rhythms in physiology and behavior, a variety of pathological conditions also exhibit marked day–night changes in symptom intensity, exemplified by allergic rhinitis, arthritis, asthma, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke and chronic pain disorders. Currently, novel therapeutic approaches are facilitated by the development of chemical compounds targeted to key proteins that cause diurnal exacerbation of pathological events. Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition that occurs by tumor-induced nerve compression, cancer cell infiltration into the nerve, diabetes and herpes virus infection. One troublesome hallmark symptom of neuropathic pain is hypersensitivity to normally innocuous stimuli known as ‘mechanical allodynia’ that is often refractory to common analgesic therapies. Millions of patients worldwide presently endure neuropathic pain. We summarize the recent insights gained into the mechanism of diurnal exacerbation of neuropathic pain hypersensitivity and introduce the strategy of circadian clock-based drug development.
Evolution and properties of alanine racemase from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Ashida Hiroyuki , Murakami Kaho , Inagaki Kenji , Sawa Yoshihiro , Hemmi Hisashi , Iwasaki Yugo , Yoshimura Tohru
Published: December 2021

Alanine racemase (EC 5.1.1.1) depends on pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and catalyses the interconversion between L- and D-Ala. The enzyme is responsible for the biosynthesis of D-Ala, which is an essential component of the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls. Phylogenetic analysis of alanine racemases demonstrated that the cyanobacterial enzyme diverged before the separation of gram-positive and gram-negative enzymes. This result is interesting considering that the peptidoglycans observed in cyanobacteria seem to combine the properties of those in both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. We cloned the putative alanine racemase gene (slr0823) of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 in Escherichia coli cells, expressed and purified the enzyme protein and studied its enzymological properties. The enzymatic properties of the Synechocystis enzyme were similar to those of other gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial enzymes. Alignment of the amino acid sequences of alanine racemase enzymes revealed that the conserved tyrosine residue in the active centre of most of the gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial enzymes has been replaced with tryptophan in most of the cyanobacterial enzymes. We carried out the site-directed mutagenesis involving the corresponding residue of Synechocystis enzyme (W385) and revealed that the residue is involved in the substrate recognition by the enzyme.
Acute presentation of multi-cystic peritoneal mesothelioma
Authors: Redden Mark , Riddell Andrew
Published: December 2021

Multi-cystic peritoneal mesothelioma (MCPM) is a rare intra-abdominal neoplasm that occurs most commonly in young females. The disease usually presents as an incidental finding or with sub-acute abdominal pain. The mainstay of treatment is complete excision; however, local recurrence frequently occurs and malignant transformation has been reported. We describe a unique case of MCPM that presented with acute abdominal pain.

A 32-year-old female presented with a 24-hour history of abdominal pain. Computed tomography abdomen demonstrated a low-density mass with surrounding inflammatory changes anterior to the ascending colon, which was initially thought to represent an abscess. A percutaneous drain was inserted; however, only clear fluid was aspirated and the lesion did not resolve. The patient subsequently underwent laparoscopy which identified a cystic structure overlying the ascending colon. The structure was excised whole with histology demonstrating MCPM. The patient recovered from surgery and will undergo a period of surveillance.
A case of esophageal ulcer and hemorrhage due to aberrant subclavian in a COVID positive patient
Authors: Hlayhel Ahmad , Foran Lindsey , Trivedi Aakash , Zuberi Jamshed , Cerda Luis , Danks John
Published: December 2021

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), a global pandemic, is a respiratory infection that impairs the lungs among many other organs. We report a case of a COVID-19 positive patient requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation with nasogastric tube for enteral feeding, leading to esophageal ulcer and hemorrhage, from an aberrant right subclavian artery.
Introduction: Levels of Reality
Authors: Hemmo Meir , Shenker Orly
Published: December 2021

We give a general background describing how the notion of levels of reality comes about in contemporary nonreductive approaches to the special sciences, what the notion of levels means in these approaches, its role in our scientific outlook of the world, and why it is important.
Repeatability of tumor perfusion kinetics from dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in glioblastoma
Authors: Woodall Ryan T , Sahoo Prativa , Cui Yujie , Chen Bihong T , Shiroishi Mark S , Lavini Cristina , Frankel Paul , Gutova Margarita , Brown Christine E , Munson Jennifer M , Rockne Russell C
Published: December 2021

Background

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) parameters have been shown to be biomarkers for treatment response in glioblastoma (GBM). However, variations in analysis and measurement methodology complicate determination of biological changes measured via DCE. The aim of this study is to quantify DCE-MRI variations attributable to analysis methodology and image quality in GBM patients.

Methods

The Extended Tofts model (eTM) and Leaky Tracer Kinetic Model (LTKM), with manually and automatically segmented vascular input functions (VIFs), were used to calculate perfusion kinetic parameters from 29 GBM patients with double-baseline DCE-MRI data. DCE-MRI images were acquired 2–5 days apart with no change in treatment. Repeatability of kinetic parameters was quantified with Bland–Altman and percent repeatability coefficient (%RC) analysis.

Results

The perfusion parameter with the least RC was the plasma volume fraction (vp), with a %RC of 53%. The extra-cellular extra-vascular volume fraction (ve) %RC was 82% and 81%, for extended Tofts-Kety Model (eTM) and LTKM respectively. The %RC of the volume transfer rate constant (Ktrans) was 72% for the eTM, and 82% for the LTKM, respectively. Using an automatic VIF resulted in smaller %RCs for all model parameters, as compared to manual VIF.

Conclusions

As much as 72% change in Ktrans (eTM, autoVIF) can be attributable to non-biological changes in the 2–5 days between double-baseline imaging. Poor Ktrans repeatability may result from inferior temporal resolution and short image acquisition time. This variation suggests DCE-MRI repeatability studies should be performed institutionally, using an automatic VIF method and following quantitative imaging biomarkers alliance guidelines.
Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus Hospitalizations: National Inpatient Sample, 2016–2019
Authors: Klein Eili Y , Zhu Xianming , Petersen Molly , Patel Eshan U , Cosgrove Sara E , Tobian Aaron A R
Published: December 2021

Data from the National Inpatient Sample demonstrate that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)–related septicemia hospitalizations increased from 1.67 (95% CI, 1.63–1.72) to 1.94 (95% CI, 1.88–2.00; Ptrend < .001) discharges per 1000 hospitalizations between 2016 and 2019. Regionally, the trends were similar. Rates of MSSA-related septicemia and pneumonia hospitalizations also increased significantly over this time period.
Model-Based Efficacy and Toxicity Comparisons of Moxifloxacin for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Yun Hwi-Yeol , Chang Vincent , Radtke Kendra K , Wang Qianwen , Strydom Natasha , Chang Min Jung , Savic Radojka M
Published: December 2021

Background

Moxifloxacin (MOX) is used as a first-choice drug to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB); however, evidence-based dosing optimization should be strengthened by integrative analysis. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate MOX efficacy and toxicity using integrative model-based approaches in MDR-TB patients.

Methods

In total, 113 MDR-TB patients from 5 different clinical trials were analyzed for the development of a population pharmacokinetics (PK) model. A final population PK model was merged with a previously developed lung-lesion distribution and QT prolongation model. Monte Carlo simulation was used to calculate the probability target attainment value based on concentration. An area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)-based target was identified as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of MOX isolated from MDR-TB patients.

Results

The presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increased clearance by 32.7% and decreased the AUC by 27.4%, compared with HIV-negative MDR-TB patients. A daily dose of 800 mg or a 400-mg, twice-daily dose of MOX is expected to be effective in MDR-TB patients with an MIC of ≤0.25 µg/mL, regardless of PK differences resulting from the presence of HIV. The effect of MOX in HIV-positive MDR-TB patients tended to be decreased dramatically from 0.5 µg/mL, in contrast to the findings in HIV-negative patients. A regimen of twice-daily doses of 400 mg should be considered safer than an 800-mg once-daily dosing regimen, because of the narrow fluctuation of concentrations.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a 400-mg, twice-daily dose of MOX is an optimal dosing regimen for MDR-TB patients because it provides superior efficacy and safety.
Spatiotemporal development of suberized barriers in cork oak taproots
Authors: Leal Ana Rita , Sapeta Helena , Beeckman Tom , Barros Pedro M , Oliveira M Margarida
Published: December 2021

The longevity and high activity of the cork cambium (or phellogen) from Quercus suber L. (cork oak) are the cornerstones for the sustainable exploitation of a unique raw material. Cork oak is a symbolic model to study cork development and cell wall suberization, yet most genetic and molecular studies on these topics have targeted other model plants. In this study, we explored the potential of taproots as a model system to study phellem development and suberization in cork oak, thereby avoiding the time constraints imposed when studying whole plants. In roots, suberin deposition is found in mature endodermis cells during primary development and in phellem cells during secondary development. By investigating the spatiotemporal characteristics of both endodermis and phellem suberization in young seedling taproots, we demonstrated that secondary growth and phellogen activity are initiated very early in cork oak taproots (approx. 8 days after sowing). We further compared the transcriptomic profile of root segments undergoing primary (PD) and secondary development (SD) and identified multiple candidate genes with predicted roles in cell wall modifications, mainly lignification and suberization, in addition to several regulatory genes, particularly transcription factor- and hormone-related genes. Our results indicate that the molecular regulation of suberization and secondary development in cork oak roots is relatively conserved with other species. The provided morphological characterization creates new opportunities to allow a faster assessment of phellogen activity (as compared with studies using stem tissues) and to tackle fundamental questions regarding its regulation.
Retrospective analysis and nursing management of inpatient falls
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Zhu Xiaoling , Song Yan
Published: December 2021

Background:

Falls are common adverse events: approximately 1 million falls occur in hospitals annually, accounting for approximately 70% of inpatient accidents.

Objectives:

This study aimed to identify the characteristics of adverse fall events in our hospital from January 2019 to October 2021; it also had the goal of formulating nursing management countermeasures to reduce the occurrence of falls in our hospital. Identify the impact of formulated fall prevention and Group standards.

Methods:

Details of falls were obtained from the nursing adverse event reporting system of the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2019 to December 2020. We analyzed 76 falls reported to the nursing department using a nonpunitive reporting system. We established fall prevention and Group standards. And compared with falls from March to October 2021.

Results:

In the study period, before the intervention, 76 falls occurred in the hospital: 18 in the day shift and 58 in the night shift. Among the falls, 32 (42.1%) occurred at the bedside; that figure was followed by 26 in the toilet (34.2%) and 18 in other places outside the ward (23.7%). The top 3 causes of the falls accounted for 84.2% of the cases: 14 were caused by nurses; 20 were caused by the patients themselves; and 30 cases were caused by concomitant factors. Regarding the consequences of the falls, 18 patients were uninjured, 22 had a mild injury, 12 were moderately injured, and 24 suffered severe injuries. After the intervention, there were fewer falls per patient day and when patients were less likely to be injured in a fall (P < .05).

Conclusions:

Enhancing awareness of factors that lead to inpatients falls may reduce the risk of concomitant injuries. Group standards should be established to prevent falls. In accordance with standards, it is necessary to consider health education and process supervision; it is also important to encourage inpatients to participate in safety management and to effectively ensure the safety of patients.
Analysis of dental amalgam fillings on primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Chen Kun-Huang , Yu Hui-Chieh , Chang Yu-Chao
Published: December 2021

Primary Sjören's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the inflammatory infiltrate and progressive dysfunction of salivary glands. Dental amalgam with mercury has been raised the public concerns regarding its purported mercury toxicity from dental amalgam to possible systemic inflammatory and immune reactions.

In this study, a nationwide population-based database was employed to investigate the association of amalgam filling (AMF) and the risk of pSS. A retrospective case-control study was sourced from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) from 2000 to 2013. Case and control groups were matched by sex, age, urbanization level, monthly income, and comorbidities using the propensity score method with a 1:1 ratio. In this study, 5848 cases and 5848 controls were included.

The results demonstrated no statistically significant differences between AMF and pSS (odds ratio [OR]: 0.974, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.904–1.049). In addition, pSS was also not associated with AMF for women (OR: 0.743, 95% CI = 0.552–1.000) and men (OR: 1.006, 95% CI = 0.670–1.509), respectively.

Taken together, evidence demonstrated that the association of AMF and pSS was inconsistent from this robust register databank.
Gestational age and infection are greater predictors of placental histopathology than maternal prepregnancy BMI
Authors: Duffley Eleanor , Grynspan David , Scott Hailey , Lafrenière Anthea , de Andrade Cherley Borba Vieira , Bloise Enrrico , Connor Kristin L
Published: December 2021

The placenta undergoes morphological and functional adaptions to adverse exposures during pregnancy. The effects of suboptimal maternal body mass index (BMI), preterm birth, and infection on placental histopathological phenotypes remain unclear, despite the association between these conditions and poor offspring outcomes. We hypothesized that suboptimal maternal prepregnancy BMI and preterm birth (with and without infection) would associate with altered placental maturity and morphometry, and that altered placental maturity would associate with poor birth outcomes. Clinical data and human placentae were collected from 96 pregnancies where mothers were underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, without other major complications. Placental histopathological characteristics were scored with an anatomical pathologist. Associations between maternal BMI, placental pathology (immaturity and hypermaturity), placental morphometry, and infant outcomes were investigated at term and preterm, with and without infection. Fetal vascular endothelium volumetric proportion was decreased, whereas syncytial knot volumetric proportion was increased, in placentae from preterm pregnancies with chorioamnionitis compared to term placentae. At term and preterm, pregnancies with overweight and obesity had a high percentage increase in proportion of immature placentae compared to normal weight. Placental maturity did not associate with infant birth outcomes. We observed placental hypermaturity and altered placental morphometry among preterm pregnancies with chorioamnionitis, suggestive of altered placental development, which may inform about pregnancies susceptible to preterm birth and infection. Our data increase our understanding of how common metabolic exposures and preterm birth, in the absence of other comorbidities or perinatal events, potentially contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes and the programming of offspring development.
A high-resolution flux-matrix model describes the spread of diseases in a spatial network and the effect of mitigation strategies
Authors: Le Treut Guillaume , Huber Greg , Kamb Mason , Kawagoe Kyle , McGeever Aaron , Miller Jonathan , Pnini Reuven , Veytsman Boris , Yllanes David
Published: December 2021

Propagation of an epidemic across a spatial network of communities is described by a variant of the SIR model accompanied by an intercommunity infectivity matrix. This matrix is estimated from fluxes between communities, obtained from cell-phone tracking data recorded in the USA between March 2020 and February 2021. We apply this model to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic by fitting just one global parameter representing the frequency of interaction between individuals. We find that the predicted infections agree reasonably well with the reported cases. We clearly see the effect of “shelter-in-place” policies introduced at the onset of the pandemic. Interestingly, a model with uniform transmission rates produces similar results, suggesting that the epidemic transmission was deeply influenced by air travel. We then study the effect of alternative mitigation policies, in particular restricting long-range travel. We find that this policy is successful in decreasing the epidemic size and slowing down the spread, but less effective than the shelter-in-place policy. This policy can result in a pulled wave of infections. We express its velocity and characterize the shape of the traveling front as a function of the epidemiological parameters. Finally, we discuss a policy of selectively constraining travel based on an edge-betweenness criterion.
Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a socially deprived UK coastal town: a preliminary exploratory analysis of health and socioeconomic data
Authors: French Maddy , Spencer Mark , Walker Mike , Patel Afzal , Clarke Neil , Hughes Ross , Taylor Collette , Orwin Margaret , Elliott Alicia , Worsley Karl , Casson Julie , Milan Stephen , Bowen Mark , Sedda Luigi
Published: December 2021

Introduction

In addition to the direct impact of COVID-19 infections on health and mortality, a growing body of literature indicates there are wide-ranging indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures on population health and wellbeing. Exploring these indirect impacts in the context of a socially deprived UK coastal town will help identify priority areas to focus COVID-19 recovery efforts on.

Methods

Data on primary care diagnosis, hospital admissions, and several socioeconomic outcomes between 2016 and Spring 2021 in the UK town of Fleetwood were collected and analysed in an exploratory analysis looking at pre- and post-COVID-19 patterns in health and social outcomes. Weekly and monthly trends were plotted by time and differences between periods examined using Chi-squared and t-tests.

Results

Initial falls in hospital admissions and diagnoses of conditions in primary care in March 2020 were followed by sustained changes to health service activity for specific diagnostic and demographic groups, including for chronic kidney disease and young people. Increases in the number of people receiving Universal Credit and children eligible for free school meals appear to be greater for those in the least deprived areas of the town.

Discussion

These exploratory findings provide initial evidence of the sustained impact of the pandemic across several health and social outcomes. Examining these trends in multivariate analyses will further test these associations and establish the strength of the medium term impact of the pandemic on the population of this coastal town. Advanced modelling of this data is ongoing and will be published shortly.
The shape of cancer relapse: Topological data analysis predicts recurrence in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Chulián Salvador , Stolz Bernadette J. , Martínez-Rubio Álvaro , Goñi Cristina Blázquez , Rodríguez Gutiérrez Juan F. , Velázquez Teresa Caballero , Quintana Águeda Molinos , Orellana Manuel Ramírez , Robleda Ana Castillo , Soler José Luis Fuster , Puras Alfredo Minguela , Martínez Sánchez María V. , Rosa María , Pérez-García Víctor M. , Byrne Helen M.
Published: December 2021

Although children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) have high survival rates, approximately 15-20% of patients relapse. Risk of relapse is routinely estimated at diagnosis by biological factors, including flow cytometry data. This high-dimensional data is typically manually assessed by projecting it onto a subset of biomarkers. Cell density and “empty spaces” in 2D projections of the data, i.e. regions devoid of cells, are then used for qualitative assessment. Here, we use topological data analysis (TDA), which quantifies shapes, including empty spaces, in data, to analyse pre-treatment ALL datasets with known patient outcomes. We combine these fully unsupervised analyses with Machine Learning (ML) to identify significant shape characteristics and demonstrate that they accurately predict risk of relapse, particularly for patients previously classified as ‘low risk’. We independently confirm the predictive power of CD10, CD20, CD38, and CD45 as biomarkers for ALL diagnosis. Based on our analyses, we propose three increasingly detailed prognostic pipelines for analysing flow cytometry data from ALL patients depending on technical and technological availability: 1. Visual inspection of specific biological features in biparametric projections of the data; 2. Computation of quantitative topological descriptors of such projections; 3. A combined analysis, using TDA and ML, in the four-parameter space defined by CD10, CD20, CD38 and CD45. Our analyses readily extend to other haematological malignancies.

Author summary

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a blood cancer which affects predominantly children and adolescents. Therapy typically fails in approximately 20 % of patients, who suffer from relapse. To determine disease status, clinicians assess cell types, their interactions, as well as deviations from normal behaviour. Flow cytometry (FC) is a method that quantifies the intensity of specific cell markers, giving rise to high-dimensional data. This routinely collected information is then reduced to obtain human-interpretable visualisation for prognosis. Topological Data Analysis (TDA) is a field of mathematics that studies shapes in data, considering isolated data islands and empty spaces between them. We showcase how to use TDA to extract shape characteristics in FC data of relapsing patients. We propose three pipelines, of increasing methodological complexity, to aid clinical decisions for risk stratification in ALL. In combination with Machine Learning, TDA enables high-accuracy predictions of relapse to be made at the time of diagnosis.
Smoking, race, ancestry and prospective abstinence
Authors: Bergen Andrew W , Ervin Carolyn M , McMahan Christopher S , Baurley James W , Javitz Harold S , Hall Sharon
Published: December 2021

Background

Factors influencing cessation include biopsychosocial characteristics, treatments and responses to treatment. The first cessation trial designed to assess cessation disparities between African American and White cigarette smokers demonstrated that socioeconomic, treatment, psychosocial and smoking characteristics explained cessation disparities. Ongoing translational efforts in precision cessation treatment grounded in genetically informed biomarkers have identified cessation differences by genotype, metabolism, ancestry and treatment.

Methods

In planned analyses, we evaluated six smoking-related measures, demographic and socioeconomic covariates, and prospective abstinence (7-day point prevalence at 12 weeks with bupropion, nicotine replacement and counseling treatments). We assessed concurrent and predictive validity in two covariate models differing by inclusion of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) race/ethnicity or genomic ancestry.

Results

We studied Pharmacogenetic Study participants (N=456, mean age 49.5 years, 41.5% female, 7.4% African American, 9.4% Multiracial, 6.5% Other, and 6.7% Hispanic). Cigarettes per day (OR=0.95, P<.001), Fagerström score (OR=0.89, P<=.014), Time-To-First-Cigarette (OR=0.75, P<=.005) and predicted urinary nicotine metabolite ratio (OR=0.57, P<=.039) were associated with abstinence. OMB African American race (ORs from 0.31 and 0.35, p-values<=.007) and African genomic ancestry (ORs from 0.21 and 0.26, p-values<=.004) were associated in all abstinence models.

Conclusions

Four smoking-related measures exhibited association with abstinence, including predicted nicotine metabolism based on a novel genomic model. African genomic ancestry was independently associated with reduced abstinence. Treatment research that includes social, psychological, treatment and biological factors is needed to reduce cessation disparities.

Implications

This is the first application of a statistical learning model of the urinary nicotine metabolite ratio to cessation. Results are concordant with biochemical and genetic models of the plasma nicotine metabolite ratio in multiethnic samples.

The urinary ratio exhibits the largest standardized effect size of four smoking-related measures associated with cessation (time-to-first cigarette, total Fagerström score and cigarettes per day were the others).

The social construct of African American race and genomic African ancestry are significant covariates in all cessation models.

Results point to social and biological mechanisms requiring investigation in larger samples to understand and reduce cessation health disparities.
The use of a Cohort Size Shrinkage Index (CSSI) to quantify regional famine intensity during the Chinese famine of 1959-1961
Authors: Liu Chunyu , Li Chihua , Xu Hongwei , Zhou Zhenwei , Lumey L.H.
Published: December 2021

The Cohort Size Shrinkage Index (CSSI) is the most widely used intensity measure in studies of the Chinese famine of 1959-1961. We examined requirements to construct a valid CSSI measure: reliable information on birth cohort size; a stable cohort size trend outside the famine years; and limited migrations. We used census data to examine the cohort size trend and concentrated on the time window of 1950-1970 to exclude events with a large impact on cohort size trends other than the famine. We observed a significant difference in cohort size trends comparing pre-famine and post-famine births. Compared to pre-famine based CSSI (p-CSSI), pre- & post-famine based CSSI (pp-CSSI) tends to overestimate famine intensity at higher mean CSSI levels and underestimate intensity at lower mean levels. In Sichuan province, we demonstrated a less pronounced dose-response relation between famine intensity and tuberculosis outcomes using p-CSSI as compared to pp-CSSI. These observations demonstrates that the CSSI is not a robust measure as had been assumed previously. We recommend the use of p-CSSI and encourage researchers to re-examine their results of Chinese famine studies.