bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histological findings of tracheal samples from COVID‐19 positive critically ill mechanically ventilated patients
Authors: Ward Patrick Alexander , Collier Jonathan Marc , Weir Justin , Osborn Michael , Hanley Brian , Smellie William James Buchanan ,   Chelwest COVID‐19 Tracheostomy Group
Published: October 2021

Objectives

This study examines the histological findings of tracheal tissue samples obtained from COVID‐19 positive mechanically ventilated patients, to assess the degree of tracheal inflammation/ulceration present.

Design and participants

Retrospective single‐centre observational cohort study. All patients admitted to Adult Intensive Care Unit (AICU) with COVID‐19 infection, requiring mechanical ventilation and surgical tracheostomy between 1 April and 1 May 2020, were included (Group 1). Tracheal windows excised at tracheostomy underwent histological analysis. Comparison was made with: tracheal windows from COVID‐19 positive AICU ventilated patients admitted between 1 January and 1 March 2021 (Group 2); tracheal windows from COVID‐19 negative AICU ventilated patients (Group 3); and, tracheal autopsy samples from COVID‐19 positive patients that died without undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation (Group 4).

Results

G
roup 1 demonstrated mild/moderate inflammation (tracheitis) in nearly all samples (15/16, 93.8%), with infrequent micro‐ulceration (2/16, 12.5%). G
roup 2 demonstrated similar mild/moderate inflammation in all samples (17/17, 100%), with no ulceration. Histological findings of Groups 1 and 2 COVID‐19 positive patients were similar to Group 3 COVID‐19 negative patients, which demonstrated mild/moderate inflammation (5/5, 100%), with uncommon superficial erosion (1/5, 20%). Group 4 demonstrated mild chronic inflammation or no significant inflammation, with uncommon micro‐ulceration (1/4, 25%).

Conclusions

Severe tracheal inflammation was not demonstrated in mechanically ventilated COVID‐19 positive patients at the level of the second/third tracheal rings, at the stage of disease patients underwent tracheostomy. Histological findings were similar between mechanically ventilated COVID‐19 positive and negative patients. Tracheal ulceration may be a feature of early or severe COVID‐19 disease.
Prevalence of sustainable and unsustainable use of wild species inferred from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Authors: Marsh Sophie M. E. , Hoffmann Michael , Burgess Neil D. , Brooks Thomas M. , Challender Daniel W. S. , Cremona Patricia J. , Hilton‐Taylor Craig , de Micheaux Flore Lafaye , Lichtenstein Gabriela , Roe Dilys , Böhm Monika
Published: October 2021

Unsustainable exploitation of wild species represents a serious threat to biodiversity and to the livelihoods of local communities and Indigenous peoples. However, managed, sustainable use has the potential to forestall extinctions, aid recovery, and meet human needs. We analyzed species‐level data for 30,923 species from 13 taxonomic groups on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species to investigate patterns of intentional biological resource use. Forty percent of species (10,098 of 25,009 species from 10 data‐sufficient taxonomic groups) were used. The main purposes of use were pets, display animals, horticulture, and human consumption. Intentional use is currently contributing to elevated extinction risk for 28–29% of threatened or near threatened (NT) species (2752–2848 of 9753 species). Intentional use also affected 16% of all species used (1597–1631 of 10,098). However, 72% of used species (7291 of 10,098) were least concern, of which nearly half (3469) also had stable or improving population trends. The remainder were not documented as threatened by biological resource use, including at least 172 threatened or NT species with stable or improving populations. About one‐third of species that had use documented as a threat had no targeted species management actions to directly address this threat. To improve use‐related red‐list data, we suggest small amendments to the relevant classification schemes and required supporting documentation. Our findings on the prevalence of sustainable and unsustainable use, and variation across taxa, can inform international policy making, including the Intergovernmental Science‐Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
Prevention of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves
Authors: Abia‐Trujillo David , Yu Lee‐Mateus Alejandra , Garcia‐Saucedo Juan C. , Saifi Omran , Patel Neal M. , Herth Felix J. F. , Woytanowski John R. , Alshelli Ihab , Alevas Sajive , Uribe Becerra Juan P. , Majid Adnan , Edell Eric S. , Dulohery‐Scrodin Megan M. , Reisenauer Janani S. , Mehta Hiren J. , Jantz Michael A. , Abbas Hawazin K. , Fernandez‐Bussy Sebastian
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) with endobronchial valves (EBVs) has emerged as an important treatment method for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are a frequent complication following BLVR with EBV. However, there is no consensus on the prevention of AECOPD.

Objectives

Our study aims to compare the outcomes of different prophylactic measures on the occurrence of AECOPD after BLVR with EBV.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study of patients who underwent BLVR with EBV at six different institutions. Emphasis was directed towards the specific practices aimed at preventing AECOPD: antibiotics, steroids, antibiotics plus steroids, or no prophylaxis. Subgroups were compared, and odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

A total of 170 patients were reviewed. The rate of AECOPD was 21.2% for the full cohort. Patients who received prophylaxis had a significantly lower rate of AECOPD compared with those who did not (16.7% vs. 46.2%; p = 0.001). The rate was lowest in patients who received antibiotics alone (9.2%). There was no significant difference in the rate of AECOPD between patients who received steroids alone or antibiotics plus steroids, compared with the other subgroups. The OR for AECOPD was 4.3 (95% CI: 1.8–10.4; p = 0.001) for patients not receiving prophylaxis and 3.9 (95% CI: 1.5–10.1; p = 0.004) for prophylaxis other than antibiotics alone.

Conclusions

Administration of antibiotics after BLVR with EBV was associated with a lower rate of AECOPD. This was not observed with the use of steroids or in combination with antibiotics.
The European Response to Chinese Outbound Foreign Direct Investment: Introducing a Dynamic Analytical Framework
Authors: Brennan Louis , Vecchi Alessandra
Published: October 2021

Since the turn of the 21st century, the emergence of Chinese outbound investment has been one of the most prominent features of globalization. Its trajectory has been notable both for its speed and scale and for its global dispersion. Since the early 2000s, Chinese outbound investment has grown rapidly from a very low base that predominately involved South–South flows, expanding into the global North. The idiosyncratic nature of Chinese investment has generated diverse responses over time from the countries of the developed world. The policy dilemmas that Chinese investment creates for the latter economies is manifest in their fragmented reactions and in the degree of contestation around policy responses. In the light of the recent increasing backlash towards investment by Chinese multinational corporations (MNCs) in much of the developed world, this article introduces a dynamic analytical framework that is able to assess the response to investment by Chinese MNCs in Europe, and examines the implications of that response for China and its corporations. By doing so, this article contributes to the debate on Chinese globalization and further elaborates on the so‐called ‘China anxiety’ issue.
Now‐thoughts
Authors: Romdenh‐Romluc Komarine
Published: October 2021

‘Now’‐thoughts are often categorised alongside ‘I’‐thoughts. The word ‘I’‐ (including its counterparts in other languages) and the thoughts typically expressed with it have long been a source of fascination for philosophers. ‘I’‐ seemingly behaves in peculiar ways, which many writers take to reflect some interesting features of the thoughts it typically expresses. Whilst the similarities between the behaviour of ‘I’‐ and ‘now’‐ have often been noted, the latter has received much less attention in the literature. In this paper, I will take some of the most influential ideas and frameworks that have been used to analyse ‘I’‐thought and draw on phenomenological descriptions of temporal experience to provide an account of ‘now’‐ thought. I will argue that a certain important class of ‘now’‐thoughts do not involve thinking about a particular time and predicating something of it, but instead merely involve registering the presence of events. I will end by sketching an account of how these claims might sit with a theory of the word ‘now’.
Species–landscape interactions drive divergent population trajectories in four forest‐dependent Afromontane forest songbird species within a biodiversity hotspot in South Africa
Authors: Mulvaney Jake M. , Matthee Conrad A. , Cherry Michael I.
Published: October 2021

Species confined to naturally fragmented habitats may exhibit intrinsic population complexity which may challenge interpretations of species response to anthropogenic landscape transformation. In South Africa, where native forests are naturally fragmented, forest‐dependent birds have undergone range declines since 1992, most notably among insectivores. These insectivores appear sensitive to the quality of natural matrix habitats, and it is unknown whether transformation of the landscape matrix has disrupted gene flow in these species. We undertook a landscape genetics study of four forest‐dependent insectivorous songbirds across southeast South Africa. Microsatellite data were used to conduct a priori optimization of landscape resistance surfaces (land cover, rivers and dams, and elevation) using cost‐distances along least‐cost pathway (LCP), and resistance distances (IBR). We detected pronounced declines in effective population sizes over the past two centuries for the endemic forest specialist Cossypha dichroa and Batis capensis, alongside recent gene flow disruption in B. capensis, C. dichroa and Pogonocichla stellata. Landscape resistance modelling showed both native forest and dense thicket configuration facilitates gene flow in P. stellata, B. capensis and C. dichroa. Facultative dispersal of P. stellata through dense thicket likely aided resilience against historic landscape transformation, whereas combined forest‐thicket degradation adversely affected the forest generalist B. capensis. By contrast, Phylloscopus ruficapilla appears least reliant upon landscape features to maintain gene flow and was least impacted by anthropogenic landscape transformation. Collectively, gene flow in all four species is improved at lower elevations, along river valleys, and riparian corridors— where native forest and dense thicket better persist. Consistent outperformance of LCP over IBR land‐cover models for P. stellata, B. capensis and C. dichroa demonstrates the benefits of wildlife corridors for South African forest‐dependent bird conservation, to ameliorate the extinction debts from past and present anthropogenic forest exploitation.
Crack initiation and propagation characteristics of a dual‐phase Mg–Li alloy under high‐cycle and very‐high‐cycle fatigue regimes
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , He Chao , Li Xue , Liu Yongjie , Wang Qingyuan , Li Lang , Zhang Hong , Wang Chong
Published: October 2021

Ultralight Mg–Li alloys are promising aerospace materials as they are the lightest structural alloys at present; however, their fatigue behaviors remain to be explored. This work focuses on the fatigue strength and crack initiation behavior of an extruded dual‐phase Mg–Li alloy (LZ91) under high‐cycle and very‐high‐cycle fatigue regimes. The fatigue limit of LZ91 alloy at 109 cycles was determined to be 78 MPa, and the fatigue ratio is 0.46. Microstructural characterization demonstrates that fatigue cracks tend to initiate at β‐Li phase‐enriched regions. The α‐Mg phase presents a <
> fiber texture with a basal plane that has low deformation in the extrusion direction and acts as an enhanced phase in relation to the β‐Li phase. Deformation discrepancies cause localized cyclic plasticity at the Li phase that leads to fatigue crack initiation.
Participation, retention and uptake in a multicentre pre‐exposure prophylaxis cohort using online, smartphone‐compatible data collection
Authors: Hovaguimian F , Martin E , Reinacher M , Rasi M , Schmidt AJ , Bernasconi E , Boffi El Amari E , Braun DL , Calmy A , Darling K , Christinet V , Depmeier C , Hauser C , Läuchli S , Notter J , Stoeckle M , Surial B , Vernazza P , Bruggmann P , Tarr P , Haerry D , Bize R , Low N , Lehner A , Böni J , Kouyos RD , Fehr JS , Hampel B
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of a national pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programme using smartphone‐compatible data collection.

Methods

This was a multicentre cohort study (NCT03893188) enrolling individuals interested in PrEP in Switzerland. All centres participate in the SwissPrEPared programme, which uses smartphone‐compatible data collection. Feasibility was assessed after centres had enrolled at least one participant. Participants were HIV‐negative individuals presenting for PrEP counselling. Outcomes were participation (number enrolled/number eligible), enrolment rates (number enrolled per month), retention at first follow‐up (number with first follow‐up/number enrolled), and uptake (proportion attending first visit as scheduled). Participant characteristics were compared between those retained after baseline assessment and those who dropped out.

Results

Between April 2019 and January 2020, 987 individuals were assessed for eligibility, of whom 969 were enrolled (participation: 98.2%). The median enrolment rate was 86 per month [interquartile range (IQR) 52–137]. Retention at first follow‐up and uptake were both 80.7% (782/969 and 532/659, respectively). At enrolment, the median age was 40 (IQR 33–47) years, 95% were men who have sex with men, 47% had a university degree, and 75.5% were already taking PrEP. Most reported multiple casual partners (89.2%), previous sexually transmitted infections (74%) and sexualized drug use (73.1%). At baseline, 25.5% tested positive for either syphilis, gonorrhoea or chlamydia. Participants who dropped out were at lower risk of HIV infection than those retained after baseline assessment.

Conclusions

In a national PrEP programme using smartphone‐compatible data collection, participation, retention and uptake were high. Participants retained after baseline assessment were at considerable risk of HIV infection. Younger, less educated individuals were underrepresented in the SwissPrEPared cohort.
Cost determinants among adults hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus in the United States, 2017–2019
Authors: Choi Yoonyoung , Hill‐Ricciuti Alexandra , Branche Angela R. , Sieling William D. , Saiman Lisa , Walsh Edward E. , Phillips Matthew , Falsey Ann R. , Finelli Lyn
Published: October 2021

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are common in adults, but data describing the cost of RSV‐associated hospitalization are lacking due to inconsistency in diagnostic coding and incomplete case ascertainment. We evaluated costs of RSV‐associated hospitalization in adult patients with laboratory‐confirmed, community‐onset RSV.

Methods

We included adults ≥ 18 years of age admitted to three hospital systems in New York during two RSV seasons who were RSV‐positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and had more than or equal to two acute respiratory infection symptoms or exacerbation of underlying cardiopulmonary disease. We abstracted costs from hospital finance systems or converted hospital charges to cost using cost‐charge ratios. We converted cost into 2020 US dollars and extrapolated to the United States. We used a generalized linear model to determine predictors of hospitalization cost, stratified by admission to intensive care units (ICU).

Results

Cost data were available for 79% (601/756) of eligible patients. The mean total cost of hospitalization was $8403 (CI95 $7240–$9741). The highest costs were those attributed to ICU services $7885 (CI95 $5877–$10,240), whereas the lowest were radiology $324 (CI95 $275–$376). Other than longer length of stay, predictors of higher cost included having chronic liver disease (odds ratio [OR] 1.38 [CI95 1.05–1.80]) for patients without ICU admission and antibiotic use (OR 1.49 [CI95 1.10–2.03]) for patients with ICU admission. The annual US cost was estimated to be $1.2 (CI95 0.9–1.4) billion.

Conclusion

The economic burden of RSV hospitalization of adults ≥ 18 years of age in the United States is substantial. RSV vaccine programs may be useful in reducing this economic burden.
The importance of influenza vaccination during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: McCauley John , Barr Ian G. , Nolan Terry , Tsai Theodore , Rockman Steven , Taylor Beverly
Published: October 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic and the measures taken to mitigate its spread have had a dramatic effect on the circulation patterns of other respiratory viruses, most especially influenza viruses. Since April 2020, the global circulation of influenza has been markedly reduced; however, it is still present in a number of different countries and could pose a renewed threat in the upcoming Northern Hemisphere winter. Influenza vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure that we have at our disposal against influenza infections and should not be ignored for the 2021–2022 season.
In vitro Inhibition of respiratory pathogens by lactobacillus and alpha haemolytic streptococci from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Authors: Coleman Andrea , Håkansson Alexander , Grahn Håkansson Eva , Cottrell Kyra , Bialasiewicz Seweryn , Zaugg Julian , Cervin Anders
Published: October 2021

Aims

To explore the in vitro ability of alpha haemolytic streptococcus (AHS) and lactobacilli (LBs), from Indigenous Australian children, to inhibit the growth of respiratory pathogens (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis), also from Indigenous Australian children.

Methods and Results

The bacterial interference of 91 isolates, from Indigenous Australian children both with and without otitis media (OM) or rhinorrhoea, was investigated using agar overlay and cell-free supernatant. Promising isolates underwent whole genome sequencing to investigate upper respiratory tract tropism, antibiotic resistance and virulence. Antibiotic susceptibility was examined for ampicillin, amoxicillin +clavulanic acid and azithromycin. Differences in the strength of bacterial inferences in relation to OM was examined using a case series of three healthy and three children with OM. LBs readily inhibited the growth of pathogens. AHS were less effective, although several isolates inhibited S. pneumoniae. One L. rhamnosus had genes coding for pili to adhere to epithelial cells. We detected antibiotic resistance genes coding for antibiotic efflux pump and ribosomal protection protein. LBs were susceptible to antimicrobials in vitro. Screening for virulence detected genes encoding for two putative capsule proteins. Healthy children had AHS and LB that were more potent inhibitors of respiratory pathogens in vitro than children with OM.

Conclusions

L. rhamnosus from remote Indigenous Australian children are potent inhibitors of respiratory pathogens in vitro.

Significance and Impact of Study

Respiratory/ear disease are endemic in Indigenous Australians. There is an urgent call for more effective treatment/prevention; beneficial microbes have not been explored. L. rhamnosus investigated in this study are potent inhibitors of respiratory pathogens in vitro and require further investigation.
Ultrasonic induced effect on mass transfer characteristics during osmotic dehydration of aonla (Phyllanthus emblica L.) slices: A mathematical modeling approach
Authors: Mehta Aryan , Singh Amanjeet , Singh Akhand Pratap , Prabhakar Pramod K. , Kumar Nitin
Published: October 2021

The present work aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasound pretreatment on osmotic dehydration of aonla slices. The aonla slices were subjected to an ultrasonic treatment with a frequency of 40 kHz for 10 min and then subjected to osmotic dehydration in 60°Bx sucrose solution for 300 min. Empirical models such as Azuara, Peleg, Weibull, Page, and Crank model were utilized to predict the kinetics of water loss and solid gain. Artificial Neural Network technique was also used to predict the parameters with immersion time and temperature as input. All models were found to have a good fit. From the analysis, the ultrasound pretreated samples were found to have enhanced rate of mass transfer compared to control samples especially at the early stages of the process. From Azuara Model, the equilibrium water loss and solid gain were ranged between 49.95–53.65 g/100 g and 11.10–22.01 g/100 g. From Crank model, the effective moisture diffusivities in osmotic dehydration were observed to be varied between 9.28 × 10−10–12.47 × 10−10 m2/s and 10.06 × 10−10–19.17 × 10−10 m2/s for atmospheric and ultrasonic conditions. While for solid gain, the values were ranged between 2.36–2.67 × 10−10 m2/s (untreated) and 2.49–2.73 × 10−10 m2/s (treated). The Vitamin C content and color of sample were found to be affected by ultrasound pretreatment (p <.05) and temperature (p <.05). The effective diffusivities attributed to have a significant Arrhenius relationship (R2 ≥.92, p ≤.05). The enhanced moisture loss and solid gain in the product can be explained by the microscopic channels and cell disruption caused by ultrasonic waves.

Practical Application

The aonla fruit, native to South Asia, is a very important commodity because of its health and nutritional benefits. Despite its advantages, it is less popular as table fruit because of its low shelf life and astringency. Osmotic dehydration can be used to preserve the fruit, and it causes the partial removal of water from the fruit and improves its taste. Osmotic dehydration being a slow process, can be enhanced by the ultrasound application. The data and findings can be applied to produce stable intermediate moisture content food that can be used as dried fruit or additive with other food products. This study investigates the modeling of ultrasound‐induced osmotic dehydration in order to design the process with low energy and cost.
Do Intermediaries Matter for Aggregate Asset Prices?
Authors: HADDAD VALENTIN , MUIR TYLER
Published: October 2021

Poor financial health of intermediaries coincides with low asset prices and high risk premiums. Is this because intermediaries matter for asset prices, or because their health correlates with economy‐wide risk aversion? In the first case, return predictability should be more pronounced for asset classes in which households are less active. We provide evidence supporting this prediction, suggesting that a quantitatively sizable fraction of risk premium variation in several large asset classes such as credit or mortgage‐backed securities (MBS) is due to intermediaries. Movements in economy‐wide risk aversion create the opposite pattern, and we find this channel also matters.
Atypical preeclampsia with systemic lupus erythematosus and elevated soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1/placental growth factor ratio
Authors: Mimura Kazuya , Tomimatsu Takuji , Endo Masayuki , Kimura Tadashi
Published: October 2021

While systemic lupus erythematosus is often complicated by preeclampsia, it is difficult to differentiate between its exacerbation and preeclampsia. The soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt‐1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio is unknown in systemic lupus erythematosus with preeclampsia before 20 weeks of gestation. Three nulliparous women with systemic lupus erythematosus developed preeclampsia at 13, 13, and 17 weeks of gestation with sFlt‐1/PlGF ratios of 427, 865, and 525, respectively. Two patients terminated their pregnancies and delivered within 2 weeks, while one experienced intrauterine fetal death 4 weeks after the measurements. Their symptoms gradually improved, and all patients were discharged within 3 months. The sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio may be used in the differential diagnosis of preeclampsia and systemic lupus erythematosus exacerbation before 20 weeks of gestation.
Affective social policy
Authors: Kranich Laurence
Published: October 2021

When agents' preferences are subject to influence, public policy should take this into account and be designed accordingly. The paper demonstrates the design of optimal affective social policy by means of an example involving household public good production.
Effect of water salinity on the oxidative system of juveniles of the North Atlantic white shrimp Litopenaeus setiferus reared in biofloc technology
Authors: Valenzuela‐Jiménez Manuel , Durruty‐Lagunes Claudia , Cuzon Gerard , Pacheco Eduardo , Arévalo Miguel , Aguilera‐Rivera Diana , Wasielesky Wilson , Rodríguez‐Fuentes Gabriela , Barreto Alvaro , Gaxiola Gabriela
Published: October 2021

This study evaluated the effect of biofloc technology (BFT) at 3 (lsBFT) and 35 (hsBFT) practice salinity units (psu) on the zootechnical performance, oxygen consumption, antioxidant activity, and oxidative damage of Litopenaeus setiferus juveniles reared in outdoor tanks. After 90 days, no significant differences were observed in terms of survival (p > .05). The final weight as well as wet weight gain, final biomass, and feeding conversion ratio (FCR) showed higher values for shrimp reared with hsBFT than those reared with lsBFT (p < .05). Compared to that for the hsBFT treatment, high oxygen consumption (VO2) was observed for the lsBFT treatment under fasting and postprandial conditions (p < .05). The activity of the enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase from shrimp muscle did not show significant differences between the treatments (p > .05). Regarding the lipid peroxidation (LPO) and oxidized protein (PO) in muscle samples, no significant differences were observed in LPO, whereas the PO was significantly higher for the lsBFT treatment (p < .05), which was related to higher fasting and postprandial oxygen consumption of the juveniles (p < .05). The adaptation of L. setiferus juveniles reared in BFT at low salinity is relatively weak because of their low growth and excessive oxygen consumption and the oxidative damage (PO) produced.
Highly efficient transformation of the model zygnematophycean alga Closterium peracerosum‐strigosum‐littorale complex by square‐pulse electroporation
Authors: Kawai Junko , Kanazawa Manaki , Suzuki Rie , Kikuchi Nanako , Hayakawa Yasuhiko , Sekimoto Hiroyuki
Published: October 2021

The zygnematophycean algae occupy an important phylogenetic position as the closest living relatives of land plants. Reverse genetics is quite useful for dissecting the functions of genes. However, this strategy requires genetic transformation, and there are only a few reports of successful transformation in zygnematophycean algae.

Here, we established a simple and highly efficient transformation technique for the unicellular zygnematophycean alga Closterium peracerosum‐strigosum‐littorale complex using a square electric pulse‐generating electroporator without the need for cell wall removal.

Using this method, the transformation efficiency increased > 100‐fold compared with our previous study using particle bombardment. We also succeeded in performing CRISPR/Cas9‐based gene knockout using this new method.

Our method requires only small amounts of labor, time and incubator space. Moreover, our technique could also be utilized to transform other charophycean algae with available genome information by optimizing the electric pulse conditions.
Early rhythm‐control ablation therapy to prevent atrial fibrillation recurrences: Insights from the CHARISMA Registry
Authors: Solimene Francesco , Giannotti Santoro Mario , Stabile Giuseppe , Malacrida Maurizio , De Simone Antonio , Pandozi Claudio , Pelargonio Gemma , Rossi Pietro , Battaglia Alberto , Pecora Domenico , Bongiorni Maria Grazia , Zucchelli Giulio , Stocco Camilla , Arestia Alberto , Iuliano Sara , Russo Maurizio , Narducci Maria Lucia , Segreti Luca
Published: October 2021

Background

An early, comprehensive rhythm‐control therapy is needed in order to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) effectively and to improve ablation outcomes.

Methods

A total of 153 consecutive patients from the CHARISMA registry undergoing AF ablation at eight centers were included. Patients with de novo PVI were classified as having undergone early treatment (ET) if the procedure was performed within 6 months after the first AF episode, and as having undergone delayed treatment (DT) if ablation was performed over 6 months after the first AF episode.

Results

One‐hundred fifty‐three patients were enrolled (69.9% male, 59 ± 10 years, 61.4% paroxysmal AF, 38.6% persistent AF). The time from the first AF episode to the ablation procedure was 1034 ± 1483 days. The ET group comprised 36 patients (25.3%), the DT group 60 (39.2%) and Redo cases were 57 (37.3%). During a mean follow‐up of 366 ± 130 days, 18 patients (11.8%) suffered an AF/AT recurrence. More DT patients than ET patients suffered recurrences (15.7% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.0452) and the time to AT/AF recurrence was shorter in the group of patients who received an ablation treatment after 6 months (HR = 6.19, 95% CI: 1.7 to 21.9; p = 0.0474). On multivariate Cox analysis, only hypertension (HR = 4.86, 95% CI: 1.6 to 14.98, p = 0.0062) was independently associated with recurrences. Beyond the hypertension risk factor, ET was associated with a low risk of recurrence; recurrence rate ranged from 0% (ET patients without hypertension) to 25.0% (DT patients with hypertension).

Conclusions

An early rhythm‐control ablation therapy in the absence of common risk factors was associated with the lowest rate of recurrences.
Long‐term nephrotic syndrome recurrence risk of kidney transplantation in two siblings with ADCK4‐associated glomerulopathy
Authors: Wang Si , Zhao Feng , Li Li , Yu Zihua
Published: October 2021

Background

Mutations in the ADCK4 gene cause steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome (NS), namely ADCK4‐associated glomerulopathy. Reportedly, 38.5% of patients with ADCK4‐associated glomerulopathy had end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) at the time of diagnosis of ADCK4‐associated glomerulopathy, requiring renal replacement therapy, such as dialysis and kidney transplantation. However, long‐term NS recurrence risk of kidney transplantation in patients with ADCK4‐associated glomerulopathy is unknown.

Methods

The clinical data and mutations in ADCK4 of two siblings with steroid‐resistant NS were collected. The long‐term prognosis of the two siblings who received kidney transplantation was evaluated.

Results

We describe two siblings with ADCK4‐associated glomerulopathy who received deceased donor kidney transplantation and showed no clinical evidence of recurrence of NS during more than 10 years of follow‐up.

Conclusions

This suggests that long‐term NS recurrence risk of kidney transplantation is low in patients with ADCK4‐associated glomerulopathy who progress to ESRD.
Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of Streptomyces species associated with potato crops in the central part of Colombia
Authors: Henao Laura , Guevara Marcela , Restrepo Silvia , Husserl Johana
Published: October 2021

In Colombia, Streptomyces scabiei (syn. S. scabies) is commonly believed to be the causal organism of scab disease in local potato crops. However, very little is known about this organism and about the diversity and pathogenicity of the Streptomyces species associated with potato crops in Colombia. This study, therefore, aimed to elucidate aspects regarding the diversity of these bacteria associated with potato crops in a particular region of Colombia and evaluate their pathogenicity. We obtained 33 isolates of Streptomyces from netted, superficial and deep‐pitted potato scab lesions from two main potato‐producing regions in Colombia. Of these, 17 were pathogenic based on in vitro and in planta assays. None of these isolates carried the txtA, txtB, or nec1 genes, commonly associated with pathogenicity in Streptomyces, and characteristic of the pathogenicity island (PAI). We also characterized all isolates based on phenotypic characteristics and analysed their phylogenetic relationships using the 16S rRNA, atpD, recA, rpoB, and trpB genes. The isolates were highly diverse, placed in nine clades with 15 different phenotypes. The 17 pathogenic isolates were placed into three clades, namely S. pratensis, S. xiamenensis, and unknown species. This study is a preliminary investigation towards understanding scab disease in Colombia through the study of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic species present in scab disease lesions in potatoes. Also, this is the first report of Streptomyces species associated with potato tubers in Colombia.
Does COPD start in the nursery?
Authors: Hancox Robert J. , Zhang Xian
Published: October 2021

See related article
Antibody response to two doses of inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine (CoronaVac) in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Eren Sadioğlu Rezzan , Demir Erol , Evren Ebru , Aktar Merve , Şafak Seda , Artan Ayşe Serra , Meşe Sevim , Ağaçfidan Ali , Çınar Güle , Önel Mustafa , Karahan Zeynep Ceren , Şengül Şule , Keven Kenan , Türkmen Aydın
Published: October 2021

Background

Coronavirus Disease‐19 (COVID‐19) has high mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTR), and vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is vital for this population. Although the humoral response to messenger RNA vaccines was shown to be impaired in KTR, there is a lack of data regarding the antibody response to inactivated vaccines. We investigated the antibody response to two consequent doses of the inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine (CoronaVac; Sinovac Biotech, China).

Methods

A total of 118 patients from two centers were included. The levels of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulin‐G antibodies against the nucleocapsid and spike antigens were determined with enzyme immunoassay (DIA.PRO; Milano, Italy) before the vaccine and one month after the second dose of the vaccine. Thirty‐three patients were excluded due to antibody positivity in the serum samples obtained before vaccination.

Results

Eighty‐five patients, 47 of whom were female, with a mean age of 46 ± 12, were included in the statistical analysis. The maintenance immunosuppressive therapy comprised tacrolimus (88.2%), mycophenolate (63.6%), and low‐dose steroids (95.3%) in the majority of the patients. After a median of 31 days following the second dose of the vaccine, only 16 (18.8%) patients developed an antibody response. The median (IQR) antibody level was 52.5 IU/ml (21.5–96). Age (48 vs. 38, p = .005) and serum creatinine levels (1.14 vs. 0.91, p = .04) were higher in non‐responders and were also found to be independently associated with the antibody response (odds ratio (OR): 0.93, p = 0.012 and 0.15, p = 0.045, respectively) in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

In this study, we found the antibody response to the inactivated vaccine to be considerably low (18.8%) in KTR. Increased age and impaired renal function were associated with worse antibody response. Based on the knowledge that mRNA vaccines yield better humoral responses, this special population might be considered for additional doses of mRNA vaccination.
The activity of labile coagulation factors and fibrinogen in thawed plasma during a 5 day storage period in the hospital blood bank refrigerator
Authors: Bahreini Sahar , Javadzadeh Shahshahani Hayedeh , Nasizadeh Soheila , Ahmadinejad Minoo
Published: October 2021

Background

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is used to treat coagulation disorders. Even though the activity of labile coagulation factors gradually decreases once thawed, it can be used up to 24 h after thawing, if stored properly. In this study, the level of coagulation factor activity was evaluated in thawed plasma during a 5 day storage period.

Materials and methods

This cross‐sectional study was performed on 40 FFP units prepared in Yazd Blood Center. Samples were thawed in a waterbath for 20–30 min at 30–37°C and then stored in the hospital blood bank refrigerator. The level of fibrinogen concentration, as a stable factor and, coagulation factors V and VIII, as labile factors, were measured in the plasma immediately following the thawing process as well as 24 and 120 h after the process. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software 20.

Results

The fibrinogen level remained stable for up to 24 h after thawing; after 120 h there was a 1.66% decrease with the mean level of 334.0 ± 53.3 mg/dl. The mean activity of factors V and VIII levels decreased by 12.3%, and 26% respectively over 120 h after thawing when compared to that after 24 h. A 120 h after thawing Factor V activity was above 70% in 87.5% of thawed plasmas and its mean activity was 81.6 ± 11.8. Factor VIII activity was above 70% in only 35% of thawed plasmas with the mean activity of 64.4 ± 17.2.

Conclusion

Thawed plasma can be used for up to 5 days in all therapeutic applications of FFP since it still has the essential hemostatic effects. However, in situations where higher levels of FVIII are needed, Thawed Plasma is not a suitable alternative. In such cases FFP, FVIII concentrate or cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor should be used.
Three-dimensional spiral motion of microparticles by a binary-phase logarithmic-spiral zone plate
Authors: Xia Xiangxiang , Li Yongchuan , Cai Feiyan , Zhou Hui , Ma Teng , Wang Jinping , Wang Jiaqian , Zheng Hairong
Published: October 2021

Acoustic vortex beams, which have both linear and angular momentum, can be used to make precise acoustic tweezers. Limited by the symmetry of a normal vortex beam, these tweezers are usually used for trapping or rotating particles in two dimensions. Here, the three-dimensional spiral motion of two soft particles of different sizes was realized using a vortex beam with a twisted focus, which was synthesized by a silicone binary-phase logarithmic-spiral zone plate. Numerical simulations and experimental measurements demonstrated that the beam had anisotropic focuses of crescent transverse intensity profiles and a screw phase dislocation with a singularity at the center. Experiments showed that a small particle (k0r ≈ 1.3) can follow the twisted intensity of the beam, but a large particle (k0r ≈ 4.7) spirals up away from the twisted field pattern. This is attributed to the dominant gradient force for the small particle, whereas the scattering effect induced a scattering force combined with a gradient force for the large particle. This focused twisted beam, which was generated with a structured silicone plate, and the three-dimensional spiral motion of microparticles, advance the development of simple, compact, and disposable acoustic devices for the precise and diverse manipulation of microparticles.
Various Workload Models and the Preseason Are Associated With Injuries in Professional Female Cyclists
Authors: van Erp Teun , van der Hoorn Taco , Hoozemans Marco J.M. , Foster Carl , de Koning Jos J.
Published: October 2021

Purpose:To determine if workload and seasonal periods (preseason vs in season) are associated with the incidence of injuries and illnesses in female professional cyclists.Methods:Session rating of perceived exertion was used to quantify internal workload and was collected from 15 professional female cyclists, from 33 athlete seasons. One week (acute) workload, 4 weeks (chronic) workload, and 3 acute:chronic workload models were analyzed. Two workload models are based on moving averages of the ratios, the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR), and the ACWR uncoupled (ACWRuncoup). The difference between both is the chronic load; in ACWR, the acute load is part of the chronic load, and in ACWRuncoup, the acute and chronic load are uncoupled. The third workload model is based on exponentially weighted moving averages of the ratios. In addition, the athlete season is divided into the preseason and in season.Results:Generalized estimating equations analysis was used to assess the associations between the workload ratios and the occurrence of injuries and illnesses. High values of acute workload (P = .048), ACWR (P = .02), ACWRuncoup(P = .02), exponentially weighted moving averages of the ratios (P = .01), and the in season (P = .0001) are significantly associated with the occurrence of injury. No significant associations were found between the workload models, the seasonal periods, and the occurrence of illnesses.Conclusions:These findings suggest the importance of monitoring workload and workload ratios in female professional cyclists to lower the risk of injuries and therefore improve their performances. Furthermore, these results indicate that, in the preseason, additional stressors occur, which could lead to an increased risk of injuries.
Formative Development of a Technology-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Grandparents and Grandchildren
Authors: Kobayashi Marissa A. , St. George Sara M. , Leite Rafael O. , Noriega Esquives Blanca , Wetstone Rachel , Pulgaron Elizabeth R. , Prado Guillermo , Czaja Sara J.
Published: October 2021

Physical inactivity is a major public health issue among older adults and children. This study presents preliminary results that will inform the development of a technology-based physical activity intervention for grandparents and grandchildren (ages 6–12 years old). The authors used an iterative user-centered design framework to gather quantitative data from grandparents (n = 35) and subsequently invited a subset of 12 of them to engage in qualitative interviews. Participants were 63.1 ± 9.8 years old, 80% female, 64% U.S.-born, 43% Hispanic, 66% single, and 40% <$15K income. The majority of grandparents reported mobile device proficiency, very close relationships with their grandchildren, and interest in participating in an intergenerational intervention. Four key themes related to family closeness, dynamics, routines, and technology informed intervention development. Next steps involved a pilot trial using Fitbits and a fully functioning technology-based prototype. Grandparents are uniquely positioned within their families to serve as agents of change in health-promoting interventions.
La construction d’un yachting canadien au XIXe siècle ; Transferts culturels de part et d’autre de l’Atlantique
Authors: Jallat Denis
Published: October 2021

Le nautisme français déchiré entre normes britanniques et références états-uniennes incite à s’interroger pour savoir si d’autres nations régatières connaissent des processus identiques. L’étude du yachting au Canada semble de ce point de vue intéressante. Nous essaierons de comprendre comment les pratiques nautiques se sont construites au Canada. Quels rapports les navigateurs Canadiens-français entretiennent-ils avec leurs homologues anglophones ? Quelles sont leurs modèles pour édicter des règles de course ou construire des voiliers : les normes britanniques, françaises ou celles des États-Unis proches ? Un système propre au Canada s’est-il développé ? Nous chercherons surtout à montrer les enjeux sous-jacents à l’activité vélique. L’hypothèse que l’on peut formuler est celle d’une pratique qui a su combiner les questions politiques, territoriales, ethniques du Canada et forger son identité sur des bases plurielles combinant les codes défendus par les francophones, les normes portées par les anglophones et des innovations venues des États-Unis.
Sea-Level Fingerprinting as a Direct Test for the Source of Global Meltwater Pulse IA
Authors: Clark P. U. , Mitrovica J. X. , Milne G. A. , Tamisiea M. E.
Published: October 2021

The ice reservoir that served as the source for the meltwater pulse IA remains enigmatic and controversial. We show that each of the melting scenarios that have been proposed for the event produces a distinct variation, or fingerprint, in the global distribution of meltwater. We compare sea-level fingerprints associated with various melting scenarios to existing sea-level records from Barbados and the Sunda Shelf and conclude that the southern Laurentide Ice Sheet could not have been the sole source of the meltwater pulse, whereas a substantial contribution from the Antarctic Ice Sheet is consistent with these records.
A Tetratricopeptide Repeat Scaffold Couples Signal Detection to OdhI Phosphorylation in Metabolic Control by the Protein Kinase PknG
Authors: Lisa María-Natalia , Sogues Adrià , Barilone Nathalie , Baumgart Meike , Gil Magdalena , Graña Martín , Durán Rosario , Biondi Ricardo M. , Bellinzoni Marco , Bott Michael , Alzari Pedro M.
Published: October 2021

Bacteria control the metabolic processes by which they obtain nutrients and energy in order to adapt to the environment.
Actinobacteria
, one of the largest bacterial phyla of major importance for biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture, developed a unique control process that revolves around a key protein, the protein kinase PknG. Here, we use genetic, biochemical, and structural approaches to study PknG in a system that regulates glutamate production in
Corynebacterium glutamicum
, a species used for the industrial production of amino acids.
Mechanisms for Electron Uptake by Methanosarcina acetivorans during Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer
Authors: Holmes Dawn E. , Zhou Jinjie , Ueki Toshiyuki , Woodard Trevor , Lovley Derek R.
Published: October 2021

The conversion of organic matter to methane plays an important role in the global carbon cycle and is an effective strategy for converting wastes to a useful biofuel. The reduction of carbon dioxide to methane accounts for approximately a third of the methane produced in anaerobic soils and sediments as well as waste digesters.
Charting Shifts in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Gene Expression across Asynchronous Time Trajectories with Diffusion Maps
Authors: Reiter Taylor , Montpetit Rachel , Runnebaum Ron , Brown C. Titus , Montpetit Ben
Published: October 2021

In this work,
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
gene expression was used as a biosensor to capture differences across and between fermentations of Pinot noir grapes from 15 unique sites representing eight American Viticultural Areas. This required development of a novel analysis method, DMap-DE, for investigation of asynchronous gene expression data.
Viral Inactivation Impacts Microbiome Estimates in a Tissue-Specific Manner
Authors: Boix-Amorós Alba , Piras Enrica , Bu Kevin , Wallach David , Stapylton Matthew , Fernández-Sesma Ana , Malaspina Dolores , Clemente Jose C.
Published: October 2021

Understanding how viral infections impact and are modulated by the microbiome is an important problem in basic research but is also of high clinical relevance under the current pandemic. To facilitate the study of interactions between microbial communities and pathogenic viruses under safe conditions, the infectious agent is generally inactivated prior to processing samples.
Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) Reveals Composite Patterns and Resolves Visualization Artifacts in Microbiome Data
Authors: Armstrong George , Martino Cameron , Rahman Gibraan , Gonzalez Antonio , Vázquez-Baeza Yoshiki , Mishne Gal , Knight Rob
Published: October 2021

UMAP provides an additional method to visualize microbiome data. The method is extensible to any beta diversity metric used with PCoA, and our results demonstrate that UMAP can indeed improve visualization quality and correspondence with biological and technical variables of interest.