bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for the differential diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease: a (network) meta‐analysis
Authors: Rübsamen Nicole , Pape Stephanie , Konigorski Stefan , Zapf Antonia , Rücker Gerta , Karch André
Published: January 2022

Background

There are no systematic reviews of cerebrospinal fluid and blood biomarkers for sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD) in specialized care settings that compare diagnostic accuracies in a network meta‐analysis (NMA).

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library for diagnostic studies of sCJD biomarkers. Studies had to use established diagnostic criteria for sCJD and for diseases in the non‐CJD groups, which had to represent a consecutive population of patients suspected as a CJD case, as reference standard. Risk of bias was assessed with QUADAS‐2. We conducted individual biomarker meta‐analyses with generalized bivariate models. To investigate heterogeneity, we performed subgroup analyses based on QUADAS‐2 quality and clinical criteria. For the NMA, we applied a Bayesian beta‐binomial ANOVA model. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42019118830).

Results

Of 2976 publications screened, we included 16 studies, which investigated 14–3‐3β (n = 13), 14–3‐3γ (n = 3), neurofilament light chain (NfL, n = 1), neuron‐specific enolase (n = 1), p‐tau181/t‐tau ratio (n = 2), RT‐QuIC (n = 7), S100B (n = 3), t‐tau (n = 12), and t‐tau/Aβ42 ratio (n = 1). Excluded diagnostic studies had strong limitations in study design. In the NMA, RT‐QuIC (0.91; 95% CI [0.83, 0.95]) and NfL (0.93 [0.78, 0.99]) were the most sensitive biomarkers for the diagnosis of definite, probable, and possible sCJD cases. RT‐QuIC was the most specific biomarker (0.97 [0.89, 1.00]). Heterogeneity in accuracy estimates was high between studies.

Conclusions

We identified RT‐QuIC as the most accurate biomarker, partially confirming currently applied diagnostic criteria. The shortcomings identified in many diagnostic studies for sCJD biomarkers need to be addressed in future studies.
Epithelial miR‐215 negatively modulates Th17‐dominant inflammation by inhibiting CXCL12 production in the small intestine
Authors: Pareek Siddhika , Sanchenkova Xenia , Sakaguchi Taiki , Murakami Mari , Okumura Ryu , Kayama Hisako , Kawauchi Saya , Motooka Daisuke , Nakamura Shota , Okuzaki Daisuke , Kishimoto Tadamitsu , Takeda Kiyoshi
Published: January 2022

MicroRNAs are a class of non‐coding short‐chained RNAs that control cellular functions by downregulating their target genes. Recent research indicates that microRNAs play a role in the maintenance of gut homeostasis. miR‐215 was found to be highly expressed in epithelial cells of the small intestine; however, the involvement of miR‐215 in gut immunity remains unknown. Here, we show that miR‐215 negatively regulates inflammation in the small intestine by inhibiting CXCL12 production. Mice lacking miR‐215 showed high susceptibility to inflammation induced by indomethacin, accompanied by an increased number of Th17 cells in the lamina propria of the small intestine. Our findings provide a rationale for targeting miR‐215 as a therapeutic intervention for inflammatory conditions in the small intestine.
Does “wearing off” of efficacy occur in galcanezumab‐treated patients at the end of the monthly treatment cycle? Post hoc analyses of four phase III randomized trials
Authors: Ailani Jessica , Kuruppu Dulanji K. , Rettiganti Mallikarjuna , Oakes Tina , Schroeder Krista , Wietecha Linda , Port Martha , Blumenfeld Andrew M.
Published: January 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to propose a definition of “wearing off” at the individual patient‐level and determine the percentage of patients with migraine who experience “wearing off” of efficacy of galcanezumab at the end of a treatment cycle using this predefined threshold.

Background

Anecdotal reports suggest that some patients may experience “wearing off” of efficacy during the last week of their calcitonin gene‐related peptide monoclonal antibody treatment cycle. A previous post hoc analysis of galcanezumab demonstrated consistent efficacy at each week throughout all monthly dosing intervals at the population‐level, but “wearing off” has not been assessed at the individual patient‐level.

Methods

Post hoc analyses of clinical trial data from four galcanezumab phase III, randomized, placebo‐controlled studies in a total of 2680 patients with high‐frequency episodic migraine (EVOLVE‐1, EVOLVE‐2, and CONQUER studies) or chronic migraine (CM; REGAIN and CONQUER studies) were conducted. “Wearing off” was defined as an increase of greater than or equal to 2 weekly migraine headache days in the last week of the treatment cycle compared to the second week for at least 2 months. The analyses were conducted (1) in all patients and (2) in patients with a clinically meaningful response to treatment.

Results

The percentage of patients meeting the threshold of “wearing off” was not statistically significantly different among the placebo, galcanezumab 120 mg, and galcanezumab 240 mg treatment groups, both in the total population and in patients with a clinically meaningful response (all ≤9.0%). Although the frequency of “wearing off” in patients with CM and prior preventive failures was numerically greater in the galcanezumab groups (8/89 or 9.0%) compared to placebo (3/95 or 3.2%), these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Consistent with previous analyses at the population‐level that showed no evidence of decreased efficacy at the end of a treatment cycle, rates of individual patients meeting the threshold of “wearing off” in this analysis were low and similar among placebo, galcanezumab 120 mg, and galcanezumab 240 mg treatment groups.
Is nestin a diagnostic marker for combined hepatocellular–cholangiocarcinoma?
Authors: Sasaki M , Sato Y , Nakanuma Y
Published: January 2022

Background and aims

The type IV intermediate filament, nestin, may be a candidate diagnostic marker for combined hepatocellular–cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC–CCA). Therefore, the significance of nestin as a diagnostic marker for cHCC–CCA categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) 2019 classification and its relationship with clinicopathological features were examined in the present study.

Methods and results

Nestin expression was immunohistochemically assessed in the liver sections from 75 patients with cHCC–CCA, 22 with small duct‐type intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), 20 with large duct‐type iCCA and 35 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nestin expression and its relationship with clinicopathological features and genetic alterations were investigated in cHCC–CCA. Nestin expression was detected in significantly more patients with cHCC–CCA (66.7%) than in those with large duct‐type iCCA (5%) (P < 0.01), HCC (2.9%) (P < 0.01) and small duct‐type iCCA (40.9%) (P < 0.05). Nestin expression was partly associated with neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and vimentin expression. Nestin expression was also observed in significantly more patients with small duct‐type iCCA than in those with large duct‐type iCCA and HCC (P < 0.01). Nestin‐positive cHCC–CCA was characterized by a smaller tumour size, the more frequent presence of cholangiolocellular carcinoma (CLC) components, a higher rate of p53 overexpression and a higher rate of multiple genetic alterations (P < 0.05). Furthermore, p53 overexpression was associated with a higher histological grade and multiple genetic alterations (P < 0.05) in nestin‐positive cHCC–CCA.

Conclusion

Nestin may be a useful diagnostic marker for a specific subgroup of cHCC–CCA and small duct‐type iCCA associated with CLC components, p53 mutations and multiple genetic alterations, which are related to stemness and multipotent differentiation.
Direct and indirect effects of different dentifrices on the initial bacterial colonization of enamel in situ overnight
Authors: Rosenauer Tobias , Basche Sabine , Flemming Jasmin , Hannig Christian , König Belinda , Hannig Matthias
Published: January 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the direct and indirect influence of fluoridated toothpastes and fluoride‐free toothpaste with hydroxyapatite (HAP) as active ingredient on initial bacterial colonization on enamel in situ.

Methods

For this clinical‐experimental pilot study, eight subjects were instructed to brush their teeth with three different toothpastes (Elmex®: 1400 ppm AmF, Meridol®: 1400 ppm AmF +SnF2, Karex®: HAP), using each for two consecutive days. As a control, brushing without toothpaste was performed. To evaluate bacterial colonization, subject wore splints with buccally placed bovine enamel platelets overnight. Two modes were tested. In a first pass (regimen A), the splints were inserted after toothbrushing to examine the indirect effects of the dentifrices. In order to investigate the direct effects, the specimens were brushed in situ in a second pass (regimen B). Biofilm formation was visualized and quantified using fluorescence microscopy (DAPI and BacLight) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Results

For brushing regimen A (indirect effect of dentifrices), no statistical differences were detected between any of the tested dentifrices or the control. Likewise, no statistically significant differences were recorded for brushing regimen B (direct effect of dentifrices). Furthermore, no differences between the different brushing techniques were determined with regard to the ultrastructure of the overnight biofilm.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of the present pilot study, it can be concluded that in patients with good oral hygiene, dentifrices and their chemical composition have no statistically significant effect on the initial bacterial colonization of enamel platelets in situ, irrespectively of the mode of application.
Present status and future directions – Guided endodontics
Authors: Connert Thomas , Weiger Roland , Krastl Gabriel
Published: January 2022

Luxation injuries and other stimuli may lead to a pulp canal obliteration (PCO). Even though the apposition of tertiary dentine is a sign of a vital pulp, in some cases root canal treatment is indicated in the long term due to apical periodontitis or pulpitis. Depending on the extent of PCO, root canal treatment may be challenging even for experienced and well‐equipped endodontic specialists. The ‘guided endodontics’ (GE) technique was introduced 6 years ago as an alternative to conventional access cavity preparation for teeth with PCO and apical pathosis or irreversible pulpitis. Using three‐dimensional radiological imaging such as cone‐beam computed tomography and a digital surface scan, an optimal access to the orifice of the calcified root canal can be planned virtually with appropriate software. GE is implemented either with the help of templates analogous to guided implantology (= static navigation) or by means of dynamic navigation based on a camera‐marker system. GE has emerged as a field of research in the last 6 years with very promising laboratory‐based results regarding the accuracy of guided endodontic access cavities for both static and dynamic navigation. Clinical implementation seems to provide favourable results, but the evidence is mainly based on numerous case reports and a few case series. This narrative review aims to provide an update on the present status of GE and to identify relevant research areas that could contribute to further improvements of this technique.
Pulpotomy for treatment of complicated crown fractures in permanent teeth: A systematic review
Authors: Donnelly Aisling , Foschi Federico , McCabe Paul , Duncan Henry F.
Published: January 2022

Background

Consensus on the treatment of choice for complicated crown fractures of teeth is limited. Recent guidance recommends vital‐pulp‐therapy; however, the preferred type is not specified. Higher success rates for pulpotomy compared to pulp‐capping have been documented, which suggests pulpotomy may be a preferable option for complicated crown‐fractures.

Objectives

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the success rate of pulpotomy (partial and complete) on teeth that suffered complicated crown fractures. Participants: patients who have suffered a complicated crown fracture to an anterior permanent tooth. Intervention: pulpotomy (partial or complete). Comparator: pulp‐capping or root canal treatment. Outcome: combined clinical and radiographic success at or after 12 months.

Methods

A systematic literature using key search terms was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane‐Central‐Register‐of‐Controlled‐Trials (CENTRAL) as well as a grey literature search from inception to May 2021 and without language restricted to English. Strict inclusion criteria were applied. A standardized tool with defined criteria to assess the risk of bias in each study was used. For non‐randomized comparative trials, the Robins‐I tool was used while the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale was used for non‐comparative non‐randomized studies.

Results

Seven retrospective clinical studies were included. The studies reported high success rates for pulpotomy with overall success ranges for partial or complete pulpotomy ranging from 75% to 96%. One study compared the success rates of pulpotomy to an alternative treatment option pulp capping (90.9% vs. 67%, respectively). Due to the lack of homogeneity in the included studies, a meta‐analysis was not possible.

Discussion

This review highlights the limited evidence based for the current guidance on treatment of complicated crown fractures. The findings of the review indicate high success rates for pulpotomy; however, there is a moderate risk of bias and small sample sizes in the included studies with the result that the overall results should be interpreted with caution.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this review, the benefits and high success rates reported for partial pulpotomy suggest this procedure, rather than pulp‐capping, should be considered as the treatment of choice for both immature and mature teeth that have suffered complicated crown‐fractures.
Impact of mixed bundling type on consumers’ value perception
Authors: Li Nan , Song Jae‐Do
Published: January 2022

A discount through bundling can harm consumers’ perception of the reference price of, and willingness to pay for, the bundled products. This study investigates how types of bundling such as mixed‐leader and mixed‐joint bundling affect the value perception of a primary product. Three experiments were developed and used to test theoretical hypotheses. Data were collected and analyzed using multivariate analyses of variance and mediation analysis with the bootstrapping procedure. Results show that leader bundling is more efficient in protecting the value perception of the primary product than joint bundling. The bundling type effect is mediated by consumers’ discount attribution and is strengthened in a low product similarity scenario. Further, cognitive style and attention level significantly mediate the relationship between product similarity and consumers’ discount attribution, especially under leader bundling. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the bundling type effect. The moderating effects of product similarity show the conditions for the bundling type effect. Additionally, the mediating effect of discount attribution is very meaningful since attribution is the most frequently mentioned theory in bundling research, while no study has directly examined it to date. The findings also provide useful implications for retailers to design efficient bundling promotion.
Experiences and challenges faced by community mental health workers when providing care to people with mental health conditions: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Goh Yong‐Shian , Ow Yong Qing Yun Jenna , Soo Shuenn‐Chiang , Wan Po Ching Jennie , Ng Vincent Chee Keong
Published: January 2022

The global prevalence of mental health conditions and the associated wide treatment gaps have led to increased demand for quality mental healthcare services. In Singapore, despite a shift towards a joint provision of mental healthcare in hospitals and the community, experiences of mental healthcare teams in such hospital‐community partnerships have remained unclear. Through a qualitative descriptive approach, this study explored community mental health workers’ experiences and perceptions of working with partners from tertiary hospitals and other community organisations. Eighteen participants were individually interviewed with a semi‐structured question guide through video conferencing. This study was guided by the 32‐item checklist from the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. Data were subjected to Braun and Clark’s six‐step thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: (i) the need for supportive partners, due to institutional and legal challenges faced in the participants’ liaison with hospital partners and other community organisations; (ii) the need for a supportive organisation, whose presence and importance were revealed by the interviews; and (iii) the necessity of advanced training, identified by the participants as a contributor to their professional growth. The findings highlighted the importance of inter‐sectoral communication and positive effects of a robust organisational support system. Accordingly, hospitals and community mental healthcare organisations should consider strengthening networking and boosting case discussions through regular inter‐sectoral meetings that would prioritise the clients’ continuity of care. Furthermore, opportunities for advanced trainings should be created for community‐based mental healthcare workers.
How to culture limnoterrestrial heterotardigrades
Authors: Momeni Sogol , Fuentes‐González Jesualdo , Pienaar Jason
Published: January 2022

Zoologists have long tried to culture the limnoterrestrial heterotardigrades associated with bryophytes and lichens without success. By carefully observing heterotardigrades in the genera Echiniscus, Pseudechiniscus, and Viridiscus over many months, we determined that these organisms feed on chloroplasts and cytoplasm from the cells of moss (typically moss protonema), and on the single‐celled green algae associated with the moss (typically Chlorella vulgaris). We also determined that the cryptogams they associate with, and hence the heterotardigrades themselves, spend more time in a dried state than do most eutardigrades, which are more easily cultured. Taking these observations into account, we varied food, water, and desiccation cycle conditions with the aim of developing a viable culturing protocol for heterotardigrades. We used this experimentally derived protocol to maintain laboratory cultures of the tardigrades Echiniscus sp., Pseudechiniscus aff. P. ramazzotti and Viridiscus viridianus, which regularly produced new eggs and hatchlings. Both moss and algae from their natural habitats were used as food sources, and a small layer of rain or spring water was added every morning and allowed to partially evaporate overnight. Furthermore, the organisms were more likely to lay eggs on a dense mat of moss protonema, grown by inserting tips of moss branches into a solidified KCM–agar medium. The medium also provided a walking substrate for the tardigrades, and possibly a source of cations. Crucially, the cultures were allowed to dry out completely every 10 days for a period of at least 3 days. Moss in the culture dish significantly improved the chances of the tardigrades coming out of their desiccation‐resistant states successfully. The ability to culture heterotardigrades makes these organisms available for modern genomics and other studies with implications for understanding desiccation resistance mechanisms beyond those studied in a few model eutardigrade species.
Analysing interactions in online discussions through social network analysis
Authors: Ye Dan , Pennisi Svoboda
Published: January 2022

Background

Online discussion is one of the commonly used tools to enhance students' interactions and engagements in online courses, but it is not clear how social presence in online discussions impacts students' learning and what kinds of interactions we should encourage. Social network analysis provides a new methodology to investigate how social interactions in online discussions influence learning.

Objectives

The study aims to identify students' online discussion interaction patterns and investigate how they are related to students' learning performance in an asynchronous course.

Methods

Students who enrolled in an asynchronous undergraduate course were invited to participate in this study. Participants' online discussion participation data were collected from six online discussions from an asynchronous online course. Data were analysed using social network analysis methods as well as correlation and regression analysis.

Results and Conclusions

We found that statistically significant positive correlations existed between learning performance and out‐degree and closeness, respectively, which provided evidence to support that social interactions in online discussions have positive correlations with learning. We also found that out‐closeness contributes to students' learning performance. The results of the study imply that knowledge construction occurs mainly in the centre of the outgoing network. By interpreting this study's results with the social construction of knowledge model, we conclude that knowledge construction mainly happens in reading and commenting on others' posts by internalizing and integrating external useful information from others.

Implications

While numerous studies have emphasized the importance of interactions in online discussions or collaborative learning, there are limited studies on what kind of interactions we should encourage and what role students play in knowledge construction. The results of this study provide evidence that knowledge construction happens when students are reading and commenting on others' posts, which includes a hidden process of integrating external useful information into their own understanding. Practical strategies are provided to encourage students to be expansive and actively reach out to other students.
Associations of conflict and migration on childhood cognitive development in Ethiopia: Evidence from a longitudinal study
Authors: Demis Lina Y. , Kane Jeremy C. , Greene Martha Claire
Published: January 2022

Background

Migration has substantial consequences on the wellness of affected households, thereby exposing children to circumstances that are detrimental for healthy cognitive development. This study evaluates the relationship between conflict and migration during conception or early childhood and childhood cognitive development outcomes among families in Ethiopia. We hypothesized that migration is associated with worse cognitive development outcomes among children and that this association is mediated by educational disparities and caregiver psychological distress.

Methods

The study used longitudinal data of children enrolled in the Young Lives Study (YLS) conducted in Ethiopia during 2002 (age 1), 2006–2007 (age 5), and 2009–2010 (age 8). We used multivariate linear and logistic regression to analyze the association between migration on cognitive development during middle childhood. Household migration and caregiver psychological distress were measured during round 1, type of education was measured at round 2, and cognitive development was measured at round 3.

Results

Results of the multivariate regression analysis showed that migrant children achieved lower scores on a test of verbal intelligence after controlling for sex, ethnicity, religion, and caregiver distress (β: −8.09; 95% CI: −15.33, −0.85). Results of the mediation analysis show that the type of schooling that children attended, but not caregiver psychological distress, mediated the association between migration and cognitive development. Migrant children were more likely to attend private schools, which buffered the association between migration and lower cognitive development.

Conclusions

This study suggests that migration is a key determinant of childhood cognitive development among migrated populations. More research is needed to build the evidence base to support interventions for this growing, underserved population.
Within‐family relations of mental health problems across childhood and adolescence
Authors: Speyer Lydia Gabriela , Hall Hildigunnur Anna , Hang Yuzhan , Hughes Claire , Murray Aja Louise
Published: January 2022

Background

While transactional models suggest that parent and child mental health reciprocally influence one another over development, research has largely focused on parent‐to‐child effects. Additionally, it is not known whether observed associations hold when appropriate statistical tools are used to operationalise within‐family dynamics.

Methods

We investigated within‐family mental health dynamics using autoregressive latent trajectory models with structured residuals, stratified by child gender. Parental psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler (K6) scale, and children’s internalising and externalising problems were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Both measures were administered at the age 3, 5, 7, 11, 14 and 17 waves of the Millennium Cohort Study (N = 10,746, ~50% female).

Results

Maternal psychological distress was positively associated with subsequent internalising and externalising problems for girls but only with internalising problems for boys. Paternal psychological distress was associated with boys’ later internalising and externalising problems during early adolescence. Among boys, internalising problems were associated with later maternal psychological distress, while externalising problems were associated with later paternal psychological distress. Among girls, internalising problems were associated with subsequent paternal psychological distress, while externalising problems were associated with later maternal psychological distress. Finally, maternal and paternal psychological distress showed negative bidirectional associations in early childhood but positive associations in middle childhood and early adolescence.

Conclusions

Findings support a transactional model of family mental health, with both child‐to‐parent and parent‐to‐child effects playing a role in the development of mental health difficulties. Mental health intervention efforts should, therefore, target the whole family system.
Post‐acne erythema treatment: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Kalantari Yasamin , Dadkhahfar Sahar , Etesami Ifa
Published: January 2022

Post‐acne erythema (PAE) is a common sequela of acne inflammation, and it refers to telangiectasia and erythematous lesions remaining after the acne treatment. Although some PAE lesions may improve over time, persisting PAE might be esthetically undesirable for patients. The efficacy of various treatment options for PAE has been investigated in many studies but there exists no gold standard treatment modality. In this study, we aimed to give a systematic literature review on various treatment options for PAE, the advantage of each modality, and compare their efficacy, safety, and feasibility. By using the selected keywords, we carried out a systematic search for articles published from the inception to 28 April 2021 in PubMed/Medline and Embase databases. Of the 5796 initially retrieved articles, 18 of them were fully eligible to be enrolled in our study. In this study, we found that light and laser‐based devices were the most frequently used treatments for PAE. Generally, pulsed‐dye lasers were the most commonly used laser devices for PAE. Neodymium:yttrium aluminum‐garnet lasers were the second most commonly used modalities in treating PAE. Topical treatments such as oxymetazoline, tranexamic acid, and brimonidine tartrate are promising treatments in reducing PAE lesions. In our study, no severe side effects were found. In conclusion, both laser devices and topical agents seem to be effective for PAE lesions; however, further randomized clinical trials are needed in this field.
Effects of Grinding and Polishing on Surface Characteristics of Monolithic Zirconia Fabricated by Different Manufacturing Processes: Wet Deposition and Dry Milling
Authors: Jin Manjia , Zhao Jing , Zheng Yuanna
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of grinding and polishing on surface characteristics of monolithic zirconia fabricated by two different manufacturing processes.

Materials and Methods

Two types of monolithic zirconia specimens, self‐glazed zirconia (SZ) and conventional zirconia (CZ), were fabricated by wet deposition and dry milling, respectively. The specimens were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 10): as‐sintered, ground, polished with a special zirconia polishing kit, and polished with a general‐purpose ceramic polishing kit. Surface morphology and roughness (Ra) were characterized, followed by one‐way ANOVA analysis (α = 0.05).

Results

The as‐sintered SZ exhibited a smooth surface with obvious different morphologies compared with the as‐sintered CZ (Ra: 0.26 ± 0.05 μm versus 0.33 ± 0.10 μm). Ra of the ground SZ was significantly higher than that of the as‐sintered SZ (p < 0.001) and the ground CZ (p = 0.011). For both SZ and CZ, Ra decreased significantly after polishing (p < 0.001), and there was no significant difference between the two groups with different polishing kits (SZ‐ p = 0.144; CZ‐ p = 0.322). Surface morphologies of SZ and CZ became similar after grinding and polishing.

Conclusions

Monolithic zirconia SZ fabricated by wet deposition exhibited a smooth surface with specific patterns compared to the dry milled CZ. Grinding significantly changed the surface morphology of SZ and increased surface roughness of both zirconia specimens, which can be improved by polishing without being influenced by polishing kit selection.
A clinical and molecular epidemiological survey of hepatitis C in Blantyre, Malawi, suggests a historic mechanism of transmission
Authors: Stockdale Alexander J. , Kreuels Benno , Shawa Isaac T. , Meiring James E. , Thindwa Deus , Silungwe Niza M. , Chetcuti Karen , Joekes Elizabeth , Mbewe Maurice , Mbale Blessings , Patel Pratiksha , Kachala Rabson , Patel Priyanka D. , Malewa Jane , Finch Peter , Davis Chris , Shah Rajiv , Tong Lily , da Silva Filipe Ana , Thomson Emma C. , Geretti Anna Maria , Gordon Melita A.
Published: January 2022

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. There are no previous representative community HCV prevalence studies from Southern Africa, and limited genotypic data. Epidemiological data are required to inform an effective public health response. We conducted a household census‐based random sampling serological survey, and a prospective hospital‐based study of patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Blantyre, Malawi. We tested participants with an HCV antigen/antibody ELISA (Monolisa, Bio‐Rad), confirmed with PCR (GeneXpert, Cepheid) and used line immunoassay (Inno‐LIA, Fujiribio) for RNA‐negative participants. We did target‐enrichment whole‐genome HCV sequencing (NextSeq, Illumina). Among 96,386 censused individuals, we randomly selected 1661 people aged ≥16 years. Population‐standardized HCV RNA prevalence was 0.2% (95% CI 0.1–0.5). Among 236 patients with cirrhosis and HCC, HCV RNA prevalence was 1.9% and 5.0%, respectively. Mapping showed that HCV RNA+ patients were from peri‐urban areas surrounding Blantyre. Community and hospital HCV RNA+ participants were older than comparator HCV RNA‐negative populations (median 53 vs 30 years for community, p = 0.01 and 68 vs 40 years for cirrhosis/HCC, p < 0.001). Endemic HCV genotypes (n = 10) were 4v (50%), 4r (30%) and 4w (10%). In this first census‐based community serological study in Southern Africa, HCV was uncommon in the general population, was centred on peri‐urban regions and was attributable for <5% of liver disease. HCV infection was observed only among older people, suggesting a historic mechanism of transmission. Genotype 4r, which has been associated with treatment failure with ledipasvir and daclatasvir, is endemic.
Evolutionary characteristics and immune mutation of hepatitis C virus genotype 1b among intravenous drug users in mainland, China
Authors: Wu Sheng , Yuan Huangbo , Fan Hong , Xu Yiyun , Liu Zhenqiu , Wu Xuefu , Wu Mingshan , Zhang Xin , Shi Tingting , Zhang Tiejun
Published: January 2022

China is one of the countries with the heaviest burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide, especially subtype 1b. To better control hepatitis C, insights into the characteristics of dynamic spread and genomic mutations are urgently needed. We retrieved sequences of HCV‐1b NS5B among intravenous drug users (IDUs) and general people (Non‐IDUs) in China from 2000 to 2011 in NCBI. Bayesian phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses were used to evaluate the transmission dynamics of HCV‐1b. Non‐synonymous substitutions were detected to illustrate immune adaptation. Evolutionary history demonstrated that HCV‐1b effective population size experienced a sharp increase in 1990. HCV‐1b sequences among IDUs had a higher estimated evolutionary rate (5.7185 × 10−3 substitutions/site/year) than overall (7.7332 × 10−4). 105/136 (77.2%) of HCV‐1b sequences clustered into 38 networks. The average non‐synonymous HCV‐1b immune epitopes among IDUs were 0.211, higher than non‐IDUs, especially in the HLA‐A*02 molecular recognition region. All of these posed significant challenges for the prevention and treatment of HCV. Heterogeneity and genetic linkages of HCV‐1b suggest that evolutionary surveillance of HCV in cities in east‐central China and among IDUs could not be neglected.
Are CO2‐rich seafloor pockmarks a suitable environment for ostracod assemblages? The example of the Zannone Giant Pockmark (central‐eastern Tyrrhenian)
Authors: Aiello Giuseppe , Mazzini Ilaria , Parisi Roberta , Ingrassia Michela , Barra Diana
Published: January 2022

Despite their high abundance and diversity, ostracods adapted to a particular chemosynthetic environment and its surroundings have rarely been studied. Therefore, the thresholds and environmental characteristics shaping their assemblages are poorly known. Here, we report a detailed study of the ostracod assemblages occurring around the Zannone Giant Pockmark, a CO2 hydrothermal vent system recently discovered in the central‐eastern Tyrrhenian Sea. Although among crustaceans, ostracods seem to have the longest stratigraphic record in fossil seeps and hydrothermal vents starting in the Palaeozoic, our results indicate that their occurrence is driven by CO2 that represents an insurmountable threshold for ostracods’ life.
Range extension and emended description of the threatened Psychotria catanduaniensis (Rubiaceae) in the coastal area in Palanan, Isabela, Luzon, Philippines
Authors: Biag Rachel D. , Alejandro Grecebio Jonathan D.
Published: January 2022

A new distribution record of Psychotria catanduaniensis Sohmer & A.P. Davis is reported. It was last observed 91 years ago, but as reported here a single individual of this threatened species was recently found in a coastal area in Palanan, Isabela, Luzon, Philippines. The species is characterized by large polymorphic leaves and a terminal, paniculate, sessile and trichotomous inflorescence. An emended description of the species, particularly focussing on its bracts, bracteoles and flowers which are lacking in the type material and not previously studied, morphological comparison with allied species and its current conservation status are also provided.
Arabidopsis thaliana CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE‐GATED CHANNEL2 mediates extracellular ATP signal transduction in root epidermis
Authors: Wang Limin , Ning Youzheng , Sun Jian , Wilkins Katie A. , Matthus Elsa , McNelly Rose E. , Dark Adeeba , Rubio Lourdes , Moeder Wolfgang , Yoshioka Keiko , Véry Anne‐Aliénor , Stacey Gary , Leblanc‐Fournier Nathalie , Legué Valérie , Moulia Bruno , Davies Julia M.
Published: January 2022

Damage can be signalled by extracellular ATP (eATP) using plasma membrane (PM) receptors to effect cytosolic free calcium ion ([Ca2+]cyt) increase as a second messenger. The downstream PM Ca2+ channels remain enigmatic. Here, the Arabidopsis thaliana Ca2+ channel subunit CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE‐GATED CHANNEL2 (CNGC2) was identified as a critical component linking eATP receptors to downstream [Ca2+]cyt signalling in roots.

Extracellular ATP‐induced changes in single epidermal cell PM voltage and conductance were measured electrophysiologically, changes in root [Ca2+]cyt were measured with aequorin, and root transcriptional changes were determined by quantitative real‐time PCR. Two cngc2 loss‐of‐function mutants were used: cngc2‐3 and defence not death1 (which expresses cytosolic aequorin).

Extracellular ATP‐induced transient depolarization of Arabidopsis root elongation zone epidermal PM voltage was Ca2+ dependent, requiring CNGC2 but not CNGC4 (its channel co‐subunit in immunity signalling). Activation of PM Ca2+ influx currents also required CNGC2. The eATP‐induced [Ca2+]cyt increase and transcriptional response in cngc2 roots were significantly impaired.

CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE‐GATED CHANNEL2 is required for eATP‐induced epidermal Ca2+ influx, causing depolarization leading to [Ca2+]cyt increase and damage‐related transcriptional response.
Let’s talk about sex: A biological variable in immune response against melanoma
Authors: Dakup Panshak P. , Greer Adam J. , Gaddameedhi Shobhan
Published: January 2022

As science culture gravitates toward a more holistic inclusion of both males and females in research design, the outlining of sex differences and their respective intersections with disease physiology and pathophysiology should see reciprocal expansion. Melanoma skin cancer, for example, has observed a female advantage in incidence, mortality, and overall survival since the early 1970s. The exact biological mechanism of this trend, however, is unclear and further complicated by a layering of clinical variables such as skin phototype, age, and body mass index. In this perspective, we highlight epidemiological evidence of sex differences in melanoma and summarize the landscape of their potential origin. Among several biological hallmarks, we make a note of sex‐specific immune profiles—along with divergent hormonal regulation, social practices, DNA damage and oxidative stress responses, body composition, genetic variants, and X‐chromosome expression—as probable drivers of disparity in melanoma initiation and progression. This review further focuses the conversation of sex as an influencing factor in melanoma development and its potential implication for disease management and treatment strategies.
Flexible clustering via hidden hierarchical Dirichlet priors
Authors: Lijoi Antonio , Prünster Igor , Rebaudo Giovanni
Published: January 2022

The Bayesian approach to inference stands out for naturally allowing borrowing information across heterogeneous populations, with different samples possibly sharing the same distribution. A popular Bayesian nonparametric model for clustering probability distributions is the nested Dirichlet process, which however has the drawback of grouping distributions in a single cluster when ties are observed across samples. With the goal of achieving a flexible and effective clustering method for both samples and observations, we investigate a nonparametric prior that arises as the composition of two different discrete random structures and derive a closed‐form expression for the induced distribution of the random partition, the fundamental tool regulating the clustering behavior of the model. On the one hand, this allows to gain a deeper insight into the theoretical properties of the model and, on the other hand, it yields an MCMC algorithm for evaluating Bayesian inferences of interest. Moreover, we single out limitations of this algorithm when working with more than two populations and, consequently, devise an alternative more efficient sampling scheme, which as a by‐product, allows testing homogeneity between different populations. Finally, we perform a comparison with the nested Dirichlet process and provide illustrative examples of both synthetic and real data.
Tomato transcriptional repressor SlBES1.8 influences shoot apical meristem development by inhibiting the DNA binding ability of SlWUS
Authors: Su Deding , Wen Ling , Xiang Wei , Shi Yuan , Lu Wang , Liu Yudong , Xian Zhiqiang , Li Zhengguo
Published: January 2022

As the reservoir of pluripotent stem cells, the shoot apical meristem (SAM) is responsible for the production of aboveground plant organs including flower and fruit. The stem cell pool is dramatically influenced by a conserved negative feedback circuit between WUSCHEL (WUS) and CLAVATA (CLV). Numerous studies have focused on the functional mechanism of WUS in maintaining SAM development over the past few years, while the co‐regulators of WUS remain to be discovered. Here, we identified a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) BES1 transcription factor, SlBES1.8, that is specifically expressed in the SAM and flower and functions as a transcriptional repressor. Overexpression of SlBES1.8 resulted in enlarged SAM and extra floral organs in tomato, which eventually led to the formation of pepper‐like fruit with increased soluble sugar and organic acid contents. Direct regulatory effects of SlBES1.8 on the CLV–WUS signaling cascade were not observed; instead, protein–protein interaction between SlBES1.8 and SlWUS was confirmed and the crucial interaction domains were identified. As a result, this heterodimerization significantly repressed the transcriptional regulation ability of SlWUS by inhibiting SlWUS binding to the promoter fragments of CLV3 and downstream genes. Taken together, our findings suggest that SlBES1.8 serves as a novel co‐regulator of SlWUS to influence the development of the SAM.
Heat Transfer and Fluid Friction During Flow Across Banks of Tubes—VI: The Effect of Internal Leakages Within Segmentally Baffled Exchangers
Authors: Bergelin O. P. , Bell K. J. , Leighton M. D.
Published: January 2022

An experimental study has been made of the leakage past segmental baffles within tubular heat exchangers with no fouling. Orifice coefficients are given which will permit calculation of the amount of leakage if the pressure difference across the baffle is known. For the case of turbulent flow of the main stream in the exchanger, the effect of internal leakage upon pressure drop and heat transfer is shown by comparing experimental results from exchangers with known internal clearances with the results from an exchanger with no internal clearances. Internal clearances comparable to those encountered in commercial practice were found to lower the heat-transfer coefficient to around 55 per cent and the pressure drop to around 30 per cent of the values without internal leakage. Graphs are presented which will aid in estimating the reduction in pressure drop and heat transfer resulting from internal leakages.
Accelerated Field Tests of Cavitation Intensity
Authors: Knapp R. T.
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this paper is to describe a new technique for measuring the intensity of the cavitation attack in a piece of hydraulic equipment operating in the field, and to present the results and conclusions of a preliminary trial of this method in a 30,000-kw hydraulic turbine. This technique has been referred to as an accelerated test because the time required for the test run is measured in minutes, and by careful planning the total outage time required for installation and removal of the test plates is short.
Progress Report on Standardization of the Vibratory-Cavitation Test
Authors: Robinson L. E. , Holmes B. A. , Leith W. C.
Published: January 2022

A description is given of the apparatus required for the accelerated testing of materials for relative resistance to cavitation damage by the magnetostrictive-vibratory method. Tentative standards of test conditions and test procedures are defined.
Force Components, Chip Geometry, and Specific Cutting Energy in Orthogonal and Oblique Machining of SAE 1015 Steel
Authors: Kececioglu Dimitri
Published: January 2022

A three-component, SR-4 strain-gage, lathe dynamometer is described. Orthogonal and oblique cutting data obtained with this dynamometer, when dry, end-cutting SAE 1015, 118 Bhn seamless-steel tubing are presented. Tools tipped with all-purpose, steel-cutting grade carbide and having normal rake angles varying from −10 to 37 deg and inclination angles varying from 0 to 36 deg were used to obtain the cutting data at speeds varying from 125 to 750 fpm and feeds varying from 0.004 to 0.012 ipr. The variation of the machining-force components, the cutting ratio, the thickness ratio, and the specific cutting energy with the normal rake angle, the inclination angle, the cutting speed, and the tool feed is given.
Calculation of Theoretical Flame Temperatures in Furnaces
Authors: Myers J. W. , Goldberg S. A. , Smith R. W.
Published: January 2022

This paper presents thermodynamic data in graphical form to be used in determining adiabatic flame temperatures for combustion processes at atmospheric pressure. The data are applicable for coal, coke, and liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon fuels when burned with air at values of excess air ranging from 0 to 100 per cent. A technique for using electronic computing machines to calculate the equilibrium composition and enthalpy of gaseous products of combustion is discussed. The data are presented in a generalized form so that the heat of dissociation and total enthalpy can be determined for any gas composition within the range considered and for any temperature between 2400 and 4000 F. Conversely, the adiabatic flame temperature may be determined if it lies between these limits and if the enthalpy of the system is known. Plots of the heat of dissociation of flue gases permit the determination of flame temperature with an accuracy of ±20 F by means of additional calculations and auxiliary plotting. Simplified plots of total enthalpy enable the flame temperature to be determined directly with an accuracy of ±75 F. Although only four gas components, CO2, H2O, O2, and N2 were considered, it is unlikely that minor constituents will affect the results appreciably. Trial calculations showed that the error introduced by including SO2 with CO2 when burning a high-sulphur coal amounted to less than 10 F at extreme conditions of temperature and excess air.
In-Service Washing of Ljungstrom Air Preheaters on Pulverized Coal-Fired Steam Generators
Authors: Hupfer H. J. , Stanley R. J. , Van Sickle A. H.
Published: January 2022

The St. Clair Power Plant of The Detroit Edison Company has experienced difficulty with air-preheater fouling caused by flue-dust deposits on the cold-end surface. Removal of these deposits by the conventional out-of-service washing technique has not been satisfactory, pointing up the need for an effective method of in-service washing. This paper includes a discussion of the equipment and methods used, and the results obtained from 11 in-service washings of air preheaters at the St. Clair Plant. The known factors responsible for the success or failure of in-service washing also are discussed.
Influence of Various Grinding Conditions Upon Residual Stresses in Titanium
Authors: Clorite P. A. , Reed E. C.
Published: January 2022

Grinding conditions may be expected to affect residual surface stresses from any particular grinding operation. Stresses were measured in titanium test bars, surface-ground with various wheels, speeds, grinding fluids, down-feeds, and crossfeeds. Results suggest that, with suitable precautions, titanium alloys may be ground under either “near-normal” or “low-speed” conditions with acceptable grinding ratios and with low residual stresses.
Measurements of the Total Absorptivity for Solar Radiation of Several Engineering Materials
Authors: Birkebak Richard C. , Hartnett J. P.
Published: January 2022

Values are presented of the total solar absorptivity of several porous materials presently being considered for transpiration cooling of high-speed vehicles. To specify these surfaces photomicrographs and a chemical analysis are presented. Two schemes used in the measurement of the absorptivity values are described in the text, a comparison technique and an integrating radiometer method.