bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatic stellate cell as a Mac‐2‐binding protein‐producing cell in patients with liver fibrosis
Authors: Gantumur Dolgormaa , Harimoto Norifumi , Muranushi Ryo , Hoshino Kouki , Batbayar Chingun , Hagiwara Kei , Yamanaka Takahiro , Ishii Norihiro , Tsukagoshi Mariko , Igarashi Takamichi , Watanabe Akira , Kubo Norio , Araki Kenichiro , Yokobori Takehiko , Aishima Shinichi , Shirabe Ken
Published: April 2021

Background

Mac‐2 binding protein (M2BP) glycosylated isomer (M2BPGi) is a serum marker of liver fibrosis; M2BPGi is a glycosylated form of M2BP. Hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been studied to determine the source of M2BP. This study proposes to identify the origin of M2BP in fibrotic liver.

Methods

Using liver fibrosis tissue specimens from 15 patients with liver cancer, M2BP mRNA and M2BP were detected by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The expression levels of M2BP mRNA were evaluated with scores of 3, 2, and 1. Fluorescent in situ hybridization was carried out to evaluate the distribution of M2BP mRNA and the activated‐HSC marker αSMA mRNA; multicolor fluorescent immunohistochemistry was used for protein localization of M2BP, αSMA, and CD68. The Kruskal–Wallis test analyzed the relationship between M2BP mRNA expression and existing serum fibrosis markers.

Results

M2BP mRNA was expressed in spindle‐shaped cells along the fibrous septa and in the perisinusoidal area of the fibrotic liver. The HSC markers αSMA mRNA and M2BP mRNA were colocalized in the spindle‐shaped cells; on the protein level, M2BP was expressed in Kupffer cells. M2BP mRNA expression was positively correlated with serum M2BPGi levels. Aspartate transaminase‐to‐platelet ratio index, Fibrosis‐4, hyaluronic acid, and the 15‐minute indocyanine green retention rate were significantly correlated with M2BP mRNA expression.

Conclusions

M2BP mRNA transcription in fibrotic liver was primarily observed in HSCs but not at the M2BP level, which suggests that HSCs might produce and introduce M2BP to Kupffer cells and serum.
Changes in alanine aminotransferase levels after switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in HIV‐positive people without viral hepatitis in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Authors: Kovari H , Surial B , Tarr PE , Cavassini M , Calmy A , Schmid P , Bernasconi E , Rauch A , Wandeler G , Ledergerber B ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: April 2021

Objectives

We previously demonstrated an association between tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and chronic liver enzyme elevation in the D:A:D study. The objective of the study was to assess changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels after switching from TDF to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF).

Methods

We included Swiss HIV Cohort Study participants who switched from TDF to TAF with two or more ALT values in the 24 months before and two or more values in the 24 months after replacing TDF with TAF. Individuals with replicating viral hepatitis were excluded. Uni‐ and multivariable linear mixed models were used to explore changes in ALT values associated with switching from TDF to TAF, and to assess potential modifying effects.

Results

A total of 1712 participants were included, contributing 6169 ALT values before and 5482 after switching. Median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 50 (42–57) years, and 75% were male. Median (IQR) ALT was 28 (22–38) U/L before and 24 (19–32) U/L after replacing TDF with TAF. ALT values decreased by 3.7 U/L (95% confidence interval: 3.2–4.2) after the switch. The median drop was larger in patients with chronic ALT elevation (defined as two or more elevated values for ≥ 6 months) compared with patients with normal ALT values (17.8 vs. 3.3 U/L, P < 0.001). We did not identify any major effect modifications of the ALT change with any of the potential variables studied.

Conclusions

Replacing TDF with TAF in HIV‐monoinfected people led to a significant decrease in ALT values. Findings were not significantly affected by known risk factors for hepatotoxicity.
Gaps in genetic knowledge affect conservation management of kiwi (Apteryx) species
Authors: Undin Malin , Hills Simon F. K. , Lockhart Peter J. , Castro Isabel
Published: April 2021

Worldwide, there is growing appreciation of the importance of integrating genetic information into conservation management. However, there are commonly occurring problems which impact on doing this successfully. This issue is well illustrated by kiwi Apteryx species. Like many endangered taxa, extant kiwi populations are small, fragmented and isolated, raising concerns of potential inbreeding depression. Accordingly, kiwi conservation includes discussion of genetic management and translocations. To date, kiwi taxa have been the subject of 41 genetic studies. Here we provide the first synthesized review of these studies. We conclude that despite the impressive study effort, current understanding of kiwi genetics is insufficient to guide genetic management, predict translocation outcomes and manage biological diversity to achieve future sustainability of the species. We explain why, and outline research questions that can be addressed with new genome science technologies. Using new technologies to build on the foundation of work already undertaken, we see a great opportunity to address key issues for North Island Brown Kiwi Apteryx mantelli that are central to the conservation concerns for many threatened species. Specifically, we suggest that historical, disjunct, mainland populations combined with translocations of North Island Brown Kiwi to offshore islands have generated unique case studies to investigate the effects of fragmentation, cessation of gene flow, inbreeding, outbreeding and hybridization on biological diversity.
Genetic vulnerability of exposures to antenatal maternal treatments in 1– to 2‐month‐old infants
Authors: Denisova Kristina
Published: April 2021

The growth and maturation of the nervous system are vulnerable during pregnancy. The impact of antenatal exposures to maternal treatments, in the context of genetic vulnerability of the fetus, on sensorimotor functioning in early infancy remains unexplored. Statistical features of head movements obtained from resting‐state sleep fMRI scans are examined in 1‐ to 2‐month‐old infants, both those at high risk (HR) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to a biological sibling with ASD and at low risk (LR) (N = 56). In utero exposures include maternal prescription medications (psychotropic Rx: N = 3HR; N = 5LR vs. non‐psychotropic Rx: N = 11HR; N = 9LR vs. none: N = 11HR; N = 16LR), psychiatric diagnoses (two or more Dx2: N = 5HR; N = 1LR; one Dx1: N = 4HR; N = 5LR; no Dx: N = 12HR; N = 19LR), infections requiring antibiotics (infection: N = 5HR; N = 8LR; no infection: N = 20HR; N = 22LR), or high fever (fever: N = 2HR; N = 2LR; no fever: N = 23HR; N = 27LR). Movements with significantly higher variability are detected in infants exposed to psychotropics (e.g., opioid analgesics) and those whose mothers had fever, and this effect is significantly worse for infants at HR for ASD. Movements are significantly less variable in HR infants with non‐psychotropic exposures (e.g., antibiotics). Heightened number of psychiatric or mental health conditions is associated with noisier movements in both risk groups. Genetic vulnerability due to in utero exposure to maternal treatments is an important future approach to be advanced in the field of early mind and brain development.
Promoter methylation and expression of the rassf4 gene in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Shen Yawei , Li Huiyang , Zhou Min , Tang Shoujie , Zhao Yan , Zhao Jinliang , Chen Xiaowu
Published: April 2021

Oreochromis niloticus RAS‐association domain family 4 (rassf4) was specifically expressed in the ovaries. Immunohistochemistry results showed that Rassf4 was located in follicular cells. The methylation percentages of the promoter region (−734/−1012) of rassf4 in the ovaries and testes were 13.28% and 92.85%, respectively. Deleting the fragment of −734 to −1012 sites significantly reduced the basal activity of the rassf4 promoter to 62.33%, which indicated that this region was important for the transcription of the rassf4 gene. This study lays the foundation for further research on the function of fish rassf4.
Artificial intelligence and metagenomics in intestinal diseases
Authors: Lin Yufeng , Wang Guoping , Yu Jun , Sung Joseph J Y
Published: April 2021

Gut microbiota has been shown to associate with the development of gastrointestinal diseases. In the last decade, development in whole metagenome sequencing and 16S rRNA sequencing technology has dramatically accelerated the gut microbiome's research and revealed its association with gastrointestinal disorders. Because of high dimensionality and complexity's intrinsic data characteristics, traditional bioinformatical methods could only explain the most significant changes with limited prediction accuracy. In contrast, machine learning is the application of artificial intelligence that provides the computational systems to automatically learn and improve from experience (training cohort) without being explicitly programmed. It is thus capable of unwiring high dimensionality and complicated correlational hitches. With modern computation power, machine learning is widely utilized to analyze microorganisms related to disease onset and other clinical features. It could help explore and identify novel biomarkers or improve the accuracy rate of disease diagnostic. This review summarized the most recent research that utilized machine learning to reveal the role of gut microbiota in intestinal disorders.
Associating primary and specialized metabolism with salt induced osmotic stress tolerance in maize
Authors: Fernie Alisdair R.
Published: April 2021

This article is a Commentary on Liang et al. (2021), 230: 2355–2370.
No association of both serum pro‐brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF) and BDNF concentrations with depressive state in community‐dwelling elderly people
Authors: Ohto Asami , Mizoguchi Yoshito , Imamura Yoshiomi , Kojima Naoki , Yamada Shigeto , Monji Akira
Published: April 2021

Background

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in emotional and cognitive function. Low‐BDNF levels occur in patients with depression, while proBDNF, a precursor of BDNF with the opposite physiological function, increases in major depression. However, it is unclear whether BDNF and proBDNF are associated with depression in the elderly. The present study aimed to investigate whether serum proBDNF and BDNF are associated with depressive state in community‐dwelling elderly people.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study conducted in Kurogawa‐cho Imari, Saga Prefecture, Japan, in people aged ≥65 years. Depressive state was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale‐Short Form (Japanese version) (GDS). Of the 274 patients who undertook the GDS, those with a medical history affecting cognitive function were excluded, as were those with Mini‐Mental State Examination score ≥ 24 or a Clinical Dementia Rating < 0.5. Further, we used delayed recall of ‘logical memory A’ from the Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised (LMII‐DR) for memory assessment.

Results

The final sample consisted of 155 individuals (mean age 75.4 ± 6.8 years; 55 men, mean age 74.8 ± 5.9 years; 100 women, mean age 76.3 ± 7.1 years). In the GDS, 139 participants showed a normal score (0–4) and 16 showed depressive tendencies or depression (score: ≥ 5). After examining confounders of the GDS, logistic regression using categorical covariates showed a negative significant difference between depressive state and serum BDNF in the low‐BDNF group only, with a positive correlation in the trend test. None of the analyses showed any association between GDS and proBDNF levels.

Conclusion

ProBDNF and BDNF levels seemed not to be associated with depressive state in community‐dwelling elderly people.
Cash transfers and the supply of labor by poor households: Evidence from the livelihood empowerment against poverty program in Ghana
Authors: Osei Robert D. , Lambon‐Quayefio Monica
Published: April 2021

The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program is Ghana's first social protection program to provide cash and health insurance to the poor and vulnerable. This study looks beyond the direct impact of the program and examines the indirect impacts on labor transitions as well as the engagement of children and the elderly in the labor market. The study employs the combined propensity score matching and difference‐in‐difference technique to obtain robust estimates in examining the effect of the cash transfer program on labor shifts of beneficiaries. Overall, the paper finds that cash transfer programs can have productive impacts and dismisses the assertion that such grants end up making beneficiaries perpetually dependent. The heterogeneous analysis provides evidence that the results are differentiated by age but not by gender. Based on the evidence from this study, we recommend that as LEAP continues to expand and reach more beneficiaries in poor districts, it needs to ensure that the issue of complementarity of poverty reduction programs is a key feature of its design. Indeed, findings from the study point to the fact that graduation from cash transfer is possible and therefore, programs must seek to maximize this potential.
Ehrlichia‐induced hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis after autologous stem cell transplant
Authors: Mitma Angel A. , Burgess Mary J. , van Rhee Frits
Published: April 2021

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) causes multiorgan failure due to the release of multiple cytokines mediating widespread inflammation. We present a patient with multiple myeloma on maintenance chemotherapy with the anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody daratumumab after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) who developed fatal HLH secondary to Ehrlichiosis.
Buildings as non‐human narrators: Between post‐phenomenological and object‐oriented architectural geographies
Authors: Rossetto Tania , Peterle Giada
Published: April 2021

This paper intervenes in the current debate on architectural geography and the lives of buildings, aiming to provide some suggestions in light of the recent development of post‐phenomenological and object‐oriented geographical theorisation. Despite the fact that new non‐representational approaches in architectural geography do pay attention to the materialities and agencies of non‐human actors, we argue that such readings often tend to remain phenomenological and human‐centred and fail to experiment more radically with a post‐phenomenological, object‐centred stance. Analysing an example of filmic it‐narration by a fictional speaking building, namely Wim Wenders’ The Berlin Philharmonic (2014), we situate the device of non‐human narration as an experimental field for advancing a critical reflection on geographic epistemologies. Critically analysed in its paradoxes and oscillations, with its double dialectic of both empathy and defamiliarisation, it‐narration provides new insights into architectural geographies by enacting a post‐phenomenology that is consciously and aesthetically object‐oriented. We take both architectural geography and narratology as a testing ground to show the possibilities of expanding such conceptualisation within a broader range of geographical subfields.
Implementation of measures to reduce vasovagal reactions: Donor participation and results
Authors: Goldman Mindy , Uzicanin Samra , Marquis‐Boyle Lynne , O'Brien Sheila F.
Published: April 2021

Background

There are several strategies to reduce donor reactions. We report donor participation and reaction rates before and after implementing multiple measures at Canadian Blood Services.

Study design and methods

We introduced a structured program of 500 mL of water and a salty snack pre‐donation and applied muscle tension (AMT) during donation. Donors were not deferred for out of range blood pressure (BP); however, BP was measured in first time donors. Time on the donation chair post‐donation was decreased from 5 to 2 min for repeat donors. We assessed participation rates using our quarterly survey of 10,000 recent donors. We extracted vasovagal reactions with loss of consciousness (LOC) from our operational database and compared pre‐implementation (Oct 12,018‐March 31,2019) and post‐implementation (Oct 12,019‐March 31,2020) periods.

Results

Survey response rates varied from 11% to 16%. The percentage of donors who drank the water and ate the salty snack increased from 58% to 82% and 44% to 70% over 4 quarters; those performing AMT increased from 24% to 41%. Reactions decreased from 19.07 per 10,000 (744 reactions in 390,123 donations) to 14.04 per 10,000 (537 in 382,382 donations) (p < .0001). No first‐time donors with high BP (n = 684) but 5 with low BP (n = 718) had reactions, CI were very large.

Conclusions

Achieving optimal participation was challenging. After implementation of a donor wellness initiative based on best practice, rates of vasovagal reactions with LOC decreased by 25%. A larger dataset is necessary to assess the safety contribution of BP deferrals when other mitigation measures are in place.
West Nile and Zika viruses in bats from a suburban area of Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Torres‐Castro Marco , Noh‐Pech Henry , Hernández‐Betancourt Silvia , Peláez‐Sánchez Ronald , Lugo‐Caballero César , Puerto Fernando I.
Published: April 2021

Infections with viruses of the Flavivirus genus were explored in 22 bats (Artibeus jamaicensis) from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. The detection of the viral genus was performed by RT‐PCR, and infections with dengue (DENV 1–4), West Nile (WNV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses were subsequently explored. Sequences from positive products were analysed using the BLAST algorithm to determine identity. In 7 (31.8%) and 2 (9.1%) bats, WNV and ZIKV were identified, respectively. The bioinformatic analysis showed 98%–100% coverage and identity for both viruses. Molecular evidence of WNV and ZIKV natural infection in bats from Yucatan, Mexico, is presented.
Psychometric properties of life-space mobility measures in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Cino Emily , Beauchamp Marla , Richardson Julie , Masrur Muhib , Kuspinar Ayse
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Mobility is one of the most important contributors to healthy aging and is traditionally measured through performance-based tests. Measuring life-space mobility is a holistic way to measure the spaces individuals visited over a period of time versus what they are physically able to do. However, before a measure of life-space mobility can be widely used in research and clinical settings, it must have robust psychometric properties. The objective of this review is to summarize the psychometric properties of existing life-space mobility measures in community-dwelling older adults.

Inclusion criteria:

The construct is life-space mobility and the instruments are: The Nursing Home Life Space Diameter, the Life-Space Questionnaire, and the Life-Space Assessment. The population is community-dwelling older adults (age > 65). The outcome of the review includes all psychometric properties (reliability, validity, responsiveness) as well as feasibility and interpretability data.

Methods:

Following the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) and JBI guidelines, a search strategy will be piloted and then translated to multiple databases. Two independent reviewers will conduct title/abstract screening, full-text screening, data extraction, and assess the methodological quality of the studies. A narrative synthesis will be compiled for all collected data. A meta-analysis will be conducted for each psychometric property if there are enough studies with sufficiently low heterogeneity.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42019121855
Impacts of Air-Conditioning Equipment Sizing on Energy Performance of US Office Buildings
Authors: Chiu Franklin , Krarti Moncef
Published: April 2021

The paper summarizes the results of systematic and comprehensive analysis to investigate the impacts of inadequate sizing air-conditioning (AC) systems on the overall energy consumption of medium and large office buildings located in representative US cities. The effects of proper sizing on the overall and disaggregated AC systems are evaluated in terms of energy consumption, peak demand, equipment run-time, and indoor thermal comfort. The presented analysis covers the performance of a wide range of AC equipment components that serve US office buildings including packaged rooftop units as well as central cooling plants. The analysis results indicate that oversizing penalties can be significant on the annual energy consumption and electrical peak demand as well as capital costs for both medium and large office buildings. In particular, the reliance on simplified calculation methods and rules-of-thumb to determine equipment capacities can lead to significantly oversizing AC systems for office buildings in the vast majority of US climates. The analysis results indicate that 50% oversizing of AC systems can result in increases in annual energy consumption of up to 91% for large offices and 39% for medium office. Moreover, oversizing increases capital costs required for air-conditioning office buildings and extends cycling periods and associated structural stresses and failures of AC equipment.
Boundary Conditions for Compressor Cascade Ice Crystal Icing Testing
Authors: Nagorski Matthias , Koch Christian , Staudacher Stephan
Published: April 2021

At the Altitude Test Facility (ATF) of the University of Stuttgart, a linear compressor cascade test rig serves the investigation of ice crystal icing (ICI) under engine realistic conditions. A numerical model of the first stage of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Stage 67 is validated with experimental data taken from the literature and used to investigate the respective ice crystal icing conditions for prospective cascade experiments. Eleven operating points simulating climb conditions with constant non-dimensional power setting through ascending parcels of moist air are selected for analysis. Only the melting-dominated regime is considered. The three-dimensional flow field is obtained using a Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approach in combination with a Spalart–Allmaras one-equation turbulence model. The droplet and ice crystal trajectories are calculated based on an Eulerian framework. The computation of the surface energy balance is adapted from the Messinger model taking into account unsteady phenomena. Four of 11 selected operating points indicate the onset of substantial ice accretion. A static wet-bulb temperature of freezing constitutes in general the lower icing limit for rig experiments. The upper icing limit depends on the ice water content impinging and sticking to the target surface.
Effects of Power Training on Physical Activity, Sitting Time, Disability, and Quality of Life in Older Patients With Type 2 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Confinement
Authors: Brazo-Sayavera Javier , López-Torres Olga , Martos-Bermúdez Álvaro , Rodriguez-Garcia Lorena , González-Gross Marcela , Guadalupe-Grau Amelia
Published: April 2021

Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent supervised and unsupervised training program focused on muscle power to counteract the potential changes in sedentary behavior, disability, physical activity (PA), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) caused by the COVID-19 pandemic domiciliary confinement in prefrail older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Thirty-five older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus were assigned to 2 groups according to their frailty status: exercise training group (prefrail or frail; n = 21; 74.7 [4.5] y; 33.3% male) and control group (robust; n = 14; 73.1 [3.9] y; 42.9% male). The exercise training group followed a multicomponent training program focusing on muscle power: supervised (5 wk) and unsupervised (6 wk). The primary outcomes, including PA and sitting time, perceived disability, and HRQoL, were assessed at the baseline and after 11 weeks. Results: At the end of confinement, there were significant decreases in PA in both groups (P < .05). Thus, sitting time increased more in the control group than in the exercise training group (P < .05). The HRQoL measures remained unchanged. Conclusions: Muscle power training before and during mandatory COVID-19 self-isolation in type 2 diabetes mellitus older adults (1) attenuates the COVID-19 domiciliary confinement-related increase in sitting time and (2) slightly decreases the self-reported levels of disability and maintains HRQoL.
The Influence of Social Support Specific to Physical Activity on Physical Activity Among College and University Students: A Systematic Review
Authors: Van Luchene Pierre , Delens Cécile
Published: April 2021

Background: Starting college or university is a significant life event that can impact students’ physical activity (PA). Social support specific to PA (SSPA) is a social determinant of PA among college and university students. This review had 3 aims: (1) to systematically review studies examining the association between SSPA and PA among students; (2) to examine whether potential associations differed in terms of types or sources of SSPA; and (3) to examine whether any potential associations differed in terms of gender. Methods: Studies were identified using Academic Search Premier, PsycInfo, Sociological Abstracts, and SPORTDiscus. Results: This review included 25 papers. The results suggested that there is a positive association between SSPA and PA among college and university students. Although the importance of different sources of SSPA is not clear, the results suggested that family and friends provide significant SSPA. Conclusions: High variability in measurement methods made it difficult to compare studies and to come to a clear consensus. However, the findings suggested that SSPA may be a determinant of PA. In order to better understand the relationship between SSPA and PA among students, some elements, such as gender, socioeconomic level, and off- or on-campus housing, should be considered in future studies.
Stress and Mental Well-Being Experiences of Professional Football Coaches
Authors: Baldock Lee , Cropley Brendan , Neil Rich , Mellalieu Stephen D.
Published: April 2021

The stress experiences and their impact upon the daily lives and mental well-being of English Premier League professional (soccer) football coaches were explored using an in-depth qualitative design. Eight participants were interviewed using a semi-structured approach with thematic and causal network analysis revealing that (a) a range of contextually dependent demands were experienced and interpreted in relation to their situational properties; (b) many demands were appraised and emotionally responded to in a negative manner; (c) a range of coping strategies were adopted to cope with stress experiences, with many reported as ineffective; and (d) stress experiences often led to negative implications for their daily lives and eudaimonic and hedonic well-being. Positive adaptations to some demands experienced were reported and augmented perceptions of mental well-being. The findings of this study make a novel and significant contribution to understanding the interrelationships between the principal components of the stress process and the prospective links between stress and mental well-being.
Ultrafast dynamical Lifshitz transition
Authors: Beaulieu Samuel , Dong Shuo , Tancogne-Dejean Nicolas , Dendzik Maciej , Pincelli Tommaso , Maklar Julian , Xian R. Patrick , Sentef Michael A. , Wolf Martin , Rubio Angel , Rettig Laurenz , Ernstorfer Ralph
Published: April 2021

We demonstate a non-equilibrium route for ultrafast modification of Fermi surface topology in quantum materials.
Deformable microparticles for shuttling nanoparticles to the vascular wall
Authors: Fish Margaret B. , Banka Alison L. , Braunreuther Margaret , Fromen Catherine A. , Kelley William J. , Lee Jonathan , Adili Reheman , Holinstat Michael , Eniola-Adefeso Omolola
Published: April 2021

Hydrogel microparticle carriers delivered more nanoparticles to the vascular wall in vivo than ones freely injected.
Lenience breeds strictness: The generosity-erosion effect in hiring decisions
Authors: Vives Marc-Lluís , Fernandez-Navia Tania , Teixidó Jordi J. , Serra-Burriel Miquel
Published: April 2021

Hiring decisions are affected by the leniency with which evaluators assessed previous candidates.
Comment on “Evidence that the ProPerDP method is inadequate for protein persulfidation detection due to lack of specificity”
Authors: Dóka Éva , Arnér Elias S. J. , Schmidt Edward E. , Dick Tobias P. , van der Vliet Albert , Yang Jing , Szatmári Réka , Ditrói Tamás , Wallace John L. , Cirino Giuseppe , Olson Kenneth , Motohashi Hozumi , Fukuto Jon M. , Pluth Michael D. , Feelisch Martin , Akaike Takaaki , Wink David A. , Ignarro Louis J. , Nagy Péter
Published: April 2021

The article by Fan
et al
. inaccurately states that ProPerDP is inadequate for protein persulfide detection.
Ultrathin micromolded 3D scaffolds for high-density photoreceptor layer reconstruction
Authors: Lee In-Kyu , Ludwig Allison L. , Phillips M. Joseph , Lee Juhwan , Xie Ruosen , Sajdak Benjamin S. , Jager Lindsey D. , Gong Shaoqin , Gamm David M. , Ma Zhenqiang
Published: April 2021

Scaffold microfabrication strategies for high-density, layered, and organized photoreceptor cell replacement are presented.
Experimental measurement of the intrinsic excitonic wave function
Authors: Man Michael K. L. , Madéo Julien , Sahoo Chakradhar , Xie Kaichen , Campbell Marshall , Pareek Vivek , Karmakar Arka , Wong E Laine , Al-Mahboob Abdullah , Chan Nicholas S. , Bacon David R. , Zhu Xing , Abdelrasoul Mohamed M. M. , Li Xiaoqin , Heinz Tony F. , da Jornada Felipe H. , Cao Ting , Dani Keshav M.
Published: April 2021

We visualize the distribution of the electron around the hole in an exciton and observe its elusive anomalous dispersion.
Challenges with Utilizing the 1,3-Beta-
d
-Glucan and Galactomannan Assays To Diagnose Invasive Mold Infections in Immunocompromised Children
Authors: Hsu Alice J. , Tamma Pranita D. , Zhang Sean X.
Published: April 2021

Establishing the diagnosis of invasive mold infections (IMI) in immunocompromised children is challenging due to nonspecific clinical presentations and the limited sensitivity of traditional culture-based methods. Rapid non-culture-based diagnostics such as the 1,3-beta-
d
-glucan and galactomannan assays have emerged as promising adjuncts to conventional diagnostic tests in adults.
SAMHD1 Inhibits Multiple Enteroviruses by Interfering with the Interaction between VP1 and VP2 Proteins
Authors: Zhao Zhilei , Li Zhaolong , Huan Chen , Liu Xin , Zhang Wenyan
Published: April 2021

Enterovirus causes a wide variety of diseases, such as hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), which is a severe public problem threatening children under 5 years. Therefore, identifying essential genes which restrict EV infection and exploring the underlying mechanisms are necessary to develop an effective strategy to inhibit EV infection.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Limnospira
sp. Strain BM01, Isolated from a Hypersaline Lake of the Momela Ecosystem in Tanzania
Authors: Maghembe Reuben , Michael Angelina , Harish Ajith , Nyandoro Stephen S. , Lyantagaye Sylvester L. , Hati-Kaul Rajni
Published: April 2021

The genus
Limnospira
includes cyanobacterial species used for industrial production of dietary supplements and nutraceutical agents. The metagenome-assembled genome of
Limnospira
sp. strain BM01 from Big Momela Lake (BM), Tanzania, was 6,228,312 bp long with a GC content of 44.8% and carried 4,921 proteins and 52 RNA genes, including 6 rRNA genes.
Engaging globally with how to achieve healthy societies: insights from India, Latin America and East and Southern Africa
Authors: Loewenson Rene , Villar Eugenio , Baru Rama , Marten Robert
Published: April 2021

The way healthy societies are conceptualised shapes efforts to achieve them. This paper explores the features and drivers of frameworks for healthy societies that had wide or sustained policy influence post-1978 at global level and as purposively selected southern regions, in India, Latin America and East and Southern Africa. A thematic analysis of 150 online documents identified paradigms and themes. The findings were discussed with expertise from the regions covered to review and validate the findings.

Globally, comprehensive primary healthcare, whole-of-government and rights-based approaches have focused on social determinants and social agency to improve health as a basis for development. Biomedical, selective and disease-focused technology-driven approaches have, however, generally dominated, positioning health improvements as a result of macroeconomic growth. Traditional approaches in the three southern regions previously mentioned integrated reciprocity and harmony with nature. They were suppressed by biomedical, allopathic models during colonialism and by postcolonial neoliberal economic reforms promoting selective, biomedical interventions for highest-burden diseases, with weak investment in public health. In all three regions, holistic, sociocultural models and claims over natural resources re-emerged. In the 2000s, economic, ecological, pandemic crises and social inequality have intensified alliances and demand to address global, commercial processes undermining healthy societies, with widening differences between ‘planetary health’, integrating ecosystems and collective interests, and the coercive controls and protectionism in technology-driven and biosecurity-driven approaches.

The trajectories point to a need for ideas and practice on healthy societies to tackle systemic determinants of inequities within and across countries, including to reclaim suppressed cultures; to build transdisciplinary, reflexive and participatory forms of knowledge that are embedded in and learn from action; and to invest in a more equitable circulation of ideas between regions in framing global ideas. Today’s threats raise a critical moment of choice on which ideas dominate, not only for health but also for survival.
Clinical utility of 30% relative decline in MRI-PDFF in predicting fibrosis regression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Tamaki Nobuharu , Munaganuru Nagambika , Jung Jinho , Yonan Aed Qas , Loomba Rohan R , Bettencourt Richele , Ajmera Veeral , Valasek Mark A , Behling Cynthia , Sirlin Claude B , Loomba Rohit
Published: April 2021

Objective

Emerging data suggest that a 30% relative decline in liver fat, as assessed by MRI-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF), may be associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Activity Score improvement, but the association between decline in MRI-PDFF and fibrosis regression is not known. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association between ≥30% relative decline in MRI-PDFF and fibrosis regression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Design

This prospective study included 100 well-characterised patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD with paired contemporaneous MRI-PDFF assessment at two time points. MRI-PDFF response was defined as ≥30% relative decline in MRI-PDFF. Theprimary outcomewas ≥1 stage histological fibrosis regression.

Results

The median (IQR) age was 54 (43–62) years and body mass index was 31.9 (29–36) kg/m2. In multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis (adjusted for age, gender, diabetes status, race/ethnicity, interval between biopsies, gamma-glutamyl transferase, liver stiffness by magnetic resonance elastography and change in platelet counts), MRI-PDFF response was an independent predictor of fibrosis regression with an adjusted OR of 6.46 (95% CI 1.1 to 37.0, p=0.04). The proportion of patients with MRI-PDFF response with fibrosis regression, no change in fibrosis and fibrosis progression was 40.0%, 24.6% and 13.0%, respectively, and the proportion of patients with MRI-PDFF response increased with fibrosis regression (p=0.03).

Conclusion

≥30% reduction in MRI-PDFF in early phase trials can provide a useful estimate of odds of ≥1 stage improvement in fibrosis. These data may be helpful in sample size estimation in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis trials.
Utilizing dual energy CT to distinguish blood from contrast leakage following middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematomas
Authors: Naveed Mujtaba Zaki , Wang Peter , Lee Ryan , Taghipour Mehdi , Brady Paul
Published: April 2021

Background

Recently, middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has emerged as a potential alternative treatment option for chronic subdural hematomas (SDH). Imaging following MMA embolization often shows high density material in the subdural space, usually representing contrast leakage through the dura or, less commonly, hemorrhage. These cannot be reliably differentiated on conventional CT. Dual energy CT (DECT) provides the ability to differentiate materials that otherwise appear similar on conventional CT such as blood and iodine.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted to evaluate patients who underwent MMA embolization for SDH between May 2019 and April 2020. Post-procedural head CT performed on an IQon Elite Spectral CT detector-based DECT scanner enabled two-material decomposition to separate iodine from blood. The dual energy reconstructions used included the virtual non-contrast and iodine no-water images.

Results

Four representative illustrative cases were selected to highlight the ability of DECT to characterize new hyperdensity on head CT following MMA embolization as blood, contrast or a combination.

Conclusions

DECT allows objective differentiation of contrast leakage from blood following MMA embolization. This technology can obviate the need for additional follow-up scanning and prolonged patient observation, which in turn can result in reduced costs and radiation exposure to patients.
Heart rate and adverse outcomes in patients with prevalent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Moschovitis Giorgio , Johnson Linda S B , Blum Steffen , Aeschbacher Stefanie , De Perna Maria Luisa , Pagnamenta Alberto , Mayer Melchiorre Patrizia Assunta , Benz Alexander P , Kobza Richard , Di Valentino Marcello , Zuern Christine S , Auricchio Angelo , Conte Giulio , Rodondi Nicolas , Blum Manuel R , Beer Juerg H , Kühne Michael , Osswald Stefan , Conen David
Published: April 2021

Objective

The optimal target heart rate in patients with prevalent atrial fibrillation (AF) is not well defined. The aim of this study was to analyse the associations between heart rate and adverse outcomes in a large contemporary cohort of patients with prevalent AF.

Methods

From two prospective cohort studies, we included stable AF outpatients who were in AF on the baseline ECG. The main outcome events assessed during prospective follow-up were heart failure hospitalisation, stroke or systemic embolism and death. The associations between heart rate and adverse outcomes were evaluated using multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

The study population consisted of 1679 patients who had prevalent AF at baseline. Mean age was 74 years, and 24.6% were women. The mean heart rate on the baseline ECG was 78 (±19) beats per minute (bpm). The median follow-up was 3.9 years (IQR 2.2–5.0). Heart rate was not significantly associated with heart failure hospitalisation (adjusted HR (aHR) per 10 bpm increase, 1.00, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.07, p=0.95), stroke or systemic embolism (aHR 0.95, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.07, p=0.38) or death (aHR 1.02, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.09, p=0.66). There was no evidence of a threshold effect for heart rates <60 bpm or>100 bpm.

Conclusions

In this large contemporary cohort of outpatients with prevalent AF, we found no association between heart rate and adverse outcome events. These data are in line with recommendations that strict heart rate control is not needed in otherwise stable outpatients with AF.
CP violation in non-leptonic $$B_c$$ decays to excited final states
Authors: Zhou Tian , Wang Tianhong , Fu Hui-Feng , Wang Zhi-Hui , Huo Lei , Wang Guo-Li
Published: April 2021

We study the CP violation in two-body nonleptonic decays of $$B_c$$

B
c

meson. We concentrate on the decay channels which contain at least one excited heavy meson in the final states. Specifically, the following channels are considered: $$B_c\rightarrow c{\bar{c}}(2S, 2P)+{\bar{c}}q(1S, 1P)$$

B
c

→
c

c

¯

(
2
S
,
2
P
)

+

c

¯

q

(
1
S
,
1
P
)

, $$B_c\rightarrow c{\bar{c}}(1S)+{\bar{c}}q(2S, 2P)$$

B
c

→
c

c

¯

(
1
S
)

+

c

¯

q

(
2
S
,
2
P
)

, $$B_c\rightarrow c{\bar{c}}(1P)+{\bar{c}}q(2S)$$

B
c

→
c

c

¯

(
1
P
)

+

c

¯

q

(
2
S
)

, $$B_c\rightarrow c{\bar{c}}(1D)+{\bar{c}}q(1S, 1P)$$

B
c

→
c

c

¯

(
1
D
)

+

c

¯

q

(
1
S
,
1
P
)

, and $$B_c\rightarrow c{\bar{c}}(3S)+{\bar{c}}q(1S)$$

B
c

→
c

c

¯

(
3
S
)

+

c

¯

q

(
1
S
)

. The improved Bethe-Salpeter method is applied to calculate the hadronic transition matrix element. Our results show that some decay modes have large branching ratios, which is of the order of $$10^{-3}$$

10

-
3

. The CP violation effect in $$B_c \rightarrow \eta _c(1S)+D(2S)$$

B
c

→

η
c

(
1
S
)

+
D

(
2
S
)

, $$B_c \rightarrow \eta _c(1S)+D_0^{*}(2P)$$

B
c

→

η
c

(
1
S
)

+

D
0

∗

(
2
P
)

, and $$B_c \rightarrow J/\psi +D^{*}(2S)$$

B
c

→
J
/
ψ
+

D

∗

(
2
S
)

are most likely to be found. If the detection precision of the CP asymmetry in such channels can reach the $$3\sigma $$

3
σ

level, at least $$10^7$$

10
7

$$B_c$$

B
c

events are needed.
One-loop corrections to the two-body decays of the charged Higgs bosons in the real and complex NMSSM
Authors: Dao Thi Nhung , Mühlleitner Margarete , Patel Shruti , Sakurai Kodai
Published: April 2021

We evaluate the full next-to-leading order supersymmetric (SUSY) electroweak and SUSY-QCD corrections to the on-shell two-body decays of the charged Higgs bosons in the framework of the next-to-minimal supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model (NMSSM) allowing also for CP violation. We furthermore provide the possibility to choose between different renormalization schemes in the electroweakino and the squark and slepton sectors. Our corrections are implemented in the code and thus complete the one-loop corrections of the charged Higgs boson decays which so far only included the state-of-the-art QCD corrections and the resummed SUSY-electroweak and SUSY-QCD corrections. We investigate the impact of the NLO corrections including the newly computed higher-order corrections for each decay mode in a wide range of the parameter space that is allowed by the theoretical and experimental constraints as well as the effect of CP violation and the dependence on the choice of the renormalization scheme. The new version of is made publicly available.
Symmetric and asymmetric cyclic controlled quantum teleportation via nine-qubit entangled state
Authors: Verma Vikram
Published: April 2021

In this paper, by utilizing a nine-qubit entangled state as a quantum channel, we propose new schemes for symmetric and asymmetric cyclic controlled quantum teleportation (CYCQT). In our proposed schemes, four participants Alice, Bob, Charlie and David teleport their unknown quantum states cyclically among themselves with the help of a controller Eve. No participants can reconstruct the original states sent from the respective senders without the permission of the controller. Also, by considering same nine-qubit entangled state as a quantum channel, we propose a generalized scheme for CYCQT of multi-qubit states. In contrast to the previous CYCQT schemes involving three communicators and a controller, there are four communicators and a controller in the proposed schemes. Also, compared with previous CYCQT schemes, our proposed CYCQT schemes require less consumption of quantum resource and the intrinsic efficiency of the generalized scheme increases with the increase of number of qubits in the information states.
Classification of Low-Resolution Satellite Images Using Fractal Augmented Descriptors
Authors: Padhy Rajalaxmi , Swain Shashwat Sourav , Dash Sanjit Kumar , Mishra Jibitesh
Published: April 2021

Satellite imagery consists of highly complex spatial features that make it difficult for traditional image processing techniques to use them for classification tasks. In this paper, we propose a novel method to use these hidden fractal information that naturally exist in these satellite images. We have designed a fractal-based descriptor which generates a scale invariant fractal image for easier fractal-based pattern extraction and uses it as an added feature vector that is combined with the original image and fed into a VGG-16 deep learning architecture which successfully classifies even low-resolution satellite images with an f1-score of 0.78.
Strongly graded Leavitt path algebras
Authors: Lundström Patrik , Öinert Johan
Published: April 2021

Let [Formula: see text] be a unital ring, let [Formula: see text] be a directed graph and recall that the Leavitt path algebra [Formula: see text] carries a natural [Formula: see text]-gradation. We show that [Formula: see text] is strongly [Formula: see text]-graded if and only if [Formula: see text] is row-finite, has no sink, and satisfies Condition (Y). Our result generalizes a recent result by Clark, Hazrat and Rigby, and the proof is short and self-contained.
Boosting the Restoring Performance of Deduplication Data by Classifying Backup Metadata
Authors: Yang Ru , Deng Yuhui , Zhou Yi , Huang Ping
Published: April 2021

Restoring data is the main purpose of data backup in storage systems. The fragmentation issue, caused by physically scattering logically continuous data across a variety of disk locations, poses a negative impact on the restoring performance of a deduplication system. Rewriting algorithms are used to alleviate the fragmentation problem by improving the restoring speed of a deduplication system. However, rewriting methods give birth to a big sacrifice in terms of deduplication ratio, leading to a huge storage space waste. Furthermore, traditional backup approaches treat file metadata and chunk metadata as the same, which causes frequent on-disk metadata accesses.

In this article, we start by analyzing storage characteristics of backup metadata. An intriguing finding shows that with 10 million files, the file metadata merely takes up approximately 340 MB. Motivated by this finding, we propose a Classified-Metadata based Restoring method (CMR) that classifies backup metadata into
file metadata
and
chunk metadata
. Because the
file metadata
merely takes up a meager amount of space, CMR maintains all file metadata in memory, whereas chunk metadata are aggressively prefetched to memory in a greedy manner. A deduplication system with CMR in place exhibits three salient features: (i) It avoids rewriting algorithms’ additional overhead by reducing the number of disk reads in a restoring process, (ii) it increases the restoring throughput without sacrificing the deduplication ratio, and (iii) it thoroughly leverages the hardware resources to boost the restoring performance. To quantitatively evaluate the performance of CMR, we compare our CMR against two state-of-the-art approaches, namely, a history-aware rewriting method (HAR) and a context-based rewriting scheme (CAP). The experimental results show that compared to HAR and CAP, CMR reduces the restoring time by 27.2% and 29.3%, respectively. Moreover, the deduplication ratio is improved by 1.91% and 4.36%, respectively.