bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are insect GPCRs ideal next‐generation pesticides: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Birgül Iyison Necla , Shahraki Aida , Kahveci Kübra , Düzgün Mustafa Barbaros , Gün Gökhan
Published: January 2021

The increasing human population, combined with low inefficiency and adverse effects of available pesticides, has magnified the urgent need of developing next‐generation pesticides. Among the available approaches, strategies targeting invertebrate G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are very promising as these receptors are the targets of endogenous neuropeptides/neuromodulators that upon binding to their receptors induce profound changes in insect physiology. Therefore, exploring GPCR regulators has great potential in the development of targeted next‐generation pesticides. Despite the great potential of such alternative pesticides, so far there has been only one approved compound, Amitraz, which conveys its anti‐pest activity via the GPCR Octopamine receptor. Here, we review the current status of pesticide development, hazards associated with conventional pesticide compounds, alternative strategies that involve next‐generation of pesticides, structural features of GPCRs, and opportunities and challenges of targeting the members of this superfamily in invertebrates to develop anti‐pest agents. In conclusion, we emphasize that the potential of GPCRs cannot be utilized in full without more genomic and transcriptomic data to improve our understanding of the complex network of peptidergic signaling pathways. We argue how vital it is to obtain three‐dimensional (3D) structural data on physiologically important target GPCRs and encourage the readers to use the state of the art in silico methods such as virtual screening for the discovery of new pesticide compounds.
On‐the‐job training: a skill match approach to the determinants of lifelong learning
Authors: Korpi Tomas , Tåhlin Michael
Published: January 2021

A recurrent finding in on‐the‐job training research is the ‘training gap’ in formal training: the positive correlation between initial education and continuing training. This finding is here examined from the perspective of two important distinctions: (i) between employee skill supply and job skill demand and (ii) between formal and informal training. Less‐educated workers may hold jobs with low skill requirements demanding little further formal training because the use of high skills is irrelevant, jobs that moreover provide little informal training. Exploring these issues on representative Swedish survey data using the educational mismatch (overqualified, the rightly qualified and the underqualified) model, we find that job requirements are strongly correlated with the incidence of both formal and informal training. Rather than, as has previously been argued, employee training decisions being the cause of the gap, this suggests that employer decisions regarding how to structure jobs and whom to hire are the primary factors behind the training gap.
Assessment of preferred methods to measure insulin resistance in Asian patients with hypertension
Authors: Minh Huynh Van , Tien Hoang Anh , Sinh Cao Thuc , Thang Doan Chi , Chen Chen‐Huan , Tay Jam Chin , Siddique Saulat , Wang Tzung‐Dau , Sogunuru Guru Prasad , Chia Yook‐Chin , Kario Kazuomi
Published: January 2021

Insulin resistance (IR), a metabolic risk factor, is linked to the pathogenetic mechanism of primary hypertension. Detecting IR in the patients with hypertension will help to predict and stratify the added cardiovascular risk, institute appropriate IR management, and manage hypertension optimally. There are many methods for assessing IR, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. The euglycemic insulin clamp and intravenous glucose tolerance test, gold standards for measuring IR, are used in research but not in clinical practice. Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA‐IR), a method for assessing β‐cell function and IR, is frequently applied presently, particularly in Asia. Besides, the triglyceride–glucose index (TyG) first published by South American authors showed a good correlation with the insulin clamp technique and HOMA‐IR index. This simple, convenient, and low‐cost TyG index is of research interest in many countries in Asia and can be used to screen for IR in the Asian hypertensive community.
A new species of the genus Cirrhimuraena (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) from the Bay of Bengal, India
Authors: Mohapatra Anil , Mohanty Swarup Ranjan , Ray Dipanjan , Mishra Subhrendu Sekhar , Seth Jaya Kishor
Published: January 2021

A new species of the genus Cirrhimuraena (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae), Cirrhimuraena indica sp. nov., is described based on eight specimens collected from the Paradip (Odisha) and Petuaghat harbours (West Bengal) along the Bay of Bengal. The species is distinct in having the upper jaw fringed with 16–17 cirri before posterior nostril and 4–5 in between the anterior and posterior nostrils on the side; dorsal fin originates above the level of gill opening, predorsal length is 9.3–10.9 in total length; the head is relatively large, the length is 9.3–9.8 in total length; no infraorbital pores are observed between the nostrils; teeth are numerous, small, conical and in bands on each jaw; pores are present before the gill opening 10–11 and before anus 47–48; pectoral‐fin length is 2.4–2.8 in head length; predorsal vertebrae are 8–10, pre‐anal vertebrae 43–47 and total vertebrae 164–169. In the maximum likelihood tree analysis for COI gene, the new species belongs to the same clade as the other congener of Cirrhimuraena chinensis and is separated from the species morphologically and genetically.
Effect of the novel dual orexin receptor antagonist daridorexant on night‐time respiratory function and sleep in patients with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Boof Marie‐Laure , Dingemanse Jasper , Brunke Mareile , Esselmann Albert , Heymer Peter , Kestermann Olaf , Lederer Katharina , Fietze Ingo , Ufer Mike
Published: January 2021

In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep is often fragmented while, conversely, the use of sleep medications is of concern in these patients due to potential impairment of nocturnal breathing. This randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, two‐period crossover study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the new dual orexin receptor antagonist daridorexant on night‐time respiratory function and sleep in patients with moderate COPD. In each period, the highest Phase‐III dose of 50 mg daridorexant or placebo was administered once daily in the evening for 5 consecutive days. The primary endpoint was peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) during total sleep time (TST) after last dosing. Night‐time respiratory function and sleep were further evaluated based on the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), sleep duration, and objective sleep parameters. Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability were also assessed. Primary endpoint analysis revealed no significant mean treatment difference (i.e. daridorexant – placebo) for SpO2 during TST as it was 0.18% (90% confidence interval: −0.21 to 0.57). There was also no difference from placebo for SpO2 during non‐rapid eye movement (REM) and REM sleep at Night 5 and after first dosing. The AHI was slightly increased compared to placebo, but not to a clinically meaningful extent. In addition, daridorexant improved objective sleep parameters (i.e. prolonged TST, increased sleep efficiency, and decreased wake after sleep onset), reached expected plasma concentrations, and was safe and well tolerated. In conclusion, single and multiple doses of 50 mg daridorexant do not impair night‐time respiratory function and improves sleep in patients with moderate COPD.
Epidemiology of aspergillosis in hospitalised Spanish patients—A 21‐year retrospective study
Authors: González‐Garcia Pablo , Alonso‐Sardón Montserrat , López‐Bernus Amparo , Carbonell Cristina , Romero‐Alegría Ángela , Muro Antonio , Galindo‐Pérez Inmaculada , Muñoz‐Bellido Juan Luis , Pardo‐Lledias Javier , Belhassen‐García Moncef
Published: January 2021

Background

Aspergillosis is a serious infection, and in Spain, the influence of epidemiology and climate on the resulting expenses of aspergillosis is not well established.

Aim

A retrospective descriptive study using the Minimum Basic Data Set was performed on records of patients admitted to hospitals of the National Health System between 1997 and 2017 with a diagnosis of aspergillosis. The weather parameters were obtained from the State Agency of Meteorology from Spain.

Results

A total of 32,960 patients were identified, of whom 22,383 were men (68%). The mean age (±SD) was 61.1 ± 19.1 years. The mean incidence rate for all diagnoses was 3.54 cases per 100,000 person‐years (95% CI, 3.50–3.57). The incidence rate in men was twice as high as that in women, 4.89 (95% CI, 4.82–4.95) vs. 2.24 (95% CI, 2.19–2.27) cases per 100,000 person‐years (p > .001). The highest incidence rates were concentrated in northern Spain. One in four patients died (8,080 cases; 25%). There was a moderate positive linear association between rainfall and incidence rate (rP = .508; p = .026). In contrast, the Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated a moderate negative linear relationship between temperature and incidence rate (rP = −.447; p = .050). We observed a higher incidence in the months with higher humidity and rainfall.

Conclusions

Our study supports a high burden of aspergillosis in Spain, with an increase in cases in the past two decades. Additionally, the influence of climatological factors on the incidence of aspergillosis is highlighted. Despite preemptive treatment strategies, this infection still has a high mortality.
Prognostic approach to Class III malocclusion through case‐based reasoning
Authors: Auconi Pietro , Ottaviani Ennio , Barelli Enrico , Giuntini Veronica , McNamara James A. , Franchi Lorenzo
Published: January 2021

Objective

This investigation evaluates the evidence of case‐based reasoning (CBR) in providing additional information on the prediction of future Class III craniofacial growth.

Settings and sample population

The craniofacial characteristics of 104 untreated Class III subjects (7‐17 years of age), monitored with two lateral cephalograms obtained during the growth process, were evaluated.

Materials and methods

Data were compared with the skeletal characteristics of subjects who showed a high degree of skeletal imbalance (‘prototypes’) obtained from a large data set of 1263 Class III cross‐sectional subjects (7‐17 years of age).

Results

The degree of similarity of longitudinal subjects with the most unbalanced prototypes allowed the identification of subjects who would develop a subsequent unfavourable skeletal growth (accuracy: 81%). The angle between the palatal plane and the sella‐nasion line (PP‐SN angle) and the Wits appraisal were two additional craniofacial features involved in the early prediction of the adverse progression of the Class III skeletal imbalance.

Conclusions

Case‐based reasoning methodology, which uses a personalized inference method, may bring additional information to approximate the skeletal progression of Class III malocclusion.
Rapid Development of a Decision Support System to Alleviate Food Insecurity at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank amid the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Blackmon Lester , Chan Ross , Carbral Omar , Chintapally Geeta , Dhara Sandip , Felix Peter , Jagdish Aditi , Konakalla Srini , Labana Jasbir , McIlvain Jeff , Stone Jason , Tang Christopher S. , Torres Jason , Wu Weldon
Published: January 2021

To address the food assistance crisis during the Covid pandemic, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a multi‐billion dollar “Farmers to Families Food Box program” (Box program) by working with approved suppliers (or distributors) to purchase fresh produce, dairy, and meat directly from farmers and package them into boxes. Recognizing that food banks did not have spare capacity to support the Box program, how should these food boxes be distributed to people who are in need? The USDA developed a novel solution by asking: (a) suppliers to distribute food boxes directly to agencies (shelters, food pantries, and soup kitchens); and (b) food banks to serve as “virtual intermediaries” to coordinate supply and demand between suppliers and agencies. However, as food banks were overwhelmed with their regular operations for distributing donated food during the pandemic, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank (LARFB) found it difficult to develop and deploy a Decision Support System (DSS) to support the Box program with limited manpower and expertise. In this study, we describe a DSS co‐developed by LARFB, Salesforce, and UCLA. Unlike other DSSs developed in normal circumstances, the development and deployment of the DSS were conducted virtually within 45 days. Without this DSS, it would have been impossible for LARFB to support the Box program. Because this DSS was developed in a record time, we discuss several limitations and suggest future research opportunities for managing food bank operations during a pandemic.
Unequal but Fair: Incorporating Distributive Justice in Operational Allocation Models
Authors: Rea David , Froehle Craig , Masterson Suzanne , Stettler Brian , Fermann Gregory , Pancioli Arthur
Published: January 2021

Fairness is a natural concern when model‐based decisions affect human beings. In personnel‐management decisions, employees’ perceptions of fairness depend both upon the decision processes as well as the resulting outcomes. Acting as a key part of decision processes, operational models often emphasize equality, or sameness, of outcomes among individuals. Fair outcomes, as a manifestation of distributive justice, involve balancing two competing aspects: equality and equity. Equity, in opposition to equality, is concerned with an individual’s outcomes being commensurate with their inputs. While both aspects of distributive justice can be an expectation of members of an organization, they present an inherent trade‐off; more of one requires less of the other. In order to balance the trade‐off between equity and equality, we propose a bi‐objective, non‐linear optimization model, which is then extended to a mixed‐integer formulation in a service‐oriented case study. Specifically, the case study model allocates physicians’ contracted clinical time across multiple emergency department locations. Deviations from physicians’ equity‐weighted preferences for where they work are minimized and a Pareto frontier of objectively fair solutions is derived. As a result, the time physicians were allocated to locations they did not prefer was substantially reduced. In addition, pre‐ and post‐implementation surveys revealed statistically significant improvements in employee reported perceptions of fairness, transparency, and overall satisfaction with the work‐time‐allocation process. The evidence supports the conclusion that decision models designed to result in unequal outcomes can still be perceived as fair by the employees they affect.
Evaluating social policies: Do methodological approaches determine the policy impact?
Authors: Høydal Øyunn Syrstad , Tøge Anne Grete
Published: January 2021

Over the last decades, evidence‐based public policy has emerged as a concept and field of research, presenting methodological approaches from the natural sciences as the ideal. However, empirical and interdisciplinary research on the relationship between methodological approaches and policy impact remains scarce. The aim is to investigate whether the impact of evaluations on development of new ideas and policies depends on methodological approaches. Data are drawn from a survey among policy‐makers (n = 222) in six Norwegian agencies. Applying linear regression models, we analyse whether ‘evaluations provide new ideas and perspectives’ and if ‘evaluations play a major role as a foundation for policy‐making’, and if these aspects depend on the reason for conducting the evaluation and the type of data collection. The civil servants report strong belief in evaluations' impact on policy and development of new ideas; however, this is more or less independent of type of methodological approaches. Exceptions are evaluation using observational data, interviews, or case studies and evaluations conducted with the intention of obtaining new knowledge. The article brings new empirical knowledge regarding the way different methodological approaches contribute to the usefulness of evaluations. Supporting the criticism of a rigid understanding of the meaning of evidence.
The effect of topical lidocaine on intradermal testing in atopic dogs
Authors: Tomich Lara M. , Keating Stephanie C.J. , Allender Matthew C. , Pieper Jason B.
Published: January 2021

Background

Intradermal testing (IDT) most often requires sedation. Topical lidocaine offers an adjunct or alternative to sedation.

Hypothesis/Objectives

We hypothesized that topical lidocaine would significantly reduce reactions to intradermal injections and that atopic dogs treated with topical lidocaine would have similar results with IDT to atopic dogs tested without topical lidocaine.

Animals

Fifteen client‐owned atopic dogs.

Methods

In Part I, a 5% lidocaine patch, 5% lidocaine cream and a control with no active ingredients were compared. The lowest pain score during intradermal injection was established in six atopic dogs. Fifteen atopic dogs were enrolled in Part II, and lidocaine cream (found to be most effective in Part 1) was applied randomly to a single side of the thorax. An IDT was performed on each side of the chest. Subjective and objective scores of the control and lidocaine treatment sides were compared 15 and 30 min post‐injection.

Results

The 5% lidocaine cream had the greatest reduction in pain score associated with intradermal injection. There were no significant differences in mean wheal diameter for any evaluated allergen at any time point between the control and lidocaine‐treated sides. There was high agreement between the two groups when assessing the subjective score for all but one allergen.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Topical lidocaine may be used as adjunctive analgesia during IDT with caution in interpretation of subjective house dust scoring. Lidocaine cream appeared to reduce pain score and may allow reduction in concurrent sedation.
A Double-Walled Assistive Holder Used in Peritoneal Dialysis Connection
Authors: Lin I-En , Chiang Hao-Ting
Published: January 2021

When compared with conventional kidney hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis (PD) has advantages such as maintaining stable physiological blood status and blood pressure, alleviating anemia, and improving mobility, which make it an ideal method for at-home (even on the road) dialysis treatment. However, a serious drawback of PD is the potential for infection of the abdominal lining (peritonitis), which can discourage people from using PD. Since PD can involve up to 4–5 fluid exchanges per day that require connection and disconnection of a tube to a catheter, there can be a substantial risk of infection. This infection risk creates a barrier to the use of PD and prevents people from enjoying the benefits of convenience and portability that PD can provide. This study proposes an assistive holder for PD patients that helps reduce the possibility of contamination during connection and disconnection of dialysis solution exchange bags. This PD assistive holder is low-cost, lightweight, and disposable. The holder is compatible with existing PD procedures and it can be used by touch only, for people with impaired vision. The PD assistive holder enables patients to care for themselves at home and improves the functionality and portability of standard PD systems.
Optimizing Predictive Maintenance With Machine Learning for Reliability Improvement
Authors: Ren Yali
Published: January 2021

Predictive maintenance, as a form of pro-active maintenance, has increasing usage and shows significant superiority over the corrective and preventive maintenance. However, conventional methods of predictive maintenance have noteworthy limitations in maintenance optimization and reliability improvement. In the last two decades, machine learning has flourished and overcome many inherent flaws of conventional maintenance prediction methods. Meanwhile, machine learning displays unprecedented predictive power in maintenance prediction and optimization. This paper compares the features of corrective, preventive, and predictive maintenance, examines the conventional approaches to predictive maintenance, and analyzes their drawbacks. Subsequently, this paper explores the driving forces, and advantages of machine learning over conventional solutions in predictive maintenance. Specifically, this paper reviews popular supervised learning and reinforcement learning algorithms and the associated typical applications in predictive maintenance. Furthermore, this paper summarizes the four critical steps of machine learning applications in maintenance prediction. Finally, the author proposes the future researches concerning how to utilize machine learning to optimize maintenance prediction and planning, improve equipment reliability, and achieve the best possible benefit.
A Robust Detector for Automated Welding Seam Tracking System
Authors: Zou Yanbiao , Zhu Mingquan , Chen Xiangzhi
Published: January 2021

Accurate locating of the weld seam under strong noise is the biggest challenge for automated welding. In this paper, we construct a robust seam detector on the framework of deep learning object detection algorithm. The representative object algorithm, a single shot multibox detector (SSD), is studied to establish the seam detector framework. The improved SSD is applied to seam detection. Under the SSD object detection framework, combined with the characteristics of the seam detection task, the multifeature combination network (MFCN) is proposed. The network comprehensively utilizes the local information and global information carried by the multilayer features to detect a weld seam and realizes the rapid and accurate detection of the weld seam. To solve the problem of single-frame seam image detection algorithm failure under continuous super-strong noise, the sequence image multifeature combination network (SMFCN) is proposed based on the MFCN detector. The recurrent neural network (RNN) is used to learn the temporal context information of convolutional features to accurately detect the seam under continuous super-noise. Experimental results show that the proposed seam detectors are extremely robust. The SMFCN can maintain extremely high detection accuracy under continuous super-strong noise. The welding results show that the laser vision seam tracking system using the SMFCN can ensure that the welding precision meets industrial requirements under a welding current of 150 A.
Nonlinear Transverse Vibration of a Hyperelastic Beam Under Harmonically Varying Axial Loading
Authors: Wang Yuanbin , Zhu Weidong
Published: January 2021

Nonlinear transverse vibration of a hyperelastic beam under a harmonically varying axial load is analyzed in this work. Equations of motion of the beam are derived via the extended Hamilton's principle, where transverse vibration is coupled with longitudinal vibration. The governing equation of nonlinear transverse vibration of the beam is obtained by decoupling the equations of motion. By applying the Galerkin method, the governing equation transforms to a series of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Response of the beam is obtained via three different methods: the Runge–Kutta method, multiple scales method, and harmonic balance method. Time histories, phase-plane portraits, fast Fourier transforms (FFTs), and amplitude–frequency responses of nonlinear transverse vibration of the beam are obtained. Comparison of results from the three methods is made. Results from the multiple scales method are in good agreement with those from the harmonic balance and Runge–Kutta methods when the amplitude of vibration is small. Effects of the material parameter and geometrical parameter of the beam on its amplitude–frequency responses are analyzed.
Extended low-frequency phase of the distortion-product otoacoustic emission in human newborns
Authors: Christensen Anders T. , Shera Christopher A. , Abdala Carolina
Published: January 2021

At constant f2/f1 ratios, the phase of the nonlinear distortion component of the 2f1−f2 distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) has a steep low-frequency segment and a flat high-frequency segment in adults and newborns. In adults, recent work found that a third segment characterizes the phase at even lower frequencies. The present study tests whether the same is true of the newborn DPOAE phase. Newborn and adult phase curves are generally similar. However, as previously reported, phase-gradient delays at mid frequencies (the region of steepest phase slope) are 50% longer in newborns.
Swing Phase Mechanics of Maximal Velocity Sprints—Does Isokinetic Lower-Limb Muscle Strength Matter?
Authors: Alt Tobias , Komnik Igor , Severin Jannik , Nodler Yannick T. , Benker Rita , Knicker Axel J. , Brüggemann Gert-Peter , Strüder Heiko K.
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Concentric hip and eccentric knee joint mechanics affect sprint performance. Although the biarticular hamstrings combine these capacities, empirical links between swing phase mechanics and corresponding isokinetic outcome parameters are deficient. This explorative study aimed (1) to explain the variance of sprint velocity, (2) to compare maximal sprints with isokinetic tests, (3) to associate swing phase mechanics with isokinetic parameters, and (4) to quantify the relation between knee and hip joint swing phase mechanics. Methods: A total of 22 sprinters (age = 22 y, height = 1.81 m, weight = 77 kg) performed sprints and eccentric knee flexor and concentric knee extensor tests. All exercises were captured by 10 (sprints) and 4 (isokinetics) cameras. Lower-limb muscle balance was assessed by the dynamic control ratio at the equilibrium point. Results: The sprint velocity (9.79 [0.49] m/s) was best predicted by the maximal knee extension velocity, hip mean power (both swing phase parameters), and isokinetic peak moment of concentric quadriceps exercise (R2 = 60%). The moment of the dynamic control ratio at the equilibrium point (R2 = 39%) was the isokinetic parameter with the highest predictive power itself. Knee and hip joint mechanics affected each other during sprinting. They were significantly associated with isokinetic parameters of eccentric hamstring tests, as well as moments and angles of the dynamic control ratio at the equilibrium point, but restrictedly with concentric quadriceps exercise. The maximal sprints imposed considerably higher loads than isokinetic tests (eg, 13-fold eccentric knee joint peak power). Conclusions: Fast sprinters demonstrated distinctive knee and hip mechanics in the late swing phase, as well as strong eccentric hamstrings, with a clear association to the musculoarticular requirements of the swing phase in sprinting. The transferability of isokinetic knee strength data to sprinting is limited inter alia due to different hip joint configurations. However, isokinetic tests quantify specific sprint-related muscular prerequisites and constitute a useful diagnostic tool due to their predicting value to sprint performance.
How close are we to the temperature tipping point of the terrestrial biosphere?
Authors: Duffy Katharyn A. , Schwalm Christopher R. , Arcus Vickery L. , Koch George W. , Liang Liyin L. , Schipper Louis A.
Published: January 2021

Future anticipated warming could reduce the terrestrial carbon sink by ~50% by mid-century.
Ionizable lipid nanoparticles for in utero mRNA delivery
Authors: Riley Rachel S. , Kashyap Meghana V. , Billingsley Margaret M. , White Brandon , Alameh Mohamad-Gabriel , Bose Sourav K. , Zoltick Philip W. , Li Hiaying , Zhang Rui , Cheng Andrew Y. , Weissman Drew , Peranteau William H. , Mitchell Michael J.
Published: January 2021

Lipid nanoparticles deliver mRNA to mouse fetuses, which may ultimately enable in utero therapy to treat fetal genetic diseases.
Substrate-specific recognition of IKKs mediated by USP16 facilitates autoimmune inflammation
Authors: Yu Jian-shuai , Huang Tao , Zhang Yu , Mao Xin-tao , Huang Ling-jie , Li Yi-ning , Wu Ting-ting , Zhong Jiang-yan , Cao Qian , Li Yi-yuan , Jin Jin
Published: January 2021

Ubiquitination regulates selective substrate recognition of IKKβ.
Highly sensitive VOC detectors using insect olfactory receptors reconstituted into lipid bilayers
Authors: Yamada Tetsuya , Sugiura Hirotaka , Mimura Hisatoshi , Kamiya Koki , Osaki Toshihisa , Takeuchi Shoji
Published: January 2021

A highly sensitive odorant sensor was developed by using insect olfactory receptors reconstituted into a lipid bilayer membrane.
O
-GlcNAcylation ameliorates the pathological manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting necroptosis
Authors: Park Jinsu , Ha Hee-Jin , Chung Eun Seon , Baek Seung Hyun , Cho Yoonsuk , Kim Hark Kyun , Han Jihoon , Sul Jae Hoon , Lee Jeongmi , Kim Eunae , Kim Junsik , Yang Yong Ryoul , Park Mikyoung , Kim Sung Hyun , Arumugam Thiruma V. , Jang Hyemin , Seo Sang Won , Suh Pann-Ghill , Jo Dong-Gyu
Published: January 2021

Increased
O
-GlcNAcylation can confer neuroprotective effects against necroptosis in the context of Alzheimer’s disease.
TRAF6-IRF5 kinetics, TRIF, and biophysical factors drive synergistic innate responses to particle-mediated MPLA-CpG co-presentation
Authors: Pradhan P. , Toy R. , Jhita N. , Atalis A. , Pandey B. , Beach A. , Blanchard E. L. , Moore S. G. , Gaul D. A. , Santangelo P. J. , Shayakhmetov D. M. , Roy K.
Published: January 2021

TRAF6-IRF5 kinetics, TRIF, and biophysical factors drive synergistic innate immune responses to particle-delivered MPLA and CpG.
Abrupt but smaller than expected changes in surface air quality attributable to COVID-19 lockdowns
Authors: Shi Zongbo , Song Congbo , Liu Bowen , Lu Gongda , Xu Jingsha , Van Vu Tuan , Elliott Robert J. R. , Li Weijun , Bloss William J. , Harrison Roy M.
Published: January 2021

True air quality improvements during the COVID-19 lockdowns in global cities are more limited than we thought.
How volatile components catalyze vapor nucleation
Authors: Li Chenxi , Krohn Jan , Lippe Martina , Signorell Ruth
Published: January 2021

Molecular studies reveal how new particle formation in multicomponent vapors is enhanced by transient hetero-molecular clusters.
CMOS-compatible ferroelectric NAND flash memory for high-density, low-power, and high-speed three-dimensional memory
Authors: Kim Min-Kyu , Kim Ik-Jyae , Lee Jang-Sik
Published: January 2021

A unique three-dimensional integration strategy is provided for high-performance, ultrahigh-density ferroelectric memory.
Multilayered electronic transfer tattoo that can enable the crease amplification effect
Authors: Tang Lixue , Shang Jin , Jiang Xingyu
Published: January 2021

Liquid metal electronic tattoo with the crease amplification effect increases the freedom and accuracy of motion recognition.
Implicit coordination for 3D underwater collective behaviors in a fish-inspired robot swarm
Authors: Berlinger Florian , Gauci Melvin , Nagpal Radhika
Published: January 2021

Blueswarm is a 3D underwater collective that uses only local implicit vision-based coordination to self-organize.
The microbiota in pneumonia: From protection to predisposition
Authors: Thibeault Charlotte , Suttorp Norbert , Opitz Bastian
Published: January 2021

A healthy microbiota protects against pneumonia, and factors that alter the microbiota can predispose to pneumonia.
Molecular Tools for the Yeast Papiliotrema terrestris LS28 and Identification of Yap1 as a Transcription Factor Involved in Biocontrol Activity
Authors: Castoria Raffaello , Miccoli Cecilia , Barone Giuseppe , Palmieri Davide , De Curtis Filippo , Lima Giuseppe , Heitman Joseph , Ianiri Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

The use of fungicides represents the most effective and widely used strategy for controlling postharvest diseases. However, their extensive use has raised several concerns, such as the emergence of plant pathogens’ resistance as well as the health risks associated with the persistence of chemical residues in fruits, vegetables, and the environment.
Complete Genome Sequences of Streptococcus suis Pig-Pathogenic Strains 10, 13-00283-02, and 16085/3b
Authors: Bunk Boyke , Jakóbczak Beata , Florian Volker , Dittmar Denise , Mäder Ulrike , Jarek Michael , Häußler Susanne , Baums Christoph Georg , Völker Uwe , Michalik Stephan
Published: January 2021

Streptococcus suis
is an important pathogen of pigs that, as a zoonotic agent, can also cause severe disease in humans, including meningitis, endocarditis, and septicemia. We report complete and annotated genomes of
S. suis
strains 10, 13-00283-02, and 16085/3b, which represent the highly prevalent serotypes
cps2
,
cps7
, and
cps9
, respectively.
Complete Genome Sequence of Alistipes indistinctus Strain 2BBH45, Isolated from the Feces of a Healthy Japanese Male
Authors: Ogata Yusuke , Sakamoto Mitsuo , Ohkuma Moriya , Hattori Masahira , Suda Wataru
Published: January 2021

The genus
Alistipes
is one of the members of the human gut microbiota. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Alistipes indistinctus
strain 2BBH45, harboring plasmid p2BBH45.
Draft Genome Sequences of Thelohania contejeani and Cucumispora dikerogammari, Pathogenic Microsporidia of Freshwater Crustaceans
Authors: Cormier Alexandre , Wattier Rémi , Giraud Isabelle , Teixeira Maria , Grandjean Frédéric , Rigaud Thierry , Cordaux Richard
Published: January 2021

We announce the draft genome sequences of two pathogenic microsporidia of European freshwater crustaceans,
Thelohania contejeani
(the causative agent of porcelain disease) and
Cucumispora dikerogammari
. Both species are implicated in mass mortalities in natural populations of their crayfish and amphipod hosts, respectively.
Cytomegalovirus haemorrhagic enterocolitis associated with severe infection with COVID-19
Authors: Carll Warren C , Rady Mohamed Y , Salomao Marcela A , Patel Bhavesh , Singh Vijay P , Sen Ayan
Published: January 2021

We present a case of haemorrhagic enterocolitis in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 who recovered from respiratory failure after support with venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. We describe clinicopathological features consistent with the systemic coinfection/reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) concurrent with COVID-19 infection and the protracted clinical course of resolution of gastrointestinal inflammation after the treatment of CMV infection. Stool PCR, abdominal CT perfusion scan and histological examination of ileal and colonic tissues excluded enterocolitis secondary to other causes of infection (common viral, bacterial and protozoal gastrointestinal pathogens), macrovascular and microvascular ischaemia and classic inflammatory bowel disease, respectively. We propose possible synergistic pathophysiologic mechanisms for enterocolitis complicating severe COVID-19 infection: (1) T lymphocyte depletion and immune response dysregulation, (2) use of immunomodulators in the management of severe COVID-19 infection and (3) high concentration of ACE-2 receptors for COVID-19 virus in the gastrointestinal tract.
Protocol for a qualitative study to identify strategies to optimise hospital ePrescribing systems
Authors: Heeney Catherine , Malden Stephen , Sheikh Aziz
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Electronic prescribing (ePrescribing) is a key area of development and investment in the UK and across the developed world. ePrescribing is widely understood as a vehicle for tackling medication-related safety concerns, improving care quality and making more efficient use of health resources. Nevertheless, implementation of an electronic health record does not itself ensure benefits for prescribing are maximised. We examine the process of optimisation of ePrescribing systems using case studies to provide policy recommendations based on the experiences of digitally mature hospital sites.

Methods and analysis

Qualitative interviews within six digitally mature sites will be carried out. The aim is to capture successful optimisation of electronic prescribing (ePrescribing) in particular health systems and hospitals. We have identified hospital sites in the UK and in three other developed countries. We used a combination of literature reviews and advice from experts at Optimising ePrescribing in Hospitals (eP Opt) Project round-table events. Sites were purposively selected based on geographical area, innovative work in ePrescribing/electronic health (eHealth) and potential transferability of practices to the UK setting. Interviews will be recorded and transcribed and transcripts coded thematically using NVivo software. Relevant policy and governance documents will be analysed, where available. Planned site visits were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ethics and dissemination

The Usher Research Ethics Group granted approval for this study. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals in medical informatics and expert round-table events, lay member meetings and the ePrescribing Toolkit (http://www.eprescribingtoolkit.com/)—an online resource supporting National Health Service (NHS) hospitals through the ePrescribing process.
Cataract surgery practice patterns worldwide: a survey
Authors: Rossi Tommaso , Romano Mario R , Iannetta Danilo , Romano Vito , Gualdi Luca , D'Agostino Isabella , Ripandelli Guido
Published: January 2021

Objective

To report the results of a global survey on cataract practice patterns related to preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative care, surgical setting and personnel allocation.

Methods and analysis

An online 28 questions survey was sent to 240 ophthalmologists asking to describe prevailing trends in their institutions across 38 countries and 5 continents. Questions inquired country, institution, surgical volume and setting, anaesthesia, preoperative and intraoperative examination and postsurgical care. Statistical analysis used crosstabs lambda statistics for non-parametric nominal variables. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

209/240 (87%) ophthalmologists responded: 38% representing public hospitals, 36% private practices and 26% academic sites; overall surgical volume was between 241 700 and 410 500 cataracts per year. There was a significant correlation between type of institution and surgical volume. Complete results available in online (https://freeonlinesurveys.com/r/W6BcLLxy).

Conclusion

Cataract surgery related patterns of perioperative care showed significant difference among respondents, regardless to type of institution, surgical volume and country. Many evidence-based procedures are unevenly practiced around the world and some widespread and expensive habits lack solid scientific evidence while consuming enormous amount of resources both monetary and human. There is a need to reach consensus and share evidence-based practice patterns.
Therapeutic effects of turmeric or curcumin extract on pain and function for individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review
Authors: Paultre Kristopher , Cade William , Hernandez Daniel , Reynolds John , Greif Dylan , Best Thomas Michael
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To determine whether supplementation with turmeric or curcumin extract effects pain and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Second, we investigated the therapeutic response (pain and function) of turmeric compared with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Methods

A search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Review. Inclusion criteria included randomised controlled trials reporting pain and physical function in humans with knee OA comparing turmeric therapy with NSAIDs or no therapy. Two reviewers screened 5273 abstracts. Risk of bias and quality were assessed via Cochrane Collaboration tool and CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) 2010, respectively.

Results

Ten studies were included in the final analysis. Eight had high methodological quality and two were categorised as good with a mean CONSORT quality score of 21.1. Nine studies had adequate sequence generation and six had adequate allocation concealment. Participants and outcome assessors were blinded in eight studies. Three of the studies compared turmeric therapy to NSAIDs. All 10 studies showed improvement in pain and function from baseline with turmeric therapy (p≤0.05). In three studies comparing turmeric to NSAIDs, there were no differences in outcome scores (p>0.05). In all studies there were no significant adverse events in the turmeric therapy group.

Conclusion

Compared with placebo, there appears to be a benefit of turmeric on knee OA pain and function. Based on a small number of studies the effects are similar to that of NSAIDs. Variables such as optimal dosing, frequency and formulation remain unclear at this time.
Acupuncture for palliative cancer pain management: systematic review
Authors: Yang Juan , Wahner-Roedler Dietlind L , Zhou Xuan , Johnson Lesley A , Do Alex , Pachman Deirdre R , Chon Tony Y , Salinas Manisha , Millstine Denise , Bauer Brent A
Published: January 2021

Background

Pain is one of the most common and problematic symptoms encountered by patients with cancer. Due to the multifactorial aetiology, pain management of these patients frequently requires multidisciplinary interventions including conventional support and specialty palliative care. Acupuncture has been identified as a possible adjunctive therapy for symptom management in cancer pain, and there is currently no systematic review focused solely on the evidence of acupuncture on cancer pain in palliative care.

Objective

To critically analyse currently available publications regarding the use of acupuncture for pain management among patients with cancer in palliative care settings.

Methods

Multiple academic databases were searched from inception to 29 October 2020. Randomised controlled trials involving acupuncture in palliative care for treatment of cancer-related pain were synthesised. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers, and methodological quality of each included study was assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) 2011 Levels of Evidence.

Results

Five studies (n=189) were included in this systematic review. Results indicated a favourable effect of acupuncture on pain relief in palliative care for patients with cancer. According to OCEBM 2011 Levels of Evidence, they were level 2 in one case (20%), level 3 in two cases (40%) and level 4 in the remaining (40%). Low-level evidence adversely affects the reliability of findings.

Conclusions

Acupuncture may be an effective and safe treatment associated with pain reduction in the palliative care of patients with cancer. Further high-quality, adequately powered studies are needed in the future.
Case report of the treatment and experience of mental disorders due to chronic viral encephalitis
Authors: Zheng Mingming , Bi Ran , Lin Yezhe , Zhu Cuizhen , Zhu Daomin
Published: January 2021

Viral encephalitis is a common clinical condition. Its clinical manifestations are variable and include neurological symptoms and psychiatric abnormalities, which makes clinical diagnosis and treatment difficult. To date, there are only a few reported cases on mental symptoms of chronic viral encephalitis. We present a case of a 16-year-old male patient who was previously hospitalised and diagnosed with schizophrenia and treated with aripiprazole 15 mg/day but failed to respond. The patient was then given antiviral therapy and recovered after 2 weeks. Clinicians should be aware of the possbility that chronic mental disorders could be caused by viral encephalitis. In the future, diagnosis of chronic functional mental disorders should include viral encephalitis in the differential diagnosis.
Coronary revascularisation in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ryan Matthew , Morgan Holly , Petrie Mark C , Perera Divaka
Published: January 2021

Heart failure resulting from ischaemic heart disease is associated with a poor prognosis despite optimal medical treatment. Despite this, patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy have been largely excluded from randomised trials of revascularisation in stable coronary artery disease. Revascularisation has multiple potential mechanisms of benefit, including the reversal of myocardial hibernation, suppression of ventricular arrhythmias and prevention of spontaneous myocardial infarction. Coronary artery bypass grafting is considered the first-line mode of revascularisation in these patients; however, evidence from the Surgical Treatment of Ischaemic Heart Failure (STICH) trial showed a reduction in mortality, though this only became apparent with extended follow-up due to an excess of early adverse events in the surgical arm. There is currently no randomised controlled trial evidence for percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy; however, the REVIVED-BCIS2 trial has recently completed recruitment and will address this gap in the evidence. Future directions include (1) clinical trials of revascularisation in patients hospitalised with heart failure, (2) defining the role of viability and ischaemia testing in heart failure, (3) studies to enhance the understanding of the mechanistic effects of revascularisation and (4) generating models to refine pre- and post-revascularisation risk prediction.
Effect of coronary flow on intracoronary alteplase: a prespecified analysis from a randomised trial
Authors: Maznyczka Annette Marie , McCartney Peter , Duklas Patrycja , McEntegart Margaret , Oldroyd Keith G , Greenwood John P , Muir Douglas , Chowdhary Saqib , Gershlick Anthony H , Appleby Clare , Eteiba Hany , Cotton James , Wragg Andrew , Curzen Nick , Tait R Campbell , MacFarlane Peter , Welsh Paul , Sattar Naveed , Petrie Mark C , Ford Ian , Fox Keith A A , McConnachie Alex , Berry Colin
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Persistently impaired culprit artery flow (<TIMI 3) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention is a surrogate for failed myocardial perfusion. We evaluated the effects of intracoronary alteplase according to TIMI flow grade immediately preceding drug administration.

Methods

In T-TIME (trial of low-dose adjunctive alTeplase during primary PCI), patients ≤6 hours from onset of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were randomised to placebo, alteplase 10 mg or alteplase 20 mg, administered by infusion into the culprit artery, pre-stenting. In this prespecified, secondary analysis, coronary flow was assessed angiographically at the point immediately before drug administration. Microvascular obstruction, myocardial haemorrhage and infarct size were assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) at 2–7 days and 3 months.

Results

TIMI flow was assessed after first treatment (balloon angioplasty/aspiration thrombectomy), immediately pre-drug administration, in 421 participants (mean age 61±10 years, 85% male) and was 3, 2 or 1 in 267, 134 and 19 participants respectively. In patients with TIMI flow ≤2 pre-drug, there was higher incidence of microvascular obstruction with alteplase (alteplase 20 mg (53.1%) and 10 mg (59.5%) combined versus placebo (34.1%); OR=2.47 (95% CI 1.16 to 5.22, p=0.018) interaction p=0.005) and higher incidence of myocardial haemorrhage (alteplase 20 mg (53.1%) and 10 mg (57.9%) combined vs placebo (27.5%); OR=3.26 (95% CI 1.44 to 7.36, p=0.004) interaction p=0.001). These effects were not observed in participants with TIMI 3 flow pre-drug. There were no interactions between TIMI flow pre-drug, alteplase and 3-month CMR findings.

Conclusion

In patients with impaired culprit artery flow (<TIMI 3) after initial balloon angioplasty/thrombus aspiration, intracoronary alteplase was associated with increased presence of microvascular obstruction and myocardial haemorrhage.

Trial registration number

NCT02257294.