bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Fecal Calprotectin a Useful Marker for Small Bowel Crohn Disease?
Authors: D'Arcangelo Giulia , Imondi Chiara , Terrin Gianluca , Catassi Giulia , Aloi Marina
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

The identification of reliable non‐invasive biomarkers of Crohn disease (CD) activity is crucial. Fecal calprotectin (FC) is the most promising one. We aimed to define whether its performance for isolated ileal CD could be as useful as for colonic and ileocolonic disease.

Methods:

Retrospective observational study of all pediatric patients affected with CD with FC and inflammatory blood markers performed within one week from an ileocolonoscopy or magnetic resonance enterography. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value and accuracy of FC >50 mcg/g were evaluated for isolated ileal CD (L1), colonic CD (L2) and ilecolonic CD (L3) using ilecolonoscopy and magnetic resonance enterography as the reference standard. The best FC cut‐off for each disease location was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results:

One‐hundred seventy‐six FC measurements from a total of 98 patients were collected (14.3% L1, 10.2% L2, 75.5% L3). The sensitivity and specificity of FC for L1 CD were 36% and 91%, respectively, compared to 93% and 75% for L2 and 70% and 95% for L3. An FC of 95 mg/kg was identified as the best cut off for identification of active isolated ileal disease, with a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 56% [area under the curve (confidence interval [CI] 0.56– 0.97) 0.77, P = 0.02].

Conclusions:

With a sensitivity of 36%, FC alone does not accurately reflect isolated L1 disease activity. A significantly lower threshold should be applied for increasing its performance for isolated small bowel CD monitoring.
Sexual Risk Behavior and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among College Students With Disabilities
Authors: Argenyi Michael S. , James Tyler G.
Published: April 2021

Background

In the past 20 years, there has been an increase in the number of college students with disabilities (SWDs) in the United States. Students with disabilities may have not received relevant, or accessible, sexual health education from medical providers, parents, or school health educators. Because of the lack of this education, the college social environment, and developmental timing of traditional college aged students, SWDs are at risk of engaging in health compromising sexual behavior.

Methods

We conducted a secondary data analysis of traditionally aged (18- to 24-year-olds) college students who completed the National College Health Assessment administered in Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 (N = 95,119). We use prevalence and generalized linear models to describe self-reported sexual health behavior and outcomes among college students without disabilities and SWDs, by disability category.

Results

Findings indicate that college students with disabilities—particularly students with attention-deficient hyperactivity disorder, psychiatric conditions, and multiple disabilities—are at higher risk than students without disabilities to engage in health compromising sexual health behavior and that students with multiple disabilities have higher adjusted prevalence ratios of being diagnosed and/or treated for a sexually transmitted infection.

Conclusions

Students with disabilities are not a monolithic population and there is cross-disability variability of engaging in health compromising and health promoting behavior. These findings highlight the need for college health promotion specialists and clinicians to advocate for accessible, sex positive, disability inclusive sexual health education.
Methods in Genetic Analysis for Evaluation Mandibular Shape and Size Variations in Human Mandible
Authors: Yamaguchi Tetsutaro , Kim Yong-Il , Mohamed Adel , Hikita Yu , Takahashi Masahiro , Haga Shugo , Park Soo-Byung , Maki Kotaro
Published: April 2021

The human mandible has been investigated from both clinical and evolutionary perspectives. Recent advances in genome science have identified the genetic regulation of human mandibular shape and size. Identification of genes that regulate mandibular shape and size would not only enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of mandibular growth and development but also help define a strategy to prevent mandibular dysplasia. This review provides a comprehensive summary of why and how the mandible was evaluated in the human mandible genome study. The variation in human mandibular shape and size has been progressively clarified, not only by focusing on the mandible alone but also by using extremely diverse approaches. The methods of data acquisition for evaluating human mandibular shape and size variation are well established. Furthermore, this review explains how to proceed with future research.
Influence of Age on Calvarial Critical Size Defect Dimensions: A Radiographic and Histological Study
Authors: Hudieb Malik , Haddad Adeeb , Bakeer Mohammad , Alkhazaaleh Ahmad , AlKhader Mustafa , Taani Dafi , Kasugai Shohei
Published: April 2021

Calvarial critical-size defect has been used to assess techniques and materials in the bone regeneration field. Previous studies utilized young adult rats with 3 months of age, which might not reflect the geriatric conditions. This study aimed to assess the dimensions of the calvarial critical-size defect in aged rats.

Seventy-two rats in a randomized block design were allocated into a control young adult (11–12 weeks), and a test old group (22–24 months). Both groups were divided according to bone defect's size: 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm defects, which were surgically created and followed for 4 and 8 weeks. Radiographic and histologic analyses were performed. Based on the results, additional groups with 4 mm defect size were added following the same protocols. Young groups yielded higher bone volumes, defect closure percentages, and density of newly formed bone. Closure of cranial defects was only observed in 3 mm defects in both age groups after 8 weeks; however, the 4 mm defect group demonstrated bony bridging after 8 weeks in young but not old rats. Results confirmed that 5-mm defect is considered a critical size for calvarial bone defects in young adult rats; however, 4 mm defect might be considered critical size for the aged rats after 8 weeks.
The United States Swine Pathogen Database: integrating veterinary diagnostic laboratory sequence data to monitor emerging pathogens of swine
Authors: Anderson Tavis K. , Inderski Blake , Diel Diego G. , Hause Benjamin M. , Porter Elizabeth G. , Clement Travis , Nelson Eric A. , Bai Jianfa , Christopher-Hennings Jane , Gauger Phillip C. , Zhang Jianqiang , Harmon Karen M. , Main Rodger , Lager Kelly M. , Faaberg Kay S.
Published: April 2021

Veterinary diagnostic laboratories annually derive thousands of nucleotide sequences from clinical samples of swine pathogens such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), Senecavirus A, and swine enteric coronaviruses. In addition, next generation sequencing has resulted in the rapid production of full-length genomes. Presently, sequence data are released to diagnostic clients for the purposes of informing control measures, but are not publicly available as data may be associated with sensitive information. However, public sequence data can be used to objectively design field-relevant vaccines; determine when and how pathogens are spreading across the landscape; identify virus transmission hotspots; and are a critical component in genomic surveillance for pandemic preparedness. We have developed a centralized sequence database that integrates a selected set of previously private clinical data, using PRRSV data as an exemplar, alongside publicly available genomic information. We implemented the Tripal toolkit, using the open source Drupal content management system and the Chado database schema. Tripal consists of a collection of Drupal modules that are used to manage, visualize, and disseminate biological data stored within Chado. Hosting is provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) EC2 cloud instance with resource scaling. New sequences sourced from diagnostic labs contain at a minimum four data items: genomic information; date of collection; collection location (state or province level); and a unique identifier. Users can download annotated genomic sequences from the database using a customized search interface that incorporates data mined from published literature; search for similar sequences using BLAST-based tools; and explore annotated reference genomes. Additionally, because the bulk of data presently are PRRSV sequences, custom curation and annotation pipelines have determined PRRSV genotype (Type 1 or 2), the location of open reading frames and nonstructural proteins, generated amino acid sequences, the occurrence of putative frame shifts, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) classification of GP5 genes. Genomic data from seven major swine pathogens have been curated and annotated. The resource provides researchers timely access to sequences discovered by veterinary diagnosticians, allowing for epidemiological and comparative virology studies. The result will be a better understanding on the emergence of novel swine viruses in the United States (US), and how these novel strains are disseminated in the US and abroad.

Database URL

https://swinepathogendb.org
Genetic lineage of the Amami islanders inferred from classical genetic markers
Authors: Nishikawa Yuri , Ishida Takafumi
Published: April 2021

The genetic structure of the people of mainland Japan and Okinawa has been gradually unveiled in recent years. However, previous anthropological studies dealing with people in the Amami islands, located between mainland Japan and Okinawa, were less informative because of the lack of genetic data. In this study, we collected DNAs from 104 subjects in two of the Amami islands, Amami-Oshima island and Kikai island. We analyzed the D-loop region of mtDNA, four Y-STRs, and four autosomal nonsynonymous SNPs to clarify the Amami islanders’ genetic structure compared with peoples in Okinawa, mainland Japan, and other regions of East Asia. We found that the Amami islanders showed a genetically intermediate position between mainland Japan and Okinawa in mtDNA and Y-STR. However, the frequencies of several autosomal SNPs in the Amami islanders indicated a significant difference from mainland Japanese, which may be because of the gene flow from Okinawa but not natural selection. Moreover, extremely high or low frequencies of several alleles implied a founder effect in Kikai islanders. Note that there is room for the interpretation of the results because of the small sample size and number of alleles in the present study. Geographically broad and detailed samplings and genome-wide analyses are awaited.
A bacterial “shield and sword”: A previously uncharacterized two-component system protects uropathogenicEscherichia colifrom host-derived oxidative insults and promotes hemolysin-mediated host cell pyroptosis
Authors: Gu Hongwei , Cai Xuwang , Zhang Xinyang , Luo Jie , Zhang Xiaoyang , Cai Wentong , Li Ganwu
Published: April 2021

UropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) deploys an array of virulence factors to successfully establish urinary tract infections. Coordinated expression of these various virulence factors is critical for UPEC’s overall fitness in the host. Two-component signaling systems (TCSs) are a major mechanism by which bacteria sense environmental cues and initiate adaptive responses. Here, we report a previously uncharacterized TCS encoded on a pathogenicity island in UPEC that directly activates the expression of a putative methionine sulfoxide reductase system (C3566/C3567) and a pore-forming α-hemolysin in response to host-derived hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) exposure. The TCS increases UPEC resistance to H2O2in vitroand survival in macrophages in tissue culture via C3566/C3567. Additionally, the TCS mediates α-hemolysin-induced renal epithelial cell and macrophage death via a pyroptosis pathway. Taken together, our data suggest a paradigm in which this signal transduction system coordinates both bacterial pathogen defensive and offensive traits in the presence of host-derived signals.
On the Driver of Blood Circulation Beyond the Heart
Authors: Li Zheng , Pollack Gerald H.
Published: April 2021

The heart is widely acknowledged as the unique driver of blood circulation. Recently, we discovered a flow-driving mechanism that can operate without imposed pressure, using infrared (IR) energy to propel flow. We considered the possibility that, by exploiting this mechanism, blood vessels, themselves, could propel flow. We verified the existence of this driving mechanism by using a three-day-old chick-embryo model. When the heart was stopped, blood continued to flow, albeit at a lower velocity. When IR was introduced, flow increased, by ∼300%. When IR energy was diminished under otherwise physiological conditions, blood failed to flow. Hence, this IR-dependent, vessel-based flow-driving mechanism may indeed operate in the circulatory system, complementing the action of the heart.
Aberrant integration of Hepatitis B virus DNA promotes major restructuring of human hepatocellular carcinoma genome architecture
Authors: Álvarez Eva G. , Demeulemeester Jonas , Jolly Clemency , García-Souto Daniel , Otero Paula , Pequeño Ana , Zamora Jorge , Tojo Marta , Temes Javier , Baez-Ortega Adrian , Rodríguez-Martín Bernardo , Li Yilong , Oitaben Ana , Bruzos Alicia L. , Martínez-Fernández Mónica , Haase Kerstin , Santamarina Martin , Zumalave Sonia , Abal Rosanna , Rodríguez-Castro Jorge , Rodriguez-Casanova Aitor , Diaz-Lagares Angel , Raine Keiran , Butler Adam P. , Ono Atsuhi , Aikata Hiroshi , Chayama Kazuaki , Ueno Masaki , Hayami Shinya , Yamaue Hiroki , Blanco Miguel G. , Forns Xavier , Rivas Carmen , Pérez-del-Pulgar Sofía , Torres-Ruiz Raúl , Rodríguez Perales Sandra , Garaigorta Urtzi , Nakagawa Hidewaki , Campbell Peter J. , Van Loo Peter , Tubio Jose M. C.
Published: April 2021

Most cancers are characterized by the somatic acquisition of genomic rearrangements during tumour evolution that eventually drive the oncogenesis. There are different mutational mechanisms causing structural variation, some of which are specific to particular cancer types. Here, using multiplatform sequencing technologies, we identify and characterize a remarkable mutational mechanism in human hepatocellular carcinoma caused by Hepatitis B virus, by which DNA molecules from the virus are inserted into the tumour genome causing dramatic changes in its configuration, including non-homologous chromosomal fusions and megabase-size telomeric deletions. This aberrant mutational process, present in at least 8% of all HCC tumours, is active early during liver cancer evolution and can provide the driver rearrangements that a cancer clone requires to survive and grow.
A Fatty Acid Anabolic Pathway in Specialized-Cells Remotely Controls Oocyte Activation inDrosophila
Authors: Poidevin Mickael , Mazuras Nicolas , Bontonou Gwénaëlle , Delamotte Pierre , Denis Béatrice , Devilliers Maëlle , Petit Delphine , Wicker-Thomas Claude , Montagne Jacques
Published: April 2021

Pheromone-mediated partner recognition is crucial for maintenance of animal species. Here, we discover a metabolic link between pheromone and gamete physiology. In female genital tract, oocyte maturation is arrested at a specific meiotic-phase. Release of this arrest, called oocyte-activation, is triggered by a species-dependent signal. We show inDrosophila melanogasterthat oenocytes, which produce the fatty acids (FAs) used as precursors of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), including pheromones, are also essential for oocyte activation. We identified a set of FA-anabolic enzymes required within oenocytes for the synthesis of a particular FA that is not a CHC precursor but controls oocyte activation. Our study thus reveals that two tightly linked FA-anabolic pathways act in parallel, one to produce sexual pheromones, the other to initiate embryonic development. Given that pheromone-deficientDrosophila melanogasterfemales are highly attractive for males irrespective of their species, this oenocyte function might have evolved to prevent hybrid development.
3,5-Dibromo-4-carbamoylbenzoic acid 2-propanol monosolvate
Authors: Noland Wayland E. , Herzig Ryan J. , Fox Renee J. , Tritch Kenneth J.
Published: April 2021

In the title solvated crystal, C8H5Br2NO3·C3H8O, the acid molecules form inversion dimers by pairwise N—H...O hydrogen bonds between carbamoyl groups and the carboxyl and carbamoyl groups link to form head-to-tail inversion dimers. The 2-propanol hydroxyl group interposes between adjacent head-tail pairs, resulting in C
3
3(10) chains of hydrogen bonds propagating along [100]. The molecules of 2-propanol are disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.598 (8):0.402 (8) ratio. The best-fit planes of the carbamoyl group and benzene ring are inclined by 88.26 (11)°. This is a greater inclination than was previously reported with CH3, Cl, F or H in place of the Br atoms, although those analogues did not have a para carboxyl group.
Aqua(1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane)zinc(II) bis(perchlorate)
Authors: Ichimaru Yoshimi , Kato Koichi , Kurosaki Hiromasa , Fujioka Haruto , Sakai Misa , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro , Wanchun Jin , Sugiura Kirara , Imai Masanori , Koike Tohru
Published: April 2021

The cationic ZnII part of aqua(1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane)zinc(II) bis(perchlorate), [Zn(C8H20N4)(H2O)](ClO4)2, exhibits a slightly distorted square-pyramidal coordination environment with a water molecule in the apical position. In the crystal, the macrocyclic ring alternates between two conformations with equal occupancies. Two of the three perchlorate anions are situated about a twofold rotation axis, and one of them shows disorder of the O atoms with occupancies of 0.62 (7) and 0.38 (7). In the crystal, the complexes are connected by intermolecular hydrogen bonding via the perchlorate anions.
Prospective cohort study: Causes of stillbirth in Australia 2013–2018
Authors: Sexton Jessica K. , Mahomed Kassam , Marsden Tania , Coory Michael , Gardener Glenn , Ellwood David , Gordon Adrienne , Shand Antonia W. , Yee Khong Teck , Gordon Louisa G. , Flenady Vicki
Published: April 2021

Background

Stillbirth is a major public health problem that is slow to improve in Australia. Understanding the causes of stillbirth through appropriate investigation is the cornerstone of prevention and important for parents to understand why their baby died.

Aim

The aim of this study is to assess compliance with the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) Perinatal Mortality Clinical Practice Guidelines (2009) for stillbirths.

Methods

This is a prospective multi‐centred cohort study of stillbirths at participating hospitals (2013–2018). Data were recorded into a purpose‐built database. The frequency of the recommended core investigations was calculated, and χ2 test was performed for subgroup analyses by gestational age groups and timing of fetal death. A 70% compliance threshold was defined for investigations. The cause of death categories was provided according to PSANZ Perinatal Death Classification.

Results

Among 697 reported total stillbirths, 562 (81%) were antepartum, and 101 (15%) were intrapartum. The most common cause of death categories were ‘congenital abnormality’ (12.5%), ‘specific perinatal conditions’ (12.2%) and ‘unexplained antepartum death’ (29%). According to 2009 guidelines, there were no stillbirths where all recommended investigations were performed (including or excluding autopsy). A compliance of 70% was observed for comprehensive history (82%), full blood count (94%), cytomegalovirus (71%), toxoplasmosis (70%), renal function (75%), liver function (79%), external examination (86%), post‐mortem examination (84%) and placental histopathology (92%). The overall autopsy rate was 52%.

Conclusions

Compliance with recommended investigations for stillbirth was suboptimal, and many stillbirths remain unexplained. Education on the value of investigations for stillbirth is needed. Future studies should focus on understanding the yield and value of investigations and service delivery gaps that impact compliance.
Comparison of ethanol concentrations after drinking in patients who underwent total gastrectomy versus healthy controls
Authors: Honda Michitaka , Hori Soshi , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Hamada Koichi , Kawamura Hidetaka , Nakayama Yujiro , Todate Yukitoshi , Miyakawa Teppei , Takano Yoshinao , Sato Atai , Konno Shinichi
Published: April 2021

Background

The safety of drinking in patients who have undergone total gastrectomy for gastric cancer has not been established. We conducted a clinical trial to investigate the trend in alcohol absorption in actual patients.

Methods

Patients who received total gastrectomy with lymph‐node dissection and Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction six or more months ago were enrolled. Participants drank 1 unit (20 g) of ethanol within 1 h starting at least 1 h after a meal. The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was then estimated by a measurement of the breath alcohol concentration. The peak and trend in the BAC in patients was compared with that in healthy volunteers who were matched with patients for the alcohol‐sensitive genotype.

Results

Ten patients and 10 healthy people were enrolled in the BAC evaluation. The peak BAC (%) was 0.158 in patients after total gastrectomy versus 0.110 in control (P < 0.001). The mean half‐life of BAC was 58.0 min in the patient group and 94.0 min in the control group, although the mean time to complete drinking was significantly longer in the patient group than in the control group at 40.8 versus 21.9 min (P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Drinking alcohol is likely to carry a risk of increasing the BAC in patients who have undergone total gastrectomy.
Paleo‐thermal constraints on the origin of native diagenetic sulfur in the Messinian evaporites: The Northern Apennines foreland basin case study (Italy)
Authors: Rossi Francesco Paolo , Schito Andrea , Manzi Vinicio , Roveri Marco , Corrado Sveva , Lugli Stefano , Reghizzi Matteo
Published: April 2021

Recent studies on the genesis of sedimentary native sulfur deposits indicate diagenetic mid‐low temperature Bacterial Sulfate Reduction (BSR) as the main process, involving organic compounds (kerogen/hydrocarbons), bacterial colonies and gypsiferous rocks. In the peri‐Mediterranean area (Southern Spain, Sicily, Northern Apennines, Israel), the main sulfur accumulations are always associated with late Miocene sulfates and organic‐rich successions encompassing the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC). In particular, the Messinian successions of the Apennine‐Adriatic foreland basin system, due to a large amount of high‐resolution stratigraphic data, represent a perfect case study for understanding the diagenetic conditions controlling the development of the BSR process during sedimentary basin evolution. In this work, thermal models performed in three sub‐basins in a sector of the Northern Apennines comprised of the Sillaro and Marecchia rivers (Italy), calibrated by means of organic and inorganic geothermometers, indicate a general thermal immaturity of the studied successions attained as a result of a constant heat flow similar to the present day one (ca. 40 mW/m2) since Late Tortonian and lithostatic loads between 615 and 1,710 m depending on different sub‐basins. These results suggest that the MSC deposits experienced maximum temperatures between about 39°C and 65°C. Temperatures derived from thermal models have been used to constraint occurrence of the diagenetic BSR associated with evaporitic deposits providing thermal constraints in sulfur genesis as well as new useful thermal‐constraints for basin analysis studies.
The clinical outcomes of COVID‐19 infection in patients with a history of thyroid cancer: A nationwide study
Authors: Sahin Mustafa , Haymana Cem , Demirci Ibrahim , Tasci Ilker , Rıfat Emral , Unluturk Ugur , Satman Ilhan , Demir Tevfik , Cakal Erman , Ata Naim , Ertugrul Derun , Salman Serpil , Sahin Ibrahim , Dagdelen Selcuk , Celik Osman , Caglayan Murat , Atmaca Aysegul , Sonmez Alper
Published: April 2021

Background

There are scarce published data in differentiated thyroid cancer patients about new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) disease outcomes and mortality. Here, we evaluated COVID‐19 infection outcomes and mortality in thyroid cancer patients with COVID‐19 infection.

Design and methods

We included a cohort of patients with thyroid cancer with PCR‐confirmed COVID‐19 disease from 11 March to 30 May 2020 from the Turkish Ministry of Health database in our nationwide, retrospective study. We compared the mortality and morbidity of COVID patients with or without thyroid cancer. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the independent factors for mortality, length of hospital stay and intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mechanical ventilation. We also analysed the effect of radioiodine treatment on severity and death rate of COVID‐19 disease.

Results

We evaluated 388 COVID‐19 patients with thyroid cancer [median age: 54 years, interquartile range (IQR) 18 years, males: 23%] and age and gender‐matched 388 COVID‐19 patients without thyroid cancer. Patients with thyroid cancer had a similar mortality ratio compared with the non‐cancer group. Among patients with thyroid cancer, age, presence of diabetes mellitus, asthma/COPD, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, prior coronary artery disease, RAS blocker usage and low lymphocyte count were associated with mortality. Radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment and cumulative radioactive iodine dosage did not negatively affect the severity and mortality of COVID‐19 disease in our patient group.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that history of thyroid cancer did not have an increased risk of mortality or morbidity in COVID‐19 disease. Besides, RAI therapy history and doses of radioactive iodine did not affect mortality or outcome.
A Closer Examination of Relational Outcomes from a Pilot Study of Abbreviated, Intensive, Multi‐Couple Group Cognitive‐Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD with Military Dyads
Authors: Fredman Steffany J. , Le Yunying , Macdonald Alexandra , Monson Candice M. , Rhoades Galena K. , Dondanville Katherine A. , Blount Tabatha H. , Hall‐Clark Brittany N. , Fina Brooke A. , Mintz Jim , Litz Brett T. , Young‐McCaughan Stacey , Jenkins August I. C. , Yarvis Jeffrey S. , Keane Terence M. , Peterson Alan L. ,   for the Consortium to Alleviate PTSD
Published: April 2021

Cognitive‐behavioral conjoint therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (CBCT for PTSD) is associated with improvements in patients’ PTSD symptoms, partners’ psychological distress, and relationship satisfaction. However, little is known about whether CBCT for PTSD is associated with changes in other relationship domains that have theoretical and clinical relevance to the relational context of PTSD. The current study is a secondary analysis of relational outcomes from an uncontrolled, within‐group trial designed to examine whether an abbreviated, intensive, multi‐couple group version of CBCT for PTSD (AIM‐CBCT for PTSD) delivered in a retreat during a single weekend was associated with improvements in PTSD symptoms and relationship satisfaction. In this investigation, we examined whether AIM‐CBCT for PTSD is also associated with improvements in ineffective arguing, supportive dyadic coping by partner, joint dyadic coping, and partners’ accommodation of patients’ PTSD symptoms. Participants were 24 couples who included a post‐9/11 U.S. service member or veteran with PTSD. At 1‐ and 3‐month follow‐up, patients reported significant reductions in couples’ ineffective arguing (ds = −.71 and −.78, respectively) and increases in supportive dyadic coping by partners relative to baseline (ds = .50 and .44, respectively). By 3‐month follow‐up, patients also reported significant increases in couples’ joint dyadic coping (d = .57), and partners reported significant reductions in their accommodation of patients’ PTSD symptoms (d = −.44). Findings suggest that AIM‐CBCT for PTSD is associated with improvements in multiple relationship domains beyond relationship satisfaction but that these may be differentially salient for patients and partners.
Increased targeted HIV testing and reduced undiagnosed HIV infections among gay and bisexual men
Authors: Patel PG , Keen P , McManus H , Duck T , Callander D , Selvey C , Power C , Gray RT , Knight V , Asselin J , Read P , Johnson K , Bavinton BR , Bowden VJ , Grulich AE , Guy R ,   the NSW HIV Prevention Partnership Project
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of government HIV strategies that aimed to increase HIV testing uptake and frequency among gay and bisexual men (GBM) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Design

We analysed HIV testing data from existing passive and sentinel surveillance systems between 2010 and 2018.

Methods

Six indicators were measured: (1) state‐wide total HIV laboratory tests; (2) number of GBM attending publicly‐funded clinics; (3) 12‐monthly testing uptake; (4) annual testing frequency; (5) HIV testing with a STI diagnosis; and (6) HIV positivity. Mathematical modelling was used to estimate (7) the proportion of men with undiagnosed HIV. Indicators were stratified by Australian vs. overseas‐born.

Results

Overall, 43,560 GBM attended participating clinics (22,662 Australian‐born, 20,834 overseas‐born) from 2010‐2018. Attendees increased from 5,186 in 2010 to 16,507 in 2018. There were increasing trends (p<0.001 for all) in testing uptake (83.9% to 95.1%); testing with a STI diagnosis (68.7% to 94.0%); annual HIV testing frequency (1.4 to 2.7); and a decreasing trend (p<0.01) in HIV positivity (1.7% to 0.9%).Increases in testing were similar in Australian‐born and overseas‐born GBM. However, there were decreasing trends in the estimated undiagnosed HIV proportion overall (9.5% to 7.7%) and in Australian‐born GBM (7.1% to 2.8%), but an increasing trend in overseas‐born GBM (15.3% to 16.9%) (p<0.001 for all).
International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) laboratory guidance for the verification of haemostasis analyser‐reagent test systems. Part 2: Specialist tests and calibrated assays
Authors: Gardiner Chris , Coleman Robyn , de Maat Moniek P. M. , Dorgalaleh Akbar , Echenagucia Marión , Gosselin Robert C. , Ieko Masahiro , Kitchen Steve
Published: April 2021

Before a new method is used for clinical testing, it is essential that it is evaluated for suitability for its intended purpose. This document gives guidance for the performance, verification and implementation processes required by regulatory and accreditation bodies. It covers the planning and verification of specialist haemostatic tests, including factor assays, D‐dimers, direct anticoagulants and thrombophilia testing.
The life history fitness of F1 hybrids of the microcrustaceans Daphnia pulex and Daphnia pulicaria (Crustacea, Anomopoda)
Authors: Moy Irene , Green Makayla , Pham Thinh Phu , Luu Dustin Huy‐Khang , Xu Sen
Published: April 2021

Negative interaction between alleles that arise independently in diverging populations (i.e., Dobzhansky–Muller incompatibilities) can cause reduction of fitness in their hybrids. However, heterosis in hybrids can emerge if hybridization breaks down detrimental epistatic interaction within parental lineages. In this study, we examined the life history fitness of the interspecific F1s of two recently diverged microcrustacean species, Daphnia pulex and D. pulicaria, as well as intraspecific crosses of D. pulex. We identified heterosis in two of five life history traits in the interspecific F1s. According to theories that heterosis can transiently emerge in early speciation, the observation of heterosis in these life history traits suggests that there are no major genetic incompatibilities between these two species affecting these traits and that D. pulex and D. pulicaria are at an early stage of speciation.
A glimmer of hope for the most vulnerable
Authors: Falsey Ann R.
Published: April 2021

This editorial comments on White et al. in this issue.
Efficiency of whole‐exome sequencing in old world and new world primates using human capture reagents
Authors: Chan Jeannie , Yao Wen , Howard Timothy D. , Hawkins Gregory A. , Olivier Michael , Jorgensen Matthew J. , Cheeseman Ian H. , Cole Shelley A. , Cox Laura A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) can expedite research on genetic variation in non‐human primate (NHP) models of human diseases. However, NHP‐specific reagents for exome capture are not available. This study reports the use of human‐specific capture reagents in WES for olive baboons, marmosets, and vervet monkeys.

Methods

Exome capture was carried out using the SureSelect Human All Exon V6 panel from Agilent Technologies, followed by high‐throughput sequencing. Capture of protein‐coding genes and detection of single nucleotide variants were evaluated.

Results

Exome capture and sequencing results showed that more than 97% of old world and 93% of new world monkey protein coding genes were detected. Single nucleotide variants were detected across the genomes and missense variants were found in genes associated with human diseases.

Conclusions

A cost‐effective approach based on commercial, human‐specific reagents can be used to perform WES for the discovery of genetic variants in these NHP species.
Subcutaneous emphysema after intralesional cryotherapy: An unusual complication
Authors: Falay Gür Tuğba , Savaş Erdoğan Sevil , Kara Cüneyt , Ertekin Sümeyre Seda
Published: April 2021

Background

Intralesional cryotherapy (ILC) is a safe and well tolerated by the patient. Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) cases after spray and contact cryotherapy have been described; however, this complication has not been previously reported after ILC.

Aim

Our aim is to discuss the possible causes of SE development after ILC.

Method

We present a young patient that developed SE after ILC applying by insertion of an open‐ended needle to the tip of the cryotherapy gun.

Results

The development of SE following ILC may have been caused by inward clefting from the ear hole, the usage of an open‐ended needle and a lack of safety system.

Conclusion

It will be safer to apply special methods involving the usage of sealed distal type to prevent SE development.
Stranger than a scorpion: a reassessment of Parioscorpio venator, a problematic arthropod from the Llandoverian Waukesha Lagerstätte
Authors: Anderson Evan P. , Schiffbauer James D. , Jacquet Sarah M. , Lamsdell James C. , Kluessendorf Joanne , Mikulic Donald G.
Published: April 2021

A relatively uncommon arthropod of the Waukesha lagerstätte, Parioscorpio venator, is redescribed as an arthropod bearing a combination of characters that defy ready classification. Diagnostic features include sub‐chelate ‘great appendages’, a lack of antennae, multiramous anterior trunk appendages, filamentous fan‐like rear trunk appendages, and apparently thin and poorly preserved pleural fields. Phylogenetic analysis resolves this organism as basal to crown‐group Mandibulata and Chelicerata, but its exact placement is inconclusive. Thus, we compare its morphology to several stem groups of arthropods in a discussion of its plausible taxonomic affinities. The examined specimens are probably carcasses and preserve a variety of soft‐tissue details, including muscle blocks in the head, eyes and eye facets, likely ventral nerve cords, a central gut tract and trunk legs with multiple filamentous elements organized into stiff bundles. The preservation habits of P. venator are characterized and compared to previous assessments of Waukesha lagerstätte taxa. Four preservation habits are observed: a phosphatized habit showing flattened to partly three‐dimensional mineralization in francolite; a mouldic habit largely left behind by removed francolite that shows no carbon enrichment despite a darkened colour; sheet‐like or speckled carbonaceous compressions; and scattered pyrite crystals. This redescription highlights both the palaeobiological value of ‘small’ lagerstätten typical of the middle Palaeozoic and the caution that must be taken when interpreting their more enigmatic constituents.
Curcumin‐loaded Pluronic® F‐127 Micelles as a Drug Delivery System for Curcumin‐mediated Photodynamic Therapy for Oral Application
Authors: Dantas Lopes dos Santos Diego , Besegato João Felipe , de Melo Priscila Borges Gobbo , Oshiro Junior João Augusto , Chorilli Marlus , Deng Dongmei , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador , Rastelli Alessandra Nara de Souza
Published: April 2021

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is promising for oral decontamination. Curcumin has been used as photosensitizer; however, the hydrophobic properties can negatively affect aPDT. This study evaluated the aPDT efficacy using Cur‐loaded Pluronic® F‐127 micelles against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans biofilms. Micelles characterization was performed by zeta potential, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Cur concentrations, cell viability by CFU mL−1 and confocal microscopy were determined. Data were analyzed by parametric and nonparametric tests under 5%. Cur‐loaded Pluronic® F‐127 exhibited spherical shape, suitable particle size (≤100 nm), adequate polydispersity index, best stability, lower photodegradation and autoaggregation compared to unloaded‐Cur. Both microorganisms were sensitive to Cur‐loaded Pluronic® F‐127 micelles aPDT, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 270 μm and 2.1093 μm for S. mutans and C. albicans suspended culture, respectively. Cur‐loaded Pluronic® F‐127 aPDT exhibited antibacterial/antifungal effect against the biofilms (~3 log10 reduction; P ≤ 0.05); however, similar to unloaded (P ≥ 0.05). Confocal images confirmed these results. Cur‐loaded Pluronic® F‐127 micelles exhibited good photo‐chemical properties and may be a viable alternative to deliver Cur and to improve aPDT effect during the treatment of dental caries. Moreover, Pluronic® micelles can enhance the solubility, stability, permeability and control the release of Cur.
Cardiorespiratory fitness, fatness, and the acute blood pressure response to exercise in adolescence
Authors: Huang Zhengzheng , Park Chloe , Chaturvedi Nish , Howe Laura D. , Sharman James E. , Hughes Alun D. , Schultz Martin G.
Published: April 2021

Objective

Exaggerated exercise blood pressure (BP) is associated with cardiovascular risk factors in adolescence. Cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity (fatness) are independent contributors to cardiovascular risk, but their interrelated associations with exercise BP are unknown. This study aimed to determine the relationships between fitness, fatness, and the acute BP response to exercise in a large birth cohort of adolescents.

Methods

2292 adolescents from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (aged 17.8 ± 0.4 years, 38.5% male) completed a sub‐maximal exercise step test that allowed fitness (VO2 max) to be determined from workload and heart rate using a validated equation. Exercise BP was measured immediately on test cessation and fatness calculated as the ratio of total fat mass to total body mass measured by DXA.

Results

Post‐exercise systolic BP decreased stepwise with tertile of fitness (146 (18); 142 (17); 141 (16) mmHg) but increased with tertile of fatness (138 (15); 142 (16); 149 (18) mmHg). In separate models, fitness and fatness were associated with post‐exercise systolic BP adjusted for sex, age, height, smoking, and socioeconomic status (standardized β: −1.80, 95%CI: −2.64, −0.95 mmHg/SD and 4.31, 95%CI: 3.49, 5.13 mmHg/SD). However, when fitness and fatness were included in the same model, only fatness remained associated with exercise BP (4.65, 95%CI: 3.69, 5.61 mmHg/SD).

Conclusion

Both fitness and fatness are associated with the acute BP response to exercise in adolescence. The fitness‐exercise BP association was not independent of fatness, implying the cardiovascular protective effects of cardiorespiratory fitness may only be realized with more favorable body composition.
Retracted: Transcription activation of microRNA‐25 by PEA3 augments progression of gastric cancer through suppressing SIK1
Authors: Yu Wei , Li Qingchun , Chen Tong , Zhang Huaiyu , Cui Xiaofeng , Shen Kexin
Published: April 2021

Retraction: Yu, W., Li, Q., Chen, T., Zhang, H., Cui, X. and Shen, K. (2021), Transcription activation of microRNA‐25 by PEA3 augments progression of gastric cancer through suppressing SIK1. Exp Physiol. Accepted Author Manuscript. https://doi.org/10.1113/EP089254

The above article, published online in Experimental Physiology on April 20, 2021 in Wiley Online Library (https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/EP089254) has been retracted by agreement between the journal's Editor‐in Chief Mike Tipton, the Authors and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The authors requested withdrawal after an additional review of the data in the article showed inaccuracies in the data and its analysis.
Correlation Studies Between Laser Ultrasonic Inspection Data and Finite-Element Modeling Results in Evaluation of Solder Joint Quality in Microelectronic Packages
Authors: Reddy Vishnu V. B. , Gupta Saurabh , Williamson Jaimal , Sitaraman Suresh K.
Published: April 2021

Laser ultrasonic inspection (LUI) is a nondestructive and noncontact technique to evaluate the quality of solder ball interconnections in area-array micro-electronic packages. Dual-Fiber Array Laser Ultrasonic Inspection System was demonstrated identifying defects and failures in chip-scale packages, ball grid array packages, and flip-chip ball grid array packages. The location and severity of the defects and failures in packages have been identified accurately using this system. Further, it is important to establish the correlation between LUI results and the severity of the failures for failure mode analysis, which will enable us to eliminate the need for destructive testing and allow the study of failure evolution in a given sample under continued reliability testing. This paper discusses correlation studies between experimental LUI results and finite-element simulation results from the flip-chip ball grid array packages subjected to thermal cycling reliability testing. The correlation equations will help in predicting the severity of the failures at a given number of thermal cycles based on LUI results. Furthermore, the life of the micro-electronic packages can be predicted accurately from LUI results at a fewer number of thermal cycles.
Model-Aided Design of a Rear-Impact Collision Testing System for In Vivo Investigations
Authors: Barrett Jeff M. , Fewster Kayla M. , Callaghan Jack P.
Published: April 2021

A collision testing device used to simulate rear-end impacts on human volunteers was developed and validated. The testing device was designed using impact parameters obtained from real crash-test-derived vehicle-to-vehicle rear-end collisions. Experimental results show the proposed testing device achieves repeatable impact parameters well within the reported ranges of real vehicle-to-vehicle rear-end impact simulations reported in the literature. In particular, the device was able to produce a 7.66 (0.30) km/h delta-v collision with a duration of 111.6 (6.2) ms, and a 4.75 (0.29) g peak acceleration.
A Study on the Mechanisms of Change Propagation in Mechanical Design
Authors: Brahma Arindam , Wynn David C.
Published: April 2021

Design changes and change propagation have been recognized as ubiquitous in the engineering design process. But why are some design changes propagated while others are absorbed? This paper reports on a study to investigate the specific properties of a mechanical design that influence whether a change is either propagated or absorbed. Student participants in the study were asked to complete a well-defined mechanical design task and then to introduce several design changes. Analysis of the recorded design processes reveals new insight into the mechanisms of change propagation in terms of properties of the design. The insights suggest avenues for future research to make designs more tolerant to potential future change and to develop improved methods to predict change propagation.
Validating deep learning seabed classification via acoustic similarity
Authors: Forman David J. , Neilsen Tracianne B. , Van Komen David F. , Knobles David P.
Published: April 2021

While seabed characterization methods have often focused on estimating individual sediment parameters, deep learning suggests a class-based approach focusing on the overall acoustic effect. A deep learning classifier—trained on 1D synthetic waveforms from underwater explosive sources—can distinguish 13 seabed classes. These classes are distinct according to a proposed metric of acoustic similarity. When tested on seabeds not used in training, the classifier obtains 96% accuracy for matching such a seabed to one of the top-3 most acoustically similar classes from the 13 training seabeds. This approach quantifies the performance of a seabed classifier in the face of real seabed variability.
On the efficient modeling of generic source directivity in Gaussian beam tracing
Authors: Bian Haoyu , Fattah Ryu , Zhong Siyang , Zhang Xin
Published: April 2021

For large-distance sound propagation with complex obstacles, the Gaussian beam tracing (GBT) method is often applied. An omnidirectional source model is commonly implemented in GBT, which, however, neglects the influence of generic directivity patterns of practical acoustic problems. There have been efforts to synthesize or reproduce the target directivity pattern over an observation surface by using multiple distributed point sources. However, the efficiency and applicability of general applications still call for improvement. More specifically, rays from each of the point sources and their traces in the space should be computed and superposed to estimate the sound field, making the computational cost largely dependent on the complexity of the source directivity pattern. In this work, a complex-valued radiation function model is developed to realize the generic source directivity for GBT computation. One advantage of the method is that only one source is required such that computation cost can be greatly reduced. Rays are emitted from the source with direction-dependent amplitude and phase to realize the target directivity pattern. The development of the radiation function is associated with the GBT method. The verification cases show that this method can give good agreement with analytical or wave-based numerical solutions. Capabilities of modeling a complex source model of the spinning sound field to mimic the propeller noise are studied, and the result matches well with analytical solutions. Finally, a demonstration case of a four-propeller-powered drone in an urban region is conducted.
Examining Prevalence and Diversity of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Questing Ixodes pacificus Ticks in California
Authors: Salkeld Daniel J. , Lagana Danielle M. , Wachara Julie , Porter W. Tanner , Nieto Nathan C.
Published: April 2021

Understanding the local host ecology and prevalence of zoonotic diseases is vital for public health. Using tick-borne diseases in California, we show that there is often a bias to our understanding and that studies tend to focus on particular habitats, e.g., Lyme disease in oak woodlands.
The Morphogenetic Protein CotE Positions Exosporium Proteins CotY and ExsY during Sporulation of Bacillus cereus
Authors: Lablaine Armand , Serrano Mònica , Bressuire-Isoard Christelle , Chamot Stéphanie , Bornard Isabelle , Carlin Frédéric , Henriques Adriano O. , Broussolle Véronique
Published: April 2021

Spores of
Bacillaceae
are enveloped in an outermost glycoprotein layer. In the
B. cereus
group, encompassing the
Bacillus anthracis
and
B. cereus
pathogens, this layer is easily recognizable by a characteristic balloon-like appearance and separation from the underlying coat by an interspace.
SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Seroprevalence in Wuhan, China, from 23 April to 24 May 2020
Authors: Han Huan , Yi Junzhu , Cheng Gongbo , Jiang Wuhui , Brożek Grzegorz M. , Jiang Yingan , Zhu Chengliang , Xia Yuchen
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Afterwards, a number of public health interventions were implemented, including lock-down, face mask ordinances, and social distancing.