bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogeographical distributions of nitrogen‐cycling functional genes in a subtropical estuary
Authors: Wang Pandeng , Li Jia‐Ling , Luo Xiao‐Qing , Ahmad Manzoor , Duan Li , Yin Ling‐Zi , Fang Bao‐Zhu , Li Shan‐Hui , Yang Yuchun , Jiang Lin , Li Wen‐Jun
Published: October 2021

Microbial biogeography has predominantly been studied through a taxonomic lens. However, functional properties of microbial communities are often decoupled from their taxonomic compositions, emphasizing the need to study the biogeography of microbial functional genes directly.

Here, using the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) sediments as a study system, we characterized the biogeographical patterns of the diversities and abundances of key microbial nitrogen‐cycling genes using metagenomic techniques.

We found that functional genes involved in denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium pathways were more diverse and abundant than genes involved in other processes (i.e. nitrogen fixation, nitrification, assimilatory nitrite reduction). The diversities and abundances of certain nitrogen‐cycling genes were, to some extent, spatially decoupled. Specifically, the diversities of narG, napA, nirK and nrfA were greater adjacent to the river outlet, whereas the abundances of narG, napA and norB were greater in the downstream of the PRE. These spatial variations were mainly driven by water depth, C/N and .

Moreover, nitrogen‐cycling genes involved in the same pathways (e.g. denitrification) showed no consistent responses to environmental changes and the main taxa involved in different nitrogen‐cycling steps were diverse, providing important clues for explaining why the abundance of single functional gene often seems not to be a reliable proxy for the specific process rate. Overall, our results demonstrate that studying the biogeography of microbial functional genes can help expand our knowledge of the nitrogen cycle from a biogeographical perspective.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Activation of peripheral group III metabotropic glutamate receptors suppressed formalin‐induced nociception
Authors: Li Yan‐Li , Chang Xin‐Rui , Ma Jin‐Teng , Zhao Xin , Yin Li‐Tian , Yan Liang‐Jun , Guo Jun‐Hong , Zhang Ce , Yang Xiao‐Rong
Published: October 2021

Intraplantar injection of formalin produces persistent spontaneous nociception and hyperalgesia. The underlying mechanism, however, remains unclear. The present study was, therefore, designed to determine the roles of peripheral group III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in formalin‐evoked spontaneous nociception. Pre‐treatment with intraplantar injections of L‐serine‐O‐phosphate (L‐SOP), a group III mGluRs agonist, significantly inhibited formalin‐induced nociceptive behaviours and decreased Fos production in the spinal dorsal horn. The inhibitory effects of L‐SOP were abolished completely by pre‐treatment with the group III mGluR antagonist (RS)‐a‐methylserine‐O‐phosphate (M‐SOP). These data suggest that the activation of group III mGluRs in the periphery may play a differential role in formalin‐induced nociception. In addition, L‐SOP decreased the formalin‐induced upregulation of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) as well as interleukine‐1β (IL‐1β) expression in the spinal cord, suggesting that activation of peripheral group III mGluRs reduces formalin‐induced nociception through inhibition of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the spinal cord. Therefore, the agonists acting peripheral group III mGluRs possess therapeutic effectiveness in chronic pain.
Pregnancy and risk of COVID‐19: a Norwegian registry‐linkage study
Authors: Magnus MC , Oakley L , Gjessing HK , Stephansson O , Engjom HM , Macsali F , Juliusson PB , Nybo Andersen A‐M , Håberg SE
Published: October 2021

Objective

To compare the risk of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and contact with specialist healthcare services for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) between pregnant and non‐pregnant women.

Population or sample

All women ages 15–45 living in Norway on 1 March 2020 (n = 1 033 699).

Methods

We linked information from the national birth, patient, communicable diseases and education databases using unique national identifiers.

Main outcome measure

We estimated hazard ratios (HR) among pregnant compared to non‐pregnant women of having a positive test for SARS‐CoV‐2, a diagnosis of COVID‐19 in specialist healthcare, or hospitalisation with COVID‐19 using Cox regression. Multivariable analyses adjusted for age, marital status, education, income, country of birth and underlying medical conditions.

Results

Pregnant women were not more likely to be tested for or to a have a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test (adjusted HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.92–1.07). Pregnant women had higher risk of hospitalisation with COVID‐19 (HR 4.70, 95% CI 3.51–6.30) and any type of specialist care for COVID‐19 (HR 3.46, 95% CI 2.89–4.14). Pregnant women born outside Scandinavia were less likely to be tested, and at higher risk of a positive test (HR 2.37, 95% CI 2.51–8.87). Compared with pregnant Scandinavian‐born women, pregnant women with minority background had a higher risk of hospitalisation with COVID‐19 (HR 4.72, 95% CI 2.51–8.87).

Conclusion

Pregnant women were not more likely to be infected with SARS‐CoV‐2. Still, pregnant women with COVID‐19, especially those born outside of Scandinavia, were more likely to be hospitalised.

Tweetable abstract

Pregnant women are at increased risk of hospitalisation for COVID‐19.
Value and significance of brain radiation therapy during first‐line EGFR‐TKI treatment in lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR sensitive mutation and synchronous brain metastasis: Appropriate timing and technique
Authors: Gu Yangchun , Xu Yan , Zhuang Hongqing , Jiang Weijuan , Zhang Hua , Li Xiaofeng , Liu Yonggang , Ma Li , Zhao Dahai , Cheng Yuan , Yu Yan , Liu Ping , Qin Jianwen , Chen Xueqin , Gao Junzhen , Wang Mengzhao , Liang Li , Cao Baoshan
Published: October 2021

Background

For lung adenocarcinoma patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) sensitive mutation and synchronous brain metastasis (syn‐BM), when and how to apply radiotherapy (RT) during first‐line tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment remains debatable.

Methods

From a real‐world multicenter database, EGFR‐mutant patients with syn‐BM diagnosed between 2010–2020 and treated with first‐line TKIs were enrolled and divided into upfront TKI + RT and upfront TKI groups. Median intracranial progression‐free survival (mIC‐PFS), median overall survival (mOS), and their risk factors were estimated.

Results

There were 60 and 186 patients in the upfront TKI + RT group and upfront TKI group, respectively. Their mIC‐PFS were 28.9 months (m) and 17.5 m (p = 0.023), and mOS were 42.7 m and 40.1 m (p = 0.51). Upfront brain RT improved mIC‐PFS in patients ≤60‐year‐old (p = 0.035), with symptomatic BM (p = 0.002), and treated with first‐generation TKIs (p = 0.012). There was no significant difference in mOS in any subgroup. Upfront brain stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) showed a trend of better mIC‐PFS and mOS. mIC‐PFS was independently correlated with symptomatic BM (HR = 1.54, p = 0.030), EGFR L858R mutation (HR = 1.57, p = 0.019), and upfront brain RT (HR = 0.47, p = 0.001). mOS was independently correlated with being female (HR = 0.54, p = 0.007), ECOG 3–4 (HR = 10.47, p < 0.001), BM number>3 (HR = 2.19, p = 0.002), and third‐generation TKI (HR = 0.54, p = 0.044) or antiangiogenic drugs (HR = 0.11, p = 0.005) as first/second‐line therapy.

Conclusions

Upfront brain RT based on first‐line EGFR‐TKI might improve IC‐PFS but not OS in EGFR‐mutant lung adenocarcinoma patients, indicating potential survival benefit from brain SRS and early application of drugs with higher intracranial activity.
Diverse experiences among older adults in Aotearoa/New Zealand during COVID‐19 lockdown: A qualitative study
Authors: Stephens Christine , Breheny Mary
Published: October 2021

Objectives

There are mixed results from studies of COVID‐19‐related anxiety. We explored older people's perspectives on anxiety and support during lockdown.

Methods

We thematically analysed 730 written comments from older community‐dwelling adults aged 55‐85 years in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Results

Despite some anxiety during lockdown, for those who were retired, working at home or receiving wage subsidies, the experience was very enjoyable. Whether living alone or in households, anxieties were largely ameliorated by a sense of support from family, fellow citizens and government. In contrast, essential workers, those who lost employment and informal carers did not feel sufficient community support to alleviate their anxiety.

Conclusions

Concerns about the plight of older people focus on stereotypes of isolated elders, ignoring the needs of workers and carers. The inductive approach taken to this study provided useful information about the success of supportive measures and highlighted the need to broaden the focus of concern.
What do cooperative firms maximize, if at all? Evidence from Emilia‐Romagna in the pre‐Covid decade
Authors: Caselli Guido , Costa Michele , Delbono Flavio
Published: October 2021

The Italian region Emilia‐Romagna ranks first among the world's most important cooperative districts. Using a unique dataset covering all firms registered in the region, we investigate the performance of active firms in the period 2010–18. By focusing on added value, employment and profits of cooperative firms as compared to conventional firms, we disentangle the differences between the average performance of the two types of companies and detect the presence of a “size effect” driving much of the difference between them. Moreover, our results strengthen previous empirical evidence about the behavior of cooperative firms: they seem to optimize a mixture of employment and profits, assigning a greater weight to the former during downturns and stagnation. Hence, as a type of firm, they look more resilient than conventional companies, at least as far as employment is concerned. Finally, we examine the regional logistics industry and compare also the productivity per employee in the two segments of the sector.
T‐cell immune response after mRNA SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines is frequently detected also in the absence of seroconversion in patients with lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Marasco Vincenzo , Carniti Cristiana , Guidetti Anna , Farina Lucia , Magni Martina , Miceli Rosalba , Calabretta Ludovica , Verderio Paolo , Ljevar Silva , Serpenti Fabio , Morelli Daniele , Apolone Giovanni , Ippolito Giuseppe , Agrati Chiara , Corradini Paolo
Published: October 2021

Patients affected by lymphoid malignancies (LM) are frequently immune‐compromised, suffering increased mortality from COVID‐19. This prospective study evaluated serological and T‐cell responses after complete mRNA vaccination in 263 patients affected by chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, B‐ and T‐cell lymphomas and multiple myeloma. Results were compared with those of 167 healthy subjects matched for age and sex. Overall, patient seroconversion rate was 64·6%: serological response was lower in those receiving anti‐cancer treatments in the 12 months before vaccination: 55% vs 81·9% (P < 0·001). Anti‐CD20 antibody plus chemotherapy treatment was associated with the lowest seroconversion rate: 17·6% vs. 71·2% (P < 0·001). In the multivariate analysis conducted in the subgroup of patients on active treatment, independent predictors for seroconversion were: anti‐CD20 treatment (P < 0·001), aggressive B‐cell lymphoma diagnosis (P = 0·002), and immunoglobulin M levels <40 mg/dl (P = 0·030). The T‐cell response was evaluated in 99 patients and detected in 85 of them (86%). Of note, 74% of seronegative patients had a T‐cell response, but both cellular and humoral responses were absent in 13·1% of cases. Our findings raise some concerns about the protection that patients with LM, particularly those receiving anti‐CD20 antibodies, may gain from vaccination. These patients should strictly maintain all the protective measures.
The prognostic value of TCF1+CD8+T in primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus
Authors: Ma Lin , Sun Lijun , Zhao Kaikai , Dong Zhengxin , Huang Zhaoqin , Meng Xiangjiao
Published: October 2021

TCF1+CD8+T cells are reported to exhibit stem‐like properties with the ability to self‐renew and differentiate into terminal effector T cells (TCF1‐CD8+T cells) to enhance antitumor response. Previous studies indicated that TCF1+CD8+ tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are related to response to immunotherapy. However, their role in predicting prognosis for patients with primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus (PSCCE) remains unclear. In this study, the expression of TCF1+CD8+T was analyzed by multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry in tumor tissues of 79 patients with PSCCE. High infiltration of TCF1+CD8+T cells had longer overall survival (OS) than low infiltration (P = .009, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.506). High TCF1+CD8/CD8 ratio (>21%) showed superior OS compared with low ratio (≤21%) (P < .001, HR = 0.394). In the validation set (n = 20), the prognostic value of TCF1+CD8+T cells on OS was also verified. TCF1+CD8+T cells are strong prognostic predictors.
Diabetes is a risk factor for hearing loss in older adults: Results of a community screening programme
Authors: Chee Jeremy , Kuah Dexter , Loh Woei Shyang , Loo Jenny Hooi Yin , Goh Xueying
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To investigate the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the prevalence and severity of hearing loss in a population of community‐dwelling older adults in Singapore.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective, cross‐sectional study of 1787 adults aged 60–100 who had undergone a comprehensive audiological assessment in a community‐based audiology clinic. Data extracted included their age, hearing profile, medical history, and comorbidities collected through verbal interview at the point of audiologic assessment. Multivariate linear regression and multivariate logistic regression were performed to investigate the relationship between DM and hearing loss.

Results

The prevalence of DM in our studied population is 17.9%. After controlling for age, gender, race, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia status, DM was found to be independently associated with at least moderate hearing loss (adjusted OR 1.3 [95% CI 1.06–1.59], p = .012). This was especially so in the younger (<70) age group (adjusted OR 1.7 [95% CI 1.18–2.44], p = .004).

Conclusion

DM is an independent risk factor for the presence of at least moderate hearing in community‐dwelling seniors. Individuals aged <70 with DM should be screened for hearing loss to enable early intervention.
The Carolingian local ecclesia as a ‘temple society’?
Authors: Patzold Steffen , van Rhijn Carine
Published: October 2021

This article assesses the question to what extent the model of a ‘temple society’ can be fruitfully employed as a tool of analysis for the Carolingian ecclesia, by which we mean not only the rich, well‐endowed churches, but also the small, local ones. An investigation of the many different forms of ecclesiastical land‐holding, and of the various functions a church and its ministers did (and did not) fulfil for early medieval Christians, shows the shape of the Carolingian ‘ecclesia‐society’ as it took shape in the course of the ninth century.
‘Because their patron never dies’: ecclesiastical freedmen, socio‐religious interaction, and group formation under the aegis of ‘church property’ in the early medieval west (sixth to eleventh centuries)
Authors: Esders Stefan
Published: October 2021

In the early medieval west, patronate, as adapted from Roman law, was a fundamental category in determining the legal status of freedmen. In many cases it entailed a basic set of obligations. In an increasing number of situations, however, the patron became an ecclesiastical institution, since slaves and freed persons were often given to churches and monasteries. As ecclesiastical institutions regarded their patronal rights over freed persons as part of inalienable church property, the patronal relationship became permanent and inheritable. In Eastern Francia (the Rhineland and beyond) this transformed ecclesiastical freedmen into religiously defined social groups with potentially distinct aims, religious tasks, and organizational structures, and a shared notion of freedom. From the Carolingian period onward, it even became attractive to enter voluntarily into this status. It is argued here that with its underlying network of socio‐religious relations, patronate over ecclesiastical freedmen and censuales can be better understood when considered as an element of a ‘temple society’.
Creating a ‘temple society’ in the early medieval west
Authors: Wood Ian
Published: October 2021

By the seventh century the church of the early medieval west was extremely richly endowed. This endowment went hand in hand with the increase in the number of clergy and monks, and with the pastoral and liturgical demands made on the church. Because of its pastoral and religious obligations, it should not be seen simply as a section of the elite. In order to understand the socio‐economic role of the church in the early Middle Ages it is useful, instead, to draw on the anthropological model of the ‘temple society’.
The admission of former slaves into churches and monasteries: reaching behind the sources
Authors: Flechner Roy , Fontaine Janel
Published: October 2021

Religious institutions in early medieval Europe were both recipients of former slaves and instigators of manumissions. By drawing on recent work concerning the admission of former slaves into churches and monasteries, the present paper identifies dominant strands in the historiography from Marc Bloch to the present, which are then re‐evaluated in light of a close examination of core sources. The paper argues that while the contention that such institutions were the primary beneficiaries of manumissions can indeed be sustained, there are also important moderating nuances to take into account. These include slaves of churches who were freed but continued to live on the churches' lands; alternatives to ‘formal' manumission; distinctions between churches and monasteries in regard to the admission of former slaves; convergences between Roman law and canon law; and, in the sixth century, the direct involvement of both the papacy and the imperial court in establishing a regulating template for admitting former slaves.
Trends and types of rural residential land use change in China: A process analysis perspective
Authors: Pan Wei , Wang Jing , Qin Xiaofei , Li Yurui
Published: October 2021

The rapid socio‐economic transformation is triggering tremendous land use transitions in China. It raises the need to explore the continuous process of land use change, which sheds light on rural revitalization. To depict the process of rural residential land use change in the transition period in China, we propose a four‐stage model of rural residential land use change and then apply the function fitting method to explore the spatial‐temporal change and type characteristics of rural residential land using a dataset of 339 cities from 2009 to 2016. We find that: (1) The change of rural residential land involves four stages—the Primary Stage (PS), the Rapid Development Stage (RDS), the Decelerated Development Stage (DDS), and the Transition Stage (TS). (2) From 2009 to 2016, 47.2% and 28.9% of the researched cities remained in RDS and DDS, respectively, and only 23.9% of the cities entered TS. (3) The high proportion of RDS cities and a significant increment of DDS cities reveal a high potential in the intensive use of rural land. These findings provide scientific guidance for land use policies, such as establishing and improving the unified land market between urban and rural areas, reinforcing the essential land management and policy implementation, and exploring the multi‐mode of comprehensive consolidation of rural residential land.
Central‐West Siberian‐breeding Bar‐tailed Godwits (Limosa lapponica) segregate in two morphologically distinct flyway populations
Authors: Bom Roeland A. , Conklin Jesse R. , Verkuil Yvonne I. , Alves José A. , de Fouw Jimmy , Dekinga Anne , Hassell Chris J. , Klaassen Raymond H. G. , Kwarteng Andy Y. , Rakhimberdiev Eldar , Rocha Afonso , ten Horn Job , Tibbitts T. Lee , Tomkovich Pavel S. , Victor Reginald , Piersma Theunis
Published: October 2021

Long‐distance migratory species often include multiple breeding populations, with distinct migration routes, wintering areas and annual‐cycle timing. Detailed knowledge on population structure and migratory connectivity provides the basis for studies on the evolution of migration strategies and for species conservation. Currently, five subspecies of Bar‐tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica have been described. However, with two apparently separate breeding and wintering areas, the taxonomic status of the subspecies L. l. taymyrensis remains unclear. Here we compare taymyrensis Bar‐tailed Godwits wintering in the Middle East and West Africa, respectively, with respect to migration behaviour, breeding area, morphology and population genetic differentation in mitochondrial DNA. By tracking 52 individuals from wintering and staging areas over multiple years, we show that Bar‐tailed Godwits wintering in the Middle East bred on the northern West‐Siberian Plain (n = 19), while birds from West Africa bred further east, mostly on the Taimyr Peninsula (n = 12). The two groups differed significantly in body size and shape, and also in the timing of both northward and southward migrations. However, they were not genetically differentiated, indicating that the phenotypic (i.e. geographical, morphological and phenological) differences arose either very recently or without current reproductive isolation. We conclude that the taymyrensis taxon consists of two distinct populations with mostly non‐overlapping flyways, which warrant treatment as separate taxonomic units. We propose to distinguish a more narrowly defined taymyrensis subspecies (i.e. the Bar‐tailed Godwits wintering in West Africa and breeding on Taimyr), from a new subspecies (i.e. the birds wintering in the Middle East and breeding on the northern West‐Siberian Plain).
Sensitivity of clinician‐assessed efficacy outcome measurement instruments in trials of topical therapies for atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Légaré S. , Chagnon M. , Palijan A. , Kojok K. , Bissonnette R.
Published: October 2021

The rising prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in developing countries and its substantial socioeconomic impact have furthered research over the last two decades giving way to advances in its aetiopathogenesis and treatment. Topical therapies targeting newly identified AD signalling pathways are being developed. Numerous clinician‐assessed disease severity outcome measurement instruments (OMIs) are available to evaluate the efficacy of investigational treatments in proof‐of‐concept (POC) trials for AD. However, little is known about the comparative sensitivity of these efficacy OMIs. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare the sensitivity of different OMIs in controlled trials of topical therapies for AD published between January 1, 2000 and April 7, 2020. Treatment effect size of OMIs reported at Week 4 was calculated with 95% Confidence Interval (CI). The sensitivity of OMIs was compared by pooling the standardized difference between means (Cohen's d and Cohen's h) for any two OMI‐parameter combinations that were reported in ≥3 studies identified in our systematic review. Assessed parameters were difference between active and vehicle at Week 4 and change from baseline [CFB] and percentage change from baseline [%CFB] at Week 4. We identified a total of 15 studies with 3313 subjects examining 14 different OMIs were included in this quantitative meta‐analysis. Continuous OMIs had a significantly higher treatment effect size vs. dichotomous OMIs (P = 0.006). Comparisons of Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), body surface area (BSA) and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) for available parameters were performed and generally had a similar sensitivity, with BSA showing smaller overall effect size estimates. In conclusion, continuous OMIs used in topical clinical trials for AD had significantly higher treatment effect sizes when compared to dichotomous OMIs. Continuous OMIs could provide more power for POC trials with a small sample size in atopic dermatitis with topical therapies.
India and its nationhood: Grassroots nationhood as conceptual frames
Authors: Singh Priyadarshini
Published: October 2021

This article examines the meanings of Indian nationhood at the grassroots level in “settled” locales where no state‐seeking separatist movement exists but local identifications of caste, language and religion are politically prominent. Based on ethnographic data from four rural and urban locales, the article extends the literature on Indian nationalism and everyday nationalism. At the grassroots, Indian nationhood is fuzzy and intermittent in nature; “conceptual frames” are a useful analytical tool to examine this, with a focus on territory, community and political leadership. Indian nationhood is not conceptualised predominantly as a cultural category; it is meaningful as a journey towards an ideal horizon defined by the values of dignity, rights, freedom, equality and socio‐economic development. Non‐elites play an active role in nation‐making and invoke these frames strategically and self‐consciously for local and particular purposes.
The association of sleep disturbances with burning mouth syndrome: An overlooked relationship—A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Alhendi Fatmah , Ko Eugene , Graham Laurel , Corby Patricia
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To review the relevant literature to assess whether patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) are more prone to have sleep disturbances than general population.

Methods

The literature search for relevant articles was from July 2020 to March 2021. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, and Scopus was conducted to search for relevant studies. The quality of studies was assessed in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute's guidelines and using the software SUMARI—The System for the Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information. Confidence in the findings was assessed using the GRADE‐CERQual approach.

Results

A total of 1064 studies were initially identified from the search; six studies, two cross‐sectional and four case–control, met the inclusion criteria and were selected for this systematic review. Sleep disturbances were a required outcome measured in selected studies evaluating symptoms of BMS. For studies that were included in the final analyses, BMS was found to relate to several dimensions of sleep including sleep disturbance and duration (n = 6), sleep affecting daytime function (n = 4), sleep quality (n = 6), sleep efficiency (n = 4), and ability to fall asleep (n = 4). Consistent evidence of moderate confidence found that BMS was associated with greater sleep disturbance, reduced sleep quality, increased time taken to fall asleep, reduced sleep efficiency, and poor daytime function, whereas evidence of low confidence was found regarding the association of BMS with reduced sleep duration.

Conclusions

Although the presented studies could not establish a direct causal relationship between BMS and sleep disturbances, it supports the evidence that sleep disturbance is associated with symptoms of BMS. Management strategies to improve sleep may be considered in future research for managing BMS patients.
FallSkip device is a useful tool for fall risk assessment in sarcopenic older community people
Authors: Pérez‐Ros Pilar , Sanchis‐Aguado Maria Amparo , Durá‐Gil Juan V. , Martínez‐Arnau Francisco M. , Belda‐Lois Juan M.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Fall prevention is a major health concern for the ageing population. Sarcopenia is considered a risk factor for falls. Some instruments, such as Time Up and Go (TUG), are used for screening risk. The use of sensors has also been shown to be a viable tool that can provide accurate, cost‐effective, and easy to manage assessment of fall risk. One novel sensor for assessing fall risk in older people is the Fallskip device. The present study evaluates the performance of the FallSkip device against the TUG method in fall risk screening and assesses its measurement properties in sarcopenic older people.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was made in a sample of community‐dwelling sarcopenic and non‐sarcopenic older people aged 70 years or over.

Results

The study sample consisted of 34 older people with a mean age of 77.03 (6.58) years, of which 79.4% (n = 27) were females, and 41.2% (n = 14) were sarcopenic. The Pearson correlation coefficient between TUG time and FallSkip time was 0.70 (p < 0.001). The sarcopenic individuals took longer in performing both TUG and FallSkip. They also presented poorer reaction time, gait and sit‐to‐stand – though no statistically significant differences were observed. The results in terms of feasibility, acceptability, reliability and validity in sarcopenic older people with FallSkip were acceptable.

Conclusions

The FallSkip device has suitable metric properties for the assessment of fall risk in sarcopenic community‐dwelling older people. FallSkip analyses more parameters than TUG in assessing fall risk and has greater discriminatory power in evaluating the risk of falls.
Application of platelet‐rich fibrin after surgical extraction of the mandibular third molar: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Snopek Zuzanna , Hartlev Jens , Væth Michael , Nørholt Sven E.
Published: October 2021

Aim

To evaluate existing double‐blinded randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and to clarify if platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) has beneficial effects to reduce postoperative complications after mandibular third molar surgery.

Materials and Methods

An electronic search was performed of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify clinical studies. In addition, relevant journals, trials in the grey literature and reference lists of identified publications were screened for additional studies. Quality assessment of included trials was performed using eight quality criteria and the Cochrane Collaboration tool for determination of the risk of bias. Studies with a good or moderate quality were included in a descriptive synthesis and meta‐analysis.

Results

After identification of 221 publications, 215 trials were excluded. The remaining six studies indicated an advantageous effect of PRF in reducing the frequency of alveolar osteitis (AO) and an unclear effect of PRF on postoperative pain levels, oedema and wound healing after mandibular third molar surgery. A meta‐analysis comparing results on pain levels did not show a significant effect of PRF.

Conclusions

Due to a small number of included studies, it was not possible to evaluate the effect of PRF after mandibular third molar surgery. Future trials should focus on a higher methodological quality to produce reliable and comparable study results.
A Markov Decision Process Approach for Cost‐Benefit Analysis of Infrastructure Resilience Upgrades
Authors: Zhu Qianru , Leibowicz Benjamin D.
Published: October 2021

As climate change threatens to cause increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters, decisionmakers must consider costly investments to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructures. Evaluating these potential resilience improvements using traditional cost‐benefit analysis (CBA) approaches is often problematic because disasters are stochastic and can destroy even hardened infrastructure, meaning that the lifetimes of investments are themselves uncertain. In this article, we develop a novel Markov decision process (MDP) model for CBA of infrastructure resilience upgrades that offer prevention (reduce the probability of a disaster) and/or protection (mitigate the cost of a disaster) benefits. Stochastic features of the model include disaster occurrences and whether or not a disaster terminates the effective life of an earlier resilience upgrade. From our MDP model, we derive analytical expressions for the decisionmaker's willingness to pay (WTP) to enhance infrastructure resilience, and conduct a comparative static analysis to investigate how the WTP varies with the fundamental parameters of the problem. Following this theoretical portion of the article, we demonstrate the applicability of our MDP framework to real‐world decision making by applying it to two case studies of electric utility infrastructure hardening. The first case study considers elevating a flood‐prone substation and the second assesses upgrading transmission structures to withstand high winds. Results from these two case studies show that assumptions about the value of lost load during power outages and the distribution of customer types significantly influence the WTP for the resilience upgrades and are material to the decisions of whether or not to implement them.
Weekly high‐dose liposomal amphotericin B prevents invasive aspergillosis after heart transplantation
Authors: Cointault Olivier , Joly Marine , Cassaing Sophie , Labaste François , Danet Chloé , Porte Lydie , Guitard Joelle , Kamar Nassim , Faguer Stanislas ,   the Toulouse Acquired Immune Deficiency and Infection study group
Published: October 2021

Background

Preventive strategies for invasive aspergillosis (IA) have still not been determined in heart transplant recipients whereas IA leads to a high mortality rate at 12 months posttransplantation. The use of voriconazole or echinocandins was proposed but can favor emergence of Aspergillus or Candida sp. resistant strains or promote neurological and liver disorders in some patients.

Objectives

To assess whether universal prophylaxis with weekly high‐dose of liposomal amphotericin‐B (L‐AmB) can safely prevent IA in heart transplant recipients.

Patients/methods

Retrospective before/after study that included 142 patients who received heart transplantation between 2010 and 2019 at the University Hospital of Toulouse (France). Weekly high dose of L‐AmB (7.5 mg/kg/week) was used as universal prophylaxis from 2016 because of high environmental exposure to Aspergillus sp. and high incidence of IA.

Results

Cumulative 1‐year incidence of IA decreased from 23% to 5% after introduction of L‐Amb prophylaxis. Multivariate analysis (Cox model) identified L‐AmB prophylaxis as a protective factor against IA (hazard ratio [HR] 0.21 [95% confidence interval 0; 0.92], p = .04), whereas postoperative renal replacement therapy was associated with IA (HR 3.6 [95% confidence interval 1.38; 9.3], p = .001), after correction for confounding effects (induction regimen, methylprednisolone pulses and history of hematological malignancy). The incidence of acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy was similar in the two groups, suggesting a low risk of kidney toxicity when L‐AmB is used weekly. No patient developed severe kidney electrolyte loss nor L‐AmB‐related anaphylaxis.

Conclusions

Once‐weekly high‐dose L‐AmB is safe and may prevent the development of IA after heart transplantation.
Atorvastatin preferentially inhibits the growth of high ZEB‐expressing canine cancer cells
Authors: Ishikawa Takuro , Osaki Tomohiro , Sugiura Akihiro , Tashiro Jiro , Warita Tomoko , Hosaka Yoshinao Z. , Warita Katsuhiko
Published: October 2021

The epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is fundamental in cancer progression and contributes to the acquisition of malignant properties. The statin class of cholesterol‐lowering drugs exhibits pleiotropic anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo, and many epidemiologic studies have reported a correlation between statin use and reduced cancer mortality. We have shown previously that sensitivity to the anti‐proliferative effect of statins varies among human cancer cells and statins are more effective against mesenchymal‐like cells than epithelial‐like ones in human cancers. There have only been few reports on the application of statins to cancer therapy in veterinary medicine, and differences in statin sensitivity among canine cancer cells have not been examined. In this study, we aimed to clarify the correlation between sensitivity to atorvastatin and epithelial/mesenchymal states in 11 canine cancer cell lines derived from mammary gland, squamous cell carcinoma, lung, and melanoma. Sensitivity to atorvastatin varied among canine cancer cells, with IC50 values ranging from 5.92 to 71.5 μM at 48 h, which were higher than the plasma concentrations clinically achieved with statin therapy. Atorvastatin preferentially attenuated the proliferation of mesenchymal‐like cells. In particular, highly statin‐sensitive cells were characterized by aberrant expression of the ZEB family of EMT‐inducing transcription factors. However, ZEB2 silencing in highly sensitive cells did not induce resistance to atorvastatin. Taken together, these results suggest that high expression of ZEB is a characteristic of highly statin‐sensitive cells and could be a molecular marker for predicting whether cancers are sensitive to statins, though ZEB itself does not confer statin sensitivity.
Perspectives on Fatigue Design of Bellows
Authors: Becht Charles
Published: October 2021

In the past couple of decades there have been significant developments in the fatigue design approach for metallic bellows expansion joints. For example, where there were previously separate fatigue curves for reinforced and unreinforced bellows, there is now only one fatigue curve. This paper describes the developments over time and explains the technical reasons for the changes.
Twice-Yield Method Abaqus Implementation With Application to a Thermally Shocked Stepped Pipe
Authors: Smith Steven M. , Hutula David N.
Published: October 2021

The Twice-Yield method is an elastic-plastic finite element analysis (FEA) pioneered by Professor Arturs Kalnins at Lehigh University which approximates the stabilized cyclic response that would otherwise be obtained from a cycle-by-cycle elastic-plastic FEA. The Twice-Yield method is used to evaluate the load range conditions which occur between any two load states from the stabilized cyclic structural response. The rigorous implementation of the Twice-Yield method requires special handling of material properties. In particular, the method requires the average of the properties corresponding to the two load states. This paper documents a detailed technical basis of the Twice-Yield method’s implementation in Abaqus including the special handling of material properties. An assessment of the Twice-Yield method is performed based on analyzing a thermally shocked stepped pipe. Included in the assessment are comparisons of the cycle-by-cycle elastic-plastic FEA results and the Twice-Yield method elastic-plastic FEA results. The comparisons show the efficacy of the Twice-Yield method as a viable cyclic elastic-plastic analysis method.
A Viscoplastic Model for Alloy 617 for Use With the ASME Section III, Division 5 Design by Inelastic Analysis Rules
Authors: Messner M. C. , Sham T.-L.
Published: October 2021

The rules for the design of high temperature reactor components in Section III, Division 5, Subsection HB, Subpart B (HBB) of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code contain two options for evaluating the deformation-controlled design limits on strain accumulation and creep-fatigue: design by elastic analysis and design by inelastic analysis. Of these options design by inelastic analysis tends to be less overconservative and produce more efficient designs. However, the HBB currently does not provide approved material models for use with the inelastic analysis rules, limiting their widespread use. A nonmandatory appendix has been developed to provide general guidance on appropriate material models and provide reference material models suitable for use with the design by inelastic analysis approach. This paper describes a viscoplastic model for Alloy 617 suitable for use with the HBB rules proposed for incorporation into the new appendix. The model represents the high temperature creep, creep-fatigue, and tensile response of Alloy 617 and accurately accounts for rate sensitivity across a wide range of temperatures. The focus in developing the model was on capturing key features of material deformation required for accurately executing the HBB rules and on developing a relatively simple model form that can be implemented in commercial finite element analysis software. The paper validates the model against an extensive experimental database collected as part of the Alloy 617 Code qualification effort as well as against specialized experimental tests examining the effect of elastic follow up on stress relaxation and creep deformation in the material.
Evaluation of Primary-Load Effects on Creep-Fatigue Life of Alloy 617 Using Simplified Model Test Method
Authors: Wang Yanli , Hou Peijun , Jetter Robert I. , Sham T.-L.
Published: October 2021

Current creep-fatigue evaluation approaches based on the creep-fatigue Damage-diagram are complex and very conservative. Simplified Model Test (SMT) method is an alternative approach to determine cyclic life at elevated temperatures. The SMT-based creep-fatigue evaluation methodology avoids parsing the damage into creep and fatigue components and greatly simplifies the evaluation procedure for elevated-temperature cyclic service. In this study, the effects of sustained primary-stress loading are evaluated in support of the development of SMT-based creep-fatigue design curves for Alloy 617.

Experiments were designed and performed using internal pressurized tubular specimens at 950 °C on Alloy 617. The sustained primary-load was introduced by the internal pressure. A newly developed SMT technique, single-bar SMT, was extended to these tests and SMT creep-fatigue test data were generated with various elastic follow-ups, internal pressures and strain ranges. The test results from this study along with the original SMT data on Alloy 617 demonstrate that, although internal pressure is within the allowable stress limit per ASME Section III Division 5 Code Case N-898, the SMT creep-fatigue cycles to failure were reduced for the cases tested with primary-pressure load. The reduction of SMT creep-fatigue life due to primary-load was found to be dependent on strain ranges and elastic follow up. Approaches to handle the primary-load effect on SMT design curves are discussed.
Analysis and Calculation of Strength and Stiffness for Flexible Shell Element of Corner-Corner Type in Fixed Tubesheet Heat Exchangers
Authors: Zhu Guodong , Xu Feng , Xie Guoshan , Shen Jie
Published: October 2021

The flexible shells of corner-corner type are often utilized as distribution, vapor belts to distribute medium or expansion joints to compensate the difference of displacement between shell side and tube side due to temperature or pressure in heat exchangers. Corner-corner type can be fabricated for large diameter equipment because of better manufacturing process and space saving. However, at present, the design depends on experience and the primary stress of the outer cylinder. The lack of accurate and integral calculation methods have limited its application and even resulted in safety hazard. In this paper, a mechanical model is established for the flexible shell of corner-corner type and analytical solution including the global stresses, local stresses, stress trend curves and axial stiffness is proposed based on the plate and shell theory. The analytical method is verified by finite element analysis. It is demonstrated that the analytical method is accurate and reliable. It is pointed out that the local stresses of each element should not be ignored. Meanwhile, the stresses may transfer to reverse value along the path away from the maximum stress, which would arise the buckling failure.
Pleiotropic Effects of the P5-Type ATPase SpfA on Stress Response Networks Contribute to Virulence in the Pathogenic Mold Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Guirao-Abad José P. , Weichert Martin , Luengo-Gil Ginés , Sze Wah Wong Sarah , Aimanianda Vishukumar , Grisham Christina , Malev Nikita , Reddy Shivani , Woollett Laura , Askew David S.
Published: October 2021

The fungal UPR is an adaptive signaling pathway in the ER that buffers fluctuations in ER stress but also serves as a virulence regulatory hub in species of pathogenic fungi that rely on secretory pathway homeostasis for pathogenicity. This study demonstrates that the gene encoding the ER-localized P5-type ATPase SpfA is a downstream target of the UPR in the pathogenic mold
A. fumigatus
and that it works together with a second ER-localized P-type ATPase, SrcA, to support ER homeostasis, oxidative stress resistance, susceptibility to antifungal drugs, and virulence of
A. fumigatus
.
A Complex Microbial Interplay Underlies Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Pathobiology
Authors: Papon Nicolas , Van Dijck Patrick
Published: October 2021

While extremely prevalent, painful, and difficult to treat, vulvovaginal candidiasis remains largely understudied in the field of women’s health. In a recent issue of
mSystems
, McKloud et al. (E.
Assessing Multiplex Tiling PCR Sequencing Approaches for Detecting Genomic Variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Municipal Wastewater
Authors: Lin Xuan , Glier Melissa , Kuchinski Kevin , Ross-Van Mierlo Tenysha , McVea David , Tyson John R. , Prystajecky Natalie , Ziels Ryan M.
Published: October 2021

Monitoring the genomic characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus circulating in a population can shed important insights into epidemiological aspects of the COVID-19 outbreak. Sequencing every clinical patient sample in a highly populous area is a difficult feat, and thus sequencing SARS-CoV-2 RNA in municipal wastewater offers great promise to augment genomic surveillance by characterizing a pooled population sample matrix, particularly during an escalating outbreak.
Severe progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis post-COVID-19 infection
Authors: Earl Naomi , Schoeneberg Dillon , Davidson Philip D
Published: October 2021

A 79-year-old woman presented with a week-long history of shortness of breath. She had a background of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) which was stable and had not required any antifibrotic treatment. A month prior to this presentation, she was admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia, with maximal oxygen requirement of 2 L, but was discharged without need for supplemental oxygen. On readmission, she was found to have severe, rapidly progressive pulmonary fibrosis. After all precipitating causes were ruled out, it was felt her recent COVID-19 infection was the exacerbating factor causing progression of pulmonary fibrosis. COVID-19 infection has been hypothesised to cause long term pulmonary fibrosis, but this is the first case highlighting COVID-19 infection as the causative agent exacerbating IPF.
Case of flexor tenosynovitis caused byMycobacterium arupense
Authors: Patel Kushali , Flaherty John
Published: October 2021

Mycobacterium arupenseis a member of theMycobacterium terraecomplex (MTC) that is implicated in bone and joint infections, among others. This group of environmental pathogens can be found in soil, reclaimed and drinking water systems, rodents, fish tanks and bioaerosols in duck houses. Interestingly, whileM. arupenseis genotypically closely related to the other agents in the MTC, antibiotic susceptibility of these mycobacteria can vary widely and empiric antibiotic therapy is controversial. Our case report contributes to the very limited literature onM. arupensetenosynovitis—as only six cases have been reported since 2008—and sheds light on different courses of treatment. While previous cases have been successfully treated, a streamlined course of therapy forM. arupensetenosynovitis is still needed.