bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of cinnamon essential oil blends microemulsion as natural preservatives for topping creams
Authors: Yahaya A D , Kormin F , Mohamed-Anuar N A F , Ghazali M I , Zainol-Abidin N A , Zainol-Abidin N A , Abu-Bakar M F , Mohamad-Fuzi S F Z , Sabran S F
Published: May 2021

Food preservatives play an essential role in the production of safe and high-quality food. Natural preservatives are gradually gaining attention because it has less potential health risks compared to chemical preservatives. In this research, the cinnamon essential oil was encapsulated into the microemulsion system. The aim is to assess the effectiveness of cinnamon essential oil blends microemulsion as a preservative by examining its physical characterisation and stability in topping cream. Phase titration method was conducted to formulate microemulsion by mixing cinnamon essential oil, tween 20 and water together according to ratios from 0:10 to 10:0. A pseudo ternary phase diagram was constructed based on the visual appearance of ternary mixtures obtained. Three microemulsions were chosen and further analysed. The results indicated that cinnamon essential oil blends microemulsion exhibits transparent appearance with low acidity (pH 3.5-4.0), moderate conductivity (51-57 µS/cm), low viscosity ( < 4 mPa second) and shows excellent stability without being influenced by temperature changes and time. Thus, this study has demonstrated the potential of cinnamon essential oil blends microemulsion for its role in topping cream preservation due to the presence of cinnamaldehyde, a major antibacterial compound.
Aquatic Insects as Bio-Indicators of Water Quality – A Study on Sungai Kawal, Johor National Park of Endau-Rompin, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Yap N I R , Kamarudin K R , Rehan A M , Badrulhisham N S , Zakaria M Z , Kemalok J
Published: May 2021

Biological indicator species or bio-indicators are sensitive to specific environmental factors so that changes in their environment will be reflected by their incidence or abundance. In fact, aquatic insects of freshwater river and stream ecosystems have been widely used as bio-indicators to examine the species-habitat relationship with regard to the water quality of the habitat. Therefore, this study attempted to determine species richness of aquatic insects in Sungai Kawal, Johor National Park of Endau-Rompin (TNJER), Mersing, Johor, Malaysia; to identify traditional knowledge (TK) used by Jakun tribe in Kampung Peta, TNJER for maintaining rivers and streams at good level; and then to correlate the relationship between the scientific perspective and TK perspective. Aquatic insects were collected and sampled by using kick sampling technique and D-framed net. Throughout the study, a total of 618 individuals consisting of 23 families belonging to seven orders of aquatic insects were reported. The documentation of TK was done by interviewing 10 total respondents of the Jakun tribe in Kampung Peta. Physical features of Sungai Kawal were also recorded during sampling. The correlation between the scientific perspective and TK perspective regarding how the ecosystem maintenance by the Jakun tribe has contributed to an excellent habitat for the aquatic insects to breed and multiply. The number of species recorded indicated the good status of water quality of Sungai Kawal based on science and then supported by TK of the Jakun tribe of Kampung Peta. Furthermore, the findings also suggested a good correlation between the scientific perspective and TK perspective, and the significant contribution of TK of the Jakun tribe to the management of natural resources.
Carapace width-weight relationship and condition factor of Austruca annulipes in mangroves of Penang Island
Authors: Zolkhiflee N , Shuhaida S , Yahya K
Published: May 2021

Carapace width-weight relationship and relative condition factor (Kn) of Austruca annulipes were estimated from 2086 individuals comprising 1503 males and 583 females. Crabs were sampled from mangroves of Teluk Tempoyak and Pulau Betong during the study period of March 2017 to February 2018. Monthly sampling of crabs was conducted using hand catch method (catch per unit effort (CPUE)) with captured crabs counted as number of crabs/15 min/4 m². Data recorded was analysed in four categories; sex, dry and wet months, five size classes and sampling site. The carapace width-weight relationship of male and female crabs was significantly positive for the four categories with overall samples indicating positive allometric growth, except for males in the size class of 1.70 – 1.99 cm, and females in the size class of 0.80 – 1.09 cm that were characterized by negative allometric growth. The values of mean relative condition factor (Kn) of A. annulipes was higher than 1 indicating that mangrove in Penang Island provide favourable habitat condition for the growth of A. annulipes.
Rapid construction and enhanced vascularization of microtissue using a magnetic control method
Authors: Yang Guangzheng , Jiang Fei , Lu Yuezhi , Lin Sihan , Liu Chang , Li Anshuo , Kaplan David L , Zhang Shilei , He Yue , Huang Cui , Zhang Wenjie , Jiang Xinquan
Published: May 2021

Stem cells play critical roles in tissue repair and regeneration. The construction of stem cell-derived microtissue is a promising strategy for transplanting cells into defects to improve tissue regeneration efficiency. However, rapidly constructing larger microtissues and promoting vascularization to ensure the cellular nutrient supply remain major challenges. Here, we have developed a magnetic device to rapidly construct and regulate millimeter-scale microtissues derived from magnetic nanoparticle-labeled cells. When the microtissue was cultured under a specific magnetic field, the shape of the microtissue could be changed. Importantly, cell proliferation was maintained, and angiogenesis was activated in the process of microtissue deformation. We developed a magnetic control method to treat microtissue, and the implanted microtissue showed excellent vascularization in vivo. In brief, this magnetic control technology provides a promising strategy for vascularized regenerative medicine.
Historical Loss: Implications for Health of American Indians in the Blackfeet Community
Authors: John-Henderson Neha A , Oosterhoff Benjamin , Kampf Taylor D , Hall Brad , Johnson Lester R , Laframboise Mary Ellen , Malatare Melveena , Salois Emily , Carter Jason R , Adams Alexandra K
Published: May 2021

Background

Historical loss in American Indians (AIs) is believed to contribute to high incidence of mental health disorders, yet less is known about the associations between historical loss and physical health.

Purpose

To investigate whether frequency of thought about historical loss predicts risk factors for chronic physical health conditions in an AI community.

Methods

Using Community Based Participatory research (CBPR) and Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), we measured frequency of thoughts about historical loss in 100 AI adults residing on the Blackfeet reservation. Participants completed a 1-week monitoring period, during which ambulatory blood pressure and daily levels of psychological stress were measured. At the end of the week, we collected a dried blood spot sample for measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP).

Results

In hierarchical linear regression models controlling for demographics and relevant covariates, greater frequency of thoughts about historical loss predicted higher average daily psychological stress (B = .55, t = 6.47, p < .001, ΔR2 = .30) and higher levels of CRP (B = .33, t = 3.93, p < .001, ΔR2 = .10). Using linear mixed modeling with relevant covariates, we found that greater thoughts about historical loss were associated with higher systolic ambulatory blood pressure (B = .32, 95% CI = .22–.42, t = 6.48, p < .001, ΔR2 = .25; Fig. 1c) and greater diastolic ambulatory blood pressure (B = .19, 95% CI = .11–.27, t = 4.73, p < .001, ΔR2 = .19).

Conclusions

The data suggest that frequency of thought about historical loss may contribute to increased subclinical risk for cardiovascular disease in the Blackfeet community.
Peer-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-based Intervention Reduced Depression and Stress in Community Dwelling Adults With Diabetes and Chronic Pain: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Andreae Susan J , Andreae Lynn J , Richman Joshua S , Cherrington Andrea L , Safford Monika M
Published: May 2021

Background

Finding effective, accessible treatment options such as professional-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for medically complex individuals is challenging in rural communities.

Purpose

We examined whether a CBT-based program intended to increase physical activity despite chronic pain in patients with diabetes delivered by community members trained as peer coaches also improved depressive symptoms and perceived stress.

Methods

Participants in a cluster-randomized controlled trial received a 3-month telephonic lifestyle modification program with integrated CBT elements. Peer coaches assisted participants in developing skills related to adaptive coping, diabetes self-management goal-setting, stress reduction, and cognitive restructuring. Attention controls received general health advice with an equal number of contacts but no CBT elements. Depressive symptoms and stress were assessed using the Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression and Perceived Stress scales. Assessments occurred at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year.

Results

Of 177 participants with follow-up data, 96% were African Americans, 79% women, and 74% reported annual income <$20,000. There was a significant reduction in perceived stress in intervention compared to control participants at 3-months (β = −2.79, p = .002 [95% CI −4.52, −1.07]) and 1 year (β = −2.59, p < .0001 [95% CI −3.30, −1.87]). Similarly, intervention participants reported significant decreases in depressive symptoms at 3-months (β = −2.48, p < .0001 [95% CI −2.48, −2.02]) and at 1 year (β = −1.62, p < .0001 [95% CI −2.37, −0.86]).

Conclusions

This peer-delivered CBT-based program improved depressive symptoms and stress in individuals with diabetes and chronic pain. Training community members may be a feasible strategy for offering CBT-based interventions in rural and under-resourced communities.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT02538055.
Adrenalectomy for incidental and symptomatic phaeochromocytoma: retrospective multicentre study based on the Eurocrine® database
Authors: Hallin Thompson L , Makay Ö , Brunaud L , Raffaelli M , Bergenfelz A ,   the Eurocrine Council, Musholt T , Palazzo F , Almquist M , Barczynski M , Clerici T , Vriens M , Raffaelli M , Makay Ö , Munos Pérez N , Hansen M H , Brunaud L , Van Slycke S , Riss P , Iacobone M , Nordenström E
Published: May 2021

Background

Phaeochromocytoma is sometimes not diagnosed before surgery and may present as an adrenal incidentaloma. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in clinical presentation and perioperative outcome in patients with subclinical and symptomatic phaeochromocytoma, and in patients operated with and without preoperative α-blockade.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of patients with a histopathological diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma registered in Eurocrine®, the European registry for endocrine tumours, between 1 January 2015 and 31 March 2020. Patient characteristics, clinical presentation, tumour detection, and perioperative variables were analysed.

Results

Some 551 patients were included. Of these, 486 patients (88.2 per cent) had a preoperative diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma. Tumours were detected as incidentalomas in 239 patients (43.4 per cent) and 265 (48.1 per cent) had a preoperative diagnosis of hypertension. Preoperative α-blockade was more frequently used in patients with a known phaeochromocytoma (350, 90.9 per cent) than in patients with other indications for adrenalectomy (16, 31 per cent). Complications did not differ between patients who had surgery because of catecholamine excess compared with those who had other indications for surgery (19 (3.9 per cent) versus 2 (3 per cent); P = 0.785), nor did the conversion rate from minimally invasive to open surgery differ between the groups. There were no obvious differences in complications, according to the Clavien–Dindo classification, based on preoperative α-blockade or not.

Conclusion

Subclinical phaeochromocytoma detected incidentally is common. A significant proportion of patients with phaeochromocytoma did not have α-blockade before surgery, without an apparent effect on complications.
Harnessing the potential of cross-protection stressor interactions for conservation: a review
Authors: Rodgers Essie M , Gomez Isaza Daniel F
Published: May 2021

Conservation becomes increasingly complex as climate change exacerbates the multitude of stressors that organisms face. To meet this challenge, multiple stressor research is rapidly expanding, and the majority of this work has highlighted the deleterious effects of stressor interactions. However, there is a growing body of research documenting cross-protection between stressors, whereby exposure to a priming stressor heightens resilience to a second stressor of a different nature. Understanding cross-protection interactions is key to avoiding unrealistic ‘blanket’ conservation approaches, which aim to eliminate all forms of stress. But, a lack of synthesis of cross-protection interactions presents a barrier to integrating these protective benefits into conservation actions. To remedy this, we performed a review of cross-protection interactions among biotic and abiotic stressors within a conservation framework. A total of 66 publications were identified, spanning a diverse array of stressor combinations and taxonomic groups. We found that cross-protection occurs in response to naturally co-occurring stressors, as well as novel, anthropogenic stressors, suggesting that cross-protection may act as a ‘pre-adaptation’ to a changing world. Cross-protection interactions occurred in response to both biotic and abiotic stressors, but abiotic stressors have received far more investigation. Similarly, cross-protection interactions were present in a diverse array of taxa, but several taxonomic groups (e.g. mammals, birds and amphibians) were underrepresented. We conclude by providing an overview of how cross-protection interactions can be integrated into conservation and management actions and discuss how future research in this field may be directed to improve our understanding of how cross-protection may shield animals from global change.
Should I Learn or Should I Turn? Implications of Job Mobility for Subsequent Learning at Work
Authors: Westerman Johan
Published: May 2021

Work learning is the skills and the knowledge that is generated from work practices and in exchange of information at work. While there are good reasons to fear that frequent job changers do not learn thoroughly at work, it is also conceivable that the experience of many types of jobs instead yields greater learning. Despite this issue’s significance for on-going discussions in research and policy, thorough analyses of it are surprisingly sparse. In this study, we test whether job mobility is positively or negatively associated with subsequent work learning using data from two Swedish representative datasets (LNU and PIAAC). In order to substantiate both claims, we utilize a wide array of research on human capital, job matching, labor market segmentation and learning motivation. We analyze a broad set of indicators of work learning and show that job mobility in general is associated with greater total subsequent learning than is job stability.
The European bifurcation club Left Main Coronary Stent study: a randomized comparison of stepwise provisional vs. systematic dual stenting strategies (EBC MAIN)
Authors: Hildick-Smith David , Egred Mohaned , Banning Adrian , Brunel Philippe , Ferenc Miroslaw , Hovasse Thomas , Wlodarczak Adrian , Pan Manuel , Schmitz Thomas , Silvestri Marc , Erglis Andreis , Kretov Evgeny , Lassen Jens Flensted , Chieffo Alaide , Lefèvre Thierry , Burzotta Francesco , Cockburn James , Darremont Olivier , Stankovic Goran , Morice Marie-Claude , Louvard Yves
Published: May 2021

Background

Patients with non-left-main coronary bifurcation lesions are usually best treated with a stepwise provisional approach. However, patients with true left main stem bifurcation lesions have been shown in one dedicated randomized study to benefit from systematic dual stent implantation.

Methods and results

Four hundred and sixty-seven patients with true left main stem bifurcation lesions requiring intervention were recruited to the EBC MAIN study in 11 European countries. Patients were aged 71 ± 10 years; 77% were male. Patients were randomly allocated to a stepwise layered provisional strategy (n = 230) or a systematic dual stent approach (n = 237). The primary endpoint (a composite of death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization at 12 months) occurred in 14.7% of the stepwise provisional group vs. 17.7% of the systematic dual stent group (hazard ratio 0.8, 95% confidence interval 0.5–1.3; P = 0.34). Secondary endpoints were death (3.0% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.48), myocardial infarction (10.0% vs. 10.1%, P = 0.91), target lesion revascularization (6.1% vs. 9.3%, P = 0.16), and stent thrombosis (1.7% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.90), respectively. Procedure time, X-ray dose and consumables favoured the stepwise provisional approach. Symptomatic improvement was excellent and equal in each group.

Conclusions

Among patients with true bifurcation left main stem stenosis requiring intervention, fewer major adverse cardiac events occurred with a stepwise layered provisional approach than with planned dual stenting, although the difference was not statistically significant. The stepwise provisional strategy should remain the default for distal left main stem bifurcation intervention.

Study registration

http://clinicaltrials.gov NCT02497014.
Effects of ferrous iron supplementation on reductive dechlorination of tetrachloroethene and on methanogenic microbial community
Authors: Yoshikawa Miho , Zhang Ming , Kawabe Yoshishige , Katayama Taiki
Published: May 2021

Chloroethenes are common soil and groundwater pollutants. Their dechlorination is impacted by environmental factors, such as the presence of metal ions. We here investigated the effect of ferrous iron on bacterial reductive dechlorination of chloroethenes and on methanogen community. Reductive dechlorination of tetrachloroethene was assayed with a groundwater sample originally containing 6.3 × 103 copies mL−1 of Dehalococcoides 16S rRNA gene and 2 mg L−1 of iron. Supplementation with 28 mg L−1 of ferrous iron enhanced the reductive dechlorination of cis-dichloroethene (cis-DCE) and vinyl chloride in the presence of methanogens. The supplementation shortened the time required for complete dechlorination of 1 mg L−1 of tetrachloroethene to ethene and ethane from 84 to 49 d. Methanogens, such as Candidatus ‘Methanogranum’, Methanomethylovorans and Methanocorpusculum, were significantly more abundant in iron-supplemented cultures than in non-supplemented cultures (P < 0.01). Upon methanogen growth inhibition by 2-bromoethanesulfonate and in the absence of iron supplementation, cis-DCE was not dechlorinated. Further, iron supplementation induced 71.3% dechlorination of cis-DCE accompanied by an increase in Dehalococcoides 16S rRNA and dehalogenase vcrA gene copies but not dehalogenase tceA gene copies. These observations highlight the cooperative effect of iron and methanogens on the reductive dechlorination of chloroethenes by Dehalococcoides spp.
Bioengineered Kidney Models: Methods and Functional Assessments
Authors: Rizki-Safitri Astia , Traitteur Tamara , Morizane Ryuji
Published: May 2021

Investigations into bioengineering kidneys have been extensively conducted owing to their potential for preclinical assays and regenerative medicine. Various approaches and methods have been developed to improve the structure and function of bioengineered kidneys. Assessments of functional properties confirm the adequacy of bioengineered kidneys for multipurpose translational applications. This review is to summarize the studies performed in kidney bioengineering in the past decade. We identified 84 original articles from PubMed and Mendeley with keywords of kidney organoid or kidney tissue engineering. Those were categorized into 5 groups based on their approach: de-/recellularization of kidney, reaggregation of kidney cells, kidney organoids, kidney in scaffolds, and kidney-on-a-chip. These models were physiologically assessed by filtration, tubular reabsorption/secretion, hormone production, and nephrotoxicity. We found that bioengineered kidney models have been developed from simple cell cultures to multicellular systems to recapitulate kidney function and diseases. Meanwhile, only about 50% of these studies conducted functional assessments on their kidney models. Factors including cell composition and organization are likely to alter the applicability of physiological assessments in bioengineered kidneys. Combined with recent technologies, physiological assessments importantly contribute to the improvement of the bioengineered kidney model toward repairing and refunctioning the damaged kidney.
Mutational Signatures of Replication Timing and Epigenetic Modification Persist through the Global Divergence of Mutation Spectra across the Great Ape Phylogeny
Authors: Goldberg Michael E , Harris Kelley
Published: May 2021

Great ape clades exhibit variation in the relative mutation rates of different three-base-pair genomic motifs, with closely related species having more similar mutation spectra than distantly related species. This pattern cannot be explained by classical demographic or selective forces, but imply that DNA replication fidelity has been perturbed in different ways on each branch of the great ape phylogeny. Here, we use whole-genome variation from 88 great apes to investigate whether these species’ mutation spectra are broadly differentiated across the entire genome, or whether mutation spectrum differences are driven by DNA compartments that have particular functional features or chromatin states. We perform principal component analysis (PCA) and mutational signature deconvolution on mutation spectra ascertained from compartments defined by features including replication timing and ancient repeat content, finding evidence for consistent species-specific mutational signatures that do not depend on which functional compartments the spectra are ascertained from. At the same time, we find that many compartments have their own characteristic mutational signatures that appear stable across the great ape phylogeny. For example, in a mutation spectrum PCA compartmentalized by replication timing, the second principal component explaining 21.2% of variation separates all species’ late-replicating regions from their early-replicating regions. Our results suggest that great ape mutation spectrum evolution is not driven by epigenetic changes that modify mutation rates in specific genomic regions, but instead by trans-acting mutational modifiers that affect mutagenesis across the whole genome fairly uniformly.
Digital Consumer Contract Law without Prejudice to Copyright: EU Digital Content Directive, Reasonable Consumer Expectations and Competition
Authors: Oprysk Liliia
Published: May 2021

The EU Digital Content Directive sets out to facilitate the cross-border distribution of digital content and ensure a high level of consumer protection by harmonising certain aspects concerning contracts for the supply of digital content. The Directive acknowledges the variety of licensing agreements involved in the distribution of digital content, such as between the holders of intellectual property rights, intermediaries and end-users. It is recognised that the consumer’s use of digital content could be restricted under end-user licensing agreements pursuant to intellectual property rights; at the same time, the Directive is without prejudice to other EU law, including copyright. Rather, under Art. 10, the consumer is entitled to remedies from the trader of digital content for lack of conformity where restrictions resulting from a violation of intellectual property rights prevent or limit the use of the content. As the traders of digital content frequently are not the owners of intellectual property rights but rely themselves on a licence, the question arises as to the potential implications of Art. 10 for digital content markets. This paper discusses two such potential implications. The first is whether the efforts to safeguard reasonable consumer expectations could be undermined by the Directive leaving the arrangements between traders and intellectual property right holders out of scope. The second is whether Art. 10 could reinforce the network effects and dominant position of the established players on the market.
Does the solution used for cold static storage of hearts impact on heart transplant survival?
Authors: Pannekoek Adrian , Ali Umar
Published: May 2021

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was ‘For the [cold static storage of donor hearts] does the [cardiac preservation solution] impact on [heart transplant survival]?’. Altogether 182 papers were found using the reported search, of which 9 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. A wide variety of both custom and standardized cardiac preservation solutions are used for the procurement and cold static storage of donor hearts. In heart transplants with shorter cold ischaemic times, survival outcomes appear similar across many of the common cardiac preservation solutions in the long term. However, unspecified cardioplegia (with supraphysiological potassium concentration) is not supported as the final storage solution as it was associated with worse outcomes overall. In the short term, intracellular solutions (<70 mEq/l sodium; including University of Wisconsin solution) may also have better survival outcomes than extracellular solutions. Where extended ischaemic times (>4 h) are necessary or high-risk grafts obtained, the evidence supports University of Wisconsin as the preferred solution. We concluded that choice of cardiac preservation solution could impact both survival and secondary outcomes.
Analysis of deep borehole heat exchanger with horizontal branch wells for building heating
Authors: Li Huashan , Huang Sihao , Bu Xianbiao , Wang Lingbao
Published: May 2021

The development and application of enhanced geothermal system and hydrothermal system are constrained due to high cost and high risk of induced seismicity or heavily reliance on hot water reservoir. Deep borehole heat exchanger (DBHE) technology is independent of hot water reservoir and hydraulic fracturing; however, the poor thermal conductivity of rocks limits its performance improvement. To deal with these problems, a novel technology for acquiring geothermal energy using DBHE with horizontal branch wells (DBHE-HBW) is proposed here. It is found that DBHE-HBW has better performance than DBHE and, under the condition of nearly equal total cross-sectional area of well tube, the smaller the horizontal well tube diameter, the greater the thermal output and the shorter the payback period of DBHE-HBW. Therefore, DBHE-HBW can be recommended for large-scale application in building heating sector.
Repeated point prevalence survey on antimicrobial use in a university hospital: what have we learned?
Authors: Belančić Andrej , Stanić Benić Mirjana , Skočibušić Nataša , Palčevski Dora , Vlahović-Palčevski Vera
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the quality of antimicrobial prescribing, at the Department of Internal Medicine University Hospital Centre Rijeka, by assessing the necessity for antimicrobial treatment and adherence to the local Guidelines for hospital antimicrobial drug use and to compare results with previously conducted point prevalence surveys (PPSs).

Methods

A PPS was conducted on 7th May 2019. Demographic and relevant clinical data of each patient receiving systemic antimicrobials were recorded anonymously in a patient-specific form. The appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing was assessed as adherence to the fourth edition of the Guidelines for hospital antimicrobial drug use.

Key findings

One hundred and seventy-one patients were hospitalized at the Department of Internal Medicine; 37.4% (n = 64) of patients received 102 prescriptions for an antimicrobial drug [62.8% (n = 64) of prescriptions were for intravenous and 37.2% (n = 38) for oral administration]. Of these, 52 were treated for an identified existing infection, 5 were treated for an unknown indication and 7 received antibiotics as prophylaxis. The necessity for antimicrobial treatment was unclear in 19.3% (n = 11) of cases. The antimicrobials were prescribed according to the Guidelines in 65.4% (n = 34) of cases. Adherence to the Guidelines when treating lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal tract infections was 47.8%, 55.6% and 92.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study revealed antibiotic prescription frequency similar to EU/EEA average and high percentage of unjustified antimicrobial treatment introduction. The rate of adherence to the Guidelines was lower than those observed in western countries. The results lay a basis for tailoring antimicrobial stewardship programs/activities.
Insights into therapeutic targets and biomarkers using integrated multi-‘omics’ approaches for dilated and ischemic cardiomyopathies
Authors: Kanapeckaitė Austė , Burokienė Neringa
Published: May 2021

At present, heart failure (HF) treatment only targets the symptoms based on the left ventricle dysfunction severity; however, the lack of systemic ‘omics’ studies and available biological data to uncover the heterogeneous underlying mechanisms signifies the need to shift the analytical paradigm towards network-centric and data mining approaches. This study, for the first time, aimed to investigate how bulk and single cell RNA-sequencing as well as the proteomics analysis of the human heart tissue can be integrated to uncover HF-specific networks and potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers. We also aimed to address the issue of dealing with a limited number of samples and to show how appropriate statistical models, enrichment with other datasets as well as machine learning-guided analysis can aid in such cases. Furthermore, we elucidated specific gene expression profiles using transcriptomic and mined data from public databases. This was achieved using the two-step machine learning algorithm to predict the likelihood of the therapeutic target or biomarker tractability based on a novel scoring system, which has also been introduced in this study. The described methodology could be very useful for the target or biomarker selection and evaluation during the pre-clinical therapeutics development stage as well as disease progression monitoring. In addition, the present study sheds new light into the complex aetiology of HF, differentiating between subtle changes in dilated cardiomyopathies (DCs) and ischemic cardiomyopathies (ICs) on the single cell, proteome and whole transcriptome level, demonstrating that HF might be dependent on the involvement of not only the cardiomyocytes but also on other cell populations. Identified tissue remodelling and inflammatory processes can be beneficial when selecting targeted pharmacological management for DCs or ICs, respectively.
Regulation of systemic metabolism by the autonomic nervous system consisting of afferent and efferent innervation
Authors: Imai Junta , Katagiri Hideki
Published: May 2021

Autonomic nerves, sympathetic and parasympathetic, innervate organs and modulate their functions. It has become evident that afferent and efferent signals of the autonomic nervous system play important roles in regulating systemic metabolism, thereby maintaining homeostasis at the whole-body level. Vagal afferent nerves receive signals, such as nutrients and hormones, from the peripheral organs/tissues including the gastrointestinal tract and adipose tissue then transmit these signals to the hypothalamus, thereby regulating feeding behavior. In addition to roles in controlling appetite, areas in the hypothalamus serve as regulatory centers of both sympathetic and parasympathetic efferent fibers. These efferent innervations regulate the functions of peripheral organs/tissues, such as pancreatic islets, adipose tissues and the liver, which play roles in metabolic regulation. Furthermore, recent evidence has unraveled the metabolic regulatory systems governed by autonomic nerve circuits. In these systems, afferent nerves transmit metabolic information from peripheral organs to the central nervous system (CNS) and the CNS thereby regulates the organ functions through the efferent fibers of autonomic nerves. Thus, the autonomic nervous system regulates the homeostasis of systemic metabolism, and both afferent and efferent fibers play critical roles in its regulation. In addition, several lines of evidence demonstrate the roles of the autonomic nervous system in regulating and dysregulating the immune system. This review introduces variety of neuron-mediated inter-organ cross-talk systems and organizes the current knowledge of autonomic control/coordination of systemic metabolism, focusing especially on a liver–brain–pancreatic β-cell autonomic nerve circuit, as well as highlighting the potential importance of connections with the neuronal and immune systems.
Atypical imported severe primary dengue presenting with neutrophilic leukocytosis and cardiac tamponade in a young female traveler
Authors: Vellere Iacopo , Di Lauria Nicoletta , Mantella Antonia , Cavallo Annalisa , Bresci Silvia , Bartoloni Alessandro , Zammarchi Lorenzo
Published: May 2021

We report an atypical imported severe primary dengue presenting with neutrophilic leukocytosis, elevated inflammatory markers, myopericarditis and cardiac tamponade. Dengue Fever (DF) cannot be excluded in patients presenting with neutrophilic leukocytosis and elevated inflammatory markers which may anticipate severe dengue with myocardial involvement.
Separating planetary reflex Doppler shifts from stellar variability in the wavelength domain
Authors: Collier Cameron A , Ford E B , Shahaf S , Aigrain S , Dumusque X , Haywood R D , Mortier A , Phillips D F , Buchhave L , Cecconi M , Cegla H , Cosentino R , Crétignier M , Ghedina A , González M , Latham D W , Lodi M , López-Morales M , Micela G , Molinari E , Pepe F , Piotto G , Poretti E , Queloz D , Juan J San , Ségransan D , Sozzetti A , Szentgyorgyi A , Thompson S , Udry S , Watson C
Published: May 2021

Stellar magnetic activity produces time-varying distortions in the photospheric line profiles of solar-type stars. These lead to systematic errors in high-precision radial-velocity measurements, which limit efforts to discover and measure the masses of low-mass exoplanets with orbital periods of more than a few tens of days. We present a new data-driven method for separating Doppler shifts of dynamical origin from apparent velocity variations arising from variability-induced changes in the stellar spectrum. We show that the autocorrelation function (ACF) of the cross-correlation function used to measure radial velocities is effectively invariant to translation. By projecting the radial velocities on to a subspace labelled by the observation identifiers and spanned by the amplitude coefficients of the ACF’s principal components, we can isolate and subtract velocity perturbations caused by stellar magnetic activity. We test the method on a 5-yr time sequence of 853 daily 15-min observations of the solar spectrum from the HARPS-N instrument and solar-telescope feed on the 3.58-m Telescopio Nazionale Galileo. After removal of the activity signals, the heliocentric solar velocity residuals are found to be Gaussian and nearly uncorrelated. We inject synthetic low-mass planet signals with amplitude K = 40 cm s−1 into the solar observations at a wide range of orbital periods. Projection into the orthogonal complement of the ACF subspace isolates these signals effectively from solar activity signals. Their semi-amplitudes are recovered with a precision of ∼ 6.6 cm s−1, opening the door to Doppler detection and characterization of terrestrial-mass planets around well-observed, bright main-sequence stars across a wide range of orbital periods.
Simulating the dynamics and synchrotron emission from relativistic jets – II. Evolution of non-thermal electrons
Authors: Mukherjee Dipanjan , Bodo Gianluigi , Rossi Paola , Mignone Andrea , Vaidya Bhargav
Published: May 2021

We have simulated the evolution of non-thermal cosmic ray electrons (CREs) in 3D relativistic magneto hydrodynamic (MHD) jets evolved up to a height of 9 kpc. The CREs have been evolved in space and in energy concurrently with the relativistic jet fluid, duly accounting for radiative losses and acceleration at shocks. We show that jets stable to MHD instabilities show expected trends of regular flow of CREs in the jet spine and acceleration at a hotspot followed by a settling backflow. However, unstable jets create complex shock structures at the jet head (kink instability), the jet spine-cocoon interface, and the cocoon itself (Kelvin–Helmholtz modes). CREs after exiting jet head undergo further shock crossings in such scenarios and are re-accelerated in the cocoon. CREs with different trajectories in turbulent cocoons have different evolutionary history with different spectral parameters. Thus, at the same spatial location, there is mixing of different CRE populations, resulting in a complex total CRE spectrum when averaged over a given area. Cocoons of unstable jets can have an excess build up of energetic electrons due to re-acceleration at turbulence driven shocks and slowed expansion of the decelerated jet. This will add to the non-thermal energy budget of the cocoon.
The case of organic dairy conversion in Norway: Assessment of multivariate neighbourhood effects
Authors: Marton Tibor A , Storm Hugo
Published: May 2021

This study examines the impact of neighbourhood effects and individual farm characteristics on the decision process of organic dairy conversion in Norway, using a unique, spatially explicit farm-level panel set comprising information at the population level from 2003 to 2015. Our results reveal a positive spatial spillover of neighbouring conversion, confirming previous findings. Additionally, we demonstrate that neighbouring organic dairy reversion (i.e. switching back to conventional dairy farming) and organic dairy exits (ceasing to farm altogether) exert notable negative spatial spillovers on organic conversion decisions that have not yet been shown in the literature. If organic dairy production is an important policy goal, such negative spatial spillover requires consideration within policy design and extension.
Associations between brain structure and sleep patterns across adolescent development
Authors: Jalbrzikowski Maria , Hayes Rebecca A , Scully Kathleen E , Franzen Peter L , Hasler Brant P , Siegle Greg J , Buysse Daniel J , Dahl Ronald E , Forbes Erika E , Ladouceur Cecile D , McMakin Dana L , Ryan Neal D , Silk Jennifer S , Goldstein Tina R , Soehner Adriane M
Published: May 2021

Study Objectives

Structural brain maturation and sleep are complex processes that exhibit significant changes over adolescence and are linked to many physical and mental health outcomes. We investigated whether sleep–gray matter relationships are developmentally invariant (i.e. stable across age) or developmentally specific (i.e. only present during discrete time windows) from late childhood through young adulthood.

Methods

We constructed the Neuroimaging and Pediatric Sleep Databank from eight research studies conducted at the University of Pittsburgh (2009–2020). Participants completed a T1-weighted structural MRI scan (sMRI) and 5–7 days of wrist actigraphy to assess naturalistic sleep. The final analytic sample consisted of 225 participants without current psychiatric diagnoses (9–25 years). We extracted cortical thickness and subcortical volumes from sMRI. Sleep patterns (duration, timing, continuity, regularity) were estimated from wrist actigraphy. Using regularized regression, we examined cross-sectional associations between sMRI measures and sleep patterns, as well as the effects of age, sex, and their interaction with sMRI measures on sleep.

Results

Shorter sleep duration, later sleep timing, and poorer sleep continuity were associated with thinner cortex and altered subcortical volumes in diverse brain regions across adolescence. In a discrete subset of regions (e.g. posterior cingulate), thinner cortex was associated with these sleep patterns from late childhood through early-to-mid adolescence but not in late adolescence and young adulthood.

Conclusions

In childhood and adolescence, developmentally invariant and developmentally specific associations exist between sleep patterns and gray matter structure, across brain regions linked to sensory, cognitive, and emotional processes. Sleep intervention during specific developmental periods could potentially promote healthier neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Complete Genome Sequence Data of Xenorhabdus budapestensis Strain C72, a Candidate Biological Control Agent from China
Authors: Li Bo , Qiu Dewen , Wang Shuangchao
Published: May 2021

Xenorhabdus budapestensis strain C72 isolated from the entomopathogenic nematode of Steinernema bicornutum possesses an excellent biocontrol effect on southern corn leaf blight. However, its genomic information is lacking. Here, we report a high-quality complete and annotated genome sequence of X. budapestensis strain C72. Fifteen secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters are identified in the genome, which are responsible for the production of a diverse group of antimicrobial compounds to help host plants against agricultural pathogenic diseases. This genome sequence could contribute to investigations of the molecular basis underlying the biocontrol activity of this Xenorhabdus strain.
Impact of Psychosocial and Economic Factors on Functional Outcomes After Operative Calcaneus Fractures
Authors: Simske Natasha M. , Hermelin Michael J. , Vallier Heather A.
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

To report functional outcome scores after operative intraarticular calcaneus fracture and to determine risk factors associated with worse outcomes.

Design:

Retrospective study.

Setting:

Urban Level 1 trauma center.

Patients and Participants:

Ninety-six patients with 114 calcaneus fractures treated by a single surgeon over a 14-year period.

Intervention:

Surgical treatment with open reduction and internal fixation with lateral extensile approach or percutaneous reduction and fixation.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Functional outcome scores as assessed by the Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (MFA) and the Foot Function Index (FFI) after mean 56 months follow-up.

Results:

Seventy-two patients (75%) completed functional outcome questionnaires. Patients with functional outcome data were more often employed (86% vs. 67%, P = 0.07), but were no different in terms of age, sex, medical history, mechanism of injury, or injury characteristics. The mean FFI score was 30 (range: 2–89), and the mean MFA score was 28 (range: 2–80). One-third of patients reported scores >30 on the FFI, MFA, or both. Age, sex, tobacco use, mechanism of injury, fracture pattern, open injury, and postoperative infection were not associated with outcome scores. Alcohol abuse and failure to return to work were associated with worse (higher) FFI scores. Alcohol abuse, psychiatric illness, unemployment (before and after injury), polytrauma, and posttraumatic osteoarthrosis were associated with worse (higher) MFA scores.

Conclusions:

Polytrauma, alcohol abuse, psychiatric illness, work status, and posttraumatic osteoarthrosis were predictors of poor functional outcomes. The findings of this study add to previous literature that has demonstrated the importance of social, behavioral, and environmental factors on recovery after orthopaedic injury.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Investigation of differentially expressed gene profile for cisplatin-treated lung cancer patients
Authors: Gu Songtao , Wu Qi , Li Yuechuan , Jia Wei , Zhang Dongrui , Jiao Lina , Zhang Yating
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the study was to establish a comprehensive differential gene profile for lung cancer patients treated with cisplatin compared with control patients without any chemotherapy drug treatment. The RNA sequencing data and miRNA sequencing data of 108 lung cancer patients treated with cisplatin only and 232 lung cancer patients treated without any chemotherapeutic drugs, were analyzed using differential expression, protein–protein interaction, and immune cell infiltration ratio analysis. Compared with control patients, the cisplatin-treated patients demonstrated 336 differentially expressed genes, which included 48 upregulated genes and 288 downregulated genes. Meanwhile, 12 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), including 7 upregulated miRNAs and 5 downregulated miRNAs showed a differentially expressed pattern. With further instigation, five miRNAs (hsa-miR-548ah, hsa-miR-466, hsa-miR-552, hsa-miR-371a, and hsa-miR-4445) were suggested to be the key targets in the cisplatin-treated patients. At the same time, we also found a significant correlation between the cisplatin treatment and six immune checkpoints including programmed cell death ligand. This study helped us better understand the potential targets and underline molecular mechanisms for cisplatin treatment and provided references to eliminate existing side effects in the future.
Gemcitabine maintenance therapy after gemcitabine and platinum drug chemotherapy for naive stage IIIB/IV squamous cell lung cancer: a phase II study
Authors: Hamai Kosuke , Fujitaka Kazunori , Kitaguchi Soichi , Tamamoto Seika , Takao Shun , Nishida Ayako , Furutama Junko , Horimasu Yasushi , Masuda Takeshi , Miyamoto Shintaro , Awaya Yoshikazu , Kondo Tomohiro , Shoda Hiroyasu , Ishikawa Nobuhisa , Yamasaki Masahiro , Hattori Noboru
Published: May 2021

Platinum doublet is the standard chemotherapy regimen for unresectable nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without a driver mutation. However, for squamous cell lung cancer, the most effective cytotoxic regimen is not yet established. Combination therapy of gemcitabine with a platinum agent is a highly effective treatment among the platinum doublet regimens and is promising as a treatment for advanced squamous cell lung carcinoma. In this study, we prospectively evaluated the efficacy of gemcitabine + platinum combination therapy followed by maintenance gemcitabine monotherapy in untreated advanced squamous cell lung cancer. Patients with squamous cell lung cancer received four cycles of gemcitabine + platinum combination therapy every 3 or 4 weeks. After the induction therapy, gemcitabine maintenance therapy was administered every 3 or 4 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Of 18 patients enrolled, the median progression-free survival was 3.9 months. Only six patients received maintenance chemotherapy with gemcitabine. The median survival time of all enrolled patients was 18.1 months. Cytopenia of any grade occurred in at least 70% of the enrolled patients. However, severe adverse events were observed in only a few cases. Gemcitabine maintenance therapy after gemcitabine plus platinum agents is a suggested treatment for unresectable squamous cell lung cancer. While the overall toxicity profile of this therapy is acceptable, attention should be paid to bone marrow suppression.