bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of screening for primary aldosteronism in China
Authors: Li Na , Huang Jingze , Zheng Bin , Cai Hongfu , Liu Maobai , Liu Libin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivePrimary aldosteronism (PA) is an underdiagnosed cause of hypertension. Although the medical costs will increase if all patients with elevated blood pressure are screened, the number of missed diagnosed patients with PA and the medical resources subsequently consumed by adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events can be reduced. This study aimed to conduct economic evaluation PA screening strategies in Chinese patients with hypertension, that is PA screening in patients with high‐risk hypertension and all patients with hypertension, to determine the cost‐effective method.MethodsThe decision tree and Markov model were constructed using TreeAge Pro 2020. Using the latter, a 30‐year course of hypertension after different screening strategies was simulated, with a cycle of one year. The model parameters included epidemiological data, clinical efficacy, cost and effectiveness. The total cost of treatment and quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) were simulated to conduct a cost‐effectiveness analysis. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses of the model were also performed.ResultsPA screening patients with high‐risk hypertension and all patients with hypertension obtained 15.75 and 15.77 QALYs and the costs were $2488.39 and $2482.15, respectively. The strategy of PA screening in all patients with hypertension is cost‐saving and produces more health outcomes. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were reliable.ConclusionFrom the perspective of China's health system, the strategy of screening all hypertensive patients for PA may be more cost‐effective than screening only high‐risk patients and providing standard antihypertensive treatment for low‐risk hypertensive patients.
Association of weight status and carbohydrate intake with gestational weight gain
Authors: Callahan Makenzie L. , Schneider‐Worthington Camille R. , Martin Samantha L. , Gower Barbara A. , Catalano Patrick M. , Chandler‐Laney Paula 
Published: April 2021

SummaryTest the hypothesis that women with obesity have greater gestation weight gain (GWG) with a moderately higher, vs lower, carbohydrate (CHO) diet, independent of energy intake, whereas GWG for women of normal weight would not differ by CHO group. This was a secondary analysis of data collected from glucose tolerant women with normal weight (NW) or obesity in pregnancy. Women completed a three‐day food diary 16 to 20 weeks. A median split for percent kilocalories from CHO (median = 49.6%) categorized women into moderately highCHO vs lowCHO groups (n = 13‐15/group). GWG was calculated between consent and the last prenatal care visit. A two‐way ANOVA was used to examine whether there was an interaction between weight status and CHO group on GWG, independent of energy intake, time between consent and last prenatal visit, and age. Women in both highCHO groups consumed more sugars and starches compared to women in the lowCHO groups (P < .05). A significant interaction between weight status and CHO content of the diet was found (P < .05), such that, for women with obesity, those consuming a lowCHO diet had less GWG than those consuming a highCHO diet, whereas the pattern was opposite for women with NW. Results suggest that intake of a moderately lower CHO diet may help limit GWG among glucose tolerant women with obesity. Given that women in this study were eligible only if they had normal fasting glucose concentrations in early pregnancy, it is not clear if these results would generalize to all women with obesity during pregnancy.
Developing a realist informed framework for cultural adaptation of lifestyle interventions for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in South Asian populations in Europe
Authors: Davidson Emma M. , Krasuska Marta , Jenum Anne Karen , Gill Jason M. R. , Beune Erik , Stronks Karien , van Valkengoed Irene G. M. , Diaz Esperanza , Sheikh Aziz 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimsSelected lifestyle interventions proven effective for White‐European populations have been culturally adapted for South Asian populations living in Europe, who are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes. However, a limited theoretical basis underpins how cultural adaptations are believed to augment intervention effectiveness. We undertook a realist review to synthesise existing literature on culturally adapted type 2 diabetes prevention interventions, to develop a framework that shows ‘how’ cultural adaptation works, for ‘whom’ and in ‘what contexts’.MethodsWe followed the stepped methodological approach of realist review. Our work concluded a European‐wide project (EuroDHYAN), and core studies were identified from the preceding EuroDHYAN reviews. Data were extracted, coded into themes and synthesised to create ‘Context–Mechanism–Outcome’ configurations and to generate a refined explanatory framework.ResultsWe identified eight core intervention papers. From this evidence, and supporting literature, we examined the ‘Team’ domain of cultural adaptation and identified a mechanism of shared cultural identity which we theorised as contributing to strong team‐participant relationships. We also identified four key contexts which influenced intervention outcomes: ‘research setting’ and ‘heterogeneous populations’ (intrinsic to the intervention) and ‘broader environment’ and ‘socio‐cultural stress’ (extrinsic barriers).ConclusionsThis work instigates research into the mechanisms of cultural adaptation which, if pursued, will allow a more nuanced understanding of how to apply adaptations, and for whom. In practice we recommend greater consideration of heterogeneous and intersecting population characteristics; how intervention design can safeguard sustainability; and how the four key contexts identified influence how, and whether, these interventions work.
The facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy Rasch‐built overall disability scale (FSHD‐RODS)
Authors: Mul Karlien , Hamadeh Tatiana , Horlings Corinne G. C. , Tawil Rabi , Statland Jeffrey M. , Sacconi Sabrina , Corbett Alastair J. , Voermans Nicol C. , Faber Catharina G. , van Engelen Baziel G. M. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and objectivesFacioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FHSD) is a debilitating inherited muscle disease for which various therapeutic strategies are being investigated. Thus far, little attention has been given in FSHD to the development of scientifically sound outcome measures fulfilling regulatory authority requirements. The aim of this study was to design a patient‐reported Rasch‐built interval scale on activity and participation for FSHD.MethodsA pre‐phase FSHD‐Rasch‐built overall disability scale (pre‐FSHD‐RODS; consisting of 159 activity/participation items), based on the World Health Organization international classification of disease‐related functional consequences was completed by 762 FSHD patients (Netherlands: n = 171; UK: n = 287; United States: n = 221; France: n = 52; Australia: n = 32). A proportion of the patient cohort completed it twice (n = 230; interval 2–4 weeks; reliability studies). The pre‐FSHD‐RODS was subjected to Rasch analyses to create a model fulfilling its requirements. Validity studies were performed through correlation with the motor function measure.ResultsThe pre‐FSHD‐RODS did not meet the Rasch model expectations. Based on determinants such as misfit statistics and misfit residuals, differential item functioning, and local dependency, we systematically removed items until a final 38‐inquiry (originating from 32 items; six items split) FSHD‐RODS was constructed achieving Rasch model expectations. Adequate test‐retest reliability and (cross‐cultural and external) validity scores were obtained.ConclusionsThe FSHD‐RODS is a disease‐specific interval measure suitable for detecting activity and participation restrictions in patients with FSHD with good item/person reliability and validity scores. The use of this scale is recommended in the near future, to determine the functional deterioration slope in FSHD per year as a preparation for the upcoming clinical intervention trials in FSHD.
A liquid culture cancer spheroid model reveals low PI3K/Akt pathway activity and low adhesiveness to the extracellular matrix
Authors: Abe‐Fukasawa Natsuki , Watanabe Rina , Gen Yuki , Nishino Taito , Itasaki Nobue 
Published: April 2021

Three‐dimensional (3D) cultures of cancer cells in liquid without extracellular matrix (ECM) offer in vitro models for metastasising conditions such as those in vessels and effusion. However, liquid culturing is often hindered by cell adhesiveness, which causes large cell clumps. We previously described a liquid culture material, LA717, which prevents nonclonal cell adhesion and subsequent clumping, thus allowing clonal growth of spheroids in an anchorage‐independent manner. Here, we examined such liquid culture cancer spheroids for the acquisition of apical–basal polarity, sensitivity to an Akt inhibitor (anticancer drug MK‐2206) and interaction with ECM. The spheroids present apical plasma membrane on the surface, which originated from the failure of polarisation at the single‐cell stage and subsequent defects in phosphorylated ezrin accumulation at the cell boundary during the first cleavage, failing internal lumen formation. At the multicellular stage, liquid culture spheroids presented bleb‐like protrusion on the surface, which was enhanced by the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and reduced by PI3K/Akt inhibitors. Liquid culture spheroids exhibited slow proliferation speed and low endogenous pAkt levels compared with gel‐cultured spheroids and 2D‐cultured cells, explaining the susceptibility to the Akt‐inhibiting anticancer drug. Subcutaneous xenografting and in vitro analysis demonstrated low viability and adhesive property of liquid culture spheroids to ECM, while migratory and invasive capacities were comparable with gel‐cultured spheroids. These features agree with the low efficacy of circulating tumour spheroids in the settling step of metastasis. This study demonstrates the feature of anchorage‐independent spheroids and validates liquid cultures as a useful method in cancer spheroid research.
Impacts of climate change on aquatic insects in temperate alpine regions: Complementary modeling approaches applied to Swiss rivers
Authors: Timoner Pablo , Fasel Marc , Ashraf Vaghefi Seyed Saeid , Marle Pierre , Castella Emmanuel , Moser Frédéric , Lehmann Anthony 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFreshwater biodiversity loss is a major concern, and global warming is already playing a significant role in species extinctions. Our main goal was to predict climate change impacts on aquatic insect species distribution and richness in Swiss running waters according to two climate change scenarios (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5), using different modeling approaches, that is, species distribution models (SDMs), stacked‐SDMs (S‐SDMs) and a macroecological model (MEM). We analyzed 10,808 reaches, used as spatial units for model predictions, for a total river network length of 20,610 km. Results were assessed at both the countrywide and the biogeographic regional scales. We used incidence data of 41 species of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) from 259 sites distributed across Switzerland. We integrated a coupled model for hydrology and glacier retreat to simulate monthly time‐step discharge from which we derived hydrological variables. These, along with thermal, land‐cover, topographic and spatially explicit data, served as predictors for our ecological models. Predictions of occurrence probabilities and EPT richness were compared among the different regions, periods and scenarios. A Shiny web application was developed to interactively explore all the models’ details, to ensure transparency and promote the sharing of information. MEM and S‐SDMs approaches consistently showed that overall, climate change is likely to reduce EPT richness. Decrease could be around 10% in the least conservative scenario, depending on the region. Global warming was shown to represent a threat to species from high elevation, but in terms of species richness, running waters from lowlands and medium elevation seemed more vulnerable. Finally, our results suggested that the effects of anthropogenic activities could overweight natural factors in shaping the future of river biodiversity.
Subslab Depressurization Versus Subslab Ventilation: Insights from Recent Research
Authors: McAlary Todd A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMany vapor intrusion (VI) mitigation systems involve some form of gas extraction from below the concrete floor slab of a building to create a static vacuum below the slab that meets or exceeds a value specified in a guidance document or standard. This also results in some degree of ventilation below the floor slab, which reduces vapor concentrations and achieves some level of mass removal of target chemicals. The relative contribution of vacuum and ventilation to protecting building occupants is generally not quantified. Recent research completed under ESTCP Project ER‐201322 yields some new insights using new lines of evidence. The results warrant changes in the guidance documents and standards of practice to promote and enable VI mitigation system designs that vary according to the transmissivity of the material below the floor slab and the rate of vertical leakance of indoor air across the floor slab and incorporate additional lines of evidence including the mass removal rate.
Age‐related changes in ocular mucosal tolerance: Lessons learned from gut and respiratory tract immunity
Authors: Galletti Jeremias G. , de Paiva Cintia S. 
Published: April 2021

SummaryThe ocular surface is the part of the visual system directly exposed to the environment, and it comprises the cornea, the first refractive tissue layer and its surrounding structures. The ocular surface has evolved to keep the cornea smooth and wet, a prerequisite for proper sight, and also protected. To this aim, the ocular surface is a bona fide mucosal niche with an immune system capable of fighting against dangerous pathogens. However, due to the potential harmful effects of uncontrolled inflammation, the ocular surface has several mechanisms to keep the immune response in check. Specifically, the ocular surface is maintained inflammation‐free and functional by a particular form of peripheral tolerance known as mucosal tolerance, markedly different from the immune privilege of intraocular structures. Remarkably, conjunctival tolerance is akin to the oral and respiratory tolerance mechanisms found in the gut and airways, respectively. And also similarly, this form of immunoregulation in the eye is affected by ageing just as it is in the digestive and respiratory tracts. With ageing comes an increased prevalence of immune‐based ocular surface disorders, which could be related to an age‐related impairment of conjunctival tolerance. The purpose of this review was to summarize the present knowledge of ocular mucosal tolerance and how it is affected by the ageing process in the light of the current literature on mucosal immunoregulation of the gut and airways.
FRIZZY PANICLE defines a regulatory hub for simultaneously controlling spikelet formation and awn elongation in bread wheat
Authors: Du Dejie , Zhang Dongxue , Yuan Jun , Feng Man , Li Zhaoju , Wang Zihao , Zhang Zhaoheng , Li Xiongtao , Ke Wensheng , Li Renhan , Chen Zhaoyan , Chai Lingling , Hu Zhaorong , Guo Weilong , Xing Jiewen , Su Zhenqi , Peng Huiru , Xin Mingming , Yao Yingyin , Sun Qixin , Liu Jie , Ni Zhongfu 
Published: April 2021

Summary

Grain yield in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is largely determined by inflorescence architecture. Zang734 is an endemic Tibetan wheat variety that exhibits a rare triple spikelet (TRS) phenotype with significantly increased spikelet/floret number per spike. However, the molecular basis underlying this specific spike morphology is completely unknown.

Through map‐based cloning, the causal genes for TRS trait in Zang734 were isolated. Furthermore, using CRISPR/Cas9‐based gene mutation, transcriptome sequencing and protein–protein interaction, the downstream signalling networks related to spikelet formation and awn elongation were defined.

Results showed that the null mutation in WFZP‐A together with deletion of WFZP‐D led to the TRS trait in Zang734. More interestingly, WFZP plays a dual role in simultaneously repressing spikelet formation gene TaBA1 and activating awn development genes, basically through the recruitments of chromatin remodelling elements and the Mediator complex.

Our findings provide insights into the molecular bases by which WFZP suppresses spikelet formation but promotes awn elongation and, more importantly, define WFZP‐D as a favourable gene for high‐yield crop breeding.
Genotypic and phenotypic profiles of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria isolated from hospitalised patients in Bangladesh
Authors: Sarjana Safain Kazi , Bhuyan Golam Sarower , Hassan Hasib Saad , Islam Mohammad Sazzadul , Mahmud‐Un‐Nabi Mohammad Al , Sultana Rosy , Tasnim Sadia , Noor Farjana Akther , Sarker Suprovath Kumar , Islam Md Tarikul , Rahat Asifuzzaman , Leung Daniel T. , Domman Daryl , Manzoor Farhana , Anwar Sajid , Majid Bhuiyan Md Abdul , Chowdhury Emran Kabir , Qadri Syed Saleheen , Qadri Firdausi , Mannoor Kaiissar 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesCharacterisation of resistance phenotype and genotype is crucial to understanding the burden and transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aims to determine the spectrum of AMR and associated genes encoding aminoglycoside, macrolide and β‐lactam classes of antimicrobials in bacteria isolated from hospitalised patients in Bangladesh.Methods430 bacterial isolates from patients with respiratory, intestinal, wound infections and typhoid fever, presenting to clinical care from 2015 to 2019, were examined. They included Escherichia coli (n = 85); Staphylococcus aureus (n = 84); Salmonella typhi (n = 82); Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 42); Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 36); coagulase‐negative staphylococci (n = 28); Enterococcus faecalis (n = 27); Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 26); and Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 20). Reconfirmation of these clinical isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility tests was performed. PCR amplification using resistance gene‐specific primers was done, and the amplified products were confirmed by Sanger sequencing.Results53% of isolates were multidrug‐resistant (MDR), including 97% of Escherichia coli. There was a year‐wise gradual increase in MDR isolates from 2015 to 2018, and there was an almost twofold increase in the number of MDR strains isolated in 2019 (P = 0.00058). Among the 5 extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases investigated, CTX‐M‐1 was the most prevalent (63%) followed by NDM‐1 (22%); Escherichia coli was the major reservoir of these genes. The ermB (55%) and aac(6′)‐Ib (35%) genes were the most frequently detected macrolide and aminoglycoside resistance genes, respectively.ConclusionMDR pathogens are highly prevalent in hospital settings of Bangladesh.
Active Vibration Control of a Small-Scale Flexible Structure Subject to Moving-Loads and Experimental Validation
Authors: Sievert Lukas , Stancioiu Dan , Matthews Christian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study directly addresses the problem of optimal control of a structure under the action of moving masses. The main objective is to experimentally implement and validate an active control solution for a small-scale test stand. The supporting structure is modeled as an Euler–Bernoulli simply supported beam, acted upon by moving masses of different weights and velocities. The experimental implementation of the active controller poses a particular set of challenges as compared with the numerical solutions. It is shown both numerically and experimentally that using electromagnetic actuation, a reduced order controller designed using a time-varying algorithm provides a reduction of the maximum deflection of up to 18% as compared with the uncontrolled structure. The controller performance and robustness were tested against a representative set of possible moving load parameters. In consequence of the variations in moving mass weight and speed, the controller gain requires a supplementary adaptation. A simple algorithm that schedules the gain as a function of the weight and speed of the moving mass can achieve both a good performance and an adjustment of the control effort to the specific design requirements.
An analysis of parton distribution functions of the pion and the kaon with the maximum entropy input
Authors: Han Chengdong , Xie Gang , Wang Rong , Chen Xurong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe present pion and kaon parton distribution functions from a global QCD analysis of the experimental data within the framework of dynamical parton model. We use the DGLAP equations with parton–parton recombination corrections and the valence input of uniform distribution which maximizes the information entropy. At our input scale $$Q_0^2$$

Q
0
2

, there are no sea quark and gluon distributions. All the sea quarks and gluons of the pion and the kaon are completely generated from the parton splitting processes. The mass-dependent parton splitting kernel is applied for the strange quark distribution in the kaon. The obtained valence quark and sea quark distributions at high $$Q^{2}$$

Q
2

($$Q^2>5$$

Q
2

>
5

GeV$$^2$$

2

) are compatible with the existed experimental measurements. Furthermore, the asymptotic behaviours of parton distribution functions at small and large x have been studied for both the pion and the kaon. Lastly, the first three moments of parton distributions at high $$Q^{2}$$

Q
2

scale are calculated, which are consistent with other theoretical predictions.
A technique to study the elastic and inelastic interaction of quarkonium with hadrons using femtoscopic correlations
Authors: Bahmani Marzieh , Kikoła Daniel , Kosarzewski Leszek 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe present a method for the measurement of parameters of elastic and inelastic interactions of charmonium with hadrons. In this technique, we use femtoscopic analysis of charmonium-hadron correlations at low relative momentum and the Lednicky-Lyuboshitz analytical model to extract the interaction parameters. We argue that such a study is already feasible in the LHCb experiment at the LHC, and we discuss the prospects for studies in STAR at RHIC and other experiments at the LHC.