bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved osteogenic differentiation by extremely low electromagnetic field exposure: possible application for bone engineering
Authors: Costantini Erica , Marconi Guya Diletta , Fonticoli Luigia , Aielli Lisa , Trubiani Oriana , Rajan Thangavelu Soundara , Pizzicannella Jacopo , Reale Marcella , Diomede Francesca
Published: June 2022

Human periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cells (hPDLSCs) are a promising cell type model for regenerative medicine applications due to their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and non-tumorigenic potentials. Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) are reported to affect biological properties such as cell proliferation and differentiation and modulate gene expression profile. In this study, we investigated the effects of an intermittent ELF-EMF exposure (6 h/day) for the standard differentiation period (28 days) and for 10 days in hPDLSCs in the presence or not of osteogenic differentiation medium (OM). We evaluated cell proliferation, de novo calcium deposition and osteogenic differentiation marker expression in sham and ELF-EMF-exposed cells. After ELF-EMF exposure, compared with sham-exposed, an increase in cell proliferation rate (p < 0.001) and de novo calcium deposition (p < 0.001) was observed after 10 days of exposure. Real-time PCR and Western blot results showed that COL1A1 and RUNX-2 gene expression and COL1A1, RUNX-2 and OPN protein expression were upregulated respectively in the cells exposed to ELF-EMF exposure along with or without OM for 10 days. Altogether, these results suggested that the promotion of osteogenic differentiation is more efficient in ELF-EMF-exposed hPDLSCs. Moreover, our analyses indicated that there is an early induction of hPDLSC differentiation after ELF-EMF application.
Culture media selection and feeding strategy for high titer production of a lentiviral vector by stable producer clones cultivated at high cell density
Authors: Shen Chun Fang , Tremblay Sonia , Sabourin-Poirier Catherine , Burney Elodie , Broussau Sophie , Manceur Aziza , Rodenbrock Anja , Voyer Robert , Loignon Martin , Ansorge Sven , Gilbert Rénald
Published: June 2022

The growing interest in the use of lentiviral vectors (LVs) for various applications has created a strong demand for large quantities of vectors. To meet the increased demand, we developed a high cell density culture process for production of LV using stable producer clones generated from HEK293 cells, and improved volumetric LV productivity by up to fivefold, reaching a high titer of 8.2 × 107TU/mL. However, culture media selection and feeding strategy development were not straightforward. The stable producer clone either did not grow or grow to lower cell density in majority of six commercial HEK293 media selected from four manufacturers, although its parental cell line, HEK293 cell, grows robustly in these media. In addition, the LV productivity was only improved up to 53% by increasing cell density from 1 × 106and 3.8 × 106cells/mL at induction in batch cultures using two identified top performance media, even these two media supported the clone growth to 5.7 × 106and 8.1 × 106cells/mL, respectively. A combination of media and feed from different companies was required to provide diverse nutrients and generate synergetic effect, which supported the clone growing to a higher cell density of 11 × 106cells/mL and also increasing LV productivity by up to fivefold. This study illustrates that culture media selection and feeding strategy development for a new clone or cell line can be a complex process, due to variable nutritional requirements of a new clone. A combination of diversified culture media and feed provides a broader nutrients and could be used as one fast approach to dramatically improve process performance.
The intention to get COVID-19 vaccine and vaccine uptake among cancer patients: An extension of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB)
Authors: Servidio Rocco , Malvaso Antonio , Vizza Deborah , Valente Moira , Campagna Maria Rosita , Iacono Melania Lo , Martin Leslie R. , Bruno Francesco
Published: June 2022

The psychosocial impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on human life is well-known. Although vaccine protection represents an effective way to control the spread of the virus, vaccination hesitancy may decrease individuals’ willingness to get vaccinated, including among cancer patients. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to examine the predictors of cancer patients’ intentions to receive COVID-19 vaccinations and vaccine uptake, using and integrating the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the health belief model (HBM). A sample of 276 Italian cancer patients (54% female and 46% male) ranging from 19 to 85 years (M = 49.64, SD = 11.53) was recruited by administering an online questionnaire. The current study results showed that cancer patients with higher trust in health authorities tended to have vaccine-positive subjective norms, perceived that vaccination was under their control, and viewed COVID-19 vaccines positively. On the other hand, the perceived risk of COVID-19 was related to subjective norms but not to perceived behavioural control or attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination. The current study reveals that TPB variables can function effectively as mediators between perceived risk, trust, and intention to vaccinate but at different levels. Together, these findings suggest that effective interventions (both public health messaging and personal medical communications) should focus on enhancing trust in health authorities, while at the same time endeavouring to highlight subjective norms that are vaccine-positive.
Mechanical Characterization and Creep Behavior of a Stone Heritage Material Used in Granada (Spain): Santa Pudia Calcarenite
Authors: Gil-Martín Luisa María , Fernández-Ruiz Manuel Alejandro , Hernández-Montes Enrique
Published: June 2022

Santa Pudia calcarenite was one of the most commonly used building materials in the construction of historical buildings in the city of Granada (Spain). As a result, Santa Pudia calcarenite has been mainly studied from a petrographical point of view in previous works. In this work, the mechanical properties of Santa Pudia calcarenite are studied. The main mechanical properties (compressive strength, elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio) were determined using the corresponding tests. Samples of Santa Pudia calcarenite were heated at 550 °C to study the effect of high temperatures on its compressive strength. Two different cooling methods were considered: air-cooling and water-cooling. Stress–strain curves of heated and non-heated samples were obtained from uniaxial compression tests. Creep is of great importance in the long-term structural assessment of historical buildings. To study the creep behaviour of Santa Pudia calcarenite, samples were subjected to uniaxial compressive tests at constant stress until the stabilization of the recorded strains was reached. Different rheological models were adjusted to the experimental results to simulate the long-term behaviour of the material studied. The instantaneous response to additional loadings on the samples (maintaining the long-term loading and deformation) were also studied. Results show that a Santa Pudia calcarenite specimen subjected to dead loads will suffer a higher instantaneous deformation against a sudden load than a non-preloaded specimen. This degradation effect can be particularly important in the case of a seismic evaluation of historical buildings.
Axial Performance of Cementitious Grouted Cable Bolts Under Rotation Constraint Scenarios
Authors: Rastegarmanesh Ashkan , Mirzaghorbanali Ali , McDougall Kevin , Aziz Naj , Anzanpour Sina , Nourizadeh Hadi , Moosavi Mahdi
Published: June 2022

With the increased use of cable bolts in mining and civil projects worldwide, it is important to understanding the performance of these support structures in different scenarios. The axial load transfer mechanisms of six cable bolts were investigated experimentally in this research study. A large-scale pull-out testing apparatus with a capacity of 1000 kN was designed and manufactured as part of the investigation. A common commercial cementitious grout with a uniaxial compressive strength of 60 MPa was used to encapsulate 300 mm length samples. Passive confinement encapsulated each sample to ensure the concrete’s integrity during the testing. The encapsulated cable bolts were then subjected to axial loads using a hydraulic ram, with the axial load and displacement measured using a load cell and LVDTs. Two scenarios were investigated: free rotation and restricted rotation. The results demonstrated that the apparatus effectively recorded the behaviour of the cable during pull-out and identified that the radial stiffness of the samples had a significant impact on the overall load of the system. The results also indicated that rotation had a limited influence on the load behaviour of the samples tested.
The effect of type of specialty (periodontology/oral surgery) on early implant failure: a retrospective “Big-Data” study from a nation-wide dental chain in Israel
Authors: Mordechai Findler , Tali Chackartchi , Jonathan Mann , Ori Platner , Yaron Bernstein , Ram Shefer , Guy Tobias
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To evaluate early implant failure rate of implants placed by maxillofacial-oral surgeons and periodontists.

Material and methods

A nested case-case study was performed to analyze treatment outcome of 27 oral surgeons and 30 periodontists who performed at least 100 dental implants between 2017 and 2019 in 54 clinics of “Maccabi-Dent,” a nation-wide dental chain. A total of 26,865 implants were evaluated.

Results

The early failure rate of 1.3% achieved by the periodontists was lower than the 1.7% early failure rate achieved by oral surgeons. Differences were not statistically different. Oral surgeons in the study cohort were insignificantly older in age, with more years of experience as dentists and as specialists. However, the only parameter found to be a predictor to early implant failure in a linear regression model was related to postgraduate training. Explicitly, the mean number of implants placed during specialty program. This number was higher for the periodontists and found to be significantly contributing predictor to early implant failure. Clinicians’ age and years of experience as dentists or as specialist were not found to be predictors to early implant failure rate.

Conclusions

No statistically significant differences were found in early implant failure rate between oral surgeons and periodontists. The number of implants placed during specialty program has a statistical predictive value to early implant failure rate.

Clinical relevance

Care and attention should be taken to re-evaluate clinical training in the field of implantology during specialty program. To optimize surgeons’ control on treatment outcome.
Incidence of fistula occurrence in patients with cervical cancer treated with bevacizumab: data from real-world clinical practice
Authors: Sugiyama Toru , Katsumata Noriyuki , Toita Takafumi , Ura Masako , Shimizu Ayaka , Kamijima Shuichi , Aoki Daisuke
Published: June 2022

Background

This study aimed to determine the incidence of pelvic fistulas in cervical cancer patients treated with bevacizumab in Japanese clinical practice.

Methods

A post-marketing surveillance (PMS) study was conducted between June 2016 and February 2018 to survey physicians who treated advanced or recurrent cervical cancer patients with bevacizumab (according to the product label). The clinical/treatment status of patients with pelvic fistulas was assessed in an additional retrospective case series study.

Results

142 patients were included in the PMS study (median age 51 years; 66.9% squamous cell carcinoma; 66.2% recurrent cervical cancer; 64.1% previous radiotherapy). Patients received a median of seven bevacizumab doses. Six patients, all of whom had a history of pelvic irradiation, developed seven fistulas (4.2%; 95% confidence interval, 1.56–8.96), and five patients had also undergone pelvic surgery. The case series study of the patients who developed fistulas indicated that three patients had high cumulative bladder and rectal doses of radiation, and two of them had undergone salvage re-irradiation for pelvic recurrence. The other three patients underwent both radical hysterectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy, but did not receive an excessive radiation dose to the bladder or rectum.

Conclusions

This study found that the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for pelvic fistula incidence did not exceed the incidence reported in the GOG 240 study. To ensure an adequate benefit-risk assessment of bevacizumab in cervical cancer patients, a comprehensive evaluation of prior treatment is essential and the possibility of unexpected fistulas, even after careful evaluation, should be considered.
Clonal hematopoiesis is not prevalent in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome
Authors: Díez-Díez Miriam , Amorós-Pérez Marta , de la Barrera Jorge , Vázquez Enrique , Quintas Ana , Pascual-Figal Domingo A. , Dopazo Ana , Sánchez-Cabo Fátima , Kleinman Monica E. , Gordon Leslie B. , Fuster Valentín , Andrés Vicente , Fuster José J.
Published: June 2022

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), defined as the presence of somatic mutations in cancer-related genes in blood cells in the absence of hematological cancer, has recently emerged as an important risk factor for several age-related conditions, especially cardiovascular disease. CHIP is strongly associated with normal aging, but its role in premature aging syndromes is unknown. Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an ultra-rare genetic condition driven by the accumulation of a truncated form of the lamin A protein called progerin. HGPS patients exhibit several features of accelerated aging and typically die from cardiovascular complications in their early teens. Previous studies have shown normal hematological parameters in HGPS patients, except for elevated platelets, and low levels of lamin A expression in hematopoietic cells relative to other cell types in solid tissues, but the prevalence of CHIP in HGPS remains unexplored. To investigate the potential role of CHIP in HGPS, we performed high-sensitivity targeted sequencing of CHIP-related genes in blood DNA samples from a cohort of 47 HGPS patients. As a control, the same sequencing strategy was applied to blood DNA samples from middle-aged and elderly individuals, expected to exhibit a biological age and cardiovascular risk profile similar to HGPS patients. We found that CHIP is not prevalent in HGPS patients, in marked contrast to our observations in individuals who age normally. Thus, our study unveils a major difference between HGPS and normal aging and provides conclusive evidence that CHIP is not frequent in HGPS and, therefore, is unlikely to contribute to the pathophysiology of this accelerated aging syndrome.
Levothyroxine-induced serum free thyroxine response following radioactive iodine administration in patients thyroidectomized for differentiated thyroid cancer: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Marina Michela , Maglietta Giuseppe , De Filpo Giuseppina , Aloe Rosalia , Gnocchi Cecilia , Iezzi Elisa , Caminiti Caterina , Ceresini Graziano
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Patients undergoing thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) may require 131-radioactive iodine (RAI) administration for remnant ablation or disease treatment. After ingestion, RAI resides within the gastrointestinal tract potentially leading to mucosal damage and abnormalities in the absorption of levothyroxine (LT4). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether serum FT4 peak, induced by a LT4 challenge, changes according to the LT4 formulation (solid or liquid) in both RAI and non-RAI-treated DTC patients.

Methods

This was a monocentric controlled clinical trial, with a parallel two-groups (1:1) randomization of sequence of LT4 formulation. Patients received 200 mcg LT4 orally administered at 08:00 h, in both solid and liquid formulation, at one-week interval, at baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 months from RAI administration. At each time-point, circulating FT4 was evaluated both before LT4 assumption as well as after 1 and 3 h. FT4 increments were evaluated as area under the curve response (AUC). Analogous protocol with the same time-intervals was followed for non-RAI patients.

Results

The trial included 29 consecutive DTC patients, nineteen of whom were submitted to RAI. In RAI subjects, we observed an overall significant reduction in serum FT4 increments with the most relevant decrease at the 1-month time-point, (FT4 AUC: 4.46 ± 0.72 (M ± SD) vs 4.07 ± 0.63 in baseline vs 1-month, P = 0.001) without any difference between the two LT4 formulations. No difference in serum FT4 AUC was found in non-RAI subjects.

Conclusion

LT4-induced serum FT4 responses are reduced following RAI administration in thyroidectomized DTC patients.
Reduced efficacy of biocontrol agents and plant resistance inducers against potato early blight from greenhouse to field
Authors: Stridh Linnea J. , Mostafanezhad Hadis , Andersen Christian B. , Odilbekov Firuz , Grenville-Briggs Laura , Lankinen Åsa , Liljeroth Erland
Published: June 2022

Early blight in potato, caused by Alternaria solani, is mainly controlled by frequent applications of synthetic fungicides. Reducing the use of synthetic fungicides in agriculture is desired to reach an overall sustainable development since the active components can be harmful for humans and for the ecosystem. In integrated pest management, IPM, the idea is to combine various measures, including optimized crop management, crop rotation, use of resistant cultivars, biological control agents (BCAs), plant resistance inducers, and fertilizers, to decrease the dependence on traditional chemical fungicides. In this paper, we present the results from greenhouse and field trials where we evaluated the effect of strategies aimed at reducing our reliance on synthetic fungicides including treatments with biological control agents (BCAs) (Pythium oligandrum, Polygandron®, and Bacillus subtilis, Serenade®) and plant resistance inducers (silicon products HortiStar® and Actisil®) for early blight in potato. The agents were applied separately or in combination with each other or with synthetic fungicides. In the greenhouse, trials application of these agents resulted in 50–95% reduction of infection by A. solani, but their combination did not generally improve the outcome. However, the effects were much smaller in the hand-sprayed field trials, 20–25% disease reduction and almost disappeared in full-scale field trials where application was done with tractor sprayers. In this article, we discuss possible reasons behind the drop in efficacy from greenhouse trials to full-size field evaluation.
Classifying home care clients’ risk of unplanned hospitalization with the resident assessment instrument
Authors: Rönneikkö Jukka K. , Huhtala Heini , Finne-Soveri Harriet , Valvanne Jaakko N. , Jämsen Esa R.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To identify predictive case finding tools for classifying the risk of unplanned hospitalization among home care clients utilizing the Resident Assessment Instrument-Home Care (RAI-HC), with special interest in the Detection of Indicators and Vulnerabilities for Emergency Room Trips (DIVERT) Scale.

Methods

A register-based, retrospective study based on the RAI-HC assessments of 3,091 home care clients (mean age 80.9 years) in the City of Tampere, Finland, linked with hospital discharge records. The outcome was an unplanned hospitalization within 180 days after RAI-HC assessment. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) and the sensitivity and specificity were determined for the RAI-HC scales: DIVERT, Activities of Daily Living Hierarchy (ADLh), Cognitive Performance Scale (CPS), Changes in Health, End-Stage Diseases, Signs, and Symptoms Scale (CHESS), and Method for Assigning Priority Levels (MAPLe).

Results

Altogether 3091 home care clients had a total of 7744 RAI-HC assessments, of which 1658 (21.4%) were followed by an unplanned hospitalization. The DIVERT Scale had an AUC of 0.62 (95% confidence interval 0.61–0.64) when all assessments were taken into account, but its value was poorer in the older age groups (< 70 years: 0.71 (0.65–0.77), 70–79 years: 0.66 (0.62–0.69), 80–89 years: 0.60 (0.58–0.62), ≥ 90 years: 0.59 (0.56–0.63)). AUCs for the other scales were poorer than those of DIVERT, with CHESS nearest to DIVERT. Time to hospitalization after assessment was shorter in higher DIVERT classes.

Conclusion

The DIVERT Scale offers an approach to predicting unplanned hospitalization, especially among younger home care clients. Clients scoring high in the DIVERT algorithm were at the greatest risk of unplanned hospitalization and more likely to experience the outcome earlier than others.
Second-class citizens? Subjective social status, acculturative stress, and immigrant well-being
Authors: Bernal Darren R. , Misiaszek Kimberly Ho , Ayala Johanna , Kenley Niki
Published: June 2022

The effects of social hierarchy on well-being are pervasive. An individual’s social status within the hierarchy has been proposed to play a role in acculturative stress and psychological well-being. Subjective social status is a method of measuring social status that has not been examined in immigrants’ well-being. In an attempt to fill this gap in the literature, this study explored questions about immigrants’ well-being as they deal with acculturative stressors in the United States. In particular, the potential role of subjective social status (SSS) in the acculturative stress process was examined. Three hundred and five adult immigrants from over 68 countries were recruited. Overall, the results indicated a negative association between acculturative stress with quality of life, psychological well-being, and physical health. Regression analysis also indicated that subjective social status moderated this negative association. The results make the contribution that SSS is relevant to the association of acculturative stress and immigrant well-being.
The electoral success of social media losers: a study on the usage and influence of Twitter in times of elections in Paraguay
Authors: Saldivar Jorge , Parra Cristhian , Laconich Mical , Cernuzzi Luca
Published: June 2022

In recent years, social media has become increasingly relevant in democratic decision-making processes, such as referendums or elections. Recent investigations have raised the concern of social media misuse in attempts to manipulate the public opinion and influence results, undermining the foundations of democracy. By analyzing the use of Twitter during the 2017/2018 presidential elections in Paraguay, this study provides empirical evidence and analysis about the role of social media on political campaigns. In a departure from other countries in the region, dominance in this network did not correlate with elections results. The results we highlight in this article, therefore, challenge the impact of social media on elections, offering an interesting view of their role in Latin America countries, like Paraguay.
Students’ views on what aids their learning of school science in Lagos state, Nigeria
Authors: Mohammed Victoria , Reiss Michael J. , Hargreaves Eleanore
Published: June 2022

In Nigeria, school science education is believed to be impeded by multiple issues, in part resulting from limitations on funding, but there is a dearth of research that attends to the views of learners themselves. The aim of this study was to explore the views of secondary students in Lagos, Nigeria about the school science teaching they received. A multiple case study research design was employed and semi-structured individual (n = 26) and group (n = 4) interviews were undertaken with 14–17-year-old students from four non-fee-paying, mixed-sex public secondary schools. Sampling was purposive, so that the four schools were fairly typical of secondary schools in Lagos, while the interviewed students were preparing to study science at university and follow science career pathways and included both students who were engaged in terms of their participation in class and those who appeared withdrawn. Analysis was undertaken within a theoretical framework derived partly from Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory of teaching and learning and partly from Watkins’ theories of learning. Students articulated how certain teaching methods, such as learning with and from others in group work, using familiar examples as applications of knowledge and undertaking practical work, were felt to aid their learning of science. These views align with the sorts of approaches to teaching and learning advocated by both Vygotsky and Watkins. It was concluded that there exists quite a gap between what the students said were effective ways of their being taught science and what were often their experiences. Some of the differences are to do with funding shortages but others are to do with pedagogy and terminal assessment.
Redistricting Out Descriptive Representation: The Harmful Effect of Splitting ZIP Codes on the Constituent–Representative Link
Authors: Steelman Tyler S. , Curiel John A.
Published: June 2022

Redistricting poses a potential harm to American voters in limiting choice and accountability at the polls. Although voters still retain their right to contact their representatives, research shows that the confusion created when redistricting divides ZIP codes confounds the constituent–representative link. We build on existing research that shows splitting ZIP codes across multiple congressional districts leads to harms in representation. Specifically, we examine the role of splitting ZIP codes on the recognition of the racial group membership of one’s Congressional representative, a foundational component of the descriptive representation of racial minority voters via minority–majority districts in the United States. We find that citizens living in split ZIP codes are significantly less likely to know the race of their member of Congress. This occurs even when controlling for a host of factors including the race and partisanship of the constituent, the tenure of the member, and the amount of time a constituent has lived in their congressional district. Our work provides further evidence of the democratic harms experienced by American citizens living in ZIP codes that are split between multiple congressional districts. This work also points to the representational harms produced by poor district design on the representation of American voters.
Runaway electron generation during tokamak start-up
Authors: Hoppe M. , Ekmark I. , Berger E. , Fülöp T.
Published: June 2022

Tokamak start-up is characterized by low electron densities and strong electric fields, in order to quickly raise the plasma current and temperature, allowing the plasma to fully ionize and magnetic flux surfaces to form. Such conditions are ideal for the formation of superthermal electrons, which may reduce the efficiency of ohmic heating and prevent the formation of a healthy thermal fusion plasma. This is of particular concern in ITER where engineering limitations put restrictions on the allowable electric fields and limit the prefill densities during start-up. In this study, we present a new 0D burn-through simulation tool called STREAM (STart-up Runaway Electron Analysis Model), which self-consistently evolves the plasma density, temperature and electric field, while accounting for the generation and loss of relativistic runaway electrons. After verifying the burn-through model, we investigate conditions under which runaway electrons can form during tokamak start-up as well as their effects on the plasma initiation. We find that Dreicer generation plays a crucial role in determining whether a discharge becomes runaway-dominated or not, and that a large number of runaway electrons could limit the ohmic heating of the plasma, thus preventing successful burn-through or further ramp-up of the plasma current. The runaway generation can be suppressed by raising the density via gas fuelling, but only if done sufficiently early. Otherwise a large runaway seed may have already been built up, which can avalanche even at relatively low electric fields and high densities.
The association between screen media quantity, content, and context and language development
Authors: ALROQI Haifa , SERRATRICE Ludovica , CAMERON-FAULKNER Thea
Published: June 2022

This study investigates the influence of the quantity, content, and context of screen media use on the language development of 85 Saudi children aged 1 to 3 years. Surveys and weekly event-based diaries were employed to track children’s screen use patterns. Language development was assessed using JISH Arabic Communicative Development Inventory (JACDI). Findings indicate that the most significant predictor of expressive and receptive vocabulary in 12- to 16-month-olds was screen media context (as measured by the frequency of interactive joint media engagements). In older children (17- to 36-month-olds), more screen time (as measured by the amount of time spent using screens, the prevalence of background TV at home, and the onset age of screen use) had the highest negative impact on expressive vocabulary and mean length of utterance. These findings support health recommendations on the negative effects of excessive screen time and the positive effects of co-viewing media with children.
The cost-of-living index in a cash and credit goods economy
Authors: Shirota Toyoichiro
Published: June 2022

This study constructs a cost-of-living index in a cash-credit goods economy. I first argue that the conventional cost-of-living index entails internal inconsistency when applied to the cash-credit goods economy and then develop an internally consistent cost-of-living index. This new index suggests that the interest rate directly affects the cost of living, and that its effect is asymmetric. Applying the index to the US data for the past 20 years suggests that this effect on the aggregate price index is quantitatively nonnegligible.
Mass Trauma and Long-Term Psychological Distress
Authors: Lambert Jessica E. , Witting Alyssa Banford
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Older widowed women in postconflict and postdisaster settings are a potentially vulnerable group due to both exposure to multiple potentially trauma events and ongoing stressors. Drawing from conservation of resources theory, in this study, we tested a model predicting variation in psychological distress among a sample of widows over 50 years of age ( N = 256) in Eastern Sri Lanka. Exposure to traumatic events and degree of damage from the 2004 tsunami were hypothesized to be associated with psychological distress (anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress) indirectly through two contextual stressors (unmet physical needs and economic strain). We fit an unconstrained path model including direct effects from trauma exposure and tsunami damages to mental health distress, followed by a constrained model removing direct effects. We retained the constrained model as the most parsimonious based on a nonsignificant χ2 difference test. In that model, higher exposure to trauma was significantly associated with more problems with unmet physical needs (β = .11, p = .054) and greater economic strain (β = .28, p < .001). Higher levels of tsunami damages are significantly associated with greater economic strain (β = .04, p < .05). These two intermediary variables were, in turn, associated with more severe symptoms of distress. Health problems were controlled in both the intermediary and outcome variables revealing significantly higher distress in association with more health problems. The results highlight the importance of assessing both the impacts of trauma and loss and the ongoing economic deprivation among this population.
Carbon Loss Pathways in Degraded Peatlands: New Insights From Radiocarbon Measurements of Peatland Waters
Authors: Evans Martin G. , Alderson Danielle M. , Evans Chris D. , Stimson Andrew , Allott Timothy E. H. , Goulsbra Claire , Worrall Fred , Crouch Tia , Walker Jonathan , Garnett Mark H. , Rowson James
Published: June 2022

Peatland carbon stores are under widespread anthropogenic pressure, resulting in degradation and carbon loss. This paper presents DO14C (Dissolved Organic Carbon) dates from waters draining two eroded blanket peatland catchments in the UK. Both catchments are characterized by severe gully erosion but one additionally has extensive surface erosion on unvegetated surfaces. DO14C values ranged from 104.3 to 88.6 percent modern (present to 976 Before Present). The oldest DOC dates came from the catchment characterized by both gully and surface erosion and are among the oldest reported from waters draining temperate peatlands. Together with peat age‐depth data from across the peatland landscape, the DO14C ages identify where in the peat profile carbon loss is occurring. Source depths were compared with modeled water table data indicating that in the catchment where gully erosion alone dominated, mean water table was a key control on depth of DOC production. In the system exhibiting both gully erosion and surface erosion, DOC ages were younger than expected from the age of surficial peats and measured water tables. This may indicate either that the old organic matter exposed at the surface by erosion is less labile or that there are modifications of hydrological flow pathways. Our data indicate that eroded peatlands are losing carbon from depth, and that erosion form may be a control on carbon loss. Our approach uses point measurements of DO14C to indicate DOC source depths and has the potential to act as an indicator of peatland function in degraded and restored systems.
Large-Scale Reforestation Efforts Could Dry Out Landscapes Across the World
Authors: Scharping Nathaniel
Published: June 2022

The complex interactions between forests and the water cycle might end up with more rain falling in the ocean—far from a thirsty land.
Carbon Dioxide and Methane Dynamics in a Peatland Headwater Stream: Origins, Processes and Implications
Authors: Taillardat Pierre , Bodmer Pascal , Deblois Charles P. , Ponçot Alex , Prijac Antonin , Riahi Khawla , Gandois Laure , del Giorgio Paul A. , Bourgault Marc André , Tremblay Alain , Garneau Michelle
Published: June 2022

First‐order streams flowing through peatlands receive, carry and transform large amounts of organic carbon, methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) but remain poorly documented. The objectives of this study were to (a) identify the origins of CO2 and CH4 (thereafter C‐GHG for carbon greenhouse gases) in a peatland headwater stream, (b) determine the environmental factors driving C‐GHG export and emissions, and (c) quantify C‐GHG losses from this system and discuss its implications. Data were collected from eight sampling sites along a 3 km boreal peatland headwater stream (Eastern Canada) over the growing seasons 2019 and 2020. The studied stream was oversaturated in pCO2 [min: 2,044; max: 23,306 μatm] and pCH4 [14; 17,614 μatm]. A mass balance model showed that ∼81% of in‐stream CO2 originated from porewater seepage while the remaining 17% and 2% originated from in‐stream productivity and methane oxidation, respectively. Porewater seepage was concluded to be the primary source of CH4. Seasonal dissolved C‐GHG concentrations were negatively correlated with the peatland water table depth, suggesting an active release of carbon‐rich peat porewater during the base flow. Nevertheless, greater C‐GHG losses occurred during stormflow periods which acted as pulses with most of the C‐GHG being shunted downstream. The sum of C‐GHG export and emissions at our site was 8.08 gC m−2 y−1 with 86% being released to the atmosphere and 14% being exported downstream. Our study demonstrates that peatland headwater streams act as large sources of C‐GHG and that precipitation events and topography control the magnitude of the fluxes.
Vector Spherical Harmonics for Data‐Assimilative Neutral Wind Estimation
Authors: López Rubio Aurora , Datta‐Barua Seebany
Published: June 2022

In this work we enable the data assimilation algorithm Estimating Model Parameters from Ionospheric Reverse Engineering (EMPIRE) to estimate global neutral winds. EMPIRE corrects the ion drifts and neutral winds from background models using electron density in the F region derived mainly from total electron content measurements. The new EMPIRE basis functions for the neutral winds are vector spherical harmonics, enforcing the field to be smooth and continuous globally. Global basis functions allow us to estimate the horizontal wind vector from time‐varying plasma densities. The geomagnetic storm on 25 October 2011 is studied to investigate the global implementation of neutral wind estimation. During this storm, the estimates are also compared to those of the old method of estimation using power series and to Fabry‐Perot interferometer (FPI) measurements for validation at three different sites: Pisgah, Cariri, and Nasca. The new global estimation is 10%–20% closer to the FPI measurements than the model and than the old method for most of the viewing directions of the sites, in terms of root‐mean‐square residuals. In the northward direction at Pisgah the estimates using either the old or new implementation disagree with the model, and might be related to an insufficiently small temporal scale used in EMPIRE.
Light People: Professor Yang Gao
Authors: Wang Hui
Published: June 2022

Editorial

The safe return to earth of the Shenzhou-13 crew not only marks a perfect ending to a successful mission, but also reignited the public’s interest in the exploration of space. This month’s Light People features a true “Space Explorer”. In the past two decades, she has devoted to space robotics research and is recognized for advancing AI capabilities for future space missions. In addition, she has been actively promoting STEM through public outreach and setting role models to encourage women in STEM education and careers. She is Professor Yang Gao, winner of the Mulan Award 2019 in science and technology, a dedicated award to celebrate the achievements and success of Chinese women in the United Kingdom and wider. Prof. Gao is the Professor of Space Autonomous Systems at the University of Surrey’s Space Centre, and founding head of the STAR LAB which specializes in robotic sensing, perception, visual GNC, and biomimetic mechanisms for industrial applications in extreme environments. She is also Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Field Robotics, where she demonstrates leadership in serving the wider scientific community, strengthening academia-industry connections, and cultivating new generations of sci-tech talents. So what is Prof. Gao’s story with Light? What unique insights does she have on the subject of scientific research? Please sit back, fasten up your seatbelt, and follow Prof. Gao and Science Editor on a journey to outer space.
A nitrite-oxidising bacterium constitutively consumes atmospheric hydrogen
Authors: Leung Pok Man , Daebeler Anne , Chiri Eleonora , Hanchapola Iresha , Gillett David L , Schittenhelm Ralf B , Daims Holger , Greening Chris
Published: June 2022

Chemolithoautotrophic nitrite-oxidising bacteria (NOB) of the genus Nitrospira contribute to nitrification in diverse natural environments and engineered systems. Nitrospira are thought to be well-adapted to substrate limitation owing to their high affinity for nitrite and capacity to use alternative energy sources. Here, we demonstrate that the canonical nitrite oxidiser Nitrospira moscoviensis oxidises hydrogen (H2) below atmospheric levels using a high-affinity group 2a nickel-iron hydrogenase [Km(app) = 32 nM]. Atmospheric H2 oxidation occurred under both nitrite-replete and nitrite-deplete conditions, suggesting low-potential electrons derived from H2 oxidation promote nitrite-dependent growth and enable survival during nitrite limitation. Proteomic analyses confirmed the hydrogenase was abundant under both conditions and indicated extensive metabolic changes occur to reduce energy expenditure and growth under nitrite-deplete conditions. Thermodynamic modelling revealed that H2 oxidation theoretically generates higher power yield than nitrite oxidation at low substrate concentrations and significantly contributes to growth at elevated nitrite concentrations. Collectively, this study suggests atmospheric H2 oxidation enhances the growth and survival of NOB amid variability of nitrite supply, extends the phenomenon of atmospheric H2 oxidation to an eighth phylum (Nitrospirota), and reveals unexpected new links between the global hydrogen and nitrogen cycles. Long classified as obligate nitrite oxidisers, our findings suggest H2 may primarily support growth and survival of certain NOB in natural environments.
RUNDC3A regulates SNAP25-mediated chemotherapy resistance by binding AKT in gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma (GNEC)
Authors: Chen Pengchen , Wang Wei , Wong Sin Wa , Li Junnan , Wu Qiushaung , Zhang Shu-Dong , Lin Yao , Kwok Hang Fai
Published: June 2022

Gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma (GNEC) is a common type of neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. The underlying mechanisms of chemoresistance in patients with GNEC and those with NEC are largely unknown, and thus, reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes in patients with NECs are lacking. The aim of this study was to identify specific targets and investigate their roles in GNEC progression and treatment resistance. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in GNEC specimens and were further analysed by focusing on their roles in chemoresistance. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses of GNEC DEGs revealed that synapse-related function was the most prominent cellular function perturbed in GNEC. SNAP25 was identified as the target gene involved in most of the enriched pathways. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that SNAP25 plays a role in proliferation and chemoresistance in GNEC cell lines. AKT has been identified as a downstream target, and SNAP25 binds to AKT protein and promotes AKT protein half-life. Further analysis of other types of NEC as well as small cell lung cancer, which resembles NEC on a molecular level, has identified RUNDC3A as an upstream molecule that regulates SNAP25 expression and the associated phenotypes that could enhance chemoresistance in NECs. Our results show that SNAP25 expression in GNEC is mediated by RUNDC3A and promotes GNEC progression and chemoresistance via posttranslational modification of AKT. Thus, our results suggest that the RUNDC3A/SNAP25/Akt axis could be a potential therapeutic target in GNEC.
Real-world treatment pattern and comprehensive comparative effectiveness of Endostar plus different chemotherapy in advanced patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Jiang Wei , Sun Wei , Li Wenhui , Gao Jin , Wang Hui , Zhou Wei , Liang Jing , Aa Lixiang , Wang Luhua
Published: June 2022

Recombinant human endostatin (Endostar) plus vinorelbine/cisplatin (NP) had been approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). But the real-world treatment pattern and effectiveness of Endostar plus other combination chemotherapy, namely docetaxel/platinum (DP), gemcitabine/platinum (GP), pemetrexed/platinum (PP), and paclitaxel/platinum (TP) in both treatment-naïve and re-treatment patients with advanced NSCLC were still unclear. A retrospective observational study was conducted based on the electronic medical record (EMR) system and advanced patients with NSCLC were identified from 7 cancer hospitals in China from 2012 to 2019. These patients were divided into five groups, Endostar plus NP, Endostar plus DP, Endostar plus GP, Endostar plus PP, and Endostar plus TP groups. The disease control rate (DCR), overall response rate (ORR), and the progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated. Of the eligible 512 advanced patients with NSCLC, 10.35% were in Endostar plus NP group, while the numbers were 15.43%, 32.42%, 26.56%, 15.23% in Endostar plus DP group, Endostar plus GP group, Endostar plus PP group, and Endostar plus TP group, respectively. The ORRs were 31%, 28%, 22%, 41% and 27%, and the DCRs were 71%, 72%, 57%, 72% and 76%, respectively. The median of PFSs for the above groups were 7.9, 6.8, 5.6, 13.7, and 5.4 months. Compared with Endostar plus NP group, the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95%CIs of Endostar plus other chemotherapy were 1.86 (0.75–4.61), 2.15 (0.83–5.60), 1.33 (0.51–3.44), and 2.42 (0.86–6.81). This real-world study found the effectiveness of Endostar plus DP, Endostar plus GP, Endostar plus PP, and Endostar plus TP were of no statistically significant differences compared with Endostar plus NP and reflected the good effectiveness of Endostar plus different chemotherapy in advanced patients with NSCLC.
Effects of 3d transition metal impurities and vacancy defects on electronic and magnetic properties of pentagonal Pd2S4: competition between exchange splitting and crystal fields
Authors: Gholami Mojtaba , Golsanamlou Zahra , Rahimpour Soleimani H.
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we first investigate the electronic properties of the two-dimensional structure of dichalcogenide Pd2S4. These properties strongly depend on the crystal field splitting which can change by atomic vacancies (S and Pd vacancies). The main purpose of the present paper is to create remarkable magnetic properties in the system by adding 3d transition metal atoms where the presence of Mn, Cr, and Fe creates the exchange interaction in the system as well as change in the crystal field. The created magnetic properties strongly depend on the competition between exchange interaction and crystal field to separate the levels of d orbitals. In addition, the presence of the transition metals in the structures with S and Pd vacancy has been investigated carefully. The calculations demonstrate that we can achieve an extensive range of magnetic moment up to 3.131 $${\mu }_{B}$$

μ
B

. The maximum one is obtained in the presence of Mn and absence of sulfur while some of the doped structures does not have magnetic moment. Our results show that Pd vacancy in the presence of Cr, Mn and Fe metals increases the magnetic property of the Pd2S4 structure. The extensiveness and variety of the obtained properties can be used for different magnetic and non-magnetic applications.
Sink survey to investigate multidrug resistance pattern of common foodborne bacteria from wholesale chicken markets in Dhaka city of Bangladesh
Authors: Parvin Mst. Sonia , Ali Md. Yamin , Mandal Amit Kumar , Talukder Sudipta , Islam Md. Taohidul
Published: June 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among foodborne bacteria is a well-known public health problem. A sink survey was conducted to determine the AMR pattern of common foodborne bacteria in cloacal swab of broiler chickens and sewage samples from five wholesale chicken markets of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. Bacteria were identified by culture-based and molecular methods, and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Resistance genes were identified by multiplex PCR and sequencing. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 93.2% of E. coli, 100% of Salmonella spp., and 97.2% of S. aureus from cloacal swab samples. For sewage samples, 80% of E. coli, and 100% of Salmonella and S. aureus showed MDR. Noteworthy, 8.3% of S. aureus from cloacal swab samples showed possible extensively drug resistance. Antimicrobial resistance genes (beta-lactamase—blaTEM, blaSHV; quinolone resistance gene—qnrS) were detected in a number of E. coli and Salmonella isolates from cloacal swab and sewage samples. The methicillin resistance gene (mecA) was detected in 47.2% and 25% S. aureus from cloacal swab and sewage samples, respectively. The findings envisage the potential public health risk and environmental health hazard through spillover of common foodborne MDR bacteria.