bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penicillin de-labelling in vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: comparison of approaches, outcomes and future directions
Authors: Saravanabavan Sujen , Aulakh Amneet , Douglas Josh , Elwood Chelsea , Erdle Stephanie , Grant Jennifer , Kang Kristopher T. , Kwan Natasha , Lacaria Katie , Lau Tim T. Y. , Lee Colin , Leung Victor , Lin Yu-Chen , Mah Allison , Nguyen Anne , Paquette Vanessa , Roberts Ashley , Watt Melissa , Van Schalkwyk Julie , Zhang Bei Yuan , Mak Raymond , Wong Tiffany
Published: April 2023

Background

Inaccurate penicillin allergy labels lead to inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions and harmful patient consequences. System-wide efforts are needed to remove incorrect penicillin allergy labels, but more health services research is required on how to best deliver these services.

Methods

Data was extracted from five hospitals in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from October 2018-May 2022. The primary outcomes of this study were to outline de-labelling protocol designs, identify the roles of various healthcare professionals in de-labelling protocols and identify rates of de-labelling penicillin allergies and associated adverse events at various institutions. Our secondary outcome was to describe de-labelling rates for special populations, including pediatric, obstetric and immunocompromised subpopulations. To achieve these outcomes, participating institutions provided their de-labelling protocol designs and data on program participants. Protocols were then compared to find common themes and differences. Furthermore, adverse events were reviewed and percentages of patients de-labelled at each institution and in total were calculated.

Results

Protocols demonstrated a high level of variability, including different methods of participant identification, risk-stratification and roles of providers. All protocols used oral and direct oral challenges, heavily involved pharmacists and had physician oversight. Despite the differences, of the 711 patients enrolled in all programs, 697 (98.0%) were de-labelled. There were 9 adverse events (1.3%) with oral challenges with mainly minor symptoms.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrates that de-labelling programs effectively and safely remove penicillin allergy labels, including pediatric, obstetric and immunocompromised patients. Consistent with current literature, most patients with a penicillin allergy label are not allergic. De-labelling programs could benefit from increasing clinician engagement by increasing accessibility of resources to providers, including guidance for de-labelling of special populations.
The impact of SARS-CoV2 vaccines on the incidence of graft versus host disease in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Ngo Dat , Chen Jason , Tinajero Jose , Aribi Ahmed , Arslan Shukaib , Marcucci Guido , Nakamura Ryotaro , Al Malki Monzr M. , Forman Stephen J. , Dadwal Sanjeet , Ali Haris
Published: April 2023

This study reports the incidence of chronic graft versus host disease (GvHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHCT) recipients who received SARS-CoV2 vaccination. The overall rates of new and worsening chronic GvHD combined were 14%, with median time from vaccination to GVHD being approximately three to four weeks. A majority of the cases were of mild to moderate severity and primarily localized to either the skin, mouth, or joints. Prior chronic GVHD and recent transplant were associated with higher GVHD rates following COVID-19 vaccination. More prospective studies are needed to provide a definitive mechanism for the impact of SARS-CoV2 vaccination on alloHCT patients.
Evaluation of Dakshata, a scale-up WHO SCC and mentoring-based program, for improving quality of intrapartum care in public sector in Rajasthan, India: repeated mixed-methods surveys
Authors: Singh Samiksha , Kannuri Nanda Kishore , Mishra Aparajita , Gaikwad Leena , Shukla Rajan , Tyagi Mukta , Chamarty Swecha
Published: April 2023

Background

The Dakshata program in India aims to improve resources, providers’ competence, and accountability in labour wards of public sector secondary care hospitals. Dakshata is based on the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist coupled with continuous mentoring. In Rajasthan state, an external technical partner trained, mentored and periodically assessed performance; identified local problems, supported solutions and assisted the state in monitoring implementation. We evaluated effectiveness and factors contributing to success and sustainability.

Methods

Using three repeated mixed-methods surveys over an 18-month period, we assessed 24 hospitals that were at different stages of program implementation at evaluation initiation: Group 1, training had started and Group 2, one round of mentoring was complete. Data on recommended evidence-based practices in labour and postnatal wards and in-facility outcomes were collected by directly observing obstetric assessments and childbirth, extracting information from case sheets and registers, and interviewing postnatal women. A theory-driven qualitative assessment covered key domains of efficiency, effectiveness, institutionalization, accountability, sustainability, and scalability. It included in-depth interviews with administrators, mentors, obstetric staff, and officers/mentors from the external partner.

Results

Overall, average adherence to evidence-based practices improved: Group 1, 55 to 72%; and Group 2, 69 to 79%, (for both p < 0.001) from baseline to endline. Significant improvement was noted in several practices in the two groups during admission, childbirth, and within 1 hour of birth but less in postpartum pre-discharge care. We noted a dip in several evidence-based practices in 2nd assessment, but they improved later. The stillbirth rate was reduced: Group 1: 1.5/1000 to 0.2; and Group 2: 2.5 to 1.1 (p < 0.001). In-depth interviews revealed that mentoring with periodic assessments was highly acceptable, efficient means of capacity building, and ensured continuity in skills upgradation. Nurses felt empowered, however, the involvement of doctors was low. The state health administration was highly committed and involved in program management; hospital administration supported the program. The competence, consistency, and support from the technical partner were highly appreciated by the service providers.

Conclusion

The Dakshata program was successful in improving resources and competencies around childbirth. The states with low capacities will require intensive external support for a head start.
Investigating the characteristics of language test specifications and item writer guidelines, and their effect on item development: a mixed-method case study
Authors: Al Lawati Zahra Ali
Published: April 2023

This study discusses the characteristics of test specifications (specs) and item writer guidelines (IWGs), their role in item development of English as a Second Language (ESL) reading tests, and the use of the CEFR for specs development. This mixed-method study analyzed specs, IWGs, tests, and the Pearson Test of English General test statistics. Moreover, interviews and focus groups were conducted with the specs’ developers, IWGs, and item writers. The findings show no unique way of conceptualizing specs and IWGs. Moreover, translating the CEFR reading descriptors into specs is a challenging task. However, results from the judgmental study and item statistics suggest that the investigated specs and IWGs facilitated the development of good-quality items at a certain difficulty level. This study reveals the potential role of specs and IWGs in establishing test validity. This research contributes to understanding the under-researched area of specs and IWGs and shows the type of information required for effective item writing and ways of enhancing the validity and reliability of tests. Practical and theoretical suggestions and future research have also been identified.
Colloidal inorganic nano- and microparticles for passive daytime radiative cooling
Authors: Woo Ho Young , Choi Yoonjoo , Chung Hyesun , Lee Da Won , Paik Taejong
Published: April 2023

Compared to traditional cooling systems, radiative cooling (RC) is a promising cooling strategy in terms of reducing energy consumption enormously and avoiding severe environmental issues. Radiative cooling materials (RCMs) reduce the temperature of objects without using an external energy supply by dissipating thermal energy via infrared (IR) radiation into the cold outer space through the atmospheric window. Therefore, RC has a great potential for various applications, such as energy-saving buildings, vehicles, water harvesting, solar cells, and personal thermal management. Herein, we review the recent progress in the applications of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) and microparticles (MPs) as RCMs and provide insights for further development of RC technology. Particle-based RCMs have tremendous potential owing to the ease of engineering their optical and physical properties, as well as processibility for facile, inexpensive, and large area deposition. The optical and physical properties of inorganic NPs and MPs can be tuned easily by changing their size, shape, composition, and crystals structures. This feature allows particle-based RCMs to fulfill requirements pertaining to passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC), which requires high reflectivity in the solar spectrum and high emissivity within the atmospheric window. By adjusting the structures and compositions of colloidal inorganic particles, they can be utilized to design a thermal radiator with a selective emission spectrum at wavelengths of 8–13 μm, which is preferable for PDRC. In addition, colloidal particles can exhibit high reflectivity in the solar spectrum through Mie-scattering, which can be further engineered by modifying the compositions and structures of colloidal particles. Recent advances in PDRC that utilize inorganic NPs and MPs are summarized and discussed together with various materials, structural designs, and optical properties. Subsequently, we discuss the integration of functional NPs to achieve functional RCMs. We describe various approaches to the design of colored RCMs including structural colors, plasmonics, and luminescent wavelength conversion. In addition, we further describe experimental approaches to realize self-adaptive RC by incorporating phase-change materials and to fabricate multifunctional RC devices by using a combination of functional NPs and MPs.

Graphical Abstract
Interactions of BDNF Val66met and dietary indices in relation to metabolic markers among patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Naeini Zeinab , Abaj Faezeh , Rafiee Masoumeh , Koohdani Fariba
Published: April 2023

Background

Gene–diet interaction is related to the progression of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases biomarkers. We aimed to evaluate the interaction between diet quality indices and BDNF Val66Mat (rs6265) on cardiometabolic markers among diabetic patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 634 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which were randomly recruited from diabetic centers in Tehran. Dietary intakes were estimated by a previously validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire comprising 147 items. All participants were categorized into three categories, based on healthy eating index (HEI), diet quality index (DQI), and phytochemical index (PI) scores. Polymerase chain reaction was used for genotyping the BDNF Val66Met. Interactions were tested using analysis of covariance in adjusted and crude models.

Results

Our result showed that higher DQI, HEI, and PI scores significantly decrease body mass index and waist circumference among individuals with Met/Met, Val/Met, and Val/Val genotypes (P interactions < 0.05). Moreover, the highest quartile of the DQI and PI, compared to the lowest, showed lower TG level among Met allele carriers compared to Val/Val homozygotes (P interaction = 0.004 and 0.01, respectively) and a faster reduction in IL-18 and TC level was seen among Met/Met, Val/Met who had higher HEI intake than those with Val/Val genotype.

Conclusions

BDNF Val66Met polymorphism may interact with HEI, DQI, and PI. We have revealed that Met allele acts as a protective allele for diabetic patients and may have a beneficial influence on cardio-metabolic factors through regulating dietary intake.
Short-term drivers of post-fire forest regeneration in the Western Alps
Authors: Mantero Giulia , Morresi Donato , Negri Sara , Anselmetto Nicolò , Lingua Emanuele , Bonifacio Eleonora , Garbarino Matteo , Marzano Raffaella
Published: April 2023

Background

The Mediterranean basin is currently facing major changes in fire regimes as a result of climate and land-use changes. These alterations could affect the ability of forests to recover after a fire, hence triggering degradation processes and modifying the provision of fundamental ecosystem services. Examining patterns and drivers of post-fire forest recovery, particularly for obligate seeders without specific fire-adaptive traits, thus becomes a priority for researchers and land managers. We studied the post-fire dynamics of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.) stands affected by a mixed-severity fire in North-Western Italy, aiming to understand the impact of fire on soil properties and assess drivers, spatial distribution, and characteristics of short-term post-fire recovery.

Results

We observed that fire did not significantly affect soil organic carbon (OC) content, while we detected significantly lower nitrogen (N) content in severely burnt sites. Regeneration density was particularly abundant in medium-severity areas, while it drastically decreased in high-severity patches. The most abundant tree species in the regeneration layer was Scots pine, followed by goat willow (Salix capreaL.), European aspen (Populus tremulaL.), and, to a lesser extent, European larch (Larix deciduaMill.). Slope, fire severity, and distance from seed trees emerged as the most important drivers of post-fire forest regeneration patterns.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of preserving seed trees from salvage logging, even if they are damaged and have a low survival probability. Active post-fire management, such as tree planting, should be limited to large and severely burnt patches, where natural forest regeneration struggles to settle, increasing the risk of ecosystem degradation. These findings could be useful for informing land managers, helping them to enhance potential mitigation strategies in similar ecosystems and plan appropriate restoration approaches.
Cardiovascular Disease in Testicular Cancer Survivors: Identification of Risk Factors and Impact on Quality of Life
Authors: Lubberts Sjoukje , Groot Harmke J. , de Wit Ronald , Mulder Sasja , Witjes Johannes A. , Kerst J. Martijn , Groenewegen Gerard , Lefrandt Joop D. , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Nuver Janine , Schaapveld Michael , Gietema Jourik A.
Published: April 2023

PURPOSE

Testicular cancer (TC) treatment is clearly associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. To enable development of preventive strategies for cardiovascular disease (CVD), we assessed cardiometabolic risk factors and quality of life (QoL) in TC survivors.

METHODS

Incidence of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and heart failure after TC treatment was assessed in a multicenter cohort comprising 4,748 patients treated at the age of 12-50 years between 1976 and 2007. Patients who had developed CVD and a random sample from the cohort (subcohort) received a questionnaire on cardiometabolic risk factors and QoL. A subgroup of responders in the subcohort additionally underwent clinical evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 16 years, 272 patients had developed CVD. Compared with orchidectomy only, cisplatin combination chemotherapy was associated with an increased CVD risk (hazard ratio [HR], 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.1). Patients who were obese or a smoker at diagnosis (HR, 4.6; 95% CI, 2.0 to 10.0 and HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.4, respectively), developed Raynaud's phenomenon (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.6) or dyslipidemia (HR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.6 to 4.7) or had a positive family history for CVD (HR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.7 to 4.9) had higher CVD risk. More TC survivors with CVD reported inferior QoL on physical domains than survivors who did not develop CVD. Of 304 TC survivors who underwent clinical evaluation for cardiovascular risk factors (median age at assessment: 51 years), 86% had dyslipidemia, 50% had hypertension, and 35% had metabolic syndrome, irrespective of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Cardiovascular events in TC survivors impair QoL. Many TC survivors have undetected cardiovascular risk factors. We advocate early lifestyle adjustments and lifelong follow-up with low-threshold treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, especially in obese and smoking patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.
Serum scEMC10 Levels are Negatively Associated With Resting Metabolic Rate and age in Humans
Authors: Chen Kuangyang , Dai Jiarong , Klöting Nora , Cao Xinyi , Jin Shuoshuo , Chen Lijiao , Wang Yahao , Liu Shan , Hu Yao , Jiang Lin , Liew Chong Wee , Blüher Matthias , Wang Xuanchun
Published: April 2023

Context

We have recently shown that the secreted isoform of endoplasmic reticulum membrane complex subunit 10 (scEMC10) is upregulated in human obesity and that overexpression of scEMC10 promotes, whereas antibody neutralization of circulating scEMC10 prevents diet-induced obesity in mice.

Objective

To explore associations of serum scEMC10 with body mass index (BMI), resting metabolism rate (RMR), and age in humans.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting and Patients

A total of 833 participants from a Chinese physical examination cohort and 191 participants from the Leipzig Obesity Biobank cohort.

Main Outcome Measures

Serum scEMC10 concentrations are measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay. RMR is calculated based on measurements from indirect calorimetry with an open-circuit ventilated-hood system.

Results

In the Chinese physical examination cohort, a J-shaped nonlinear correlation between BMI and serum scEMC10 was identified in participants where underweight, overweight, and obese people all presented higher serum scEMC10 levels than normal weight people. Participants younger than age 30 years old exhibited significantly higher serum scEMC10 levels than those older than 50 years of age. In addition, participants aged 30 to 40 years also had significantly higher serum scEMC10 levels than those aged 50 to 60 years. In the Leipzig Obesity Biobank cohort, we observed a significantly negative correlation between serum scEMC10 and resting energy expenditure after adjusting for BMI. Participants in the highest quartile of serum scEMC10 levels had significantly lower RMR than those in the first quartile. RMR had an independently inverse association with serum scEMC10.

Conclusions

Serum scEMC10 levels are negatively associated with age and RMR in humans.
Molecular Profiling of 50 734 Bethesda III-VI Thyroid Nodules by ThyroSeq v3: Implications for Personalized Management
Authors: Chiosea Simion , Hodak Steven P , Yip Linwah , Abraham Devaprabu , Baldwin Chelsey , Baloch Zubair , Gulec Seza A , Hannoush Zeina C , Haugen Bryan R , Joseph Lija , Kargi Atil Y , Khanafshar Elham , Livhits Masha J , McIver Bryan , Patel Kepal , Patel Snehal G , Randolph Gregory W , Shaha Ashok R , Sharma Jyotirmay , Stathatos Nikolaos , van Zante Annemieke , Carty Sally E , Nikiforov Yuri E , Nikiforova Marina N
Published: April 2023

Context

Comprehensive genomic analysis of thyroid nodules for multiple classes of molecular alterations detected in a large series of fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples has not been reported.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of clinically relevant molecular alterations in Bethesda categories III-VI (BCIII-VI) thyroid nodules.

Methods

This retrospective analysis of FNA samples, tested by ThyroSeq v3 using Genomic Classifier and Cancer Risk Classifier at UPMC Molecular and Genomic Pathology laboratory, analyzed the prevalence of diagnostic, prognostic, and targetable genetic alterations in a total of 50 734 BCIII-VI nodules from 48 225 patients.

Results

Among 50 734 informative FNA samples, 65.3% were test-negative, 33.9% positive, 0.2% positive for medullary carcinoma, and 0.6% positive for parathyroid. The benign call rate in BCIII-IV nodules was 68%. Among test-positive samples, 73.3% had mutations, 11.3% gene fusions, and 10.8% isolated copy number alterations. Comparing BCIII-IV nodules with BCV-VI nodules revealed a shift from predominantly RAS-like alterations to BRAF V600E-like alterations and fusions involving receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). Using ThyroSeq Cancer Risk Classifier, a high-risk profile, which typically included TERT or TP53 mutations, was found in 6% of samples, more frequently BCV-VI. RNA-Seq confirmed ThyroSeq detection of novel RTK fusions in 98.9% of cases.

Conclusion

In this series, 68% of BCIII-IV nodules were classified as negative by ThyroSeq, potentially preventing diagnostic surgery in this subset of patients. Specific genetic alterations were detected in most BCV-VI nodules, with a higher prevalence of BRAF and TERT mutations and targetable gene fusions compared to BCIII-IV nodules, offering prognostic and therapeutic information for patient management.
Critical Approach to Hypothyroid Patients With Persistent Symptoms
Authors: Biondi Bernadette , Celi Francesco S , McAninch Elizabeth A
Published: April 2023

Hypothyroidism is a common condition, and numerous studies have been published over the last decade to assess the potential risks associated with this disorder when inappropriately treated. The standard of care for treatment of hypothyroidism remains levothyroxine (LT4) at doses to achieve biochemical and clinical euthyroidism. However, about 15% of hypothyroid patients experience residual hypothyroid symptoms. Some population-based studies and international population-based surveys have confirmed dissatisfaction with LT4 treatment in some hypothyroid patients. It is well established that hypothyroid patients treated with LT4 exhibit higher serum thyroxine:triiodothyronine ratios and can have a persistent increase in cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, variants in deiodinases and thyroid hormone transporter genes have been associated with subnormal T3 concentrations, persistent symptoms in LT4-treated patients, and improvement in response to the addition of liothyronine to LT4 therapy.

The American (ATA) and European Thyroid Association (ETA) guidelines have recently evolved in their recognition of the potential limitations of LT4. This shift is reflected in prescribing patterns: Physicians’ use of combination therapy is prevalent and possibly increasing. Randomized clinical trials have recently been published and, while they have found no improvement in treating hypothyroid patients, a number of important limitations did not allow generalizability. Meta-analyses have reported a preference rate for combination therapy in 46.2% hypothyroid patients treated with LT4. To promote discussions about an optimal study design, the ATA, ETA, and British Thyroid Association have recently published a consensus document.

Our study provides a useful counterpoint on the controversial benefits of treating hypothyroid patients with combination therapy.
Actin filaments accumulated in the nucleus remain in the vicinity of condensing chromosomes in the zebrafish early embryo
Authors: Oda Haruka , Sato Yuko , Kawashima Shigehiro A. , Fujiwara Yusuke , Pálfy Máté , Wu Edlyn , Vastenhouw Nadine L. , Kanai Motomu , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

In the cytoplasm, filamentous actin (F-actin) plays a critical role in cell regulation, including cell migration, stress fiber formation, and cytokinesis. Recent studies have shown that actin filaments that form in the nucleus are associated with diverse functions. Here, using live imaging of an F-actin-specific probe, superfolder GFP-tagged utrophin (UtrCH-sfGFP), we demonstrated the dynamics of nuclear actin in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. In early zebrafish embryos up to around the high stage, UtrCH-sfGFP increasingly accumulated in nuclei during the interphase and reached a peak during the prophase. After nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD), patches of UtrCH-sfGFP remained in the vicinity of condensing chromosomes during the prometaphase to metaphase. When zygotic transcription was inhibited by injecting α-amanitin, the nuclear accumulation of UtrCH-sfGFP was still observed at the sphere and dome stages, suggesting that zygotic transcription may induce a decrease in nuclear F-actin. The accumulation of F-actin in nuclei may contribute to proper mitotic progression of large cells with rapid cell cycles in zebrafish early embryos, by assisting in NEBD, chromosome congression, and/or spindle assembly.
New horizons of microphysiological systems: India forging its path in human-relevant research
Authors: Parvatam Surat , Mahadik Kasturi , Banerjee Anushka , Patil Kadambari , Radha V. , Rao Madhusudhana
Published: April 2023

The past decade has seen expeditious developments in our ability to grow and maintain a variety of human cells and tissues, with properties closely mimicking those in the human body. Prominent researchers and entrepreneurs from all over the world assembled in Hyderabad, India to discuss developments in this field that have not only aided fundamental understanding of organ development and disease processes but have served as good physiological models for toxicity testing and drug development. The speakers presented ingenious, cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking ideas. This report presents the salient aspects of their discussions, highlights the importance of identifying unmet needs, and discusses setting of standards that will help regulatory approvals as we move into a new era, with nominal animal use in research and effective drug discovery.
Transplanted human intestinal organoids: a resource for modeling human intestinal development
Authors: Singh Akaljot , Poling Holly M. , Chaturvedi Praneet , Thorner Konrad , Sundaram Nambirajan , Kechele Daniel O. , Childs Charlie J. , McCauley Heather A. , Fisher Garrett W. , Brown Nicole E. , Spence Jason R. , Wells James M. , Helmrath Michael A.
Published: April 2023

The in vitro differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into human intestinal organoids (HIOs) has served as a powerful means for creating complex three-dimensional intestinal structures. Owing to their diverse cell populations, transplantation into an animal host is supported with this system and allows the temporal formation of fully laminated structures, including crypt-villus architecture and smooth muscle layers that resemble native human intestine. Although the endpoint of HIO engraftment has been well described, here we aim to elucidate the developmental stages of HIO engraftment and establish whether it parallels fetal human intestinal development. We analyzed a time course of transplanted HIOs histologically at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks post-transplantation, and demonstrated that HIO maturation closely resembles key stages of fetal human intestinal development. We also utilized single-nuclear RNA sequencing to determine and track the emergence of distinct cell populations over time, and validated our transcriptomic data through in situ protein expression. These observations suggest that transplanted HIOs do indeed recapitulate early intestinal development, solidifying their value as a human intestinal model system.
The in vivo functional significance of PUF hub partnerships in C. elegans germline stem cells
Authors: Ferdous Ahlan S. , Costa Dos Santos Stephany J. , Kanzler Charlotte R. , Shin Heaji , Carrick Brian H. , Crittenden Sarah L. , Wickens Marvin , Kimble Judith
Published: April 2023

PUF RNA-binding proteins are conserved stem cell regulators. Four PUF proteins govern self-renewal of Caenorhabditis elegans germline stem cells together with two intrinsically disordered proteins, LST-1 and SYGL-1. Based on yeast two-hybrid results, we previously proposed a composite self-renewal hub in the stem cell regulatory network, with eight PUF partnerships and extensive redundancy. Here, we investigate LST-1–PUF and SYGL-1–PUF partnerships and their molecular activities in their natural context – nematode stem cells. We confirm LST-1–PUF partnerships and their specificity to self-renewal PUFs by co-immunoprecipitation and show that an LST-1(AmBm) mutant defective for PUF-interacting motifs does not complex with PUFs in nematodes. LST-1(AmBm) is used to explore the in vivo functional significance of the LST-1–PUF partnership. Tethered LST-1 requires this partnership to repress expression of a reporter RNA, and LST-1 requires the partnership to co-immunoprecipitate with NTL-1/Not1 of the CCR4-NOT complex. We suggest that the partnership provides multiple molecular interactions that work together to form an effector complex on PUF target RNAs in vivo. Comparison of LST-1–PUF and Nanos–Pumilio reveals fundamental molecular differences, making LST-1–PUF a distinct paradigm for PUF partnerships.
Role of Steering Inequality in Quantum Key Distribution Protocol
Authors: Mukherjee Kaushiki , Patro Tapaswini , Ganguly Nirman
Published: April 2023

Violation of Bell's inequality has been the mainspring for secure key generation in an entanglement assisted Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocol. Various contributions have relied on the violation of Bell inequalities to build an appropriate QKD protocol. Residing between Bell nonlocality and entanglement, there exists a hybrid trait of correlations, namely correlations exhibited through the violation of steering inequalities. However, such correlations have not been put to use in QKD protocols as much as their stronger counterpart, the Bell violations. In the present work, we show that the violations of the Cavalcanti–Jones–Wiseman–Reid (CJWR) steering inequalities can act as key ingredients in an entanglement assisted QKD protocol. We work with arbitrary two-qubit entangled states, and characterize them by their utility in such protocols. The characterization is based on the quantum bit error rate and violation of the CJWR inequality. Furthermore, we show that subsequent applications of local filtering operations on initially entangled states exhibiting no violation, lead to violations necessary for the successful implementation of the protocol. An additional vindication of our protocol is provided by the use of absolutely Bell–Clauser–Horne–Shimony–Holt (Bell–CHSH) local states, states which remain Bell–CHSH local even under global unitary operations.Quanta 2023; 12: 1–21.
Deporte y TikTok: tipología de contenidos de los deportistas españoles en los Juegos Olímpicos de Tokio 2020.
Authors: Arias Montesinos Sandra , Zamora Saborit Francisco Javier , Sanahuja Peris Guillermo
Published: April 2023

TikTok se ha revelado en los últimos años como la red social de mayor crecimiento. El contenido de entretenimiento, el consumo de vídeos cortos, la proliferación de creadores de contenido o la interacción son las principales razones que atraen a la generación Z, principales usuarios de esta red, pero también a otras generaciones que buscan también entretenerse. El deporte en su conjunto y los deportistas en especial han encontrado en la plataforma una vía para contactar y conversar de manera más personal. Este trabajo estudia de forma exploratoria el uso de TikTok como canal de comunicación de los deportistas españoles participantes en los Juegos Olímpicos de Tokio 2020. El objetivo es categorizar y comprender las comunicaciones emitidas por los deportistas en TikTok. El diseño metodológico consiste en un análisis de contenido, de los 12 perfiles de deportistas olímpicos en la etapa previa, durante y posterior a los JJ.OO. de Tokio analizando un total de 431 publicaciones, y ocho entrevistas en profundidad a profesionales del mundo del deporte (gestores, atletas y comunicadores) que contrastan la anterior fase. Los resultados muestran la asunción de los códigos de la red por parte de los deportistas, el uso de los símbolos olímpicos como escenario de sus dinámicas y el alcance de una mayor interacción con sus seguidores en función del tipo de contenido. Este estudio expande el conocimiento sobre deportistas y marcas personales en un ámbito poco explorado y aporta claves conceptuales y de gestión para directores de comunicación y social media.
Comunicación política en TikTok: Podemos y VOX a través de los vídeos cortos.
Authors: Gómez de Travesedo-Rojas Ruth , Gil-Ramírez Marta , Chamizo-Sánchez Rocío
Published: April 2023

Los partidos políticos, conscientes de la importancia que los públicos más jóvenes tienen como potenciales votantes, han dirigido sus estrategias comunicativas a TikTok, una de las redes sociales más atractivas para los menores de entre 12 y 17 años. Mediante análisis de contenido de los 50 vídeos cortos con más reproducciones de cada una de las cuentas oficiales de TikTok de Podemos y VOX (@ahorapodemos y @vox_espana), esta investigación propone examinar el uso que ambos partidos hacen de dicha red, analizando si adaptan su estrategia comunicativa a las particularidades de esta plataforma y comparando si existen diferencias en el tipo de contenidos que se difunde en ella en función del distinto signo ideológico de cada formación. Los resultados reflejan que, aunque las formaciones políticas analizadas emplean algunos estilemas propios de TikTok, como la duración corta o la biblioteca de sonidos, el carácter propagandístico preponderante en los contenidos choca con el tono desenfadado y lúdico que caracteriza a la popular plataforma de vídeos cortos y que le ha otorgado popularidad entre el público juvenil. Aunque se detectan diferencias estratégicas en función de la polaridad ideológica, en general, la comunicación política desarrollada por Podemos y VOX en esta red social, estarían aún en una fase embrionaria a espera de desarrollar su potencial a través de contenidos más ligeros que conecten con mayor facilidad con los jóvenes usuarios mayoritarios en TikTok.
Aproximações do Jornalismo Ambiental com o pensamento de Paulo Freire.
Authors: Tourinho Girardi Ilza Maria , Herte de Moraes Cláudia , Beling Loose Eloisa , Gallas Steigleder Débora
Published: April 2023

Este texto apresenta reflexão sobre as aproximações existentes entre os pressupostos que fundamentam a perspectiva do Jornalismo Ambiental e o pensamento do educador e filósofo Paulo Freire, cujo nascimento completou 100 anos em 2021. Para tanto, realiza pesquisa bibliográfica para compreender a afinidade das ideias do intelectual brasileiro com aspectos epistemológicos que orientam esta prática jornalística de forma específica, como a responsabilidade com a mudança de pensamento, a ênfase na contextualização das informações e a pluralidade de vozes consultadas para a cobertura jornalística. Nesse sentido, observa-se uma interface a partir da crítica à colonialidade e do destaque dado à dialogicidade, à valorização da experiência, à emancipação e à libertação dos sujeitos. Tais elementos, fundamentais na obra do autor, também sustentam o Jornalismo Ambiental, jornalismo orientado para a cidadania planetária. Tais pontos de convergência reforçam o compromisso do Jornalismo Ambiental com a mudança paradigmática de pensamento, sobretudo no que tange à relação sociedade-natureza, valorizando o diálogo de saberes e sustentando a crítica decolonial na produção de informações qualificadas que possam emancipar os cidadãos. Conclui que a perspectiva dialógica freiriana pode contribuir para a prática do Jornalismo Ambiental, uma vez que a teoria que a fundamenta defende a transição para um mundo de proteção ambiental e justiça social.
A Planner-Trader Decomposition for Multimarket Hydro Scheduling
Authors: Schindler Kilian , Rujeerapaiboon Napat , Kuhn Daniel , Wiesemann Wolfram
Published: April 2023

Multimarket Multireservoir Hydro Scheduling

Peak/off-peak spreads on European electricity forward and spot markets are eroding due to the ongoing nuclear phaseout in Germany and the steady growth in photovoltaic capacity. The reduced profitability of peak/off-peak arbitrage forces hydropower producers to recover part of their original profitability on the reserve markets. In their paper titled “A Planner-Trader Decomposition for Multimarket Hydro Scheduling” Schindler, Rujeerapaiboon, Kuhn, and Wiesemann propose a bi-layer stochastic programming framework that jointly optimizes the trading strategies on the spot and reserve markets. The model faithfully accounts for uncertainty in electricity prices, water inflows, and reserve activations, and it ensures that the hydropower producers can fulfill their market commitments under any circumstances. The model is numerically challenging due to the various sources of uncertainty that are revealed at different time scales and that affect the problem's objective function and constraints, and the authors propose a new planner-trader decomposition and an information restriction for its solution. A case study based on real data from Austria reveals significant benefits of simultaneously participating in the spot and the reserve markets.
Development of Theory of Mind in Children with Cochlear Implants: False Belief and Mental State Vocabularies
Authors: Kim Hye Min , Yoon Mi-Sun
Published: April 2023

Objectives: The purposes of this study were to compare children with cochlear implants and children with normal hearing in terms of the performance of false belief task (FBT) and the use of mental state vocabulary test (MSVT), and to examine the relationship between their ability with these two tasks in each group.Methods: The subjects of the study were a total of 20 children–10 children with cochlear implants (CI) and 10 children with normal hearing (NH). For the FBT, 4 Maxi tasks and 4 Smarties tasks were presented. For the MSVT, the children were first presented with two stories and then were asked 20 questions to answer verbally.Results: The CI group showed lower performance both on the FBT and MSVT compared to the NH group. The difference of the FBT was statistically significant, but that of the MSVT was not. There was a correlation between mental state vocabulary use and the false belief task in each group. The mental state vocabulary used in the NH group was more diverse than in the CI group.Conclusion: Children with cochlear implants showed a lower performance on the false belief test and use of mental state vocabularies than their peers with normal hearing, even though they were in the same level according to a formal language test. The results of this study suggest that evaluation and intervention regarding Theory of Mind are necessary for children with CIs to have a successful social life through interaction with people around them.
Dermatitis artefacta in the orofacial region: a case report with literature review
Authors: Patel Nutan , Mumtaz Shadaab , Deroide Florence , Amini Ali
Published: April 2023

In spite of wide prevalence, deliberate self-injury in the oro-facial region is rarely reported in literature. It is also associated with misinterpretation related to ‘attention seeking’ or ‘mental health crises’ leading to deficient understanding of this phenomenon. A literature review was performed using online search databases looking at dermatitis artefacta in the head and neck region. A case of a patient who was seen in our unit is also presented to give important insights into this condition. In total, 54 cases from 15 publications were included in this observational study. Female gender predilection was notable (4:1) with an average presenting age of 30 years. The face itself was more frequently injured, along with the neck and scalp. Only one-third (34%) of the patients were known to have psychiatric conditions, such as depressive and personality disorders. Dermatitis artefacta is a well-known skin condition caused by deliberate self-injury. It is a complex entity that is frequently unrecognized and underdiagnosed.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Understanding dermatitis artefacta will facilitate correct diagnosis and improve patient care.
Case report of an Afro-Caribbean adolescent with moderate hypodontia managed with a partial flexible denture
Authors: Ramlogan Shaun , Raman Vidya
Published: April 2023

A 14-year-old male of Afro-Caribbean descent presented with moderate hypodontia, missing some of the permanent mandibular premolars and the lower central incisors, which was a rare finding. There were no apparent associated systemic or syndromic relationships. The main dental concerns were aesthetics, function and space maintenance until adolescent craniofacial bone growth had ceased. Thus, an initial intervention entailed provision of a unilateral removable partial flexible denture that was acceptable to the patient and provided a suitable aesthetic result for the young person. This approach was preferred to a ‘band and loop’ appliance proposed in the literature because the removable partial denture supported function and aesthetics.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Unilateral removable partial flexible dentures may be useful in mid-adolescent cases of hypodontia.
An overzealous use of zinc oxide: zinc toxicity from temporary dental cement
Authors: George Ifan , Friend Thomas , McNally Lisa
Published: April 2023

A 52-year-old male attended a dental hospital following a referral from a royal infirmary regarding hyperzincaemia (zinc toxicity) and hypocupraemia (low copper levels). The patient had been using an excessive amount of over-the-counter zinc oxide temporary dental material for the previous 18 months owing to a phobia of dentists and misconception about amalgam fillings as caries. This resulted in acquired peripheral neuropathy, muscle weakness and the inability to walk without wheelchair aid. We present the reasons clear warnings should be in place and education is required for the general public when self-prescribing with ‘at-home’ dental kits.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: It is important to break down patient barriers to accessing dental care.
Complications and maintenance in prosthodontic care: removable partial dentures
Authors: Khalid Taimur
Published: April 2023

The number of partially dentate adults is increasing, and many patients will require replacement of missing teeth. Oral rehabilitation with removable partial dentures (RPD) is a less time-consuming and a low-cost, conservative treatment alternative that meets the functional and aesthetics needs for many partially dentate patients. Given the high prevalence of RPD usage, it is pertinent to question its impact on general and oral health. However, there is limited evidence on the maintenance and recall regimens for patients with RPDs. Therefore, this article reviews and evaluates the available scientific evidence on complications, and patient recall and maintenance regimens.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: An understanding of the complications associated with removable partial dentures will help us strategize patient maintenance regimens.
Application for evaluation of the uniformity of systems of pressurized irrigation
Authors: Silva Daniela Andreska da , Mariano Arthur Breno Rocha , Silva Denilson Raimundo da , Sousa Alan Bernard Oliveira de
Published: April 2023

The evaluation and monitoring of the performance of irrigation systems are crucial in maintaining water efficiency and conservation of water and energy resources. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop and validate an application for the coefficient of uniformity coordinators of pressurized irrigation systems. So, the UniIrrig® application was developed, using the integrated development environment Android Studio10 version 4.0.1, in JAVA language, with applicability in devices with the Android operating system. For quantitative verification, the same input values in the UniIrrig® application were also inserted in Microsoft® Excel 2010, in all uniformity conductors used in the application. For the qualitative analysis, together with the experience of the user, 68 students of the Agronomy course at the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) participated in tests in order to evaluate the perception of usability, design, usefulness, and general satisfaction of the tool. To validate the application in the field, a uniformity test was carried out on a center pivot in the municipality of Cascavel, Ceará state, with the aid of collectors (Kit Fabrimar) to deliver the applied depth and the consequent result of the distribution uniformity coefficient (DUC), of Hart (HDC) and weighted mean depth analysis. These values were compared to the results obtained in Microsoft® Excel 2010. The dynamic analysis of the data evolved in “r”= 1, thus providing perfect adaptation between the results obtained by the application and by Microsoft® Excel, finding an error equal to zero. In the qualitative assessment, 84.1% consider the application a good tool for coefficient determination. It is concluded that the UniIrrig® application, designed for the Android operating system, can be used to quantify the assessed irrigation uniformity coefficients.
Single-shot extended field of view imaging using point spread function engineering
Authors: Malik Ritika , Khare Kedar
Published: April 2023

We present a single-shot computational imaging system employing pupil phase engineering to extend the field of view (FOV) beyond the physical sensor limit. Our approach uses a point spread function in the form of a multiple-point impulse response (MPIR). Unlike the traditional point-to-point imaging model used by most traditional optical imaging systems, the proposed MPIR model can collect information from within and outside the sensor boundary. The detected raw image despite being scrambled can be decoded via a sparse optimization algorithm to get extended FOV imaging performance. We provide a thorough analysis of MPIR design regarding the number of impulses and their spatial extent. Increasing the number of impulses in MPIR of a given spatial extent leads to better information gathering within the detector region; however, it also reduces contrast in the raw data. Therefore, a trade-off between increasing the information and keeping adequate contrast in the detected data is necessary to achieve high-quality reconstruction. We first illustrate this trade-off with a simulation study and present experimental results on a suitably designed extended FOV imaging system. We demonstrate reconstructed images with a 4× gain in pixels over the native detection area without loss of spatial resolution. The proposed system design considerations are generic and can be applied to various imaging systems for extended FOV performance.
Casimir interaction with black phosphorus sheets
Authors: Wang Lei , Sun Haiqing , Jia YongLei , Ge Lixin , Ji Zhichao , Gong Ke
Published: April 2023

We calculate the Casimir interaction between isotropic plates (gold or graphene) and black phosphorus (BP) sheets with Lifshitz theory. It is found that the Casimir force with BP sheets is of the order of α times the perfect metal limit, and α is the fine structure constant. Strong anisotropy of the BP conductivity gives rise to a difference in the Casimir force contribution between the two principal axis. Furthermore, increasing the doping concentration both in BP sheets and graphene sheets can enhance the Casimir force. Moreover, introducing substrate and increased temperature can also enhance the Casimir force, by this way we reveal that the Casimir interaction can be doubled. The controllable Casimir force opens a new avenue for designing next generation devices in micro- and nano-electromechanical systems.