bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnesium- and intermetallic alloys-based hydrides for energy storage: modelling, synthesis and properties
Authors: Pasquini Luca , Sakaki Kouji , Akiba Etsuo , Allendorf Mark D , Alvares Ebert , Ares Josè R , Babai Dotan , Baricco Marcello , Bellosta von Colbe Josè , Bereznitsky Matvey , Buckley Craig E , Cho Young Whan , Cuevas Fermin , de Rango Patricia , Dematteis Erika Michela , Denys Roman V , Dornheim Martin , Fernández J F , Hariyadi Arif , Hauback Bjørn C , Heo Tae Wook , Hirscher Michael , Humphries Terry D , Huot Jacques , Jacob Isaac , Jensen Torben R , Jerabek Paul , Kang Shin Young , Keilbart Nathan , Kim Hyunjeong , Latroche Michel , Leardini F , Li Haiwen , Ling Sanliang , Lototskyy Mykhaylo V , Mullen Ryan , Orimo Shin-ichi , Paskevicius Mark , Pistidda Claudio , Polanski Marek , Puszkiel Julián , Rabkin Eugen , Sahlberg Martin , Sartori Sabrina , Santhosh Archa , Sato Toyoto , Shneck Roni Z , Sørby Magnus H , Shang Yuanyuan , Stavila Vitalie , Suh Jin-Yoo , Suwarno Suwarno , Thi Thu Le , Wan Liwen F , Webb Colin J , Witman Matthew , Wan ChuBin , Wood Brandon C , Yartys Volodymyr A
Published: June 2022

Hydrides based on magnesium and intermetallic compounds provide a viable solution to the challenge of energy storage from renewable sources, thanks to their ability to absorb and desorb hydrogen in a reversible way with a proper tuning of pressure and temperature conditions. Therefore, they are expected to play an important role in the clean energy transition and in the deployment of hydrogen as an efficient energy vector. This review, by experts of Task 40 ‘Energy Storage and Conversion based on Hydrogen’ of the Hydrogen Technology Collaboration Programme of the International Energy Agency, reports on the latest activities of the working group ‘Magnesium- and Intermetallic alloys-based Hydrides for Energy Storage’. The following topics are covered by the review: multiscale modelling of hydrides and hydrogen sorption mechanisms; synthesis and processing techniques; catalysts for hydrogen sorption in Mg; Mg-based nanostructures and new compounds; hydrides based on intermetallic TiFe alloys, high entropy alloys, Laves phases, and Pd-containing alloys. Finally, an outlook is presented on current worldwide investments and future research directions for hydrogen-based energy storage.
Implicit-explicit relaxation Runge-Kutta methods: construction, analysis and applications to PDEs
Authors: Li Dongfang , Li Xiaoxi , Zhang Zhimin
Published: June 2022

Spatial discretizations of time-dependent partial differential equations usually result in a large system of semi-linear and stiff ordinary differential equations. Taking the structures into account, we develop a family of linearly implicit and high order accurate schemes for the time discretization, using the idea of implicit-explicit Runge-Kutta methods and the relaxation techniques. The proposed schemes are monotonicity-preserving/conservative for the original problems, while the previous linearized methods are usually not. We also discuss the linear stability and strong stability preserving (SSP) property of the new relaxation methods. Numerical experiments on several typical models are presented to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Hepatitis C viral clearance with coadministration of crushed sofosbuvir/velpatasvir and high-dose pantoprazole after liver transplantation
Authors: Pluckrose Dawn M , Szczepanik Amanda , Bova Sarah E , Freedman Sari R
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) allow for successful transplantation of livers from hepatitis C nucleic acid test (NAT)–positive donors to negative recipients. However, limited data exist to support crushing DAAs in patients with multiple absorption concerns or significant drug interactions.

Crushed sofosbuvir/velpatasvir has been successfully used in nontransplant patients with dysphagia, but data in transplant patients with absorption concerns are limited. A 31-year-old hepatitis C–negative female underwent liver transplantation from a hepatitis C NAT–positive donor. Her postoperative course was complicated by a mucormycosis infection, gastrointestinal bleed, and necrotizing pancreatitis requiring treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and pantoprazole 80 mg twice daily. Surgical interventions included an above-the-knee amputation and ileostomy. Hepatitis C treatment was initially delayed because of concern for reduced absorption with crushed DAA administration through the nasogastric (NG) tube, high ileostomy output, gastrointestinal bleed, pancreatitis, and a known drug interaction with pantoprazole. One month after transplantation, the patient’s bilirubin level remained elevated and hepatitis C treatment was initiated with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir. Crushed sofosbuvir/velpatasvir was mixed with 30 mL of water and administered through the NG tube daily. Hepatitis C viral loads were obtained weekly during treatment to monitor efficacy. Although the patient died before evaluation of sustained virological response at 12 weeks, hepatitis C viral clearance was observed within 4 weeks of initiating treatment.

Conclusion

A liver transplant patient exhibited viral clearance of hepatitis C following administration of crushed sofosbuvir/velpatasvir in the setting of multiple absorption concerns.
Functions and applications of glycolipid-hydrolyzing microbial glycosidases
Authors: Ishibashi Yohei
Published: June 2022

Glycolipids are important components of cell membranes in several organisms. The major glycolipids in mammals are glycosphingolipids (GSLs), which are composed of ceramides. In mammals, GSLs are degraded stepwise from the non-reducing end of the oligosaccharides via exo-type glycosidases. However, endoglycoceramidase (EGCase), an endo-type glycosidase found in actinomycetes, is a unique enzyme that directly acts on the glycosidic linkage between oligosaccharides and ceramides to generate intact oligosaccharides and ceramides. Three molecular species of EGCase, namely EGCase I, EGCase II, and endogalactosylceramidase, have been identified based on their substrate specificity. EGCrP1 and EGCrP2, which are homologs of EGCase in pathogenic fungi, were identified as the first fungal glucosylceramide- and sterylglucoside-hydrolyzing glycosidases, respectively. These enzymes are promising targets for antifungal drugs against pathogenic fungi. This review describes the functions and properties of these microbial glycolipid-degrading enzymes, the molecular basis of their differential substrate specificity, and their applications.
meGPS: a multi-omics signature for hepatocellular carcinoma detection integrating methylome and transcriptome data
Authors: Wu Qiong , Zheng Xubin , Leung Kwong-Sak , Wong Man-Hon , Tsui Stephen Kwok-Wing , Cheng Lixin
Published: June 2022

Motivation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignancy with a poor prognosis. Recently, multi-omics molecular-level measurement enables HCC diagnosis and prognosis prediction, which is crucial for early intervention of personalized therapy to diminish mortality. Here, we introduce a novel strategy utilizing DNA methylation and RNA expression data to achieve a multi-omics gene pair signature (GPS) for HCC discrimination.

Results

The immune genes with negative correlations between expression and promoter methylation are enriched in the highly connected cancer-related pathway network, which are considered as the candidates for HCC detection. After that, we separately construct a methylation GPS (mGPS) and an expression GPS (eGPS), and then assemble them as a meGPS with five gene pairs, in which the significant methylation and expression changes occur between HCC tumor and non-tumor groups. Reliable performance has been validated by independent tissue (age, gender and etiology) and blood datasets. This study proposes a procedure for multi-omics GPS identification and develops a novel HCC signature using both methylome and transcriptome data, suggesting potential molecular targets for the detection and therapy of HCC.

Availability and implementation

Models are available at https://github.com/bioinformaticStudy/meGPS.git.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
OverProt: secondary structure consensus for protein families
Authors: Midlik Adam , Hutařová Vařeková Ivana , Hutař Jan , Chareshneu Aliaksei , Berka Karel , Svobodová Radka
Published: June 2022

Every protein family has a set of characteristic secondary structures. However, due to individual variations, a single structure is not enough to represent the whole family. OverProt can create a secondary structure consensus, showing the general fold of the family as well as its variation. Our server provides precomputed results for all CATH superfamilies and user-defined computations, visualized by an interactive viewer, which shows the secondary structure element type, length, frequency of occurrence, spatial variability and β-connectivity.

Availability and implementation

OverProt Server is freely available at https://overprot.ncbr.muni.cz.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Outbreak at a College With High Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination Coverage—Connecticut, August 2021–September 2021
Authors: Bart Stephen M , Curtiss Christina C , Earnest Rebecca , Lobe-Costonis Rachel , Peterson Hanna , McWilliams Caroline , Billig Kendall , Hadler James L , Grubaugh Nathan D , Arcelus Victor J , Sosa Lynn E
Published: June 2022

Background

During August 2021–September 2021, a Connecticut college experienced a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Delta variant outbreak despite high (99%) vaccination coverage, indoor masking policies, and twice-weekly testing. The Connecticut Department of Public Health investigated characteristics associated with infection and phylogenetic relationships among cases.

Methods

A case was a SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosed by a viral test during August 2021–September 2021 in a student. College staff provided enrollment and case information. An anonymous online student survey collected demographics, SARS-CoV-2 case and vaccination history, and activities preceding the outbreak. Multivariate logistic regression identified characteristics associated with infection. Phylogenetic analyses compared 115 student viral genome sequences with contemporaneous community genomes.

Results

Overall, 199 of 1788 students (11%) had laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection; most were fully vaccinated (194 of 199, 97%). Attack rates were highest among sophomores (72 of 414, 17%) and unvaccinated students (5 of 18, 28%). Attending in-person classes with an infectious student was not associated with infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], .5–2.2). Compared with uninfected students, infected students were more likely to be sophomores (aOR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.1–10.7), attend social gatherings before the outbreak (aOR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.3–6.4), and complete a vaccine series ≥180 days prior (aOR, 5.5; 95% CI, 1.8–16.2). Phylogenetic analyses suggested a common viral source for most cases.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 infection in this highly vaccinated college population was associated with unmasked off-campus social gatherings, not in-person classes. Students should stay up to date on vaccination to reduce infection.
Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes Associated With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection During Pregnancy, Florida, 2020–2021: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Doyle Timothy J , Kiros Gebre egziabhe , Schmitt-Matzen Emily N , Propper Randy , Thompson Angela , Phillips-Bell Ghasi S
Published: June 2022

Background

The objective was to estimate risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in pregnancy and assess adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Methods

We used a population-based, retrospective cohort of all pregnancies with a live birth or fetal death in Florida from 1 March 2020 to 30 April 2021. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case reports were matched to vital registries. Outcomes assessed were risk of infection in pregnancy, preterm birth, maternal or neonatal admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), perinatal or fetal death, and maternal death. Modified Poisson and multinomial logistic regression models were used to derive relative risk estimates.

Results

Of 234 492 women with a live birth or fetal death during the study period, 12 976 (5.5%) were identified with COVID-19 during pregnancy. Risk factors for COVID-19 in pregnancy included Hispanic ethnicity (relative risk [RR] = 1.89), Black race (RR = 1.34), being unmarried (RR = 1.04), and being overweight or obese pre-pregnancy (RR = 1.08–1.32). COVID-19 during pregnancy was associated with preterm birth (RR = 1.31), Cesarean delivery (RR = 1.04), and neonatal (RR = 1.17) and maternal (RR = 3.10) ICU admission; no association was found with increased risk of perinatal (RR = 0.72) or fetal death (RR = 0.86). Women infected during any trimester showed increased risk of preterm birth. Fourteen maternal deaths were identified among COVID-19 cases; of those who died, 12 were obese. The death rate per 10 000 was 22.09 among obese and 1.22 among non-obese gravida with COVID-19 during pregnancy (RR = 18.99, P = .001).

Conclusions

Obesity is a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and for more severe COVID-19 illness among pregnant women. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with preterm birth.
Messenger RNA Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination With BNT162b2 Increased Risk of Bell’s Palsy: A Nested Case-Control and Self-Controlled Case Series Study
Authors: Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Chui Celine Sze Ling , Ng Vanessa Wai Sei , Wang Yuan , Yan Vincent Ka Chun , Lam Ivan Chun Hang , Fan Min , Lai Francisco Tsz Tsun , Chan Esther Wai Yin , Li Xue , Wong Carlos King Ho , Chung Raccoon Ka Cheong , Cowling Benjamin John , Fong Wing Chi , Lau Alexander Yuk Lun , Mok Vincent Chung Tong , Chan Frank Ling Fung , Lee Cheuk Kwong , Chan Lot Sze Tao , Lo Dawin , Lau Kui Kai , Hung Ivan Fan Ngai , Lau Chak Sing , Leung Gabriel Matthew , Wong Ian Chi Kei
Published: June 2022

Background

Observable symptoms of Bell’s palsy following vaccinations arouse concern over the safety profiles of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. However, there are only inconclusive findings on Bell’s palsy following messenger (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccination. This study aims to update the previous analyses on the risk of Bell’s palsy following mRNA (BNT162b2) COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods

This study included cases aged ≥16 years with a new diagnosis of Bell’s palsy within 28 days after BNT162b2 vaccinations from the population-based electronic health records in Hong Kong. Nested case-control and self-controlled case series (SCCS) analyses were used, where the association between Bell’s palsy and BNT162b2 was evaluated using conditional logistic and Poisson regression, respectively.

Results

Totally 54 individuals were newly diagnosed with Bell’s palsy after BNT162b2 vaccinations. The incidence of Bell’s palsy was 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–2.07) per 100 000 doses administered. The nested case-control analysis showed significant association between BNT162b2 vaccinations and Bell’s palsy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.543; 95% CI, 1.123–2.121), with up to 1.112 excess events per 100 000 people who received 2 doses of BNT162b2. An increased risk of Bell’s palsy was observed during the first 14 days after the second dose of BNT162b2 in both nested case-control (aOR, 2.325; 95% CI, 1.414–3.821) and SCCS analysis (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.32–4.50).

Conclusions

There was an overall increased risk of Bell’s palsy following BNT162b2 vaccination, particularly within the first 14 days after the second dose, but the absolute risk was very low.
Administrators’ Perception of School Social Work
Authors: Stalnecker Deirdre , Tan Kevin , Alvarez Michelle E
Published: June 2022

This study addresses a gap in the literature by examining K–12 administrators’ perceptions of school social workers’ usage of student data. Before the start of the 2020–2021 school year, school social workers from a national organization invited their administrators via email to complete a survey, producing 48 responses. Administrators perceived that the top tasks of school social workers were in the areas of crisis intervention, community resource referrals, and student consultations for teachers and staff. Administrators also indicated that the data most frequently reported to them by school social workers were attendance-related information, and they were not aware of other educational-related data reported by school social workers. Administrators shared that, while they would prefer formal reporting, school social workers were more likely to report data through informal conversations. Overall, this article underscores the need for school social workers to examine their data use practices with K–12 administrators to better advocate for student needs and place greater emphasis on their data use practices in promoting systematic changes. Data use is a powerful tool in demonstrating the relationship between school social work and student outcomes.
Evaluating (weighted) dynamic treatment effects by double machine learning
Authors: Bodory Hugo , Huber Martin , Lafférs Lukáš
Published: June 2022

We consider evaluating the causal effects of dynamic treatments, i.e., of mul-tiple treatment sequences in various periods, based on double machine learning to control for observed, time-varying covariates in a data-driven way under a selection-on-observables assumption. To this end, we make use of so-called Neyman-orthogonal score functions, which imply the robustness of treatment effect estimation to moderate (local) misspecifications of the dynamic outcome and treatment models. This robustness property permits approximating outcome and treatment models by double machine learning even under high-dimensional covariates. In addition to effect estimation for the total population, we consider weighted estimation that permits assessing dynamic treatment effects in specific subgroups, e.g., among those treated in the first treatment period. We demonstrate that the estimators are asymptotically normal and $\sqrt{n}$-consistent under specific regularity conditions and investigate their finite sample properties in a simulation study. Finally, we apply the methods to the Job Corps study.
On the prospect of achieving accurate joint estimation of selection with population history
Authors: Johri Parul , Eyre-Walker Adam , Gutenkunst Ryan N , Lohmueller Kirk E , Jensen Jeffrey D
Published: June 2022

As both natural selection and population history can affect genome-wide patterns of variation, disentangling the contributions of each has remained as a major challenge in population genetics. We here discuss historical and recent progress towards this goal—highlighting theoretical and computational challenges that remain to be addressed, as well as inherent difficulties in dealing with model complexity and model violations—and offer thoughts on potentially fruitful next steps.
Genome-wide association analysis and pathway enrichment provide insights into the genetic basis of photosynthetic responses to drought stress in Persian walnut
Authors: Arab Mohammad M , Brown Patrick J , Abdollahi-Arpanahi Rostam , Sohrabi Seyed Sajad , Askari Hossein , Aliniaeifard Sasan , Mokhtassi-Bidgoli Ali , Mesgaran Mohsen B , Leslie Charles A , Marrano Annarita , Neale David B , Vahdati Kourosh
Published: June 2022

Uncovering the genetic basis of photosynthetic trait variation under drought stress is essential for breeding climate-resilient walnut cultivars. To this end, we examined photosynthetic capacity in a diverse panel of 150 walnut families (1500 seedlings) from various agro-climatic zones in their habitats and grown in a common garden experiment. Photosynthetic traits were measured under well-watered (WW), water-stressed (WS) and recovery (WR) conditions. We performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using three genomic datasets: genotyping by sequencing data (∼43 K SNPs) on both mother trees (MGBS) and progeny (PGBS) and the Axiom™ Juglans regia 700 K SNP array data (∼295 K SNPs) on mother trees (MArray). We identified 578 unique genomic regions linked with at least one trait in a specific treatment, 874 predicted genes that fell within 20 kb of a significant or suggestive SNP in at least two of the three GWAS datasets (MArray, MGBS, and PGBS), and 67 genes that fell within 20 kb of a significant SNP in all three GWAS datasets. Functional annotation identified several candidate pathways and genes that play crucial roles in photosynthesis, amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, and signal transduction. Further network analysis identified 15 hub genes under WW, WS and WR conditions including GAPB, PSAN, CRR1, NTRC, DGD1, CYP38, and PETC which are involved in the photosynthetic responses. These findings shed light on possible strategies for improving walnut productivity under drought stress.
Scaling of Jumping Performance in Click Beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae)
Authors: Bolmin Ophelia , McElrath Thomas C , Wissa Aimy , Alleyne Marianne
Published: June 2022

Synopsis

Click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are known for their unique clicking mechanism that generates a powerful legless jump. From an inverted position, click beetles jump by rapidly accelerating their center of mass (COM) upwards. Prior studies on the click beetle jump have focused on relatively small species (body length ranging from 7 to 24 mm) and have assumed that the COM follows a ballistics trajectory during the airborne phase. In this study, we record the jump and the morphology of 38 specimens from diverse click beetle genera (body length varying from 7 to 37 mm) to investigate how body length and jumping performance scale across the mass range. The experimental results are used to test the ballistics motion assumption. We derive the first morphometric scaling laws for click beetles and provide evidence that the click beetle body scales isometrically with increasing body mass. Linear and nonlinear statistical models are developed to study the jumping kinematics. Modeling results show that mass is not a predictor of jump height, take-off angle, velocity at take-off, and maximum acceleration. The ballistics motion assumption is strongly supported. This work provides a modeling framework to reconstruct complete morphological data sets and predict the jumping performance of click beetles from various shapes and sizes.
∆8-THC, THC-O Acetates and CBD-di-O Acetate: Emerging Synthetic Cannabinoids Found in Commercially Sold Plant Material and Gummy Edibles
Authors: Holt Alaina K , Poklis Justin L , Peace Michelle R
Published: June 2022

Presented is the analysis of four cannabinoid-based products. These products were part of a case involving visual and auditory hallucinations that precipitated the commission of a felony and subsequent arrest. The products were labeled to contain ∆8-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆8-THC) or THC acetate (THC-O-A). Primary reference materials were not available for ∆8-THC-O-A, ∆10-THC-O-A, cannabidiol di-acetate (CBD-di-O-A) or respective deuterated internal standards. THC-O-A and CBD-di-O-A standards were prepared by derivatizing ∆8-THC, ∆9-THC, ∆10-THC, CBD, ∆9-THC-d3 and CBD-d3 using acetic anhydride. The cannabinoid-based products were determined to contain ∆8-THC, ∆8-THC-O-A, ∆9-THC-O-A and CBD-di-O-A and/or other phytocannabinoids using three different analytical techniques. Direct analysis in real-time–time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used for identifying exact masses. A gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer was used for the identification of compounds and to quantitate THC-O-As in the products. A liquid chromatograph–tandem mass spectrometer was used to identify and quantitate phytocannabinoids and CBD-di-O-A in the products. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report involving the identification of THC-O-As and CBD-di-O-A in commercially available products. Minimal clinical/pharmacological data is available for these emerging synthetic cannabinoids/novel psychoactive substances.
A weight optimization method for chemical safety evaluation indicators based on the bipartite graph and random walk
Authors: Du Junwei , Jing Guanghui , Hu Qiang
Published: June 2022

In the chemical safety evaluation system, the optimization of indicator weights needs to take both experts’ evaluations and the feedback on accident influences into account. Thus, this paper proposes a comprehensive weighting method based on the association bipartite graph (ABG). The accident influences and correlation intensity between the accident and the evaluation indicators are calculated on the ABG. A random walk algorithm, which integrates the objective influences of the accidents and the subjective evaluations of experts, is designed to realize the weight optimization. Experiments prove the effectiveness of the proposed method from the perspectives of weight ranking and fitting degree.
Stress-induced higher vein density in the C3–C4 intermediateMoricandia suffruticosaunder drought and heat stress
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyi , Liu Jun , Sun Xingchao , Kuang Chen , Liu Hongfang , Zhang Liang , Zheng Qiwei , Liu Jing , Li Jun , Wang Hanzhong , Hua Wei
Published: June 2022

The evolution of C4 photosynthesis involved multiple anatomical and physiological modifications, yet our knowledge of the genetic regulation involved remains elusive. In this study, systematic analyses were conducted comparing the C3–C4 intermediate Moricandia suffruticosa and its C3 relative Brassica napus (rapeseed). We found that the leaves of M. suffruticosa had significantly higher vein density than those of B. napus, and the vein density was further increased in M. suffruticosa under drought and heat stress. Moreover, the bundle sheath distance, as the mean distance from the outer wall of one bundle sheath to the outer wall of an adjacent one, decreased and the number of centripetal chloroplasts in bundle sheath cells was found to be altered in M. suffruticosa leaves under drought and heat treatments. These results suggest that abiotic stress can induce a change in an intermediate C3–C4 anatomy towards a C4-like anatomy in land plants. By integrating drought and heat factors, co-expression network and comparative transcriptome analyses between M. suffruticosa and B. napus revealed that inducible auxin signaling regulated vascular development, and autophagy-related vesicle trafficking processes were associated with this stress-induced anatomical change. Overexpressing three candidate genes, MsERF02, MsSCL01, and MsDOF01, increased leaf vein density and/or enhanced photosynthetic assimilation and drought adaptability in the transgenic lines. The findings of this study may improve our understanding of the genetic regulation and evolution of C4 anatomy.
Correlates of Dietary Behaviors Among Young Emirati Males Completing Compulsory Military Service
Authors: Malkawi Ahmad M , Meertens Ree M , Kremers Stef P J , van der Borgh-Sleddens Ester F C , Picknell Gareth C , Al Shehhi Mouza
Published: June 2022

Introduction

It is important to understand the correlates of different dietary behaviors in a military context in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to guide intervention development to prevent and treat obesity as it has a significant impact at the country and regional level. This study aimed to assess different dietary behaviors and their association with potential correlates including age, marital status, educational level, smoking status, screen time, dietary knowledge, eating self-efficacy, and general self-efficacy.

Materials and Methods

The study used a cross-sectional design and included 153 (M = 25.9 years, SD = ± 3.2) military recruits completing their basic training at a single military camp in the UAE. Dietary behaviors of these recruits were measured using the Arab Teens Lifestyle Study. Other potential correlates included dietary knowledge, general self-efficacy, and eating efficacy. The ethical approval was obtained from the research ethics committee in the UAE university.

Results

Daily intake of fruits, vegetables, and breakfast was reported by 14.4%, 25.5%, and 22.9% of the military recruits, respectively. Almost half of the recruits (46.4%) consumed sugar-sweetened drinks more than 3 times a week, 39.2% consumed fast food more than 3 times a week, and 37.3% consumed sweets/chocolates more than 3 times a week. Bivariate regression analyses revealed that eating self-efficacy was positively associated with breakfast and dairy food consumption, although it was inversely associated with sugar, fast-food, and French fries intake. Age was significantly and inversely associated with sugar, fast-food, and energy drink intake. Moreover, nutrition knowledge was significantly and positively correlated with vegetable intake and negatively correlated with energy drink consumption. Multiple regressions showed that lower age and lower eating self-efficacy were found to be the main predictors for sugar-sweetened drinks (adjusted R2 = 0.112) and fast-food intake (adjusted R2 = 0.084). Also, a higher dietary knowledge score was a predictor of vegetable intake (adjusted R2 = 0.093), although age and smoking predict energy drink intake (adjusted R2 = 0.225).

Conclusions

The results show that unhealthy eating patterns are common among new recruits in the UAE military. The study suggests that age, eating self-efficacy, and nutrition knowledge are the main correlates of selected dietary behaviors. Interventions are advised to target these correlates to achieve healthier dietary habits inside the military.
Chromatin accessibility analysis from fresh and cryopreserved human ovarian follicles
Authors: Shannon Jennifer , Sundaresan Aishwarya , Bukulmez Orhan , Jiao Zexu , Doody Kaitlin , Capelouto Sarah , Carr Bruce , Banaszynski Laura A
Published: June 2022

Understanding how gene regulatory elements influence ovarian follicle development has important implications in clinically relevant settings. This includes understanding decreased fertility with age and understanding the short-lived graft function commonly observed after ovarian tissue cryopreservation and subsequent autologous transplantation as a fertility preservation treatment. The Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin by sequencing (ATAC-seq) is a powerful tool to identify distal and proximal regulatory elements important for activity-dependent gene regulation and hormonal and environmental responses such as those involved in germ cell maturation and human fertility. Original ATAC protocols were optimized for fresh cells, a major barrier to implementing this technique for clinical tissue samples which are more often than not frozen and stored. While recent advances have improved data obtained from stored samples, this technique has yet to be applied to human ovarian follicles, perhaps due to the difficulty in isolating follicles in sufficient quantities from stored clinical samples. Further, it remains unknown whether the process of cryopreservation affects the quality of the data obtained from ovarian follicles. Here, we generate ATAC-seq data sets from matched fresh and cryopreserved human ovarian follicles. We find that data obtained from cryopreserved samples are of reduced quality but consistent with data obtained from fresh samples, suggesting that the act of cryopreservation does not significantly affect biological interpretation of chromatin accessibility data. Our study encourages the use of this method to uncover the role of chromatin regulation in a number of clinical settings with the ultimate goal of improving fertility.
Military service and alcohol use: a systematic narrative review
Authors: Osborne A K , Wilson-Menzfeld G , McGill G , Kiernan M D
Published: June 2022

Background

Despite research highlighting the role of alcohol in military life, specifically in relation to mental health and certain combat experiences, there is no synthesised evidence looking at the relationship between military service and alcohol use.

Aims

To synthesize and examine evidence exploring the relationship between military service and alcohol use.

Methods

Six databases were examined across a 10-year period. Papers were included if they involved a military population and focused on alcohol use. From 4046 papers identified, 29 papers were included in the review.

Results

Military characteristics and experience were linked to high levels of alcohol use across military populations. Societal and cultural factors also played a role in alcohol use in military populations. Predatory behaviour of alcohol establishments, pressures to conform, an acceptance of alcohol use, and the role of religious services and military affiliated social networks were all considered. Excessive drinking impacted physical and mental health. Those diagnosed with PTSD and associated symptoms appeared to have greater alcohol use.

Conclusions

This review identified certain characteristics and experiences of military service that are associated with higher levels of alcohol use. It is important to identify risk factors for alcohol misuse to develop appropriate policy, targeting prevention.
The apple BTB protein MdBT2 positively regulates MdCOP1 abundance to repress anthocyanin biosynthesis
Authors: Kang Hui , Zhang Ting-Ting , Li Yuan-Yuan , Lin-Wang Kui , Espley Richard V , Du Yuan-Peng , Guan Qing-Mei , Ma Feng-Wang , Hao Yu-Jin , You Chun-Xiang , Wang Xiao-Fei
Published: June 2022

The ubiquitin ligase CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1) plays a central role in light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis. However, the upstream regulatory factors of COP1 remain poorly understood, particularly in horticultural plants. Here, we identified an MdCOP1-interacting protein, BROAD-COMPLEX, TRAMTRACK AND BRIC A BRAC2 (MdBT2), in apple (Malus domestica). MdBT2 is a BTB protein that directly interacts with and stabilizes MdCOP1 by inhibiting self-ubiquitination. Fluorescence observation and cell fractionation assays showed that MdBT2 increased the abundance of MdCOP1 in the nucleus. Moreover, a series of phenotypic analyses indicated that MdBT2 promoted MdCOP1-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of the MdMYB1 transcription factor, inhibiting the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes and anthocyanin accumulation. Overall, our findings reveal a molecular mechanism by which MdBT2 positively regulates MdCOP1, providing insight into MdCOP1-mediated anthocyanin biosynthesis.
Development of a nonhuman primate model for mammalian bornavirus infection
Authors: Schlottau Kore , Feldmann Friederike , Hanley Patrick W , Lovaglio Jamie , Tang-Huau Tsing-Lee , Meade-White Kimberly , Callison Julie , Williamson Brandi N , Rosenke Rebecca , Long Dan , Wylezich Claudia , Höper Dirk , Herden Christiane , Scott Dana , Hoffmann Donata , Saturday Greg , Beer Martin , Feldmann Heinz
Published: June 2022

Until recently, it was assumed that members of the family Bornaviridae could not induce severe disease in humans. Today, however, Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1), as well as the more recently emerged variegated squirrel bornavirus 1 (VSBV-1), are known as causative agents of lethal encephalitis in humans. In order to establish animal models reflecting the pathogenesis in humans and for countermeasure efficacy testing, we infected twelve rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) either with VSBV-1 or with BoDV-1. For each virus, three monkeys each were inoculated with 2 × 104 focus forming units by the intracerebral route or by multiple peripheral routes (intranasal, conjunctival, intramuscular, and subcutaneous; same dose in total). All BoDV-1 and VSBV-1 intracerebrally infected monkeys developed severe neurological signs around 5 to 6 or 8 to 12 weeks postinfection, respectively. Focal myoclonus and tremors were the most prominent observations in BoDV-1 and VSBV-1-infected animals. VSBV-1-infected animals also showed behavioral changes. Only one BoDV-1 peripherally infected animal developed similar disease manifestations. All animals with severe clinical disease showed high viral loads in brain tissues and displayed perivascular mononuclear cuffs with a predominance of lymphocytes and similar meningeal inflammatory infiltrates. In summary, rhesus macaques intracerebrally infected with mammalian bornaviruses develop a human-like disease and may serve as surrogate models for human bornavirus infection.
Long-term preservation of biomolecules in lake sediments: potential importance of physical shielding by recalcitrant cell walls
Authors: Han Xingguo , Tolu Julie , Deng Longhui , Fiskal Annika , Schubert Carsten Johnny , Winkel Lenny H E , Lever Mark Alexander
Published: June 2022

Even though lake sediments are globally important organic carbon (OC) sinks, the controls on long-term OC storage in these sediments are unclear. Using a multiproxy approach, we investigate changes in diatom, green algae, and vascular plant biomolecules in sedimentary records from the past centuries across five temperate lakes with different trophic histories. Despite past increases in the input and burial of OC in sediments of eutrophic lakes, biomolecule quantities in sediments of all lakes are primarily controlled by postburial microbial degradation over the time scales studied. We, moreover, observe major differences in biomolecule degradation patterns across diatoms, green algae, and vascular plants. Degradation rates of labile diatom DNA exceed those of chemically more resistant diatom lipids, suggesting that chemical reactivity mainly controls diatom biomolecule degradation rates in the lakes studied. By contrast, degradation rates of green algal and vascular plant DNA are significantly lower than those of diatom DNA, and in a similar range as corresponding, much less reactive lipid biomarkers and structural macromolecules, including lignin. We propose that physical shielding by degradation-resistant cell wall components, such as algaenan in green algae and lignin in vascular plants, contributes to the long-term preservation of labile biomolecules in both groups and significantly influences the long-term burial of OC in lake sediments.
Recovery From Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: Behrman Basha , Aronow Wilbert S. , Frishman William H.
Published: June 2022

The treatment of heart failure is an evolving field of cardiology, with increasingly available therapeutics and significant disease burden. With the effective treatments available, we see a substantial patient population whose once reduced ejection fraction (EF) has normalized. Studies have assessed the natural history of these patients with improved EF and found improved mortality as compared with those patients with persistently reduced EF, with some evidence stating that each 5% increase in left ventricular EF correlates with a 4.9-fold decrease in the odds of mortality. This prognostic divergence has led to the recognition of this subset of patients as having a unique heart failure diagnosis, distinct from heart failure with reduced EF (HFrEF) or heart failure with preserved EF and to the adoption of the term heart failure with recovered EF. These patients, despite having improved mortality, do retain some of the molecular and histologic changes seen in HFrEF and are still at risk for decline in left ventricular function and adverse cardiac events, particularly when medical therapy is stopped. This distinction between recovery of EF and true myocardial recovery led to recent guidelines recommending continuation of guideline-directed medical therapy indefinitely, as well as surveillance echocardiography.
Barriers to Participation in Workplace Wellness Programs for People With Disabilities
Authors: Gillespie Megan E. , Nguyen Vinh , Demaya Diego , Frieden Lex
Published: June 2022

Objective

As workplace wellness programs become increasingly popular, many concerns have been raised that these programs are inaccessible or infringe upon the legal rights of people with disabilities. In response to those concerns, we investigated the experiences of workers with disabilities with barriers to access for workplace wellness programs.

Methods

We disseminated an electronic survey and conducted a descriptive statistical analysis assessing the demographics, behavior, and attitudes of people with disabilities toward workplace wellness programs.

Results

We found that the largest barriers to workplace participation are lack of access to careers dominated by large employers who offer more employee benefits and issues regarding barriers to access within those employers.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that there are significant barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in the workplace.
Factors Associated With COVID-19 Breakthrough Infections in Large Midwestern Healthcare System
Authors: Rivelli Anne , Fitzpatrick Veronica , Copeland Kenneth , Richards Jon
Published: June 2022

Objective

The aim of the study is to identify factors associated with breakthrough infection among a cohort of Midwestern healthcare personnel (HCP).

Methods

SARS-CoV-2–positive test results between March 1, 2020, and July 31, 2021, were collected from electronic medical records of HCP to identify breakthrough infections.

Results

Healthcare personnel who were younger than 35 years, received the Pfizer vaccine, and worked in COVID clinical units had greater adjusted odds of breakthrough infection. COVID infection before full vaccination was associated with reduced odds of breakthrough infection.

Conclusions

Our study concluded that the most vulnerable HCP are younger, working in COVID-19 clinical units, and received Pfizer-BioNTech primary series vaccines. Healthcare personnel who had COVID before vaccination were at reduced risk of breakthrough infection, indicating that supplemental immunity could better protect at-risk HCP groups.
Transanal Irrigation in Children: Treatment Success, Quality of Life, Adherence, Patient Experience, and Independence
Authors: Baaleman Desiree F. , Wegh Carrie A. M. , Hoogveld Maxime T. A. , Benninga Marc A. , Koppen Ilan J. N.
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

To investigate the clinical effectiveness and patient experience of transanal irrigation (TAI) in children with constipation or fecal incontinence.

Methods:

Combined retrospective and cross-sectional study including pediatric patients who used a Navina TAI system. We retrospectively collected baseline characteristics and data on treatment success at 1- and 6-month follow-up (FU). Treatment success was defined as defecating at least 3 times per week and having less than 1 episode of fecal incontinence per week. We cross-sectionally assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL), treatment adherence, treatment satisfaction (Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication [TSQM]), illness perceptions, medication beliefs, and patient empowerment with validated questionnaires.

Results:

Thirty-four patients were included (median age at start TAI: 11 years old [range, 6–18]), 32 in the retrospective review, and 26 in the cross-sectional survey (median of 3 years after initiation). Most patients were diagnosed with functional constipation (n = 26; 76%) or a neurogenic bowel disorder (n = 6; 18%). Treatment success rates significantly improved at each FU compared with baseline (baseline: 4/25 [16%]; 1-month FU: 12/16 [75%], P = 0.008; 6-month FU: 11/18 [61%], P = 0.016; cross-sectional FU: 13/26 [50%], P = 0.008). HRQoL scores were high (PedsQL median, 73 [IQR, 54–85]). Adherence (defined as Medication Adherence Report Scale [MARS] ≥ 23) was low (36%), whereas TSQM effectiveness scores were high (median, 69 [IQR, 47–86]). The majority of children (61%) reported an increase in independence since TAI treatment. Patient empowerment (GYPES) levels were similar to those reported in children with other chronic conditions.

Conclusions:

TAI with a Navina system is an effective bowel management system for children with intractable constipation or fecal incontinence.
Trichomonas vaginalis and Spontaneous Preterm Birth in a High-Risk Obstetric Cohort in Atlanta, GA
Authors: Young Marisa R. , Wall Kristin M. , Dude Carolynn M. , Burdette Emily R. , Jamieson Denise J. , Ofotokun Igho , Haddad Lisa B.
Published: June 2022

Background

Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is the most prevalent nonviral sexually transmitted infection globally, but routine screening is not recommended in HIV-negative individuals. There is a significant racial/ethnic health disparity in TV infection rates. Evidence regarding the association between TV and adverse perinatal outcomes is conflicting, but a recent large meta-analysis found a modest increased risk of preterm birth with TV infection (odds ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–1.50). The current study was undertaken to evaluate whether TV infection increases the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) in a high-risk obstetric cohort in Atlanta, GA.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women delivering at a safety-net hospital in Atlanta between July 2016 and June 2018. Women delivering a singleton live fetus at >20 weeks' gestation were included. The diagnosis of TV was by nucleic acid amplification testing. The outcome of interest was sPTB before 37 weeks' gestation. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to estimate the effect of TV on sPTB, controlling for confounding variables, including clinical and demographic characteristics. Several sensitivity analyses were undertaken.

Results

There were 3723 deliveries during the study period, and approximately half (46%) were screened for TV with nucleic acid amplification testing. After exclusions, the analytic cohort included 1629 women. Median age was 26 years (interquartile range, 22–31 years), and 70% of participants were listed as non-Hispanic Black in the electronic medical record. The prevalence of TV was 16% (n = 257). The sPTB rate was 7% (n = 112). In multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling, TV infection was not associated with a statistically significantly increased risk of sPTB (hazard ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.84–2.13; P = 0.22). Factors associated with sPTB included history of PTB, adequate plus or transfer of prenatal care (vs. adequate/intermediate prenatal care utilization using the Kotelchuck index), recreational substance use, and Chlamydia trachomatis diagnosed during the current pregnancy. Results were not substantively different in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

The prevalence of TV was high in this cohort. Its infection was not associated with a statistically significantly increased risk of sPTB. Nevertheless, the magnitude of effect is consistent with prior meta-analyses.