bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome diversity is a systematic source of variation in RNA-sequencing data
Authors: García-Nieto Pablo E. , Wang Ban , Fraser Hunter B.
Published: March 2022

RNA sequencing has been widely used as an essential tool to probe gene expression. While standard practices have been established to analyze RNA-seq data, it is still challenging to interpret and remove artifactual signals. Several biological and technical factors such as sex, age, batches, and sequencing technology have been found to bias these estimates. Probabilistic estimation of expression residuals (PEER), which infers broad variance components in gene expression measurements, has been used to account for some systematic effects, but it has remained challenging to interpret these PEER factors. Here we show that transcriptome diversity–a simple metric based on Shannon entropy–explains a large portion of variability in gene expression and is the strongest known factor encoded in PEER factors. We then show that transcriptome diversity has significant associations with multiple technical and biological variables across diverse organisms and datasets. In sum, transcriptome diversity provides a simple explanation for a major source of variation in both gene expression estimates and PEER covariates.
Oscillator decomposition of infant fNIRS data
Authors: Matsuda Takeru , Homae Fumitaka , Watanabe Hama , Taga Gentaro , Komaki Fumiyasu
Published: March 2022

The functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) can detect hemodynamic responses in the brain and the data consist of bivariate time series of oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxy-Hb) on each channel. In this study, we investigate oscillatory changes in infant fNIRS signals by using the oscillator decompisition method (OSC-DECOMP), which is a statistical method for extracting oscillators from time series data based on Gaussian linear state space models. OSC-DECOMP provides a natural decomposition of fNIRS data into oscillation components in a data-driven manner and does not require the arbitrary selection of band-pass filters. We analyzed 18-ch fNIRS data (3 minutes) acquired from 21 sleeping 3-month-old infants. Five to seven oscillators were extracted on most channels, and their frequency distribution had three peaks in the vicinity of 0.01-0.1 Hz, 1.6-2.4 Hz and 3.6-4.4 Hz. The first peak was considered to reflect hemodynamic changes in response to the brain activity, and the phase difference between oxy-Hb and deoxy-Hb for the associated oscillators was at approximately 230 degrees. The second peak was attributed to cardiac pulse waves and mirroring noise. Although these oscillators have close frequencies, OSC-DECOMP can separate them through estimating their different projection patterns on oxy-Hb and deoxy-Hb. The third peak was regarded as the harmonic of the second peak. By comparing the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) of two state space models, we determined that the time series of oxy-Hb and deoxy-Hb on each channel originate from common oscillatory activity. We also utilized the result of OSC-DECOMP to investigate the frequency-specific functional connectivity. Whereas the brain oscillator exhibited functional connectivity, the pulse waves and mirroring noise oscillators showed spatially homogeneous and independent changes. OSC-DECOMP is a promising tool for data-driven extraction of oscillation components from biological time series data.
Stonewall prevents expression of ectopic genes in the ovary and accumulates at insulator elements in D. melanogaster
Authors: Zinshteyn Daniel , Barbash Daniel A.
Published: March 2022

Germline stem cells (GSCs) are the progenitor cells of the germline for the lifetime of an animal. In Drosophila, these cells reside in a cellular niche that is required for both their maintenance (self-renewal) and differentiation (asymmetric division resulting in a daughter cell that differs from the GSC). The stem cell—daughter cell transition is tightly regulated by a number of processes, including an array of proteins required for genome stability. The germline stem-cell maintenance factor Stonewall (Stwl) associates with heterochromatin, but its molecular function is poorly understood. We performed RNA-Seq on stwl mutant ovaries and found significant derepression of many transposon families but not heterochromatic genes. We also discovered inappropriate expression of multiple classes of genes. Most prominent are testis-enriched genes, including the male germline sex-determination switch Phf7, the differentiation factor bgcn, and a large testis-specific gene cluster on chromosome 2, all of which are upregulated or ectopically expressed in stwl mutant ovaries. Surprisingly, we also found that RNAi knockdown of stwl in somatic S2 cells results in ectopic expression of these testis genes. Using parallel ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq experiments in S2 cells, we discovered that Stwl localizes upstream of transcription start sites and at heterochromatic sequences including repetitive sequences associated with telomeres. Stwl is also enriched at bgcn, suggesting that it directly regulates this essential differentiation factor. Finally, we identify Stwl binding motifs that are shared with known insulator binding proteins. We propose that Stwl affects gene regulation, including repression of male transcripts in the female germline, by binding insulators and establishing chromatin boundaries.
Trends in stroke admissions before, during and post-peak of the COVID-19 pandemic: A one-year experience from the Qatar stroke database
Authors: Akhtar Naveed , Kamran Saadat , Al-Jerdi Salman , Imam Yahia , Joseph Sujatha , Morgan Deborah , Abokersh Mohamed , Uy R. T. , Shuaib Ashfaq
Published: March 2022

Background

Several reports document a decrease in the rates of stroke hospital admissions during the covid-19 pandemic. There is very little information whether the admission rates will change as the infection is controlled. We report on our rates of admissions before, during and following the peak of covid-19 infections in a prospective database from Qatar.

Methods and results

The stroke admissions in the six months prior to COVID-19 pandemic averaged 229/month. There was a decrease to 157/month in March-June during the peak of the pandemic. In the 6 months following the peak, as covid-19 numbers began to decrease, the average numbers increased back to 192/month. There was an increase in severe ischemic strokes and decreased in functional recovery. The decreased admissions were mainly driven by fewer stroke mimics. Patients presenting with ischemic stroke or cerebral hemorrhage remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Fewer stroke mimics presenting to the hospital can explain the fewer admissions and poor outcome at the height of the covid-19 pandemic. The continued decrease in the number of ischemic stroke and stroke mimic admissions following the pandemic peak requires more study.
Using expert-elicitation to deliver biodiversity monitoring priorities on a Mediterranean island
Authors: Peyton J. , Hadjistylli M. , Tziortzis I. , Erotokritou E. , Demetriou M. , Samuel Y. , Anastasi V. , Fyttis G. , Hadjioannou L. , Ieronymidou C. , Kassinis N. , Kleitou P. , Kletou D. , Mandoulaki A. , Michailidis N. , Papatheodoulou A. , Payiattas G. , Sparrow D. , Sparrow R. , Turvey K. , Tzirkalli E. , Varnava A. I. , Pescott O. L.
Published: March 2022

Biodiversity monitoring plays an essential role in tracking changes in ecosystems, species distributions and abundances across the globe. Data collected through both structured and unstructured biodiversity recording can inform conservation measures designed to reduce, prevent, and reverse declines in valued biodiversity of many types. However, given that resources for biodiversity monitoring are limited, it is important that funding bodies prioritise investments relative to the requirements in any given region. We addressed this prioritisation requirement for a biodiverse Mediterranean island (Cyprus) using a three-stage process of expert-elicitation. This resulted in a structured list of twenty biodiversity monitoring needs; specifically, a hierarchy of three groups of these needs was created using a consensus approach. The most highly prioritised biodiversity monitoring needs were those related to the development of robust survey methodologies, and those ensuring that sufficiently skilled citizens are available to contribute. We discuss ways that the results of our expert-elicitation process could be used to support current and future biodiversity monitoring in Cyprus.
Profiling RT-LAMP tolerance of sequence variation for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection
Authors: Tamanaha Esta , Zhang Yinhua , Tanner Nathan A.
Published: March 2022

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has necessitated a dramatic increase in our ability to conduct molecular diagnostic tests, as accurate detection of the virus is critical in preventing its spread. However, SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to emerge, with each new variant potentially affecting widely-used nucleic acid amplification diagnostic tests. RT-LAMP has been adopted as a quick, inexpensive diagnostic alternative to RT-qPCR, but as a newer method, has not been studied as thoroughly. Here we interrogate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 sequence mutations on RT-LAMP amplification, creating 523 single point mutation “variants” covering every position of the LAMP primers in 3 SARS-CoV-2 assays and analyzing their effects with over 4,500 RT-LAMP reactions. Remarkably, we observed only minimal effects on amplification speed and no effect on detection sensitivity at positions equivalent to those that significantly impact RT-qPCR assays. We also created primer sets targeting a specific short deletion and observed that LAMP is able to amplify even with a primer containing multiple consecutive mismatched bases, albeit with reduced speed and sensitivity. This highlights RT-LAMP as a robust technique for viral RNA detection that can tolerate most mutations in the primer regions. Additionally, where variant discrimination is desired, we describe the use of molecular beacons to sensitively distinguish and identify variant RNA sequences carrying short deletions. Together these data add to the growing body of knowledge on the utility of RT-LAMP and increase its potential to further our ability to conduct molecular diagnostic tests outside of the traditional clinical laboratory environment.
A novel autotransfusion device saving erythrocytes and platelets used in a 72 h survival swine model of surgically induced controlled blood loss
Authors: Schreiber Kévin , Decouture Benoit , Lafragette Audrey , Chollet Stéphane , Bruneau Marine , Nicollet Maxence , Wittmann Catherine , Gadrat Francis , Mansour Alexandre , Forest-Villegas Patricia , Gauthier Olivier , Touzot-Jourde Gwenola
Published: March 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to develop a swine model of surgically induced blood loss to evaluate the performances of a new autotransfusion system allowing red blood cells and platelets preservation while collecting, washing and concentrating hemorrhagic blood intraoperatively.

Methods

Two types of surgically induced blood loss were used in 12 minipigs to assess system performance and potential animal complications following autotransfusion: a cardiac model (cardiopulmonary bypass) and a visceral model (induced splenic bleeding). Animal clinical and hematological parameters were evaluated at different time-points from before bleeding to the end of a 72-hour post-transfusion period and followed by a post-mortem examination. System performances were evaluated by qualitative and quantitative parameters.

Results

All animals that received the autotransfusion survived. Minimal variations were seen on the red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit at the different sampling times. Coagulation tests failed to show any hypo or hypercoagulable state. Gross and histologic examination didn’t reveal any thrombotic lesions. Performance parameters exceeded set objectives in both models: heparin clearance (≥ 90%), final heparin concentration (≤ 0.5 IU/mL), free hemoglobin washout (≥ 90%) and hematocrit (between 45% and 65%). The device treatment rate of diluted blood was over 80 mL/min.

Conclusions

In the present study, both animal models succeeded in reproducing clinical conditions of perioperative cardiac and non-cardiac blood loss. Sufficient blood was collected to allow evaluation of autotransfusion effects on animals and to demonstrate the system performance by evaluating its capacity to collect, wash and concentrate red blood cells and platelets. Reinfusion of the treated blood, containing not only concentrated red blood cells but also platelets, did not lead to any postoperative adverse nor thrombogenic events. Clinical and comparative studies need to be conducted to confirm the clinical benefit of platelet reinfusion.
An evidence synthesis approach for combining different data sources illustrated using entomological efficacy of insecticides for indoor residual spraying
Authors: Green Nathan , Agossa Fiacre , Yovogan Boulais , Oxborough Richard , Kitau Jovin , Müller Pie , Constant Edi , Rowland Mark , Tchacaya Emile F. S. , Benjamin Koudou G. , Churcher Thomas S. , Betancourt Michael , Sherrard-Smith Ellie
Published: March 2022

Background

Prospective malaria public health interventions are initially tested for entomological impact using standardised experimental hut trials. In some cases, data are collated as aggregated counts of potential outcomes from mosquito feeding attempts given the presence of an insecticidal intervention. Comprehensive data i.e. full breakdowns of probable outcomes of mosquito feeding attempts, are more rarely available. Bayesian evidence synthesis is a framework that explicitly combines data sources to enable the joint estimation of parameters and their uncertainties. The aggregated and comprehensive data can be combined using an evidence synthesis approach to enhance our inference about the potential impact of vector control products across different settings over time.

Methods

Aggregated and comprehensive data from a meta-analysis of the impact of Pirimiphos-methyl, an indoor residual spray (IRS) product active ingredient, used on wall surfaces to kill mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission, were analysed using a series of statistical models to understand the benefits and limitations of each.

Results

Many more data are available in aggregated format (N = 23 datasets, 4 studies) relative to comprehensive format (N = 2 datasets, 1 study). The evidence synthesis model had the smallest uncertainty at predicting the probability of mosquitoes dying or surviving and blood-feeding. Generating odds ratios from the correlated Bernoulli random sample indicates that when mortality and blood-feeding are positively correlated, as exhibited in our data, the number of successfully fed mosquitoes will be under-estimated. Analysis of either dataset alone is problematic because aggregated data require an assumption of independence and there are few and variable data in the comprehensive format.

Conclusions

We developed an approach to combine sources from trials to maximise the inference that can be made from such data and that is applicable to other systems. Bayesian evidence synthesis enables inference from multiple datasets simultaneously to give a more informative result and highlight conflicts between sources. Advantages and limitations of these models are discussed.
Determinants of early neonatal outcomes after emergency cesarean delivery at Hawassa University comprehensive specialised hospital, Hawassa, Ethiopia
Authors: Elias Solomon , Wolde Zenebe , Tantu Temesgen , Gunta Muluken , Zewudu Dereje
Published: March 2022

Background

Neonatal mortality after cesarean delivery is three folds higher than mortality after vaginal births. Post cesarean early neonatal outcomes are associated with preoperative and intraoperative fetomaternal factors which are preventable in the majority of cases.

Objective

To identify determinants of early neonatal outcomes after emergency cesarean delivery at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia.

Method

Institution based cross sectional study was conducted on 270 emergency cesarean deliveries. Data were collected by using a pretested questionnaire by trained data collectors. Descriptive analysis was used to see the nature of the characteristics of interests. Pearson chi-square-test was used to check presence of association between independent and outcome variables. Bivariate analysis was used to sort out variables at p values less than 0.05 for multivariate logistic regression. Significance level was obtained using odds ratio with 95% CI and p value < 0.05.

Results

The prevalence of adverse early neonatal outcome after emergency cesarean delivery was 26.7%. Around 11% of newborns had low (<7) fifth minute Apgar score and more than one-third (34.8%) of them admitted to neonatal intensive care unit for more than 24 hours. Fifteen (5.6%) newborns died within their first seven days of life. Neonates with a preoperative meconium-stained amniotic fluid and low birth weight (< 2500 grams) had greater odds of having adverse early neonatal outcome with (AOR = 6.37; 95% CI: 2.64, 15.34) and (AOR = 14.00; 95% CI: 3.64, 53.84) respectively.

Conclusion

The prevalence of adverse early neonatal outcome is high in this study and meconium-stained amniotic fluid during labor as well as low birth weight were the leading predictors of adverse early neonatal outcome during emergency cesarean delivery.
Identification of male and female pupal characteristics of Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) via machine vision
Authors: Lian Yuyang , Wang Aqiang , Zeng Bei , Yang Heming , Li Jinlei , Peng Sihua , Zhou Shihao
Published: March 2022

Images of original pupae of Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) were normalized, grayed, and segmented to identify male and female pupae of this species via machine vision. The image of each pupa was divided into 25 small areas. The differences in surface texture features in each small area within 11 days were compared. The texture characteristics of both male and female pupae were screened by combining the eclosion of both sexes of Z. cucurbitae (Coquillett). Results indicated that the pectinate setae on the abdominal backplane could be used as a basis for the identification of the male and female pupa of Z. cucurbitae (Coquillett). Moreover, machine vision correctly identified these characteristics with an accuracy of 96.0%. This study lays a foundation for the identification of male and female pupae using machine vision and also for the comprehensive control of Z. cucurbitae (Coquillett).
The association of COVID-19 employment shocks with suicide and safety net use: An early-stage investigation
Authors: Ando Michihito , Furuichi Masato
Published: March 2022

This paper examines whether the COVID-19-induced employment shocks are associated with increases in suicides and safety net use in the second and third quarters of 2020. We exploit plausibly exogenous regional variation in the magnitude of the employment shocks in Japan and adopt a difference-in-differences research design to examine and control for possible confounders. Our preferred point estimates suggest that a one-percentage-point increase in the unemployment rate in the second quarter of 2020 is associated with, approximately, an additional 0.52 suicides, 28 unemployment benefit recipients, 88 recipients of a temporary loan program, and 10 recipients of public assistance per 100,000 population per month. A simple calculation based on these estimates suggests that if a region experienced a one-percentage-point increase in the unemployment rate caused by the COVID-19 crisis in the second quarter of 2020, which is roughly equivalent to the third-highest regional employment shock, this would be associated with 37.4%, 60.5%, and 26.5% increases in the total, female, and male suicide rates respectively in July 2020 compared with July 2019. These results are primarily correlational rather than causal due to the limitation of our data and research design, but our baseline findings are robust to several different model specifications.
Hospital homebound students and K-12 online schooling
Authors: Black Erik W. , Ferdig Richard E. , Fleetwood April , Thompson Lindsay A.
Published: March 2022

The flexibility afforded by online education may provide opportunities for learners with disability who require absence from traditional learning environments. This study sought to describe how a subset of learners with disability, those with hospital-homebound designation, perform in K-12 online classes, particularly as compared to non-hospital homebound counterparts. A cross-sectional analysis was performed of all Florida Virtual School course enrollments from August 1, 2012 to July 31, 2018. Researchers analyzed 2,534 course enrollments associated with K-12 students who, at the time of their course enrollment, had hospital-homebound designation, and a comparison group of 5,470,591 enrollments from K-12 students without hospital-homebound status. Data analysis showed three important outcomes. First, hospital-homebound designated student academic performance was equivalent to their non-hospital homebound counterparts. Second, however, hospital-homebound course enrollments were 26% more likely to result in a withdrawal prior to grade generation. Third, these withdrawals were potentially mitigated when H/H designated students were enrolled in five or more classes or in classes with five or more students. The results of this study provided evidence that when they can remain enrolled, hospital-homebound learners experience equivalent academic outcomes in online learning environments. These findings suggest that healthcare professionals should be made aware of the potentially equivalent outcomes for their patients. Moreover, virtual schools should seek to identify and create supports for these students.
A molecular insight into the lipid changes of pig Longissimus thoracis muscle following dietary supplementation with functional ingredients
Authors: Rocchetti Gabriele , Vitali Marika , Zappaterra Martina , Righetti Laura , Sirri Rubina , Lucini Luigi , Dall’Asta Chiara , Davoli Roberta , Galaverna Gianni
Published: March 2022

In this work, the Longissimus thoracis pig skeletal muscle was used as a model to investigate the impact of two different diets, supplemented with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from extruded linseed (L) and polyphenols from grape skin and oregano extracts (L+P), on the lipidomic profile of meat. A standard diet for growing-finishing pigs (CTRL) was used as a control. Changes in lipids profile were investigated through an untargeted lipidomics and transcriptomics combined investigation. The lipidomics identified 1507 compounds, with 195 compounds fitting with the MS/MS spectra of LipidBlast database. When compared with the CTRL group, the L+P diet significantly increased 15 glycerophospholipids and 8 sphingolipids, while the L diet determined a marked up-accumulation of glycerolipids. According to the correlations outlined between discriminant lipids and genes, the L diet may act preventing adipogenesis and the related inflammation processes, while the L+P diet promoted the expression of genes involved in lipids’ biosynthesis and adipogenic extracellular matrix formation and functioning.
Gluten-free diet exposure prohibits pathobiont expansion and gluten sensitive enteropathy in B cell deficient JH-/- mice
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed Dawood , Hall Nia , Chatzistamou Ioulia , Jolly Amy , Kubinak Jason Lee
Published: March 2022

In humans, celiac disease (CeD) is a T-cell-driven gluten-sensitive enteropathy (GSE) localized to the small bowel (duodenum). The presence of antibodies specific for gluten- and self-antigens are commonly used diagnostic biomarkers of CeD and are considered to play a role in GSE pathogenesis. Previously, we have described an apparent T-cell-mediated GSE in CD19-/-mice, which develop weak and abnormal B cell responses. Here, we expand on this observation and use a mouse model of complete B cell deficiency (JH-/-mice), to show that absence of a humoral immune response also promotes development of a GSE. Furthermore, 16S analysis of microbial communities in the small intestine demonstrates that a gluten-free diet suppresses the expansion of anaerobic bacteria in the small intestine and colonization of the small intestine by a specific pathobiont. Finally, we also observe that SI enteropathy in mice fed a gluten-rich diet is positively correlated with the abundance of several microbial peptidase genes, which supports that bacterial metabolism of gluten may be an important driver of GSE in our model. Collectively, results from our experiments indicate that JH-/-mice will be a useful resource to investigators seeking to empirically delineate the contribution of humoral immunity on GSE pathogenesis, and support the hypothesis that humoral immunity promotes tolerance to gluten.
Future changes in the risk of compound hot and dry events over China estimated with two large ensembles
Authors: Tang Zhenfei , Yang Ting , Lin Xin , Li Xinxin , Cao Rong , Li Wei
Published: March 2022

Under the context of global warming, compound dry and hot events (CDHEs) will increase and bring serious losses to society and the economy. The projection of CDHEs is of great significance for policy-making and risk assessment. In this paper, two large ensemble simulations, CanESM2-LE and CESM-LE, are used to estimate the risk of extreme CDHEs under different warming scenarios in China. First, the biases of the model in the simulation of the temperature and precipitation over the China region are corrected, and the index of CDHEs is established based on a copula function. The results show that extreme CDHEs will occur more often in China with the increase in global warming and the more severe extreme CDHEs are, the greater the risk will be in the future with higher uncertainties. Events that would be attained once every 50 and 100 years in the current climate from CESM-LE (CAanESM2-LE) will be 1.2/1.6 (1.1/1.5) times and 1.3/2.3 (1.5/2.0) times more likely to occur in a 1.5°C/2.0°C warmer climate, respectively. Northwestern China will experience the greatest increase in the risk of extreme CDHEs. Extreme CDHEs expected once every 100 years in the current period over NW China are expected to occur approximately every 5 and 4 years under a 4.0°C warmer world in CanESM2-LE and CESM-LE, respectively.
miRNA-21 regulates CD69 and IL-10 expression in canine leishmaniasis
Authors: Bragato Jaqueline Poleto , Rebech Gabriela Torres , Freitas Jéssica Henrique de , Santos Marilene Oliveira dos , Costa Sidnei Ferro , Eugênio Flavia de Rezende , Santos Paulo Sérgio Patto dos , de Lima Valéria Marçal Felix
Published: March 2022

Visceral leishmaniasis in humans is a chronic and fatal disease if left untreated. Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a severe public health problem because infected animals are powerful transmitters of the parasite to humans via phlebotomine vectors. Therefore, dogs are an essential target for control measures. Progression of canine infection is accompanied by failure of cellular immunity with reduction of circulating lymphocytes and increased cytokines that suppress macrophage function. Studies showed that the regulation of the effector function of macrophages and T cells appears to depend on miRNAs; miRNA-21 (miR-21) shows increased expression in splenic leukocytes of dogs with CanL and targets genes related to the immune response. Mimics and inhibitors of miR-21 were used in vitro to transfect splenic leukocytes from dogs with CanL. After transfection, expression levels of the proteins FAS, FASL, CD69, CCR7, TNF-α, IL-17, IFN-γ, and IL-10 were measured. FAS, FASL, CD69, and CCR7 expression levels decreased in splenic leukocytes from dogs with CanL. The miR-21 mimic decreased CD69 expression in splenic leukocytes from CanL and healthy groups. The miR-21 inhibitor decreased IL-10 levels in culture supernatants from splenic leukocytes in the CanL group. These findings suggest that miR-21 alters the immune response in CanL; therefore, miR-21 could be used as a possible therapeutic target for CanL.
Altered stability of nuclear lamin-B marks the onset of aging in male Drosophila
Authors: Lin Wei-Qi , Ngian Zhen-Kai , Koh Tong-Wey , Ong Chin-Tong
Published: March 2022

Epigenetic alterations occur during aging, but it remains unclear what epigenetic features are associated with the onset of physiological decline in animals. Nuclear lamin-B forms the filamentous meshwork underneath the nuclear envelope, providing the structural scaffold necessary for genome organization and gene regulation. We found that reduced level of nuclear lamin-B protein coincides with the decline in locomotor activity and stress resistance in young adult male Drosophila. Ubiquitous lamin-B expression improves locomotor activity of the male flies at the expense of lower stress resistance and shorten lifespan. This observation suggests that tissue-specific expression of lamin-B may regulate different aspects of animal physiology during aging. To test this hypothesis, specific GAL-4 lines were used to drive the expression of lamin-B in specific neuronal populations and muscle tissues in male flies. Ectopic expression of lamin-B in the dopaminergic neurons within the protocerebral anterior medial region of the brain improves the locomotor activity of the male flies with little impact on their stress responses and lifespan. Interestingly, age-dependent decrease in the level of lamin-B protein is independent of its mRNA expression. Instead, cellular thermal shift assay showed that lamin-B and CP190 insulator protein undergo significant change in their solubility during aging. This suggests that the increased solubility of lamin-B protein may contribute to its reduced stability and degradation during aging.
CircuitBot: Learning to survive with robotic circuit drawing
Authors: Tan Xianglong , Lyu Weijie , Rosendo Andre
Published: March 2022

Robots with the ability to actively acquire power from surroundings will be greatly beneficial for long-term autonomy and to survive in uncertain environments. In this work, a scenario is presented where a robot has limited energy, and the only way to survive is to access the energy from an unregulated power source. With no wires or resistors available, the robot heuristically learns to maximize the input voltage on its system while avoiding potential obstacles during the connection. CircuitBot is a 6 DOF manipulator capable of drawing circuit patterns with graphene-based conductive ink, and it uses a state-of-the-art continuous/categorical Bayesian Optimization to optimize the placement of conductive shapes and maximize the energy it receives. Our comparative results with traditional Bayesian Optimization and Genetic algorithms show that the robot learns to maximize the voltage within the smallest number of trials, even when we introduce obstacles to ground the circuit and steal energy from the robot. As autonomous robots become more present, in our houses and other planets, our proposed method brings a novel way for machines to keep themselves functional by optimizing their own electric circuits.
Impact of the malaria comprehensive case management programme in Odisha, India
Authors: Pradhan Madan M. , Pradhan Sreya , Dutta Ambarish , Shah Naman K. , Valecha Neena , Joshi Pyare L. , Pradhan Khageshwar , Grewal Daumerie Penny , Banerji Jaya , Duparc Stephan , Mendis Kamini , Sharma Surya K. , Murugasampillay Shiva , Anvikar Anupkumar R.
Published: March 2022

Background

The Comprehensive Case Management Project (CCMP), was a collaborative implementation research initiative to strengthen malaria early detection and complete treatment in Odisha State, India.

Methods

A two-arm quasi-experimental design was deployed across four districts in Odisha, representing a range of malaria endemicity: Bolangir (low), Dhenkanal (moderate), Angul (high), and Kandhamal (hyper). In each district, a control block received routine malaria control measures, whereas a CCMP block received a range of interventions to intensify surveillance, diagnosis, and case management. Impact was evaluated by difference-in-difference (DID) analysis and interrupted time-series (ITS) analysis of monthly blood examination rate (MBER) and monthly parasite index (MPI) over three phases: phase 1 pre-CCMP (2009–2012) phase 2 CCMP intervention (2013–2015), and phase 3 post-CCMP (2016–2017).

Results

During CCMP implementation, adjusting for control blocks, DID and ITS analysis indicated a 25% increase in MBER and a 96% increase in MPI, followed by a –47% decline in MPI post-CCMP, though MBER was maintained. Level changes in MPI between phases 1 and 2 were most marked in Dhenkanal and Angul with increases of 976% and 287%, respectively, but declines in Bolangir (−57%) and Kandhamal (−22%). Between phase 2 and phase 3, despite the MBER remaining relatively constant, substantial decreases in MPI were observed in Dhenkanal (−78%), and Angul (−59%), with a more modest decline in Bolangir (−13%), and an increase in Kandhamal (14%).

Conclusions

Overall, CCMP improved malaria early detection and treatment through the enhancement of the existing network of malaria services which positively impacted case incidence in three districts. In Kandhamal, which is hyperendemic, the impact was not evident. However, in Dhenkanal and Angul, areas of moderate-to-high malaria endemicity, CCMP interventions precipitated a dramatic increase in case detection and a subsequent decline in malaria incidence, particularly in previously difficult-to-reach communities.
Temperature dependence of emission product distribution from vaping of vitamin E acetate
Authors: Canchola Alexa , Meletz Ruth , Khandakar Riste Ara , Woods Megan , Lin Ying-Hsuan
Published: March 2022

Nearly two years after vitamin E acetate (VEA) was identified as the potential cause of the 2019–2020 outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping product-associated lung injuries (EVALI), the toxicity mechanisms of VEA vaping are still yet to be fully understood. Studies since the outbreak have found that e-liquids such as VEA undergo thermal degradation during the vaping process to produce various degradation products, which may pose a greater risk of toxicity than exposure to unvaped VEA. Additionally, a wide range of customizable parameters–including the model of e-cigarette used, puffing topography, or the applied power/temperature used to generate aerosols–have been found to influence the physical properties and chemical compositions of vaping emissions. However, the impact of heating coil temperature on the chemical composition of VEA vaping emissions has not been fully assessed. In this study, we investigated the emission product distribution of VEA vaping emissions produced at temperatures ranging from 176 to 356°C, corresponding to a variable voltage vape pen set at 3.3 to 4.8V. VEA degradation was found to be greatly enhanced with increasing temperature, resulting in a shift towards the production of lower molecular weight compounds, such as the redox active duroquinone (DQ) and short-chain alkenes. Low temperature vaping of VEA resulted in the production of long-chain molecules, such as phytol, exposure to which has been suggested to induce lung damage in previous studies. Furthermore, differential product distribution was observed in VEA degradation products generated from vaping and from pyrolysis using a tube furnace in the absence of the heating coil at equivalent temperatures, suggesting the presence of external factors such as metals or oxidation that may enhance VEA degradation during vaping. Overall, our findings indicate that vaping behavior may significantly impact the risk of exposure to toxic vaping products and potential for vaping-related health concerns.
Effect of a multi-faceted rapid response system re-design on repeat calling of the rapid response team
Authors: Chalwin Richard , Salter Amy , Karnon Jonathan , Eaton Victoria , Giles Lynne
Published: March 2022

Background

Repeat Rapid Response Team (RRT) calls are associated with increased in-hospital mortality risk and pose an organisation-level resource burden. Use of Non-Technical Skills (NTS) at calls has the potential to reduce potentially preventable repeat calling. NTS are usually improved through training, although this consumes time and financial resources. Re-designing the Rapid Response System (RRS) to promote use of NTS may provide a feasible alternative.

Methods

A pre-post observational study was undertaken to assess the effect of an RRS re-design that aimed to promote use of NTS during RRT calls. The primary outcome was the proportion of admissions each month subject to repeat RRT calling, and the average number of repeat calls per admission each month was the secondary outcome of interest. Univariate and multivariable interrupted time series analyses compared outcomes between the two study phases.

Results

The proportion of admissions with repeat calls each month increased across both phases of the study period, but the increase was lower in the post re-design phase (change in regression slope -0.12 (standard error 0.07) post versus pre re-design). The multivariable model predicted a 6% reduction (95% confidence interval -15.1–3.1; P = 0.19) in the proportion of admissions having repeat calls at the end of the post redesign phase study compared to the predicted proportion in the absence of the re-design. The average number of calls per admission was also predicted to decrease in the post re-design phase, with an estimated difference of -0.07 calls per admission (equivalent to one fewer repeat call per 14 patients who had RRT calls) at the end of the post re-design phase (95% confidence interval -0.23–0.08, P = 0.35).

Conclusion

This study of an RRS re-design showed modest, but not statistically significant, reductions in the proportion of admissions with repeat calls and the mean number of repeat calls per admission. Given the economic and workforce capacity issues that all health care systems now face, even small improvements in the RRS may have lasting impact across the organisation. For the potential interest of RRS managers, this paper presents a pragmatic, low-cost initiative intended to enhance communication and cooperation at RRT calls.
Increase in HIV viral suppression in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Community-based cross sectional surveys 2018 and 2013. What remains to be done?
Authors: Conan Nolwenn , Simons Erica , Chihana Menard L. , Ohler Liesbet , FordKamara Ellie , Mbatha Mduduzi , vanCutsem Gilles , Huerga Helena
Published: March 2022

Introduction

High coverage of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) increases viral suppression at population level and may reduce incidence. Médecins sans Frontières, in collaboration with the South African Department of Health, has been working in Eshowe/Mbongolwane (KwaZulu Natal) since 2011 to increase access to quality HIV services. Five years after an initial survey, we conducted a second survey to measure progress in HIV diagnosis and viral suppression and to identify remaining gaps.

Methods

A cross-sectional, population-based, stratified two-stage cluster survey was implemented in 2018, using the same design as in 2013. Consenting participants aged 15–59 years were interviewed and tested for HIV at home. Those HIV-positive were tested for HIV viral load (viral suppression defined as <1000 copies/mL).

Results

Overall, 3,278 individuals were included. The proportion of HIV-positive participants virally suppressed was 83.8% in 2018 compared to 57.1% in 2013 (p<0.001), with increases in all subpopulations. The largest gap remained in men aged 15–29 years, among whom viral suppression was 51.5%. Nevertheless, of the total unsuppressed participants, 60.3% were women, and 57.4% were individuals aged 30–59 years. Between 2013 and 2018, HIV-positive status awareness progressed from 75.2% to 89.9% and ART coverage among those aware from 70.4% to 93.8%, respectively. Among those on ART, 94.5% were virally suppressed in 2018.

Conclusions

Viral suppression improved significantly from 2013 to 2018, in all age and gender groups of PLHIV. However, almost half of HIV-positive young men remained unsuppressed, while the majority of virally unsuppressed PLHIV were women and older adults. To continue lowering HIV transmission, specific strategies are needed to increase viral suppression in those groups.
On fractional numerical simulation of HIV infection for CD8+ T-cells and its treatment
Authors: Alharbey R. A. , Aljahdaly Noufe H.
Published: March 2022

The AIDS is a chronic disease and the researchers still exert their high efforts to reach the cure of HIV infection. The most common treatment is the antiretroviral therapy (cART) and the virus can be more effected if the patients stop using cART. The other problem is that the CD8+ T cells might be exhausted by persistent immune activation by cART. This paper introduces fractional-order into a mathematical model of HIV infection combining with stem cell therapy and control the infection by the immune system cells (CD8+ T cells). The paper introduced the numerical solutions for the mathematical model. The results show that the stem cell therapy with the activation of immune system cells might causes the cure for a HIV patient. This results are consistent with medical studies. Also, we proposed the effect of the fractional order (α) on the figures of the components.
Exploring member’s knowledge sharing intention in online health communities: The effects of social support and overload
Authors: Yen Chiahui
Published: March 2022

This study explores the determinants of members’ participation intention in online health communities (OHC) from both the facilitators and barriers points of view. From the facilitators perspective, each member’s subjective well-being plays a crucial role in sharing intention. On the other hand, from the barriers point of view, social network site exhaustion would negatively affect. The survey was conducted on two online support groups, including parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and caregivers of dementia disease. This study collected 330 questionnaires from social network sites to examine the research model. The results showed that social support positively affects members’ self-efficacy; in turn, self-efficacy has a positive effect on subjective well-being. Overload has an impact on psychological distress. Moreover, members’ subjective well-being determined their knowledge sharing intention.
Association of maternal heavy metal exposure during pregnancy with isolated cleft lip and palate in offspring: Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) cohort study
Authors: Takeuchi Masato , Yoshida Satomi , Kawakami Chihiro , Kawakami Koji , Ito Shuichi ,   Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
Published: March 2022

Background

Cleft lip and palate (cleft L/P) is one of the most common congenital anomalies and its etiology is assumed to be multifactorial. Recent epidemiological data involving a small number of participants suggested an association between perinatal exposure to heavy metals and cleft L/P in affected children. However, this association requires further investigation in a large cohort.

Methods

This nested case–control study used a dataset of The Japan Environment and Children’s Study, which is an ongoing research project to investigate the association between environmental factors and mother-child health. Participants were enrolled between 2011 and 2014. From the records of fetuses/children, we extracted data of isolated cleft L/P cases and matched children without cleft L/P at a ratio of 1:10. The exposures of interest werein uteroexposure to four metals (mercury [Hg], lead [Pb], cadmium [Cd], and manganese [Mn]), which were sampled from mothers in the second/third trimester. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess the association between heavy metal exposure and isolated cleft L/P. Three sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of the findings, including the change in case definition and statistical methods.

Results

Of 104,062 fetal records involving both live-birth and stillbirth, we identified 192 children with isolated cleft L/P and 1,920 matched controls. Overall, the blood metal levels were low (for example, median Pb level was 5.85, 6.22, and 5.75 μg/L in the total cohort, cases, and controls, respectively). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that levels of none of the four heavy metals in the mother’s blood during pregnancy were associated with the risk of cleft L/P in offspring; the adjusted odds ratios (per 1 μg/L increase) with 95% intervals were 0.96 (0.91–1.03), 1.01 (0.94–1.08), 1.00 (0.61–1.63) and 1.00 (0.97–1.03) for Hg, Pb, Cd and Mn, respectively. The results were consistent in all sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Exposure to these four metals during pregnancy was not associated with isolated cleft L/P at the low exposure level in our cohort.
Contract choice and advance selling strategy in a supply chain of FAP
Authors: Xie Jiaping , Liu Dan , Liang Ling , Li Qinglin
Published: March 2022

The advance selling (AS) has been widely applied in fresh industry for it can elevating the customer experience and increase flexibility thus profit for a retailer. However, the introduction of the AS will have an impact on spot market in pricing strategy, market share and the profit of the retailer. Hence, to coordinate the supply chain and improve the efficiency of the agricultural supply chain, a two-stage game theory model is constructed to analyze the effects of AS on three classic contracts: wholesale price, quantity discount and revenue-sharing contract. This paper also discusses the boundary conditions of whether a retailer should sell in advance. The conclusions of this paper are as follows: First, revenue-sharing contracts are superior to wholesale price and quantity discount contracts when retailers sell in advance, the wholesale price contract can perform better than the quantity discount contract in the presence of AS if the contract parameter is properly set. Second, a revenue-sharing contract that normally coordinates the supply chain can performs poorly when the retailer sells in advance that the social welfare would be higher if using a quantity discount contract instead. These conclusions have important implications for suppliers when retailers sell in advance. Such suppliers need to design appropriate contracts to distribute FAP that carefully take into consideration the AS activities in the market.