bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermoelastic pulsed laser ablation of silver thin films with organic metal–SiO2 adhesion layer in water: application to the sustainable regeneration of glass microfluidic reactors for silver nanoparticles
Authors: Tahir  , Ginoble Pandoli Omar , Zaman Quaid , Concas Guilherme C , Gisbert Mariana , Cremona Marco , Freire Fernando Lazaro , Carvalho Isabel C S , Bevilaqua Pedro H C , Santos de Sá Druval , Canellas Alexandre Pinto , Mattoso Vinicius , Del Rosso Tommaso
Published: April 2022

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) using microfluidic reactors has become a major method for limiting reagent consumption and achieve a precise control of the morphological properties. Failure in realizing the reproducibility of the results is mostly associated with the accumulation of metallic nanostructures on the walls of the microfluidic devices, periodically removed by acid treatment. In this study, we show that ns-pulsed laser ablation (PLA) in water can be a safe, effective, and green method for the regeneration of clogged microfluidic reactors. The effect of the laser-pulse fluence on the removal of metallic nanostructures was studied for the first time on silver (Ag) thin films with a thickness of 50 nm deposited over SiO2 substrates, using 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane as a chemical adhesion layer. As point of novelty, the experimental results show that at low fluence (F < 0.1 J cm−2), ablation is principally caused by delamination of the thin film associated with the thermoelastic force while thermal processes inducing phase conversion of the metal dominate at higher fluence. Low-fluence regimes are better suited for the single-pulse removal of the nanomaterial, whereas in high F regimes, we observed melting and recondensation of the metal on the SiO2 surface so that multiple pulse interactions were necessary for complete ablation of the thin film. For the delamination and the phase transformation processes, the threshold fluences were 3.7 × 10−2 and 7.0 × 10−2 J cm−2, respectively. The experimental setup in the thermoelastic PLA regime was applied to unclog glass microfluidic devices used for synthesizing citrate-stabilized AgNPs. Using this simple and easily achievable laser-scanning experimental configuration, we demonstrated that PLA in water is a reliable and efficient technique, with results comparable to acidic treatment in terms of efficiency and time necessary for the complete removal of the Ag nanomaterial.
A switched-capacitor and floating-capacitor (SCFC) based multilevel boost inverter with a single DC power supply and sensor-less voltage balancing method
Authors: Maurya Avinash , Mishra Ambarisha
Published: April 2022

This paper introduces a nine-level (9L) boost inverter with reduced number of components. The proposed 9L topology comprises a single DC source, eight switches, and two capacitors, namely a switched-capacitor (SC) and a floating capacitor (FC). The topology consists of two converter units: the SC unit and the FC unit. Both units are cascaded to achieve nine voltage levels with a voltage gain of 2. The inherent voltage boosting capability of the proposed topology makes it suitable for low-scale voltage applications like photovoltaics (PV) and electric vehicles (EVs). A sensorless method is introduced to stabilize the requisite voltage across the FC for any undesirable changes in input voltage. The performance reveals that the voltage across the FC does not deviate with changes in the modulation index, power factor of load, pulse width modulation (PWM) methods, or the operating frequency. And, when the input voltage fluctuates, the voltage across the FC is naturally adjusted to the new desired value within 0.6 s. The topology operates over a wide range of modulation indices (0 to 1) and different types of loads. A generalized topology is also developed to get a high output voltage along with a higher number of intermediate voltage levels. A comprehensive analysis is presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed topology over the recent topologies.
An Initial Psychometric Analysis of the Brain Gauge Tactile-Based Test Battery and Its Potential for Clinical Use Assessing Patients With Acute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Ivins Brian J , Arrieux Jacques P , Cole Wesley R
Published: April 2022

Objective

A new brief computerized test battery that uses tactile stimulation, Brain Gauge (BG), has been proposed as a cognitive assessment aid and its developers have reported an almost perfect ability to distinguish acute mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients from healthy controls. This investigation attempted to replicate those results and serve as an initial psychometrically and clinically focused analysis of BG.

Methods

BG scores from 73 military service members (SM) assessed within 7 days after having a clinically diagnosed mTBI were compared to 100 healthy SMs. Mean scores were compared, score distributions were examined, and univariate and multivariate base rate analyses of low scores were performed.

Results

SMs with mTBI had statistically significantly worse performance on both BG Reaction Time (RT) tests and the Sequential Amplitude Discrimination test as reflected by higher mean RT and RT variability and higher minimum detectable amplitude difference. SMs with mTBI also had a significantly lower whole-battery composite (i.e., Cortical Metric Symptom Score). Larger proportions of SMs with mTBI had lower overall performance than controls. However, at most only 26.9% of those with mTBI performed at potentially clinically meaningful cutoffs that were defined as various numbers of low scores that were prevalent in no more than 10% of the control group, which is equivalent to specificity ≥90% and sensitivity ≤26.9% for mTBI.

Conclusion

Our analysis did not replicate the high level of classification accuracy reported by BG’s developers. Pending further psychometric development, BG may have limited clinical utility for assessing mTBI patients.
The blooming of an old story on the bouquet
Authors: Wang Lina , Wu Bingbing , Ma Yanjie , Ren Zhengxing , Li Wei
Published: April 2022

As an evolutionarily conserved process, the bouquet stage during meiosis was discovered over a century ago, and active research on this important stage continues. Since the discovery of the first bouquet-related protein Taz1p in 1998, several bouquet formation-related proteins have been identified in various eukaryotes. These proteins are involved in the interaction between telomeres and the inner nuclear membrane (INM), and once these interactions are disrupted, meiotic progression is arrested, leading to infertility. Recent studies have provided significant insights into the relationships and interactions among bouquet formation-related proteins. In this review, we summarize the components involved in telomere-INM interactions and focus on their roles in bouquet formation and telomere homeostasis maintenance. In addition, we examined bouquet-related proteins in different species from an evolutionary viewpoint, highlighting the potential interactions among them.
In Their Own Words: Daniel Simberloff
Authors: Verdier James M
Published: April 2022

In Their Own Words chronicles the stories of scientists who have made great contributions to their fields. These short histories provide our readers a way to learn from and share their experiences. We will publish the results of these conversations in the pages of BioScience and on our podcast, BioScience Talks (https://bioscience-talks.aibs.org) This history is with Daniel Simberloff, who is the Gore-Hunger Professor of Environmental Studies in Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, at the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville, in the United States.
A convergent mechanism of high risk factors ADNP and POGZ in neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Conrow-Graham Megan , Williams Jamal B , Martin Jennifer , Zhong Ping , Cao Qing , Rein Benjamin , Yan Zhen
Published: April 2022

ADNP and POGZ are two top-ranking risk factors for autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, but how they are linked to these neurodevelopmental disorders is largely unknown. Both ADNP and POGZ are chromatin regulators, which could profoundly affect gene transcription and cellular function in the brain. Using post-mortem tissue from patients with autism spectrum disorder, we found diminished expression of ADNP and POGZ in the prefrontal cortex, a region highly implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. To understand the functional role of these neurodevelopmental disorder risk factors, we used viral-based gene transfer to investigate how Adnp or Pogz deficiency in mouse prefrontal cortex affects behavioural, transcriptomic and synaptic function. Mice with prefrontal cortex deficiency of Adnp or Pogz exhibited specific impairment of cognitive task performance. RNA-sequencing revealed that Adnp or Pogz deficiency induced prominent upregulation of overlapping genes enriched in neuroinflammation, similar to the elevation of pro-inflammatory genes in humans with neurodevelopmental disorders. Concomitantly, Adnp or Pogz deficiency led to the significant increase of pro-phagocytic microglial activation in prefrontal cortex, as well as the significant decrease of glutamatergic transmission and postsynaptic protein expression. These findings have uncovered the convergent functions of two top risk factors for autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability in prefrontal cortex, providing a mechanism linking chromatin, transcriptional and synaptic dysregulation to cognitive deficits associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Mutations inTAF8cause a neurodegenerative disorder
Authors: Wong Keit Men , Jepsen Wayne M , Efthymiou Stephanie , Salpietro Vincenzo , Sanchez-Castillo Meredith , Yip Janice , Kriouile Yamna , Diegmann Susann , Dreha-Kulaczewski Steffi , Altmüller Janine , Thiele Holger , Nürnberg Peter , Toosi Mehran Beiraghi , Akhondian Javad , Ghayoor Karimiani Ehsan , Hummel-Abmeier Hannah , Huppke Brenda , Houlden Henry , Gärtner Jutta , Maroofian Reza , Huppke Peter
Published: April 2022

TAF8 is part of the transcription factor II D complex, composed of the TATA-binding protein and 13 TATA-binding protein–associated factors (TAFs). Transcription factor II D is the first general transcription factor recruited at promoters to assemble the RNA polymerase II preinitiation complex. So far disorders related to variants in 5 of the 13 subunits of human transcription factor II D have been described. Recently, a child with a homozygous c.781-1G>A mutation in TAF8 has been reported. Here we describe seven further patients with mutations in TAF8 and thereby confirm the TAF8 related disorder.

In two sibling patients, we identified two novel compound heterozygous TAF8 splice site mutations, c.45+4A > G and c.489G>A, which cause aberrant splicing as well as reduced expression and mislocalization of TAF8. In five further patients, the previously described c.781-1G > A mutation was present on both alleles. The clinical phenotype associated with the different TAF8 mutations is characterized by severe psychomotor retardation with almost absent development, feeding problems, microcephaly, growth retardation, spasticity and epilepsy. Cerebral imaging showed hypomyelination, a thin corpus callosum and brain atrophy. Moreover, repeated imaging in the sibling pair demonstrated progressive cerebral and cerebellar atrophy. Consistently, reduced N-acetylaspartate, a marker of neuronal viability, was observed on magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Further review of the literature shows that mutations causing a reduced expression of transcription factor II D subunits have an overlapping phenotype of microcephaly, developmental delay and intellectual disability. Although transcription factor II D plays an important role in RNA polymerase II transcription in all cells and tissues, the symptoms associated with such defects are almost exclusively neurological. This might indicate a specific vulnerability of neuronal tissue to widespread deregulation of gene expression as also seen in Rett syndrome or Cornelia de Lange syndrome.
The prodromal phase of hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4: the preSPG4 cohort study
Authors: Rattay Tim W , Völker Maximilian , Rautenberg Maren , Kessler Christoph , Wurster Isabel , Winter Natalie , Haack Tobias B , Lindig Tobias , Hengel Holger , Synofzik Matthis , Schüle Rebecca , Martus Peter , Schöls Ludger
Published: April 2022

This cohort study aimed to characterize the prodromal phase of hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4) using biomarkers and clinical signs and symptoms that develop before manifest gait abnormalities.

Fifty-six first-degree relatives at risk of developing SPG4 underwent blinded genotyping and standardized phenotyping, including the Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale (SPRS), complicating symptoms, non-motor affection, Three-Minute Walk, and neurophysiological assessment. Automated MR image analysis was used to compare volumetric properties. CSF of 33 probands was analysed for neurofilament light chain (NfL), tau, and amyloid-β (Aβ).

Thirty participants turned out to be SPAST mutation carriers, whereas 26 did not inherit a SPAST mutation. Increased reflexes, ankle clonus, and hip abduction weakness were more frequent in prodromal mutation carriers but were also observed in non-mutation carriers. Only Babinski's sign differentiated reliably between the two groups. Timed walk and non-motor symptoms did not differ between groups. Whereas most mutation carriers had total SPRS scores of 2 points or more, only two non-mutation carriers reached more than 1 point. Motor evoked potentials revealed no differences between mutation and non-mutation carriers. We found NfL but not tau or Aβ to rise in CSF of mutation carriers when approaching the time point of predicted disease manifestation. Serum NfL did not differ between groups. Volumetric MRI analyses did not reveal group differences apart from a smaller cingulate gyrus in mutation carriers.

This study depicts subtle clinical signs which develop before gait abnormalities in SPG4. Long-term follow-up is needed to study the evolution of SPG4 in the prodromal stage and conversion into manifest disease. NfL in CSF is a promising fluid biomarker that may indicate disease activity in prodromal SPG4 but needs further evaluation in longitudinal studies.
Longitudinal EEG model detects antisense oligonucleotide treatment effect and increased UBE3A in Angelman syndrome
Authors: Spencer Elizabeth R. , Shi Wen , Komorowski Robert W. , Gilbert James P. , Ostrowski Lauren M. , Bird Lynne M. , Thibert Ronald , Bao Channa , Molloy Fiona , Calhoun Michael , Koirala Samir , Jafar-nejad Paymaan , Rigo Frank , Kramer Mark A. , Chu Catherine J.
Published: April 2022

Angelman syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by deficiency of the maternally inherited UBE3A gene in neurons. Antisense oligonucleotide therapies are under development to reinstate UBE3A protein production. Non-invasive biomarkers to detect target engagement and treatment response are needed to support clinical trials. Delta power measured in the scalp EEG is a reliable biomarker for Angelman syndrome but varies widely across individuals and throughout development, making detection of a treatment effect using single measurements challenging.

We utilized a longitudinal dataset of 204 EEG recordings from 56 subjects with Angelman syndrome to develop a natural history model of delta (2–4 Hz) power, with predictors of age, elapsed time, and relative delta power at an initial recording. Using this model, we computed the sample and effect sizes needed to detect a treatment effect in a human clinical trial with 80% power. We applied the same model structure to a mouse model of Angelman syndrome (n = 41) to detect antisense oligonucleotide-mediated treatment effects on absolute delta activity and Ube3a expression. In humans, delta power at a second time point can be reliably predicted using the natural history model. In mice, a treatment effect can be detected after antisense oligonucleotide treatment targeting the Ube3a-antisense transcript through at least 8 weeks post-treatment (P < 1e-15). Deviations in delta power from the expected natural history correlated with Ube3a expression in the mouse model (P < 0.001). Deviations in delta power from a human natural history model in Angelman syndrome can detect antisense oligonucleotide-mediated improvement in Ube3a expression in Angelman syndrome mice and may be relevant for human clinical trials.
Struggling in im/mobility: lived experience of Macao’s mainland Chinese migrant laborers via WeChat Moments during COVID-19
Authors: Ju Bei , Dai Hai Min , Sandel Todd L
Published: April 2022

The coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19) has led to drastic changes in social life. Focusing on a group of essential workers, this study examines how mainland Chinese low-skilled labor migrants discursively manifest their everyday lives via WeChat Moments. From analyzing social media posts and interview data, this study demonstrates that these labor migrants’ stay in Macao was a period of unsought and undesired time of waiting, impacted by socio-structural constraints of class, age, gender, and outsider identity. Participants experienced positive (happiness with newfound opportunities) and negative emotions (anxiety and entrapment) during forced immobility due to border closures. This study contributes to understandings of border-crossing as interpreted and experienced via social media discourse.
Neonatal exposure to sevoflurane induces adolescent neurobehavioral dysfunction by interfering with hippocampal glycerophoslipid metabolism in rats
Authors: Wang Yonghai , Li Hongchun , Zhao Ying , Qin Feng , Wang Liang , Jiang Linhong , Wang Xiaojie , Chen Rong , He Yuman , Wei Qinfan , Li Shu , Chen Yuanyuan , Xiao Yuzhou , Dai Yanping , Bu Qian , Zhao Yinglan , Tian Jingwei , Wang Hongbo , Cen Xiaobo
Published: April 2022

Sevoflurane exposure in the neonatal period causes long-term developmental neuropsychological dysfunction, including memory impairment and anxiety-like behaviors. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying such effects have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of neonatal exposure to sevoflurane on neurobehavioral profiles in adolescent rats, and applied an integrated approach of lipidomics and proteomics to investigate the molecular network implicated in neurobehavioral dysfunction. We found that neonatal exposure to sevoflurane caused cognitive impairment and social behavior deficits in adolescent rats. Lipidomics analyses revealed that sevoflurane significantly remodeled hippocampal lipid metabolism, including lysophatidylcholine (LPC) metabolism, phospholipid carbon chain length and carbon chain saturation. Through a combined proteomics analysis, we found that neonatal exposure to sevoflurane significantly downregulated the expression of lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1), a key enzyme in the regulation of phospholipid metabolism, in the hippocampus of adolescent rats. Importantly, hippocampal LPCAT1 overexpression restored the dysregulated glycerophospholipid (GP) metabolism and alleviated the learning and memory deficits caused by sevoflurane. Collectively, our evidence that neonatal exposure to sevoflurane downregulates LPCAT1 expression and dysregulates GP metabolism in the hippocampus, which may contribute to the neurobehavioral dysfunction in the adolescent rats.
Concomitant presentation of spontaneous coronary artery dissection with Takotsubo syndrome: a case report
Authors: Fitouchi Simon , Di Marco Paola , Motreff Pascal , Lhoest Nicolas
Published: April 2022

Background

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is still an underdiagnosed condition that requires a detailed assessment of angiographic signs. It also shares similar clinical presentations with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). The concomitant presentation of SCAD with TTS is a possible occurrence, making it difficult for clinicians to treat and manage.

Case summary

This study included a 49-year-old woman with retrosternal chest pain who was admitted to the emergency department. Coronary angiography indicated Type 2A SCAD involving the middle part of the left anterior descending artery, while the left ventriculography indicated a typical left ventricular apical ballooning compatible with TTS. A conservative approach to the management of SCAD was observed. After a 3-month follow-up, the control coronary angiography showed a complete angiographic resolution. The results of the transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance revealed a complete normalization of the pathological features. The patient remained asymptomatic and showed no recurrence of chest pain.

Discussion

Although TTS and SCAD are commonly observed in patients who share certain characteristics (women, without atheromatous terrain, stress-related factors), it is difficult to establish a pathophysiological link between them. This observation confirms the non-random association of two rare entities of myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary arteries. Although TTS can be easily diagnosed via non-invasive imaging, the diagnosis of SCAD is more difficult. The findings of this study suggest a concomitant presentation between SCAD and TTS. Although the treatment approach to SCAD is usually conservative, severe forms of this disease require early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Usefulness of transpedal intervention for inferior epigastric artery bleeding following catheter ablation: a case report
Authors: Kusumoto Hirofumi , Ishibuchi Kasumi , Takiuchi Shin , Otsuji Satoru
Published: April 2022

Background

Cardiovascular interventions may result in access-site complication, including inferior epigastric artery (IEA) bleeding. The IEA injury is generally treated through surgery and transcatheter embolization; however, additional complications should be avoided in the bailout procedure. Here, we present a case of catheter ablation complicated by IEA haemorrhage that we managed by transcatheter embolization using a transpedal intervention (TPI).

Case summary

A 58-year-old man underwent catheter ablation for symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Pulmonary vein isolation was performed uneventfully via catheterization of the right femoral artery and vein access. After the procedure, he complained of persistent abdominal pain and had a palpable mass in the lower right abdomen. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed a haematoma in the right rectus abdominis with signs of active bleeding from a branch of the right IEA. We performed transcatheter arterial embolization through a TPI to stop bleeding and avoid further complication. No leakage of contrast media was detected after embolization using a microcoil and the abdominal pain improved. We did not observe any serious intraprocedural complications.

Discussion

Catheter ablation procedures may be complicated by access-site complications such as active bleeding. Arterial embolization is a feasible treatment approach to control the resulting haemorrhage. Embolization through the transpedal route (TPI) could be an effective bailout technique in the setting of emergent transcatheter arterial embolization to achieve haemostasis and avoid further complication.
Phylogenetic analysis and antibiotic resistance of Shigella sonnei isolates
Authors: Pakbin Babak , Didban Abdollah , Brück Wolfram M , Alizadeh Mehdi
Published: April 2022

Shigellosis is one of the most important gastric infections caused by different species of Shigella, and has been regarded as a serious threat to public health. Lineage/sublineage profile of Shigella sonnei is strongly associated with the antibiotic resistance and population structure of this pathogen. In this study, we determined the phylogeny and antibiotic resistance profiles of S. sonnei strains, isolated from 1246 stool and 580 food samples, using multiplex PCR–HRMA genotyping and Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion methods, respectively. A total of 64 S. sonnei strains were isolated (13 food and 51 clinical isolates). Multiplex PCR–HMR assay was able to differentiate the lineages II and III, and sublineages IIIb and IIIc strains successfully considering the definite melting curves and temperatures. Lineage I and sublineage IIIa strain were not isolated in this study. We also demonstrated that most of the S. sonnei strains isolated from both food and clinical samples clustered within the lineage III and sublineage IIIc. Resistance against trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and streptomycin antibiotics were the most prevalent phenotypes among the S. sonnei lineage III and sublineage IIIc strains.
Genome-wide mediation analysis: an empirical study to connect phenotype with genotype via intermediate transcriptomic data in maize
Authors: Yang Zhikai , Xu Gen , Zhang Qi , Obata Toshihiro , Yang Jinliang
Published: April 2022

Mapping genotype to phenotype is an essential topic in genetics and genomics research. As the Omics data become increasingly available, 2-variable methods have been widely applied to associate genotype with the phenotype (genome-wide association study), gene expression with the phenotype (transcriptome-wide association study), and genotype with gene expression. However, signals detected by these 2-variable association methods suffer from low mapping resolution or inexplicit causality between genotype and phenotype, making it challenging to interpret and validate the molecular mechanisms of the underlying genomic variations and the candidate genes. Under the context of genetics research, we hypothesized a causal chain from genotype to phenotype partially mediated by intermediate molecular processes, i.e. gene expression. To test this hypothesis, we applied the high-dimensional mediation analysis, a class of causal inference method with an assumed causal chain from the exposure to the mediator to the outcome, and implemented it with a maize association panel (N = 280 lines). Using 40 publicly available agronomy traits, 66 newly generated metabolite traits, and published RNA-seq data from 7 different tissues, our empirical study detected 736 unique mediating genes. Noticeably, 83/736 (11%) genes were identified in mediating more than 1 trait, suggesting the prevalence of pleiotropic mediating effects. We demonstrated that several identified mediating genes are consistent with their known functions. In addition, our results provided explicit hypotheses for functional validation and suggested that the mediation analysis is a powerful tool to integrate Omics data to connect genotype to phenotype.
Artificial Intelligence and Impression Management: Consequences of Autonomous Conversational Agents Communicating on One’s Behalf
Authors: Endacott Camille G , Leonardi Paul M
Published: April 2022

Artificially intelligent communication technologies (AICTs) that operate autonomously with high degrees of conversational fluency can make communication decisions on behalf of their principal users and communicate with those principals’ audiences on their behalf. In this study, we explore how the involvement of AICTs in communication activities shapes how principals engage in impression management and how their communication partners form impressions of them. Through an inductive, comparative field study of users of two AI scheduling technologies, we uncover three communicative practices through which principals engaged in impression management when AICTs communicate on their behalf: interpretation, diplomacy, and staging politeness. We also uncover three processes through which communication partners formed impressions of principals when communicating with them via AICTs: confirmation, transference, and compartmentalization. We show that communication partners can transfer impressions of AICTs to principals themselves and outline the conditions under which such transference is and is not likely. We discuss the implications of these findings for the study of technological mediation of impression management and formation in the age of artificial intelligence and present propositions to guide future empirical research.
It takes a community: exploring APPLE Schools’ impact within and beyond school walls in Canada
Authors: Klassen Danielle , Champion Claudine , Montemurro Genevieve , Flynn Jenn , Raine Kim , Storey Kate
Published: April 2022

Childhood is a critical stage to develop healthy behaviours, and the school years are an important developmental period in which children are learning and growing. School-based health promotion interventions are increasingly using the comprehensive school health (CSH) approach that has been found effective at improving health behaviours, while adapting to the school and community context to create and sustain a healthy school culture. The interconnected environments of school, home and community are key to the CSH approach, however, there is minimal research that has been conducted to determine the impact at the community-level. This research used a qualitative multiple case study design to explore the influence of a school-based health promotion intervention, APPLE Schools, on the school and community environments from the perspectives of school staff in Alberta, Canada. Twenty-two participants participated in walking interviews in five schools. The walking interview approach combined interviewing and field observation and empowered participants to share their local expertise and knowledge within the context of school and community environments. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Four themes were identified: APPLE schools look different, APPLE Schools build champions, APPLE Schools builds community partnerships and APPLE Schools honours community culture. Health promotion practice in schools was uniquely adapted based on strengths and needs of each school and was broadly influenced by the community outside of school walls. In sum, it was found that school-based health promotion reaches beyond school walls and can influence the broader community environment.
HealthLit4Kids: teacher experiences of health literacy professional development in an Australian primary school setting
Authors: Otten Claire , Nash Rose , Patterson Kira
Published: April 2022

Health literacy (HL) is a critical asset for 21st century learners to possess given its positive impact on health outcomes and educational attainment. Concerningly, HL is an area that primary school teachers report having a lack of understanding, confidence, and ability to teach. The HealthLit4Kids initiative aimed to address this issue through a series of teacher professional development (PD) workshops. To evaluate how teachers experienced the PD, teacher evaluations collected at the completion of each of the workshops were analysed using a mixed methods approach. According to the teachers, the PD had improved their understanding of HL, including how to implement it into their practice. The study also found that the teachers perceived that collaborative practice was a key strength of the programme, and that at the end of the PD, teachers described valuing HL more in their practice. Teachers reported time as a major barrier to them implementing the professional learning and suggested further resources could help to mitigate this barrier. Additional research is required to help substantiate the claims made in this research. This study also highlights the critical need for additional HL resources for primary school teachers.
Effects of CB2 and TRPV1 Stimulation on Osteoclast Overactivity Induced by Iron in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Tortora Chiara , Di Paola Alessandra , Creoli, Mara , Argenziano Maura , Martinelli Massimo , Miele Erasmo , Rossi Francesca , Strisciuglio Caterina
Published: April 2022

Background

The reduction of bone mineral density and osteoporosis have high impacts on the health of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We have previously shown that a dysregulated iron metabolism occurs in IBD and leads to a decrease in circulating iron concentration and excessive intracellular sequestration of iron. Studies suggest that iron overload significantly affects the bone, accelerating osteoclast (OC) differentiation and activation, promoting bone resorption. Moreover, we demonstrated that iron overload causes OC overactivity. The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) and the transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) are potential therapeutic targets for bone diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of CB2 and TRPV1 receptors and of iron in the development of osteoporosis in pediatric IBD.

Methods

We differentiated OCs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with IBD and healthy donors and evaluated CB2 and TRPV1 receptor expression; OC activity, and iron metabolism by Western blot, TRAP assays, bone resorption assays, and iron assays. Moreover, we analyzed the effects of the pharmacological modulation of CB2 and TRPV1 receptors on OC activity and on the iron metabolism.

Results

We confirmed the well-known roles of CB2 and TRPV1 receptors in bone metabolism and suggested that their stimulation can reduce the OC overactivity induced by iron, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of pediatric IBD-related bone resorption.

Conclusions

Stimulation of CB2 and TRPV1 could reduce IBD-related osteoporosis due to their direct effects on OC activity and to modulating the iron metabolism.
Use and Misuse of Parenteral Nutrition in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Nelson Alfred D , Elkins Jaclyn R , Stocchi Luca , Farraye Francis A , Hashash Jana G
Published: April 2022

Malnutrition is a very common and often underrecognized condition among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This is most commonly due to increased nutritional requirements and gastrointestinal losses, along with reduced oral intake. Screening for malnutrition is an essential component of managing both inpatients and outpatients with IBD. Although enteral nutrition is the preferred route of supplementation, parenteral nutrition (PN) remains an important strategy and should be considered in certain situations, such as cases with short-bowel syndrome, high-output intestinal fistula, prolonged ileus, or small-bowel obstruction. Appropriate use of PN is critical in order to prevent associated complications. This review addresses the common indications for use of PN, the composition of PN, and the possible complications encountered with PN use, as well as scenarios of inappropriate PN use among patients with IBD. A clinical management algorithm for utilizing PN among patients with IBD is proposed in this review.
Evolutionary Patterns in Chemical Composition and Biomechanics of Articulated Coralline Algae
Authors: Janot Kyra G , Unda Faride , Mansfield Shawn D , Martone Patrick T
Published: April 2022

Synopsis

Seaweeds inhabiting wave-battered coastlines are generally flexible, bending with the waves to adopt more streamlined shapes and reduce drag. Coralline algae, however, are firmly calcified, existing largely as crusts that avoid drag altogether or as upright branched forms with uncalcified joints (genicula) that confer flexibility to otherwise rigid thalli. Upright corallines have evolved from crustose ancestors independently multiple times, and the repeated evolution of genicula has contributed to the ecological success of articulated corallines worldwide. Structure and development of genicula are significantly different across evolutionary lineages, and yet biomechanical performance is broadly similar. Because chemical composition plays a central role in both calcification and biomechanics, we explored evolutionary trends in cell wall chemistry across crustose and articulated taxa. We compared the carbohydrate content of genicula across convergently evolved articulated species, as well as the carbohydrate content of calcified tissues from articulated and crustose species, to search for phylogenetic trends in cell wall chemistry during the repeated evolution of articulated taxa. We also analyzed the carbohydrate content of one crustose coralline species that evolved from articulated ancestors, allowing us to examine trends in chemistry during this evolutionary reversal and loss of genicula. We found several key differences in carbohydrate content between calcified and uncalcified coralline tissues, though the significance of these differences in relation to the calcification process requires more investigation. Comparisons across a range of articulated and crustose species indicated that carbohydrate chemistry of calcified tissues was generally similar, regardless of morphology or phylogeny; conversely, chemical composition of genicular tissues was different across articulated lineages, suggesting that significantly different biochemical trajectories have led to remarkably similar biomechanical innovations.
Adaptive Immunity in Reptiles: Conventional Components but Unconventional Strategies
Authors: Zimmerman Laura M
Published: April 2022

Recent studies have established that the innate immune system of reptiles is broad and robust, but the question remains: What role does the reptilian adaptive immune system play? Conventionally, adaptive immunity is described as involving T and B lymphocytes that display variable receptors, is highly specific, improves over the course of the response, and produces a memory response. While reptiles do have B and T lymphocytes that utilize variable receptors, their adaptive response is relatively non-specific, generates a prolonged antibody response, and does not produce a typical memory response. This alternative adaptive strategy may allow reptiles to produce a broad adaptive response that complements a strong innate system. Further studies into reptile adaptive immunity cannot only clarify outstanding questions on the reptilian immune system but can shed light on a number of important immunological concepts, including the evolution of the immune system and adaptive immune responses that take place outside of germinal centers.
Influence of landscape outside the window on the anxiety level of self-separation people during COVID-19
Authors: Liu Chao , Li Zhengru , Jing Xiaotong , Gao Weijun , Shi Jing , Cai Gangwei , Wang Yan
Published: April 2022

Windows are the communication medium between indoor and outdoor, but their influence and the corresponding landscape outside the window are often ignored due to the outdoor frequent activities of people. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a better choice to show the window performance, especially for the anxiety level alleviation of people isolated at home. A national survey was conducted on the anxiety of self-separation people and the window influence. The results showed that the average anxiety level was 1.54, between a little anxious and anxious, due to the COVID-19. The best satisfaction with the landscape outside the window was waterscape (2.98), followed by green plants (2.33) and buildings (0.83). During the COVID-19, the average number of overlook times increased by 1.49 times/day, which is higher 0.42 ties/day than the normal condition. The landscape types had the certain influence on the overlook frequency, the window opening times and even the anxiety level. The average anxiety levels are 1.36 and 1.68 with natural landscapes and human landscapes, respectively. Optimizing the landscapes outside the window plays an important role in alleviating the anxiety of residents and improving their mental health.
On Centralizers in Azumaya Domains
Authors: Bitoun Thomas , Desrochers Justin
Published: April 2022

We prove a positive characteristic analogue of the classical result that the centralizer of a nonconstant differential operator in one variable is commutative. This leads to a new, short proof of that classical characteristic zero result, by reduction modulo $p.$
A Closed Subgroup of the Homeomorphism Group of the Circle with Property (T)
Authors: Duchesne Bruno
Published: April 2022

We exhibit a topological group $G$ with property (T) acting nonelementarily and continuously on the circle. This group is an uncountable totally disconnected closed subgroup of ${\operatorname {Homeo}}^+(\textbf {S}^1)$. It has a large unitary dual since it separates points. It comes from homeomorphisms of dendrites and a kaleidoscopic construction. Alternatively, it can be seen as the group of elements preserving some specific geodesic lamination of the hyperbolic disk. We also prove that this action is unique up to conjugation and that it cannot be smoothened in any way. Finally, we determine the universal minimal flow of the group $G$.
Nakai–Moishezon Criterion for Adelic ℝ-Cartier Divisors
Authors: Ballaÿ François
Published: April 2022

We prove a Nakai–Moishezon criterion for adelic ${\mathbb {R}}$-Cartier divisors, which is an arithmetic analogue of a theorem of Campana and Peternell. Our main result answers a question of Burgos Gil, Philippon, Moriwaki, and Sombra. We deduce it from the case of adelic Cartier divisors (due to Zhang) by continuity arguments and reductions involving a generalization of Zhang’s theorem on successive minima.
Gendered Distributive Injustice in Production Networks: Implications for the Regulation of Precarious Work
Authors: Marshall Shelley , Taylor Kate , Tödt Sara
Published: April 2022

This paper is concerned with how precarious work in gendered production networks can be regulated to address distributional injustices—examining the regulation of homework in Thailand as a case study. The contribution of this paper is to empirically analyse these outcomes of the organisation and governance of production as gendered distributional injustices. The analytic extends the distributive analysis employed by Shamir by applying feminist global production network scholarship developed by scholars such as Anne Tallontire, Catherine Dolan, Sally Smith, Wilma Dunaway and Stephanie Barrientos. Our aim is to capture the complex ways in which distributional injustices are created in gendered production networks by examining both distributional asymmetries between homeworkers and other actors along the value chain (vertical dynamics), as well as the way that local gender relations shape the social undervaluation of women’s home-based work (horizontal dynamics). We draw on rich empirical research to describe these distributional asymmetries for homeworkers in the North-East of Thailand who repair faults in fishing net production for global markets. A handful of countries in the Economic South have reformed labour regulation to address capitalist innovation resulting in new models of production and accumulation. Thailand joined these ranks in 2010, but this has gone without notice in the comparative labour regulation literature. We interrogate the extent that the gendered distributional injustices we identify are corrected through the interventions of Thai labour regulation. We compare the Thai approach with International Labour Organisation Convention 177 (1996) Homework (referred to herein as the ILO Homework Convention or C177). We conclude by suggesting ways that the Thai approach could be strengthened, drawing in places on examples of labour regulation advances in other countries.
lncRNA EGFR-AS1 facilitates leiomyosarcoma progression and immune escape via the EGFR–MYC–PD-L1 axis
Authors: Chen Mei-Ling , Fan Li , Huang Guang-Rong , Sun Zhi-Feng
Published: April 2022

Aim

this study aimed to investigate the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) epidermal growth factor receptor antisense RNA 1 (EGFR-AS1), an antisense transcript of EGFR, in leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

levels of EGFR-AS1 and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) were measured in LMS tissues and cell lines using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), as well as western blotting and/or immunohistochemical staining; flow cytometry was employed to validate the role of EGFR-AS1 in altering the activity of CD8+ T cells; interaction of EGFR-AS1 and EGFR was determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and RNA pull-down; regulation of MYC on the PD-L1 promoter was assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP); a xenograft in vivo tumor growth assay was applied to verify the EGFR-AS1/EGFR/MYC/PD-L1 axis in vivo.

Results

up-regulation of EGFR-AS1 and PD-L1 in LMS tissues was negatively correlated with CD8+ T-cell infiltration; EGFR-AS1 positively regulated PD-L1, thereby strengthening interaction of LMS cells and CD8+ T cells and triggering CD8+ T cell apoptosis via the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint; EGFR-AS1 co-localized and interacted with EGFR to promote MYC activity; MYC was identified as a transcriptional activator of PD-L1.

Conclusion

lncRNA EGFR-AS1 was demonstrated to increase PD-L1 expression through the EGFR/MYC pathway in LMS cells, thereby repressing T-cell infiltration and contributing to immune escape.
Effect of an intermolecular disulfide bond introduced into the first loop of CH1 domain of Adalimumab Fab on thermal stability and antigen-binding activity
Authors: Yoshikawa Moeka , Nakamura Hitomi , Oda-Ueda Naoko , Ueda Tadashi , Ohkuri Takatoshi
Published: April 2022

The introduction of intermolecular disulfide bonds by amino acid mutations is an effective method for stabilizing dimeric proteins. X-ray crystal structure of Fab of a therapeutic antibody, adalimumab, revealed the first loop of the CH1 domain to be partially unsolved at position 135–141. To find new sites for the introduction of intermolecular disulfide bonds in adalimumab Fab, Fab mutants targeting the unsolved region were predicted using molecular simulation software. Four Fab mutants, H:K137C-L:I117C, H:K137C-L:F209C, H:S138C-L:F116C and H:S140C-L:S114C, were expressed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. SDS-PAGE analysis of these mutants indicated that H:K137C-L:F209C, H:S138C-L:F116C and H:S140C-L:S114C mutants mostly formed intermolecular disulfide bonds, whereas some H:K137C-L:I117C mutants formed intermolecular disulfide bonds and some did not. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements showed increased thermal stability in all Fab mutants with engineered disulfide bonds. The bio-layer interferometry measurements, for binding of the antigen tumor necrotic factor α, indicated that Fab mutants had less antigen-binding activity than wild-type Fab. In particular, the KD value of H:K137C-L:F209C was ~17 times higher than that of wild-type Fab. Thus, we successfully introduced intermolecular disulfide bonds between the first loop region of the CH1 and CL domains and observed that it increases the thermostability of Fab and affects the antigen-binding activity.
The Hard Problem of Prediction for Conflict Prevention
Authors: Mueller Hannes , Rauh Christopher
Published: April 2022

In this article, we propose a framework to tackle conflict prevention, an issue which has received interest in several policy areas. A key challenge of conflict forecasting for prevention is that outbreaks of conflict in previously peaceful countries are rare events and therefore hard to predict. To make progress in this hard problem, this project summarizes more than four million newspaper articles using a topic model. The topics are then fed into a random forest to predict conflict risk, which is then integrated into a simple static framework in which a decision maker decides on the optimal number of interventions to minimize the total cost of conflict and intervention. According to the stylized model, cost savings compared to not intervening pre-conflict are over US$1 trillion even with relatively ineffective interventions and US$13 trillion with effective interventions.