bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New autologous fat implantation technique for face lifting: A pilot study
Authors: Lotfi Elaheh , Ahramiyanpour Najmeh , Khosravi Somayeh
Published: April 2024

Background

Autologous fat injection techniques are specially performed to restore the lack of face volume.

Aim

However, no reports have focused on the effect of sides of injection on the sagging appearance improvements and facial lifting. This study aimed to evaluate face lifting using the autologous fat injection in to sides of the face as a new technique.

Methods

Ten patients with aging face were involved in this study. The procedure was done in an anaerobic method. To improve the method, to make patients more satisfied and gain better cosmetic outcomes autologous fat was injected on the sides of the face. To give a lifting effect to the face, the fat was injected on the hairline in the temple area, next to the ear, the angel of the jaw and the angel of the mandible leaning behind the ear to cause face lift. The patients were appraised clinically and photographically.

Results

The results showed that this autologous fat injection technique has significant improvement in face lifting.

Conclusion

This new fat injection technique in sides of the face can create superior results on face lifting without any adverse side effects.
Measurement invariance of the LGBT People of Color Microaggressions Scale among LGBTQ+ youth
Authors: Caba Antonia E. , Christophe N. Keita , Renley Benton M. , Simon Kay A. , Feinstein Brian A. , Eaton Lisa A. , Watson Ryan J.
Published: April 2024

The LGBT People of Color Microaggressions Scale (LGBT‐PCMS) is a widely used measure of intersectional microaggression experiences among sexual and gender minority people of color. Although it is widely used—and increasingly used in adolescent and young adult samples—it is unknown whether the LGBT‐PCMS demonstrates similar measurement properties across subgroups of sexual and gender minority youth of color (SGMYOC). Among 4142 SGMYOC (ages 13–17) we found evidence for either partial or full scalar invariance (item loadings and intercepts were generally equal) across sexual orientation, race‐ethnicity, and gender identity groups for all three subscales. Specific patterns of invariance and noninvariance across groups, as well as implications for the use of the LGBT‐PCMS and its subscales among SGMYOC are discussed.
Pathways, journeys and experiences: Integrating curricular activities related to social accountability within an undergraduate medical curriculum
Authors: Dubé Tim V. , Cumyn Annabelle , Fourati Mariem , Chamberland Martine , Hatcher Sharon , Landry Michel
Published: April 2024

Background

Health professions education curricula are undergoing reform towards social accountability (SA), defined as an academic institution's obligation to orient its education, service and research to respond to societal needs. However, little is known about how or which educational experiences transform learners and the processes behind such action. For example, those responsible for the development and implementation of undergraduate medical education (UGME) programs can benefit from a deeper understanding of educational approaches that foster the development of competencies related to SA. The purpose of this paper was to learn from the perspectives of the various partners involved in a program's delivery about what curricular aspects related to SA are expressed in a UGME program.

Methods

We undertook a qualitative descriptive study at a francophone Canadian university. Through purposive convenience and snowball sampling, we conducted 16 focus groups (virtual) with the following partners: (a) third‐ and fourth‐year medical students, (b) medical teachers, (c) program administrators (e.g., program leadership), (d) community members (e.g., community organisations) and (e) patient partners. We used inductive thematic analysis to interpret the data.

Results

The participants' perspectives organised around four key themes including (a) the definition of a future socially accountable physician, (b) socially accountable educational activities and experiences, (c) characteristics of a socially accountable MD program and (d) suggestions for curriculum improvement and implementation.

Conclusions

We extend scholarship about curricular activities related to SA from the perspectives of those involved in teaching and learning. We highlight the relevance of experiential learning, engagement with community members and patient partners and collaborative approaches to curriculum development. Our study provides a snapshot of what are the sequential pathways in fostering SA among medical students and therefore addresses a gap between knowledge and practice regarding what contributes to the implementation of educational approaches related to SA. We emphasise the need for educational innovation and research to develop and align assessment methods with teaching and learning related to SA.
Isolated Fragments of Intact Microvessels: Tissue Vascularization, Modeling, and Therapeutics
Authors: Strobel Hannah A. , Moss Sarah M. , Hoying James B.
Published: April 2024

The microvasculature is integral to nearly every tissue in the body, providing not only perfusion to and from the tissue, but also homing sites for immune cells, cellular niches for tissue dynamics, and cooperative interactions with other tissue elements. As a microtissue itself, the microvasculature is a composite of multiple cell types exquisitely organized into structures (individual vessel segments and extensive vessel networks) capable of considerable dynamics and plasticity. Consequently, it has been challenging to include a functional microvasculature in assembled or fabricated tissues. Isolated fragments of intact microvessels, which retain the cellular composition and structures of native microvessels, are proving effective in a variety of vascularization applications including tissue in vitro disease modeling, vascular biology, mechanistic discovery, and tissue prevascularization in regenerative therapeutics and grafting. In this review, we will discuss the importance of recapitulating native tissue biology and the successful vascularization applications of isolated microvessels.
A lightweight Transformer‐based neural network for large‐scale masonry arch bridge point cloud segmentation
Authors: Jing Yixiong , Sheil Brian , Acikgoz Sinan
Published: April 2024

Transformer architecture based on the attention mechanism achieves impressive results in natural language processing (NLP) tasks. This paper transfers the successful experience to a 3D point cloud segmentation task. Inspired by newly proposed 3D Transformer neural networks, this paper introduces a new Transformer‐based module, which is called Local Geo‐Transformer. To alleviate the heavy memory consumption of the original Transformer, Local Geo‐Transformer only performs the attention mechanism in local regions. It is designed to mitigate the information loss caused by the subsampling of point clouds for segmentation. Global Geo‐Transformer is proposed to exploit the global relationships between features with the lowest resolution. The new architecture is validated on a masonry bridge dataset developed by the authors for their earlier work on a previous segmentation network called BridgeNet. The new version of the network with Transformer architecture, BridgeNetv2, outperforms BridgeNet in all metrics. BridgeNetv2 is also shown to be lightweight and memory efficient, well‐adapted to large‐scale point cloud segmentation tasks in civil engineering.
Semantic minimalism and the continuous nature of polysemy
Authors: Li Jiangtian
Published: April 2024

Polysemy has recently emerged as a popular topic in philosophy of language. While much existing research focuses on the relatedness among senses, this article introduces a novel perspective that emphasizes the continuity of sense individuation, sense regularity, and sense productivity. This new perspective has only recently gained traction, largely due to advancements in computational linguistics. It also poses a serious challenge to semantic minimalism, so I present three arguments against minimalism from the continuous perspective that touch on the minimal concept, the distinction from homonymy, and the quasi‐rule‐like nature of polysemy. Last, I provide an account of polysemy that incorporates this continuous perspective.
Confusion and explanation
Authors: Goodman Rachel
Published: April 2024

In Talking about, Unnsteinsson defends an intentionalist theory of reference by arguing that confused referential intentions degrade reference. Central to this project is a “belief model” of both identity confusion and unconfused thought. By appealing to a well‐known argument from Campbell, I argue that this belief model falls short, because it fails to explain the inferential behavior it promises to explain. Campbell's argument has been central in the contemporary literature on Frege's puzzle, but Unnsteinsson's account of confusion provides an opportunity for more clarity about how the argument is best interpreted, and what it shows.
MucR protein: Three decades of studies have led to the identification of a new H‐NS‐like protein
Authors: Baglivo Ilaria , Malgieri Gaetano , Roop Roy Martin , Barton Ian S. , Wang Xindan , Russo Veronica , Pirone Luciano , Pedone Emilia M. , Pedone Paolo V.
Published: April 2024

MucR belongs to a large protein family whose members regulate the expression of virulence and symbiosis genes in α‐proteobacteria species. This protein and its homologs were initially studied as classical transcriptional regulators mostly involved in repression of target genes by binding their promoters. Very recent studies have led to the classification of MucR as a new type of Histone‐like Nucleoid Structuring (H‐NS) protein. Thus this review is an effort to put together a complete and unifying story demonstrating how genetic and biochemical findings on MucR suggested that this protein is not a classical transcriptional regulator, but functions as a novel type of H‐NS‐like protein, which binds AT‐rich regions of genomic DNA and regulates gene expression.
Time budget and behavioral synchrony of humpback whale mother‐calf pairs on a breeding ground in the southwestern Indian Ocean
Authors: Ratsimbazafindranahaka Maevatiana N. , Huetz Chloé , Saloma Anjara , Andrianarimisa Aristide , Charrier Isabelle , Adam Olivier
Published: April 2024

Understanding the activity budget of mother‐young pairs can inform how energy is allocated and its relation to the development of young. Using suction cup tag data collected off Sainte Marie, Madagascar, during the calving season, we compared the time budgets of mothers and their calves in capital‐breeding humpback whales, investigated the changes with age, and assessed mother‐calf behavioral synchrony based on their swimming speed. We found that mothers and calves allocated much of their time to low‐level activities (i.e., static/quasi‐static or swimming at low speed). Young calves engaged more in slow swimming than older calves and mothers. Mothers with younger calves tended to stay static or quasi‐static less than mothers with older ones. Calves displayed some degree of independence in activities but were also observed synchronizing their activities with their mothers. Depending on the nature of the activity, the initiation of it was driven by either the calf or the mother. Our study provides additional knowledge for understanding the behavioral dynamics and interactions within humpback whale mother‐calf pairs. It provides data that can support the implementation of conservation measures.
Management of multiple cerebral embolisms due to polycythemia vera with acquired von Willebrand syndrome
Authors: Watanabe Masashi , Ohtsubo Haruki , Shiraoka Akira , Kyoraku Itaru , Okamoto Kensho
Published: April 2024

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare blood disorder associated with thrombosis or acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS); however, their coexistence is unusual. Here, we report about a 59‐year‐old man with PV who developed both ischemic stroke (IS) and AvWS. Although the patient had no history of thrombosis, he had refractory epistaxis 2 years prior. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and angiography (MRI and MRA) revealed new IS and mural thrombi at the left distal carotid artery. Laboratory investigations showed elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels with mild leukocytosis and thrombocytosis, corresponding to PV. Additionally, suppressed platelet aggregation and activity despite normal antigen of von Willebrand factor indicated AvWS. Appropriate repeated phlebotomies successfully resolved the MRA abnormalities and prevented IS recurrence, although the patient refused the recommended treatment with hydroxyurea. This case highlights the need for careful management to prevent recurrent IS and major bleeding in patients with PV who develop IS accompanying AvWS.
Extending Grime's CSR model to predict plant demographic responses across resource availability gradients: evidence from the patagonian steppes
Authors: Nasta Lautaro L. , Leva Paula E. , Premoli Andrea C. , Aguiar Martin R.
Published: April 2024

Sexual reproduction, growth, and survival are crucial demographic strategies for plant population viability. Here, we propose a conceptual model predicting demographic responses of species based on their ecological strategy and the heterogeneity of environmental conditions within a biogeographical unit and then applied it to a case study from a 5˚ latitudinal gradient in the Patagonian steppes. We also aim to disentangle genetic from environmental effects on demographic responses. We performed in situ and common garden experiments with two species from six local populations of the Occidental Phytogeographical District of the Patagonian steppes. Species differ in key ecological traits, and thus fit into Grime's model for evolutionary strategies in plants: one as competitive species and the other as stress‐tolerant species. We calculated population growth rate (λ) and performed elasticity analyses to compare the contribution of each demographic strategy to population fitness between species and among local populations distributed along 600 km latitudinal gradient with differences in mean annual precipitation (MAP). We highlight four results. First, the competitive species change from sexual reproduction to growth as MAP increases. Second, the stress‐tolerant species relied on growth and survival along the MAP gradient. Third, interannual variation in resource availability modulated demographic responses for both strategies. Fourth, based on the comparison of the in situ and common garden experiments, we submit that demographic responses were genetically driven. Our study shows that demographic responses can be roughly predicted by the ecological strategy across environmental gradients. We show that differences arise not only between species, but also were genetically driven differences within species among local populations. Scaling up plant‐level responses to population‐level dynamics allows for a process‐based understanding of current and future biogeographical species organization. Furthermore, conservation and restoration efforts should be guided by demographic strategies underlying population viability.
Single‐cell transcriptome landscape elucidates the cellular and developmental responses to tomato chlorosis virus infection in tomato leaf
Authors: Yue Hao , Chen Gong , Zhang Zhuo , Guo Zhaojiang , Zhang Zhanhong , Zhang Songbai , Turlings Ted C. J. , Zhou Xuguo , Peng Jing , Gao Yang , Zhang Deyong , Shi Xiaobin , Liu Yong
Published: April 2024

Plant viral diseases compromise the growth and yield of the crop globally, and they tend to be more serious under extreme temperatures and drought climate changes. Currently, regulatory dynamics during plant development and in response to virus infection at the plant cell level remain largely unknown. In this study, single‐cell RNA sequencing on 23 226 individual cells from healthy and tomato chlorosis virus‐infected leaves was established. The specific expression and epigenetic landscape of each cell type during the viral infection stage were depicted. Notably, the mesophyll cells showed a rapid function transition in virus‐infected leaves, which is consistent with the pathological changes such as thinner leaves and decreased chloroplast lamella in virus‐infected samples. Interestingly, the F‐box protein SKIP2 was identified to play a pivotal role in chlorophyll maintenance during virus infection in tomato plants. Knockout of the SlSKIP2 showed a greener leaf state before and after virus infection. Moreover, we further demonstrated that SlSKIP2 was located in the cytomembrane and nucleus and directly regulated by ERF4. In conclusion, with detailed insights into the plant responses to viral infections at the cellular level, our study provides a genetic framework and gene reference in plant–virus interaction and breeding in the future research.
Efficacy and safety of excimer light (308 nm) in the treatment of pityriasis lichenoides chronica
Authors: Salah Eman Mohamed , Bedair Nermeen Ibrahim , El‐Rahim Sarah Khalil Abd , El‐Khalawany Mohamed Ahmed
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Pityriasis lichenoides chronica is the chronic end of the spectrum of pityriasis lichenoides which have several forms of papulosuamous conditions. Several treatments obtained complete clearance of the condition including phototherapy and specifically narrow band ultraviolet B. The Excimer light 308 is a monochromatic light that acts within the ultraviolet B wavelength and used as a targeted phototherapy in several skin conditions.

Methods

Thirty‐four patients with histopathologically diagnosed pityriasis lichenoides chronica underwent treatment with biweekly sessions of excimer light 308 nm. Treatment continued until complete clearance was obtained or to a maximum of 48 sessions (24 weeks).

Results

Thirty‐one patients obtained complete clearance with no recurrence till the end of the study period, two patients had partial response and only one patient showed poor response to treatment.

Conclusion

Excimer light can be a safe and effective treatment of pityriasis lichinoides chronica in different ages and genders.
Effect of education on sun‐safe behaviour in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Tári Vanessza , Janka Eszter Anna , Emri Gabriella , Nemes Balázs , Remenyik Éva , Gellén Emese
Published: April 2024

Background

Organ transplant recipients (OTR) are more likely to develop skin cancer than the general population. One of the main components of the exposome that triggers the development of skin tumours is solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. To reduce the incidence of harmful consequences of sun exposure, sun protection education is needed for patients taking long‐term immunosuppressive drugs.

Methods

In a previous study, we assessed the sun‐safe behaviour of 221 OTR using a questionnaire before and after transplantation and personally educated the patients about proper sun protection. After the education, there were no further reminder presentations. Presently, the sun protection and sun seeking habits of the available 176 of these patients were questioned to assess the long‐term effect of the previous sun protection education.

Results

Two‐four years after the education, more patients wore hats and protected their skin with long‐sleeved clothing than before the education. In terms of sun seeking habits, both occupational and recreational sun exposure decreased significantly. Significantly fewer people went on holiday after transplantation, but those who went on holiday spent significantly less time in the sun.

Conclusion

The long‐term positive effects of education can be seen both in the patients' sun protection and in their sun seeking habits. However, the long‐term goal is to maintain these results and thereby reduce the likelihood of skin tumours and consequently the associated tumour death.
A description of Aliichlorella ignota gen. et sp. nov. and a comparison of the efficiency of species delimitation methods in the Chlorella‐clade (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Krivina Elena , Portnov Aleksey , Temraleeva Anna
Published: April 2024

The present study reports a new representative of Chlorella‐clade that was newly isolated from the Lake Vos'merka (Samara region, Russian Federation). 18S–ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 sequence analyses indicated that the studied strain ACSSI 368 and related Chlorella chlorelloides, Chlorella pulchelloides, formed an separate cluster in the Chlorella‐clade, unrelated to the holotype of the genus Chlorella – Chlorella vulgaris. The independent place of the genus was also confirmed by genetic distances. The individual species status of the studied strain ACSSI 368, compared with the sister C. chlorelloides, was confirmed by morphological differences (cell number per colony, type of chloroplast, number of autospores), genetic distances of the interspecific level by 18S–ITS1–5.8S–ITS2 fragment, alone by internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences, one complementary base change in ITS1, and the results of species delimitation using five methods. A description of studied strain ACSSI 368 was provided as an authentic strain of the type species Aliichlorella ignota. Currently, the new genus Aliichlorella also includes Aliichlorella chlorelloides comb. nov. and Aliichlorella pulchelloides comb. nov. In general, six different delimitation algorithms were used in the present study. The ASAP (i.e. assemble species by automatic partitioning) and LocMin (i.e. ‘local minimum’ function) algorithms showed synchronous results, but their accuracy with respect to closely related species was somewhat lower. The mlPTP algorithm simultaneously aimed to combine closely related species in one and at the same time divide slightly distinguishing strains within a species into several molecular operational taxonomic units. The bPTP algorithm separated excessively Chlorella‐clade representatives into individual species. The generalized mixed Yule coalescent (GMYC) algorithm results were consistent the most with the modern understanding of the Chlorella‐clade taxonomy. However, the same method is one of the most time‐consuming because, for its implementation, it is necessary to carry out long preparatory work. The KoT results were less accurate than the GMYC results, although this is less time‐consuming because it does not require the preliminary construction of ultrametric trees.
The Barelvi movement in South Asian Islam
Authors: Sajjad Mohammad Waqas
Published: April 2024

The Barelvi movement in South Asia—particularly in Pakistan—has long been regarded as the indigenous Islam of the region. It is equated with Sufism, and highlighted as the peaceful and moderate Islam of the majority of Muslims. In doing so, it is contrasted with competing Sunni traditions such as the Deobandis, as an explicit binary is created between the two. However, the narrative has seen a shift since 2011, with the rise of Mumtaz Qadri, who murdered a politician due to allegations of blasphemy. In this article, I trace these developments in the perceptions of, and discourses about, Barelvis in South Asia, especially over the last twenty years. In doing so I explore four key ways of being Barelvi, including love for the Prophet Muhammad, an affiliation with the founder of the movement, Sufi practices and shrines, and opposition to Deobandi Islam.
Trends in Salmonella Infantis human illness incidence and chicken carcass prevalence in the United States; 1996–2019
Authors: Powell Mark R. , Williams Michael S.
Published: April 2024

The incidence of human illness due to Salmonella Infantis reported to Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network and the prevalence of Infantis on chicken carcasses reported by the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service have increased significantly in the past decade. However, the trends do not appear coincident, as would be expected if the increased prevalence in chicken led to the increase in the incidence of human illness. Salmonella Infantis incidence and prevalence trends are analyzed using penalized B‐spline methods for generalized additive regression models. The association between the two time series is analyzed using time‐lagged rank‐order cross‐correlation. Geographic variations in reported incidence and trends are also explored. The increase in human incidence of Salmonella Infantis began circa 2011. The increase in chicken carcass prevalence began circa 2015. A 4‐year lag on chicken carcass prevalence maximizes the rank‐order cross‐correlation with the incidence of illness. While chicken consumption undoubtedly contributes to the incidence of human illness due to Salmonella Infantis, the initial increase in reported illness was likely due to one or more other transmission pathways. Other potential transmission pathways include non‐chicken foodborne, waterborne, person‐to‐person, animal contact, and environmental.
Impact assessment of mandatory safety device installation for gas stoves
Authors: Saito Shunsuke , Kawamura Hironobu
Published: April 2024

Numerous fire accidents have occurred in Japan owing to food overheating when cooking on gas stoves because users left the cooking area unattended. In response, authorities enacted a legal revision mandating temperature sensor installation on gas stove burners. Nevertheless, the actual effectiveness of this measure remains uncertain. Furthermore, prior studies have raised concerns about the efficacy of specific safety standards for consumer products owing to insufficient evidence of reduction in accidents. Consequently, this study seeks to assess the impact of the standards revision implemented in 2008, requiring the placement of safety devices on all gas stove burners. Through a comprehensive analysis, it was aimed to ascertain how these measures have precisely influenced safety outcomes in cooking‐related incidents. The data in this study were subdivided to mitigate potential bias from user attributes during data collection. The analysis employed the difference‐in‐differences method, specifically utilizing one‐burner gas stoves unaffected by the standards revision. The data used in this study include accidents associated with gas stoves, spanning the period 2007–2019. To estimate the likelihood of overheating accidents, a binomial distribution model that utilized the Markov chain Monte Carlo methods was applied. For gas stoves with two or more burners, which were affected by the standards revision, the estimated probability of overheating accidents decreased by approximately 80%. In contrast, no decreasing trend was observed for one‐burner gas stoves. The analysis suggests that the mandatory installation of safety devices on gas stoves has indeed resulted in a significant reduction in overheating accidents.
Free zones and manufactured export competitiveness from Africa
Authors: Talla Fokam Dieu Ne Dort , Nda'chi Deffo Rodrigue , Youmto Ernest , Fomba Kamga Benjamin
Published: April 2024

This study analyzes the effect of free zones on the competitiveness of manufactured exports from Africa. Particular interest is devoted to the channels through which free zones affect export competitiveness. The empirical analysis covers a sample of 29 countries for the period 1996–2018. Using panel data techniques, the results show that the free zone has a positive and significant effect on export competitiveness. The main transmission channels identified are foreign direct investment inflow, human capital, and institutional quality. As the main policy implication, policymakers in Africa need to invest more in human capital development and improve the attractiveness of the investment environment as a priority for having productive free zones.
Brexit and foreign students in gravity
Authors: Davies Ronald B. , Specht Lena S.
Published: April 2024

This paper examines the impact of Brexit on international student migration. In a structural gravity model, we estimate student migration between 69 countries for counterfactual scenarios in which the United Kingdom leaves the European Union one year before the referendum. This exercise reveals a decrease in exchange students studying in the UK of around 3.8% to 4.9%. While the number of non‐EU students to the UK rises, a drop in EU student numbers drives this result. Similarly, 30% to 38% fewer UK students choose to study abroad. The estimated changes in international student stocks show that most other member countries lose international students and non‐EU countries host more than without Brexit. Our findings provide evidence that there may be hidden costs to Brexit affecting global student exchanges that we have yet to see.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of ‘ULTRACOL 200′ in enhancing nasolabial fold wrinkles through cutaneous repair
Authors: Giang Nguyen Ngan , Kim Hyunjee , Chien Pham Ngoc , Kwon Han Jin , Ham Jung Ryul , Lee Won Ku , Gu Yeon Ju , Zhou Shou Yi , Zhang Xin Rui , Nam Sun Young , Heo Chan Yeong
Published: April 2024

Background

Injectable filler, a nonsurgical beauty method, has gained popularity in rejuvenating sagging skin. In this study, polydioxanone (PDO) was utilized as the main component of the ULTRACOL200 filler that helps stimulate collagenesis and provide skin radiant effects. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of ULTRACOL200 with other commercialized products in visually improving dermatological problems.

Methods

Herein, 31 participants aged between 20 and 59 years were enrolled in the study. 1 mL of the testing product, as well as the quantity for the compared groups was injected into each participants face side individually. Subsequently, skin texture and sunken volume of skin were measured using ANTERA 3D CS imaging technology at three periods: before the application, 4 weeks after the initial application, and 4 weeks after the 2nd application of ULTRACOL200.

Results

The final results of skin texture and wrinkle volume evaluation consistently demonstrated significant enhancement. Consequently, subjective questionnaires were provided to the participants to evaluate the efficacy of the testing product, illustrating satisfactory responses after the twice applications.

Conclusion

The investigation has contributed substantially to the comprehension of a PDO‐based filler (ULTRACOL200) for skin enhancement and provided profound insight for future clinical trials.
Verbal Violence on Social Networking Websites and Its Impact on Students with Disabilities from the Parents’ Perspectives
Authors: Khasawneh Mohamad Ahmad Saleem
Published: April 2024

The objectives of this study were to explore the level of verbal violence on social media that students with disabilities receive from the perspective of their parents in Irbid and to find the precautions and suggestions that parents of students with LDs take to reduce the level of verbal violence. The descriptive approach was used to study the current conditions of phenomena of violence. The study included 50 participants from parents of students with disabilities from Irbid City, Jordan. The main instrument that was relied upon in this research is the questionnaire. These results indicate that students with disabilities are exposed to verbal violence on social media according to the opinions of their parents. The levels of violence are high and expected to rise according to their views which affects the students' mental health, and consequently, affects their academic levels. The results demonstrated the need to monitor the content of social media accounts that students use without limiting their freedom. Parental censorship should be used to specific limits and with collaboration with schools and educational centres that can provide awareness campaigns to reduce the levels of verbal violence on social media.
A Cable-Based Haptic Interface With a Reconfigurable Structure
Authors: Poitrimol Bastien , Igarashi Hiroshi
Published: April 2024

Cable robots have been used as haptic interfaces for several decades now, with the most notable examples being the SPIDAR and its numerous iterations throughout the years, as well as the more recent IPAnema 3 Mini manufactured by Fraunhofer IPA. However, these robots still have drawbacks, particularly their high number of cables required to maintain a high workspace-to-installation-space ratio. Using a hybrid structure cable robot (HSCR) could prevent some collisions that occur between the cables and the user’s body. More specifically, some applications requiring multimodal feedback could benefit from the flexibility that a reduced number of cables offers. Therefore, this paper presents a novel SPIDAR-like HSCR and its sensor-less force control method based on motor current. The purpose of this work is to clarify the advantages that a variable-structure can provide for haptic interaction. In this regard, experimental results regarding the device’s workspace and its force feedback capabilities are presented. Additionally, since real-time high-frequency updates are required for haptic display, we provide additional data regarding the control algorithm’s runtime. Lastly, another experiment was conducted to study changes in user performance when using both the variable and the usual cable configuration. The results showed that feedback accuracy is maintained, and there are no drawbacks to using hybrid configurations.
Acute High-Intensity Interval Training Improves Esport Performance in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate Competitors
Authors: Rightmire Zachary B. , Agostinelli Philip J. , Murrah William M. , Roper Jaimie A. , Roberts Michael D. , Sefton JoEllen M.
Published: April 2024

Acute exercise has been shown to improve scores on tests of cognitive function. The cognitive variables that improve with acute exercise are also associated with esport performance. This randomized control trial examined whether performing a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise bout prior to esport competitions produced improvement in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate performance compared with the control group of college-aged e-athletes who did not perform a precompetition HIIT session (n = 28). Both competitions consisted of a round-robin style of play wherein all players in each group faced each other in head-on sets. Competition results after sedentary and after HIIT exercise were compared. Logistic regression indicated that HIIT increased the probability of winning a Super Smash Brothers Ultimate set by approximately twofold (p = .006). These data suggest that HIIT acutely improves esport performance.
Accelerometer-Based Estimates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time Among Samoan Adults
Authors: Hawley Nicola L. , Zarei Parmida , Crouter Scott E. , Desai Mayur M. , Pomer Alysa , Rivara Anna C. , Naseri Take , Reupena Muagututia Sefuiva , Viali Satupaitea , Duckham Rachel L. , McGarvey Stephen T.
Published: April 2024

Background: The prevalence of obesity-related cardiometabolic disease in Samoa is among the highest globally. While physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for obesity-related disease, little is known about physical activity levels among adult Samoans. Using wrist-worn accelerometer-based devices, this study aimed to characterize physical activity among Samoan adults. Methods: Samoan adults (n = 385; 55% female, mean [SD] age 52 [10] y) wore Actigraph GT3X+ devices for 7 to 10 days. General linear models were used to examine mean daily minutes of sedentary time, light physical activity, and moderate to vigorous physical activity by various participant characteristics. Results: Time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity did not differ statistically between men (88 [5] min; 95% confidence interval [CI], 80–97) and women (78 [4] min; 95% CI, 70–86; P = .08). Women, however, spent more time than men in light physical activity: 380 (7) minutes (95% CI, 367–393) versus 344 (7) minutes (95% CI, 329–358; P < .001). While there were no differences in physical activity by census region, education, or occupation among women, men in urban areas spent significantly less time in moderate to vigorous physical activity than those in peri-urban and rural areas (P = .015). Women with class II/III obesity spent more time in sedentary activities than those with healthy weight or overweight/class I obesity (P = .048). Conclusions: This study characterizes physical activity among Samoan adults and highlights variation by sex, urbanicity, and weight status. In providing initial device-measured estimates of physical activity in Samoa, this analysis establishes a baseline from which the success of future attempts to intervene on physical activity may be assessed.
Teaching a Physical Activity to a Young Child With Autism Using the Three-Tier Video Modeling Model: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wang Shu-Chen , Wang Hui-Ting
Published: April 2024

The Three-Tier Video Modeling intervention model was derived from the theory of Response to Intervention. This pilot study aimed to demonstrate the application of the Three-Tier Video Modeling model with a top-down approach in teaching physical activity to a 4-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder and his typically developing peers. The study utilized a single case-changing conditions design and measured children’s performance in the target physical activity. The results showed that the boy with autism spectrum disorder acquired the target skill and consequently generalized it to the natural environment, and all peers mastered the skill after intervention. Teachers and parents also reported a more inclusive learning environment. The potential implications of this novel approach were discussed.
Ppx1 putative exopolyphosphatase is essential for polyphosphate accumulation in
Lacticaseibacillus paracasei
Authors: Corrales Daniela , Alcántara Cristina , Zúñiga Manuel , Monedero Vicente
Published: April 2024

The linear polymer polyphosphate (poly-P) is present across all three domains of life and serves diverse physiological functions. The enzyme polyphosphate kinase (Ppk) is responsible for poly-P synthesis, whereas poly-P degradation is carried out by the enzyme exopolyphosphatase (Ppx). In many
Lactobacillaceae
, the Ppk-encoding gene (
ppk
) is found clustered together with two genes encoding putative exopolyphosphatases (
ppx1
and
ppx2
) each having different domain compositions, with the gene order
ppx1-ppk-ppx2
. However, the specific function of these
ppx
genes remains unexplored. An in-frame deletion of
ppx1
in
Lacticaseibacillus paracasei
BL23 resulted in bacteria unable to accumulate poly-P, whereas the disruption of
ppx2
did not affect poly-P synthesis. The expression of
ppk
was not altered in the Δ
ppx1
strain, and poly-P synthesis in this strain was only restored by expressing
ppx1
in
trans
. Moreover, no poly-P synthesis was observed when
ppk
was expressed from a plasmid in the Δ
ppx1
strain. Purified Ppx2 exhibited
in vitro
exopolyphosphatase activity, whereas no
in vitro
enzymatic activity could be demonstrated for Ppx1. This observation corresponds with the absence in Ppx1 of conserved motifs essential for catalysis found in characterized exopolyphosphatases. Furthermore, assays with purified Ppk and Ppx1 evidenced that Ppx1 enhanced Ppk activity. These results demonstrate that Ppx1 is essential for poly-P synthesis in
Lc. paracasei
and have unveiled, for the first time, an unexpected role of Ppx1 exopolyphosphatase in poly-P synthesis.

IMPORTANCE

Poly-P is a pivotal molecular player in bacteria, participating in a diverse array of processes ranging from stress resilience to pathogenesis while also serving as a functional component in probiotic bacteria. The synthesis of poly-P is tightly regulated, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Our study sheds light on the distinctive role played by the two exopolyphosphatases (Ppx) found in the
Lactobacillaceae
bacterial group, of relevance in food and health. This particular group is noteworthy for possessing two Ppx enzymes, supposedly involved in poly-P degradation. Remarkably, our investigation uncovers an unprecedented function of Ppx1 in
Lacticaseibacillus paracasei
, where its absence leads to the total cessation of poly-P synthesis, paralleling the impact observed upon eliminating the poly-P forming enzyme, poly-P kinase. Unlike the anticipated role as a conventional exopolyphosphatase, Ppx1 demonstrates an unexpected function. Our results added a layer of complexity to our understanding of poly-P dynamics in bacteria.
Using the pan-genomic framework for the discovery of genomic islands in the haloarchaeon
Halorubrum ezzemoulense
Authors: Feng Yutian , Arsenault Danielle , Louyakis Artemis S. , Altman-Price Neta , Gophna Uri , Papke R. Thane , Gogarten Johann Peter
Published: April 2024

In this study, we use pan-genomics to characterize the genomic variability of the widely dispersed halophilic archaeal species
Halorubrum ezzemoulense (Hez
). We include a multi-regional sampling of newly sequenced, high-quality draft genomes. The pan-genome graph of the species reveals 50 genomic islands that represent rare accessory genetic capabilities available to members. Most notably, we observe rearrangements that have led to the insertion/recombination/replacement of mutually exclusive genomic islands in equivalent genome positions (“homeocassettes”). These conflicting islands encode for similar functions, but homologs from islands located between the same core genes exhibit high divergence on the amino acid level, while the neighboring core genes are nearly identical. Both islands of a homeocassette often coexist in the same geographic location, suggesting that either island may be beyond the reach of selective sweeps and that these loci of divergence between
Hez
members are maintained and persist long term. This implies that subsections of the population have different niche preferences and rare metabolic capabilities. After an evaluation of the gene content in the homeocassettes, we speculate that these islands may play a role in the speciation, niche adaptability, and group selection dynamics in
Hez
. Though homeocassettes are first described in this study, similar replacements and divergence of genes on genomic islands have been previously reported in other Haloarchaea and distantly related Archaea, suggesting that homeocassettes may be a feature in a wide range of organisms outside of
Hez
.

IMPORTANCE

This study catalogs the rare genes discovered in strains of the species
Halorubrum ezzemoulense (Hez),
an obligate halophilic archaeon, through the perspective of its pan-genome. These rare genes are often found to be arranged on islands that confer metabolic and transport functions and contain genes that have eluded previous studies. The discovery of divergent, but homologous islands occupying equivalent genome positions (“homeocassettes”) in different genomes, reveals significant new information on genome evolution in
Hez
. Homeocassette pairs encode for similar functions, but their dissimilarity and distribution imply high rates of recombination, different specializations, and niche preferences in
Hez
. The coexistence of both islands of a homeocassette pair in multiple environments demonstrates that both islands are beyond the reach of selective sweeps and that these genome content differences between strains persist long term. The switch between islands through recombination under different environmental conditions may lead to a greater range of niche adaptability in
Hez
.
Draft genome sequencing of
Pediococcus pentosaceus
strains isolated from cow milk
Authors: Rahman Md. Morshedur , Siddique Naim , Akter Salma , Das Ziban Chandra , Hoque M. Nazmul
Published: April 2024

We sequenced the genomes of
Pediococcus pentosaceus
strains MBBL4 and MBBL6, isolated from raw milk samples of healthy cows. The draft genomes of the MBBL4 and MBBL6 were 1,896,831 bp and 1,849,397 bp, respectively, and were fragmented into 58 and 42 contigs, with coverages of 118.2× and 128.7×, respectively.
Loss of LpqM proteins in
Mycobacterium abscessus
is associated with impaired intramacrophage survival
Authors: Boudehen Yves-Marie , Daher Wassim , Roquet-Baneres Françoise , Kremer Laurent
Published: April 2024

Mycobacterium abscessus,
an emerging pathogen responsible for severe pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis patients, displays either a smooth (S) or a rough (R) morphotype. Infections with
M. abscessus
R are associated with increased pathogenicity in animal models and humans. While the S-to-R transition correlating with reduced glycopeptidolipid (GPL) production is well-documented, the recent screening of a transposon library revealed additional gene candidates located outside of the
GPL
locus involved in this transition. These genes include
MAB_1470c
, encoding the putative lipoprotein peptidase LpqM. However, experimental confirmation of the implication of this gene in the morphotype switch is lacking. Herein, we re-examined the role of
MAB_1470c
, and its homolog
MAB_1466c
, in colonial morphotype changes by generating unmarked deletion mutants in
M. abscessus
S. Our results indicate that the morphotype of these mutants stayed smooth in different media. Unexpectedly, the intracellular growth of Δ
MAB_1470c
and Δ
MAB_1466c
in THP-1 macrophages was significantly reduced as compared to the parental S strain, and these defects were rescued upon complementation with their corresponding genes. Strikingly, the intracellular survival defect was further exacerbated in a mutant lacking both
MAB_1470c
and
MAB_1466c
genes. This implies that, despite their primary sequence relatedness, the two proteins are not functionally redundant. Collectively, this suggests that these two LpqM-related lipoproteins are unlikely to be involved in the S-to-R transition but are key players for intramacrophage survival of
M. abscessus
.

IMPORTANCE

Mycobacterium abscessus
causes persistent infections in patients with underlying pulmonary diseases, resulting in progressive lung function deterioration. The rough (R) morphotype is well-established as associated with chronic and more aggressive infections in patients. In this study, we individually and simultaneously deleted the
MAB_1470c
and
MAB_1466c
genes in
M. abscessus
S, without observing changes in colony morphotypes. However, these mutants exhibited a severe impairment in their ability to survive within human macrophages, highlighting the critical role of these two lipoproteins in
M. abscessus
virulence.
Cost of childhood severe pneumonia management in selected public inpatient care facilities in Bangladesh: a provider perspective
Authors: Sultana Marufa , Watts Jennifer J , Alam Nur H , Faruque A S G , Fuchs George J , Gyr Niklaus , Ali Nausad , Chisti Md Jobayer , Ahmed Tahmeed , Abimanyi-Ochom Julie , Gold Lisa
Published: April 2024

Objective

To estimate inpatient care costs of childhood severe pneumonia and its urban–rural cost variation, and to predict cost drivers.

Design

The study was nested within a cluster randomised trial of childhood severe pneumonia management. Cost per episode of severe pneumonia was estimated from a healthcare provider perspective for children who received care from public inpatient facilities. A bottom-up micro-costing approach was applied and data collected using structured questionnaire and review of the patient record. Multivariate regression analysis determined cost predictors and sensitivity analysis explored robustness of cost parameters.

Setting

Eight public inpatient care facilities from two districts of Bangladesh covering urban and rural areas.

Patients

Children aged 2–59 months with WHO-classified severe pneumonia.

Results

Data on 1252 enrolled children were analysed; 795 (64%) were male, 787 (63%) were infants and 59% from urban areas. Average length of stay (LoS) was 4.8 days (SD ±2.5) and mean cost per patient was US$48 (95% CI: US$46, US$49). Mean cost per patient was significantly greater for urban tertiary-level facilities compared with rural primary–secondary facilities (mean difference US$43; 95% CI: US$40, US$45). No cost variation was found relative to age, sex, malnutrition or hypoxaemia. Type of facility was the most important cost predictor. LoS and personnel costs were the most sensitive cost parameters.

Conclusion

Healthcare provider cost of childhood severe pneumonia was substantial for urban located public health facilities that provided tertiary-level care. Thus, treatment availability at a lower-level facility at a rural location may help to reduce overall treatment costs.