bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the predictive role of temperature in the gut microbiota of the sea urchin Echinometra sp. EZ across spatial and temporal gradients
Authors: Ketchum Remi N. , Smith Edward G. , Vaughan Grace O. , McParland Dain , Al‐Mansoori Noura , Burt John A. , Reitzel Adam M.
Published: May 2021

Shifts in microbial communities represent a rapid response mechanism for host organisms to respond to changes in environmental conditions. Therefore, they are likely to be important in assisting the acclimatization of hosts to seasonal temperature changes as well as to variation in temperatures across a species’ range. The Persian/Arabian Gulf is the world's warmest sea, with large seasonal fluctuations in temperature (20℃ ‐ 37℃) and is connected to the Gulf of Oman which experiences more typical oceanic conditions (<32℃ in the summer). This system is an informative model for understanding how symbiotic microbial assemblages respond to thermal variation across temporal and spatial scales. Here, we elucidate the role of temperature on the microbial gut community of the sea urchin Echinometra sp. EZ and identify microbial taxa that are tightly correlated with the thermal environment. We generated two independent datasets with a high degree of geographic and temporal resolution. The results show that microbial communities vary across thermally variable habitats, display temporal shifts that correlate with temperature, and can become more disperse as temperatures rise. The relative abundances of several ASVs significantly correlate with temperature in both independent datasets despite the >300 km distance between the furthest sites and the extreme seasonal variations. Notably, over 50% of the temperature predictive ASVs identified from the two datasets belonged to the family Vibrionaceae. Together, our results identify temperature as a robust predictor of community‐level variation and highlight specific microbial taxa putatively involved in the response to thermal environment.
Can Lebanon's Economy Be Saved? A Plan for Revival
Authors: Dagher Leila , Nehme Raoul
Published: May 2021

The recent financial and economic meltdown in Lebanon is the result of 30 years of social, economic, financial, and fiscal mismanagement, amplified by the Covid‐19 pandemic and further exacerbated by the Beirut port explosion. Lebanese citizens’ trust, as well as the international community's trust in the government, have unfortunately been destroyed. Consequently, Lebanon's sole option is to rebuild confidence in the government and public institutions by implementing economic reforms and to seek an IMF program to pave the way for additional financing from other international sources. The most important confidence‐building step is a clear financial and economic plan that has the support of all key stakeholders. This article presents a road map for a reforms‐driven, export‐led growth strategy for Lebanon. Ultimately, the goal is to jump‐start the economy and put it on a path of sustainable, inclusive, and equitable economic growth. Such growth should be grounded in a small, open‐economy model and driven by low tariffs, a flexible exchange rate regime, and a dynamic export sector built on competitive and comparative advantages. This plan partially builds on proposals and recommendations provided by previous economic plans and policy notes.
Home‐field advantage of litter decomposition: from the phyllosphere to the soil
Authors: Fanin Nicolas , Lin Dunmei , Freschet Grégoire T. , Keiser Ashley D. , Augusto Laurent , Wardle David A. , Veen G. F. (Ciska)
Published: May 2021

Plants often associate with specialized decomposer communities that increase plant litter breakdown, a phenomenon that is known as the ‘home‐field advantage’ (HFA). Although the concept of HFA has long considered only the role of the soil microbial community, explicit consideration of the role of the microbial community on the foliage before litter fall (i.e. the phyllosphere community) may help us to better understand HFA. We investigated the occurrence of HFA in the presence vs absence of phyllosphere communities and found that HFA effects were smaller when phyllosphere communities were removed. We propose that priority effects and interactions between phyllosphere and soil organisms can help explain the positive effects of the phyllosphere at home, and suggest a path forward for further investigation.
Functional specificity, diversity, and redundancy of Arabidopsis JAZ family repressors in jasmonate and COI1‐regulated growth, development, and defense
Authors: Liu Bei , Seong Kyungyong , Pang Shihai , Song Junqiao , Gao Hua , Wang Cuili , Zhai Jiaqi , Zhang Yue , Gao Shang , Li Xuedong , Qi Tiancong , Song Susheng
Published: May 2021

In response to jasmonates (JAs), the JA receptor Coronatine Insensitive 1 (COI1) recruits JA‐zinc‐finger inflorescence meristem (ZIM)‐domain (JAZ) family repressors for destruction to regulate plant growth, development, and defense. As Arabidopsis encodes 13 JAZ repressors, their functional specificity, diversity, and redundancy in JA/COI1‐mediated responses remain unclear.

We generated a broad range of jaz mutants based on their phylogenetic relationship to investigate their roles in JA responses. The group I JAZ6 may play an inhibitory role in resistance to Botrytis cinerea, group II (JAZ10)/III (JAZ11/12) in JA‐regulated root growth inhibition and susceptibility to Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000, and group IV JAZ3/4/9 in flowering time delay and defense against insects. JAZs exhibit high redundancy in apical hook curvature.

The undecuple jaz1/2/3/4/5/6/7/9/10/11/12 (jaz1‐7,9‐12) mutations enhance JA responses and suppress the phenotypes of coi1‐1 in flowering time, rosette growth, and defense. The JA hypersensitivity of jaz1‐7,9‐12 in root growth, hook curvature, and leaf yellowing is blocked by coi1‐1. jaz1‐7,9‐12 does not influence the stamen phenotypes of wild‐type and coi1‐1. jaz1‐7,9‐12 affects JA‐regulated transcriptional profile and recovers a fraction of that in coi1‐1.

This study contributes to elucidating the specificity, diversity, and redundancy of JAZ members in JA/COI1‐regulated growth, development, and defense responses.
Malignant transformation of oral proliferative verrucous leukoplakia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ramos‐García Pablo , González‐Moles Miguel Ángel , Mello Fernanda Weber , Bagan Jose V. , Warnakulasuriya Saman
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To investigate the available evidence on the malignant transformation (MT) of oral proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL).

Material and Methods

We searched six main electronic and three grey literature databases in a two‐phase process. Cohort studies investigating MT of PVL were eligible for inclusion. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using a specific tool developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Proportion meta‐analyses were performed using a random‐effects model.

Results

Study selection resulted in the inclusion of 17 studies. The pooled proportion of MT was 43.87% (95% CI = 31.93–56.13). Females (64.02%, 95% CI = 54.87–72.75) were more affected by PVL than males (35.98%, 95% CI = 27.25–45.13). Gingiva (39.6%) and buccal mucosa (21.6%) were the most frequent PVL sites. No conclusive results were found between MT and sex or age distribution, tobacco, or alcohol consumption. Gingiva was the most common site for MT (39.9%), and the most frequent histopathological subtype was conventional squamous cell carcinoma (62.1%). Four studies were classified as low, nine as moderate, and four as high RoB.

Conclusion

The MT pooled proportion was 43.87%. Among OPMDs, PVL has the highest risk to transform to malignancy. Development and agreement on diagnostic criteria for PVL would reduce the heterogeneity among future studies.
Production of complementary defense metabolites reflects a co‐evolutionary arms race between a host plant and a mutualistic bark beetle‐fungal complex
Authors: Ullah Aziz , Klutsch Jennifer G. , Erbilgin Nadir
Published: May 2021

Intra‐specific variation in conifers has been extensively studied with respect to defense against herbivores and pathogens. While studies have shown the ability of individual or specific mixtures of compounds to influence insects and microbes, research testing biologically relevant mixtures of defense compounds reflecting intra‐specific variation amongst tree populations to enemy complexes is needed. We characterized the variations in lodgepole pine monoterpenes from a progeny trial in western Canada and grouped trees in four clusters using their monoterpene profiles. We then selected 11 representative families across four clusters and amended their entire monoterpene profiles (with the exception of β‐phellandrene) in media to determine how representative families affect the performance of the mountain pine beetle or its fungal symbiont. We placed adult beetles or inoculated fungus on the amended media and measured beetle performance and fungal growth as a proxy to host suitability. We found that different clusters or families differentially influenced beetle or fungal responses. However, monoterpene profiles of trees suitable to the beetle or the fungus were dissimilar. These outcomes reflect a co‐evolutionary arms‐race between the host and the bark beetle‐fungus complex, which has resulted in the production of complementary defense metabolites among different pine populations to enhance tree survival.
Measuring Institutional Design in U.S. States
Authors: LaCombe Scott J.
Published: May 2021

Objective

The role of institutions in state politics has been recognized for decades. However, most of this research has evaluated the role of a single institution at a time, such as the role of the ballot initiative or legislative professionalism. Little is known about how institutions may have counterbalancing or reinforcing effects.

Method

I propose evaluating institutions collectively much in the way that comparative politics scholars have evaluated the collective set of institutions that create levels of democracy.

Results

Through an exploratory factor analysis, I find that state institutions can primarily be understood along two dimensions, accountability pressure and checks and balances. I use a Bayesian factor analysis of mixed data to generate institutional scores for all 50 states along both dimensions from 1975 to 2016.

Conclusion

Theses scores will be a resource to understand how a state`s collective institutional environment affects a wide variety of phenomena, from policy responsiveness to voter turnout or policy innovation.
The lysophosphatidic acid axis in fibrosis: Implications for glaucoma
Authors: O'Regan Amy , O'Brien Colm J. , Eivers Sarah B.
Published: May 2021

Glaucoma is a common progressive optic neuropathy that results in visual field defects and can lead to irreversible blindness. The pathophysiology of glaucoma involves dysregulated extracellular matrix remodelling in both the trabecular meshwork in the anterior chamber and in the lamina cribrosa of the optic nerve head. Fibrosis in these regions leads to raised intraocular pressure and retinal ganglion cell degeneration, respectively. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid mediator which acts via six G‐protein coupled receptors on the cell surface to activate intracellular pathways that promote cell proliferation, transcription and survival. LPA signalling has been implicated in both normal wound healing and pathological fibrosis. LPA enhances fibroblast proliferation, migration and contraction, and induces expression of pro‐fibrotic mediators such as connective tissue growth factor. The LPA axis plays a major role in diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, where it has been identified as an important pharmacological target. In glaucoma, LPA is present in high levels in the aqueous humour, and its signalling has been found to increase resistance to aqueous humour outflow through altered trabecular meshwork cellular contraction and extracellular matrix deposition. LPA signalling may, therefore, also represent an attractive target for treatment of glaucoma. In this review we wish to describe the role of LPA and its related proteins in tissue fibrosis and glaucoma.
Myofibroblast progeny in wound biology and wound healing studies
Authors: Monika Prakash , Waiker Prabhakar Veena , Chandraprabha Mathikere Naganna , Rangarajan Annapoorni , Murthy Kotamballi N. Chidambara
Published: May 2021

Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts play a myriad of important roles in human tissue function, especially in wound repair and healing. Among all cells, fibroblasts are group of cells that decide the status of wound as they maintain tissue homeostasis. Currently, the increase in the deleterious effects of chronic wound and their morbidity rate has necessitated the need to understand the influence of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, which chiefly originate locally from tissue‐resident fibroblasts to address the same. Wound pathophysiology is complex, herein, we have discussed fibroblast and myofibroblast heterogeneity in skin and different organs by understanding the phenotypical and functional properties of each of its sub‐populations in the process of wound healing. Recent advancements in fibroblast activation, differentiation to myofibroblasts, proliferation and migration are discussed in detail. Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are key players in wound healing and wound remodelling, respectively, and their significance in wound repair is discussed. An increased understanding of their biology during wound healing also gives an opportunity to explore more of fibroblast and myofibroblast focused therapies to treat chronic wounds which are clinical challenges. In this regard, in the current review, we have described the different methods for isolation of primary fibroblasts and myofibroblasts from both animal models and humans, and their characterization. Additionally, we have also provided details on possible molecular targets for better understanding of prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of chronic wounds. Information will help both researchers and clinicians in providing molecular insight that enable them for effective chronic wound management. The knowledge of intimate dialogue between the fibroblast, sub‐populations like, myofibroblast and their microenvironment, will serve useful in determining novel, efficient and specific therapeutic targets to treat pathological wound conditions.
Aerodynamic Loading Considerations of Three-Shaft Engine Compression System During Surge
Authors: Moreno Jose , Dodds John , Sheaf Christopher , Zhao Fanzhou , Vahdati Mehdi
Published: May 2021

Compressor surge imposes a limit on aero-engine operability and can compromise integrity because of significant aerodynamic loads imparted on the engine components. The aim of this article is to use 3D unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to predict the surge loadings on a compression system of a modern three-spool engine. The compression system is matched at a high power condition and computations are performed using a whole-assembly approach. In this study, the effect of two types of surge initiation on the maximum loading recorded during surge are studied: throttling of the high pressure compressor (HPC) and turning of the intermediate pressure compressor (IPC) variable stator vanes (VSV). An explanation of the main physical phenomena that contribute to those loadings is offered. It was found that in an aero-engine surge event, the maximum overpressure is driven by a combined effect of the surge shock wave passing and high pressure gas blown toward the front of the engine during depressurization. The amplitude of maximum overpressure is dictated by the compression system exit pressure at the moment of surge inception. The surge initiation via HPC throttling produces larger overpressure and therefore should be considered for design intent.
Ab Initio Investigation of the Elastic Properties of CaxSn1−x Alloys for Use As Battery Anodes
Authors: Woodcox Michael , Smeu Manuel
Published: May 2021

Density functional theory has been used to investigate 19 CaxSn1−x structures (six bulk materials and 13 alloys) as potential battery anodes. Of the alloys, we have found four stable phases (x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.625, and 0.75) and three metastable phases (two at x = 0.5 and one at x = 0.75). For the (meta)stable phases, we compare quantities such as the elastic moduli (bulk (K), shear (G), and Young’s (E)), Poisson’s ratio (ν) and the Pugh ratio (γ), the latter two being metrics for ductility. Nearly all of the alloys exhibit a steady increase in G (from 21.6 GPa to 25.3 GPa) and E (56.1 GPa to 59.1 GPa). K ranges from 25.7 GPa to 46.3 GPa across the same concentration window. For bulk Sn, the ν and γ values are close to the ductile/brittle boundary, followed by an increase in ductility to the peak value at x = 0.25 (ν = 0.298 and γ = 2.14), beyond which both quantities decrease reaching a minimum value at x = 0.75 (ν = 0.168 and γ = 1.17). The Debye temperature (θD) and minimum thermal conductivity (kmin) of each compound were also calculated, following a trend that is identical to the shear modulus. We have found that for stable/metastable compositions of CaxSn1−x, those sharing the same chemical composition (stoichiometry) also share remarkably similar material properties, indicating that such materials would be advantageous for uses in battery anodes.
A Numerical Approach Based on Finite Element Method for the Wrinkling Analysis of Dielectric Elastomer Membranes
Authors: Mao Guoyong , Hong Wei , Kaltenbrunner Martin , Qu Shaoxing
Published: May 2021

Dielectric elastomer (DE) actuators are deformable capacitors capable of a muscle-like actuation when charged. When subjected to voltage, DE membranes coated with compliant electrodes may form wrinkles due to the Maxwell stress. Here, we develop a numerical approach based on the finite element method (FEM) to predict the morphology of wrinkled DE membranes mounted on a rigid frame. The approach includes two steps: (I) pre-buckling and (II) post-buckling. In step I, the first buckling mode of the DE membrane is investigated by substituting the Maxwell stress with thermal stress in the built-in function of the FEM platform simulia abaqus. In step II, we use this first buckling mode as an artificial geometric imperfection to conduct the post-buckling analysis. For this purpose, we develop an equivalent model to simulate the mechanical behavior of DEs. Based on our approach, the thickness distribution and the thinnest site of the wrinkled DE membranes subjected to voltage are investigated. The simulations reveal that the crests/troughs of the wrinkles are the thinnest sites around the center of the membrane and corroborate these findings experimentally. Finally, we successfully predict the wrinkles of DE membranes mounted on an isosceles right triangle frame with various sizes of wrinkles generated simultaneously. These results shed light on the fundamental understanding of wrinkled dielectric elastomers but may also trigger new applications such as programmable wrinkles for optical devices or their prevention in DE actuators.
Habitual Caffeine Consumption Does Not Interfere With the Acute Caffeine Supplementation Effects on Strength Endurance and Jumping Performance in Trained Individuals
Authors: de Salles Painelli Vitor , Teixeira Emerson L. , Tardone Bruno , Moreno Marina , Morandini Jonatas , Larrain Victória H. , Pires Flávio O.
Published: May 2021

The long-standing caffeine habituation paradigm was never investigated in strength endurance and jumping exercise performance through a straightforward methodology. The authors examined if habitual caffeine consumption would influence the caffeine ergogenic effects on strength endurance and jumping performance as well as perceptual responses. Thirty-six strength-trained individuals were mathematically allocated into tertiles according to their habitual caffeine consumption: low (20 ± 11 mg/day), moderate (88 ± 33 mg/day), and high consumers (281 ± 167 mg/day). Then, in a double-blind, crossover, counterbalanced fashion, they performed a countermovement vertical jump test and a strength endurance test either after caffeine (6 mg/kg) and placebo supplementation or after no supplementation (control). Perceptual responses such as ratings of perceived exertion and pain were measured at the termination of the exercises. Acute caffeine supplementation improved countermovement vertical jump performance (p = .001) and total repetitions (p = .004), regardless of caffeine habituation. Accordingly, analysis of absolute change from the control session showed that caffeine promoted a significantly greater improvement in both countermovement vertical jump performance (p = .004) and total repetitions (p = .0001) compared with placebo. Caffeine did not affect the rating of perceived exertion and pain in any exercise tests, irrespective of tertiles (for all comparisons, p > .05 for both measures). Caffeine side effects were similar in low, moderate, and high caffeine consumers. These results show that habitual caffeine consumption does not influence the potential of caffeine as an ergogenic aid in strength endurance and jumping exercise performance, thus challenging recommendations to withdraw from the habitual caffeine consumption before supplementing with caffeine.
Weighting tumor-specific TCR repertoires as a classifier to stratify the immunotherapy delivery in non–small cell lung cancers
Authors: Han Jiefei , Yu Ruofei , Duan Jianchun , Li Jin , Zhao Wei , Feng Guoshuang , Bai Hua , Wang Yuqi , Zhang Xue , Wan Rui , Xu Jiachen , Wang Xin , Guan Yanfang , Xia Xuefeng , Yao Zhuoran , Fei Kailun , Carbone David P. , Wang Zhijie , Wang Jie
Published: May 2021

TIR index is a feasible approach for assessing tumor-specific TCR and stratifying NSCLC patients for anti-PD-(L)1 therapy.
Critical slowing down in circuit quantum electrodynamics
Authors: Brookes Paul , Tancredi Giovanna , Patterson Andrew D. , Rahamim Joseph , Esposito Martina , Mavrogordatos Themistoklis K. , Leek Peter J. , Ginossar Eran , Szymanska Marzena H.
Published: May 2021

A saturation of critical slowing down in the bistable regime of a microwave resonator coupled to a transmon is observed.
Quantum monitoring of cellular metabolic activities in single mitochondria
Authors: Nie L. , Nusantara A. C. , Damle V. G. , Sharmin R. , Evans E. P. P. , Hemelaar S. R. , van der Laan K. J. , Li R. , Perona Martinez F. P. , Vedelaar T. , Chipaux M. , Schirhagl R.
Published: May 2021

We demonstrated nanoscale MRI of metabolism in single isolated mitochondria and within living cells using NV centers in diamond.
Transient rhyolite melt extraction to produce a shallow granitic pluton
Authors: Schaen Allen J. , Schoene Blair , Dufek Josef , Singer Brad S. , Eddy Michael P. , Jicha Brian R. , Cottle John M.
Published: May 2021

Shallow high-silica granites provide a window into processes that may precede many styles of rhyolitic volcanic eruptions.
Guidestar-free image-guided wavefront shaping
Authors: Yeminy Tomer , Katz Ori
Published: May 2021

Optical imaging through turbid samples and fibers is made possible by adaptive correction of scattering guided by image quality.
Large-scale reptile extinctions following European colonization of the Guadeloupe Islands
Authors: Bochaton Corentin , Paradis Emmanuel , Bailon Salvador , Grouard Sandrine , Ineich Ivan , Lenoble Arnaud , Lorvelec Olivier , Tresset Anne , Boivin Nicole
Published: May 2021

Indigenous human populations in Guadeloupe coexisted with island reptile species extinguished by later European colonialists.
Scaffold-mediated CRISPR-Cas9 delivery system for acute myeloid leukemia therapy
Authors: Ho Tzu-Chieh , Kim Hye Sung , Chen Yumei , Li Yamin , LaMere Mark W. , Chen Caroline , Wang Hui , Gong Jing , Palumbo Cal D. , Ashton John M. , Kim Hae-Won , Xu Qiaobing , Becker Michael W. , Leong Kam W.
Published: May 2021

A scaffold-mediated system was developed to enhance the local delivery of Cas9 complexes for targeting leukemia stem cells in AML.
Manipulation for self-Identification, and self-Identification for better manipulation
Authors: Hang Kaiyu , Bircher Walter G. , Morgan Andrew S. , Dollar Aaron M.
Published: May 2021

Self-identification enables robotic manipulation systems to interactively acquire model parameters with limited sensing.
ABCB10 exports mitochondrial biliverdin, driving metabolic maladaptation in obesity
Authors: Shum Michael , Shintre Chitra A. , Althoff Thorsten , Gutierrez Vincent , Segawa Mayuko , Saxberg Alexandra D. , Martinez Melissa , Adamson Roslin , Young Margaret R. , Faust Belinda , Gharakhanian Raffi , Su Shi , Chella Krishnan Karthickeyan , Mahdaviani Kiana , Veliova Michaela , Wolf Dane M. , Ngo Jennifer , Nocito Laura , Stiles Linsey , Abramson Jeff , Lusis Aldons J. , Hevener Andrea L. , Zoghbi Maria E. , Carpenter Elisabeth P. , Liesa Marc
Published: May 2021

ABCB10 in the liver impairs insulin signaling and promotes hyperglycemia and steatosis.
Complete Genome Sequence of Tsuneonella flava SS-21NJ, a Potential Oil Sludge Bioremediation Agent
Authors: Sun Shuo , Zhang Zhenhua , Yu Cigang , Liu Yan , Xiao Xian , Zhao Yuan
Published: May 2021

We report here the complete genome sequence of
Tsuneonella flava
strain SS-21NJ, which was isolated from oil sludge from Shengli Oilfield in Dongying, Shandong Province, China. These results provide basic information for functional genomics and oil degradation research of
Tsuneonella
strains.
Genome Sequences of Equine Herpesvirus 1 Strains from a European Outbreak of Neurological Disorders Linked to a Horse Gathering in Valencia, Spain, in 2021
Authors: Vereecke Nick , Carnet Flora , Pronost Stéphane , Vanschandevijl Katleen , Theuns Sebastiaan , Nauwynck Hans
Published: May 2021

Five equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) genome sequences with links to an EHV-1 outbreak with neurological disorders after a horse gathering in Valencia, Spain, in February 2021, were determined. All strains showed the closest relationships to strains from Belgium and the United Kingdom, indicating a common source of infection.
Chromosome-Level Genome Sequence of
Leishmania
(
Leishmania
)
tropica
Strain CDC216-162, Isolated from an Afghanistan Clinical Case
Authors: Unoarumhi Yvette , Batra Dhwani , Sheth Mili , Narayanan Vidhya , Lin Wuling , Zheng Yueli , Rowe Lori A. , Pohl Jan , de Almeida Marcos
Published: May 2021

PacBio and Illumina MiSeq platforms were used for genomic sequencing of a
Leishmania (Leishmania
)
tropica
strain isolated from a patient infected in Pakistan. PacBio assemblies were generated using Flye v2.4 and polished with MiSeq data. The results represent a considerable improvement of the currently available genome sequences in the GenBank database.
Controls on andesitic glaciovolcanism at ice-capped volcanoes from field and experimental studies
Authors: Cole R.P. , White J.D.L. , Dürig T. , Büttner R. , Zimanowski B. , Bowman M.H. , Conway C.E. , Leonard G.S. , Pure L.R. , Townsend D.B.
Published: May 2021

Glaciovolcanic deposits at Tongariro and Ruapehu volcanoes, New Zealand, represent diverse styles of interaction between wet-based glaciers and andesitic lava. There are iceconfined lavas, and also hydroclastic breccia and subaqueous pyroclastic deposits that formed during effusive and explosive eruptions into meltwater beneath the glacier; they are rare among globally reported products of andesitic glaciovolcanism. The apparent lack of hydrovolcanically fragmented andesite at ice-capped volcanoes has been attributed to a lack of meltwater at the interaction sites because either the thermal characteristics of andesite limit meltwater production or meltwater drains out through leaky glaciers and down steep volcano slopes. We used published field evidence and novel, dynamic andesite-ice experiments to show that, in some cases, meltwater accumulates under glaciers on andesitic volcanoes and that meltwater production rates increase as andesite pushes against an ice wall. We concur with models for eruptions beneath ice sheets showing that the glacial conditions and pre-eruption edifice morphology are more important controls on the style of glaciovolcanism and its products than magma composition and the thermal properties of magmas. Glaciovolcanic products can be useful proxies for paleoenvironment, and the range of andesitic products and the hydrological environments in which andesite erupts are greater than hitherto appreciated.
Tectonostratigraphic record of late Miocene–early Pliocene transtensional faulting in the Eastern California shear zone, southwestern USA
Authors: Dorsey Rebecca J. , O’Connell Brennan , Gardner Kevin K. , Homan Mindy B. , Bennett Scott E.K. , Thacker Jacob O. , Darin Michael H.
Published: May 2021

The Eastern California shear zone (ECSZ; southwestern USA) accommodates ~20%–25% of Pacific–North America relative plate motion east of the San Andreas fault, yet little is known about its early tectonic evolution. This paper presents a detailed stratigraphic and structural analysis of the uppermost Miocene to lower Pliocene Bouse Formation in the southern Blythe Basin, lower Colorado River valley, where gently dipping and faulted strata provide a record of deformation in the paleo-ECSZ. In the western Trigo Mountains, splaying strands of the Lost Trigo fault zone include a west-dipping normal fault that cuts the Bouse Formation and a steeply NE-dipping oblique dextral-normal fault where an anomalously thick (~140 m) section of Bouse Formation siliciclastic deposits filled a local fault-controlled depocenter. Systematic basinward thickening and stratal wedge geometries in the western Trigo and southeastern Palo Verde Mountains, on opposite sides of the Colorado River valley, record basinward tilting during deposition of the Bouse Formation. We conclude that the southern Blythe Basin formed as a broad transtensional sag basin in a diffuse releasing stepover between the dextral Laguna fault system in the south and the Cibola and Big Maria fault zones in the north. A palinspastic reconstruction at 5 Ma shows that the southern Blythe Basin was part of a diffuse regional network of linked right-stepping dextral, normal, and oblique-slip faults related to Pacific–North America plate boundary dextral shear. Diffuse transtensional strain linked northward to the Stateline fault system, eastern Garlock fault, and Walker Lane, and southward to the Gulf of California shear zone, which initiated ca. 7–9 Ma, implying a similar age of inception for the paleo-ECSZ.
Complicated case of COVID-19 disease with overlapping features of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Verma Durga Prasad , Dandu Himanshu , Yadav Geeta , Verma Shailendra Prasad
Published: May 2021

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis has been reported as an uncommon complication of severe COVID-19 disease while thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura has been rarely reported. Here, we are reporting a 21-year-old man who developed a combination of these complications during the hospital stay in the post-COVID-19 recovery period. He presented with fever and bilateral COVID-19-related pneumonia requiring invasive ventilation. His hospital course was complicated by the development of pneumothorax, ventilator-associated pneumonia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. He received remdesivir, IVIG, steroid, fresh frozen plasma and supportive care but had a fatal outcome.
The value of anal swab RT-PCR for COVID-19 diagnosis in adult Indonesian patients
Authors: Abdullah Murdani , Sudrajat Dedy Gunawanjati , Muzellina Virly Nanda , Kurniawan Juferdy , Rizka Aulia , Utari Amanda Pitarini , Pribadi Rabbinu Rangga , Idrus Muhammad Firhat , Yusra Yusra , Meilany Sofy , Surandy Andry , Shatri Hamzah , Rinaldi Ikhwan , Pitoyo Ceva Wicaksono , Renaldi Kaka
Published: May 2021

Objective

This study will test the performance of the anal swab PCR test when compared with the nasopharyngeal swab PCR test as a diagnostic tool for COVID-19.

Design

An observational descriptive study which included hospitalised suspected, or probable cases of hopitalised COVID-19 patients, conducted in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Ciputra Hospital, Mitra Keluarga Depok Hospital and Mitra Keluarga Kelapa Gading Hospital, Indonesia. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and radiology data were obtained. Nasopharyngeal and anal swabs specimens were collected for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection.

Results

We analysed 136 subjects as part of this study. The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 manifesation in this study was typical of hospitalised patients, with 25% classified as mild cases, 14.7% in severe condition and 12.5% of subjects classified as having acute respiratory distress syndrome. When compared with nasopharyngeal swab as the standard specimen for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen, the sensitivity and specificity of the anal swab was 36.7% and 93.8%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive value were 97.8% and 16.5 %, respectively. The performance of the anal swab remained similar when only the subgroup of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms (n=92, 67.6%) was analysed (sensitivity 40% and specificity 91.7%). Out of all the subjects included in analysis, 67.6% had gastrointestinal symptoms. Similarly, 73.3% of patients in the anal swab-positive group had gastrointestinal symptoms. The two most common gastrointestinal symptoms in the subjects’ population were nausea and anorexia.

Conclusion

Anal swab specimen has low sensitivity (36.7%) but high specificity (93.8%) for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antigen by RT-PCR. Only one additional positive result was found by anal swab among the nasopharyngeal swab-negative group. Anal swab may not be needed as an additional test at the beginning of a patient’s diagnostic investigation and nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR remains as the standard diagnostic test for COVID-19.
Uncovering undiagnosed liver disease: prevalence and opportunity for intervention in a population attending colonoscopy
Authors: Koo Sara , Sharp Linda , Hull Mark , Rushton Steven , Neilson Laura J ,   The OSCAR study team, McPherson Stuart , Rees Colin J
Published: May 2021

Objective

Due to high rates of obesity and alcohol consumption, the prevalence of fatty liver disease is increasing. There is no widely adopted approach to proactively screen for liver disease in the community. We aimed to assess the burden of potentially undiagnosed liver disease in individuals attending for colonoscopy to develop a pathway to identify and manage individuals with undiagnosed liver disease.

Design

The OSCAR Study was a cross-sectional study recruiting patients attending for colonoscopy. Patients’ metabolic and liver risk factors were measured. The prevalence of undiagnosed significant fatty liver disease was measured using the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and Fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4).

Results

1429 patients (mean age 59±14 years; 48.8% men) were recruited. 73.3% were overweight/obese, 12.7% had diabetes and 17.9% had metabolic syndrome. 19% were consuming more than recommenced alcohol levels (<14 units/week) and 41% had an AUDIT-C score ≥5. After excluding those with known liver disease, 43.2% of the cohort had a high FLI (high likelihood of fatty liver). 5.3% of these had a high FIB-4 score (>2.67, high probability of advanced fibrosis) and 90% of these were previously undiagnosed. 818 patients had a predicted 10-year cardiovascular event risk of ≥10%, however only 377 (46.1%) were on statin therapy.

Conclusion

High levels of obesity, metabolic dysfunction and undiagnosed fatty liver disease were found in individuals attending for colonoscopy. Clinical encounters in the endoscopy unit may represent an opportunity to risk assess for liver and metabolic disease and provide an environment to develop targeted interventions.
Evolving pharmacovigilance requirements with novel vaccines and vaccine components
Authors: Zuber Patrick L F , Gruber Marion , Kaslow David C , Chen Robert T , Giersing Brigitte K , Friede Martin H
Published: May 2021

This paper explores the pipeline of new and upcoming vaccines as it relates to monitoring their safety. Compared with most currently available vaccines, that are constituted of live attenuated organisms or inactive products, future vaccines will also be based on new technologies. Several products that include such technologies are either already licensed or at an advanced stage of clinical development. Those include viral vectors, genetically attenuated live organisms, nucleic acid vaccines, novel adjuvants, increased number of antigens present in a single vaccine, novel mode of vaccine administration and thermostabilisation. The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) monitors novel vaccines, from the time they become available for large scale use. GACVS maintains their safety profile as evidence emerges from post-licensure surveillance and observational studies. Vaccines and vaccine formulations produced with novel technologies will have different safety profiles that will require adapting pharmacovigilance approaches. For example, GACVS now considers viral vector templates developed on the model proposed by Brighton Collaboration. The characteristics of those novel products will also have implications for the risk management plans (RMPs). Questions related to the duration of active monitoring for genetic material, presence of adventitious agents more easily detected with enhanced biological screening, or physiological mechanisms of novel adjuvants are all considerations that will belong to the preparation of RMPs. In addition to assessing those novel products and advising experts, GACVS will also consider how to more broadly communicate about risk assessment, so vaccine users can also benefit from the committee’s advice.
HPV self-sampling for cervical cancer screening: a systematic review of values and preferences
Authors: Nishimura Holly , Yeh Ping Teresa , Oguntade Habibat , Kennedy Caitlin E , Narasimhan Manjulaa
Published: May 2021

Introduction

The WHO recommends human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical self-sampling as an additional screening method and HPV DNA testing as an effective approach for the early detection of cervical cancer for women aged ≥30 years. This systematic review assesses end user’s values and preferences related to HPV self-sampling.

Methods

We searched four electronic databases (PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature and Embase) using search terms for HPV and self-sampling to identify articles meeting inclusion criteria. A standardised data extraction form was used to capture study setting, population, sample size and results related to values and preferences.

Results

Of 1858 records retrieved, 72 studies among 52 114 participants published between 2002 and 2018 were included in this review. Almost all studies were cross-sectional surveys. Study populations included end users who were mainly adolescent girls and adult women. Ages ranged from 14 to 80 years. Most studies (57%) were conducted in high-income countries. Women generally found HPV self-sampling highly acceptable regardless of age, income or country of residence. Lack of self-confidence with collecting a reliable sample was the most commonly cited reason for preferring clinician-collected samples. Most women preferred home-based self-sampling to self-sampling at a clinic. The cervical swab was the most common and most accepted HPV DNA sampling device.

Conclusions

HPV self-sampling is generally a highly accepted method of cervical cancer screening for end users globally. End user preferences for self-sampling device, method and setting can inform the development of new and expanded interventions to increase HPV screening.
Novel vaccine safety issues and areas that would benefit from further research
Authors: Salmon Daniel A , Lambert Paul Henri , Nohynek Hanna M , Gee Julianne , Parashar Umesh D , Tate Jacqueline E , Wilder-Smith Annelies , Hartigan-Go Kenneth Y , Smith Peter G , Zuber Patrick Louis F
Published: May 2021

Vaccine licensure requires a very high safety standard and vaccines routinely used are very safe. Vaccine safety monitoring prelicensure and postlicensure enables continual assessment to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks and, when safety problems arise, they are quickly identified, characterised and further problems prevented when possible. We review five vaccine safety case studies: (1) dengue vaccine and enhanced dengue disease, (2) pandemic influenza vaccine and narcolepsy, (3) rotavirus vaccine and intussusception, (4) human papillomavirus vaccine and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome, and (5) RTS,S/adjuvant system 01 malaria vaccine and meningitis, cerebral malaria, female mortality and rebound severe malaria. These case studies were selected because they are recent and varied in the vaccine safety challenges they elucidate. Bringing these case studies together, we develop lessons learned that can be useful for addressing some of the potential safety issues that will inevitably arise with new vaccines.
Vaccine safety in the next decade: why we need new modes of trust building
Authors: Larson Heidi J. , Sahinovic Isabelle , Balakrishnan Madhava Ram , Simas Clarissa
Published: May 2021

Among the realm of highly varied vaccine perceptions and concerns expressed by publics around the world, vaccine safety is the most frequently cited. While many of the safety questions raised have substantial evidence to address the concerns, vaccines do have small risks, and need vigilant and responsive systems to address them. With more and more new vaccines, combinations of vaccines and new technologies to develop and deliver them, new safety concerns will arise that need attention. Adding to this landscape is the dramatic impact which digital communication has had on how fast rumours and vaccine concerns can spread, making the task of the public health and scientific community even more pressing. One of the more recently characterised vaccine safety issues, now named ‘immunisation stress-related-response,’ has gained particularly high visibility given these highly globally connected social media networks. To better anticipate and address these rapidly shared vaccine safety concerns, a number of global efforts and local responses are being made. Co-created social media campaigns engaging parents and adolescents have been effective, while the WHO’s Vaccine Safety Net (VSN) initiative has grown its global network to increase awareness about vaccines and contribute to building confidence in vaccines. The VSN reviews websites around the world to assess their quality and accuracy to ensure and promote access to trustworthy and science-based information on vaccine safety for internet users. These and the efforts of the multiple network partners are more crucial than ever to sustain public confidence in this evolving vaccine safety landscape.
Determinants of healthcare use based on the Andersen model: a study protocol for a systematic review of longitudinal studies
Authors: Hajek André , Kretzler Benedikt , König Hans-Helmut
Published: May 2021

Introduction

A previous systematic review published in 2012 focused on the use of health services based on the Andersen model. Extending this review, we will exclusively focus on systematically synthesising longitudinal studies examining the determinants of healthcare use based on the Andersen model. Therefore, our aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of longitudinal observational studies investigating the predictors of healthcare use explicitly using this model.

Methods and analysis

We will search three electronic databases (Medline, PsycINFO and CINAHL). Furthermore, reference lists will be searched manually. Longitudinal observational studies will be investigating the determinants of healthcare use (in terms of use of outpatient physician services (like general practitioner’s visits or specialist visits in total) and hospitalisation). We will exclude disease-specific samples. Data extraction will focus on methods (eg, assessment of healthcare use), sample characteristics and main findings. A suitable tool will be used to assess the study quality. Study selection, data extraction and evaluation of study quality will be conducted by two reviewers. The findings will be presented by means of figures, summary tables, narrative summaries and meta-analysis (if possible).

Ethics and dissemination

No primary data will be collected. Therefore, approval by an ethics committee is not required. Our findings are planned to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020193198.
Patient-generated data in the management of HIV: a scoping review
Authors: Hewitt Clara , Lloyd Karen C , Tariq Shema , Durrant Abigail , Claisse Caroline , Kasadha Bakita , Gibbs Jo
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Patient-generated data (PGData) are an emergent research area and may improve HIV care. The objectives of this scoping review were to synthesise, evaluate and make recommendations based on the available literature regarding PGData use in HIV care.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

Embase, Medline, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO and Emcare databases.

Eligibility criteria

Studies involving PGData use within HIV care for people living with HIV and/or healthcare professionals (HCPs) published before February 2021.

Data extraction and synthesis

Data were extracted using a table and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess empirical rigour. We used thematic analysis to evaluate content.

Results

11 articles met the eligibility criteria. Studies were observational, predominantly concerned hypothetical or novel digital platforms, mainly conducted in high-income settings, and had small sample sizes (range=10–160). There were multiple definitions of PGData. In the majority of studies (n=9), participants were people living with HIV, with a few studies including HCPs, informatics specialists or mixed participant groups. Participants living with HIV were aged 23–78 years, mostly men, of diverse ethnicities, and had low educational, health literacy and income levels.

We identified four key themes: (1) Perceptions of PGData and associated digital platforms; (2) Opportunities; (3) Anticipated barriers and (4) Potential impact on patient–HCP relationships.

Conclusions

Use of PGData within HIV care warrants further study, especially with regard to digital inequalities, data privacy and security. There is a need for longitudinal data on use within HIV in a variety of settings with a broad range of users, including impact on clinical outcomes. This will allow greater understanding of the role of PGData use in improving the health and well-being of people living with HIV, which is increasingly pertinent as digital healthcare becomes more widespread as a result of COVID-19.