bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deviant peer affiliation, parent involvement, and aggressive behaviors of rural children in China
Authors: Yang Yang , Deng Binting , Yang Fan
Published: December 2022

Aggressive behaviors in early childhood may indicate future violence, so effective intervention measures should be taken on time to promote children's physical and psychological health. Based on sampling survey data from Jintang County in Sichuan Province of China, this paper analyzes the mechanism of rural children's aggressive behaviors from the perspective of peer influences and examines the role of parent involvement in it. The results show that the deeper the degree of deviant peer affiliation, the poorer the psychosocial adaptation of rural children, which is more likely to lead to aggressive behaviors. Parent involvement can effectively inhibit the aggressive behaviors of rural children arising from deviant peer affiliation.
Optimal patent licensing—Two or three‐part tariff
Authors: Banerjee Swapnendu , Mukherjee Arijit , Poddar Sougata
Published: December 2022

We look into technology transfer by an insider patentee in a spatial duopoly model under three types of licensing contracts—(i) two‐part tariff with fixed fee and per‐unit royalty, (ii) two‐part tariff with fixed fee and ad‐valorem royalty and (iii) general three‐part tariff with fixed fee, per‐unit and ad‐valorem royalties. Under two‐part tariff contracts, the licenser is better off with the per‐unit royalty contract but the general contract does better than the other contracts. In contrast to the existing literature, all three licensing contracts may make the consumers worse‐off compared to no licensing, with the lowest consumer surplus achieved under the general licensing contract. Welfare under the general licensing contract is equal to the welfare under two‐part tariff with ad‐valorem royalty and it is higher than the welfare under no licensing but lower than the welfare under two‐part tariff with per‐unit royalty. Hence, the general three‐part licensing contract is privately optimal but not socially optimal. Similar conclusions hold also under a nonspatial linear demand model with differentiated products.
Stepping up to genome scan allows stock differentiation in the worldwide distributed blue shark Prionace glauca
Authors: Nikolic Natacha , Devloo‐Delva Floriaan , Bailleul Diane , Noskova Ekaterina , Rougeux Clément , Delord Chrystelle , Borsa Philippe , Liautard‐Haag Cathy , Hassan Mohamad , Marie Amandine D. , Feutry Pierre , Grewe Peter , Davies Campbell , Farley Jessica , Fernando Daniel , Biton‐Porsmoguer Sebastian , Poisson François , Parker Denham , Leone Agostino , Aulich Jorden , Lansdell Matt , Marsac Francis , Arnaud‐Haond Sophie
Published: December 2022

The blue shark Prionace glauca is a top predator with one of the widest geographical distributions of any shark species. It is classified as Critically Endangered in the Mediterranean Sea, and Near Threatened globally. Previous genetic studies did not reject the null hypothesis of a single global population. The blue shark was proposed as a possible archetype of the “grey zone of population differentiation,” coined to designate cases where population structure may be too recent or too faint to be detected using a limited set of markers. Here, blue shark samples collected throughout its global range were sequenced using a specific RAD method (DArTseq), which recovered 37,655 genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Two main groups emerged, with Mediterranean Sea and northern Atlantic samples (Northern population) differentiated significantly from the Indo‐west Pacific samples (Southern population). Significant pairwise FST values indicated further genetic differentiation within the Atlantic Ocean, and between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Reconstruction of recent demographic history suggested divergence between Northern and Southern populations occurred about 500 generations ago and revealed a drastic reduction in effective population size from a large ancestral population. Our results illustrate the power of genome scans to detect population structure and reconstruct demographic history in highly migratory marine species. Given that the management plans of the blue shark (targeted or bycatch) fisheries currently assume panmictic regional stocks, we strongly recommend that the results presented here be considered in future stock assessments and conservation strategies.
Access to rideshare and satisfaction, prenatal healthcare utilisation, and preterm delivery among pregnant Medicaid recipients: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lynch Courtney D. , Conroy Sara , Jackson Kenneth A. , Smith Rachel M. , Hade Erinn M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Lack of access to reliable transportation is a barrier to timely receipt of prenatal care.

Objectives

We aimed to assess the impact of modernisation of non‐emergency medical transportation services on patient satisfaction, prenatal care utilisation, and preterm delivery.

Methods

We conducted a randomised controlled pilot trial among pregnant Medicaid recipients in Franklin County, Ohio, a county with high rates of infant mortality. Individuals were randomly assigned to usual non‐emergency medical transportation services or enhanced smart transportation (EST) services (i.e. on‐demand transportation with access to a mobile application and trips to the grocery store, food bank or pharmacy). The primary outcome was satisfaction with transportation services. Secondary outcomes included adequacy of prenatal care utilisation (APNCU) and preterm delivery <37 weeks.

Results

Women were screened between 31 May 2019 and 30 June 2020, with 143 being eligible and enrolling. Evidence of increased satisfaction with transportation was observed in the intervention group compared to usual transportation, with 83.8% and 68.8% reporting being somewhat satisfied or very satisfied respectively (risk difference [RD] 14.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5, 29.1). There were no meaningful differences in APNCU or preterm delivery between groups (APNCU: RD 2.1%, 95% CI −14.0, 18.2 and preterm delivery: RD −3.9%, 95% CI −17.0, 9.3).

Conclusions

We found evidence of increased transportation satisfaction among pregnant women randomly assigned to EST versus usual transportation. It remains unclear whether the provision of EST increases prenatal care utilisation or decreases preterm delivery.
Selection of frozen–thawed stallion semen by microfluidic technology
Authors: Vigolo Veronica , Gautier Camille , Falomo Maria Elena , Aurich Christine
Published: December 2022

The use of microfluidic technology is increasing in artificial reproduction technologies: With a small amount of semen, it allows for the selection of sperm with the best characteristics of kinetics, morphology and chromatin integrity. The ZyMot Multi (850 μl) is the most popular device of ZyMot Fertility Inc. To date, it was proven to be a valid instrument for sperm selection for in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in men. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of the ZyMot Multi (850 μl) for stallion semen. Frozen–thawed semen from 15 stallions that were previously classified as being of ‘good fertility’ (GF; n = 8; pregnancy rate ≥ 40%) and ‘poor fertility’ (PF; n = 7; pregnancy rate < 20%), respectively, was used. Each ejaculate was assessed before and after microfluid recovery for kinetics (CASA), membrane integrity (MI) (SYBR14/PI), membrane functionality (MF) (HOS test), acrosome integrity (Spermac Stain Kit), morphology (Spermac stain kit), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) (JC‐1) and chromatin integrity (aniline blue staining). Sperm concentration was reduced after sperm recovery in both groups, but more markedly in frozen–thawed semen of PF stallions (p < .05). Microfluid recovery increased total motility, MI, MF and MMP. While there was a significant increase in the percentage of progressively motile sperm after sperm microfluid recovery, there was a decrease in DAP, DSL, VAP, VSL, LIN, WOB and ALH (p < .05). A slight increase (p < .05) was detected in beat‐cross frequency. The present results suggest that the ZyMot Multi (850 μl) device selects a specific sperm population from any stallion ejaculate with motile sperm and could therefore be a valid tool for in vitro testing with the aim to predict the fertility of frozen–thawed stallion semen.
Intercontinental shipping in the European Union emissions trading system: A ‘fifty–fifty’ alignment with the law of the sea and international climate law?
Authors: Kotzampasakis Manolis
Published: December 2022

The European Commission has proposed to extend the European Union (EU) emissions trading system to 50% of the carbon dioxide emissions from intercontinental maritime voyages that start or end at European ports. Yet, it remains unclear why this ‘fifty–fifty’ scope was selected and whether it is compatible with international law. This article disentangles the proposal's rationale and maps the EU's jurisdictional possibilities and limitations from the perspective of the law of the sea and international climate law. The findings suggest that, although there are sufficient jurisdictional grounds for implementing the extended emissions trading system as a port entry condition, the applicable legal limitations require certain amendments to the EU proposal. Concrete legal suggestions are formulated to increase alignment with the enforcement restrictions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in international climate law, while complying with the obligations of nondiscrimination, good faith, and nonabuse of rights.
A COVID-19 Model for Local Authorities of the United Kingdom
Authors: Mishra Swapnil , Scott James A. , Laydon Daniel J. , Zhu Harrison , Ferguson Neil M. , Bhatt Samir , Flaxman Seth , Gandy Axel
Published: December 2022

We propose a new framework to model the COVID-19 epidemic of the United Kingdom at the local authority level. The model fits within a general framework for semi-mechanistic Bayesian models of the epidemic based on renewal equations, with some important innovations, including a random walk modelling the reproduction number, incorporating information from different sources, including surveys to estimate the time-varying proportion of infections that lead to reported cases or deaths, and modelling the underlying infections as latent random variables. The model is designed to be updated daily using publicly available data. We envisage the model to be useful for now-casting and short-term projections of the epidemic as well as estimating historical trends. The model fits are available on a public website: https://imperialcollegelondon.github.io/covid19local. The model is currently being used by the Scottish government to inform their interventions.
The interrogator‐suspect dynamic in custodial interrogations for high‐stakes crimes in Sweden: An application of the interrogation taxonomy framework
Authors: Hagsand Angelica V. , Kelly Christopher E. , Mindthoff Amelia , Evans Jacqueline R. , Compo Nadja Schreiber , Karhu Julia , Huntley Richard
Published: December 2022

This archival study was the first in Sweden, and the first outside of the US and the UK, to apply the (Kelly et al., Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 9, 165–178, 2013) taxonomy of interrogation methods framework to repeated police interrogations of adult suspects in high‐stakes crimes. Audio/video recordings (N = 19) were collected from the Swedish Police Authority of repeated interrogations of three suspects in three criminal cases. The interaction between interrogators and suspects were scored according to the taxonomy framework (Kelly et al., Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 9, 165–178, 2013; Kelly et al., Law and Human Behavior, 40, 295–309, 2016). First, there was an association between the use of different domains. Rapport and relationship building was moderately and negatively associated with confrontation/competition and presentation of evidence. Moreover, confrontation/competition was moderately and positively related to emotion provocation and presentation of evidence. Second, changes were observed during the interrogations. Presentation of evidence was lower in the beginning than in the middle block. Suspect cooperation was higher in the beginning than both the middle and end blocks. Third, an ordered logistic regression showed that rapport and relationship building were associated with increased suspect cooperation, and confrontation/competition and presentation of evidence were associated with decreased cooperation. The study's results are mostly in line with other taxonomy studies on high‐stakes crimes from the US and the UK. The findings are discussed in light of theoretical frameworks, empirical findings, and current police practice. We also highlight the need for further research.
Sternohyoideus‐sternothyroideus muscle flap to reconstruct oronasal fistulas due to maxillary cancer in four dogs
Authors: Ciepluch Brittany J. , Séguin Bernard , Worley Deanna
Published: December 2022

Objective

To describe the repair of oronasal fistulas in dogs treated for maxillary cancer, with a novel sternohyoideus‐sternothyroideus muscle flap, and to report the outcome.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (n = 4) with oronasal fistulas related to cancer.

Study design

Short case series.

Methods

Maxillary defects were caused by tissue destruction by the tumor and tumor response to radiation therapy in two cases and a complication of caudal maxillectomy in two cases, one of which had neoadjuvant radiation therapy. All tumors were >4 cm at the level of the maxilla. Flaps were harvested by transecting the ipsilateral sternothyroideus and sternohyoideus muscles from their origin at the manubrium and costal cartilage. The muscles were rotated around the base of the cranial thyroid artery and tunneled subcutaneously in the neck and through an incision in the caudodorsal aspect of the oral cavity. The muscle flap was sutured to the edges of the oronasal fistula.

Results

The flap reached as far rostral as the level of the first premolar without tension. All dogs had clinical signs that improved postoperatively. All dogs had partial dehiscence of the flap.

Conclusion

This flap was associated with a high rate of complications; however, all flaps were used in challenging cases. Clinical signs related to oronasal fistula were improved in all dogs in this case series.
Efectos del incumplimiento del deber de declaración del riesgo – reticencia, falsedad, omisión
Authors: Claros Soria Nora Andreina
Published: December 2022

El conocimiento de los efectos que se generan producto del incumplimiento del deber de declaración de riesgo y sus incidencias, considerando la aplicación del principio de buena fe imperante en Materia de Seguros, sus particularidades y tratamiento en las diferentes legislaciones, nos permiten establecer parámetros de aplicación general.
A New Integrated Skyhook-Linear Quadratic Regulator Coordinated Control Approach for Semi-Active Vehicle Suspension Systems
Authors: Lu Yukun , Khajepour Amir , Hajiloo Reza , Korayem Amin Habibnejad , Zhang Ruihe
Published: December 2022

Vehicle semi-active suspension systems can provide a satisfactory compromise of ride comfort and handling stability. With the rapid developments of damping control methodologies, ride comfort is expected to be improved in all three directions, i.e., vertical, roll, and pitch. Considering this kind of multi-objective coordinated control problem, Model Predictive Control (MPC) gains lots of attention in the recent decade. However, the MPC algorithm is expensive for real-time implementations due to its computational complexity. This paper introduces an integrated Skyhook and linear quadratic regulator (LQR) control approach, which can be easily processed on an automotive-grade microcontroller because of its concise algorithm. Meanwhile, it has great potential in attenuating vehicle body vibrations in vertical and rotational directions at the same time. Its control performances are evaluated through the co-simulation between carsim and matlab/simulink based on three different road conditions. The Buick Enclave, which is a full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV), is modeled in carsim for evaluating the control performance. The results demonstrated the control efficiency of the integrated Skyhook-LQR approach, which is even better than MPC, especially in vertical and pitch directions.
The Mechanical Characterization and Comparison of Male and Female Calvaria Under Four-Point Bending Impacts
Authors: Adanty Kevin , Bhagavathula Kapil B. , Tronchin Olivia , Li David X. , Rabey Karyne N. , Doschak Michael R. , Adeeb Samer , Hogan James , Ouellet Simon , Plaisted Thomas A. , Satapathy Sikhanda S. , Romanyk Dan L. , Dennison Christopher R.
Published: December 2022

The circumstances in which we mechanically test and critically assess human calvarium tissue would find relevance under conditions encompassing real-world head impacts. These conditions include, among other variables, impact velocities, and strain rates. Compared to quasi-static loading on calvaria, there is less reporting on the impact loading of the calvaria and consequently, there are relatively fewer mechanical properties on calvaria at relevant impact loading rates available in the literature. The purpose of this work was to report on the mechanical response of 23 human calvarium specimens subjected to dynamic four-point bending impacts. Impacts were performed using a custom-built four-point impact apparatus at impact velocities of 0.86–0.89 m/s resulting in surface strain rates of 2–3/s—representative of strain rates observed in vehicle collisions and blunt impacts. The study revealed comparable effective bending moduli (11–15 GPa) to the limited work reported on the impact mechanics of calvaria in the literature, however, fracture bending stress (10–47 MPa) was relatively less. As expected, surface strains at fracture (0.21–0.25%) were less compared to studies that performed quasi-static bending. Moreover, the study revealed no significant differences in mechanical response between male and female calvaria. The findings presented in this work are relevant to many areas including validating surrogate skull fracture models in silico or laboratory during impact and optimizing protective devices used by civilians to reduce the risk of a serious head injury.
High sensitivity CIP2A detection for oral cancer using a rapid transistor-based biosensor module
Authors: Xian Minghan , Stephany Jenna L. , Chiu Chan-Wen , Chiang Chao-Ching , Ren Fan , Tsai Cheng-Tse , Shan Siang-Sin , Liao Yu-Te , Esquivel-Upshaw Josephine F. , Pearton Stephen J.
Published: December 2022

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common lip and oral cavity cancer types. It requires early detection via various medical technologies to improve the survival rate. While most detection techniques for OSCC require testing in a centralized lab to confirm cancer type, a point of care detection technique is preferred for on-site use and quick result readout. The modular biological sensor utilizing transistor-based technology has been leveraged for testing CIP2A, and optimal transistor gate voltage and load resistance for sensing setup was investigated. Sensitivities of 1 × 10−15 g/ml have been obtained for both detections of pure CIP2A protein and HeLa cell lysate using identical test conditions via serial dilution. The superior time-saving and high accuracy testing provides opportunities for rapid clinical diagnosis in the medical space.
Acoustic reciprocity in the spherical harmonic domain: A formulation for directional sources and receivers
Authors: Xu Zeyu , Herzog Adrian , Lodermeyer Alexander , Habets Emanuël A. P. , Prinn Albert G.
Published: December 2022

Acoustic reciprocity states that the transfer function between a source and a receiver remains unchanged if the two are interchanged. An extension of acoustic reciprocity to the spherical harmonic domain has been derived in the literature between a directional source and a directional receiver. The present letter derives a reciprocal relation between source and receiver directivity coefficients, which facilitates the derivation of a transfer function in the spherical harmonic domain using directivity coefficients obtained via reciprocity. Additionally, reciprocity between transfer functions is extended for more general source and receiver directivities, which include acoustic scattering effects.
The Effect of Foot Position and Lean Mass on Jumping and Landing Mechanics in Collegiate Dancers
Authors: Alfiero Chris J. , Brown Ann F. , Chun Youngmin , Holmes Alexandra , Bailey Joshua P.
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of foot positioning and lean mass on jumping and landing mechanics in collegiate dancers. Thirteen dancers performed 3 unilateral and bilateral vertical jumps with feet in neutral and turnout positions. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans, jump height, vertical stiffness, and joint stiffness were assessed for relationships between foot positions. Jump heights were greater in right compared with left limb (P = .029) and neutral compared with turnout (P = .020) during unilateral jumping. In unilateral landing, knee stiffness was greater in turnout compared with neutral (P = .004) during the loading phase. Jump height (P < .001) was significantly increased, and vertical stiffness (P = .003) was significantly decreased during bilateral jumping in neutral compared with turnout. Significantly increased hip stiffness during the attenuation phase was observed in neutral compared with turnout (P = .006). Left-limb lean mass was significantly less than the right limb (P < .05). Adjustments for bilateral jumping were focused on hip stiffness, whereas there was a slight shift to knee strategy for unilateral jump.
Effect of Vertical Jump and Sprint Training on Power and Speed Performance Transfer
Authors: Gheller Rodrigo Ghedini , Kons Rafael Lima , Pupo Juliano Dal , Detanico Daniele
Published: December 2022

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effect of specific sprint and vertical jump training interventions on transfer of speed–power parameters. The data search was carried out in three electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus), and 28 articles were selected (13 on vertical jump training and 15 on sprint training). We followed the PRISMA criteria for the construction of this systematic review and used the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale to assess the quality of all studies. It included studies with a male population (athletes and nonathletes, n = 512) from 18 to 30 years old who performed a vertical jump or sprint training intervention. The effect size was calculated from the values of means and SDs pre- and posttraining intervention. The percentage changes and transfer of training effect were calculated for vertical jump training and sprint training through measures of vertical jump and sprint performance. The results indicated that both training interventions (vertical jump training and sprint training) induced improvements in vertical jump and linear sprint performance as well as transfer of training to speed–power performance. However, vertical jump training produced greater specific and training transfer effects on linear sprint than sprint training (untrained skill). It was concluded that vertical jump training and sprint training were effective in increasing specific actions of vertical jump and linear sprint performance, respectively; however, vertical jump training was shown to be a superior alternative due to the higher transfer rate.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus johnsonii MR1, Isolated from a BALB/c Mouse Cecum
Authors: Ravi Keerthikka , Rauch Marcus , Lynch Susan V. , Lukacs Nicholas W. , Huffnagle Gary B.
Published: December 2022

Lactobacillus johnsonii
strain MR1, which was isolated from the cecum of a BALB/cJ mouse in an airway allergy model, can decrease allergic airway inflammation in the model upon oral administration. Long-read sequencing of this isolate, which was performed using a MinION sequencer, yielded a single, closed genome of 1,953,837 bp, with a GC content of 34.67%.
Gut-Spleen Axis: Microbiota via Vascular and Immune Pathways Improve Busulfan-Induced Spleen Disruption
Authors: Fang Hanhan , Feng Xiaohui , Xu Tao , Zhong Ruqing , Lu Dongxin , Zhang Hongfu , Shen Wei , Zhao Yong , Chen Liang , Wang Junjie
Published: December 2022

Alginate oligosaccharide (AOS)-improved gut microbiota (A10-FMT) can rescue busulfan disrupted spleen vasculature. A10-FMT improved the cell proliferation rate, endothelial progenitor cell capability, and cell junction molecules to increase vasculature formation in the spleen. This reestablishment restored spleen function by improving spleen immune cells and iron metabolism. These findings are useful for the treatment of spleen vasculature-related diseases.
Deterministic Assembly Processes Strengthen the Effects of β-Diversity on Community Biomass of Marine Bacterioplankton
Authors: Chang Feng-Hsun , Yang Jinny Wu , Liu Ariana Chih-Hsien , Lu Hsiao-Pei , Gong Gwo-Ching , Shiah Fuh-Kwo , Hsieh Chih-hao
Published: December 2022

The implications of our analyses are twofold. First, we emphasize the importance of studying β diversity.
Genomic Legacies of Ancient Adaptation Illuminate GC-Content Evolution in Bacteria
Authors: Teng Wenkai , Liao Bin , Chen Mengyun , Shu Wensheng
Published: December 2022

GC content has been shown to be an important factor in microbial ecology and evolution, and the genomic GC of bacteria can be characterized by great intergenomic heterogeneity, high intragenomic homogeneity, and strong phylogenetic inertia, as well as being associated with the environment. Current hypotheses concerning direct selection or mutational biases cannot well explain these features simultaneously.
HIV-Positive Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy Have an Altered Mucosal Intestinal but Not Oral Microbiome
Authors: Meng Jingjing , Tao Junyi , Abu Yaa , Sussman Daniel Andrew , Girotra Mohit , Franceschi Dido , Roy Sabita
Published: December 2022

Over 37 million people worldwide are living with HIV. Although the availability of antiretroviral therapy has significantly reduced the number of AIDS-related deaths, individuals living with HIV are at increased risk for opportunistic infections.
Contribution of Uncharacterized Target Genes of MxtR/ErdR to Carbon Source Utilization by Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Henríquez Tania , Hsu Jyh-Shiuan , Hernandez Jakob Sebastian , Kuppermann Sonja , Eder Michelle , Jung Heinrich
Published: December 2022

MxtR/ErdR and homologous two-component systems play important roles in the regulatory networks that control cell metabolism and influence bacterial-host interactions. Using the MxtR/ErdR two-component system of the plant growth-promoting soil bacterium
Pseudomonas putida
KT2440 as a model, this work elucidates the function of previously uncharacterized target genes of MxtR/ErdR and extends the knowledge of the physiological significance of the two-component system.
Portable Differential Detection of CTX-M ESBL Gene Variants,
bla
CTX-M-1
and
bla
CTX-M-15
, from Escherichia coli Isolates and Animal Fecal Samples Using Loop-Primer Endonuclease Cleavage Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Higgins Owen , Chueiri Alexandra , O'Connor Louise , Lahiff Sinéad , Burke Liam , Morris Dearbhaile , Pfeifer Nicola Maria , Santamarina Belén González , Berens Christian , Menge Christian , Caniça Manuela , Manageiro Vera , Kisand Veljo , Hassan Marwa M. , Gardner Brian , van Vliet Arnoud H. M. , La Ragione Roberto M. , Gonzalez-Zorn Bruno , Smith Terry J.
Published: December 2022

CTX-M ESBL-producing
E. coli
is an increasing AMR public health issue with the transmission between animals and humans via zoonotic pathogens now a major area of interest. Accurate and timely identification of ESBL-expressing
E. coli
CTX-M variants is essential for disease monitoring, targeted antibiotic treatment and infection control.
IE1 of Autographa californica Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus Activates Low Levels of Late Gene Expression in the Absence of Virus RNA Polymerase
Authors: Qi Yong , Wang Shan-Shan , Li Lu-Lin
Published: December 2022

The late gene expression of baculovirus has been known to depend on the virus-encoded RNA polymerase, which consists of four subunits. The immediate-early gene
ie1
was found to be required for viral early gene expression, late gene expression, and DNA replication.
Buoyancy-driven exhumation deformation: Evidence from the Sulu orogen, eastern China
Authors: Yin Hao , Zhu Guang , Wu Xiaodong , Su Nan , Lu Yuanchao , Zhang Shuai
Published: December 2022

Whether deformation of exhumed crust in a collisional orogen is driven by buoyancy or tectonic stress remains uncertain. The Sulu orogen in eastern China contains slowly subducted and exhumed high-pressure (HP)−ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terranes, which provide a good opportunity to understand whether the exhumation deformation was driven by buoyancy. We used field and microscopic observations as well as quartz c-axis fabrics to determine the deformation kinematics, temperatures, and evolution of the exhumed crustal slices. Deformed and undeformed dikes were dated by using the zircon U-Pb laser ablation−inductively coupled plasma−mass spectrometry method to constrain the timing of deformation. Our data demonstrate that each crustal slice was involved in pervasive top-to-the-NW (hinterland) or top-to-the-SE (foreland) ductile deformation during Late Triassic exhumation, and that the base of each slice records deformation that was superimposed during the subsequent exhumation of the underlying slice. The crustal exhumation of the southern Sulu orogen is consistent with the multistage ductile extrusion model. The kinematics of exhumation deformation within each crustal slice conform to an upward asymmetric flow. The flow velocity and corresponding shear sense were affected by temperature variations in each HP slice, whereas they were sensitive to migmatization within the UHP slices. The southern Sulu orogen examples show that crustal flow deformation during exhumation was driven by buoyancy and controlled by viscosity. Unlike the consistent kinematics of tectonics-driven deformation, the kinematics of buoyancy-driven deformation are characterized by variations in the senses of shear within a single crustal slice, and this can therefore be used to distinguish the two types of deformation.
Palladium Catalysts Based on Nitrogen-Containing Porous Aromatic Frameworks for Hydrogenation of Unsaturated Compounds
Authors: Makeeva D. A. , Kulikov L. A. , Oskina E. D. , Uvarov O. V. , Maximov A. L. , Karakhanov E. A.
Published: December 2022

Amino-containing porous aromatic frameworks, designated as PAF-20–NH2-pre/post and PAF-30–NH2-pre/post, were synthesized using a combination of pre- and post-modification, and were then used to prepare a number of Pd catalysts with various metal concentrations. The activity of the catalysts was tested in selective hydrogenation of a series of alkynes and dienes at 60°C and 10 atm hydrogen pressure. The effects of the modification technique and palladium content on the morphology and catalytic activity of nanoparticles were investigated, and the reaction patterns were identified for each substrate type. The reusability of the catalysts over at least six reaction cycles was demonstrated.
Case of iatrogenic neonatal acute kidney injury requiring dialysis and review of literature
Authors: Mishra Purbasha , Kar Shrutiprajna , Som Tapas Kumar , Devi Usha
Published: December 2022

A full-term male baby was administered furosemide and enalapril for treatment of cardiac failure secondary to a ventricular septal defect. He also received piperacillin-tazobactam and amikacin for 7 days for suspected early-onset neonatal sepsis. He developed anuria and raised creatinine and was referred with acute kidney injury (AKI)—neonatal KDIGO (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes) stage 3 on day 20. Urine output and renal parameters improved after discontinuing drugs and peritoneal dialysis. This case report highlights the importance of serial monitoring of kidney function tests while using nephrotoxic drugs and ensuring correct dosage and titration. In the early stages, AKI can be treated with conservative therapy but once established, renal replacement therapy might be required. It can also lead to chronic kidney disease.
Improving equity in access to early diagnosis of cancer in different healthcare systems of Latin America: protocol for the EquityCancer-LA implementation-effectiveness hybrid study
Authors: Vázquez Maria-Luisa , Vargas Ingrid , Rubio-Valera Maria , Aznar-Lou Ignacio , Eguiguren Pamela , Mogollón-Pérez Amparo-Susana , Torres Ana-Lucía , Peralta Andrés , Dias Sónia , Jervelund Signe Smith
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Healthcare fragmentation, a main cause for delay in cancer diagnosis and treatment, contributes to high mortality in Latin America (LA), particularly among disadvantaged populations. This research focuses on integrated care interventions, which have been limitedly implemented in the region. The objective is to evaluate the contextual effectiveness of scaling-up an integrated care intervention to improve early diagnosis of frequent cancers in healthcare networks of Chile, Colombia and Ecuador.

Methods and analysis

This research is two pronged: (A) quasi-experimental design (controlled before and after) with an intervention and a control healthcare network in each LA country, using an implementation-effectiveness hybrid approach to assess the intervention process, effectiveness and costs; and (B) case study design to analyse access to diagnosis of most frequent cancers. Focusing on the most vulnerable socioeconomic population, it develops in four phases: (1) analysis of delays and barriers to early diagnosis (baseline); (2) intervention adaptation and implementation (primary care training, fast-track referral pathway and patient information); (3) intracountry evaluation of intervention and (4) cross-country analysis. Baseline and evaluation studies adopt mixed-methods qualitative (semistructured individual interviews) and quantitative (patient questionnaire survey) methods. For the latter, a sample size of 174 patients with cancer diagnosis per healthcare network and year was calculated to detect a proportions difference of 15%, before and after intervention (α=0.05; β=0.2) in a two-sided test. A participatory approach will be used to tailor the intervention to each context, led by a local steering committee (professionals, managers, policy makers, patients and researchers).

Ethics and dissemination

This study complies with international and national legal stipulations on ethics. It was approved by each country’s ethical committee and informed consent will be obtained from participants. Besides the coproduction of knowledge with key stakeholders, it will be disseminated through strategies such as policy briefs, workshops, e-tools and scientific papers.
Expression of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 gene and optical coherence tomography angiographic parameters among patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mossa Elshimaa A Mateen , Sayed Khulood Muhammad , Awny Islam , Mohamed Nesma A , Ali Tasneem , Hemdan Shimaa Badawy , Helaly Ahmed A , Abdellatif Mohammed G , Farag Radwa Mohammed , Alsmman Alahmady Hamad , Mounir Amr
Published: December 2022

Back ground/aims

To analyse different parameters of the macula, disc and their vascular affection using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and angiography (OCT-A) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) correlating these changes to PARP-1 gene expression in blood.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 80 eyes of the clinically diagnosed relapsing-remitting phenotype of MS. The study included three groups; group (A) included 40 eyes of 20 patients with MS with a history of optic neuritis (MS+ON), group (B) included 40 eyes of 20 patients with MS without a history of ON (MS-ON) and group (C) (the control group) consisted of 40 eyes of 20 matched participants not suffering from any ocular or systemic disease. OCT and OCT-A, RTVue (Optovue, Fermont, California, USA) were done for all eyes for evaluating the macular and disc changes. Qualitative real-time PCR for estimation of PARP1 gene expression level was performed for all patients.

Results

PARP-1 gene expression level showed a significant difference in comparing the three groups, with the highest level being for the (ON+) group (p<0.0009). Significant negative correlations were found between PARP-1 gene expression level and central macular thickness, total macular volume and full foveal vessel density thickness. ROC curve constructed by plotting the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value was (0.9) for PARP-1 gene expression level.

Conclusions

PARP-1 may play an important role in the development of the ON cascade in patients with MS and may be a biomarker for diagnosing and a potential molecular target of ON in MS patients’ therapy. In addition to the OCT and OCT-angio changes that could be detected retrospectively, PARP-1 gene expression level could be considered a prospective detector to complete the full-blown picture of MS (ON+) early and prevent blindness.
Hurricane Florence and suicide mortality in North Carolina: a controlled interrupted time-series analysis
Authors: Miller Vanessa Eve , Pence Brian W , Fitch Kate Vinita , Swilley-Martinez Monica , Kavee Andrew L , Dorris Samantha , Cooper Toska , Keil Alexander P , Gaynes Bradley N , Carey Timothy S , Goldston David , Ranapurwala Shabbar
Published: December 2022

Background

Natural disasters are associated with increased mental health disorders and suicidal ideation; however, associations with suicide deaths are not well understood. We explored how Hurricane Florence, which made landfall in September 2018, may have impacted suicide deaths in North Carolina (NC).

Methods

We used publicly available NC death records data to estimate associations between Hurricane Florence and monthly suicide death rates using a controlled, interrupted time series analysis. Hurricane exposure was determined by using county-level support designations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. We examined effect modification by sex, age group, and race/ethnicity.

Results

8363 suicide deaths occurred between January 2014 and December 2019. The overall suicide death rate in NC between 2014 and 2019 was 15.53 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 15.20 to 15.87). Post-Hurricane, there was a small, immediate increase in the suicide death rate among exposed counties (0.89/100 000 PY; 95% CI −2.69 to 4.48). Comparing exposed and unexposed counties, there was no sustained post-Hurricane Florence change in suicide death rate trends (0.02/100 000 PY per month; 95% CI −0.33 to 0.38). Relative to 2018, NC experienced a statewide decline in suicides in 2019. An immediate increase in suicide deaths in Hurricane-affected counties versus Hurricane-unaffected counties was observed among women, people under age 65 and non-Hispanic black individuals, but there was no sustained change in the months after Hurricane Florence.

Conclusions

Although results did not indicate a strong post-Hurricane Florence impact on suicide rates, subgroup analysis suggests differential impacts of Hurricane Florence on several groups, warranting future follow-up.
Infertility in systemic lupus erythematosus: what rheumatologists need to know in a new age of assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Stamm Bessie , Barbhaiya Medha , Siegel Caroline , Lieber Sarah , Lockshin Michael , Sammaritano Lisa
Published: December 2022

Fertility is often a concern for women with SLE. In addition to known indirect factors that influence the ability of a woman with SLE to become pregnant, such as cytotoxic agents, other medications, advanced age and psychosocial effects of the disease, direct disease-related factors are believed to influence fertility. These include diminished ovarian reserve, menstrual irregularities (a function of disease activity) and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. The question of whether SLE intrinsically affects fertility, however, remains unanswered. In this review, we address known factors affecting fertility, assess current data regarding a direct impact of SLE on fertility and evaluate potential disease-related risk factors. We focus primarily on studies measuring anti-Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count, the most widely measured markers of ovarian reserve. Our goal is to provide information to rheumatologists faced with counselling patients with SLE regarding their fertility, family planning and options for assisted reproductive technologies, which now include fertility preservation through oocyte cryopreservation.
Prevalence and treatment of diabetes and pre-diabetes in a real-world heart failure population: a single-centre cross-sectional study
Authors: Håkansson Erik , Brunström Mattias , Norberg Helena , Själander Sara , Lindmark Krister
Published: December 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate a real-world heart failure (HF) cohort regarding (1) prevalence of known diabetes mellitus (DM), undiagnosed DM and pre-diabetes, (2) if hf treatment differs depending on glycaemic status and (3) if treatment of DM differs depending on HF phenotype.

Methods

All patients who had received a diagnosis of HF at Umeå University Hospital between 2010 and 2019 were identified and data were extracted from patient files according to a prespecified protocol containing parameters for clinical characteristics, including echocardiogram results, comorbidities, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values. Patients’ HF phenotype was determined using the latest available echocardiogram. The number of patients with previous DM diagnosis was assessed. Patients without a previous diagnosis of DM were classified as non-DM, pre-diabetes or probable DM according to FPG and HbA1c levels using WHO criteria.

Results

In total, 2326 patients (59% male, mean age 76±13 years) with HF and at least one echocardiogram were assessed. Of these, 617 (27%) patients had a previous diagnosis of DM. Of the 1709 patients without a previous diagnosis of DM, 1092 (67%) patients had either an FPG or HbA1c recorded, of which 441 (41%) met criteria for pre-diabetes and 97 (9%) met criteria for probable diabetes, corresponding to 19% and 4% of the entire cohort, respectively. Patients with HF and diabetes were more often treated with diuretics and beta blockers compared with non-DM patients (64% vs 42%, p<0.001 and 88% vs 83%, p<0.001, respectively). There was no difference in DM treatment between HF phenotypes.

Conclusions

DM and pre-diabetes are common in this HF population with 50% of patients having either known DM, probable DM or pre-diabetes. Patients with HF and DM are more often treated with common HF medications. HF phenotype did not affect choice of DM therapy.
Lipid lowering with inclisiran: a real-world single-centre experience
Authors: Padam Pritpal , Barton Lucy , Wilson Stewart , David Alessia , Walji Shahenaz , de Lorenzo Ferruccio , Ray Kausik K , Jones Ben , Cegla Jaimini
Published: December 2022

Objective

The reduction in circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) is the primary aim of lipid-lowering therapies as a method of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Inclisiran is a new and potent lipid-lowering drug that is shown to be effective in reducing LDL-c in randomised controlled trials, however, real-world data of its use are not yet known. We sought to analyse the early effects of this drug in a tertiary centre lipid and cardiovascular risk clinic.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the first 80 patients who received a single dose of inclisiran at our lipid clinic between 1 December 2021 and 1 September 2022. Data were collected using electronic healthcare records. Baseline blood tests were taken prior to start of treatment and were repeated at 2 months follow-up. Data on adverse events were also recorded.

Results

At 2 months after treatment initiation, mean baseline LDL-c fell from 3.5±1.1 mmol/L by 48.6% to 1.8±1.0 mmol/L and total cholesterol from 5.7±1.3 mmol/L by 33.3% to 3.8±1.1 mmol/L (both p<0.0001). Mean high-density lipoprotein-c rose by 7.7% to 1.4±0.4 mmol/L (p=0.02) and median triglycerides fell by 31.3% to 1.1 mmol/L (IQR 0.9–2) (p=0.001). Adverse events (injection site reaction, fatigue and headache) were recorded in three patients and all had self-resolved by time of follow-up.

Conclusion

Inclisiran use in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines led to significant lowering of LDL-c at 2 months, with efficacy similar to that reported in trials with good tolerability.
Acceptable risks of treatments to prevent rheumatoid arthritis among first-degree relatives: demographic and psychological predictors of risk tolerance
Authors: Simons Gwenda , Janssen Ellen M , Veldwijk Jorien , DiSantostefano Rachael L , Englbrecht Matthias , Radawski Christine , Valor-Méndez Larissa , Humphreys Jennifer H , Bruce Ian N , Hauber Brett , Raza Karim , Falahee Marie
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To quantify tolerance to risks of preventive treatments among first-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Preventive treatments for RA are under investigation. In a preference survey, adult FDRs assumed a 60% chance of developing RA within 2 years and made choices between no treatment and hypothetical preventive treatment options with a fixed level of benefit (reduction in chance of developing RA from 60% to 20%) and varying levels of risks. Using a probabilistic threshold technique, each risk was increased or decreased until participants switched their choice. Perceived risk of RA, health literacy, numeracy, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire-General were also assessed. Maximum acceptable risk (MAR) was summarised using descriptive statistics. Associations between MARs and participants’ characteristics were assessed using interval regression with effects coding.

Results

289 FDRs (80 male) responded. The mean MAR for a 40% reduction in chance of developing RA was 29.08% risk of mild side effects, 9.09% risk of serious infection and 0.85% risk of a serious side effect. Participants aged over 60 years were less tolerant of serious infection risk (mean MAR ±2.06%) than younger participants. Risk of mild side effects was less acceptable to participants who perceived higher likelihood of developing RA (mean MAR ±3.34%) and more acceptable to those believing that if they developed RA it would last for a long time (mean MAR ±4.44%).

Conclusions

Age, perceived chance of developing RA and perceived duration of RA were associated with tolerance to some risks of preventive RA therapy.
Depth-dependent soil fluidization under cyclic loading—an experimental investigation
Authors: Korkitsuntornsan Warantorn , Indraratna Buddhima , Rujikiatkamjorn Cholachat , Nguyen Thanh T.
Published: December 2022

Past studies have shown that shallow subgrade soil can transform to a slurry (i.e., fluidization) under unfavourable cyclic loading. However, the depth-dependent behaviour of soil parameters during this process has not been properly understood. The current study utilised a large-scale cylindrical test rig, where instrumentation was installed to observe the soil behaviour along the depth of the test specimens under cyclic loading, to examine and quantify the onset of soil fluidization. The results show that excess pore water pressure tends to rise more at the upper layers causing zero-effective stress, while void ratio expands rapidly within the deteriorated soil fabric, making the water content approach the liquid limit of soil when internal moisture migration occurs from the bottom to the top of the specimen. The larger the cyclic load, the deeper the fluidized zone and the faster the fluidization. The study also suggests that the zero-effective stress condition alone cannot interpret the inception of soil fluidization; hence, the change in void ratio and the liquidity index during the application of cyclic loading should also be considered in tandem.