bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are spatial patterns of Covid‐19 changing? Spatiotemporal analysis over four waves in the region of Cantabria, Spain
Authors: De Cos Guerra Olga , Castillo Salcines Valentín , Cantarero Prieto David
Published: April 2022

This research approaches the empirical study of the pandemic from a social science perspective. The main goal is to reveal spatiotemporal changes in Covid‐19, at regional scale, using GIS technologies and the emerging three‐dimensional bins method. We analyze a case study of the region of Cantabria (northern Spain) based on 29,288 geocoded positive Covid‐19 cases in the four waves from the outset in March 2020 to June 2021. Our results suggest three main spatial processes: a reversal in the spatial trend, spreading first followed by contraction in the third and fourth waves; then the reduction of hot spots that represent problematic areas because of high presence of cases and growing trends; and finally, an increase in cold spots. All this generates relevant knowledge to help policy‐makers from regional governments to design efficient containment and mitigation strategies. Our research is conducted from a geoprevention perspective, based on the application of targeted measures depending on spatial patterns of Covid‐19 in real time. It represents an opportunity to reduce the socioeconomic impact of global containment measures in pandemic management.
Energy and resource‐efficient reverse osmosis system with tunable recovery for brackish water desalination and heavy metal removal
Authors: Sutariya Bhaumik , Raval Hiren
Published: April 2022

The resource efficiency of a conventional domestic reverse osmosis system is low because it operates at a low water recovery and energy efficiency. Besides, the quality of permeate cannot be controlled, leading to unusual taste, which may result in adverse health effects. In this article, a new system design and operational method of a domestic reverse osmosis system have been studied analytically and experimentally. The study shows that it is possible to tune the permeate quality, and a high water recovery can be achieved with this design and operational method. In addition, specific energy consumption can be reduced. This system is particularly useful in the case of low salinity feed with a trace amount of heavy metals. A synthetic feed solution of As+5 in pure water was used as a feed to verify the same. It was observed that a high water recovery (>85%) could be achieved while removing As+5 from the water. With global rise in decentralized desalination systems, the proposed system design and operational method can be used not only to tune the product recovery and quality but also to reduce the specific energy consumption as well. Hence, this work is in line with United Nations Sustainable Development goals (SDGs).
Atypical human trypanosomosis: Potentially emerging disease with lack of understanding
Authors: Kumar Rajender , Gupta Snehil , Bhutia Wangchuk Dorjee , Vaid Rajesh Kumar , Kumar Sanjay
Published: March 2022

Trypanosomes are the hemoflagellate kinetoplastid protozoan parasites affecting a wide range of vertebrate hosts having insufficient host specificity. Climatic change, deforestation, globalization, trade agreements, close association and genetic selection in links with environmental, vector, reservoir and potential susceptible hosts' parameters have led to emergence of atypical human trypanosomosis (a‐HT). Poor recording of such neglected tropical disease, low awareness in health professions and farming community has approached a serious intimidation for mankind. Reports of animal Trypanosoma species are now gradually increasing in humans, and lack of any compiled literature has diluted the issue. In the present review, global reports of livestock and rodent trypanosomes reported from human beings are assembled and discrepancies with the available literature are discussed along with morphological features of Trypanosoma species. We have described 21 human cases from the published information. Majority of cases 10 (47%) are due to T. lewisi, followed by 5 (24%) cases of T. evansi, 4 (19%) cases of T. brucei and 1 (5%) case each of T. vivax and T. congolense. Indian subcontinent witnessed 13 cases of a‐HT, of which 9 cases are reported from India, which includes 7 cases of T. lewisi and 2 cases of T. evansi. Apart from, a‐HT case reports, epidemiological investigation and treatment aspects are also discussed. An attempt has been made to provide an overview of the current situation of atypical human trypanosomosis caused by salivarian animal Trypanosoma globally. The probable role of Trypanosoma lytic factors (TLF) present in normal human serum (NHS) in providing innate immunity against salivarian animal Trypanosoma species and the existing paradox in medical science after the finding on intact functional apolipoprotein L1 (ApoL1) in Vietnam T. evansi Type A case is also discussed to provide an update on all aspects of a‐HT. Insufficient data and poor reporting in Asian and African countries are the major hurdle resulting in under‐reporting of a‐HT, which is a potential emerging threat. Therefore, concerted efforts must be directed to address attentiveness, preparedness and regular surveillance in suspected areas with training of field technicians, medical health professionals and veterinarians. Enhancing a one health approach is specifically important in case of trypanosomosis.
Tonal Noise Suppression of an Underexpanded Orifice Jet Upon Impingement Over Corrugated Geometries
Authors: Sarangi Debivarati , Srinivasan K.
Published: April 2022

The current study investigates the noise generation of an orifice jet upon impingement over different corrugated geometries for different nozzle pressure ratios (NPRs). Semi-circular corrugations of different pitch lengths are considered for this study. A comparison of corrugated geometries is made with the flat plate. A standoff distance of 3.5 times jet diameter is considered during the experiment. The noise propagation at the far-field is observed using a far-field microphone. Several tones and their harmonics of the feedback loops established between the orifice exit and the plates are analyzed. The acoustic spectra show that the corrugated geometries emit less noise at subsonic speed compared to supersonic speed. A reduction of overall sound pressure level (OASPL) up to a range of 3–8 dB is observed for the corrugated plate compared to the base plate at the subsonic range. The tonal noise is reduced for the corrugated geometries at all NPRs. The wavelength of the primary tones is compared with the pitch length of semi-circular corrugations. Schlieren images show the presence of the acoustic feedback loop and standing waves near the impingement region for the flat plate. The flow field in between the semi-circular corrugations is analyzed by solving the large eddy simulation. The directivity study shows a reduction in OASPL value at the upstream direction at NPR 4 and 4.8 for the corrugated geometries.
Atmospheric pressure plasma jet-mouse skin interaction: Mitigation of damages by liquid interface and gas flow control
Authors: Jurov Andrea , Kos Špela , Blagus Tanja , Sremački Ivana , Filipič Gregor , Hojnik Nataša , Nikiforov Anton , Leys Christophe , Čemažar Maja , Serša Gregor , Cvelbar Uroš
Published: March 2022

The possible benefits of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet skin treatment have been tested in vivo on mouse skin. Many studies have been conducted in vitro on mouse skin cells, but only a few in vivo where, due to the complexity of the biological system, plasma can cause severe damages. For this reason, we investigated how kHz plasma generated in a jet that is known to inflict skin damage interacts with mouse skin and explored how we can reduce the skin damage. First, the focus was on exploring plasma effects on skin damage formation with different plasma gases and jet inclinations. The results pointed to the perpendicular orientation of a He plasma jet as the most promising condition with the least skin damage. Then, the skin damage caused by a He plasma jet was explored, focusing on damage mitigation with different liquid interfaces applied to the treatment site, adding N2 to the gas mixture, or alternating the gas flow dynamics by elongating the jet's glass orifice with a funnel. All these mitigations proved highly efficient, but the utmost benefits for skin damage reduction were connected to skin temperature reduction, the reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the increase in reactive nitrogen species (RNS).
Methodological Considerations for Investigating Iron Status and Regulation in Exercise and Sport Science Studies
Authors: McKay Alannah K.A. , Sim Marc , Moretti Diego , Hall Rebecca , Stellingwerff Trent , Burden Richard J. , Peeling Peter
Published: April 2022

Iron deficiency is a common health issue in active and athlete populations. Accordingly, research into iron status, regulation, absorption, and iron deficiency treatment strategies is increasing at a rapid rate. However, despite the increase in the quantity of research, various methodological issues need to be addressed as we progress our knowledge in this area. The purpose of this review is to highlight specific considerations for conducting iron-related research in active and athlete populations. First, we discuss the methodological importance of assessment and interpretation of iron status, with reference to blood collection protocols, participant screening procedures, and biomarker selection. Next, we consider numerous variables that should be accounted for in the design of iron-related research studies, such as the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin and its interaction with exercise, in addition to an examination of female physiology and its impact on iron metabolism. Subsequently, we explore dietary iron and nutrient interactions that impact iron regulation and absorption, with recommendations made for optimal methodological control. Consideration is then given to key features of long-term study designs, such as the monitoring of training load, oral iron supplementation, dietary analysis, and general lifestyle factors. Finally, we conclude our recommendations with an exploration of stable iron isotope tracers as a methodology to measure iron absorption. Ultimately, it is our intention that this review can be used as a guide to improve study design, biomarker analysis, and reporting of findings, to maximize the quality of future research outputs in iron-related research focused on active and athlete populations.
Underrepresented on the Field and in the Literature: A Scoping Review of Latinas in Sport
Authors: Alanis Melody , Cunningham George B. , Desimone Ashley
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to conduct a scoping review of Latinas in sport. Such analyses are particularly useful when a body of research has not been thoroughly reviewed. The authors searched four databases (Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and Academic Source Complete) for studies focusing on Latinas in sport and that were U.S.-based studies, published from 1980 to 2020, in academic journals, in English, and with full-text available. The search yielded 85 articles. Further results indicated (a) only 14 studies had a specific focus on Latinas in sport; (b) most researchers (74.1%) adopted a quantitative approach; and (c) over half of the scholars did not explicitly state the theoretical lens from which they were drawing, and the researchers who did use theory to frame their work most commonly drew from psychological or sociological theories. The authors discuss the contributions of the research, offer implications, note limitations, and advance areas for future research.
Exportin 1 modulates life span by regulating nucleolar dynamics via the autophagy protein LGG-1/GABARAP
Authors: Kumar Anita V. , Kang Taewook , Thakurta Tara G. , Ng Celeste , Rogers Aric N. , Larsen Martin R. , Lapierre Louis R.
Published: April 2022

Altered nucleolar and ribosomal dynamics are key hallmarks of aging, but their regulation remains unclear. Building on the knowledge that the conserved nuclear export receptor Exportin 1 (XPO-1/XPO1) modulates proteostasis and life span, we systematically analyzed the impact of nuclear export on protein metabolism. Using transcriptomic and subcellular proteomic analyses in nematodes, we demonstrate that XPO-1 modulates the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of key proteins involved in nucleolar dynamics and ribosome function, including fibrillarin (FIB-1/FBL) and RPL-11 (RPL11). Silencing
xpo-1
led to marked reduction in global translation, which was accompanied by decreased nucleolar size and lower fibrillarin levels. A targeted screen of known proteostatic mediators revealed that the autophagy protein LGG-1/GABARAP modulates nucleolar size by regulating RPL-11 levels, linking specific protein degradation to ribosome metabolism. Together, our study reveals that nucleolar size and life span are regulated by LGG-1/GABARAP via ribosome protein surveillance.
Coordinated regulation of RNA polymerase II pausing and elongation progression by PAF1
Authors: Wang Zhenning , Song Aixia , Xu Hao , Hu Shibin , Tao Bolin , Peng Linna , Wang Jingwen , Li Jiabei , Yu Jiali , Wang Li , Li Ze , Chen Xizi , Wang Mengyun , Chi Yayun , Wu Jiong , Xu Yanhui , Zheng Hai , Chen Fei Xavier
Published: April 2022

Pleiotropic transcription regulator RNA polymerase II (Pol II)–associated factor 1 (PAF1) governs multiple transcriptional steps and the deposition of several epigenetic marks. However, it remains unclear how ultimate transcriptional outcome is determined by PAF1 and whether it relates to PAF1-controlled epigenetic marks. We use rapid degradation systems and reveal direct PAF1 functions in governing pausing partially by recruiting Integrator-PP2A (INTAC), in addition to ensuring elongation. Following acute PAF1 degradation, most destabilized polymerase undergoes effective release, which presumably relies on skewed balance between INTAC and P-TEFb, resulting in hyperphosphorylated substrates including SPT5. Impaired Pol II progression during elongation, along with altered pause release frequency, determines the final transcriptional outputs. Moreover, PAF1 degradation causes a cumulative decline in histone modifications. These epigenetic alterations in chromatin likely further influence the production of transcripts from PAF1 target genes.
Structures of
Tetrahymena
’s respiratory chain reveal the diversity of eukaryotic core metabolism
Authors: Zhou Long , Maldonado María , Padavannil Abhilash , Guo Fei , Letts James A.
Published: March 2022

Respiration is a core biological energy–converting process whose last steps are carried out by a chain of multisubunit complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane. To probe the functional and structural diversity of eukaryotic respiration, we examined the respiratory chain of the ciliate
Tetrahymena thermophila
(Tt). Using cryo–electron microscopy on a mixed sample, we solved structures of a supercomplex between Tt complex I (Tt-CI) and Tt-CIII
2
(Tt-SC I+III
2
) and a structure of Tt-CIV
2
. Tt-SC I+III
2
(~2.3 megadaltons) is a curved assembly with structural and functional symmetry breaking. Tt-CIV
2
is a ~2.7-megadalton dimer with more than 50 subunits per protomer, including mitochondrial carriers and a TIM8
3
-TIM13
3
–like domain. Our structural and functional study of the
T. thermophila
respiratory chain reveals divergence in key components of eukaryotic respiration, thereby expanding our understanding of core metabolism.
Japan reboots HPV vaccination drive after 9-year gap
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: March 2022

Modeling suggests 2013 move that undercut immunization will lead to thousands of preventable deaths
Human dendritic cells in cancer
Authors: Kvedaraite Egle , Ginhoux Florent
Published: April 2022

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells, orchestrating innate and adaptive immunity during infections, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies. Since the discovery of DCs almost 50 years ago, our understanding of their biology in humans has increased substantially. Here, we review both antitumor and tolerogenic DC responses in cancer and discuss lineage-specific contributions by their functionally specialized subsets, including the conventional DC (cDC) subsets cDC1 and cDC2, the newly described DC3, and the plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), focusing on the human setting. In addition, we review the lineage-unrestricted “mature DCs enriched in immunoregulatory molecules” (mregDC) state recently described across different human tumors.
A modified vaccinia Ankara vaccine expressing spike and nucleocapsid protects rhesus macaques against SARS-CoV-2 Delta infection
Authors: Routhu Nanda Kishore , Gangadhara Sailaja , Lai Lilin , Davis-Gardner Meredith E. , Floyd Katharine , Shiferaw Ayalnesh , Bartsch Yannic C. , Fischinger Stephanie , Khoury Georges , Rahman Sheikh Abdul , Stampfer Samuel David , Schäfer Alexandra , Jean Sherrie M. , Wallace Chelsea , Stammen Rachelle L. , Wood Jennifer , Joyce Cohen , Nagy Tamas , Parsons Matthew S. , Gralinski Lisa , Kozlowski Pamela A. , Alter Galit , Suthar Mehul S. , Amara Rama Rao
Published: March 2022

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines should induce broadly cross-reactive humoral and T cell responses to protect against emerging variants of concern (VOCs). Here, we inactivated the furin cleavage site (FCS) of spike expressed by a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus vaccine (MVA/SdFCS) and found that FCS inactivation markedly increased spike binding to human ACE2. After vaccination of mice, the MVA/SdFCS vaccine induced eightfold higher neutralizing antibodies compared with MVA/S, which expressed spike without FCS inactivation, and protected against the Beta variant. We next added nucleocapsid to the MVA/SdFCS vaccine (MVA/SdFCS-N) and tested its immunogenicity and efficacy via intramuscular (IM), buccal (BU), or sublingual (SL) routes in rhesus macaques. IM vaccination induced spike-specific IgG in serum and mucosae (nose, throat, lung, and rectum) that neutralized the homologous (WA-1/2020) and heterologous VOCs, including Delta, with minimal loss (<2-fold) of activity. IM vaccination also induced both spike- and nucleocapsid-specific CD4 and CD8 T cell responses in the blood. In contrast, the SL and BU vaccinations induced less spike-specific IgG in secretions and lower levels of polyfunctional IgG in serum compared with IM vaccination. After challenge with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, the IM route induced robust protection, the BU route induced moderate protection, and the SL route induced no protection. Vaccine-induced neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibody effector functions positively correlated with protection, but only the effector functions correlated with early protection. Thus, IM vaccination with MVA/SdFCS-N vaccine elicited cross-reactive antibody and T cell responses, protecting against heterologous SARS-CoV-2 VOC more effectively than other routes of vaccination.
Functional and Biochemical Characterization of the MazEF6 Toxin-Antitoxin System of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Chattopadhyay Gopinath , Bhasin Munmun , Ahmed Shahbaz , Gosain Tannu Priya , Ganesan Srivarshini , Das Sayan , Thakur Chandrani , Chandra Nagasuma , Singh Ramandeep , Varadarajan Raghavan
Published: March 2022

M. tuberculosis
harbors a large number of type II toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, the exact roles for most of which are unclear. Prior studies have reported that overexpression of several of these type II toxins inhibits bacterial growth and contributes to the formation of drug-tolerant populations
in vitro
.
Iron-Induced Respiration Promotes Antibiotic Resistance in Actinomycete Bacteria
Authors: Choi Joon-Sun , Seok Yeong-Jae , Cho You-Hee , Roe Jung-Hye
Published: March 2022

A widely investigated mode of antibiotic resistance occurs via mutations and/or by horizontal acquisition of resistance genes. In addition to this acquired resistance, most bacteria exhibit intrinsic resistance as an inducible and adaptive response to different classes of antibiotics.
Accessory Genomes Drive Independent Spread of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Clonal Groups 258 and 307 in Houston, TX
Authors: Shropshire William C. , Dinh An Q. , Earley Michelle , Komarow Lauren , Panesso Diana , Rydell Kirsten , Gómez-Villegas Sara I. , Miao Hongyu , Hill Carol , Chen Liang , Patel Robin , Fries Bettina C. , Abbo Lilian , Cober Eric , Revolinski Sara , Luterbach Courtney L. , Chambers Henry , Fowler Vance G. , Bonomo Robert A. , Shelburne Samuel A. , Kreiswirth Barry N. , van Duin David , Hanson Blake M. , Arias Cesar A.
Published: March 2022

The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CR
Kp
) infections in nosocomial settings remains a public health challenge. High-risk clones such as clonal group 258 (CG258) are particularly concerning due to their association with
bla
KPC
carriage, which can severely complicate antimicrobial treatments.
RETRACTED: The Mechanism of Pertussis Cough Revealed by the Mouse-Coughing Model
Authors: Hiramatsu Yukihiro , Suzuki Koichiro , Nishida Takashi , Onoda Naoki , Satoh Takashi , Akira Shizuo , Ikawa Masahito , Ikeda Hiroko , Kamei Junzo , Derouiche Sandra , Tominaga Makoto , Horiguchi Yasuhiko
Published: March 2022

The Gram-negative bacterium
Bordetella pertussis
causes a respiratory disease called whooping cough, or pertussis. This disease is characterized by paroxysmal coughing, the mechanism of which has not been intensively studied because of a lack of versatile animal models that reproduce the cough.
Genotypic Characterization and Biofilm Production of Group B Streptococcus Strains Isolated from Bone and Joint Infections
Authors: Lacasse Marion , Valentin Anne-Sophie , Corvec Stéphane , Bémer Pascale , Jolivet-Gougeon Anne , Plouzeau Chloé , Tandé Didier , Mereghetti Laurent , Bernard Louis , Lartigue Marie-Frédérique
Published: March 2022

Bone and joint infections (BJI) are pathologies that can be life-threatening and result in compromised functional prognosis for patients. Relapses are common and often related to biofilm formation.
The
cwp66
Gene Affects Cell Adhesion, Stress Tolerance, and Antibiotic Resistance in Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Zhou Qingshuai , Rao Fengqin , Chen Zhenghong , Cheng Yumei , Zhang Qifang , Zhang Jie , Guan Zhizhong , He Yan , Yu Wenfeng , Cui Guzhen , Qi Xiaolan , Hong Wei
Published: March 2022

The cell wall protein 66 gene (
cwp66
) encodes a cell wall protein, which is the second major cell surface antigen of
C. difficile
. Although immunological approaches, such as antibodies and purified recombinant proteins, have been implemented to study the role of Cwp66 in cell adhesion, no deletion mutant of the
cwp66
gene has yet been characterized.
The Blåhø Nappe, central Norwegian Scandinavian Caledonides: An oceanic arc–back-arc assemblage distinct from the Seve Nappe Complex
Authors: Hollocher* Kurt , Robinson Peter , Van Nostrand Maria , Walsh Emily
Published: March 2022

The Scandinavian Caledonides have a complex latest Proterozoic–Early Devonian history, but they were finally assembled during the Silurian–Devonian (Scandian orogeny) collision between Baltica and Laurentia. Their dominant structural components are the Lower (Baltican margin), Middle (Baltican and farther outboard), Upper (Iapetan arcs), and Uppermost (Laurentian margin) Allochthons. This study examined the Blåhø Nappe, a complex unit of metamorphosed, intensely deformed igneous and sedimentary rocks assigned to the Middle Allochthon. Metamorphic grades are regionally amphibolite facies, but granulite- and eclogite-facies rocks are locally found. Although most metamorphic ages span a range from Middle Ordovician to Devonian, Blåhø eclogite and other high-pressure rock ages are exclusively Scandian. We analyzed 95 samples of Blåhø Nappe metamorphosed igneous rocks, which were mostly mafic rocks, composed of a minor arc-derived set and a major set transitional between arc and depleted to enriched mid-ocean-ridge basalt (MORB), a range characteristic of back-arc basins.

Historically, the Blåhø Nappe has been assigned to the Seve Nappe Complex, the upper part of the Middle Allochthon as mapped in western Sweden and easternmost Norway. In contrast to the Blåhø Nappe, eclogites and other high-pressure rocks in the Seve Nappe Complex have yielded exclusively pre–Scandian orogeny Cambrian and Ordovician ages. Additionally, post–mid-Proterozoic igneous rocks of the Seve Nappe Complex are overwhelmingly dike swarms that were emplaced during the latest Proterozoic breakup of Rodinia, which have rift and MORB-type chemical signatures rather than arc and back-arc signatures, as has the Blåhø Nappe.

We hypothesize that the Blåhø Nappe precursors formed on the upper plate, above a west-directed, late Cambrian to Ordovician subduction zone off the Baltican margin. Subduction of the Baltican margin, and possibly rifted fragments on the lower plate, produced the older Seve Nappe Complex eclogites and thrust the Blåhø and Seve Nappe Complex materials onto Baltica. This left the Blåhø Nappe and Seve Nappe Complex precursors on the lower plate during Scandian subduction and collision with Laurentia, allowing exclusively Scandian eclogite formation in the Blåhø Nappe. The Blåhø Nappe and Seve Nappe Complex thus seem to have distinct origins and should not be correlated with one another.
Supplemental Material: Quantifying the growth of continental crust through crustal thickness and zircon Hf-O isotopic signatures: A case study from the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Wang Yujian , et al.
Published: March 2022

Data sources, lithology and geochemical characteristics, and calculation parameterization of the net volume of juvenile continental crust.
Supplemental Material: Latest Silurian syntectonic sedimentation and magmatism and Early Devonian orogenic gold mineralization, central Newfoundland Appalachians, Canada: Setting, structure, lithogeochemistry, and high-precision U-Pbgeochronology
Authors: Honsberger I.W. , et al.
Published: March 2022

Supplemental Material 1: Zircon and Rutile Populations: Figure S1. Reflected light microphotographs of zircon (A–F) and rutile (G) crystal populations from rocks analyzed for U-Pb geochronology. (A) BNB18-IHNL-008. (B) BNB19-IHNL-317. (C) BNB18-IHNL-197. (D) BNB18-IHNL-080b. (E) BNB19-IHNL-295. (F) BNB18-WL-029. (G) BNB18-IHNL-180. Supplemental Material 2: Analytical Chemistry Methods. Supplemental Material 3: Lithogeochemical Data: Table S1: Lithogeochemical data obtained at ALS Geochemistry Laboratories for igneous rocks in central Newfoundland; Table S2: Lithogeochemical data obtained at the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador for igneous rocks in central Newfoundland.
Supplemental Material: Late Mesozoic intracontinental deformation and magmatism in the Chinese Tianshan and adjacent areas, Central Asia
Authors: Wang Fujun , Zhu Wenbin , al. et
Published: March 2022

Supplementary text: Analytical methods. Table S1: Location and crystallization ages of Paleozoic granitoid intrusions. Table S2: LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating results of detrital samples. Table S3: LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating results of gravel and tuff samples.
Supplemental Material: Locating Lhasa terrane in the Rodinia and Gondwana supercontinents: A key piece of the reconstruction puzzle
Authors: Zhang Xiu-Zheng , et al.
Published: March 2022

Figure S1: Chondrite normalized REE patterns of zircon cores and metamorphic overgrowths from Precambrian metamorphic basic rocks (Q1401 and Q1402). Figure S2: Zr vs. selected element variation diagrams highlighting the effects of metamorphic alteration. Figure S3: Summary of chondrite-normalized REE distribution patterns and primitive mantle normalized multi-element plots of Late Neoproterozoic rocks from Lhasa terrane(previous studies). Figure S4: P–T path for Precambrian metamorphic basic rocks (Q1401 and Q1402) from the Yongzhu area, North Lhasa. Table S1: Representative analyses of minerals of basic rocks(Q1401 and Q1402). Table S2: LA-ICP-MS Zircon U-Pb isotopic data. Table S3: SIMS Zircon U-Pb isotopic data. Table S4: In-situ LA-ICP-MS trace element (ppm) results for the zircon. Table S5: Zircon O-Hf isotopic data. Table S6: Whole-rock geochemical data. Table S7: Whole-rock Sr-Nd isotopic data.
Supplemental Material: High-resolution record of multiple organic carbon-isotope excursions in lacustrine deposits of Upper Sinemurian through Pliensbachian (Early Jurassic) from the Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Franceschi Marco , et al.
Published: March 2022

Figure S1: Stratigraphic log with the positions of the samples collected for isotope and palynological analyses at the Dacao “A,” Dacao “B,” and Liangshuijing sections. Table S1: Results of δ13Corg analyses of Dacao “A,” Dacao “B,” and Liangshuijing sections. Data are expressed in per mil (‰). The stratigraphic height reported (in meters) refers to Figure S1 and therefore to the composite section constructed correlating the two localities.
Supplemental Material: Ediacaran magmatism and rifting along the northern margin of the Tarim craton: Implications for the late Neoproterozoic Rodinia configuration and breakup
Authors: Wu Hong-Xiang , Zhang Feng-Qi , al. et
Published: March 2022

Table S1: Detail analytical methods. Table S2: Analytical results of major- and trace-element compositions of the Lower Ediacaran Sugetbrak basalts in the northwest Tarim craton. Table S3: Analytical results of Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotope compositions of the Lower Ediacaran Sugetbrak basalts in the northwest Tarim craton. Table S4: Laser-ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb data for detrital zircons in the Sugetbrak Formation sandstones. Table S5: Compilation of zircon U-Pb dating data for the magmatic rocks from the Central Tianshan terrane. Figure S1: Cathodoluminescence (CL) images of representative zircons with analyzed spots and preferred ages (in Ma). Figure S2: Detrital zircon Th/U ratio vs. age plot for two sandstone samples in this study.
Supplemental Material: Fingerprinting the metal source and cycling of the world’s largest antimony deposit in Xikuangshan, China
Authors: Long Zheng-Yu , Qiu Kun-Feng , al. et
Published: March 2022

Table S1: Sulfur isotopic compositions of stibnite in the Xikuangshan deposit.
Structure of Magnetic Inhomogeneities in Films with Topological Features
Authors: Magadeev E. B. , Vakhitov R. M.
Published: March 2022

Magnetic films with easy plane uniaxial anisotropy are studied. It is shown that in these films structural defects such as artificially created holes or nonmagnetic inclusions can give rise to vortex-like inhomogeneities with a topological charge. Analysis of their stability reveals parameters (the magnitude and direction of electric currents, the number of holes, etc.) at which they form stable configurations suitable for information encoding.
New Type of “Dark” States in the Spectrum of Radiative Magnon Polarons
Authors: Tarasenko S. V. , Shavrov V. G.
Published: March 2022

The appearance of new types of bound (“dark”) states in the continuous spectrum of shear phonons of the radiation field of leaky magnon polarons in an acoustically open “easy-axis antiferromagnet–superconductor” sandwich structure can be determined by the relative orientation of the plane of incidence of a transverse elastic wave and the equilibrium antiferromagnetism vector in the interface plane between the media. The effect is based on the elastic dipole mechanism of the formation of magneto-acoustic birefringence with a change of the refraction cavity induced by the symmetric or antisymmetric Dzyaloshinskii interaction.
Effect of cigarette smoking on serum anti-Mullerian hormone and antral follicle count in women seeking fertility treatment: a prospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Bhide Priya , Timlick Elizabeth , Kulkarni Abhijit , Gudi Anil , Shah Amit , Homburg Roy , Acharya Ganesh
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The relationship between smoking and ovarian reserve markers is inconclusive. The primary objective of our study was to assess the effect of cigarette smoking on the quantitative ovarian reserve parameters, serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) as relevant to prediction of fertility outcomes in women seeking fertility treatment. Our secondary aims were to validate self-reported smoking behaviour using biomarkers and evaluate the association between biomarkers of ovarian reserve (serum AMH and AFC) with biomarkers of smoking exposure (breath carbon monoxide (CO) and urine cotinine levels).

Design

Prospective, cross-sectional study.

Setting

Single tertiary care fertility centre.

Participants

Women ≤35 years seeking fertility treatment.

Primary outcome measures

Serum AMH and AFC.

Results

Significant differences were found among current smokers, ex-smokers and never smokers for breath CO (F(2,97)=33.32, p<0.0001) and urine cotinine levels (p<0.001). However, no significant differences were found either for serum AMH (F(2,91)=1.19, p=0.309) or total AFC (F(2,81)=0.403, p=0.670) among the three groups. There was no significant correlation between pack years of smoking and serum AMH (r=−0.212, n=23, p=0.166) or total AFC (r=−0.276, n=19, p=0.126). No significant correlation was demonstrated between breath CO and serum AMH (r=0.082, n=94, p=0.216) or total AFC (r=0.096, n=83, p=0.195). Similarly, no significant correlation was demonstrated between urine cotinine levels and serum AMH (r=0.146, n=83, p=0.095) or total AFC (r=−0.027, n=77, p=0.386).

Conclusion

We did not find a statistically significant difference in quantitative ovarian reserve markers between current smokers, ex-smokers and never smokers which would be clinically meaningful in our study population. We confirmed that self-reported smoking correlates well with quantitatively measured biomarkers of smoking. This validated the self-reported comparison groups to ensure a valid comparison of outcome measures. There was no significant association between biomarkers of smoking and biomarkers of ovarian reserve. We were also unable to demonstrate a correlation between the lifetime smoking exposure and ovarian reserve.
Predicting hospitalisations related to ambulatory care sensitive conditions with machine learning for population health planning: derivation and validation cohort study
Authors: Yi Seung Eun , Harish Vinyas , Gutierrez Jahir , Ravaut Mathieu , Kornas Kathy , Watson Tristan , Poutanen Tomi , Ghassemi Marzyeh , Volkovs Maksims , Rosella Laura C
Published: April 2022

Objective

To predict older adults’ risk of avoidable hospitalisation related to ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) using machine learning applied to administrative health data of Ontario, Canada.

Design, setting and participants

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on a large cohort of all residents covered under a single-payer system in Ontario, Canada over the period of 10 years (2008–2017). The study included 1.85 million Ontario residents between 65 and 74 years old at any time throughout the study period.

Data sources

Administrative health data from Ontario, Canada obtained from the (ICES formely known as the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences Data Repository.

Main outcome measures

Risk of hospitalisations due to ACSCs 1 year after the observation period.

Results

The study used a total of 1 854 116 patients, split into train, validation and test sets. The ACSC incidence rates among the data points were 1.1% for all sets. The final XGBoost model achieved an area under the receiver operating curve of 80.5% and an area under precision–recall curve of 0.093 on the test set, and the predictions were well calibrated, including in key subgroups. When ranking the model predictions, those at the top 5% of risk as predicted by the model captured 37.4% of those presented with an ACSC-related hospitalisation. A variety of features such as the previous number of ambulatory care visits, presence of ACSC-related hospitalisations during the observation window, age, rural residence and prescription of certain medications were contributors to the prediction. Our model was also able to capture the geospatial heterogeneity of ACSC risk in Ontario, and especially the elevated risk in rural and marginalised regions.

Conclusions

This study aimed to predict the 1-year risk of hospitalisation from ambulatory-care sensitive conditions in seniors aged 65–74 years old with a single, large-scale machine learning model. The model shows the potential to inform population health planning and interventions to reduce the burden of ACSC-related hospitalisations.
Potential key roles of tumour budding: a representative malignant pathological feature of non-small cell lung cancer and a sensitive indicator of prognosis
Authors: Qian Li , Zhang Jianguo , Lu Shumin , He Xin , Feng Jia , Shi Jiahai , Liu Yifei
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between tumour budding, clinicopathological characteristics of patients and prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer.

Study design

A retrospective study was used.

Participants

We selected 532 patients with non-small cell lung cancer from China, including 380 patients with adenocarcinoma and 152 with squamous cell carcinoma.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Tumour budding was visible using H&E staining as well as pancytokeratin staining. The count data and measurement data were compared using the χ2 test and the t-test, respectively. The overall survival rate was the follow-up result. The survival curves were drawn using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the differences between groups were analysed using the log-rank method. The independent prognostic factor of patients with lung cancer was determined using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

In patients with lung adenocarcinoma, there was a correlation between tumour budding and spread through air spaces (OR 36.698; 95% CI 13.925 to 96.715; p<0.001), and in patients with squamous cell carcinoma, tumour budding state was closely related to the peritumoural space (OR 11.667; 95% CI 4.041 to 33.683; p<0.001). On Cox regression analysis, multivariate analysis showed that tumour budding, pleural and vascular invasion, spread through air spaces, tumour size, lymph node metastasis, and tumour node metastasis stage were independent risk factors of prognosis for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Conclusions

As an effective and simple pathological diagnostic index, it is necessary to establish an effective grading system in the clinical diagnosis of lung cancer to verify the value of tumour budding as a prognostic indicator. We hope that this analysis of Chinese patients with non-small cell lung cancer can provide useful reference material for the continued study of tumour budding.
Association between influenza vaccination, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality: a protocol for a living systematic review and prospective meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Rong , Patel Anushka , Du Xin , Liu Hueiming , Liu Bette , Wang Chi , Di Tanna Gian Luca
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Influenza virus infection is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular events, especially in populations with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Considering that influenza is vaccine preventable, international guidelines recommend high-risk populations with CVD receive an influenza vaccine every year. However, there are various classifications of recommendations and levels of evidence. Previous systematic reviews concluded uncertain evidence on influenza vaccine efficacy for preventing cardiovascular events in the general population or in populations with pre-existing CVD. Limited safety data of influenza vaccines were reported for populations with pre-existing CVD. Randomised controlled trials with larger sample sizes relative to previous studies are emerging, the findings of these trials are likely to be highly influential on summary efficacy estimates.

Methods and analysis

We aim to perform a living systematic review and a prospective meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of influenza vaccines compared with no vaccines or placebo for preventing mortality or CVD events in the general population and in populations with pre-existing CVD. Any types of randomised controlled trial and observational study meeting the Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome and Study design criteria for the research question will be selected for inclusion. The living systematic review status will be maintained for 3 years with an update for every 6 months. Mainstream medical literature databases will be independently searched by two authors with predefined strategies. Two authors will perform the risk of bias assessment with consensus. Narrative synthesis and meta-analyses will be performed to summarise the results.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical review is not required as this study does not involve primary data collection. We will publish results of the living systematic review and prospective meta-analysis in a peer-reviewed journal. Findings will also be presented at relevant meetings.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021222519.
Current curative expenditure of non-communicable diseases changed in Dalian, China from 2017 to 2019: a study based on ‘System of Health Accounts 2011’
Authors: Fang Quan , Ma Guoliang , Wang Yuhang , Wei Jingjing , Zhang Qin , Xu Xinzhou , Wang Xin
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To analyse the current curative expenditure (CCE) of NCDs in China from 2017 to 2019.

Design

A cross-sectional study. Medical institutions were collected by multistage stratified random sampling from 2017 to 2019.

Setting

Dalian, China

Participants

408 institutions and 8 104 233 valid items were included in the study. NCDs patients were selected according to International Classification of Diseases-10.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

CCE for NCDs was measured based on the System of Health Accounts 2011. Influenced factors were analysed by linear regression. All analyses and calculations were performed by STATA V.15.0.

Results

The CCE of NCDs was ¥14.929 billion in 2017, ¥16.377 billion in 2018 and ¥18.055 billion in 2019, which accounted for more than 65% of total expenditure spent each year. More than 60% came from public financing. The proportion of family health financing continued to decline, reaching 31.16% in 2019. The expenditures were mainly in general hospitals, above 70%. Elderly patients account for the majority. Diseases of the circulatory system, diseases of the digestive system and neoplasms were the main NCDs. Year, age, gender, length of stay, surgery, insurance and institution level affected hospitalisation expenses.

Conclusions

NCDs are the main CCE of diseases in China, and their resources are not allocated reasonably. To reduce the CCE of NCDs, the government needs to optimise resource allocation and rationalise institutional flows and functions.
Intended healthcare utilisation in cases of severe COVID-19 and inflammatory gastrointestinal disease: results of a population survey with vignettes
Authors: Klein Jens , Strauß Annette , Koens Sarah , Schäfer Ingmar , von dem Knesebeck Olaf
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To examine variations in intended healthcare utilisation in severe cases of COVID-19 and inflammatory gastrointestinal disease (IGD).

Design

Representative cross-sectional telephone survey.

Setting and participants

1207 randomly drawn adults of the city of Hamburg, Germany, between November 2020 and January 2021.

Outcome measures

Different vignettes with severe symptoms were presented varying in sex, age (child, middle-aged person, older person), daytime (Tuesday morning or Tuesday evening) and disease (COVID-19 or IGD), while the degree of urgency was equivalent for all cases. The respondents were asked for the intended healthcare utilisation resulting in three different alternatives: general practitioner (GP)/paediatrician, medical on-call service (‘116117’) and emergency care (accident and emergency department, emergency practice, rescue service). In multivariate analyses, associations of characteristics of the vignettes and participants (sex, age, education, migration background) with intended healthcare utilisation were tested. In a further step, analyses were conducted separately for IGD and COVID-19.

Results

Regarding the vignettes’ characteristics, intended utilisation of GP/paediatrician is associated with female sex, higher age, daytime (morning) and COVID-19 symptoms, the medical on-call service with male sex, daytime (evening) and COVID-19 symptoms and the emergency medicine with younger age, daytime (evening) and IGD. Women chose more often the GP/paediatrician, men preferred emergency medicine. Only in case of IGD, higher educated persons more often chose the medical on-call service while people with a migration background decided less often for medical on-call service and emergency medicine.

Conclusions

Despite comparable urgency, the findings suggest variations of intended healthcare utilisation depending on various characteristics of the vignettes and respondents. Depending on the type of disease inequalities vary. Overall, information about healthcare alternatives in severe cases has to be improved and clear pathways to facilitate healthcare utilisation has to be further developed.
Effectiveness of qigong and tai chi in the quality of life of patients with cancer: protocol for an umbrella review
Authors: Xu Jing , Li Hong , Sze Daniel Man-yuen , Chan Vincent Wan Shing , Yang Angela Wei Hong
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Qigong and tai chi (QTC) have been adopted by many patients with cancer as a complementary treatment with their conventional mainstream cancer management. Findings from current systematic reviews are inconsistent. Some research indicated that either qigong or tai chi interventions could enhance quality of life (QoL), and improve cancer-related symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance and anxiety; while others argued that there was a lack of efficacy of QTC on QoL improvement. This umbrella review will analyse and synthesise the findings from published systematic reviews and meta-analyses regarding the effectiveness of QTC in the QoL of patients with cancer. Twenty-five databases will be searched from their respective inception to December 2021.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a search in 21 English and 4 Chinese databases to identify qualified systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Two reviewers will independently screen all the titles and abstracts, and determine whether the article meets the inclusion criteria. After the identified systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses are confirmed, important information from each article will be extracted to the characteristics table by two reviewers independently. Two reviewers will independently analyse the quality of the selected reviews based on the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews guideline. Findings from the systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses will be summarised and reported.

Ethics and dissemination

This review does not require ethics approval as the study is based on the published articles. The results drawn from the present review will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication or presented at conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021253216.