bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for surgical site infection after groin hernia repair: does the mesh or technique matter?
Authors: Christou N. , Ris F. , Naumann D. , Robert-Yap J. , Mathonnet M. , Gillion J.-F. ,   The Club-Hernie Members
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Surgical site infections (SSIs) following groin hernia repair (GHR) are getting rarer in high income countries despite a wider use of meshes. Among the risk factors for SSIs, those related to the mesh and the surgical technique have rarely been described.

Methods

A registry-based multicenter study using prospectively collected data, including SSIs and their potential risk factors, was conducted in the French Hernia-Club.

Results

Between 2012 and 2019, 21,976 consecutive unselected adult patients aged 64.8  ±  15.4 years old (88.9% male) underwent GHR (83.5% unilateral). Fifty four percent were laparoscopic; 97.6% used mesh. The overall incidence of SSI was 0.26%. The incidence of SSI was respectively, 0.24% and 0.19% (p  =  0.420) in open vs laparoscopic repairs; 0.19% and 0.25% (p  =  0.638) for polyester vs polypropylene mesh; In adjusted multivariate analysis focusing on macroporous meshes (which were the most implanted meshes: 23,148 out of 24,099), there were no differences in terms of SSIs’ rates regarding the technique: open versus laparoscopy (p  =  0.762) nor the type of mesh used: polypropylene versus polyester (p  =  0.557).

Conclusion

The rate of SSI following GHR was low in this large registry study. Mesh type and surgical technique did not affect SSIs rates. Caution is advised when interpreting these data due to this very low rate of SSI and the potential for a type II error.
Assessment of health-care waste generation and its management strategy in the Gaza Strip, Palestine
Authors: Abukmeil Reem , Barhoum Ali , Dher Majdi , Yoshida Mitsuo
Published: October 2021

The situation of health-care waste in the Gaza Strip was threatening the environment and the public health due to the absence of appropriate health-care waste (HCW) handling, treatment, and disposal. In 2016, the total amount of HCW generated was estimated about 7199 kg day−1. Around 20% of the wastes was infectious, and the on-site segregation was done only for sharps in most health care facilities, while other infectious wastes were comingled with noninfectious normal wastes. In 2017, a new strategy for the health-care waste management (HCWM) was adopted. The strategy stated the necessity to segregate the HCW into three categories at the generation source to sharps, infectious wastes, and noninfectious wastes. The strategy was implemented over 40 clinics. The proper on-site segregation of the infectious and sharps showed that 2.4 kg day−1 and 0.7 kg day−1 of wastes is generated from UNRWA and Ministry of Health (MOH) clinics, respectively. This generation quantity accounts for a rate of 11 g per outpatient at UNRWA clinics and a ratio of 9.5 g per outpatient at MOH clinics. These quantities account for 33% and 54% of the total waste from UNRWA and governmental clinics in South and Middle Gaza.
Aging during COVID-19 in Germany: a longitudinal analysis of psychosocial adaptation
Authors: Schlomann Anna , Bünning Mareike , Hipp Lena , Wahl Hans-Werner
Published: October 2021

Existing theories of aging suggest that there may be similarities and differences in how COVID-19 impacts older people’s psychosocial adaptation compared to younger age groups, particularly middle-aged individuals. To assess the degree to which these impacts vary, we analyzed data from 3098 participants between the ages of 40 and 79 from an online survey in Germany. Data were collected at three measurement occasions between the start of the nationwide lockdown in mid-March 2020 and the end of the lockdown in early August 2020. The survey focused on everyday experiences during the COVID-19 crisis and collected various satisfaction ratings (e.g., general life satisfaction, satisfaction with family life, satisfaction with social contacts). At baseline, participants also provided retrospective ratings of satisfaction for the period before the COVID-19 crisis. In our analyses, we compared satisfaction ratings of middle-aged (40–64 years) and older individuals (65–79 years) and found that both middle-aged and older participants experienced the greatest decreases in satisfaction with social contacts, with more pronounced decreases seen in middle-aged participants. A similar pattern was observed for general life satisfaction, but the overall decreases were less pronounced in both groups compared to the decreases in satisfaction with social contacts. We also observed a partial recovery effect in all measures at the last measurement occasion, and this effect was more pronounced in older adults. Findings were also confirmed using age as a continuous variable and checking for linear and nonlinear effects of outcomes across the age range. Although ageism arose during the pandemic in the sense that older adults were labeled as a “risk group,” particularly at the start of the outbreak, we found consistently with other studies that middle-aged adults’ satisfaction decreased to a greater extent than that of older adults.
Psychodramapsychotherapie bei Traumafolgestörung und Suchterkrankung
Authors: Fellöcker Kurt
Published: October 2021

Der vorliegende Artikel der Zeitschrift für Psychodrama und Soziometrie reflektiert die integrative Behandlung der Kombination von Traumafolgestörung und Suchterkrankung auf Basis empirischer Studien zum gleichzeitigen Auftreten beider Störungen. In der Folge werden Aspekte einer Psychodramapsychotherapie in solchen Fällen erörtert und psychodramatechnische Implikationen erörtert.
Pre-service physical education teachers’ attitudes toward inclusive physical education
Authors: Braksiek Michael
Published: October 2021

A teacher’s positive attitude is an important factor for successful inclusive physical education (PE). PE teachers’ attitudes are shaped during PE teacher education (PETE) programs. Thus, a valid instrument is needed not only for assessing pre-service PE teachers’ attitudes toward inclusive PE but also for evaluating the effect of PETE programs in general and the effect of specific parts of such programs (e.g., seminars) on the development of those attitudes. Regarding the measurement of this attitude, little is known about how a subject-specific attitude toward inclusive education is related to general attitudes toward inclusive education. In this study 362 pre-service PE teachers’ attitudes toward inclusive education in general and inclusive PE were assessed using two general attitude scales and one PE-specific attitude scale. By conducting confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs), the factorial and convergent validity of the PE-specific scale was investigated. Results showed that the scale measures attitude toward inclusive PE adequately and that this attitude is related to general attitudes toward inclusive education. In addition, the measurement invariance of the scale among different degree programs of the pre-service PE teachers as well as group differences in the assessed attitude depending on the degree programs were investigated using multigroup CFA. The results support the use of the scale in the context of PETE for inclusion, but also point to general difficulties regarding attitude measurement in the context inclusive of (physical) education.
Impact of Live Load on Changes of Backfill Properties of Buried Flexible Steel Railway Structure
Authors: Wysokowski Adam
Published: October 2021

The article attempts to assess the changes in the properties of the soil backfill on the basis of studies carried out on the soil compaction indicator for a buried flexible steel structure located in a section of the Pan-European railway line. Initial tests on soil compaction showed that the backfilling does not meet the standard for railway structures. On this basis, it was decided to conduct additional studies taking into account the probability of compacting the soil during the operation of the structure. In order to verify any changes, the compaction indicator tests were repeated after 7 months of use under intensive railway load. On this basis, it can to be stated that there is relationship between the impact of a service load and the parameters of a soil backfill over time. As a result of the intense exploitation of a structure, an increase in the soil compaction index even up to 6.0% (average 2.5%) occurs.
How “green” can religions be? Tensions about religious environmentalism
Authors: Koehrsen Jens , Blanc Julia , Huber Fabian
Published: October 2021

Scholarship has suggested a “greening” of religions, supposing that faith communities increasingly become environmentally friendly and use their potentials to address environmental challenges. This contribution points to the problems of the supposed “greening” by indicating the ongoing disagreements in many religious traditions over environmental engagement. The disagreements show that religious environmentalism is an embattled terrain that involves actors with different interests, backgrounds, and understandings of their traditions. The authors illustrate that tensions are an inherent part of religious environmentalism, becoming manifest in different views and theologies, ambivalences, misunderstandings, and sometimes mistrust. They distinguish between four types of tensions: (1) intradenominational tensions, (2) interdenominational tensions, (3) interreligious tensions, and (4) religious-societal tensions. By drawing attention to the tensions of religious environmentalism, this contribution sheds light on the struggles and limitations that religious environmentalists face in their ambitions to address climate change and other environmental challenges.
The Cambridge Companion to British Romanticism and Religion
Authors: Barbeau Jeffrey
Published: October 2021

The Cambridge Companion to British Romanticism and Religion provides the first scholarly survey of the connections between literature, religion, and intellectual life during the British Romantic period (1780s–1832). The collection of seventeen scholarly essays introduces the diverse religious influences on the literature of the times. Part one, “Historical Developments,” surveys diverse religious communities, texts, and figures that shaped British Romantic culture, investigating the influence of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and atheism on the literature of the times. Part two, “Literary Forms,” considers British Romanticism and religion through attention to major genres such as poetry, the novel, drama, sermons and lectures, and life writing. Part three, “Disciplinary Connections,” explores links between religion, literature, and other areas of intellectual life during the period, including philosophy, science, politics, music, and painting.
Digital Services in International Trade Law
Authors: Willemyns Ines
Published: October 2021

Digitisation has significantly impacted international trade. This book explains the impact of digitisation on trade in services, the ensuing concept of 'digital services' and the different types of trade barriers these services face. This book establishes that the legal framework that applies to trade in services also applies to digital services. It elaborates on the scope of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and how to classify digital services. The relevant GATS obligations are subsequently applied to several case studies that illustrate the barriers to digital services trade. These case studies demonstrate the impact of the applicability of GATS to digital services on countries' international obligations. Finally, the book maps the electronic commerce-related provisions in in regional trade agreements (RTAs). Six extensive e-commerce RTAs are compared in depth and it is considered whether they add substantially to the existing multilateral obligations applicable to digital services trade.
Making Sense of Medical Statistics
Authors: Hossain Munier
Published: October 2021

Do you want to know what a parametric test is and when not to perform one? Do you get confused between odds ratios and relative risks? Want to understand the difference between sensitivity and specificity? Would like to find out what the fuss is about Bayes' theorem? Then this book is for you! Physicians need to understand the principles behind medical statistics. They don't need to learn the formula. The software knows it already! This book explains the fundamental concepts of medical statistics so that the learner will become confident in performing the most commonly used statistical tests. Each chapter is rich in anecdotes, illustrations, questions, and answers. Not enough? There is more material online with links to free statistical software, webpages, multimedia content, a practice dataset to get hands-on with data analysis, and a Single Best Answer questionnaire for the exam.
Loosely Bernoulli odometer-based systems whose corresponding circular systems are not loosely Bernoulli
Authors: GERBER MARLIES , KUNDE PHILIPP
Published: October 2021

Foreman and Weiss [Measure preserving diffeomorphisms of the torus are unclassifiable. Preprint, 2020, arXiv:1705.04414] obtained an anti-classification result for smooth ergodic diffeomorphisms, up to measure isomorphism, by using a functor
$\mathcal {F}$
(see [Foreman and Weiss, From odometers to circular systems: a global structure theorem. J. Mod. Dyn.15 (2019), 345–423]) mapping odometer-based systems,
$\mathcal {OB}$
, to circular systems,
$\mathcal {CB}$
. This functor transfers the classification problem from
$\mathcal {OB}$
to
$\mathcal {CB}$
, and it preserves weakly mixing extensions, compact extensions, factor maps, the rank-one property, and certain types of isomorphisms. Thus it is natural to ask whether
$\mathcal {F}$
preserves other dynamical properties. We show that
$\mathcal {F}$
does not preserve the loosely Bernoulli property by providing positive and zero-entropy examples of loosely Bernoulli odometer-based systems whose corresponding circular systems are not loosely Bernoulli. We also construct a loosely Bernoulli circular system whose corresponding odometer-based system has zero entropy and is not loosely Bernoulli.
Adenotonsillectomy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea in extreme paediatric obesity
Authors: Vakharia N , Murkin C , Hall A , Bajaj Y
Published: October 2021

Objective

Adenotonsillectomy is a recognised treatment for paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea. Recent literature highlights the need to assess outcomes in the extremely obese subpopulation. This study reviewed the efficacy of adenotonsillectomy performed in patients with extreme obesity.

Method

A retrospective analysis of attendees at a tertiary paediatric obesity clinic was performed, identifying patients with a body mass index z-score equal to or more than three who had undergone adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea. Electronic patient records, including respiratory polygraphy, were analysed.

Results

Nine patients met the study criteria. All required nocturnal non-invasive ventilation pre-operatively. Mean age at referral was 6.9 years, and average age of non-invasive ventilation commencement was 7.8 years. Post-operatively, 8 patients (89 per cent) required non-invasive ventilation with evidence of post-operative obstructive sleep apnoea.

Conclusion

In extreme obesity, adenotonsillectomy does not prevent the need for non-invasive ventilation. Management of this patient group requires treatment of obesity alongside potential surgical intervention. Poor efficacy in treating obstructive sleep apnoea may influence the decision to proceed with adenotonsillectomy.
A NEW DAWN? THOMAS ADÈS AND THE CASE OF MUSICAL SIMPLICITY
Authors: Powell Richard
Published: October 2021

Demonstrating an ability to both subscribe to and question aesthetic and formal conventions, the music of Thomas Adès has become synonymous with a particular brand of complexity; various multiplicities – stylistic, temporal, semantic – characterise the discourses that both pervade and surround his works. This might help explain the fractured critical response to Dawn, a ‘chacony for orchestra at any distance’, premièred at the 2020 BBC Proms: a seven-minute unfurling passacaglia of stark simplicity. Mixed reviews have presupposed rationales ranging from bold aesthetic choice to deadline-induced haste. This article considers Dawn within Adès's continuing exploration of the different formal, aesthetic and semantic roles that musical simplicity can play. Here, his previous utilisation of simplicity at points of formal crux allows a reframing of the work as a compositional response to real-world crisis that, beneath its surface, presents an intriguing affinity with – and recontextualisation of – fundamental aspects of his compositional character.
Jürg Frey, String Quartet no. 4. Quatuor Bozzini. MaerzMusik live-stream, 25 March 2021
Authors: Power Ian
Published: October 2021

Jürg Frey is at the point where the premiere of his String Quartet no. 4 at the online edition of MaerzMusik this March had the feel of the release of the newest film from a cult director. For my generation, this has largely meant someone like Quentin Tarantino or the Coen Brothers: every two to four years a new movie with sameness (recurring actors) and differences (genre) comes out, and with it a new opportunity to spend an interval of time with something carefully crafted by a unique mind with one foot in the real world and one foot out of it. We dutifully check them out, interested not just in the ‘next big thing’ but also in the moment surrounding this bit of culture.
Fertilization and early embryonic development of in vitro matured metaphase I oocytes in patients with unexpected low oocyte maturity rate
Authors: Yılmaz Nafiye , Özyer Şebnem , Taş Derya , Özer Mehmet Caner , Türkkanı Ayten , Yılmaz Esra Şafak , Tekin Özlem Moraloğlu
Published: October 2021

To determine the fertilization and embryonic potential of immature metaphase I (MI) oocytes in patients with low oocyte maturity rate in whom the percentage of mature oocytes obtained was less than 75% of the total retrieved ones. In vivo matured metaphase II (MII) oocytes (MII-ICSI, n = 244), and in vitro matured MI oocytes (MI-MII-ICSI, n = 202) underwent an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure. Maturation rate, fertilization rate and early embryonic development were compared in both groups. In total, 683 oocytes were collected from 117 ICSI cycles of 117 patients. Among them, 244 (35.7%) were mature MII and 259 (37.9%) were MI after the denudation process. Of those 259 MI oocytes, 202 (77.9%) progressed to MII oocytes after an incubation period of 18–24 h. The maturation rate was 77.9%. Fertilization rate was found to be significantly higher in the rescued in vitro matured MI oocyte group when compared with the in vivo matured MII oocyte group (41.6% vs 25.8%; P = 0.0006). However, no significant difference was observed in terms of cleavage rates on days 2 and 3 between the groups (P = 0.9126 and P = 0.5031, respectively). There may be unidentified in vivo factors on the oocyte maturation causing low developmental capacity in spite of high fertilization rates in the group of patients with low oocyte maturity rate. Furthermore, studies are needed to determine the appropriate culture characteristics as well as culture period and ICSI timing of these oocytes.
Cluster-randomised trial of the impact of an obesity prevention intervention on childcare centre nutrition and physical activity environment over 2 years
Authors: Natale Ruby , Atem Folefac D , Lebron Cynthia , Mathew M Sunil , Weerakoon Sitara M , Martinez Catherina Chang , Shelnutt Karla P , Spector Rachel , Messiah Sarah E
Published: October 2021

Objective:

The prevalence of obesity among pre-school-aged children in the USA remains unacceptably high. Here, we examine the impact of Healthy Caregivers-Healthy Children (HC2) Phase 2, a childcare centre (CCC)-based obesity prevention intervention on changes in the CCC nutrition and physical activity environment over 2 school years.

Design:

This was a cluster-randomised trial with twelve CCC receiving the HC2 intervention arm and twelve in the control arm. The primary outcome was change in the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) tool over 2 school years (Fall 2015, Spring 2016 and Spring 2017). Changes in EPAO physical activity and nutrition score were analysed via a: (1) random effects mixed models and (2) mixed models to determine the effect of HC2 v. control.

Setting:

The study was conducted in twenty-four CCC serving low-income, ethnically diverse families in Miami-Dade County.

Participants:

Intervention CCC received (1) teachers/parents/children curriculum, (2) snack, beverage, physical activity, and screen time policies, and (3) menu modifications.

Results:

Two-year EPAO nutrition score changes in intervention CCC were almost twice that of control CCC. The EPAO physical activity environment scores only slightly improved in intervention CCC v. control CCC. Intervention CCC showed higher combined EPAO physical activity and nutrition scores compared to control CCC over the 2-year study period (β = 0·09, P = 0·05).

Conclusions:

Obesity prevention programmes can have a positive impact on the CCC nutrition environment and can promote healthy weight in early childhood. CCC may need consistent support to improve the physical activity environment to ensure the policies remain intact.
Thirty Years and Three New Libraries: Learning on the Job
Authors: Saville Amanda
Published: October 2021

The following article, written by Amanda Saville, is a summary of the author's experiences as the client for three major new library buildings. It attempts to provide some advice and help for others contemplating a new library or significant refurbishment project by taking readers through the various stages of a development project. It assumes that the reader has no prior experience of managing building projects and offers some practical suggestions for a library client to consider. The projects on which the author was involved are listed at the end of the article and readers who would like to learn more are encouraged to go to the websites of the three institutions as all of them include detailed information and many images of the buildings.
A Book Review of The Ethical Algorithm: The Science of Socially Aware Algorithm Design by Kearns and Roth; and Thoughts for Legal Information Professionals
Authors: Intahchomphoo Channarong , Tschirhart Christian
Published: October 2021

This article consists of two parts. The first part is a review of the book entitled, ‘The Ethical Algorithm: The Science of Socially Aware Algorithm Design’, written by Professors Michael Kearns and Aaron Roth of the Computer and Information Science Department, University of Pennsylvania. The book was published in 2019 by Oxford University Press. The second part consists of thoughts learned from the book and how they could be applied to the work of legal information management professionals when facing tasks related to the ethical algorithms in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. How online privacy continues to be the main concern in the AI and robot era will be discussed, as well as the rise of concerns over AI and robots and how they might make unfair decisions toward vulnerable populations which could then become acts of discrimination. Examples of real-world problems of AI and robotics are also noted in this article.
A feasibility study of a peer discussion group intervention for patients with pancreatobiliary cancer and their caregivers
Authors: Yanai Yuko , Makihara Reiko Ando , Matsunaga Naoko , Shimizu Rieko , Tominaga Sayaka , Hoshino Saki , Nishibuchi Yukiko , Maruki Yuta , Ohba Akihiro , Shimizu Ken , Okusaka Takuji
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this feasibility study was to examine the impacts of a peer discussion group intervention called “the pancreatobiliary cancer salon” on psychological distress among patients with pancreatobiliary cancer and their caregivers.

Methods

We recruited patients with pancreatic or biliary tract cancer and their caregivers. We conducted a within-group pre–post comparison study. Participants were grouped by the type of cancer and treatment. Each group consisted of four to five patients or caregivers. Hospital staff members facilitated group discussions where participants freely talked for 1 h. We evaluated participants’ psychological condition using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and their impressions of the pancreatobiliary cancer salon.

Results

We analyzed data from 42 patients and 27 caregivers who joined the salon for the first time. Thirty-five patients (83.3%) had pancreatic cancer. Thirty-one patients (71.4%) had unresectable pancreatobiliary cancer and 14 patients (33.3%) were being treated with second-line or third-line chemotherapy at the time of the survey. Twenty-two patients (52.4%) participated in the salon within 6 months after diagnosis. Most participating caregivers were the patient's spouse/partner (51.9%) or child (34.6%). Both patients and caregivers experienced high levels of satisfaction with the pancreatobiliary cancer salon. Both patients and caregivers had significantly lower psychological distress as assessed by POMS after the salon.

Significance of results

A peer discussion group intervention might be well-received and has potential to benefit for patients with pancreatobiliary cancer and their caregivers.
Inkongruente Erwartungen an den Vorbereitungsdienst als Prädiktoren emotionaler Erschöpfung
Authors: Lohse-Bossenz Hendrik , Rutsch Juliane , Spinath Birgit , Dörfler Tobias
Published: October 2021

Zusammenfassung. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die wahrgenommene Erfüllung von Erwartungen von Lehramtsanwärterinnen und -anwärtern an den Vorbereitungsdienst. Basierend auf empirischen Befunden aus der Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie wird erwartet, dass nicht-erfüllte Erwartungen an den Vorbereitungsdienst mit einem Anstieg an emotionaler Erschöpfung assoziiert sein könnten. Es wurden 1109 Lehramtsanwärterinnen und -anwärter der Sekundarstufe I zu Beginn des Vorbereitungsdienstes (Erwartungen) und ein Jahr später (erfüllte Erwartungen) mit einer neu entwickelten Skala zu positiven („ Nutzen“) und negativen („ Kosten“) Wahrnehmungen des Vorbereitungsdienstes sowie ihrer emotionalen Erschöpfung befragt. Die Kosten-Nutzen-Skala konnte (erfüllte) Erwartungen an den Vorbereitungsdienst zu beiden Messzeitpunkten ausreichend gut erfassen. Auch die emotionale Erschöpfung wurde reliabel erfasst, wobei ein signifikanter Anstieg an emotionaler Erschöpfung im Untersuchungszeitraum festgestellt wurde. Response Surface Analysen wiesen auf einen Anstieg an emotionaler Erschöpfung im Untersuchungszeitraum hin, wenn Erwartungen an den Vorbereitungsdienst bezüglich dessen Kosten und Nutzen nicht mit der tatsächlichen Wahrnehmung übereinstimmten. Die Ergebnisse werden auf der Grundlage der aktuellen empirischen Befundlage diskutiert. Zuletzt wird ein Ausblick auf anschließende Forschungsarbeiten gegeben.
Drivers of Change of Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica, Between 1995 and 2015
Authors: dos Santos Thiago Dias , Barnes Jowan M. , Goldberg Daniel N. , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar , Morlighem Mathieu
Published: October 2021

Using three independent ice‐flow models and several satellite‐based datasets, we assess the importance of correctly capturing ice‐shelf breakup, shelf thinning, and reduction in basal traction from ungrounding in reproducing observed speed‐up and thinning of Thwaites Glacier between 1995 and 2015. We run several transient numerical simulations applying these three perturbations individually. Our results show that ocean‐induced ice‐shelf thinning generates most of the observed grounding line retreat, inland speed‐up, and mass loss, in agreement with previous work. We improve the agreement with observed inland speed‐up and thinning by prescribing changes in ice‐shelf geometry and a reduction in basal traction over areas that became ungrounded since 1995, suggesting that shelf breakups and thinning‐induced reduction in basal traction play a critical role on Thwaites's dynamics, as pointed out by previous studies. These findings suggest that modeling Thwaites's future requires reliable ocean‐induced melt estimates in models that respond accurately to downstream perturbations.
A novel inactivated whole-cell Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine that acts through the cGAS-STING pathway
Authors: Ma Cuicui , Ma Xiao , Jiang Boguang , Pan Hailong , Liao Xueyuan , Zhang Li , Li Wenfang , Luo Yingjie , Shen Zhixue , Cheng Xingjun , Lian Mao , Wang Zhenling
Published: October 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection continues to be a major threat to global public health, and new safe and efficacious vaccines are needed for prevention of infections caused by P. aeruginosa. X-ray irradiation has been used to prepare whole-cell inactivated vaccines against P. aeruginosa infection. However, the immunological mechanisms of X-ray-inactivated vaccines are still unclear and require further investigation. Our previous study found that an X-ray-inactivated whole-cell vaccine could provide protection against P. aeruginosa by boosting T cells. The aim of the present study was to further explore the immunological mechanisms of the vaccine. Herein, P. aeruginosa PAO1, a widely used laboratory strain, was utilized to prepare the vaccine, and we found nucleic acids and 8-hydroxyguanosine in the supernatant of X-ray-inactivated PAO1 (XPa). By detecting CD86, CD80, and MHCII expression, we found that XPa fostered dentritic cell (DC) maturation by detecting. XPa stimulated the cGAS-STING pathway as well as Toll-like receptors in DCs in vitro, and DC finally underwent apoptosis and pyroptosis after XPa stimulation. In addition, DC stimulated by XPa induced CD8+ T-cell proliferation in vitro and generated immunologic memory in vivo. Moreover, XPa vaccination induced both Th1 and Th2 cytokine responses in mice and reduced the level of inflammatory factors during infection. XPa protected mice in pneumonia models from infection with PAO1 or multidrug-resistant clinical isolate W9. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mice immunized with XPa could resist PAO1 infection. Therefore, a new mechanism of an X-ray-inactivated whole-cell vaccine against P. aeruginosa infection was discovered in this study.
Alterations of kynurenine pathway in alcohol use disorder and abstinence: a link with gut microbiota, peripheral inflammation and psychological symptoms
Authors: Leclercq Sophie , Schwarz Markus , Delzenne Nathalie M. , Stärkel Peter , de Timary Philippe
Published: October 2021

The gut-brain communication is mostly driven by the immune, metabolic and neural pathways which remained poorly explored in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The metabolites arising from the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway have gained considerable attention since they are at the interface between intestinal bacteria, host immune response and brain functions. This study described the circulating levels of kynurenine metabolites in AUD patients, at the onset (T1) and end (T2) of a 3-week detoxification program, and tested correlations between those metabolites and inflammatory markers, the gut microbiota and the psychological symptoms. Increased concentration of the neurotoxic metabolite quinolinic acid (QUIN) and decreased levels of the neuroprotector metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA) which both modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission were observed in AUD patients, particularly at T2. The inflammatory marker hsCRP was associated with several metabolic ratios of the kynurenine pathway. Tryptophan, KYNA and QUIN were correlated with depression, alcohol craving and reaction time, respectively. Analysis of gut microbiota revealed that bacteria known as short-chain fatty acid producers, as well as bacterial metabolites including butyrate and medium-chain fatty acids were associated with some metabolites of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway. Targeting the glutamatergic neurotransmission through the modulation of the kynurenine pathway, by manipulating the gut microbiota, might represent an interesting alternative for modulating alcohol-related behavior.
Chromosome-level genome assemblies of five Prunus species and genome-wide association studies for key agronomic traits in peach
Authors: Tan Qiuping , Li Sen , Zhang Yuzheng , Chen Min , Wen Binbin , Jiang Shan , Chen Xiude , Fu Xiling , Li Dongmei , Wu Hongyu , Wang Yong , Xiao Wei , Li Ling
Published: October 2021

Prunus species include many important perennial fruit crops, such as peach, plum, apricot, and related wild species. Here, we report de novo genome assemblies for five species, including the cultivated species peach (Prunus persica), plum (Prunus salicina), and apricot (Prunus armeniaca), and the wild peach species Tibetan peach (Prunus mira) and Chinese wild peach (Prunus davidiana). The genomes ranged from 240 to 276 Mb in size, with contig N50 values of 2.27−8.30 Mb and 25,333−27,826 protein-coding gene models. As the phylogenetic tree shows, plum diverged from its common ancestor with peach, wild peach species, and apricot ~7 million years ago (MYA). We analyzed whole-genome resequencing data of 417 peach accessions, called 3,749,618 high-quality SNPs, 577,154 small indels, 31,800 deletions, duplications, and inversions, and 32,338 insertions, and performed a structural variant-based genome-wide association study (GWAS) of key agricultural traits. From our GWAS data, we identified a locus associated with a fruit shape corresponding to the OVATE transcription factor, where a large inversion event correlates with higher OVATE expression in flat-shaped accessions. Furthermore, a GWAS revealed a NAC transcription factor associated with fruit developmental timing that is linked to a tandem repeat variant and elevated NAC expression in early-ripening accessions. We also identified a locus encoding microRNA172d, where insertion of a transposable element into its promoter was found in double-flower accessions. Thus, our efforts have suggested roles for OVATE, a NAC transcription factor, and microRNA172d in fruit shape, fruit development period, and floral morphology, respectively, that can be connected to traits in other crops, thereby demonstrating the importance of parallel evolution in the diversification of several commercially important domesticated species. In general, these genomic resources will facilitate functional genomics, evolutionary research, and agronomic improvement of these five and other Prunus species. We believe that structural variant-based GWASs can also be used in other plants, animal species, and humans and be combined with deep sequencing GWASs to precisely identify candidate genes and genetic architecture components.
AaWRKY17, a positive regulator of artemisinin biosynthesis, is involved in resistance to Pseudomonas syringae in Artemisia annua
Authors: Chen Tiantian , Li Yongpeng , Xie Lihui , Hao Xiaolong , Liu Hang , Qin Wei , Wang Chen , Yan Xin , Wu-Zhang Kuanyu , Yao Xinghao , Peng Bowen , Zhang Yaojie , Fu Xueqing , Li Ling , Tang Kexuan
Published: October 2021

Artemisia annua, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, remains the only plant source for artemisinin production, yet few genes have been identified to be involved in both the response to biotic stresses, such as pathogens, and artemisinin biosynthesis. Here, we isolated and identified the WRKY transcription factor (TF) AaWRKY17, which could significantly increase the artemisinin content and resistance to Pseudomonas syringae in A. annua. Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H), dual-luciferase (dual-LUC), and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) results showed that AaWRKY17 directly bound to the W-box motifs in the promoter region of the artemisinin biosynthetic pathway gene amorpha-4,11-diene synthase (ADS) and promoted its expression. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that the transcript levels of two defense marker genes, Pathogenesis-Related 5 (PR5) and NDR1/HIN1-LIKE 10 (NHL10), were greatly increased in AaWRKY17-overexpressing transgenic A. annua plants. Additionally, overexpression of AaWRKY17 in A. annua resulted in decreased susceptibility to P. syringae. These results indicated that AaWRKY17 acted as a positive regulator in response to P. syringae infection. Together, our findings demonstrated that the novel WRKY transcription factor AaWRKY17 could potentially be used in transgenic breeding to improve the content of artemisinin and pathogen tolerance in A. annua.
Advanced machine learning decision policies for diameter control of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Rao Rahul , Carpena-Núñez Jennifer , Nikolaev Pavel , Susner Michael A. , Reyes Kristofer G. , Maruyama Benji
Published: October 2021

The diameters of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are directly related to their electronic properties, making diameter control highly desirable for a number of applications. Here we utilized a machine learning planner based on the Expected Improvement decision policy that mapped regions where growth was feasible vs. not feasible and further optimized synthesis conditions to selectively grow SWCNTs within a narrow diameter range. We maximized two ranges corresponding to Raman radial breathing mode frequencies around 265 and 225 cm−1 (SWCNT diameters around 0.92 and 1.06 nm, respectively), and our planner found optimal synthesis conditions within a hundred experiments. Extensive post-growth characterization showed high selectivity in the optimized growth experiments compared to the unoptimized growth experiments. Remarkably, our planner revealed significantly different synthesis conditions for maximizing the two diameter ranges in spite of their relative closeness. Our study shows the promise for machine learning-driven diameter optimization and paves the way towards chirality-controlled SWCNT growth.
Sign-reversible valley-dependent Berry phase effects in 2D valley-half-semiconductors
Authors: Zhou Xiaodong , Zhang Run-Wu , Zhang Zeying , Feng Wanxiang , Mokrousov Yuriy , Yao Yugui
Published: October 2021

Manipulating valley-dependent Berry phase effects provides remarkable opportunities for both fundamental research and practical applications. Here, by referring to effective model analysis, we propose a general scheme for realizing topological magneto-valley phase transitions. More importantly, by using valley-half-semiconducting VSi2N4 as an outstanding example, we investigate sign change of valley-dependent Berry phase effects which drive the change-in-sign valley anomalous transport characteristics via external means such as biaxial strain, electric field, and correlation effects. As a result, this gives rise to quantized versions of valley anomalous transport phenomena. Our findings not only uncover a general framework to control valley degree of freedom, but also motivate further research in the direction of multifunctional quantum devices in valleytronics and spintronics.
Tendon and multiomics: advantages, advances, and opportunities
Authors: Sarmiento Paula , Little Dianne
Published: October 2021

Tendons heal by fibrosis, which hinders function and increases re-injury risk. Yet the biology that leads to degeneration and regeneration of tendons is not completely understood. Improved understanding of the metabolic nuances that cause diverse outcomes in tendinopathies is required to solve these problems. ‘Omics methods are increasingly used to characterize phenotypes in tissues. Multiomics integrates ‘omic datasets to identify coherent relationships and provide insight into differences in molecular and metabolic pathways between anatomic locations, and disease stages. This work reviews the current literature pertaining to multiomics in tendon and the potential of these platforms to improve tendon regeneration. We assessed the literature and identified areas where ‘omics platforms contribute to the field: (1) Tendon biology where their hierarchical complexity and demographic factors are studied. (2) Tendon degeneration and healing, where comparisons across tendon pathologies are analyzed. (3) The in vitro engineered tendon phenotype, where we compare the engineered phenotype to relevant native tissues. (4) Finally, we review regenerative and therapeutic approaches. We identified gaps in current knowledge and opportunities for future study: (1) The need to increase the diversity of human subjects and cell sources. (2) Opportunities to improve understanding of tendon heterogeneity. (3) The need to use these improvements to inform new engineered and regenerative therapeutic approaches. (4) The need to increase understanding of the development of tendon pathology. Together, the expanding use of various ‘omics platforms and data analysis resulting from these platforms could substantially contribute to major advances in the tendon tissue engineering and regenerative medicine field.
Modeling congenital cataract in vitro using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Lyu Danni , Zhang Lifang , Qin Zhenwei , Ni Shuang , Li Jiayong , Lu Bing , Hao Shengjie , Tang Qiaomei , Yin Houfa , Chen Zhijian , Yan Yong-Bin , Ji Junfeng , He Jiliang , Nagy Andras , Fu Qiuli , Yao Ke
Published: October 2021

Congenital cataracts are the leading cause of childhood blindness. To date, surgical removal of cataracts is the only established treatment, but surgery is associated with multiple complications, which often lead to visual impairment. Therefore, mechanistic studies and drug-candidate screening have been intrigued by the aims of developing novel therapeutic strategies. However, these studies have been hampered by a lack of an appropriate human-disease model of congenital cataracts. Herein, we report the establishment of a human congenital cataract in vitro model through differentiation of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into regenerated lenses. The regenerated lenses derived from patient-specific iPSCs with known causative mutations of congenital cataracts (CRYBB2 [p. P24T] and CRYGD [p. Q155X]) showed obvious opacification that closely resembled that seen in patients’ cataracts in terms of opacification severity and disease course accordingly, as compared with lentoid bodies (LBs) derived from healthy individuals. Increased protein aggregation and decreased protein solubility corresponding to the patients’ cataract severity were observed in the patient-specific LBs and were attenuated by lanosterol treatment. Taken together, the in vitro model described herein, which recapitulates patient-specific clinical manifestations of congenital cataracts and protein aggregation in patient-specific LBs, provides a robust system for research on the pathological mechanisms of cataracts and screening of drug candidates for cataract treatment.
PD-L1 expression evaluated by 22C3 antibody is a better prognostic marker than SP142/SP263 antibodies in breast cancer patients after resection
Authors: Cha Yoon Jin , Kim Dooreh , Bae Soong June , Ahn Sung Gwe , Jeong Joon , Lee Hye Sun , Jeon Soyoung , Yoo Tae-Kyung , Park Woo-Chan , Yoon Chang Ik
Published: October 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of solid cancers. However, there is no unified predictive biomarker available for ICIs. We aimed to compare the prognostic impact of using three PD-L1 antibodies (SP142, SP263, and 22C3) for immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. We retrospectively investigated tumor tissues derived from 316 breast cancer cases, by constructing tissue microarrays and by performing IHC staining. The immune-cell expression rate (for SP142 and SP263) and combined proportional score (for 22C3) were evaluated, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Prediction models were developed, and values of Harrel’s c-index and areas under curves were calculated to compare the discriminatory power. Negative PD-L1 expression based on the 22C3-IHC assay was determined to be an independent prognostic marker for recurrence-free survival (RFS, P = 0.0337) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS, P = 0.0131). However, PD-L1 expression based on SP142- and SP263-IHC assays did not reveal a prognostic impact. Among the three antibodies, adding PD-L1 expression data obtained via 22C3-IHC assay to the null model led to a significant improvement in the discriminatory power of RFS and DMFS. We suggest that PD-L1 expression based on the 22C3-IHC assay is a superior prognostic marker than that based on SP142- and SP263-IHC assays.
Hybrid quantum investment optimization with minimal holding period
Authors: Mugel Samuel , Abad Mario , Bermejo Miguel , Sánchez Javier , Lizaso Enrique , Orús Román
Published: October 2021

In this paper we propose a hybrid quantum-classical algorithm for dynamic portfolio optimization with minimal holding period. Our algorithm is based on sampling the near-optimal portfolios at each trading step using a quantum processor, and efficiently post-selecting to meet the minimal holding constraint. We found the optimal investment trajectory in a dataset of 50 assets spanning a 1 year trading period using the D-Wave 2000Q processor. Our method is remarkably efficient, and produces results much closer to the efficient frontier than typical portfolios. Moreover, we also show how our approach can easily produce trajectories adapted to different risk profiles, as typically offered in financial products. Our results are a clear example of how the combination of quantum and classical techniques can offer novel valuable tools to deal with real-life problems, beyond simple toy models, in current NISQ quantum processors.
On hybrid nanofluid Yamada-Ota and Xue flow models in a rotating channel with modified Fourier law
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Gul Hina , Malik M. Y. , Baleanu Dumitru , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: October 2021

The present study analyzes the comparison of the Xue and Yamada-Ota models for a hybrid nanoliquid flow in porous media occurring amidst a rotating channel with surface catalyzed reaction. Here, the hybrid nanofluid flow is studied under the effect of Cattaneo Christov (C–C) heat flux and homogenous heterogeneous (Homo-Hetero) chemical reaction with entropy generation minimization analysis. The assumptions of the viscosity of hybrid nanomaterial fluid and variable thermal conductivity are added characteristics to the inimitability of the flow model. Two kinds of nanoparticles, namely single-wall carbon nanotubes and multi-wall carbon nanotubes with ethylene glycol (EG) as the base fluid are considered. Carbon nanotubes possess diverse applications in daily life including energy storage, drug delivery, cancer treatment, tissue generation, platelet activation, magnetic force microscopy, and microwave absorption, etc. Similarity transformations are utilized to translate the modeled problem into the coupled ordinary differential equations. This system of ordinary differential equations is addressed numerically. The graphical outcomes are scrutinized by utilizing the MATLAB software bvp4c function. The results revealed that the velocity profile decreases for the higher rotation parameter while increases for the escalated slip parameter. Furthermore, the fluid concentration and temperature are on the decline for higher surface catalyzed reaction and thermal relaxation parameters respectively.