bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Transmission-Based and Moral-Based HIV Stigma Beliefs on Intentions to Discriminate Among Ward Staff in South Indian Health Care Settings
Authors: Steward Wayne T. , Srinivasan Krishnamachari , Raj Tony , Heylen Elsa , Nyblade Laura , Mazur Amanda , Devadass Dhinagaran , Pereira Matilda , Ekstrand Maria L.
Published: July 2022

HIV stigma is comprised of several beliefs, including transmission fears and moral judgments against affected communities. We examined the relationships among HIV-related stigma beliefs, endorsement of coercive measures for people living with HIV (PLWH), and intentions to discriminate. We sought to understand to what degree the different stigma beliefs shape support for restrictive policies and discriminatory intentions. Data were drawn from the baseline assessment of DriSti, a cluster randomized controlled trial of an HIV stigma reduction intervention in Indian healthcare settings (NCT02101697). Participants completed measures assessing transmission fears and moral judgments of HIV, endorsement of coercive measures against PLWH (public disclosure of HIV status, refusal of healthcare services, marriage and family restrictions, required testing, and sharing of HIV information in a clinic), and intentions to discriminate against PLWH in professional and personal settings. We utilized multivariate regression modeling with backward elimination to identify the coercive measures and behavioral intentions most strongly associated with moral judgments. 1540 ward staff members completed the assessment. Participants had relatively high perceptions of transmission fears (M = 1.92, SD = 0.79) and moral judgments (M = 1.69, SD = 0.83); endorsed more intentions to discriminate in professional (M = 6.54, SD = 2.28) than personal settings (M = 2.07, SD = 1.49), and endorsed approximately half of all coercive measures (M = 9.47, SD = 2.68). After controlling for transmission fears, perceptions of stronger moral judgments against PLWH were significantly associated with higher endorsement of coercive measures related to refusing services (β = 0.10, t = 4.14, p < 0.001) and sharing patients’ HIV status in clinics (β = 0.07, t = 3.04, p = 0.002), as well as with stronger behavioral intentions to discriminate in professional settings (β = 0.05, t = 2.20, p = 0.022). HIV stigma interventions for hospital-based ward staff in India need to focus on both transmission fears and moral judgments that underlie prejudicial beliefs. While the moral judgments are not technically related to risk in a hospital setting, our findings suggest that personnel will continue to discriminate in their professional work so long as these beliefs bear on their decisions and actions.
Fixed-Wing UAV Energy Efficient 3D Path Planning in Cluttered Environments
Authors: Aiello Giuseppe , Valavanis Kimon P. , Rizzo Alessandro
Published: July 2022

UAV path planning in 3D cluttered and uncertain environments centers on finding an optimal / sub-optimal collision-free path, considering in parallel geometric, physical and temporal constraints, fox example, obstacles, infrastructure, physical or artificial landmarks, etc. This paper introduces a novel node-based algorithm, called Energy Efficient A* (EEA*), which is based on the A* search algorithm, but overcomes some of its key limitations. The EEA* deals with 3D environments, it is robust converging fast to the solution, it is energy efficient and it is real-time implementable and executable. In addition to the EEA*, a local path planner is also derived to cope with unknown dynamic threats within the working environment. The EEA* and the local path planner are first implemented and evaluated via simulated experiments using a fixed-wing UAV operating in mountain-like 3D environments, and in the presence of unknown dynamic obstacles. This is followed by evaluating a set up where three UAVs are commanded to follow their respective paths in a safe way. The energy efficiency of EEA* is also tested and compared with the conventional A* algorithm.
“I Feel You!”: The Role of Empathic Competences in Reducing Ethnic Prejudice Among Adolescents
Authors: Bobba Beatrice , Crocetti Elisabetta
Published: July 2022

Empathic competences might help adolescents navigate current multicultural societies by supporting harmonious intergroup relations. Yet it is unclear how each component of empathy (empathic concern and perspective-taking) is associated with different dimensions (affective, cognitive, behavioral) of ethnic prejudice. The current study aims to fill this gap. A total of 259 Italian adolescents (Mage = 15.60, 87.6% female) completed online questionnaires at three time points (i.e., April, May, and October 2021). The results of cross-lagged models indicated that empathic concern was directly and indirectly associated with reduced affective, cognitive, and behavioral ethnic prejudice, while perspective-taking was linked to increases in cognitive and one facet of behavioral (i.e., lower contact willingness) prejudice. Furthermore, the prevalence of affect over cognition was found, with the affective component of both empathic competences (i.e., empathic concern) and ethnic prejudice exerting the strongest influence on the cognitive ones.
Synthesis and characterization of calcium oxide nanoparticles for CO2 capture
Authors: Khine Ei Ei , Koncz-Horvath Daniel , Kristaly Ferenc , Ferenczi Tibor , Karacs Gabor , Baumli Peter , Kaptay George
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the preparation of calcium oxide (CaO) nanoparticles (NPs) is reported by a precipitation method, using CaCl2 and NaOH as starting raw materials. The produced NPs were characterized for chemical composition, phase composition, particle size distribution, morphological features, specific surface area, and crystallite sizes. It is shown that calcination of Ca(OH)2 in vacuum takes place faster/at a lower temperature compared to the calcination in air due to the higher entropy of the gaseous product of calcination. It is also shown that when these CaO nanoparticles are kept at room temperature in air, they fully and spontaneously transform into CaCO3 within 3 weeks. Therefore, if this material is disposed in open fields (not necessarily in industrial conditions), it is able to capture carbon dioxide from normal air slowly, but surely. However, when the CaO nanoparticles are kept in the air at 100–200 °C, they mostly capture water vapor from the air instead of carbon dioxide, and the resulting calcium hydroxide blocks the carbon dioxide capture by CaO nanoparticles.
Social innovation, goal orientation, and openness: insights from social enterprise hybrids
Authors: Hagedoorn John , Haugh Helen , Robson Paul , Sugar Kate
Published: July 2022

We empirically examine social innovation and openness through a survey of social enterprise hybrids in the United Kingdom (UK). Social innovation refers to new products, processes, and services that respond to grand challenges. Social enterprises pursue economic, social, and environmental goals but vary in their goal orientation, namely the relative importance ascribed to such goals. We first explore the relationships between commercial, social, and environmental goal orientation and social innovation performance. Next, we consider the moderating impact of openness to external knowledge and ideas on social innovation performance. Our analysis finds positive and significant relationships between commercial and social goal orientation and social innovation performance, but no relationship with environmental goal orientation. In addition, the use of external sources of knowledge and ideas positively strengthens these relationships for both commercial and social goal orientation but not for environmental goal orientation. Our results reveal some important influences on social innovation, openness, and hybrid organizing.
Environmental impact assessment of nanofluids containing mixtures of surfactants and silica nanoparticles
Authors: Lechuga Manuela , Fernández-Serrano Mercedes , Ríos Francisco , Fernández-Arteaga Alejandro , Jiménez-Robles Ramón
Published: July 2022

Due to widespread use of nanoparticles in surfactant-based formulations, their release into the environment and wastewater is unavoidable and toxic for biota and/or wastewater treatment processes. Because of concerns over the environmental impacts of nanofluids, studies of the fate and environmental impacts, hazards, and toxicities of nanoparticles are beginning. However, interactions between nanoparticles and surfactants and the biodegradability of these mixtures have been little studied until now. In this work, the environmental impacts of nanofluids containing mixtures of surfactants and silica nanoparticles were valuated. The systems studied were hydrophilic silica nanoparticles (sizes 7 and 12 nm), a nonionic surfactant (alkyl polyglucoside), an anionic surfactant (ether carboxylic acid), and mixtures of them. The ultimate aerobic biodegradation and the interfacial and adsorption properties of surfactants, nanoparticles, and mixtures during biodegradation were also evaluated. Ultimate biodegradation was studied below and above the CMCs of the individual surfactants. The interfacial and adsorption properties of surfactant solutions containing nanoparticles were influenced by the addition of silica particles. It was determined that silica nanoparticles reduced the capability of the nonionic surfactant alkyl polyglucoside to decrease the surface tension. Thus, silica NPs promoted a considerable increase in the surfactant CMC, whereas the effect was opposite in the case of the anionic surfactant ether carboxylic acid. Increasing concentrations of surfactant and nanoparticles in the test medium caused decreases in the maximum levels of mineralization reached for both types of surfactants. The presence of silica nanoparticles in the medium reduced the biodegradability of binary mixtures containing nonionic and anionic surfactants, and this effect was more pronounced for larger nanoparticles. These results could be useful in modelling the behaviour of nanofluids in aquatic environments and in selecting appropriate nanofluids containing nanoparticles and surfactants with low environmental impact.

Graphical abstract
Designing for a Healthier Makassar, Indonesia: Participatory Systems Mapping
Authors: Afdhal Muh. , Alam Andi , Grattan Karen , Goldman Bailey , Isa Ahmad , Pomeroy–Stevens Amanda , Bachani Damodar
Published: July 2022

In Makassar, Indonesia, the USAID-funded Building Healthy Cities (BHC) project engaged 240 multi-sector stakeholders to gather qualitative data across three workshops and two citizen town halls from 2019 to 2021. These data were synthesized with results from BHC’s nine other Makassar activities to build maps of the current system and identify high-impact areas for engagement. Contextual findings showed that Makassar leadership has actively innovated and used new technology to improve the city, resulting in improved connectivity and responsiveness. However, this drive toward innovation has strained existing infrastructure and workforce capacity. When this strain fails to meet promised results, citizens are less likely to engage and support the innovations. This is central to the systems map that BHC developed, and is expanded upon through additional patterns that fall within four main areas: (1) leadership, governance, and financing; (2) infrastructure and workforce; (3) collaboration and data; and (4) community cohesion and awareness. Stakeholders found three key leverage points within this context that, if included in every action, could help overcome barriers. These leverage opportunities are: (1) increasing data-driven decision-making; (2) ensuring equitable policy and leadership; and (3) increasing community participation. By combining key patterns discovered in the Context Map with the leverage opportunities, BHC was able to co-create with stakeholders six “coherent actions” that can move Makassar to a healthier, “Sombere (kind-hearted and hospitable) and Smart City.” BHC has been working with the city planning office to incorporate the map findings into its bottom-up planning processes and the 5-year mid-term plan for Makassar.
The DA VINCI study: is Ireland achieving ESC/EAS guideline–directed LDL-C goals?
Authors: Offiah Gregory , O’Connor Cormac , Kennedy Cormac , Gallagher Joe , O’Connor Patricia , McAdam Brendan , Ray Kausik K. , Schoonen Marieke , Maher Vincent
Published: July 2022

Background

The EU-wide, cross-sectional observational study of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) use in secondary and primary care (DA VINCI) assessed the proportion of patients achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals recommended by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) guidelines and provided an insight into regional use of LLT in Europe, including Ireland.

Aims

This analysis focuses on data from patients in Ireland who participated in the DA VINCI study.

Methods

The DA VINCI study enrolled patients receiving LLT at primary and secondary care sites across 18 European countries between June 2017 and November 2018. The study assessed the achievement of risk-based 2016 and 2019 ESC/EAS LDL-C goals. This subgroup analysis aimed to evaluate LDL-C goal attainment in an Irish cohort of primary and secondary care patients.

Results

In total, 198 patients from Ireland were enrolled from three primary care and three secondary care centres. Most patients were White and male, and were receiving moderate- or high-intensity statin therapy (most frequently atorvastatin or rosuvastatin). Few patients (< 10%) were receiving combination therapy of statin and ezetimibe. Approximately 60% of patients achieved their 2016 ESC/EAC LDL-C goals while less than half the patients achieved their 2019 ESC/EAS goals. Approximately half of secondary prevention patients achieved their 2016 ESC/EAS goals and only 20% of secondary prevention patients achieved their 2019 ESC/EAS goals.

Conclusions

These results highlight the disparity between dyslipidaemia management in clinical practice in Ireland and guideline recommendations.

Trial registration

ENCePP; EU PAS 22,075; date registered 06 February 2018.
Exercise Interventions for Cirrhosis
Authors: Vuille-Lessard Élise , Berzigotti Annalisa
Published: July 2022

Purpose of Review

Poor physical fitness is a common finding in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This review aims to summarize the existing literature on the impact of exercise interventions in cirrhosis and guiding the healthcare providers in determining the optimal exercise program in this population.

Recent Findings

Exercise interventions including aerobic and resistance training have benefits on markers of sarcopenia, cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life, and are safe, even in the decompensated stage.

Poor physical fitness in cirrhosis is multifactorial. The goal of exercise interventions in cirrhosis is to improve outcomes by increasing muscle mass and function, preventing further skeletal muscle breakdown, and improving cardiovascular fitness. Exercise programs combining aerobic and resistance training at a moderate intensity and for at least 8 to 12 weeks, in both site-based and home-based settings, have benefits on sarcopenia and aerobic capacity, as well as on quality of life. Efforts need to be made to improve the adherence to exercise interventions, especially home-based programs, in order to maximize their benefits.
Polymeric aziridines as benign crosslinkers for water-based coating applications
Authors: Bückmann A. J. P. , Chen Q. , Overbeek G. C. , Stals P. J. M. , van der Zwaag D.
Published: July 2022

Polymeric aziridines are introduced as a new class of low toxicity two-component crosslinkers for carboxylic resins. Using a combination of industry-standard tests and modern biotechnological approaches, the non-genotoxic nature of these compounds was demonstrated. Mechanical analysis of acrylic films formulated with these polymeric aziridines demonstrated that the high crosslink densities typical for classical aziridine chemistry could be attained. Furthermore, distribution of crosslinker molecules in both wet formulation and dried coating could be controlled by adjusting the stabilizing group of the polymeric aziridine. By tuning this stabilization mechanism, we demonstrated customized functional performance for different coating applications.
Microglial TLR4 is Critical for Neuronal Injury and Cognitive Dysfunction in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Islam Rezwanul , Vrionis Frank , Hanafy Khalid A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation causes excessive production of proinflammatory mediators and an increased expression of costimulatory molecules that leads to neuroinflammation after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Although TLR4-mediated inflammatory pathways have long been studied in neuroinflammation, the specific glia implicated in initiation and propagation of neuroinflammation in SAH have not been well elucidated. In this study, we investigated the involvement of glial TLR4 including microglia and astrocytes in brain damage and poor neurological outcome.

Methods

In this study, global TLR4 knockout, cell-specific TLR4 knockout, and floxxed control male and female mice were used. The mice were injected with 60 μl autologous blood near the mesencephalon to induce SAH; animals were euthanized on postoperative day 7 for immunohistochemistry of glia and apoptotic cells. Microglial morphology was evaluated by using immunofluorescence density quantification to determine correlations between morphology and neuroinflammation. Microglial depletion was accomplished with the intracerebroventricular administration of clodronate liposomes. Cognitive function was assessed with Barnes maze.

Results

On postoperative day 7 after SAH induction, neuronal apoptosis was markedly reduced in the clodronate liposome group compared with phosphate-buffered saline control liposomes, and cognitive performance in the clodronate group was improved, as well. Differences in microglial activation, assessed by morphometric analysis, and neuronal apoptosis were significantly greater in wildtype knockouts compared with cell-specific and global TLR4 knockouts. The mice lacking TLR4 on astrocytes and neurons showed no differences compared with wildtype mice on any end points.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that microglial depletion with the intracerebroventricular administration of clodronate can improve the cognitive function in an SAH mouse model, and TLR4 is critical for microglial activation and neuronal injury. Only microglial TLR4 is necessary for brain damage and poor cognitive outcome rather than astrocyte or neuronal TLR4. Thus, microglial TLR4 could be a potent therapeutic target to treat SAH-associated neuronal injury and protect against cognitive dysfunction.
Transport receptor occupancy in nuclear pore complex mimics
Authors: Fragasso Alessio , de Vries Hendrik W. , Andersson John , van der Sluis Eli O. , van der Giessen Erik , Onck Patrick R. , Dekker Cees
Published: July 2022

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) regulate all molecular transport between the nucleus and the cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells. Intrinsically disordered Phe-Gly nucleoporins (FG-Nups) line the central conduit of NPCs to impart a selective barrier where large proteins are excluded unless bound to a transport receptor (karyopherin; Kap). Here, we assess “Kap-centric” NPC models, which postulate that Kaps participate in establishing the selective barrier. We combine biomimetic nanopores, formed by tethering Nsp1 to the inner wall of a solid-state nanopore, with coarse-grained modeling to show that yeast Kap95 exhibits two populations in Nsp1-coated pores: one population that is transported across the pore in milliseconds, and a second population that is stably assembled within the FG mesh of the pore. Ionic current measurements show a conductance decrease for increasing Kap concentrations and noise data indicate an increase in rigidity of the FG-mesh. Modeling reveals an accumulation of Kap95 near the pore wall, yielding a conductance decrease. We find that Kaps only mildly affect the conformation of the Nsp1 mesh and that, even at high concentrations, Kaps only bind at most 8% of the FG-motifs in the nanopore, indicating that Kap95 occupancy is limited by steric constraints rather than by depletion of available FG-motifs. Our data provide an alternative explanation of the origin of bimodal NPC binding of Kaps, where a stable population of Kaps binds avidly to the NPC periphery, while fast transport proceeds via a central FG-rich channel through lower affinity interactions between Kaps and the cohesive domains of Nsp1.
Internalization of the Romantic Love Myths as a Risk Factor for Gender Violence: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jiménez-Picón Nerea , Romero-Martín Macarena , Romero-Castillo Rocío , Palomo-Lara Juan Carlos , Alonso-Ruíz Miriam
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Violence against women is a global health problem, and gender violence is a multifactorial phenomenon generally attributed to the fact of living in a patriarchal culture setting.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted in the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, LILACS, MEDES, Web of Science, CUIDEN, ENFISPO, IBECS, Dialnet and Cuidatge. Inclusion criteria: quantitative design, Spanish population, Spanish, English, Portuguese and/or French language, no time restriction and use of the Myths about Love Scale. Data was collected and analysed from July to October 2020. A total of 146 records were identified, of which, after applying the eligibility criteria, 12 studies were included, and 6 met the criteria for the meta-analysis. The descriptive and prevalence analysis was performed by means of StatsDirect. In all the analyses, statistical significance was considered atp < 0.05 and the CIs, at 95%.

Results

The most accepted myths were those related to love idealization: theeternal passion,marriage,omnipotenceandperfect matchmyths. The least accepted myths were those of thecouple,jealousyandlove-maltreatment link. Men and women accepted the myths in a similar manner, although the former showed more participation injealousyand inlove-maltreatment link.

Conclusions

The study contributes a current perspective about the beliefs regarding the love myths that can be a conditioning factor in love relationships and a risk factor for gender violence. The bet is on preventive education and socialization at all levels, as well as on the deconstruction of the concept of romantic love and its myths to foster healthy and egalitarian relationships.
Differentiation of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis with a hemangioma-like pattern compared to typical liver hemangioma using contrast-enhanced ultrasound: a pilot study
Authors: Philipp Jana , Schmidberger Julian , Schlingeloff Patrycja , Kratzer Wolfgang
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Echinococcus multilocularisinfects humans as a false intermediate host, primarily with intrahepatic manifestation. Incorrect diagnostic interpretation of these liver tumors, especially the hemangioma-like pattern, can lead to progressive disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the differentiation of typical hemangioma and a hemangioma-like pattern ofE. multilocularisusing contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

Methods

This prospective clinical pilot study comprised patients with hemangioma (n = 14) and patients with alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and hemangioma-like pattern (n = 7). Inclusion criteria were the detection of a liver lesion according to a hemangioma-like pattern onE. multilocularisUlm classification—ultrasound (EMUC-US) and “confirmed” or “probable” AE according to WHO case definition. The comparison group had hepatic hemangioma with typical B-scan sonographic morphology. All participants underwent conventional and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography.

Results

The patient group comprised five men (71.4%) and two women (28.6%) with a mean average age of 64.1 ± 11.2 years. The patient group with hemangioma comprised nine female subjects (64.3%) and five male subjects (35.7%) with a mean average age of 56.1 ± 12.0 years. Early arterial bulbous ring enhancement (p < 0.0001) and iris diaphragm phenomenon could only be visualized in the patients with hemangioma (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the patients with hemangioma exhibited hyperenhancement in the late phase (p = 0.0003). In contrast, the patients exhibited typical early arterial rim enhancement (p < 0.0001) and, in the portal venous and late phase, complete or incomplete non-enhancement (black hole sign;p = 0.0004).

Conslusion

The behavior of hemangioma-like AE lesions and typical liver hemangiomas is significantly different on CEUS. AE should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis, especially in high-endemic areas.
Emergency Critical Skills Training for Pre-clinical Physician Assistant Students: Mixed Method Comparison of Training Method
Authors: Moon Mary B. , Darden Alix , Hill Molly , Roberts Megan K. , Varalli-Claypool Bruna , Miller Frederick C.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The fast-paced nature of physician assistant (PA) programs warrants an emphasis on high-fidelity, critical care skills training. Generally, manikins or task trainers are used for training and assessing. Soft-preserved cadavers provide a high-fidelity model to teach high-acuity, low-opportunity procedures; however, their effectiveness in PA pre-clinical training is not well understood.

Objective

This study compared procedural competency of task trainer and soft-preserved cadaver trained pre-clinical PA (pcPA) students in completing tube thoracostomy, endotracheal intubation, intraosseous infusion, and needle thoracostomy.

Methods

A randomized controlled study was conducted with pcPA students (n = 48) at a midwestern program. Participants were randomly assigned to cadaver trained (CT), task trainer (TT), or control group (CG). We assessed procedural competency using skill-specific rubrics and performed qualitative analysis of student comments regarding skill-specific procedural preparedness.

Results

Intervention groups surpassed the control group on all skills. The CT students exhibited significantly higher procedural competency compared to TT-trained students in endotracheal intubation (p = 0.0003) and intraosseous infusion (p = 0.0041). Thematic analysis of student comments revealed pre-training students consistently felt unprepared and lacked confidence to perform needle thoracostomy, tube thoracostomy, and endotracheal intubation. Post-training perceptions, CT/TT, focused on preparedness and confidence. The CT group also consistently described the impact of realistic simulation.

Conclusion

High-fidelity training with soft-preserved cadavers may be the most effective way to prepare pcPA students to perform endotracheal intubation and intraosseous infusion. Student perspectives on procedural preparedness highlight the importance of multidimensional, realistic training methods.
On societal response to pandemics: linking past experiences to present events
Authors: Khan Gazala , Parwez Sazzad
Published: July 2022

There is a need for a factual understanding of the historical impact of pandemics in the world. Against this backdrop, this study provides a historical understanding of societal behaviour and responses to pandemics. Inferences are primarily drawn from a literature review from the past and present. The present analysis also reflects the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the world and India while providing a novel perspective to understand public health practices in a global context. It suggests the need for a more synchronised health response in pandemics while highlighting the uncertainties and challenges with historical evidence and comparisons to the ongoing pandemic. An emphasis is on learning from historical evidence and ascertaining how these retrospective diagnoses help make arguments about health and illness in our present moment.
What modulates the acquisition of difficult structures in a heritage language? A study on Portuguese in contact with French, German and Italian
Authors: Torregrossa Jacopo , Flores Cristina , Rinke Esther
Published: July 2022

Several studies on heritage language (HL) acquisition investigate a single linguistic structure, showing how language exposure or cross-linguistic effects affect its acquisition. Here, we consider HL speaking children's mastery of several linguistic structures using a cloze-test. We examine how their language competence is affected by language exposure variables and age. We tested 180 children between the ages of 8 and 16, living in Switzerland and speaking European Portuguese as HL and French, German or Italian as their societal language. The items of the cloze-test cluster around two levels of difficulty, with the items at the second level corresponding to structures that are acquired late in Portuguese monolingual acquisition. Older age and a greater amount of formal instruction in the HL lead to better performance. The role of the amount of formal instruction varies based on the level of difficulty of the target structures. Cross-linguistic influence does not affect the results.
Impact of concomitant popliteal vein thrombosis in patients with	acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis treated with endovascular early thrombus	removal
Authors: Frey Vincent , Sebastian Tim , Barco Stefano , Spirk David , Hayoz Daniel , Périard Daniel , Kucher Nils , Betticher Daniel , Engelberger Rolf P.
Published: July 2022

Summary: Background: Catheter-based thrombus removal (CBTR) reduces the risk of moderate to severe post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) in patients with acute iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (IF-DVT). However, the impact of concomitant popliteal DVT on clinical and duplex sonographic outcomes is unknown. Patients and methods: In this post-hoc analysis including the entire cohort of the randomized controlled BERNUTIFUL trial (48 patients), we compared clinical (incidence/severity of PTS assessed by Villalta score and revised venous clinical severity scores, rVCSS), disease-specific quality-of-life (QOL, CIVIQ-20 survey) and duplex sonographic outcomes (patency, reflux, post-thrombotic lesions) at 12 months follow-up between patients with IF-DVT with and without concomitant popliteal DVT treated by CBTR. Results: Overall, 48 IF-DVT patients were included (48% men, median age of 50 years), of whom 17 (35%) presented with popliteal DVT. At baseline, patients with popliteal DVT were older, had a higher body mass index and more important leg swelling. At 12 months, freedom from PTS (93% vs 87%, P=0.17), median total Villalta score (1 vs 1.5; P=0.46), rVCSS (2 vs 1.5, P=0.5) and disease-specific QOL (24 points vs 24 points, P=0.72) were similar between patient with and without popliteal DVT, respectively. Duplex sonographic outcomes were similar, except for more frequent popliteal post-thrombotic lesions and reflux (P=0.02) in patients with popliteal DVT. Conclusions: Relevant clinical outcomes 1 year after successful CBTR were favorable, regardless of the presence or absence of concomitant popliteal DVT. However, post-thrombotic popliteal vein lesions and reflux are more frequent in IF-DVT patients with popliteal involvement. Their impact on long-term outcomes remains to be investigated.
How to find and use validated blood pressure measuring devices
Authors: Picone Dean S. , Padwal Raj , Stergiou George S. , Cohen Jordana B. , McManus Richard J. , Eckert Siegfried , Asayama Kei , Atkins Neil , Rakotz Michael , Lombardi Cintia , Brady Tammy M. , Sharman James E.
Published: July 2022

Clinically validated, automated arm-cuff blood pressure measuring devices (BPMDs) are recommended for BP measurement. However, most BPMDs available for purchase by consumers globally are not properly validated. This is a problem because non-validated BPMDs are less accurate and precise than validated ones, and therefore if used clinically could lead to misdiagnosis and mismanagement of BP. In response to this problem, several validated device lists have been developed, which can be used by clinicians and consumers to identify devices that have passed clinical validation testing. The purpose of this review is to describe the resources that are available for finding validated BPMDs in different world regions, to identify the differences between validated device lists, and describe current gaps and challenges. How to use validated BPMDs properly is also summarised.
Routes and rates of bacterial dispersal impact surface soil microbiome composition and functioning
Authors: Walters Kendra E , Capocchi Joia K , Albright Michaeline B N , Hao Zhao , Brodie Eoin L , Martiny Jennifer B H
Published: July 2022

Recent evidence suggests that, similar to larger organisms, dispersal is a key driver of microbiome assembly; however, our understanding of the rates and taxonomic composition of microbial dispersal in natural environments is limited. Here, we characterized the rate and composition of bacteria dispersing into surface soil via three dispersal routes (from the air above the vegetation, from nearby vegetation and leaf litter near the soil surface, and from the bulk soil and litter below the top layer). We then quantified the impact of those routes on microbial community composition and functioning in the topmost litter layer. The bacterial dispersal rate onto the surface layer was low (7900 cells/cm2/day) relative to the abundance of the resident community. While bacteria dispersed through all three routes at the same rate, only dispersal from above and near the soil surface impacted microbiome composition, suggesting that the composition, not rate, of dispersal influenced community assembly. Dispersal also impacted microbiome functioning. When exposed to dispersal, leaf litter decomposed faster than when dispersal was excluded, although neither decomposition rate nor litter chemistry differed by route. Overall, we conclude that the dispersal routes transport distinct bacterial communities that differentially influence the composition of the surface soil microbiome.
T cell cholesterol efflux suppresses apoptosis and senescence and increases atherosclerosis in middle aged mice
Authors: Bazioti Venetia , La Rose Anouk M. , Maassen Sjors , Bianchi Frans , de Boer Rinse , Halmos Benedek , Dabral Deepti , Guilbaud Emma , Flohr-Svendsen Arthur , Groenen Anouk G. , Marmolejo-Garza Alejandro , Koster Mirjam H. , Kloosterhuis Niels J. , Havinga Rick , Pranger Alle T. , Langelaar-Makkinje Miriam , de Bruin Alain , van de Sluis Bart , Kohan Alison B. , Yvan-Charvet Laurent , van den Bogaart Geert , Westerterp Marit
Published: July 2022

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by hypercholesterolemia. During aging, T cells accumulate cholesterol, potentially affecting inflammation. However, the effect of cholesterol efflux pathways mediated by ATP-binding cassette A1 and G1 (ABCA1/ABCG1) on T cell-dependent age-related inflammation and atherosclerosis remains poorly understood. In this study, we generate mice with T cell-specificAbca1/Abcg1-deficiency on the low-density-lipoprotein-receptor deficient (Ldlr−/−) background. T cellAbca1/Abcg1-deficiency decreases blood, lymph node, and splenic T cells, and increases T cell activation and apoptosis. T cellAbca1/Abcg1-deficiency induces a premature T cell aging phenotype in middle-aged (12–13 months)Ldlr−/−mice, reflected by upregulation of senescence markers. Despite T cell senescence and enhanced T cell activation, T cellAbca1/Abcg1-deficiency decreases atherosclerosis and aortic inflammation in middle-agedLdlr−/−mice, accompanied by decreased T cells in atherosclerotic plaques. We attribute these effects to T cell apoptosis downstream of T cell activation, compromising T cell functionality. Collectively, we show that T cell cholesterol efflux pathways suppress T cell apoptosis and senescence, and induce atherosclerosis in middle-agedLdlr−/−mice.
Traps and transport resistance are the next frontiers for stable non-fullerene acceptor solar cells
Authors: Wöpke Christopher , Göhler Clemens , Saladina Maria , Du Xiaoyan , Nian Li , Greve Christopher , Zhu Chenhui , Yallum Kaila M. , Hofstetter Yvonne J. , Becker-Koch David , Li Ning , Heumüller Thomas , Milekhin Ilya , Zahn Dietrich R. T. , Brabec Christoph J. , Banerji Natalie , Vaynzof Yana , Herzig Eva M. , MacKenzie Roderick C. I. , Deibel Carsten
Published: July 2022

Stability is one of the most important challenges facing material research for organic solar cells (OSC) on their path to further commercialization. In the high-performance material system PM6:Y6 studied here, we investigate degradation mechanisms of inverted photovoltaic devices. We have identified two distinct degradation pathways: one requires the presence of both illumination and oxygen and features a short-circuit current reduction, the other one is induced thermally and marked by severe losses of open-circuit voltage and fill factor. We focus our investigation on the thermally accelerated degradation. Our findings show that bulk material properties and interfaces remain remarkably stable, however, aging-induced defect state formation in the active layer remains the primary cause of thermal degradation. The increased trap density leads to higher non-radiative recombination, which limits the open-circuit voltage and lowers the charge carrier mobility in the photoactive layer. Furthermore, we find the trap-induced transport resistance to be the major reason for the drop in fill factor. Our results suggest that device lifetimes could be significantly increased by marginally suppressing trap formation, leading to a bright future for OSC.
Microbiota mediated plasticity promotes thermal adaptation in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis
Authors: Baldassarre Laura , Ying Hua , Reitzel Adam M. , Franzenburg Sören , Fraune Sebastian
Published: July 2022

At the current rate of climate change, it is unlikely that multicellular organisms will be able to adapt to changing environmental conditions through genetic recombination and natural selection alone. Thus, it is critical to understand alternative mechanisms that allow organisms to cope with rapid environmental changes. Here, we use the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, which has evolved the capability of surviving in a wide range of temperatures and salinities, as a model to investigate the microbiota as a source of rapid adaptation. We long-term acclimate polyps of Nematostella to low, medium, and high temperatures, to test the impact of microbiota-mediated plasticity on animal acclimation. Using the same animal clonal line, propagated from a single polyp, allows us to eliminate the effects of the host genotype. The higher thermal tolerance of animals acclimated to high temperature can be transferred to non-acclimated animals through microbiota transplantation. The offspring fitness is highest from F0 females acclimated to high temperature and specific members of the acclimated microbiota are transmitted to the next generation. These results indicate that microbiota plasticity can contribute to animal thermal acclimation and its transmission to the next generation may represent a rapid mechanism for thermal adaptation.
Dopamine encodes real-time reward availability and transitions between reward availability states on different timescales
Authors: Kalmbach Abigail , Winiger Vanessa , Jeong Nuri , Asok Arun , Gallistel Charles R. , Balsam Peter D. , Simpson Eleanor H.
Published: July 2022

Optimal behavior requires interpreting environmental cues that indicate when to perform actions. Dopamine is important for learning about reward-predicting events, but its role in adapting to inhibitory cues is unclear. Here we show that when mice can earn rewards in the absence but not presence of an auditory cue, dopamine level in the ventral striatum accurately reflects reward availability in real-time over a sustained period (80 s). In addition, unpredictable transitions between different states of reward availability are accompanied by rapid (~1–2 s) dopamine transients that deflect negatively at the onset and positively at the offset of the cue. This Dopamine encoding of reward availability and transitions between reward availability states is not dependent on reward or activity evoked dopamine release, appears before mice learn the task and is sensitive to motivational state. Our findings are consistent across different techniques including electrochemical recordings and fiber photometry with genetically encoded optical sensors for calcium and dopamine.
RuO2 electronic structure and lattice strain dual engineering for enhanced acidic oxygen evolution reaction performance
Authors: Qin Yin , Yu Tingting , Deng Sihao , Zhou Xiao-Ye , Lin Dongmei , Zhang Qian , Jin Zeyu , Zhang Danfeng , He Yan-Bing , Qiu Hua-Jun , He Lunhua , Kang Feiyu , Li Kaikai , Zhang Tong-Yi
Published: July 2022

Developing highly active and durable electrocatalysts for acidic oxygen evolution reaction remains a great challenge due to the sluggish kinetics of the four-electron transfer reaction and severe catalyst dissolution. Here we report an electrochemical lithium intercalation method to improve both the activity and stability of RuO2 for acidic oxygen evolution reaction. The lithium intercalates into the lattice interstices of RuO2, donates electrons and distorts the local structure. Therefore, the Ru valence state is lowered with formation of stable Li-O-Ru local structure, and the Ru–O covalency is weakened, which suppresses the dissolution of Ru, resulting in greatly enhanced durability. Meanwhile, the inherent lattice strain results in the surface structural distortion of LixRuO2 and activates the dangling O atom near the Ru active site as a proton acceptor, which stabilizes the OOH* and dramatically enhances the activity. This work provides an effective strategy to develop highly efficient catalyst towards water splitting.
A comprehensive resource for Bordetella genomic epidemiology and biodiversity studies
Authors: Bridel Sébastien , Bouchez Valérie , Brancotte Bryan , Hauck Sofia , Armatys Nathalie , Landier Annie , Mühle Estelle , Guillot Sophie , Toubiana Julie , Maiden Martin C. J. , Jolley Keith A. , Brisse Sylvain
Published: July 2022

The genus Bordetella includes bacteria that are found in the environment and/or associated with humans and other animals. A few closely related species, including Bordetella pertussis, are human pathogens that cause diseases such as whooping cough. Here, we present a large database of Bordetella isolates and genomes and develop genotyping systems for the genus and for the B. pertussis clade. To generate the database, we merge previously existing databases from Oxford University and Institut Pasteur, import genomes from public repositories, and add 83 newly sequenced B. bronchiseptica genomes. The public database currently includes 2582 Bordetella isolates and their provenance data, and 2085 genomes (https://bigsdb.pasteur.fr/bordetella/). We use core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) to develop genotyping systems for the whole genus and for B. pertussis, as well as specific schemes to define antigenic, virulence and macrolide resistance profiles. Phylogenetic analyses allow us to redefine evolutionary relationships among known Bordetella species, and to propose potential new species. Our database provides an expandable resource for genotyping of environmental and clinical Bordetella isolates, thus facilitating evolutionary and epidemiological research on whooping cough and other Bordetella infections.
A natural uORF variant confers phosphorus acquisition diversity in soybean
Authors: Guo Zilong , Cao Hongrui , Zhao Jing , Bai Shuang , Peng Wenting , Li Jian , Sun Lili , Chen Liyu , Lin Zhihao , Shi Chen , Yang Qing , Yang Yongqing , Wang Xiurong , Tian Jiang , Chen Zhichang , Liao Hong
Published: July 2022

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for all organisms. Because P fertilizers are a non-renewable resource and high fixation in soils, sustainable agriculture requires researchers to improve crop P acquisition efficiency. Here, we report a strong association signal at a locus ofCPU1(component of phosphorus uptake 1), from a genome-wide association study of P acquisition efficiency in a soybean core collection grown in the field. A SEC12-like gene,GmPHF1, is identified as the causal gene forCPU1. GmPHF1 facilitates the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) exit of the phosphate transporter, GmPT4, to the plasma membrane of root epidermal cells. A common SNP in an upstream open reading frame (uORF) ofGmPHF1, which alters the abundance of GmPHF1 in a tissue-specific manner, contributes to P acquisition diversity in soybean. A natural genetic variation conditions diversity in soybean P acquisition, which can be used to develop P-efficient soybean genotypes.
Albedo changes caused by future urbanization contribute to global warming
Authors: Ouyang Zutao , Sciusco Pietro , Jiao Tong , Feron Sarah , Lei Cheyenne , Li Fei , John Ranjeet , Fan Peilei , Li Xia , Williams Christopher A. , Chen Guangzhao , Wang Chenghao , Chen Jiquan
Published: July 2022

The replacement of natural lands with urban structures has multiple environmental consequences, yet little is known about the magnitude and extent of albedo-induced warming contributions from urbanization at the global scale in the past and future. Here, we apply an empirical approach to quantify the climate effects of past urbanization and future urbanization projected under different shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). We find an albedo-induced warming effect of urbanization for both the past and the projected futures under three illustrative scenarios. The albedo decease from urbanization in 2018 relative to 2001 has yielded a 100-year average annual global warming of 0.00014 [0.00008, 0.00021] °C. Without proper mitigation, future urbanization in 2050 relative to 2018 and that in 2100 relative to 2018 under the intermediate emission scenario (SSP2-4.5) would yield a 100-year average warming effect of 0.00107 [0.00057,0.00179] °C and 0.00152 [0.00078,0.00259] °C, respectively, through altering the Earth’s albedo.
Photochemical Synthesis of Transition Metal-Stabilized Uranium(VI) Nitride Complexes
Authors: Xin Xiaoqing , Douair Iskander , Rajeshkumar Thayalan , Zhao Yue , Wang Shuao , Maron Laurent , Zhu Congqing
Published: July 2022

Uranium nitrides play important roles in dinitrogen activation and functionalization and in chemistry for nuclear fuels, but the synthesis and isolation of the highly reactive uranium(VI) nitrides remains challenging. Here, we report an example of transition metal (TM) stabilized U(VI) nitride complexes, which are generated by the photolysis of azide-bridged U(IV)-TM (TM = Rh, Ir) precursors. The U(V) nitride intermediates with bridged azide ligands are isolated successfully by careful control of the irradiation time, suggesting that the photolysis of azide-bridged U(IV)-TM precursors is a stepwise process. The presence of two U(VI) nitrides stabilized by three TMs is clearly demonstrated by an X-ray crystallographic study. These TM stabilized U(V) nitride intermediates and U(VI) nitride products exhibit excellent stability both in the solid-state and in THF solution under ambient light. Density functional theory calculations show that the photolysis necessary to break the N-N bond of the azide ligands implies excitation from uranium f-orbital to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), as suggested by the strong antibonding N-(N2) character present in the latter.