bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Canadian Experience With Off-the-Shelf, Aseptically Processed, Costal Cartilage Segment Allografts in Complex Rhinoplasty
Authors: Milkovich John , Ahmad Jamil
Published: November 2022

Background

Complex primary and secondary rhinoplasties usually necessitate grafting materials when native nasal cartilage is inadequate for reconstruction. Fresh frozen, aseptically processed, and nonterminally sterilized costal cartilage segment allografts (CCSAs) are a novel grafting material for such cases that avoid donor-site morbidity, improve operating efficiency, and mitigate the postoperative risks.

Objectives

To report the early experience using fresh frozen, aseptically processed, and nonterminally sterilized CCSAs used in complex primary and secondary rhinoplasties, in Canada.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 21 patients (17 female and 4 male patients) who underwent a primary or secondary rhinoplasty surgery using CCSAs from June 2019 to April 2022.

Results

The mean age was 39 years (range, 27-58 years), and the mean body mass index was 23.7 kg/m2 (range, 24-40 kg/m2). Of the 21 procedures, 11 were primary (52.4%) and 10 were secondary (47.6%) rhinoplasties. The mean operative time was 185 min (range, 85-330 min), with a mean follow-up time of 15.0 months (range, 2.0-37.8 months). At follow-up, 19 patients (90.5%) reported being “very satisfied” with their aesthetic results, and only 2 (9.5%) underwent revision surgery. No serious complications were reported, and only 1 case showed evidence of graft resorption.

Conclusions

Based on early experience, this CCSA avoids donor-site morbidity and reduces operative time while maintaining a low complication rate, providing a viable alternative to the use of autologous costal cartilage when indicated in complex primary or secondary rhinoplasties with inadequate native nasal cartilage.

Level of Evidence: 4
Benchmarking cell-type clustering methods for spatially resolved transcriptomics data
Authors: Cheng Andrew , Hu Guanyu , Li Wei Vivian
Published: November 2022

Spatially resolved transcriptomics technologies enable the measurement of transcriptome information while retaining the spatial context at the regional, cellular or sub-cellular level. While previous computational methods have relied on gene expression information alone for clustering single-cell populations, more recent methods have begun to leverage spatial location and histology information to improve cell clustering and cell-type identification. In this study, using seven semi-synthetic datasets with real spatial locations, simulated gene expression and histology images as well as ground truth cell-type labels, we evaluate 15 clustering methods based on clustering accuracy, robustness to data variation and input parameters, computational efficiency, and software usability. Our analysis demonstrates that even though incorporating the additional spatial and histology information leads to increased accuracy in some datasets, it does not consistently improve clustering compared with using only gene expression data. Our results indicate that for the clustering of spatial transcriptomics data, there are still opportunities to enhance the overall accuracy and robustness by improving information extraction and feature selection from spatial and histology data.
Multiple errors correction for position-limited DNA sequences with GC balance and no homopolymer for DNA-based data storage
Authors: Li Xiayang , Chen Moxuan , Wu Huaming
Published: November 2022

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is an attractive medium for long-term digital data storage due to its extremely high storage density, low maintenance cost and longevity. However, during the process of synthesis, amplification and sequencing of DNA sequences with homopolymers of large run-length, three different types of errors, namely, insertion, deletion and substitution errors frequently occur. Meanwhile, DNA sequences with large imbalances between GC and AT content exhibit high dropout rates and are prone to errors. These limitations severely hinder the widespread use of DNA-based data storage. In order to reduce and correct these errors in DNA storage, this paper proposes a novel coding schema called DNA-LC, which converts binary sequences into DNA base sequences that satisfy both the GC balance and run-length constraints. Furthermore, our coding mode is able to detect and correct multiple errors with a higher error correction capability than the other methods targeting single error correction within a single strand. The decoding algorithm has been implemented in practice. Simulation results indicate that our proposed coding scheme can offer outstanding error protection to DNA sequences. The source code is freely accessible at https://github.com/XiayangLi2301/DNA.
GeoWaVe: geometric median clustering with weighted voting for ensemble clustering of cytometry data
Authors: Burton Ross J , Cuff Simone M , Morgan Matt P , Artemiou Andreas , Eberl Matthias
Published: November 2022

Motivation

Clustering is an unsupervised method for identifying structure in unlabelled data. In the context of cytometry, it is typically used to categorize cells into subpopulations of similar phenotypes. However, clustering is greatly dependent on hyperparameters and the data to which it is applied as each algorithm makes different assumptions and generates a different ‘view’ of the dataset. As such, the choice of clustering algorithm can significantly influence results, and there is often not one preferred method but different insights to be obtained from different methods. To overcome these limitations, consensus approaches are needed that directly address the effect of competing algorithms. To the best of our knowledge, consensus clustering algorithms designed specifically for the analysis of cytometry data are lacking.

Results

We present a novel ensemble clustering methodology based on geometric median clustering with weighted voting (GeoWaVe). Compared to graph ensemble clustering methods that have gained popularity in single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, GeoWaVe performed favourably on different sets of high-dimensional mass and flow cytometry data. Our findings provide proof of concept for the power of consensus methods to make the analysis, visualization and interpretation of cytometry data more robust and reproducible. The wide availability of ensemble clustering methods is likely to have a profound impact on our understanding of cellular responses, clinical conditions and therapeutic and diagnostic options.

Availability and implementation

GeoWaVe is available as part of the CytoCluster package https://github.com/burtonrj/CytoCluster and published on the Python Package Index https://pypi.org/project/cytocluster. Benchmarking data described are available from https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7134723.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Role of feeding specialization in taste receptor loss: insights from sweet and umami receptor evolution in Carnivora
Authors: Wolsan Mieczyslaw , Sato Jun J
Published: November 2022

Controversy and misunderstanding surround the role of feeding specialization in taste receptor loss in vertebrates. We refined and tested the hypothesis that this loss is caused by feeding specializations. Specifically, feeding specializations were proposed to trigger time-dependent process of taste receptor loss through deprivation of benefit of using the receptor’s gustatory function. We propose that this process may be accelerated by abiotic environmental conditions or decelerated/stopped because of extragustatory functions of the receptor’s protein(s). As test case we used evolution of the sweet (TAS1R2+TAS1R3) and umami (TAS1R1+TAS1R3) receptors in Carnivora (dogs, cats, and kin). We predicted these receptors’ absence/presence using data on presence/absence of inactivating mutations in these receptors’ genes and data from behavioral sweet/umami preference tests. We identified 20 evolutionary events of sweet (11) or umami (9) receptor loss. These events affected species with feeding specializations predicted to favor sweet/umami receptor loss (27 and 22 species, respectively). All species with feeding habits predicted to favor sweet/umami receptor retention (11 and 24, respectively) were found to retain that receptor. Six species retained the sweet (5) or umami (1) receptor despite feeding specialization predicted to favor loss of that receptor, which can be explained by the time dependence of sweet/umami receptor loss process and the possible decelerating effect of TAS1R extragustatory functions so that the sweet/umami receptor process is ongoing in these species. Our findings support the idea that feeding specialization leads to taste receptor loss and is the main if not only triggering factor for evolutionary loss of taste receptors.
Communication-Aware Energy Consumption Model in Heterogeneous Computing Systems
Authors: Wang Zhuowei , Wang Hao , Song Xiaoyu , Wu JiaHui
Published: November 2022

Large heterogeneous computing systems are composed of conventional central processing units and graphics processing units (GPUs) where communication plays a crucial role for system performance. This paper presents an energy consumption analytical model in terms of communication perception for the communication–computing pipeline characterization of discrete GPUs systems. We propose a dynamically adaptive energy-efficient task assignment approach, which harnesses particle swarm optimization. Static energy optimization is addressed by optimal task partition granularity. The experimental results demonstrate that the communication-based energy optimization algorithms can be more energy-saving than those without communication consideration. For some application benchmarks, the energy consumption can be saved by up to 31%. This implies the potential that the energy-saving optimization methods can be incorporated in system engineering processes.
Addressing Detection Uncertainty inBombus affinis(Hymenoptera: Apidae) Surveys Can Improve Inferences Made From Monitoring
Authors: Otto Clint R V , Schrage Alma C , Bailey Larissa L , Mola John M , Smith Tamara A , Pearse Ian , Simanonok Stacy , Grundel Ralph
Published: November 2022

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service developed national guidelines to track species recovery of the endangered rusty patched bumble bee [Bombus affinis Cresson (Hymenoptera: Apidae)] and to investigate changes in species occupancy across space and time. As with other native bee monitoring efforts, managers have specifically acknowledged the need to address species detection uncertainty and determine the sampling effort required to infer species absence within sites. We used single-season, single-species occupancy models fit to field data collected in four states to estimate imperfect detection of B. affinis and to determine the survey effort required to achieve high confidence of species detection. Our analysis revealed a precipitous, seasonal, decline in B. affinis detection probability throughout the July through September sampling window in 2021. We estimated that six, 30-min surveys conducted in early July are required to achieve a 95% cumulative detection probability, whereas >10 surveys would be required in early August to achieve the same level of confidence. Our analysis also showed B. affinis was less likely to be detected during hot and humid days and at patches of reduced habitat quality. Bombus affinis was frequently observed on Monarda fistulosa (Lamiales: Lamiaceae), followed by [Pycnanthemum virginianum Rob. and Fernald (Lamiales: Lamiaceae)], Eutrochium maculatum Lamont (Asterales: Asteraceae), and Veronicastrum virginicum Farw. (Lamiales: Plantaginaceae). Although our research is focused on B. affinis, it is relevant for monitoring other bumble bees of conservation concern, such as B. occidentalis Greene (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and B. terricola Kirby (Hymenoptera: Apidae) for which monitoring efforts have been recently initiated and occupancy is a variable of conservation interest.
Activating mitofusins interrupts mitochondrial degeneration and delays disease progression in SOD1 mutant amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Dang Xiawei , Zhang Lihong , Franco Antonietta , Dorn II Gerald W
Published: November 2022

Mitochondrial involvement in neurodegenerative diseases is widespread and multifactorial. Targeting mitochondrial pathology is therefore of interest. The recent development of bioactive molecules that modulate mitochondrial dynamics (fusion, fission and motility) offers a new therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases with either indirect or direct mitochondrial involvement. Here, we asked: (1) Can enhanced mitochondrial fusion and motility improve secondary mitochondrial pathology in superoxide dismutase1 (SOD1) mutant amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)? And: (2) What is the impact of enhancing mitochondria fitness on in vivo manifestations of SOD1 mutant ALS? We observed that small molecule mitofusin activators corrected mitochondrial fragmentation, depolarization and dysmotility in genetically diverse ALS patient reprogrammed motor neurons and fibroblasts, and in motor neurons, sensory neurons and fibroblasts from SOD1 G93A mice. Continuous, but not intermittent, pharmacologic mitofusin activation delayed phenotype progression and lethality in SOD1 G93A mice, reducing neuron loss and improving neuromuscular connectivity. Mechanistically, mitofusin activation increased mitochondrial motility, fitness and residency within neuromuscular synapses; reduced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production; and diminished apoptosis in SOD1 mutant neurons. These benefits were accompanied by improved mitochondrial respiratory coupling, despite characteristic SOD1 mutant ALS-associated downregulation of mitochondrial respiratory complexes. Targeting mitochondrial dysdynamism is a promising approach to alleviate pathology caused by secondary mitochondrial dysfunction in some neurodegenerative diseases.
Vacuolar Phosphate Transporter1 (VPT1) may transport sugar in response to soluble sugar status of grape fruits
Authors: Bai Qian , Chen Xuexue , Zheng Zhenzhen , Feng Jinjing , Zhang Yanjun , Shen Yuanyue , Huang Yun
Published: November 2022

Vacuolar Phosphate Transporter1 (VPT1)-mediated phosphate uptake in the vacuoles is essential to plant development and fruit ripening. Interestingly, here we find that the VPT1 may transport sugar in response to soluble sugar status of fruits. The VvVPT1 protein isolated from grape (Vitis vinifera) berries was tonoplast-localized and contains SPX (Syg1/Pho81/XPR1) and MFS (major facilitator superfamily) domains. Its mRNA expression was significantly increased during fruit ripening and induced by sucrose. Functional analyses based on transient transgenic systems in grape berry showed that VvVPT1 positively regulated berry ripening and significantly affected hexose contents, fruit firmness, and ripening-related gene expression. The VPT1 proteins (Grape VvVPT1, strawberry FaVPT1, and Arabidopsis AtVPT1) all showed low affinity for phosphate verified in yeast system, while they appear different in sugar transport capacity, consistent with fruit sugar status. Thus, our findings reveal a role for VPT1 in fruit ripening, associated to its SPX and MFS domains in direct transport of soluble sugar available into the vacuole, and open potential avenues for genetic improvement in fleshy fruit.
An energy efficiency solution based on time series data mining algorithm—a case study of small hotel
Authors: Gong Qiang , Zeng Ying , Adu Ebu , Han Shanshan , Zhang Shuming , Cui Weiwen , Sun Haode , Liu Xiaodong
Published: November 2022

This study aims to conduct data mining research on the time series energy consumption dataset of a small hotel. Earlier studies on data mining have demonstrated that cluster and association analysis had been commonly used methods today, while this has not yet been investigated under time series dimension. For that consequence, this article utilizes K-shape and Apriori algorithm coded by Python language to explore the time series energy consumption data of the small hotel in terms of the subentry and total energy consumption. Final results reveal that the energy consumption curve and association rules can effectively reflect the working characteristics of the small hotel. From the clustering results, the small hotel working feature and weather condition determine the time series energy consumption curve shape. As for association rules, there is a different chain relationship between the energy consumption of each subentry and total energy consumption of the small hotel, especially the consumption of heating gas and cooling, which mainly determines the changes in other energy consumption.
Supporting conversations about medicines and deprescribing: GPs’ perspectives on a Medicines Conversation Guide
Authors: Weir Kristie Rebecca , Bonner Carissa , Naganathan Vasi , Tam Chun Wah Michael , Rigby Debbie , McLachlan Andrew J , Jansen Jesse
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To explore GP perspectives on a Medicines Conversation Guide to support deprescribing communication.

Methods

Semistructured interviews with GPs from Australia (n = 32). Participants were purposively sampled with varying experiences and locations. Transcribed audio recordings of interviews were coded using framework analysis.

Key findings

Most GPs stated they would use the Guide in consultation with an older patient to discuss medications. The strengths of the Guide included empowering the patient voice on an important topic. Limitations included time and complex concepts.

Conclusions

Overall, the Medicines Conversation Guide was perceived by GPs to be a useful communication tool to support discussions about deprescribing with patients.
What Can Artificial Intelligence Do for Refugee Status Determination? A Proposal for Removing Subjective Fear
Authors: Kinchin Niamh , Mougouei Davoud
Published: November 2022

The drive for innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness has seen governments increasingly turn to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their operations. The significant growth in the use of AI mechanisms in the areas of migration and border control makes the potential for its application to the process of refugee status determination (RSD), which is burdened by delay and heavy caseloads, a very real possibility. AI may have a role to play in supporting decision makers to assess the credibility of asylum seekers, as long as it is understood as a component of the humanitarian context. This article argues that AI will only benefit refugees if it does not replicate the problems of the current system. Credibility assessments, a central element of RSD, are flawed because the bipartite standard of a ‘well-founded fear of being persecuted’ involves consideration of a claimant’s subjective fearfulness and the objective validation of that fear. Subjective fear imposes an additional burden on the refugee, and the ‘objective’ language of credibility indicators does not prevent the challenges decision makers face in assessing the credibility of other humans when external, but largely unseen, factors such as memory, trauma, and bias, are present.

Viewing the use of AI in RSD as part of the digital transformation of the refugee regime forces us to consider how it may affect decision-making efficiencies, as well as its impact(s) on refugees. Assessments of harm and benefit cannot be disentangled from the challenges AI is being tasked to address. Through an analysis of algorithmic decision making, predictive analysis, biometrics, automated credibility assessments, and digital forensics, this article reveals the risks and opportunities involved in the application of AI in RSD. On the one hand, AI’s potential to produce greater standardization, to mine and parse large amounts of data, and to address bias, holds significant possibility for increased consistency, improved fact-finding, and corroboration. On the other hand, machines may end up replicating and manifesting the unconscious biases and assumptions of their human developers, and AI has a limited ability to read emotions and process impacts on memory. The prospective nature of a well-founded fear is counter-intuitive if algorithms learn based on training data that is historical, and an increased ability to corroborate facts may shift the burden of proof to the asylum seeker. Breaches of data protection regulations and human rights loom large. The potential application of AI to RSD reveals flaws in refugee credibility assessments that stem from the need to assess subjective fear. If the use of AI in RSD is to become an effective and ethical form of humanitarian tech, the ‘well-founded fear of being persecuted’ standard should be based on objective risk only.
Lassa fever cases suffer from severe underreporting based on reported fatalities
Authors: Simons David
Published: November 2022

Background

Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever endemic to eight West African countries. Symptomatic disease is expected to occur in 20% of those infected and transmission typically occurs from viral spillover from rodent hosts. The combination of limited access to diagnostics and healthcare means the true burden of this disease is unknown.

Methods

The case fatality rate among confirmed, probable and possible cases of Lassa fever in endemic regions is expected to be ≈15%. Here, annual reported cases and deaths have been used to estimate the case fatality rate, using three subsets of available data, to understand the scale of underreporting of severe human cases.

Results

The literature review produced 38 records of cases and fatalities, comprising 5230 reported cases and 1482 reported deaths in seven countries. The estimated case fatality rate ranges from 16.5 to 25.6% (standard deviation 11.5–32.2). The expected number of severe cases between 2012 and 2022 is 8995, with current reported numbers 58% of what is expected.

Conclusion

This analysis highlights current uncertainty and systemic underreporting of the morbidity and mortality burden of Lassa fever in its endemic region and must be considered when discussing the epidemiology of this neglected tropical disease.
Phenotypic and genotypic profile of ceftolozane/tazobactam-non-susceptible, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Gill Christian M , Nicolau David P ,   ERACE-PA Global Study Group, Aktas Elif , Alfouzan Wadha , Bourassa Lori , Brink Adrian , Burnham Carey-Ann D , Canton Rafael , Carmeli Yehuda , Falcone Marco , Kiffer Carlos , Marchese Anna , Martinez Octavio , Pournaras Spyros , Satlin Michael , Seifert Harald , Thabit Abrar K , Thomson Kenneth S , Villegas Maria Virginia , Wille Julia , Rezende Thais Teles Freitas , Cekin Zuhal , Malkocoglu Gulsah , Gijón Desirèe , Tarakmeh Layla Abdullah , Chu Chun Yat , Opperman Christoffel Johannes , Tootla Hafsah Deepa , Moodley Clinton , Coetzee Jennifer , Vourli Sophia , Dimopoulos George , Attallah Dalya M , Tiseo Giusy , Leonildi Alessandro , Giordano Cesira , Barnini Simona , Menichetti Francesco , Di Pilato Vincenzo , Codda Giulia , Vena Antonio , Giacobbe Daniele Roberto , Westblade Lars , Cardona Armando , Curtis Lauren , Fang Ferric , Thomson Gina
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the genotypic and ceftazidime/avibactam-susceptibility profiles amongst ceftolozane/tazobactam-non-susceptible (NS), MBL-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a global surveillance programme.

Methods

Isolates were collected as part of the ERACE-PA Global Surveillance programme. Carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa deemed clinically relevant by the submitting laboratories were included. Broth microdilution MICs were conducted per CLSI standards to ceftolozane/tazobactam, ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftazidime and cefepime. Genotypic carbapenemases were detected using CarbaR and CarbaR NxG (research use only). Isolates negative for carbapenemases by PCR were assessed via WGS. Isolates were included in the analysis if they were ceftolozane/tazobactam-NS and lacked detection of known MBLs.

Results

Of the 807 isolates collected in the ERACE-PA programme, 126 (16%) were ceftolozane/tazobactam-NS and lacked MBLs. Cross-resistance to ceftazidime and cefepime was common, with only 5% and 16% testing susceptible, respectively. Ceftazidime/avibactam retained in vitro activity, with 65% of isolates testing susceptible. GES was the most common enzymology, detected in 57 (45%) isolates, and 89% remained susceptible to ceftazidime/avibactam. Seven isolates harboured KPC and all tested susceptible to ceftazidime/avibactam. In the remaining 62 isolates, WGS revealed various ESBLs or OXA β-lactamases. While 39% remained susceptible to ceftazidime/avibactam, marked variability was observed among the diverse resistance mechanisms.

Conclusions

Ceftazidime/avibactam remained active in vitro against the majority of ceftolozane/tazobactam-NS, MBL-negative P. aeruginosa. Ceftazidime/avibactam was highly active against isolates harbouring GES and KPC β-lactamases. These data highlight the potential clinical utility of genotypic profiling as well as the need to test multiple novel agents when carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa are encountered.
Population pharmacokinetics of liposomal amphotericin B in adults with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningoencephalitis
Authors: Stott Katharine E , Moyo Melanie , Ahmadu Ajisa , Kajanga Cheusisime , Gondwe Ebbie , Chimang’anga Wezzie , Chasweka Madalitso , Leeme Tshepo B , Molefi Mooketsi , Chofle Awilly , Bidwell Gabriella , Changalucha John , Unsworth Jenny , Jimenez-Valverde Ana , Lawrence David S , Mwandumba Henry C , Lalloo David G , Harrison Thomas S , Jarvis Joseph N , Hope William , Märtson Anne-Grete
Published: November 2022

Background

Single, high-dose liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB; AmBisome, Gilead Sciences) has demonstrated non-inferiority to amphotericin B deoxycholate in combination with other antifungals for averting all-cause mortality from HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. There are limited data on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of AmBisome. The aim of this study was to describe population PK of AmBisome and conduct a meta-analysis of the available studies to suggest the optimal dosing for cryptococcal meningoencephalitis.

Methods

Data from a Phase II and Phase III trial of high-dose, short-course AmBisome for cryptococcal meningoencephalitis were combined to develop a population PK model. A search was conducted for trials of AmBisome monotherapy and meta-analysis of clinical outcome data was performed.

Results

A two-compartment model with first-order clearance of drug from the central compartment fitted the data best and enabled the extent of inter-individual variability in PK to be quantified. Mean (SD) population PK parameter estimates were: clearance 0.416 (0.363)  L/h; volume of distribution 4.566 (4.518) L; first-order transfer of drug from central to peripheral compartments 2.222 (3.351)  h−1, and from peripheral to central compartment 2.951 (4.070)  h−1. Data for the meta-analysis were insufficient to suggest optimal dosing of AmBisome for cryptococcal meningoencephalitis.

Conclusions

This study provides novel insight into the PK of AmBisome at the population level and the variability therein. Our analysis also serves to highlight the paucity of data available on the pharmacodynamics (PD) of AmBisome and underscores the importance of thorough and detailed PK/PD analysis in the development of novel antifungals, by demonstrating the challenges associated with post hoc PK/PD analysis.
Capturing social presence: concept explication through an empirical analysis of social presence measures
Authors: Cummings James J , Wertz Erin E
Published: November 2022

Initially the province of telecommunication and early computer-mediated communication (CMC) literature, multiple systematic reviews suggest “social presence” is now used for an increasingly diverse set of phenomena across various communication settings. Drawing upon Chaffee’s (1991) description of concept explication as the dialectic process between the conceptual and operational aspects of research, this study provides a mixed methods analysis of social presence measures to evaluate construct validity and inform a modified conceptual definition. Results reveal several distinct constructs commonly measured in the empirical literature on social presence, including salience, perceived actorhood, co-location/non-mediation, understanding, association, involvement, and medium sociability. Based on the frequencies and co-occurrences of these constructs within instruments and across different research fields, we conclude that social presence, in practice, most commonly consists of the perceptual salience of another social actor. Implications for the measurement and theorizing of social presence—and its distinction from other social experiences with media—are then considered.
Comparing the Performance of Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) on Artificial and Natural Diets: Feasibility of Mass-Rearing on Artificial Diets
Authors: Zhao Xu-dong , Geng Yi-shu , Hu Tian-yi , Li Wen-xuan , Liang Ying-ying , Hao De-jun
Published: November 2022

In China, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) is an invasive phytophagous pest; it attacks nearly all species of defoliated trees. To develop integrated pest management programs (IPM) for H. cunea, we need to ensure the availability of insects by mass-rearing them on artificial diets under laboratory conditions. This study compared the growth characteristics, nutritional indices, growth indices, and digestive enzyme activity of insects reared on Pterocarya stenoptera C.DC (Fagales: Juglandaceae), the Chinese wingnut, and an artificial diet. We also investigated the correlation between diet components and growth indices using principal components analysis and Pearson correlation analysis. We found that mass-rearing of H. cunea on an artificial diet was feasible. It led to a shorter developmental period, with heavier larvae and pupae than natural diets. The principal components analysis indicated that the growth indices and α-Amylase were significantly positively associated with PC1, which explained 82.45% of the total data variability. Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between digestion, absorption parameters, and growth. Developing a mass-rearing program to produce H. cunea on an artificial diet will be valuable for improving IPM strategies. Understanding the mechanism of the responses of phytophagous insect populations to anthropogenic diet regulation can provide new ideas and methods for pest control.
The Potential of a New Beauveria bassiana Isolate for Mosquito Larval Control
Authors: Tawidian Patil , Kang Qing , Michel Kristin
Published: November 2022

The African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae Giles (Diptera: Culicidae), and the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae) are of public health concern due to their ability to transmit disease-causing parasites and pathogens. Current mosquito control strategies to prevent vector-borne diseases rely mainly on the use of chemicals. However, insecticide resistance in mosquito populations necessitates alternative control measures, including biologicals such as entomopathogenic fungi. Here we report the impact of a new Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hyprocreales: Cordycipitaeceae) isolate, isolated from field-collected Ae. albopictus larvae on mosquito survival and development. Larval infection bioassays using three B. bassiana conidial concentrations were performed on the second and third larval instars of An. gambiae and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes. Larvae were monitored daily for survival and development to pupae and adults. Our results show that B. bassiana MHK was more effective in killing An. gambiae than Ae. albopictus larvae. We further observed delays in development to pupae and adults in both mosquito species exposed the varying concentrations of B. bassiana as compared to the water control. In addition, larval exposure to B. bassiana reduced adult male and female survival in both mosquito species, further contributing to mosquito population control. Thus, this study identifies a new B. bassiana isolate as a possible biological control agent of two mosquito species of public health concern, increasing the arsenal for integrated mosquito control.
Sex, Race, and the Allocation of Credit in Dispersed Teams: Whose Contributions to Team Success Get Noticed and Whose Get Neglected
Authors: Marvel John D
Published: November 2022

When the members of a team work together in pursuit of a collective goal, who stands out? We analyze this question by focusing on how managers allocate credit among a team’s members when employee performance is difficult to observe. We argue that under conditions of incomplete information, managers use whatever information they have readily at hand—even if it is only crudely reflective of individual performance—to make inferences about team members’ contributions to team success. We further argue that these inferences will tend to disadvantage women and persons of color relative to white men. Our information-based perspective points to additional propositions that are theoretically novel: Imperfect information will be more severe when a team member works remotely; consequently, team members who are colocated with their manager will be more likely than non-colocated team members to receive recognition for their contributions to team success. Moreover, we argue that any informational disadvantages attaching to remoteness will vary by team members’ race/sex. We use micro-data on 121,809 federal employees who are nested in 31,188 group award instances, and employ a fixed effects approach to test these and related propositions. Our findings’ key implications for theory are that managers allocating credit among a group’s members will tend to do so suboptimally in demographically diverse, geographically dispersed groups. These managers will tend to overlook the contributions of women and persons of color, and will also tend to overlook the contributions of remote team members.
Cheaper Is Not Better: On the ‘Superior’ Performance of High-Fee Mutual Funds
Authors: Sheng Jinfei , Simutin Mikhail , Zhang Terry
Published: November 2022

In contrast with theoretical predictions, high-fee active equity funds generate worse net-of-expenses performance. We show that this fee-performance puzzle is driven by the preference of high-fee funds for stocks with low operating profitability and high investment rates, characteristics associated with low expected returns. After controlling for exposures to profitability and investment factors, we find high-fee funds significantly outperform low-fee funds before expenses and achieve similarly poor net-of-fees performance. In resolving the fee-performance puzzle, our findings provide support to the theoretical prediction that net alphas are unrelated to fees and challenge the common advice to prefer low-fee funds over high-fee counterparts. (JEL G23, G11, J24)

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
How has COVID-19 changed trip patterns by purpose in China?
Authors: Zhou Enru , Lee Jaeyoung
Published: November 2022

COVID-19 has upended the whole world. Due to travel restrictions by governments and increased perceived risks of the disease, there have been significant changes in social activities and travel patterns. This paper investigates the effects of COVID-19 on changes to individuals' travel patterns, particularly for travel purposes. An online questionnaire survey was conducted in China, which incorporates questions about individuals’ sociodemographic and travel characteristics in three different periods of COVID-19 (i.e. before the outbreak, at the peak and after the peak; the peak here refers to the peak of the pandemic in China, between the end of January and 1 May, 2020). The results show that trip frequency decreased sharply from the outbreak until the peak, and drastically increased after the peak. Nevertheless, the data from this study suggests that it has not fully recovered to the level before the outbreak. Subsequently, a series of random parameters bivariate Probit models for changes in travel patterns were estimated with personal characteristics. The findings demonstrate that during the peak of the pandemic, residents who did not live in more developed cities reached low-frequency travel patterns more quickly. For travel purposes, residents of Wuhan, China resumed travelling for work, entertainment and buy necessities at a much higher rate than other cities. After the peak, students' travel for work, entertainment and to buy necessities recovered significantly faster than for other occupations. The findings would be helpful for establishing effective policies to control individual travel and minimize disease spread in a possible future pandemic.
Phytophthora infestansRxLR Effector PITG06478 Hijacks 14-3-3 to Suppress PMA Activity Leading to Necrotrophic Cell Death
Authors: Seo Ye-Eun , Yan Xin , Choi Doil , Mang Hyunggon
Published: November 2022

Pathogens often induce cell death for their successful proliferation in the host plant. Plasma membrane H+-ATPases (PMAs) are targeted by either pathogens or plant immune receptors in immune response regulation. Although PMAs play pivotal roles in host cell death, the molecular mechanism of effector-mediated regulation of PMA activity has not been described. Here, we report that the Phytophthora infestans RxLR effector PITG06478 can induce cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana but the induced cell death is inhibited by fusicoccin (FC), an irreversible PMA activator. PITG06478, which is localized at the plasma membrane, is not directly associated with the PMA but is associated with Nb14-3-3s, a PMA activator. Immunoblot analyses revealed that the interaction between PITG06478 and Nb14-3-3s was disrupted by FC. PMA activity in PITG06478-expressing plants was eventually inhibited, and cell death likely occurred because the 14-3-3 protein was hijacked. Our results further confirm the significance of PMA activity in host cell death and provide new insight into how pathogens utilize essential host components to sustain their life cycle.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Does Examined Lymph Node Count Influence Survival in Surgically Resected Early‑stage Pulmonary Typical Carcinoid Tumors?
Authors: Yang Hao , Liu Tong , Li Mengqi , Fang Zhanglan , Luo Ling
Published: November 2022

Objectives:

We aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of the number of examined lymph nodes (ELNs) in resected early‑stage pulmonary typical carcinoid tumors (TC).

Methods:

Patients who underwent sublobar resection and lobectomy for stage T1N0M0 TC between 2004 and 2016 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and enrolled in the ELNs≥4 or ELNs<4 groups (optimal cutoff using X-tile). Propensity score matching balanced baseline intergroup characteristics. Kaplan–Meier curve and log-rank test were used to calculate and compare overall survival (OS) rates. Cox proportional hazard model analysis was used to identify independent prognostic factors.

Results:

Among 2234 participants, 961 (43.02%) and 1273 (56.98%) had ELNs <4 and ≥4, respectively. The 5-year OS was significantly higher in the ELNs≥4, compared with ELNs<4, group, both before and after propensity score matching (95.41% vs. 89.71%, P<0.001 and 95.24% vs. 90.28%, P=0.004), respectively. Surgical subgroup analysis confirmed this survival trend in the lobectomy and sublobar resection groups. Tumor size-based subgroup analysis revealed superior OS with ELNs≥4 than ELNs<4 for tumors measuring 1.1–3.0 cm but not for tumors <1.0 cm. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that ELN≥4 contributed to improved OS.

Conclusions:

The higher the ELNs, the greater the long-term survival rate in patients with early‑stage TC. Therefore, we recommend at least 4 ELNs as the cutoff value for evaluating the prognosis of early‑stage TCs, especially for patients with a tumor size of 1.1 to 3.0 cm.
Changes in the Anxiety Levels of Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Ashour Ala , Al-Rawashdeh Sami , Tanash Mu'ath , Al-Smadi Ahmed , Alshraifeen Ali , Shajrawi Abedalmajeed
Published: November 2022

Background

Anxiety is a predictor of a bad prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease. Patients with coronary heart disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reported high levels of anxiety, yet little is known about changes in anxiety levels after this procedure.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine changes in anxiety levels of patients undergoing PCI and identify differences in anxiety levels based on patients' demographics and clinical details.

Methods

A convenience sample of patients undergoing first-time elective PCI (N = 165) completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale at baseline (discharge time) and 6 months later. Paired samples t test was used to assess the changes in anxiety levels. The χ
2 test was used to examine the pattern of changes between the 2 time points. Patients did not have access to cardiac rehabilitation.

Results

Six months after PCI, the anxiety level scores decreased significantly; mean scores for the baseline versus follow-up were 10.84 ± 5.98 versus 4.29 ± 6.02, respectively (P = .001). Only 18.2% of the patients had normal levels of anxiety at the baseline compared with 71.5% 6 months later. History of hospitalization after PCI, being a smoker, younger age, and low level of education were associated with higher levels of anxiety at follow-up.

Conclusions

Although anxiety levels were reduced 6 months after PCI, assessing patients' anxiety levels and implementing psychoeducational interventions at follow-up should be incorporated to optimize the care of PCI patients, particularly for those who are younger, who are smokers, or with a low educational level.
Are You Ready for Some Football?
Authors: Kamienski Mary C.
Published: November 2022

Football has become the most popular spectator sport in the United States today and attracts millions of players, both professional and amateur. This article discusses the risks of playing football. It is a contact sport and can result in a wide variety of injuries to the players. The rules of the game are based on adult participation; however, 2.8 million children participate in recreational tackle football every year. An understanding of the game and the risks associated with playing football is presented. The risks of the game are discussed with a focus on the prevention of injury. The most common injuries are presented, which include concussion and the major risk of traumatic brain injury. The importance of wearing appropriate protective gear and developing strategies to avoid head and neck injuries is presented. The role of parents and coaches is described, with tips on how to identify injuries and how to prevent them to guarantee the safety of players. Finally, the role of the nurse and other health care providers is discussed. This article presents an overview of the complexity of tackle football and strategies to keep the players safe.
Efficacy and Safety of Anti-Xa-Guided Versus Fixed Dosing of Low Molecular Weight Heparin for Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Trauma Patients
Authors: Tran Alexandre , Fernando Shannon M. , Gates Rebecca S. , Gillen Jacob R. , Droege Molly E. , Carrier Marc , Inaba Kenji , Haut Elliott R. , Cotton Bryan , Teichman Amanda , Engels Paul T. , Patel Rakesh V. , Lampron Jacinthe , Rochwerg Bram
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

Trauma patients are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We summarize the comparative efficacy and safety of anti-Xa-guided versus fixed dosing for low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for the prevention of VTE in adult trauma patients.

Methods:

We searched Medline and Embase from inception through June 1, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials or observational studies comparing anti-Xa-guided versus fixed dosing of LMWH for thromboprophylaxis in adult trauma patients. We incorporated primary data from 2 large observational cohorts. We pooled effect estimates using a random-effects model. We assessed risk of bias using the ROBINS-I tool for observational studies and assessed certainty of findings using GRADE methodology.

Results:

We included 15 observational studies involving 10,348 patients. No randomized controlled trials were identified. determined that, compared to fixed LMWH dosing, anti-Xa-guided dosing may reduce deep vein thrombosis [adjusted odds ratio (aOR); 0.52, 95% CI: 0.40–0.69], pulmonary embolism (aOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30–0.78) or any VTE (aOR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.42–0.69), though all estimates are based on low certainty evidence. There was an uncertain effect on mortality (aOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.85–1.32) and bleeding events (aOR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.50–1.39), limited by serious imprecision. We used several sensitivity and subgroup analyses to confirm the validity of our assumptions.

Conclusion:

Anti-Xa-guided dosing may be more effective than fixed dosing for prevention of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and VTE for adult trauma patients. These promising findings justify the need for a high-quality randomized study with the potential to deliver practice changing results.
Transcription Factor YY1 Ameliorates Liver Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Through Modulating the miR-181a-5p/ESR1/ERBB2 Axis
Authors: Wu Kun , Ma Long , Xu Ting , Cao Jun , Zhou Chengming , Yu Xiangyou , Wang Yi , Wen Hao
Published: November 2022

Background.

Liver ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI) is characterized by inflammatory actions. Understanding the mechanistic insights underpinning inflammation is critical to developing treatment strategies. In this study, we illustrated the mechanistic insights of transcription factor Yin-Yang 1 (YY1)-mediated microRNA (miR)-181a-5p/estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1)/epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ERBB2) axis in liver I/RI.

Methods.

First, we established liver I/RI models in mice and hypoxia-reperfusion (H/R) cell models in mouse hepatocytes (AML12). Subsequently, the expression of YY1, miR-181a-5p, and ESR1 was determined in the 2 models. I/RI mouse models were further injected with lentivirus carrying oe-YY1‚ and H/R-exposed AML12 cells were subjected to a series of inhibitors, mimics, and shRNAs to validate the mechanisms of YY1 in controlling miR-181a-5p and ESR1 in liver I/RI.

Results.

Upregulated expression of miR-181a-5p and downregulated expression of YY1 were identified in the liver tissues of liver I/RI mice and H/R-exposed hepatocytes. Moreover, overexpression of YY1 inhibited the miR-181a-5p expression and thus repressed the H/R-induced hepatocyte apoptosis and inflammation. ESR1 was further validated as a target gene of miR-181a-5p and could be negatively regulated by miR-181a-5p. miR-181a-5p inhibition elevated ESR1 expression, which consequently enhanced the ERBB2 expression and reduced H/R-induced hepatocyte apoptosis and inflammation.

Conclusions.

Overall, these findings highlighted that YY1 repressed the miR-181a-5p expression and stimulated ESR1-mediated activation of ERBB2, thereby ameliorating liver I/RI. This study provides insight into the development of novel targets for liver I/RI.