bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The application ofNicotiana benthamianaas a Transient Expression Host to Clone the Coding Sequences of Plant Genes
Authors: Huang Jianzhong , Jia Peng , Zhong Xiaoju , Guan Xiuying , Zhang Hongbin , Ruan Honglei
Published: December 2022

Coding sequences (CDS) are commonly used for transient gene expression, in yeast two-hybrid screening, to verify protein interactions and in prokaryotic gene expression studies. CDS are most commonly obtained using complementary DNA (cDNA) derived from messenger RNA (mRNA) extracted from plant tissues and generated by reverse transcription. However, some CDS are difficult to acquire through this process as they are expressed at extremely low levels or have specific spatial and/or temporal expression patternsin vivo. These challenges require the development of alternative CDS cloning technologies.

In this study, we found that the genomic intron-containing gene coding sequences (gDNA) fromArabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, Brassica napus, andGlycine maxcan be correctly transcribed and spliced into mRNA inNicotiana benthamiana. In contrast, gDNAs fromTriticum aestivumandSorghum bicolordid not function correctly. In transient expression experiments, the target DNA sequence is driven by a constitutive promoter. Theoretically, a sufficient amount of mRNA can be extracted from theN. benthamianaleaves, making it conducive to the cloning of CDS target genes. Our data demonstrate thatN. benthamianacan be used as an effective host for the cloning CDS of plant genes.
Visualization of early RNA replication kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 by using single molecule RNA-FISH
Authors: Pathak Rajiv , Eliscovich Carolina , Mena Ignacio , Dixit Updesh , García-Sastre Adolfo , Singer Robert H , Kalpana Ganjam V.
Published: December 2022

SARS-CoV-2 infection has caused a major global burden. Despite intensive research, the mechanism and dynamics of early viral replication are not completely understood including the kinetics of formation of plus stranded genomic and subgenomic RNAs (gRNA and sgRNA) starting from the RNA from the first virus that enters the cell. We employed single-molecule RNA-fluorescencein situhybridization (smRNA-FISH) to simultaneously detect viral gRNA and sgRNA in infected cells and carried out a time course analysis to determine the kinetics of their replication. We visualized the single molecules of gRNA within the cytoplasm of infected cells 30 minutes post-infection and detected the co-expression of gRNA and sgRNA within two hours post-infection. Furthermore, we observed the formation of a replication organelle (RO) from a single RNA, which led to the formation of multiple ROs within the same cells. Single molecule analysis indicated that while gRNA resided in the center of these ROs, the sgRNAs were found to radiate and migrate out of these structures. Our results also indicated that after the initial delay, there was a rapid but asynchronous replication, and the gRNA and sgRNAs dispersed throughout the cell within 4-5 hours post-infection forming multiple ROs that filled the entire cytoplasm. These results provide insight into the kinetics of early post-entry events of SARS-CoV-2 and the formation of RO, which will help to understand the molecular events associated with viral infection and facilitate the identification of new therapeutic targets that can curb the virus at a very early stage of replication to combat COVID-19.

Author Summary

SARS-CoV-2 infection continues to be a global burden. Soon after the entry, SARS-CoV-2 replicates by an elaborate process, producing genomic and subgenomic RNAs (gRNA and sgRNAs) within specialized structures called replication organelles (RO). Many questions including the timing of multiplication of gRNA and sgRNA, the generation, subcellular localization, and function of the ROs, and the mechanism of vRNA synthesis within ROs is not completely understood. Here, we have developed probes and methods to simultaneously detect the viral gRNA and a sgRNA at single cell single molecule resolution and have employed a method to scan thousands of cells to visualize the early kinetics of gRNA and sgRNA synthesis soon after the viral entry into the cell. Our results reveal that the replication is asynchronous and ROs are rapidly formed from a single RNA that enters the cell within 2 hours, which multiply to fill the entire cell cytoplasm within ~4 hours after infection. Furthermore, our studies provide a first glimpse of the gRNA and sgRNA synthesis within ROs at single molecule resolution. Our studies may facilitate the development of drugs that inhibit the virus at the earliest possible stages of replication to minimize the pathogenic impact of viral infection.
SWAMPy: Simulating SARS-CoV-2 Wastewater Amplicon Metagenomes with Python
Authors: Boulton William , Fidan Fatma Rabia , Denise Hubert , De Maio Nicola , Goldman Nick
Published: December 2022

Motivation

Tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants through genomic sequencing has been an important part of the global response to the pandemic. As well as whole-genome sequencing of clinical samples, this surveillance effort has been aided by amplicon sequencing of wastewater samples, which proved effective in real case studies. Because of its relevance to public healthcare decisions, testing and benchmarking wastewater sequencing analysis methods is also crucial, which necessitates a simulator. Although metagenomic simulators exist, none are fit for the purpose of simulating the metagenomes produced through amplicon sequencing of wastewater.

Results

Our new simulation tool, SWAMPy (Simulating SARS-CoV-2WastewaterAmpliconMetagenomes withPython), is intended to provide realistic simulated SARS-CoV-2 wastewater sequencing datasets with which other programs that rely on this type of data can be evaluated and improved.

Availability

The code for this project is available athttps://github.com/goldman-gp-ebi/SWAMPyIt can be installed on any Unix-based operating system and is available under the GPL-v3 license.
Circadian reprogramming of adipose progenitor cells regulates intermittent fasting-mediated adipose tissue remodeling and metabolic improvement
Authors: Lee Ju Hee , Patel Yash , Yeung Joanna Lan-Hing , Pickel Lauren , Ealey Kafi N. , Togo Jacques , Kim Yun Hye , Kim Kyoung-Han , Park Jin-Gyoon , Jackson Timothy , Okrainec Allan , Kim Jae-Ryong , Park So-Young , Dash Satya , Sung Hoon-Ki
Published: December 2022

White adipose tissue (WAT) fibrosis is a hallmark of dysfunctional WAT that is directly linked to metabolic abnormalities. Recent studies have highlighted the role of dysfunctional adipose progenitor cells (APCs) in WAT fibrosis and impaired adaptive tissue plasticity, leading to systemic insulin resistance. However, therapeutic options for WAT fibrosis are limited. Intermittent fasting (IF) is an effective dietary regimen for weight control and metabolic improvement through various mechanisms, including healthy remodeling of WAT. However, whether IF is effective in improving age-associated WAT fibrosis and metabolic homeostasis is unknown. Here, we show that IF confers therapeutic benefits in aged and obese mice through reduction of WAT fibrosis. Single-cell analyses revealed that IF significantly reduces pro-fibrotic signatures within APCs along with upregulation of the circadian pathways, suggesting that the circadian clock of APCs mediates IF-induced WAT remodeling. Importantly, mice lacking core circadian gene exhibited increased fibrotic signatures in WAT and diminished beneficial response to IF, further supporting the importance of circadian rhythm in IF-mediated metabolic benefits. Lastly, insulin resistance in humans also presented with dysregulated circadian rhythm signatures in APC populations. Collectively, our findings highlight the novel role of the APC circadian rhythm in plasticity of WAT and metabolic response to IF.
Large-scale analysis of the N-terminal regulatory elements of the kinase domain in plant receptor-like kinase family
Authors: Fu Qiong , Liu Qian , Zhang Rensen , Chen Jia , Guo Hengchang , Ming Zhenhua , Yu Feng , Zheng Heping
Published: December 2022

The N-terminal regulatory element of the kinase domain (NRE), which includes juxtamembrane segment (JM) of Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) and the N-terminal extension segment of the kinase domain in RLCKs, is the key component that regulates the activities of RLKs and RLCKs. However, their feature and functions remain largely unexplored. Herein, we perform a systematic analysis of 510,233 NRE sequences in RLKs and RLCKs from 528 plants by integrating information theory and genome-wide analysis to unravel their common characteristics and diversity. Recombinant RLKs are used to explore the structural-functional relationship of the newly-discovered motifsin vitro. Most NRE segments are around 40-80 amino acids, featuring a serine-rich region and a 14-amino-acid motif ‘FSYEELEKATBNFS’ which harbors a characteristic α-helix connecting to the core kinase domain. This α-helix suppresses FERONIA’s kinase activity. Motif discovery algorithm has identified 29 motifs with known phosphorylation sites highly conserved in RLK and RLCK classes, especially the motif ‘VGPWKpTGLpSGQLQKAFVTGVP’ in LRR-VI-2 class. The NRE phosphorylation of an LRR-VI-2 member MDIS1 modulates the auto-phosphorylation of its co-receptor MIK1, indicating NRE’s potential role as a “kinase switch” in RLK activation. Consequently, the characterization of phosphorylatable NRE motifs improves the accuracy in predicting phosphorylatable serines. Altogether, our study provides an enriched and comprehensive dataset to investigate NRE segments from individual RLKs and helps understand the underlying mechanism of action of the RLK signal transduction and kinase activation processes in plant adaptation.
REASSURED diagnostics at point-of-care in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review
Authors: Moetlhoa Boitumelo , Maluleke Kuhlula , Mathebula Evans M , Kgarosi Kabelo , Nxele Siphesihle R , Lenonyane Bonolo , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani
Published: December 2022

Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics that meet the REASSURED criteria are essential in combating the rapid increase and severity of global health emergencies caused by infectious diseases. However, little is known about whether the REASSURED criteria are implemented in regions known to have a high burden of infectious diseases such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scoping review maps evidence of the use of REASSURED POC diagnostic tests in SSA. The scoping review was guided by the advanced methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley, and Levac et al. We searched the following electronic databases for relevant literature: Scopus, Dimensions, ProQuest Central, Google Scholar, and EBSCOhost (MEDLINE, CINAHL, as well as AFRICA-WIDE). Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full-text articles using the inclusion criteria as reference. We appraised the quality of the included studies using the mixed-method appraisal tool (MMAT) version 2018. We retrieved 138 publications, comprising 134 articles and four grey literature articles. Of these, only five articles were included following abstract and full-text screening. The five included studies were all conducted in SSA. The following themes emerged from the eligible articles: quality assurance on accuracy of REASSURED POC diagnostic tests, sustainability of REASSURED POC diagnostic tests, and local infrastructure capability for delivering REASSURED POC diagnostic tests to end users. All five articles had MMAT scores between 90% and 100%. In conclusion, our scoping review revealed limited published research on REASSURED diagnostics at POC in SSA. We recommend primary studies aimed at investigating the implementation of REASSURED POC diagnostic tests in SSA.
The key audit matters and the audit cost: does governance matter?
Authors: Elmarzouky Mahmoud , Hussainey Khaled , Abdelfattah Tarek
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between key audit matters (KAMs) and audit costs and whether board size and independence affect this relationship. Furthermore, this paper examines the moderating effect of corporate governance on the relationship between KAMs and audit costs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors hypothesise that disclosing more KAMs in the audit report is positively associated with audit costs because of the greater effort. The agency theory suggests that firms with good governance will mitigate the agency conflict of interest and improve financial reporting quality. Thus, good governance might moderate the relationship between reported KAMs and audit costs. The authors use a quantitative approach. The authors are using a sample of the UK FTSE all-share non-financial firms from 2014 to 2018 for the UK Financial Times Stock Exchange all-share non-financial firms.

Findings

The authors provide evidence of a significant positive relationship between KAMs and audit costs. The relationship is relatively higher when considering the independent directors' percentage as a moderating factor. These results came consistent with the agency theory literature. However, the authors found no empirical evidence to support a moderating effect of board size on the relationship between KAMs and audit cost.

Practical implications

The finding benefits the regulatory setters to better understand the consequences of the new auditing standards. This paper has theoretical and practical implications for regulators, standard setters, professional bodies, shareholders and academics.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature assessing the regulatory changes related to audit reform and adds to the debate on the impact on audit costs. This paper underlines governance factors as a moderating role in this relationship between KAMs and audit costs.
What do we mean by “data”? A proposed classification of data types in the arts and humanities
Authors: Gualandi Bianca , Pareschi Luca , Peroni Silvio
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This article describes the interviews the authors conducted in late 2021 with 19 researchers at the Department of Classical Philology and Italian Studies at the University of Bologna. The main purpose was to shed light on the definition of the word “data” in the humanities domain, as far as FAIR data management practices are concerned, and on what researchers think of the term.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors invited one researcher for each of the official disciplinary areas represented within the department and all 19 accepted to participate in the study. Participants were then divided into five main research areas: philology and literary criticism, language and linguistics, history of art, computer science and archival studies. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using a grounded theory approach.

Findings

A list of 13 research data types has been compiled thanks to the information collected from participants. The term “data” does not emerge as especially problematic, although a good deal of confusion remains. Looking at current research management practices, methodologies and teamwork appear more central than previously reported.

Originality/value

Our findings confirm that “data” within the FAIR framework should include all types of inputs and outputs humanities research work with, including publications. Also, the participants of this study appear ready for a discussion around making their research data FAIR: they do not find the terminology particularly problematic, while they rely on precise and recognised methodologies, as well as on sharing and collaboration with colleagues.
Deaf women and pregnancy and perinatal health: Creating systems for communication access
Authors: Moreland Christopher J. , Earhart Angela
Published: December 2022

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Panko et al., pp.514–521 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.17300
Comparing vitamin B2 versus 5% dextrose in water for optimal ureteric jet visualisation at the time of pelvic reconstructive surgery: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Zi Ying , Lovatsis Danny , Gagnon Louise , Wang Stella , Huszti Ella , McDermott Colleen D.
Published: December 2022

Objective

To compare preoperative vitamin B2 versus intraoperative cystoscopy distension using 5% dextrose in water (D5W) for ureteric jet visualisation during pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Design

Double‐blinded, randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Three tertiary hospitals in Toronto, Canada.

Population

Adult women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Methods

Patients were randomised to receive 100 mg of vitamin B2 preoperatively versus bladder distension with D5W intraoperatively.

Main outcomes

The primary outcome was the rate of accurate detection of bilateral ureteric jets during cystoscopy. Secondary outcomes included the time elapsed until visualisation, use of intravenous furosemide or fluorescein to assist with visualisation, surgeon satisfaction, and positive urine culture 1 week after surgery.

Results

The intervention was completed by 236 patients (vitamin B2 n = 117, D5W n = 119). Preoperative characteristics were similar across groups. Accurate detection of both ureteric jets was high in both groups (vitamin B2 97.4% vs. D5W 90.8%, p = 0.051). The vitamin B2 group had significantly lower use of fluorescein rescue compared with the D5W group (3.4% vs. 11.8%, respectively, p = 0.025). Surgeon satisfaction while using vitamin B2 was significantly higher (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the time elapsed until visualisation, the use of furosemide, or the incidence of positive urine culture at 1 week after surgery.

Conclusions

Both preoperative vitamin B2 and intraoperative cystoscopy distension with D5W are highly available and inexpensive methods to detect ureteric jets with high accuracy at the time of pelvic reconstructive surgery. Vitamin B2 was shown to have lower rates of fluorescein rescue for visualisation and higher rates of surgeon satisfaction.
Parathyroid hormone levels and pulse wave velocity in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Kato Kazuhiko , Nakashima Akio , Morishita Masamitsu , Ohkido Ichiro , Yokoo Takashi
Published: December 2022

Introduction

We conducted an observational study to test the hypothesis that intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are independently associated with pulse wave velocity (PWV), indicating arteriosclerosis progression.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, patients on hemodialysis in whom brachial‐ankle PWV (baPWV) was measured from November 2020 to November 2021, were included.

Results

One hundred seventy‐four patients, with a mean age of 69.9 years (standard deviation [SD], 11.9), were included in this study. In multivariate linear regression analysis, serum intact PTH levels were correlated with baPWV (β coefficient: 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1 [0.22, 3.99]; p = 0.029). The subgroup analysis, which was divided according to the presence of diabetes, showed that diabetes has a significant interaction between PTH and PWV.

Conclusion

These results suggest that intact PTH is independently associated with PWV. Moreover, physiological mechanisms characteristic of diabetes may be involved in the association between PTH and arteriosclerosis.
Co‐substrate composition is critical for enrichment of functional key species and for process efficiency during biogas production from cattle manure
Authors: Eliasson Karin Ahlberg , Singh Abhijeet , Isaksson Simon , Schnürer Anna
Published: December 2022

Cattle manure has a low energy content and high fibre and water content, limiting its value for biogas production. Co‐digestion with a more energy‐dense material can improve the output, but the co‐substrate composition that gives the best results in terms of degree of degradation, gas production and digestate quality has not yet been identified. This study examined the effects of carbohydrate, protein and fat as co‐substrates for biogas production from cattle manure. Laboratory‐scale semi‐continuous mesophilic reactors were operated with manure in mono‐digestion or in co‐digestion with egg albumin, rapeseed oil, potato starch or a mixture of these, and chemical and microbiological parameters were analysed. The results showed increased gas yield for all co‐digestion reactors, but only the reactor supplemented with rapeseed oil showed synergistic effects on methane yield. The reactor receiving potato starch indicated improved fibre degradation, suggesting a priming effect by the easily accessible carbon. Both these reactors showed increased species richness and enrichment of key microbial species, such as fat‐degradingSyntrophomonadaceaeand families known to include cellulolytic bacteria. The addition of albumin promoted enrichment of known ammonia‐tolerant syntrophic acetate‐ and potential propionate‐degrading bacteria, but still caused slight process inhibition and less efficient overall degradation of organic matter in general, and of cellulose in particular.
Understanding the impact of pandemics on society with a special focus on COVID‐19
Authors: Malik Sahil , Chhabra Meghna , Chandra Geetika Malik
Published: December 2022

The study aims to ascertain how different levels of society have been influenced by the impact of pandemics over the last many years. The study also determines the societal implications of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The integrative literature survey method is adopted to extract the secondary data pertinent to the socio‐economic effect of pandemics and COVID‐19 on society. Primary data is collected to diagnose the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic and lockdown on employees (N = 210) working in the Indian organized sector. Findings of the study suggest that pandemics have been a cause of economic slowdown measured with a fall in gross domestic product (GDP) at the macro level. The reduced level of economic activity is found to be negatively related to an individual socio‐economic status building their psychological distress. The descriptive analysis of the data reveals that although employees have managed their jobs and finances during COVID‐19, they have experienced stress in their lives due to the pandemic. The study assimilates the pandemic effect using inductive reasoning to develop a COVID quadrilateral conceptual framework.
Early childhood exposure to maternal smoking and obesity: A nationwide longitudinal survey in Japan
Authors: Yamashita Miho , Yorifuji Takashi , Matsumoto Naomi , Kubo Toshihide , Tsukahara Hirokazu
Published: December 2022

Involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke is suspected to be one of the risks factors that are associated with obesity in children. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between early childhood exposure to tobacco smoke and the risk of obesity and overweight in Japan. This study utilized a nationwide, population‐based longitudinal survey. The participants were restricted to 32 081 children who had available information on maternal smoking history as well as childhood height and weight. We conducted a binomial log–linear regression analysis with children of non‐smoking mothers as the reference group. The children with mothers who were smokers had a higher risk of developing obesity or being overweight compared to the children with mothers who were nonsmokers. The risk ratios were 1.20 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09–1.32) for overweight and 1.17 (95% CI: 0.95–1.44) for obesity. Early exposure to maternal smoking increases the risk of being overweight and having obesity during childhood. The increased risk is more pronounced among children with mothers, smoked heavily, or parents, who were smokers.
Feasibility and early effects of bed‐cycling eccentric training: Potential clinical applications
Authors: Pavlin Laura , Fernandez Florian , Lowgreen Rauhiti , Ohresser Isabelle , Cristol Jean‐Paul , Turc‐Baron Cécile , Bernardi Henri , Candau Robin
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate feasibility and early effects of moderate intensity bed‐cycling eccentric training on healthy individuals, and establish whether this training modality could be implemented into bedridden patients' routine care.

Methods

Longitudinal study with prepost exercise intervention measurements. The development of a bed‐adapted eccentric ergometer allowed to conduct five training sessions during 3 weeks at increasing intensity on 11 healthy individuals. Force‐speed relationship, maximal voluntary knee extension force and neural activation of subjects were evaluated before and after the programme.

Results

Five training sessions were sufficient to decrease the rate of perceived exertion whereas eccentric power output increased (+40%). After training, maximal voluntary isometric contraction force measured during knee extension had significantly improved in all subjects, with a mean increase of 17%. Maximal cycling power was also significantly higher (+7%) after the training programme.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results show that moderate load eccentric bed cycling (i) was feasible and efficient, (ii) did not generate excessive individual perception of effort during exercise nor develop major muscular or joint pain after training and (iii) allowed early force and power gains in healthy subjects.
Novel non‐slip banded balloon catheter for endoscopic papillary balloon dilation in balloon enteroscopy‐assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Inoue Tadahisa , Ibusuki Mayu , Kutsumi Hiromu
Published: December 2022

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N1 versus N2 and PMN‐MDSC: A critical appraisal of current concepts on tumor‐associated neutrophils and new directions for human oncology
Authors: Antuamwine Benedict Boateng , Bosnjakovic Rebeka , Hofmann‐Vega Francisca , Wang Xi , Theodosiou Theodosios , Iliopoulos Ioannis , Brandau Sven
Published: December 2022

Research on tumor‐associated neutrophils (TAN) currently surges because of the well‐documented strong clinical relevance of tumor‐infiltrating neutrophils. This relevance is illustrated by strong correlations between high frequencies of intratumoral neutrophils and poor outcome in the majority of human cancers. Recent high‐dimensional analysis of murine neutrophils provides evidence for unexpected plasticity of neutrophils in murine models of cancer and other inflammatory non‐malignant diseases. New analysis tools enable deeper insight into the process of neutrophil differentiation and maturation. These technological and scientific developments led to the description of an ever‐increasing number of distinct transcriptional states and associated phenotypes in murine models of disease and more recently also in humans. At present, functional validation of these different transcriptional states and potential phenotypes in cancer is lacking. Current functional concepts on neutrophils in cancer rely mainly on the myeloid‐derived suppressor cell (MDSC) concept and the dichotomous and simple N1–N2 paradigm. In this manuscript, we review the historic development of those concepts, critically evaluate these concepts against the background of our own work and provide suggestions for a refinement of current concepts in order to facilitate the transition of TAN research from experimental insight to clinical translation.
Long‐term risk of heart failure and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes in primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Sun Guoli , Fosbøl Emil L. , Yafasova Adelina , Faurschou Mikkel , Lindhardsen Jesper , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Køber Lars , Butt Jawad H.
Published: December 2022

Background

Data on long‐term cardiovascular outcomes in primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) are scarce.

Objectives

We aim to investigate the long‐term rate of incident heart failure (HF) and other adverse cardiovascular endpoints in patients with PSS compared with the general population and to investigate mortality in individuals with incident HF with or without a history of PSS.

Methods

Using Danish nationwide registries, PSS patients (diagnosed 1996–2018) without a history of other autoimmune diseases were each matched with four individuals from the general population by sex, age, and comorbidities. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate the rate of cardiovascular outcomes. In addition, the rate of death from any cause was compared between PSS patients with incident HF and four age‐ and sex‐matched HF patients without PSS.

Results

In total, 5092 patients with newly diagnosed PSS were matched with 20,368 individuals from the general population (median age 57 years, 87.3% women, median follow‐up 7.4 years). The cumulative incidence of HF at 10 years was 4.0% for PSS patients and 2.8% for matched individuals. After adjustment, patients with PSS had a higher associated rate of incident HF (hazard ratios [HR] 1.42 [95% CI, 1.20–1.68]) and other cardiovascular outcomes, compared with the background population. PSS patients with incident HF had a similar rate of death from all‐cause mortality compared with HF patients without PSS (HR 0.94 [0.74–1.19]).

Conclusions

Patients with PSS had a higher associated rate of incident HF and other cardiovascular outcomes compared with the general population. In individuals with incident HF, a history of PSS was not associated with increased mortality.
The administrative burden of doing business with the government: Learning and compliance costs in Business‐Government interactions
Authors: Petersen Ole Helby , Hansen Jesper Rosenberg , Houlberg Kurt
Published: December 2022

Administrative burdens are widespread and likely to generate unequal opportunities in access to government programs and other important entitlements. Whereas a large body of research has examined administrative burdens in citizen‐state encounters, little is known either theoretically or empirically about burdens in business–government interactions. In this article, we argue that private businesses, just like individual citizens, experience administrative burdens in encounters with the government, and that these burdens are the result of bureaucratic procedures as well as the administrative capital resources in the businesses themselves. We present empirical evidence from an original study of Danish businesses' learning and compliance costs in government purchasing contracts. The findings suggest that businesses' learning and compliance costs are shaped more by bureaucratic procedures and requirements than by the administrative capital resources businesses can mobilize in response. We propose steps governments can take to reduce administrative burdens and harness public values in business‐government interactions.
An empirical investigation of the distinction between passive and active ideation: Understanding the latent structure of suicidal thought content
Authors: Wastler Heather M. , Khazem Lauren R. , Ammendola Ennio , Baker Justin C. , Bauder Christina Rose , Tabares Jeffrey , Bryan AnnaBelle O. , Szeto Edwin , Bryan Craig J.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Although the distinction between passive and active suicidal ideation is well accepted by suicide researchers and clinicians, there has been very little empirical investigation into this distinction. The current study addressed this gap by examining the latent structure of suicidal ideation based on thought content.

Method

Participants from two distinct samples of U.S. adults (n1 = 6200; n2 = 10,625) completed a self‐report assessment of eight commonly experienced suicidal thoughts using the Self‐Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview‐Revised. Exploratory structural equation modeling was used to examine the latent structure of suicidal thoughts.

Results

The two‐factor model demonstrated significantly better fit than the one‐factor solution across both samples. Thoughts typically classified as passive ideation strongly loaded onto one factor, whereas thoughts typically classified as active ideation loaded onto the second factor. The two factors were highly correlated and some suicidal thoughts exhibited meaningful cross‐loading.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that passive and active ideation are two distinct constructs. Although they often co‐occur, passive and active ideation are not nested constructs and should not be viewed as gradients of one underlying construct. Our findings suggest that at a minimum both passive and active ideation should be included in all suicide risk assessments and screenings.
Likert Items: Should(n’t) We Really Care?
Authors: Doe Raymond , Landrum Bryan A. , Lewis Kaelyn M. , Glenn Matthew E. , Smith Jacob D.
Published: December 2022

One of the controversial methodological topics in the social and behavioral sciences is the (ab)use of Likert Scale items, Likert-type items and ranked ordered response categories. The debate is whether parametric tests can be legitimately conducted on technically ordinal response categories that are represented with numbers. Participants answered survey questions on moral disengagement, where we changed the intervals of seven response categories and tested whether assigning numbers made any difference in two separate studies. The results showed that participants’ ratings were not significantly different with or without numbers. Participants tend to covertly superimpose numbers where none were provided. Also, there were no significant interactions between assignment of numbers and ‘intervalness’. However, ratings were significantly different between two key interval groups. Knowing the assumptions of respondents to these Likert items even without numbers could inform researchers especially if parametric tests are to be conducted.
Effects of a Multicomponent Exercise and Therapeutic Lifestyle (CERgAS) Intervention on Gait Function in Lower-Income Urban-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Loh Debbie Ann , Naqiah Hairi Noran , Mohd Hairi Farizah , Peramalah Devi , Kandiben Shathanapriya , Abd Hamid Mohd Alif Idham , Bulgiba Awang , Salam Mushtahid , Said Mas Ayu , Rizal Hussein , Danaee Mahmoud , Choo Wan Yuen
Published: December 2022

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of a multicomponent exercise and therapeutic lifestyle (CERgAS) intervention at improving gait speed among older people in an urban poor setting in Malaysia. A total of 249 participants were divided into the intervention (n = 163) and control (n = 86) groups. The mean (SD) age of participants was 67.83 (6.37) and consisted of 88 (35.3%) males and 161 (64.7%) females. A generalized estimating equation with an intention-to-treat analysis was used to measure gait speed at four time points, baseline (T0), 6 weeks (T1), 3 months postintervention (T2), and 6 months postintervention (T3). The results showed significant changes for time between T0 and T3 (mean difference = 0.0882, p = .001), whereas no significant association were found for group (p = .650) and interaction (p = .348) effects. A 6-week intervention is inadequate to improve gait speed. Future efforts should introduce physical activity monitoring and increase exercise duration, frequency, and intensity.
Purine Nucleosides Interfere with c-di-AMP Levels and Act as Adjuvants To Re-Sensitize MRSA To β-Lactam Antibiotics
Authors: Nolan Aaron C. , Zeden Merve S. , Kviatkovski Igor , Campbell Christopher , Urwin Lucy , Corrigan Rebecca M. , Gründling Angelika , O’Gara James P.
Published: December 2022

The clinical burden of infections caused by antimicrobial resistant (AMR) pathogens is a leading threat to public health. Maintaining the effectiveness of existing antimicrobial drugs or finding ways to reintroduce drugs to which resistance is widespread is an important part of efforts to address the AMR crisis.
Biogeographic Patterns and Community Assembly Processes of Bacterioplankton and Potential Pathogens in Subtropical Estuaries in China
Authors: Chen Wenjian , Sang Shilei , Shao Liyi , Li Yusen , Li Tongzhou , Gan Lihong , Liu Li , Wang Dapeng , Zhou Lei
Published: December 2022

Bacterioplankton play an important role in estuarine ecosystem functions and services; however, potentially pathogenic bacteria may exhibit infectivity and pose a serious threat to environmental and human health. In this study, geographic patterns and assembly processes of bacterioplankton communities in 30 subtropical estuaries were explored, and potential pathogenic bacteria in the estuaries were detected and profiled.
COVID-19 international experience in paediatric patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Yeh Mary J , Bergersen Lisa , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Barry Oliver M , Batlivala Sarosh P , Bjornlund Elsa , Boe Brian , Caneo Luiz Fernando , Croti Ulisses A , Doyle Thomas , Furnaz Shumaila , Moraes Rodrigo Cesar , O'Byrne Michael L , de Oliveira Paes Erica , Palacios-Macedo Alexis , Pechilkov Dimitar , Sandoval Nestor Fernando , Sen Supratim , Stajevic Mila , Travessa Marco Antonio Ferreira , Jenkins Kathy J
Published: December 2022

Objective

As COVID-19 continues to affect the global population, it is crucial to study the impact of the disease in vulnerable populations. This study of a diverse, international cohort aims to provide timely, experiential data on the course of disease in paediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

Data were collected by capitalising on two pre-existing CHD registries, the International Quality Improvement Collaborative for Congenital Heart Disease:Improving Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countriesand the Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Project on Outcomes. 35 participating sites reported data for all patients under 18 years of age with diagnosed CHD and known COVID-19 illness during 2020 identified at their institution. Patients were classified as low, moderate or high risk for moderate or severe COVID-19 illness based on patient anatomy, physiology and genetic syndrome using current published guidelines. Association of risk factors with hospitalisation and intensive care unit (ICU) level care were assessed.

Results

The study included 339 COVID-19 cases in paediatric patients with CHD from 35 sites worldwide. Of these cases, 84 patients (25%) required hospitalisation, and 40 (12%) required ICU care. Age <1 year, recent cardiac intervention, anatomical complexity, clinical cardiac status and overall risk were all significantly associated with need for hospitalisation and ICU admission. A multivariable model for ICU admission including clinical cardiac status and recent cardiac intervention produced a c-statistic of 0.86.

Conclusions

These observational data suggest risk factors for hospitalisation related to COVID-19 in paediatric CHD include age, lower functional cardiac status and recent cardiac interventions. There is a need for further data to identify factors relevant to the care of patients with CHD who contract COVID-19 illness.
Research priorities in children and adults with congenital heart disease: a James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership
Authors: Drury Nigel E , Herd Clare P , Biglino Giovanni , Brown Katherine L , Coats Louise , Cumper Michael J , Guerrero Rafael R , Miskin Alex , Murray Sarah , Pender Fraser , Rooprai Sasha , Simpson John M , Thomson John D R , Weinkauf Jara , Wootton Julie , Jones Timothy J , Cowan Katherine
Published: December 2022

Objective

To bring together patients, parents, charities and clinicians in a Priority Setting Partnership to establish national clinical priorities for research in children and adults with congenital heart disease.

Methods

The established James Lind Alliance methodology was used to identify and prioritise research on the management of congenital heart disease, focusing on diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. An initial open survey was used to gather potential uncertainties which were filtered, categorised, converted into summary questions and checked against current evidence. In a second survey, respondents identified the unanswered questions most important to them. At two final workshops, patients, parents, charities and healthcare professionals agreed the top 10 lists of priorities for child/antenatal and adult congenital heart disease research.

Results

524 respondents submitted 1373 individual questions, from which 313 out of scope or duplicate questions were removed. The remaining 1060 questions were distilled into summary questions and checked against existing literature, with only three questions deemed entirely answered and removed. 250 respondents completed the child/antenatal survey (56 uncertainties) and 252 completed the adult survey (47 uncertainties). The questions ranked the highest by clinicians and non-clinicians were taken forward to consensus workshops, where two sets of top 10 research priorities were agreed.

Conclusions

Through an established and equitable process, we determined national clinical priorities for congenital heart disease research. These will be taken forward by specific working groups, a national patient and public involvement group, and through the establishment of a UK and Ireland network for collaborative, multicentre clinical trials in congenital heart disease.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of Bi2Te3 by La2O3 dispersion
Authors: He Qinglin , Zhang Wanwan , Liu Xin , Song Hongzhang
Published: December 2022

Bi2Te3 is a classical thermoelectrical material and has been applied widely in commerciality. In this paper, the influence of La2O3 dispersion as the nanosecond phase on the thermoelectric properties of Bi2Te3 was investigated. The Bi2Te3 nanopowders were prepared by the hydrothermal method. After adding the La2O3 nanopowders according to Bi2Te3 + [Formula: see text] wt% La2O3 ([Formula: see text], 0.5, 1.0, 1.5), they were hot pressed into bulks in vacuum. The experimental results showed that the dispersed La2O3 as the nanosecond phase could enhance phonon scattering and suppress the thermal conductivity of Bi2Te3 effectively. Although their electrical resistivity increased due to the deteriorated carrier mobility, as a combined effect, the thermoelectric merit value (ZT) of the Bi2Te3 + 0.5 (or 1.0) wt% La2O3 was optimized and reached 0.61 at about 455 K.
Vertex Fault-Tolerant Geometric Spanners for Weighted Points
Authors: Bhattacharjee Sukanya , Inkulu R.
Published: December 2022

Given a set [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] points, a weight function [Formula: see text] to associate a non-negative weight to each point in [Formula: see text], a positive integer [Formula: see text], and a real number [Formula: see text], we present algorithms for computing a spanner network [Formula: see text] for the metric space [Formula: see text] induced by the weighted points in [Formula: see text]. The weighted distance function [Formula: see text] on the set [Formula: see text] of points is defined as follows: for any [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is equal to [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text], otherwise, [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]. Here, [Formula: see text] is the Euclidean distance between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] if points in [Formula: see text] are in [Formula: see text], otherwise, it is the geodesic (Euclidean) distance between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The following are our results: (1) When the weighted points in [Formula: see text] are located in [Formula: see text], we compute a [Formula: see text]-vertex fault-tolerant [Formula: see text]-spanner network of size [Formula: see text]. (2) When the weighted points in [Formula: see text] are located in the relative interior of the free space of a polygonal domain [Formula: see text], we detail an algorithm to compute a [Formula: see text]-vertex fault-tolerant [Formula: see text]-spanner network with [Formula: see text] edges. Here, [Formula: see text] is the number of simple polygonal holes in [Formula: see text]. (3) When the weighted points in [Formula: see text] are located on a polyhedral terrain [Formula: see text], we propose an algorithm to compute a [Formula: see text]-vertex fault-tolerant [Formula: see text]-spanner network, and the number of edges in this network is [Formula: see text].
Dielectric Modified Separators for High-Voltage and High-Rate Supercapacitors
Authors: Bai Yuge , Li Nan , Yuan Boheng , Li Lei , Yang Chao , Bin Zhao  , Xiao Bing , Han Xiaogang
Published: December 2022

Widening the operational voltage window (OVW) of electrolytes has long been attracting researchers’ attention as an effective solution for improving the energy density of supercapacitors (SCs). However, the application of commercial cellulose separators in SCs under high voltage is impeded because of the hygroscopic property of hydroxyl functional groups and high self-discharges. Herein, the dielectric materials poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) PVDF-HFP and TiO2 are employed to modify the surfaces of cellulose separators, which has improved the rate (100% capacitance retention at 20 A g−1) and cyclic (over 83% capacitance retention after 10000 cycles) performance of SCs significantly. In addition, the OVW of the organic electrolyte is widened from 2.7 V to 3.8 V. The possible mechanism underlying the function of dielectric materials in SCs is discussed by establishing a model and performing inferential calculation.
Terapéutica en diverticulitis aguda: una actualización de la evidencia disponible
Authors: Morales Palma Álvaro José , Irarrazaval Mainguyague María Jesús , Escárate Lorca Jorge , Urrejola Schmied Gonzalo Ignacio
Published: December 2022

La prevalencia de enfermedad diverticular en Chile se estima en 28% y cada vez es más frecuente su presentación como diverticulitis complicada. Durante los últimos años ha surgido evidencia que ha hecho replantear el manejo de la diverticulitis aguda. Históricamente los antibióticos han sido pilar fundamental del tratamiento de la diverticulitis aguda, sin embargo, evidencia reciente muestra que pacientes con un episodio de diverticulitis aguda no complicada pueden ser tratados sin ellos. Con respecto al manejo quirúrgico, la cirugía de emergencia está indicada en peritonitis difusa, absceso no puncionable asociado a sepsis y fracaso de tratamiento; tanto la cirugía de Hartmann como resección y anastomosis primaria son opciones válidas según el escenario. La cirugía electiva debe indicarse caso a caso y se debe optar por abordaje laparoscópico dentro de lo posible. Al enfrentarse a pacientes inmunosuprimidos se debe ser más agresivo en el manejo. La indicación de colonoscopía posterior a un episodio de diverticulitis aguda se reserva para pacientes en los que se haya presentado como un episodio de diverticulitis complicada, en aquellos que corresponda realizar tamizaje para cáncer colorrectal y en los que presenten síntomas o signos sugerentes de neoplasia colorrectal.
Simultaneous Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome and Leydig Cell Tumor in a Patient with Azoospermia: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Bapir Rawa , Salih Rawezh Q. , Salih Karzan M. , Shabur Bana , Salih Abdulwahid M. , Kakamad Fahmi H. , Abdullah Hiwa O. , Fattah Fattah H. , Mohammed Shvan H.
Published: December 2022

Testicular cancers comprise 1–1.5% of entire cancers in men, and sex cord-stromal tumors include 5% of testicular cancers. This study aims to report a simultaneous Sertoli cell-only syndrome and Leydig cell tumor in the same patient. A 32-year-old man presented with a history of primary infertility for 3 years. Physical examination revealed normal secondary sexual characteristics. Two successive seminal fluid analyses revealed azoospermia. A scrotal ultrasound scan showed a 28 × 27 mm hypoechoic and hypervascular right testicular mass. Right radical orchiectomy and simultaneous left testicular biopsy were conducted. The histopathological examination revealed Sertoli cell-only syndrome and Leydig cell tumor with focal Leydig cell hyperplasia. Reversing fertility following the management of Leydig cell tumor is rarely mentioned in the literature. A study revealed that fertility recovered following 4 months of management in a primary infertile male. However, infertile men with nonobstructive azoospermia due to SCOS can only have a child by testicular sperm extraction technique. Despite the rare occurrence of Leydig cell tumor, it could be seen in association with Sertoli cell-only syndrome in infertile men with azoospermia. Clinical examination and imaging studies are important in these patients as the possibility of having a testicular mass is high among them.