bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a self-help group intervention using Teaching Recovery Techniques to improve mental health among Syrian refugees in Norway: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hasha Wegdan , Igland Jannicke , Fadnes Lars T. , Kumar Bernadette N. , Heltne Unni M. , Diaz Esperanza
Published: September 2022

Background

Mental health symptoms among refugees are common, often related to chronic pain disorders, and their management is usually challenging. Studies evaluating the effect of group therapies among adult refugees to improve mental health symptoms are scarce.

Aims

To assess the effect of Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT) on mental health and to reduce pain disorder among adult Syrian refugees.

Method

A randomized controlled trial was designed to study the effect of a self-help group intervention using TRT. The outcomes, mental health symptoms measured by Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and chronic pain measured by Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), were reported as regression coefficients (B) with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Seventy-six adults participated: 38 in the intervention and 38 in the control groups. Intention-to-treat analyses showed a significant effect on general mental health as measured by GHQ-12 with B (95% CI) of -3.8 (-7.2, -0.4). There was no effect of TRT on mental health when assessed by IES-R (-1.3 (-8.7, 6.2)) or on pain levels assessed by BPI (-0.04 (-4.0, 3.9)).

Conclusions

This self-help group intervention significantly improved general mental health symptoms among adult refugees but had no effect on trauma symptoms or chronic pain. Higher participation rates might be necessary to achieve the full potential of TRT.

Trial registration: The trial was registered with Clinical Trials.gov at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03951909. To include user participation in the design of the interventions, the study was retrospectively registered on 19 February 2019.
ASXL1/2 mutations and myeloid malignancies
Authors: Medina Edward A. , Delma Caroline R. , Yang Feng-Chun
Published: September 2022

Myeloid malignancies develop through the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations that dysregulate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal, stimulate HSC proliferation and result in differentiation defects. The polycomb group (PcG) and trithorax group (TrxG) of epigenetic regulators act antagonistically to regulate the expression of genes key to stem cell functions. The genes encoding these proteins, and the proteins that interact with them or affect their occupancy at chromatin, are frequently mutated in myeloid malignancies. PcG and TrxG proteins are regulated by Enhancers of Trithorax and Polycomb (ETP) proteins. ASXL1 and ASXL2 are ETP proteins that assemble chromatin modification complexes and transcription factors. ASXL1 mutations frequently occur in myeloid malignancies and are associated with a poor prognosis, whereas ASXL2 mutations frequently occur in AML with t(8;21)/RUNX1-RUNX1T1 and less frequently in other subtypes of myeloid malignancies. Herein, we review the role of ASXL1 and ASXL2 in normal and malignant hematopoiesis by summarizing the findings of mouse model systems and discussing their underlying molecular mechanisms.
Optimizing a Bayesian hierarchical adaptive platform trial design for stroke patients
Authors: Gao Guangyi , Gajewski Byron J. , Wick Jo , Beall Jonathan , Saver Jeffrey L. , Meinzer Caitlyn ,   the STEP-STONE Executive Committee, Derdeyn Colin , Fiorella David , Jovin Tudor , Khatri Pooja , Mistry Eva , Mocco J. , Nogueira Raul , Siddiqui Adnan
Published: September 2022

Background

Platform trials are well-known for their ability to investigate multiple arms on heterogeneous patient populations and their flexibility to add/drop treatment arms due to efficacy/lack of efficacy. Because of their complexity, it is important to develop highly optimized, transparent, and rigorous designs that are cost-efficient, offer high statistical power, maximize patient benefit, and are robust to changes over time.

Methods

To address these needs, we present a Bayesian platform trial design based on a beta-binomial model for binary outcomes that uses three key strategies: (1) hierarchical modeling of subgroups within treatment arms that allows for borrowing of information across subgroups, (2) utilization of response-adaptive randomization (RAR) schemes that seek a tradeoff between statistical power and patient benefit, and (3) adjustment for potential drift over time. Motivated by a proposed clinical trial that aims to find the appropriate treatment for different subgroup populations of ischemic stroke patients, extensive simulation studies were performed to validate the approach, compare different allocation rules, and study the model operating characteristics.

Results and conclusions

Our proposed approach achieved high statistical power and good patient benefit and was also robust against population drift over time. Our design provided a good balance between the strengths of both the traditional RAR scheme and fixed 1:1 allocation and may be a promising choice for dichotomous outcomes trials investigating multiple subgroups.
Practical guidance for running late-phase platform protocols for clinical trials: lessons from experienced UK clinical trials units
Authors: Love Sharon B. , Cafferty Fay , Snowdon Claire , Carty Karen , Savage Joshua , Pallmann Philip , McParland Lucy , Brown Louise , Masters Lindsey , Schiavone Francesca , Hague Dominic , Townsend Stephen , Amos Claire , South Annabelle , Sturgeon Kate , Langley Ruth , Maughan Timothy , James Nicholas , Hall Emma , Kernaghan Sarah , Bliss Judith , Turner Nick , Tutt Andrew , Yap Christina , Firth Charlotte , Kong Anthony , Mehanna Hisham , Watts Colin , Hills Robert , Thomas Ian , Copland Mhairi , Bell Sue , Sebag-Montefiore David , Jones Robert , Parmar Mahesh K. B. , Sydes Matthew R.
Published: September 2022

Background

Late-phase platform protocols (including basket, umbrella, multi-arm multi-stage (MAMS), and master protocols) are generally agreed to be more efficient than traditional two-arm clinical trial designs but are not extensively used. We have gathered the experience of running a number of successful platform protocols together to present some operational recommendations.

Methods

Representatives of six UK clinical trials units with experience in running late-phase platform protocols attended a 1-day meeting structured to discuss various practical aspects of running these trials. We report and give guidance on operational aspects which are either harder to implement compared to a traditional late-phase trial or are specific to platform protocols.

Results

We present a list of practical recommendations for trialists intending to design and conduct late-phase platform protocols. Our recommendations cover the entire life cycle of a platform trial: from protocol development, obtaining funding, and trial set-up, to a wide range of operational and regulatory aspects such as staffing, oversight, data handling, and data management, to the reporting of results, with a particular focus on communication with trial participants and stakeholders as well as public and patient involvement.

Discussion

Platform protocols enable many questions to be answered efficiently to the benefit of patients. Our practical lessons from running platform trials will support trial teams in learning how to run these trials more effectively and efficiently.
A protocol for monitoring fidelity of a preconception-life course intervention in a middle-income setting: the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI), South Africa
Authors: Soepnel Larske M. , Draper Catherine E. , Mabetha Khuthala , Dennis Cindy-Lee , Prioreschi Alessandra , Lye Stephen , Norris Shane A.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Despite the importance of intervention fidelity in interpreting the outcomes of complex public health interventions, there is a lack of both reporting fidelity trial protocols and uniformity. In evaluating complex, adaptable/pragmatic interventions in resource-strapped settings with systemic issues, unique challenges to intervention adherence and monitoring are introduced, increasing the importance of a fidelity protocol. We aim to describe the intervention fidelity and monitoring protocol for the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI) South Africa, a complex four-phase intervention set in urban Soweto, starting preconceptionally and continuing through to pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood to improve the health of young women and reduce the intergenerational risk of obesity.

Methods

The HeLTI SA fidelity protocol was based on the NIH Behaviour Change Consortium (NIH BCC) Treatment Fidelity Framework, outlining the following components of intervention fidelity: study design, provider training, intervention delivery, intervention receipt, and intervention enactment. Context-specific fidelity challenges were identified. The intervention fidelity components and associated monitoring strategies were developed to align with HeLTI SA. Strategies for fidelity monitoring include, amongst others, qualitative process evaluation methods, reviewing observed and recorded intervention sessions, monitoring of activity logs, standardized training, and intervention session checklists. Possible challenges to fidelity and fidelity monitoring include high provider turnover, lack of qualification amongst providers, difficulty tracing participants for follow-up sessions, participant health literacy levels, and the need to prioritize participants’ non-health-related challenges. Solutions proposed include adapting intervention delivery methods, recruitment methods, and provider training methods.

Discussion

The NIH BCC Treatment Fidelity Framework provided a solid foundation for reporting intervention fidelity across settings to improve intervention validity, ability to assess intervention effectiveness, and transparency. However, context-specific challenges to fidelity (monitoring) were identified, and transparency around such challenges and possible solutions in low- and middle-income settings could help foster solutions to improve adherence, reporting, and monitoring of intervention fidelity in this setting.

Trial registration

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201903750173871. Registered on 27 March 2019
Circ0007042 alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration by adsorbing miR-369 to upregulate BMP2 and activate the PI3K/AKt pathway
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Zhao Yuguang , Liu Yi , Qu Zhigang , Zhuang Xinming , Song Qingxu , Li Haoyu , Leng Jiali
Published: September 2022

Background

To identify regulatory ncRNA molecules that can cause differential expression of CDH2 in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and explore whether there are other ways to affect the progression of IDD.

Methods

A primary culture of human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells was established and identified by immunofluorescence. An in vitro IDD model was constructed by compressing human NP cells, and the MTT assay was used to measure cell viability. Changes in the ncRNA group were analysed by RNA-seq. The expression levels of hsa_circ_7042, CDH2, and miR-369-3p were detected by qPCR. Cell apoptosis, senescence, and extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism were detected by flow cytometry, β-galactosidase staining, and Western blotting. hsa_circ_7042, miR-369-3p, and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) were verified by luciferase and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) analyses. The PI3K/Akt pathway was validated by transfection of BMP2 siRNA. Furthermore, a mouse model of lumbar spine instability was constructed. circ_7042 adenovirus was packaged and injected into the intervertebral discs of mice, and the influence of circ_7042 overexpression on intervertebral disc degeneration was determined.

Results

Western blotting, qPCR, and flow cytometry analyses confirmed that overexpression of circ_7042 could downregulate miR-369-3p and upregulate the expression of CDH2 and BMP2 in IDD cell and animal models. Additionally, the levels of apoptotic and senescent cells decreased, and ECM degradation decreased. The PI3K/Akt pathway was significantly activated after circ_7042 was overexpressed. The injection of circ_7042-overexpressing adenovirus effectively reduced ECM degradation and the level of apoptosis in NP tissue.

Conclusions

circ_7042 could upregulate the expression of CDH2 and BMP2 by absorbing miR-369-3p, and the increased BMP2 activated the PI3K/Akt pathway, thus improving IDD.
"Why I stay in community psychiatric rehabilitation": a semi-structured survey in persons with schizophrenia
Authors: Zheng Shan-Shan , Zhang Hui , Zhang Man-Hua , Li Xue , Chang Kuo , Yang Feng-Chi
Published: September 2022

Aims

Although community psychiatric rehabilitation plays an important role in returning persons with schizophrenia to the society, many patients in China stay in rehabilitation centers for longer periods of time and subsequently fail to integrate. This study is aimed to explore the underlying causes of this trend and identify possible solutions.

Methods

This study used a qualitative descriptive design to examine the persons with schizophrenia who stay in rehabilitation centers for longer periods of time. The researchers conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with the patients recruited through purposeful sampling. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed in transcripts in Chinese. Thematic analysis was performed using Colaizzi's 7-step method.

Results

Most patients believe that they have gained knowledge, improved skills, friendship and social circles through community mental rehabilitation, with the sense of belonging and enriched life strongly attracting them to the rehabilitation centers. They felt that the difficulty of further integration into society is mainly because of social prejudice and rejection. In addition, the activities of community mental rehabilitation meet the needs of social communication, which also hinder patients from further entering the society.

Conclusions

Persons with schizophrenia with long-term stay in community mental rehabilitation centers meet their friendship, sense of belonging and social needs by participating in rehabilitation activities. Providing special social opportunity for these patients can get them out of the rehabilitation center. Overall, it is possible for patients to gradually return to society in a collective form.
Effects of psilocybin versus escitalopram on rumination and thought suppression in depression
Authors: Barba Tommaso , Buehler Sarah , Kettner Hannes , Radu Caterina , Cunha Bruna Giribaldi , Nutt David J. , Erritzoe David , Roseman Leor , Carhart-Harris Robin
Published: September 2022

Background

Major depressive disorder is often associated with maladaptive coping strategies, including rumination and thought suppression.

Aims

To assess the comparative effect of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram, and the serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin (COMP360), on rumination and thought suppression in major depressive disorder.

Method

Based on data derived from a randomised clinical trial (N = 59), we performed exploratory analyses on the impact of escitalopram versus psilocybin (i.e. condition) on rumination and thought suppression from 1 week before to 6 weeks after treatment inception (i.e. time), using mixed analysis of variance. Condition responder versus non-responder subgroup analyses were also done, using the standard definition of ≥50% symptom reduction.

Results

A time×condition interaction was found for rumination (F(1, 56) = 4.58, P = 0.037) and thought suppression (F(1,57) = 5.88, P = 0.019), with post hoc tests revealing significant decreases exclusively in the psilocybin condition. When analysing via response, a significant time×condition×response interaction for thought suppression (F(1,54) = 8.42, P = 0.005) and a significant time×response interaction for rumination (F(1,54) = 23.50, P < 0.001) were evident. Follow-up tests revealed that decreased thought suppression was exclusive to psilocybin responders, whereas rumination decreased in both responder groups. In the psilocybin arm, decreases in rumination and thought suppression correlated with ego dissolution and session-linked psychological insight.

Conclusions

These data provide further evidence on the therapeutic mechanisms of psilocybin and escitalopram in the treatment of depression.
Characteristics of Cancer Survivors Living in Poverty in the United States: Results From the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey
Authors: Coughlin Steven S. , Datta Biplab , Williams Lovoria B. , Bevel Malcolm , Cortes Jorge E.
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE:

There has been increasing concern over the high cost of oncology care and its long-lasting impact on the well-being of cancer survivors.

METHODS:

We examined characteristics of impoverished cancer survivors in the United States, including their physical and mental health, using data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. We used binomial logistic regressions for binary outcome variables, and negative binomial regressions for count variables, to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and incident rate ratios (IRRs) of the physical, mental, and socioeconomic-related health factors for low-income cancer survivors versus higher-income survivors. We compared the ORs and IRRs for low-income cancer survivors with those of higher income cancer survivors.

RESULTS:

There was a two-fold increased odds (adjusted OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.86 to 2.91) of having fair/poor health for low-income cancer survivors compared with higher-income cancer survivors. There was an almost two-fold increased odds (adjusted OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.50 to 2.59) of not being able to see a doctor among low-income cancer survivors, and a 42% lower odds (adjusted OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.86) of having health insurance coverage for low-income cancer survivors compared with higher-income survivors. Incidence rate ratios for physical (IRR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.31 to 1.75) and mental (IRR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.26 to 1.86) unhealthy days were significantly higher among low-income cancer survivors compared with nonpoor cancer survivors.

CONCLUSION:

Strategies are available to ameliorate financial hardship at multiple levels. Implementation of these strategies is urgently needed.
“Do Poor Tom Some Charity”: Performing Poverty and Pity in King Lear
Authors: Larre Lindsey
Published: September 2022

The many disguises of Edgar in King Lear have led critics to dub the chameleonic figure a choreographer of human compassion in a play that holds compassion as a vital dramaturgical principle. This essay argues that Edgar's performances of suffering and his choreographies of deception reveal how costly are the demands of performing true compassion, and thus how rare is the response he will come to recognize as “good pity.” Examining closely the responses elicited by Edgar's performance of affliction alongside Edgar's response to witnessing the suffering of others, the article explores how the elusive Edgar serves as an embodied exploration of problems of poverty and almsgiving, of the moral status of playacting, and, most profoundly, of the complex nature of Christian charity and compassion. In the space Edgar opens between coerced care and complicit compassion, between the obligations of caritas and the possibilities of drama, Shakespeare questions what it entails to meaningfully respond to the suffering of another, and what tools — if any — theater might offer this project.
“Good in Every Thing”: Erasmus and Communal Virtue in As You Like It
Authors: Lupton Julia Reinhard
Published: September 2022

This essay explores the Erasmian humanism and ecosociable sensibility of As You Like It. Both Shakespeare and Erasmus cultivated recreation and play, practiced an irenic and ecumenical approach to wisdom, respected women's virtuous capacity, and acknowledged their kinship with other creatures. Like The Praise of Folly and Erasmus's writings on friendship and peace, As You Like It builds a multidimensional portrait of virtue as lively, gracious, embodied, performative, hospitable, and always open to irony — aware of the costs and conditions of virtue in the world. In his irenic writings, Erasmus lays out an account of human nature that highlights human beings’ vulnerability, sociability, and creaturely state. How does a naturally gentle species become bellicose? Echoing the teachings of Pythagoras, Erasmus finds the origins of war in the killing of animals, first in self-defense and then in the hunt. In As You Like It, Shakespeare traces the emergence of human and animal aggression from acts of self-preservation and care, and he stages a softened Augustinianism in a created world that is “very good” (Gen. 1:31). His Erasmian sensibility is also Orphic and Pythagorean. This essay supplements Renaissance humanism with Rabbinic and post-Rabbinic readings of Genesis in order to construe the virtue of magnanimity as a hospitable stance toward different wisdom traditions.
A living mapping review for COVID-19 funded research projects: 18 month update
Authors: Bucher Adrian , Antonio Emilia , Grund Henrike , Jabin Nusrat , Jones Chantel , Kifle Meron , Khader Susan , Boily-Larouche Genevieve , Lay Morgan , Norton Alice
Published: September 2022

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in an unprecedented research response, demonstrating exceptional examples of rapid research and collaboration. There has however been an ongoing need for greater coordination, with limited resources for research and the shifting global pandemic.

Methods: The UK Collaborative on Development Research (UKCDR) and Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness (GloPID-R), two funder coordination groups have collaborated to develop a live database of funded research projects across the world relating to COVID-19. Drawing data continually from their members and further global funding bodies, as of 15th January 2022 the database contains 14,778 projects, funded by 306 funders, taking place across 157 countries representing an investment of at least $5.7 billion. To our knowledge it is one of the most comprehensive databases. The database is aligned to the World Health Organisation and GloPID-R Global Research Roadmap: 2019 Novel Coronavirus and the UN Research Roadmap for the COVID-19 Recovery. It is being used by the WHO, governments and further policy makers, research funders and researchers.

This living mapping review aims to supplement the database by providing an open accessible and frequently updated resource summarising the characteristics of the COVID-19 funded research portfolio. Both descriptive and thematic analysis are presented and updated frequently to aid interpretation of the global COVID-19 funded research portfolio.

Results: In this version seven analysis we provide an updated detailed descriptive analysis of the database (on data from three months after version six) and focus our thematic analysis on research gaps, research areas in need of coordination, study populations and research locations (with a focus on resource-limited countries).

Conclusions: As the global funding response to COVID-19 plateaus, this living mapping review helps both funders and researchers to prioritise resources to areas where there is continued unmet research need.
Iodine supplementation by women of childbearing potential and in pregnancies - analysis of knowledge among students
Authors: Wójcik-Grudzień Justyna , Ozga-Stachurska Alicja , Pawłowska Paulina , Rozenbajgier Martyna
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Iodine is necessary for the proper production of triiodothyronine and thyroxine, which affect the development and proper functioning of the body. Thyroid hormones are involved in the transformation of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins, and also regulate the processes of cell growth and maturation. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy has many consequences for the fetus and newborn, some of them an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects or abnormal mental development. Iodine deficiency through lack of supplementation or deficiency in the daily diet, as well as the consumption of an excess amount of this microelement, may be associated with serious and irreversible consequences affecting the development and further functioning of the fetus.

Aim of the study

 Presentation of the impact of iodine supplementation in reproductive age and pregnancy on fetal development and students' knowledge of the need for this supplementation.

Materials and method

A survey of 404 students. The results were compared with the current scientific literature. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel.

 

Results

 In the study group, almost every third student believed that current recommendations recommend that women planning pregnancy should take iodine preparations. Every tenth student gave the correct dose of recommended supplementation of the microelement in question.

 

Conclusions

Research shows that more than half of students are not aware of the need to supplement iodine at the reproductive age. The data indicate that young people should be made aware of the need for iodine supplementation.
influence of dioxines on endometriosis development – study review
Authors: Ozga-Stachurska Alicja Maria , Wójcik-Grudzień Justyna , Pawłowska Paulina , Rozenbajgier Martyna
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls are considered to be among the most toxic to humans due to their persistence, resistance to degradation and chemical properties. Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial cells outside the uterine cavity showing secretory activity. It is one of the most common causes of pelvic pain and decreased fertility; is formed as a result of the action of hormonal and immune mechanisms. The exact etiology is unknown and multifactorial; risk factors for endometriosis include both family conditions and various environmental factors, including exposure to chemicals.
The aim of the study:  Evaluation of the impact of dioxins on endometriosis development.
Materials and methods: A research was performed using Pubmed, Google Scholar and ResearchGate; we made review and meta-analysis of the most relevant studies.
Results: Dioxins can contribute to cancer development, which is well documented, as well as several conditions, such as sexual dysfunctions, oxidative stress and inflammation. Doxins have similar structure to steroid hormones, so their main target are male and female gonads, thyroid gland and other organs in which steroid hormones are produced.
Conclusions: Endometriosis is a multifactorial disease, whereas dioxins are strong poisons that have an adverse effect on live organisms. Many epidemiological studies suggest that dioxins may significantly contribute to the development of endometriosis.
Remote implementation of quantum operations in quantum multihop networks
Authors: Wu Fan , Tang Liang , Bai Ming-Qiang , Mo Zhi-Wen
Published: September 2022

Combining the method of the multihop and the idea of the remote implementation of quantum operations, the multihop quantum operation teleportation is proposed in this paper, that is, the remote implementation of quantum operations in quantum multihop networks. Here the source and destination node do not directly share entangled states at first, which can be established through the entanglement swapping of the intermediate nodes. In addition, taking the phase-damping and the bit-flipping noise as typical noisy channels, we use the fidelity to quantify the effect of our protocol in these two types of noise environments. Furthermore, compared with the protocol employing classical sequential entanglement swapping, our protocol can reduce the communication delay using simultaneous measurements.
Automated sickle cell disease identification in human red blood cells using a lensless single random phase encoding biosensor and convolutional neural networks
Authors: Douglass Peter M. , O’Connor Timothy , Javidi Bahram
Published: September 2022

We present a compact, field portable, lensless, single random phase encoding biosensor for automated classification between healthy and sickle cell disease human red blood cells. Microscope slides containing 3 µl wet mounts of whole blood samples from healthy and sickle cell disease afflicted human donors are input into a lensless single random phase encoding (SRPE) system for disease identification. A partially coherent laser source (laser diode) illuminates the cells under inspection wherein the object complex amplitude propagates to and is pseudorandomly encoded by a diffuser, then the intensity of the diffracted complex waveform is captured by a CMOS image sensor. The recorded opto-biological signatures are transformed using local binary pattern map generation during preprocessing then input into a pretrained convolutional neural network for classification between healthy and disease-states. We further provide analysis that compares the performance of several neural network architectures to optimize our classification strategy. Additionally, we assess the performance and computational savings of classifying on subsets of the opto-biological signatures with substantially reduced dimensionality, including one dimensional cropping of the recorded signatures. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a lensless SRPE biosensor for human disease identification. As such, the presented approach and results can be significant for low-cost disease identification both in the field and for healthcare systems in developing countries which suffer from constrained resources.
Ultrafast visible-infrared photodetector based on the SnSe2/Bi2Se3 heterostructure
Authors: Guo Cheng , Liu Changlong , Zhang Shi , Shi Chaofan , Chen Zhiqingzi , Yu XianBin , Chen Xiaoshuang
Published: September 2022

Using the inherent properties of a heterostructure, ultrafast photodetectors with high sensitivity can be progressively developed that have the potential to carve a niche among the optoelectronic devices. In this Letter, a heterojunction photodetector based on SnSe2/Bi2Se3 is constructed, and a visible–infrared photoresponse with good sensitivity at room temperature is obtained. The SnSe2/Bi2Se3 photodetector demonstrates a high Iph/Id ratio of 1.2 × 104 at 0 V. Moreover, the high responsivity of 2.3 A/W, detectivity of 1.6 × 1011 Jones, and fast response time of 40 µs are simultaneously achieved. The presented results offer an alternative route for ultrafast photodetectors with high sensitivity.
Multi-omics subtyping of hepatocellular carcinoma patients using a Bayesian network mixture model
Authors: Suter Polina , Dazert Eva , Kuipers Jack , Ng Charlotte K. Y. , Boldanova Tuyana , Hall Michael N. , Heim Markus H. , Beerenwinkel Niko
Published: September 2022

Comprehensive molecular characterization of cancer subtypes is essential for predicting clinical outcomes and searching for personalized treatments. We present bnClustOmics, a statistical model and computational tool for multi-omics unsupervised clustering, which serves a dual purpose: Clustering patient samples based on a Bayesian network mixture model and learning the networks of omics variables representing these clusters. The discovered networks encode interactions among all omics variables and provide a molecular characterization of each patient subgroup. We conducted simulation studies that demonstrated the advantages of our approach compared to other clustering methods in the case where the generative model is a mixture of Bayesian networks. We applied bnClustOmics to a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) dataset comprising genome (mutation and copy number), transcriptome, proteome, and phosphoproteome data. We identified three main HCC subtypes together with molecular characteristics, some of which are associated with survival even when adjusting for the clinical stage. Cluster-specific networks shed light on the links between genotypes and molecular phenotypes of samples within their respective clusters and suggest targets for personalized treatments.
What lies underneath: Precise classification of brain states using time-dependent topological structure of dynamics
Authors: Soler-Toscano Fernando , Galadí Javier A. , Escrichs Anira , Sanz Perl Yonatan , López-González Ane , Sitt Jacobo D. , Annen Jitka , Gosseries Olivia , Thibaut Aurore , Panda Rajanikant , Esteban Francisco J. , Laureys Steven , Kringelbach Morten L. , Langa José A. , Deco Gustavo
Published: September 2022

The self-organising global dynamics underlying brain states emerge from complex recursive nonlinear interactions between interconnected brain regions. Until now, most efforts of capturing the causal mechanistic generating principles have supposed underlying stationarity, being unable to describe the non-stationarity of brain dynamics, i.e. time-dependent changes. Here, we present a novel framework able to characterise brain states with high specificity, precisely by modelling the time-dependent dynamics. Through describing a topological structure associated to the brain state at each moment in time (its attractor or ‘information structure’), we are able to classify different brain states by using the statistics across time of these structures hitherto hidden in the neuroimaging dynamics. Proving the strong potential of this framework, we were able to classify resting-state BOLD fMRI signals from two classes of post-comatose patients (minimally conscious state and unresponsive wakefulness syndrome) compared with healthy controls with very high precision.
Colonialism, malaria, and the decolonization of global health
Authors: Bump Jesse B. , Aniebo Ifeyinwa
Published: September 2022

This paper explores the decolonization of global health through a focus on malaria and European colonialism in Africa. We employ an historical perspective to better articulate what “colonial” means and to specify in greater detail how colonial ideas, patterns, and practices remain an obstacle to progress in global health now. This paper presents a history of malaria, a defining aspect of the colonial project. Through detailed analysis of the past, we recount how malaria became a colonial problem, how malaria control rose to prominence as a colonial activity, and how interest in malaria was harnessed to create the first schools of tropical medicine and the academic specialization now known as global health. We discuss how these historical experiences shape malaria policy around the world today. The objective of this paper is to advance discussion about how malaria and other aspects of global health could be decolonized, and to suggest directions for future analysis that can lead to concrete steps for action.
A baseline epidemiological study of the co-infection of enteric protozoans with human immunodeficiency virus among men who have sex with men from Northeast China
Authors: Zhao Wei , Yao Lan , Zhuang Min , Lin Yuan-Long , Chen Xiao-Hong , Wang Li , Song Bo , Zhao Ya-Shuang , Xiao Yun , Zhang Feng-Min , Wang Fu-Xiang , Ling Hong
Published: September 2022

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and enteric parasite co-infection not only aggravates the clinical symptoms of parasites but also accelerates acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) progression. However, co-infection research on men who have sex with men (MSM), the predominant high-risk population of HIV/AIDS in China, is still limited. In this study, we investigated the epidemiology of enteric parasites, risk factors, and associations with clinical significance in an MSM HIV/AIDS population in Heilongjiang Province, northeast China.

Methods

We recruited 308 MSMs HIV/AIDS patients and 199 HIV-negative individuals in two designated AIDS hospitals in Heilongjiang between April 2016 and July 2017. Fresh stool samples were collected. DNA extraction, molecular identification, and genotyping of Cryptosporidium species, Entamoeba histolytica, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis hominis were performed. Fourteen diarrhea-related pathogens were examined to exclude the influence of other bacterial pathogens on diarrhea incidence.

Results

31.5% of MSM HIV/AIDS participants were infected with at least one parasite species, a significantly higher proportion than that found in the HIV-negative individuals (2.5%). E. bieneusi presented the highest prevalence, followed by B. hominis, E. histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp., and C. cayetanensis. Warm seasons were the risk factor for parasitic infections in this population [odds ratio (OR) = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.47–4.57]. In addition, these individuals showed a higher proportion (35.8%) of present diarrhea (PD) compared with men who have sex with women (MSW) with HIV/AIDS (16.7%). The infection proportions of both Cryptosporidium spp. and E. histolytica were significantly higher in the PD. E. bieneusi infection was more prevalent in the historic diarrhea (HD) group. CD4+ T cell counts in the MSM patients with the above three parasites were significantly lower. New species and genotypes were found, and MSM patients had a wider range of species or genotypes.

Conclusions

Enteric parasitic infection was prevalent in the MSM HIV/AIDS population, especially in patients with present diarrhea during warm seasons. E. histolytica and B. hominis should also be considered high-risk parasites for opportunistic infections in AIDS patients in addition to Cryptosporidium spp.
Sensitivity to trustworthiness cues in own- and other-race faces: The role of spatial frequency information
Authors: Silvestri Valentina , Arioli Martina , Baccolo Elisa , Macchi Cassia Viola
Published: September 2022

Research has shown that adults are better at processing faces of the most represented ethnic group in their social environment compared to faces from other ethnicities, and that they rely more on holistic/configural information for identity discrimination in own-race than other-race faces. Here, we applied a spatial filtering approach to the investigation of trustworthiness perception to explore whether the information on which trustworthiness judgments are based differs according to face race. European participants (N = 165) performed an online-delivered pairwise preference task in which they were asked to select the face they would trust more within pairs randomly selected from validated White and Asian broad spectrum, low-pass filter and high-pass filter trustworthiness continua. Results confirmed earlier demonstrations that trustworthiness perception generalizes across face ethnicity, but discrimination of trustworthiness intensity relied more heavily on the LSF content of the images for own-race faces compared to other-race faces. Results are discussed in light of previous work on emotion discrimination and the hypothesis of overlapping perceptual mechanisms subtending social perception of faces.
Sexual reproduction and auxospore development in the diatom Biddulphia biddulphiana
Authors: Kaczmarska Irena , Ehrman James M. , Ashworth Matt P.
Published: September 2022

Phylogenetic relationships among mediophycean diatoms with elliptical valve outline and elevated apices have long been a subject of interest and debate, particularly with respect to their relationship to pennates. However, results remain inconclusive, whether based on vegetative valve morphology, reproduction, or molecular phylogenetic data. Searching for phylogenetically informative features, we re-examined sexual reproduction, auxospore structure and development in the diatom Biddulphia biddulphiana. Several unique or unusual features and processes characterized its sexual reproduction. A unique spermatogenesis occurs with premeiotic separation of an anucleate protoplast containing all chloroplasts and likely other organelles. Additionally, their auxospore walls are some of the most complex documented, retaining earlier deposited layers that obscure layers formed during later stages of development. The oldest layer consists of thick, mostly organic incunabulum, underlain by outer and inner epizonia and finally transverse (TP) and longitudinal (LP) perizonia. The complexity of the fine structure of these layers is unprecedented. The orientation of some TP bands is also unique in mediophytes, with some perpendicular to the auxospore apical axis, parallel to each other, and open with aligned ends, as typically seen in pennates. The TP also contains rings slanting toward the apices, as in some other mediophytes, e.g., eupodiscaceans. However, both eupodiscaceans and biddulphiaceans show perizonial band structure derived from anastomosing radial scales, thus termed “scaly bands”. Pinnate TP bands, common among pennate auxospores, were not found. Thus B. biddulphiana auxospore wall structure contains a mixture of characters specific to this clone but also known from mediophytes and araphid pennates. However, these features do not provide unequivocal evidence that this or the other Biddulphia species examined to date are the closest extant relatives of basal araphid pennates.
Indisulam synergizes with palbociclib to induce senescence through inhibition of CDK2 kinase activity
Authors: Pogacar Ziva , Johnson Jackie L. , Krenning Lenno , De Conti Giulia , Jochems Fleur , Lieftink Cor , Velds Arno , Wardak Leyma , Groot Kelvin , Schepers Arnout , Wang Liqin , Song Ji-Ying , van de Ven Marieke , van Tellingen Olaf , Medema Rene H. , Beijersbergen Roderick L. , Bernards Rene , Leite de Oliveira Rodrigo
Published: September 2022

Inducing senescence in cancer cells is emerging as a new therapeutic strategy. In order to find ways to enhance senescence induction by palbociclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor approved for treatment of metastatic breast cancer, we performed functional genetic screens in palbociclib-resistant cells. Using this approach, we found that loss of CDK2 results in strong senescence induction in palbociclib-treated cells. Treatment with the CDK2 inhibitor indisulam, which phenocopies genetic CDK2 inactivation, led to sustained senescence induction when combined with palbociclib in various cell lines and lung cancer xenografts. Treating cells with indisulam led to downregulation of cyclin H, which prevented CDK2 activation. Combined treatment with palbociclib and indisulam induced a senescence program and sensitized cells to senolytic therapy. Our data indicate that inhibition of CDK2 through indisulam treatment can enhance senescence induction by CDK4/6 inhibition.
Enhancing quinoa growth under severe saline-alkali stress by phosphate solubilizing microorganism Penicillium funicuiosum P1
Authors: Jin Fengyuan , Hu Qilin , Zhao Yingxu , Lin Xiaoyu , Zhang Jianfeng , Zhang Jiejing
Published: September 2022

Promoting the growth of plants and improving plant stress-resistance by plant growth-promoting microorganism increasingly become a hotpot. While, most researchers focus on their supply role of nutrition or plant hormone. In this study, a novel mechanism that phosphate solubilizing microorganisms promoted plant growth under saline-alkali stress through secretion of organic acids, was proposed. The effects of desulfurization gypsum, humic acid, organic fertilizer and phosphate-solubilizing microorganism Penicillium funicuiosum P1 (KX400570) on the growth of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa cv. Longli 1), showed that the survival rate, stem length and dry weight of quinoa treated with P1 were 2.5, 1.5, 1 and 1.5 times higher than those of sterile water (CK) under severe saline-alkali stress. The growth-promoting effect of P1 on quinoa was much better than that of other treatment groups. In addition, P1 promoted the growth of quinoa because the organic acids (malic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, etc.) from P1 stimulated the antioxidant system and promote the photosynthesis of quinoa, further promote quinoa growth.
Performance in youth track and field is associated with birth quartile. A register-based study among athletes in Norway from 10 years to senior level
Authors: Gundersen Hilde , Harris Anette , Grendstad Halvard , Kristoffersen Morten , Guttormsen Atle , Dalen Terje , Rygh Cecilie Brekke
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Earlier studies have demonstrated that the oldest in a competition class are more likely to succeed than the youngest, a phenomenon called relative age effect (RAE). Track and field give us an opportunity to investigate the advantage of being born early in the year based upon actual performance, since objective criteria are the performance indicators. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of RAE in Norwegian track and field athletes in events where physical capacity is important for success.

Methods

All individual season best results from the register of The Norwegian Athletics Federation (n = 28 999) obtained in all competition classes from the age of 10 years to senior in both sexes on 60m and 600m from 2011 to 2020 were downloaded. One-way ANOVA and LSD post hoc analyses were used to analyze performance differences according to birth quartiles between athletes. Further, odds ratios (OR) were used to calculate the odds of being among the top-100 for athletes for those born in the first quartile of the year compared to the last.

Results

The RAE was present in several of the competition classes in sprint compared to middle-distance running, and in more male than female competition classes. Overall, the OR of being among the top-100 in one of the competition classes on 60m sprint when born in first quartile compared to last quartile was 2.88 [2.30–3.62] for males and 1.54 [1.26–1.89] for females.

Conclusion

Being born early in the year in events with high demand for specific physical capacities is an advantage in both sexes in most of the youngest competition classes. In males, the advantage of being born early in the year lasted longer in sprint than in middle-distance running, indicating that puberty affects performance in sprint and middle-distance running differently.
Effects of retained dead wood on predation pressure on herbivores in young pine forests
Authors: Nordkvist Michelle , Jonsson Stephanie , Jonsell Mats , Klapwijk Maartje Johanna
Published: September 2022

Retention of logging residue as dead wood could be a method to simultaneously increase biodiversity and predation rates of pest insects, in managed forests. Managed forests are generally low in diversity, and dead wood has been demonstrated to increase species diversity. Moreover, managed forests are predicted to suffer from higher frequency of insect outbreaks in the future, particularly in the northern hemisphere. In this study, we explore the effect of dead wood removal and addition in managed pine forest stands in Sweden on arthropod diversity and abundance and predation rates. We performed a controlled field experiment, focusing on logging residue type of dead wood. We used pitfall traps and sticky traps to measure arthropod diversity and abundance and plasticine larvae to assess predation rates. We specifically targeted generalist arthropods (i.e. non-wood living species), and predation rate on tree-dwelling larvae (corresponding to defoliating outbreak pests). We found no effect of dead wood addition on arthropod abundance or diversity, neither did we find an effect on predation rate. Despite the lack of effects in our study, we argue that dead wood can be an important component for both biodiversity of generalist arthropod and for pest control, but the effect may depend on both the specific arthropod group targeted and the specific life stage of the pest insect as well as on inherent components of the dead wood, such as age.