bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Platformization of Violence: Toward a Concept of Discursive Toxicity on Social Media
Authors: Recuero Raquel
Published: January 2024

Discourse has long been recognized as a source of symbolic violence, perpetuating power relations and reinforcing existing social hierarchies. With the rise of social media platforms, the influence of discourse on society has gained renewed attention. These platforms, while enabling social interactions, also serve as catalysts for violent behaviors, reinforcing and legitimizing forms of oppression and symbolic violence, particularly the violence of language. While the concept of toxicity is frequently used to describe this phenomenon, its meaning and connection to language often remain unexplored. This article aims to address this gap by examining the significance of toxicity in discourse and how the infrastructure of social media platforms facilitates the emergence of toxic discourses. It argues that while toxicity and violence are related, they are distinct phenomena. Toxicity, as a dimension of symbolic violence, contaminates debates and discourses, and is enabled by the characteristics of platformization in online interactions. Thus, toxicity is an effect of platforms mediating social interactions.
Teachers’ Continued VR Technology Usage Intention: An Application of the UTAUT2 Model
Authors: Du Wenbin , Liang Ruo-yu
Published: January 2024

This work aims to investigate the cultural and psychological factors that significantly affect teachers’ intention to accept VR technology and use it long-term in their classes in elementary and secondary schools. The extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) model effectively measured such factors in this context. We conducted a questionnaire survey with 351 elementary and secondary school teachers in four provinces in China and analyzed their responses utilizing Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique. The results of this work showed that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and hedonic motivation significantly impacted continued usage intention. However, the habit did not promote continued usage intention. Based on the results, research on VR classroom application guidance and teachers’ professional development with VR technology applications should be strengthened. Meanwhile, increasing the publicity of integrating VR technology into classroom teaching, creating a favorable climate for VR technology adoption, and enhancing the fun of VR technology can also contribute to teachers’ continued VR technology usage intention in classroom teaching.
Self-Reliance in the Workplace: The Curvilinear Effect of Workplace Ostracism on Subjective Career Success
Authors: Yan Jiaqi , Li Yingqi , Jia Jianfeng , Liu Honglei
Published: January 2024

Workplace ostracism, which is defined as the extent to which an individual perceives that he or she is ignored or excluded by others, has become a pervasive phenomenon. Most scholars found that workplace ostracism has a negative linear effect on the employees’ work outcomes. However, based on the transactional theory of stress and coping, individuals could evaluate pressure and take action to solve the problems. Thus, they could positively cope with workplace ostracism when they are in trouble. This study investigates the curvilinear relationship between workplace ostracism, psychological empowerment, and the employees’ career success using a multi-wave design (257 respondents from three-time points). We found the curvilinear effect of workplace ostracism on subjective career success via psychological empowerment. The current investigation supports the theorized links and offers notable implications for personnel assessment and career development.
Prevalence of Occupational Contact Dermatitis Among Dental Personnel Using the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire-2002: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Slodownik Dan , Yoshpe Margarita , Mann Jonathan , Azulay Omer , Moshe Shlomo , Krakov Ayala Olga
Published: January 2024

Background:

Occupational skin disease (OSD), such as contact dermatitis, is widespread among dental professionals; however, reports regarding its prevalence have inconsistent findings and methodology. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional survey using a self-reported questionnaire to estimate the prevalence of work-related and occupational exposure-induced skin diseases.

Methodology:

A self-administered questionnaire, based on the validated Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire-2002, was distributed to 15 dental clinics in Israel in the first half of 2022. The questionnaire included questions about the occupation, exposure, and history of atopic disease, dry skin, and hand/arm and wrist eczema, as well as participant demographics.

Results:

Overall, 312 dental professionals completed the questionnaires. Response rate was 80%. The lifetime prevalence of self-reported skin symptoms was 19.23%. Significant risk factors included exposure to metal objects, odds ratio (OR): 2.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.02, 5.78]; p < .05, dry skin (OR: 3.54, 95% CI: [1.93, 6.5]; p < .001), itching when sweating (OR: 2.89, 95% CI: [1.39, 6]; p < .05), contact urticaria (OR: 10.67, 95% CI: [4.46, 25.49]; p < .001), hay fever (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: [1.14, 4.42]; p < .05), allergic symptoms (OR; 2.33, 95% CI: [1.18, 4.58]; p < .05), and asthma (OR: 4.8, 95% CI: [2.17, 10.36]; p < .001).

Conclusions:

This is the first study to use the NOSQ-2002 among dental professionals. Our study provides a better understanding of the prevalence and consequences of OSDs among dental personnel by utilizing the validated tool NOSQ-2002.
Core and Catalyst Criteria Motivating CrossFit Athletes to Reveal or Conceal Their Non-Visible Health Conditions
Authors: Makos Shana , Thompson Charee M.
Published: January 2024

Despite robust literature concerning the illness disclosure decision making process, it remains unclear how individuals choose to reveal and conceal non-visible health conditions in group exercise. At the intersection of non-visible illness management and group exercise, the purpose of this study is to apply communication privacy management theory (CPM) to better understand the core and catalyst criteria athletes with non-visible health conditions utilize when determining whether to reveal or conceal their conditions in the context of the CrossFit gym. CrossFit is an international fitness program with more than 14,000 affiliate gyms in more than 155 countries. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 23 CrossFit athletes. Findings indicate that core criteria prompted athletes to conceal because of identity and stigma threats but reveal as a way to break the stigma and advocate for themselves and others. Catalyst criteria shaped athletes’ disclosure decisions in two ways, including concealing to avoid burdening others and revealing to foster relationships. Implications for both theory and practice are discussed.
Rare Combination of Abducens Nerve Palsy and Optic Neuritis on the Same Side: Case Report and Review of 8 Patients in Literature
Authors: Matsuo Toshihiko , Iguchi Daisuke
Published: January 2024

The concurrent development of abducens nerve palsy and optic neuritis on the same side is rare. Here we presented an 82-year-old man who developed the combination of abducens nerve palsy and optic neuritis on the left side 2 months after the sixth inoculation of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. In past history at 45 years old, he experienced subarachnoid hemorrhage and underwent surgery for the clipping of intracranial aneurysm. The patient had no systemic symptoms, such as general fatigue, fever, arthralgia, and skin rashes. Physical and neurological examinations were also unremarkable. Since the aneurysmal metal clip used at that time was not compatible with magnetic resonance imaging, he underwent computed tomographic (CT) scan of the head and showed no space-occupying lesion in the orbit, paranasal sinuses, and brain. As an old lesion, the anterior temporal lobe on the left side had low-density area with metallic artifact on the left side of the skull base, indicative of metal clipping. In 4 weeks of observation from the initial visit, he showed complete recovery of visual acuity and became capable of abducting the left eye in full degrees. We also reviewed 8 patients with the combination of abducens nerve palsy and optic neuritis in the literature to reveal that the combination of signs did occur in mild meningitis with rare infectious diseases and in association with preceding herpes zoster in the first branch of the trigeminal nerve. The course of the present patient suggested that the combination of signs might be vaccine-associated.
Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Home Care Workers: A Qualitative Study
Authors: FitzGerald Christine , Moynan Eva , Lavelle Catriona , O’Neill Cathal , Robinson Katie , Boland Pauline , Meskell Pauline , Galvin Rose
Published: January 2024

This qualitative study aimed to gain insight into the impact of COVID-19 on Home Care Workers (HCWs). During COVID-19 HCWs provided a lifeline for home care clients to support older people remaining living in their own homes. With a high-risk client base, HCWs were one of the few (Health and Social Care Professional) HSCPs to continue providing home-based care throughout COVID-19. Despite these contributions HCWs provided for aging in place during COVID-19, a paucity of research exists in relation to the challenges and impact of the pandemic on HCWs. Three in-person focus groups were conducted ( n = 23). Two main themes were produced guided by a Reflexive Thematic Analysis approach to enable the researchers to best represent the participants experiences: Challenges and concerns to the personal and private lives of HCWs and Navigating home-based complexities of HCWs workplace during COVID-19.
Political Polarization and the Dynamics between Actual Income and Perceived Income Inequality in the United States, 1987 to 2021
Authors: Wu Cary , Sharma Kriti , Haddon Edward , Duina Francesco
Published: January 2024

The rich often perceive lower levels of inequality than the poor. In recent decades, however, notions regarding the equality or inequality of our society have progressively taken on a more political nature. Consequently, people’s perceptions of income inequality may be less associated with their actual income status and more with their political ideology. The authors visualize this “political turn” using data from the U.S. General Social Survey (1987–2021). The analysis shows that historically actual income and perceived inequality had an inverse relationship, independent of political alignment. Yet since 2000, this has changed: whereas Republicans show a deepening inverse correlation after some attenuation in prior years, Democrats reverse it. With this said, we see an increase in overall concern about inequality among those who identify strongly with either Democratic or Republican ideologies, but importantly the biggest increase is among those in the Democratic group. This invites reflections on the nature of the “political turn.”
National sovereignty across city networks: Singapore and the diplomacy of a global city-state
Authors: Martinez Ricardo , Bunnell Tim
Published: January 2024

Even though the expanding relevance of city diplomacy has unsettled the traditional state-centered conceptualization of international politics, the growing transnational dynamism of city governments is still embedded in, and structurally constrained by, a state-centric international polity. We exemplify this through consideration of Singapore’s exceptionalism as a city-state, and what this means for its capacity for global self-promotion as an urban policy model. When the city-state selectively decides to engage among ‘peer cities’ in city-based institutional venues like city networks, it does so within a hierarchical logic dominated by the political authority and decision-making powers that derive from its capacity for and interest in entertaining relations with other sovereign nation-states. Through a counterfactual logic, Singapore’s outstanding transnational urban position reveals the current constraints of city diplomacy, as other merely city-level governments are compelled to join forces transnationally within a logic framed in terms of (lack of) access to state-centric institutional venues and resources. For the overwhelming majority of city governments, in contrast to Singapore, city networks are obligatory passage points to bypass traditional policy scales. Extending a theoretical bridge between the bodies of literature on urban policy mobilities and city networks, the article excavates Singapore’s ‘privileged’ position to deepen our understanding of the relationship between the city and the state. In doing so, we situate and provide a corrective to overstated narratives of the international rise of cities in the larger contemporary picture of global governance.
Hong Kong’s new normal: Remaking authorized discourses of “special administration,” 2017–2022
Authors: Peck Jamie , Meulbroek Chris , Anguelov Dimitar
Published: January 2024

The paper presents a critical discourse analysis of the five annual policy addresses of Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-Ngor, whose term of office (2017–2022) spanned the most tumultuous episode in the modern history of the territory, one bisected by an extended season of street protests and the subsequent imposition of a national security law. Read as an authorized, real-time transcript of governmental rationalizations and responses, delivered in the first-person voice of Hong Kong’s most senior politician, the annual policy addresses narrate a crisis-mediated shift from a postcolonial redoubt of liberal capitalism to an outpost of China’s national-security state. Although the “one country, two systems” formula enshrined in Hong Kong’s Basic Law retains its official status, a distinct transformation is evident, from the evocation of “two systems” as a wedge against one-country assimilation, to an apparently new normal based on the principles of securitized, “one-country” integration. In the process, the chief executive increasingly embraced the received discourses and sanctioned priorities of the Chinese Communist Party in her depictions of a “New Paradigm” for the governance of Hong Kong, founded on the “steer of the Central Government” with the “cooperation” of the government of the Special Administrative Region.
Outcomes of Eyes Lost to Follow-up After Treatment With Intraocular or Periocular Steroid Injections
Authors: Mahmoudzadeh Raziyeh , Salabati Mirataollah , Israilevich Rachel , Hinkle John W. , Obeid Anthony , Khan M. Ali , Hsu Jason , Chaudhary Varun , Garg Sunir J.
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the visual, intraocular pressure (IOP), and anatomic outcomes of eyes with loss to follow-up (LTFU) after intravitreal or periocular steroid injections. Methods: Patients receiving intraocular or periocular steroid injections and with LTFU for at least 180 days were included in this retrospective cohort study. Charts were reviewed for the visual acuity (VA), IOP, and central foveal thickness at the visit before LTFU, the first return visit, and 3, 6, and 12 months after return. Results: Fifty-three eyes of 47 patients were identified. The mean (±SD) age was 62.3 ± 14.9 years, the mean LTFU time was 295 ± 181.2 days (range, 182-1101), and the mean follow-up after return was 354 ± 339.3 days (range, 32-1141). The overall mean number of steroid injections was 5.2 ± 3.9 (range, 1-18). Compared with the mean logMAR VA at the visit before LTFU (0.59 [Snellen 20/77]), the mean VA remained stable at all timepoints after return as follows: return visit (0.62 [20/83]; P = .6), month 3 (0.55 [20/70]; P = .6), month 6 (0.55 [20/70]; P = .5), month 12 (0.64 [20/87]; P = .6), and final visit (0.69 [20/97]; P = .2). At the first return visit, 8 (15%) of 53 patients had an IOP of 21 mm Hg or higher (range, 21-31); 2 required treatment with a new antihypertensive medication (latanoprost and timolol, respectively). Conclusions: Patients with LTFU after receiving steroid injections maintained their VA. No patient required incisional glaucoma surgery. Compared with other etiologies, eyes with diabetic macular edema had a greater increase in IOP.
Outcomes of Chandelier-Assisted Scleral Buckling in Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachments: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Daniel , Wong Amanda , Jiao George , Zhang Charles , Yakobashvili Daniela , Zhu Edward , Tham Tristan , Lieberman Ronni
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To examine the outcomes of chandelier endoillumination–assisted scleral buckling (chandelier scleral buckling) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) and compare them with those of standard scleral buckling using indirect ophthalmoscopy. Methods: A literature search was performed on April 15, 2023. Outcomes analyzed included the primary anatomic success rates, surgical duration, and complication rates. A meta-analysis of proportions estimated the pooled success rate of chandelier scleral buckling. In addition, meta-analyses compared the success rates between pseudophakic eyes and phakic eyes having chandelier scleral buckling and compared success rates and surgical duration between standard scleral buckling and chandelier scleral buckling. Results: Thirty studies with 1133 eyes were included. The pooled primary anatomic success rate of chandelier scleral buckling was 91.7% (95% CI, 89.6%-93.6%). In studies comparing success rates between the 2 techniques, there was no significant difference (risk ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.94-1.08; P = .80). The surgical times were significantly shorter with chandelier scleral buckling than with standard scleral buckling (mean difference, −18.83; 95% CI, −30.88 to −6.79; P = .002). There was no significant difference in the success rate between pseudophakic eyes and phakic eyes (risk ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.91-1.08; P = .89). No cases of endophthalmitis were reported. Conclusions: Chandelier endoillumination–assisted scleral buckling may be a promising technique given its high rate of primary anatomic success for RRDs and success rates similar to those of standard scleral buckling. There was no significant difference in the efficacy of chandelier scleral buckling between pseudophakic eyes and phakic eyes
Transforming spectator into collaborator during a digitalised dance performance
Authors: Peng Friendred (Youhong)
Published: January 2024

The traditional construct of dance performances has predominantly positioned the audience as passive observers with little to no interaction with the unfolding narrative on stage. However, the advent of digital technology has paved the way for a more immersive and interactive performative experience. This paper elucidates the transformation of this dynamic through the lens of an interactive dance performance piece, “Moving Photon”, which endeavors to blur the entrenched demarcations between performers and spectators. By melding choreographic improvisation, interactive installations, and physiological sensing, “Moving Photon” cultivates a co-constitutive interaction, challenging conventional performative frameworks. Through two distinct configurations, performance and installation setting, the piece endeavors to transition spectators from passive observers to active collaborators in the narrative. The performance setting leverages real-time electroencephalogram (EEG) data from audience members to influence the kinetic dynamics of the installation, thus directly impacting the dancer's improvisational choreography. Conversely, the setup of the interactive installation invites participants to influence the musical score and the installation's robotic movements through motion-sensing devices, fostering a tangible feedback loop. The reflections gathered from initial exhibitions reveal a heightened sense of connectivity and shared authorship of the performance among both the performer and audience members. This innovative exploration signifies a step forward towards fostering more collaborative and multimodal engagements in digital art performances.
Preparing Community Health Workers to Empower Latino(a)s With Diabetes: A Real-World Implementation Study
Authors: Porterfield Laura , Santiago Delgado Zuleica , Patel Premal G. , Goodman Michael L. , Campbell Kendall M. , Vaughan Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the delivery of diabetes self-management education (DSME) to Latino(a) adults by community health workers (CHWs).

Methods:

Investigators developed an evidence-based, bilingual (Spanish/English) diabetes education curriculum and trained 10 CHWs on its content. CHWs then implemented the curriculum in 6-month diabetes group visit programs for low-income Latino(a)s with type 2 diabetes in nonacademic 501(c)3 community clinics. Investigators evaluated efficacy of the training through successful implementation, measured by participant group visit acceptance and attendance.

Results:

Participants (n = 70) reported high levels of program satisfaction (3.8/4.0), improvement in quality of life (9.7/10), meeting of individual needs (3.8/4.0), and acceptability (9.7/10.0). Content analyses revealed that 87.1% of participants would not change the program or wanted to extend it. Participant attendance was 81.6%.

Conclusions:

Investigators demonstrated the ability to develop a training that nonmedical personnel (CHWs) successfully implemented in a real-world study. This study provides a curricular framework for CHW-led education that may serve as a template to extend to other diseases and populations.
SCOP: Schrödinger Control Optimal Planning for Goal-based Wealth Management
Authors: Halperin Igor
Published: January 2024

We consider the problem of optimization of contributions of a financial planner such as a working individual towards a financial goal such as retirement. The objective of the planner is to find an optimal and feasible schedule of periodic installments to an investment portfolio set up towards the goal. Because portfolio returns are random, the practical version of the problem amounts to finding an optimal contribution scheme such that the goal is satisfied at a given confidence level. This paper suggests a semi-analytical approach to a continuous-time version of this problem based on a controlled backward Kolmogorov equation (BKE) which describes the tail probability of the terminal wealth given a contribution policy. The controlled BKE is solved semi-analytically by reducing it to a controlled Schrödinger equation and solving the latter using an algebraic method. Numerically, our approach amounts to finding semi-analytical solutions simultaneously for all values of control parameters on a small grid, and then using the standard two-dimensional spline interpolation to simultaneously represent all satisficing solutions of the original plan optimization problem. Rather than being a point in the space of control variables, satisficing solutions form continuous contour lines (efficient frontiers) in this space.
A detailed damage investigation of an instrumented ductile reinforced concrete building following the M-7.8 Kaikoura earthquake
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed , Hogan Lucas , Stephens Max T. , Olsen Michael J. , Elwood Kenneth J.
Published: January 2024

Summarized in this article are the major findings from a detailed damage investigation of an instrumented ductile reinforced concrete moment frame building subjected to a design-level earthquake. The building sustained widespread damage during the 2016 M-7.8 Kaikoura earthquake and was subsequently demolished. Prior to demolition, the structural system was extensively surveyed to document the severity and distribution of the damage sustained in the reinforced concrete frames and the flooring system. Furthermore, the building response during the earthquake was reconstructed from the acceleration records obtained from instruments installed throughout the building. The site seismic demands were also obtained from a local free-field instrument. The data collected from this damage investigation provide a high-quality dataset that is valuable to researchers investigating different parameters related to the seismic performance of reinforced concrete moment frame buildings. The dataset is published and publicly available on DesignSafe-CI (project PRJ-3444); https://www.designsafe-ci.org/data/browser/public/designsafe.storage.published/PRJ-3444v2 . The data collection methodology is described, and a roadmap for navigating the dataset is presented to support future use of the archived dataset.
Outlet Ventricular Septal Defect: A Case Report on the Importance of Multi-Window Sonographic Assessment
Authors: Kallstrom Eric
Published: January 2024

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the existence of structural heart problems since the formation of the heart prebirth. There are different categories of CHD, all having their own unique frequency and severity characteristics. One type of CHD is a ventricular septal defect (VSD), more specifically outlet VSD. A VSD is the most common congenital heart defect; however, their presentation can be quite complex. Color and spectral Doppler transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) are valuable tools used in the diagnosis of VSDs. The often-challenging presentation of these defects requires sonographers to confirm their existence through the parasternal long-axis, parasternal short-axis, apical four chamber, apical three chamber, and apical five chamber scanning windows. Although VSDs are the most common congenital heart defect, their wide-ranging uniqueness and location along the interventricular septum (IVS) to assess all areas along the IVS on all exams, specifically those that demonstrate left-to-right shunting. The objective of this case report was to stress the importance of multi-window assessment during the sonographer’s interrogation of outlet VSDs, due to the potential implications on adjacent anatomy and the potential for surgical intervention.
Targeting the NAT10/NPM1 axis abrogates PD-L1 expression and improves the response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy
Authors: Qin Ge , Bai Fan , Hu Huabin , Zhang Jianwei , Zhan Weixiang , Wu Zehua , Li Jianxia , Fu Yang , Deng Yanhong
Published: January 2024

Background

PD-1/PD-L1 play a crucial role as immune checkpoint inhibitors in various types of cancer. Although our previous study revealed that NPM1 was a novel transcriptional regulator of PD-L1 and stimulated the transcription of PD-L1, the underlying regulatory mechanism remains incompletely characterized.

Methods

Various human cancer cell lines were used to validate the role of NPM1 in regulating the transcription of PD-L1. The acetyltransferase NAT10 was identified as a facilitator of NPM1 acetylation by coimmunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry. The potential application of combined NAT10 inhibitor and anti-CTLA4 treatment was evaluated by an animal model.

Results

We demonstrated that NPM1 enhanced the transcription of PD-L1 in various types of cancer, and the acetylation of NPM1 played a vital role in this process. In particular, NAT10 facilitated the acetylation of NPM1, leading to enhanced transcription and increased expression of PD-L1. Moreover, our findings demonstrated that Remodelin, a compound that inhibits NAT10, effectively reduced NPM1 acetylation, leading to a subsequent decrease in PD-L1 expression. In vivo experiments indicated that Remodelin combined with anti-CTLA-4 therapy had a superior therapeutic effect compared with either treatment alone. Ultimately, we verified that the expression of NAT10 exhibited a positive correlation with the expression of PD-L1 in various types of tumors, serving as an indicator of unfavorable prognosis.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the NAT10/NPM1 axis is a promising therapeutic target in malignant tumors.
Graphene oxide synthesis and applications in emerging contaminant removal: a comprehensive review
Authors: Anegbe Bala , Ifijen Ikhazuagbe H. , Maliki Muniratu , Uwidia Ita E. , Aigbodion Aireguamen I.
Published: January 2024

This thorough review explores the pioneering applications of graphene oxide (GO) in tackling emerging environmental pollutants, highlighting its distinct role in environmental remediation. Setting itself apart, this review meticulously synthesizes cutting-edge research, focusing on GO’s practical applications in eliminating emerging contaminants from water. It is worth highlighting that there is a limited number of reviews focused on this particular subject, making this work outstanding. It provides specific instances of successful contaminant removal, identifies knowledge gaps, and proposes future directions. Serving as a vital resource for researchers and practitioners, it offers practical insights into applying GO in contaminant remediation, especially in challenging environments. The review critically analyzes crucial gaps in current research, including understanding the long-term environmental effects of GO, its interactions with diverse pollutants, and effective large-scale implementation. This review not only expands our knowledge, but also guides future research endeavors. Furthermore, it outlines clear pathways for future studies, advocating for in-depth ecological research, advanced contaminant interaction analyses, and innovative large-scale implementation strategies. This work establishes a strong foundation, defining the unique novelty of GO applications in environmental remediation and shaping the future discourse in this essential field of study.
Evolutionary shift detection with ensemble variable selection
Authors: Zhang Wensha , Kenney Toby , Ho Lam Si Tung
Published: January 2024

Abrupt environmental changes can lead to evolutionary shifts in trait evolution. Identifying these shifts is an important step in understanding the evolutionary history of phenotypes. The detection performances of different methods are influenced by many factors, including different numbers of shifts, shift sizes, where a shift occurs on a tree, and the types of phylogenetic structure. Furthermore, the model assumptions are oversimplified, so are likely to be violated in real data, which could cause the methods to fail. We perform simulations to assess the effect of these factors on the performance of shift detection methods. To make the comparisons more complete, we also propose an ensemble variable selection method ( package ELPASO) and compare it with existing methods ( packages $$\ell$$
ℓ
1ou and PhylogeneticEM). The performances of methods are highly dependent on the selection criterion. $$\ell$$
ℓ
1ou+pBIC is usually the most conservative method and it performs well when signal sizes are large. $$\ell$$
ℓ
1ou+BIC is the least conservative method and it performs well when signal sizes are small. The ensemble method provides more balanced choices between those two methods. Moreover, the performances of all methods are heavily impacted by measurement error, tree reconstruction error and shifts in variance.
Genome-wide analysis and expression pattern of the ZoPP2C gene family in Zingiber officinale Roscoe
Authors: Zhang Pan , Liu Deqi , Ma Jiawei , Sun Chong , Wang Zhaofei , Zhu Yongxing , Zhang Xuemei , Liu Yiqing
Published: January 2024

Background

Protein phosphatases type 2C (PP2C) are heavily involved in plant growth and development, hormone-related signaling pathways and the response of various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, a comprehensive report identifying the genome-scale of PP2C gene family in ginger is yet to be published.

Results

In this study, 97 ZoPP2C genes were identified based on the ginger genome. These genes were classified into 15 branches (A-O) according to the phylogenetic analysis and distributed unevenly on 11 ginger chromosomes. The proteins mainly functioned in the nucleus. Similar motif patterns and exon/intron arrangement structures were identified in the same subfamily of ZoPP2Cs. Collinearity analysis indicated that ZoPP2Cs had 33 pairs of fragment duplicated events uniformly distributed on the corresponding chromosomes. Furthermore, ZoPP2Cs showed greater evolutionary proximity to banana’s PP2Cs. The forecast of cis-regulatory elements and transcription factor binding sites demonstrated that ZoPP2Cs participate in ginger growth, development, and responses to hormones and stresses. ZoERFs have plenty of binding sites of ZoPP2Cs, suggesting a potential synergistic contribution between ZoERFs and ZoPP2Cs towards regulating growth/development and adverse conditions. The protein–protein interaction network displayed that five ZoPP2Cs (9/23/26/49/92) proteins have robust interaction relationship and potential function as hub proteins. Furthermore, the RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR analyses have shown that ZoPP2Cs exhibit various expression patterns during ginger maturation and responses to environmental stresses such as chilling, drought, flooding, salt, and Fusarium solani. Notably, exogenous application of melatonin led to notable up-regulation of ZoPP2Cs (17/59/11/72/43) under chilling stress.

Conclusions

Taken together, our investigation provides significant insights of the ginger PP2C gene family and establishes the groundwork for its functional validation and genetic engineering applications.
The genome of the ant Tetramorium bicarinatum reveals a tandem organization of venom peptides genes allowing the prediction of their regulatory and evolutionary profiles
Authors: Touchard Axel , Barassé Valentine , Malgouyre Jean-Michel , Treilhou Michel , Klopp Christophe , Bonnafé Elsa
Published: January 2024

Background

Venoms have evolved independently over a hundred times in the animal kingdom to deter predators and/or subdue prey. Venoms are cocktails of various secreted toxins, whose origin and diversification provide an appealing system for evolutionary researchers. Previous studies of the ant venom of Tetramorium bicarinatum revealed several Myrmicitoxin (MYRTX) peptides that gathered into seven precursor families suggesting different evolutionary origins. Analysis of the T. bicarinatum genome enabling further genomic approaches was necessary to understand the processes underlying the evolution of these myrmicitoxins.

Results

Here, we sequenced the genome of Tetramorium bicarinatum and reported the organisation of 44 venom peptide genes (vpg). Of the eleven chromosomes that make up the genome of T. bicarinatum, four carry the vpg which are organized in tandem repeats. This organisation together with the ML evolutionary analysis of vpg sequences, is consistent with evolution by local duplication of ancestral genes for each precursor family. The structure of the vpg into two or three exons is conserved after duplication events while the promoter regions are the least conserved parts of the vpg even for genes with highly identical sequences. This suggests that enhancer sequences were not involved in duplication events, but were recruited from surrounding regions. Expression level analysis revealed that most vpg are highly expressed in venom glands, although one gene or group of genes is much more highly expressed in each family. Finally, the examination of the genomic data revealed that several genes encoding transcription factors (TFs) are highly expressed in the venom glands. The search for binding sites (BS) of these TFs in the vpg promoters revealed hot spots of GATA sites in several vpg families.

Conclusion

In this pioneering investigation on ant venom genes, we provide a high-quality assembly genome and the annotation of venom peptide genes that we think can fosters further genomic research to understand the evolutionary history of ant venom biochemistry.
Genomic heterozygosity is associated with a lower risk of osteoarthritis
Authors: Gill Robert , Liu Ming , Sun Guang , Furey Andrew , Spector Tim , Rahman Proton , Zhai Guangju
Published: January 2024

Background

Genomic heterozygosity has been shown to confer a health advantage in humans and play a protective role in complex diseases. Given osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly polygenic disease, we set out to determine if an association exists between OA and genomic heterozygosity.

Results

End-stage knee and hip OA patients and healthy controls were recruited from the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) population. The Arthritis Research UK Osteoarthritis Genetics (arcOGEN) consortium database was utilized as a replication cohort. DNA was extracted from blood samples and genotyped. Individual rates of observed heterozygosity (HetRate) and heterozygosity excess (HetExcess) relative to the expected were mathematically derived, and standardized to a z-score. Logistic regression modeling was used to examine the association between OA and HetRate or HetExcess. A total of 559 knee and hip OA patients (mean age 66.5 years, body mass index (BMI) 33.7 kg/m2, and 55% females) and 118 healthy controls (mean age 56.4 years, BMI 29.5 kg/m2, and 59% female) were included in the NL cohort analysis. We found that OA had an inverse relationship with HetRate and HetExcess with odds ratios of 0.64 (95% CI: 0.45–0.91) and 0.65 (95% CI: 0.45–0.93) per standard deviation (SD), respectively. The arcOGEN data included 2,019 end-stage knee and hip OA patients and 2,029 healthy controls, validating our findings with HetRate and HetExcess odds ratios of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.56–0.64) and 0.44 (95% CI: 0.40–0.47) per SD, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results are the first to clearly show evidence, from two separate cohorts, that reduced genomic heterozygosity confers a risk for the future development of OA.
Insights into estrogen impact in oral health & microbiome in COVID-19
Authors: Bayardo-González Rubén Alberto , Peña-Rodríguez Marcela , Pereira-Suárez Ana Laura , Rubio-Sánchez Alina Xcaret , García-Chagollán Mariel , Valenzuela-Orozco Daniel Natividad , Lizarazo-Taborda Melida del Rosario , Mora-Mora Jesús , Vega-Magaña Natali
Published: January 2024

Background

COVID-19 emerged in late 2019 and has occasioned more than 765 millions cumulative cases and 6.9 millions of deaths globally. Notably, around 70% of patients with severe COVID-19 are men. Therefore, it is to be presumed that women have a hormonal protector factor in inflammation and ACE2 expression. On the other hand, oral health status, and local microbiome can be key factors to respiratory viral infections control. Nevertheless, it has been poorly investigated. In our study 20 premenopausal, 18 postmenopausal and 22 men with COVID-19 were included. Oral health status, viral load, lingual ACE2 expression, as well as microbiome, estrogens and cytokines in saliva were analyzed.

Results

Our results showed a lower expression of ACE2 in tongue cells of postmenopausal compared with premenopausal (p = 0.05), and a strong negative correlation between saliva estrogen and viral load (r = -0.76; p = 0.001). Respect to IFN-γ (p = 0.05), IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-18, and IL-23 levels were increased in postmenopausal. Oral microbiome signature of premenopausal was characterized by Prevotella melaninogenica (Log2 = 26.68; p = 1.34e-10), Haemophilus (Log2 = 23.99; p = 2.96e-9), and Alloprevotella (Log2 = 7.92; p = 0.0001). On the other hand, Leptotrichia (Log2 = -18.74; p = 0.001), Tanerella (Log2 = -17.08; p = 0.004), and Clostridiales (Log2 = -2.88; p = 0.04) represented the poor oral health group compared with the adequate group which was enriched with the commensal microorganism Neisseria perflava (Log2 = 26.70; p = 1.74e-7). Furthermore, the high viral load group was characterized by Prevotella nanceiensis (Log2 = 19.60; p = 6.06e-8), Prevotella melaninogenica (Log2 = 21.45; p = 9.59e-6), Alloprevotella (Log2 = 23.50; p = 2.70e-7) and bacteria from the red complex Porphyromonas endodentalis (Log2 = 21.97; p = 1.38e-7).

Conclusions

Postmenopausal and men have a poor oral health status which could be related to a detrimental progression of COVID-19 also linked to a lower expression of ACE2, lower saliva estrogen levels and oral dysbiosis. Nevertheless, functional studies are required for a deeper knowledge.
Genetic diversity of macrolides resistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates and the potential synergistic effect of vitamins, C and K3
Authors: El-Banna Tarek El-Said , Sonbol Fatma Ibrahim , Kamer Amal M. Abo , Badr Sara Ahmed Mohammed Mahmoud
Published: January 2024

Background

Macrolide antibiotics have been extensively used for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections. However, the emergence of macrolide-resistant strains of S. aureus has become a major concern for public health. The molecular mechanisms underlying macrolide resistance in S. aureus are complex and diverse, involving both target site modification and efflux pump systems. In this study, we aim to overcome the molecular diversity of macrolide resistance mechanisms in S. aureus by identifying common molecular targets that could be exploited for the development of novel therapeutics.

Methods

About 300 Staphylococcus aureus different isolates were recovered and purified from 921 clinical specimen including urine (88), blood (156), sputum (264), nasal swabs (168), pus (181) and bone (39) collected from different departments in Tanta University Hospital. Macrolide resistant isolates were detected and tested for Multi Drug Resistant (MDR). Gel electrophoresis was performed after the D test and PCR reaction for erm(A), (B), (C), msr(A), and mph(C) genes. Finally, we tried different combinations of Erythromycin or Azithromycin antibiotics with either vitamin K3 or vitamin C.

Results

Macrolide resistance S. aureus isolates exhibited 7 major resistance patterns according to number of resistance markers and each pattern included sub patterns or subgroups. The PCR amplified products of different erm genes; analysis recorded different phenotypes of the Staphylococcus aureus isolates according to their different genotypes. In addition, our new tested combinations of Erythromycin and vitamin C, Erythromycin, and vitamin K3, Azithromycin and vitamin C and Azithromycin and vitamin K3 showed significant antibacterial effect when using every antibiotic alone. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of macrolide resistance in S. aureus and offer potential strategies for the development of novel protocols to overcome this emerging public health threat.
A role for the ATP-dependent DNA ligase lig E of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in biofilm formation
Authors: Pan Jolyn , Singh Avi , Hanning Kyrin , Hicks Joanna , Williamson Adele
Published: January 2024

Background

The ATP-dependent DNA ligase Lig E is present as an accessory DNA ligase in numerous proteobacterial genomes, including many disease-causing species. Here we have constructed a genomic Lig E knock-out in the obligate human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae and characterised its growth and infection phenotype.

Results

This demonstrates that N. gonorrhoeae Lig E is a non-essential gene and its deletion does not cause defects in replication or survival of DNA-damaging stressors. Knock-out strains were partially defective in biofilm formation on an artificial surface as well as adhesion to epithelial cells. In addition to in vivo characterisation, we have recombinantly expressed and assayed N. gonorrhoeae Lig E and determined the crystal structure of the enzyme-adenylate engaged with DNA substrate in an open non-catalytic conformation.

Conclusions

These findings, coupled with the predicted extracellular/ periplasmic location of Lig E indicates a role in extracellular DNA joining as well as providing insight into the binding dynamics of these minimal DNA ligases.
Randomized evaluation of 5-month Ticagrelor monotherapy after 1-month dual-antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with drug-coated balloons: REC-CAGEFREE II trial rationale and design
Authors: Gao Chao , Zhu Bin , Liu Jianzheng , Jiang Zhiwei , Hu Tao , Wang Qiong , Liu Yi , Yuan Ming , Li Fei , Zhang Ruining , Xia Jielai , Onuma Yoshinobu , Wang Duolao , Serruys Patrick , Tao Ling ,   on behalf of the REC-CAGEFREE II Study Group
Published: January 2024

Background

Patients treated with drug-coated balloons (DCB) have the theoretical advantage of adopting a low-intensity antiplatelet regimen due to the absence of struts and polymers. Nevertheless, the optimal antiplatelet strategy for patients undergoing DCB-only treatment remains a topic of debate and has not been investigated in randomized trials.

Methods

The REC-CAGEFREE II is an investigator-initiated, prospective, open-label, multi-center, randomized, non-inferiority trial aimed to enroll 1908 patients from ≥ 40 interventional cardiology centers in China to evaluate the non-inferiority of an antiplatelet regimen consisting of Aspirin plus Ticagrelor for one month, followed by five months Ticagrelor monotherapy, and then Aspirin monotherapy for six months (Experimental group) compared to the conventional treatment of Aspirin plus Ticagrelor for 12 months (Reference group) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using paclitaxel-coated balloons (DCB) exclusively. Participants will be randomly assigned to the Experimental or Reference group in a 1:1 ratio. The randomization will be stratified based on the center and the type of lesion being treated (De novo or in-stent restenosis). The primary endpoint is net adverse clinical events (NACE) within 12 months of PCI, which includes the composite of all-cause death, any stroke, any myocardial infarction, any revascularization and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) defined type 3 or 5 bleeding. The secondary endpoint, any ischemic and bleeding event, which includes all-cause death, any stroke, MI, BARC-defined type 3 bleeding, any revascularization, and BARC-defined type 2 bleeding events, will be treated as having hierarchical clinical importance in the above order and analyzed using the win ratio method.

Discussion

The ongoing REC-CAGEFREE II trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of a low-intensity antiplatelet approach among ACS patients with DCB. If non-inferiority is shown, the novel antiplatelet approach could provide an alternative treatment for ACS patients with DCB.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04971356.
The (un)caring experienced by racialized and/or ethnoculturally diverse residents in supportive living: a qualitative study
Authors: Chamberlain Stephanie A. , Salma Jordana , Tong Hongmei , Savera  , Wu Jingfeng , Gruneir Andrea
Published: January 2024

Background

Racialized and/or ethnocultural minority older adults in supportive living settings may not have access to appropriate services and activities. Most supportive living facilities are mainstream (not specific to one group); however, culturally specific facilities are purpose-built to accommodate older adults from a particular group. Our objective was to describe the perspectives of diverse participants about access to culturally appropriate care, accessible services, and social and recreation activities in culturally specific and mainstream (non-specific) supportive living facilities.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 people (11 staff, 8 family members, 2 residents) from 7 supportive living homes (2 culturally specific and 5 mainstream) in Alberta, Canada. We used a rapid qualitative inquiry approach to structure the data collection and analysis.

Results

Staff and family members described challenges in accessing culturally appropriate care in mainstream facilities. Family members expressed guilt and shame when their relative moved to supportive living, and they specifically described long waitlists for beds in culturally specific homes. Once in the facility, language barriers contributed to quality of care issues (e.g., delayed assessments) and challenges accessing recreation and social activities in both mainstream and culturally specific homes. Mainstream facilities often did not have appropriate food options and had limited supports for religious practices. Residents who had better English language proficiency had an easier transition to supportive living.

Conclusions

Racialized and/or ethnoculturally diverse residents in mainstream supportive living facilities did not receive culturally appropriate care. Creating standalone facilities for every cultural group is not feasible; therefore, we must improve the care in mainstream facilities, including recruiting more diverse staff and integrating a wider range of recreation and religious services and food options.