bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A focused multi-state model to estimate the pediatric and adolescent HIV epidemic in Thailand, 2005–2025
Authors: Desmonde Sophie , Lolekha Rangsima , Costantini Sydney , Siraprapasiri Taweesap , Frank Simone , Bakkali Taoufik , Benjarattanaporn Patchara , Hou Taige , Jantaramanee Supiya , Kuttiparambil Beena , Sethaputra Chuenkamol , Ross Jeremy , Ciaranello Andrea
Published: November 2022

Background

We estimated the magnitude of the HIV epidemic among children and youth living with HIV (CYHIV) aged 0–25 years in Thailand, projecting forward from 2005 to 2025, and identified underreported input parameters that influence epidemic projections, in order to inform future public health and research priorities.

Methods

We developed a focused multi-state transition model incorporating perinatally-acquired HIV and non-perinatally-acquired HIV, stratified by population, including men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), people who inject drugs (PWID), and the remainder of the population (“other”). We populated the model with published and programmatic data from the Thai national AIDS program when available. We projected the period from 2005–2025 and compared model results to programmatic data and projections from other models. In a scenario analysis, we projected the potential impact of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for MSM from 2018–2025.

Results

The initial 2005 cohort was comprised of 66,900 CYHIV; 8% CYHIV were <5 years, 21% were 5–14 years, and 71% were 15–25 years of age. By 2020, 94% were projected to be >15 years and infections among MSM constituted 83% of all new HIV infections. The numbers of CYHIV decreased over time, projected to reach 30,760 by 2020 (-54%) and 22,640 by 2025 (-66%). The proportion of all CYHIV aged 0–25 who were diagnosed and on ART increased from 37 to 60% over the 2005–2025 period. Projections were sensitive to variations in assumptions about initial HIV prevalence and incidence among MSM, PWID, and “other” youth.

Conclusions

More data on incidence rates among sexual and gender minority youth and PWID are needed to characterize the role of specific exposures and key populations in the adolescent HIV epidemic. More accurate estimates will project shifts in population and inform more targeted interventions to prevent and care for Thai CYHIV.
Effects of poultry by-products inclusion in dry food on nutrient digestibility and fecal quality in Beagle dogs
Authors: Abd El-Wahab Amr , Zeiger Anna Lisa , Chuppava Bussarakam , Visscher Christian , Kamphues Josef
Published: November 2022

Animal by-product meals show large variability in diet digestibility. This study aimed to provide information on including bone protein meal (BPM) or feather meal (FM) in extruded dog diets with regard to digestibility and fecal characteristics in two trials. In the first trial, compared to the control (BPM0), 6, 12, and 24% of the basic diets were replaced by BPM (BPM6, BPM12, and BPM24, respectively). In the second trial, in comparison to the control (FM0), 5, 10, and 20% of the basic diets were replaced by FM (FM5, FM10, and FM20, respectively). In both trials, six Beagle dogs (BW 17.3±2.14 and 18.1±2.04 kg for trials 1 and 2, respectively) participated in a crossover experiment design. Five days were used as wash-out before each experimental period for each trial. The fecal consistency scores were based on a 5-point scale (1 = very hard, 2 = solid, well formed “optimum”, and 5 = watery diarrhea). In the first trial, results showed that the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and crude fat was significantly lower for dogs fed BPM6 compared to those fed BPM24. There was a lower number of dogs with a fecal consistency score value > 2 (16.7%) among those fed BPM6 (median = 2, Interquartile range (IQR) = 0) compared to those fed BPM24 (83.3%). The fecal dry matter content was significantly (p< 0.05) the highest (39.4%±2.15) for dogs fed BPM6. In the second trial, the data revealed that dogs fed FM0 had significantly (p< 0.05) the highest organic matter digestibility (87.2%±1.05), while dogs fed FM20 had significantly (p< 0.05) the lowest crude fat digestibility (95.0%±0.95). Inclusion of FM at 10% or 20% in the diet decreased fecal dry matter significantly (29.0%±2.10 and 27.9%±2.46, respectively) compared to those animals offered FM0 (31.1%±2.56). Among those dogs fed FM0 and FM5, there was a lower significant number of dogs with a fecal score value > 2 (16.7% and 16.7%, respectively;p< 0.05). While the fecal score was significantly a higher (median = 4, IQR = 0) for dogs fed FM20. Including FM at any level in the diet resulted in significantly higher levels of iso-butyric and iso-valeric acids compared to FM0. These findings in both trials suggest that apparent crude protein digestibility was not affected when diets containing BPM up to 24% and FM up to 20% were offered, but fecal quality was reduced.
Recognition of knowledge translation practice in Canadian health sciences tenure and promotion: A content analysis of institutional policy documents
Authors: Sibley Kathryn M. , Khan Masood , Banner Davina , Driedger S. Michelle , Gainforth Heather L. , Graham Ian D. , Plamondon Katrina
Published: November 2022

Background and objective

There has been growing emphasis on increasing impacts of academic health research by integrating research findings in healthcare. The concept of knowledge translation (KT) has been widely adopted in Canada to guide this work, although lack of recognition in tenure and promotion (T&P) structures have been identified as barrier to researchers undertaking KT. Our objective was to explore how KT is considered in institutional T&P documentation in Canadian academic health sciences.

Methods

We conducted content analysis of T&P documents acquired from 19 purposively sampled research-intensive or largest regional Canadian institutions in 2020–2021. We coded text for four components of KT (synthesis, dissemination, exchange, application). We identified clusters of related groups of documents interpreted together within the same institution. We summarized manifest KT content with descriptive statistics and identified latent categories related to how KT is considered in T&P documentation.

Results

We acquired 89 unique documents from 17 institutions that formed 48 document clusters. Most of the 1057 text segments were categorized as dissemination (n = 851, 81%), which was included in 47 document clusters (98%). 15 document clusters (31%) included all four KT categories, while one (2%) did not have any KT categories identified. We identified two latent categories: primarily implicit recognition of KT; and an overall lack of clarity on KT.

Conclusions

Our analysis of T&P documents from primarily research-intensive Canadian universities showed a lack of formal recognition for a comprehensive approach to KT and emphasis on traditional dissemination. We recommend that institutions explicitly and comprehensively consider KT in T&P and align documentation and procedures to reflect these values.
MIDO COVID: A digital public health strategy designed to tackle chronic disease and the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico
Authors: Gallardo-Rincón Hector , Gascon Julieta Lomelín , Martínez-Juárez Luis Alberto , Montoya Alejandra , Saucedo-Martínez Rodrigo , Rosales Ricardo Mújica , Tapia-Conyer Roberto
Published: November 2022

Screening, prevention, and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs, including obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes) is the core function of Integrated Measurement for Early Detection (MIDO), a digital strategy developed by the Carlos Slim Foundation in Mexico. An extension of this strategy, MIDO COVID, was developed to address the need for an integrated plan in primary health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. MIDO COVID facilitates planning, surveillance, testing, and clinical management of SARS-CoV-2 infections and the major NCDs and their pre-disease states, to streamline the continuum of care. MIDO COVID screening was applied in 1063 Carso Group workplaces in 190 municipalities of the 32 Mexican states. Staff were trained to screen healthy workers for NCDs using a questionnaire, anthropomorphic measurements, and blood work; healthy individuals returning to work also received a SARS-CoV-2 antibody test. Between June 26 and December 31, 2020, 58,277 asymptomatic individuals underwent screening. The prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes was 32.1%, 25.7%, and 9.7% respectively. Only 2.2%, 8.8%, and 4.5% of individuals, respectively, were previously aware of their condition. Pre-obesity was identified in 38.6%, pre-hypertension in 17.4%, and prediabetes in 7.5% of the population. Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection was highest for individuals with multiple NCDs. Many Mexicans are unaware of their health status and potentially increased risk of COVID-19 and serious complications. As a universal strategy implemented regardless of social factors, MIDO COVID promotes equity in access to health care prevention and early stage detection of NCDs; the information gained may help inform decisionmakers regarding prioritising vulnerable populations for immunisation.
Risk factors for community-acquired respiratory infections in a non-pandemic context: Secondary analysis of the PRIMIT study
Authors: Hammond Ashley , Stuart Beth , Little Paul , Hay Alastair D.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Respiratory tract infection (RTI) incidence varies between people, but little is known about why. The aim of this study is therefore to identify risk factors for acquiring RTIs.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of 16,908 participants in the PRIMIT study, a pre-pandemic randomised trial showing handwashing reduced incidence of RTIs in the community. Data was analysed using multivariable logistic regression analyses of self-reported RTI acquisition.

Results

After controlling for handwashing, RTI in the previous year (1 to 2 RTIs: adjusted OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.79 to 2.13, p<0.001; 3 to 5 RTIs: aOR 3.89, 95% CI 3.49 to 4.33, p<0.001; ≥6 RTIs: OR 5.52, 95% CI 4.37 to 6.97, p<0.001); skin conditions that prevent handwashing (aOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.55, p<0.001); children under 16 years in the household (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.12, 1.43, p<0.001); chronic lung condition (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.32, p = 0.026); female sex (aOR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.18, p = 0.005), and post-secondary education (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.17, p = 0.01) increased the likelihood of RTI. Those over the age of 65 years were less likely to develop an infection (aOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.97, p = 0.009). Household crowding and influenza vaccination do not influence RTI acquisition. A post-hoc exploratory analysis found no evidence these subgroups differentially benefited from handwashing.

Conclusions

Previous RTIs, chronic lung conditions, skin conditions that prevent handwashing, and the presence of household children predispose to RTI acquisition. Further research is needed to understand how host and microbial factors explain the relationship between previous and future RTIs.
Are we good enough? A measurement for Information Technology Service Quality (ITSQ) in higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aziz Romana , Alluhaidan Ala Saleh
Published: November 2022

In the present research, we aim to confirm factors for measuring the perceived quality of Information Technology (IT) services within a higher education context. The perceived quality of IT services is complex and is often measured by multi-dimensional constructs, which requires designing a sufficiently valid scale. Drawing upon literature and expert input, this study has identified 5 dimensions of IT service quality. Using an empirical study, we prove that perception of IT Service Quality (ITSQ) has a dimensional structure and can be measured using a 44-item scale which has been satisfactorily validated. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) is applied to confirm the relationship between the items and dimensions. The findings of this study present a scale for measuring ITSQ within higher education.
Reduced midbrain raphe echogenicity in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome
Authors: Üçeyler Nurcan , Schließer Mira , Evdokimov Dimitar , Radziwon Jakub , Feulner Betty , Unterecker Stefan , Rimmele Florian , Walter Uwe
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The pathogenesis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is unclear. Transcranial ultrasonography revealed anechoic alteration of midbrain raphe in depression and anxiety disorders, suggesting affection of the central serotonergic system. Here, we assessed midbrain raphe echogenicity in FMS.

Methods

Sixty-six patients underwent transcranial sonography, of whom 53 were patients with FMS (27 women, 26 men), 13 patients with major depression and physical pain (all women), and 14 healthy controls (11 women, 3 men). Raphe echogenicity was graded visually as normal or hypoechogenic, and quantified by digitized image analysis, each by investigators blinded to the clinical diagnosis.

Results

Quantitative midbrain raphe echogenicity was lower in patients with FMS compared to healthy controls (p<0.05), but not different from that of patients with depression and accompanying physical pain. Pain and FMS symptom burden did not correlate with midbrain raphe echogenicity as well as the presence and severity of depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

We found reduced echogenicity of the midbrain raphe area in patients with FMS and in patients with depression and physical pain, independent of the presence or severity of pain, FMS, and depressive symptoms. Further exploration of this sonographic finding is necessary before this objective technique may enter diagnostic algorithms in FMS and depression.
Research on brownfield redevelopment based on Wuli-Shili-Renli system theory and catastrophe progression method
Authors: Jian He , Hao Hu , Haize Pan , Chuan Liu , Xiaoqin Li , Yan Wei , Haidan Jiang , Changliang Zhang
Published: November 2022

Brownfields are an important part of urban land resources. Strengthening the governance and redevelopment of brownfields is significant to environmental protection, high-quality urban development and sustainable development. However, due to the complexity and harmfulness of brownfield pollution, the hasty, untimely, and blind development can cause serious consequences. It is infeasible to pay more attention to development than governance or vice versa. In this paper, aiming at brownfield redevelopment evaluation, we introduced the Wuli-Shili-Renli (WSR) system methodology, an oriental system thought combining qualitative and quantitative analyses, comprehensively analyzed the influencing factors of brownfields from three dimensions of Wuli, Shili and Renli, and constructed the evaluation index system of brownfield redevelopment. To avoid much subjectivity in the evaluation process, we established the evaluation model of brownfield redevelopment using the catastrophe progression method. Taking the renovation project of Shanghai Xintiandi in 1999–2001 as a reference, the evaluation index system and evaluation model were applied to the renovation project of Wenjia Street in Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China in 2022, and the results provided a good basis for the decision-making process.
An exploration of the professional identity of clinical academics using repertory grid technique
Authors: Burke Elaine , Misstear Karen , Hennessy Martina
Published: November 2022

Background

Clinicians who divide their time between clinical work and research have contributed to some of the most fundamental breakthroughs in medicine in recent history, yet their role is not always well-understood or valued. Understanding the factors which contribute to career success for clinical academics is critical for supporting this workforce. Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) provides a conceptual framework for career success, incorporating personal and environmental factors.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explore clinical academics’ construal of successful clinical academic practice and to contribute to a holistic view of the professional identity of the clinical academic.

Methodology

Using a constructivist technique, repertory grid, the authors interviewed ten clinical academics at different career stages in one-to-one structured interviews conducted virtually between November 2020 and April 2021. Data from the interviews were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Common themes were identified, analysed, and ranked according to importance with respect to successful clinical academic practice. Using SCCT as a framework, constructs were categorised as personal factors, organisational factors, competencies and person-environment fit. A differential analysis between established/trainee and female/male participants was carried out.

Summary of results

One hundred and thirty-three constructs were elicited and categorised into 20 themes (constructs). There was consensus among participants that 6 were of high importance with respect to successful clinical academic practice, 8 of intermediate and 4 of low importance, with no consensus on 2 constructs. Personal factors of high importance include innovation and integrity. Competencies including research and teaching skills are highly important, and ability to collaborate is also considered central to successful clinical academic practice. Female participants expressed greater concerns about the impact of familial responsibilities on career progression.

Discussion and conclusions

This study highlights the importance of interactions between the person and environment, and characterises the important attributes of successful clinical academics including personal factors such as integrity and innovation.
Surface functional groups and degree of carbonization of selected chars from different processes and feedstock
Authors: Ilić Marija , Haegel Franz-Hubert , Lolić Aleksandar , Nedić Zoran , Tosti Tomislav , Ignjatović Ivana Sredović , Linden Andreas , Jablonowski Nicolai D. , Hartmann Heinrich
Published: November 2022

The knowledge of the structural and chemical properties of biochars is decisive for their application as technical products. For this reason, methods for the characterization of biochars that are generally applicable and allow quality control are highly desired. Several methods that have shown potential in other studies were used to investigate two activated carbons and seven biochars from different processes and feedstock. The chars were chosen to cover a wide range of chemical composition and structural properties as a hardness test for the analytical methods used in this study. Specific problems connected with the pretreatment of samples and drawbacks of some methods for some types of chars could be identified in an integrated consideration of the results from different methods. None of the spectroscopic methods was found to be suitable for the quality control of all types of chars. The most valuable results were obtained by chemical analysis that, however, required the complete determination of the main elements, including that of oxygen, and of inorganic components for adequate results. The combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and FT-IR spectroscopy allows a rough characterization of surface functional groups, but cannot discriminate aliphatic and aromatic OH groups. FT-IR might be a suitable method for the quality control of biochars made at lower temperature. The results of Raman spectroscopy did not well correlate with the amount of sp2 hybridized carbon determined by XPS. A better correlation of XPS data was found with the electrical polarization determined by the method of spectral induced polarization that was used for the first time in conjunction with extensive analytical characterization.
In vitro and in vivo acute toxicity of a novel citrate-coated magnetite nanoparticle
Authors: Rocha Jose Marcos Vieira , de Souza Valeria Barbosa , Panunto Patricia Costa , Nicolosi Jacqueline Spacagna , da Silva Emanueli do Nascimento , Cadore Solange , Londono Oscar Moscoso , Muraca Diego , Tancredi Pablo , de Brot Marina , Nadruz Wilson , Ruiz Ana Lucia Tasca Gois , Knobel Marcelo , Schenka Andre Almeida
Published: November 2022

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNps) have become powerful tools for multiple biomedical applications such as hyperthermia drivers, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) vectors, as well as drug-delivery systems. However, their toxic effects on human health have not yet been fully elucidated, especially in view of their great diversity of surface modifications and functionalizations. Citrate-coating of MNps often results in increased hydrophilicity, which may positively impact their performance as drug-delivery systems. Nonetheless, the consequences on the intrinsic toxicity of such MNps are unpredictable. Herein, novel magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles covered with citrate were synthesized and their potential intrinsic acute toxic effects were investigated using in vitro and in vivo models. The proposed synthetic pathway turned out to be simple, quick, inexpensive, and reproducible. Concerning toxicity risk assessment, these citrate-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONps) did not affect the in vitro viability of different cell lines (HaCaT and HepG2). Moreover, the in vivo acute dose assay (OECD test guideline #425) showed no alterations in clinical parameters, relevant biochemical variables, or morphological aspects of vital organs (such as brain, liver, lung and kidney). Iron concentrations were slightly increased in the liver, as shown by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and Perls Prussian Blue Staining assays, but this finding was considered non-adverse, given the absence of accompanying functional/clinical repercussions. In conclusion, this study reports on the development of a simple, fast and reproducible method to obtain citrate-coated IONps with promising safety features, which may be used as a drug nanodelivery system in the short run. (263 words)
Addressing vaccine hesitancy in developing countries: Survey and experimental evidence
Authors: Hoy Christopher , Wood Terence , Moscoe Ellen
Published: November 2022

Vaccine hesitancy is proving to be a significant impediment to COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in some developing countries. This study focuses on vaccine hesitancy and means of reducing it. Data come from a large, representative phone survey and online randomized survey experiment, both run in Papua New Guinea, a developing country with low vaccination rates. Less than 20% of relevant respondents to the phone survey were willing to be vaccinated, primarily because of fear of side effects and low trust in the vaccine. Although vaccine hesitancy was high in the online experiment, participants who received a message emphasizing that the vaccine was safe and COVID-19 dangerous were 68% more likely to state they planned to be vaccinated than those in the control group. A message appealing to social norms was also effective in reducing vaccine hesitancy, although its efficacy was limited to certain types of people.
Retrospective molecular investigation of Mayaro and Oropouche viruses at the human-animal interface in West-central Brazil, 2016–2018
Authors: Dias Helver Gonçalves , de Lima Raquel Curtinhas , Barbosa Luciana Santos , Souza Thiara Manuele Alves de , Badolato-Correa Jessica , Maia Laura Marina Siqueira , Ferreira Raquel da Silva , Neves Nilvanei Aparecido da Silva , Costa Michell Charlles de Souza , Martins Leticia Ramos , Souza Emerson Marques de , Carvalho Michellen dos Santos , Araujo-Oliveira Alexandre de , Marques William de Almeida , Sabino-Santos Gilberto , Marques Marcio Schafer , Macedo Gabriel Carvalho de , Nantes Wesley Arruda Gimenes , Santos Filipe Martins , Netto Claudia Coutinho , Morgado Thais Oliveira , Bianchini Mateus de Assis , Correa Sandra Helena Ramiro , Almeida Júlia Ramos de , Campos Larissa Pratta , Souza Isabelle Marino de , Barreto Wanessa Teixeira Gomes , Porfírio Grasiela , Alencar Jeronimo Augusto Fonseca , Herrera Heitor Miraglia , Shlessarenko Renata Dezengrini , Cunha Rivaldo Venancio da , Azeredo Elzinandes Leal de , Salyer Stephanie J. , Komar Nicholas , Pauvolid-Corrêa Alex , dos Santos Flávia Barreto
Published: November 2022

Mayaro virus (MAYV, Togaviridae) and Oropouche orthobunyavirus (OROV, Peribunyaviridae) are emerging enzootic arboviruses in Latin America. Outbreaks of febrile illness associated with MAYV and OROV have been reported among humans mainly in the northern region of Brazil since the 1980s, and recent data suggest these viruses have circulated also in more populated areas of western Brazil. MAYV shares mosquito vectors with yellow fever virus and it has been historically detected during yellow fever epidemics. Aiming to investigate the transmission of OROV and MAYV at the human-animal interface during a yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika outbreaks in Brazil, we conducted a retrospective molecular investigation in 810 wild and domestic animals, 106 febrile patients, and 22.931 vectors collected from 2016 to 2018 in Cuiaba and Campo Grande metropolitan regions, western Brazil. All samples tested negative for OROV and MAYV RNA by RT-qPCR. Findings presented here suggest no active circulation of MAYV and OROV in the sampled hosts. Active surveillance and retrospective investigations are instrumental approaches for the detection of cryptic and subclinical activity of enzootic arboviruses and together serve as a warning system to implement appropriate actions to prevent outbreaks.
Investigating impacts of small dams and dam removal on dissolved oxygen in streams
Authors: Abbott Katherine M. , Zaidel Peter A. , Roy Allison H. , Houle Kristopher M. , Nislow Keith H.
Published: November 2022

Small surface-release dams are prevalent across North American watersheds and can alter stream flow, thermal regimes, nutrient dynamics, and sediment transport. These dams are often implicated as a cause of negative water quality impacts—including reduced dissolved oxygen (DO)—and dam removal is increasingly employed to restore natural stream processes and improve DO. Published impacts of small dams on DO vary widely across sites, and even less is known about the extent and timescale of DO recovery following removal. Therefore, we sought to quantify the effects of small dams and dam removal on DO and determine the dam, stream, and watershed characteristics driving inter-site variation in responses. We deployed continuous data loggers for 3 weeks during summer months in upstream (reference), impoundment, and downstream reaches at each of 15 dammed sites and collected equivalent data at 10 of those sites following dam removal. Prior to dam removal, most sites (60%) experienced a decrease in DO (an average of 1.15 mg/L lower) within the impoundment relative to upstream, but no consistent impacts on diel ranges or on downstream reaches. Before dam removal, 5 impacted stream reaches experienced minimum DO levels below acceptable water quality standards (<5 mg/L); after dam removal, 4 of 5 of these reaches met DO standards. Sites with wider impoundments relative to upstream widths and sites located in watersheds with more cultivated land experienced the greatest decreases in impoundment DO relative to upstream. Within one year following dam removal, impoundment DO recovered to upstream reference conditions at 80% of sites, with the magnitude of recovery strongly related to the magnitude of pre-removal impacts. These data suggest that broadly, small dams negatively affect stream DO, and the extent of effects are modulated by impoundment geometry and watershed characteristics. These results may help practitioners to prioritize restoration efforts at those sites where small dams are having outsized impacts, and therefore where the greatest water quality benefits may occur.
Label-free affinity screening, design and synthesis of inhibitors targeting the Mycobacterium tuberculosis L-alanine dehydrogenase
Authors: Kim Heung-Bok , Bacik John-Paul , Wu Ruilian , Jha Ramesh K. , Hebron Michaeline , Triandafillou Catherine , McCown Joseph E. , Baek Nam-In , Kim Jeong Han , Kim Young Jae , Goulding Celia W. , Strauss Charlie E. M. , Schmidt Jurgen G. , Shetye Gauri S. , Ryoo Sungweon , Jo Eun-Kyeong , Jeon Young Ho , Hung Li-Wei , Terwilliger Thomas C. , Kim Chang-Yub
Published: November 2022

The ability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to persist in its host may enable an evolutionary advantage for drug resistant variants to emerge. A potential strategy to prevent persistence and gain drug efficacy is to directly target the activity of enzymes that are crucial for persistence. We present a method for expedited discovery and structure-based design of lead compounds by targeting the hypoxia-associated enzyme L-alanine dehydrogenase (AlaDH). Biochemical and structural analyses of AlaDH confirmed binding of nucleoside derivatives and showed a site adjacent to the nucleoside binding pocket that can confer specificity to putative inhibitors. Using a combination of dye-ligand affinity chromatography, enzyme kinetics and protein crystallographic studies, we show the development and validation of drug prototypes. Crystal structures of AlaDH-inhibitor complexes with variations at the N6 position of the adenyl-moiety of the inhibitor provide insight into the molecular basis for the specificity of these compounds. We describe a drug-designing pipeline that aims to block Mtb to proliferate upon re-oxygenation by specifically blocking NAD accessibility to AlaDH. The collective approach to drug discovery was further evaluated through in silico analyses providing additional insight into an efficient drug development strategy that can be further assessed with the incorporation of in vivo studies.
Comparison of sampling methods for small oxbow wetland fish communities
Authors: Osterhaus Dylan M. , Leberg Samuel S. , Pierce Clay L. , Stewart Timothy W. , McCombs Audrey
Published: November 2022

Throughout the world, wetlands have experienced degradation and declines in areal coverage. Fortunately, recognition of the value of wetlands has generated interest in preserving and restoring them. Post-restoration monitoring is necessary to analyze success or failure, thereby informing subsequent management decisions. Restoration of oxbow wetlands has become the focus of targeted restoration efforts to promote recovery of biodiversity and sensitive species, and to enhance ecosystem services. The fish communities of oxbows have been the subject of many monitoring studies. However, a recommended sampling methodology for monitoring the fish communities of oxbows has not been described, thereby limiting our capacity to effectively monitor these ecosystems. We compared four sampling methodologies (backpack electrofishing, fyke netting, minnow trapping, and seining) for fish community data collection with a primary objective of determining an effective method for sampling fish communities in small oxbow wetlands. Seining and fyke netting were determined to be effective methods for sampling oxbow fish communities. Backpack electrofishing and minnow trapping produced low taxonomic richness values and sampled a smaller proportion of species present than seining and fyke netting. Although seining and fyke netting produced similar taxonomic diversity and abundance values, these two gears differ in their ease of implementation and potential habitat disturbance generated by sampling. Therefore, consideration must be given to how species present (especially sensitive species) within the wetland could be impacted by sampling disturbance when choosing between seining and fyke netting.
Low transmission of SARS-CoV-2 derived from children in family clusters: An observational study of family households in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area, Spain
Authors: Mele-Casas Maria , Launes Cristian , de Sevilla Mariona F. , Hernandez-Garcia Maria , Pons-Tomas Gemma , Bassat Quique , Fumado Victoria , Fortuny Claudia , Garcia-Miquel Aleix , Bonet-Carne Elisenda , Prats Clara , Ajanovic Sara , Cubells Marta , Claverol Joana , Penela-Sanchez Daniel , Jou Cristina , Arias Sara , Balanza Nuria , Baro Barbara , Millat-Martinez Pere , Alonso Sergio , Alvarez-Lacalle Enric , Catala Marti , Cuadras Daniel , Muñoz-Almagro Carmen , Gratacos Eduard , Jordan Iolanda , Garcia-Garcia Juan Jose
Published: November 2022

Background

Family clusters offer a good opportunity to study viral transmission in a stable setting. We aimed to analyze the specific role of children in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within households.

Methods

A prospective, longitudinal, observational study, including children with documented acute SARS-CoV-2 infection attending 22 summer-schools in Barcelona, Spain, was performed. Moreover, other patients and families coming from other school-like environments that voluntarily accessed the study were also studied. A longitudinal follow-up (5 weeks) of the family clusters was conducted to determine whether the children considered to be primary cases were able to transmit the virus to other family members. The household reproduction number (Re*) and the secondary attack rate (SAR) were calculated.

Results

1905 children from the summer schools were screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection and 22 (1.15%) tested positive. Moreover, 32 additional children accessed the study voluntarily. Of these, 37 children and their 26 households were studied completely. In half of the cases (13/26), the primary case was considered to be a child and secondary transmission to other members of the household was observed in 3/13, with a SAR of 14.2% and a Re* of 0.46. Conversely, the SAR of adult primary cases was 72.2% including the kids that gave rise to the contact tracing study, and 61.5% without them, and the estimated Re* was 2.6. In 4/13 of the paediatric primary cases (30.0%), nasopharyngeal PCR was persistently positive > 1 week after diagnosis, and 3/4 of these children infected another family member (p<0.01).

Conclusions

Children may not be the main drivers of the infection in household transmission clusters in the study population. A prolonged positive PCR could be associated with higher transmissibility.
Effect of balance training on footwork performance in badminton: An interventional study
Authors: Malwanage Kavinda T. , Senadheera Vindya V. , Dassanayake Tharaka L.
Published: November 2022

Badminton is a racket sport that requires a wide variety of proficient postural changes and moves including jumps, lunges, quick changes in direction, and rapid arm movements. Efficient movement in badminton court entails reaching the shuttlecock in as few steps as possible while maintaining good balance. Balance training is an unexplored component in badminton training protocol, though balance is important in injury prevention and performance enhancement. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of balance training on sport-specific footwork performance of school-level competitive badminton players. We conducted a controlled trial involving 20 male badminton players (age 12.85±0.67 years). Participants were stratified according to their level of performance in the game, and payers from each stratum were randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. The control group (n = 8) engaged in 2 hours of ordinary badminton training, whereas the intervention group (n = 12) underwent 30 minutes of balance training followed by 1 hour and 30 minutes of ordinary badminton training, 2 days per week for 8 weeks. We tested the participants at baseline and after 8 weeks for static balance (Unipedal Stance Test), dynamic balance (Star Excursion Balance Test) and sport-specific footwork performance (shuttle run time and push-off times during stroke-play). On pre- vs. post-intervention comparisons, both groups improved in static balance (eyes opened) (p<0.05), but only the intervention group improved in dynamic balance (p = 0.036) and shuttle-run time (p = 0.020). The intervention group also improved push-off times for front forehand (p = 0.045), side forehand (p = 0.029) and rear around-the-head shots (p = 0.041). These improvements in push-off times varied between 19–36% of the baseline. None of the footwork performance measures significantly improved in the control group. Our findings indicate that incorporating a 30-minute balance training program into a regular training schedule improves dynamic balance, and on-court sport-specific footwork performance in adolescent competitive badminton players, after 8 weeks of training.
Evaluation of culture conditions for osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Cheng Yin , Liu Haixia , Li Jing , Ma Yujie , Song Changheng , Wang Yuhan , Li Pei , Chen Yanjing , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: November 2022

Osteoclasts are the only multinucleated cellsin vivoresponsible for bone resorption and are vital for regulating bone remodeling and maintaining bone mass. The RAW264.7 cell line is widely used to study osteoclastic differentiation and biological molecular mechanism. However, protocols for inducing osteoclast formation in RAW264.7 cells vary considerably between laboratories, hindering the replication of results. Therefore, we tested the influence of culture conditions on osteoclast differentiation, including cell density and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) concentrations with or without macrophage colony-stimulating factors (M-CSF). Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to detect the morphology of osteoclasts. qPCR was used to detect gene expression of osteoclast-specific gene marker cathepsin K (CTSK), osteoclast transcription factors c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). The bone resorption function was evaluated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). RANKL treatment increased multinucleated osteoclasts formation and increased CTSK, c-Fos and NFATc1 gene expression. Compared with RANKL treatment, M-CSF significantly decreased multinucleated osteoclasts formation, reduced CTSK gene expression and had little effect on c-Fos and NFATc1 gene expression. Concerning bone resorption activity, RANKL treatment increased bone resorption pits on bovine bone slices. Significantly higher levels of osteoclastogenesis were observed with RAW264.7-cell density of 2×104cells/well in 24-well plates. Our results suggest that the addition of 50 ng/ml M-CSF has no positive effect on osteoclastogenesis. RANKL treatment and cell density contribute to osteoclast formation, and the optimal conditions are beneficial when exploring osteoclast function and mechanism.
Complementary antibody lineages achieve neutralization breadth in an HIV-1 infected elite neutralizer
Authors: van Schooten Jelle , Schorcht Anna , Farokhi Elinaz , Umotoy Jeffrey C. , Gao Hongmei , van den Kerkhof Tom L. G. M. , Dorning Jessica , Rijkhold Meesters Tim G. , van der Woude Patricia , Burger Judith A. , Bijl Tom , Ghalaiyini Riham , Torrents de la Peña Alba , Turner Hannah L. , Labranche Celia C. , Stanfield Robyn L. , Sok Devin , Schuitemaker Hanneke , Montefiori David C. , Burton Dennis R. , Ozorowski Gabriel , Seaman Michael S. , Wilson Ian A. , Sanders Rogier W. , Ward Andrew B. , van Gils Marit J.
Published: November 2022

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) have remarkable breadth and potency against most HIV-1 subtypes and are able to prevent HIV-1 infection in animal models. However, bNAbs are extremely difficult to induce by vaccination. Defining the developmental pathways towards neutralization breadth can assist in the design of strategies to elicit protective bNAb responses by vaccination. Here, HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins (Env)-specific IgG+ B cells were isolated at various time points post infection from an HIV-1 infected elite neutralizer to obtain monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Multiple antibody lineages were isolated targeting distinct epitopes on Env, including the gp120-gp41 interface, CD4-binding site, silent face and V3 region. The mAbs each neutralized a diverse set of HIV-1 strains from different clades indicating that the patient’s remarkable serum breadth and potency might have been the result of a polyclonal mixture rather than a single bNAb lineage. High-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of the neutralizing mAbs (NAbs) in complex with an Env trimer generated from the same individual revealed that the NAbs used multiple strategies to neutralize the virus; blocking the receptor binding site, binding to HIV-1 Env N-linked glycans, and disassembly of the trimer. These results show that diverse NAbs can complement each other to achieve a broad and potent neutralizing serum response in HIV-1 infected individuals. Hence, the induction of combinations of moderately broad NAbs might be a viable vaccine strategy to protect against a wide range of circulating HIV-1 viruses.
Todos os nomes
Authors: Cerdeira Teresa Cristina
Published: November 2022

“O romance frente ao ensaio”, eis possivelmente um outro subtítulo para este texto que se propõe a pôr frente a frente uma leitura do romance Todos os nomes, de José Saramago, e um ensaio do mesmo autor: “A estátua e a pedra”. Concebido em visão retrospectiva, este ensaio se funda num achado metafórico que se pretende capaz de iluminar os fundamentos estruturais da sua obra, dividida, tal como ele a vê, em dois momentos distintos. Ou pelo menos terá sido mais ou menos esta a sua recepção. Inseridos, segundo Saramago, do lado da “pedra”, os romances da segunda fase – incluindo nela Todos os nomes – estariam em princípio subtraídos ao modelo do chamado “romance histórico”, conceito cuja pertinência é largamente posta em causa pelo autor. Apesar de perceber uma viragem estilística – a própria dimensão dos romances, seu enquadramento espacial e temporal – mais ou menos – determinado, ou ainda, no segundo caso, o privilégio de uma dimensão universalizante que alteraria as coordenadas anteriores, mais especificamente portuguesas – opto por caminhar na contracorrente e, em alguns casos, pôr mesmo sob suspeição, alguns desses argumentos que propõem uma cesura demasiado radical do conjunto da sua obra ficcional.
Nem sagradas nem profanas
Authors: Campos Valéria
Published: November 2022

Neste artigo, a busca pelas origens das principais personagens femininas parodiadas em Caim e O Evangelho segundo Jesus Cristo, de José Saramago, em comparação à sua reficcionalização, visa analisar a denúncia sobre como as passagens e os protótipos a que estão circunscritas legaram uma marca cultural na representação reduzida e limitante da mulher. Analisa-se como o autor esmiúça os mitos que moldam nossa realidade, ao ficcionalizar versões possíveis das mulheres amiúde retratadas como seres diabólicos, envoltos em feitiços e mistérios, ou relegadas a um segundo plano em que a obediência é via única para a sagração.
Amiket Eco nem mutat meg
Authors: Bátorfy Attila
Published: November 2022

While the long history of the study of lists and Listenwissenschaft
resulted numerous findings and theories of its cognitive origins, cultural
significance, functionality and use, there are surprisingly only a few
accounts about the diverse graphic methods of presenting lists. In my essay
I examine the visual representation of lists in a historical perspective.
My commentary is based on previous information graphics taxonomies and I
propose a simple framework to classification of the visual forms of lists.
Helynevek és hatalom
Authors: Novák Veronika
Published: November 2022

The paper analyses the spatial aspects and the writing down of the
publication ritual of royal and local ordinances in late medieval Paris,
based on the study of the register books of the royal provost in the
Châtelet (Archives nationales de France, Y2-Y6), the Livres de couleur. The
majority of the publications are described as made « at the accustomed
places », and only a small part (cc.50) of the registered publication
rituals are documented with a list of place names. Their microscopic study
helps to understand the detailed workings of medieval power rituals. The
analysis of the lists shows that the ritual of the publication was far from
invariable and fixed by customs. On the contrary, different ordinances were
published at different urban locations, and the publication ritual was
performed on a great variety of itineraries. Besides the variability of the
ritual itself, the writing down of the publication has its own strategies.
The listing of place names fits perfectly into the pool of mostly verbal
methods of medieval representation of geographic space and has its rhetoric
value too. However, listing constitutes only a minority of the documented
cases, the allusion to the customary progress of the ritual (performed at
the « accustomed places ») appears much more frequently. This method
creates the image of the invariable, customary, aka ideal ritual, ensuring
the coming into force of the published ordinances. Thus, the practices of
proclamation and their written documentation are both used to guarantee the
effectiveness of the ritual and the everyday presence of royal power in the
city.
Numéro 174 - novembre 2022
Authors: Gautier Axel
Published: November 2022

Les ménages et les entreprises sont confrontés à des hausses importantes de leurs factures d’énergie, conséquence de la guerre en Ukraine et de la volonté européenne de se passer du pétrole et du gaz russe. Entre janvier et août 2022, le prix du gaz est passé de 72€/MWh à 311€/MWh, soit une hausse de 331%. Le prix de l’électricité a suivi une évolution similaire, pourtant, le gaz n’est utilisé que pour produire 25% de l’électricité en Belgique. Comment dès lors expliquer un tel impact du prix du gaz sur celui de l’électricité ?

Dans ce numéro de Regards économiques, nous expliquons le mécanisme de fixation du prix de l’électricité. Nous montrons notamment que l’organisation du marché de l’électricité crée une dépendance entre le prix de l’électricité et celui du gaz. Dans les circonstances actuelles, cette dépendance conduit à des hausses de prix bien supérieures aux hausses de coûts, avec comme conséquences des factures très élevées pour les consommateurs et les entreprises et des profits importants pour les producteurs. En effet, si le prix de l’électricité sur le marché a fortement augmenté, le coût de production du MWh électrique n’a pas progressé dans les mêmes proportions. En particulier, le coût de l’électricité produite à partir d’une centrale nucléaire, hydraulique, d’une éolienne ou de l’énergie solaire n’a pas fondamentalement changé depuis l’invasion de l’Ukraine. De ce fait, la marge des producteurs s’est considérablement accrue.

Que peut-on faire pour, d’une part, limiter la hausse des factures d’électricité et, d’autre part, limiter les surprofits des producteurs ? Deux mesures sont déjà acquises : le plafonnement des prix du gaz au niveau européen et la taxation des surprofits, avec un seuil fixé à 130€/MWh par la ministre de l’énergie. Nous discutons brièvement ces deux mesures acquises avant de discuter d’autres solutions possibles pour contenir les prix sur le marché, comme une modification des paramètres d’indexation des contrats d’électricité, la suspension temporaire des subsides aux énergies renouvelables ou encore un changement du mécanisme de rémunération des énergies renouvelables et du nucléaire sur le marché.
Multiplexed tape-stabilized cryohistology of mineralized large animal specimens
Authors: M. Zlotnick Hannah , Jiang Xi , L. Mauck Robert , A. Dyment Nathaniel
Published: November 2022

Tape-stabilized cryohistology is a powerful histological method to reinforce tissue samples during and after sectioning, enhancing the overall image quality. This technique has widely been applied to section mineralized small animal (i.e., mice, rat, rabbit) specimens, but has only been sparsely implemented for large animal samples that have a greater tendency to tear due to their increased surface area. Here, we present an optimized protocol for tape-stabilized cryohistology of undecalcified minipig vertebral body, femoral head, and temporomandibular joint samples. This protocol further develops a pipeline for sequential staining and imaging of the tape-stabilized cryosections. Images from multiple rounds of staining (endogenous bone mineral labels, aligned collagen (polarized light), tartrate resistant phosphatase (TRAP), alkaline phosphatase (AP), and toluidine blue) are overlaid to provide insight into dynamic bone remodeling. Overall, the established multiplexed tape-stabilized cryohistology protocol provides step-by-step instructions and guidance to cryosection large, mineralized tissues, and maximize data output from a single histological section.