bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Hsp70–Bag3 complex modulates the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Hippo pathway protein Yap
Authors: Baldan Simone , Meriin Anatoli B. , Yaglom Julia , Alexandrov Ilya , Varelas Xaralabos , Xiao Zhi-Xiong Jim , Sherman Michael Y.
Published: November 2021

Protein abnormalities can accelerate aging causing protein misfolding diseases, and various adaptive responses have evolved to relieve proteotoxicity. To trigger these responses, cells must detect the buildup of aberrant proteins. Previously we demonstrated that the Hsp70–Bag3 (HB) complex senses the accumulation of defective ribosomal products, stimulating signaling pathway proteins, such as stress kinases or the Hippo pathway kinase LATS1. Here, we studied how Bag3 regulates the ability for LATS1 to regulate its key downstream target YAP (also known as YAP1). In naïve cells, Bag3 recruited a complex of LATS1, YAP and the scaffold AmotL2, which links LATS1 and YAP. Upon inhibition of the proteasome, AmotL2 dissociated from Bag3, which prevented phosphorylation of YAP by LATS1, and led to consequent nuclear YAP localization together with Bag3. Mutations in Bag3 that enhanced its translocation into nucleus also facilitated nuclear translocation of YAP. Interestingly, Bag3 also controlled YAP nuclear localization in response to cell density, indicating broader roles beyond proteotoxic signaling responses for Bag3 in the regulation of YAP. These data implicate Bag3 as a regulator of Hippo pathway signaling, and suggest mechanisms by which proteotoxic stress signals are propagated.
Magnetic resonance imaging predicted the therapeutic response of patients with spinal cerebrospinal fluid leakage undergoing targeted epidural blood patch
Authors: Chen Hung-Chieh , Chai Jyh-wen , Wu Chih-Cheng , Chen Po-Lin , Teng Chieh-Lin
Published: November 2021

Objective:

Most patients with spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage require an epidural blood patch (EBP); however, the response to treatment is varied. This study aimed to compare the MRI findings at follow-up between EBP effective and non-effective groups and to identify imaging findings that predict EBP treatment failure.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 48 patients who received EBP treatment for spinal CSF leakage. These patients were stratified into two groups: EBP effective (n = 27) and EBP non-effective (n = 21) using the results of the 3 month MRI as the end point.

Results:

Compared to the EBP non-effective group, the patients in the EBP effective group had a lower spinal CSF leakage number (2.67 vs 12.48; p = 0.001), lower spinal epidural fluid accumulation levels (3.00 vs 7.48; p = 0.004), brain descend (11.11% vs 38.10%; p = 0.027), pituitary hyperemia (18.52% vs 57.14%; p = 0.007), and decreased likelihood of ≥three numbers of spinal CSF leakage (25.93% vs 90.48%; p = 0.001) in the post-EBP MRI. Clinical non-responsiveness (OR: 57.84; 95% CI: 3.47–972.54; p = 0.005) and ≥three numbers of spinal CSF leakage (OR: 15.13; 95% CI: 1.45–159.06; p = 0.023) were associated with EBP failure. Between these variables, ≥three numbers of spinal CSF leakage identified using the post-EBP MRI demonstrated greater sensitivity in predicting EBP failure compared to clinical non-responsiveness (90.48% vs 61.9%).

Conclusion:

The number of spinal CSF leakage identified using the post-EBP MRI with a cut-off value of three is an effective predictor of EBP failure.

Advances in knowledge:

Compared to clinical responsiveness, the post-EBP MRI provided a more objective approach to predict the effectiveness of EBP treatment in patients with spinal CSF leakage.
Preventing postoperative adhesions after hand tendon repair using acellular dermal matrix
Authors: Shim Hyung Sup , Park Kyeong Soo , Kim Sang Wha
Published: November 2021

Aims:

Postoperative tendon adhesions contribute to functional disability and reconstructive failure. In this study, we present the long-term outcomes of a prospective study in which acellular dermal matrix (ADM) was used to prevent postoperative adhesion after tendon injury.

Methods:

The study was conducted between March 2014 and February 2017. Patients, aged 19–65 years, with an acute single flexor tendon injury in zones 1 or 2, distal to the palmar digital crease were candidates for the study. Patients were allocated to either an ADM treatment group or a control group without ADM treatment.

Results:

A total of 37 patients were enrolled in the study: 21 patients in the ADM group and 16 patients in the control group. At six months after surgery, the range of motion in the proximal interphalangeal joint was 81.0±5.1 degrees in the ADM group and 75.8±6.9 degrees in the control group. The range of motion in the distal interphalangeal joint was 79.9±7.1 in the ADM group and 71.2±5.7 degrees in the control group, with significant difference (p=0.03 and p<0.05, respectively). In addition, the total active motion was higher in the ADM group than in the control group. The patients' scores on the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire were also significantly different, with higher satisfaction scores in the ADM group (p=0.02). The minimal follow-up period was six months.

Conclusion:

The use of ADM after tendon repair has the potential to significantly improve the outcome of tendon surgery in terms of range of motion.

Declaration of interest:

None of the authors has any financial interest in the products, devices, or drugs mentioned in this article.
Use of a flowable wound matrix to treat lower limb vascular ulcers
Authors: Florio Anna , Sallustro Marianna
Published: November 2021

Objectives:

This study is aimed at assessing the safety and effectiveness of an advanced flowable wound matrix (FWM) in the treatment of hard-to-heal vascular leg ulcers that often involve deep structures, are irregular and/or tunnelled or excavated.

Methods:

Records of patients seen at our Vascular Surgery Unit, at the University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, for hard-to-heal vascular leg ulcers between January 2018 and January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. For each wound aetiology, area and complications were recorded and evaluated. Every patient received one or more applications of FWM and was followed up.

Results:

A total of 22 patients (18 female/four male), mean age 63±8.5 years, were treated. The initial wound area ranged from 4–58cm2. After wound bed preparation, FWM was applied. Treatment was well tolerated and effective—rate of complications was low, graft take was very satisfactory, and no graft loss, rejection or superimposed infections were observed. Healing time was short: 85% of ulcers healed after 12 weeks. Most importantly, there was a decrease in the rate and level of amputations as compared with standard wound care.

Conclusions:

The data presented indicate that FWM is an option for the treatment of hard-to-heal vascular leg ulcers, particularly for those with an irregular cavity.

Declaration of interest:

The authors have no conflicts of interest.
Factors associated with pressure ulcer onset after knee replacement
Authors: Forni Cristiana , Cerantola Nicola , Ferrarelli Gianfranco , Lombrosi Luana , Bolzon Andrea , Natali Emanuela , D'Alessandro Fabio , Morri Mattia
Published: November 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to find the rate of pressure ulcers (PUs) in patients with knee replacements and identify predictive factors. The ability of the Braden scale to predict the onset of PUs was also investigated.

Method:

A retrospective prognostic cohort study was carried out involving all consecutive patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. The data were collected from patient records. The variables collected were grouped into two categories: those connected to the patient's own characteristics; and those linked to the care methods used.

Results:

The total number of patients included in the study was 565. Of these, 2.3% had developed a PU: 0.5% at the heel and 1.8% at the sacrum. Multivariate analysis showed that the variables actually correlated to the outcome were age (p=0.074; odds ratio (OR)=1.08), body mass index (BMI, p=0.037; OR=1.13) and Braden scale (p=0.029; OR=0.72). A combination of these three parameters showed better predictivity of PUs (area under the curve (AUC) 84%).

Conclusion:

Age, BMI and preoperative Braden score were shown to be independent predictive factors of the onset of PUs in patients with knee replacements. The combined use of all three variables increased the ability to identify the patients at most risk of developing a PU.

Declaration of interest:

The study was financed by the Professional Nurse Register of Bologna as winner of a competition for research projects in the province of Bologna. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Pressure ulcer incidence in acute care settings: a multicentre prospective study
Authors: Aljezawi Ma'en
Published: November 2021

Objective:

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are one of the most commonly occurring complications in hospitalised patients. Knowing the size of the problem and its risk factors will help in preventing it. The aim of this study is to measure the incidence of PUs in acute care settings in Jordan and to explore associated risk factors.

Method:

A prospective incidence study for hospitalised patients in Jordan according to the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel methodology. All patients admitted into four Jordanian hospitals over a period of six months were included.

Results:

The cumulative incidence rate was 0.48%. Using multivariate analysis, a low albumin level, elevated white blood cells, incontinence and having more chronic illnesses were significantly associated with acquiring PUs.

Conclusion:

Incidence of PUs in Jordan is lower when compared with other parts of the world; this could be related to the relatively younger Jordanian population compared with other populations.

Declaration of interest:

The author has no conflicts of interest to declare.
Costing pressure ulcer care in an Irish acute care setting: a feasibility study
Authors: Reilly Aoife , Sorensen Jan , Strapp Helen , Patton Declan , Blair Amy , Avsar Pinar , Burns Jane , Moore Zena
Published: November 2021

Objective:

To test the feasibility of using a standardised data collection tool to estimate the cost of stage 2–4 pressure ulcer (PU) care within an acute care setting.

Method:

Data on resource use and cost were obtained through a retrospective survey of nursing and medical notes collecting cost data for individual patients who received care for stage 2–4 PUs.

Results:

Data for 20 patients (12 male/8 female) were analysed. The average patient age was 69 years (range: 37–95 years). Of this sample, seven patients had hospital-acquired PUs (HAPUs) and 14 patients had community-acquired PUs (CAPU) (one patient had both—in different anatomical areas). Over half of the total sample (55%; n=11) had a stage 2 PU. The average length of stay was 31.8 days (range: 5–119 days). Most of the patients (70%; n=14) had a CAPU. The average cost per patient with PU care was €878 (range: €39–2393). The mean cost for patients with a HAPU was €866 (SD: €1313) versus €911 (SD: €567) for patients with a CAPU. The majority of the cost related to equipment and staff time for treatment.

Conclusion:

Overall, the application of the standardised data collection tool to obtain cost data from retrospective inspection of nursing and medical notes is feasible. The cost of PU care in this sample was high, indicating that these wounds may impose a substantial burden on health systems. The costs varied greatly between patients in the sample, reflecting the complexity of PU care. Furthermore, given that costs increased with the higher PU stages, there is a potential to reduce costs by preventing the development of higher stage PUs. Larger-scale studies are required to understand the cost variation and full economic impact of PU care.

Declaration of interest:

The authors have no conflicts of interest.
PROTECT NOW: A new resource for diabetes and kidney health
Authors: Phillips Anne
Published: November 2021

Anne Phillips introduces PROTECT NOW, a new resource designed to educate patients and health professionals on renal health and diabetes
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Authors: Winter George
Published: November 2021

George Winter provides an overview of recently published articles that are of interest to practice nurses. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Dermatological conditions in older adults: clinical overview
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: November 2021

The skin is one of the most important parts of the human body. It protects the underlying tissue from injury and is a valuable part of the homeostatic processes. Older people have more frail and aged skin, which must be treated correctly to avoid skin breaks, especially where there are any dermatological conditions present. Not only this, but where there is a wound, the dressing must be chosen and applied carefully, to treat the condition but also to avoid damage when it comes to removing the dressing, due to the risk of the skin tearing, which can be a common problem in older adults. Further, the thinner, drier skin of older people has moisture and barrier changes that lead to a higher susceptibility to eczema. This article provides an overview of the aetiological, diagnostic and treatment aspects of geriatric dermatology, with a focus on the common allergic skin conditions (dermatitis) seen in older adults.
Exploring Teachers' Views on Code-Switching as a Communicative Technique to Enhance the Teaching of Mathematics in Grade 4
Authors: Mawela Ailwei Solomon , Mahlambi Sizwe Blessing
Published: November 2021

The teaching and learning of mathematics in South Africa are conducted through the authorised Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT). South Africa has eleven official languages, and English is a Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) from the Intermediate and Further Education and Training (FET) Phase. This study explores teachers' views on code-switching as a communicative technique to enhance teaching mathematics in Grade 4 in selected primary schools in South Africa. This qualitative single case study employed the interpretivist paradigm and social constructivism theory. A convenient purposive sampling technique was used to sample six grade 4 mathematics teachers from three primary schools in the Alexandra township in South Africa. Researchers collected data through the use of semi-structured interviews, which were later analysed and discussed using themes. Findings indicate that teachers often code-switch from LoLT (English First Additional Language) into Home Language (H.L.) to enhance learners' understanding of the mathematics concepts. Researchers suggested the integration of code-switching into the curriculum policy and followed by in-service training for Grade 4 mathematics teachers in code-switching.
Effectiveness of Internships as Pedagogical Practices in Promoting Employability Skills Amongst Graduating Students in Selected Social Science Degree Programmes in Zambia
Authors: Mwelwa Kapambwe , Mawela Ailwei S.
Published: November 2021

To explore their role in enhancing graduate employability, the study investigated the effectiveness of student internships as pedagogical practices in promoting employability skills amongst graduating students in four Social Science Degree programmes of selected universities in Zambia. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 162 participants through the questionnaires and interview guides using a mixed-methods approach. The participants included different actors in the labour industry as critical informants; graduating students taking Social Science Degree Programmes; Lecturers, and Employers. The quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using the SPSS version 24 and Atlas. Ti. Version 8, respectively. This study employed the Human Capability Approach and Human Capital theories. Findings indicated that although internship practices were considered an essential component in the social science degree programmes for skills development, their effectiveness in promoting employability skills amongst graduating students varied from one programme to the other. The findings have implications on how universities and the labour industry could work together to design and implement internship experiences for students in social science degree programmes that are more effective in promoting the acquisition of employability skills in Zambia.
Coping Strategies of Teachers: An Inventory of Approaches and Programs and their Knowledge and Usage in German Schools
Authors: Blumenthal Stefan , Blumenthal Yvonne
Published: November 2021

Various studies have shown that teachers are subject to an increased stress level and the associated physical and psychological consequences. In this article, the possibilities of coping of stressful situations in everyday school life are systematized. In addition, the knowledge and usage of available programs and trainings for coping with stress at school in German-speaking countries will be assessed. This is a descriptive study based on a survey of 32 teachers. Effects due to contextual variables (gender, school type, and work experience) were examined. The results indicate that only a few of the programs surveyed are known and used in schools. Effects in connection with the gender of the teachers as well as their professional experience could not be determined. Instead, significantly more special education teachers knew and used programs to strengthen protective context factors (school type effect). The fact that a high proportion of teachers are unaware of and do not use available programs, despite their high importance for healthy coping with personal job demands, suggests deficiencies in teacher education and training. In addition, lack of resources at schools may be limiting. The successful management of stressful situations must not be seen as a task for individual employees; rather, systemic solutions must be found. Particularly due to the increased stress experienced by teachers in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, aspects of health promotion in schools should play a significant role. The aim must be to provide more detailed information about stress management approaches in schools and to support their implementation.
K-edge coded aperture optimization for uniform illumination in compressive spectral X-ray tomosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Tong , Zhao Shengjie , Ma Xu , Cuadros Angela P. , Arce Gonzalo R.
Published: November 2021

Compressive spectral X-ray imaging (CSXI) introduces a pixelated spectral modulator called K-edge coded aperture (KCA) in front of the X-ray source, which enables both, lower dosage to the subject, as well as the capability of spectral tomography while using low-cost integrating X-ray detectors. CSXI systems generally use hundreds of different spectral modulators, each with a distinct pattern to uniquely modulate the illumination at every view angle. In contrast, this paper introduces the use of a single and static coded aperture placed in a tomosynthesis gantry. The compressive system thus interrogates the subject with a fixed coded illumination pattern on all view angles. The advantages of the system are many including reduced cost and the feasibility of implementation. Given the reduced set of coded measurement and the limited spectral separation ability in the resulting architecture, the nonlinear inverse reconstruction problem results in a highly ill-posed problem. An efficient alternating minimization method with three-dimensional total variation regularization is developed for image reconstruction. Furthermore, rather than simply using a random pattern, the coded aperture is optimized under a uniform sensing criterion that shapes the spatial and spectral pattern of the coded aperture so as to minimize the overall radiation exposure placed on any volumetric area of the patient. This is of particular importance in medical imaging where patients at risk are recommended to have periodical X-ray tomosynthesis screenings. The coded aperture optimization is then posed as a binary programming problem solved by a gradient-based algorithm with equilibrium constraints. Numerical experiments show that spatial and spectral coding used in the proposed system to interrogate the subject not only reduces the radiation dose but it also improves the quality of image reconstruction. Gains close to 5dB in peak signal to noise ratio are observed in simulations. Furthermore, it is shown that the optimization of the KCA can effectively improve the uniformity of X-ray radiation compared to random KCA modulation, thus reducing the radiation dose throughout all volumetric sub-areas of the subject — an objective that is not possible with the use of random KCAs.
Proactive spectrometer matching for excess noise suppression in balanced visible light optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Authors: Kho Aaron M. , Srinivasan Vivek J.
Published: November 2021

Supercontinuum sources for visible light spectral domain OCT (SDOCT) are noisy and often expensive. Balanced detection can reduce excess noise, but is rarely used in SDOCT. Here, we show that balanced detection can achieve effective excess noise cancellation across all depths if two linear array spectrometers are spectrally well-matched. We propose excess noise correlation matrices as tools to achieve such precise spectral matching. Using optomechanical adjustments, while monitoring noise correlations, we proactively match wavelength sampling of two different spectrometers to just a few picometers in wavelength, or 0.001% of the overall spectral range. We show that proactively-matched spectrometers can achieve an excess noise suppression of more than two orders-of-magnitude in balanced visible light OCT, outperforming simple retrospective software calibration of mismatched spectrometers. High noise suppression enables visible light OCT of the mouse retina at 70 kHz with 125 microwatts incident power, with an inexpensive, 30 MHz repetition rate supercontinuum source. Averaged images resolve the retinal pigment epithelium in a highly pigmented mouse strain.
Ultrahigh-factor frequency multiplication based on optical sideband injection locking for broadband linear frequency modulated microwave generation
Authors: Li Jiading , Xue Xiaoxiao , Zhang Jichen , Xue Zhujun , Yang Bofan , Li Shangyuan , Zheng Xiaoping
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a novel photonics-enabled frequency multiplication system with an ultrahigh multiplication factor (MF) for broadband linear frequency modulated (LFM) microwave generation. A pair of distributed feedback (DFB) lasers are injection-locked to two optical sidebands with different orders, which are excited by a narrow-band LFM waveform with a frequency range of 2∼3 GHz. Frequency-multiplied LFM waveforms are generated by beating the two DFB outputs. Thanks to the injection locking, the frequency-multiplied signals have excellent spurious suppression and linearity. The measured spurious suppression ratio exceeds 21.4 dB and the linearity is better than 1 × 10−5. The MF reconfigurability and the central frequency tunability are also demonstrated. A series of 20-fold frequency-multiplied LFM waveforms with different central frequencies and a 30-fold frequency-multiplied signal with a frequency range from 16 GHz to 46 GHz are generated. Moreover, a feedback setup is employed to stabilize the waveform phase against environmental interferences. The measured standard deviation of the remaining phase jitter is around 5.5

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Group-velocity dispersion emulator using a time lens
Authors: Zhu Xinyi , Romero Cortés Luis , Azaña José
Published: November 2021

We report a novel method to continuously track the temporal evolution of an arbitrary complex waveform as it propagates through a group-velocity dispersion medium by using a single-frequency-driven phase modulator. The proposed method exploits the fact that the frequency spectrum of a given (input) waveform, following a suitable sinusoidal temporal phase modulation, exhibits the same shape as that of a dispersed version of the same temporal waveform after propagation through a prescribed amount of dispersion. In experiments, we track the dispersion-induced temporal evolution of different optical picosecond pulsed waveforms by tuning the frequency and/or amplitude of the phase modulation signal and observing the resulting shapes in the optical frequency domain. A good agreement is obtained between the measured spectra and predicted temporal shapes of the propagating waveform for different amounts of dispersion. Moreover, the method is successfully applied on a chirped optical pulse to find the optimal pulse compression conditions.
A conserved expression signature predicts growth rate and reveals cell & lineage-specific differences
Authors: Jiang Zhisheng , Generoso Serena F. , Badia Marta , Payer Bernhard , Carey Lucas B.
Published: November 2021

Isogenic cells cultured together show heterogeneity in their proliferation rate. To determine the differences between fast and slow-proliferating cells, we developed a method to sort cells by proliferation rate, and performed RNA-seq on slow and fast proliferating subpopulations of pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and mouse fibroblasts. We found that slowly proliferating mESCs have a more naïve pluripotent character. We identified an evolutionarily conserved proliferation-correlated transcriptomic signature that is common to all eukaryotes: fast cells have higher expression of genes for protein synthesis and protein degradation. This signature accurately predicted growth rate in yeast and cancer cells, and identified lineage-specific proliferation dynamics during development, usingC.elegansscRNA-seq data. In contrast, sorting by mitochondria membrane potential revealed a highly cell-type specific mitochondria-state related transcriptome. mESCs with hyperpolarized mitochondria are fast proliferating, while the opposite is true for fibroblasts. The mitochondrial electron transport chain inhibitor antimycin affected slow and fast subpopulations differently. While a major transcriptional-signature associated with cell-to-cell heterogeneity in proliferation is conserved, the metabolic and energetic dependency of cell proliferation is cell-type specific.
Memories in a network with excitatory and inhibitory plasticity are encoded in the spiking irregularity
Authors: Gallinaro Júlia V. , Clopath Claudia
Published: November 2021

Cell assemblies are thought to be the substrate of memory in the brain. Theoretical studies have previously shown that assemblies can be formed in networks with multiple types of plasticity. But how exactly they are formed and how they encode information is yet to be fully understood. One possibility is that memories are stored in silent assemblies. Here we used a computational model to study the formation of silent assemblies in a network of spiking neurons with excitatory and inhibitory plasticity. We found that even though the formed assemblies were silent in terms of mean firing rate, they had an increased coefficient of variation of inter-spike intervals. We also found that this spiking irregularity could be read out with support of short-term plasticity, and that it could contribute to the longevity of memories.
Convergent adaptation of Saccharomyces uvarum to sulfite, an antimicrobial preservative widely used in human-driven fermentations
Authors: Macías Laura G. , Flores Melisa González , Adam Ana Cristina , Rodríguez María E. , Querol Amparo , Barrio Eladio , Lopes Christian Ariel , Pérez-Torrado Roberto
Published: November 2021

Different species can find convergent solutions to adapt their genome to the same evolutionary constraints, although functional convergence promoted by chromosomal rearrangements in different species has not previously been found. In this work, we discovered that two domesticated yeast species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Saccharomyces uvarum, acquired chromosomal rearrangements to convergently adapt to the presence of sulfite in fermentation environments. We found two new heterologous chromosomal translocations in fermentative strains of S. uvarum at the SSU1 locus, involved in sulfite resistance, an antimicrobial additive widely used in food production. These are convergent events that share similarities with other SSU1 locus chromosomal translocations previously described in domesticated S. cerevisiae strains. In S. uvarum, the newly described VIIXVI and XIXVI chromosomal translocations generate an overexpression of the SSU1 gene and confer increased sulfite resistance. This study highlights the relevance of chromosomal rearrangements to promote the adaptation of yeast to anthropic environments.
Tomatidine reduces Chikungunya virus progeny release by controlling viral protein expression
Authors: Troost-Kind Berit , van Hemert Martijn J. , van de Pol Denise , van der Ende-Metselaar Heidi , Merits Andres , Borggrewe Malte , Rodenhuis-Zybert Izabela A. , Smit Jolanda M.
Published: November 2021

Tomatidine, a natural steroidal alkaloid from unripe green tomatoes has been shown to exhibit many health benefits. We recently provided in vitro evidence that tomatidine reduces the infectivity of Dengue virus (DENV) and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), two medically important arthropod-borne human infections for which no treatment options are available. We observed a potent antiviral effect with EC50 values of 0.82 μM for DENV-2 and 1.3 μM for CHIKV-LR. In this study, we investigated how tomatidine controls CHIKV infectivity. Using mass spectrometry, we identified that tomatidine induces the expression of p62, CD98, metallothionein and thioredoxin-related transmembrane protein 2 in Huh7 cells. The hits p62 and CD98 were validated, yet subsequent analysis revealed that they are not responsible for the observed antiviral effect. In parallel, we sought to identify at which step of the virus replication cycle tomatidine controls virus infectivity. A strong antiviral effect was seen when in vitro transcribed CHIKV RNA was transfected into Huh7 cells treated with tomatidine, thereby excluding a role for tomatidine during CHIKV cell entry. Subsequent determination of the number of intracellular viral RNA copies and viral protein expression levels during natural infection revealed that tomatidine reduces the RNA copy number and viral protein expression levels in infected cells. Once cells are infected, tomatidine is not able to interfere with active RNA replication yet it can reduce viral protein expression. Collectively, the results delineate that tomatidine controls viral protein expression to exert its antiviral activity. Lastly, sequential passaging of CHIKV in presence of tomatidine did not lead to viral resistance. Collectively, these results further emphasize the potential of tomatidine as an antiviral treatment towards CHIKV infection.
Proliferation, apoptosis and their regulatory protein expression in colorectal adenomas and serrated lesions
Authors: Figueiredo Jane C. , Passarelli Michael N. , Wei Wei , Ahnen Dennis J. , Morris Jeffrey S. , Corley Lynda , Mehta Trupti , Bartley Angela N. , McKeown-Eyssen Gail , Bresalier Robert S. , Barry Elizabeth L. , Goel Ajay , Hernandez Mesa Goretti , Hamilton Stanley R. , Baron John A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Adenomas and serrated lesions represent heterogeneous sets of early precursors in the colorectum with varying malignant potential. They are often distinguished by their histopathologic differences, but little is known about potential differences in regulation of epithelial proliferation and apoptosis.

Methods

We conducted a protein expression analysis using tissue microarrays of 625 colorectal adenomas and 142 serrated lesions to determine potential differences in regulation of epithelial proliferation and apoptosis. We quantitated proliferation with Ki-67; apoptosis with activated caspase-3 (CASP3); up- and down-regulators of proliferation with cyclin D1, p16INK2, and p21Cip1; and apoptosis regulators with BAX, BCL2, and survivin. Linear mixed effects models and circos diagrams were used to determine relationships among expression and lesion characteristics.

Results

Adenomas had a significantly higher CASP-3 labeling index (LI) than serrated lesions, resulting in a lower net growth ratio (Ki-67 LI/activated CASP-3 LI, p-value<0.0001). Cyclin D1 LI, p16 LI and p21 LI were lower in adenomas compared to serrated lesions, while expression of both BCL2 and BAX were higher (p <0.001). Among adenomas, cyclin D1 LI and p16 LI levels increased with greater villous component, and the highest BAX expression was detected in adenomas larger than 2 cm (both p<0.0001). Right-sided adenomas had higher CASP3 LI than left colorectal adenomas (p = 0.008). Significant differences in cyclin D1 LI, p21 LI and survivin LI were also observed across histopathologic subtypes of serrated lesions.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate different patterns of regulatory protein expression in adenomas than serrated lesions, especially involving apoptosis.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00272324
Preparing for COVID-19: Household food insecurity and vulnerability to shocks in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Onyango Elizabeth Opiyo , Crush Jonathan , Owuor Samuel
Published: November 2021

An understanding of the types of shocks that disrupt and negatively impact urban household food security is of critical importance to develop relevant and targeted food security emergency preparedness policies and responses, a fact magnified by the current COVID-19 pandemic. This gap is addressed by the current study which draws from the Hungry Cities Partnership (HCP) city-wide household food insecurity survey of Nairobi city in Kenya. It uses both descriptive statistics and multilevel modelling using General Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) to examine the relationship between household food security and 16 different shocks experienced in the six months prior to the administration of the survey. The findings showed that only 29% of surveyed households were completely food secure. Of those experiencing some level of food insecurity, more experienced economic (55%) than sociopolitical (16%) and biophysical (10%) shocks. Economic shocks such as food price increases, loss of employment, and reduced income were all associated with increased food insecurity. Coupled with the lack of functioning social safety nets in Nairobi, households experiencing shocks and emergencies experience serious food insecurity and related health effects. In this context, the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have a major negative economic impact on many vulnerable urban households. As such, there is need for new policies on urban food emergencies with a clear emergency preparedness plan for responding to major economic and other shocks that target the most vulnerable.
Targeted proteomics as a tool to detect SARS-CoV-2 proteins in clinical specimens
Authors: Bezstarosti Karel , Lamers Mart M. , Doff Wouter A. S. , Wever Peter C. , Thai Khoa T. D. , van Kampen Jeroen J. A. , Haagmans Bart L. , Demmers Jeroen A. A.
Published: November 2021

The rapid, sensitive and specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 is critical in responding to the current COVID-19 outbreak. In this proof-of-concept study, we explored the potential of targeted mass spectrometry (MS) based proteomics for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in both research samples and clinical specimens. First, we assessed the limit of detection for several SARS-CoV-2 proteins by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) MS in infected Vero E6 cells. For tryptic peptides of Nucleocapsid protein, the limit of detection was estimated to be in the mid-attomole range (9E-13 g). Next, this PRM methodology was applied to the detection of viral proteins in various COVID-19 patient clinical specimens, such as sputum and nasopharyngeal swabs. SARS-CoV-2 proteins were detected in these samples with high sensitivity in all specimens with PCR Ct values <24 and in several samples with higher CT values. A clear relationship was observed between summed MS peak intensities for SARS-CoV-2 proteins and Ct values reflecting the abundance of viral RNA. Taken together, these results suggest that targeted MS based proteomics may have the potential to be used as an additional tool in COVID-19 diagnostics.
Rhizosphere bacteria community and functions under typical natural halophyte communities in North China salinized areas
Authors: Yin Fating , Zhang Fenghua , Wang Haoran
Published: November 2021

Soil salinity is a serious environmental issue in arid China. Halophytes show extreme salt tolerance and are grow in saline-alkaline environments. There rhizosphere have complex bacterial communities, which mediate a variety of interactions between plants and soil. High-throughput sequencing was used to investigated rhizosphere bacterial community changes under the typical halophyte species in arid China. Three typical halophytes wereLeymus chinensis(LC),Puccinellia tenuiflora(PT),Suaeda glauca(SG). The dominant phyla wereProteobacteria,Actinobacteria,Chloroflexi,Gemmatimonadetes,AcidobacteriaandBacteroidetes,Suaeda glaucarhizosphere has stronger enrichment ofNitrospiraeandCyanobacteria. The Ace, Chao and Shannon indices were significantly higher in soils under LC and SG (P<0.05). Functional predictions, based on 16S rRNA gene by PICRUSt, indicated that Energy metabolism, Amino acid metabolism, Carbohydrate metabolism and Fatty acid metabolism are dominant bacterial functions in three halophytes rhizosphere soil. Carbon metabolism, Oxidative phosphorylation, Methane metabolism, Sulfur metabolism and Nitrogen metabolism in SG were significantly higher than that in LC and PT. Regression analysis revealed that rhizosphere soil bacterial community structure is influenced by soil organic matter (SOM) and soil water content (SWC), while soil bacterial community diversity is affected by soil pH. This study contributes to our understanding of the distribution characteristics and metabolic functions under different halophyte rhizosphere bacterial communities, and will provide references for the use of rhizosphere bacteria to regulate the growth of halophytes and ecological restoration of saline soil.
Pet distribution modelling: Untangling the invasive potential of Trachemys dorbigni (Emydidae) in the Americas
Authors: Fonseca Érica , Both Camila , Cechin Sonia Zanini , Winck Gisele
Published: November 2021

Human activities have been changing the global biogeographic patterns by the introductions of invasive species. For reptiles, the invasion rate increase of non-native species is remarkably related to the pet trade, especially for freshwater turtles. Here we estimated the invasive potential of the South American turtle Trachemys dorbigni in the Americas using a combination of climatic and human activity variables. We built species distribution models based on data from the native and invasive ranges, using the ensemble model from five different algorithms (GAM, MAXENT, BRT, RF and GBM). We compared the two models’ performance and predictions, one calibrated with only climatic variables (climate-driven), and the second also included a descriptive variable of human activity (climate plus human-driven). Suitable areas for T. dorbigni covered occurrence areas of its congeners and highly diversified ecoregions, such as the eastern USA, the islands of Central America, and the south eastern and eastern Brazilian coast. Our results indicate that human activities allow T. dorbigni to establish populations outside of its original climatic niche. Including human activity variables proved fundamental to refining the results to identify more susceptible areas to invasion and to allow the efficient targeting of prevention measures. Finally, we suggested a set of actions to prevent T. dorbigni becoming a highly impacting species in the areas identified as more prone to its invasion.
Assessing the value of complex refractive index and particle density for calibration of low-cost particle matter sensor for size-resolved particle count and PM2.5 measurements
Authors: Huang Ching-Hsuan , He Jiayang , Austin Elena , Seto Edmund , Novosselov Igor
Published: November 2021

Low-cost optical scattering particulate matter (PM) sensors report total or size-specific particle counts and mass concentrations. The PM concentration and size are estimated by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) proprietary algorithms, which have inherent limitations since particle scattering depends on particles’ properties such as size, shape, and complex index of refraction (CRI) as well as environmental parameters such as temperature and relative humidity (RH). As low-cost PM sensors are not able to resolve individual particles, there is a need to characterize and calibrate sensors’ performance under a controlled environment. Here, we present improved calibration algorithms for Plantower PMS A003 sensor for mass indices and size-resolved number concentration. An aerosol chamber experimental protocol was used to evaluate sensor-to-sensor data reproducibility. The calibration was performed using four polydisperse test aerosols. The particle size distribution OEM calibration for PMS A003 sensor did not agree with the reference single particle sizer measurements. For the number concentration calibration, the linear model without adjusting for the aerosol properties and environmental conditions yields an absolute error (NMAE) of ~ 4.0% compared to the reference instrument. The calibration models adjusted for particle CRI and density account for non-linearity in the OEM’s mass concentrations estimates with NMAE within 5.0%. The calibration algorithms developed in this study can be used in indoor air quality monitoring, occupational/industrial exposure assessments, or near-source monitoring scenarios where field calibration might be challenging.
Resident travel mode prediction model in Beijing metropolitan area
Authors: Mi Xueyu , Wang Shengyou , Shao Chunfu , Zhang Peng , Chen Mingming
Published: November 2021

With the development of economic integration, Beijing has become more closely connected with surrounding areas, which gradually formed the Beijing metropolitan area (BMA). The authors define the scope of BMA from two dimensions of space and time. BMA is determined to be the built-up area of Beijing and its surrounding 10 districts. Designed questionnaire survey the personal characteristics, family characteristics, and travel characteristics of residents from 10 districts in the surrounding BMA. The statistical analysis of questionnaires shows that the supply of public transportation is insufficient and cannot meet traffic demand. Further, the travel mode prediction model of Softmax regression machine learning algorithm for BMA (SRBM) is established. To further verify the prediction performance of the proposed model, the Multinomial Logit Model (MNL) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), model are introduced to compare the prediction accuracy. The results show that the constructed SRBM model exhibits high prediction accuracy, with an average accuracy of 88.35%, which is 2.83% and 18.11% higher than the SVM and MNL models, respectively. This article provides new ideas for the prediction of travel modes in the Beijing metropolitan area.
Practitioners’ views on shared decision-making implementation: A qualitative study
Authors: Ankolekar Anshu , Dahl Steffensen Karina , Olling Karina , Dekker Andre , Wee Leonard , Roumen Cheryl , Hasannejadasl Hajar , Fijten Rianne
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Shared decision-making (SDM) refers to the collaboration between patients and their healthcare providers to make clinical decisions based on evidence and patient preferences, often supported by patient decision aids (PDAs). This study explored practitioner experiences of SDM in a context where SDM has been successfully implemented. Specifically, we focused on practitioners’ perceptions of SDM as a paradigm, factors influencing implementation success, and outcomes.

Methods

We used a qualitative approach to examine the experiences and perceptions of 10 Danish practitioners at a cancer hospital experienced in SDM implementation. A semi-structured interview format was used and interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data was analyzed through thematic analysis.

Results

Prior to SDM implementation, participants had a range of attitudes from skeptical to receptive. Those with more direct long-term contact with patients (such as nurses) were more positive about the need for SDM. We identified four main factors that influenced SDM implementation success: raising awareness of SDM behaviors among clinicians through concrete measurements, supporting the formation of new habits through reinforcement mechanisms, increasing the flexibility of PDA delivery, and strong leadership. According to our participants, these factors were instrumental in overcoming initial skepticism and solidifying new SDM behaviors. Improvements to the clinical process were reported. Sustaining and transferring the knowledge gained to other contexts will require adapting measurement tools.

Conclusions

Applying SDM in clinical practice represents a major shift in mindset for clinicians. Designing SDM initiatives with an understanding of the underlying behavioral mechanisms may increase the probability of successful and sustained implementation.
Effectiveness of teacher-based nutrition interventions in addressing malnutrition among sub-Saharan children
Authors: Nsamba Jonathan
Published: November 2021

Introduction: To address the high malnutrition rates in Sub Saharan Africa, most programs addressing malnutrition have continuously been streamlined through the health system, yet this has not yielded results as expected. On the other hand, the education sector has shown an immense capacity to address some challenges, such as eliminating short-term hunger through School feeding programs. Yet, little attention has been given to teachers as far as implementing health and nutrition interventions. With an increased school enrolment rate in Sub Saharan Africa, teachers present huge potential as change agents.Objectives: To consolidate evidence about the effectiveness of teacher-based interventions in addressing malnutrition in Sub- Saharan Africa.Methods: A search strategy through online databases including EBSCO, PubMed, BASE, Cochrane, Google Scholar, LILACS, Project MUSE, TRIP Database, and Emerald Insight gave rise to 95,734 studies. These were identified and taken through a series of screening stages such that the most eligible were included to answer the review question.Results: Three studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results showed that teacher-based interventions such as school lunch, deworming, vitamin A supplementation, and nutrition education positively affect the nutrition status of primary school children, school attendances, are sustainable and reach many children.Conclusion: There is a need to actively involve teachers in the primordial and primary prevention stages of malnutrition through strengthening nutrition education, supplementary programs and school gardening. Teachers have an essential role to play in the fight against Malnutrition in Sub Saharan Africa.Â Â