bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical efficiency of national HIV/AIDS spending in 78 countries between 2010 and 2018: A data envelopment analysis
Authors: Allel Kasim , Abou Jaoude Gerard Joseph , Birungi Charles , Palmer Tom , Skordis Jolene , Haghparast-Bidgoli Hassan
Published: August 2022

HIV/AIDS remains a leading global cause of disease burden, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In 2020, more than 80% of all people living with HIV (PLHIV) lived in LMICs. While progress has been made in extending coverage of HIV/AIDS services, only 66% of all PLHIV were virally suppressed at the end of 2020. In addition to more resources, the efficiency of spending is key to accelerating progress towards global 2030 targets for HIV/AIDs, including viral load suppression. This study aims to estimate the efficiency of HIV/AIDS spending across 78 countries. We employed a data envelopment analysis (DEA) and a truncated regression to estimate the technical efficiency of 78 countries, mostly low- and middle-income, in delivering HIV/AIDS services from 2010 to 2018. Publicly available data informed the model. We considered national HIV/AIDS spending as the DEA input, and prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) and antiretroviral treatment (ART) as outputs. The model was adjusted by independent variables to account for country characteristics and investigate associations with technical efficiency. On average, there has been substantial improvement in technical efficiency over time. Spending was converted into outputs almost twice as efficiently in 2018 (81.8%; 95% CI = 77.64, 85.99) compared with 2010 (47.5%; 95% CI = 43.4, 51.6). Average technical efficiency was 66.9% between 2010 and 2018, in other words 33.1% more outputs could have been produced relative to existing levels for the same amount of spending. There is also some variation between WHO/UNAIDS regions. European and Eastern and Southern Africa regions converted spending into outputs most efficiently between 2010 and 2018. Rule of Law, Gross National Income, Human Development Index, HIV prevalence and out-of-pocket expenditures were all significantly associated with efficiency scores. The technical efficiency of HIV investments has improved over time. However, there remains scope to substantially increase HIV/AIDS spending efficiency and improve progress towards 2030 global targets for HIV/AIDS. Given that many of the most efficient countries did not meet 2020 global HIV targets, our study supports the WHO call for additional investment in HIV/AIDS prevention and control to meet the 2030 HIV/AIDS and eradication of the AIDS epidemic.
Structural and biophysical properties of FopA, a major outer membrane protein of Francisella tularensis
Authors: Nagaratnam Nirupa , Martin-Garcia Jose M. , Yang Jay-How , Goode Matthew R. , Ketawala Gihan , Craciunescu Felicia M. , Zook James D. , Sonowal Manashi , Williams Dewight , Grant Thomas D. , Fromme Raimund , Hansen Debra T. , Fromme Petra
Published: August 2022

Francisella tularensisis an extremely infectious pathogen and a category A bioterrorism agent. It causes the highly contagious zoonosis, Tularemia. Currently, FDA approved vaccines against tularemia are unavailable.F.tularensisouter membrane protein A (FopA) is a well-studied virulence determinant and protective antigen against tularemia. It is a major outer membrane protein (Omp) ofF.tularensis. However, FopA-based therapeutic intervention is hindered due to lack of complete structural information for membrane localized mature FopA. In our study, we established recombinant expression, monodisperse purification, crystallization and X-ray diffraction (~6.5 Å) of membrane localized mature FopA. Further, we performed bioinformatics and biophysical experiments to unveil its structural organization in the outer membrane. FopA consists of 393 amino acids and has less than 40% sequence identity to known bacterial Omps. Using comprehensive sequence alignments and structure predictions together with existing partial structural information, we propose a two-domain organization for FopA. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and heat modifiability assay confirmed FopA has a β-barrel domain consistent with alphafold2’s prediction of an eight stranded β-barrel at the N-terminus. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed FopA purified in detergent micelles is predominantly dimeric. Molecular density derived from SAXS at 31 Å shows putative dimeric N-terminal β-barrels surrounded by detergent corona and connected to C-terminal domains via flexible linker. Disorder analysis predicts N- and C-terminal domains are interspersed by a long intrinsically disordered region and alphafold2 predicts this region to be largely unstructured. Taken together, we propose a dimeric, two-domain organization of FopA in the outer membrane: the N-terminal β-barrel is membrane embedded, provides dimerization interface and tethers to membrane extrinsic C-terminal domain via long flexible linker. Structure determination of membrane localized mature FopA is essential to understand its role in pathogenesis and develop anti-tularemia therapeutics. Our results pave the way towards it.
Habitat selection in a recovering bobcat (Lynx rufus) population
Authors: Jones Landon R. , Johnson Scott A. , Hudson Cassie M. , Zollner Patrick A. , Swihart Robert K.
Published: August 2022

Understanding habitat selection of top predators is critical to predict their impacts on ecological communities and interactions with humans, particularly in recovering populations. We analyzed habitat selection in a recovering population of bobcats (Lynx rufus) in south-central Indiana using a Random Forest model. We predicted that bobcats would select forest habitat and forest edges but avoid agriculture to maximize encounters with prey species. We also predicted that bobcats would avoid developed areas and roads to minimize potential antagonistic interactions with humans. Results partially supported our predictions and were consistent with bobcats in the early stages of population expansion. Bobcats exhibited elevated use near forest edges, thresholds of avoidance near agriculture, and thresholds of selection for low and intermediate habitat heterogeneity. Bobcats exhibited peak probability of use 1–3 km from major roads, >800 m from minor roads, and <1km from developed areas, suggesting tradeoffs in reward for high-quality hunting areas and mortality risk. Our Random Forest model highlighted complex non-linear patterns and revealed that most shifts in habitat use occurred within 1 km of the edge of each habitat type. These results largely supported previous studies in the Midwest and across North America but also produced refinements of bobcat habitat use in our system, particularly at habitat boundaries. Refined models of habitat selection by carnivores enable improved prediction of the most suitable habitat for recovering populations and provides useful information for conservation.
The bending rigidity of the red blood cell cytoplasmic membrane
Authors: Himbert Sebastian , D’Alessandro Angelo , Qadri Syed M. , Majcher Michael J. , Hoare Todd , Sheffield William P. , Nagao Michihiro , Nagle John F. , Rheinstädter Maikel C.
Published: August 2022

An important mechanical property of cells is the membrane bending modulus,κ. In the case of red blood cells (RBCs) there is a composite membrane consisting of a cytoplasmic membrane and an underlying spectrin network. Literature values ofκare puzzling, as they are reported over a wide range, from 5 kBT to 230 kBT. To disentangle the contribution of the cytoplasmic membrane from the spectrin network, we investigated the bending of red blood cell cytoplasmic membranes (RBCcm) in the absence of spectrin and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). We used a combination of X-ray diffuse scattering (XDS), neutron spin-echo (NSE) spectrometry and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Our results indicate values ofκof order 4 kBT to 6 kBT, relatively small compared to literature values for most single component lipid bilayers. We suggest two ways this relative softness might confer biological advantage.
Diversity, distribution and conservation of land mammals in Mauritania, North-West Africa
Authors: Brito José Carlos , Sow Andack Saad , Vale Cândida Gomes , Pizzigalli Cristian , Hamidou Dieng , Gonçalves Duarte Vasconcelos , Martínez-Freiría Fernando , Santarém Frederico , Rebelo Hugo , Campos João Carlos , Pleguezuelos Juan Manuel , Ferreira da Silva Maria Joana , Naia Marisa , Tarroso Pedro , Godinho Raquel , Silva Teresa Luísa , Macedo Tiago , Boratyński Zbyszek , Sidatt Zeine El Abidine , Álvares Francisco
Published: August 2022

Detailed knowledge about biodiversity distribution is critical for monitoring the biological effects of global change processes. Biodiversity knowledge gaps hamper the monitoring of conservation trends and they are especially evident in the desert biome. Mauritania constitutes a remarkable example on how remoteness and regional insecurity affect current knowledge gaps. Mammals remain one of the least studied groups in this country, without a concerted species checklist, the mapping of regions concentrating mammal diversity, or a national assessment of their conservation status. This work assessed the diversity, distribution, and conservation of land mammals in Mauritania. A total of 6,718 published and original observations were assembled in a spatial database and used to update the occurrence status, distribution area, and conservation status. The updated taxonomic list comprises 107 species, including 93 extant, 12 Regionally Extinct, and 2 Extinct in the Wild. Mapping of species distributions allowed locating concentrations of extant mammal species richness in coastal areas, along the Senegal River valley, and in mountain plateaus. Recent regional extinction of large-sized Artiodactyla and Carnivora has been very high (11% extinct species). From the extant mammals, 11% are threatened, including flagship species (e.g.,Addax nasomaculatusandPanthera pardus). Species richness is poorly represented by the current protected areas. Despite the strong advances made, 23% of species categorise as Data Deficient. Persisting systematics and distribution uncertainties require further research. Field surveys in currently unexplored areas (northern and south-eastern regions) are urgently needed to increase knowledge about threatened mammals. The long-term conservation of land mammals in Mauritania is embedded in a complex web of socioeconomic and environmental factors that call for collaborative action and investment in sustainable human development. The current work sets the baseline for the future development of detailed research studies and to address the general challenges faced by mammals and biodiversity in the country.
Experimental cross-contamination of chicken salad with Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium and London during food preparation in Cambodian households
Authors: Chea Rortana , Nguyen-Viet Hung , Tum Sothyra , Unger Fred , Lindahl Johanna , Grace Delia , Ty Chhay , Koam Sok , Sina Vor , Sokchea Huy , Pov Son , Heng Theng , Phirum Or , Dang-Xuan Sinh
Published: August 2022

Non-typhoidalSalmonellaeare common foodborne pathogens that can cause gastroenteritis and other illnesses in people. This is the first study to assess the transfer ofSalmonella entericafrom raw chicken carcasses to ready-to-eat chicken salad in Cambodia. Twelve focus group discussions in four Cambodian provinces collected information on typical household ways of preparing salad. The results informed four laboratory experiments that mimicked household practices, using chicken carcasses inoculated withSalmonella. We developed four scenarios encompassing the range of practices, varying by order of washing (chicken or vegetables first) and change of chopping utensils (same utensils or different). Even though raw carcasses were washed twice,Salmonellawas isolated from 32 out of 36 chicken samples (88.9%, 95% CI: 73.0–96.4) and two out of 18 vegetable samples (11.1%, 95% CI: 1.9–36.1).Salmonellawas detected on cutting boards (66.7%), knives (50.0%) and hands (22.2%) after one wash; cross-contamination was significantly higher on cutting boards than on knives or hands (p-value < 0.05). The ready-to-eat chicken salad was contaminated in scenario 1 (wash vegetables first, use same utensils), 2 (wash vegetables first, use different utensils) and 3 (wash chicken first, use same utensils) but not 4 (wash chicken first, use different utensils) (77.8%, 11.1%, 22.2% and 0%, respectively). There was significantly higherSalmonellacross-contamination in scenario 1 (wash vegetables first, use same utensils) than in the other three scenarios. These results show how different hygiene practices influence the risk of pathogens contaminating chicken salad. This information could decrease the risk of foodborne disease in Cambodia and provides inputs to a quantitative risk assessment model.
Deriving anti-epidemic policy from public sentiment: A framework based on text analysis with microblog data
Authors: Zhao Sijia , Chen Lixuan , Liu Ying , Yu Muran , Han Han
Published: August 2022

Microblog has become the “first scenario” under which the public learn about the epidemic situation and express their opinions. Public sentiment mining based on microblog data can provide a reference for the government’s information disclosure, public sentiment guidance and formulation of epidemic prevention and control policy. In this paper, about 200,000 pieces of text data were collected from Jan. 1 to Feb. 26, 2020 from Sina Weibo, which is the most popular microblog website in China. And a public sentiment analysis framework suitable for Chinese-language scenarios was proposed. In this framework, a sentiment dictionary suitable for Chinese-language scenarios was constructed, and Baidu’s Sentiment Analysis API was used to calculate the public sentiment indexes. Then, an analysis on the correlation between the public sentiment indexes and the COVID-19 case indicators was made. It was discovered that there is a high correlation between public sentiments and incidence trends, in which negative sentiment is of statistical significance for the prediction of epidemic development. To further explore the source of public negative sentiment, the topics of the public negative sentiment on Weibo was analyzed, and 20 topics in five categories were got. It is found that there is a strong linkage between the hot spots of public concern and the epidemic prevention and control policies. If the policies cover the hot spots of public concern in a timely and effective manner, the public negative sentiment will be effectively alleviated. The analytical framework proposed in this paper also applies to the public sentiment analysis and policy making for other major public events.
Endophytic Trichoderma spp. can protect strawberry and privet plants from infection by the fungus Armillaria mellea
Authors: Rees Helen J. , Drakulic Jassy , Cromey Matthew G. , Bailey Andy M. , Foster Gary D.
Published: August 2022

Armillaria mellea is an important fungal pathogen worldwide, affecting a large number of hosts in the horticulture and forestry industries. Controlling A. mellea infection is expensive, labour intensive and time-consuming, so a new, environmentally friendly management solution is required. To this effect, endophytic Trichoderma species were studied as a potential protective agent for Armillaria root rot (ARR) in strawberry and privet plants. A collection of forty endophytic Trichoderma isolates were inoculated into strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) plants and plant growth was monitored for two months, during which time Trichoderma treatment had no apparent effect. Trichoderma-colonised strawberry plants were then inoculated with A. mellea and after three months plants were assessed for A. mellea infection. There was considerable variation in ARR disease levels between plants inoculated with different Trichoderma spp. isolates, but seven isolates reduced ARR below the level of positive controls. These isolates were further tested for protective potential in Trichoderma-colonized privet (Ligustrum vulgare) plants where five Trichoderma spp. isolates, including two highly effective Trichoderma atrobrunneum isolates, were able to significantly reduce levels of disease. This study highlights the potential of plants pre-colonised with T. atrobrunneum for effective protection against A. mellea in two hosts from different plant families.
A landscape of gene regulation in the parasitic amoebozoa Entamoeba spp
Authors: Galán-Vásquez Edgardo , Gómez-García María del Consuelo , Pérez-Rueda Ernesto
Published: August 2022

Entamoeba are amoeboid extracellular parasites that represent an important group of organisms for which the regulatory networks must be examined to better understand how genes and functional processes are interrelated. In this work, we inferred the gene regulatory networks (GRNs) in four Entamoeba species, E. histolytica, E. dispar, E. nuttalli, and E. invadens, and the GRN topological properties and the corresponding biological functions were evaluated. From these analyses, we determined that transcription factors (TFs) of E. histolytica, E. dispar, and E. nuttalli are associated mainly with the LIM family, while the TFs in E. invadens are associated with the RRM_1 family. In addition, we identified that EHI_044890 regulates 121 genes in E. histolytica, EDI_297980 regulates 284 genes in E. dispar, ENU1_120230 regulates 195 genes in E. nuttalli, and EIN_249270 regulates 257 genes in E. invadens. Finally, we identified that three types of processes, Macromolecule metabolic process, Cellular macromolecule metabolic process, and Cellular nitrogen compound metabolic process, are the main biological processes for each network. The results described in this work can be used as a basis for the study of gene regulation in these organisms.
Cannabidiol increases gramicidin current in human embryonic kidney cells: An observational study
Authors: Ghovanloo Mohammad-Reza , Goodchild Samuel J. , Ruben Peter C.
Published: August 2022

Gramicidin is a monomeric protein that is thought to non-selectively conduct cationic currents and water. Linear gramicidin is considered an antibiotic. This function is considered to be mediated by the formation of pores within the lipid membrane, thereby killing bacterial cells. The main non-psychoactive active constituent of the cannabis plant, cannabidiol (CBD), has recently gained interest, and is proposed to possess various potential therapeutic properties, including being an antibiotic. We previously determined that CBD’s activity on ion channels could be, in part, mediated by altering membrane biophysical properties, including elasticity. In this study, our goal was to determine the empirical effects of CBD on gramicidin currents in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells, seeking to infer potential direct compound-protein interactions. Our results indicate that gramicidin, when applied to the extracellular HEK cell membrane, followed by CBD perfusion, increases the gramicidin current.
Construct comprehensive indicators through a signal extraction approach for predicting housing price crises
Authors: Xu Yan , Ma Yuanting , Zhu Zhengke , Li Jun , Lu Tom
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a novel early warning system that has usually been applied to predict the financial stress events is established to predict the likelihood of housing price crises in China. To achieve this goal, a signal extraction approach is used to monitor the evolution of a number of economic indicators that tend to exhibit the abnormal behaviors. 13 economic variables were selected as the individual indicators, and constructed as the four comprehensive indicators. Our empirical work shows that the early warning system for urban housing price crises is suitable for China’s four province-level municipalities. The in-sample forecasting results indicate the reliability of the early warning system for urban housing price crises. By studying the out-of-sample forecasting results, the likelihood of housing price crises for the four cities can be effectively predicted. We construct a novel weighted average comprehensive indicator, which performs better than the three others in terms of overall performance across all of the criteria considered in. It is shown that the extended system is more flexible in decision making than the traditional early warning system.
Cloning of nine glucocorticoid receptor isoforms from the slender African lungfish (Protopterus dolloi)
Authors: Katsu Yoshinao , Oana Shin , Lin Xiaozhi , Hyodo Susumu , Bianchetti Laurent , Baker Michael E.
Published: August 2022

We wanted to clone the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) from slender African lungfish (Protopterus dolloi) for comparison to the P. dolloi mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), which we had cloned and were characterizing, as well as for comparison to the GRs from humans, elephant shark and zebrafish. However, although sequencing of the genome of the Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri), as well as, that of the West African lungfish (Protopterus annectens) were reported in the first three months of 2021, we could not retrieve a GR sequence with a BLAST search of GenBank, when we submitted our research for publication in July 2021. Moreover, we were unsuccessful in cloning the GR from slender African lungfish using a cDNA from the ovary of P. dolloi and PCR primers that had successfully cloned a GR from elephant shark, Xenopus and gar GRs. On October 21, 2021 the nucleotide sequence of West African lungfish (P. annectens) GR was deposited in GenBank. We used this GR sequence to construct PCR primers that successfully cloned the GR from the slender spotted lungfish. Here, we report the sequences of nine P. dolloi GR isoforms and explain the basis for the previous failure to clone a GR from slender African lungfish using PCR primers that cloned the GR from elephant shark, Xenopus and gar. Studies are underway to determine corticosteroid activation of these slender African lungfish GRs.
Burst ratio for a versatile traffic model
Authors: Chydzinski Andrzej
Published: August 2022

We deal with a finite-buffer queue, in which arriving jobs are subject to loss due to buffer overflows. The burst ratio parameter, which reflects the tendency of losses to form long series, is studied in detail. Perhaps the most versatile model of the arrival stream is used, i.e. the batch Markovian arrival process (BMAP). Among other things, it enables modeling the interarrival time density function, the interarrival time autocorrelation function and batch arrivals. The main contribution in an exact formula for the burst ratio in a queue with BMAP arrivals and arbitrary service time distribution. The formula is presented in an explicite, ready-to-use form. Additionally, the impact of various system parameters on the burst ratio is demonstrated in numerical examples. The primary application area of the results is computer networking, where the complex nature of traffic has a deep impact on the burst ratio. However, due to the versatile arrival model, the results can be applied in other fields as well.
Pregnant women’s migration patterns before childbirth after large-scale earthquakes and the added impact of concerns regarding radiation exposure in Fukushima and five prefectures
Authors: Inoue Yuta , Ohashi Kazutomo , Ohno Yuko , Fujimaki Takako , Tsutsui Anna , Zha Ling , Sobue Tomotaka
Published: August 2022

The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake (within Fukushima, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures) was a complex disaster; it caused a tsunami and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, resulting in radiation exposure. This study investigated the earthquake’s effects on the migration patterns of pregnant women and their concerns regarding radiation exposure. We also considered the following large-scale earthquakes without radiation exposure: Great Hanshin-Awaji (Hyogo prefecture), Niigata-Chuetsu, and Kumamoto. Pregnant women were categorized as outflow and inflow pregnant women. Data on the annual number of births three years before and after the earthquake were used as a denominator to calculate the outflow and inflow rates per 100 births. The odds ratios of annual outflow and inflow rates after the earthquake, using three years before the earthquake as the baseline, were calculated. The odds-ratio for outflow significantly increased for Hyogo, Fukushima, Miyagi, and Kumamoto prefectures after the earthquake, particularly for Fukushima, showing a significant increase until three years post the Great East Japan Earthquake (disaster year: odds-ratio: 2.66 [95% confidence interval: 2.44–2.90], 1 year post: 1.37 [1.23–1.52], 2 years post: 1.13 [1.00–1.26], 3 years post: 1.18 [1.05–1.31]), while the remaining three prefectures reported limited increases post one year. The inflow decreased after the earthquake, particularly in Fukushima, showing a significant decrease until 2 years post the Great East Japan Earthquake (disaster year: 0.58 [0.53–0.63], 1 year post: 0.76 [0.71–0.82], 2 years post: 0.83 [0.77–0.89]). Thus, pregnant women’s migration patterns changed after large-scale earthquakes, suggesting radiation exposure concerns possibly have a significant effects. These results suggested that plans for receiving assistance and support that considers the peculiarities of disaster related damage and pregnant women’s migration patterns are needed in both the affected and non-affected areas.
Gain-of-function, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis Trpc6 mutation minimally affects susceptibility to renal injury in several mouse models
Authors: Brown Brittney J. , Boekell Kimber L. , Stotter Brian R. , Talbot Brianna E. , Schlondorff Johannes S.
Published: August 2022

Mutations in TRPC6 are a cause of autosomal dominant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in humans. Many of these mutations are known to have a gain-of-function effect on the non-specific cation channel function of TRPC6. In vitro studies have suggested these mutations affect several signaling pathways, but in vivo studies have largely compared wild-type and Trpc6-deficient rodents. We developed mice carrying a gain-of-function Trpc6 mutation encoding an E896K amino acid change, corresponding to a known FSGS mutation in TRPC6. Homozygous mutant Trpc6 animals have no appreciable renal pathology, and do not develop albuminuria until very advanced age. The Trpc6E896K mutation does not impart susceptibility to PAN nephrosis. The animals show a slight delay in recovery from the albumin overload model. In response to chronic angiotensin II infusion, Trpc6E896K/E896K mice have slightly greater albuminuria initially compared to wild-type animals, an effect that is lost at later time points, and a statistically non-significant trend toward more glomerular injury. This phenotype is nearly opposite to that of Trpc6-deficient animals previously described. The Trpc6 mutation does not appreciably impact renal interstitial fibrosis in response to either angiotensin II infusion, or folate-induced kidney injury. TRPC6 protein and TRPC6-agonist induced calcium influx could not be detected in glomeruli. In sum, these findings suggest that a gain-of-function Trpc6 mutation confers only a mild susceptibility to glomerular injury in the mouse.
Back to the future: A way to increase prosocial behavior
Authors: Cernadas Curotto Patricia , Sander David , d’Argembeau Arnaud , Klimecki Olga
Published: August 2022

Previous studies suggest a link between future thinking and prosocial behaviors. However, this association is not fully understood at state and trait level. The present study tested whether a brief future thinking induction promoted helping behavior in an unrelated task. In addition, the relation between mental time travel and prosocial behaviors in daily life was tested with questionnaire data. Forty-eight participants filled in questionnaires and were asked to think about the future for one minute or to name animals for one minute (control condition) before playing the Zurich Prosocial Game (a measure of helping behavior). Results revealed that participants in the future thinking condition helped significantly more than participants in the control condition. Moreover, questionnaire data showed that dispositional and positive orientation toward the future and the past was significantly associated with self-reported prosocial behaviors. The present findings suggest that thinking about the future in general has positive transfer effects on subsequent prosocial behavior and that people who think more about the past or future in a positive way engage more in prosocial behavior.
Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine nasal irrigation on chronic rhinosinusitis recovery after endoscopic sinus surgery: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Yepeng , Sun Yaning , Xiang Feng , Zhang Min , Fu Li , Zhang Qinxiu
Published: August 2022

Background

Continuous comprehensive treatment is still needed after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) to promote the recovery of sinus mucosal morphology and function. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) nasal irrigation is a promising external treatment of TCM, but at present, the application of TCM nasal irrigation after ESS for CRS has not been recommended by the guidelines. Therefore, this article aims to develop a systematic overview and meta-analysis protocol to assess the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal nasal rinse for CRS recovery after ESS.

Methods

Seven databases shall be retrieved from their inception until December 2021. Eligible randomized controlled trials will be covered in the study. The outcome indicators of the survey will consist of efficacy, visual analogue scale score, Lund-Kennedy score for nasal endoscopy, Lund-Mackay score for sinus computed tomography and other secondary outcome indicators. The selection of literature, extraction of data, and methodological quality evaluation of literature shall be conducted by two researchers separately. If there is any dispute, it can be discussed and solved by a third researcher. Review Manager 5.3 software will be applied to data analysis.

Results

The article will make a detailed research programme to explore the efficacy and safety of TCM nasal irrigation on CRS recovery after ESS.

Conclusion

This protocol is suitable for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of TCM nasal rinse for CRS recovery after ESS, and can provide corresponding evidence-based medical evidence.

Systematic review registration

Open Science Framework Registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/ZV73Q.
Secure deep learning for distributed data against malicious central server
Authors: Phong Le Trieu
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we propose a secure system for performing deep learning with distributed trainers connected to a central parameter server. Our system has the following two distinct features: (1) the distributed trainers can detect malicious activities in the server; (2) the distributed trainers can perform both vertical and horizontal neural network training. In the experiments, we apply our system to medical data including magnetic resonance and X-ray images and obtain approximate or even better area-under-the-curve scores when compared to the existing scores.
Readmission and emergency department presentation after hospitalisation for epilepsy in people with intellectual disability: A data linkage study
Authors: Liao Peiwen , Vajdic Claire M. , Reppermund Simone , Cvejic Rachael C. , Watkins Tim R. , Srasuebkul Preeyaporn , Trollor Julian
Published: August 2022

Background

Despite the high prevalence of epilepsy and multiple barriers to care in people with intellectual disability, the risk of returning to hospital after an admission for epilepsy is largely unknown. In this study, we sought to quantify and compare readmission and emergency department (ED) presentations after hospitalisation for epilepsy in people with and without intellectual disability.

Methods and findings

Using linked administrative datasets, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of people aged 5–64 years with an acute hospitalisation for epilepsy from 2005–2014 in New South Wales, Australia. Acute readmission and ED presentation rates within 30, 90, and 365 days of the index hospitalisation were estimated and compared between people with and without intellectual disability using modified Poisson regression. Of 13537 individuals with an index hospitalisation, 712 children and 1862 adults had intellectual disability. Readmission and ED presentation after the index hospitalisation were common in people with intellectual disability. Within 30 days, 11% of children and 15.6% of adults had an all-cause readmission and 18% of children and 23.5% of adults had an ED presentation. Over 60% of both children and adults presented to an ED within a year. Neurological, respiratory, and infectious conditions were overrepresented reasons for readmission in people with intellectual disability. Age-adjusted relative risks (RRs) within each period showed a higher risk of readmission and ED presentation in children and adults with intellectual disability than without. Most RRs remained statistically significant after controlling for covariates. The largest adjusted RRs were observed for readmission for epilepsy (RR 1.70, 95% CI: 1.42 to 2.04) and non-epilepsy related conditions (RR 1.73, 95%: CI 1.43 to 2.10) in children. Study limitations include lack of clinical data.

Conclusions

Increased risk of returning to acute care after epilepsy hospitalisation suggests there is a need to improve epilepsy care for people with intellectual disability. We recommend research into strategies to improve management of both seizures and comorbidity.
Magnitude of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, drug resistance and associated factors among presumptive tuberculosis patients at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Melkayehu , Desta Kassu , Ambachew Rozina , Gebreyohannes Zenebe , Gebreyohanns Alganesh , Zena Nuhamen , Amare Misikir , Zerihun Betselot , Getu Melak , Gize Addisu
Published: August 2022

Background

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) remains one of the most significant causes of death and a major public health problem in the community. As a result, the aim of this study was to determine magnitude of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, its drug resistance, and associated factors among presumptive tuberculosis (TB) patients at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

Cross-sectional study was conducted at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from January to July 2019. Demographic and clinical data were collected by structured questionnaire through face to face interview. Using microscopic examination and GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay and culturing in the Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture media, we collected and analyzed both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary clinical samples. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 23. Binary logistic regression was done to identify the associated risk factors and p-value less than 0.05 was taken as significant association.

Results

Of the total 436 respondents, 223(51%) were male. The mean ±SD age of the participants was 38±17years. Overall, 27/436(6.2%) of the participants had confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay and LJ culture media, and two isolates were resistant to RIF and one to INH medication, with two (0.5%) being MDR-TB. MTB infection was associated with previous TB contact history, patient weight loss, and CD4+ T-cell counts of 200-350/mm3 of blood.

Conclusion

The magnitude of M. tuberculosis and MDR-TB in this study underscores the need for improved early case detection and management of MDR-TB in order to reduce transmission and patient suffering.
Role of serine/threonine protein phosphatase PrpN in the life cycle of Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Gangwal Aakriti , Sangwan Nitika , Dhasmana Neha , Kumar Nishant , Keshavam Chetkar Chandra , Singh Lalit K. , Bothra Ankur , Goel Ajay K. , Pomerantsev Andrei P. , Leppla Stephen H. , Singh Yogendra
Published: August 2022

Reversible protein phosphorylation at serine/threonine residues is one of the most common protein modifications, widely observed in all kingdoms of life. The catalysts controlling this modification are specific serine/threonine kinases and phosphatases that modulate various cellular pathways ranging from growth to cellular death. Genome sequencing and various omics studies have led to the identification of numerous serine/threonine kinases and cognate phosphatases, yet the physiological relevance of many of these proteins remain enigmatic. In Bacillus anthracis, only one ser/thr phosphatase, PrpC, has been functionally characterized; it was reported to be non-essential for bacterial growth and survival. In the present study, we characterized another ser/thr phosphatase (PrpN) of B. anthracis by various structural and functional approaches. To examine its physiological relevance in B. anthracis, a null mutant strain of prpN was generated and shown to have defects in sporulation and reduced synthesis of toxins (PA and LF) and the toxin activator protein AtxA. We also identified CodY, a global transcriptional regulator, as a target of PrpN and ser/thr kinase PrkC. CodY phosphorylation strongly controlled its binding to the promoter region of atxA, as shown using phosphomimetic and phosphoablative mutants. In nutshell, the present study reports phosphorylation-mediated regulation of CodY activity in the context of anthrax toxin synthesis in B. anthracis by a previously uncharacterized ser/thr protein phosphatase–PrpN.
KSHV RTA antagonizes SMC5/6 complex-induced viral chromatin compaction by hijacking the ubiquitin-proteasome system
Authors: Han Chunyan , Zhang Dun , Gui Chenwu , Huang Liang , Chang Sijia , Dong Lianghui , Bai Lei , Wu Shuwen , Lan Ke
Published: August 2022

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a double-stranded DNA virus with the capacity to establish life-long latent infection. During latent infection, the viral genome persists as a circular episome that associates with cellular histones and exists as a nonintegrated minichromosome in the nucleus of infected cells. Chromatin structure and epigenetic programming are required for the proper control of viral gene expression and stable maintenance of viral DNA. However, there is still limited knowledge regarding how the host regulates the chromatin structure and maintenance of episomal DNA. Here, we found that the cellular protein structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) complex SMC5/6 recognizes and associates with the KSHV genome to inhibit its replication. The SMC5/6 complex can bind to the KSHV genome and suppress KSHV gene transcription by condensing the viral chromatin and creating a repressive chromatin structure. Correspondingly, KSHV employs an antagonistic strategy by utilizing the viral protein RTA to degrade the SMC5/6 complex and antagonize the inhibitory effect of this complex on viral gene transcription. Interestingly, this antagonistic mechanism of RTA is evolutionarily conserved among γ-herpesviruses. Our work suggests that the SMC5/6 complex is a new host factor that restricts KSHV replication.
Introducción
Authors: Soler Montes Carlos , Díaz-Bravo Rocío , Colomer i Domínguez Vicens
Published: August 2022

El presente volumen, titulado Avances investigadores y pedagógicos sobre
la enseñanza del español. Aportes desde el contexto universitario británico,
recoge una selección de trabajos de investigación y propuestas didácticas
sobre ELE realizadas, en su mayor parte, desde universidades de Reino Unido.
Está estructurado en cuatro bloques que reflexionan sobre últimos avances y
propuestas disciplinares desde distintos niveles de concreción curricular y
ámbitos de intervención pedagógica e investigadora: diseño curricular,
contenidos gramaticales, diversidad y propuestas didácticas. Estas cuatro
áreas están precedidas por un capítulo sobre el grupo de trabajo de la
asociación ELEUK centrado en un proyecto de descolonización del currículum
de español. Cada uno de los bloques se subdivide en dos capítulos.
Descolonizar el currículum de español en ELEUK: origen, expectativas, organización y primeras reflexiones
Authors: Hernández-Martín Lourdes
Published: August 2022

El llamamiento para descolonizar la universidad y su currículum no es nuevo (Pimblott, 2020; hooks, 2010, pp. 23-28). Sin embargo, varios eventos en los últimos diez años han dado un nuevo impulso y visibilidad a este proceso en el Reino Unido. En 2014, algunos estudiantes iniciaron ¿Por qué mi currículum es blanco? (Why my curriculum is white?, en inglés), una campaña que empezó en University College London (UCL) y que después se extendió a otras instituciones (Abou El Magd, 2016). En 2016, los estudiantes de la Universidad de Oxford, siguiendo el ejemplo de sus pares en Ciudad del Cabo, exigieron la retirada de la estatua de Cecil John Rhodes de su campus universitario (Chaudhuri, 2016).
El aprendizaje del modo y el aspecto en español como segunda o tercera
lengua en el Reino Unido
Authors: Barquín Sanmartín Lourdes
Published: August 2022

El español es una de las lenguas extranjeras más estudiadas en la
educación secundaria y universitaria del Reino Unido. No obstante, las
encuestas del British Council, Ofsted y el Department for Education muestran
que el francés todavía sigue siendo la lengua extranjera predominante en la
mayoría de los colegios primaria y, por tanto, la que se enseña en primer
lugar. El español, en cambio, se introduce con frecuencia en secundaria, por
lo que la gran parte de los estudiantes británicos aprende francés como
segunda lengua (L2) y español como tercera lengua (L3). Nuestra
investigación se centra en estudiantes hablantes de inglés (L1), francés
(L2) y español (L3), y analiza cómo el francés, lengua tipológicamente más
próxima al español que al inglés, podría funcionar como puente y facilitar
el aprendizaje de español a través de transferencias positivas. Nos
centramos específicamente en el impacto del francés en el proceso
adquisitivo del modo y el aspecto, dos áreas gramaticales del español que
generan gran dificultad en angloparlantes y que muestran una alta
predisposición a fosilizarse en niveles intermedios e, incluso, más
avanzados. Para medir la influencia del francés en el español, cuantificamos
los errores cometidos por aprendices de español (L2) en lo relativo al modo
y aspecto y los comparamos con los cometidos por estudiantes de francés (L2)
y español (L3). Nuestra hipótesis sostiene que el grupo que estudia francés
reporta menos errores gracias a una retroalimentación positiva entre el
francés y el español. Esta investigación pretende dar visibilidad a la
enseñanza de dos LE románicas, como francés (L2) y español (L3), en
sociedades mayoritariamente angloparlantes al considerarse una combinación
lingüística beneficiosa en la adquisición del uso contrastivo del modo y el
aspecto verbal.
Correlation of cardiac troponin T and APACHE III score with all-cause in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Ji Yang , Zhang Keke , Shao Guangqiang
Published: August 2022

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a fatal condition particularly in critically ill patients. We determined the association among the cardiac troponin T (cTnT) level, acute physiologic and chronic health evaluation (APACHE III) scoring system, and in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with acute PE. A total of 501 patients with PE were initially enrolled. According to the multivariable logistic regression model for in-hospital mortality, the odds ratio of the cTnT level and APACHE III score was 1.96 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18–3.24, P = 0.008) and 1.03 (95% CI = 1.02–1.05, P < 0.001), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of cTnT and APACHE III score for in-hospital mortality was 0.630 (95% CI = 0.586–0.672, P = 0.03) and 0.740 (95% CI = 0.699–0.778, P = 0.02), respectively. The discriminatory cTnT and APACHE III threshold values for in-hospital mortality were 0.08 ng/L and 38 score, respectively; the sensitivities and specificities of cTnT were 46.48 and 83.10%, respectively, whereas those of the APACHE III score were 74.88 and 54.19%, respectively. The cTnT and APACHE III scores were combined in the logistic analysis model, and a regression equation was derived to calculate the in-hospital mortality. The AUC was found to increase to 0.788 (95% CI = 0.734–0.840, P = 0.025). The sensitivity and specificity increased to 84.5 and 71.4%, respectively. The cTnT and APACHE III scores exhibited a significant association with in-hospital mortality of critically ill patients with PE. In conclusion, these parameters in combination can significantly improve the in-hospital mortality prediction.
Vibration signal collection and analysis of mechanical equipment failure based on computer simulation detection
Authors: Qin Chiyue , Gill Rana , Tomar Ravi , Ghafoor Kayhan Zrar
Published: August 2022

This article addresses the challenge of large error rate and low accuracy of the vibration signal collection of mechanical equipment failure, and proposes a mechanical equipment failure vibration signal collection and analysis based on computer simulation detection. Then, it uses the Kalman filter algorithm for data filtering, according to the mathematical model established by the system, thus choosing a suitable noise covariance calculation method. In the integration process after filtering, using a piecewise integration method between acceleration peaks, the integration calculation is optimized to obtain the vibration displacement. The simulation results of this article show the vibration data collected by the main controller, after Kalman filtering and piecewise trapezoidal integration method optimization. The error of the proposed method is 0.5% when the frequency is 80 Hz, relative to the displacement measurement method of the three-axis acceleration sensor at 8.3%, and the error of data calculation results is greatly reduced. The greater the amplitude of vibration, the smaller the error. This method significantly improves the accuracy of vibration signal collection of mechanical equipment.
Selfhood in Question: The Ontogenealogies of Bear Encounters
Authors: Sauka Anne
Published: August 2022

Recent years have witnessed an increase in bear sightings in Latvia, causing a change of tone in the country’s media outlets, regarding the return of “wild” animals. The unease around bear reappearance leads me to investigate the affective side of relations with beings that show strength and resilience in more-than-human encounters in human-inhabited spaces. These relations are characterized by the contrasting human feelings of alienation vis-à-vis their environments today and a false sense of security, resulting in disbelief to encounter beings capable of challenging human exceptionalism. In a broader sense, the unease connects to human self-constitution and the fragility of the self, fueled by the domination of substance ontologies. This article considers bears as beings “in exile,” as potential threats to human self-pronounced exceptionality, and thus, examples of experienced abject (Kristeva, Julia. Powers of Horror: An Essay on Abjection, translated by Leon Roudiez. New York: Columbia University Press, 1982) regarding human subjectivity. The article aims to analyze the way the constitution of human selfhood is tied to the alienation of wildlife and its genealogical and biopolitical context and to question if a reconceptualization of the human/nonhuman relations via process, instead of substance ontology, is needed.