bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical structure design and analysis of the outside needle pipe climbing robot
Authors: Gao Guohua , Du Xinyue , Feng Yongbing , Wang Shuangyou , Wang Fuli , Zhang Zihua
Published: January 2022

This study designed a crawling mechanism that can solve the measurement problems of slender and needle pipes by detecting the heating vertical needle pipe, which is greatly applied in the petrochemical and refinery industry. The robot’s walking system uses a single driven wheel to stick on the way, with a scissor-hand structure to adapt to changes in diameter between 50 and 90 mm. This study lists the dynamic analysis equation of the robot, thereby obtaining the optimum range of Angle α between the horizontal line and the center line of the main driving wheel and the main clamping wheel. Moreover, the study uses multi-body dynamics simulation software for dynamics simulation analysis. Results indicate that the crawling system has the advantages of anti-deviation, can adapt to different pipe diameters and has a simple structure.
Nest predation, brood parasitism and the reproductive success of the masked laughingthrush Garrulax perspicillatus in the rural habitat of central China
Authors: Guo Weibin , Lin Buge , Hu Zhiqing , Tan Shudan , Tian Jiaying , Wang Changcao
Published: January 2022

Knowledge of nest site selection and reproductive ecology is fundamental to understanding the evolution of life history traits and developing species conservation strategies. However, life history traits of species in the genus Garrulax are poorly known. Particularly, research on the breeding biology of Garrulax perspicillatus in their natural habitat and comparison between populations in different environments (rural vs urban) are lacking. We presented data of nest site selection and breeding ecology of Masked Laughingthrush in central China during 2021, and made a detailed investigation on nest predation and interspecific brood parasitism. The breeding season began from March and ended in August. Most nests were built on Sulphur Bamboo ( Phyllostachys sulphurea). First egg laying occurred between late March and late July. Incubation period lasted 13.9 days (±0.3 SE; 13–15) and nestling period of 13.1 days (±0.2 SE; 12–15). Average clutch size was 3.8 eggs (±0.1 SE; 3–7), and brood size at fledging was 2.7 young (±0.2 SE; 1–4). Overall, 36.2% of nesting attempts successfully fledged at least one young. Nest predation (0% in March, 38.2% in April, 30.0% in May, 20.0% in June and 27.3% in July) and interspecific brood parasitism (13.3% in May, 40.0% in June and 36.4% in July) were two main reasons for nest failure. This is the first study that provided detailed information of breeding ecology of Masked Laughingthrush in rural habitat, and we discussed the difference of life history traits between urban and rural habitats.
Protective Sport Bracing for Athletes With Mid-Season Shoulder Instability
Authors: Baker Hayden P. , Krishnan Pranav , Meghani Ozair , Athiviraham Aravind , Ho Sherwin , Owens Brett D.
Published: January 2022

Context:

In-season glenohumeral instability is a common clinical dilemma faced by physicians who care for athletes. Both nonoperative and operative management of athletes with in-season glenohumeral instability have been well described. Functional bracing remains less understood as a treatment modality. This review aims to provide an update on the most recent literature regarding the use of functional bracing for shoulder instability.

Evidence Acquisition:

MEDLINE (PubMed and Ovid platforms), Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews were searched for articles available in English through June 1, 2021. The search terms shoulder brace, shoulder instability, athlete, in-season, glenohumeral instability, anterior shoulder instability, posterior shoulder instability, and bracing were used.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Results:

Research on the clinical outcomes of functional bracing remains mixed for patients with shoulder instability. Two studies have demonstrated improved return to play with functional bracing, while 1 study demonstrated no difference in return to play between braced athletes and nonbraced athletes with anterior instability. One previous study demonstrated that prophylactic use of bilateral shoulder stabilizing braces significantly decreased time lost due to injury in athletes with posterior instability. Previous biomechanical studies have demonstrated improved proprioception with brace wear as well as successful limitation of active shoulder range of motion.

Conclusion:

Bracing in athletes with shoulder instability remains an important nonoperative treatment modality. While clinical benefits are yet to be validated through high-quality studies, preliminary results suggest a potential benefit to recovery, with minimal downsides. Nevertheless, the use of bracing remains an individual choice but is especially recommended in settings of high-risk sports for shoulder instability, such as football.
Comparative effectiveness and safety of cocktail therapy versus combined sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulphate (Ialuril): Intravesical instillation treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, which one to use?
Authors: Banakhar Mai Ahmed
Published: January 2022

Objective:

To compare effectiveness and safety of intravesical therapy (sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulphate) Ialuril versus cocktail therapy for treatment of interstitial cystitis (IC).

Materials and methods:

Prospective study from March 2013 till August 2019 including all IC patients presented to our urology clinic. All IC patients underwent basic workup including urine test, urodynamic test and gynaecological/genital exam. Postoperatively, all patients received intravesical therapy. Patients were randomly allocated to either cocktail therapy (NaOH + heparin + lidocaine) or Ialuril (Sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulphate) therapy as intravesical seven cycles. The primary outcome was therapy effectiveness using Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICPI) and Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) improvement post therapy. Secondary outcome were for complications and compliance.

Results:

Total of 32 patients were included (6 males, 26 females) with mean age of 43 years (24–72 years), mean follow-up 36 months (15–72 months). Cocktail intravesical therapy was used in 21 patients while 11 patients received Ialuril. All patients showed improvement on their ICSI and ICPI scores post therapy from their baseline. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between both groups regarding improvement in ICSI and ICPI index with p-value = 0.552 and p = 0.79, respectively. Infection and non-compliance is significantly high in the cocktail arm p = 0.004, p = 0.027

Conclusions:

Intravesical cocktail therapy was equally effective as Ialuril in treating IC. Ialuril was preferred over cocktail therapy because of lower side effect; when considering ulcerative IC subgroup, we need large randomised controlled trials to compare therapy benefits.
Biblical field study as experiential pedagogy: Jerusalem University College as a case study
Authors: Austin Emma M
Published: January 2022

This paper examines the pedagogical framework of Jerusalem University College (JUC) for biblical field studies in the Holy Land. JUC’s program revolves around three pedagogical pillars, “Read the Land. See the Text. Live the Book,” centered on geographical comprehension, biblical texts, and practiced Christianity. This mixed methods analysis concludes that experiential learning in the Holy Land through field studies is an effective and transformative tool of biblical education. Further, the necessary move to online education during the COVID-19 global pandemic has demonstrated that the JUC model can be effectively adapted by utilizing visual and technological resources.
The impact of pilgrim tourism on the bilateral diplomacy of India and Nepal and the mediation effect of people-to-people contact
Authors: Dada Zubair Ahmad , Wani Mehraj Din , Shah Shamim Ahmad
Published: January 2022

The present article aims to analyse the impact of pilgrim tourism on bilateral relations and to identify the mediating effect of people-to-people contact. It further proposes to test the framework empirically in the neighbouring context of India and Nepal. To achieve the objective, random sampling is used, and 380 usable questionnaires are taken for testing the theoretical framework. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is used to assess the framework's fit and analyse the impact of pilgrim tourism on bilateral diplomatic relations while using people-to-people contact as a mediating variable. The study findings reveal that pilgrim tourism has a direct impact on improving the bilateral diplomatic relationship between India and Nepal. It also shows that people-to-people contact between India and Nepal acts as a mediating variable between pilgrim tourism and bilateral diplomacy. In a vast country like India, which shares a border with many nations, pilgrim tourism and people-to-people contact have great potential to remove barriers and increase bilateral treaties for better development of the nation. The present research developed a measurement instrument about bilateral relations from the stakeholder's perspective. It also proposed a structural model to elucidate the relationships between pilgrim tourism, people-to-people contact and bilateral diplomacy.
Towards a care perspective on waste: A new direction in discard studies
Authors: Lau Justin Chun-Him
Published: January 2022

This article examines the development and theoretical orientation of the scholarship on waste in discard studies. It shows how three major streams of research in the literature conceptualise waste: as a resource and property, a risk and a source of prosperity. Each of these theoretical framings of waste points to a specific type of politics and temporality. However, all three tend to be inadequate in balancing the discussion of ‘waste’ with a discussion of the ‘stewardship’ of discarded objects, emphasising instead the potential value generation or transformation of waste. Consequently, research on waste tends to exclude ways to live with the waste materials that cannot always be transformed away easily. Drawing inspiration from feminist science and technology studies, this article argues that the analytical lens of care, which highlights the ‘affective engagement in space’, ‘the ethics of care’ and ‘interdependency’, may further the existing studies of waste by inspiring us to imagine a politics of inclusion and the temporality of slowness.
Fossilized conservation, or the unsustainability of saving nature in South Africa
Authors: Büscher Bram , Koot Stasja , Thakholi Lerato
Published: January 2022

This paper argues that the conservation sector in South Africa is fossilized – unsustainable, outmoded and resistant to change – in two integrated ways. First, it is completely dependent on and steeped in fossil fuels and mineral extraction. The historical development of the South African economy's reliance on fossil and mineral resources provides the basis for this dependency but has since tentacularized into the very fabric of conservation and associated wildlife economies in the country. This unsustainable basis of the sector places a major stain on the ways in which South Africa's biodiversity is ‘saved’ for posterity. Second and relatedly, the social and labour relations that make up conservation in South Africa are fossilized in particularly racialized and gendered ways. This is socially unsustainable, as most of these relations are unjust and exploitative. Building on theories of fossil energy and labour relations that emphasise their everyday character, we argue that confronting the fossilized state of conservation in South Africa is necessary in and of itself, and a prerequisite for a broader societal transformation to sustainability. We conclude that the effective chances for this to happen are low, especially given the massive conservation attention on combatting rhino poaching in the last decade. This seems to have reinforced rather than alleviated the status quo.
“We in This Fight Together…”: HIV Treatment and Prevention Among Couples of HIV-Discordant Black and Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Denson Damian J. , Gelaude Deborah , Schoua-Glusberg Alisú
Published: January 2022

HIV-positive Black and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) have substantial challenges accessing and engaging in HIV care. Findings presented here are an analysis of 14 HIV-discordant couples ( N = 28) from Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; and Washington, DC. One-hour in-depth interviews were conducted. Interviews were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Most couples reported relationship fears associated with delayed disclosure, HIV care engagement instigated by the HIV-uninfected partner, and varying knowledge and concern about the impacts of HIV infection and risk reduction. Findings suggest an opportunity to jointly educate and treat MSM of color in HIV-discordant relationships to improve engagement in ART and PrEP care and adherence.
Transgender and non-binary students’ experiences at UK universities: A rapid evidence assessment
Authors: Smith Jodie , Robinson Sarita , Khan Roxanne
Published: January 2022

UK universities often position themselves as inclusive institutions that celebrate diversity. As the number of transgender and non-binary (TNB) students at Higher Education Institutes (HEI) rises, universities may seek to improve their campus and online environments so that they are inclusive for all. A Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was conducted to explore the experiences of TNB students at UK universities. Drawing on 15 sources (5 fully reviewed papers and 10 supporting citations), the REA identified common experiences that were themed into positive and negative experiences. Two positive themes emerged, which included HEIs as safe and supportive spaces, and the allocation of space and funding for TNB inclusion. Five negative themes emerged that included navigating ‘spaces of anxiety’ (especially regarding bathroom provision), consequences of expressing identity, a lack of education in peers regarding TNB issues, exposure to transphobic abuse, and deadnaming and erasure in the classroom and on university systems. This paper concludes by highlighting interventions that were also identified in the REA, including creating spaces of comfort, challenging transphobic abuse, and improving visibility.
An agent-based financing model for post-earthquake housing recovery: Quantifying recovery inequalities across income groups
Authors: Alisjahbana Irene , Moura-Cook Ana , Costa Rodrigo , Kiremidjian Anne
Published: January 2022

Past disasters have consistently led to unequal housing recovery for different economic groups, in large part, because of the difficulty of obtaining funding for low-income groups. Current earthquake recovery models simplify the financing process for homeowners to rebuild after earthquakes, and in consequence, cannot fully capture disparities in the recovery outcomes of economic groups. In this article, we develop an agent-based financing model for post-earthquake housing recovery. We focus on single-family, owner-occupied homes. The model includes funding from earthquake insurance, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, private banks, Non-Governmental Organizations, and personal savings. We present a case study investigating the housing recovery financing in the economically diverse city of San Jose, California, following a hypothetical 7.0 Mw earthquake. By including the financial model in housing recovery simulations, we quantify inequalities in recovery time and total reconstruction completion between income groups. We complement the case study by evaluating several strategies to reduce these disparities and show that a combination of income-targeted funding and redistribution of construction crews can reduce inequalities in regional housing recovery.
Chilean liquefaction case history database
Authors: Montalva Gonzalo , Ruz Francisco , Escribano Daniella , Bastías Nicolás , Espinoza Daniela , Paredes Felipe
Published: January 2022

This article describes a liquefaction database that contains a summary of 209 liquefaction, non-liquefaction, and marginal case histories compiled from the 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule, 2014 Mw 8.2 Iquique, 2015 Mw 8.3 Illapel, and 2016 Mw 7.6 Melinka earthquakes, where the liquefaction phenomenon caused damage to buildings, bridges, roads, and drainage systems, generating millions in losses at the infrastructure level. The database structure is organized into nine main tables that contain site information, geotechnical tests, and seismic parameters. The main tables include the locations of the sites, surface evidence of liquefaction or absence of them, geotechnical parameters from boreholes, and geophysical and laboratory tests. The database contains 7977 m of standard penetration test logs and 390 m of cone penetration test soundings from 209 sites explored. In addition, the seismic parameters of these earthquakes include ground-motion intensity measures estimated for each site. The information in this database allows a better characterization of the seismic demand and the geotechnical properties of the soil involved in predicting liquefaction triggering in this subduction zone. The data associated with this article are available in DesignSafe, where users can freely download and process data to train or evaluate predictive liquefaction models.
Model for surface-dependent factor XII activation: the roles of factor XII heavy chain domains
Authors: Shamanaev Aleksandr , Ivanov Ivan , Sun Mao-Fu , Litvak Maxim , Srivastava Priyanka , Mohammed Bassem M. , Shaban Rabia , Maddur Ashoka , Verhamme Ingrid M. , McCarty Owen J. T. , Law Ruby H. P. , Gailani David
Published: January 2022

Factor XII (FXII) is the zymogen of a plasma protease (FXIIa) that contributes to bradykinin generation by converting prekallikrein to the protease plasma kallikrein (PKa). FXII conversion to FXIIa by autocatalysis or PKa-mediated cleavage is enhanced when the protein binds to negatively charged surfaces such as polymeric orthophosphate. FXII is composed of noncatalytic (heavy chain) and catalytic (light chain) regions. The heavy chain promotes FXII surface-binding and surface-dependent activation but restricts activation when FXII is not surface bound. From the N terminus, the heavy chain contains fibronectin type 2 (FN2), epidermal growth factor-1 (EGF1), fibronectin type 1 (FN1), EGF2, and kringle (KNG) domains and a proline-rich region. It shares this organization with its homolog, pro–hepatocyte growth factor activator (Pro-HGFA). To study the importance of heavy chain domains in FXII function, we prepared FXII with replacements of each domain with corresponding Pro-HGFA domains and tested them in activation and activity assays. EGF1 is required for surface-dependent FXII autoactivation and surface-dependent prekallikrein activation by FXIIa. KNG and FN2 are important for limiting FXII activation in the absence of a surface by a process that may require interactions between a lysine/arginine binding site on KNG and basic residues elsewhere on FXII. This interaction is disrupted by the lysine analog ε-aminocaproic acid. A model is proposed in which an ε-aminocaproic acid–sensitive interaction between the KNG and FN2 domains maintains FXII in a conformation that restricts activation. Upon binding to a surface through EGF1, the KNG/FN2-dependent mechanism is inactivated, exposing the FXII activation cleavage site.
Risk profiling of patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by measuring circulating tumor DNA
Authors: Herrera Alex F. , Tracy Samuel , Croft Brandon , Opat Stephen , Ray Jill , Lovejoy Alex F. , Musick Lisa , Paulson Joseph N. , Sehn Laurie H. , Jiang Yanwen
Published: January 2022

Patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have heterogeneous outcomes; durable remissions are infrequently observed with standard approaches. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assessment is a sensitive, potentially prognostic tool in this setting. We assessed baseline ctDNA to identify patients with R/R DLBCL at high risk of relapse after receiving polatuzumab vedotin and bendamustine plus rituximab (BR) or BR alone. Patients were transplant ineligible and had received ≥1 prior line of therapy. The ctDNA assay, based on a customized panel of recurrently mutated genes in DLBCL, measured mutant molecules per mL (MMPM) at baseline and end of treatment (EOT). Endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in subgroups stratified by baseline ctDNA and log-fold change in ctDNA at EOT vs baseline. In biomarker-evaluable patients (n = 33), baseline ctDNA level correlated with serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration, number of prior therapies, stage, and International Prognostic Index (IPI). After adjusting for number of prior therapies ≥2, IPI score ≥3, and LDH above the upper limit of normal, high (greater than median) baseline ctDNA MMPM was independently prognostic for shorter PFS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.18 [95% CI, 0.05-0.65]) and OS (adjusted HR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.06-0.68]). In 23 patients with baseline and EOT samples, a significantly greater decrease in ctDNA MMPM was observed in patients with complete response (CR) (n = 13) than those without CR (n = 10); P = .0025. Baseline ctDNA assessment may identify patients at high risk of progression and should be further evaluated as a monitoring tool in R/R DLBCL. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02257567.
Improved prediction of asthma exacerbations by measuring distal airway inflammation
Authors: Paraskakis Emmanouil , Sarikloglou Evangelia , Fouzas Sotirios , Steiropoulos Paschalis , Tsalkidis Aggelos , Bush Andrew
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Partitioning parameters measured from exhaled nitric oxide, such as the alveolar concentration of nitric oxide (CalvNO), may provide better predictors of future asthma exacerbation than exhaled nitric oxide fraction at an expiratory flow rate of 50 mL·s−1(FENO50). We aimed to determine whether any partitioned nitric oxide parameters were more closely associated thanFENO50with subsequent asthma exacerbations.

Methods

68 asthmatic children (mean±sdage 9.0±2.4 years) were followed prospectively (134 visits) and exacerbations were recorded. Childhood Asthma Control Test (cACT), spirometry,FENO50,CalvNO, bronchial flux of nitric oxide (JawNO), transfer factor of nitric oxide (DawNO) and airway wall concentration of nitric oxide (CawNO) were measured.

Results

No exacerbation was recorded in 99 visits (Group 1) and an exacerbation was recorded in 35 visits (Group 2). The median (range)FENO50,JawNO,CalvNO,DawNOandCawNOof Group 1versusGroup 2: 12.7 (4–209)versus13.5 (3.8–149.9) ppb, 715 (10–12 799)versus438 (40–7457) pL·s−1, 3.4 (0.2–10.8)versus5.2 (1.7–23.6) ppb, 38.3 (0.2–113.3)versus38 (1.3–144.5) pL·s−1·ppb−1and 26.8 (4.1–2163)versus29.9 (5.5–3054) ppb, respectively. Other than forCalvNO(p<0.001), there was no difference between the two groups.CalvNO>7 ppb predicted asthma exacerbation with specificity 90.9% and positive likelihood ratio (LR) 3.1. Conversely,CalvNO<4 ppb excluded an exacerbation with sensitivity 71.4% and negative LR 0.48. An increase ofCalvNOby 0.5 ppb between visits could also predict an exacerbation with sensitivity 92%, specificity 92%, positive LR 11.8 and negative LR 0.08.

Conclusions

Assessment ofCalvNOimproved prediction of subsequent exacerbation, highlighting the importance of distal inflammation in asthma outcomes in children.
The discovAIR project: a roadmap towards the Human Lung Cell Atlas
Authors: Luecken Malte D. , Zaragosi Laure-Emmanuelle , Madissoon Elo , Sikkema Lisa , Firsova Alexandra B. , De Domenico Elena , Kümmerle Louis , Saglam Adem , Berg Marijn , Gay Aurore C.A. , Schniering Janine , Mayr Christoph H. , Abalo Xesús M. , Larsson Ludvig , Sountoulidis Alexandros , Teichmann Sarah A. , van Eunen Karen , Koppelman Gerard H. , Saeb-Parsy Kourosh , Leroy Sylvie , Powell Pippa , Sarkans Ugis , Timens Wim , Lundeberg Joakim , van den Berge Maarten , Nilsson Mats , Horváth Peter , Denning Jessica , Papatheodorou Irene , Schultze Joachim L. , Schiller Herbert B. , Barbry Pascal , Petoukhov Ilya , Misharin Alexander V. , Adcock Ian M. , von Papen Michael , Theis Fabian J. , Samakovlis Christos , Meyer Kerstin B. , Nawijn Martijn C.
Published: January 2022

The Human Cell Atlas (HCA) consortium aims to establish an atlas of all organs in the healthy human body at single-cell resolution to increase our understanding of basic biological processes that govern development, physiology and anatomy, and to accelerate diagnosis and treatment of disease. The Lung Biological Network of the HCA aims to generate the Human Lung Cell Atlas as a reference for the cellular repertoire, molecular cell states and phenotypes, and cell–cell interactions that characterise normal lung homeostasis in healthy lung tissue. Such a reference atlas of the healthy human lung will facilitate mapping the changes in the cellular landscape in disease. The discovAIR project is one of six pilot actions for the HCA funded by the European Commission in the context of the H2020 framework programme. discovAIR aims to establish the first draft of an integrated Human Lung Cell Atlas, combining single-cell transcriptional and epigenetic profiling with spatially resolving techniques on matched tissue samples, as well as including a number of chronic and infectious diseases of the lung. The integrated Human Lung Cell Atlas will be available as a resource for the wider respiratory community, including basic and translational scientists, clinical medicine, and the private sector, as well as for patients with lung disease and the interested lay public. We anticipate that the Human Lung Cell Atlas will be the founding stone for a more detailed understanding of the pathogenesis of lung diseases, guiding the design of novel diagnostics and preventive or curative interventions.
Enhanced neutrophil extracellular trap formation in COVID-19 is inhibited by the protein kinase C inhibitor ruboxistaurin
Authors: Dowey Rebecca , Cole Joby , Thompson A.A. Roger , Hull Rebecca C. , Huang Chenghao , Whatmore Jacob , Iqbal Ahmed , Bradley Kirsty L. , McKenzie Joanne , Lawrie Allan , Condliffe Alison M. , Kiss-Toth Endre , Sabroe Ian , Prince Lynne R.
Published: January 2022

Background

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are web-like DNA and protein lattices which are expelled by neutrophils to trap and kill pathogens, but which cause significant damage to the host tissue. NETs have emerged as critical mediators of lung damage, inflammation and thrombosis in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other diseases, but there are no therapeutics to prevent or reduce NETs that are available to patients.

Methods

Neutrophils were isolated from healthy volunteers (n=9) and hospitalised patients with COVID-19 at the acute stage (n=39) and again at 3–4 months post-acute sampling (n=7). NETosis was measured by SYTOX green assays.

Results

Here, we show that neutrophils isolated from hospitalised patients with COVID-19 produce significantly more NETs in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) compared to cells from healthy control subjects. A subset of patients was captured at follow-up clinics (3–4 months post-acute sampling), and while LPS-induced NET formation is significantly lower at this time point, it remains elevated compared to healthy controls. LPS- and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced NETs were significantly inhibited by the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor ruboxistaurin. Ruboxistaurin-mediated inhibition of NETs in healthy neutrophils reduces NET-induced epithelial cell death.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest ruboxistaurin could reduce proinflammatory and tissue-damaging consequences of neutrophils during disease, and since it has completed phase III trials for other indications without safety concerns, it is a promising and novel therapeutic strategy for COVID-19.
Azithromycin for treatment of hospitalised COVID-19 patients: a randomised, multicentre, open-label clinical trial (DAWn-AZITHRO)
Authors: Gyselinck Iwein , Liesenborghs Laurens , Belmans Ann , Engelen Matthias M. , Betrains Albrecht , Van Thillo Quentin , Nguyen Pham Anh Hong , Goeminne Pieter , Soenen Ann-Catherine , De Maeyer Nikolaas , Pilette Charles , Papleux Emmanuelle , Vanderhelst Eef , Derweduwen Aurélie , Alexander Patrick , Bouckaert Bernard , Martinot Jean-Benoît , Decoster Lynn , Vandeurzen Kurt , Schildermans Rob , Verhamme Peter , Janssens Wim , Vos Robin
Published: January 2022

Background and objectives

Azithromycin was rapidly adopted as a repurposed drug to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) early in the pandemic. We aimed to evaluate its efficacy in patients hospitalised for COVID-19.

Methods

In a series of randomised, open-label, phase 2 proof-of-concept, multicentre clinical trials (Direct Antivirals Working against the novel coronavirus (DAWn)), several treatments were compared with standard of care. In 15 Belgian hospitals, patients hospitalised with moderate to severe COVID-19 were allocated 2:1 to receive standard of care plus azithromycin or standard of care alone. The primary outcome was time to live discharge or sustained clinical improvement, defined as a two-point improvement on the World Health Organization (WHO) ordinal scale sustained for at least 3 days.

Results

Patients were included between April 22 and December 17, 2020. When 15-day follow-up data were available for 160 patients (56% of preset cohort), an interim analysis was performed at request of the independent Data Safety and Monitoring Board. Subsequently, DAWn-AZITHRO was stopped for futility. In total, 121 patients were allocated to the treatment arm and 64 patients to the standard-of-care arm. We found no effect of azithromycin on the primary outcome with a hazard ratio of 1.044 (95% CI 0.772–1.413; p=0.7798). None of the predefined subgroups showed significant interaction as covariates in the Fine–Gray regression analysis. No benefit of azithromycin was found on any of the short- and longer-term secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

Time to clinical improvement is not influenced by azithromycin in patients hospitalised with moderate to severe COVID-19.
Uncovering the first complete plastome genomics, comparative analyses, and phylogenetic dispositions of endemic medicinal plant Ziziphus hajarensis (Rhamnaceae)
Authors: Asaf Sajjad , Ahmad Waqar , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Khan Abdul Latif
Published: January 2022

Background

Ziziphus hajarensis is an endemic plant species well-distributed in the Western Hajar mountains of Oman. Despite its potential medicinal uses, little is known regarding its genomic architecture, phylogenetic position, or evolution. Here we sequenced and analyzed the entire chloroplast (cp) genome of Z. hajarensis to understand its genetic organization, structure, and phylogenomic disposition among Rhamnaceae species.

Results

The results revealed the genome of Z. hajarensis cp comprised 162,162 bp and exhibited a typical quadripartite structure, with a large single copy (LSC) region of 895,67 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 19,597 bp and an inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,499 bp. In addition, the cp genome of Z. hajarensis comprises 126 genes, including 82 protein-coding genes, eight rRNA genes, and 36 tRNA genes. Furthermore, the analysis revealed 208 microsatellites, 96.6% of which were mononucleotides. Similarly, a total of 140 repeats were identified, including 11 palindromic, 24 forward, 14 reverse, and 104 tandem repeats. The whole cp genome comparison of Z. hajarensis and nine other species from family Rhamnaceae showed an overall high degree of sequence similarity, with divergence among some intergenic spacers. Comparative phylogenetic analysis based on the complete cp genome, 66 shared genes and matK gene revealed that Z. hajarensis shares a clade with Z. jujuba and that the family Rhamnaceae is the closest family to Barbeyaceae and Elaeagnaceae.

Conclusion

All the genome features such as genome size, GC content, genome organization and gene order were highly conserved compared to the other related genomes. The whole cp genome of Z. hajarensis gives fascinating insights and valuable data that may be used to identify related species and reconstruct the phylogeny of the species.
Population structure analysis to explore genetic diversity and geographical distribution characteristics of cultivated-type tea plant in Guizhou Plateau
Authors: Zhao Zhifei , Song Qinfei , Bai Dingchen , Niu Suzhen , He Yingqin , Qiao Dahe , Chen Zhengwu , Li Caiyun , Luo Jing , Li Fang
Published: January 2022

Background

Tea plants originated in southwestern China. Guizhou Plateau is an original center of tea plants, and is rich in germplasm resources. However, the genetic diversity, population structure and distribution characteristics of cultivated-type tea plants in the region are unknown. In this study, we explored the genetic diversity and geographical distribution of cultivated-type tea accessions in Guizhou Plateau.

Results

We used 112,072 high-quality genotyping-by-sequencing to analyze the genetic diversity, principal components, phylogeny, population structure, and linkage disequilibrium, and develop a core collection of 253 cultivated-type tea plant accessions from Guizhou Plateau. The results showed Genetic diversity of the cultivated-type tea accessions of the Pearl River Basin was significantly higher than that of the cultivated-type tea accessions of the Yangtze River Basin. Three inferred pure groups (CG-1, CG-2 and CG-3) and one inferred admixture group (CG-4), were identified by a population structure analysis, and verified by principal component and phylogenetic analyses. The highest genetic distance and differentiation coefficients were determined for CG-2 vs CG-3. The lower genetic distance and differentiation coefficients were determined for CG-4 vs CG-2 and CG-4 vs CG-3, respectively. We developed a core set and a primary set. The primary and core sets contained 77.0 and 33.6% of all individuals in the initial set, respectively. The primary set may serve as the primary population in genome-wide association studies, while the core collection may serve as the core population in multiple treatment setting studies.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated the genetic diversity and geographical distribution characteristics of cultivated-type tea plants in Guizhou Plateau. Significant differences in genetic diversity and evolutionary direction were detected between the ancient landraces of the Pearl River Basin and the those of the Yangtze River Basin. Major rivers and ancient hubs were largely responsible for the genetic exchange between the Pearl River Basin and the Yangtze River Basin ancient landraces as well as the formation of the ancient hubs evolutionary group. Genetic diversity, population structure and core collection elucidated by this study will facilitate further genetic studies, germplasm protection, and breeding of tea plants.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient with mediastinal teratoma: a case report
Authors: Wang Wei , Yang Hui , Piao Yueshan , Quan Meina , Guo Dongmei
Published: January 2022

Background

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare demyelinating lytic brain infection caused by the John Cunningham virus (JCV). JCV manifests primarily in patients with innate immunodeficiency or taking immunomodulatory medications. In this case study, we report a PML patient with comorbid mediastinal teratoma and mild lymphopenia.

Case presentation

A 73-year-old female presented with a 3-month history of progressive hemiplegia, hemianopsia, and cognitive impairment. She was diagnosed as PML by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomics sequencing and brain biopsy. Extensive immunological tests did not reveal an apparent immunodeficiency, but further work-up revealed that the PML was most likely the first presentation of mediastinal teratoma and the mild lymphopenia. Mirtazapine and immunoglobulin were started, the patient’s condition was relatively stable and approved to be discharged from hospital. But unfortunately, she died of the lung infection 10 months after first presentation.

Conclusions

This case confirms that mediastinal teratoma may induce the lymphopenia and trigger PML, delayed or incorrect diagnosis may worsen the course of the disease and result in poor prognosis.
Sleep disturbances predict active suicidal ideation the next day: an ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Brüdern Juliane , Hallensleben Nina , Höller Inken , Spangenberg Lena , Forkmann Thomas , Rath Dajana , Strauß Maria , Kersting Anette , Glaesmer Heide
Published: January 2022

Background

Sleep disturbances are an underestimated risk factor for suicidal ideation and behavior. Previous research provided preliminary support of a temporal relationship between sleep disturbances and suicidal ideation. The present study therefore sought to investigate the prospective association between sleep disturbances, passive and active suicidal ideation, and further psychological risk factors, such as state impulsivity and depression.

Methods

Seventy-three psychiatric inpatients (71% female) with unipolar depressive disorder and current or lifetime suicidal ideation took part in an ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Participants filled out a baseline assessment and data were collected via smartphones over a 6-days period. Multilevel analyses with sleep disturbance as predictor for active and passive suicidal ideation, state impulsivity, and depression were carried out.

Results

Patients with sleep disturbance experienced more active suicidal ideation, but no passive suicidal ideation, the following day. Of the four state impulsivity items, one item was significantly associated with sleep disturbance. Sleep disturbance had no effect on next-day depression. Limiting factors are the small and homogeneous sample along with the rather short observation period in an inpatient setting.

Conclusions

The micro-longitudinal study provides preliminary support for sleep disturbance as a proximal risk factor for next-day active suicidal ideation. Clinically, results indicate to consider the evaluation and treatment of sleep disturbances for an improved risk assessment and prevention of suicide.
Antihypertensive effects of yoga in a general patient population: real-world evidence from electronic health records, a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Penrod Nadia M. , Moore Jason H.
Published: January 2022

Background

Despite decades of research and established treatment strategies, hypertension remains a prevalent and intractable problem at the population level. Yoga, a lifestyle-based practice, has demonstrated antihypertensive effects in clinical trial settings, but little is known about its effectiveness in the real world. Here, we use electronic health records to investigate the antihypertensive effects of yoga as used by patients in their daily lives.

Methods

A retrospective, observational case-control study of 1815 records among 1355 yoga exposed patients and 40,326 records among 8682 yoga non-exposed patients collected between 2006 and 2016 from a regional academic health system. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate the average treatment effect of yoga on systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios for yoga use and four blood pressure categories: normal, elevated, stage I, and stage II hypertension.

Results

Yoga patients are predominantly white (88.0%) and female (87.8%) with median age 46 years (IQR 32–57) who use yoga one time per week (62.3%). Yoga is associated with lower systolic (− 2.8 mmHg, standard error 0.6; p < .001) and diastolic (− 1.5 mmHg, standard error 0.5; p = 0.001) blood pressures. Patients using yoga have 85% increased odds (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.39–2.46) of having normal blood pressure relative to yoga non-exposed patients. Patients aged 40–59 years have 67% decreased odds (0.33, 95% CI 0.14–0.75) of having stage II hypertension. All effect sizes are age-dependent.

Conclusions

Yoga, as used by patients in their daily lives, may be an effective strategy for blood pressure control and the prevention of hypertension at the population level.
Impulsivity assessed ten years earlier and sociodemographic factors predict adherence to COVID-19 related behavioral restrictions in old individuals with hypertension
Authors: Steca Patrizia , Adorni Roberta , Greco Andrea , Zanatta Francesco , Fattirolli Francesco , Franzelli Cristina , Giannattasio Cristina , D’Addario Marco
Published: January 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had clear and dramatic repercussions on health, the economy, and psychosocial well-being. Behavioral measures, such as wearing facemasks and maintaining distance from others, have proven crucial in fighting the contagion’s spread. This study aimed to investigate Type A personality traits and sociodemographic predictors of adherence to governmental measures in a sample of frail individuals.

Methods

A sample of 105 Italians over age 60 (Mean age = 70 years; 60.6% male) affected by hypertension who participated in a previous longitudinal study were assessed through a telephone structured interview. Sociodemographic information and Type A personality traits were retrieved from the original longitudinal study. Adherence behaviors were investigated through several questions regarding the compliance with home confinement, the use of facemasks and the observance of social distancing. Repeated measures Analyses of Variance (RMANOVA), Reliable Change Index, and binomial logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results

Only 33.3% of the participants reported adherence to all the governmental COVID-19 measures. Being a woman (OR = 4.84; 95% CI = 1.58, 14.90; p < 0.01), being retired (OR = 4.89; 95% CI = 1.09, 21.86; p < 0.05), and suffering from hypertension for a relatively short time (OR = 4.20; 95% CI = 1.22, 14.44; p < 0.05) positively predicted adherence to the governmental measures. Impulsivity resulted in a stable personality characteristic over the last ten years (p = 0.30). Having high levels of impulsivity (OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.13, 4.59; p < 0.05) negatively predicted adherence.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that impulsivity is a stable personality facet that can have a robust negative impact on adherence behaviors to health claims. Overall, results show the importance to tailor communication strategies that consider the role of sociodemographic indicators and impulsivity to achieve a high level of adherence.
Self-limiting fall armyworm: a new approach in development for sustainable crop protection and resistance management
Authors: Reavey Catherine E. , Walker Adam S. , Joyce Stephen P. , Broom Lucy , Willse Alan , Ercit Kyla , Poletto Mattia , Barnes Zoe H. , Marubbi Thea , Troczka Bartlomiej J. , Treanor David , Beadle Katherine , Granville Ben , de Mello Vanessa , Teal Joss , Sulston Edward , Ashton Anna , Akilan Luxziyah , Naish Neil , Stevens Oliver , Humphreys-Jones Nerys , Warner Simon A. J. , Spinner Sian A. M. , Rose Nathan R. , Head Graham , Morrison Neil I. , Matzen Kelly J.
Published: January 2022

Background

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a significant and widespread pest of maize, sorghum, rice, and other economically important crops. Successful management of this caterpillar pest has historically relied upon application of synthetic insecticides and through cultivation of genetically engineered crops expressing insecticidal proteins (Bt crops). Fall armyworm has, however, developed resistance to both synthetic insecticides and Bt crops, which risks undermining the benefits delivered by these important crop protection tools. Previous modelling and empirical studies have demonstrated that releases of insecticide- or Bt-susceptible insects genetically modified to express conditional female mortality can both dilute insecticide resistance and suppress pest populations.

Results

Here, we describe the first germline transformation of the fall armyworm and the development of a genetically engineered male-selecting self-limiting strain, OX5382G, which exhibits complete female mortality in the absence of an additive in the larval diet. Laboratory experiments showed that males of this strain are competitive against wild-type males for copulations with wild-type females, and that the OX5382G self-limiting transgene declines rapidly to extinction in closed populations following the cessation of OX5382G male releases. Population models simulating the release of OX5382G males in tandem with Bt crops and non-Bt ‘refuge’ crops show that OX5382G releases can suppress fall armyworm populations and delay the spread of resistance to insecticidal proteins.

Conclusions

This article describes the development of self-limiting fall armyworm designed to control this pest by suppressing pest populations, and population models that demonstrate its potential as a highly effective method of managing resistance to Bt crops in pest fall armyworm populations. Our results provide early promise for a potentially valuable future addition to integrated pest management strategies for fall armyworm and other pests for which resistance to existing crop protection measures results in damage to crops and impedes sustainable agriculture.
Extracts of Sida cordifolia contain polysaccharides possessing immunomodulatory activity and rosmarinic acid compounds with antibacterial activity
Authors: Iqbal Haroon , Wright Claire L. , Jones Sue , da Silva Goncalo Rosas , McKillen John , Gilmore Brendan F. , Kavanagh Owen , Green Brian D.
Published: January 2022

Background

The overuse of antibiotics has led to increased antimicrobial resistance, but plant-derived biological response modifiers represent a potential alternative to these drugs. This investigation examined the immunomodulatory and antibacterial activities of Sida cordifolia (used in ethnomedicinal systems to treat infectious disease).

Methods

Successive extractions were performed from the roots of these plants in hexane, chloroform, methanol and water. Immunomodulatory activity was determined in a series of experiments measuring the responses of splenocytes, macrophages and an in vivo model of innate immunity (Galleria mellonella). Antibacterial activity was assessed by determining minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBCs) for various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains.

Results

Immunomodulatory activity was confined to the aqueous extract, and further fractionation and biochemical analysis yielded a highly potent polysaccharide-enriched fraction (SCAF5). SCAF5 is a complex mixture of different polysaccharides with multiple immunomodulatory effects including immune cell proliferation, antibody secretion, phagocytosis, nitric oxide production, and increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, Galleria mellonella pre-treated with SCAF5 produced more haemocytes and were more resistant (P < 0.001) to infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with a 98% reduction in bacterial load in pre-treated larvae compared to the negative control. The antibacterial activity of Sida cordifolia was confined to the methanolic fraction. Extensive fractionation identified two compounds, rosmarinic acid and its 4-O-β-d-glucoside derivative, which had potent activity against Gram-positive antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including MRSA.

Conclusions

Sida cordifolia counters bacterial infections through a dual mechanism, and immunomodulatory polysaccharides from this plant should be isolated and characterised to realise their potential as anti-infective agents. Such properties could be developed as an antibiotic alternative (1) in the clinic and (2) alternative growth promoter for the agri-food industry.