bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynastic Potential Crossover Operator
Authors: Chicano Francisco , Ochoa Gabriela , Whitley L. Darrell , Tinós Renato
Published: December 2021

An optimal recombination operator for two-parent solutions provides the best solution among those that take the value for each variable from one of the parents (gene transmission property). If the solutions are bit strings, the offspring of an optimal recombination operator is optimal in the smallest hyperplane containing the two parent solutions. Exploring this hyperplane is computationally costly, in general, requiring exponential time in the worst case. However, when the variable interaction graph of the objective function is sparse, exploration can be done in polynomial time. In this article, we present a recombination operator, called Dynastic Potential Crossover (DPX), that runs in polynomial time and behaves like an optimal recombination operator for low-epistasis combinatorial problems. We compare this operator, both theoretically and experimentally, with traditional crossover operators, like uniform crossover and network crossover, and with two recently defined efficient recombination operators: partition crossover and articulation points partition crossover. The empirical comparison uses NKQ Landscapes and MAX-SAT instances. DPX outperforms the other crossover operators in terms of quality of the offspring and provides better results included in a trajectory and a population-based metaheuristic, but it requires more time and memory to compute the offspring.
Longhorned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of southeastern Mongolia with particular emphasis on the genus Anoplistes Audinet-Serville, 1833 (Cerambycinae: Trachyderini)
Authors: KARPIŃSKI LECH , ENKHNASAN DAVAADORJ , BOLDGIV BAZARTSEREN , KRUSZELNICKI LECH , IDERZORIG BADAMNYAMBUU , GANTULGA TEMERLEN , DORJSUREN ALTANCHIMEG , SZCZEPAŃSKI WOJCIECH T.
Published: December 2021

New data on the distribution, bionomy, and taxonomy of the longhorned beetles that occur in the poorly studied region of southeastern Mongolia (Ömnögovi, Dornogovi, and Sükhbaatar aimags) are presented together with a list of all taxa that are known from this area. The literature records for all known species from this area were summarized, verified, and mapped. Chlorophorus caragana Xie & Wang, 2012 is recorded from Mongolia for the first time. New localities of some little-known taxa that are endemic to Mongolia and adjacent territories, such as Anoplistes halodendri minutus Hammarström, 1892, Anoplistes kaszabi Karpiński, 2020, and Eodorcadion gorbunovi Danilevsky, 2004 are given. High-quality stacked images of several unique species, e.g., Anoplistes gobiensis (Namkhaidorzh, 1973), Ch. caragana, and Chlorophorus obliteratus (Ganglbauer, 1889) are presented for the first time along with photographs of their habitats. New remarks on highly complex taxonomic issues concerning some species in the genera Anoplistes, Chlorophorus, and Eodorcadion are also provided.
New species and records of Sericini of India (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) II.
Authors: BHUNIA DEBIKA , GUPTA DEVANSHU , CHANDRA KAILASH , AHRENS DIRK
Published: December 2021

Here we present a new record of Microserica nicobarensis (Redtenbacher, 1868) and describe further two new species from India: Nepaloserica cheemaensis Bhunia, Gupta, Chandra & Ahrens new species, and Maladera reyaensis Bhunia, Gupta, Chandra & Ahrens, new species. Species morphology is described and illustrated, and their distribution is shown on a map.
New or rare Madagascar tiger beetles—24. Pogonostoma (Microgeniatum) signifemorale sp. nov. with revised key to species of the subgenus Microgeniatum Rivalier (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae)
Authors: MORAVEC JIŘÍ , TRÝZNA MILOŠ
Published: December 2021

Pogonostoma (Microgeniatum) signifemorale sp. nov., based on a male holotype caught recently in the Ankarafantsika National Park (northwestern Madagascar), is described as new to science. The new species is immediately distinguished from other three hitherto known species of the subgenus Microgeniatum Rivalier, 1970, including a somewhat similar P. (Microgeniatum) infimum Rivalier, 1970. Consequently, a revised differential diagnosis and a revised key to species of the subgenus are presented in order to supplement the key and diagnosis in the monograph of the genus Pogonostoma Klug, 1835 by Moravec (2007). The male holotype is illustrated in colour photographs of its habitus and diagnostic characters with references to the illustrations of the other three species of the subgenus in the monograph of the genus (Moravec 2007). The habitat and ecology of the new species, as well as essential maps of known distribution of the subgenus, are also presented.
A review of the fossil taxa originally assigned to Pyrrhocoridae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)
Authors: KMENT PETR
Published: December 2021

The four described fossil taxa originally assigned to Pyrrhocoridae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) are reviewed. Mesopyrrhocoris fasciatus Hong & Wang, 1990 (correction of gender agreement) from the Lower Cretaceous of Laiyang Basin, Shandong, China, was reclassified as Cimicomorpha incertae sedis by Shcherbakov (2008), an opinion confirmed here. The status of ‘Dysdercus’ cinctus Scudder, 1890 and ‘Dysdercus’ unicolor Scudder, 1890 from the Eocene of Florissant, Colorado, USA, and their placement in Pyrrhocoridae, are doubtful. ‘Pyrrhocoris’ rottensis nom nov. (= Pyrrhocoris tibialis Statz & Wagner, 1950) from the Upper Oligocene of Rott, Germany, is reclassified here as Lygaeoidea incertae sedis due to the presence of ocelli in the fossil. As a result, currently there is no fossil taxon which can be placed in Pyrrhocoroidea with certainty. The extant Pyrrhocoris tibialis Stål, 1874 is confirmed as junior subjective synonym of P. sibiricus Kuschakewitsch, 1866.
Global Warming Pattern Formation: The Role of Ocean Heat Uptake
Authors: Hu Shineng , Xie Shang-Ping , Kang Sarah M.
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the formation mechanism of the ocean surface warming pattern in response to a doubling CO2 with a focus on the role of ocean heat uptake (or ocean surface heat flux change, ΔQnet). We demonstrate that the transient patterns of surface warming and rainfall change simulated by the dynamic ocean–atmosphere coupled model (DOM) can be reproduced by the equilibrium solutions of the slab ocean–atmosphere coupled model (SOM) simulations when forced with the DOM ΔQnet distribution. The SOM is then used as a diagnostic inverse modeling tool to decompose the CO2-induced thermodynamic warming effect and the ΔQnet (ocean heat uptake)–induced cooling effect. As ΔQnet is largely positive (i.e., downward into the ocean) in the subpolar oceans and weakly negative at the equator, its cooling effect is strongly polar amplified and opposes the CO2 warming, reducing the net warming response especially over Antarctica. For the same reason, the ΔQnet-induced cooling effect contributes significantly to the equatorially enhanced warming in all three ocean basins, while the CO2 warming effect plays a role in the equatorial warming of the eastern Pacific. The spatially varying component of ΔQnet, although globally averaged to zero, can effectively rectify and lead to decreased global mean surface temperature of a comparable magnitude as the global mean ΔQnet effect under transient climate change. Our study highlights the importance of air–sea interaction in the surface warming pattern formation and the key role of ocean heat uptake pattern.
Development of 4to24, a Transition Application for Parents of Students With Visual Impairments
Authors: Antonelli Karla , Cmar Jennifer L. , Steverson Anne
Published: December 2021

Introduction

This article focuses on the development of 4to24, an informational app for parents of students with visual impairments, with emphasis on obtaining stakeholder input, developing content, and establishing content validity. The app provides information, resources, and activities to help students, ages 4–24 years, prepare for independence and employment as an adult.

Method

App design and content development involved multiple phases of iterative design and writing. Stakeholder input was obtained via an advisory board and user focus groups with parents and students. Experts reviewed and validated content with ratings and recommendations on accuracy, age-appropriateness, and relevance.

Results

Advisory board members identified important domains to address in 4to24 including social skills, technology, travel skills, health and fitness, independent living, career education, and self-determination. They recommended focusing on elevating parents’ expectations and confidence in supporting and teaching their children. Focus group participants recommended accessibility, ease of use, and relevant information to make the app appealing to users. The content validation process supported the content’s relevance, accuracy, and age-appropriateness and resulted in a final count of 410 informational modules.

Discussion

Parent involvement and expectations are critical to students’ preparation for future employment. 4to24 provides support for parents to collaborate with service providers and reinforce concepts and skills outside of school. Development of the app technology and its large volume of content required a full 5-year process.

Implications for practitioners

Lessons learned from this project can inform future resource development projects, including recommendations to start small and define goals early in the process. The 4to24 app is a new resource for parents of students with visual impairments that can supplement services provided by professionals.
Accommodations Knowledge and Practice for Students With Visual Impairments
Authors: Nannemann Allison C.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Classroom accommodations are a primary means of supporting the appropriate education for students with disabilities. Student involvement in the accommodation process is valuable. Therefore, we need to teach students to be knowledgeable and strategic regarding their accommodations.

Methods

Four high school students with visual impairments were taught the Student Self-Accommodation Strategy (SSA). A comparative case studies approach within a sequential explanatory design was used to investigate their accommodations knowledge and practices.

Results

Participants improved or maintained accommodations knowledge. Their most-used types of accommodations were access accommodations and accommodations for content support. Three of the participants increased advocacy after strategy instruction. The participants’ accommodation practices were influenced by emotional-behavioral regulation, independence, and teacher involvement.

Discussion

Findings from this study relate to existing literature on accommodations support, teacher involvement in the accommodations process, instruction in accommodations advocacy, and the relationship between accommodations and emotional-behavioral dysregulation.

Implications

Findings emphasize the need to be explicit about the accommodations available to students with visual impairments and the need for strategy instruction in the SSA to address emotional-behavioral dysregulation.
The public sphere in the twilight zone of publicness
Authors: Splichal Slavko
Published: December 2021

The article discusses the reasons and conditions for the rise and fall of the popularity of the public sphere concept in scholarly discourse in four parts. The first part examines the peculiar circumstances of the emergence of the concept of the public sphere, and its rapid and widespread adoption in the social sciences. The second part discusses the complexity of the concept “Öffentlichkeit” and its English proxy “the public sphere,” and the contemporary critique of its ideological predispositions. The third part focuses on the liberalization and (operational) banalization of the concept. The final part suggests ways in which social scientists could respond critically to the challenges outlined earlier and reintegrate publicness, the public, and the public sphere into the analysis.
Mass hysteria attack rates in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Gang , Cheng Qinglin , Dong Xianming , Xie Li
Published: December 2021

Objectives

There are few systematic assessments of mass hysteria (MH) attack rates (ARs) in adolescents and children. The study aim was to assess the ARs of MH in this population.

Methods

We used a meta-analysis to systematically review studies and assess ARs.

Results

The reviewed studies included 32,887 participants, of which 2968 were children and adolescents with a history of MH. Twenty-eight studies were included, of which 22 (78.6%) had high to moderate methodological quality. The pooled AR of MH was 9.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.3, 14.0). Of MH studies between 2010 and 2020, 78.6% were conducted between 2010 and 2014. ARs were higher between 2010 and 2014 (10.3%) than between 2015 and 2020 (8.1%). Regarding population characteristics, the AR in girls was 2.43 (95% CI 1.70, 3.46) times higher than in boys. Most studies were on primary school students (46.4%), who showed the highest AR (15.4%). Of six trigger factors, water pollution showed the highest AR (16.3%). ARs were higher in rural areas (11.1%) than in urban areas (5.6%).

Conclusions

MH in children and adolescents seems prevalent and shows some epidemiological characteristics. These findings may assist governments to control and prevent MH epidemics among children and adolescents.
Support Needs for Bhutanese Family Members Taking Care of Loved Ones Diagnosed with Advanced Illness
Authors: Laabar Tara Devi , Auret Kirsten , Saunders Christobel , Ngo Hanh , Johnson Claire E.
Published: December 2021

Background: Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of patients diagnosed with an advanced illness and their families. Family members, who often play a central role caring for their very ill loved ones, have significant support needs. In Bhutan, where palliative care is an emerging concept, the needs of family members have not been assessed thus far. Objective: This study explored the support needs of Bhutanese family members caring for their loved ones diagnosed with advanced illness. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Setting/Subjects: Study sites included the national referral hospital, the two regional referral hospitals, four district hospitals and Basic Health Units (Grade I and II), spread across Bhutan. Participants were recruited through purposeful and snowball sampling strategies. Data were collected from May to August 2019. The Carer Support Needs Assessment Tools (CSNAT) was used. Results: Despite unforeseen challenges, 46 family members out of 60 identified (77%) participated in the survey. Twenty-three (50%) cared for relatives with advanced cancer and the remainder for loved ones with non-malignant conditions. This study found high support needs among both groups. The priority needs included understanding their relative's illness, managing symptoms, providing personal care, financial aspects, dealing with their own feelings and emotions and knowing what to expect in the future. Conclusion: This study will help inform the World Health Organization recommended public health approach to palliative care modified to the Bhutanese context for enabling a cost-effective intervention to improve the quality of lives of patients and families.
Effect of acupuncture on menopausal hot flushes and serum hormone levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Chang , Wang Zhijie , Guo Ting , Zhuang Lixing , Gao Xiao
Published: December 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of hot flushes and its impact on serum hormone levels in menopausal women.

Methods:

A total of 10 databases were searched from their inception to August 2018. Reference lists of reviews and included articles were also hand-searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of acupuncture versus sham acupuncture, or acupuncture versus hormone therapy (HT), as treatment for menopausal hot flushes were included. Outcomes included hot flush frequency, hot flush severity and serum hormone levels of estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3 software.

Results:

Thirteen RCTs including 1784 patients were selected, seven of which were available for meta-analysis. Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture significantly decreased hot flush frequency (mean difference (MD) −0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−1.64, −0.05], I2 = 54%) from baseline to the end of study, but did not impact end scores of hot flush frequency (MD 0.19, 95% CI [−0.61, 0.99], I2 = 0%) or severity (MD 0.02, 95% CI [−0.13, 0.17], I2 = 0%). No differences were found between acupuncture and HT in serum levels of E2 (MD 6.56, 95% CI [−3.77, 16.89], I2 = 76%), FSH (MD 1.06, 95% CI [−1.44, 3.56], I2 = 0%) or LH (MD −3.36, 95% CI [−13.37, 6.65], I2 = 89%).

Conclusion:

Acupuncture may not decrease hot flush frequency, but yet appears to have similar effects on serum hormone levels as HT, that is, increased E2 and decreased FSH and LH. Considering that no firm conclusions could be drawn due to the low quality and limited number of included trials included, further high-quality RCTs need to be conducted.
Associations Among Age of First Experience of Violence, Type of Victimization, Polyvictimization, and Mental Distress in Nigerian Females
Authors: Lee NaeHyung , Osborne Melissa , Massetti Greta , Watson Ashley , Self-Brown Shannon
Published: December 2021

This study explored associations of age of first victimization, sexual violence (SV), physical violence (PV), polyvictimization, and mental distress among females in Nigeria ( n = 1,766, 13–24 years old) using the nationally representative 2014 Nigeria Violence Against Children Survey. Multinomial logistic regressions were performed. Nigerian females reporting SV victimization and polyvictimization were more likely to experience higher mental distress. The older the female was at the time of PV victimization, the greater the risk for mental distress. Violence is prevalent in Nigeria and its impact on youth's health is severe. However, evidence-based and data-driven policies and programs can reduce and prevent violence.
Adsorption of Acid Blue 25 on Agricultural Wastes: Efficiency, Kinetics, Mechanism, and Regeneration
Authors: Samat Junaidi H , Shahri Nurulizzatul Ningsheh M , Abdullah Muhammad Ashrul , Suhaimi Nurul Amanina A , Padmosoedarso Kanya Maharani , Kusrini Eny , Mahadi Abdul Hanif , Hobley Jonathan , Usman Anwar
Published: December 2021

In this study, Acid Blue 25 (AB25), which is a negatively charged synthetic dye was removed from an aqueous solution by adsorption onto agricultural wastes, including banana (BP) and durian (DP) peels. The adsorption performances of AB25 were related to surface characteristics of the agricultural wastes, including their chemical functional groups, net surface charge, surface morphology, surface area, and pore volume. Parameters affecting the adsorption, including contact times, initial concentration, pH, and temperature were investigated. The results revealed that the adsorption of AB25 followed pseudo-second order kinetics, and that the adsorption process was controlled by a combination of intraparticle and film diffusion with a two-step mechanism. The equilibrium data could be simulated by the Langmuir isotherm model, suggesting that AB25 molecules are adsorbed on active sites with a uniform binding energy as a monolayer on the adsorbent surface. The adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic, and the adsorption capacity decreased with the pH of the medium. The spent adsorbents were best regenerated by acid treatment (pH 2), and could be recycled for several adsorption-desorption processes. Under ambient conditions, the maximum adsorption capacities of AB25 on BP and DP were 70.0 and 89.7 mg g−1, respectively, which is much higher than on a large variety of reported adsorbents derived from other agricultural wastes.
Minimizing the number of wireless charging PAD for unmanned aerial vehicle–based wireless rechargeable sensor networks
Authors: Chen Yingjue , Gu Yingnan , Li Panfeng , Lin Feng
Published: December 2021

In wireless rechargeable sensor networks, most researchers address energy scarcity by introducing one or multiple ground mobile vehicles to recharge energy-hungry sensor nodes. The charging efficiency is limited by the moving speed of ground chargers and rough environments, especially in large-scale or challenging scenarios. To address the limitations, researchers consider replacing ground mobile chargers with lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles to support large-scale scenarios because of the unmanned aerial vehicle moving at a higher speed without geographical limitation. Moreover, multiple automatic landing wireless charging PADs are deployed to recharge unmanned aerial vehicles automatically. In this work, we investigate the problem of introducing the minimal number of PADs in unmanned aerial vehicle–based wireless rechargeable sensor networks. We propose a novel PAD deployment scheme named clustering-with-double-constraints and disks-shift-combining that can adapt to arbitrary locations of the base station, arbitrary geographic distributions of sensor nodes, and arbitrary sizes of network areas. In the proposed scheme, we first obtain an initial PAD deployment solution by clustering nodes in geographic locations. Then, we propose a center shift combining algorithm to optimize this solution by shifting the location of PADs and attempting to merge the adjacent PADs. The simulation results show that compared to existing algorithms, our scheme can charge the network with fewer PADs.
More than a matter of qualification: Teachers’ thoughts on the purpose of social studies and history teaching in vocational preparation programmes in Swedish upper-secondary school
Authors: Persson Anders , Berg Mikael
Published: December 2021

The aim of this article is to increase our understanding of how history and social studies teachers in vocational preparation programmes (VET) in Sweden relate to the obligation of preparing students for their future lives as citizens. Previous research on VET programmes has primarily emphasised predetermined roles of education. Different critical perspectives have established how different VET practices contribute to reproducing specific values and a type of knowledge that leaves less room for students to act as independent subjects. In part, the findings of this article contribute to problematising such a description. In a series of interviews, teachers expressed what can best be described as a clear will to prepare students for a future as broadminded and tolerant citizens. The multi-perspective approach emphasised by these teachers not only illustrates the socialisation and qualification functions of education, it also gives prominence to the importance of student subjectification. Furthermore, this article stresses that the teachers do not view the question of the purpose of their subjects in terms of either/or. Rather, it suggests they see their obligations as a matter of professional judgment and customised responses to unique didactic situations.
The Characteristics of Canadian University Students’ Mental Health, Engagement in Activities and Use of Smartphones: A descriptive pilot study
Authors: Nowrouzi-Kia Behdin , Stier Jill , Ayyoub Luma , Hutchinson Lauren , Laframboise Jamie , Mihailidis Alex
Published: December 2021

Background

Mental health issues are on the rise which may impede university students’ abilities to perform daily functions and interact with other community members. The objectives of the current study are to explore (1) the characteristics of university students’ mental health and engagement in activities, (2) how students use their smartphones to support their mental health and engagement in activities, (3) student preferences for important features and functions of a smartphone application (app) that promote engagement in activities and (4) student perspectives about what data an app should collect as indicators of change in their mental health and engagement in activities.

Methods

We designed a pilot study and an online questionnaire with open and closed-ended questions to collect data exploring the association between student mental health and engagement in activities. The questionnaire included four sections: demographics, mental health and activity status and management, general smartphone use, and smartphone use to support mental health and engagement in activities. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 56 participants were recruited to complete the online survey, with an average completion rate of 77% ( n = 43). The majority of participants were 24 years of age or older ( n = 34, 65.4%), and less than half were between the ages of 18 and 23 ( n = 18, 34.6%). The results of participants’ engagement in self-care, productivity and leisure/play activities are reported. As well, participants’ use of smartphones to support their mental health is described.

Conclusions

This study provides a greater understanding of what features and functions to include and what data to collect when developing a novel app to support students’ mental health and engagement in activities. Moreover, it clarifies the bidirectional relationship between mental health changes and self-care engagement, productivity/work and leisure/play domains.
Association of Medical Student Characteristics and Empathy After a Communication Workshop
Authors: Dorough Ramona Jewel Maria , Adamuti-Trache Maria , Siropaides Caitlin Holt
Published: December 2021

Medical education values patient-centered communication skills of responding to patient's emotions, however, guidance is limited on how to provide a well-rounded curriculum. This study examines the effect of a 90-minute communication workshop on the level of empathy of the 116 medical students who participated in the workshop. We used three psychometric categories from the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) as dependent variables. We conducted mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) analyses to determine the change in empathy scores after the workshop, the main effects for gender and medical specialty, and their interaction with time. We found an increase in perspective taking and compassionate care scales, although no changes on walking in patients’ shoes scale. Female and people-oriented specialty students scored higher on all scales. Some gender-specialty groups showed an empathy decrease: people-oriented specialty females on compassionate care scale and people-oriented and other specialty males on walking in patients’ shoes scale. We concluded that communication training requires a multidimensional approach to target various areas of building empathy. Standardization of training should be embedded with empathy development within medical education curriculum.
Alternative energy capital of the world? Fix, risk, and solar energy in Los Angeles’ urban periphery
Authors: Kennedy Sean F , Stock Ryan
Published: December 2021

California is one of the most climate-challenged regions of North America and is considered the vanguard of climate action in the United States. California's climate policy framework has strongly promoted the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, and the state generates more solar energy than any other in the nation. Using the case of Lancaster, a city of 170,000 residents in northern Los Angeles County seeking to position itself as the “alternative energy capital of the world,” this article examines private investments in solar energy infrastructure as a response to California's entwined economic and ecological crises. Drawing on recent scholarship on socioecological fix, we argue that private accumulation through renewable energy infrastructures in California has required both the presence of crisis conditions and innovations in financial risk mitigation that manage tensions between mobility and fixity inherent in the formation of fixed capital. However, a narrow focus on short-term financial risk obviates other forms of risk, including future impacts of extreme weather on grid infrastructure and electricity supply. While this does not foreclose opportunities for solar energy infrastructure to support positive social and ecological transformation, we argue that such opportunities may be constrained under a mode of energy transition predicated on private accumulation.
Bacterial microcompartments for isethionate desulfonation in the taurine-degrading human-gut bacterium Bilophila wadsworthia
Authors: Burrichter Anna G. , Dörr Stefanie , Bergmann Paavo , Haiß Sebastian , Keller Anja , Fournier Corentin , Franchini Paolo , Isono Erika , Schleheck David
Published: December 2021

Background

Bilophila wadsworthia, a strictly anaerobic, sulfite-reducing bacterium and common member of the human gut microbiota, has been associated with diseases such as appendicitis and colitis. It is specialized on organosulfonate respiration for energy conservation, i.e., utilization of dietary and host-derived organosulfonates, such as taurine (2-aminoethansulfonate), as sulfite donors for sulfite respiration, producing hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an important intestinal metabolite that may have beneficial as well as detrimental effects on the colonic environment. Its taurine desulfonation pathway involves the glycyl radical enzyme (GRE) isethionate sulfite-lyase (IslAB), which cleaves isethionate (2-hydroxyethanesulfonate) into acetaldehyde and sulfite.

Results

We demonstrate that taurine metabolism inB. wadsworthia3.1.6 involves bacterial microcompartments (BMCs). First, we confirmed taurine-inducible production of BMCs by proteomic, transcriptomic and ultra-thin sectioning and electron-microscopical analyses. Then, we isolated BMCs from taurine-grown cells by density-gradient ultracentrifugation and analyzed their composition by proteomics as well as by enzyme assays, which suggested that the GRE IslAB and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase are located inside of the BMCs. Finally, we are discussing the recycling of cofactors in the IslAB-BMCs and a potential shuttling of electrons across the BMC shell by a potential iron-sulfur (FeS) cluster-containing shell protein identified by sequence analysis.

Conclusions

We characterized a novel subclass of BMCs and broadened the spectrum of reactions known to take place enclosed in BMCs, which is of biotechnological interest. We also provided more details on the energy metabolism of the opportunistic pathobiontB. wadsworthiaand on microbial H2S production in the human gut.
Moving beyond the classic difference-in-differences model: a simulation study comparing statistical methods for estimating effectiveness of state-level policies
Authors: Griffin Beth Ann , Schuler Megan S. , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Patrick Stephen , McNeer Elizabeth , Smart Rosanna , Powell David , Stein Bradley D. , Schell Terry L. , Pacula Rosalie Liccardo
Published: December 2021

Background

Reliable evaluations of state-level policies are essential for identifying effective policies and informing policymakers’ decisions. State-level policy evaluations commonly use a difference-in-differences (DID) study design; yet within this framework, statistical model specification varies notably across studies. More guidance is needed about which set of statistical models perform best when estimating how state-level policies affect outcomes.

Methods

Motivated by applied state-level opioid policy evaluations, we implemented an extensive simulation study to compare the statistical performance of multiple variations of the two-way fixed effect models traditionally used for DID under a range of simulation conditions. We also explored the performance of autoregressive (AR) and GEE models. We simulated policy effects on annual state-level opioid mortality rates and assessed statistical performance using various metrics, including directional bias, magnitude bias, and root mean squared error. We also reported Type I error rates and the rate of correctly rejecting the null hypothesis (e.g., power), given the prevalence of frequentist null hypothesis significance testing in the applied literature.

Results

Most linear models resulted in minimal bias. However, non-linear models and population-weighted versions of classic linear two-way fixed effect and linear GEE models yielded considerable bias (60 to 160%). Further, root mean square error was minimized by linear AR models when we examined crude mortality rates and by negative binomial models when we examined raw death counts. In the context of frequentist hypothesis testing, many models yielded high Type I error rates and very low rates of correctly rejecting the null hypothesis (< 10%), raising concerns of spurious conclusions about policy effectiveness in the opioid literature. When considering performance across models, the linear AR models were optimal in terms of directional bias, root mean squared error, Type I error, and correct rejection rates.

Conclusions

The findings highlight notable limitations of commonly used statistical models for DID designs, which are widely used in opioid policy studies and in state policy evaluations more broadly. In contrast, the optimal model we identified--the AR model--is rarely used in state policy evaluation. We urge applied researchers to move beyond the classic DID paradigm and adopt use of AR models.
Age-related macular degeneration and resource utilization in the Brazilian public healthcare system: a real-world retrospective study
Authors: Touma-Falci Liane , Moreira-Neto Carlos Augusto , Taleb Alexandre Chater , Prieto Marcela Bach , Packer Thais , Oliveira Julio Cesar Barbour , Birck Marina Gabriela , Julian Guilherme Silva , Forestiero Francisco Jose
Published: December 2021

Background

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that causes damage in the macular region of the retina, leading to irreversible blindness. This study aims to understand the profile and care of patients with AMD and its cost at the Brazilian public health system to identify AMD-care needs.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study of AMD with real-world data from the Brazilian public healthcare system, using DATASUS claim databases. Patients with AMD were selected from 01/Jan/2014 to 31/Jan/2020; had at least one claim of ICD10 code H35.3 (Degeneration of macula and posterior pole), and were submitted to one of two procedures exclusively available for AMD patients - optical coherence tomography (OCT) and medical treatment of retinal disease (antiangiogenic); aged ≥18 years at first ICD10 claim, and presenting at least 1 year of follow-up in the database. We described patients’ characteristics, healthcare resource utilization and cost, and the antiangiogenic intravitreal treatment received by AMD patients, including the number of doses and interval time between them.

Results

Patients searching for AMD treatment since 2014 were mostly females (59%), white (61%), and a mean age of 72 years. They were mainly located in the Southeast (87%), and few patients were found in the North (1%) and Central-West (1.5%) regions, probably reflecting where the Brazilian guideline to treat AMD (Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas - PCDT) was incorporated as routine care for AMD. The average antiangiogenic dose of 2.5 antiangiogenic therapies within a year was below the expected. Most injections had an interval time of 20 to 40 days between doses, although some patients were treated more than 100 days. Another setback is that patients traveled longer distances for OCT and antiangiogenic treatment than overall AMD-healthcare, between 10 and 100 km.

Conclusions

AMD patients seem to be undertreated, as they receive a mean of 2.5 doses of antiangiogenic treatment within a year. Inequalities among regions are evident, as the Southeast and South regions comprise almost all patients receiving the treatment from the public health system, probably reflecting the region with more access to AMD care according to PCDT recommendations.
Wrist circumference as a novel predictor of transition from metabolically healthy to unhealthy phenotype in overweight/obese adults: a gender-stratified 15.5-year follow-up
Authors: Mousapour Pouria , Barzin Maryam , Valizadeh Majid , Mahdavi Maryam , Hadaegh Farzad , Azizi Fereidoun , Hosseinpanah Farhad
Published: December 2021

Background

Individuals with transition from metabolically healthy overweight/obese (MHO) to metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese (MUO) phenotype are significantly predisposed to greater risks of cardiovascular events compared to those with a persistent MHO phenotype. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive performance of wrist circumference for this transition in adults over a 15.5-year follow-up.

Methods

We included 309 males and 821 females with the age of ≥18 years old, body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, and metabolically healthy status according to the criteria of the Joint Interim Statement. The incidence of MUO phenotype was evaluated for each gender, across tertiles wrist circumference, using Cox-proportional hazard models.

Results

The overall rate of transition from MHO to MUO phenotype was 87.1% in males and 77.5% in females. The hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CI across second and third tertiles of wrist circumference were 0.89 (0.64-1.24) and 1.31 (0.99-1.73) in men (P for trend =0.027); and 1.34 (1.09-1.66) and 1.61 (1.30-2.00) in women (P for trend <0.001), respectively. After multivariable adjustment, HRs across second and third tertiles of wrist circumference were 0.92 (0.64-1.32) and 1.18 (0.83-1.67) in males (p for trend =0.352), and 1.32 (1.05-1.65) and 1.34 (1.06-1.96) in females (p for trend =0.025), respectively.

Conclusions

Wrist circumference significantly predicts the transition from MHO to MUO phenotype in adults of both genders. However, it is an independent predictor of the transition only in females. Future studies are warranted to clarify the role of wrist circumference mechanisms on metabolic risk deterioration.
Information provision and retrieval by registered salespersons from consumers during over-the-counter drug sales – a questionnaire survey
Authors: Kizaki Hayato , Mochizuki Misato , Yoshida Yutaka , Ishikawa Kaori , Ohishi Miya , Satoh Hiroki , Sawada Yasufumi , Hori Satoko
Published: December 2021

Background

In Japan, non-pharmacists who are accredited as registered salespersons can sell over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and they play a very important role in supporting proper OTC drug use by consumers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate information provided to and information collected from consumers, and cooperation with pharmacists during OTC drug sales by registered salespersons, and to clarify their related concerns and behaviors.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of 385 registered salespersons working at 56 drugstores throughout Japan was conducted. Based on the questionnaire survey, the frequency of information provision/collection in various categories was determined for the registered salespersons. The relation between concerns of registered salespersons relating to OTC drug sales and the frequency of information provision/collection was examined. The frequency of consultation of registered salespersons with a pharmacist was calculated for registered salespersons with/without in-store pharmacists. The χ-square test or Fisher’s exact test was performed to assess the significance of differences.

Results

Two hundred and seven registered salespersons (53.7%) responded completely. A greater number of OTC drug purchasers per day was associated with a greater frequency of information provision about “side effects” and information collection about “favorite items” (alcohol, tobacco, health foods, etc.) (p < 0.05). One hundred and thirty-nine (67.2%) participants had concerns about “interactions between OTC drugs and prescription drugs”, and these concerns were related to the frequency of information provision/collection (p < 0.05). Regarding the frequency of consultation with a pharmacist, 35 of 46 participants (76.1%) working with pharmacists answered “always” or “usually”, whereas only 19 of 161 participants (11.8%) working without full-time pharmacists answered “always” or “usually”. More than half of the registered salespersons thought that cooperation with a pharmacist was necessary when they were “asked about concomitant use with prescription drugs” or “told that side effects happened.”

Conclusions

The results of this study show that experienced registered salespersons selling OTC drugs are more likely to collect information from consumers and to provide information to consumers. It appears to be important for registered salespersons to cooperate with pharmacists in order to provide and collect appropriate information about concomitant medications.
Polysaccharide CM1 from Cordyceps militaris hinders adipocyte differentiation and alleviates hyperlipidemia in LDLR(+/−) hamsters
Authors: Yu Wen-Qian , Yin Fan , Shen Nuo , Lin Ping , Xia Bin , Li Yan-Jie , Guo Shou-Dong
Published: December 2021

Background

Cordyceps militaris is cultured widely as an edible mushroom and accumulating evidence in mice have demonstrated that the polysaccharides of Cordyceps species have lipid-lowering effects. However, lipid metabolism in mice is significantly different from that in humans, making a full understanding of the mechanisms at play critical.

Methods

After 5 months, the hamsters were weighed and sampled under anesthesia after overnight fasting. The lipid-lowering effect and mechanisms of the polysaccharide CM1 was investigated by cellular and molecular technologies. Furthermore, the effect of the polysaccharide CM1 (100 μg/mL) on inhibiting adipocyte differentiation was investigated in vitro.

Results

CM1, a polysaccharide from C. militaris, significantly decreased plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride and epididymal fat index in LDLR(+/−) hamsters, which have a human-like lipid profile. After 5 months’ administration, CM1 decreased the plasma level of apolipoprotein B48, modulated the expression of key genes and proteins in liver, small intestine, and epididymal fat. CM1 also inhibited preadipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells by downregulating the key genes involved in lipid droplet formation.

Conclusions

The polysaccharide CM1 lowers lipid and adipocyte differentiation by several pathways, and it has potential applications for hyperlipidemia prevention.
Strong relationship between cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein receptor, Na+/H+ exchanger, and SARS-COV-2: this association may be the cause of death in the patient with COVID-19
Authors: Cure Erkan , Cumhur Cure Medine
Published: December 2021

Lipids have a wide variety and vital functions. Lipids play roles in energy metabolism, intracellular and extracellular signal traffic, and transport of fat-soluble vitamins. Also, they form the structure of the cell membrane. SARS-CoV-2 interacts with lipids since its genetic material contains lipid-enveloped ribonucleic acid (RNA). Previous studies have shown that total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels are lower in patients with severe novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) compared to patients with non-severe COVID-19.

Na+/H+ Exchanger (NHE) is an important antiport that keeps the intracellular pH value within physiological limits. When the intracellular pH falls, NHE is activated and pumps H+ ions outward. However, prolonged NHE activation causes cell damage and atherosclerosis. Prolonged NHE activation may increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity of COVID-19.

In COVID-19, increased angiotensin II (Ang II) due to angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) dysfunction stimulates NHE. Lipids are in close association with the NHE pump. Prolonged NHE activity increases the influx of H+ ions and free fatty acid (FFA) inward. Ang II also causes increased low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) levels by inhibiting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Thus, intracellular atheroma plaque formation is accelerated.

Besides, SARS-CoV-2 may replicate more rapidly as intracellular cholesterol increases. SARS-CoV-2 swiftly infects the cell whose intracellular pH decreases with NHE activation and FFA movement. Novel treatment regimens based on NHE and lipids should be explored for the treatment of COVID-19.
Differential time allocation of foraging workers in the subterranean termite
Authors: Lee Sang-Bin , Chouvenc Thomas , Su Nan-Yao
Published: December 2021

Background

Foraging in group living animals such as social insects, is collectively performed by individuals. However, our understanding on foraging behavior of subterranean termites is extremely limited, as the process of foraging in the field is mostly concealed. Because of this limitation, foraging behaviors of subterranean termites were indirectly investigated in the laboratory through tunnel geometry analysis and observations on tunneling behaviors. In this study, we tracked subsets of foraging workers from juvenile colonies of Coptotermes formosanus (2-yr-old) to describe general foraging behavioral sequences and to find how foraging workers allocate time between the foraging site (food acquisition or processing) and non-foraging site (food transportation).

Results

Once workers entered into the foraging site, they spent, on average, a significantly longer time at the foraging site than the non-foraging site. Our clustering analysis revealed two different types of foraging workers in the subterranean termite based on the duration of time they spent at the foraging site and their foraging frequency. After entering the foraging site, some workers (cluster 1) immediately initiated masticating wood fragments, which they transferred as food boluses to recipient workers at the foraging site. Conversely, the recipient workers (cluster 2) moved around after entering the foraging site and received food from donating workers.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence of task specialization within foraging cohorts in subterranean termites.