bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and Structural Modeling of the RNA Polymerase Omega Subunits in Chlamydiae and Other Obligate Intracellular Bacteria
Authors: Cheng Andrew , Wan Danny , Ghatak Arkaprabha , Wang Chengyuan , Feng Deyu , Fondell Joseph D. , Ebright Richard H. , Fan Huizhou
Published: January 2023

Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria that replicate only inside eukaryotic cells. Previously, it has not been possible to identify a candidate gene encoding the chlamydial RNA polymerase ω subunit, and it has been hypothesized that the chlamydial RNA polymerase ω subunit was lost in the evolutionary process through which Chlamydiae reduced their genome size and proteome sizes to adapt to an obligate intracellular lifestyle.
Adeno-Associated Virus Monoinfection Induces a DNA Damage Response and DNA Repair That Contributes to Viral DNA Replication
Authors: Ning Kang , Kuz Cagla Aksu , Cheng Fang , Feng Zehua , Yan Ziying , Qiu Jianming
Published: January 2023

Recombinant AAV (rAAV) has emerged as one of the preferred delivery vectors for clinical gene therapy. rAAV production in HEK293 cells by transfection of a rAAV transgene plasmid, an AAV Rep and Cap expression packaging plasmid, and an Ad helper plasmid remains the popular method. Here, we demonstrated that the high fidelity Y family DNA repair DNA polymerase, Pol η, and Pol κ, plays a significant role in AAV DNA replication and rAAV production in HEK293T cells.
Draft Genome Assemblies of Phage AP50c-Resistant Derivatives of Bacillus anthracis Sterne Strain 7702 Lacking Plasmid pXO2
Authors: Sholes Samantha L. , Harrison Sarah , Forrest Samantha , Ton Sarah , Grady Sarah L. , Verratti Kathleen , Plaut Roger D. , Goodwin Bruce G. , Sozhamannan Shanmuga
Published: January 2023

Mutants of the attenuated
Bacillus anthracis
(Sterne) strain 7702 that are resistant to phage AP50c have been previously described. Here, we report the draft genome assemblies of the parent strain, several phage-resistant derivatives, and mutants of genes in the pathways for synthesis and assembly of the S-layer.
mSphere of Influence: Learning Biology from the Radio
Authors: Schultz Daniel
Published: February 2023

Daniel Schultz works at the intersection of microbiology and biological physics. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how two papers concerning the radio, “Can a biologist fix a radio? Or, what I learned while studying apoptosis” by Yuri Lazebnik and “The evolved radio and its implications for modeling the evolution of novel sensors” by Jon Bird and Paul Layzell, offered him complementary perspectives on how to bridge the gap between engineering and biology in the study of cellular circuits.
Mouse-Adapted SARS-CoV-2 MA10 Strain Displays Differential Pulmonary Tropism and Accelerated Viral Replication, Neurodissemination, and Pulmonary Host Responses in K18-hACE2 Mice
Authors: Thieulent Côme J. , Dittmar Wellesley , Balasuriya Udeni B. R. , Crossland Nicholas A. , Wen Xue , Richt Juergen A. , Carossino Mariano
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is still significantly impacting health care systems around the globe. Refined animal models are needed to study SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity as well as efficacy of vaccines and therapeutics.
Effect of Glycan Shift on Antibodies against Hepatitis C Virus E2 412–425 Epitope Elicited by Chimeric sHBsAg-Based Virus-Like Particles
Authors: Czarnota Anna , Offersgaard Anna , Owsianka Ania , Alzua Garazi Peña , Bukh Jens , Gottwein Judith Margarete , Patel Arvind H. , Bieńkowska-Szewczyk Krystyna , Grzyb Katarzyna
Published: January 2023

Epitope I, located within amino acids 412 to 423 of the HCV E2 glycoprotein, is an important target for an epitope-based HCV vaccine. One interesting feature of epitope I is the N417 glycosylation site, where a single change to S417 or T417 can shift the glycosylation site to position N415.
Emergence and Inter- and Intrahost Evolution of Pandrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Coharboring
tmexCD1-toprJ1, bla
NDM-1
, and
bla
KPC-2
Authors: Liu Chao , Du Pengcheng , Yang Ping , Zheng Jiajia , Yi Juan , Lu Ming , Shen Ning
Published: January 2023

Pandrug-resistant (PDR)
Klebsiella pneumoniae
poses a great challenge to public health, and tigecycline is an essential choice for antimicrobial treatment. In this study, we reported the emergence of PDR
K. pneumoniae
coharboring
tmexCD1-toprJ1
,
bla
NDM-1
, and
bla
KPC-2
, which belongs to ST22 and ST3691.
Changes in the Gut Microbiome Associated with Intussusception in Patients with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
Authors: Wang Zhiqing , Liang Liping , Liu Le , Wang Zhi , Wang Ying , Yu Zonglin , Wu Baoping , Chen Ye
Published: January 2023

Recent research has established a link between the gut microbiome and polyps and neoplasia, and antibiotic use influences the microbiome and the development of colorectal polyps. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which is characterized by the early development of benign precursor lesions (polyps), is associated with enterotoxigenic
Bacteroides fragilis
and
Escherichia coli
biofilms.
Comparative Phenotypic, Genomic, and Transcriptomic Analyses of Two Contrasting Strains of the Plant Beneficial Fungus
Trichoderma virens
Authors: Pachauri Shikha , Zaid Rinat , Sherkhane Pramod D. , Easa Jamela , Viterbo Ada , Chet Ilan , Horwitz Benjamin A. , Mukherjee Prasun K.
Published: January 2023

Trichoderma virens
populations that were earlier classified into two strains (P and Q) based on secondary metabolites profiling are also phenotypically and genetically distinct, with the latter being ineffective in controlling the devastating, broad host range plant pathogen
Sclerotium rolfsii
. The two strains also provoke distinct as well as overlapping transcriptional responses to the presence of the plant and the pathogen.
Engineering the β-Carotene Metabolic Pathway of Microalgae
Dunaliella
To Confirm Its Carotenoid Synthesis Pattern in Comparison To Bacteria and Plants
Authors: Chen Hao-Hong , Liang Ming-Hua , Ye Zhi-Wei , Zhu Yue-Hui , Jiang Jian-Guo
Published: January 2023

The synthesis mode of all
trans
-lycopene in bacteria and plants is clear, but there are still doubts in microalgae.
Dunaliella
is the organism with the highest β-carotene content, and plant-type and bacterial-type enzyme genes have been found in its carotenoid metabolism pathway. In this study, the entire plant-type enzyme gene was completely cloned into
Escherichia coli
, and high-efficiency expression was obtained, which proved that carotenoid synthesis of algae is similar to that of plants.
Late-onset sepsis in very preterm infants in Norway in 2009–2018: a population-based study
Authors: Huncikova Zuzana , Vatne Anlaug , Stensvold Hans Jorgen , Lang Astri Maria , Støen Ragnhild , Brigtsen Anne Karin , Salvesen Bodil , Øymar Knut Asbjørn Alexander , Rønnestad Arild , Klingenberg Claus
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate epidemiology and outcomes among very preterm infants (<32 weeks’ gestation) with culture-positive and culture-negative late-onset sepsis (LOS).

Design

Cohort study using a nationwide, population-based registry.

Setting

21 neonatal units in Norway.

Participants

All very preterm infants born 1 January 2009–31 December 2018 and admitted to a neonatal unit.

Main outcome measures

Incidences, pathogen distribution, LOS-attributable mortality and associated morbidity at discharge.

Results

Among 5296 very preterm infants, we identified 582 culture-positive LOS episodes in 493 infants (incidence 9.3%) and 282 culture-negative LOS episodes in 282 infants (incidence 5.3%). Extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks’ gestation) had highest incidences of culture-positive (21.6%) and culture-negative (11.1%) LOS. The major causative pathogens were coagulase-negative staphylococci (49%),Staphylococcus aureus(15%), group B streptococci (10%) andEscherichia coli(8%). We observed increased odds of severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) associated with both culture-positive (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.7; 95% CI 1.3 to 2.2) and culture-negative (aOR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3 to 2.6) LOS. Only culture-positive LOS was associated with increased odds of cystic periventricular leukomalacia (cPVL) (aOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.4 to 3.4) and severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (aOR 1.8; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.8). Culture-positive LOS-attributable mortality was 6.3%, higher in Gram-negative (15.8%) compared with Gram-positive (4.1%) LOS, p=0.009. Among extremely preterm infants, survival rates increased from 75.2% in 2009–2013 to 81.0% in 2014–2018, p=0.005. In the same period culture-positive LOS rates increased from 17.1% to 25.6%, p<0.001.

Conclusions

LOS contributes to a significant burden of disease in very preterm infants and is associated with increased odds of severe BPD, cPVL and severe ROP.
Erythroderma with total scarring alopecia
Authors: Karrakchou Basma , Fliti Amani , Meziane Mariame , Senouci Karima
Published: January 2023

A woman in her 50s presented with total scarring ulcerated alopecia evolving for 10 years, and a recent budding tumour on the lower lip. Clinical examination revealed an associated exfoliated and infiltrated erythroderma with ulcerated cutaneous tumours of the legs, palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, hepatosplenomegaly and diffuse lymphadenopathies.

Dermatoscopy of the scalp, leg tumours and infiltrated skin showed a typical yellowish background overlaid by arborescent vessels and whitish areas. Cutaneous biopsies of the same areas found sarcoidotic granulomas. Lip biopsy found an associated well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Investigations confirmed the diagnosis of systemic sarcoidosis with an elevated converting enzyme level, mediastinal calcified lymphadenopathies in CT scan and deep localisations in positron emission tomography scan (thyroid, lymph nodes, mediastinum, liver, spleen and adrenal glands).

The patient was treated with oral prednisone for sarcoidosis and intramuscular bleomycin followed by surgery and radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma. Sarcoidotic lesions healed, but a recurrence of her carcinoma led to death.
Major malformations risk following early pregnancy exposure to metformin: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abolhassani Nazanin , Winterfeld Ursula , Kaplan Yusuf C , Jaques Cécile , Minder Wyssmann Beatrice , Del Giovane Cinzia , Panchaud Alice
Published: January 2023

Metformin is considered as first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes and an effective treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, evidence regarding its safety in pregnancy is limited. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of major congenital malformations (MCMs) risk after first-trimester exposure to metformin in women with PCOS and pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational cohort studies with a control group investigating risk of MCM after first-trimester pregnancy exposure to metformin were searched until December 2021. ORs and 95% CIs were calculated separately according to indications and study type using Mantel-Haenszel method; outcome data were combined using random-effects model. Eleven studies (two RCTs; nine observational cohorts) met the inclusion criteria: four included pregnant women with PCOS, four included those with PGDM and three evaluated both indications separately and were considered in both indication groups. In PCOS group, there were two RCTs (57 exposed, 52 control infants) and five observational studies (472 exposed, 1892 control infants); point estimates for MCM rates in RCTs and observational studies were OR 0.93 (95% CI 0.09 to 9.21) (I2=0%; Q test=0.31; p value=0.58) and OR 1.35 (95% CI 0.37 to 4.90) (I2=65%; Q test=9.43; p value=0.05), respectively. In PGDM group, all seven studies were observational (1122 exposed, 1851 control infants); the point estimate for MCM rates was OR 1.05 (95% CI 0.50 to 2.18) (I2=59%; Q test=16.34; p value=0.01). Metformin use in first-trimester pregnancy in women with PCOS or PGDM do not meaningfully increase the MCM risk overall. However, further studies are needed to characterize residual safety concerns.
Pathological response and safety of FOLFOXIRI for neoadjuvant treatment of high-risk relapsed locally advanced colon cancer: study protocol for a single-arm, open-label phase II trial
Authors: Chen Xiaorong , Leng Weibing , Zhou YuWen , Yu Yongyang , Meng Wenjian , Cao Peng , Wang Ziqiang , Qiu Meng
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has been demonstrated effective in several tumours, but its benefit has not yet been elucidated in colorectal cancer, especially locally advanced colorectal cancer (LACRC).

Methods and analysis

This is a single-arm, open-label, prospective phase II exploratory clinical trial. Patients with LACRC will receive four cycles of NAC with 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan (FOLFOXIRI), followed by operation and then adjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin for two to five cycles or single-agent capecitabine for five cycles, or observation. The primary endpoint is the rate of tumour regression grade (TRG) 0–2 in the resected tumour tissue, which is evaluated by experienced pathologists according to the Ryan R TRG grading system. Secondary endpoints include objective response rate, pathologic complete response, microscopically complete resection rate, progression-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, overall survival, toxicity and compliance to study treatment, molecular markers, quality of life to study treatment and the number of patients with 30-day postoperative mortality. The objective of this study is to analyse the efficacy and safety of FOLFOXIRI as the NAC regimen in patients with LACRC and to identify a promising treatment strategy in this setting.

Ethics and dissemination

Written informed consent will be required from and provided by all patients enrolled. The study protocol has been approved by the independent ethics committee of West China Hospital, Sichuan University (approval number: 2021403). This study will demonstrate the potential benefit of NAC with the FOLFOXIRI regimen. Results will be shared with policymakers and the academic community to promote the clinical management of colon cancer.

Trial registration number

NCT05018182.
Out-of-pocket cost for medical care of injured patients presenting to emergency department of national hospital in Tanzania: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Gulamhussein Masuma A , Sawe Hendry Robert , Kilindimo Said , Mfinanga Juma A , Mussa Raya , Hyuha Gimbo M , Rwegoshora Shamila , Shayo Frida , Mdundo Winnie , Sadiq Abid M , Weber Ellen J
Published: January 2023

Objective

We aimed to determine the out-of-pocket (OOP) costs for medical care of injured patients and the proportion of patients encountering catastrophic costs.

Design

Prospective cohort study

Setting

Emergency department (ED) of a tertiary-level hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Participants

Injured adult patients seen at the ED of Muhimbili National Hospital from August 2019 to March 2020.

Methods

During alternating 12-hour shifts, consecutive trauma patients were approached in the ED after stabilisation. A case report form was used to collect social-demographics and patient clinical profile. Total charges billed for ED and in-hospital care and OOP payments were obtained from the hospital billing system. Patients were interviewed by phone to determine the measures they took to pay their bills.

Primary outcome measure

The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), using the WHO definition of OOP expenditures ≥40% of monthly income.

Results

We enrolled 355 trauma patients of whom 51 (14.4%) were insured. The median age was 32 years (IQR 25–40), 238 (83.2%) were male, 162 (56.6%) were married and 87.8% had ≥2 household dependents. The majority 224 (78.3%) had informal employment with a median monthly income of US$86. Overall, 286 (80.6%) had OOP expenses for their care. 95.1% of all patients had an Injury Severity Score <16 among whom OOP payments were US$176.98 (IQR 62.33–311.97). Chest injury and spinal injury incurred the highest OOP payments of US$282.63 (84.71–369.33) and 277.71 (191.02–874.47), respectively. Overall, 85.3% had a CHE. 203 patients (70.9%) were interviewed after discharge. In this group, 13.8% borrowed money from family, and 12.3% sold personal items of value to pay for their hospital bills.

Conclusion

OOP costs place a significant economic burden on individuals and families. Measures to reduce injury and financial risk are needed in Tanzania.
Providing care for children with tracheostomies: a qualitative interview study with parents and health professionals
Authors: Hall Nicola , Rousseau Nikki , Hamilton David W , Simpson A John , Powell Steven , Brodlie Malcolm , Powell Jason
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To explore the experience of caring for children with tracheostomies from the perspectives of parents and health professional caregivers.

Design

Qualitative semistructured interview study.

Setting

One region in England covered by a tertiary care centre that includes urban and remote rural areas and has a high level of deprivation.

Participants

A purposive sample of health professionals and parents who care for children who have, or have had, tracheostomies and who received care at the tertiary care centre.

Intervention

Interviews undertaken by telephone or video link.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Qualitative reflexive thematic analysis with QSR Nvivo 12.

Results

This paper outlines key determinants and mediators of the experiences of caregiving and the impact on psychological and physical health and quality of life of parents and their families, confidence of healthcare providers and perceived quality of care. For parents, access to care packages and respite care at home as well as communication and relationships with healthcare providers are key mediators of their experience of caregiving, whereas for health professionals, an essential influence is multidisciplinary team working and support. We also highlight a range of challenges focused on the shared care space, including: a lack of standardisation in access to different support teams, care packages and respite care, irregular training and updates, and differences in health provider expertise and experiences across departments and shift patterns, exacerbated in some settings by limited contact with children with tracheostomies.

Conclusions

Understanding the experiences of caregiving can help inform measures to support caregivers and improve quality standards. Our findings suggest there is a need to facilitate further standardisation of care and support available for parent caregivers and that this may be transferable to other regions. Potential solutions to be explored could include the development of a paediatric tracheostomy service specification, increasing use of paediatric tracheostomy specialist nurse roles, and addressing the emotional and psychological support needs of caregivers.
Microbial transmission, colonisation and succession: from pregnancy to infancy
Authors: Xiao Liwen , Zhao Fangqing
Published: January 2023

The microbiome has been proven to be associated with many diseases and has been used as a biomarker and target in disease prevention and intervention. Currently, the vital role of the microbiome in pregnant women and newborns is increasingly emphasised. In this review, we discuss the interplay of the microbiome and the corresponding immune mechanism between mothers and their offspring during the perinatal period. We aim to present a comprehensive picture of microbial transmission and potential immune imprinting before and after delivery. In addition, we discuss the possibility of in utero microbial colonisation during pregnancy, which has been highly debated in recent studies, and highlight the importance of the microbiome in infant development during the first 3 years of life. This holistic view of the role of the microbial interplay between mothers and infants will refine our current understanding of pregnancy complications as well as diseases in early life and will greatly facilitate the microbiome-based prenatal diagnosis and treatment of mother-infant-related diseases.
Immune and genomic biomarkers of immunotherapy response in cancer of unknown primary
Authors: Posner Atara , Sivakumaran Tharani , Pattison Andrew , Etemadmoghadam Dariush , Thio Niko , Wood Colin , Fisher Krista , Webb Samantha , DeFazio Anna , Wilcken Nicholas , Gao Bo , Karapetis Christos S , Singh Madhu , Collins Ian M , Richardson Gary , Steer Christopher , Warren Mark , Karanth Narayan , Fellowes Andrew , Fox Stephen B , Hicks Rodney J , Schofield Penelope , Bowtell David , Prall Owen W J , Tothill Richard William , Mileshkin Linda
Published: January 2023

Background

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a heterogeneous group of metastatic cancers where a primary tissue of origin (TOO) is uncertain. Most patients with CUP have limited treatment options and poor survival outcomes. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can be efficacious in some patients with CUP, but the optimal predictive biomarkers are unknown. We therefore assessed immune and genomic biomarkers as well as predicted TOO in patients with CUP, including a subset treated with ICIs.

Methods

Patients with CUP were subject to gene-expression profiling (GEP) and DNA panel sequencing. Immune and stromal-related gene expression was explored by NanoString, including genes associated with immunotherapy response (IR) in other solid malignancies. ICI responsive cancer types were assigned based on Food and Drug Administration-approved indications, and either detection of a latent primary tumor or the TOO was suspected based on genomics informed pathology review. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) and gene mutations were also assessed.

Results

A total of 219 patients with CUP were included, 215 assessed for TOO in a previous study, with the majority (163) receiving both RNA and DNA tests. Of GEP profiled cases, 33% (59/175) had a high IR gene-expression score. Of the DNA sequenced cases, 16% (32/203) had high TMB (>10 mutations/Mb), including two with mismatch repair deficiency. Low correlation was observed between TMB and an IR score (R=0.26, p<0.001). Among 110 CUPs with a latent primary or suspected TOO, 47% (52/110) belonged to ICI-responsive cancer types. More than half of the CUPs had at least one feature that may predict ICI response (high IR score, high TMB, ICI-responsive cancer type). Among patients with CUP treated with ICIs, 8/28 (29%) responded (2 complete responses and 6 partial responses). Among non-responders, 9 had stable and 11 had progressive disease. All responders had a high IR score (7/8) and/or high TMB (3/8), while most (5/8) belonged to ICI-responsive cancer types. These features were detected at a lower frequency in non-responders and mostly in patients with stable disease.

Conclusions

A significant fraction of CUP tumors had genomic features previously associated with ICI response. High IR score was the most sensitive predictive feature of ICI response, warranting evaluation in a larger patient series.
Molecular endotypes of type 1 and type 2 SLE
Authors: Robl Robert , Eudy Amanda , Bachali Prathyusha S , Rogers Jennifer L , Clowse Megan , Pisetsky David , Lipsky Peter
Published: January 2023

Objective

To character the molecular landscape of patients with type 1 and type 2 SLE by analysing gene expression profiles from peripheral blood.

Methods

Full transcriptomic RNA sequencing was carried out on whole blood samples from 18 subjects with SLE selected by the presence of manifestations typical of type 1 and type 2 SLE. The top 5000 row variance genes were analysed by Multiscale Embedded Gene Co-expression Network Analysis to generate gene co-expression modules that were functionally annotated and correlated with various demographic traits, clinical features and laboratory measures.

Results

Expression of specific gene co-expression modules correlated with individual features of type 1 and type 2 SLE and also effectively segregated samples from patients with type 1 SLE from those with type 2 SLE. Unique type 1 SLE enrichment included interferon, monocytes, T cells, cell cycle and neurotransmitter pathways, whereas unique type 2 SLE enrichment included B cells and metabolic and neuromuscular pathways. Gene co-expression modules of patients with type 2 SLE were identified in subsets of previously reported patients with inactive SLE and idiopathic fibromyalgia (FM) and also identified subsets of patients with active SLE with a greater frequency of severe fatigue.

Conclusion

Gene co-expression analysis successfully identified unique transcriptional patterns that segregate type 1 SLE from type 2 SLE and further identified type 2 molecular features in patients with inactive SLE or FM and with active SLE with severe fatigue.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain in hospice/palliative care: an international pharmacovigilance study
Authors: McNeill Richard , Boland Jason W , Wilcock Andrew , Sinnarajah Aynharan , Currow David C
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To describe the current, real-world use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and the associated benefits and harms.

Methods

A prospective, multicentre, consecutive cohort pharmacovigilance study conducted at 14 sites across Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand and the UK including hospital, hospice inpatient and outpatient services. Pain scores and harms were graded using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events at baseline, 2 days and 14 days. Ad-hoc safety reporting continued until day 28.

Results

Data were collected from 92 patients between March 2018 and October 2021. Most patients had cancer (91%) and were coprescribed opioids (90%). At 14 days, 83% of patients had benefit from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and 22% had harm. The most common harms were nausea (8%), vomiting (3%), acute kidney injury (3%) and non-gastrointestinal bleeding (3%); only 2% were severe and no patients ceased their non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs due to toxicity. Overall, 65% had benefit without harm and 3% had harm without benefit.

Conclusions

Most patients benefited from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with only one in five patients experiencing tolerable harm. This suggests that short-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients receiving palliative care is safer than previously thought and may be underused.
How do people who smoke perceive a tobacco retail outlet reduction policy in Aotearoa New Zealand? A qualitative analysis
Authors: Graham-DeMello Anna , Hoek Janet
Published: January 2023

Background

Aotearoa New Zealand plans to greatly reduce tobacco retail outlets, which are concentrated in areas of higher deprivation and perpetuate health inequities caused by smoking and borne particularly by Māori. However, we lack in-depth analyses of how this measure could affect people who smoke.

Methods

We undertook in-depth interviews with 24 adults from two urban areas who smoke. We used a novel interactive mapping approach to examine participants’ current retail outlets and their views on a scenario where very few outlets would sell tobacco. To inform policy implementation, we probed participants’ anticipated responses and explored the measure’s wider implications, including unintended impacts. We used qualitative description to interpret the data.

Results

Most participants anticipated accommodating the changes easily, by using alternative outlets or bulk-purchasing tobacco; however, they felt others would face access problems and increased costs, and greater stress. They thought the policy would spur quit attempts, reduce relapse among people who had quit and protect young people from smoking uptake, and expected more people to switch to alternative nicotine products. However, most foresaw unintended social outcomes, such as increased crime and reduced viability of local businesses.

Conclusions

Many participants hoped to become smoke-free and thought retail reduction measures would prompt quit attempts and reduce relapse. Adopting a holistic well-being perspective, such as those developed by Māori, could address concerns about unintended adverse outcomes and provide comprehensive support to people who smoke as they adjust to a fundamental change in tobacco availability.
Air pollution associated with incidence and progression trajectory of chronic lung diseases: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Chen Lan , Cai Miao , Tian Fei , Zou Hongtao , Qian Zhengmin (Min) , Zhang Zilong , Li Haitao , Wang Chongjian , Howard Steven W , Peng Yang , Zhang Li’e , Bingheim Elizabeth , Lin Hualiang , Zou Yunfeng
Published: February 2023

Background

No prior study has examined the effects of air pollution on the progression from healthy to chronic lung disease, subsequent chronic lung multimorbidity and further to death.

Methods

We used data from the UK Biobank of 265 506 adults free of chronic lung disease at recruitment. Chronic lung multimorbidity was defined as the coexistence of at least two chronic lung diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. The concentrations of air pollutants were estimated using land-use regression models. Multistate models were applied to assess the effect of air pollution on the progression of chronic lung multimorbidity.

Results

During a median follow-up of 11.9 years, 13 863 participants developed at least one chronic lung disease, 1055 developed chronic lung multimorbidity and 12 772 died. We observed differential associations of air pollution with different trajectories of chronic lung multimorbidity. Fine particulate matter showed the strongest association with all five transitions, with HRs (95% CI) per 5 µg/m3increase of 1.31 (1.22 to 1.42) and 1.27 (1.01 to 1.57) for transitions from healthy to incident chronic lung disease and from incident chronic lung disease to chronic lung multimorbidity, and 1.32 (1.21 to 1.45), 1.24 (1.01 to 1.53) and 1.91 (1.14 to 3.20) for mortality risk from healthy, incident chronic lung disease and chronic lung multimorbidity, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study provides the first evidence that ambient air pollution could affect the progression from free of chronic lung disease to incident chronic lung disease, chronic lung multimorbidity and death.
A quantum threshold signature protocol based on mutual unbiased basis
Authors: Song XiuLi , Li FuYan , Hu SiWen
Published: January 2023

For the existing quantum threshold signature protocols based on entangled state, it is difficult to prepare quantum resources. Meanwhile, for the quantum threshold signature protocols based on single-particle sequence, it has disadvantages of high computation and communication consumptions. To remedy these shortcomings, in this paper, we proposed a quantum threshold signature protocol based on mutual unbiased basis (MUB). In initialization stage, the message owner Alice prepares a quantum sequence [Formula: see text] with length of [Formula: see text], each single particle in [Formula: see text] is chosen from MUBs. The signature key is generated by Alice using threshold secret-sharing distribution algorithm, the verification key is generated by [Formula: see text] signers via threshold secret-sharing recovery algorithm. In signature generation phase, the signers execute the signature algorithm sequentially until the last signer and then obtain the final signature, next send it to verifier. In signature verification phase, the verifier Ver verifies the original message and the final signature using the verification key. Security analysis shows that the proposed protocol can resist interception-forgery attack, collusion attack and denial attack. Performance analysis shows that the proposed protocol is easier to prepare quantum resources than similar protocols, and has lower communication consumption, especially when the number of signers [Formula: see text] and increase gradually. Finally, the correctness of the proposed protocol is verified by simulation experiment on quantum cloud platform.
On exact solutions of the (2+1)-dimensional time conformable Maccari system
Authors: Akar Mutlu , Özkan Erdoğan Mehmet
Published: January 2023

For the ([Formula: see text])-dimensional time conformable Maccari system with beta-derivative, exact solutions are obtained in this paper using the improved sub-equation method. This technique has been used to find rational solutions, generalized hyperbolic function solutions and generalized trigonometric function solutions. The new structures of the solutions are shown after the proper parameter values have been given. It is easier to understand the intricate physical processes of these dynamical models by viewing the physical surfaces of some obtained solutions in various forms. The outcomes demonstrate the efficiency of the applied strategy, which may be used to solve a number of nonlinear physical problems. ([Formula: see text])-dimensional time conformable Maccari system is considered and the graphs of solutions are sketched using MAPLE software after its exact solutions which are acquired using the improved sub-equation method.
Maximum Gradient Autofocus Technology of Microsporidia Images Based on Color Feature
Authors: Hu Xinyu , Xiong Xinwei , Bai Youlin , He Anqi , Ai Jia , Chen Qi
Published: January 2023

There are many impurities in the microscopic images of extracted microsporidia samples of Bombyx mori pebrine, and Bombyx mori pebrine with elliptical symmetric shape has certain fluidity and obvious stratification. Traditional focusing methods cannot accurately locate the main regions of microsporidia images, and the focusing effect is poor. On this basis, an automatic focusing method combining the microsporidia image features and the evaluation and determination of maximum gradient direction is proposed. First, the HSV color space with stable color information is used to extract the suspected positions of microsporidia targets, so that the interference of some impurities under complex backgrounds is removed and the redundancy of image content calculation is reduced. Then, combined with the light green features of Bombyx mori pebrine, the G-component gray image of microsporidia in the RGB color space is used to extract the significant gradient region. A dynamic focus window is constructed to accurately locate the target region and reduce the influence of microsporidia flow on the focus evaluation function and the bimodal interference caused by impurities. Finally, the maximum second-order difference is obtained through the four-dimensional gradient distribution, and the focus sharpness evaluation function is formulated to adapt to the microsporidia shape and improve the sensitivity of the focus function. The experiments show that under the dynamic window of microsporidia color gradient of different samples, the sharpness ratio and the highest sensitivity factor of the focus evaluation function proposed in this paper can reach 0.06341 and 0.95, respectively. It can meet the accurate and sensitive autofocus of microscopic images of color microsporidia samples under complex backgrounds.
Model-Rebuilt Disturbance Observer of a Tracking System Based on Acceleration Fusion for Laser Power Transmission
Authors: Zheng Li , Zheng Wenbin , Pan Jiekai
Published: January 2023

When using laser energy to power long-distance and fast-moving targets, it requires a fast-response and high-precision acquisition, pointing and tracking (APT) system. A fast-steering mirror (FSM) system was used in this paper to track the solar cell array as laser power receiver. The disturbance suppression performance is a key indicator for the FSM stabilization. Generally, a fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) is employed in the high-sampling-rate velocity loop to enhance the anti-interference ability. However, with the expansion of miniaturized applications, a relatively large, heavy, and high-power FOG is hard to be installed on the small mirror. With this case, this paper used a small-size and high-bandwidth MEMS linear accelerometer in the acceleration loop, substituting the gyroscope. However, the drift and high-frequency noise of the MEMS accelerometer in low frequency will cause APT disturbance. Therefore, an acceleration fusion method with a modified complementary filter was proposed to blend signals of the charge-coupled device and the accelerometers. The fused virtual acceleration can eliminate drift and reduce noise in low frequency and was eventually used in the model-rebuilt disturbance observer loop. At last, the measured results show that the disturbance suppression performance is improved using the presented method, and low-price and small-size MEMS accelerometer can be applied in the APT system.
GLOBAL DYNAMICS AND OPTIMAL CONTROL FOR A VECTOR-BORNE EPIDEMIC MODEL WITH MULTI-CLASS-AGE STRUCTURE AND HORIZONTAL TRANSMISSION
Authors: LIANG SHUANGSHUANG , WANG SHENGFU , HU LIN , NIE LIN-FEI
Published: January 2023

An age-structured vector-borne disease model with horizontal transmission is proposed and studied in this paper, where the incubation ages of both host and vector and the immunity age of host are also introduced to consider the effects of multi-class-age structure. The reproductive number [Formula: see text] is derived as a threshold value to determine the existence and stability of the disease-free and endemic steady states. Furthermore, by constructing suitable Lyapunov functionals, the global threshold dynamics of this model is established by [Formula: see text], that is, the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when [Formula: see text], while if [Formula: see text] the endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. In addition, considering the limited budget of the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) in the process of disease control, we present an optimal control problem with a fixed total expenditure, and discuss the existence of the most control strategy for this disease. Finally, some numerical simulations are performed to support the theoretical results.
ANALYSIS OF THE CONFORMABLE TEMPORAL-FRACTIONAL SWIFT–HOHENBERG EQUATION USING A NOVEL COMPUTATIONAL TECHNIQUE
Authors: KHAN AZIZ , LIAQAT MUHAMMAD IMRAN , ALQUDAH MANAR A. , ABDELJAWAD THABET
Published: January 2023

The main objective of this study is to provide a new computational procedure for extracting approximate and exact solutions of the temporal-fractional Swift–Hohenberg (S–H) equations in the context of conformable derivatives using the conformable natural transform (CNT) and Daftardar–Jafari method (DJM). We refer to it as the “natural conformable Daftardar–Jafari method” (CNDJM). The three types of errors are assessed in order to gauge the efficiency and consistency of the proposed method. Furthermore, 2D and 3D graphics are used to compare the exact and approximate solutions. This method offers a considerable benefit over homotopy analysis and Adomian decomposition methods in terms of computational work because it does not require Adomian and He’s polynomials. The procedure is quick and easy to use.
CHAOTIC BEHAVIOR OF FINANCIAL DYNAMICAL SYSTEM WITH GENERALIZED FRACTIONAL OPERATOR
Authors: ALZAID SARA S. , KUMAR AJAY , KUMAR SUNIL , ALKAHTANI BADR SAAD T.
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we analyzed the chaotic complexity of a financial mathematical model in terms of a new generalized Caputo fractional derivative. There are three components in this nonlinear financial model: price indexes, interest rates, and investment demand. Our analysis is based on applying the fixed point hypothesis to determine the existence and uniqueness of the solutions. The bifurcation of the proposed financial system has been analyzed at various parameters of the system. Dynamical phase portraits of the proposed financial model are demonstrated at various fractional-order values. We investigated the possibility of finding new complex dynamical behavior with generalized Caputo fractional derivative. This economic model is solved numerically using a predictor–corrector (PC) algorithm with a generalized Caputo derivative. This algorithm can be viewed as a non-integer extension of the classical Adams–Bashforth–Moulton (ABM) algorithm. Additionally, this numerical algorithm has been studied for stability. A number of diverse dynamic behaviors have been observed in numerical simulations of the system, including chaos. Over a broad range of system parameters, bifurcation diagrams indicate that the system behaves chaotically.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL FRACTIONAL EULER POLYNOMIALS METHOD FOR FRACTIONAL DIFFUSION-WAVE EQUATIONS
Authors: RAJA BALACHANDAR S. , VENKATESH S. G. , BALASUBRAMANIAN K. , UMA D.
Published: January 2023

This paper suggests using fractional Euler polynomials (FEPs) to solve the fractional diffusion-wave equation in Caputo’s sense. We present the fundamental characteristics of Euler polynomials. The method for building FEPs is discussed. By basically converting fractional partial differential equations into a system of polynomial equations, these qualities enable us to come near to solving the original problem. A conventional numerical method is then used to solve the resulting system of equations. Theoretical analysis for our proposed strategy is also established, including the convergence theorem and error analysis. The proposed technique’s error bound is confirmed for the test problems as well. The method’s applicability and validity are examined using a variety of instances. The acquired solution is contrasted with other approaches’ solutions described in the literature. This method is better in terms of implementation, adaptability and computing efficiency for solving other partial differential equations as a result of the comparison of the proposed method to existing methods used to solve the fractional diffusion-wave equation.
Size-Dependent Rigid–Flexible Coupling Dynamics of Functionally Graded Rotating Moderately Thick Microplates
Authors: Zhang Wuyuan , Zhang Bo , Shen Huoming , Jin Songye , Wang Yuxing
Published: January 2023

Micro air vehicles, which are typical small-sized rotating-motion systems, have seen major advancements in recent years. To provide some theoretical basis for developing and producing micro air vehicles, this study establishes a novel rigid–flexible coupling dynamic model for functionally graded (FG) moderately thick rectangular microplates attached to a central rotating rigid hub based on the modified couple stress theory and first-order shear deformation theory. The proposed model incorporates nonlinear coupling term of in-plane deformation to reflect the dynamic stiffening effect caused by rotational motion. Material characteristics of the FG microplate have a linear power-law distribution along the thickness axis. Further, the discrete form dimensionless coupling dynamic equations and their numerical solutions are obtained by combining the Euler–Lagrange equation and the Chebyshev–Ritz method. Convergence and comparative studies are carried out to demonstrate the accuracy and validity of the proposed model. Thereafter, the influence of material length scale parameter, rotational speed, gradient index, and aspect ratio on the frequency of the microplates is investigated. Numerical results reveal that couple stress and dynamic stiffening effects both enhance the rigidity of the microplates, whereas the gradient index decreases the rigidity. Nonlinear coupling term which leads to significant differences in frequency value and trace line can’t be ignored for rotative structure. In-plane motion and its coupling terms play a significant function for the moderately thick or thick microplates. The increase of rotational speed and gradient index will reduce the size dependency of the microplate. Furthermore, the frequency trajectory steering and corresponding mode transition phenomenon are graphically represented.
The study of hypersurface-homogeneous space-time in Renyi holographic dark energy
Authors: Vinutha T. , Vasavi K. Venkata , Kavya K. Sri
Published: January 2023

The investigation of this work is carried on the hypersurface-homogeneous space-time in the presence of two fluids, one being the pressureless matter and the other being the Renyi holographic dark energy (RHDE). Eventually, this work solves the cosmological model with Renyi HDE by taking the Hubble horizon as an infrared (IR) cutoff ([Formula: see text]). The geometrical and matter parts of space-time are solved within the Saez–Ballester scalar-tensor theory of gravitation. Interestingly, this study obtains a time-varying deceleration parameter ([Formula: see text]) that exhibits a transition from deceleration to acceleration phase. For the configurations of parameter [Formula: see text] emerging in space-time, three physically plausible cosmological hypotheses of the cosmos are outlined in this work. The kinematical properties were obtained and discussed for the three values of [Formula: see text]. The study of cosmic expansion in the accelerated phase of this work is done through various cosmological parameters like EoS, deceleration parameter, statefinder parameter, etc. The Hubble parameter is derived in terms of cosmic time and redshift both. The present value of this parameter is estimated by taking [Formula: see text] point data sets of observational Hubble data (OHD). The stability of the model is verified through the analysis of squared speed of sound ([Formula: see text]) parameter. In this work, the obtained results match with recent observational data.
The Ordovician System: Key concepts, events and its distribution across Europe
Authors: Harper David A. T. , Lefebvre Bertrand , Percival Ian G. , Servais Thomas
Published: January 2023

The Ordovician was a key period in the biological and geological history of the planet. ‘A Global Synthesis of the Ordovician System’ is presented in two volumes of
The Geological Society, Special Publications
. This first volume (SP532) charts the history of the Ordovician System and explores significant advances in our understanding of the period's biostratigraphy, including more precise calibration of its timescale with tephra chronology and regional alignments using astrochronology and cyclostratigraphy. Changes in the world's oceans, their shifting currents and sea levels, the biogeography of their biotas and the ambient climate are described and discussed against a background of changing palaeogeography. This first volume also includes syntheses of Ordovician geology of most European countries, including historical key areas, such as the British Isles, Baltoscandia and Bohemia.
MultiSense: Cross-labelling and Learning Human Activities Using Multimodal Sensing Data
Authors: Zhang Lan , Zheng Daren , Yuan Mu , Han Feng , Wu Zhengtao , Liu Mengjing , Li Xiang-Yang
Published: January 2023

To tap into the gold mine of data generated by Internet of Things (IoT) devices with unprecedented volume and value, there is an urgent need to efficiently and accurately label raw sensor data. To this end, we explore and leverage the hidden connections among the multimodal data collected by various sensing devices and propose to let different modal data complement and learn from each other. But it is challenging to align and fuse multimodal data without knowing their perception (and thus the correct labels). In this work, we propose
MultiSense
, a paradigm for automatically mining potential perception, cross-labelling each modal data, and then updating the learning models for recognizing human activity to achieve higher accuracy or even recognize new activities. We design innovative solutions for segmenting, aligning, and fusing multimodal data from different sensors, as well as model updating mechanism. We implement our framework and conduct comprehensive evaluations on a rich set of data. Our results demonstrate that
MultiSense
significantly improves the data usability and the power of the learning models. With nine diverse activities performed by users, our framework automatically labels multimodal sensing data generated by five different sensing mechanisms (video, smart watch, smartphone, audio, and wireless-channel) with an average accuracy 98.5%. Furthermore, it enables models of some modalities to learn unknown activities from other modalities and greatly improves the activity recognition ability.