bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The racial state and the violent (re)production of educational inequality
Authors: Alicea Julio Angel
Published: April 2022

This article defines and situates the concept of the racial state within the sociological literature on educational inequality. Currently, much of the sociology of education literature fails to engage with theories of the state or does so in undertheorized ways. Drawing on theories of the racial state and forms of state violence, this article contributes to literature in political sociology, race and racism, and education. It does so by arguing that the U.S. is a racial state that violently produces and reproduces educational inequality through structural, symbolic, and institutional violence. In charting a research program for a racial state analysis of educational inequality, it provides examples of each kind of state violence and provides suggestions for future research, which may be termed a political sociology of education. The article concludes by noting the value of the state violence framework presented for sociological studies of state authority and comparative work that looks across geographical and historical contexts.
Efficacy of a fine fiber film applied with a water‐based lotion to improve dry skin
Authors: Gabe Yu , Uchiyama Masayuki , Sasaoka Shun , Amari Naomi , Imai Asuka , Hachiya Akira , Kiyomine Akira
Published: April 2022

Background

Dry skin can trigger eczema that affects >10% of the US population. Dressing films have been developed to improve diseased skin, but there is limited knowledge about their effects, especially for dry skin‐related symptoms. We developed an electrospinning method that creates a coating film, called a fine fiber (FF) film, characterized by the production of a transparent, thin, flexible, and adherent membrane on the skin surface.

Objective

The aim of this pilot study was to examine the effects of the FF film on dry skin.

Methods

Three treatments (lotion only, lotion with the FF film, and lotion with an alternative film) were designed to treat subjects with rough skin on their lower legs. Twenty‐four females were enrolled and used either a water‐based lotion U or a petrolatum‐based lotion P and the FF film for 2 weeks followed by a regression phase for 1 week. Skin hydration and roughness scores were assessed as were the subjects’ perceptions of the effects.

Results

When the FF film was applied with lotion U, skin hydration was significantly improved even after 1 week, accompanied by a significant improvement of skin roughness and an increase in skin hydration by the end of the regression phase. An evaluation of moisture permeability suggested that the FF film, especially with lotion U, performed as a semipermeable membrane with optimal moisture healing effects on dry skin.

Conclusion

The FF film together with a water‐based lotion is a promising treatment to quickly improve dry skin conditions.
Deciphering the role of the conjugate's phycoerythrin label in complement‐mediated interference occurring in HLA single antigen Luminex bead assays
Authors: Devriese Magali , Hays Constantin , Jouffrey Julie , Usureau Cédric , Carmagnat Maryvonnick , Caillat‐Zucman Sophie , Taupin Jean Luc
Published: April 2022

Complement‐mediated interference is a well described phenomenon in single antigen bead (SAB) Luminex assay that leads to falsely low or negative results for anti‐HLA antibody (Ab). In a context of high amount of Ab, the enrichment of the Ab around the bead can lead to complement cascade activation and deposition, thereafter impairing Ab detection. EDTA is now routinely used to circumvent this interference. In this report, we attempted to decipher the role of the phycoerythrin (PE) label conjugated to the secondary Ab in this interference. Indeed, PE is a huge molecule (240 kDa) that could participate to limiting access of the conjugate to its Ab target on the bead. To this purpose, 22 sera displaying complement interference without pre‐treatment with EDTA were compared on SAB assay with three detection strategies: the recommended PE‐conjugated secondary Ab (IgGPE), an Alexa Fluor 532‐conjugated Ab (IgGAF) bearing a tiny 724 Da fluorochrome, and a biotinylated Ab followed by PE‐conjugated streptavidin (IgGBiot). Complement interference occurred with the three detection methods, but its depth, defined by the percentage of MFI loss with neat serum, was the highest for IgGPE. Our study highlighted the partial role of the PE fluorochrome in complement interference in SAB assays.
Continuous record of Upper Ordovician (Katian) to lower Silurian (Telychian) global δ13C excursions in the Williston Basin
Authors: Husinec Antun , Leslie Stephen A.
Published: April 2022

The Williston Basin retained a high‐resolution record of global δ13C fluctuations during the ~13 Ma duration Upper Ordovician–lower Silurian, and is a possible missing link in correlations between Laurentian margins and its interior. This study integrates δ13C and conodont biostratigraphy to yield a high‐resolution, continuous composite spanning from the Upper Ordovician Aphelognathus grandis Zone into the lower Silurian Distomodus staurognathoides Zone. From oldest to youngest, six global δ13C excursions are identified: (1) Whitewater (=Moe) and (2) Elkhorn (=Paroveja) in the Amorphognathus divergens Zone; (3) LHICE (KaH?) in the Aphelognathus shatzeri Zone; (4) HICE in the Ozarkodina hassi Zone; (5) Early Aeronian within the Distomodus kentuckyensis–Pranognathaus tenuis zones and (6) late Aeronian within the Psuedolonchodina expansa–D. staurognathoides zones. This δ13C record helps to alleviate some of the uncertainties in determining the precise order, duration and timing of events influencing the biotic, climatic, oceanic and sea‐level evolution of the Upper Ordovician–lower Silurian successions across Laurentia.
Non‐canonical endogenous expression of voltage‐gated sodium channel NaV1.7 subtype by the TE671 rhabdomyosarcoma cell line
Authors: Ngum Neville M. , Aziz Muhammad Y. A. , Mohammed Latif Liaque , Wall Richard J. , Duce Ian R. , Mellor Ian R.
Published: April 2022

The human TE671 cell line was originally used as a model of medulloblastoma but has since been reassigned as rhabdomyosarcoma. Despite the characterised endogenous expression of voltage‐sensitive sodium currents in these cells, the specific voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC) subtype underlying these currents remains unknown. To profile the VGSC subtype in undifferentiated TE671 cells, endpoint and quantitative reverse transcription–PCR (qRT‐PCR), western blot and whole‐cell patch clamp electrophysiology were performed. qRT‐PCR profiling revealed that expression of the SCN9A gene was ∼215‐fold greater than the SCN4A gene and over 400‐fold greater than any of the other VGSC genes, while western blot confirmed that the dominant SCN9A RNA was translated to a protein with a molecular mass of ∼250 kDa. Elicited sodium currents had a mean amplitude of 2.6 ± 0.7 nA with activation and fast inactivation V50 values of −31.9 ± 1.1 and −69.6 ± 1.0 mV, respectively. The currents were completely and reversibly blocked by tetrodotoxin at concentrations greater than 100 nm (IC50 = 22.3 nm). They were also very susceptible to the NaV1.7 specific blockers Huwentoxin‐IV and Protoxin‐II with IC50 values of 14.6 nm and 0.8 nm, respectively, characteristic of those previously determined for NaV1.7. Combined, the results revealed the non‐canonical and highly dominant expression of NaV1.7 in the human TE671 rhabdomyosarcoma cell line. We show that the TE671 cell line is an easy to maintain and cost‐effective model for the study of NaV1.7, a major target for the development of analgesic drugs and more generally for the study of pain.

Key points

Undifferentiated TE671 cells produce a voltage‐sensitive sodium current when depolarised.

The voltage‐gated sodium channel isoform expressed in undifferentiated TE671 cells was previously unknown.

Through qRT‐PCR, western blot and toxin pharmacology, it is shown that undifferentiated TE671 cells dominantly (>99.5%) express the NaV1.7 isoform that is strongly associated with pain.

The TE671 cell line is, therefore, a very easy to maintain and cost‐effective model to study NaV1.7‐targeting drugs.
Effect of High Operating Temperatures on the Wear Characteristics of Boron Carbide and Ilmenite Reinforced LM13 Alloy-Based Composites
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Nanda Tarun , Pandey O. P.
Published: April 2022

Wear properties of LM13 alloy-based composites were studied by using boron carbide (B4C) and ilmenite particles (FeTiO3) separately as reinforcement. The different weight percentage of reinforcement (5 wt%, 10 wt%, and 15 wt%) was added to the base alloy through stir-casting. A comparison of B4C reinforced composites (LB composites) and FeTiO3 reinforced composites (LI composites) was done on the basis of interfacial bonding, refinement/morphology of eutectic silicon, friction, and wear behavior (both at room temperature and elevated temperature conditions). Microstructural analysis revealed uniform distribution of ceramic particles in the matrix. Significant reduction in grain size and change in morphology was obtained for LB composites whereas strong interfacial bonding was obtained for LI composites. Higher hardness, lower wear-rate, and higher coefficient of friction (COF) values were shown by LB composites. A decrease in COF for LI composites (at room as well as high temperatures) corresponded to the lubricity effect of ilmenite particles. At room temperature, wear track and debris showed a change in wear mechanism from abrasive to delamination wear with an increase in load from 10 N to 50 N. Under elevated temperature conditions, these mechanisms were combined with oxidation wear.
Wear Characterization of Raceway Surface Profiles of Ball Screws
Authors: Zhou Chang-Guang , Wang Li-Dong , Shen Jun-Wan , Chen Chuan-Hai , Ou Yi , Feng Hu-Tian
Published: April 2022

Owing to the measurement difficulty and the required time needed to analyze wear processes of ball screws, very few studies have been reported. Here, on the basis of a test bench and a Taylor Hobson surface profilometer, the measuring procedure for the raceway surface profiles of ball screws was proposed first. Then the raceway surface profiles of a typical ball screw were measured after 1.42 million running revolutions. Finally, a combinational method including the statistical parameters, recurrence analysis, and fractal dimensional was used to characterize the lubricated wear process. Results show that the increase of the surface roughness (Ra) and maximum peak-to-valley height (Rz) can be up to 396% and 395%, the recurrence rate can decrease more than 59%, and the ratio between the minimum and maximum values of the fractal dimension can be 77% after 1.42 million running revolutions. Further analysis showed that the three methods all reflected the raceway wear dependence on the number of revolutions, and the linear correlation of the fractal dimension method with the number of revolutions was the strongest, which provides a new way to predict the wear states of ball screws by monitoring the worn states of the raceway surface profiles.
Dynamic Modeling and Simulation of a Hybrid Robot
Authors: Shen Nanyan , Yuan Hengming , Li Jing , Wang Zirui , Lu Ninghe , Lu Yushun
Published: April 2022

The unique structure of hybrid robot makes its dynamic characteristic different from that of the traditional machine tools. Therefore, the dynamic model is crucial to both designing and application of hybrid robot. In this paper, a new type of five-degrees-of-freedom (5DoF) hybrid robot is introduced, and its dynamic model is established. First, the kinematic formulas are derived for all the component, and then, the inertia forces or moments are calculated. Second, the active forces or moments in the joints are assumed as variables and the number of variables is reduced by analyzing joint types. Then, an equation set of 36 equilibrium equations with 38 variables is obtained using D'Alembert's principle. Based on the spatial deformation compatibility analysis of two branches, two supplementary equations are derived to determine the solution of dynamic model of the hybrid robot with redundant constraints in its parallel mechanism. Several cases are studied by comparing with ADAMS simulation. The result shows the good accuracy of the proposed dynamic model, which provides a practical method to calculate the reaction force or moment in any joint at any instant for the hybrid robot and thus facilitates dimensional synthesis, trajectory optimization, and smoothing control.
Crystal structure analysis of stacking faults through scanning transmission electron microscopy of β-Ga2O3 (001) layer grown via halide vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Ogawa Kenichi , Kobayashi Kenji , Hasuike Noriyuki , Isshiki Toshiyuki
Published: April 2022

A crystal structure analysis of stacking faults (SFs) in a β-Ga2O3 (001) layer grown by halide vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) was performed using scanning transmission electron microscopy. Etch pits were formed on the surface using alkaline molten salt etching and were used as a fiduciary mark during the analysis. The results revealed three types of defects. These defects were generated in the HVPE-grown layer (propagation from the defects of the β-Ga2O3 substrate grown using the edge-defined film-fed growth method played no role in the generation of these defects). The first type of defect involved SFs on the (−310) plane and resulted from the vacancy of gallium (Ga) atom sites of the GaO4 tetrahedral unit and the GaO6 octahedral unit. The second type involved SFs on the (1−11) plane and resulted from displacement of the GaO6 octahedral unit. The third type was presumed as a ribbon-folded defect with repeated SFs on the (111) and (7−27) planes or the (1−11) and (727) planes.
Changes in 24-Hour Domain-Specific Movement Behaviors and Their Associations With Children’s Psychosocial Health During the Transition From Primary to Secondary School: A Compositional Data Analysis
Authors: Chong Kar Hau , Dumuid Dorothea , Cliff Dylan P. , Parrish Anne-Maree , Okely Anthony D.
Published: April 2022

Background: Little is known about the influence of 24-hour movement behaviors on children’s psychosocial health when transitioning from primary to secondary school. This study described changes in 24-hour domain-specific movement behavior composition and explored their associations with changes in psychosocial health during this transition. Methods: Data were drawn from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. The analytical sample (n = 909) included children who were enrolled in primary school at baseline (2010) and in secondary school at follow-up (2012). Time spent in 8 domains of movement behaviors was derived from the child-completed time-use diaries. Psychosocial health was examined using the self-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires. Analyses included repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance and compositional regression. Results: Children reported engaging in more social activities and sleeping less over the transition period. Increased time spent in social activities (βilr = −0.06, P = .014) and recreational screen use (βilr = −0.17, P = .003) (relative to other domains) were associated with decreased prosocial behavior in boys. Changes in movement behavior composition were not associated with changes in girls’ psychosocial health. Conclusion: This study found considerable changes in children’s 24-hour movement behavior composition, but a lack of consistent association with changes in psychosocial health during the primary to secondary school transition.
Association Between the Functional Movement Screen and Landing Kinematics in Individuals With and Without Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Pamukoff Derek N. , Holmes Skylar C. , Heredia Caitlyn E. , Gonzales Ciara E. , Shumski Eric J. , Montgomery Melissa M.
Published: April 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare functional movement screen (FMS) scores and drop vertical jump (DVJ) kinematics between those with and without anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and to evaluate the association between FMS composite score and DVJ kinematics. Design: Cross-sectional. Participants: Sixty individuals with and without a history of ACLR. Main Outcome Measures: Composite FMS score and the dorsiflexion, knee-flexion, hip-flexion, knee abduction, hip adduction, and trunk-flexion angles during a DVJ. Results: The FMS scores did not differ between groups (P > .05). There were smaller peak and initial contact hip-flexion angles in the ACLR and contralateral limbs compared with controls, and smaller peak dorsiflexion angles in the ACLR compared with contralateral limbs (P < .05). Lower FMS score was associated with a smaller peak dorsiflexion angle, smaller peak knee-flexion angle, and larger peak knee abduction angle in the ACLR limb (ΔR2 = .14−.23); a smaller peak dorsiflexion angle and smaller peak knee-flexion angle in the contralateral limb (ΔR2 = .17−.19); and a smaller peak dorsiflexion angle, smaller peak knee-flexion angle, and larger peak knee abduction angle in the control limb (ΔR2 = .16−.22). Conclusion: The FMS scores did not differ between groups, but were associated with DVJ kinematics and should be a complementary rather than substitute assessment.
Zika Virus Induces Mitotic Catastrophe in Human Neural Progenitors by Triggering Unscheduled Mitotic Entry in the Presence of DNA Damage While Functionally Depleting Nuclear PNKP
Authors: Rychlowska Malgorzata , Agyapong Abigail , Weinfeld Michael , Schang Luis M.
Published: April 2022

The 2015–2017 Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak in Brazil and subsequent international epidemic revealed the strong association between ZIKV infection and congenital malformations, mostly neurodevelopmental defects up to microcephaly. The scale and global expansion of the epidemic, the new ZIKV outbreaks (Kerala state, India, 2021), and the potential burden of future ones pose a serious ongoing risk.
The A137R Protein of African Swine Fever Virus Inhibits Type I Interferon Production via the Autophagy-Mediated Lysosomal Degradation of TBK1
Authors: Sun Maowen , Yu Shaoxiong , Ge Hailiang , Wang Tao , Li Yongfeng , Zhou Pingping , Pan Li , Han Yu , Yang Yuying , Sun Yuan , Li Su , Li Lian-Feng , Qiu Hua-Ji
Published: April 2022

African swine fever (ASF) is a lethal viral disease of pigs caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). No commercial vaccines and antiviral treatments are available for the prevention and control of the disease.
Five Draft Genome Sequences of Historical Yersinia pestis Strains of Phylogroups 2.MED4 and 2.MED1 of the Medieval Biovar
Authors: Balykova Alina N. , Kukleva Lyubov M. , Naryshkina Ekaterina A. , Eroshenko Galina A. , Kutyrev Vladimir V.
Published: April 2022

We announce the genome sequences of five historical highly virulent
Yersinia pestis
strains of the phylogroups 2.MED4 and 2.MED1 of the medieval biovar. They were the etiological agents of plague outbreaks with high mortality rates in the Northern Caspian Sea region at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th.
Gluconate Kinase Is Required for Gluconate Assimilation and Sporulation in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Jezewski Andrew J. , Beattie Sarah R. , Alden Katy M. , Krysan Damian J.
Published: April 2022

Cryptococcus neoformans
is a fungal pathogen that contributes to nearly 180,000 deaths annually. We characterized a gene named
GNK1
that appears to interact with other genetic loci involved with the ability of
C. neoformans
to act as a pathogen.
Changing Patterns of SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among Canadian Blood Donors during the Vaccine Era
Authors: Reedman Cassandra N. , Drews Steven J. , Yi Qi-Long , Pambrun Chantale , O’Brien Sheila F.
Published: April 2022

Throughout the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, our blood donor seroprevalence study has informed Canadian public health policy at national and provincial levels. We describe the only continuously running national seroprevalence study in Canada, which spans the full length of the pandemic and per capita is one of the largest programs in the world.
Wastewater-Based SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance in Northern New England
Authors: Toledo Diana M. , Robbins Ashlee A. , Gallagher Torrey L. , Hershberger Kenneth Chase , Barney Rachael E. , Salmela Sabrina M. , Pilcher Davey , Cervinski Mark A. , Nerenz Robert D. , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , Tsongalis Gregory J. , Lefferts Joel A. , Martin Isabella W. , Hubbard Jacqueline A.
Published: April 2022

Despite vaccination efforts, the delta and omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 have caused global surges of COVID-19. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is important to find new ways of tracking early signs of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks.
Genome-Wide TSS Distribution in Three Related Clostridia with Normalized Capp-Switch Sequencing
Authors: Hocq Rémi , Jagtap Surabhi , Boutard Magali , Tolonen Andrew C. , Duval Laurent , Pirayre Aurélie , Lopes Ferreira Nicolas , Wasels François
Published: April 2022

Solventogenic clostridia have been employed in industry for more than a century, initially being used in the acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation process for acetone and butanol production. Interest in these bacteria has recently increased in the context of green chemistry and sustainable development.
Magnetoplasmon-Polaritons in a Two-Dimensional Electron System with a Back Gate
Authors: Zabolotnykh A. A. , Volkov V. A.
Published: April 2022

Magnetoplasmon-polariton excitations in a two-dimensional (2D) electron system with a back gate are theoretically studied. The back gate is a metal layer that is parallel to the layer of 2D electrons and is separated from them by a dielectric substrate serving as a waveguide. In the absence of a magnetic field, the interaction of 2D plasmons with the modes of the waveguide limited by the gate from one side results in the formation of a family of waveguide plasmon-polariton modes. The two lowest of these modes are TM modes and have a gapless dispersion relation. As known, a static magnetic field B perpendicular to the plane of the system hybridizes different modes. The spectra and magnetodispersion of the found 2D modes are determined. The classification of all modes as longitudinal and transverse (ТМ–ТЕ classification), which is usually valid only in the absence of B, is recovered in the limit of high fields B. The magnetic field dependence of the cutoff frequencies of the considered modes significantly affects the results. Even a low magnetic field opens a frequency gap proportional to the magnetic field magnitude B in the spectrum of one of the lowest magnetoplasmon-polariton modes. As the magnetic field increases, the gap is saturated and the mode becomes waveguide.
New-Generation Low-Toxic I–III–VI2 Quantum Dots in Chemical Analysis
Authors: Ponomaryova T. S. , Novikova A. S. , Abramova A. M. , Goryacheva O. A. , Drozd D. D. , Strokin P. D. , Goryacheva I. Yu.
Published: April 2022

Luminescent quantum dots (QDs) of I–III–VI2 semiconductors present a new class of luminescence materials that combine unique optical and electronic properties while exhibiting low toxicity compared to conventional cadmium-based QDs. Advances in the colloidal synthesis of ternary QDs have been used to develop fluorescence chemical and biological sensors for the detection of various analytes. The review covers the main approaches to synthesizing QDs of the I–III–VI2 structure, the features of their structure and properties, and current trends in their use as low-toxic luminescent labels in biomedicine and chemical analysis.
Delayed perihepatic abscess caused byCutibacterium acnesfollowing right partial hepatectomy
Authors: Emeli Theresa Omolara , Serrao Richard
Published: April 2022

We describe a case of a man in his 70s who presented with tachycardia and several weeks of right lower quadrant pain 3 months after partial right hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Initial laboratory findings were significant for elevated C reactive protein and normal white cell count. CT revealed right pleural effusion and 5.8 cm fluid collection with air pocket adjacent to the surgical margin of the partial hepatectomy. Aspirate of the fluid collection grewCutibacterium acnes. Following percutaneous drainage and a short course of antibiotics, the patient recovered with eventual radiologic and symptomatic improvement. This, to the best of our knowledge, is one of two cases whereC. acneswas involved in a possible delayed presentation of a surgical site infection after hepatic surgery.
Dupilumab-induced ocular surface disease: a primer
Authors: Reji Merin Anna , Haque Aaisha , Goyal Supriya , Krishnaswamy Guha
Published: April 2022

The management of atopic diseases has been revolutionised by precision therapies and biological drugs that target specific immune proteins. This report elucidates a unique complication from the use of the monoclonal antibody, dupilumab, that primary care providers and subspecialists need to be aware of. A patient in her 40s consulted us for severe atopic asthma, food allergy and eczema involving the face and body. She had previously failed treatments and was started on dupilumab (which binds to the interleukin-4 [IL4] receptor and inhibits both IL-4 and IL-13). She quickly achieved remission of asthma, rhinitis and eczema. Therapy was, however, complicated by severe blepharoconjunctivitis, dry eyes and periorbital dermatitis, consistent with dupilumab-induced ocular surface disease and dupilumab-associated mucin deficiency. Following aggressive treatment of ocular disease, the patient was able to continue dupilumab injections for asthma and eczema. It is presumed that dupilumab-induced cytokine imbalance results in ocular goblet cell dysfunction, mucin deficiency and ocular disease.
Unilateral glossodynia as a harbinger of an occult cerebellopontine angle tumour
Authors: Gibeili Chloé , Sulukdjian Arek , Chanlon Audrey , Moreau Nathan
Published: April 2022

A woman in her late 80s with severe bronchomalacia was referred to a tertiary orofacial pain clinic for unexplained right unilateral glossodynia of progressive and continuous evolution for the past 8 months, spreading to the ipsilateral labiomental region, associated with ipsilateral hypoacusia. Local and general clinical examinations were unremarkable and routine blood work could not reveal any underlying systemic disease explaining the glossodynia and burning/pricking labiomental pain. Suspecting a painful trigeminal neuropathy secondary to a space-occupying lesion, a cerebral MRI was prescribed, revealing an ipsilateral cerebellopontine angle lesion, compatible with either a schwannoma or meningioma. This lesion invaded the root entry zones of cranial nerves V and VIII explaining the patient’s oral pain and hypoacusia. Following a neurosurgical consultation where surgical treatment was rejected, her pain was successfully managed by topical pregabalin mouthwashes, to prevent any risk of respiratory depression related to her underlying severe bronchomalacia.
Rapid, application-based survey to characterise the impacts of COVID-19 on LGBTQ+ communities around the world: an observational study
Authors: Adamson Tyler , Hanley Marguerite , Baral Stefan , Beyrer Chris , Wallach Sara , Howell Sean
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Emerging evidence indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic, and the responses it has generated, have had disproportionate impacts on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) communities. This study seeks to build on existing information and provide regional insight.

Methods

In response, a cross-sectional survey was administered to a global sample of LGBTQ+ individuals (n=13 358) between 16 April and 20 May 2020 via the social networking application Hornet. The survey contained questions that characterise the impact of COVID-19 and associated mitigation strategies on economics, employment, mental health and access to healthcare.

Results

5191 (43.9%) individuals indicated they were somewhat, slightly or unable to meet basic needs with their current income, while 2827 (24.1%) and 4710 (40.1%) felt physically or emotionally unsafe in their living environment, respectively. 2202 individuals (24.7%) stated they are at risk for losing health insurance coverage. 2685 (22.7%) persons reported having skipped or cut meals as there was not enough money.

Conclusion

Many LGBTQ+persons who responded reported adverse consequences to mental health, economics, interruptions to care and lack of support from their government. This data is part of ongoing analyses but accentuates the unique needs of LGBTQ+ communities that will require targeted, ameliorative approaches.
Role of schools in community mobilisation to improve IYCF practices in 6–24-month-old tribal children in the Banswara district, India: findings from the qualitative PANChSHEEEL study
Authors: Lakhanpaul Monica , Roy Susrita , Lall Marie-Carine , Chaturvedi Hemant , Khanna Rajesh , Allaham Shereen , Demel Isabel-Cathérine , Benton Lorna , Vijay Virendra Kumar , Sharma Sanjay , Manikam Logan , Santwani Neha , Pattanaik Satya Prakash , Singh Tol , Pandya Pramod , Dang Priyanka , Parikh Priti
Published: April 2022

Objective

India has been struggling with infant malnutrition for decades. There is a need to identify suitable platforms for community engagement to promote locally feasible, resource efficient Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) interventions. This study aims to explore if and how schools could represent a site for community engagement in rural India, acting as innovation hubs to foster positive change in partnership with the Angawadi centres.

Design

Five-phase formative study; A parallel mixed methods approach structured by a socioecological framework was used for data collection at individual, household and community levels. This paper focuses on the qualitative findings.

Setting

This study was undertaken in nine villages within two blocks, ‘Ghatol’ and ‘Kushalgarh’, in the Banswara district of Rajasthan, India.

Participants

17 schools were identified. Interviews were conducted with local opinion leaders and representatives in the education sector, including principals, schoolteachers, block and district education officers. Across the nine study villages, information was gathered from 67 mothers, 58 paternal grandmothers using Focus Discussion Groups (FDGs) and 49 key respondents in Key Informant Interviews.

Results

Schools were considered an important community resource. Challenges included limited parental participation and student absenteeism; however, several drivers and opportunities were identified, which may render schools a suitable intervention delivery site. Enrolment rates were high, with schools and associated staff encouraging parental involvement and student attendance. Existing initiatives, including the mid-day meal, play opportunities and education on health and hygiene, further highlight the potential reliability of schools as a platform for community mobilisation.

Conclusions

Schools have been shown to be functional platforms frequently visited and trusted by community members. With teachers and children as change agents, schools could represent a suitable setting for community mobilisation in future wider scale intervention studies. Expanding the supportive environment around schools will be essential to reinforce healthy IYCF practices in the long term.
Protocol for the Work Engagement and Well-being Study (SWELL): a randomised controlled feasibility trial evaluating the effects of mindfulness versus light physical exercise at work
Authors: Vainre Maris , Galante Julieta , Watson Peter , Dalgleish Tim , Hitchcock Caitlin
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Mental ill health is a major cause of disability. Workplaces are attractive for preventative interventions since most adults work; meanwhile, employers are interested in improving employees’ well-being and productivity. Mindfulness-based programmes are increasingly popular in occupational settings. However, there is inconsistent evidence whether mindfulness interventions improve work performance and how effective mindfulness-based programmes are, compared with other interventions, in preventing mental ill health.

Methods and analysis

In this online randomised controlled feasibility trial, an anticipated 240 employees will be randomised to either a 4-week light physical exercise course or a mindfulness course of the same duration (1:1 allocation). The primary outcome is work performance, measured using the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire. We aim to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and procedural uncertainties of a randomised controlled trial in a workplace, calculate an effect size estimate to inform power calculations for a larger trial, and explore whether improved executive function and/or enhanced mental health could be potential mechanisms underlying the effect of mindfulness on work performance. Outcomes will be collected at baseline, postintervention and 12-week follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval has been obtained from Cambridge Psychology Research Ethics Committee. (PRE.2020072). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. A lay summary will be disseminated to a wider audience including participating employers.

Trial registration number

NCT04631302.
Influence of work ability and smoking on the prognosis of long-duration activity-limiting neck/back pain: a cohort study of a Swedish working population
Authors: Bohman Tony , Holm Lena W , Lekander Mats , Hallqvist Johan , Skillgate Eva
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Long-duration activity-limiting neck/back pain is common, but the knowledge of what work and lifestyle factors that influence the prognosis is sparse. The objective was therefore to evaluate if two factors, good self-perceived work ability and no daily smoking, are associated with a favourable prognosis of long-duration activity-limiting neck/back pain in a working population, and if these exposures have a synergistic prognostic effect.

Design

A prospective cohort study based on three subsamples from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort.

Settings

A working population in Stockholm County, Sweden.

Participants

Individuals, 18–61 years old, reporting long-duration activity-limiting neck/back pain the previous 6 months at baseline in 2010 (n=5177).

Measures

The exposures were: self-perceived work ability (categorised into good, moderate and poor) and daily smoking (no/yes). The outcome in 2014 was ‘absence of long-duration activity-limiting neck/back pain’ the previous 6 months representing a favourable prognosis of reported problems at baseline in 2010. Risk ratios (RRs) and risk differences (RDs) with 95% CI was estimated by general linear regressions, and the synergistic effect was estimated by the synergy index (SI) with 95% CI.

Results

Participants with moderate or good work ability, respectively, had an adjusted RR for a favourable prognosis of 1.37 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.69), and 1.80 (1.49 to 2.17) in comparison with participants with poor work ability. The corresponding adjusted RD were 0.07 (0.02 to 0.11) and 0.17 (0.12 to 0.22). Participants not smoking on daily basis had an adjusted RR of 1.21 (1.02 to 1.42), and an adjusted RD of 0.05 (0.01 to 0.10) for a favourable outcome compared with daily smokers. The adjusted SI was 0.92 (0.60 to 1.43).

Conclusion

For participants with long-duration activity-limiting neck/back pain, moderate or good self-perceived work ability and not being a daily smoker were associated with a favourable prognosis but having both exposures seemed to have no synergistic prognostic effect.
Population-wide active case finding and prevention for tuberculosis and leprosy elimination in Kiribati: the PEARL study protocol
Authors: Coleman Mikaela , Hill Jeremy , Timeon Eretii , Tonganibeia Alfred , Eromanga Baraniko , Islam Tauhid , Trauer James M , Chambers Stephen T , Christensen Amanda , Fox Greg J , Marks Guy B , Britton Warwick J , Marais Ben J
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Population-wide interventions offer a pathway to tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy elimination, but ‘real-world’ implementation in a high-burden setting using a combined approach has not been demonstrated. This implementation study aims to demonstrate the feasibility and evaluate the effect of population-wide screening, treatment and prevention on TB and leprosy incidence rates, as well as TB transmission.

Methods and analysis

A non-randomised ‘screen-and-treat’ intervention conducted in the Pacific atoll of South Tarawa, Kiribati. Households are enumerated and all residents ≥3 years, as well as children <3 years with recent household exposure to TB or leprosy, invited for screening. Participants are screened using tuberculin skin testing, signs and symptoms of TB or leprosy, digital chest X-ray with computer-aided detection and sputum testing (Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra). Those diagnosed with disease are referred to the National TB and Leprosy Programme for management. Participants with TB infection are offered TB preventive treatment and those without TB disease or infection, or leprosy, are offered leprosy prophylaxis. The primary study outcome is the difference in the annual TB case notification rate before and after the intervention; a similar outcome is included for leprosy. The effect on TB transmission will be measured by comparing the estimated annual risk of TB infection in primary school children before and after the intervention, as a co-primary outcome used for power calculations. Comparison of TB and leprosy case notification rates in South Tarawa (the intervention group) and the rest of Kiribati (the control group) before, during and after the intervention is a secondary outcome.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval was obtained from the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (project no. 2021/127) and the Kiribati Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS). Findings will be shared with the MHMS and local communities, published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.
Dual checkpoint targeting of B7-H3 and PD-1 with enoblituzumab and pembrolizumab in advanced solid tumors: interim results from a multicenter phase I/II trial
Authors: Aggarwal Charu , Prawira Amy , Antonia Scott , Rahma Osama , Tolcher Anthony , Cohen Roger B , Lou Yanyan , Hauke Ralph , Vogelzang Nicholas , P Zandberg Dan , Kalebasty Arash Rezazadeh , Atkinson Victoria , Adjei Alex A , Seetharam Mahesh , Birnbaum Ariel , Weickhardt Andrew , Ganju Vinod , Joshua Anthony M , Cavallo Rosetta , Peng Linda , Zhang Xiaoyu , Kaul Sanjeev , Baughman Jan , Bonvini Ezio , Moore Paul A , Goldberg Stacie M , Arnaldez Fernanda I , Ferris Robert L , Lakhani Nehal J
Published: April 2022

Background

Availability of checkpoint inhibitors has created a paradigm shift in the management of patients with solid tumors. Despite this, most patients do not respond to immunotherapy, and there is considerable interest in developing combination therapies to improve response rates and outcomes. B7-H3 (CD276) is a member of the B7 family of cell surface molecules and provides an alternative immune checkpoint molecule to therapeutically target alone or in combination with programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)–targeted therapies. Enoblituzumab, an investigational anti-B7-H3 humanized monoclonal antibody, incorporates an immunoglobulin G1 fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain that enhances Fcγ receptor-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Coordinated engagement of innate and adaptive immunity by targeting distinct members of the B7 family (B7-H3 and PD-1) is hypothesized to provide greater antitumor activity than either agent alone.

Methods

In this phase I/II study, patients received intravenous enoblituzumab (3–15 mg/kg) weekly plus intravenous pembrolizumab (2 mg/kg) every 3 weeks during dose-escalation and cohort expansion. Expansion cohorts included non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC; checkpoint inhibitor [CPI]–naïve and post-CPI, programmed death-ligand 1 [PD-L1] <1%), head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC; CPI-naïve), urothelial cancer (post-CPI), and melanoma (post-CPI). Disease was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 after 6 weeks and every 9 weeks thereafter. Safety and pharmacokinetic data were provided for all enrolled patients; efficacy data focused on HNSCC and NSCLC cohorts.

Results

Overall, 133 patients were enrolled and received ≥1 dose of study treatment. The maximum tolerated dose of enoblituzumab with pembrolizumab at 2 mg/kg was not reached. Intravenous enoblituzumab (15 mg/kg) every 3 weeks plus pembrolizumab (2 mg/kg) every 3 weeks was recommended for phase II evaluation. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 116 patients (87.2%) and were grade ≥3 in 28.6%. One treatment-related death occurred (pneumonitis). Objective responses occurred in 6 of 18 (33.3% [95% CI 13.3 to 59.0]) patients with CPI-naïve HNSCC and in 5 of 14 (35.7% [95% CI 12.8 to 64.9]) patients with CPI-naïve NSCLC.

Conclusions

Checkpoint targeting with enoblituzumab and pembrolizumab demonstrated acceptable safety and antitumor activity in patients with CPI-naïve HNSCC and NSCLC.

Trial registration number

NCT02475213.
Immunogenicity and safety of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Verstappen Gwenny M , de Wolff Liseth , Arends Suzanne , Heiermann Hella-Marie , van Sleen Yannick , Visser Annie , Terpstra Janneke H , Diavatopoulos Dimitri A , van der Heiden Marieke , Vissink Arjan , van Baarle Debbie , Kroese Frans G M , Bootsma Hendrika
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To evaluate humoral and cellular immune responses and adverse events (AEs) after COVID-19 vaccination in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) compared to healthy controls (HC), and disease activity following vaccination in patients with pSS.

Methods

67 patients with pSS and 33 HC (ratio 2:1) received COVID-19 vaccinations following the Dutch vaccination programme. Patients with pSS did not use immunomodulatory drugs, except hydroxychloroquine. Anti-spike 1 receptor binding domain IgG serum antibody levels were measured 28 days after complete vaccination. AEs were collected 7 days after vaccination. In a subgroup, salivary anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and T-cell response by interferon-γ enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot was measured.

Results

47 patients with pSS (70%) and 14 HC (42%) received BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNtech), 13 (19%) and 5 (15%) received ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AstraZeneca), 6 (9%) and 8 (24%) received mRNA-1273 (Moderna), and 1 (1%) and 6 (18%) received Ad.26.COV2.S (Janssen). All participants had positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels (>2500 AU/mL) postvaccination. No differences in anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels were observed between patients with pSS and HC, for each vaccine type. Salivary anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies also increased, and a T-cell response was observed in patients with pSS and HC. Frequencies of systemic AEs were comparable between patients with pSS and HC (first vaccination: 34/67 (51%) vs 16/33 (48%), p=0.83; second: 41/66 (62%) vs 14/25 (56%), p=0.59). No significant worsening was observed in patient-reported and systemic disease activity, including auto-antibodies.

Conclusions

Patients with pSS had similar humoral and cellular immune responses as HC, suggesting COVID-19 vaccination is effective in patients with pSS. AEs were also comparable, and no increase in disease activity was seen in patients with pSS.
Variations in microbial community on different materials in Sanya Marine Environment Experimental Station, China
Authors: Ma Shide , Li Yuhang , Guan Fang , Zhang Linlin , Li Ju , Tai Yu , Ren Haitao , Duan Jizhou
Published: April 2022

Marine biofouling occurs through the colonization of undesired microorganisms on the surfaces of structures. In this study, four immersion cycles (2, 5, 15, and 25 days) of total immersion in seawater were carried out at the Sanya Marine Environmental Test Station using three materials: industrial pure titanium (Ti), hot-dip zinc (Zn), and glass slide (GS). Three phyla, four classes, and nine bacterial genera were identified. The dominant genera were Pseudomonas, Alteromonas, and Pseudoalteromonas. The number of bacteria increased with soaking time. Sixty-one species of diatoms belonging to 30 genera, 24 families, and 16 orders were detected, among which the dominant genera were Amphora, Nitzschia, and Navicula. Four genera of ciliates belonged to two classes, three orders, and four families, among which the dominant species were Euplotes sp. and Uronema marinum. Tubular polychaetes was the dominant metazoans. Species diversity increased over time. The highest biofilm diversity was observed on the GS surface. The diversity of biofilms on the Ti surface was higher than that on the Zn surface. This study provides basic data for marine material research, marine corrosion, and national defence construction.
The implementation of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography for preclinical study of migraine
Authors: Dolgorukova Antonina , Potapenko Anastasiia V. , Murzina Anna A. , Lyubashina Olga A. , Y. Sokolov Alexey
Published: April 2022

Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography is used to study intracranial blood flow changes associated with migraine in humans, but whether this method is helpful in preclinical settings is yet unknown. To identify changes in rat intracranial blood flow specific to trigeminovascular activation—a key process in migraine pathophysiology—we measured Doppler indices in the middle cerebral artery and basilar artery before, during, and after dural or somatosensory electrical stimulation. Hemodynamic changes specific to dural stimulation were tested further in separate experiments. After baseline recordings, the animals received cumulative infusions of valproate (100 mg/kg, trice), sumatriptan (0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg), or saline, and dural stimulation with measurement of Doppler indices was repeated every 10 min for 1 h. Several parameters of blood flow in the rat middle cerebral artery underwent alterations specific to trigeminovascular activation. These changes, however, were insensitive to valproate and sumatriptan and diminished over time. These findings question the reliability of blood flow velocity variations in large intracranial vessels as biological markers of migraine-related processes and do not support the idea of using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography for preclinical screening of antimigraine treatments, at least in the model of acute trigeminovascular activation in rats.
Endothelin A receptor antagonist attenuated renal iron accumulation in iron overload heme oxygenase-1 knockout mice
Authors: Saurage Elizabeth , Davis Parker R. , Meek Rachel , Pollock David M. , Kasztan Malgorzata
Published: April 2022

Progressive iron accumulation and renal impairment are prominent in both patients and mouse models of sickle cell disease (SCD). Endothelin A receptor (ETA) antagonism prevents this iron accumulation phenotype and reduces renal iron deposition in the proximal tubules of SCD mice. To better understand the mechanisms of iron metabolism in the kidney and the role of the ETA receptor in iron chelation and transport, we studied renal iron handling in a nonsickle cell iron overload model, heme oxygenase-1 ( Hmox-1−/−) knockout mice. We found that Hmox-1−/− mice had elevated plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1), cortical ET-1 mRNA expression, and renal iron content compared with Hmox-1+/+ controls. The ETA receptor antagonist, ambrisentan, attenuated renal iron deposition, without any changes to anemia status in Hmox-1−/− mice. This was accompanied by reduced urinary iron excretion. Finally, ambrisentan had an important iron recycling effect by increasing the expression of the cellular iron exporter, ferroportin-1 (FPN-1), and circulating total iron levels in Hmox-1−/− mice. These findings suggest that the ET-1/ETA signaling pathway contributes to renal iron trafficking in a murine model of iron overload.