bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein mutation effects on ACE2 binding
Authors: Thakur Shivani , Verma Rajaneesh Kumar , Kepp Kasper Planeta , Mehra Rukmankesh
Published: August 2022

The binding affinity of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S)-protein ΔΔGbind to the human membrane protein ACE2 is critical for virus function and evolution. Computational structure-based screening of new S-protein mutations for ACE2 binding lends promise to rationalize virus function directly from protein structure and ideally aid early detection of potentially concerning variants. We used a computational protocol based on cryo-electron microscopy structures of the S-protein to estimate the ACE2-binding that gave good trend agreement with experimental ACE2 affinities. We then expanded predictions to all possible S-protein mutations in 21 different S-protein-ACE2 complexes (400,000 ΔΔGbind data points in total), using mutation group comparisons to reduce systematic errors. We show that mutations that have arisen in major variants as a group maintain ACE2 affinity significantly more than random mutations in the total protein, at the interface, and at evolvable sites, with differences between variant mutations being small relative to these effects. Omicron mutations as a group had a modest change in binding affinity compared to mutations in other major variants. The single-mutation effects are consistent with ACE2 binding being optimized and maintained in omicron, despite increased importance of other selection pressures (antigenic drift). As epistasis, glycosylation and in vivo conditions will modulate these effects, computational predictive SARS-CoV-2 evolution remains far from achieved, but the feasibility of large-scale computation is substantially aided by using many structures and comparison of mutation groups rather than single mutation effects, which are very uncertain. Our results demonstrate substantial challenges but indicate ways to improve the quality of computer models for assessing SARS-CoV-2 mutation effects.
Exploring India’s Generation Z perspective on AI enabled internet banking services
Authors: Hameed Shaheema , Nigam Abhinav
Published: August 2022

Purpose

India is a rapidly developing economy with a rapidly expending internet infrastructure and among the largest Generation Z population. This generation is tech savvy and the access to technology and network creates a conducive environment for such usage. Internet banking for the same reasons is growing leaps and bounds. The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) has created disruptions in the traditional banking also. This paper aims to analyze the comfort level and usage of AI-enabled banking services by Generation Z.

Design/methodology/approach

The data is collected from 272 Generation Z members. The differential aspects, that is, the relationship of independent variables with dependent variables (AI-enabled internet banking), were analyzed using the structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

Defining factors for AI-enabled internet banking were identified. The results of factors were consistent with previous studies. It was found that the usage of AI-enabled internet banking services is insignificant, indicating that Generation Z does not perceive any advantage in using AI-enabled internet banking services.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not incorporate age groups other than Generation Z. Further research could throw light on the difference based on age groups. Further research is required to deeply understand why Generation Z does not perceive AI-enabled internet services as very important.

Practical implications

It has been observed that internet banking is important for Generation Z, but they also place greater importance on interpersonal communication. Banks need to consider this in designing their internet banking services.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the gap between comfort with and usage of AI-enabled internet banking services, by Generation Z. This paper indicates that the comfort with AI-enabled internet banking services does not translate to usage.
Post COVID-19's opportunities for customer-centric green supply chain management and customers' resilience; the moderate effect of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Kholaif Moustafa Mohamed Nazief Haggag Kotb , Ming Xiao , Getele Gutama Kusse
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This research aims to profoundly investigate the post-COVID-19's opportunities for customer-centric green supply chain management (GSCM) and perceived customer resilience by studying the correlation between fear-uncertainty of COVID-19, customer-centric GSCM, and the perceived customers' resilience. Moreover, to examine how the perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities moderates the relationship among the variables.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was adopted on a sample of 298 managers and customers in the Egyptian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) market for data analysis and hypotheses testing.

Findings

Preliminary results indicate that the fear-uncertainty of COVID-19 positively affects customer-centric GSCM. Also, external CSR moderates the association between fear-uncertainty towards COVID-19 and customer-centric GSCM. However, internal CSR does not moderate this relationship. Customer-centric GSCM has a significant positive impact on the perceived environmental and social resilience. However, it has an insignificant effect on the perceived financial resilience. Also, customer-centric GSCM has a significant mediation outcome on the relation between fear-uncertainty of COVID-19 and the perceived environmental and social resilience. However, this relation is insignificant regarding the perceived financial resilience.

Practical implications

Managers could develop a consistent strategy for applying CSR practices, providing clear information and focusing on their procedures to meet their customer needs during COVID-19. Governments and managers should develop a consistent strategy to apply customer-oriented green practices to achieve customers' resilience, especially during the pandemic.

Originality/value

Based on the “social-cognitive,” “stakeholder” and “consumer culture” theories, this study shed light on the optimistic side of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it also brings the concepts of social responsibility, resilience and green practices back into the light, which helps in solving customers' issues and help to achieve their resilience.
Impact of corona virus outbreak on travellers’ behaviour: scale development and validation
Authors: Ansari Zaid Ahmad , Bashir Makhmoor , Pradhan Sudeepta
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an instrument to measure the influence of coronavirus (COVID-19) on international travellers’ behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 500 respondents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to develop and validate a multi-item scale to measure international travel behaviour post-COVID-19. The initial pool of items was validated by using exploratory factor analysis. The first-order reflective and the assessment of hierarchical factor structure were done through structural equation modelling by using SmartPLS 3.

Findings

Findings revealed a hierarchical three-level scale for measuring international traveller’s behaviour. The first level consists of six sub-dimensions of 19 items. These six sub-dimensions can be used as a formative measure of three dimensions of general impact, attitude and preference and cleanliness and safety. These three dimensions form the third level for the meta construct of traveller’s behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed scale will provide policymakers and managers with an improved understanding of the change in travellers’ behaviour due to the COVID-19 crisis or any future pandemic.

Practical implications

The scale can be used by the tourism and hospitality industry to access the impact of COVID-19 or any other future pandemic on traveller’s behaviour.

Originality/value

Since the outbreak of the novel COVID-19, almost all international travel has come to halt. A diverse measuring instrument to measure traveller’s behaviour is not available in extant literature. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind which has developed and validated a scale for measuring traveller’s behaviour during and post COVID-19.
The supreme audit institution in the Republic of North Macedonia – two decades of building public trust
Authors: Dionisijev Ivan , Bozhinovska Lazarevska Zorica , Trpeska Marina , Atanasovski Atanasko
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The state audit is crucial for society in ensuring the transparent and legal spending of public funds. In the Republic of North Macedonia, although state audit-related activities have existed since the state's independence, the State Audit Office started operating as a Supreme Audit Institution in 1999. The purpose of this research was to explore the development of the State Audit Office in the Republic of North Macedonia over the past two decades regarding the organisational aspect and the state audit-related activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a detailed analysis performed using statistical tests of data collected from the State Audit Office's annual reports on operation and performed audits in the period 2001–2020, concerning the budget, organisational size, audit engagements, audited public revenues and expenditures, audit reports, and given recommendations and their implementation. The survey method was used to determine other factors that could have a correlation with the development of the State Audit Office.

Findings

In general, it can be concluded that the State Audit Office has grown in terms of financial resources at its disposal and the organisational size (number of employees). Although there is no correlation between the regularity audit engagements and the audited public revenues and expenditures, there is still a positive correlation between the audited public revenues and expenditures. The implementation of the given recommendations by the auditors is not related to the number of recommendations in the final audit reports. There are several internal, external and international factors that have a positive correlation with the development of the State Audit Office.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation of this paper pertains to the period of existence of the Supreme Audit Institution in the Republic of North Macedonia not being very long in order to be able to draw more significant conclusions. The second limitation concerns the measurement of the variables from the survey being based only on the perception of the state auditors. Such a measurement method might be considered less accurate in describing the actual situation.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the only one that explores the development of the Supreme Audit Institution in the Republic of North Macedonia. Furthermore, it provides a good basis for further detailed research on areas relevant to the issue. We believe that this research will enrich the existing body of literature on state audit by offering a concrete example of the development of a Supreme Audit Institution in a less-researched geographical area.
Measuring diaspora populations and their socio‐economic profiles: Australia’s Chinese diaspora
Authors: Tan Yan , Liu Xuchun
Published: August 2022

Data on diasporas are incomplete, inaccurate, and beset by definitional fluidity as the concept itself evolves. Despite their significant role in homeland development, members of a diaspora population are typically passed over in origin countries’ censuses, and policies and planning rely instead on statistics generated in destination countries. To analyse the data available from destination countries, this article deploys two coordinated concepts—diaspora and transnationalism. We construct a demographic and socio‐economic profile of the Chinese diaspora population in Australia spanning 2000–2016. That work is based on the 2016 Australian Census and on Migrants Integrated Dataset (ACMID) and 2016 Australian Census and Temporary Entrants Integrated Dataset (ACTEID) micro‐files sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The profile is disaggregated by permanent or temporary residency status, visa, and citizenship, stratified by geographic distribution, and compared with that of Australia’s overall migrant population. Nuanced understandings of the size, composition, distribution, and socio‐economic integration into the destination lays a baseline necessary for policymakers and agencies in the countries of origin as they work toward more targeted diaspora engagement practices. Those understandings also inform retention strategies in Australia concerning diaspora groups that can enhance economic and social inclusion.
KRT5 missense variant in a Cardigan Welsh Corgi with epidermolysis bullosa simplex
Authors: Kiener Sarah , Mauldin Elizabeth A. , Jagannathan Vidhya , Casal Margret L. , Leeb Tosso
Published: August 2022

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of blistering disorders that includes several subtypes, classified according to their level of cleavage. Typical clinical signs are blisters and erosions resulting from minimal trauma. The disease has been described in many mammalian species and pathogenic variants in at least 18 different genes have been identified. In the present study, we investigated a Cardigan Welsh Corgi with congenital clinical signs consistent with epidermolysis bullosa. The puppy had blisters and erosions on the paw pads, and the oral mucosa. Histologic examination demonstrated the typical clefting between the dermis and epidermis and confirmed the clinical suspicion. We obtained whole genome sequencing data from the affected puppy and searched for variants in candidate genes known to cause EB. This revealed a heterozygous missense variant, KRT5:p.(E476K), affecting the highly conserved KLLEGE motif of keratin 5. The mutant allele in the affected puppy arose owing to a de novo mutation event as it was absent from both unaffected parents. Knowledge of the functional impact of KRT5 variants in other species together with the demonstration of the de novo mutation event establishes KRT5:p.(E476K) as causative variant for the observed EBS.
Citrullination is linked to reduced Ca2+ sensitivity in hearts of a murine model of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pironti Gianluigi , Gastaldello Stefano , Rassier Dilson E. , Lanner Johanna T. , Carlström Mattias , Lund Lars H. , Westerblad Håkan , Yamada Takashi , Andersson Daniel C.
Published: August 2022

Aims

Cardiac contractile dysfunction is prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with an increased risk for heart failure. A hallmark of RA has increased levels of peptidyl arginine deaminases (PAD) that convert arginine to citrulline leading to ubiquitous citrullination, including in the heart. We aimed to investigate whether PAD‐dependent citrullination in the heart was linked to contractile function in a mouse model of RA during the acute inflammatory phase.

Methods

We used hearts from the collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) mice, with overt arthritis, and control mice to analyze cardiomyocyte Ca2+ handling and fractional shortening, the force‐Ca2+ relationship in isolated myofibrils, the levels of PAD, protein post‐translational modifications, and Ca2+ handling protein. Then, we used an in vitro model to investigate the role of TNF‐α in the PAD‐mediated citrullination of proteins in cardiomyocytes.

Results

Cardiomyocytes from CIA mice displayed larger Ca2+ transients than controls, whereas cell shortening was similar in the two groups. Myofibrils from CIA hearts required higher [Ca2+] to reach 50% of maximum shortening, ie Ca2+ sensitivity was lower. This was associated with increased PAD2 expression and α‐actin citrullination. TNF‐α increased PAD‐mediated citrullination which was blocked by pre‐treatment with the PAD inhibitor 2‐chloroacetamide.

Conclusion

Using a mouse RA model we found evidence of impaired cardiac contractile function linked to reduced Ca2+ sensitivity, increased expression of PAD2, and citrullination of α‐actin, which was triggered by TNF‐α. This provides molecular and physiological evidence for acquired cardiomyopathy and a potential mechanism for RA‐associated heart failure.
Microstructural changes along the cingulum in young adolescents with psychotic experiences: An along‐tract analysis
Authors: Roddy Darren William , Roman Elena , Nasa Anurag , Gazzaz Areej , Zainy Ahmed , Burke Tom , Staines Lorna , Kelleher Ian , O'Neill Aisling , Clarke Mary , O'Hanlon Erik , Cannon Mary
Published: August 2022

Psychotic experiences (PEs) such as hallucinations and delusions are common among young people without psychiatric diagnoses and are associated with connectivity and white matter abnormalities, particularly in the limbic system. Using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adolescents with reported PEs and matched controls, we examined the cingulum white matter tract along its length rather than as the usually reported single indivisible structure. Complex regional differences in diffusion metrics were found along the bundle at key loci following Bonferroni significance adjustment (p < .00013) with moderate to large effect sizes (.11–.76) throughout all significant subsegments. In this prospective community‐based cohort of school‐age children, these findings suggest that white matter alterations in the limbic system may be more common in the general non‐clinical adolescent population than previously thought. Such white matter alternations may only be uncovered using a similar more granular along‐tract analysis of white matter tracts.
Sex differences in early‐onset Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Contador José , Pérez‐Millan Agnès , Guillén Nuria , Sarto Jordi , Tort‐Merino Adrià , Balasa Mircea , Falgàs Neus , Castellví Magdalena , Borrego‐Écija Sergi , Juncà‐Parella Jordi , Bosch Beatriz , Fernández‐Villullas Guadalupe , Ramos‐Campoy Oscar , Antonell Anna , Bargalló Nuria , Sanchez‐Valle Raquel , Sala‐Llonch Roser , Lladó Albert
Published: August 2022

Background and purpose

Sex is believed to drive heterogeneity in Alzheimer's disease (AD), although evidence in early‐onset AD (EOAD; <65 years) is scarce.

Methods

We included 62 EOAD patients and 44 healthy controls (HCs) with core AD cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, neurofilament light chain levels, neuropsychological assessment, and 3‐T magnetic resonance imaging. We measured cortical thickness (CTh) and hippocampal subfield volumes (HpS) using FreeSurfer. Adjusted linear models were used to analyze sex‐differences and the relationship between atrophy and cognition.

Results

Compared to same‐sex HCs, female EOAD subjects showed greater cognitive impairment and broader atrophy burden than male EOAD subjects. In a direct female‐EOAD versus male‐EOAD comparison, there were slight differences in temporal CTh, with no differences in cognition or HpS. CSF tau levels were higher in female EOAD than in male EOAD subjects. Greater atrophy was associated with worse cognition in female EOAD subjects.

Conclusions

At diagnosis, there are sex differences in the pattern of cognitive impairment, atrophy burden, and CSF tau in EOAD, suggesting there is an influence of sex on pathology spreading and susceptibility to the disease in EOAD.
Nigerians in China: Health maintenance, circulation and everyday transnationalism in Guangdong Province
Authors: Adebayo Kudus Oluwatoyin
Published: August 2022

The challenges facing Africans in Chinese cities have been examined from different perspectives, including healthcare‐related challenges and barriers. However, how they navigate health problems through circulation and transnational practices has received scant attention. The article explored the importance of circulation and everyday transnationalism in health maintenance using qualitative data from 37 Nigerians in Guangdong Province, China. It revealed that transnational practices involving the flows of people, medicinal commodities and information were crucial in managing their health issues with circulating migrants, family members and healthcare professionals at home playing important roles. Circular migrants import herbal medicines and hard‐to‐acquire pharmaceutical drugs between Nigeria and China, family members and relatives also send over‐the‐counter drugs to migrants and health professionals in Nigeria supply medical information through transnational consultation. The article advanced the literature as it responds to the growing call for adopting a transnational lens for interrogating the link between migration and health.
Impact of sustained viral response for hepatitis C virus on the outcomes of liver transplantation in hemophilic patients with human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus co‐infection: A nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Hidaka Masaaki , Eguchi Susumu , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Shimamura Tsuyoshi , Hatano Etsuro , Ohdan Hideki , Hibi Taizo , Hasegawa Yasushi , Kaneko Junichi , Goto Ryoichi , Egawa Hiroto , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Tsukada Kunihisa , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Soyama Akihiko , Hara Takanobu , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa
Published: August 2022

Aim

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co‐infection from blood products for hemophilia has been a social problem in Japan, and liver transplantation (LT) for these patients has been a challenging procedure. However, with the advent of the direct‐acting antiviral agent for HCV and change in the policy for prioritization of deceased donor LT, the results of LT for patients co‐infected with HCV/HIV may have improved.

Methods

This study was conducted to provide updated results of our nationwide survey of LT for patients co‐infected with HCV/HIV, from January 1997 to December 2019. We collected data on 17 patients with HIV/HCV co‐infection who underwent either deceased donor LT (n = 5) or living donor LT (n = 12).

Results

All the patients were men with hemophilia, and the median age was 41 (range, 23–61) years. The median CD4 count before LT was 258 (range, 63–751). Most patients had poor liver function before surgery with Child–Pugh grade C and a Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score of 20 (range, 11–48). The right lobe was used for most grafts for living donor liver transplantation (n = 10). Overall survival was significantly better with a sustained viral response (SVR) than without an SVR, and a univariate analysis indicated that SVR after direct‐acting antiviral or interferon/ribavirin showed the highest hazard ratio for patient survival after LT. A multivariate analysis was not possible because of the limited number of cases.

Conclusion

SVR for HCV showed the highest impact on the outcome of LT for patients with hemophilia co‐infected with HIV/HCV. SVR for HCV should be achieved before or after LT for patients with hemophilia co‐infected with HIV/HCV for a better outcome.
METTL3 inhibition reduces N6‐methyladenosine levels and prevents allogeneic CD4+ T‐cell responses
Authors: Li Shuang , Zou Dawei , Chen Wenhao , Britz Gavin W , Liu Zhaoqian , Weng Yi‐Lan
Published: August 2022

Alloreactive CD4+ T cells play a central role in allograft rejection. However, the post‐transcriptional regulation of the effector program in alloreactive CD4+ T cells remains unclear. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Herein, we investigated whether m6A methylation plays a role in the allogeneic T‐cell effector program. m6A levels of CD4+ T cells from spleens, draining lymph nodes and skin allografts were determined in a skin transplantation model. The effects of a METTL3 inhibitor (STM2457) on CD4+ T‐cell characteristics including proliferation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis and effector differentiation were determined after stimulation of polyclonal and alloantigen‐specific (TEa; CD4+ T cells specific for I‐Eα52‐68) CD4+ T cells with α‐CD3/α‐CD28 monoclonal antibodies and cognate CB6F1 alloantigen, respectively. We found that graft‐infiltrating CD4+ T cells expressed high m6A levels. Administration of STM2457 reduced m6A levels, inhibited T‐cell proliferation and suppressed effector differentiation of polyclonal CD4+ T cells. Alloreactive TEa cells challenged with 40 μm STM2457 exhibited deficits in T‐cell proliferation and T helper type 1 cell differentiation, a cell cycle arrest in the G0 phase and elevated cell apoptosis. Moreover, these impaired T‐cell responses were associated with the diminished expression levels of transcription factors Ki‐67, c‐Myc and T‐bet. Therefore, METTL3 inhibition reduces the expression of several key transcriptional factors for the T‐cell effector program and suppresses alloreactive CD4+ T‐cell effector function and differentiation. Targeting m6A‐related enzymes and molecular machinery in CD4+ T cells represents an attractive therapeutic approach to prevent allograft rejection.
Concussion Public Policy in Elementary and High Schools in Ontario, Canada: A Cross‐Sectional Survey to Examine Implementation Compliance, Barriers, and Facilitators
Authors: Mylabathula Swapna , Macarthur Colin , Mylabathula Sandhya , Colantonio Angela , Guttmann Astrid , Tator Charles H.
Published: August 2022

Background

Concussion public policies have been developed to address the burden of concussions. The aim of the present study was to examine implementation compliance, barriers, and facilitators of Canada's first concussion public policy, Ontario's Policy/Program Memorandum 158: School Board Policies on Concussion (PPM158).

Methods

An electronic survey was sent to 515 randomly selected elementary and high school principals across specific geographic, language, and publicly funded school types in Ontario. Data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐five principals responded to the survey (26%). Concussion education was provided to teachers in 81% of schools, to students in 83%, and coaches in 79%. Additionally, 89% reported having a return‐to‐learn protocol in place and 90% reported having a return‐to‐play protocol. Implementation barriers included difficulties in providing concussion education to parents (42%), obtaining notes from physicians, and maintaining the volume of documentation. Eighty‐seven percent of respondents believed that PPM158 improves student well‐being.

Conclusions

Identified implementation barriers and facilitators can inform concussion policy practices to improve student well‐being. We recommend: (1) an appointed concussion policy lead at each school, (2) electronic documentation, (3) determining the optimal education format to improve parent/guardian education, (4) fostering relationships between schools and health care professionals, and (5) student concussion education in every grade in Ontario schools.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with TDP‐43 abnormalities exhibiting globular glial tau inclusions in frontotemporal lobes and pallido‐nigral system
Authors: Yagita Kaoru , Sasagasako Naokazu , Koyama Sachiko , Noguchi Hideko , Honda Hiroyuki
Published: August 2022

Here we present the autopsy case of an 80‐year‐old woman with a 9‐year history of motor neuron disease and atypical Parkinsonism. Her initial symptom was gait disturbance, and she subsequently developed limb weakness and Parkinsonism without response to levodopa. Her motor symptoms progressed to bulbar palsy, and she died of respiratory failure. Postmortem examination revealed characteristic findings of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including motor neuronal loss with astrogliosis, corticospinal tract degeneration, and TAR DNA‐binding protein of 43 kDa abnormalities, including nuclear loss and skein‐like inclusions. In contrast, severe tau pathological changes were seen in the frontotemporal lobes and pallido‐nigral system. Tau pathologies affected not only neuronal components, such as neurofibrillary tangles and neuropil threads, but also glial cells (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes). Some glial tau pathologies exhibited peculiar round accumulations, reminiscent of globular glial inclusions (GGIs) in globular glial tauopathy. This unique autopsy case demonstrates that ALS with TDP‐43 could be comorbid with globular glial tau inclusions and indicates that common pathological mechanisms exist among ALS and GGI formation.
Caries, periodontitis and tooth loss after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A systematic review
Authors: van Gennip Lucky L. A. , Bulthuis Marjolein S. , Blijlevens Nicole M. A. , Huysmans Marie‐Charlotte D. N. J. M. , van Leeuwen Stephanie J. M. , Thomas Renske Z.
Published: August 2022

Objective

A systematic review was conducted to assess scientific knowledge concerning the effect of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) on the occurrence of caries, periodontal conditions and tooth loss, and to evaluate the prevalence of these diseases in adult HSCT survivors (PROSPERO 152906).

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched for papers, published from January 2000 until November 2020 without language restriction, assessing prevalence, incidence or parameters of caries, periodontal conditions and tooth loss in HSCT recipients (≥80% transplanted in adulthood). Bias risk was assessed with checklists from Joanna Briggs Institute, and data synthesis was performed by narrative summary.

Results

Eighteen papers were included (1618 subjects). Half were considered at high risk of bias. Longitudinal studies did not show caries progression, decline in periodontal health or tooth loss after HSCT. The prevalence in HSCT survivors ranged from 19% to 43% for caries, 11% to 67% for periodontitis, and 2% to 5% for edentulism. Certainty in the body of evidence was very low.

Conclusions

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, on the short term, may have little to no effect on caries, periodontal conditions and tooth loss. Caries and periodontitis may be more common in HSCT survivors compared with the general population, whereas edentulism may be comparable. However, the evidence for all conclusions is very uncertain.
Could Light‐Based Technologies Improve Stem Cell Therapy for Skin Wounds? A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Preclinical Studies†
Authors: Yoshimura Tania M. , Cabral Fernanda V. , Sellera Fábio P. , Pozzo Lorena , Ribeiro Martha S.
Published: August 2022

Several diseases or conditions cause dermatological disorders that hinder the process of skin repair. The search for novel technologies has inspired the combination of stem cell (SC) and light‐based therapies to ameliorate skin wound repair. Herein, we systematically revised the impact of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) combined with SCs in animal models of skin wounds and quantitatively evaluated this effect through a meta‐analysis. For inclusion, SCs should be irradiated in vitro or in vivo, before or after being implanted in animals, respectively. The search resulted in nine eligible articles, which were assessed for risk of bias. For the meta‐analysis, studies were included only when PBM was applied in vivo, five regarding wound closure, and three to wound strength. Overall, a positive influence of SC + PBM on wound closure (mean difference: 9.69; 95% CI: 5.78–13.61, P < 0.00001) and strength (standardized mean difference: 1.7, 95% CI: 0.68–2.72, P = 0.001) was detected, although studies have shown moderate to high heterogeneity and a lack of information regarding some bias domains. Altogether, PBM seems to be an enabling technology able to be applied postimplantation of SCs for cutaneous regeneration. Our findings may guide future laboratory and clinical studies in hopes of offering wound care patients a better quality of life.
War Dogs
Authors: Zeldovich Lina
Published: August 2022

As robots become more advanced and more autonomous, they will be asked to do tasks that humans need done, but don’t want to do themselves. Unfortunately, in some cases, those tasks may include going to war. Ghost Robotics Q-UGV was recently fitted with a rifle in a demonstration of its potential on the battlefield.
Effect of Different Inlet/Outlet Port Configurations on the Thermal Management of Prismatic Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Singh Gurjeet , Wu Hongwei
Published: August 2022

The performance and life cycle of Li-ion batteries are governed by the maximum temperature and uniformity of temperature distribution in the battery pack, and an efficient thermal management system is highly desired to keep the operating temperature of the battery pack within safe operating limits. Air cooling has received extensive attention in the area of battery thermal management. However, performance intensification of air-cooling modules is essential while keeping the simplicity of design to satisfy the weight and space constraints of electric vehicle (EV) applications. In the current work, efforts have been made to design a simple and generalized air-cooling module for efficient thermal management of Li-ion batteries. The current work explored the effect of two common air flow configurations: side inlet and side outlet (SS) and side inlet and front outlet (SF), with different number of inlet/outlet ports (single inlet and single outlet, single inlet and two outlets, two inlets and single outlet, and two inlets and two outlets) on the thermal and hydraulic performance of Li-ion battery pack. Subsequently, a new design of battery module with an open outlet port is proposed. It is observed that the way fluid leaves the cooling module significantly influences the flow and temperature distribution uniformity of the battery pack. Significant improvement in the fluid flow distribution and lower temperature fluctuation are maintained by the SF designs as compared to the SS designs. Among all SS designs, only SS-Ib at Vin ≥ 5.6 m/s and SS-IV at Vin ≥ 4.8 m/s are found suitable for the thermal management of Li-ion battery pack, whereas all SF designs maintained desired Tmax and ΔTmax conditions at Vin ≥ 4.8 m/s. Furthermore, the new design (SF-V) with an open outlet results in the reduction of Tmax by 7 °C and ΔTmax by 64.5% as compared to base design (SS-Ia) at the same pressure drop penalty.
Thermal Conductivity of Some Ceramic Materials at Cryogenic Temperatures
Authors: Ghavami Ali , Ghiaasiaan S. Mostafa
Published: August 2022

The application of ceramics in cryogenic systems is expanding. Thermophysical properties of these ceramics in cryogenic temperatures are thus needed. In this investigation, the thermal conductivities of 7740 Pyrex, 99.99% purity dense Alumina, and dense 8% mol yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were experimentally measured in the 75–300 K temperature range, using the guarded comparative-longitudinal heat flow technique in accordance with ASTM International's ASTM E1225-13 standard. These ceramics are widely applied in cryogenics systems, including some critical components of Stirling and pulse-tube cryocoolers. The measured conductivities for Pyrex are in general agreement, but slightly higher than available published data. The data for 99.99% purity dense alumina agree with data from two previously published sources in the aforementioned temperature range. Our experimental thermal conductivity data for dense 8% mol YSZ appear to be the first such data in the aforementioned temperature range and indicate a temperature-sensitive distribution with a peak at about 140 K temperature. The data also converge with two sets of previously published experimental data representing temperatures lower and higher than the aforementioned temperature range. Empirical correlations are developed for the thermal conductivity of 7740 Pyrex and 99.99%—purity dense alumina for the 75–300 K temperature range based on our experimental data. Empirical correlations are also proposed for the 40–400 K temperature range for 8% Mol YSZ, based on the experimental data generated in this work as well as the data from two other sources.
Water Thermodynamic Behavior Under Influence of Electric Field: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Porterfield Malcolm , Borca-Tasciuc Diana-Andra
Published: August 2022

Water phase-change is of importance to many applications including energy conversion, thermal management of electronics, and medical therapies. Augmenting the rate of phase-change by application of an electric field is of interest in many situations and may lead to increased effectiveness of energy transfer. Thus, it is important to develop a better understanding of the effect of an electric field on the thermodynamic properties of water. In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) was utilized to assess two distinct water models, the TIP4P-Ew and the SWM4-NDP, for predicting the effect of an electric field on the density and the enthalpy of vaporization of water. Both water models possess rigid molecular geometry. However, the SWM4-NDP model has a negatively charged Drude particle (the “NDP”) attached to the oxygen site in the water molecule, making the SWM4-NDP model polarizable. The objective is to understand if the polarizability of the water model has a significant effect when predicting the two properties of interest. Applying an electric field in MD simulations with each water model resulted in increased values for both the density and enthalpy of vaporization. The magnitude of these increases is comparable between water models and grows with applied field strength. Corresponding electrostriction pressure attributed to the applied field is well below values predicted by analytical models.
Mixing in a Misaligned Serpentine Micromixer With Flow Splitting and Recombination
Authors: Agarwal Tarang , Wang Liqiu
Published: August 2022

Serpentine micromixers are simple in design, have a high mixing performance, and thus are preferable among passive micromixers. Conventional geometries such as square-wave, circular, and zigzag have widely been investigated by researchers. High-pressure loss diminishes the cost-effectiveness of micromixers. To mitigate the pressure loss and maintain high mixing efficiency, a novel 3D square-wave serpentine micromixer with misaligned inflow is introduced. The design integrates the concept of nonaligned inlets and a highly effective square-wave cross section inside a serpentine micromixer. Flow analysis was done for Reynolds numbers 5 to 50 and a mixing efficiency above 90% was achieved. The design amalgamates two square-wave cross section with lateral misalignments thereby producing a vortex flow at each mixing junction (chamber). The results suggest strong vortex mixing along with cross-flow phenomenon (vortex propagation and intensification) inside the mixing chamber. The core vortex region was also analyzed. For Reynolds number 30, a mixing index of 0.92 is observed with pressure loss around 5 kPa and a mixing length of 3.7 mm. The effect of the average temperature and temperature gradient of fluid is also discussed. A detailed comparative study is also established, which successfully demonstrates the edge of the proposed design.
Methods of Estimating Foot Power and Work in Standing Vertical Jump
Authors: Joshi Kundan , Ashby Blake M.
Published: August 2022

Experimental motion capture studies have commonly considered the foot as a single rigid body even though the foot contains 26 bones and 30 joints. Various methods have been applied to study rigid body deviations of the foot. This study compared 3 methods: distal foot power (DFP), foot power imbalance (FPI), and a 2-segment foot model to study foot power and work in the takeoff phase of standing vertical jumps. Six physically active participants each performed 6 standing vertical jumps from a starting position spanning 2 adjacent force platforms to allow ground reaction forces acting on the foot to be divided at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints. Shortly after movement initiation, DFP showed a power absorption phase followed by a power generation phase. FPI followed a similar pattern with smaller power absorption and a larger power generation compared to DFP. MTP joints primarily generated power in the 2-segment model. The net foot work was –4.0 (1.0) J using DFP, 1.8 (1.1) J using FPI, and 5.1 (0.5) J with MTP. The results suggest that MTP joints are only 1 source of foot power and that differences between DFP and FPI should be further explored in jumping and other movements.
Policy impacts of statistical uncertainty and privacy
Authors: Steed Ryan , Liu Terrance , Wu Zhiwei Steven , Acquisti Alessandro
Published: August 2022

Funding formula reform may help address unequal impacts of uncertainty from data error and privacy protections
Two nanoparticles dancing as a pair
Authors: Pedernales Julen Simon
Published: August 2022

Lasers induce and control interactions between two nanoparticles
Sparkling waters
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: August 2022

Tiny Caribbean crustaceans and their bioluminescent mating displays are shining new light on evolution
Activity of Tricyclic Pyrrolopyrimidine Gyrase B Inhibitor against Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Madani Abdeldjalil , Negatu Dereje A. , El Marrouni Abdellatif , Miller Randy R. , Boyce Christopher W. , Murgolo Nicholas , Bungard Christopher J. , Zimmerman Matthew D. , Dartois Véronique , Gengenbacher Martin , Olsen David B. , Dick Thomas
Published: August 2022

Tricyclic pyrrolopyrimidines (TPPs) are a new class of antibacterials inhibiting the ATPase of DNA gyrase. TPP8, a representative of this class, is active against
Mycobacterium abscessus
in vitro
.
Genome Sequence of Singleton Gordonia terrae Bacteriophage Finkle
Authors: Ashby Seth , Bressette Gavin , Brown Sydney , Charles Sophie , Maginnis Melissa , Molloy Sally D. , Neely Melody N.
Published: August 2022

Bacteriophage Finkle is a temperate siphovirus isolated from soil on
Gordonia terrae
. The 47,895-bp genome has a GC content of 66.6% and encodes 84 protein-coding genes. The genome is not closely related to sequences in the Actinobacteriophage database, sharing less than 35% gene content, and was classified as a singleton.
On the Problem of Homology of the Clypeus and Labrum in Coccids (Homoptera, Coccina)
Authors: Emeljanov A. F.
Published: August 2022

Arguments by P. Pesson and S. Singh on the homology of the clypeus and labrum in Coccina are supported. The labrum rudiment at the apex of the anteclypeus in coccids and reduction of lora in Margarodidae s. l. are considered.
Investing in the health workforce in Kenya: trends in size, composition and distribution from a descriptive health labour market analysis
Authors: Okoroafor Sunny C , Kwesiga Brendan , Ogato Julius , Gura Zeinab , Gondi Joel , Jumba Nakato , Ogumbo Teresa , Monyoncho Maureen , Wamae Annah , Wanyee Mutile , Angir Meldah , Almudhwahi Mona Ahmed , Evalyne Chagina , Nabyonga-Orem Juliet , Ahmat Adam , Zurn Pascal , Asamani James Avoka
Published: August 2022

Investing in the health workforce to ensure universal access to qualified, skilled and motivated health workers is pertinent in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The policy thrust in Kenya is to improve the quality of life of the population by investing to improve health service provision and achieving universal health coverage. To realise this, the Ministry of Health undertook a Health Labour Market Analysis with to generate evidence on the relationship between supply, demand and need of the health labour force. In the context of supply, Kenya has a total of 189 932 health workers in 2020 with 66% being in the public sector and 58%, 13% and 7% being nurses, clinical officers and doctors, respectively. The density of doctors, nurses and clinical officers per 10 000 in Kenya in 2020 was 30.14, which represents about 68% of the SDG index threshold of 44.5 doctors, nurses and midwives per 10 000 population. Findings indicates that Kenya needs to align future production in terms of cadre and quantity to the population health needs. Achieving this requires a multisectoral approach to ensure apposite quantity and mix of intakes into training institutions based on the health needs and ability to employ health workers produced.
Nimotuzumab plus induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy/concurrent chemoradiotherapy plus nimotuzumab for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: protocol of a multicentre, open-label, single-arm, prospective phase II trial
Authors: Yuan Jing-Jing , Ding Jian-Wu , Li Jin-Wei , Hu Rong-Huan , Gong Dan , Hu Jia-Li , Zhu Kai-Bin , Liu Yan , Ding Yu-Hai , Wei Jia-Wang , Zeng Jian-Lun , Lu Zhi-Bing , Yin Wei-Hua , Ai Su-Fen , Zha Guo-Hua , Zhang Zhi-Lin , Zou Rui , Zeng Lei
Published: August 2022

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a therapeutic target in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The optimal combined modality of optimal combined modality of anti-­EGFR monoclonal antibodies, induction chemotherapy (ICT), concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy for NPC remains poorly defined. None of previous studies have developed subsequent treatment strategies on the basis of stratification according to the efficacy following ICT plus anti-EGFR mAbs. This study aims to increase treatment intensity for patients with poor efficacy of ICT and reduce treatment toxicity for patients with favourable efficacy of ICT by assessing whether the efficacy of this treatment regimen is non-inferior to ICT plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy (historic controls).

Introduction

Methods and analysis

Pathology-confirmed WHO type II/III NPC patients at clinical stage III–IVA (eighth American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union for International Cancer Control staging system) will be included in the study. They will receive ICT plus nimotuzumab (NTZ), followed by radiotherapy plus NTZ or concurrent chemoradiotherapy plus NTZ (stratified based on the efficacy of ICT plus NTZ). The primary endpoint is 3-year failure-free survival rate; while the secondary endpoints are 3-year overall survival rate, distant metastasis-free survival rate and locoregional recurrence-free survival rate, and short-term remission rate of tumour and treatment toxicity.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. Our findings will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal. Implementation strategies are in place to ensure privacy and confidentiality of participants.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2000041139.