bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“We're socialists not nationalists”: British labour and the national question(s)
Authors: Brown Swan Coree
Published: August 2022

The UK Labour Party, which in government delivered devolution to Scotland and Wales, has struggled to adapt to a multilevel and increasingly territorialised political space, where demands for significant territorial reform grow ever louder. These challenges intensified with the Scottish independence referendum and the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union. During this prolonged constitutional moment, the Labour Party has had to articulate the case for a plurinational and multicultural British identity and for the Union, and to a large degree, has struggled to do so. Capturing the period from 2012 to 2020, this article examines the discursive strategies adopted by the Labour Party and individuals within it. It identifies a deep discomfort, more pronounced in London and Edinburgh than in Cardiff, with the national questions and a reliance on largely instrumental arguments, albeit ones rooted in traditional left‐wing values of welfare and social solidarity between working people.
Epigenetic switch reveals CRISPR/Cas9 response to cytosine methylation in plants
Authors: Raffan Sarah , Kaur Navneet , Halford Nigel G.
Published: August 2022

This article is a Commentary on Přibylová et al. (2022) 235: 2285–2299.
Plant UVRAG interacts with ATG14 to regulate autophagosome maturation and geminivirus infection
Authors: Wang Yan , Li Jinlin , Wang Jingran , Han Ping , Miao Shulei , Zheng Xiyin , Han Meng , Shen Xueqi , Li Huangai , Wu Ming , Hong Yiguo , Liu Yule
Published: August 2022

Autophagy is an essential degradation pathway that assists eukaryote survival under multiple stress conditions. Autophagosomes engulfing cargoes accomplish degradation only when they have matured through fusing with lysosomes or vacuoles. However, the molecular machinery mediating autophagosome maturation in plants remains unknown.

Using the combined approaches of mass spectrometry, biochemistry, reverse genetics and microscopy, we uncover that UVRAG, a subunit of the class III phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase complexes in Nicotiana benthamiana, plays an essential role in autophagsome maturation via ATG14‐assisted recruitment to autophagosomes and by facilitating RAB7 activation.

An interaction between N. benthamiana UVRAG and ATG14 was observed in vitro and in vivo, which strikingly differed from their mutually exclusive appearance in different PI3KC3 complexes in yeast and mammals. This interaction increased the localisation of UVRAG on autophagosomes and enabled the convergence of autophagic and late endosomal structures, where they contributed to fusions between these two types of organelles by recruiting the essential membrane fusion factors RAB7 GTPase and the homotypic fusion and protein sorting (HOPS) complex. In addition, we uncovered a joint contribution of ATG14 and UVRAG to geminiviral infection, beyond autophagy.

Our study provides insights into the mechanisms of autophagosome maturation in plants and expands the understanding of organisations and roles of the PI3KC3 complexes.
Biologics to breast milk: A cross‐sectional study of popular eczema treatment content on TikTok
Authors: Khan Sabrina , Yee Danielle , Khan Samiya , Mehta Manan , Zagona‐Prizio Caterina , Maynard Nicole , Reddy Rasika , Armstrong April W.
Published: August 2022

We conducted a cross‐sectional study to compare viewer engagement, content quality and viewer experience of eczema related medical content on TikTok between health care professionals and non‐health care professionals. Compared to non‐health care professionals, health care professionals created videos of higher quality and superior viewing experience. Viewer engagement did not differ significantly between videos made by health care professionals and non‐health care professionals. Overall, content creators should focus on producing comprehensive, evidence‐based videos.
Toward a Holistic Understanding and Models of Nonphotochemical Quenching Effects on In Vivo Fluorometry of Chlorophyll a in Coastal Waters
Authors: Xie Yuyuan , Wikfors Gary H. , Dixon Mark S. , Guy Lisa , Krisak Melissa , Li Yaqin
Published: August 2022

Nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) is known to depress in vivo fluorescence (IVF) of chlorophyll a (Chla) in aquatic environments, which makes it difficult to interpret the hour‐to‐hour variations in Chla measured by in situ fluorometers. We hypothesized that ratios between quenched and unquenched IVF are a function of both NPQ and photochemical quenching. In this study, two diatom model species Thalassiosira pseudonana (CCMP1335) and Thalassiosira weissflogii (CCMP1047) incubated under a sinusoidal light:dark cycle were studied; IVF was recorded continuously, and Chla and photo‐physiological variables were measured seven times a day. The maximal decline in Chla‐specific IVF (IVFB) attributable to quenching was 50% under the experimental settings. An NPQ and photochemical quenching‐based modeling equation exhibited a better match to the measured IVFB than equations representing the sole NPQ effect. Photochemical quenching induced by measuring light beam varied substantially during the day, and the part of the model for this process is excitation intensity‐dependent (which is differed between models of in situ fluorometers, implying no straightforward method to correct Chla for all instrument models, instrument‐specific parameterization is required). The forms of the IVFB‐light relationship are discussed as well. The findings foster a holistic understanding of NPQ effects on in vivo Chla fluorometry.
Adjacent and Nonadjacent Dipyrimidine Photoproducts as Intrinsic Probes of DNA Secondary and Tertiary Structure†
Authors: Taylor John‐Stephen
Published: August 2022

While the photochemistry of duplex DNA has been extensively studied, the photochemistry of nonduplex DNA structures is largely unexplored. Because the structure and stereochemistry of DNA photoproducts depend on the secondary structure and conformation of the DNA precursor, they can serve as intrinsic probes of DNA structure. This review focuses on the structures and stereoisomers of pyrimidine dimer photoproducts arising from adjacent and nonadjacent pyrimidines in A, B and denatured DNA, bulge loops, G‐quadruplexes and reverse Hoogsteen hairpins and methods for their detection.
Informal care burden during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Flanders, Belgium: The role of perceived threat, personality and resilience
Authors: De Coninck David , Van Doren Shauni , Matthijs Koen , Declercq Anja
Published: August 2022

Background

In this study, we investigate how socio‐demographic characteristics (age, gender and education) and informal care relationship characteristics (e.g., time spent on care, number of informal caregivers, professional care) are linked with informal care burden during the COVID‐19 pandemic. In addition, we expect this burden to differ by personality characteristics, degree of resilience, and—in this specific context—perceived the COVID‐19 threat.

Method

We used the fifth wave of a longitudinal study to identify 258 informal caregivers. These online survey data came from a five‐wave longitudinal study in Flanders, Belgium that ran from April 2020 to April 2021. Data were representative of the adult population by age and gender. Analyses include t‐tests, ANOVA, SEM and binomial logistic regression.

Results

We found that the informal care burden was strongly linked with a socio‐economic gradient, time investment changes in care since the start of the pandemic, and whether there was more than one informal caregiver. Personality traits such as agreeableness and openness to experience, and the perceived threat of COVID‐19 were also related to care burden.

Conclusions

During the pandemic, informal caregivers were put under extra considerable pressure: restrictive government measures sometimes led to the temporary suspension of some or all professional care for persons with care needs, which may have resulted in a growing psychosocial burden. We recommend that, in the future, the focus should be on supporting the mental wellbeing and social participation of caregivers along with measures to protect caregivers and their relatives from COVID‐19. Support structures for informal caregivers should be kept running during crises now and in the future, but it is also important to adopt a case‐by‐case basis to consider support for informal caregivers.
Recognition of the HLA‐A*02:07:19 allele, a variant of HLA‐A*02:07:01:01, in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: August 2022

One nucleotide substitution at codon 310 of HLA‐A*02:07:01:01 results in the novel allele, HLA*02*07:19.
Myalgia in liver transplant recipients after receiving tixagevimab/cilgavimab for pre‐exposure prophylaxis of COVID‐19: A case series
Authors: Kleiboeker Hanna L. , Jorgenson Margaret R. , Smith Jeannina A.
Published: August 2022

image
Tools for monitoring toxicological and genotoxicological changes in a drinking water treatment plant in Northeast Italy
Authors: Alias Carlotta , Feretti Donatella , Benassi Laura , Zerbini Ilaria , Zani Claudia , Sorlini Sabrina
Published: August 2022

Drinking water quality can be compromised at different stages, from raw water to treated one. This research aimed to evaluate the toxicity and genotoxicity of groundwater contaminated by fluorinated compounds treated in a drinking water treatment plant, through several bioassays. Water samples underwent chemical analyses and were assayed on Daphnia magna, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Allium cepa, human leukocytes and Salmonella typhimurium. Physical–chemical parameters were always within the Italian legislation limits. Water after filtration and disinfection caused slight toxicity in D. magna; the sample after filtration inhibited the proliferation of P. subcapitata. None of the water samples exerted toxicity in A. cepa. All the analysed samples had genotoxic effects on A. cepa and human leucocytes, while only disinfected water caused mutations in S. typhimurium. A battery composed of tests on D. magna, P. subcapitata, S. typhimurium and A. cepa could represent a useful tool to verify the toxicity/genotoxicity through the water treatment stages and to improve drinking water quality management.
Hydrogen Thermal-Powered Aircraft Combustion and Propulsion System
Authors: Palies Paul P.
Published: August 2022

This article presents an assessment study of the propulsion system, the fuel distribution system, and the injector/combustor technologies enabling to eliminate of CO2 emissions in aviation. In addition, the discussion is on NOx reduction methods and mitigation technologies, and a concept to fully eliminate NOx is proposed. To design and deploy an advanced thermal-powered aircraft based on liquid hydrogen fuel in future, it is important to provide key estimates that support feasibility of the methods and technologies developed and explored in this paper. This is conducted here for a typical narrow-body aircraft that will be retrofitted and considered. Once the design space and performance requirements are introduced, a compact low emission combustor including all components is discussed to operate with hydrogen swirled combustion to equip the turbofan engines of this conceptualized aircraft. The fuel tank is not only discussed with respect to the difference in power per unit volume and per unit mass between sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and H2 but also taking into account the Breguet range. This demonstrates that the volume of the tanks does not need to be four times more voluminous between H2 and SAF. The paper also presents a thermodynamics performance analysis for SAF fuel that is used to retrofit the engine with hydrogen fuel keeping inlet and outlet combustor stagnation temperatures equivalent. A method to derive the required flow split for future premixed combustor is described and conserve identical thermal power between SAF and H2 fuels. Flame stabilization critical challenges are also introduced.
Estimation of Autoignition Propensity in Aeroderivative Gas Turbine Premixers Using Incompletely Stirred Reactor Network Modeling
Authors: Gkantonas Savvas , Jella Sandeep , Iavarone Salvatore , Versailles Philippe , Mastorakos Epaminondas , Bourque Gilles
Published: August 2022

The study of autoignition propensity in premixers for gas turbines is critical for their safe operation and design. Although premixers can be analyzed using reacting computational fluid dynamics (CFD) coupled with detailed autoignition chemical kinetics, it is essential to also develop methods with lower computational cost to be able to explore more geometries and operating conditions during the design process. This paper presents such an approach based on incompletely stirred reactor network (ISRN) modeling. This method uses a CFD solution of a nonreacting flow and subsequently estimates the spatial evolution of reacting scalars such as autoignition precursors and temperature conditioned on the mixture fraction, which is used to quantify autoignition propensity. The approach is intended as a “postprocessing” step, enabling the use of very complex chemical mechanisms and the study of many operating conditions. For a representative premixer of an aeroderivative gas turbine, results show that autoignition propensity can be reproduced with ISRN at highly reactive operating conditions featuring multi-stage autoignition of a dual fuel mixture. The ISRN computations are consequently analyzed to explore the evolution of reacting scalars and propose some autoignition metrics that combine mixing and chemical reaction to assist the design of premixers.
Effects of Motor Learning Interventions on Walking Performance and Physical Function in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shafizadeh Mohsen , Farina Nicolas , Parvonpour Shahab
Published: August 2022

Older adults with cognitive impairment have deficits in executive systems that affect their gait automaticity. The aim of the meta-analysis and systematic review was to examine the effects of interventions focus on only motor learning principles on gait performance and physical functions (e.g., dynamic balance). After inspections of 879 articles, 11 relevant studies were selected for systematic review and meta-analysis. The PEDro scale and Modified Downs and Black checklist were used to assess the quality of studies, and a random-effect model was used at a 95% confidence interval for calculating pooled effect sizes. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that motor learning interventions increased gait speed, cadence, stride length, and reduced gait cognitive cost but did not affect gait variability and physical function. In conclusion, practitioners should pay attention more to the potential benefits of motor learning interventions in rehabilitating older adults with cognitive impairment.
A Baltimore Benevolence Thing? American Philanthropy, Neoliberal Fitness, and the Persistence of “Colorblind” Racial Silencing
Authors: Mower Ronald L.
Published: August 2022

Drawing upon 3 years of fieldwork with a nonprofit fitness education development program targeting “at-risk” Baltimore youth, this article examines pedagogical barriers rooted in the perceived, and materially experienced, differences of race, gender, class, and culture. Set within the confines of increasingly privatized spaces of fitness/health in a starkly divided Baltimore, MD, this study demonstrated how interventions were rooted in a self-congratulatory and neocolonial benevolence—steeped in a largely unacknowledged form of neoliberal individualism—which routinely denied and silenced impacts of racism. Observations of instructor–student interaction revealed substantial disconnects concerning definitions of the body, fitness, and significance of race in health disparities, resulting in student refusal and program cessation. Given the power dynamics between white fitness-philanthropists and Black youth, the author, as active participant–observer, occupied a liminal space where considerations of authenticity and immersion became critical.
Perceptions of Current Issues in Female Sport Nutrition From Elite Athletes, Practitioners, and Researchers
Authors: Langan-Evans Carl , Cronin Colum , Hearris Mark A. , Elliott-Sale Kirsty J. , Morton James P.
Published: August 2022

In response to the ongoing sex data gap, the present study provides a qualitative exploration of females’ nutritional experiences in elite sporting environments. Semistructured interviews were conducted with multiple participant groups (n = 18), including athletes (n = 7), practitioners (n = 6), and researchers (n = 5) across differing disciplines within professional sporting organizations and/or national governing bodies. Combined content and thematic analysis provided an insight into the specific factors influencing current sport nutrition practices. A common theme highlighted among all participant groups was the paradoxical struggle between adequate fueling for training and competition demands, and the fear this may impact body mass and body composition goals. This tension was identified as being rooted within athletes’ perceptions of body image and driven by other participant groups and wider societal ideals. Each participant group also highlighted influences on cravings and approaches to food and dietary supplementation, centered around individual perceptions and challenges driven by symptomology associated with the female menstrual cycle and contraceptive use. To address these challenges, all participant groups called for more research to inform future change and continuing education pathways. In summary, this study contributes to providing a more complete understanding of elite female athlete sport nutrition experiences than currently exists. Multiple perspectives highlight the complexity of providing sport nutrition support to elite female athlete populations and directs future research, and practice, to reconsider one-size-fits-all approaches and acknowledge unique individual contexts which may influence these areas.
Low-temperature mineralization of perfluorocarboxylic acids
Authors: Trang Brittany , Li Yuli , Xue Xiao-Song , Ateia Mohamed , Houk K. N. , Dichtel William R.
Published: August 2022

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent, bioaccumulative pollutants found in water resources at concentrations harmful to human health. Whereas current PFAS destruction strategies use nonselective destruction mechanisms, we found that perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) could be mineralized through a sodium hydroxide–mediated defluorination pathway. PFCA decarboxylation in polar aprotic solvents produced reactive perfluoroalkyl ion intermediates that degraded to fluoride ions (78 to ~100%) within 24 hours. The carbon-containing intermediates and products were inconsistent with oft-proposed one-carbon-chain shortening mechanisms, and we instead computationally identified pathways consistent with many experiments. Degradation was also observed for branched perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids and might be extended to degrade other PFAS classes as methods to activate their polar headgroups are identified.
Chip-less wireless electronic skins by remote epitaxial freestanding compound semiconductors
Authors: Kim Yeongin , Suh Jun Min , Shin Jiho , Liu Yunpeng , Yeon Hanwool , Qiao Kuan , Kum Hyun S. , Kim Chansoo , Lee Han Eol , Choi Chanyeol , Kim Hyunseok , Lee Doyoon , Lee Jaeyong , Kang Ji-Hoon , Park Bo-In , Kang Sungsu , Kim Jihoon , Kim Sungkyu , Perozek Joshua A. , Wang Kejia , Park Yongmo , Kishen Kumar , Kong Lingping , Palacios Tomás , Park Jungwon , Park Min-Chul , Kim Hyung-jun , Lee Yun Seog , Lee Kyusang , Bae Sang-Hoon , Kong Wei , Han Jiyeon , Kim Jeehwan
Published: August 2022

Recent advances in flexible and stretchable electronics have led to a surge of electronic skin (e-skin)–based health monitoring platforms. Conventional wireless e-skins rely on rigid integrated circuit chips that compromise the overall flexibility and consume considerable power. Chip-less wireless e-skins based on inductor-capacitor resonators are limited to mechanical sensors with low sensitivities. We report a chip-less wireless e-skin based on surface acoustic wave sensors made of freestanding ultrathin single-crystalline piezoelectric gallium nitride membranes. Surface acoustic wave–based e-skin offers highly sensitive, low-power, and long-term sensing of strain, ultraviolet light, and ion concentrations in sweat. We demonstrate weeklong monitoring of pulse. These results present routes to inexpensive and versatile low-power, high-sensitivity platforms for wireless health monitoring devices.
Flexible thermoelectrics based on ductile semiconductors
Authors: Yang Qingyu , Yang Shiqi , Qiu Pengfei , Peng Liming , Wei Tian-Ran , Zhang Zhen , Shi Xun , Chen Lidong
Published: August 2022

Flexible thermoelectrics provide a different solution for developing portable and sustainable flexible power supplies. The discovery of silver sulfide–based ductile semiconductors has driven a shift in the potential for flexible thermoelectrics, but the lack of good p-type ductile thermoelectric materials has restricted the reality of fabricating conventional cross-plane π-shaped flexible devices. We report a series of high-performance p-type ductile thermoelectric materials based on the composition-performance phase diagram in AgCu(Se,S,Te) pseudoternary solid solutions, with high figure-of-merit values (0.45 at 300 kelvin and 0.68 at 340 kelvin) compared with other flexible thermoelectric materials. We further demonstrate thin and flexible π-shaped devices with a maximum normalized power density that reaches 30 μW cm
−2
K
−2
. This output is promising for the use of flexible thermoelectrics in wearable electronics.
Making the most of metastability
Authors: Mao Wendy L. , Lin Yu
Published: August 2022

Researchers seek to preserve materials that are formed at high pressure
Rethinking the retraction process
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: August 2022

High-profile examples of scientific fraud continue to plague research. Recently,
Science
published two news stories on alleged image manipulation in Alzheimer’s research and unreliable data in an ecology study, sadly showing that the problem persists. Each case involved back and forth among the journal, authors, and institutions to correct the scientific record. Journalists and advocates for research integrity (including courageous whistleblowers) are understandably frustrated about how long it takes to retract papers or at least to post editorial expressions of concern. It’s time to devise a more efficient solution.
In Science Journals
Authors: Lopez Bianca , Yeagle Philip , Hines Pamela J. , Stajic Jelena , Funk Michael A. , Lavine Marc S. , Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Vinson Valda , Alderton Gemma , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Hurtley Stella M. , Szuromi Phil , Grocholski Brent , Scanlon Seth Thomas , Williams Ifor , Maroso Mattia , Dorsett Dale
Published: August 2022

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
In Other Journals
Authors: Smith Keith T. , Uzogara Ekeoma , Stern Peter , Yeston Jake , Funk Michael A. , Ray L. Bryan , Ash Caroline
Published: August 2022

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Massive climate and health bill also benefits U.S. energy labs
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey , Cho Adrian
Published: August 2022

Major physics projects and national lab infrastructure will get $1.5 billion over 5 years
Long Covid clues emerge from patients’ blood
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: August 2022

Study implicates lack of key hormone, battle-weary immune cells, and awakened viruses
Identification of the Shigella flexneri Wzy Domain Modulating Wzz
pHS-2
Interaction and Detection of the Wzy/Wzz/Oag Complex
Authors: Ascari Alice , Tran Elizabeth Ngoc Hoa , Eijkelkamp Bart A. , Morona Renato
Published: August 2022

Shigella flexneri
is a pathogen causing significant morbidity and mortality, predominantly devastating the pediatric age group in developing countries. A major virulence factor contributing to
S. flexneri
pathogenesis is its surface lipopolysaccharide, which is comprised of three domains: lipid A, core oligosaccharide, and O antigen (Oag).
Assessing the Cervicovaginal Microbiota in the Context of hrHPV Infections: Temporal Dynamics and Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Molina Mariano A. , Coenen Britt A. , Leenders William P. J. , Andralojc Karolina M. , Huynen Martijn A. , Melchers Willem J. G.
Published: August 2022

Cervical cancer is the third leading cause of female cancers globally, resulting in more than 300,000 deaths every year. The majority of all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infections with high-risk human papillomaviruses (hrHPV) that can progress to cancer via a series of premalignant lesions.
Genome Annotation for Pinkcreek, a C1 Subcluster Mycobacteriophage from New Orleans, Louisiana
Authors: Byrum Christine A. , Flota Maximiliano F. , Derrick Jackson A. , Dixon Steven Grant , Gagliano Andre S. , Gibson Halee S. , Loose Paige A. , Montero Ashley , Mugford Jessica L. , Mullner Emily E. , Pope Briana C. , Korey Christopher A.
Published: August 2022

The mycobacteriophage Pinkcreek (C1 subcluster) was extracted from soil collected on the Dr. Norman C. Francis Parkway Bike Trail in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is a member of the family
Myoviridae
and infects
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155. The Pinkcreek genome is 153,184 bp and contains 216 predicted protein-coding genes, 29 tRNAs, and 1 transfer-messenger RNA.
Genome Sequences of Two Pseudomonas Isolates That Can Use Metformin as the Sole Nitrogen Source
Authors: Hillmann Katie B. , Niehaus Thomas D.
Published: August 2022

Metformin is a major water pollutant globally. We report the complete genome sequences of two pseudomonads,
Pseudomonas
sp. strain KHPS1 and
Pseudomonas hydrolytica
strain KHPS2, isolated from wastewater treatment plant sludge, which can grow on metformin as the nitrogen source. Both isolates contained ~80-kb plasmids that may contain metformin breakdown genes.
Complete Genome of Aeromonas encheleia Strain SOD01 Isolated from an Urban Freshwater Stream
Authors: Arruda Jade , Brysgel Taylor , Capestro Elizabeth , Flaherty Isabelle , Foltz Grace , Gardner Abbey , Hunt Michaela , Ingrassia Jiana , O’Donnell Sean , Pappas Gregory , Peterson Emily , Ramsaran Sarah , Rocha Marcelo , Williams Laura E.
Published: August 2022

We isolated
Aeromonas encheleia
strain SOD01 from an urban freshwater stream in Providence, RI.
De novo
assembly of PacBio RSII data followed by polishing with Illumina MiSeq data generated a complete 4,450,115 bp genome with 61.8% GC content. PGAP annotation predicted 3,877 protein-coding genes, 127 tRNA, and 31 rRNA.
Geochemistry and Multiomics Data Differentiate Streams in Pennsylvania Based on Unconventional Oil and Gas Activity
Authors: Campa Maria Fernanda , Chen See Jeremy R. , Unverdorben Lavinia V. , Wright Olivia G. , Roth Kimberly A. , Niles Jonathan M. , Ressler Daniel , Macatugal Ella M. S. , Putt Andrew D. , Techtmann Stephen M. , Righetti Timothy L. , Hazen Terry C. , Lamendella Regina
Published: August 2022

The environmental implications of unconventional oil and gas extraction are only recently starting to be systematically recorded. Our research shows the utility of microbial communities paired with geochemical markers to build strong predictive random forest models of unconventional oil and gas activity and the identification of key biomarkers.
Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) Inhibits Cross-Kingdom Biofilm Formation of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans
Authors: Yin Wumeng , Zhang Zhong , Shuai Xinxing , Zhou Xuedong , Yin Derong
Published: August 2022

Severe dental caries is a multimicrobial infectious disease that is strongly induced by the cross-kingdom biofilm formed by
S. mutans
and
C. albicans
. This study aimed to investigate the potential of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) as a natural product in the prevention of severe caries.
Phosphomannose Isomerase Is Involved in Development, Stress Responses, and Pathogenicity of Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Usman Sayed , Du Chao , Qin Qijian , Odiba Arome Solomon , He Rui , Wang Bin , Jin Cheng , Fang Wenxia
Published: August 2022

Aspergillus flavus
is a common fungal pathogen of humans, animals, and agriculturally important crops. It causes invasive aspergillosis in humans and also produces highly carcinogenic mycotoxins in postharvest crops that threaten food safety worldwide.
Supplemental Material: Small impact cratering processes produce distinctive charcoal assemblages
Authors: Losiak Anna , al. et
Published: August 2022

Detailed description of the reflectance measurement method and samples/craters, as well as results provided in a numerical rather than graphical format.  
Substandard and falsified antibiotics: neglected drivers of antimicrobial resistance?
Authors: Zabala Guillermo A , Bellingham Khonsavath , Vidhamaly Vayouly , Boupha Phonepasith , Boutsamay Kem , Newton Paul N , Caillet Céline
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health threat with substandard and falsified (SF) antibiotics being neglected contributing factors. With their relationships poorly understood, more research is needed in order to determine how interventions to reduce SF antibiotics should be ranked as priorities in national AMR action plans. We assessed the evidence available on the global prevalence of SF antibiotics, examined the quality of the evidence and discussed public health impact.

Materials/Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Google and Google Scholar for publications on antibiotic quality up to 31 December 2020. Publications reporting on the prevalence of SF antibiotics were evaluated for quantitative analysis and assessed using the Medicines Quality Assessment Reporting Guidelines.

Results

Of the 10 137 screened publications, 648 were relevant to antibiotic quality. One hundred and six (16.4%) surveys, published between 1992 and 2020 and conducted mainly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) (89.9% (480/534) of the data points), qualified for quantitative analysis. The total number of samples tested for quality in prevalence surveys was 13 555, with a median (Q1–Q3) number of samples per survey of 47 (21–135). Of the 13 555 samples, 2357 (17.4%) failed at least one quality test and the median failure frequency (FF) per survey was 19.6% (7.6%–35.0%). Amoxicillin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and ciprofloxacin were the most surveyed antibiotics, with FF of 16.1% (355/2208), 26.2% (329/1255) and 10.4% (366/3511), respectively. We identified no SF survey data for antibiotics in the WHO ‘Reserve’ group. The mean Medicine Quality Assessment Reporting Guidelines score was 11 (95% CI 10.1 to 12.2) out of 26.

Conclusions

SF antibiotics are widely spread with higher prevalence in LMICs. The quality of the evidence is poor, and these data are not generalisable that 17.4% of global antibiotic supply is SF. However, the evidence we have suggests that interventions to enhance regulatory, purchasing and financial mechanisms to improve the global antibiotic supply are needed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019124988.
Association of objective and subjective socioeconomic markers with cognitive impairment among older adults: cross-sectional evidence from a developing country
Authors: Muhammad T , Sekher TV , Srivastava Shobhit
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study explored how various markers of objective and subjective socioeconomic status (SES) are associated with cognitive impairment among older Indian adults.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted using large nationally representative survey data.

Setting and participant

This study used data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (2017–2018). The sample included 31 464 older adults aged 60 years and above.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Outcome variable was cognitive impairment, measured through broad domains of memory, orientation, arithmetic function, and visuo-spatial and constructive skills. We estimated descriptive statistics and presented cross-tabulations of the outcome. Χ2test was used to evaluate the significance level of differences in cognitive impairment by subjective (ladder) and objective SES measures (monthly per-capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) quintile, education and caste status). Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to fulfil the objectives.

Results

A proportion of 41.7% and 43.4% of older adults belonged to low subjective (ladder) and objective (MPCE) SES, respectively. Older adults with low subjective (adjusted OR (aOR): 2.04; p<0.05) and objective SES (aOR: 1.32; p<0.05) had higher odds of having cognitive impairment in comparison with their counterparts, with a stronger subjective SES–cognitive impairment association. Older adults with lower education or belonged to lower caste had higher odds of cognitive impairment than their counterparts. Interaction analyses revealed that older adults who belonged to lower subjective and objective (poorest MPCE quintile, Scheduled Castes and lowest education) SES had 2.45 (CI: 1.77 to 3.39), 4.56 (CI: 2.97 to 6.98) and 54.41 (CI: 7.61 to 388.93) higher odds of cognitive impairment than those from higher subjective and objective SES, respectively.

Conclusion

Subjective measures of SES were linked to cognitive outcomes, even more strongly than objective measures of SES; considering the relative ease of obtaining such measures, subjective SES measures are a promising target for future study on socioeconomic indicators of cognitive impairment.
Current pesticide suicide surveillance methods used across the African continent: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Brassell Maxine , Karunarathne Ayanthi , Utyasheva Leah , Eddleston Michael , Konradsen Flemming , Rother Hanna-Andrea
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Every year, more than 800 000 people die from suicides of which an estimated 20% are from pesticide ingestion. Multiple studies have estimated that around 77%–80% of these pesticide suicides occur in low/middle-income countries. The full burden of pesticide suicides in African countries remains poorly documented, one reason being the lack of systematic data collection. It is essential to know the number of pesticide suicide cases to guide prevention of further cases occurring. This can be done by informing policy and legislation, and the implementation of targeted bans, as well as raising community awareness around the use of these pesticides, training of healthcare personnel, and influencing the type and level of clinical facility investments into this area of healthcare. The scoping review aims to investigate how pesticide suicide deaths in Africa are recorded by exploring the various surveillance systems in place, as well as highlighting key limitations and data collection barriers.

Methods and analysis

A scoping review will be carried out with the five-stage methodological frameworks set out by Arksey and O’Malley and the Joanna Briggs Institute. Studies in English that looked at pesticide suicide in African countries will be extracted and screened independently by two reviewers against the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this review. Studies’ data will be extracted, and a descriptive synthesis developed of their main findings, as guided by the approach of Levac and colleagues.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this review as no human participants will be involved. The study findings will be distributed in a peer-reviewed publication.

Registration details

This protocol has been submitted for publication to BMJ Open.
Real-world clinical outcomes with avelumab in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma treated in the USA: a multicenter chart review study
Authors: Bhatia Shailender , Nghiem Paul , Veeranki S Phani , Vanegas Alejandro , Lachance Kristina , Tachiki Lisa , Chiu Kevin , Boller Emily , Bharmal Murtuza
Published: August 2022

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive, cutaneous neuroendocrine neoplasm with annual incidence rates of 0.13–1.6 cases/100,000/year worldwide as of 2018. Chemotherapy for metastatic MCC (mMCC) has high objective response rates (ORRs), but responses are not durable and overall survival (OS) is poor. Avelumab (anti-programmed death-ligand 1) has demonstrated meaningful survival benefit and durable responses in clinical trials for mMCC. This study investigated real-world clinical outcomes in avelumab-treated patients with advanced (stage IIIB/IV) MCC in US academic medical centers.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with advanced MCC who initiated avelumab between March 1, 2017, and July 31, 2019, at six US academic centers. Data were requested for eligible patients from index date through December 31, 2020. Descriptive analyses were conducted to assess demographic and clinical characteristics, real-world ORR (rwORR), real-world duration of response, real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS), and OS.

Results

Ninety patients with advanced MCC (82%, stage IV; 18%, stage IIIB) received avelumab. Median follow-up was 20.8 months (95% CI: 19.1 to 24.2). Median age was 68 years (range, 48–83), and the majority of patients were men (58%) and white (93%). The primary tumor was most commonly located on the lower limb (38%), with metastases mostly located in lymph nodes (68%), lung (52%), and viscera (52%). Approximately 42% and 26% of patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 and 3, respectively. Seventy-three patients (81%) received avelumab as first-line treatment of advanced MCC, while 17 (19%) received avelumab as second-line or later treatment. The median duration of avelumab treatment was 13.5 months (95% CI: 6.4 to 30.6), with 42% of patients still receiving avelumab by the end of follow-up. Patients with avelumab treatment had an rwORR of 73% (95% CI: 64 to 83), median rwPFS of 24.4 months (95% CI: 8.31 to not estimable (NE)), and median OS of 30.7 months (95% CI: 11.2 to NE).

Conclusions

This real-world study of patients with advanced MCC demonstrated that avelumab treatment resulted in a high response rate with durable responses and prolonged survival. The study findings validate the results demonstrated in prospective clinical trials and other observational studies.
Linking Archaean climate change with gold metallogeny
Authors: Frimmel Hartwig E.
Published: August 2022

First large-scale concentration of gold to ore grade in Earth’s crust took place at around 2.9 Ga in quartz-pebble conglomerates, well before endogenous deposits, such as porphyry and epithermal systems or orogenic-type deposits, started to play a significant role from ca. 2.75 Ga onwards. The conglomerate-hosted gold placers, typified by those in the Mesoarchaeaen Witwatersrand Basin in South Africa, are thought to have been sourced from the leaching of background levels of gold in the Archaean continental crust, promoted by deep chemical weathering under a reducing acidic atmosphere. Gold dissolved in meteoric waters was trapped by possibly acidophile microbes, fossil remnants of which are preserved as kerogen layers in the 2.9 Ga lower Central Rand Group of the Witwatersrand Supergroup. Mechanical reworking of the delicate microbial mat-bound gold led to rich gold placers from 2.9 Ga onwards. Well-endowed gold placers older than 2.9 Ga are conspicuously missing, although suitable siliciclastic host rocks, even containing relics of former microbes, are known from continental sediment sequences as old as 3.22 Ga. A review of climate-sensitive rock types and geochemical data on the extent of chemical weathering reveals that the period from 2.96–2.91 Ga was cold, with repeated glaciations as evidenced by glaciogenic diamicite, whereas warmer and (or) wetter climates reigned from 2.90 to 2.78 Ga. In concert with the temporal distribution of placer gold accumulation, the conclusion is reached that chemical weathering rate, dictated by climate, was a key determining factor in the exogenous binding of Au into sedimentary deposits.
The impact of the investment period on soil and plant pollution by cadmium and nickel in Jableh city, in Lattakia Governorate
Authors: Jaafar Abd Al Karim , Salim Suleiman , Salman Hiba
Published: August 2022

This research was conducted in Jableh city in the Latakia Governorate during 2019–2020 to study the level of pollution of the soils and plants of some greenhouses in Jableh city with the elements cadmium and nickel. Several greenhouses were randomly distributed in different areas in Jableh city based on the period of their investment (5, 10, 20, and 25 years), as the investment period was considered the variable factor between greenhouses. The homogeneity of greenhouse texture was taken into consideration as much as possible. Two-layer soil samples were collected (0–20 and 20–40 cm). Electrical conductivity, pH, the ratio of organic matter and the major basic elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), and the total cadmium and nickel in the soil, plants, and cucumber fruits were determined. SPSS was used (completely randomized design). The results showed that there was pollution of greenhouse soils with the elements cadmium and nickel in a manner that is proportional to the increase in the period of investment. They also showed that the content of cadmium and nickel in cucumber fruits in the oldest houses exceeded the permissible limits. A strong positive second-degree significant (1%) correlation was observed between the available phosphorus and the total cadmium and nickel in the soil, and a strong correlation between the soil and plant content of these two elements and an increasing investment period.
Toward Explainable Dialogue System Using Two-stage Response Generation
Authors: Li Shaobo , Sun Chengjie , Xu Zhen , Tiwari Prayag , Liu Bingquan , Gupta Deepak , Shankar K. , Ji Zhenzhou , Wang Mingjiang
Published: August 2022

In recent years, neural networks have achieved impressive performance on dialogue response generation. However, most of these models still suffer from some shortcomings, such as yielding uninformative responses and lacking explainable ability. This article proposes a Two-stage Dialogue Response Generation model (TSRG), which specifies a method to generate diverse and informative responses based on an interpretable procedure between stages. TSRG involves a two-stage framework that generates a candidate response first and then instantiates it as the final response. The positional information and a resident token are injected into the candidate response to stabilize the multi-stage framework, alleviating the shortcomings in the multi-stage framework. Additionally, TSRG allows adjusting and interpreting the interaction pattern between the two generation stages, making the generation response somewhat explainable and controllable. We evaluate the proposed model on three dialogue datasets that contain millions of single-turn message-response pairs between web users. The results show that, compared with the previous multi-stage dialogue generation models, TSRG can produce more diverse and informative responses and maintain fluency and relevance.
Script Event Prediction via Multilingual Event Graph Networks
Authors: Zhou Bo , Chen Yubo , Liu Kang , Zhao Jun
Published: August 2022

Predicting what happens next in text plays a critical role in building NLP applications. Many methods including count-based and neural-network-based have been proposed to tackle the task called script event prediction: predicting the most suitable subsequent event from a candidate list given a chain of narrative events (context). However, two problems including event ambiguity and evidence bias hinder the performance of these monolingual approaches. The former means that some events in the event chain are ambiguous. The latter means that both the wrong and correct candidate events can obtain sufficient support from the event context. In this article, we propose a novel multilingual approach to address two issues simultaneously. Specifically, to alleviate the event ambiguity problem, we project the monolingual event chains to parallel cross-lingual event chains, which can provide complementary information for monolingual event disambiguation. To deal with the evidence bias problem, we construct two monolingual event graphs and a cross-lingual event aligned graph to fully explore connections between events. What’s more, we design a graph attention mechanism to model the confidence of the complement clues, which controls the information integration from various languages. By modeling the events with graphs instead of pairs or chains, the model can compare the candidate subsequent events simultaneously and choose the more suitable subsequent event as the final answer. Extensive experiments were conducted on the widely used New York Times corpus for script event prediction task and experimental results show that our approach outperforms previous models.
Detection of Methylparaben in Cosmetics by Poly L–Lysine/Reduced Graphene Oxide-Based Sensor
Authors: Nguyen Do Mai , Toan Tran Thanh Tam
Published: August 2022

In this study, a PoL/RGO material was successfully synthesized and employed to modify the working electrode for determining MPB in medication products through voltammetric techniques. The structure of the nanocomposite was characterized by UV–vis and FT-IR spectrum and its application to the MPB electrochemical detection was tested by the CV and DPV techniques. In the result, the modified PoL-RGO/GCE electrode exhibited a superior response toward MPB by applying the DPV method, compares to using the bare GCE, with a limit of detection (LOD), a limit of quantification (LOQ) is 0.20 μM and 0.70 μM, respectively and the concentration ranging from 1 to 200 μM. In addition, the repeatability (RSD of 2.2, 1.6, 1.4 for 5, 50 and 100 μM MPB, respectively), and the reproducibility (RSD of 4.7%) of the technique were examined as well. This illustrates the performance of the electrochemical sensor was statistically investigated by the CV and DPV methods demonstrating accuracy comparable to other analytical methods as well as indicating that MPB can be determined in cosmetics with high recovery ranging from 97% to 104.3%.
3D Limit Equilibrium Stability Analysis of Concave and Convex Slopes Considering Kinematic Constraints
Authors: Kang Xing-Pei , Wang Ya-Fei , Zhang Zhan-Rong , Xie Hao , Yang Yun
Published: August 2022

In the previous limit equilibrium stability analyses of concave and convex slopes, the kinematic constraints are not considered in the generation of slip surfaces. To tackle this problem, this technical note proposes a method to compute safety factors of concave and convex slopes, combining the simplified Bishop method with an adaptive “point-by-point” technique. Through the adaptive “point-by-point” technique, the failure surfaces of slopes are linked by numerous lines that connect two neighboring discretized points, at which the velocity compatibilities are strictly satisfied. Stress analyses are made for the vertical discretized slices where the lateral pressure on the interface between soil slices is represented by the Rankine active earth pressure. Based on the simplified Bishop method and the strength reduction method, the safety factor and failure surfaces of concave and convex slopes are derived, which are verified by numerical simulations. Comparative outcomes show that the results would be closer to those of numerical simulations if the strength reduction is made for the Rankine active earth pressure on the interface between soil slices. And the proposed discretized slip surface considering kinematic constraints is more consistent with the shear bands by numerical simulation, as compared with the circular arc slip surface. Under homogeneous soil conditions, the proposed discretized slip surface can degenerate into a logarithmic spiral.