bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marketplace or reselling: the pricing decisions and face value of the coupons under the Cap‐and‐Trade regulation
Authors: Xu Xiaoping , Wu Jie , Fan Yiming , Yu Yugang
Published: April 2022

This paper considers a manufacturer selling his products with the marketplace or the reselling mode under the cap‐and‐trade regulation. Coupons are allocated when selling the products. We explore the optimal decisions, the selection and the coordination with the two modes. First, we analytically find that the increase of the cap and platform power (commission rate) increases (decreases) the total production quantity and the optimal production quantity for coupon‐sensitive consumers, and interestingly find that it reduces (increases) the production quantity for coupon‐insensitive consumers when the sensitivity of the coupons is high. Furthermore, the optimal profit of the manufacturer first increases and then decreases with the cap when the emission intensity is low, and it increases with the cap when the emission intensity is high. Second, the marketplace mode creates more (less) profits for the manufacturer if the order‐fulfillment cost is low (high). Whether the marketplace mode or the reselling mode will generate more carbon emission depends on the commission rate and the platform power. Finally, the marketplace mode is not capable of coordinating the manufacturer and the platform at all times, while the reselling mode can coordinate the two firms after considering a coupon‐sharing contract under considerable platform power, and they can achieve Pareto improvement with a two‐part tariff contract under the generalized Nash bargaining framework.
Therapeutic stem cell‐derived alveolar‐like macrophages display bactericidal effects and resolve Pseudomonas aeruginosa‐induced lung injury
Authors: Bouch Sheena , Litvack Michael L. , Litman Kymberly , Luo Lisha , Post Alex , Williston Emma , Park Amber J. , Roach Elyse J. , Berezuk Alison M. , Khursigara Cezar M. , Post Martin
Published: April 2022

Bacterial lung infections lead to greater than 4 million deaths per year with antibiotic treatments driving an increase in antibiotic resistance and a need to establish new therapeutic approaches. Recently, we have generated mouse and rat stem cell‐derived alveolar‐like macrophages (ALMs), which like primary alveolar macrophages (1'AMs), phagocytose bacteria and promote airway repair. Our aim was to further characterize ALMs and determine their bactericidal capabilities. The characterization of ALMs showed that they share known 1'AM cell surface markers, but unlike 1'AMs are highly proliferative in vitro. ALMs effectively phagocytose and kill laboratory strains of P. aeruginosa (P.A.), E. coli (E.C.) and S. aureus, and clinical strains of P.A. In vivo, ALMs remain viable, adapt additional features of native 1'AMs, but proliferation is reduced. Mouse ALMs phagocytose P.A. and E.C. and rat ALMs phagocytose and kill P.A. within the lung 24 h post‐instillation. In a pre‐clinical model of P.A.‐induced lung injury, rat ALM administration mitigated weight loss and resolved lung injury observed seven days post‐instillation. Collectively, ALMs attenuate pulmonary bacterial infections and promote airway repair. ALMs could be utilized as an alternative or adjuvant therapy where current treatments are ineffective against antibiotic‐resistant bacteria or to enhance routine antibiotic delivery.
Accuracy of different laboratory scanners for scanning of implant‐supported full arch fixed prosthesis
Authors: Ebeid Kamal , Nouh Ingy , Ashraf Yasmine , Cesar Paulo F.
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study evaluated the accuracy of different laboratory scanners (LS) for scanning of implant‐supported full arch fixed prosthesis with different implant angulations.

Materials and Methods

Two maxillary models that are designed to receive an all‐on‐four implant retained prosthesis were fabricated then scanned using five different LS. The models were divided into two groups according to the angulation of the posterior implant (Group 1; 30° and group 2; 45°). Each group was then subdivided into five subgroups according to the type of LS, subgroup T; Medit T710, subgroup I; IneosX5, subgroup E; 3ShapeE4, subgroup A; Autoscan DS‐Mix, and subgroup M; Ceramill Map600. An industrial 3D scanner was used as reference scanner, then each model was scanned with 5 LS 10 times. Trueness and precision were analyzed using Geomagic 3D analysis software.

Results

Both scanner type and implant angle had a significant effect on the trueness (p < 0.001). Significant interaction was found between the scanner type and implant angle (p < 0.001). For scanner type tukeys post hoc test revealed highest trueness with the 3Shape E4 (21.3 ± 2.1) and the medit T710 (22.6 ± 2.1) and least trueness with the shining 3D autoscan ds‐mix (33.8 ± 3.0). Significantly better trueness was observed with the 30° than the 45° angle. Regarding precision, two‐way ANOVA revealed significant effect of the scanner type only (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the 3Shape E4, medit T710, Ineos X5, and the Ceramill map600. However, all showed significantly higher precision values when compared to shining 3D autoscan ds‐mix.

Conclusions

All tested scanners showed results within the clinically acceptable range with 3ShapeE4 and Medit T710 showing the highest accuracy.

Clinical significance

Tested scanners can be used for scanning of All‐on‐four implant supported prosthesis.
Implementation of a standardised perioperative nutrition care pathway in upper gastrointestinal cancer surgery: A multisite pilot study
Authors: Deftereos Irene , Hitch Danielle , Butzkueven Sally , Carter Vanessa , Arslan Janan , Fetterplace Kate , Fox Kate , Ottaway Aurora , Pierce Kathryn , Steer Belinda , Varghese Jessie , Kiss Nicole , Yeung Justin
Published: April 2022

Background

Perioperative nutrition support is recommended for patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer surgery; however, limited evidence exists regarding implementation of a nutrition care pathway in clinical practice. The aims of this pilot study were to determine whether implementation of a standardised perioperative nutrition pathway for patients undergoing UGI cancer surgery improves access to dietetics care, as well as to evaluate study feasibility, fidelity, resource requirements and effect on clinical outcomes.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed UGI cancer from four major metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne, planned for curative intent surgery, were included in the prospective pilot study (n = 35), with historical controls (n = 35) as standard care. Outcomes were dietetics care (dietetics contacts) nutritional status, hand grip strength, weight change, preoperative hospital admissions, complications and length of stay, recruitment feasibility, fidelity and adherence, and resource requirements. Continuous data were analysed using independent samples t test accounting for unequal variances or a Mann–Whitney U test. Dichotomous data were analysed using Fisher's exact test.

Results

The percentage of participants receiving preoperative dietetic intervention increased from 55% to 100% (p < 0.001). Mean ± SD dietetics contacts increased from 2.2 ± 3.7 to 5.9 ± 3.9 (p < 0.001). Non‐statistically significant decreases in preoperative nutrition‐related hospital admissions, and surgical complications were demonstrated in patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy. Recruitment rate was 81%, and adherence to the nutrition pathway was high (> 70% for all stages of the pathway). The mean ± SD estimated resource requirement for the preoperative period was 3.7 ± 2.8 h per patient.

Conclusions

Implementation of this standardised nutrition pathway resulted in improved access to dietetics care. Recruitment feasibility and high fidelity to the intervention suggest that a larger study would be viable.
Clinical and histopathological improvement of scleromyxedema‐induced microstomia after hyaluronidase injection
Authors: Akaslan Tahsin Çağdaş , Yıldız Pelin , Onsun Nahide
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Scleromyxedema is a rare primary cutaneous mucinosis characterized by numerous firm, waxy, confluent papules. Recently, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is accepted by many authors as the first‐line treatment option for severe cases. We report a 69‐year‐old male patient who has been suffering from scleromyxedema, with reduced mouth opening. He has been on a high‐dose IVIG regime for 5 years.

Methods

The patient stated that he had difficulty in wearing and removing his dentures because of reduced mouth opening lately. Before considering to add any other immunosuppressants to his regime, we injected 1500 IU of hyaluronidase in total in one session periorally. The patient has been told open his mouth maximum and photographs have been taken before injections and after one month. We used a photo measurement application when evaluating microstomia to increase accuracy. We also took punch biopsies in order to evaluate effect of hyaluronidase histopathologically before and one month after injections.

Results

One month later, he was able to reattach and remove his dentures without adding any adjuvant immunosuppressants other than hyaluronidase. Mouth opening was increased in measurements and histopathologically, mucin deposition, fibroblastic proliferation, and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration were decreased.

Conclusions

We think hyaluronidase is a safe, easily accessible, and effective treatment option for microstomia caused by scleromyxedema.
An Intersectional‐Contextual Approach to Racial Trauma Exposure Risk and Coping Among Black Youth
Authors: Galán Chardée A. , Auguste Evan E. , Smith Naila A. , Meza Jocelyn I.
Published: April 2022

Black youth experience racial discrimination at higher rates than other racial/ethnic groups in the United States. To identify how racism can simultaneously serve as a risk factor for adverse childhood experience (ACE) exposure, a discrete type of ACE, and a post‐ACE mental health risk factor among Black youth, Bernard and colleagues (2021) proposed the culturally informed ACEs (C‐ACE) model. While an important addition to the literature, the C‐ACE model is framed around a single axis of race‐based oppression. This paper extends the model by incorporating an intersectional and ecodevelopmental lens that elucidates how gendered racism framed by historical trauma, as well as gender‐based socialization experiences, may have implications for negative mental health outcomes among Black youth. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Prevalence, risk factors, treatment and outcome of multidrug resistance Candida auris infections in Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) patients: A systematic review
Authors: Vinayagamoorthy Kalaiselvi , Pentapati Kalyana Chakravarthy , Prakash Hariprasath
Published: April 2022

Background

Candida auris is an emerging multidrug‐resistant pathogen in intensive care settings (ICU). During the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) pandemic, ICU admissions were overwhelmed, possibly contributing to the C. auris outbreak in COVID‐19 patients.

Objectives

The present systematic review addresses the prevalence, underlying diseases, iatrogenic risk factors, treatment and outcome of C. auris infections in COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and LitCovid databases were systematically searched with appropriate keywords from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021.

Results

A total of 97 cases of C. auris were identified in COVID‐19 patients. The pooled prevalence of C. auris infections (encompassing candidemia and non‐candidemia cases) in COVID‐19 patients was 14%. The major underlying diseases were diabetes mellitus (42.7%), hypertension (32.9%) and obesity (14.6%), followed by the iatrogenic risk factors such as a central venous catheter (76.8%%), intensive care unit (ICU) stay (75.6%) and broad‐spectrum antibiotic usage (74.3%). There were no significant differences in underlying disease and iatrogenic risk factors among C. auris non‐candidemia/colonisation and C. auris candidemia cases. The mortality rate of the total cohort is 44.4%, whereas, in C. auris candidemia patients, the mortality was 64.7%.

Conclusion

This study shows that the prevalence of C. auris infections remains unchanged in the COVID‐19 pandemic. Hospital‐acquired risk factors may contribute to the clinical illness. Proper infection control practices and hospital surveillance may stop future hospital outbreaks during the pandemic.
Immunological recovery following HLA‐matched CD3+ TCR αß+/CD19+ depleted hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children
Authors: Sperl Daniela , Lang Peter , Benesch Martin , Bainschab Antonia , Urban Christian , Wilfing Roland , Feuchtinger Tobias , Döring Michaela , Seitz Christian , Strenger Volker , Lackner Herwig , Seidel Markus G. , Perwein Thomas , Handgretinger Rupert , Sipurzynski Sabine , Rosskopf Konrad , Schwinger Wolfgang
Published: April 2022

Background

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative option for children with both malignant and nonmalignant diseases. T‐cell depletion techniques may result in reduced transplant‐related mortality compared with unmanipulated grafts due to a lower incidence of GvHD.

Methods

Immune recovery and outcome were analyzed in a cohort of 23 patients with malignant and nonmalignant diseases who received CD3+TCRαβ+ T‐ and B‐cell‐depleted allografts from matched donors after reduced‐intensity or myeloablative conditioning. The median number of CD34+, CD3+TCRαβ+, and CD19+B‐cells infused was 12.7 × 106/kg, 16.8 × 103/kg, and 96 × 103/kg bodyweight.

Results

With a median follow‐up of 36 (range 1–73) months, overall survival and disease‐free survival at 3 years were 65.2% and 60.8%. Eight patients died, six due to the underlying disease and two of extended visceral cGvHD. Immune reconstitution, disease‐free, and overall survivals were similar compared with a historical cohort of 23 patients transplanted with matched unmanipulated bone marrow. A significant lower rate of higher grade (III‐IV) aGvHD was observed in the manipulated HSCT group (8.7% vs. 26%; p = 0.001), whereas the incidence of cGvHD was equal.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that this graft manipulation strategy could be a safe and effective alternative to conventional HSCT techniques in matched donors.
Philosophy of science at sea: Clarifying the interpretability of machine learning
Authors: Beisbart Claus , Räz Tim
Published: April 2022

In computer science, there are efforts to make machine learning more interpretable or explainable, and thus to better understand the underlying models, algorithms, and their behavior. But what exactly is interpretability, and how can it be achieved? Such questions lead into philosophical waters because their answers depend on what explanation and understanding are—and thus on issues that have been central to the philosophy of science. In this paper, we review the recent philosophical literature on interpretability. We propose a systematization in terms of four tasks for philosophers: (i) clarify the notion of interpretability, (ii) explain the value of interpretability, (iii) provide frameworks to think about interpretability, and (iv) explore important features of it to adjust our expectations about it.
The novel HLA‐A*24:49:02 and HLA‐DQB1*06:428 alleles identified in Indian bone marrow donors
Authors: Thakker Nirali C. , Chaudhary Akshay , Kumar Harishankar , Shah Sandip , Kumar Prabin
Published: April 2022

Identification of two novel HLA alleles in Indian bone marrow donors.
Investigation of neural and biomechanical impairments leading to pathological toe and heel gaits using neuromusculoskeletal modelling
Authors: Bruel Alice , Ghorbel Salim Ben , Di Russo Andrea , Stanev Dimitar , Armand Stéphane , Courtine Grégoire , Ijspeert Auke
Published: April 2022

This study investigates the pathological toe and heel gaits seen in human locomotion using neuromusculoskeletal modelling and simulation. In particular, it aims to investigate potential cause–effect relationships between biomechanical or neural impairments and pathological gaits. Toe and heel gaits are commonly present in spinal cord injury, stroke and cerebral palsy. Toe walking is mainly attributed to spasticity and contracture at plantar flexor muscles, whereas heel walking can be attributed to muscle weakness of biomechanical or neural origin. To investigate the effect of these impairments on gait, this study focuses on the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles as they contribute to ankle plantarflexion. We built a reflex circuit model based on previous work by Geyer and Herr with additional pathways affecting the plantar flexor muscles. The SCONE software, which provides optimisation tools for 2D neuromechanical simulation of human locomotion, is used to optimise the corresponding reflex parameters and simulate healthy gait. We then modelled various bilateral plantar flexor biomechanical and neural impairments, and individually introduced them in the healthy model. We characterised the resulting simulated gaits as pathological or not by comparing ankle kinematics and ankle moment with the healthy optimised gait based on metrics used in clinical studies. Our simulations suggest that toe walking can be generated by hyperreflexia, whereas muscle and neural weaknesses partially induce heel gait. Thus, this ‘what if’ approach is deemed of great interest as it allows investigation of the effect of various impairments on gait and suggests an important contribution of active reflex mechanisms to pathological toe gait.

Key points

Pathological toe and heel gaits are commonly present in various conditions such as spinal cord injury, stroke and cerebral palsy.

These conditions present various neural and biomechanical impairments, but the cause–effect relationships between these impairments and pathological gaits are difficult to establish clinically.

Based on neuromechanical simulation, this study focuses on the plantar flexor muscles and builds a new reflex circuit controller to model and evaluate the potential effect of both neural and biomechanical impairments on gait.

Our results suggest an important contribution of active reflex mechanisms to pathological toe gait.

This ‘what if’ based on neuromechanical modelling is thus deemed of great interest to target potential causes of pathological gait.
Measurement Error Versus Repeated Measurements: A Guide Describing Two Methods for Computing Bias and Precision of Migration Measurements From Double Examinations Using Radiostereometric Analysis
Authors: Niesen Abigail E. , Hull Maury L.
Published: April 2022

Radiostereometric analysis is a method to measure implant migration where an ISO standard recommends double examinations (i.e., acquisition of two independent sets of biplanar images on the same day) to compute bias (i.e., mean) and precision (i.e., standard deviation) of differences in repeated migration measurements (termed repeated measurement statistics). However, repeated measurement statistics do not provide information regarding trueness of the measurements. Double examinations also can be used to compute measurement error statistics (i.e., mean and standard deviation of migration measurements relative to trueness). Our objectives were to derive measurement error and repeated measurement population parameters in six degrees of freedom (6DOF) and in maximum total point motion (MTPM), demonstrate quantitative differences by computing measurement error and repeated measurement statistics from a clinical study for an example implant, and demonstrate the importance of determining mean measurement error in MTPM. Three key findings were: (1) in 6DOF, measurement error and repeated measurement statistics were nearly identical; (2) for MTPM, measurement error and repeated measurement statistics had different means of 0.21 mm and 0.00 mm, respectively, but similar standard deviations; and (3) mean measurement error in MTPM is important for drawing conclusions about early implant stability. Because measurement error statistics are the same as repeated measurement statistics in 6DOF but provide additional information in the form of mean measurement error in MTPM, researchers should report measurement error instead of repeated measurement statistics. Furthermore, the ISO standard should be revised to include measurement error statistics.
Robust Control of a Biophysical Model of Burst Suppression
Authors: Ampleman Stephen , Ching ShiNung
Published: April 2022

Burst suppression is a phenomenon in which the electroencephalogram (EEG) of a pharmacologically sedated patient alternates between higher frequency and amplitude bursting to lower frequency and amplitude suppression. The level of sedation can be quantified by the burst suppression ratio (BSR), which is defined as the amount of time that an EEG is suppressed over the amount of time measured. Maintaining a stable BSR in patients is an important clinical problem, which has led to an interest in the development of BSR-based closed-loop pharmacological control systems. Methods to address the problem typically involve pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling that describes the dynamics of drug infusion in the body as well as signal processing methods for estimating burst suppression from EEG measurements. In this regard, simulations, physiological modeling, and control design can play a key role in producing a solution. This paper seeks to add to prior work by incorporating a Schnider PK model with the Wilson–Cowan neural mass model to use as a basis for robust control design of biophysical burst suppression dynamics. We add to this framework actuator modeling, real-time burst suppression estimation, and uncertainty modeling in both the patient's physical characteristics and neurological phenomena to form a closed-loop system. Using the Ziegler–Nichols tuning method for proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, we were able to control this system at multiple BSR set points over a simulation time of 18 h in both nominal, patient varied with noise added and with reduced performance due to BSR bounding when including patient variation and noise as well as neurological uncertainty.
Improved Interfacial Property of Na3V2(PO4)3@C Cathode: Application of NaODFB-Based Ether Electrolyte in Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Jie , Lu Hongli , Zhang Jingjing , Li Shiyou
Published: April 2022

Sodium-ion batteries are considered as one of the most promising energy storage technologies that may replace lithium-ion batteries in the future. NaODFB, a new chelated sodium salt with the specific structural, has not been widely concerned by researchers. In this work, the compatibility of different NaODFB-based ether electrolytes in half-cell/full-cell systems with Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) cathode materials was compared. The correlation between the electrochemical performance of NVP@C/Na half cells in NaODFB-based ether electrolytes and the composition of the cathode electrolyte interface (CEI) film on the electrode surface was analyzed by electrochemical tests and other characterizations to better understand the important role of NaODFB-based ether electrolytes in the formation of the CEI film on the electrode material surface. This research provides a novel idea for the industrial design of Na-ion battery electrolyte and has significant guidance for the application of NaODFB in Na-ion battery.
Detection of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) non-song vocalizations around the Vema Seamount, southeast Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Ross-Marsh E. C. , Elwen S. H. , Fearey J. , Thompson K. F. , Maack T. , Gridley T.
Published: April 2022

Humpback whales are a cosmopolitan, highly vocal species. Investigated here are their vocalizations recorded at the Vema Seamount (31°38′S, 08°20′E) from moored hydrophones in the austral spring of 2019. During the 11-d recording period over 600 non-song calls were detected. Calls were predominantly detected at night over three consecutive days. The most common calls were low, frequency-modulated sounds (whups). An impulsive sound (gunshot) previously unknown in humpback whales was also detected. The location and timing of the calls suggests that humpback whales may be using the Vema Seamount as a temporary stop on their migration to their polar feeding grounds.
Insm1
-expressing neurons and secretory cells develop from a common pool of progenitors in the sea anemone
Nematostella vectensis
Authors: Tournière Océane , Gahan James M. , Busengdal Henriette , Bartsch Natascha , Rentzsch Fabian
Published: April 2022

Neurons are highly specialized cells present in nearly all animals, but their evolutionary origin and relationship to other cell types are not well understood. We use here the sea anemone
Nematostella vectensis
as a model system for early-branching animals to gain fresh insights into the evolutionary history of neurons. We generated a transgenic reporter line to show that the transcription factor
NvInsm1
is expressed in postmitotic cells that give rise to various types of neurons and secretory cells. Expression analyses, double transgenics, and gene knockdown experiments show that the
NvInsm1
-expressing neurons and secretory cells derive from a common pool of
NvSoxB(2)
-positive progenitor cells. These findings, together with the requirement for
Insm1
for the development of neurons and endocrine cells in vertebrates, support a close evolutionary relationship of neurons and secretory cells.
A unified model of the task-evoked pupil response
Authors: Burlingham Charlie S. , Mirbagheri Saghar , Heeger David J.
Published: April 2022

The pupil dilates and reconstricts following task events. It is popular to model this task-evoked pupil response as a linear transformation of event-locked impulses, whose amplitudes are used as estimates of arousal. We show that this model is incorrect and propose an alternative model based on the physiological finding that a common neural input drives saccades and pupil size. The estimates of arousal from our model agreed with key predictions: Arousal scaled with task difficulty and behavioral performance but was invariant to small differences in trial duration. Moreover, the model offers a unified explanation for a wide range of phenomena: entrainment of pupil size and saccades to task timing, modulation of pupil response amplitude and noise with task difficulty, reaction time–dependent modulation of pupil response timing and amplitude, a constrictory pupil response time-locked to saccades, and task-dependent distortion of this saccade-locked pupil response.
Truncated
jarid2
and
kdm6b
transcripts are associated with temperature-induced sex reversal during development in a dragon lizard
Authors: Whiteley Sarah L. , Wagner Susan , Holleley Clare E. , Deveson Ira W. , Marshall Graves Jennifer A. , Georges Arthur
Published: April 2022

Sex determination and differentiation in reptiles are complex. In the model species,
Pogona vitticeps
, high incubation temperature can cause male to female sex reversal. To elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms of thermolabile sex, we used an unbiased genome-wide assessment of intron retention during sex reversal. The previously implicated chromatin modifiers (
jarid2
and
kdm6b
) were two of three genes to display sex reversal–specific intron retention. In these species, embryonic intron retention resulting in C-terminally truncated
jarid2
and
kdm6b
isoforms consistently occurs at low temperatures. High-temperature sex reversal is uniquely characterized by a high prevalence of N-terminally truncated isoforms of
jarid2
and
kdm6b
, which are not present at low temperatures, or in two other reptiles with temperature-dependent sex determination. This work verifies that chromatin-modifying genes are involved in highly conserved temperature responses and can also be transcribed into isoforms with new sex-determining roles.
Impairment of the cellulose degradation machinery enhances
Fusarium oxysporum
virulence but limits its reproductive fitness
Authors: Gámez-Arjona Francisco M. , Vitale Stefania , Voxeur Aline , Dora Susanne , Müller Sascha , Sancho-Andrés Gloria , Montesinos Juan Carlos , Di Pietro Antonio , Sánchez-Rodríguez Clara
Published: April 2022

Fungal pathogens grow in the apoplastic space, in constant contact with the plant cell wall (CW) that hinders microbe progression while representing a source of nutrients. Although numerous fungal CW modifying proteins have been identified, their role during host colonization remains underexplored. Here, we show that the root-infecting plant pathogen
Fusarium oxysporum
(Fo) does not require its complete arsenal of cellulases to infect the host plant. Quite the opposite: Fo mutants impaired in cellulose degradation become hypervirulent by enhancing the secretion of virulence factors. On the other hand, the reduction in cellulase activity had a severe negative effect on saprophytic growth and microconidia production during the final stages of the Fo infection cycle. These findings enhance our understanding of the function of plant CW degradation on the outcome of host-microbe interactions and reveal an unexpected role of cellulose degradation in a pathogen’s reproductive success.
MEMS cantilever–controlled plasmonic colors for sustainable optical displays
Authors: Han Zhengli , Frydendahl Christian , Mazurski Noa , Levy Uriel
Published: April 2022

Conventional optical displays using indium tin oxide and liquid crystal materials present challenges for long-term sustainability. We show here a cost-effective and complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)–compatible fast and full-range electrically controlled RGB color display. This is achieved by combining transmission-based plasmonic metasurfaces with MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology, using only two common materials: aluminum and silicon oxide. White light is filtered into RGB components by plasmonic metasurfaces made of aluminum nanohole arrays. The transmission through each color filter is modulated by MEMS miniaturized cantilevers fabricated with aluminum and silicon oxide on top of the color filters. We show that the relative transmission of a color subpixel can be freely modulated from 35 to 100%. The pixels can also operate well above 800 Hz for future ultrafast displays. Our work provides a road to future circular economic goals by exploiting advances in structural colors and MEMS technologies to innovate optical displays.
Copackaging photosensitizer and PD-L1 siRNA in a nucleic acid nanogel for synergistic cancer photoimmunotherapy
Authors: Guo Yuanyuan , Zhang Qiushuang , Zhu Qiwen , Gao Jing , Zhu Xinyuan , Yu Haijun , Li Yuehua , Zhang Chuan
Published: April 2022

Packaging multiple drugs into a nanocarrier with rational design to achieve synergistic cancer therapy remains a challenge due to the intrinsically varied pharmacodynamics of therapeutic agents. Especially difficult is combining small-molecule drugs and macromolecular biologics. Here, we successfully graft pheophorbide A (PPA) photosensitizers on DNA backbone at predesigned phosphorothioate modification sites. The synthesized four PPA-grafted DNAs are assembled into a tetrahedron framework, which further associates with a programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) small interfering RNA (siRNA) linker through supramolecular self-assembly to form an siRNA and PPA copackaged nanogel. With dual therapeutic agents inside, the nanogel can photodynamically kill tumor cells and induce remarkable immunogenic cell death. Also, it simultaneously silences the PD-L1 expression of the tumor cells, which substantially promotes the antitumor immune response and leads to an enhanced antitumor efficacy in a synergistic fashion.
Vacuum ultraviolet nonlinear metalens
Authors: Tseng Ming Lun , Semmlinger Michael , Zhang Ming , Arndt Catherine , Huang Tzu-Ting , Yang Jian , Kuo Hsin Yu , Su Vin-Cent , Chen Mu Ku , Chu Cheng Hung , Cerjan Benjamin , Tsai Din Ping , Nordlander Peter , Halas Naomi J.
Published: April 2022

Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light plays an essential role across science and technology, from molecular spectroscopy to nanolithography and biomedical procedures. Realizing nanoscale devices for VUV light generation and control is critical for next-generation VUV sources and systems, but the scarcity of low-loss VUV materials creates a substantial challenge. We demonstrate a metalens that both generates—by second-harmonic generation—and simultaneously focuses the generated VUV light. The metalens consists of 150-nm-thick zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoresonators that convert 394 nm (~3.15 eV) light into focused 197-nm (~6.29 eV) radiation, producing a spot 1.7 μm in diameter with a 21-fold power density enhancement as compared to the wavefront at the metalens surface. The reported metalens is ultracompact and phase-matching free, allowing substantial streamlining of VUV system design and facilitating more advanced applications. This work provides a useful platform for developing low-loss VUV components and increasing the accessibility of the VUV regime.
A phase 1-2 trial of sitravatinib and nivolumab in clear cell renal cell carcinoma following progression on antiangiogenic therapy
Authors: Msaouel Pavlos , Goswami Sangeeta , Thall Peter F. , Wang Xuemei , Yuan Ying , Jonasch Eric , Gao Jianjun , Campbell Matthew T. , Shah Amishi Yogesh , Corn Paul Gettys , Tam Alda L. , Ahrar Kamran , Rao Priya , Sircar Kanishka , Cohen Lorenzo , Basu Sreyashi , Duan Fei , Jindal Sonali , Zhang Yuwei , Chen Hong , Yadav Shalini S. , Shazer Ronald , Der-Torossian Hirak , Allison James P. , Sharma Padmanee , Tannir Nizar M.
Published: April 2022

The accumulation of immune-suppressive myeloid cells is a critical determinant of resistance to anti–programmed death-1 (PD-1) therapy in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In preclinical models, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sitravatinib enhanced responses to anti–PD-1 therapy by modulating immune-suppressive myeloid cells. We conducted a phase 1-2 trial to choose an optimal sitravatinib dose combined with a fixed dose of nivolumab in 42 immunotherapy-naïve patients with ccRCC refractory to prior antiangiogenic therapies. The combination demonstrated no unexpected toxicities and achieved an objective response rate of 35.7% and a median progression-free survival of 11.7 months, with 80.1% of patients alive after a median follow-up of 18.7 months. Baseline peripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio correlated with response to sitravatinib and nivolumab. Patients with liver metastases showed durable responses comparable to patients without liver metastases. In addition, correlative studies demonstrated reduction of immune-suppressive myeloid cells in the periphery and tumor microenvironment following sitravatinib treatment. This study provides a rationally designed combinatorial strategy to improve outcomes of anti–PD-1 therapy in advanced ccRCC.
Near-Complete Genome Sequence of Zygosaccharomyces rouxii NRRL Y-64007, a Yeast Capable of Growing on Lignocellulosic Hydrolysates
Authors: Jagtap Sujit Sadashiv , Liu Jing-Jing , Walukiewicz Hanna E. , Pangilinan Jasmyn , Lipzen Anna , Ahrendt Steven , Koriabine Maxim , Cobaugh Kelly , Salamov Asaf , Yoshinaga Yuko , Ng Vivian , Daum Chris , Grigoriev Igor V. , Slininger Patricia J. , Dien Bruce S. , Jin Yong-Su , Rao Christopher V.
Published: April 2022

The halotolerant and osmotolerant yeast
Zygosaccharomyces rouxii
can produce multiple volatile compounds and has the ability to grow on lignocellulosic hydrolysates. We report the annotated genome sequence of
Z. rouxii
NRRL Y-64007 to support its development as a platform organism for biofuel and bioproduct production.
Draft Genome Sequence from a Putative New Genus and Species in the Family
M1A02
within the Phylum
Planctomycetes
, Isolated from Benthic Pinnacle Mats in Lake Untersee, Antarctica
Authors: Wagner Nicole Yasmin , Andersen Dale T. , Hahn Aria S. , McLaughlin Ryan , Johnson Sarah Stewart
Published: April 2022

Here, we report the draft genome sequence for a new putative genus and species in the family
M1A02
within the order
Phycisphaerales
. Isolated from the metagenome of a benthic pinnacle-shaped mat in the Antarctic Lake Untersee, the members of this family have been found in biofilms and freshwater environments.
P13 Vitamin D preparations: what’s in the bottle?
Authors: Wan Mandy , Patel Anish , Patel Jignesh , Rait Greta , Jones Stuart , Shroff Rukshana
Published: April 2022

Aim

The UK incidence of vitamin D prescribing in children has increased by 26-fold in recent years.1 Public Health England recommends that children over 1 year take a daily vitamin D supplement.2 But the availability of over 200 different vitamin D products can be confusing for parents and clinicians. Our study aimed to assess the usage of licensed and unlicensed vitamin D only (VDO) preparations across primary care in England, and to compare measured and labelled vitamin D content of VDO preparations marketed in England.

Method

Analysis of the vitamin D content of randomly selected VDO preparations using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Retrospective trend analysis of prescription reimbursement data for VDO prescriptions from 2008 to 2018.

Results

Licensed and unlicensed VDO preparations were available in a wide range of dose strengths from 400 to 50,000 IU. The number of licensed VDO preparations increased from 4 to 32 between 2008 and 2018, along with an increase in the proportion of VDO prescriptions fulfilled by licensed preparations. However, prescriptions of unlicensed preparations remained high and accounted for 42% of the prescription items in 2018. The 11 unlicensed preparations analysed had vitamin D concentrations ranging from 41.2 ± 10.6% to 165.3 ± 17.8% of the declared content, with only one meeting the acceptable criteria of 90-125%. The 2 licensed preparations met the required standards. There was no association between the preparation dose strength and the magnitude of percentage difference between measured and labelled contents (r=0.41, p =0.17). Unlicensed liquid preparations in dropper bottles showed the greatest inter-sample variability suggesting there may be a lack of uniformity in drop volume delivered which could lead to dose variability.

Conclusion

Despite the increasing availability of licensed preparations with assured quality, use of unlicensed preparations to fulfil VDO prescriptions has continued in primary care in England. Unlicensed VDO preparations marketed showed wide variations between measured and declared vitamin D contents. Younger children who are more vulnerable to harm are thus exposed to unnecessary risks of under- and over-supplementation.

References

Wan M, Horsfall L, Basatemur E, et al. Vitamin D prescribing in children in UK primary care practices: a population-based cohort study. BMJ 2019;9:e031870.

Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. SACN vitamin D and health report 2016. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/537616/SACN_Vitamin_D_and_Health_report.pdf
SP8 Pharmacist-led centralised prescribing service for paediatric growth hormone in South Wales
Authors: Burrows Ross
Published: April 2022

Aim

To standardise the supply and monitoring of growth hormone to children across the tertiary paediatric endocrine service and ensure cost-effective prescribing of growth hormone in children.

Method

Patients identified by recorded data on the Growth Analyser® database used by the paediatric endocrine team. A pharmacist reviewed the current process and using process mapping identified ways of simplifying the registration process for new starters in different health boards. Patients and families offered to register with new service during the annual tertiary endocrine review clinic, or more urgently if issues identified and raised by the patients/family to the pharmacist. The pharmacist completed registration paperwork and prescribed growth hormone 6 monthly, ensuring appropriate monitoring is conducted before prescribing. All patients transitioned to new service recorded on Excel spreadsheet comparing monthly cost on the previous service, to monthly cost on the current service.

Results

150 patients identified on growth hormone across 6 health boards prescribed majority via GP with few via homecare at an approximate cost of £800,000 a year. Over 1 year now 90 patients prescribed by the pharmacist based in the paediatric endocrine team and supplied by homecare. Resulting in cost savings of £100,000 a year, an average of £1,700 per patient, with the most significant cost saving of £4,400 a year for one patient. The time taken to start a new patient on growth hormone has reduced from an average of 6 weeks to 2 weeks, due to less burden on GP and shared care agreements. Reduced burden on specialist nurses to complete paperwork, deal with queries and chase prescriptions as managed by the pharmacist. Support to consultants to ensure patients are monitored at least every 6 months as per BSPED recommendations1 and NICE guidance.2

Conclusion

Pharmacist-led prescribing of growth hormone can reduce the burden on consultants, specialist nurses, and GP’s, and standardise the supply and support that patients and their families receive when starting growth hormone. Ensuring patients receive treatment in a timely manner and receive appropriate monitoring regardless of where they live. Supplying growth hormone via homecare is more cost-effective than supplying via primary care. Utilising a pharmacist to oversee this service, identify and approach patients and their families to transition over to the new service can achieve significant cost savings to the NHS, without adding pressure to the specialist team.

References

British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (2017). Clinical Standards for GH Treatment in Childhood & Adolescence. Available at: https://www.bsped.org.uk/media/1372/gh-standards-document_nov2017.pdf

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2010). Human growth hormone (somatropin) for the treatment of growth failure in children [NICE TA188].Available at: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/TA188
Estimating stillbirth and neonatal mortality rate among Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, September 2017 to December 2018: a prospective surveillance
Authors: Amsalu Ribka , Costello Jean , Hasna Zainul , Handzel Endang
Published: April 2022

Introduction

There is limited literature on neonatal mortality in humanitarian emergencies. We estimated neonatal mortality and stillbirth rates; determined whether an association exists between proximity to a secondary health facility and neonatal mortality or stillbirth; and tested the correlation between the number of health facilities in a camp and neonatal mortality or stillbirth rates in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Methods

We conducted a prospective community-based mortality surveillance in 29 out of 34 Rohingya refugee camps between September 2017 and December 2018, covering approximately 811 543 Rohingya refugees with 19 477 estimated live births. We linked mortality surveillance data with publicly available information on camp population, number of functional health facilities and camp and health facility geospatial coordinates. Using descriptive statistics and spatial analyses, we estimated the mortality rate and tested for correlations.

Results

Overall, the estimated neonatal mortality rate was 27.0 (95% CI: 22.3 to 31.8) per 1000 live births, and the stillbirth rate was 15.2 (95% CI: 10.8 to 19.6) per 1000 total births. The majority of neonatal deaths (76.3%, n=405/531) and stillbirths (72.1%, n=202/280) occurred at home or in the community. A positive correlation existed between the camp population size and number of health facilities inside the camp (Spearman’s rho=0.56, p value<0.01). No statistically significant correlation existed between the camp neonatal mortality rate or stillbirth rate and number of health facilities inside the camp. Camps that were located closer to a secondary health facility as compared with a labour room/sexual and reproductive health unit had a lower neonatal mortality rate (p value<0.01).

Conclusions

The results provide insight into the neonatal mortality and stillbirth rates in Rohingya refugees camps in Bangladesh during 2017–2018. Prospective community-based mortality surveillance may be a feasible method to evaluate the effectiveness of humanitarian responses in improving neonatal survival and preventing stillbirths.
Learning circles: an adaptive strategy to support food sovereignty among First Nations communities in Canada
Authors: McEachern Louise W. , Yessis Jennifer , Zupko Barbara , Yovanovich Joanne , Valaitis Renata , Hanning Rhona M.
Published: April 2022

Indigenous communities in Canada are concerned about the health of their youth and the reclamation of traditional food-related skills amongst their people. Food sovereignty has an integral role in food and nutrition security, and the path to Indigenous self-determination. Learning Circles: Local Healthy Food to School (LC:LHF2S) was a community engagement model that aimed to enhance access to local, healthy, and traditional foods for youth. In each of four First Nations communities, a Learning Circle Evaluation Facilitator worked to plan and implement activities, build on community strengths, and promote partnerships. This paper describes how the model was perceived to support food sovereignty. Data included interviews, process reporting, and school surveys, and was analyzed according to pillars effective for the development of food sovereignty in Indigenous communities. Goals set by two communities incorporated food sovereignty principles, and in each community capacity-building work furthered the development of a more autonomous food system. There were many examples of a transition to greater food sovereignty, local food production, and consumption. Indigenous governance was an important theme and was influential in a community’s success. The model appears to be an adaptable strategy to support the development of food sovereignty in First Nations communities.

Novelty:

LC:LHF2S was a community engagement model that aimed to enhance access to local, healthy, and traditional foods for youth. The model is an adaptable strategy to support the development of food sovereignty in First Nations communities. There were many examples of a transition to greater food sovereignty, local food production, and consumption.
Red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) abundance on oil and gas platforms based on mark–recapture methods in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Osowski Ana R. , Szedlmayer Stephen T.
Published: April 2022

Oil and gas platforms provide reef habitat for many fish species on continental shelves. Red snapper ( Lutjanus campechanus) are an important component of these communities in the Gulf of Mexico, but abundance estimates are difficult to obtain. Hydroacoustic and visual-video surveys have been applied in previous abundance estimates, but such methods have difficulties. To improve abundance and fishing mortality ( F) estimates, mark–recapture methods were applied to red snapper at 22 platforms in the northern Gulf of Mexico from February 2017 through May 2020. Estimates were adjusted for emigration, tagging mortality, natural mortality, fisher nonreporting, and tag retention. Mean ± SE abundance·platform–1 (563 ± 107, range = 109–1407) and F (0.36, range = 0–1.25·platform–1) were not significantly affected by year, location, depth, or distance-from-shore. Based on an estimated 904 platforms, there were 508 952 (900 845 kg) red snapper on platforms. This indicated that red snapper on platforms accounted for only 1.2% of the 2016 Gulf of Mexico red snapper biomass. Thus, required removal of platforms will not significantly affect the red snapper stock in this area.