bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red glass in Kunckel's Ars Vitraria Experimentalis: The importance of temperature
Authors: Vilarigues Márcia , Ruivo Andreia , Hagendijk Thijs , Bandiera Mario , Coutinho Mathilda , Alves Luis C. , Dupré Sven
Published: August 2022

The role of the melting conditions and furnaces used to the obtained final colors has always been a question raised when investigating formulations and recipes of historical glasses. The focus of the present work is the reproduction of three recipes of red enamel glass of the manuscript by Neri, L'arte vetraria (1612) following the translation and comments by Kunckel's in Ars Vitraria Experimentalis (1679). The reproductions include the production of each individual compound of the selected recipes following instructions, and the final glass production in electric and wood‐fire furnaces to assess the effect of different melting conditions. A multianalytical approach was used to fully characterize the produced samples allowing the study of the enamel chemical composition, color, crystals formations, and thermal properties. The results indicate that no significant color differences may be attributed to the melting conditions. However, it revealed that the samples produced in the electric furnace at 1200°C present a high crystallinity degree and the formation of white crystals at room temperature in a short period of time. The formation of crystals on glass is critical, and historically, to avoid it, these recipes must have been made at temperatures between 1050 and 1100°C.
A pragmatic, performance‐based approach to levee safety assessments
Authors: Rikkert Stephan Johannes Hendrikus , Kok Matthijs , Lendering Kasper , Jongejan Ruben
Published: August 2022

Flood prone areas are often protected against flooding by an extensive network of flood defenses. To ensure their structural integrity, these flood defenses are periodically assessed. Many levees have been functioning well for decades, and have survived several relatively high hydraulic loads within their lifetime. However, information on survived load conditions is seldom included in levee safety assessments. Observed degradation from levee inspections is also not taken into account. That way, information that is useful to improve the accuracy of estimations of the actual strength of the levee remains unexploited. This study proposes a pragmatic approach to include observations of survived loads and levee degradation in the levee safety assessment. This approach consists of three steps: (1) a prior estimation of the failure probability, based on levee characteristics, (2) a posterior estimation of the failure probability, based on observed hydraulic loads, and (3) correction of the posterior failure probability estimation, based on levee inspections. In a case study, the estimated failure probabilities using this approach were much lower than when information on levee performance was not included. This study demonstrates the value of levee performance observations and how they could be included to improve levee safety assessments.
The SII reflects inflammation in acne vulgaris, but fails to determine categorical severity
Authors: Turan Çağrı , Coşansu Nur Cihan , Yüksekal Gülcan
Published: August 2022

Background

Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII; calculated by multiplying neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and platelet count) has been investigated as a marker of inflammation.

Aim

we aimed to investigate the relationship of SII with acne severity and whether it can be used as a practical method in determining categorical acne severity.

Materials and Methods

All participants (aged 15–30 years, n = 212) were prospectively evaluated with acne severity scales, including the Global Acne‐Grading System (GAGS), the Comprehensive Acne Severity Scale (CASS), and the Patient‐centered Acne Severity Scale. Patients were grouped according to GAGS: healthy individuals (n = 53), patients with mild (n = 44), moderate (n = 86), and severe acne (n = 29). Patients' hemogram data obtained simultaneously with the physical examination were used in the analysis.

Results

The groups were statistically similar in terms of age and gender, both according to acne severity and current lesion types. The neutrophil count was significantly higher in patients with nodulocystic acne than in acne patients with non‐inflammatory lesions or healthy individuals (p: 0.022). SII was significantly higher in acne patients with nodulocystic lesions than in individuals with milder lesions, both non‐inflammatory and inflammatory (p = 0.004). SII was weakly significantly correlated with GAGS, CASS, and the number of nodulocystic lesions (r = 0.164, p = 0.018; r = 0.147, p = 0.034; r = 0.222, p = 0.001). However, none of the hemogram parameters, including SII, differed in classifying acne severity according to GAGS (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Systemic immune inflammation index may be a new and reliable inflammatory marker to reflect the severity of inflammation, especially in patients with nodulocystic acne, although it is not useful in categorizing acne severity.
Developing a visual model for predicting depression in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Xing Yanqing , Zhao Wenxiao , Duan Chenchen , Zheng Jun , Zhao Xuelian , Yang Jingyu , Sun Na , Chen Jie
Published: August 2022

Aims and objectives

To investigate and analyse the prevalence of depression among patients with lung cancer, identify risk factors of depression, and develop a visual, non‐invasive, and straightforward clinical prediction model that can be used to predict the risk probability of depression in patients with lung cancer quantitatively.

Background

Depression is one of the common concomitant symptoms of patients with lung cancer, which can increase the risk of suicide. However, the current assessment tools cannot combine multiple risk factors to predict the risk probability of depression in patients.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The clinical data from 297 patients with lung cancer in China were collected and analysed in this cross‐sectional study. The clinical prediction model was constructed according to the results of the Chi‐square test and the logistic regression analysis, evaluated by discrimination, calibration, and decision curve analysis, and visualised by a nomogram. This study was reported using the TRIPOD checklist.

Results

130 patients with lung cancer had depressive symptoms with a prevalence of 43.77%. A visual prediction model was constructed based on age, disease duration, exercise, stigma, and resilience. This model showed good discrimination at an AUC of 0.842. Calibration curve analysis indicated a good agreement between experimental and predicted values, and the decision curve analysis showed a high clinical utility.

Conclusions

The visual prediction model developed in this study has excellent performance, which can accurately predict the occurrence of depression in patients with lung cancer at an early stage and assist the medical staff in taking targeted preventative measures.

Relevance to clinical practice

The visual, non‐invasive, and simple nomogram can help clinical medical staff to calculate the risk probability of depression among patients with lung cancer, formulate personalised preventive care measures for high‐risk groups as soon as possible, and improve the quality of life of patients.
GRP genes in potato genome and their expression response to phytohormone and Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Luo Yongping , Wang Cong , Yang Rujie , Liu Hongliang , Suo Yanyun , Gao Gang
Published: August 2022

Cell wall glycine‐rich proteins (GRPs) play important roles in plant growth and development, as well as in the effective prevention of plant diseases. Although members of the GRP family have been identified in several plants, a comprehensive analysis of GRPs has not been reported in Solanaceae plants. In this study, 43 GRPs were identified from Solanum tuberosum (named StGRPs), Solanum lycopersicum, Capsicum annuum and Nicotiana attenuata. The comparative study of these GRPs showed that they were conservative in physical properties, structures of genes and motifs. The expression patterns of Solanum tuberosum StGRPs under biotic and abiotic stress were analysed and presented very diverse profiles in responding to ABA, IAA, GA3, high salinity, pathogen and heat stress. Some StGRPs were preferentially and specifically expressed during the development of petioles and tubers, in which the expression of StGRPs was more sensitive to ABA confirmed by qRT‐PCR analysis. The strongly up‐regulated expression of StGRP1 induced by Ralstonia solanacearum indicated the positive role involved in the resistance against the bacterial wilt pathogen. Tissue localization analyses by Digoxin/fluorescence in situ hybridization indicated that the expression of StGRP1 was vascular‐specific and associated with cell wall thickening in vascular bundles and interfascicular fibres after R. solanacearum inoculation. These findings may provide a new insight into the roles of GRPs in adaptation to diverse stresses and in resistance to R. solanacearum in potatoes.
Population genomics of an emergent tri‐species hybrid zone
Authors: Natola Libby , Seneviratne Sampath S. , Irwin Darren
Published: August 2022

Isolating barriers that drive speciation are commonly studied in the context of two‐species hybrid zones. There is, however, evidence that more complex introgressive relationships are common in nature. Here, we use field observations and genomic analysis, including the sequencing and assembly of a novel reference genome, to study an emergent hybrid zone involving two colliding hybrid zones of three woodpecker species: red‐breasted, red‐naped, and yellow‐bellied sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus ruber, S. nuchalis, and S. varius). Surveys of the area surrounding Prince George, British Columbia, Canada, show that all three species are sympatric, and Genotyping‐by‐Sequencing identifies hybrids from each species pair and birds with ancestry from all three species. Observations of phenotypes and genotypes of mated pairs provide evidence for assortative mating, though there is some heterospecific pairing. Hybridization is more extensive in this tri‐species hybrid zone than in two di‐species hybrid zones. However, there is no evidence of a hybrid swarm and admixture is constrained to contact zones, so we classify this region as a tension zone and invoke selection against hybrids as a likely mechanism maintaining species boundaries. Analysis of sapsucker age classes does not show disadvantages in hybrid survival to adulthood, so we speculate the selection upholding the tension zone may involve hybrid fecundity. Gene flow among all sapsuckers in di‐species hybrid zones suggests introgression probably occurred before the formation of this tri‐species hybrid zone, and might result from bridge hybridization, vagrancies, or other three‐species interactions.
Desirable Difficulty: Theory and application of intentionally challenging learning
Authors: Nelson Adin , Eliasz Kinga L.
Published: August 2022

Context

Health professions trainees must acquire a vast amount of clinical knowledge and skills, and a deliberate instructional design approach is needed to provide trainees with effective learning strategies. One powerful yet counterintuitive strategy that facilitates long‐term learning is incorporating intentional difficulties during the learning process. Difficulties that require more effort from learners may impede short‐term learning but are ultimately beneficial for long‐term learning and are therefore termed Desirable Difficulties.

Objectives

In this cross‐cutting edge paper, we describe the Desirable Difficulty effect from three theoretical perspectives originating in different fields, discuss common evidence‐based Desirable Difficulty strategies used in Health Professions Education and explore emerging research that could further optimise Desirable Difficulty‐enhanced learning for health professions trainees.

Methods

We synthesise theory and research from psychology, cognitive science and Health Professions Education literatures to further the understanding and application of Desirable Difficulties. We introduce three theoretical perspectives that provide a comprehensive overview of the theoretical underpinnings of the Desirable Difficulty effect: the New Theory of Disuse, the Challenge Point Framework and Cognitive Load Theory. We then illustrate how three common Desirable Difficulty strategies in medical education research—retrieval practice, spaced practice and interleaved practice—can be understood through these theoretical lenses. Finally, we provide relevant examples from the literature and explore emerging research in this area.

Conclusions

This paper summarises the theory and empirical research on Desirable Difficulties during the learning process, from explaining what they are and why they may be effective to how they have been applied in different contexts. We argue that providing educators and trainees with a comprehensive theoretical and applied understanding of Desirable Difficulty will promote deliberate instructional design decisions and lead to more effective learning.
National memory in exile: The case of the Georgian émigré community, 1921–2018
Authors: Kekelia Elene
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates the construction and role of national memory in exile through the intersection of nationalism and memory studies. Building on descriptions of the Georgian émigré memory, its comparison with the Soviet Georgian identity and its travelling trajectory, this study illustrates the potential of subaltern national exilic memory. My research data on prominent Georgian émigrés are juxtaposed with a recent historical study of the internal diaspora of prominent Georgians in the Soviet Union. This is a story of postcolonial intellectuals and nationalist elites who acted as a carrier group in 1921, advocating internationally against the suffering of Soviet Georgians. Exiles produced an alternative account, comprised of four counternarratives, to that of the Soviet Union. These identified narratives constitute a stored memory that became an available past for Georgia. The safeguarded émigré memory was negotiated, recovered, used for centennial celebrations in 2018 and finally reintegrated into the national body.
Impact of phosphate binders on quality of life in dialysis patients: Results from the prospective Dutch nOcturnal and hoME dialysis Study To Improve Clinical Outcomes study
Authors: Colombijn Julia M. T. , Vonk Sanne , Cornelis Tom , Boorsma Siska , Krekels Marielle M. E. , Abrahams Alferso C. , van Jaarsveld Brigit C.
Published: August 2022

Background

Phosphate binders cause high pill burden for dialysis patients, complicate medication regimens, and have unpleasant taste and large size which may affect patients' quality of life. This study explores the association between phosphate binder pill burden and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in dialysis patients.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional multi‐centre cohort study in 21 Dutch dialysis centres. Phosphate binder pill burden was extracted from electronic patient records. Primary outcome was HRQoL measured with the Short Form 12 physical and mental component summary scores (PCS and MCS). Secondary endpoints were severity of gastro‐intestinal symptoms, itching, dry mouth, and mental health symptoms, measured with the Dialysis Symptom Index.

Results

Of 388 included patients, aged 62 ± 16 years, 77% underwent haemodialysis. PCS scores were comparable for patients with and without phosphate binders. Patients using 1–3 pills reported lower scores for decreased appetite (β −0.5; 95%CI −0.9 to −0.2), implying better appetite, than patients without phosphate binders. Patients using 4–6 pills also reported lower scores for decreased appetite (β −0.5; 95%CI −0.8 to −0.1) and for itching (β −0.5; 95%CI −0.9 to −0.1). Patients using >6 pills reported lower MCS (β −2.9; 95%CI −6.2–0.4) and higher scores for feeling nervous (β 0.6; 95%CI 0.1–1.1) and feeling sad (β 0.4; 95%CI 0.0–0.9).

Conclusion

Phosphate binder pill burden is not associated with physical quality of life. A higher pill burden is associated with better appetite and less itching. Patients using >6 pills per day report lower mental quality of life and felt nervous and sad more often.
Epigenetic modulation of visceral nociception
Authors: Zhou QiQi , Verne George Nicholas
Published: August 2022

Epigenetics is a process that alters gene activity or phenotype without any changes in the underlying DNA sequence or genotype. These biological changes may have deleterious effects and can lead to various human diseases. Ongoing research is continuing to illuminate the role of epigenetics in a variety of pathophysiologic processes. Several categories of epigenetic mechanisms have been studied including chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, histone modification, and non‐coding RNA mechanisms. These epigenetic changes can have a long‐term effect on gene expression without any underlying changes in the DNA sequences. The underlying pathophysiology of disorders of brain‐gut interaction and stress‐induced visceral pain are not fully understood and the role of epigenetic mechanisms in these disorders are starting to be better understood. Current work is underway to determine how epigenetics plays a role in the neurobiology of patients with chronic visceral pain and heightened visceral nociception. More recently, both animal models and human studies have shown how epigenetic regulation modulates stress‐induced visceral pain. While much more work is needed to fully delineate the mechanistic role of epigenetics in the neurobiology of chronic visceral nociception, the current study by Louwies et al., in Neurogastroenterology and Motility provides additional evidence supporting the involvement of epigenetic alterations in the central nucleus of the amygdala in stress‐induced visceral hypersensitivity in rodents.
Hippo‐YAP signaling activation and cross‐talk with PI3K in oral cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rodrigo Juan P. , Rodríguez‐Santamarta Tania , Corte Daniela , García‐de‐la‐Fuente Vanessa , Rodríguez‐Torres Nerea , Lequerica‐Fernández Paloma , Lorz Corina , García‐Pedrero Juana M. , de Vicente Juan C.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the clinical and prognostic relevance of the Hippo‐YAP transactivators YAP1 and TAZ in oral squamous cell carcinoma, and their possible relationship with PI3K/mTOR pathway activation.

Materials and Methods

Immunohistochemical analysis of YAP1, TAZ, PIK3CA (p110α), p‐AKT (Ser473), and p‐S6 (Ser235) was performed in paraffin‐embedded tissue specimens from 165 OSCC patients. Correlations between protein expression and clinical data were further assessed.

Results

YAP1 expression was detected in both cytoplasm and nucleus of tumor cells, whereas TAZ expression was only found in the nucleus. Nuclear YAP1 was significantly associated with tumor size (p = 0.03), neck lymph node metastasis (p = 0.02), TNM stage (p = 0.02), and poor differentiation (p = 0.04). Nuclear TAZ was associated with tobacco (p = 0.03) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.04), and poor tumor differentiation (p = 0.04). There was a positive significant correlation between nuclear and cytoplasmic YAP1, nuclear TAZ, p110α expression, and mTORC1 activation p‐S6 (S235). Combined expression of nuclear and cytoplasmic YAP1 was prognostic in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Active nuclear YAP1 was significantly and independently associated with poor disease‐specific (p = 0.005, HR = 2.520; 95% CI = 1.319–4.816) and overall survival (p = 0.015, HR = 2.126; 95% CI = 1.155–3.916).

Conclusion

Nuclear YAP1 is an independent predictor of poor survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Immunogenicity of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in adolescents with cardiac disease
Authors: Hayashi Hiroki , Narita Jun , Ishii Ryo , Hirose Masaki , Hashimoto Kazuhisa , Yamagishi Yoshiaki , Ozono Keiichi , Nakagami Hironori , Ishida Hidekazu
Published: August 2022

Background

Although widely reported to affect older adults more, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) also affects adolescents, especially those with co‐morbidities, including heart diseases. The safety and efficacy of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) mRNA vaccines has been established in healthy adolescents, yet there are few data for humoral and cellular immunogenicity in adolescents with cardiac diseases.

Methods

We evaluated anti‐spike antibodies, neutralizing activities, and interferon‐gamma production prior to and after SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in adolescents with cardiac diseases and healthy controls.

Results

Five healthy adolescents and 26 patients with cardiac diseases, including congenital heart disease (CHD, n = 10), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n = 4), idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH, n = 4), and those post‐heart transplantation (post‐HTx, n = 8) were enrolled. No severe adverse events, including myocarditis and pericarditis, were noted, even in patients with severe heart failure. Febrile events were noted after 21 of 62 injections (34%). All the healthy adolescents and 21 of the 26 patients (81%) showed sufficient elevation of neutralizing antibodies after the second dose of vaccination. Neutralizing antibodies and cellular immunity were absent in four of the eight post‐HTx patients and one with single ventricle CHD. There was no correlation between the anti‐spike and neutralizing antibody titers and interferon‐gamma levels. When comparing the clinical characteristics of the patients post‐HTx who did or did not acquire antibodies, there was no significant difference in the immunosuppressant types and trough levels.

Conclusions

SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine has efficient immunogenicity for adolescents with CHD, IPAH, and DCM. Half of post‐HTx patients could not acquire sufficient humoral immunity.
Anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anti‐fibrotic and schistosomicidal properties of plumbagin in murine schistosomiasis
Authors: Bakery Heba H. , Allam Gamal A. , Abuelsaad Abdelaziz S. A. , Abdel‐Latif Mahmoud , Elkenawy Ayman E. , Khalil Rehab G.
Published: August 2022

Schistosomiasis is still a major health problem affecting nearly 250 million people worldwide and causes approximately 280,000 deaths per year. The disease causes a serious granulomatous inflammatory response that produces significant mortality. Plumbagin reportedly displays anti‐inflammatory, anti‐fibrotic, antioxidant and anthelmintic properties. This study further elucidates these properties. Mice were infected with schistosomes and divided into five groups: non‐infected untreated (C); infected untreated (IU); non‐infected treated with plumbagin (P); infected treated with plumbagin (PI) and infected treated with praziquantel (PZ). Mice treated with 20 mg plumbagin/kg body weight showed reduction of 64.28% and 59.88% in male and female animals, respectively. Also, the number of eggs/g tissue was reduced 69.39%, 68.79% and 69.11% in liver, intestine and liver/intestine combined, respectively. Plumbagin alleviated schistosome‐induced hepatosplenomegaly and reduced hepatic granuloma and liver collagen content by 62.5% and 35.26%, respectively while PZQ reduced hepatic granuloma and liver collagen content by 41.11% and 11.21%, respectively. Further, plumbagin treatment significantly (p < .001) reduced IL‐4, IL‐13, IL‐17, IL‐37, IFN‐γ, TGF‐β and TNF‐α levels and significantly (p < .001) upregulated IL‐10. Plumbagin treatment restored hepatic enzymes activity to nearly normal levels and induced an increase in catalase, SOD, GSH, total thiol and GST in liver tissue homogenate. NO and LPO content was, however, decreased. Moreover, serum IgG levels significantly increased. The present study is the first to report immunomodulatory and schistosomicidal activities of plumbagin in schistosomiasis.
A survey of stochastic inventory models with fixed costs: Optimality of (s, S) and (s, S)‐type policies—Discrete‐time case
Authors: Perera Sandun C. , Sethi Suresh P.
Published: August 2022

Fixed costs of ordering items or setting up a production process arise in many real‐life scenarios. In their presence, the most widely used ordering policy in the stochastic inventory literature is the [Formula: see text] policy. Optimality of [Formula: see text] policies and [Formula: see text]‐type policies have been examined for various inventory models, including those with the inventory level being reviewed in every period or continuously, finite and infinite horizons, discounted‐cost and average‐cost criteria, backlogging and lost‐sales practices, standard and generalized demands and/or costs, deterministic and stochastic lead times, single‐product and multi‐product settings, and coordinated pricing‐inventory decisions. We comprehensively survey the vast literature accumulated over seven decades in two papers. This paper is devoted to discrete‐time models, and the companion paper, also published in this journal issue, reviews continuous‐time models. We go over model specifications, proof techniques, specific results, and limitations of the articles published in the literature. We conclude each paper by providing corresponding suggestions for extensions and directions for future research.
Minimal invasiveness in soft tissue augmentation at dental implants: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of patient‐reported outcome measures
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Strauss Franz J. , Mancini Leonardo , Gasser Thomas J. W. , Jung Ronald E.
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to compare patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) of soft tissue substitutes versus autogenous grafts for soft tissue augmentation procedures at implant sites. Comprehensive and systematic literature searches were performed until December 2021. A focused question was formulated based on the Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome criteria (PICO): In patients with dental implants undergoing soft tissue augmentation (P), do soft tissue substitutes (I) compared to autogenous soft tissue graft (SCTG [subepithelial connective tissue graft]) (C) limit the post‐operative morbidity and other patient reported‐outcomes measures (O). Randomized controlled clinical trials, prospective‐, retrospective‐ and case‐series studies were included. Meta‐analyses were performed whenever possible and the results were expressed as weighted mean differences (WMD). A total of 29 clinical studies were included. For mucosal thickness gain, soft tissue substitutes significantly reduced the pain perception compared to SCTG (n = 4; WMD = 14.91 Visual Analog Scale [VAS] units; 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.42‐23.40; P < .0006) based on a 0‐100 VAS scale. Based on a 0‐10 VAS scale, a borderline significance of pain reduction was found when soft tissue substitutes were applied (n = 4; WMD = 1.62 VAS units; 95% CI 0.01‐3.23; P = .05). For keratinized tissue gain, soft tissue substitutes significantly reduced the pain perception after keratinized tissue augmentation compared to SCTG based on a 0‐100 VAS scale (n = 2; WMD = 21.43 VAS units; 95% CI 12.58‐30.28; P < .0001). Based on the 0‐10 VAS scale, soft tissue substitutes significantly reduced the pain as compared to SCTG (n = 4; WMD = 1.65 VAS units; 95% CI 0.66‐2.64; P = .001). Regarding pain medication, soft tissue substitutes required less painkillers (n = 6; WMD = 1.56 tablets; 95% CI 1.22‐1.91; P < .00001) after soft tissue augmentation. The surgery time was significantly reduced when soft tissue substitutes were used (n = 5; WMD = 10.9 minutes; 95% CI 4.60‐17.19; P < .00001). There were no significant differences in satisfaction, aesthetics, and quality of life (OHIP‐14) between soft tissue substitutes and autogenous grafts following soft tissue augmentation at implants sites. Soft tissue substitutes, compared to autogenous grafts, significantly improve PROMs following soft tissue augmentation at implant sites. Soft tissue substitutes can reduce pain perception, amounts of painkillers and surgery time while achieving similar levels of patient´s satisfaction as autogenous grafts without impairing the clinical outcomes. The current evidence indicates that they constitute a valid and reliable alternative to minimize the invasiveness in soft tissue augmentation procedures at implant sites.
Rheumatoid factor and anti‐citrullinated antibodies in non‐connective tissue interstitial lung disease: The chicken or the egg?
Authors: Moodley Yuben
Published: August 2022

See related article
Phylogeny of Membracoidea (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) based on transcriptome data
Authors: Hu Yanhua , Dietrich Christopher H. , Skinner Rachel K. , Zhang Yalin
Published: August 2022

The suborder Auchenorrhyncha (“true hoppers”) comprises nearly half of known Hemiptera, with >43,000 known species of sap‐sucking herbivores distributed worldwide, including many important agricultural pests and vectors of plant disease. More than half of the known Auchenorrhyncha belong to superfamily Membracoidea (leaf‐ and treehoppers), which has been a source of phylogenetic contention for many years. To construct an improved backbone phylogeny of this superfamily, we obtained transcriptome data for multiple representatives of all 5 previously established extant families and nearly all subfamilies to test their monophyly and relationships. 138 taxa (132 Membracoidea and 6 outgroups) were sampled with an emphasis on families Cicadellidae and Membracidae, which were paraphyletic as previously defined by most authors, several problematic subfamilies (Aphrodinae, Eurymelinae, Ledrinae, Nicomiinae, Stegaspidinae and Tartessinae). We analysed different combinations of data sets (amino acid, complete nucleotide and degeneracy‐coded nucleotide) using different modelling schemes. The resultant trees based on different analyses are congruent in most nodes. Discordant nodes mainly pertain to relationships among cicadellid subfamilies and tribal relationships within Aphrodinae and Eurymelinae. Analyses of gene‐ and site concordance factors and quartet scores indicate that this instability is largely attributable to an overall lack of informative characters across genes and sites rather than strongly supported conflict among genes. According to the congruent nodes, we make the following revisions: combine Stegaspidinae and Centrotinae into a single subfamily, Centrotinae sensu lato; restore Stenocotini from Tartessinae to its original position in the Ledrinae; and transform Holdgatiella Evans from Nicomiinae to Melizoderinae. In addition, to solve the paraphyly of both Cicadellidae and Membracidae, a preferred option would be to combine all five previously recognized families into a single family, Membracidae sensu lato; the other option could be to render Cicadellidae monophyletic by excluding Megophthalminae and Ulopinae from Cicadellidae and elevating them to status as separate families.
Homand Honiara: Interpreting, importing, and adapting “home” in Solomon Islands
Authors: Maggio Rodolfo
Published: August 2022

The residents of Gilbert Camp, an illegal settlement on the outskirts of Honiara, the capital city of Solomon Islands, recurrently declare that life in town is hard. However, they have been migrating there, they keep doing so notwithstanding great challenges, and create the conditions for others to settle too. The apparent contradiction between their ideas and behaviours is resolved by looking at their home‐making practices, and interpreting negative statements as commentaries. These commentaries evaluate their efforts to turn Honiara into a home and a place where they can live the “good” life. Home is not just a matter of urban belonging and place‐making, neither it is just a matter of surviving in the “hard” urban context; rather it is a complex negotiation between cultural priorities, the specific needs of local communities, and their commitment to create a home away from home.
Homo Mimeticus
Authors: Lawtoo Nidesh
Published: August 2022

Imitation is, perhaps more than ever, constitutive of human originality. Many things have changed since the emergence of an original species called Homo sapiens, but in the digital age humans remain mimetic creatures: from the development of consciousness to education, aesthetics to politics, mirror neurons to brain plasticity, digital simulations to emotional contagion, (new) fascist insurrections to viral contagion, we are unconsciously formed, deformed, and transformed by the all too human tendency to imitate—for both good and ill. Crossing disciplines as diverse as philosophy, aesthetics, and politics, Homo Mimeticus proposes a new theory of one of the most influential concepts in Western thought (mimesis) to confront some of the hypermimetic challenges of the present and future. Written in an accessible yet rigorous style, Homo Mimeticus appeals to both a specialized and general readership. It can be used in courses of modern and contemporary philosophy, aesthetics, political theory, literary criticism/theory, and new media studies.
Nested epistasis enhancer networks for robust genome regulation
Authors: Lin Xueqiu , Liu Yanxia , Liu Shuai , Zhu Xiang , Wu Lingling , Zhu Yanyu , Zhao Dehua , Xu Xiaoshu , Chemparathy Augustine , Wang Haifeng , Cao Yaqiang , Nakamura Muneaki , Noordermeer Jasprina N. , La Russa Marie , Wong Wing Hung , Zhao Keji , Qi Lei S.
Published: August 2022

Mammalian genomes have multiple enhancers spanning an ultralong distance (>megabases) to modulate important genes, but it is unclear how these enhancers coordinate to achieve this task. We combine multiplexed CRISPRi screening with machine learning to define quantitative enhancer-enhancer interactions. We find that the ultralong distance enhancer network has a nested multilayer architecture that confers functional robustness of gene expression. Experimental characterization reveals that enhancer epistasis is maintained by three-dimensional chromosomal interactions and BRD4 condensation. Machine learning prediction of synergistic enhancers provides an effective strategy to identify noncoding variant pairs associated with pathogenic genes in diseases beyond genome-wide association studies analysis. Our work unveils nested epistasis enhancer networks, which can better explain enhancer functions within cells and in diseases.
Ultra-sounding out a technique that sticks
Authors: Es Sayed Julien , Kamperman Marleen
Published: August 2022

Ultrasound can be used to promote the physical interlocking of adhesives and tissues
Synthetic gene circuits take root
Authors: Alamos Simon , Shih Patrick M.
Published: August 2022

Complex spatial patterns of gene expression are engineered in plants to modulate root morphology
Scientists scramble to set up monkeypox vaccine trials
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: August 2022

Logistical and ethical challenges are complicating the design of efficacy studies
Dominant Negative Mutants of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Viral Infectivity Factor (Vif) Disrupt Core-Binding Factor Beta-Vif Interaction
Authors: Duan Sizhu , Yu Xin , Wang Chu , Meng Lina , Gai Yanxin , Zhou Yan , Gu Tiejun , Yu Bin , Wu Jiaxin , Yu Xianghui
Published: August 2022

Antiviral therapy cannot eliminate HIV and exhibits disadvantages such as drug resistance and toxicity. Therefore, novel strategies for inhibiting viral replication in patients with HIV are urgently needed.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Toluene-Degrading, Dissimilatory Sulfate-Reducing Bacterium
Desulforhabdus
sp. Strain TSK
Authors: Tsukuda Reina , Sugimoto Taketo , Takamizawa Kazuhiro , Nakamura Kohei
Published: August 2022

The draft genome sequence of
Desulforhabdus
sp. strain TSK, which oxidizes toluene under dissimilatory sulfate-reducing conditions, had an estimated size of 4,933,642 bp.
Genome Sequence of Genotype 1A Hepatovirus A Isolated from Plasma from a Haitian Child
Authors: Alam M. Mahbubul , Elbadry Maha A. , Loeb Julia C. , Stephenson Caroline J. , Louis Rigan , Mavian Carla , Charrel Remi , Rahman Sabita Rezwana , Morris J. Glenn , Lednicky John A.
Published: August 2022

Genotype 1A hepatovirus A was identified by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and isolated from plasma from a Haitian child with acute undifferentiated febrile illness and malaise. The strain was most closely related to Brazilian strains, consistent with recognized patterns of virus movement in the Caribbean region.
Reconstruction and Analysis of Thermodynamically Constrained Models Reveal Metabolic Responses of a Deep-Sea Bacterium to Temperature Perturbations
Authors: Dufault-Thompson Keith , Nie Chang , Jian Huahua , Wang Fengping , Zhang Ying
Published: August 2022

Metabolic flexibility is a central component of any organism’s ability to survive and adapt to changes in environmental conditions. This study represents the first application of thermodynamically constrained genome-scale models in simulating the metabolic responses of a deep-sea psychrophilic bacterium to various temperatures.
Amyloid Aggregates Are Localized to the Nonadherent Detached Fraction of Aging Streptococcus mutans Biofilms
Authors: Yarmola Elena , Ishkov Ivan P. , di Cologna Nicholas M. , Menashe Megan , Whitener Robert L. , Long Joanna R. , Abranches Jacqueline , Hagen Stephen J. , Brady L. Jeannine
Published: August 2022

Streptococcus mutans
is a keystone pathogen and causative agent of human dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, the most prevalent infectious disease in the world. Like many pathogens,
S. mutans
causes disease in biofilms, which for dental decay begins with bacterial attachment to the salivary pellicle coating the tooth surface.
Large-Scale Studies on Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Characterization of Escherichia coli from Food Animals in Developed Areas of Eastern China
Authors: Ma Jiangang , Zhou Wei , Wu Jing , Liu Xiaofeng , Lin Jiahui , Ji Xiaofeng , Lin Hui , Wang Jianmei , Jiang Han , Zhou Qianjin , Zhao Guoping , Yang Hua , Tang Biao
Published: August 2022

Pigs and chickens are the most common food animals that are the important vectors for spreading antimicrobial-resistant pathogens among animals and humans. Limited systematic AMR monitoring of these food animal origin bacteria had been reported, especially in developed areas of China.
Prevalence, epidemiology and associated healthcare burden of Rome IV irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia in the adult population of Gibraltar
Authors: Kovács Dénes Botond , Szekely Andrea , Hubai Andras Gabor , Palsson Olafur
Published: August 2022

Objective

Gibraltar is a unique densely populated multicultural British Overseas Territory for which no population data on disorders of gut–brain interaction have existed.

We aimed to provide the first-ever assessment of prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia in Gibraltar in relation to their diagnostic recognition and healthcare burden.

Design

An internet survey was carried out in Gibraltar in 2019–2020. The study survey included demographic questions, the Rome IV diagnostic questions for functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome, relevant medical history, previous surgeries, medication use, healthcare visit frequency and a quality-of-life questionnaire.

Results

888 individuals (3.5% of all Gibraltar adults) completed the survey anonymously. Irritable bowel syndrome prevalence was 5.2% (95% CI 3.7% to 6.6%). Functional dyspepsia prevalence was 9.9% (95% CI 7.9% to 11.9%). The two conditions overlapped substantially. Women had higher mean prevalence than men of both disorders. People meeting criteria for either or both disorders were prone to surgeries, had more frequent healthcare visits, higher medication use and lower quality-of-life scores compared with people without these disorders. Diagnostic recognition by healthcare providers was low, leaving 58.3% of irritable bowel syndrome and 96.9% of functional dyspepsia individuals undiagnosed.

Conclusion

This first-ever population-based study of Rome IV defined irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia in Gibraltar indicates that the prevalence rates of these disorders are similar to the recently reported data for the UK and Spain, but they remain poorly recognised despite substantially affecting the quality of life of individuals who have them in the Gibraltar community.
Understanding community health worker employment preferences in Malang district, Indonesia, using a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Gadsden Thomas , Sujarwoto Sujarwoto , Purwaningtyas Nuretha , Maharani Asri , Tampubolon Gindo , Oceandy Delvac , Praveen Devarsetty , Angell Blake , Jan Stephen , Palagyi Anna
Published: August 2022

Background

Community health workers (CHWs) play a critical role in supporting health systems, and in improving accessibility to primary healthcare. In many settings CHW programmes do not have formalised employment models and face issues of high attrition and poor performance. This study aims to determine the employment preferences of CHWs in Malang district, Indonesia, to inform policy interventions.

Methods

A discrete choice experiment was conducted with 471 CHWs across 28 villages. Attributes relevant to CHW employment were identified through a multistage process including literature review, focus group discussions and expert consultation. Respondents’ choices were analysed with a mixed multinomial logit model and latent class analyses.

Results

Five attributes were identified: (1) supervision; (2) training; (3) monthly financial benefit; (4) recognition; and (5) employment structure. The most important influence on choice of job was a low monthly financial benefit (US$~2) (β=0.53, 95% CI=0.43 to 0.63), followed by recognition in the form of a performance feedback report (β=0.13, 95% CI=0.07 to 0.20). A large monthly financial benefit (US$~20) was most unappealing to respondents (β=−0.13, 95% CI=−0.23 to −0.03). Latent class analysis identified two groups of CHWs who differed in their willingness to accept either job presented and preferences over specific attributes. Preferences diverged based on respondent characteristics including experience, hours’ worked per week and income.

Conclusion

CHWs in Malang district, Indonesia, favour a small monthly financial benefit which likely reflects the unique cultural values underpinning the programme and a desire for remuneration that is commensurate with the limited number of hours worked. CHWs also desire enhanced methods of performance feedback and greater structure around training and their rights and responsibilities. Fulfilling these conditions may become increasingly important should CHWs work longer hours.
Impact of secondary and tertiary neonatal interventions on neonatal mortality in a low- resource limited setting hospital in Uganda: a retrospective study
Authors: Kirabira Victoria Nakibuuka , Nakaggwa Florence , Nazziwa Ritah , Nalunga Sanyu , Nasiima Ritah , Nyagabyaki Catherine , Sebunya Robert , Latigi Grace , Pirio Patricia , Ahmadzai Malalay , Ojom Lawrence , Nabwami Immaculate , Burgoine Kathy , Blencowe Hannah
Published: August 2022

Objective

To assess the impact of secondary and tertiary level neonatal interventions on neonatal mortality over a period of 11 years.

Design

Interrupted time series analysis.

Setting

Nsambya Hospital, Uganda.

Interventions

Neonatal secondary interventions (phase I, 2007–2014) and tertiary level interventions (phase II, 2015–2020).

Participants

Neonates.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome: neonatal mortality. Secondary outcome: case fatality rate (CFR) for prematurity, neonatal sepsis and asphyxia.

Results

During the study period, a total of 25 316 neonates were admitted, of which 1853 (7.3%) died. The average inpatient mortality reduced from 8.2% during phase I to 5.7% during phase II (p=0.001). The CFR for prematurity reduced from 16.2% to 9.2% (p=0.001). There was a trend in reduction for the CFR of perinatal asphyxia from 14.9% to 13.0% (p=0.34). The CFR for sepsis had a more than a twofold increase (3%–6.8% p=0.001) between phase I and phase II.

Conclusion

Implementation of secondary and tertiary neonatal care in resource-limited settings is feasible. This study shows that these interventions can significantly reduce the neonatal mortality, with the largest impact seen in the reduction of deaths from perinatal asphyxia and prematurity. An increase in sepsis related deaths was observed, suggesting emphasis on infection control is key.
Cancer treatment decision-making among parents of paediatric oncology patients in Guatemala: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Graetz Dylan E , Rivas Silvia , Wang Huiqi , Vedaraju Yuvanesh , Ferrara Gia , Fuentes Lucia , Cáceres-Serrano Ana , Antillon-Klussmann Federico , Devidas Meenakshi , Metzger Monika , Rodriguez-Galindo Carlos , Mack Jennifer W
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To examine treatment decision-making priorities and experiences among parents of children with cancer in Guatemala.

Setting

This study was conducted at Guatemala’s National Pediatric Cancer Center in Guatemala City.

Participants

Spanish-speaking parents of paediatric patients (≤18 years of age) diagnosed with any form of cancer within the 8 weeks prior to study enrolment. The quantitative portion of this study included 100 parent participants; the qualitative component included 20 parents. Most participants were Catholic or Evangelical Spanish-speaking mothers.

Outcomes

Priorities and experiences of cancer treatment decision-making including decision-making role and experienced regret.

Results

A range of paediatric ages and cancer diagnoses were included. Most Guatemalan parents surveyed (70%) made decisions about their child’s cancer together and almost all (94%) without input from their community. Surveyed parents predominately preferred shared decision-making with their child’s oncologist (76%), however 69% agreed it was best not to be provided with many options. Two-thirds of surveyed parents (65%) held their preferred role in decision-making, with fathers more likely to hold their preferred role than mothers (p=0.02). A small number of parents (11%) experienced heightened decisional regret, which did not correlate with socio-demographic characteristics or preferred decision-making role. Qualitative results supported quantitative findings, demonstrating a decision-making process that emphasised trust and honesty.

Conclusions

Guatemalan parents preferred to make decisions with their medical team and appreciated providers who were honest and inclusive, but directive about decisions. This study reinforces the importance of the provider–parent relationship and encourages clinicians in all settings to ask about and honour each parent’s desired role in decision-making.