bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of in vitro diagnostic kits for hepatitis B virus infection using the regional reference panel of Japan
Authors: Momose Haruka , Murayama Asako , Yamada Norie , Matsubayashi Keiji , Matsuoka Sahoko , Ikebe Emi , Kuramitsu Madoka , Muramatsu Masamichi , Kato Takanobu , Hamaguchi Isao
Published: May 2023

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health concern. Precise and sensitive detection of viral markers, including HBV DNA and HBs antigen (Ag), is essential to determine HBV infection.

Methods

The sensitivities and specificities of 5 HBV DNA and 14 HBsAg kits were evaluated using World Health Organization International Standards (WHO IS) and the Regional Reference Panel (RRP) consisting of 64 HBsAg-negative and 80 HBsAg-positive specimens.

Results

All 5 HBV DNA kits detected HBV DNA in the WHO IS at a concentration of 10 IU/mL. The sensitivity and specificity to the RRP were 98.8–100% and 96.9–100%, respectively. HBV DNA titers were well correlated among the 5 kits regardless of HBV genotype. However, discordance of the HBV DNA titer was found in 5 specimens measured by CAP/CTM HBV v2.0. Among 12 automated HBsAg kits, the minimum detectable concentrations in the WHO IS varied from 0.01 to 0.1 IU/mL. Two lateral flow assays were positive for WHO IS concentrations greater than or equal to 1.0 and 0.1 IU/mL, respectively. When analyzed by the RRP, 12 automated kits exhibited a sensitivity of 98.8–100%, and 2 lateral flow assays showed sensitivities of 93.8% and 100%. The specificities of HBsAg kits were 100%. In the quantification of HBsAg, some kits showed a poor correlation of measurements with each other and showed up to a 1.7-fold difference in the regression coefficient of HBsAg titers. There were variations in the correlations of measurements among HBsAg kits when analyzed by genotype.

Conclusions

Five HBV DNA kits showed sufficient sensitivity and specificity to determine HBV infection. HBV DNA titers were compatible with each other irrespective of HBV genotypes. HBsAg kits had enough sensitivity and specificity to screen for HBV infection. One of the lateral flow assays had a nearly equivalent sensitivity to that of the automated HBsAg kit. HBsAg titers quantified by the evaluated kits were not compatible across the kits. Genotype-dependent amino acid variations might affect the quantification of HBsAg titers.
Engagement is a necessary condition to test audit and feedback design features: results of a pragmatic, factorial, cluster-randomized trial with an embedded process evaluation
Authors: McCleary Nicola , Desveaux Laura , Presseau Justin , Reis Catherine , Witteman Holly O. , Taljaard Monica , Linklater Stefanie , Thavorn Kednapa , Dobell Gail , Mulhall Cara L. , Lam Jonathan M. C. , Grimshaw Jeremy M. , Ivers Noah M.
Published: May 2023

Background

While audit & feedback (A&F) is an effective implementation intervention, the design elements which maximize effectiveness are unclear. Partnering with a healthcare quality advisory organization already delivering feedback, we conducted a pragmatic, 2 × 2 factorial, cluster-randomized trial to test the impact of variations in two factors: (A) the benchmark used for comparison and (B) information framing. An embedded process evaluation explored hypothesized mechanisms of effect.

Methods

Eligible physicians worked in nursing homes in Ontario, Canada, and had voluntarily signed up to receive the report. Groups of nursing homes sharing physicians were randomized to (A) physicians’ individual prescribing rates compared to top-performing peers (the top quartile) or the provincial median and (B) risk-framed information (reporting the number of patients prescribed high-risk medication) or benefit-framed information (reporting the number of patients not prescribed). We hypothesized that the top quartile comparator and risk-framing would lead to greater practice improvements. The primary outcome was the mean number of central nervous system-active medications per resident per month. Primary analyses compared the four arms at 6 months post-intervention. Factorial analyses were secondary. The process evaluation comprised a follow-up questionnaire and semi-structured interviews.

Results

Two hundred sixty-seven physicians (152 clusters) were randomized: 67 to arm 1 (median benchmark, benefit framing), 65 to arm 2 (top quartile benchmark, benefit framing), 75 to arm 3 (median benchmark, risk framing), and 60 to arm 4 (top quartile benchmark, risk framing). There were no significant differences in the primary outcome across arms or for each factor. However, engagement was low (27–31% of physicians across arms downloaded the report). The process evaluation indicated that both factors minimally impacted the proposed mechanisms. However, risk-framed feedback was perceived as more actionable and more compatible with current workflows, whilst a higher target might encourage behaviour change when physicians identified with the comparator.

Conclusions

Risk framing and a top quartile comparator have the potential to achieve change. Further work to establish the strategies most likely to enhance A&F engagement, particularly with physicians who may be most likely to benefit from feedback, is required to support meaningfully addressing intricate research questions concerning the design of A&F.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02979964. Registered 29 November 2016.
Surgical treatment of double aortic arch malformation combined with descending aortic arch dissection in adults: a case series
Authors: Min Xinping , Hu Zhipeng , Wang Zhiwei , Xia Jun
Published: May 2023

Background

Double aortic arch (DAA) combined with descending aortic arch dissection (DAAD) in adults is a rare aorta vascular disease. Due to the abnormal anatomy of the double arch and arch vessels, the clinical symptoms and surgical methods differ from those of typical aortic dissection.

Methods

This study was retrospective analysis of a case series involving three patients (mean age, 47.3 years) with DAA combined DAAD underwent total arch replacement or hybrid aortic repair from September 2010 to June 2019. The patients’ demographics, initial symptoms, comorbidities, surgical procedures, and outcomes are summarized.

Results

Total arch replacement plus frozen stent implantation under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was performed for 2 patients, one of them developed disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ failure postoperatively. Case 3 underwent a hybrid procedure with left subclavian artery revascularization and thoracic endovascular aortic repair. The symptoms of hoarseness and dysphagia were obviously improved during the follow up.

Conclusion

In addition to typical sudden chest and back pain, patients with DAA and DAAD may have hoarseness and dysphagia. Based on the development of DAA, total arch replacement or hybrid surgery may be is an optional treatment.
Towards the international interoperability of clinical research networks for rare diseases: recommendations from the IRDiRC Task Force
Authors: Nabbout Rima , Zanello Galliano , Baker Dixie , Black Lora , Brambilla Isabella , Buske Orion J. , Conklin Laurie S. , Davies Elin Haf , Julkowska Daria , Kim Yeonju , Klopstock Thomas , Nakamura Harumasa , Nielsen Kim G. , Pariser Anne R. , Pastor Jose Carlos , Scarpa Maurizio , Smith Maureen , Taruscio Domenica , Groft Stephen
Published: May 2023

Background

Many patients with rare diseases are still lacking a timely diagnosis and approved therapies for their condition despite the tremendous efforts of the research community, biopharmaceutical, medical device industries, and patient support groups. The development of clinical research networks for rare diseases offers a tremendous opportunity for patients and multi-disciplinary teams to collaborate, share expertise, gain better understanding on specific rare diseases, and accelerate clinical research and innovation. Clinical Research Networks have been developed at a national or continental level, but global collaborative efforts to connect them are still lacking. The International Rare Diseases Research Consortium set a Task Force on Clinical Research Networks for Rare Diseases with the objective to analyse the structure and attributes of these networks and to identify the barriers and needs preventing their international collaboration. The Task Force created a survey and sent it to pre-identified clinical research networks located worldwide.

Results

A total of 34 responses were received. The survey analysis demonstrated that clinical research networks are diverse in their membership composition and emphasize community partnerships including patient groups, health care providers and researchers. The sustainability of the networks is mostly supported by public funding. Activities and research carried out at the networks span the research continuum from basic to clinical to translational research studies. Key elements and infrastructures conducive to collaboration are well adopted by the networks, but barriers to international interoperability are clearly identified. These hurdles can be grouped into five categories: funding limitation; lack of harmonization in regulatory and contracting process; need for common tools and data standards; need for a governance framework and coordination structures; and lack of awareness and robust interactions between networks.

Conclusions

Through this analysis, the Task Force identified key elements that should support both developing and established clinical research networks for rare diseases in implementing the appropriate structures to achieve international interoperability worldwide. A global roadmap of actions and a specific research agenda, as suggested by this group, provides a platform to identify common goals between these networks.
The serum levels of activin A and bone morphogenetic protein-4 and -6 in patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva
Authors: Ye Zhengqin , Wang Siyi , Shan Chang , Zhu Qi , Xue Ying , Zhang Keqin
Published: May 2023

Background

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultrarare and disabling genetic disorder of connective tissue characterized by congenital malformation of the great toes, and progressive heterotopic ossification (HO) in soft connective tissues. A gain-of-function mutation of activin A receptor type I (ACVR1) enables ACVR1 to recognize activin A as an agonist with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling that leads to HO. Previous studies confirmed that activin A stimulates BMP signalling in vitro and drives HO in mouse models of FOP. However, the roles for BMP4 and BMP6 in FOP are supported only by correlative evidence in vitro. Thus, it remains unclear whether the circulating levels of activin A, BMP4 and BMP6 correlate with flare-ups in FOP patients. Hence, we investigated the protein levels of activin A, BMP4 and BMP6 in the serum of FOP patients.

Results

We recruited 16 untreated FOP patients and 16 age- and sex- matched healthy control subjects in this study. The 16 FOP patients were retrospectively divided into the flare-up group (n = 8) and remission group (n = 8) depending on whether they had flare-ups or worsening of any joint movement in the last 6 months. The serum activin A, BMP4 and BMP6 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The serum activin A, BMP4 and BMP6 levels were slightly higher in FOP patients (median: 434.05 pg/mL, 459.48 pg/mL and 67.84 pg/mL) versus healthy control subjects (median: 364.14 pg/mL, 450.39 pg/mL and 55.36 pg/mL). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05 for all items), nor were there significant differences between the flare-up and remission groups of FOP (p > 0.05 for all items). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that age, sex, and serum activin A, BMP4 and BMP6 levels were not related to flare-up in FOP patients.

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in the serum levels of activin A, BMP4 and BMP6 in FOP patients compared with healthy control subjects. Serum activin A, BMP4 and BMP6 proteins might not be the stimulators for FOP flare-up, and may not be biomarkers for FOP diagnosis.
Comparison of the AmpFire® Multiplex HPV Assay to the Xpert® HPV Assay for detection of human papillomavirus and cervical disease in women with human immunodeficiency virus: a pragmatic performance evaluation
Authors: Moyo Sikhulile , Ramogola-Masire Doreen , Moraka Natasha O. , Tawe Leabaneng , Noubary Farzad , Motsumi Kesego , Manowe Godiraone , Zuze Boitumelo , Radibe Botshelo , Hungwe Faith T. T. , Mohammed Terence , Maphorisa Comfort , Shapiro Roger , Gaseitsiwe Simani , Luckett Rebecca
Published: May 2023

Background

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) account for nearly 85% of the global cervical cancer burden, yet have the least access to high-performance screening. International guidelines recommend human papillomavirus testing (HPV) as primary screening, yet implementation is inhibited by the cost of HPV testing. Atila AmpFire® HPV Assay (AmpFire) is both affordable and easy to use, and offers individual genotyping. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of the AmpFire HPV assay to the Xpert® HPV assay in detection of both HPV and clinically significant cervical disease.

Methods

We utilized stored cervical specimens from a prospective cohort study of women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Botswana conducted from May to July 2018. Positive and negative percent agreement was calculated for the AmpFire and Xpert assays, as was detection of high-grade cervical dysplasia.

Results

63 stored cervical specimens had detectable DNA after thawing and were included in the analysis. The positive percent agreement was 91.2% (95%CI 76.3–98.1) and negative percent agreement was 79.3% (95% CI 60.3–92.0). Six cases positive by AmpFire but negative by Xpert were HPV genotypes 35, 52 (n = 2), 58, 68, and co-infection with HPV 45 and 68. Both Xpert and AmpFire assays detected HPV in all 10 samples of women who had high-grade cervical dysplasia.

Conclusions

The AmpFire HPV assay demonstrated excellent analytic performance in both detection of HPV and clinically significant cervical disease. AmpFire HPV is a promising option to increase access to affordable, type-specific HPV screening for cervical cancer in LMICs.
Epitranscriptome marks detection and localization of RNA modifying proteins in mammalian ovarian follicles
Authors: Dubuc Karine , Marchais Mathilde , Gilbert Isabelle , Bastien Alexandre , Nenonene Karen E. , Khandjian Edward W. , Viger Robert S. , Delbes Géraldine , Robert Claude
Published: May 2023

Background

Most of the resources that support the early development of the embryo are stored in the oocyte. Clearing of maternal resources and activation of the embryonic genome to produce its own mRNA transcripts marks the maternal-to-embryo transition. Dependence on stored mRNA can last from a few hours to several days, depending on animal species. The mechanisms regulating stabilization and recruitment of stored maternal transcripts have not yet been described in full detail but are known to involve reversible polyadenylation and modulation of 3’UTR-mediated elements. RNA epigenetic modifications, new players in this field, have an important role in RNA regulation and stabilization.

Results

The objectives of this study were first to determine if some of post-transcriptional methylation of stored mRNA is greater in oocytes than in somatic cells. We found that m6A, known to be the most prevalent and involved in various aspects of RNA metabolism and physiological functions, is particularly abundant in porcine oocyte mRNA compared to liver used as a somatic tissue reference. The second objective was to compare the epitranscriptome machinery, such as methyltransferases (“writers”), binding proteins (“readers”) and demethylases (“erasers”) catalyzing the different process, in follicles and oocytes of different mammalian species by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. The expression and localization patterns of these proteins differ between mice, pigs and cows ovaries and oocytes. m5C-associated proteins were generally less abundant. In contrast, m6A-associated proteins were expressed strongly during the early and late stages of folliculogenesis. Transzonal projections were found to contain more granules bearing the m5C mark in mice but both m5C and m6A methylation marks in association with mature oocytes of pigs and cows. Eraser proteins showed the greatest interspecies diversity in terms of distribution in the germinal tissues.

Conclusions

So far, few studies have looked at the oocyte and ovarian epitranscriptomic profile. Our findings indicate that a hitherto unrecognized species-specific layer of transcript regulation occurs at the RNA level and might be consequential during the oocyte transcriptional silencing period.
The association between the presence and burden of periodic discharges and outcome in septic patients: an observational prospective study
Authors: Ferlini Lorenzo , Maenhout Christelle , Crippa Ilaria Alice , Quispe-Cornejo Armin Alvaro , Creteur Jacques , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Gaspard Nicolas
Published: May 2023

Background

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is frequent in septic patients. Electroencephalography (EEG) is very sensitive to detect early epileptic abnormalities, such as seizures and periodic discharges (PDs), and to quantify their duration (the so-called burden). However, the prevalence of these EEG abnormalities in septic patients, as well as their effect on morbidity and mortality, are still unclear. The aims of this study were to assess whether the presence of electrographic abnormalities (i.e. the absence of reactivity, the presence and burden of seizures and PDs) was associated with functional outcome and mortality in septic patients and whether these abnormalities were associated with sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE).

Methods

We prospectively included septic patients, without known chronic or acute intracranial disease or pre-existing acute encephalopathy, requiring ICU admission in a tertiary academic centre. Continuous EEG monitoring was started within 72 h after inclusion and performed for up to 7 days. A comprehensive assessment of consciousness and delirium was performed twice daily by a trained neuropsychologist. Primary endpoints were unfavourable functional outcome (UO, defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended—GOSE—score < 5), and mortality collected at hospital discharge and secondary endpoint was the association of PDs with SAE. Mann–Whitney, Fisher’s exact and χ2 tests were used to assess differences in variables between groups, as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with in-hospital mortality, functional outcome, SAE or PDs as the dependent variables were performed.

Results

We included 92 patients. No seizures were identified. Nearly 25% of patients had PDs. The presence of PDs and PDs burden was associated with UO in univariate (n = 15 [41%], p = 0.005 and p = 0.008, respectively) and, for PDs presence, also in multivariate analysis after correcting for disease severity (OR 3.82, IC 95% [1.27–11.49], p = 0.02). The PDs burden negatively correlated with GOSE (Spearman’s coefficient ρ = − 0.2, p = 0.047). The presence of PDs was also independently associated with SAE (OR 8.98 [1.11–72.8], p = 0.04). Reactivity was observed in the majority of patients and was associated with outcomes (p = 0.044 for both functional outcome and mortality).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that PDs and PDs burden are associated with SAE and might affect outcome in septic patients.
Breast cancer genomes from CHEK2 c.1100delC mutation carriers lack somatic TP53 mutations and display a unique structural variant size distribution profile
Authors: Smid Marcel , Schmidt Marjanka K. , Prager-van der Smissen Wendy J. C. , Ruigrok-Ritstier Kirsten , Schreurs Maartje A. C. , Cornelissen Sten , Garcia Aida Marsal , Broeks Annegien , Timmermans A. Mieke , Trapman-Jansen Anita M. A. C. , Collée J. Margriet , Adank Muriel A. , Hooning Maartje J. , Martens John W. M. , Hollestelle Antoinette
Published: May 2023

Background

CHEK2 c.1100delC was the first moderate-risk breast cancer (BC) susceptibility allele discovered. Despite several genomic, transcriptomic and functional studies, however, it is still unclear how exactly CHEK2 c.1100delC promotes tumorigenesis. Since the mutational landscape of a tumor reflects the processes that have operated on its development, the aim of this study was to uncover the somatic genomic landscape of CHEK2-associated BC.

Methods

We sequenced primary BC (pBC) and normal genomes of 20 CHEK2 c.1100delC mutation carriers as well as their pBC transcriptomes. Including pre-existing cohorts, we exhaustively compared CHEK2 pBC genomes to those from BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, those that displayed homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) and ER− and ER+ pBCs, totaling to 574 pBC genomes. Findings were validated in 517 metastatic BC genomes subdivided into the same subgroups. Transcriptome data from 168 ER+ pBCs were used to derive a TP53-mutant gene expression signature and perform cluster analysis with CHEK2 BC transcriptomes. Finally, clinical outcome of CHEK2 c.1100delC carriers was compared with BC patients displaying somatic TP53 mutations in two well-described retrospective cohorts totaling to 942 independent pBC cases.

Results

BC genomes from CHEK2 mutation carriers were most similar to ER+ BC genomes and least similar to those of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers in terms of tumor mutational burden as well as mutational signatures. Moreover, CHEK2 BC genomes did not show any evidence of HRD. Somatic TP53 mutation frequency and the size distribution of structural variants (SVs), however, were different compared to ER+ BC. Interestingly, BC genomes with bi-allelic CHEK2 inactivation lacked somatic TP53 mutations and transcriptomic analysis indicated a shared biology with TP53 mutant BC. Moreover, CHEK2 BC genomes had an increased frequency of > 1 Mb deletions, inversions and tandem duplications with peaks at specific sizes. The high chromothripsis frequency among CHEK2 BC genomes appeared, however, not associated with this unique SV size distribution profile.

Conclusions

CHEK2 BC genomes are most similar to ER+ BC genomes, but display unique features that may further unravel CHEK2-driven tumorigenesis. Increased insight into this mechanism could explain the shorter survival of CHEK2 mutation carriers that is likely driven by intrinsic tumor aggressiveness rather than endocrine resistance.
Dynamics of plate equations with time delay driven by additive noise in $\mathbb{R}^{n}$
Authors: Yao Xiaobin
Published: May 2023

This paper is concerned with the asymptotic behavior of solutions for plate equations with delay blurred by additive noise in $\mathbb{R}^{n}$

R
n

. First, we obtain the uniform compactness of pullback random attractors of the problem, then derive the upper semicontinuity of the attractors.
NHS staff awareness, attitudes and actions towards the change in organ donation law in England—results of the #options survey 2020
Authors: Coe Dorothy , Newell Natasha , Jones Mark , Robb Matthew , Clark Natalie , Reaich David , Wroe Caroline
Published: May 2023

Background

In Spring 2020 there was a change in organ donation legislation in England (UK). Much is known about public opinions to organ donation and the change in legislation, however, there is little evidence about the opinions of the NHS workforce. This study set out to understand the levels of awareness, support and action of NHS staff to this change and explore the impact of respondent demographics, place and type of work on awareness, support and action.

Methods

An online survey was offered to all NHS organisations in North Thames and the North East and North Cumbria through the NIHR Clinical Research Network between July and December 2020. Participating organisations were provided with an information package and promoted the survey via email and internal staff communications. Associations were compared univariately using chi-square tests and logistic regression was used for multivariable analysis to compare findings with NHS Blood and Transplant public Kantar survey data.

Results

A total of 5789 staff participated in the survey. They were more aware, more supportive, more likely to have discussed their organ donation choices with family and more likely to be on the organ donor register than the public. This increased awareness and support was found across minority ethnic and religious groups. Those working in a transplanting centre were most aware and supportive and those working in the ambulance service were most likely to ‘opt-in’ following the change in legislation.

Conclusions

NHS staff in England were well informed about the change in organ donation legislation and levels of support were high. NHS staff were six times more likely than the public to have a conversation with their family about their organ donation choices. The size and ethnic diversity of the NHS workforce offers an opportunity to enable and support NHS staff to be advocates for organ donation and raise awareness of the change in legislation amongst their communities.
Combining epidemiological data and whole genome sequencing to understand SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics in a large tertiary care hospital during the first COVID-19 wave in The Netherlands focusing on healthcare workers
Authors: Haanappel Cynthia P. , Oude Munnink Bas B. , Sikkema Reina S. , Voor in ’t holt Anne F. , de Jager Herbert , de Boever Rieneke , Koene Heidy H. H. T. , Boter Marjan , Chestakova Irina V. , van der Linden Anne , Molenkamp Richard , Osbak Kara K. , Arcilla Maris S. , Vos Margreet C. , Koopmans Marion P. G. , Severin Juliëtte A.
Published: May 2023

Background

Healthcare facilities have been challenged by the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission between healthcare workers (HCW) and patients. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, infections among HCW were observed, questioning infection prevention and control (IPC) measures implemented at that time.

Aim

This study aimed to identify nosocomial transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 between HCW and patients in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

All SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive HCW and patients identified between 1 March and 19 May 2020, were included in the analysis. Epidemiological data were collected from patient files and HCW contact tracing interviews. Whole genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 were generated using Nanopore sequencing (WGS). Epidemiological clusters were identified, whereafter WGS and epidemiological data were combined for re-evaluation of epidemiological clusters and identification of potential transmission clusters. HCW infections were further classified into categories based on the likelihood that the infection was acquired via nosocomial transmission. Secondary cases were defined as COVID-19 cases in our hospital, part of a transmission cluster, of which the index case was either a patient or HCW from our hospital.

Findings

The study population consisted of 293 HCW and 245 patients. Epidemiological data revealed 36 potential epidemiological clusters, with an estimated 222 (75.7%) HCW as secondary cases. WGS results were available for 195 HCW (88.2%) and 20 patients (12.8%) who belonged to an epidemiological cluster. Re-evaluation of the epidemiological clusters, with the available WGS data identified 31 transmission clusters with 65 (29.4%) HCW as secondary cases. Transmission clusters were all part of 18 (50.0%) previously determined epidemiological clusters, demonstrating that several larger outbreaks actually consisted, of several smaller transmission clusters. A total of 21 (7.2%) HCW infections were classified as from confirmed nosocomial, of which 18 were acquired from another HCW and 3 from a patient.

Conclusion

The majority of SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCW could be attributed to community-acquired infection. Infections among HCW that could be classified as due to nosocomial transmission, were mainly caused by HCW-to-HCW transmission rather than patient-to-HCW transmission. It is important to recognize the uncertainties of cluster analyses based solely on epidemiological data.
Physiological Responses and Adaptations to Lower Load Resistance Training: Implications for Health and Performance
Authors: Weakley Jonathon , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Ljungberg Johanna , Halson Shona L. , Phillips Stuart M.
Published: May 2023

Resistance training is a method of enhancing strength, gait speed, mobility, and health. However, the external load required to induce these benefits is a contentious issue. A growing body of evidence suggests that when lower load resistance training [i.e., loads < 50% of one-repetition maximum (1RM)] is completed within close proximity to concentric failure, it can serve as an effective alternative to traditional higher load (i.e., loads > 70% of 1RM) training and in many cases can promote similar or even superior physiological adaptations. Such findings are important given that confidence with external loads and access to training facilities and equipment are commonly cited barriers to regular resistance training. Here, we review some of the mechanisms and physiological changes in response to lower load resistance training. We also consider the evidence for applying lower loads for those at risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and those with reduced mobility. Finally, we provide practical recommendations, specifically that to maximize the benefits of lower load resistance training, high levels of effort and training in close proximity to concentric failure are required. Additionally, using lower loads 2–3 times per week with 3–4 sets per exercise, and loads no lower than 30% of 1RM can enhance muscle hypertrophy and strength adaptations. Consequently, implementing lower load resistance training can be a beneficial and viable resistance training method for a wide range of fitness- and health-related goals.
Are biters sick? Health status of tail biters in comparison to control pigs
Authors: Czycholl I. , Büttner K. , Becker D. , Schwennen C. , Baumgärtner W. , Otten W. , Wendt M. , Puff C. , Krieter J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Tail biting is a multifactorial problem. As the health status is one of the factors commonly linked to tail biting, this study focuses on the health of identified biters. 30 (obsessive) biters are compared to 30 control animals by clinical and pathological examination as well as blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples. In that way, altogether 174 variables are compared between the groups. Moreover, connections between the variables are analysed.

Results

In the clinical examination, 6 biters, but only 2 controls (P = 0.019) were noticeably agitated in the evaluation of general behaviour, while 8 controls were noticeably calmer (2 biters, P = 0.02). Biters had a lower body weight (P = 0.0007) and 13 biters had overlong bristles (4 controls, P = 0.008). In the pathological examination, 5 biters, but none of the controls had a hyperceratosis or inflammation of the pars proventricularis of the stomach (P = 0.018). However, 7 controls and only 3 biters were affected by gut inflammation (P = 0.03). In the blood sample, protein and albumin levels were below normal range for biters (protein: 51.6 g/l, albumin: 25.4 g/l), but not for controls (protein: 53.7 g/l, albumin: 27.4 g/l), (protein: P = 0.05, albumin: P = 0.02). Moreover, 14 biters, but only 8 controls had poikilocytosis (P = 0.05). Although not statistically different between groups, many animals (36/60) were affected by hypoproteinemia and hyponatremia as well as by hypokalemia (53/60) and almost all animals (58/60) had hypomagnesemia. For hypomagnesemia, significant connections with variables linked to tail damage and ear necrosis were detected (rs/V/ρ ≥ 0.4, P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

The results suggest that behavioural tests might be helpful in identifying biters. Moreover, cornification and inflammation of the pars proventricularis is linked to becoming a biter. Furthermore, the results highlight the need for appropriate and adjusted nutrient and mineral supply, especially with regard to magnesium.
Photoreceptor genes in a trechine beetle, Trechiama kuznetsovi, living in the upper hypogean zone
Authors: Niida Takuma , Terashima Yuto , Aonuma Hitoshi , Koshikawa Shigeyuki
Published: May 2023

To address how organisms adapt to a new environment, subterranean organisms whose ancestors colonized subterranean habitats from surface habitats have been studied. Photoreception abilities have been shown to have degenerated in organisms living in caves and calcrete aquifers. Meanwhile, the organisms living in a shallow subterranean environment, which are inferred to reflect an intermediate stage in an evolutionary pathway to colonization of a deeper subterranean environment, have not been studied well. In the present study, we examined the photoreception ability in a trechine beetle, Trechiama kuznetsovi, which inhabits the upper hypogean zone and has a vestigial compound eye. By de novo assembly of genome and transcript sequences, we were able to identify photoreceptor genes and phototransduction genes. Specifically, we focused on opsin genes, where one long wavelength opsin gene and one ultraviolet opsin gene were identified. The encoded amino acid sequences had neither a premature stop codon nor a frameshift mutation, and appeared to be subject to purifying selection. Subsequently, we examined the internal structure of the compound eye and nerve tissue in the adult head, and found potential photoreceptor cells in the compound eye and nerve bundle connected to the brain. The present findings suggest that T. kuznetsovi has retained the ability of photoreception. This species represents a transitional stage of vision, in which the compound eye regresses, but it may retain the ability of photoreception using the vestigial eye.
Role of magnetic resonance neurography in assessment of lumbosacral radiculo-plexopathy: correlation with electrophysiological studies
Authors: Yousry Sarah , Elserafy Ahmed Fathi , El nisr Magdy Mostafa , Abd El-Razek Reda , Habba Mohamed Refaat
Published: May 2023

Background

Lumbosacral plexus is a collection of nerves that converge and diverge and finally merge into terminal nerves that innervate the pelvis and lower limbs. Lumbosacral plexopathy is a clinical disease characterized by motor and sensory abnormalities that can result from damage to the lumbosacral plexus by different types of insults. Electrophysiological studies are used to demonstrate the presence of lumbosacral radiculo-plexopathy, but it is restricted owing to deep position of nerves and regional differences in muscle nerve supply. High-resolution MR neurography can simply show the precise site, size, etiology, and type of the lumbosacral radiculo-plexopathy. The aim of this study was to assess the various diseases affecting the lumbosacral plexus with their 1.5-T MR neurography imaging findings and to correlate these findings with electrophysiological studies.

Results

Fifty adult patients with clinical presentation of lumbosacral radiculo-plexopathy were included in this cross-sectional study. Based on clinical diagnosis, the sensitivity of electrophysiological studies in diagnosing lumbosacral radiculo-plexopathy was 80% and the sensitivity of MR neurography in diagnosing lumbosacral radiculo-plexopathy was 90%. While based on electrophysiological studies, the sensitivity of MR neurography in diagnosing lumbosacral radiculo-plexopathy was 97.5% and the specificity was 75.86%. There was a high statistically significant relation between the side affected in electrophysiological studies and the side affected in MR neurography and between the stage of the lesion in the electrophysiological studies and in MR neurography among patients (p ≤ 0.001, p ≤ 0.001) , respectively.

Conclusions

MR neurography of the lumbosacral plexus is a helpful non-invasive approach for the assessment of patients with inconclusive lumbar spine MR imaging because of its ability for diagnosis of neuromuscular lesions and determining their causes. Electrophysiological studies assess the nerve function and MR neurography assesses the nerve anatomy, and therefore, the correlation between electrophysiological studies and MR neurography are complementary for detection of lumbosacral radiculo-plexopathy.
Trade-off between reproduction and mobility prolongs organisms' survival in rock-paper-scissors models
Authors: Menezes J. , Rangel E.
Published: May 2023

We study the spatial rock-paper-scissors model, where resource competitors' cyclic dominance impacts organisms' energy levels. Our model assumes that failed selection interactions can lead to energy loss, reducing the chances of success in the spatial game and hastening decline. To prevent death by energy insufficiency, organisms of one out of the species strategically perform a trade-off between reproduction and mobility. When prioritising exploring more extensive areas, organisms aim to maximise the chances of acquiring resources to regain high energy levels. Through simulation, we examine the effect of survival behaviour on species segregation and spatial patterns. Our outcomes show that the trade-off between offspring generation and accelerated movement effectively protects individuals from death due to lack of energy. Moreover, the risk of being eliminated by an enemy in the cyclic game reduces due to the behavioural strategy. Considering a three-state model, we quantify how the trade-off parameter controls the organisms' energy recovery. Computing the expected survival time, we find that although individuals performing the trade-off strategy may live longer, the organisms of other species are negatively affected by a life expectancy reduction. Our research may elucidate the role of adaptive survival strategies in species persistence and provide valuable insights for ecologists.
“I Am a Wanderer”: Paek Sinae (1908–1939) and Writing Travel
Authors: Lee Ji-Eun
Published: May 2023

Paek Sinae (1908–39) was a modern woman writer whose career was cut short by an early death. She lived in the era of New Women, but unlike most of her peer woman writers, Paek had little formal education or connections to the literary establishment (mundan). This background, combined with her modest output of fictional works, resulted in Paek Sinae being seen by critics during her lifetime and scholars long after her death as a provincial writer, thus affording her only limited recognition. This article challenges such dismissals and seeks an approach that would allow a more comprehensive appreciation of Paek Sinae and woman writers more broadly. First, the article looks closely at Paek's life based in her hometown away from the social center of Kyŏngsŏng (present-day Seoul) and considers how geographical and linguistic aspects of Paek's locale were misunderstood by critics. Next, with a focus on Paek's travels and her travelogues, cosmofeminism and global-local connections are examined as a key to understanding the complexities of being a modern woman writer in Paek's day. At the same time, by putting a spotlight on the “lesser” literary genre of the travelogue, this article also gestures toward a more inclusive approach to research on woman writers whose aesthetic or literary qualities were often judged only by their works of fiction (sosŏl) or poetry, while other important works like autobiographical or sociopolitical essays tended to be overlooked. Paek Sinae's life and work add breadth to the already complex definition of New Women and early feminism, and through her example, this article urges a more comprehensive consideration of works by Korean women writers in the early twentieth century.
Introduction
Authors: Chao Sophie , Celermajer Danielle
Published: May 2023

This introduction to the special issue “Multispecies Justice” traces various histories and genealogies of multispecies justice, illuminating the critical contributions of Indigenous philosophies and lifeways and more recent justice movements and intellectual developments in the West. It emphasizes how these intellectual traditions are rooted in social and political movements spurred by the relentless violence against the more-than-human and the inadequacy of existing conceptualizations or institutions of justice. The introduction explains the issue's engagement with the relationship between epistemological cultures and cultural ontologies on the one hand, and political institutions on the other, with a particular focus on different “species” of beings (human, nonhuman animal, plant, and so on). It also sets out the methodological and representational challenges involved in conceptualizing and achieving multispecies justice. The introduction introduces the articles to follow by thematizing them around four key topics: the relationship between agency and representation; situated knowledges and knowledge production; colonialism and capitalism; and the law and institutions understood as formal rule-systems and informal rules and norms. By engaging these themes, the special issue seeks to imagine how political institutions might be formed and transformed in ways that are responsive to cultural ontologies that disrupt existing grids of meaning and distributions of value.
Creation of a Tetranuclear MnIII2MnII2 Metalloring Structure Supported by a Penicillamine-Derived Schiff-Base Ligand
Authors: Kuwamura Naoto , Igashira-Kamiyama Asako
Published: May 2023

The reaction of a Schiff-base ligand derived from 5-chloro-salicylaldehyde and d-penicillamine with MnIII ions in the presence of nBu3N produced a disulfide-bridged tetranuclear MnIII2MnII2 metalloring structure through thiolate oxidation. The corresponding treatment using Et3N instead of nBu3N gave a giant 13-nuclear MnIII6MnII7 structure.
Characterisation of human salivary proteins inhibiting the acid demineralisation of powdered hydroxyapatite substrates and natural enamel surfaces
Authors: Πεχλιβάνη Νικολέττα
Published: May 2023

Η προσρόφηση των πρωτεϊνών του σάλιου στην αδαμαντίνη είναι κρίσιμη για την προστασία από την όξινη απομεταλλικοποίηση, αλλά δεν είναι σαφές ποιες πρωτεΐνες εμπλέκονται στην προστασία ή ο μηχανισμός με τον οποίο δρουν. Στόχος ήταν να διερευνηθεί η προσρόφηση και προστασία των πρωτεϊνών του σάλιου χρησιμοποιώντας σκόνη συνθετικού υδροξυαπατίτη, κονιοποιημένη αδαμαντίνη και φυσική αδαμαντίνη ως υποστρώματα και να χαρακτηριστούν οι συγκεκριμένες πρωτεΐνες του σάλιου που παρέχουν προστασία. Ανθρώπινες πρωτεΐνες του σάλιου και τα καθαρισμένα κλάσματά τους προσροφήθηκαν στα διάφορα υποστρώματα και αντιμετωπίστηκαν με οξύ. Οι προσροφημένες πρωτεΐνες χαρακτηρίστηκαν με SDS-PAGE και η προστατευτική τους αποτελεσματικότητα προσδιορίστηκε με φασματοφωτομετρική ανάλυση των φωσφορικών αλάτων που απελευθερώνονται στο οξύ κατά τη διάρκεια της διάλυσης. Σημαντικά υψηλότερο βαθμό προστασίας παρείχαν οι πρωτεΐνες του σάλιου όταν προσροφήθηκαν σε φυσικές επιφάνειες αδαμαντίνης. Διαπιστώθηκε ότι τα προστατευτικά είδη στο σάλιο ανήκουν σε ένα μικρό υποσύνολο που αποτελείται από 15% της συνολικής πρωτεΐνης και η αποτελεσματικότητα εξαρτάται από τη διαμόρφωση. Η εκρόφηση των σιελογόνων πρωτεϊνών κατά τη διάρκεια μιας όξινης πρόκλησης συσχετίζεται με την απώλεια της προστασίας και έγινε η υπόθεση ότι οι πρωτεΐνες που εκροφήθηκαν κατά τη διάρκεια της μπορεί να είναι τα προστατευτικά είδη. Οι πρωτεΐνες S100-A8 και S100 ταυτοποιήθηκαν ως μέλη αυτών των υποτιθέμενων προστατευτικών πρωτεϊνών. Πολλές πρωτεΐνες (συμπεριλαμβανομένων των πρωτεϊνών S100-A8 και S100) παρέμειναν προσροφημένες στην αδαμαντίνη ακόμη και μετά από 19 προκλήσεις με οξέα, αλλά δεν ήταν προστατευτικές. Χρωματογραφία αποκλεισμού με βάση το μέγεθος υπό μη μετουσιωτικές συνθήκες είχε ως αποτέλεσμα τη συνδιαλυτοποίηση των δύο πρωτεϊνών που ταυτοποιήθηκαν ως α-αμυλάση και κυστατίνη. Η συμπεριφορά τους ως προς την προσρόφηση εξαρτιόταν από το υπόστρωμα. Η παρούσα διατριβή αποδεικνύει ότι η χρήση υποστρωμάτων σε σκόνη μπορεί να μην είναι ιδανικό υποκατάστατο της χρήσης των φυσικών επιφανειών σμάλτου κατά τη διερεύνηση των πρωτεϊνών του σάλιου προσρόφησης και της επίδρασης των σιελογόνων πρωτεϊνών στην απομεταλλικοποίηση της αδαμαντίνης. Αυτό είναι μια σημαντική παρατήρηση, καθώς ο σωστός προσδιορισμός των προστατευτικών ειδών και η κατανόηση του μηχανισμού προστασίας θα ενημερώσει την ανάπτυξη προφυλακτικών/θεραπευτικών πεπτιδίων για κλινική χρήση σε περιπτώσεις ξηροστομίας.
Interactive e-learning course versus virtual traditional teaching on fetal motility, a cohort comparison of medical students
Authors: Tjon J.K. , Ledebt A. , Linskens I.H. , van der Knoop B.J. , Jarodzka H. , de Vries J.I.P.
Published: May 2023

Background: Ultrasound examination is an important application in obstetrics. Fetal motor assessment can help to discriminate severe diseases, such as those underlying abnormal fetal joint position. However, standardized training is lacking. It was investigated whether virtual traditional teaching (TT) initiated by the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic gave equal outcome, compared to the prior blended teaching (BT) course on fetal motility.

Methods: In total 96 medical students were included, 51 underwent BT versus 45 TT. BT underwent live supervised interactive e-learning and TT plenary virtual lecture. Both groups made the same individual assignments. The first assignment evaluated course knowledge in four video fragments on single specific movement patterns (SMPs), the second assignment consisted of three fragments with various SMPs, students were asked to score differentiation and qualitative performance.

Results: BT and TT showed equally high correct answers on four individual SMPs. The second assignment revealed that BT and TT scored similarly in differentiation of SMPs. Two fetuses with normal motility were equally well scored in half of the items, BT scored speed and amplitude better, TT scored better in speed (other fetus) and overall conclusion. The one fetus with abnormal movements was scored by BT and TT similarly, 75% of both groups scored the fetus as moving suspect or abnormal.

Conclusions: Evaluation of medical students’ motor assessment skills after BT and TT revealed a nearly equally high yield of the courses in distinguishing SMPs and similar judgement of aspects and overall qualitative performance.
CYBORG ARTS IN THE PROJECTS OF TRANSHUMANIST BIOHACKERS
Authors: Khvastunova Yulia V.
Published: May 2023

Since the beginning of the 21st century, a new artistic direction has been formed in biohacking – “the cyborg art” (cyborgism), whose leaders (cyborg artist Moon Ribas and “transhuman” or “the first cyborg” Neil Harbisson), promote a transhumanist project of improvements or technological additions implanted directly into the human body. “The Cyborg Art” at the theoretical and practical levels implements the paradigm of the new art of man-machine. M. Ribas (a female seismographer) embodies transhumanist projects through art or spectacular events, positioning them as a deeper connection with nature. Her colleague, N. Harbisson, who has an implanted intracranial chip, implements several artistic and technical projects. The innovators say they will continue to “improve” their bodies with implants and gadgets. Both artists, through the Cyborg Foundation and its branch Cyborg Arts organization, are encouraging as many people as possible to become cyborgs, assuming that a new community will inevitably be formed in the near future, where two species will definitely coexist: humans and cyborgs.