bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the properties of CdxZn1-xS films prepared by chemical bath deposition
Authors: Wang Yifan , Xue Yuming , Wang Zhiyong
Published: July 2022

CdxZn1-xS thin films were deposited on glass substrates by chemical bath deposition (CBD) in solutions containing cadmium sulfate, zinc sulfate, thiourea, ammonia sulfate and ammonia. The effect of low Cd2+ concentration on the film properties was systematically studied by experiments and simulations, while the film properties were greatly improved by optimizing the concentration ratios of different solutions. The SEM results show that the films have optimal homogeneity and denseness at a Cd2+ concentration of 0.007 M. Also, XRD results at this concentration indicate that the films have better crystallinity. The optical characterization results illustrate that the transmittance of the films is up to 90% at 500 nm–800 nm, and the band gap value of the films varies from 3.05 eV to 3.72 eV when the Cd2+ concentration is 0.001–0.009 M.
X-ray computed tomography with seven degree of freedom robotic sample holder
Authors: Pekel Erdal , Schaff Florian , Dierolf Martin , Pfeiffer Franz , Lasser Tobias
Published: July 2022

We present an x-ray Computed Tomography setup that integrates a seven degrees of freedom robotic arm as a sample holder within an existing laboratory x-ray computed tomography setup. We aim to provide a flexible sample holder that is able to execute non-standard and task-specific trajectories for complex samples. The robotic arm is integrated with a unified software package that allows for path planning, collision detection, geometric calibration and reconstruction of the sample. The calibration is necessary to identify the accurate pose of the sample which deviates from the expected pose due to inaccurate placement of the robotic arm. With our software the user is able to command the robotic arm to execute arbitrary trajectories for a given sample in a safe manner and output its reconstruction to the user. We present experimental results with a circular trajectory where the robotic sample holder achieves identical visual quality compared to a conventional sample holder.
Vertical Scar Mastopexy With a Centrally Based Auto-Augmentation Flap
Authors: Austin Ryan E , Yuan Morgan , Lista Frank , Lapaine Pierre , Ahmad Jamil
Published: July 2022

The authors describe their technique for vertical scar mastopexy with a centrally based auto-augmentation flap. Since 2011, the authors have performed this procedure in 212 patients and found that this operative technique has allowed us to achieve reproducible aesthetic outcomes while minimizing complications. Vertical scar mastopexy with a centrally based auto-augmentation flap is an excellent procedure for patients with breast ptosis who desire improved breast shape and superior pole fullness without the use of a breast implant. The perioperative management and detailed steps of the procedure are outlined.

Level of Evidence: 5
Chinese medical dialogue information extraction via contrastive multi-utterance inference
Authors: Dai Jianhua , Jiang Chao , Peng Ruoyao , Zeng Daojian , Li Yangding
Published: July 2022

Medical Dialogue Information Extraction (MDIE) is a promising task for modern medical care systems, which greatly facilitates the development of many real-world applications such as electronic medical record generation, automatic disease diagnosis, etc. Recent methods have firstly achieved considerable performance in Chinese MDIE but still suffer from some inherent limitations, such as poor exploitation of the inter-dependencies in multiple utterances, weak discrimination of the hard samples. In this paper, we propose a contrastive multi-utterance inference (CMUI) method to address these issues. Specifically, we first use a type-aware encoder to provide an efficient encode mechanism toward different categories. Subsequently, we introduce a selective attention mechanism to explicitly capture the dependencies among utterances, which thus constructs a multi-utterance inference. Finally, a supervised contrastive learning approach is integrated into our framework to improve the recognition ability for the hard samples. Extensive experiments show that our model achieves state-of-the-art performance on a public benchmark Chinese-based dataset and delivers significant performance gain on MDIE as compared with baselines. Specifically, we outperform the state-of-the-art results in F1-score by 2.27%, 0.55% in Recall and 3.61% in Precision (The codes that support the findings of this study are openly available in CMUI at https://github.com/jc4357/CMUI.).
The impact of virtual reality simulation training on operative performance in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Humm Gemma , Mohan Helen , Fleming Christina , Harries Rhiannon , Wood Christopher , Dawas Khaled , Stoyanov Danail , Lovat Laurence B
Published: July 2022

Background

Simulation training can improve the learning curve of surgical trainees. This research aimed to systematically review randomized clinical trials (RCT) evaluating the performance of junior surgical trainees following virtual reality training (VRT) and other training methods in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods

MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Ovid SP), Web of Science, Scopus and LILACS were searched for trials randomizing participants to VRT or no additional training (NAT) or simulation training (ST). Outcomes of interest were the reported performance using global rating scores (GRS), the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) and Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS), error counts and time to completion of task during laparoscopic cholecystectomy on either porcine models or humans. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. PROSPERO ID: CRD42020208499.

Results

A total of 351 titles/abstracts were screened and 96 full texts were reviewed. Eighteen RCT were included and 15 manuscripts had data available for meta-analysis. Thirteen studies compared VRT and NAT, and 4 studies compared VRT and ST. One study compared VRT with NAT and ST and reported GRS only. Meta-analysis showed OSATS score (mean difference (MD) 6.22, 95%CI 3.81 to 8.36, P < 0.001) and time to completion of task (MD −8.35 min, 95%CI 13.10 to 3.60, P = <0.001) significantly improved after VRT compared with NAT. No significant difference was found in GOALS score. No significant differences were found between VRT and ST groups. Intraoperative errors were reported as reduced in VRT groups compared with NAT but were not suitable for meta-analysis.

Conclusion

Meta-analysis suggests that performance measured by OSATS and time to completion of task is improved with VRT compared with NAT for junior trainee in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, conclusions are limited by methodological heterogeneity and more research is needed to quantify the potential benefit to surgical training.
Prosocial Personality as a Predictor of Burnout in Spanish Social Workers
Authors: Ariza Toledano Leonor Belén , Ruiz-Olivares Rosario
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study is to establish the link between burnout and prosocial personality and discover how prosocial personality influences burnout. A single-group ex post facto prospective descriptive design questionnaire was created incorporating socio-demographic data, the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Penner’s Prosocial Personality Battery. The study involved 442 members of professional social workers’ associations in Spain, comprising 91.1 per cent women and 8.9 per cent men, with ages ranging from twenty-four to sixty-three years. The results showed that social responsibility is significantly lower and personal distress is higher in emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation, whilst the personal accomplishment variable correlates positively with the positive variables of prosociality and negatively with personal distress. Social responsibility, perspective-taking, self-reported altruism, prosociality factor 1 (other-oriented empathy) and prosociality factor 2 (helpfulness) were found to be significantly higher amongst professionals without burnout, while personal distress predominates in professionals with burnout. The study also found that personal distress and mutual concerns moral reasoning are risk factors for burnout, whilst perspective-taking is a protective factor. It was concluded that prosociality acts as a protective factor against burnout—a novel idea of great importance when developing prevention programmes to alleviate this problem amongst professionals.
Racial and ethnic differences in pharmacotherapy to prevent coronary artery disease and thrombotic events
Authors: Tamargo Juan , Kaski Juan Carlos , Kimura Takeshi , Barton Jack Charles , Yamamoto Ko , Komiyama Maki , Drexel Heinz , Lewis Basil S , Agewall Stefan , Hasegawa Koji
Published: July 2022

Awareness of racial/ethnic disparities represents a key challenge for healthcare systems that attempt to provide effective healthcare and to reduce existing inequalities in the use of and adherence to guideline-recommended cardiovascular drugs to improve clinical outcomes for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this review, we describe important racial/ethnic differences between and within ethnic groups in the prevalence, risk factors, haemostatic factors, anti-inflammatory and endothelial markers, recurrence, and outcomes of CVD.

We discuss important differences in the selection, doses, and response [efficacy and adverse drug reactions (ADRs)] in ethnically diverse patients treated with antithrombotics or lipid-lowering drugs. Differences in drug response are mainly related to racial/ethnic differences in the frequency of polymorphisms in genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) and drug transporters. These polymorphisms markedly influence the pharmacokinetics, dose requirements, and safety of warfarin, clopidogrel, and statins. This review aims to support a better understanding of the genetic differences between and among populations to identify patients who may experience an ADR or a lack of drug response, thus optimizing therapy and improving outcomes. The greater the understanding of the differences in the genetic variants of DMEs and transporters that determine the differences in the exposure, efficacy, and safety of cardiovascular drugs between races/ethnicities, the greater the probability that personalized medicine will become a reality.
Trade Marks in Sounds and Gestures: A Critical Analysis of Two Non-Traditional Signs in the EU
Authors: Geiregat Simon
Published: July 2022

This article takes a critical look at the state of the law for marks that exclusively consist in sounds (sound marks) and marks consisting in movements of part of the body (gesture marks). Sounds and gestures can both constitute ‘signs’, although the borderline between a protectable gesture and an unprotectable concept or property is sometimes hard to determine. Both can be represented on the register, although it is argued that authorities are too restrictive about sounds and that transparent representability of both signs is less evident than expected. The distinctiveness of all marks should be assessed in the same way. However, it is unclear how the exclusions for signs exclusively consisting in certain characteristics apply to sounds and gestures. When testing a sound’s distinctiveness, verbal elements should be assessed as is the case with word marks. It is irrelevant whether sounds are unusual in the sector, whether an application concerns silent goods, or whether a sound significantly departs from norms or customs. Testing the distinctiveness of gestures boils down to determining whether the movement itself creates a lasting impression. The exact scope of non-traditional marks is the crux of their controversy. This contribution lists relevant elements for infringements and highlights how the scope of gesture marks cannot be underestimated. It pleads for prudence and restraint when judging infringements of non-traditional marks: not every use is a use ‘as a trade mark’. Drawing from the broader debate, the article submits that the legislator should consider limiting the scope of protection for certain uses or signs.
The Cone of Minimal Weights for Mod p Hilbert Modular Forms
Authors: Diamond Fred , Kassaei Payman L
Published: July 2022

We prove that all mod $p$ Hilbert modular forms arise via multiplication by generalized partial Hasse invariants from forms whose weight falls within a certain minimal cone. This answers a question posed by Andreatta and Goren and generalizes our previous results that treated the case where $p$ is unramified in the totally real field. Whereas our previous work made use of deep Jacquet–Langlands type results on the Goren–Oort stratification (not yet available when $p$ is ramified), here we instead use properties of the stratification at Iwahori level, which are more readily generalizable to other Shimura varieties.
Lipopeptide surfactin ameliorates the cell uptake of platensimycin and enhances its therapeutic effect on treatment of MRSA skin infection
Authors: Xiong Yi , Kong Jieqian , Yi Sirun , Tan Qingwen , Bai Enhe , Ren Nan , Huang Yong , Duan Yanwen , Zhu Xiangcheng
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The rapid development of drug-resistant bacteria, especially MRSA, poses severe threats to global public health. Adoption of antibiotic adjuvants has proved to be one of the efficient ways to solve such a crisis. Platensimycin and surfactin were comprehensively studied to combat prevalent MRSA skin infection.

Methods

MICs of platensimycin, surfactin or their combinations were determined by resazurin assay, while the corresponding MBCs were determined by chequerboard assay. Growth inhibition curves and biofilm inhibition were determined by OD measurements. Membrane permeability analysis was conducted by propidium iodide staining, and morphological characterizations were performed by scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the therapeutic effects on MRSA skin infections were evaluated in scald-model mice.

Results

The in vitro assays indicated that surfactin could significantly improve the antibacterial performance of platensimycin against MRSA, especially the bactericidal activity. Subsequent mechanistic studies revealed that surfactin not only interfered with the biofilm formation of MRSA, but also disturbed their cell membranes to enhance membrane permeability, and therefore synergistically ameliorated MRSA cellular uptake of platensimycin. Further in vivo assessment validated the synergistic effect of surfactin on platensimycin and the resultant enhancement of therapeutical efficacy in MRSA skin-infected mice.

Conclusions

The combination of effective and biosafe surfactin and platensimycin could be a promising and efficient treatment for MRSA skin infection, which could provide a feasible solution to combat the major global health threats caused by MRSA.
‘I Will Do What I Can Do’: Peter Gabriel and the Documentation of Human Rights
Authors: Drewett Michael
Published: July 2022

This article explores the cyclical relationship between Peter Gabriel, his music, the documentation of human rights, and human rights organization. It emphasizes the importance of the documentation of human rights issues as an influence in Peter Gabriel’s life, and how, in turn, he has reflected his concern for human rights issues within his own creative and more direct activist work. In at least one instance a song of his—‘Biko’—has ended up being a form of documentary in its own right, while in another his activism, in setting up the human rights organization WITNESS, has mirrored the sort of documentation of human rights issues which had a profound influence on him in the first place. It is argued that as activist-performer, Gabriel has adopted a grounded and progressive approach to documenting human rights issues and promoting human rights activism.
How Does Court Stability Affect Legal Stability?
Authors: Bustos Álvaro , Garoupa Nuno
Published: July 2022

Judicial ideology in court has attracted the attention of political scientists and legal economists. The question we address here is the extent to which ideological stability impacts the law. We consider a model where a court has two judicial ideological inclinations, majority and minority. However, they may change their relative influence over time. We show that, while both sides have a preferred legal policy and want their standard to become law, the two groups may compromise on not changing the standard, thus maintaining the status quo, because of majority uncertainty in the future. One important implication from our article is that less certainty concerning the future (in terms of majority and minority ideology) could actually make the law more stable in the present (since the standard is unchanged). In addition, we prove that moderate standards are more likely to endure the passage of time when compared to extreme standards. (JEL codes: K10, K40, H0)
Human Astrovirus VA1 Encephalitis in Pediatric Patients With Cancer: Report of 2 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bami Sakshi , Hidinger Jennifer , Madni Arshia , Hargest Virginia , Schultz-Cherry Stacey , Cortez Valerie , Cross Shane J , Ward Deborah A , Hayden Randall T , Rubnitz Jeffrey , Pui Ching-Hon , Khan Raja B , Hijano Diego R
Published: July 2022

Novel human astroviruses (HAstVs) have recently been implicated as rare causes of fatal encephalitis in immunocompromised patients, for which there is no proven treatment. We report 2 cases from our institution in which HAstV-VA1 was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid by metagenomic next-generation sequencing after the initial evaluation revealed no etiology.
Extramedullary hematopoiesis in gastric wall under early gastric cancer in a man with a myeloproliferative disorder: a case report
Authors: Kimura Dai , Nakayama Jun , Hanaoka Takaomi , Muraki Takashi , Takeoka Yasunobu , Nakamura Reina , Nakamura Ayako , Takahata Shugo , Ishizaka Naoki , Motoyama Hiroaki
Published: July 2022

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells outside the bone marrow and often observed in the liver, spleen in association with myeloproliferative disorders. On the other hand, EMH in the gastric wall is extremely rare. We report a rare case of EMH foci coexisting with early gastric cancer, which resulted in severe gastrointestinal bleeding. A 70-year-old male was diagnosed with myelofibrosis 4 years ago and visited our emergency room with a complaint of hematemesis and tarry stools. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed three early-stage gastric cancers in the lower gastric body and antrum, and biopsy was performed. Persistent bleeding at the biopsy site of the hypogastric lesion led to the consideration of surgical intervention. An open distal gastrectomy was performed. Postoperative histopathological examination revealed the tumor of the lower gastric body had EMH foci associated with myelofibrosis.
DIRECTIVE CLINIQUE CONJOINTE DE LA SOGC ET DE LA SCP
Authors: McDonald Sarah D , Narvey Michael , Ehman William , Jain Venu , Cassell Krista
Published: July 2022

Objectif

Évaluer l’effet du clampage retardé du cordon et de la traite du cordon ombilical sur les risques de mortalité et de morbidité maternelles et néonatales en contexte de grossesses monofœtale ou gémellaire.

Population cible

Femmes enceintes dont la grossesse monofœtale ou gémellaire est à terme ou avant terme.

Bénéfices, risques et coûts

Chez les prématurés de grossesse monofœtale, le clampage retardé de 60 à 120 secondes idéalement, mais d’au moins 30 secondes, réduit le risque de mortalité et de morbidité. Chez les jumeaux prématurés, le clampage retardé est associé à certains bénéfices. Chez les nourrissons de grossesse monofœtale à terme, le clampage retardé de 60 secondes améliore les paramètres hématologiques. Chez les grands prématurés, la traite du cordon ombilical augmente le risque d’hémorragie intraventriculaire.

Données probantes

Une recherche a été effectuée au moyen des bases de données Medline, PubMed, Embase et Cochrane Library, de leur création jusqu’à mars 2020, à partir de termes MeSH et de mot-clés liés au clampage retardé du cordon et à la traite du cordon ombilical. Le présent document est un résumé des données probantes et non pas une revue méthodologique.

Méthodes de validation

Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique d’évaluation, de développement et d’évaluation (GRADE). Voir l’annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l’interprétation des recommandations fortes et conditionnelles [faibles]).
Relationship between Housing Characteristics and Care Outcomes among Women Living with HIV: Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Fernandez Sofia B , Sheehan Diana M , Dawit Rahel , Brock-Getz Petra , Ladner Robert A , Trepka Mary Jo
Published: July 2022

Housing plays a critical role in the care outcomes of individuals living with a HIV, yet few studies have examined the unique housing profiles of women living with HIV (WLH), especially among those belonging to low-income racial/ethnic minority groups. In this study, authors conducted a latent class analysis to generate latent profiles of women (N = 1,501) according to their housing status and household characteristics and assessed associations between classes and sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and between classes and three HIV care outcomes: retention in care, viral suppression, and sustained viral suppression. A three-class model was selected using five dichotomized housing indicators: housing status, head of household status, living with minors, living with another adult, and disclosure of HIV status to adults with whom they live. While class 1 and class 2 had comparable HIV care outcomes, women in class 3—who were predominately unstably housed, living alone, and did not disclose their HIV status with those with whom they lived—had significantly lower crude odds of successful care outcomes. When accounting for sociodemographic and behavioral factors, significant differences in retention in care persisted. Findings underscore the need for tailored interventions for subgroups of low-income WLH and provide contextual details around the role of housing experiences.
Reach, acceptability, and perceived success of a telehealth diabetes prevention program among racially and ethnically diverse patients with gestational diabetes: the GEM cluster-randomized trial
Authors: Brown Susan D , Hedderson Monique M , Gordon Nancy , Albright Cheryl L , Tsai Ai-Lin , Quesenberry Charles P , Ferrara Assiamira
Published: July 2022

Patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and from racial/ethnic minority groups face disproportionate risk for type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle interventions, if accessible and acceptable to diverse patients, could advance diabetes prevention and mitigate racial/ethnic disparities. Here we describe overall and race/ethnicity-specific reach, acceptability, and perceived success from an effective telehealth diabetes prevention lifestyle program for patients with gestational diabetes mellitus, implemented in the Gestational Diabetes Effects on Moms (GEM) cluster-randomized controlled trial. GEM tested a program of 13 telephone sessions and behavior change techniques (BCTs, e.g., goal setting) in a healthcare system. We evaluated participation (completing ≥1 session), acceptability of BCTs, and perceived success reaching program goals. Among 1,087 patients (75.2% from minority groups), 50.3% participated. Participation rates were 61.7% among Black, 56.4% among Hispanic, 55.6% among multiracial/other, 53.0% among White, and 43.7% among Asian/Pacific Islander patients. Evaluation survey respondents (n = 433/547; 79.2%) largely rated BCTs as very helpful (range 40.9%–58.4%) or moderately helpful (27.3%–34.9%). Respondents from minority groups largely rated goal setting for weight management as very or moderately helpful, with fewer minority respondents rating it as only a little/not at all helpful than White respondents (p = .02). Black and White respondents reported more limited success reaching a healthy weight than Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and multiracial/other women (p = .005). A telehealth diabetes prevention lifestyle program demonstrated reach and acceptability across racial/ethnic groups. While perceived success can be improved among Black and White participants, such programs could promote access to preventive care and help mitigate disparities in diabetes risk.
Eye Tracking Metrics Differences among Uninjured Adolescents and Those with Acute or Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms
Authors: Jain Divya , Arbogast Kristy B. , McDonald Catherine C. , Podolak Olivia E. , Margulies Susan S. , Metzger Kristina B. , Howell David R. , Scheiman Mitchell M. , Master Christina L.
Published: July 2022

SIGNIFICANCE

Eye tracking assessments that include pupil metrics can supplement current clinical assessments of vision and autonomic dysfunction in concussed adolescents.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the utility of a 220-second eye tracking assessment in distinguishing eye position, saccadic movement, and pupillary dynamics among uninjured adolescents, those with acute post-concussion symptoms (≤28 days since concussion), or those with persistent post-concussion symptoms (>28 days since concussion).

METHODS

Two hundred fifty-six eye tracking metrics across a prospective observational cohort of 180 uninjured adolescents recruited from a private suburban high school and 224 concussed adolescents, with acute or persistent symptoms, recruited from a tertiary care subspecialty concussion care program, 13 to 17 years old, from August 2017 to June 2021 were compared. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used, and Bonferroni corrections were applied to account for multiple comparisons and constructed receiver operating characteristic curves. Principal components analysis and regression models were applied to determine whether eye tracking metrics can augment clinical and demographic information in differentiating uninjured controls from concussed adolescents.

RESULTS

Two metrics of eye position were worse in those with concussion than uninjured adolescents, and only one metric was significantly different between acute cases and persistent cases. Concussed adolescents had larger left and right mean, median, minimum, and maximum pupil size than uninjured controls. Concussed adolescents had greater differences in mean, median, and variance of left and right pupil size. Twelve metrics distinguished female concussed participants from uninjured; only four were associated with concussion status in males. A logistic regression model including clinical and demographics data and transformed eye tracking metrics performed better in predicting concussion status than clinical and demographics data alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Objective eye tracking technology is capable of quickly identifying vision and pupillary disturbances after concussion, augmenting traditional clinical concussion assessments. These metrics may add to existing clinical practice for monitoring recovery in a heterogeneous adolescent concussion population.
Altered adipose tissue macrophage populations in people with HIV on integrase inhibitor-containing ART
Authors: Vakili Sarah , Paneru Bam , Guerrier Cleandre M. , Miller Jessica , Baumrin Emily , Forrestel Amy , Lynn Kenneth , Frank Ian , Lo Re Vincent , Collman Ronald G. , Hill David A.
Published: July 2022

Objective:

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) extends the life of people with HIV (PWH), but these individuals are at increased risk for obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. These comorbidities may be a consequence of HIV-related chronic inflammation and/or adverse effects of ART on tissue regulatory adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs). We sought to determine the effects of HIV/ART on metabolically beneficial ATM populations and functions.

Design:

We examined subcutaneous ATMs from PWH on integrase inhibitor-containing ART (n = 5) and uninfected persons (n = 9). We complemented these studies with ex vivo and in vitro analyses of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and murine macrophage lipid metabolism and fatty acid oxidation gene expression.

Methods:

ATM populations were examined by flow cytometry. Macrophage lipid metabolism and fatty acid oxidation gene expression were examined by Seahorse assay and quantitative PCR.

Results:

Adipose tissue from PWH had reduced populations of metabolically activated CD9+ ATMs compared to that of uninfected controls (P < 0.001). PBMCs of PWH had lower fatty acid metabolism compared to those of uninfected controls (P < 0.01). Analysis of murine macrophages revealed that dolutegravir reduced lipid metabolism (P < 0.001) and increased expression of the fatty acid beta-oxidation enzyme enoyl-CoA hydratase, short chain 1 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

We report the loss of metabolically beneficial ATM populations in PWH on ART, altered fatty acid metabolism of blood immune cells, and evidence that dolutegravir alters macrophage fatty acid metabolism. Future studies should examine direct or indirect effects and mechanisms of dolutegravir, and other integrase inhibitors and ART classes, on fatty acid beta-oxidation.

Graphical Abstract:

http://links.lww.com/QAD/C537.
Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on prescriptions for antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment in the United States, 2019–2021
Authors: Zhu Weiming , Huang Ya-lin A. , Wiener Jeffrey , Neblett-Fanfair Robyn , Kourtis Athena P. , Hall H. Irene , Hoover Karen W.
Published: July 2022

Objective:

To assess disruption in healthcare services for HIV treatment by national emergency in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States.

Design:

Time-series analysis

Methods:

We analyzed the IQVIA Real World Data–Longitudinal Prescriptions Database and calculated time trends in the weekly number of persons with active antiretroviral prescriptions for HIV treatment, and of persons who obtained antiretroviral prescriptions during January 2017–March 2021. We used interrupted time-series models to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antiretroviral therapy (ART) use between March 2020 and March 2021.

Results:

We found that the weekly number of persons with active antiretroviral prescriptions decreased by an average 2.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.8% to −1.1%), compared to predicted use, during March 2020 through March 2021. The weekly number of persons who obtained antiretroviral prescriptions decreased 4.5% (95% CI: −6.0% to −3.0%), compared to the predicted number. Men, persons aged ≤34 years, privately insured persons, and persons in medication assistance programs had greater decreases than other groups.

Conclusions:

We demonstrated a decrease in the number of persons with active antiretroviral prescriptions during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the number did not return to levels expected in the absence of the pandemic. Disruptions in HIV care and decreased ART may lead to lower levels of viral suppression and immunologic control, and increased HIV transmission in the community.
Immunocompromised host section: Adoptive T-cell therapy for dsDNA viruses in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients
Authors: Walti Carla S. , Stuehler Claudia , Palianina Darya , Khanna Nina
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses remain important causes of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). As treatment options are limited, adoptive therapy with virus-specific T cells (VST) is promising in restoring immunity and thereby preventing and treating virus infections. Here we review current evidence and recent advances in the field of VST for dsDNA viruses in allogeneic HCT recipients.

Recent findings

Four different protocols for VST generation are currently used in clinical trials, and various products including multivirus-specific and off-the-shelf products are under investigation for prophylaxis, preemptive therapy or treatment. Data from nearly 1400 dsDNA-VST applications in allogeneic HCT patients have been published and demonstrated its safety. Although Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and adenovirus-specific T-cell therapy studies have predominated over the past 25 years, additional human herpes viruses were added to multivirus-specific T cells over the last decade and clinical evidence for polyomavirus-specific VST has just recently emerged. Response rates of around 70–80% have been reported, but cautious interpretation is warranted as data are predominantly from phase 1/2 studies and clinical efficacy needs to be confirmed in phase 3 studies.

Investigation on the ‘ideal’ composition of VST is ongoing. Several products recently entered phase 3 trials and may allow widespread clinical use in the near future.
Odor Enrichment Attenuates the Anesthesia/Surgery-induced Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Zhang Ce , Han Yuan , Liu Xiaojun , Tan Hong , Dong Yuanlin , Zhang Yiying , Liang Feng , Zheng Hui , Crosby Gregory , Culley Deborah J. , Marcantonio Edward R. , Shen Yuan , Cao Jun-Li , Xie Zhongcong
Published: July 2022

Objective:

To determine the association between olfactory function and cognition in patients and rodents.

Background:

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders include delayed neurocognitive recovery (dNCR). The contribution of olfactory function to dNCR remains undetermined. It is unknown whether odor enrichment could mitigate dNCR.

Methods:

We performed a prospective observational cohort study to determine potential association between olfactory impairment and dNCR in patients. We assessed the effects of anesthesia/surgery on olfactory and cognitive function in mice using the block test and Barnes maze. We measured interleukin-6 (IL-6), olfactory mature protein, growth-associated protein 43, mature and premature olfactory neurons, postsynaptic density 95, and synaptophysin in blood, nasal epithelium, and hippocampus of mice. Odor enrichment, IL-6 antibody, and knockout of IL-6 were used in the interaction experiments.

Results:

Patients with dNCR had worse odor identification than the patients without dNCR [preoperative: 7 (1.25, 9) vs 10 (8, 11), median (interquartile range),P<0.001; postoperative: 8 (2.25, 10) vs 10 (8, 11),P<0.001]. Olfactory impairment associated with dNCR in patients before and after adjusting age, sex, education, preoperative mini-mental state examination score, and days of the neuropsychological tests. Anesthesia/surgery induced olfactory and cognitive impairment, increased levels of IL-6 in blood and nasal epithelium, decreased amounts of olfactory receptor neurons and their markers in the nasal epithelium, and reduced amounts of synapse markers in the hippocampus of mice. These changes were attenuated by odor enrichment and IL-6 antibody.

Conclusion:

The anesthesia/surgery-induced olfactory impairment may contribute to dNCR in patients and postoperative cognitive impairment in mice. Odor enrichment could be a potential intervention.
Relevance of Anti-HLA Antibody Strength Underestimation in Single Antigen Bead Assay for Shared Eplets
Authors: Claisse Guillaume , Devriese Magali , Lion Julien , Maillard Nicolas , Caillat-Zucman Sophie , Mooney Nuala , Taupin Jean Luc
Published: July 2022

Background.

HLAs contain combinations of multiple eplets, sometimes shared between numerous HLA alleles. Some authors suggested that single antigen bead (SAB) assays may underestimate the signal of anti-HLA antibodies (Ab) when several beads share the targeted eplet. However, this assumption has not yet been validated experimentally.

Methods.

We selected 5 eplets shared by 1–24 beads of the routine SAB kits: the eplet 163LS/G; the 3 eplets 127K, 62GE, and 62GRN thereafter called cross-reactive group 2C; the 82LR eplet, well-known as Bw4; the locally called QB2A5 eplet associated with the DQA1*05:01/DQB1*02:01 combination; and the 40GR DQ eplet. We selected a dozen of sera for each eplet with Ab mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) between 1000 and 15 000 for the beads carrying the targeted eplet. We tested them with the classical SAB panel (SABp), with an isolated bead carrying the eplet (isolated SAB [SABi]) and with a mixture of both (SABp+i).

Results.

No significant difference in MFI was detected among SABi, SABp, and SABp+i conditions for all the eplets.

Conclusions.

We noticed only a nonsignificant difference in the Ab MFI signal due to eplet sharing on the SAB assay. We, therefore, conclude that this phenomenon should no longer be considered as a significant risk factor during patient follow-up pre- or posttransplantation.
Anti-plane waves in an elastic thin strip with surface energy
Authors: Mikhasev G. I. , Botogova M. G. , Eremeyev V. A.
Published: July 2022

We consider anti-plane motions of an elastic plate taking into account surface energy within the linear Gurtin–Murdoch surface elasticity. Two boundary-value problems are considered that describe complete shear dynamics of a plate with free faces or with free and clamped faces, respectively. These problems correspond to anti-plane dynamics of an elastic film perfectly or non-perfectly attached to a rigid substrate. Detailed analysis of dispersion relations is provided. In particular, the influence of the ratio of a plate thickness to characteristic length on the dispersion curves is analysed.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Wave generation and transmission in multi-scale complex media and structured metamaterials (part 1)’.
Hamiltonian/Stroh formalism for anisotropic media with microstructure
Authors: Nobili Andrea , Radi Enrico
Published: July 2022

From variational principles we develop the Hamiltonian formalism for generally anisotropic microstructured materials, in an attempt to extend the celebrated Stroh formulation. Microstructure is expressed through the indeterminate (or Mindlin–Tiersten) theory of couple-stress elasticity. The resulting canonical formalism appears in the form of a differential algebraic system of equations, which is then recast in purely differential form. This structure is due to the internal constraint that relates the micro- to the macro-rotation. The special situations of plane and antiplane deformations are also considered, and they both lead to a seven-dimensional coupled linear system of differential equations. In particular, the antiplane problem shows remarkable similarity to the theory of anisotropic plates, with which it shares the Lagrangian. Yet, unlike for plates, a classical Stroh formulation cannot be obtained, owing to the difference in the constitutive assumptions. Nonetheless, the canonical formalism brings new insight into the problem’s structure and highlights important symmetry properties.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Wave generation and transmission in multi-scale complex media and structured metamaterials (part 1)’.
Race, class, and place modify mortality rates for the top 12 causes of death in the United States, 1999-2021
Authors: Formanack Allison , Doshi Ayush , Valdez Rupa , Williams Ishan , Moorman J Randall , Chernyavskiy Pavel
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To disarticulate the associations of race (whiteness), class (socioeconomic status), and place (county) with risk of cause-specific death in the US.

Methods

We studied mortality in US counties for 11 causes of death (1999-2019) and COVID-19 (2020-2021). We adjusted for race and age using the American Community Survey and socioeconomic status using the Area Deprivation Index. Bayesian regressions with spatial county effects were estimated for inference.

Results

County whiteness and socioeconomic status modified death rates; geospatial effects differed by cause of death. Other factors equal, a 20% increase in county whiteness was associated with 5-8% increase in death from three causes and 4-15% reduction in death from others, including COVID-19. Other factors equal, advantaged counties had significantly lower death rates, even when juxtaposed with disadvantaged ones. Geospatial patterns of residual risk varied by cause of death. For example, cancer and heart disease death rates were better explained by age, socioeconomic status, and county whiteness than were COVID-19 and suicide deaths.

Conclusions

There are important independent contributions from race, class, and geography to risk of death in the US.
Novel insights into L-serine exporters in Corynebacterium glutamicum from gene mining and functional analysis
Authors: Gao Yujie , Zhang Xiaomei , Xu Guoqiang , Zhang Xiaojuan , Li Hui , Shi Jinsong , Xu Zhenghong
Published: July 2022

Amino acid exporters play an important role in regulating amino acid production by Corynebacterium glutamicum, and over 90% of amino acid export is attributed to exporters in this species. ThrE was reported to be an l-serine exporter, and SerE was identified as an l-serine exporter in our previous study. However, when both ThrE and SerE were deleted, the l-serine titer was decreased by 60%, suggesting other l-serine exporters may exist. In the present study, NCgl0254 and NCgl0255 were identified as novel l-serine exporters through comparative transcriptomics and gene functional analyses. The contributions of the four exporters (ThrE, SerE, NCgl0254 and NCgl0255) in l-serine export were studied by gene deletion, gene overexpression, amino acid export assay and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The results showed that SerE is the major l-serine exporter in C. glutamicum. Fermentation and amino acid export assays of SSAAI, SSAAI-serE-thrE-ncgl0254-ncgl0255 and SSAAIΔserEΔthrEΔncgl0254Δncgl0255 indicated that the four l-serine exporters undertake most of the l-serine export, and their overexpression enhanced export of l-serine in SSAAI. When one l-serine exporter was deleted, the transcription level of the other three exporters was upregulated. However, the decrease in l-serine titer caused by deletion of one exporter was not fully compensated by upregulation of the other three exporters at the transcription level, indicating that l-serine production by C. glutamicum may be determined by cooperative efficiency of all four l-serine exporters, with each being interdependent.

IMPORTANCE

This work identified the novel l-serine exporters NCgl0254 and NCgl0255, and revealed their roles in l-serine export alongside the l-serine exporters. All four l-serine exporters are interdependent and undertake most of the l-serine export, but SerE is the major l-serine exporter. The findings expand our knowledge of amino acid exporters in C. glutamicum, and the approach can be employed for exploring of bacterial exporters of unknown function.
Influence of genetic ancestry on breast stromal cells provides biologic basis for increased incidence of metaplastic breast cancer in women of African descent
Authors: Kumar Brijesh , Batic Katie , Bhat-Nakshatri Poornima , Granatir Maggie M , Addison Rebekah Joann , Szymanski Megan , Baldridge Lee Ann , Temm Constance J. , Sandusky George , Althouse Sandra K , Storniolo Anna Maria , Nakshatri Harikrishna
Published: July 2022

The biologic basis of genetic ancestry-dependent variability in disease incidence and outcome is just beginning to be explored. We recently reported enrichment of a population of ZEB1-expressing cells located adjacent to the ductal epithelial cells in the normal breast of women of African Ancestry (AA) compared to European Ancestry (EA). By establishing and characterizing cell lines corresponding to these cells and validating in vitro findings with tissue microarrays of healthy breast tissue from AA, EA and Latina Ancestry (LA) women, we demonstrate that these cells have the properties of fibroadipogenic/mesenchymal stromal cells that express PROCR and PDGFRα. PROCR+/ZEB1+/PDGFRα+ cells, hence renamed as PZP cells, are enriched in the normal breast tissues of AA compared to EA or LA women. In vitro, PZP cells trans-differentiated into adipocytes or osteocytes. In co-culture conditions, PZP:epithelial cell communication resulted in luminal epithelial cells acquiring basal/stem cell characteristics and increased expression of IL-6 suggesting the impact of this communication on breast epithelial hierarchy and the microenvironment. Consistent with this possibility, the level of phospho-STAT3, which is a downstream target of IL-6, was higher in the normal and cancerous breast tissues of AA compared to EA women. PZP cells transformed with HRasG12V ± SV40-T/t antigens generated metaplastic carcinoma in NSG mice suggesting that these cells could be the cell-of-origin of metaplastic breast cancers. Collectively, these results identify a stromal cell component that could influence the biology of breast cancer in AA women.
Novavax NVX-COV2373 triggers potent neutralization of Omicron sub-lineages
Authors: Bhiman Jinal N. , Richardson Simone I. , Lambson Bronwen E. , Kgagudi Prudence , Mzindle Nonkululeko , Kaldine Haajira , Crowther Carol , Gray Glenda , Bekker Linda-Gail ,   Novavax trial clinical lead author group, Shinde Vivek , Bennett Chijioke , Glenn Gregory M. , Madhi Shabir , Moore Penny L.
Published: July 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant of Concern (VOC) and its sub-lineages (including BA.2, BA.4/5, BA.2.12.1) contain spike mutations that confer high level resistance to neutralizing antibodies. The NVX-CoV2373 vaccine, a protein nanoparticle vaccine, has value in countries with constrained cold-chain requirements. Here we report neutralizing titers following two or three doses of NVX-CoV2373. We show that after two doses, Omicron sub-lineages BA.1 and BA.4 were resistant to neutralization by 72% (21/29) and 59% (17/29) of samples. However, after a third dose of NVX-CoV2373, we observed high titers against Omicron BA.1 (GMT: 1,197) and BA.4 (GMT: 582), with responses similar in magnitude to those triggered by three doses of an mRNA vaccine. These data are of particular relevance as BA.4 is emerging to become the dominant strain in many locations, and highlight the potential utility of the NVX-CoV2373 vaccine as a booster in resource-limited environments.
Interlimb coordination in Parkinson’s Disease is minimally affected by a visuospatial dual task
Authors: Hill Allen , Nantel Julie
Published: July 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) leads to reduced spatial and temporal interlimb coordination during gait as well as reduced coordination in the upper or lower limbs. Multi-tasking when walking is common during real-world activities, and affects some gait characteristics, like gait speed and variability. However, the impact of a dual task (DT) on intra and interlimb coordination of both lower and upper limbs when walking in people with PD remains unknown. Seventeen volunteers with mild to moderate PD (11 males, 65 ± 8 years, 173 ± 8 cm, 74 ± 20 kg, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor section 10 ± 5) participated in gait trials in an Extended-CAREN system, which includes a treadmill, 12-camera Vicon motion capture system, and a 180° field-of-view virtual reality projection screen. Participants completed a 3 min walking trial and a 2 min visuospatial word recognition DT trial at their preferred walking pace. Single and DT were compared with a paired t-test, and the less and more affected (LA, MA) sides were tested for equivalence in sensitivity to the DT. During the DT, we found the LA shoulder ROM decreased by 1.5°, and the LA shoulder peak flexion decreased by 1.1° (p<.028, gav>.12). The LA and MA hip ROM were differently affected by the dual task (p=.023), and intralimb coordination was affected by dual tasking equivalently between sides (p=.004). These results suggest that during normal single-task gait, people with PD use attentional resources to compensate for reduced arm swing. Furthermore, our results indicate that any effect of DT on lower intralimb coordination is not meaningfully different between the LA and MA sides.

Statements and Declarations

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.