bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reciprocal role of PLAP‐1 in HIF‐1α‐mediated responses to hypoxia
Authors: Takedachi Masahide , Yamamoto Satomi , Kawasaki Kohsuke , Shimomura Junpei , Murata Mari , Morimoto Chiaki , Hirai Asae , Kawakami Kazuma , Bhongsatiern Phan , Iwayama Tomoaki , Sawada Keigo , Yamada Satoru , Murakami Shinya
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the mutual regulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α activity and periodontal ligament‐associated protein‐1 (PLAP‐1) expression in human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLs).

Background

Cellular responses to hypoxia regulate various biological events (e.g., inflammation and tissue regeneration) through activation of HIF‐1α. PLAP‐1, an extracellular matrix protein preferentially expressed in the periodontal ligament, plays important roles in the functions of HPDLs. Although PLAP‐1 expression has been demonstrated in hypoxic regions, the involvement of PLAP‐1 in responses to hypoxia has not been revealed.

Methods

HPDLs were cultured under normoxic (20% O2) or hypoxic (1% O2) conditions with or without deferoxamine mesylate (chemical hypoxia inducer) or chetomin (HIF signaling inhibitor). Expression levels of PLAP‐1 and HIF‐1α were examined by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Luciferase reporter assays of HIF‐1α activity were performed using 293T cells stably transfected with a hypoxia response element (HRE)‐containing luciferase vector in the presence or absence of recombinant PLAP‐1 or PLAP‐1 gene transfection.

Results

Cultivation under hypoxic conditions elevated the gene and protein expression levels of PLAP‐1 in HPDLs. Deferoxamine mesylate treatment also enhanced PLAP‐1 expression in HPDLs. Hypoxia‐induced PLAP‐1 expression was significantly suppressed in the presence of chetomin. PLAP‐1‐suppressed HPDLs showed increased HIF‐1α accumulation in the nucleus during culture under hypoxic conditions, but not in the presence of recombinant PLAP‐1. In the presence of recombinant PLAP‐1, hypoxia‐induced HRE activity of 293T cells was significantly suppressed in a dose‐dependent manner. Transfection of the PLAP‐1 gene resulted in a significant reduction of HRE activity during culture under hypoxic conditions.

Conclusion

PLAP‐1 expression is upregulated under hypoxic conditions through HIF‐1α activation. Moreover, hypoxia‐induced PLAP‐1 expression regulates HIF‐1α signaling.
Trends and knowledge gaps on ecological restoration research in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Zupo Talita , Lazzarotto Freitas Juliana , Almeida dos Reis Deyse , Ferreira de Siqueira Marinez
Published: February 2022

Given the current global environmental crisis, restoring degraded ecosystems stands out among the nature‐based solutions to mitigate climate change, reestablish ecosystem services, and maintain biodiversity and human well‐being. The high biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest (AF) and its severe degradation turned it into a “restoration hotspot.” We performed a bibliometric analysis of the research on restoration of the Brazilian AF to identify thematic trends, potential gaps, as well as networks and benefits of collaboration. We also explored the spatial distribution of degradation, restoration science, and practice within the AF. We analyzed 932 articles on the issue from the Web of Science platform (1990–2020). Publications abruptly increased in the last 15 years, first by Brazilian groups and later in collaboration with foreign groups. International collaboration increased the probability of highly cited articles. Topics addressed have changed greatly in their relative position over time, likely due to scientific advances refuting theories or invalidating failed techniques. Natural regeneration was the main trending topic, while forest succession was the main emerging topic, and ecosystem services appeared as a trending topic. Research and restoration initiatives were both unevenly distributed throughout the AF region, with the southeastern region of Brazil standing out (60% of publications). The percentage of the original AF undergoing restoration is very low in all regions, regardless of scientific publications or AF extent remaining. The knowledge gaps pointed—climate change and functional traits—should drive priorities for research funding, aiming to provide robust evidence to support decision‐making processes as well as restoration practices.
Representativeness in Six Waves of Cross-National Online Survey (CRONOS) Panel
Authors: Maslovskaya Olga , Lugtig Peter
Published: February 2022

Driven by innovations in the digital space, surveys have started to move towards online data collection across the world. However, evidence is needed to demonstrate that online data collection strategy will produce reliable data which could be confidently used to inform policy decisions. This issue is even more pertinent in cross-national surveys, where the comparability of data is of the utmost importance. Due to differences in internet coverage and willingness to participate in online surveys across Europe, there is a risk that any strategy to move existing surveys online will introduce differential coverage and nonresponse bias. This paper explores representativeness across waves in the first cross-national online probability-based panel (CRONOS) by employing R-indicators that summarize the representativeness of the data across a range of variables. The analysis allows comparison of the results over time and across three countries (Estonia, Great Britain and Slovenia). The results suggest that there are differences in representativeness over time in each country and across countries. Those with lower levels of education and those who are in the oldest age category contribute more to the lack of representativeness in the three countries. However, the representativeness of CRONOS panel does not become worse when compared to the regular face-to-face interviewing conducted in the European Social Survey (ESS).
Plate corner subduction and rapid localized exhumation: Insights from3Dcoupled geodynamic and geomorphological modelling
Authors: Koptev Alexander , Nettesheim Matthias , Ehlers Todd A.
Published: February 2022

Rapid, localized exhumation has been reported at many plate corners between adjacent subduction/collision segments. Here we use a fully‐coupled geodynamic and geomorphological modelling approach to investigate overriding plate deformation and resulting rock uplift patterns in these narrow, cuspate regions. In this study, we focus on the effects of internal deformation within a subducting convex‐upward‐shaped indenter and the strength of the interface between the upper and downgoing plate. The strongest localization of high rock uplift rates in the region above the indenter apex is predicted in experiments with a deformable lower plate, a weak interface layer and lateral shortening accommodated only by subduction (i.e., without an upper plate advance component). Our results suggest that bull’s eye shaped structures characterized by young thermochronological ages can, in principle, be reproduced numerically when taking into account a non‐rigid subducting plate together with complex brittle‐ductile rheology and stratification of the overriding lithosphere and realistically implemented fluvial erosion at its surface.
Teachers’ Codes of Ethics: A Priority? Or a Consequence of Government/Union Relationships, Ideology, and Legislation?
Authors: Cochran Natasha
Published: February 2022

In this paper, I share findings from a historical investigation into how the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation’s (STF) Code of Ethics has evolved as a direct result of changing legislation. This study was based on the idea that codes of ethics are not stand-alone documents created by professional organizations to guide ethical behaviour, but policies that are a direct reflection of the relationship the profession has with the government in power. I demonstrate that the initial creation and all subsequent revisions of the STF Code of Ethics have never been independent of legislative changes. Rather, changes to the ethical code have been reactionary to political activity and dependent on the legislated changes made by the government in power.
The Penrose process in nonlinear optics
Authors: Braidotti Maria Chiara , Marino Francesco , Wright Ewan M. , Faccio Daniele
Published: February 2022

Penrose process is a mechanism by which energy may be extracted from the rotation of a Kerr black hole. The goal of this Perspective is to describe the elements that combine to allow a tabletop nonlinear optics experiment involving laser propagation in a medium to provide a versatile platform for elucidating the intimate details of the Penrose process. Key elements include propagation in a thermo-optic medium viewed as a photon fluid, rotating black hole geometries in a photon superfluid, and the Zel'dovich effect, and we highlight connections to the work of Roger Penrose throughout. In addition, we point out how the Penrose process has led to the notion of geometry-induced phase-matching in nonlinear optics, thereby highlighting the synergy between the fields of nonlinear optics and analog black holes.
Testing the universality of free fall using correlated 39K–87Rb atom interferometers
Authors: Barrett B. , Condon G. , Chichet L. , Antoni-Micollier L. , Arguel R. , Rabault M. , Pelluet C. , Jarlaud V. , Landragin A. , Bouyer P. , Battelier B.
Published: February 2022

We demonstrate how simultaneously operated 39K–87Rb interferometers exhibiting a high level of correlation can be used to make competitive tests of the university of free fall. This work provides an overview of our experimental apparatus and data analysis procedure, including a detailed study of systematic effects. With a total interrogation time of 2T=40 ms in a compact apparatus, we reach a statistical uncertainty on the measurement of the Eötvös parameter of 7.8×10−8 after 2.4×104 s of integration. The main limitations of our measurements arise from a combination of wavefront aberrations, the quadratic Zeeman effect in 39K, parasitic interferometers in 87Rb, and the velocity sensitivity of our detection system. These systematic errors limit the accuracy of our measurement to η=0.9(1.6)×10−6. We discuss prospects for improvements using ultracold atoms at extended interrogation times.
Ebola virus persistence and disease recrudescence in the brains of antibody-treated nonhuman primate survivors
Authors: Liu Jun , Trefry John C. , Babka April M. , Schellhase Christopher W. , Coffin Kayla M. , Williams Janice A. , Raymond Jo Lynne W. , Facemire Paul R. , Chance Taylor B. , Davis Neil M. , Scruggs Jennifer L. , Rossi Franco D. , Haddow Andrew D. , Zelko Justine M. , Bixler Sandra L. , Crozier Ian , Iversen Patrick L. , Pitt Margaret L. , Kuhn Jens H. , Palacios Gustavo , Zeng Xiankun
Published: February 2022

Effective therapeutics have been developed against acute Ebola virus disease (EVD) in both humans and experimentally infected nonhuman primates. However, the risk of viral persistence and associated disease recrudescence in survivors receiving these therapeutics remains unclear. In contrast to rhesus macaques that survived Ebola virus (EBOV) exposure in the absence of treatment, we discovered that EBOV, despite being cleared from all other organs, persisted in the brain ventricular system of rhesus macaque survivors that had received monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment. In mAb-treated macaque survivors, EBOV persisted in macrophages infiltrating the brain ventricular system, including the choroid plexuses. This macrophage infiltration was accompanied by severe tissue damage, including ventriculitis, choroid plexitis, and meningoencephalitis. Specifically, choroid plexus endothelium-derived EBOV infection led to viral persistence in the macaque brain ventricular system. This resulted in apoptosis of ependymal cells, which constitute the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier of the choroid plexuses. Fatal brain-confined recrudescence of EBOV infection manifested as severe inflammation, local pathology, and widespread infection of the ventricular system and adjacent neuropil in some of the mAb-treated macaque survivors. This study highlights organ-specific EBOV persistence and fatal recrudescent disease in rhesus macaque survivors after therapeutic treatment and has implications for the long-term follow-up of human survivors of EVD.
Robust immune responses are observed after one dose of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine dose in SARS-CoV-2–experienced individuals
Authors: Samanovic Marie I. , Cornelius Amber R. , Gray-Gaillard Sophie L. , Allen Joseph Richard , Karmacharya Trishala , Wilson Jimmy P. , Hyman Sara Wesley , Tuen Michael , Koralov Sergei B. , Mulligan Mark J. , Herati Ramin Sedaghat
Published: February 2022

The use of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines will play the major role in helping to end the pandemic that has killed millions worldwide. COVID-19 vaccines have resulted in robust humoral responses and protective efficacy in human trials, but efficacy trials excluded individuals with a prior diagnosis of COVID-19. As a result, little is known about how immune responses induced by mRNA vaccines differ in individuals who recovered from COVID-19. Here, we evaluated longitudinal immune responses to two-dose BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination in 15 adults who had experienced COVID-19, compared to 21 adults who did not have prior COVID-19. Consistent with prior studies of mRNA vaccines, we observed robust cytotoxic CD8
+
T cell responses in both cohorts after the second dose. Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2–naive individuals had progressive increases in humoral and antigen-specific antibody-secreting cell (ASC) responses after each dose of vaccine, whereas SARS-CoV-2–experienced individuals demonstrated strong humoral and antigen-specific ASC responses to the first dose but these responses were not further enhanced after the second dose of the vaccine at the time points studied. Together, these data highlight the relevance of immunological history for understanding vaccine immune responses and may have implications for personalizing mRNA vaccination regimens used to prevent COVID-19, including for the deployment of booster shots.
Birnaviridae
Virus Factories Show Features of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation and Are Distinct from Paracrystalline Arrays of Virions Observed by Electron Microscopy
Authors: Reddy Vishwanatha R. A. P. , Campbell Elle A. , Wells Joanna , Simpson Jennifer , Nazki Salik , Hawes Philippa C. , Broadbent Andrew J.
Published: February 2022

Members of the
Birnaviridae
infect birds, fish and insects, and are responsible for diseases of significant economic importance to the poultry industry and aquaculture. Despite their importance, how they replicate in cells remains poorly understood.
Detrital zircon record of the Mesoproterozoic Belt basin and implications for horizontal and vertical tectonic models
Authors: Parker Stuart D. , Hendrix Marc S.
Published: February 2022

It is debated whether plate tectonics (horizontal tectonics) or single-lid tectonics (vertical tectonics) dominated the Mesoproterozoic Era. Either rifting of the Nuna/Columbia supercontinent or a localized vertical subsidence and tectonism mechanism within a single tectonic plate is likely recorded in Mesoproterozoic basins. This study summarizes detrital zircon samples from the Mesoproterozoic Belt and Purcell Supergroups and Lemhi subbasin of the western United States and Canada and tests competing rift and intracratonic basin models. Rift models take the observed detrital zircon trends to mean that a non-Laurentian (ca. 1.6–1.5 Ga) detrital zircon component becomes completely absent higher in the section, signifying rifting of the Nuna/Columbia supercontinent at ca. 1.4 Ga. Intracratonic models acknowledge this observed shift in provenance but interpret a long-lived intracratonic setting for the basin following an earlier failed rifting event. The fundamental question is whether the Belt basin represents a failed or successful rift. We used statistical comparison of 72 detrital zircon signatures, reported in the literature and presented in this study, to test the rift model. Samples are not evenly distributed across the basin or its stratigraphy. Non-Laurentian grains are spatially restricted to the northwest part of the basin but are present in all groups, suggesting that the apparent loss of the non-Laurentian population is an artifact of sampling bias. Like stratigraphic boundaries and facies changes, mixing trends are gradual, not sharp or sudden, signifying progressive reworking of Proterozoic zircons and transport from all sides. Archean zircons are localized near the edges of Archean blocks, signifying local down-dropping along cratonic margins. The rift model is therefore rejected in favor of the intracratonic model for the Belt basin on the basis of variable mixing between non-Laurentian and Laurentian sources in both pre–Missoula Group and Missoula Group strata. Far away from plate margins, sediment incrementally filled topographic depressions created by densified and thinned Proterozoic crustal blocks, resulting in vertical down-dropping along preexisting sutures with neighboring Archean blocks. More systematic detrital zircon studies are needed in order to accurately quantify provenance trends in space and time. Continued investigation of the Belt basin may reveal underappreciated or unrecognized vertical tectonic processes that may explain Mesoproterozoic rocks more accurately.
Supplemental Material: Impacts of late Miocene normal faulting on Yarlung Tsangpo River evolution, southeastern Tibet
Authors: Shen Tianyi , al. et
Published: February 2022

Supplemental Text. Methods. Figure S1: Zircon U-Pb concordia diagrams (up) and weighted mean diagrams using the routines in Isoplot (Ludwig, 2012). Table S1: GPS data for all the samples. Table S2: Zircon U-Pb analyses of sample 14T24. Table S3: Apatite fission-track data from the Woka Rift flank (U-content analyzed using the laser-ablation method). Table S4: Apatite (U-Th)/He data from the Woka Rift flank. Table S5: Apatite and zircon fission-track data from the Jiacha Gorge (U-content determined using external-detector method). Table S6: Apatite (U-Th)/He data from the Jiacha Gorge. Table S7: Zircon (U-Th)/He data from the Jiacha Gorge.
Treatment of persistent complex seroma postventral incisional hernia repair by capsulectomy and scarification using argon beam coagulator
Authors: Ghazal Thabet , Hamza Eman , Meshikhes Abdul-Wahed Nasir
Published: February 2022

We present a case of chronic complex seroma following ventral incisional hernia repair with a mesh. The patient was managed initially conservatively by observation followed by multiple percutaneous aspirations and tube drainage. After 6 months of conservative management, the patient remained symptomatic and the surgical scar showed evidence of ulceration, skin necrosis and sinus formation. Therefore, a definitive surgical treatment in the form of capsulectomy and scarification using argon beam coagulator was performed. He remained asymptomatic with no sign of seroma development or hernia recurrence at a 3-year follow-up.
Aggressive giant cell tumour (GCT) of the distal humerus in a young pregnant woman
Authors: Vaishya Raju , Vaish Abhishek , Pawar Nishant , Baweja Pankaj
Published: February 2022

A 25-year-old pregnant woman reported suffering from an aggressive giant cell tumour of the distal humerus extending into the elbow joint. The successful management required a careful evaluation of the various treatment options due to her pregnancy. Surgical excision of the mass was performed. The residual bone defect was reconstructed with an elbow mega-prosthesis. The patient made a pain-free recovery with a good range of motion and delivered the baby at term with no complications.
Rapidly involuting congenital haemangioma: diagnostic and therapeutic approach regarding two case reports
Authors: Forjaco Jorge Ana Filipa , Nascimento Lúcia , Fernandes Lúcia , Soares Eugénia
Published: February 2022

Two unrelated neonates were born with a large purplish congenital mass of the thigh and forearm. Both showed signs of heart dysfunction, and one of them had anaemia and thrombocytopenia. The imaging assessment of the lesions showed well-defined subcutaneous solid masses with an exuberant vascular component. Both were kept under surveillance and maintenance therapy. A progressive dimensional reduction of the lesions supported the diagnosis of rapidly involuting congenital haemangioma (RICH). RICH is a rare vascular tumour that presents as a congenital purplish bulky mass. The diagnosis depends on the clinical evaluation of the lesion and the imaging characterisation of its solid components and vascular network. RICH may be complicated by high-output heart failure, anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Despite its exuberant presentation, it undergoes involution in the first year of life; therefore, early invasive therapies should be avoided. It is essential to detect any dimensional increase, suggesting more aggressive diagnoses, such as kaposiform haemangioendothelioma.
Surgically-induced necrotising scleritis complicated byNocardiainfection following routine cataract surgery
Authors: Richardson-May James , Chihaia Madalina , Rashid Mohammed
Published: February 2022

Necrotising scleritis is a rare, inflammatory condition with potentially devastating visual consequences. It can be associated with inflammatory and infectious causes, and has been linked to several different ocular procedures. We present a difficult case of a patient with surgically-induced necrotising scleritis following routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery, who developed a secondaryNocardiabacterial infection. He required a number of surgical interventions and prolonged antibiotic therapy, suffering recurrent scleral abscesses. A literature review accompanies our case report. Prompt recognition and adequate investigation for underlying inflammatory and infective causes are vital to maintain integrity of the globe and ensure suitable treatment of this challenging condition.
Multimorbidity and catastrophic health expenditure among patients with diabetes in China: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Fu Yu , Chen Mingsheng , Si Lei
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Multimorbidity is common among patients with diabetes and can lead to catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) for their families. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of multimorbidity and CHE among people with diabetes in China, and the association between multimorbidity and CHE and whether this is influenced by socioeconomic status and health insurance type.

Methods

A national survey was conducted in China in 2013 that included 8471 people aged ≥18 years who were living with diabetes. The concentration curve and concentration index were used to measure socioeconomic-related inequalities. Factors influencing CHE and the impact of multimorbidity on CHE according to socioeconomic status and health insurance type were examined by logistic regression.

Results

There were 5524 (65.2%) diabetes patients with multimorbidity. The prevalence of CHE was 56.6%, with a concentration index of −0.030 (95% CI −0.035 to –0.026). For each additional chronic disease, the probability of CHE increased by 39% (OR=1.39, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.47). Factors that were positively associated (p<0.05) with CHE included older age; male sex; lower educational level; being retired, unemployed or jobless; being a non-smoker and non-drinker; having had no physical examination; lower socioeconomic status; being in an impoverished family; and residing in the central or western regions. Among participants with Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance, Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance, and New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme, the probability of CHE increased by 32% (OR=1.32, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.43), 43% (OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.65) and 47% (OR=1.47, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.63), respectively, with each additional chronic disease. The association between multimorbidity and CHE was observed across all health insurance types irrespective of socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

Multimorbidity affects about two-thirds of Chinese patients with diabetes. Current health insurance schemes offer limited protection against CHE to patients’ families.
Person-centred care provided by a multidisciplinary primary care team to improve therapeutic adequacy in polymedicated elderly patients (PCMR): randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Rovira Carol , Modamio Pilar , Pascual Joaquim , Armengol Joan , Ayala Cristian , Gallego Joan , Mariño Eduardo L , Ramirez Anna
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The increase in elderly population has led to an associated increase in multiple pathologies, frailty, polypharmacy, healthcare costs, decreased quality of life and mortality. We designed an intervention based on person-centred care model. This article outlines a study protocol, which aims to explore the effects of the intervention to improve therapeutic adequacy in polymedicated elderly patients.

Methods and analysis

An open, randomised, multicentre, controlled clinical trial. The study population includes polymedicated (≥8 prescription medications) patients ≥75 years old. In the intervention group, the multidisciplinary team (primary care pharmacist, family doctor and nurse) will meet to carry out multidimensional reviews (frailty, clinical complexity, morbidity and therapeutic adequacy) of the study subjects. If changes are proposed to the treatment plan, a clinical interview will be conducted with the patient to agree on changes in accordance with their preferences. Follow-up visits will be scheduled at 6 and 12 months. In the control group, where the usual clinical practice will be followed, the necessary data will be collected to compare the results.

The key variables are the variation in the mean number of incidents (potentially inappropriate prescription) per patient, the number of medications, the number of changes implemented to the treatment plan and the variation in the number of hospital admissions.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the IDIAPJGol and by the University of Barcelona’s Bioethics Commission. The results are expected to be published in peer reviewed open-access journals, and as part of a doctoral thesis.

Trial registration number

NCT04188470. Pre-results.
Food insecurity status is of added value in explaining poor health: a cross-sectional study among parents living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the Netherlands
Authors: van der Velde Laura A , Steyerberg Ewout W , Numans Mattijs E , Kiefte-de Jong Jessica C
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the added value of food insecurity in explaining poor physical and mental health beyond other socioeconomic risk factors.

Design, setting, participants and outcome measures

Data for this cross-sectional study were collected using questionnaires with validated measures for food insecurity status and health status, including 199 adult participants with at least 1 child living at home, living in or near disadvantaged neighbourhoods in The Hague, the Netherlands. To assess the added value of food insecurity, optimism-corrected goodness-of-fit statistics of multivariate regression models with and without food insecurity status as a covariate were compared.

Results

In the multivariable models explaining poor physical health (Physical Component Summary: PCS) and mental health (Mental Component Summary: MCS), from all included socioeconomic risk factors, food insecurity score was the most important covariate. Including food insecurity score in those models led to an improvement of explained variance from 6.3% to 9.2% for PCS, and from 5.8% to 11.0% for MCS, and a slightly lower root mean square error. Further analyses showed that including food insecurity score improved the discriminative ability between those individuals most at risk of poor health, reflected by an improvement in C-statistic from 0.64 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.71) to 0.69 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.73) for PCS and from 0.65 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.68) to 0.70 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.73) for MCS. Further, explained variance in these models improved with approximately one-half for PCS and doubled for MCS.

Conclusions

From these results it follows that food insecurity score is of added value in explaining poor physical and mental health beyond traditionally used socioeconomic risk factors (ie, age, educational level, income, living situation, employment status and migration background) in disadvantaged communities. Therefore, routine food insecurity screening may be important for effective risk stratification to identify populations at increased risk of poor health and provide targeted interventions.
Combined online interactive mindfulness and exercise programme (MOVE-Online) compared with a self-management guide for adults with chronic pain: protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Deegan Orla , Fullen Brona M , Casey Maire-Brid , Segurado Ricardo , Hearty Conor , Doody Catherine M
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Online pain management programmes (PMP) have growing evidence as effective interventions for individuals with chronic pain (CP). Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a psychological intervention proven to be effective in the management of CP. There is also a large body of evidence for the efficacy of exercise in the management of CP however, there are limited studies combining both these interventions and none to date delivering a combined intervention in the form of an online PMP. This study aims to explore the acceptability and feasibility of delivering a combined MBSR and exercise online PMP for adults with CP, and will examine the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial of a combined MBSR and exercise online programme compared with an online self-management guide.

Methods and analysis

A parallel-group, feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted among participants in Ireland, which will include an embedded qualitative study. Seventy-five participants will complete an online consent form and be individually randomised to one of two groups. Group A will participate in live online MBSR and supervised exercise sessions (2 hours MBSR, 1 hour exercise) once a week for 8 weeks. Group B will receive access to an 8-week online self-management guide, released biweekly and containing eight self-directed modules. Analyses of the feasibility study will be descriptive and will address the outcomes relating to the feasibility and acceptability of the interventions and procedures of the study including recruitment and eligibility, data collection methods, intervention adherence, engagement and attrition rates, intervention acceptability and participants’ subjective perceptions of the programmes. Comparisons of clinical treatment effects, using validated patient-reported outcome measures will be explored descriptively to consider the viability of investigating a combined online MBSR and exercise intervention in a future fully powered RCT.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Institutional Review Board (1/378/2124) and the University College Dublin Human Research Ethics Committee (LS-20-76-Deegan-Doody). Informed consent will be obtained from each participant prior to randomisation. The results of this feasibility study will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and presented at national and international conferences.

Trial registration

NCT04899622.
PAD-2-mediated citrullination of nucleophosmin provides an effective target for tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Choudhury Ruhul H , Symonds Peter , Paston Samantha J , Daniels Ian , Cook Katherine W , Gijon Mohamed , Metheringham Rachael L , Brentville Victoria A , Durrant Lindy G
Published: February 2022

Background

The enzymatic conversion of arginine to citrulline is involved in gene and protein regulation and in alerting the immune system to stressed cells, including tumor cells. Nucleophosmin (NPM) is a nuclear protein that plays key roles in cellular metabolism including ribosome biogenesis, mRNA processing and chromatin remodeling and is regulated by citrullination. In this study, we explored if the same citrullinated arginines within NPM are involved in gene regulation and immune activation.

Methods

HLA-DP4 and HLA-DR4 transgenic mice were immunized with 22 citrullinated NPM overlapping peptides and immune responses to the peptides were assessed by ex vivo ELISpot assays. Antitumor immunity of NPM targeted vaccination was assessed by challenging transgenic mice with B16F1 HHDII/iDP4, B16F1 HHDII/PAD2KOcDP4, B16F1 HHDII and Lewis lung carcinoma cells/cDP4 cells subcutaneously. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from healthy donors were stimulated with NPM266-285cit peptides with/without CD45RO+memory cell depletion to assess if the responses in human were naïve or memory.

Results

In contrast to NPM regulation, which is mediated by peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD4) citrullination of arginine at position 197, only citrullinated NPM266-285 peptide induced a citrulline-specific CD4 T cell response in transgenic mice models expressing human HLA-DP4 or HLA-DR4. Vaccinations with the NPM266-285cit peptide stimulated antitumor responses that resulted in dramatic tumor therapy, greatly improved survival, and protected against rechallenge without further vaccination. The antitumor response was lost if MHCII expression on the tumor cells was knocked out demonstrating direct presentation of the NPM266-285cit epitope in tumors. This antitumor response was lost in B16 tumors lacking PAD2 enzyme indicating NPM266cit is citrullinated by PAD2 in this model. Assessment of the T cell repertoire in healthy individuals and patients with lung cancer also showed CD4 T cells that respond to NPM266-285cit. The proliferative CD4 responses displayed a Th1 profile as they were accompanied with increased IFNγ and granzyme B expression. Depletion of CD45RO+ memory cells prior to stimulation suggested that responses originated from a naïve population in healthy donors.

Conclusion

This study indicates PAD2 can citrullinate the nuclear antigen NPM at position 277 which can be targeted by CD4 T cells for antitumor therapy. This is distinct from PAD4 citrullination of arginine 197 within NPM which results in its transport from the nucleoli to the nucleoplasm.
Understanding the dynamics of notification and implementation of Article 5.3 across India’s states and union territories
Authors: Bassi Shalini , Ralston Rob , Arora Monika , Chugh Aastha , Nazar Gaurang P , Collin Jeff
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In federal systems, state and local governments may offer opportunities for innovation in implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). This paper explores the implementation of WHO FCTC Article 5.3 within India’s federal system, examining how its guidelines have been operationalised across states and union territories.

Methods

Interviews with officials from government and civil society organisations across key states, and a document review of state government and district administration notifications adopting Article 5.3 guidelines between 2015 and 2019.

Results

The data reveal subnational leadership in formulating intersectoral committees, which are designed to limit interactions with the tobacco industry, and corresponding measures to reject partnership and conflicts of interest for government officials. There are notable omissions across states and union territories in adoption of key Article 5.3 guidelines; only four districts and state governments refer to regulating aspects of ‘socially responsible’ industry activities, and no notifications include measures to prevent the tobacco industry receiving preferential treatment or requiring that information provided by industry actors be transparent and accountable. Interview data indicate that dynamics of notification across states have been shaped by lesson drawing and the catalytic role of civil society. The adoption of protocols is impacting on the practices of health officials, but there are concerns about engagement by other departments and the regulatory capacity of empowered committees.

Conclusion

The spread of state- and district-level policies illustrates opportunities federal structures can provide for accelerating tobacco control. Given significant omissions and policy tensions, there remains a need for national action to build on these innovations, including in revisions to India’s tobacco control legislation.
Performance Assessment of Complex System Under the k-out-of-n: G Type Configuration with k Consecutive Degraded States through the Copula Repair Approach
Authors: Singh V. V. , Ismail Abdulkareem Lado , Chand Umesh , Maiti Sudhansu S.
Published: February 2022

This paper is the stochastic analysis of a complex repairable system comprising of subsystems in a series arrangement under the [Formula: see text]-out-of-[Formula: see text]: [Formula: see text] type configuration. Both of the subsystems are in series arrangement and having auto transfer switches when some unit fails. Subsystem 1 is supposed to work under the [Formula: see text]-out-of-[Formula: see text]: [Formula: see text], scheme, and subsystem 2 which has four indistinguishable units in parallel arrangement with an auto switch functioning under the 1-out-of-4: [Formula: see text] scheme. A catastrophic failure is characterized as causing damage to the entire system. Units’ failure, switch failures, and catastrophic failure rates are constant, but repair rates are treated as variables with two types of distributions: general distribution and copula distribution. The model is analyzed using a supplementary variables approach, with probabilistic measures such as availability, reliability, MTSF, and profit functions derived.
A Comparison of Outcomes at Twelve Weeks of Traditional Button-Over-Nail versus Bone Anchor Repair of Zone I Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon Injury
Authors: PAYNE Anna , SAWHNEY Akshat , THACOOR Amitabh , AKHAVANI Mo
Published: February 2022

Background: The repair of zone 1 flexor tendon injury often relies on re-inserting the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon to the distal phalanx. The aim of this retrospective study is to compare outcomes at 12 weeks following traditional button-over-nail (BON) versus bone anchor (BA) repair of zone I FDP injury.

Methods: Patients undergoing zone 1 FDP repair between April 2007 and September 2018 using a BON or a BA were included in the study. Patient demographics, complications, arc of flexion of distal (distal interphalangeal joint [DIPJ]) and proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) and patient-rated outcomes were analysed.

Results: Forty-three patients were included in the study: 21 in the BA group and 22 in the BON group. Good function was achieved by 20 patients in BA versus nine in BON. Complications occurred in five BA patients versus 10 BON patients. Patients achieved a mean active DIPJ flexion of 49° and 31° and PIPJ flexion of 92° and 57° in the BA and BON groups, respectively.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates better arc of motion, patient-rated outcomes and lower complications at 12 weeks after surgery in patients undergoing zone 1 FDP repair using a BA.

Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic)
Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes of Non-Operative Treatment for Patients with Non-Union of Fractures of the Mid-Shaft of the Clavicle in Adults
Authors: HWANG Ji Sup , KIM Min Bom , LEE Young Ho
Published: February 2022

Background: Non-unions of clavicle fracture after conservative treatment have been treated surgically, but carry a risk of complications. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of non-operative treatment for patients with non-union of fractures of the mid-shaft of the clavicle following initial conservative treatment.

Methods: This is a retrospective study done at a single centre. Subjects with non-union after conservative treatment of clavicle mid-shaft fractures between March 2004 and February 2019 were included in this study. The exclusion criteria included follow-up period <1 year after the diagnosis of non-union and concomitant upper extremity injury. Final radiographs were assessed for fracture healing, vertical displacement, and shortening. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and self-rated outcomes were obtained.

Results: Fourteen patients (five females) with an average age of 58 (range, 29–76) years and a mean follow-up duration of 4.0 (range, 1.5–10.2) years were included in the study. The average vertical fracture displacement was 188.7 (range, 95.4–301.4) percent and the average shortening was 13.2 (range, 2.7–16.9) percent. The average VAS pain score was 0.21 (range, 0–2) points. There was no significant difference in the ROM between the injured and uninjured shoulder (p = 0.715 for forward flexion, 0.070 for abduction and 0.714 for external rotation) and the Constant shoulder score (p = 0.190). Thirteen of the 14 patients were satisfied with the treatment, and 12 returned to their pre-injury level of sports participation.

Conclusions: Non-operative treatment resulted in a favourable outcome for patients with non-union of clavicle fracture after conservative treatment. Self-rated outcome score was excellent, regardless of the presence of radiographic abnormalities.

Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic)
A Redox Fuel Cell Capable of Converting Ethanol to Electricity at a High Power Output
Authors: An Liang
Published: February 2022

The use of hydrogen peroxide in fuel cells has recently received increasing attention, primarily due to its several unique characteristics when compared with the use of gaseous oxygen [1]. However, there are three issues associated with the use of hydrogen peroxide in fuel cells [2]. Firstly, the actual cathode potential is lower than the theoretical one, which is mainly attributed to the mixed potential resulting from the simultaneous hydrogen peroxide oxidation reaction on the cathode. Secondly, the hydrogen peroxide oxidation reaction releases gaseous oxygen, leading to a two-phase mass transport. Thirdly, the reduction of hydrogen peroxide in fuel cells has to use metal catalysts, such as platinum, palladium and gold [3].

In this work, we propose to create the cathode potential by introducing a redox couple to the cathode while to use hydrogen peroxide to chemically charge to redox ions. The redox cathode not only completely eliminates the mixed-potential problem associated with the direct reduction of hydrogen peroxide, but also enables a faster cathodic electrochemical kinetics even without noble metal catalysts [4]. It has been demonstrated that the direct ethanol fuel cell with a redox couple of V(IV)/V(V) yields a peak power density of 450 mW cm-2 at 60oC, which is 87.5% higher than that of the conventional cell with direct reduction of hydrogen peroxide [5].

References

[2] L. An, T.S. Zhao, X.H. Yan, X.L. Zhou, P. Tan, Science Bulletin 60 (2015) 55-64.

[3] L. An, T.S. Zhao, Z.H. Chai, L. Zeng, P. Tan. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 39 (2014) 7407-7416.

[4] L. An, T.S. Zhao, X.L. Zhou, L. Wei, X.H. Yan, RSC Adv. 4 (2014) 65031-65034.

[5] L. An, T.S. Zhao, X.L. Zhou, X.H. Yan, C.Y. Jung, J. Power Sources 275 (2015) 831-834.
Effects of Manganese Oxides on the Activity and Stability of Ni-Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 Anode for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with Methanol As the Fuel
Authors: Gan Tian , Zhao Yicheng , Li Yongdan
Published: February 2022

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are one of the most promising devices for the direct conversion of chemical energy in fuels into electric power[1]. The Ni-based cermet has been considered as the most promising anode material for SOFCs due to its high catalytic activity, sufficient electrical conductivity and low cost[2]. However, Ni-based anodes face a severe problem of carbon deposition when fueled with hydrocarbons[2]. In this work, Ni-MnOx-Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 (SDC) is synthesized with a hydrothermal method and investigated as the anode material of an SOFC fed with methanol. The lowest anodic polarization resistance is obtained when the molar ratio of Mn to Ni is 0.05:0.95. The single cell with that anode and SDC-carbonate composite electrolyte exhibits a maximum power density of 722 mW cm-2 at 700 oC (Fig. 1). The high catalytic activity is attributed to the transfer of electrons from Ni to Mn and the increase of the content of the lattice oxygen in the anode. Mn also increases the resistance to carbon deposition of the anode due to the high lattice oxygen content and the redox cycle of the Mn species. The stability of the single cell is enhanced with the increase of the content of Mn in the anode.

Fig.1
I–V and I-P curves of the fuel cells with various anodes at 700 °C with methanol as fuel.

References

A. Sin, E. Kopnin, Y. Dubitsky, et al., Journal of Power Sources, 2007, 164: 300–305.

Z. Wang, W. Weng, K. Cheng, et al., Journal of Power Sources, 2008, 179: 541-546.

S. Alayoglu, K. An, G. Melaet, et al., The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 2013,117: 26608-26616.

Figure 1
(Invited) Mechano-Chemical Coupling at Interfaces in Novel Hybrid Materials
Authors: Weissmüller Jörg
Published: February 2022

The strong coupling between chemistry or electrochemistry and mechanics at interfaces may be exploited for designing materials with unexpected functional behavior. One example is provided by nanoporous-metal based hybrid materials that behave similar to piezoelectric ceramics: Bodies of nanoporous gold impregnated with electrolyte emit exceptionally robust electric signals when subjected to external load. The metal-based material may thus be considered as piezoelectric, in a literal interpretation of the term. Another example is a class of novel phenomena in which the mechanical response to load – which may be elastic or plastic – can be tuned by an electric potential. The relevant capillary parameters can be either, surface stress or surface tension. In each case, a coupling between the capillarity and electricity is crucial, and the coupling strengths can be quite different. While the energy-charge coupling at a surface is described by the Lippmann equation, a predictive understanding of the interfacial stress-charge coupling, which governs the apparent piezoelectricity, remains elusive. The talk will discuss relevant issues from the perspectives of experiment, phenomenological thermodynamics, and atomistics.
Association between the Oxidative Balance Score and Telomere Length from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002
Authors: Zhang Wan , Peng Shu-Fen , Chen Li , Chen Hui-Min , Cheng Xue-Er , Tang Yu-Han
Published: February 2022

Purpose. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is an important biomarker of aging. The oxidative balance score (OBS) is used to assess the oxidative stress-related exposures of diet and lifestyle. This study is aimed at exploring if the OBS was associated with LTL. Methods. 3220 adults were included in this study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2002. LTL was assayed from leukocyte DNA. Twenty dietary and lifestyle factors were selected to score the OBS. Survey-based multivariable linear regression was conducted to assess the association between the OBS and log-transformed LTL. Results. The association between the OBS and log-transformed LTL was positive in females but not males. For females, compared with the lowest OBS category as a reference, the multivariable-adjusted beta estimate (95% confidence interval, CI) for the highest OBS category was 0.0701 (0.0205–0.1197) (

p

for

trend
<
0.01

), and the multivariable-adjusted beta estimate (95% CI) of the continuous OBS was 0.0039 (0.0014–0.0065). There was also the gender difference in the correlations of the dietary OBS and the lifestyle OBS with log-transformed LTL. Conclusion. There was a positive association between the OBS and LTL in females. This result suggested that diet and lifestyle might affect LTL by regulating oxidative balance.