bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy RNA recognition by theTrypanosoma bruceieditosome
Authors: Leeder Wolf-Matthias , Geyer Felix Klaus , Göringer Hans Ulrich
Published: April 2022

The assembly of high molecular mass ribonucleoprotein complexes typically relies on the binary interaction of defined RNA sequences or precisely folded RNA motifs with dedicated RNA-binding domains on the protein side. Here we describe a new molecular recognition principle of RNA molecules by a high molecular mass protein complex. By chemically probing the solvent accessibility of mitochondrial pre-mRNAs when bound to the Trypanosoma brucei editosome, we identified multiple similar but non-identical RNA motifs as editosome contact sites. However, by treating the different motifs as mathematical graph objects we demonstrate that they fit a consensus 2D-graph consisting of 4 vertices (V) and 3 edges (E) with a Laplacian eigenvalue of 0.5477 (λ2). We establish that synthetic 4V(3E)-RNAs are sufficient to compete for the editosomal pre-mRNA binding site and that they inhibit RNA editing in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrate that only two topological indices are necessary to predict the binding of any RNA motif to the editosome with a high level of confidence. Our analysis corroborates that the editosome has adapted to the structural multiplicity of the mitochondrial mRNA folding space by recognizing a fuzzy continuum of RNA folds that fit a consensus graph descriptor.
Social Justice and Native American Political Engagement
Authors: Sanchez Gabriel R , Foxworth Raymond
Published: April 2022

The run-up to the 2020 election in the United States was marked by an unprecedented health pandemic and a social movement to challenge structural racism and advance social justice. Record numbers of Americans risked their health by protesting and voting in 2020. We analyze the relationship between a desire to advance social justice and Native American political behavior and political accountability utilizing data from the 2020 American Election Eve Survey’s large sample of Native American voters. We find that in 2020, both perceptions of racial discrimination and the COVID-19 health pandemic had a significant effect on Native American mobilization and political accountability. We also advance the limited research on the Native American electorate by finding that living on or very near tribal lands is a consequential factor for Native American political behavior and their pursuits for justice through political participation.
Partial Tendon Injury at the Tendon-to-Bone Enthesis Activates Skeletal Stem Cells
Authors: Titan Ashley L , Davitt Michael , Foster Deshka , Salhotra Ankit , Menon Siddharth , Chen Kellen , Fahy Evan , Lopez Michael , Jones R Ellen , Baiu Ioana , Burcham Austin , Januszyk Michael , Gurtner Geoffrey , Fox Paige , Chan Charles , Quarto Natalina , Longaker Michael
Published: April 2022

The tendon enthesis plays a critical role in facilitating movement and reducing stress within joints. Partial enthesis injuries heal in a mechanically inferior manner and never achieve healthy tissue function. The cells responsible for tendon-to-bone healing remain incompletely characterized and their origin is unknown. Here, we evaluated the putative role of mouse skeletal stem cells (mSSCs) in the enthesis after partial-injury. We found that mSSCs were present at elevated levels within the enthesis following injury and that these cells downregulated TGFβ signaling pathway elements at both the RNA and protein levels. Exogenous application of TGFβ post-injury led to a reduced mSSC response and impaired healing, whereas treatment with a TGFβ inhibitor (SB43154) resulted in a more robust mSSC response. Collectively, these data suggest that mSSCs may augment tendon-to-bone healing by dampening the effects of TGFβ signaling within the mSSC niche.
Dll4 Inhibition Promotes Graft Retention in Fat Grafting Enriched with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Lee Choong-kun , Park Bo-Yoon , Jo Taehee , Park Cheol-Heum , Kim Ju-Hee , Chung Kyu-Jin , Kim Yong-Ha , Park Do Young , Kim Il-Kug
Published: April 2022

Autologous fat grafting is among the safest and most effective treatments for soft-tissue restoration and augmentation, and many efforts have been made to improve its efficiency, including adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) supplementation. Here, we investigated the role of Notch ligand Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) in angiogenesis within grafted fat and its effect on graft retention, as well as the effect of Dll4 inhibition on ASC supplementation. Using a murine fat graft model, we investigated the expression of Dll4 in fat grafts and assessed the graft volume, vascularity, and perfusion within the graft, and ASC differentiation patterns depending on the blockade of Dll4. The underlying mechanism of Dll4 inhibition on ASC supplemented fat grafts was investigated using transcriptome analysis. Dll4 was highly expressed in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) within grafted fat, where Dll4-blocking antibody treatment-induced angiogenesis, promoting fat graft retention. In addition, its effect on fat graft retention was synergistically improved when ASCs were concomitantly supplemented. The expression of junctional proteins was increased in ECs, and inflammatory processes were downregulated in grafted fat upon ASC supplementation and Dll4 inhibition. Dll4 inhibition induced vascularization within the grafted fat, thereby promoting graft retention and exhibiting synergistic effects with concomitant ASC supplementation. This study serves as a basis for developing new potential therapeutic approaches targeting Dll4 to improve graft retention after cell-assisted transfer.
The family foundation in Germany—the queen of succession planning?
Authors: Uhl Matthias
Published: April 2022

The German family foundation is able to bundle assets in an independent legal entity. In this way, even companies can be continued and developed further. The family foundation serves to support the family members. The inheritance tax law that has been in force for a number of years makes it attractive from a tax perspective to transfer companies with high assets to such family foundations. For this reason, the family foundation has even been called a queen of succession planning under the current German laws.
Populations of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in Winter Spore Production Regions Spread from Southwestern Oversummering Areas in China
Authors: Zhan Gangming , Ji Fan , Chen Xianming , Wang Jianxiu , Zhang Dingling , Zhao Jun , Zeng Qingdong , Yang Lijun , Huang Lili , Kang Zhensheng
Published: April 2022

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striifomis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most destructive wheat diseases in China. Understanding the interregional dispersal of Pst inoculum is important for controlling the disease. In the present study, wheat stripe rust samples collected from the winter spore production and oversummering regions in November 2018 to March 2019 were studied through virulence testing and molecular characterization. From 296 isolates, 96 races were identified using a set of 19 Chinese wheat cultivars and 111 races were identified using 18 Yr single-gene lines as differentials. The isolates from Hubei province in the winter spore production area had the highest similarity in virulence with those from eastern Yunnan in the oversummering area. Molecular characterization using 13 simple-sequence repeat and 43 Kompetitive allele specific PCR-single nucleotide polymorphism markers supported the conclusion that the Pst populations in the winter spore production regions were from Guizhou and eastern Yunnan, key oversummering areas in the southwest. Furthermore, an analysis of wind movement at the 700-hPa high altitude also supported the conclusion of spore dispersal from the southwestern oversummering region to the south-central winter spore production region. The results of this study provide an epidemiological basis for deploying various effective resistance genes in different regions to control stripe rust.
Predicting Mortality in Elderly Spine Trauma Patients
Authors: Carlile Catherine R. , Rees Andrew B. , Schultz Jacob D. , Steinle Anthony M. , Nian Hui , Smith Melissa D. , Guillamondegui Oscar , Archer Kristin R. , Pennings Jacquelyn S. , Zuckerman Scott L. , Abtahi Amir M. , Stephens Byron F.
Published: April 2022

Study Design.

Retrospective analysis on prospectively collected data.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to construct a clinical prediction model for 90-day mortality in elderly patients with traumatic spine injuries.

Summary of Background Data.

Spine trauma in the elderly population is increasing. Comparing elderly spine trauma patients to younger patients with similar injuries proves challenging due to the extensive comorbidities and frailty found in the elderly. There is a paucity of evidence to predict survival of elderly patients following traumatic spinal injuries.

Methods.

All patients 65+ with spine trauma presenting to a level I trauma center from 2010 to 2019 were reviewed from a prospectively maintained trauma registry. Retrospective chart review was performed to record injury, frailty scores, comorbidities, presence of spinal cord injury, imaging evidence of sarcopenia and osteopenia, mortality, and complications. We preselected 13 variables for our multivariable logistic regression model: hypotension on admission, gender, marital status, age, max Abbreviated Injury Scale, Modified Frailty Index, surgical treatment, hematocrit, white blood count, spinal cord injury, closed head injury, injury level and presence of high energy mechanism. The performance of the prediction model was evaluated using a concordance index and calibration plot. The model was internally validated via bootstrap approach.

Results.

Over the 9-year period, 1746 patients met inclusion criteria; 359 (20.6%) patients died within 90 days after presenting with spine trauma. The most important predictors for 90-day mortality were age, hypotension, closed head injury, max Abbreviated Injury Scale and hematocrit. There was an optimism-corrected C-index of 0.77. A calculator was created to predict a personalized mortality risk.

Conclusion.

The incidence of spine trauma in elderly patients continues to increase. Previous publications described preexisting conditions that imply increased mortality, but ours is the first to develop a predictive calculator. Prospective research is planned to externally validate this model to better determine its predictive value and utility in the clinical setting.
Evolution of Proximal Junctional Kyphosis and Proximal Junctional Failure Rates Over 10 Years of Enrollment in a Prospective Multicenter Adult Spinal Deformity Database
Authors: Alshabab Basel Sheikh , Lafage Renaud , Smith Justin S. , Kim Han Jo , Mundis Gregory , Klineberg Eric , Shaffrey Christopher , Daniels Alan , Ames Christopher , Gupta Munish , Burton Douglas , Hostin Richard , Bess Shay , Schwab Frank , Lafage Virginie ,   on behalf of the International Spine Study Group ISSG
Published: April 2022

Study Design.

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective.

The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) rate over 10-year enrollment period within a prospective database.

Summary of Background Data.

PJK is a common complication following adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery and has been intensively studied over the last decade.

Methods.

Patients with instrumentation extended to the pelvis and minimum 2-year follow-up were included. To investigate evolution of PJK/proximal junctional failure (PJF) rate, a moving average of 321 patients was calculated across the enrollment period. Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between the date of surgery (DOS) and PJK and/or PJF. Comparison of PJK/PJF rates, demographics, and surgical strategies was performed between the first and second half of the cohort.

Results.

A total of 641 patients met inclusion criteria (age: 64±10 years, 78.2% female, body mass index: 28.3±5.7). The overall rate of radiographic PJK at 2 years was 47.9%; 12.9% of the patients developed PJF, with 31.3% being revised within 2-year follow-up. Stratification by DOS produced two halves. Between these two periods, rate of PJK and PJF demonstrated nonsignificant decrease (50.3%–45.5%, P=0.22) and (15.0%–10.9%, P=0.12), respectively. Linear interpolation suggested a decrease of 1.2% PJK per year and 1.0% for PJF. Patients enrolled later in the study were older and more likely to be classified as pure sagittal deformity (P<0.001). There was a significant reduction in the use of three-column osteotomies (P<0.001), an increase in anterior longitudinal ligament release (P<0.001), and an increase in the use of PJK prophylaxis (31.3% vs 55.1%). Logistical regression demonstrated no significant association between DOS and radiographic PJK (P=0.19) or PJF (P=0.39).

Conclusion.

Despite extensive research examining risk factors for PJK/PJF and increasing utilization of intraoperative PJK prophylaxis techniques, the rate of radiographic PJK and/or PJF did not significantly decrease across the 10-year enrollment period of this ASD database.
Invalid Results in the GetaKit Study in Ottawa: A Real-World Observation of the INSTI® HIV Self-test Among Persons At Risk for HIV
Authors: O'Byrne Patrick , Musten Alexandra , Orser Lauren , Horvath Cynthia
Published: April 2022

HIV self-testing corresponds with more frequent testing, better user satisfaction, and higher positivity rates compared with clinic-based testing. We implemented an open cohort prospective observational study, which provided a website through which persons could do online HIV self-assessments and, if eligible, receive a free HIV self-test. We implemented this project on July 20, 2021 and used the bioLytical INSTI® test. Herein, we describe the number of tests participants reported as invalid, which started at a rate of one fifth of all ordered tests and decreased to 8% after we provided more instructions on completing the test. Our data suggest that a high rate of invalids occur with self-testing in the real-world. Although this has cost implications, we feel this rate is acceptable, considering that 25% of our cohort reported no previous HIV testing. Our take-away message is that HIV self-testing requires additional supports and resources to function as an effective testing intervention.
The Collaborative Clinical Learning Experience in Physical Therapy: Student and Instructor Perspectives
Authors: Wolff-Burke Melissa , Fergus Andrea , Ferrone Deanna , Moulder Anthony , Thompson Kayla , Whitley John
Published: April 2022

Introduction.

A clinical collaborative learning experience (CCLE) is a viable clinical education model in physical therapy (PT). The purposes of this study were to 1) examine factors perceived to influence a successful CCLE, and 2) examine processes that make it successful.

Review of Literature.

Factors contributing to a successful CCLE, including teaching strategies, student characteristics, and environment, have been reported. The processes that occur during a CCLE that influence its success have not been studied.

Subjects.

Twenty-nine students and 18 clinical instructors (CIs) involved in CCLEs.

Methods.

Using a grounded theory approach, phase 1 examined perceived factors contributing to efficacy of the CCLE through surveys and focus groups. Phase 2 examined the processes involved in team building, leading to an effective CCLE through journals and focus groups.

Results.

Student and clinic factors were perceived to affect the success of the CCLE. The evolution of an effective team that depended on effective communication was deemed the cornerstone of a successful CCLE. The student strategies of self-reflection, idea sharing, and active observation along with clinic-driven strategies of role assignment and a positive learning environment fostered team development. All students in the CCLE were successful as measured by the Clinical Performance Instrument (full-time experiences) and the integrated clinical experience evaluation supporting the trustworthiness of the qualitative findings.

Discussion and Conclusion.

These findings expand the considerations for an effective CCLE and provide a basis for understanding the processes involved in a successful CCLE. This process is focused on developing an effective student–CI team. Preparation and training of students and CIs in the importance of team development and strategies to achieve this are warranted. The CCLE may address the shortage of clinical placements in PT and enhance the learning that occurs in PT clinical education.
Ultrasound in postresuscitation care: a narrative review
Authors: Hsu Chia-Yu , Chen Jia-Yu , Lee An-Fu , Huang Sih-Shiang , Lien Wan-Ching , Chang Wei-Tien , Huang Chien-Hua
Published: April 2022

The efficacy of ultrasound (US) in real-time differential diagnosis and guiding further treatment decisions has been well demonstrated in prearrest conditions and during resuscitation. Evidence is limited regarding the application of US in postresuscitation care. Most of the patients following resuscitation remain comatose, and the requirement for transportation to other examination rooms increases their risk of injury. US can be performed at the bedside with high accessibility and timeliness without radiation. This narrative review provides an overview of current evidence regarding the application of US in identifying the cause of cardiac arrest (CA), hemodynamic monitoring, and prognostication in postresuscitation care. For identifying the cause of CA, cardiac US is mainly used to detect regional wall motion abnormality. However, postarrest myocardial dysfunction would confound the sonographic findings that a combination of electrocardiograms and biomarkers besides the cardiac US could improve the positive predictive value of coronary artery disease. For hemodynamic monitoring, left ventricular outlet tract velocity time integral has the best performance in predicting fluid responsiveness in conjunction with the passive leg raising test. The RUSH protocol assists in determining the subtypes of shock with high sensitivity and specificity in hypovolemic, cardiogenic, or obstructive shock. Evidence regarding the application of US for prognostication is still limited, and further evaluation should be needed.
The American Public Health Association Endorses Single-Payer Health System Reform
Authors: King Ben , Spadaro Anthony , Schiff Gordon , Rodriguez-Monguio Rosa , Jordan Alison O. , Flaherty Lisa , Lee Wei-Chen , Zito Julie , Fein Oliver ,   the American Public Health Association, Medical Care Section
Published: April 2022

Health care is a human right. Achieving universal health insurance coverage for all US residents requires significant system-wide reform. The most equitable and cost-effective health care system is a public, single-payer (SP) system. The rapid growth in national health expenditures can be addressed through a system that yields net savings over projected trends by eliminating profit and waste. With universal health insurance coverage through SP financing, providers can focus on optimizing delivery of services, rather than working within a system covered by payers who have incentives to limit costs regardless of benefit. Rather, with a SP, the people act as their own insurer through a partnership with provider organizations where tax dollars work for everyone. Consumer choice is then based on the best care to meet need with no out-of-pocket payments. SP financing is the best option to ensure equity, fairness, and public health priorities align with medical needs, providing incentives for wellness. Consumer choice will drive market forces, not provider network profits or insurer restrictions. This approach benefits public health, as everyone will have universal access to needed care, with treatment plans developed by providers based on what works best for the patient. In 2021, the American Public Health Association adopted a policy statement calling for comprehensive reforms to implement a SP system. The proposed action steps in this policy will help build a healthier nation, saving lives and reducing wasted health care expenditures while addressing inequities rooted in social, demographic, mental health, economic, and political determinants.
Quebec Health-related Quality of Life Population Norms in Adults Using the SF-6Dv2
Authors: Poder Thomas G. , Carrier Nathalie
Published: April 2022

Objective:

The Short-Form 6-Dimension version 2 (SF-6Dv2) is the newest version of the Short-Form 6-Dimension (SF-6D) that is widely used to calculate quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The aim of this study was to produce Quebec population norms from the SF-6Dv2.

Methods:

An online survey was conducted in the adult general population. Data was stratified by various sociodemographic characteristics, such as age, sex, body mass index, history of illness, and health problems.

Results:

A total of 4175 respondents completed the SF-6Dv2. Mean (95% confidence interval) and median (interquartile range) utility scores were 0.692 (0.684–0.700) and 0.780 (0.607–0.866), respectively. Floor and ceiling effect corresponded to 0.05% and 3.1%, respectively. Men, nonsmoker, higher education, and employed people had significantly higher scores, while lower scores were found for those with a history of illness and a lower life satisfaction. Those reporting a health problem presented significant lower mean utility scores ranging from 0.340 (nervous problem) to 0.623 (diabetes) for men and from 0.207 (genitourinary) to 0.578 (diabetes) for women as compared with those without health problem (0.793 for men and 0.750 for women).

Conclusion:

This study is the first to provide utility score norms for SF-6Dv2 in the adult general population of Quebec. It also highlighted significant differences among various health problems that can be used to compare populations in studies that do not have a control group.
Decreased Empathy Response to Other’s Pain in Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Qiu Xiaotong , Li Xiaoming , Zhang Shunhua
Published: April 2022

We aimed to investigate pain empathy ability and self-reported empathy among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Twenty-four parents of children with ASD and 26 parents of typically developing children completed the Empathy Quotient (EQ) self-report scale and responded to painful or neutral images during an empathy-for-pain paradigm test. Parents of children with ASD had lower EQ scores, lower accuracy, and longer reaction time (RT) for pain empathy task response (all p < 0.05) compared with controls. There was a negative relationship between cognitive empathy, social skills, total EQ scores, and RT of response in parents of children with ASD. Our findings indicate that self-reported empathy deficits and decreased empathy response to the sight of others’ pain in parents of children with ASD are part of a broader autistic phenotype.
The Effect of Intranasal Oxytocin on the Association Between Couple Interaction and Sleep: A Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Doerr Johanna M. , Klaus Kristina , Troxel Wendy , Nater Urs M. , Bodenmann Guy , Heinrichs Markus , Ehlert Ulrike , Ditzen Beate
Published: April 2022

Objective

Although most people in romantic relationships cosleep, biosocial modulators of sleep quality have only recently come into focus. Oxytocin (OT) might be one such modulator, as it had been shown to increase social attachment and safety. We investigated the association between everyday life couple interaction and sleep quality, as well as the effects of OT on this association.

Methods

Eighty heterosexual couples (N = 160 individuals, mean [standard deviation] age = 28 [5] years) were randomized to self-administer a) 32 international units of intranasal OT or b) placebo during 5 consecutive days. Each morning, they reported on sleep quality, and on subjective feelings of closeness and valence of couple interaction at a maximum of four times a day. Data were analyzed using hierarchical linear models.

Results

Subjective closeness (B = 0.43, t(73) = 3.80, p < .001) and valence (negative − positive) of couple interaction (B = 0.50, t(73) = 3.91, p < .001) were positively associated with sleep quality. Persons with OT reported higher levels of sleep quality than those without (B = 0.47, t(74) = 2.32, p = .023). The association between closeness and sleep quality was stronger with OT than without (OT by closeness: B = 0.31, t(72) = 2.29, p = .025; OT by valence of interaction: B = 0.27, t(72) = 1.77, p = .081). Whereas the effect of couple interaction on sleep quality was strong in men, the OT effects were especially pronounced in women.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that enhancing closeness and positive couple interaction in cosleeping partners might be a way to improve sleep quality. The moderating effects of OT and sex on the association between couple interaction and sleep quality can have important implications for sleep therapy.

Trial Registration: The study was preregistered at ClinicalTrials.gov (“Oxytocin, Couple Interaction, and Wound Healing” study, identifier NCT01594775). The present analyses were not preregistered.
State-Level Regulations Regarding the Protection of Sexual Minorities and Birth Outcomes: Results From a Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Everett Bethany G. , Limburg Aubrey , McKetta Sarah , Hatzenbuehler Mark L.
Published: April 2022

Objective

We leverage state-level variability in social policies that confer legal protections for sexual minorities (e.g., employment nondiscrimination acts) and examine their association with birth outcomes among sexual minority women.

Methods

We link measures of structural protections (i.e., social policies) to a prospective, population-based cohort of US adults—the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (n = 7913 total singleton births, n = 274 singleton births to bisexual women, n = 53 singleton births to lesbian women)—which includes measurement of key risk factors for birth outcomes over the life course.

Results

Lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) policy protections were associated with better birth outcomes for lesbian women. For example, among lesbian women, the predicted birth weight for infants in states with no policy protections was 3.01 kg (95% confidence interval = 2.71–3.30) but was 3.71 kg (95% confidence interval = 3.46–3.96) in states with three or four policy protections. In negative control analyses, there was no association between LGB policy protections and birth outcomes among the nonstigmatized group (i.e., heterosexual women), providing evidence of specificity. Furthermore, in states with the most LGB policy protections, lesbian women were at lower risk for preterm births and had infants with higher birth weights than heterosexual and bisexual women. These associations remained robust after adjusting for 13 risk factors, including demographics, prior and current indicators of socioeconomic status, preconception and perinatal risk factors, and neighborhood characteristics.

Conclusions

These results provide novel evidence that sexual orientation–related policy protections, measured at the state level, are associated with a decreased risk for adverse birth outcomes among lesbian women.
The Mediating Role of Cardiometabolic Dysregulation on the Relation Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Adult Cognition
Authors: Moliner Sheyla , Quinn Jamie M. , Sheffler Julia
Published: April 2022

Objective

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are uncontrollable stressful events during early life that predispose adults to adverse health outcomes, such as impaired cognitive functioning. However, little is known about the factors indirectly impacting this relation. Biological dysregulation may be one pathway that can help explain the relations between ACEs and later cognition. The current study examined the mediating role of cardiometabolic dysregulation on the relation between ACEs and cognition.

Methods

Our study gathered data from 1053 participants using three waves of the Midlife in the United States longitudinal study. Linear regression analyses and bootstrapped mediation analyses were performed to analyze the direct and indirect associations of cardiometabolic dysregulation on ACEs and cognition.

Results

Our results showed a significant linear relationship between ACEs and cardiometabolic dysregulation (b = 0.152, standard error [SE] = 0.056, p = .007), and a significant indirect association, such that cardiometabolic dysregulation mediated the relation between ACEs and cognitive status at wave II (b = −0.007, SE = 0.004, p = .044) and cognitive status at wave III (b = −0.006, SE = 0.003, p .042). There was no significant direct or indirect relation when cognitive change was the outcome variable.

Conclusions

The present study identifies a combined biological pathway that connects ACEs to cognition in late life. These findings supports the need to empirically determine biological mechanism that can be used to develop targeted clinical interventions to prevent the progression of chronic cognitive impairment.
The cost-effectiveness of a resilience-based psychosocial intervention for HIV prevention among MSM in India
Authors: Kazemian Pooyan , Ding Delaney D. , Scott Justine A. , Feser Mary K. , Biello Katie , Thomas Beena E. , Dange Alpana , Bedoya C. Andres , Balu Vinoth , Rawat Shruta , Kumarasamy Nagalingeswaran , Mimiaga Matthew J. , O’Cleirigh Conall , Weinstein Milton C. , Kumar Jacob Prem , Kumar Senthil , Mayer Kenneth H. , Safren Steven A. , Freedberg Kenneth A.
Published: April 2022

Objective:

MSM in India are at a high risk for HIV infection given psychosocial challenges, sexual orientation stress, and stigma. We examined the cost-effectiveness of a novel resilience-based psychosocial intervention for MSM in India.

Design:

We parameterized a validated microsimulation model (CEPAC) with India-specific data and results from a randomized trial and examined two strategies for MSM: status quo HIV care (SQ), and a trial-based psychosocial intervention (INT) focused on building resilience to stress, improving mental health, and reducing condomless anal sex (CAS).

Methods:

We projected lifetime clinical and economic outcomes for MSM without HIV initially. Intervention effectiveness, defined as reduction in self-reported CAS, was estimated at 38%; cost was $49.37/participant. We used a willingness-to-pay threshold of US$2100 (2019 Indian per capita GDP) per year of life saved (YLS) to define cost-effectiveness. We also assessed the 5-year budget impact of offering this intervention to 20% of Indian MSM.

Results:

Model projections showed the intervention would avert 2940 HIV infections among MSM over 10 years. Over a lifetime horizon, the intervention was cost-effective (ICER = $900/YLS). Results were most sensitive to intervention effectiveness and cost; the intervention remained cost-effective under plausible ranges of these parameters. Offering this intervention in the public sector would require an additional US$28 M over 5 years compared with SQ.

Conclusion:

A resilience-based psychosocial intervention integrated with HIV risk reduction counseling among MSM in India would reduce HIV infections and be cost-effective. Programs using this approach should be expanded as a part of comprehensive HIV prevention in India.
Notch signalling in healthy and diseased vasculature
Authors: Del Gaudio Francesca , Liu Dongli , Lendahl Urban
Published: April 2022

Notch signalling is an evolutionarily highly conserved signalling mechanism governing differentiation and regulating homeostasis in many tissues. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the roles that Notch signalling plays in the vasculature. We describe how Notch signalling regulates different steps during the genesis and remodelling of blood vessels (vasculogenesis and angiogenesis), including critical roles in assigning arterial and venous identities to the emerging blood vessels and regulation of their branching. We then proceed to discuss how experimental perturbation of Notch signalling in the vasculature later in development affects vascular homeostasis. In this review, we also describe how dysregulated Notch signalling, as a consequence of direct mutations of genes in the Notch pathway or aberrant Notch signalling output, contributes to various types of vascular disease, including CADASIL, Snedden syndrome and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Finally, we point out some of the current knowledge gaps and identify remaining challenges in understanding the role of Notch in the vasculature, which need to be addressed to pave the way for Notch-based therapies to cure or ameliorate vascular disease.
Streptomyces liliifuscus sp. nov and an anti-ginger plague agent Streptomyces liliiviolaceus sp. nov, two novel species isolated from soil of Lilium lancifolium
Authors: Li Kaiqin , Man Yilong , Liu Jia , Liu Zheming , Ma Haihao , Zhu Hang , Zhou Yong , Zhang Chengjia , Zhou Xiaomao
Published: April 2022

Two novel strains of actinobacteria, ZYC-3T and BH-SS-21T, were isolated from Hunan Province, PR China. The fermentation broth of BH-SS-21T inhibited the rapid spread of ginger blast, unlike that of ZYC-3T. The taxonomic characteristics of ZYC-3T and BH-SS-21T were defined using a polyphasic approach. The analysis of the full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that ZYC-3T and BH-SS-21T represented members of the genus

Streptomyces

. ZYC-3T had less than 98.7% sequence similarities to all species of the genus

Streptomyces

, while BH-SS-21T exhibited 99.97, 98.95, 98.83, 98.82, 98.75 and less than 98.7% sequence similarities to 'Streptomyces dioscori' A217,

Streptomyces ederensis

JCM 4958T,

Streptomyces glomeroaurantiacus

NBRC 15418T,

Streptomyces aurantiacus

NBRC 13017T,

Streptomyces umbrinus

JCM 4521T and other species with validly published names in the genus

Streptomyces

. However, the digital DNA–DNA relatedness and average nucleotide identity values between ZYC-3T, BH-SS-21T, and their closely related strains were significantly lower than the recommended threshold values. Also, phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genetic features distinguished ZYC-3T and BH-SS-21T from their reference strains. On the basis of their genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, strains ZYC-3T and BH-SS-21T were classified as representing novel species of the genus

Streptomyces

under the names Streptomyces liliifuscus sp. nov. ZYC-3T (=CICC 25040T=JCM 34560T=MCCC 1K04978T) and Streptomyces liliiviolaceus sp. nov. BH-SS-21T (=MCCC 1K06236T=JCM 34767T), respectively.
The meV XUV-RIXS facility at UE112-PGM1 of BESSY II
Authors: Bauer Karl , Schmidt Jan-Simon , Eggenstein Frank , Decker Régis , Ruotsalainen Kari , Pietzsch Annette , Blume Thomas , Liu Chun-Yu , Weniger Christian , Siewert Frank , Buchheim Jana , Gwalt Grzegorz , Senf Friedmar , Bischoff Peter , Schwarz Lisa , Effland Klaus , Mast Matthias , Zeschke Thomas , Rudolph Ivo , Meißner Andreas , Föhlisch Alexander
Published: April 2022

Resonant inelastic X-ray scattering in the XUV-regime has been implemented at BESSY II, pushing for a few-meV bandwidth in inelastic X-ray scattering at transition metal M-edges, rare earth N-edges and the K-edges of light elements up to carbon with full polarization control. The new dedicated low-energy beamline UE112-PGM1 has been designed to provide 1 µm vertical and 20 µm horizontal beam dimensions that serve together with sub-micrometre solid-state sample positioning as the source point for a high-resolution plane grating spectrometer and a high-transmission Rowland spectrometer for rapid overview spectra. The design and commissioning results of the beamline and high-resolution spectrometer are presented. Helium autoionization spectra demonstrate a resolving power of the beamline better than 10 000 at 64 eV with a 300 lines mm−1 grating while the measured resolving power of the spectrometer in the relevant energy range is 3000 to 6000.
Spatiotemporal control of L-phenylalanine crystallization in microemulsion: the role of water in mediating molecular self-assembly
Authors: Liu Qi , Wang Jingkang , Huang Xin , Wu Hao , Zong Shuyi , Cheng Xiaowei , Hao Hongxun
Published: April 2022

Water confined or constrained in a cellular environment can exhibit a diverse structural and dynamical role and hence will affect the self-assembly behavior of biomolecules. Herein, the role of water in the formation of L-phenylalanine crystals and amyloid fibrils was investigated. A microemulsion biomimetic system with controllable water pool size was employed to provide a microenvironment with different types of water, which was characterized by small-angle X-ray scattering, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. In a bound water environment, only plate-like L-phenylalanine crystals and their aggregates were formed, all of which are anhydrous crystal form I. However, when free water dominated, amyloid fibrils were observed. Free water not only stabilizes new oligomers in the initial nucleation stage but also forms bridged hydrogen bonds to induce vertical stacking to form a fibrous structure. The conformational changes of L-phenylalanine in different environments were detected by NMR. Different types of water trigger different nucleation and growth pathways, providing a new perspective for understanding molecular self-assembly in nanoconfinement.
The spontaneous self-assembly of a molecular water pipe in 3D space
Authors: Butler Ian R. , Evans Daniel M. , Horton Peter N. , Coles Simon J. , Parker Stewart F. , Capelli Silvia C.
Published: April 2022

The self-assembly and self-organization of water molecules are relevant in many fields of research. When water spontaneously reacts with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (TMP) to form colourless and crystalline discrete needles, only in the exact ratio of 2:1, it is important to understand the phenomenon. Single-crystal X-ray and neutron diffraction data have unveiled that TMP self-assembles around columns of water molecules, and as such, the resulting adduct may be described as a series of molecular water pipes.
Crystal structures of six 4-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazin-1-ium salts
Authors: Mahesha Ninganayaka , Kiran Kumar Haruvegowda , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Foro Sabine , Abdelbaky Mohammed S. M. , Garcia-Granda Santiago
Published: April 2022

Six piperazinium salts, namely 4-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazin-1-ium 4-bromobenzoate dihydrate, C10H14N3O2
+·C7H4BrO2
−·2H2O, (I), 4-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazin-1-ium 4-iodobenzoate dihydrate, C10H14N3O2
+·C7H4IO2
−·2H2O, (II), 4-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazin-1-ium 4-hydroxybenzoate monohydrate, C10H14N3O2
+·C7H5O3
−·H2O, (III), 4-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazin-1-ium 4-methylbenzoate monohydrate, C10H14N3O2
+·C8H7O2
−·H2O, (IV), 4-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazin-1-ium 4-methoxybenzoate hemihydrate, 2C10H14N3O2
+·2C8H7O3
−·H2O, (V), and 4-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazin-1-ium 4-ethoxybenzoate, 2C10H14N3O2
+·2C9H9O3
−, (VI), have been synthesized and their crystal structures solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, revealing that all of them crystallize in the triclinic space group P-1 except for (V), which crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c and has a disordered nitro group. Compounds (I) and (II) are isostructural. The crystal packing of (I)–(V) is constructed from organic chains formed by a combination of hydrogen bonds of type N—H...O and/or O—H...O and other weak interactions of type C—H...O and/or C—H...π, forming sheets, whereas (VI) shows a cationic and anionic-based layer structure.
Syntheses, crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analyses of bis(2-mercaptobenzimidazole)bromo- and iodocopper(I) complexes
Authors: Chooto Pipat , Saithong Saowanit , Aemaeg Weena , Vataporn Siriwan , Pakawatchai Chaveng , Innuphat Chalermpol , Duangthong Supunnee , Puetpaiboon Walailak
Published: April 2022

The title complexes, bromidobis(2,3-dihydro-1H-1,3-benzodiazole-2-thione)copper(I), [CuBr(C7H6N2S)2] (1), and bis(2,3-dihydro-1H-1,3-benzodiazole-2-thione)iodidocopper(I) acetone monosolvate, [CuI(C7H6N2S)2]·CH3COCH3 (2), were prepared by the reaction of copper(I) bromide/iodide with 2-mercaptobenzimidazole. Both complexes have mononuclear structures with the copper atom coordinated by two 2-mercaptobenzimidazole molecules via their S atoms and one halide atom in an approximate trigonal–planar arrangement. In their extended structures, N—H...S hydrogen bonds and π–π contacts are found in both complexes; as a result of the acetone solvent molecule in (2), N—H...O contacts are also observed. Hirshfeld surface analyses were carried out to aid in the visualization of these interactions, which showed that H...H contacts contribute 34.6% for (1) and 34.1% for (2) to the overall surface, followed by contributions from H...S/S...H, H...C/C...H and C...C contacts, respectively. As expected, H...O/O...H contacts are observed only in (2). The IR and 1H and 13C NMR spectra of (1) and (2) are described.
Structural insights into choline-O-sulfatase reveal the molecular determinants for ligand binding
Authors: Gavira Jose Antonio , Cámara-Artigas Ana , Neira Jose Luis , Torres de Pinedo Jesús M. , Sánchez Pilar , Ortega Esperanza , Martinez-Rodríguez Sergio
Published: April 2022

Choline-O-sulfatase (COSe; EC 3.1.6.6) is a member of the alkaline phosphatase (AP) superfamily, and its natural function is to hydrolyze choline-O-sulfate into choline and sulfate. Despite its natural function, the major interest in this enzyme resides in the landmark catalytic/substrate promiscuity of sulfatases, which has led to attention in the biotechnological field due to their potential in protein engineering. In this work, an in-depth structural analysis of wild-type Sinorhizobium (Ensifer) meliloti COSe (SmeCOSe) and its C54S active-site mutant is reported. The binding mode of this AP superfamily member to both products of the reaction (sulfate and choline) and to a substrate-like compound are shown for the first time. The structures further confirm the importance of the C-terminal extension of the enzyme in becoming part of the active site and participating in enzyme activity through dynamic intra-subunit and inter-subunit hydrogen bonds (Asn146
A
–Asp500
B
–Asn498
B
). These residues act as the `gatekeeper' responsible for the open/closed conformations of the enzyme, in addition to assisting in ligand binding through the rearrangement of Leu499 (with a movement of approximately 5 Å). Trp129 and His145 clamp the quaternary ammonium moiety of choline and also connect the catalytic cleft to the C-terminus of an adjacent protomer. The structural information reported here contrasts with the proposed role of conformational dynamics in promoting the enzymatic catalytic proficiency of an enzyme.
An optimized cosine jerk motion profile with higher efficiency and flexibility
Authors: Zhu Qixin , Jin Yusheng , Zhu Yonghong
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new acceleration/deceleration (acc/dec) algorithm for motion profiles. The motion efficiency, flexibility of the motion profiles and the residual vibration of the movement are discussed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

A dynamics model is developed to assess the residual vibration of these two kinds of motion profile. And a Simulink model is created to assess the motion efficiency and flexibility of the motion profiles with the proposed acc/dec algorithm.

Findings

Considering the flexibility of trigonometric motion profiles and the higher motion efficiency of S-curve motion profiles, the authors add the polynomial parts into the jerk profile of the cosine function acc/dec algorithm to hold the jerk when it reaches the maximum so that the motion efficiency can increase and decrease residual vibration at the same time. And the cyclical parameter k shows the decisive factor for the flexibility of trigonometric motion profiles.

Originality/value

Comparing with the traditional motion profiles, the proposed motion profiles have higher motion efficiency and excite less residual vibration. The acc/dec algorithm proposed in this paper is useful for the present motion control and servo system.
Clusters: semantically different yet a panacea for achieving resilient competitiveness
Authors: Bhawsar Pragya
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to relook at the notion of competitiveness in the challenging times of pandemic. The failure of global value chains caused many nations despite their state of economic development to struggle for necessary items. The goal of achieving profitability abated by having self-sufficiency, specifically in the manufacturing sector where unlike services, the production processes jolted. Under this backdrop, the paper attempts to project local industry clusters as a panacea for achieving resilient competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the credibility of clusters as an important tool to prepare nations towards a resilient future, a correlation between the state of cluster development in a country and its national competitiveness has been tested. Besides, any difference in the notion of state of cluster development between least developing countries, developing countries and developed countries has also been tested. The paper uses the data from World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report.

Findings

Strong support for the research hypothesis has been found. High positive correlation exists between the state of cluster development and national competitiveness. The state of cluster development is found to be significantly different among three categories of countries.

Originality/value

Clusters have been promoted in academic literature, policy circles and the business community for many advantages. This paper is a novice attempt to showcase these can serve as an instrument to prepare economies for self-sufficiency and a resilient future by performing an objective evaluation.
The security economics of EdTech: vendors’ responsibility and the cybersecurity challenge in the education sector
Authors: Fouad Noran Shafik
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The education sector is increasingly targeted by malicious cyber incidents, resulting in huge financial losses, cancelation of classes and exams and large-scale breaches of students’ and staff’s data. This paper aims to investigate education technology (EdTech) vendors’ responsibility for this cyber (in)security challenge, with a particular focus on EdTech in India as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretically, building on the security economics literature, the paper establishes a link between the dynamics of the EdTech market and the education sector’s cyber insecurities and investigates the various economic barriers that stand in the way of improving EdTech vendors’ security practices. Empirically, the paper analyses publicly reported cyber incidents targeting the Indian education sector and EdTech companies in the past 10 years as published in newspapers, using the LexisNexis database. It also examines existing EdTech procurement challenges in India and elsewhere and develops a number of policy recommendations to address the misaligned incentives and information asymmetries between EdTech vendors and educational institutions.

Findings

Market forces alone cannot create sufficient incentives for EdTech vendors to prioritise security in product design. Considering the infant stage of the EdTech industry, the lack of evidence about the efficacy of EdTech tools, the fragmentation in the EdTech market and the peculiarities of educational institutions as end-users, a regulatorily and policy intervention is needed to secure education through procurement processes.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a novel exploration to the cybersecurity challenge in the education sector, an area of research and policy analysis that remains largely understudied. By adding a cybersecurity angle, the paper also contributes to the literature using a political economy approach in scrutinising EdTech.