bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
European mineral intelligence – collecting, harmonizing and sharing data on European raw materials
Authors: Jørgensen Lisbeth Flindt , Wittenberg Antje , Deady Eimear , Kumelj Špela , Tulstrup Jørgen
Published: November 2022

The major share of raw materials needed to sustain our present lifestyle and even more importantly, required for the crucial green transition, are sourced outside Europe. The European Commission aims to enhance Europe's resilience and strengthen domestic sourcing. Although Europe has a long tradition of mining and extractive activities, it is acknowledged that there are several challenges to achieve European sourcing of certain raw materials such as the critical raw materials. A basic prerequisite to enable access to domestic raw materials is information on raw material occurrences, current and past mining activities, resources and reserves. The Geological Survey organizations (GSOs) of Europe play a key role in generating, compiling, gathering and storing the most up-to-date information as well as long-term data series on raw materials at national and regional levels. Over the last decade, the GSOs have joined forces and taken essential steps to harmonize and share data on raw materials. The results of this co-operation are illustrated as interactive maps on the European Geological Data Infrastructure (EGDI). This paper describes the data compiled in co-operation between the GSOs, and analyses the strengths and weaknesses of, as well as opportunities for and threats towards, the data.
Brittle tectonic evolution of Gondwana: implications for shale-gas and groundwater exploration
Authors: Linol Bastien , Dhansay Taufeeq
Published: November 2022

Brittle structures are crucial for enabling several key natural processes in the Earth's upper crust. In addition, understanding the 3D characteristics and geological evolution of these features is equally important to support various developmental objectives, such as those,
inter alia
, linked to natural gas, groundwater, hydrothermal minerals and seismicity. In this study, we map various fractures of Gondwana based on the available geological information, satellite imagery and digital elevation data. The lengths and orientations of more than 10 000 fractures in their present-day position reveal four clearly defined patterns, with those striking NW being predominant. Archean–Paleoproterozoic domains are defined by fractures oriented north and NE, whereas the Mesoproterozoic has dominant NNW-striking fractures. In contrast, the Neoproterozoic has mostly NE-striking fractures and the Phanerozoic sequences are defined by a predominant NW and a subordinate west fracture pattern. The style and geometry of these structures can be linked to major geodynamic events that led to the formation of Gondwana building blocks during the Eburnean (
c.
2.2–1.8 Ga), Kibaran (
c.
1.4–1.0 Ga) and Pan African–Brasiliano (
c.
800–550 Ma) orogens, and amalgamation of Pangaea (
c.
350–250 Ma). Many structures were reactivated and new faults formed during opening of the Atlantic and Indian oceans (
c.
180–120 Ma), the India–Asia collision and rifting across East Africa since about 40 Ma. Although the changes in palaeogeography remain difficult to model with accuracy, major structural orientations are corroborated by the occurrence of major mineral deposits and seismicity. The spatial distribution of mapped patterns across the different continents also correlates well with large shale gas prospects and increased groundwater yields. Thus, Gondwana fractures need to be considered in more detail for informing future development related to water and energy use, especially across regions of Africa.
Financing Biomedical Innovation
Authors: Lo Andrew W. , Thakor Richard T.
Published: November 2022

We review the recent literature on financing biomedical innovation, with a specific focus on the drug development process and how it may be enhanced to improve outcomes. We begin by laying out stylized facts about the structure of the drug development process and its associated costs and risks, and we present evidence that the rate of discovery for life-saving treatments has declined over time while costs have increased. We make the argument that these structural features require drug development (i.e., biopharmaceutical) firms to rely on external financing and at the same time amplify market frictions that may hinder the ability of these firms to obtain financing, especially for treatments that may have large societal value relative to the benefits going to the firms and their investors. We then provide an overview of the evidence for various types of market frictions to which these drug development firms are exposed and discuss how these frictions affect their incentive to invest in the development of new drugs, leading to underinvestment in valuable treatments. In light of this evidence, numerous studies have proposed ways to overcome this funding gap, including the use of financial innovation. We discuss the potential of these approaches to improve outcomes.
Electrodeposition of Nano-Twinned Cu and their Applications in Electronics
Authors: Park Soo Woong , Eom Hui Won , Kim Myung Jun , Kim Jae Jeong
Published: November 2022

Twin boundaries are planar defects between two domains exhibiting mirror symmetry. Nano-twinned metallic materials contain numerous twin boundaries in parent grains exhibiting submicrometer twin spacing. Owing to their unique mechanical and electrical properties, nano-twinned metals have been studied extensively. Although the mechanical strength of the metal can be drastically increased by shrinking grains, nanocrystalline metals lose their ductility (i.e., the strength–ductility tradeoff), and their electrical conductivity is considerably lowered owing to electron scattering at dense grain boundaries. However, nano-twinned metallic materials can overcome these limitations and exhibit excellent strength, ductility, and electrical conductivity. In this paper, the structure and properties of nano-twinned Cu films are reviewed, and direct current and pulse electrodeposition for forming twin boundaries in Cu films and controlling the twin structure and thickness are summarized. Furthermore, the applications of nano-twinned Cu materials for fabricating electronics are presented.
Controlled Growth of Platinum Nanoparticles during Electrodeposition using Halide Ion Containing Additives
Authors: Gautam Sakshi , Hadley Annabelle M. K. , Gates Byron D.
Published: November 2022

Optimizing platinum (Pt) utilization is a necessary step towards developing affordable electrocatalysts for fuel cells and related technologies. Electrodeposition is a scalable approach to preparing Pt nanoparticles (NPs). Herein, Cl− and Br− ions are used in excess as additives during the electrodeposition of Pt NPs to influence nucleation and growth processes as a means of tuning particle morphology and their electrocatalytic activity. Adding NaCl formed larger particles with urchin-like morphologies while adding NaBr produced smaller, more uniform NPs that were evenly dispersed across the substrate. Mixtures of these two halide ion species improved surface coverage and size distribution of the NPs. Particle size was further decreased, and their surface coverage increased by combining the addition of excess halide ions with using a higher applied potential to initiate “nucleation” followed by a lower applied potential to promote particle “growth.” Mass activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction was the highest for Pt NPs electrodeposited in the presence of Br−. The addition of cetyltrimethylammonium chloride and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide during electrodeposition produced small NPs with an even higher mass activity, which was attributed to the formation of porous nanostructures. This study demonstrates techniques to improve Pt utilization and electrocatalytic activity of electrodeposited Pt NPs.
A Comprehensive Numerical and Experimental Study for the Passive Thermal Management in Battery Modules and Packs
Authors: Kim Jinyong , Yang Chuanbo , Lamb Joshua , Kurzawski Andrew , Hewson John , Torres-Castro Loraine , Mallarapu Anudeep , Santhanagopalan Shriram
Published: November 2022

Cooling plates in battery packs of electric vehicles play critical roles in passive thermal management systems to reduce risks of catastrophic thermal runaway. In this work, a series of numerical simulations and experiments are carried out to unveil the role of cooling plates (both between cells and a bottom plate parallel to the cell stack) on the thermal behavior of battery modules and packs under nail penetrations. First, we investigated the role of side cooling plates on the thermal runaway propagation mitigation in battery modules (1S3P) and packs (3S3P) by varying the key parameters of the side cooling plates, such as plate thicknesses, thermal contact resistances, and materials. Then, three important factors for passive thermal management systems are identified: (i) thermal mass of side cooling plates, (ii) interfacial thermal contact resistances, and (iii) the effective heat transfer coefficients at exterior surfaces. The roles of bottom cooling plates on thermal runaway propagation mitigation in 1S3P and 1S5P battery modules are numerically investigated by comparing the thermal behavior of the modules with only side cooling plates and with both side and bottom cooling plates.
Challenges in Green Hydrogen Production with Renewable and Varying Electricity Supply: An Electrochemical Engineering Perspective
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Kennedy John , Marshall Aaron , Metson James , Taylor Mark P
Published: November 2022

Water electrolysis is a promising technology for “green” H2 production using electricity generated from renewable energy. Maintaining its energy efficiency, at MW/GW scale and high and variable current density, however, may be a challenge. In this paper, the research gaps related to electrochemical dynamics in the water electrolysis industry are examined. Specifically, the electrode effect can be detrimental to an electrolyser, and this is not yet investigated in water electrolysis processes. By comparing the current research on industrial electrode effects, and the existing thermal thresholds observed in water electrolysis, the importance of detecting electrode effects in water electrolysers is examined.
Electrical and Structural Properties of Two-Inch Diameter (0001) α-Ga2O3 Films Doped with Sn and Grown by Halide Epitaxy
Authors: Nikolaev V. I. , Polyakov A. Y. , Stepanov S. I. , Pechnikov A. I. , Yakimov E. B. , Chernykh A. V. , Vasilev A. A. , Shchemerov I. V. , Kochkova A. I. , Guzilova L. , Konovalov M. P. , Pearton S. J.
Published: November 2022

Two-inch diameter α-Ga2O3 films with thickness ∼4 μm were grown on basal plane sapphire by Halide Vapor Phase Epitaxy (HVPE) and doped with Sn in the top ∼1 μm from the surface. These films were characterized with High-Resolution X-ray Diffraction (HRXRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging in the Secondary Electron (SE) and Micro-cathodoluminescence (MCL) modes, contactless sheet resistivity mapping, capacitance-voltage, current-voltage, admittance spectra, and Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS) measurements. The edge and screw dislocations densities estimated from HRXRD data were respectively 7.4 × 109 cm−2 and 1.5 × 107 cm−2, while the films had a smooth surface with a low density (∼103 cm−2) of circular openings with diameters between 10 and 100 μm. The sheet resistivity of the films varied over the entire 2-inch diameter from 200 to 500 Ω square−1. The net donor concentration was ∼1018 cm−3 near the surface and increased to ∼4 × 1018 cm−3 deeper inside the sample. The deep traps observed in admittance and DLTS spectra had levels at Ec−0.25 eV and Ec−0.35 eV, with concentration ∼1015 cm−3 and Ec−1 eV with concentration ∼1016 cm−3.
Comorbidities, Associated Diseases, and Risk Assessment in COVID-19—A Systematic Review
Authors: Fitero Andreea , Bungau Simona Gabriela , Tit Delia Mirela , Endres Laura , Khan Shamim Ahmad , Bungau Alexa Florina , Romanul Ioana , Vesa Cosmin Mihai , Radu Andrei-Flavius , Tarce Alexandra Georgiana , Bogdan Mihaela Alexandra , Nechifor Aurelia Cristina , Negrut Nicoleta
Published: November 2022

It is considered that COVID-19’s pandemic expansion is responsible for the particular increase in deaths, especially among the population with comorbidities. The health system is often overwhelmed by the large number of cases of patients addressing it, by the regional limitation of funds, and by the gravity of cases at subjects suffering from this pathology. Several associated conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, obesity, persistent lung condition, neurodegenerative diseases, etc., increase the mortality risk and hospitalization of subjects suffering from COVID-19. The rapid identification of patients with increased risk of death from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the stratification in accordance with the risk and the allocation of human, financial, and logistical resources in proportion must be a priority for health systems worldwide.
Autonomous Piloting and Simulation on Underwater Manipulations Based on Vision Positioning
Authors: Wang Junli , Wang Shitong , Leng Wenhao
Published: November 2022

ROV equipped with an underwater manipulator plays a very important role in underwater investigation, construction, and some other manipulations. Moving ROV precisely and operating an underwater manipulator to grasp and move some objects are frequent operations in underwater manipulations. At the same time, they also consume a lot of the physical strength of operators, which seriously degrades the efficiency of underwater manipulations. In this paper, a scheme of grasping the rod-shaped object autonomously is proposed. In the proposed scheme, two cameras are arranged on the ROV frame to form a stereo vision system, and then, the parameters of the position in space of the rod-shaped object are calculated from the stereo images. Accordingly, the ROV is driven, and the manipulator is controlled according to these parameters such that the end effector of the manipulator can clamp the rod-shaped object exactly. As a result, the task of capturing an object is completed autonomously. In this paper, images of the scene about underwater manipulations are simulated with the marine engineering simulation software Vortex Studio, and the position parameters of the rod-shaped cable in the scene are obtained by the algorithm proposed in this paper, and the displacement to move the ROV and the joint angles to operate the manipulator are obtained consequently. Therefore, the feasibility of autonomous capture underwater object is verified.
Hospital-Based Air-Borne and Surface-Borne Bacterial Pathogens and Their Antimicrobial Profiles in Wolaita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Madebo Chemere , Haile Admasu , Eticha Temesgen , Solomon Fithamlak
Published: November 2022

Background. It is well documented that hospital environments are the niche/reservoir of many clinically important microorganisms, including multidrug-resistant air-borne and surface-borne pathogens. This problem is the most pressing public health concern, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia, due to its poor infection management system. This study was planned to detect air-borne and surface-borne bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance patterns in Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. Method. A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2021. Swabbing and open-plate sample collection methods were used to collect specimens. Standard bacteriological techniques were used to isolate and identify bacterial pathogens. The Mueller-Hinton agar was used to detect the drug susceptibility pattern of bacteria by using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Result. From a total of 323 samples tested, 118 (36.5%) showed the growth of bacteria. The detection rate of bacterial pathogens in the intensive care unit (35.4%) was higher than in operation theater. From the total of 118 bacterial isolates, 39.8%, 27.9%, 20.3%, and 11.5% of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and E. coli, respectively, were surface-borne. Whereas 37%, 25%, 20.83, and 16.6% of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella species, and E. coli, respectively, were air-borne. S. aureus showed a 19.04 to 80.9% range of antimicrobial resistance to different classes of antibiotics from surface specimens. A 12.5–100% range of antibiotic resistance levels was detected for all Gram-negative surface-borne bacterial pathogens. P. aeruginosa was 66.7%, 73.3%, and 73.3% resistant to gentamicin, chloramphenicol, and ceftriaxone, respectively. K. pneumoniae showed 75% and 87.5% resistance to ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin, respectively, and a completely ampicillin-resistant E. coli was detected. From a total of 48 bacterial pathogens identified from surfaces in the intensive care unit, 34 (70.8%) developed multidrug resistance. Conclusion. A significant prevalence of surface-borne bacterial pathogens was detected. This study revealed that S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and E. coli were nosocomial infection concerns of the hospital, and this could be the reason for different types of hospital acquired infections in the study area. A high prevalence of MDR was detected in the most surface-borne bacterial isolates.
Study of the Effect of Grouting Material Strength on Semiflexible Pavement Material
Authors: Yang Qingguo , Li Ying , Zou Hua , Feng Long , Ru Nan , Gan Lin , Zhang Jiyun , Liu Jiansong , Wang Chengyang
Published: November 2022

In this study, cement mortars with different strengths are poured into the large void matrix asphalt macadam material as a semiflexible pavement (SFP) material and the experimental research is carried out. The current research on SFP is mainly focused on the performance of grouting materials and the influence of grouting matrix materials on the overall mechanical properties of SFP and road performance. However, there are some flaws in the study of the influence of grouting material strength on the performance of SFP materials: the difference between the strengths of the selected grouting materials is relatively small, and in some studies, the chosen grouting material strength is low, which leads to insignificant improvements of SFP material performance; besides, the research indicators are also not very comprehensive. In this study, cement grouting asphalt macadam materials are selected as the research object to examine the effect of grouting material strength on the mechanical properties and road performance of SFP materials. Grouting materials with strengths of 19.8 MPa, 30.7 MPa, and 40.2 MPa were poured into the matrix asphalt macadam with a target void ratio of 24% and asphalt content of 2.9% to prepare the corresponding SFP test specimens. The SFP specimens were then subjected to the compressive test, flexural and tensile test, high-temperature stability test, and low-temperature crack resistance test, and the compressive resilient modulus was measured, thereby analyzing the effect of the cement slurry strength on the cement grouting asphalt macadam materials. The results show that when the strength of the cement mortar is 19.8 MPa, 30.7 MPa, and 40.2 MPa, the corresponding SFP material has better mechanical properties. When the strength of the grouting material is 40.2 MPa, the compressive strength of the SFP material is about the same as that of the grouting material. The strength is more than double that of 19.8 MPa and 30.7 MPa, and the flexural tensile strength and elastic modulus also have the above growth laws. The low-temperature crack resistance and high-temperature stability of the SFP material are enhanced with the increase in the strength of the grouting material. When the strength of the grouting material is 40.2 MPa, the mechanical properties and road performance of the SFP material are relatively better. This study provides a reference for strengthening the mechanical properties of SFP materials and boosting the crack resistance of SFP.
Oral Contraceptive Use and Alveolar Osteitis Following Third Molar Extraction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tang Madison , Gurpegui Abud Daniela , Shariff Jaffer A.
Published: November 2022

Purpose. Alveolar osteitis (AO) is a common postoperative complication of third molar extractions that is thought to be associated with the intake of oral contraceptives (OCPs). This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the risk of AO associated with OCP use and sex independently and whether this risk was affected by the use of postoperative analgesics or antibiotics. Methods. PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles pertaining to OCP use and the incidence of AO using MESH terms. The measured outcome was the development of AO following a third molar extraction. Additional variables such as sex, analgesic, and antibiotic use were documented and included in the analysis. The data were analyzed in R using the Mantel-Haenszel method. Results. Fifteen studies with a total of 1366 female participants who were OCP users and 2919 nonuser female participants were included in this meta-analysis. OCP users were approximately twice (pooled-RR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.42–2.76) as likely to develop AO following a third molar extraction when compared to nonuser females. The increased incidence of AO in the OCP group was statistically significant (

p
<
0.01

). The pooled-RR of AO in females not taking OCPs was not significantly different from males (

p
=
0.45

). Conclusions. OCP use significantly elevated the risk of AO in females. Females who did not take OCPs had a similar risk of developing AO compared to males, suggesting that OCP use is a potential effect modifier. Neither postoperative antibiotics use nor the type of postoperative analgesic significantly affected AO incidence in those taking OCPs.
Four-Year Outcomes of Left Main Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with a Bioresorbable Scaffold in the Circumflex Ostium
Authors: Erglis Andrejs , Narbute Inga , Sondore Dace , Jegere Sanda , Kumsars Indulis , Dombrovskis Andis , Grikis Karlis , Briede Ieva , Dombrovska Kristine , Trusinskis Karlis , Grave Alona , Erglis Martins , Kalejs Martins , Stradins Peteris , Strazdins Uldis
Published: November 2022

Objectives. The study aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of a double stent scaffold strategy in patients with left main (LM) bifurcation lesions involving the ostium of the left circumflex artery (LCX), utilizing a drug-eluting stent (DES) in the LM extending into the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and a bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) in the LCX ostium. Background. The high occurrence of in-stent restenosis of the LCX ostium is the major limitation of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for LM lesions with a two-stent strategy. Methods. This was a single-center, prospective, single-arm study of 46 consecutively enrolled patients with a stable coronary artery disease and significant unprotected LM distal bifurcation disease. Patients underwent imaging-guided PCI using DES in the LM-LAD and BVS in the LCX using a T-stent or mini-crush technique. The primary outcome at four years was the composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and target lesion revascularization (TLR). Results. At four years, the primary outcome was identified in 9 patients (19.6%). All events were TLRs except one myocardial infarction due to BVS thrombosis. Seven of the eight TLRs were a result of side branch BVS restenosis. Univariate predictors of the 4-year outcome were higher LDL cholesterol and BVS size ≤2.5 mm. On multivariate analysis, LCX lesion preparation with a cutting balloon and post-procedure use of intravascular ultrasound for optimization were found to be independent protective factors of MACE. Conclusions. In selected patients with LM distal bifurcation disease, an imaging-guided double stent scaffold strategy with DES in the LM and BVS in the LCX ostium was technically successful in all patients and was reasonably safe and effective for four years.
Equilibrium and Welfare Analysis in Second‐Price Auctions with Resale and Costly Entry
Authors: Cao Xiaoyong , Yang Yunxia , Yang Yuntao , Li Siru
Published: November 2022

This study investigates the effects of resale allowance on entry strategies, seller’s expected revenue, and social welfare in a second‐price auction with two‐dimensional private information on values and participation costs. We characterize the perfect Bayesian equilibrium in cutoff strategies and identify sufficient conditions under which the equilibrium is unique. Our analysis suggests that resale allowance leads the low‐value bidder to become more aggressive on entry, while high‐value bidder has a lower incentive to enter. Furthermore, the allowance of resale can increase the social welfare under a sufficient condition, and its effect on expected revenue is ambiguous.
Boosting of Waned Humoral and Cellular Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern Among Patients with Cancer
Authors: McKenzie Duncan R. , Graham Rosalind , Lechmere Thomas , Domingo-Vila Clara , Alaguthurai Thanussuyah , Arman Celeste , Pollock Emily , Gousis Charalampos , Kakkassery Helen , Carpenter Esme , Kurshan Ashwini , Vidler Jennifer , Kulasekararaj Austin , Patten Piers , North Bernard V. , Tree Timothy , Doores Katie J. , Hayday Adrian C. , Irshad Sheeba
Published: November 2022

This study offers longitudinal insight into the impact of three SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations on humoral and cellular immunity in patients with solid cancers, patients with hematologic malignancies, and persons without cancer. For all cohorts, virus-neutralizing immunity was significantly depleted over a period of up to 9 months following the second vaccine dose, the one striking exception being IL2 production by SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific T cells. Immunity was restored by the third vaccine dose, except in a substantial number of patients with hematologic malignancy, for whom both cancer type and treatment schedule were associated with nonresponse. Thus, whereas most patients with myelodysplastic syndrome were conspicuously good responders, some patients with other hematologic malignancies receiving cancer therapies within 2 weeks of vaccination showed no seroconversion despite three vaccine doses. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 exposure during the course of the study neither prevented immunity waning, even in healthy controls, nor guaranteed vaccine responsiveness. These data offer real-world human immunologic insights that can inform health policy for patients with cancer.

Significance:

Global health policy reliant on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine effectiveness is underpinned by our understanding of the durability of protection offered by sequential vaccinations and the efficacy of boosting, especially in immunocompromised patient populations who might constitute virus reservoirs. Here, we have: (i) clarified in patients with cancer the degree of waning of antibodies, serum neutralization titres against parental virus and variants of concern, and T-cell responses; (ii) evaluated the immune response among patients with cancer to a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine; and (iii) provided safety data following the third dose of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine in patients with cancer.
A New Hybrid Therapeutic Approach to Solitary Keratoacanthoma: Complete Recovery in Six Patients
Authors: Bettoli Vincenzo , Zedde Pierantonia , Schettini Natale , Pacetti Lucrezia , Odorici Giulia , Corazza Monica
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Solitary keratoacanthoma (SKA) is generally considered as a well-differentiated form of squamous cell carcinoma, but it usually runs a benign course and a not aggressive behavior. Diagnostic criteria, prognosis, and treatment of SKA are not fully defined yet. Surgical treatment with fusiform excision represents the gold standard; nonoperative intralesional therapy of KA is uncommon but may provide a valid option in some categories of patients. Case Series Presentation: We report our experience regarding the treatment of SKA with a hybrid treatment consisting of a minimally invasive technique such as curettage followed by intralesional corticosteroid administration in the same session. Six patients affected with KA were treated ending in a complete resolution, with good esthetic outcome, no relapse after 1 year, and satisfaction of the patients. Discussion and Conclusion: The combined treatment allows us on the one hand to avoid radical surgery in selected patients and particular anatomic areas and on the other the side effects that the use of intralesional chemotherapy/immunosuppressive drugs can entail.
Nutrigenomics: Perceptions of South African Dietitians and General Practitioners
Authors: Greyvensteyn Desiré , Walsh Corinna May , Nel Mariette , Jordaan Elizabeth Margaretha
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Although investigations into the emerging field of nutrigenomics are relatively limited and more research in this field is required, experts agree that there is potential for it to be incorporated into health care practice. If health care professionals can promote healthy dietary behavior based on nutrigenomic testing, it can assist in addressing the health consequences of poor diet and lightning the strain on the South African health care system. Methods: Registered dietitians (RDs) and general practitioners (GPs) registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) who obtained their qualification in South Africa (SA) were eligible to participate in this cross-sectional study. Participants were identified using convenience and snowball sampling. A self-administered electronic survey using EvaSys Software® was completed by those that agreed to participate. Results: Nearly all RDs (97.3%), but less than a third of GPs (30.4%), had heard of the term nutrigenomics. Approximately three-quarters of RDs (74.7%) and GPs (73.9%) had or would personally consider undergoing genetic testing. More than 40% (43.5%) of RDs ranked direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies as the most equipped, while 31.8% of GPs ranked RDs as the most equipped to provide patients with nutrigenomic services. Both RDs and GPs ranked similar reasons as “strongly agree” for why consumers were motivated to make use of nutrigenomic services, which included “motivated by a desire to prevent or manage disease” (56.7%), “prevent a disease based on family history” (65.9%), “control health outcomes based on family history” (54.9%), and “improve overall health-related quality of life” (48.6%). Cost concerns were reported as the greatest barrier to implementing nutrigenomic services (75.7%). Other barriers included confidentiality issues (47.8%) and moral concerns (37.3%). Greater individualization of diet prescription (66.5%), stronger foundations for nutrition recommendations (62.4%), and dietary prescriptions that would manage or prevent certain diseases more effectively (59.0%) were all perceived as benefits of including nutrigenomics in practice. Conclusion: This study identified perceived consumer motivators and barriers that might affect the willingness to seek nutrigenomic services in SA. In addition, the need for more nutrigenomic training opportunities, including the planning of personalized diets based on genetic testing results and interpretation of results, was confirmed. However, both RDs and GPs felt that the emerging field of nutrigenomics needs further development before it can be applied effectively in routine private and public health care in SA.
Unplanned 30-Day Readmission Rates for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Insight from the Nationwide Readmissions Database
Authors: Saha Aparna , Ericksen Paulette , Liriano Cepin Cristina , Nadkarni Girish N. , Chan Lili
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Among end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients on dialysis with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), relatively little is known about the epidemiology and risk factors for 30-day readmissions in the USA. Therefore, we evaluated the 30-day unplanned readmission rates and predictors and inpatient care costs among ESKD patients with and without ADPKD using a nationally representative, all-payer database. Methods: We utilized the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2013 to 2018 to identify patients admitted for ESKD on dialysis with and without ADPKD using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. The primary outcome was a 30-day, unplanned readmission rate. Secondary outcomes were readmission reasons and timing, mortality, cost of hospitalization and rehospitalization, and adjusted predictors of readmissions. We used χ2 tests, t tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for descriptive analyses and survey logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for associations with readmissions adjusting for confounders. Results: From 2013 to 2018, in a cohort of 1,404,144 hospitalizations with ESKD on dialysis as the primary and secondary diagnosis on index admission, there were 8,213 (0.58%) patients with ADPKD and 1,395,932 patients without ADPKD. Those who had ADPKD during index admissions had fewer 30 days readmissions (18.8 vs. 23.8%, p < 0.0001). The cost of hospitalizations and readmissions in ESKD on-dialysis patients with ADPKD was higher than non-ADPKD patients. Compared to ESKD patients without ADPKD who were readmitted, readmitted ADPKD patients were more likely to be younger with a lower Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) score; have received kidney transplant, lower source of income, elective index admissions, private insurance; and be discharged routinely, admitted in hospitals with larger bed size, in teaching hospitals, and less likely to get admitted through the emergency department. Younger age (<75 years), higher ECI score, longer length of stay, Medicare and Medicaid insurance, self-pay, discharge to a short-term hospital, specialized care, home health care, and against medical advice were associated with significantly increased odds of readmission. ADPKD patients were 31% less likely to get readmitted and 43% less likely to die during readmissions. Discussion/Conclusion: Nationwide, ESKD on-dialysis patients with ADPKD were less likely to have 30-day readmission than patients without ADPKD. Inpatient mortality during readmissions in patients admitted with ESKD on dialysis was lower with ADPKD as compared to those without ADPKD at the cost of higher health care expenses.
Hippo-Yap Signaling Maintains Sinoatrial Node Homeostasis
Authors: Zheng Mingjie , Li Rich G. , Song Jia , Zhao Xiaolei , Tang Li , Erhardt Shannon , Chen Wen , Nguyen Bao H. , Li Xiao , Li Min , Wang Jianxin , Evans Sylvia M. , Christoffels Vincent M. , Li Na , Wang Jun
Published: November 2022

Background:

The sinoatrial node (SAN) functions as the pacemaker of the heart, initiating rhythmic heartbeats. Despite its importance, the SAN is one of the most poorly understood cardiac entities because of its small size and complex composition and function. The Hippo signaling pathway is a molecular signaling pathway fundamental to heart development and regeneration. Although abnormalities of the Hippo pathway are associated with cardiac arrhythmias in human patients, the role of this pathway in the SAN is unknown.

Methods:

We investigated key regulators of the Hippo pathway in SAN pacemaker cells by conditionally inactivating the Hippo signaling kinases
Lats1
and
Lats2
using the tamoxifen-inducible, cardiac conduction system–specific Cre driver

Hcn4
CreERT2

with
Lats1
and
Lats2
conditional knockout alleles. In addition, the Hippo-signaling effectors
Yap
and
Taz
were conditionally inactivated in the SAN. To determine the function of Hippo signaling in the SAN and other cardiac conduction system components, we conducted a series of physiological and molecular experiments, including telemetry ECG recording, echocardiography, Masson Trichrome staining, calcium imaging, immunostaining, RNAscope, cleavage under targets and tagmentation sequencing using antibodies against Yap1 or H3K4me3, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. We also performed comprehensive bioinformatics analyses of various datasets.

Results:

We found that
Lats1/2
inactivation caused severe sinus node dysfunction. Compared with the controls,
Lats1/2
conditional knockout mutants exhibited dysregulated calcium handling and increased fibrosis in the SAN, indicating that
Lats1/2
function through both cell-autonomous and non–cell-autonomous mechanisms. It is notable that the
Lats1/2
conditional knockout phenotype was rescued by genetic deletion of
Yap
and
Taz
in the cardiac conduction system. These rescued mice had normal sinus rhythm and reduced fibrosis of the SAN, indicating that
Lats1/2
function through
Yap
and
Taz.
Cleavage Under Targets and Tagmentation sequencing data showed that Yap potentially regulates genes critical for calcium homeostasis such as
Ryr2
and genes encoding paracrine factors important in intercellular communication and fibrosis induction such as
Tgfb1
and
Tgfb3
. Consistent with this,
Lats1/2
conditional knockout mutants had decreased
Ryr2
expression and increased
Tgfb1
and
Tgfb3
expression compared with control mice.

Conclusions:

We reveal, for the first time to our knowledge, that the canonical Hippo-Yap pathway plays a pivotal role in maintaining SAN homeostasis.
Changes in Blood Pressure Outcomes Among Hypertensive Individuals During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Time Series Analysis in Three US Healthcare Organizations
Authors: Gotanda Hiroshi , Liyanage-Don Nadia , Moran Andrew E. , Krousel-Wood Marie , Green Jonas B. , Zhang Yiyi , Nuckols Teryl K.
Published: November 2022

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively affected medical care for and self-management of chronic hypertension. We sought to examine the impact of the pandemic on blood pressure (BP) among individuals with hypertension.

Methods:

Using an interrupted time series analysis, we compared the level and trend (slope) of BP outcomes before the public health emergency declaration (prepandemic period: August 2018 through January 2020) versus after the stay-at-home orders (pandemic period: April 2020 through November 2020) among adults with hypertension followed at 3 large health systems (n=137 593). Outcomes include systolic and diastolic BP recorded in electronic health records and the proportion of individuals with BP <140/90 mm Hg.

Results:

The number of BP measurements substantially dropped early in the pandemic and then gradually increased. During the pandemic period, systolic and diastolic BP increased by 1.79 mm Hg (95% CI, 1.57–2.01;
P
<0.001) and 1.30 mm Hg (95% CI, 1.18–1.42;
P
<0.001), respectively, compared with the prepandemic period. Similarly, the proportion of patients with controlled BP decreased by 3.43 percentage points (95% CI, −3.97 to −2.90;
P
<0.001). A trend showing increasing control in the prepandemic period (+3.19 percentage points per year [95% CI, +2.96 to +3.42];
P
<0.001) flattened during the pandemic period (+0.27 percentage points per year [95% CI, −0.81 to −1.37];
P
=0.62).

Conclusions:

The first 8 months of the pandemic were associated with worsening BP outcomes among individuals with hypertension. Opportunities to ensure ongoing access to health care with telemedicine and home BP monitoring may mitigate adverse impacts on BP control for future disasters/emergencies.
Tacitus on the Visit of Germanicus to Egypt
Authors: Woods David
Published: November 2022

This paper investigates why, when Tacitus describes the visit of Germanicus to the East in AD 17-19, he chooses to describe his visit to Egypt in particular (Ann. 2.59-61) at such length in contrast to his cursory descriptions of his other much more significant achievements during the same period. It is argued that he did this for two main reasons, partly to emphasize his implication that this was the event that finally persuaded Tiberius to order the death of Germanicus and partly to complete his characterization of Germanicus as a man of wondrous comitas.
Using an Asteraceae checklist to understand collection history, species density and conservation implications: a case study in the state of Alagoas, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: SOARES GLEISON , ROQUE NÁDIA , ALVES FÁBIO VITALINO SANTOS , AMORIM VIVIAN OLIVEIRA , BARBOSA MARIA LIRIS , GUTERRES ARYANA VASQUE FROTA , ALVES MARIA , LOEUILLE BENOÎT
Published: November 2022

Alagoas is a Brazilian state contained in the area of two large and important phytogeographic domains: Atlantic Forest and Caatinga. Although the presence of these domains possibly indicates a considerable biodiversity, floristic studies in the state are still scarce, especially for the family Asteraceae. In this sense, we developed a combined GIS and floristic study approach to highlight aspects associated with the diversity, distribution and conservation of Asteraceae in Alagoas. Thus, the aims of this paper are to: (1) present a checklist of Asteraceae in the state of Alagoas, (2) provide an overview of areas with highest species richness and collection density, and (3) verify the representativeness of the group in conservation units within the state. Asteraceae is represented in Alagoas by 112 species, 35 genera and 12 tribes. Among them, 51 species are new state records, with Lepidaploa (Cassini) Cassini and Mikania Willdenow having the highest number of new occurrences. Our results indicate that collection density and species richness within the state are strongly correlated and concentrated mainly in the Atlantic Forest domain. On the other hand, the least sampled areas correspond to the Steppic Savanna (caatinga vegetation) and the Dense Ombrophilous Forest, which we indicate as in need of increased Asteraceae collection efforts. 42% of the species do not have records included in Protected Areas, and of the 58% that do, most correspond to taxa widely distributed in Brazil or that are considered ruderal, leaving out rarer species with restricted habitats or evaluated as being at risk.
A new species of Stoliczkia Jerdon, 1870 (Serpentes: Xenodermidae) from Mizoram, India
Authors: LALRONUNGA SAMUEL , LALHMANGAIHA K. , ZOSANGLIANA ISAAC , LALHMINGLIANI ESTHER , GOWER DAVID J. , DAS ABHIJIT , DEEPAK V.
Published: November 2022

We describe a new species of Stoliczkia from Mizoram, India. Stoliczkia vanhnuailianai sp. nov. is identified as a member of the genus Stoliczkia by distinct scale arrangements on the posterior of the head, and by scales on the body being separated by scaleless skin, and it differs from the two known congeners in body and head scalation. This is only the third specimen of Stoliczkia collected from India, and the sixth reported specimen for the genus. A revised key to the identification of the species of Stoliczkia is provided.
A new species of Pelagobia (Lopadorrhynchidae, Annelida), with some notes on literature records of Pelagobia longicirrata Greeff, 1879
Authors: KOLBASOVA G. , NERETINA T.
Published: November 2022

Since the second half of the XX century, almost all Pelagobia samples from the Arctic, Antarctic, Atlantic and Pacific oceans had been identified as cosmopolitan P. longicirrata. The indistinct nuchal organs in P. longicirrata samples from the South China Sea (Spratly Islands and Taiwan) were considered a morphological feature of the Pacific population. Our morphological and genetic investigation of Pelagobia specimens from the Nhatrang Bay, Vietnam reveals a new species in this region. Pelagobia rubromaculata sp. nov. differs from P. longicirrata by its triangle head, with nuchal organs closely adjacent to the lateral sides of prostomium, by short tentacular cirri reaching only the posterior edge of the third segment, and by a specific colouration pattern with red spots. Using nuclear 18S and 28S rDNA markers reveals that P. rubromaculata sp. nov. forms a well-supported clade, confirming the validity of the new species. Phylogenetic analysis of all available P. longicirrata sequences using both single 18S and concatenated 18S and 28S genes shows at least three distinct clades: Central Atlantic, Arctic and South Atlantic. Antarctic specimens do not form any distinct clade and fall between other clades with low support.
Descriptions of the larvae of Huosoma Guan, Dumont, Yu, Han & Vierstraete, 2013 from China (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)
Authors: YANG GUO-HUI , ORR ALBERT G. , ZHANG HAO-MIAO
Published: November 2022

The final stadium larvae of Huosoma latiloba (Yu, Yang & Bu, 2008) and Huosoma tinctipenne (McLachlan, 1894) from Yunnan Province, China are described and illustrated for the first time, with diagnostic differences between the two species identified. While no morphological characters separating the adults of this genus, and the closely related western Palaearctic Pyrrhosoma Charpentier, 1840 have been found, the larvae of these two genera do show differences which are discussed here.
New records and species of Pseudogaurax Malloch, 1915 (Diptera: Chloropidae) from the Amazon basin
Authors: MARQUES CARLA DE OLIVEIRA , RICCARDI PAULA RAILE , ALE-ROCHA ROSALY
Published: November 2022

Pseudogaurax Malloch is a speciose genus of Chloropidae in the Neotropical region. The South American fauna is understudied, particularly in the Amazon basin. Here we provide a taxonomic revision of the Amazonian species of Pseudogaurax, including the description of five new species—P. flaviscutellatus sp. nov., P. infulatus sp. nov., P. longitriangularis sp. nov., P. pallidus sp. nov. and P. poseidoni sp. nov.—and a key to all Brazilian species. Including our results, Pseudogaurax is known from 19 species from Brazil, 10 of which occur in the Amazon Forest.
A 30-Year Climatology of Northeastern U.S. Atmospheric Rivers
Authors: Kaminski Anna N. , Cordeira Jason M. , Metz Nicholas D. , Bachli Katie , Duncan Megan , Ericksen Michaela , Glade Ivy , Roberts Cassandra , Evans Clark
Published: November 2022

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are a frequently studied phenomenon along the West Coast of the United States, where they are typically associated with the heaviest local flooding events and almost one-half of the annual precipitation totals. By contrast, ARs in the northeastern United States have received considerably less attention. The purpose of this study is to utilize a unique visual inspection methodology to create a 30-yr (1988–2017) climatology of ARs in the northeastern United States. Consistent with its formal definition, ARs are defined as corridors with integrated vapor transport (IVT) values greater than 250 kg m−1 s−1 over an area at least 2000 km long but less than 1000 km wide in association with an extratropical cyclone. Using MERRA2 reanalysis data, this AR definition is used to determine the frequency, duration, and spatial distribution of ARs across the northeastern United States. Approximately 100 ARs occur in the northeastern United States per year, with these ARs being quasi-uniformly distributed throughout the year. On average, northeastern U.S. ARs have a peak IVT magnitude between 750 and 999 kg m−1 s−1, last less than 48 h, and arrive in the region from the west to southwest. Average AR durations are longer in summer and shorter in winter. Further, ARs are typically associated with lower IVT in winter and higher IVT in summer. Spatially, ARs more frequently occur over the Atlantic Ocean coastline and adjacent Gulf Stream waters; however, the frequency with which large IVT values are associated with ARs is highest over interior New England.