bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of iron versus erythropoietin responsiveness in anemic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Hildebrand Sarah , Busbridge Mark , Duncan Neill D. , Tam Frederick W. K. , Ashby Damien R.
Published: July 2022

Anemia protocols for hemodialysis patients usually titrate erythropoietin (ESA) according to hemoglobin and iron according to a threshold of ferritin, with variable response seen. A universally optimum threshold for ferritin may be incorrect, and another view is that ESA and iron are alternative anemia treatments, which should be selected based on the likely response to each. Hemodialysis patients developing moderate anemia were randomised to treatment with either an increase in ESA or a course of intravenous iron. Over 2423 patient‐months in 197 patients, there were 133 anemia episodes with randomized treatment. Treatment failure was seen in 20/66 patients treated with ESA and 20/67 patients treated with iron (30.3 vs. 29.9%, p = 1.0). Successful ESA treatment was associated with lower C‐reactive protein (13.5 vs. 28.6 mg/L, p = 0.038) and lower previous ESA dose (6621 vs. 9273 μg/week, p = 0.097). Successful iron treatment was associated with lower reticulocyte hemoglobin (33.8 vs. 35.5 pg, p = 0.047), lower hepcidin (91.4 vs. 131.0 μg/ml, p = 0.021), and higher C‐reactive protein (29.5 vs. 12.6 mg/L, p = 0.085). A four‐variable iron preference score was developed to indicate the more favorable treatment, which in a retrospective analysis reduced treatment failure to 17%. Increased ESA and iron are equally effective, though treatment failure occurs in almost 30%. Baseline variables including hepcidin can predict treatment response, and a four‐variable score shows promise in allowing directed treatment with improved response rates.
Off‐flavour compounds in collagen peptides from fish: Formation, detection and removal
Authors: Wang Xilong , Le Bei , Zhang Na , Bak Kathrine H. , Zhang Yuhao , Fu Yu
Published: July 2022

Collagen peptides from fish exhibit excellent bioactive and functional properties, which have great potential as functional ingredients in the food industry. However, the off‐flavour in collagen peptides from fish limits their comprehensive application in the food industry. Therefore, removing the off‐flavour from collagen peptides is of great importance. In this regard, this review firstly recaps the formation mechanism of main off‐flavour compounds of collagen peptides from fish. Furthermore, the main detection methods for off‐flavour compounds are described. More importantly, the removal methods of off‐flavour compounds in collagen peptides derived from fish, such as physical, chemical, biotechnological and combination methods, are emphatically reviewed. In addition, the current challenges and future perspectives are discussed. The present work provides a theoretical reference for removal of collagen peptides from fish.
The formation of egg white polypeptide‐selenium complex particles: mechanism, stability and functional properties
Authors: Tan Jin‐Chao , Tang Hong‐Yan , Xu Qing‐Ling , Zheng Ying‐Min , Su Dong‐Xiao , He Shan , Zeng Qing‐Zhu , Yuan Yang
Published: July 2022

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in human health. In this article, egg white polypeptide (EWP) was used as the reducing agent and stabiliser to prepare a novel type of EWP‐selenium complex nanoparticles (EWP‐SeNPs). Particle size, morphology, FT‐IR, stability, and functional properties of EWP‐SeNPs were characterised. The results showed that EWP‐SeNPs were 30–50 nm in diameter and were spherical. The SeNPs complexed with the EWP through O‐ and N‐ containing groups. This reaction was entropy‐driven spontaneous and the binding force was mainly hydrophobic. The stability of EWP‐SeNPs was best at pH = 10. Moreover, EWP‐SeNPs showed significantly inhibitory effect on HepG‐2 cells in the range of 6.2500 to 50.0000 μg mL−1. Anti‐bacterial effect occurred when the concentration of EWP‐SeNPs was 1.2500 mg mL−1. This study would provide a green method for synthesising stable SeNPs, which was helpful for further evaluation in the food field.
FcγRIIb protects from reperfusion injury by controlling antibody and type I IFN‐mediated tissue injury and death
Authors: de Brito Camila Bernardo , Ascenção Fernando Roque , Arifa Raquel Duque Nascimento , Lima Renata Lacerda , Garcia Zélia Menezes , Fagundes Micheli , Resende Brenda Gonçalves , Bezerra Rafael Oliveira , Queiroz‐Junior Celso Martins , Santos Anna Clara Paiva Menezes dos , Oliveira Milton Adriano Pelli , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Fagundes Caio Tavares , Souza Daniele Glória
Published: July 2022

Intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) is accompanied by an exacerbated inflammatory response characterized by deposition of IgG, release of inflammatory mediators, and intense neutrophil influx in the small intestine, resulting in severe tissue injury and death. We hypothesized that FcγRIIb activation by deposited IgG could inhibit tissue damage during I/R. Our results showed that I/R induction led to the deposition of IgG in intestinal tissue during the reperfusion phase. Death upon I/R occurred earlier and was more frequent in FcγRIIb−/− than WT mice. The higher lethality rate was associated with greater tissue injury and bacterial translocation to other organs. FcγRIIb−/− mice presented changes in the amount and repertoire of circulating IgG, leading to increased IgG deposition in intestinal tissue upon reperfusion in these mice. Depletion of intestinal microbiota prevented antibody deposition and tissue damage in FcγRIIb−/− mice submitted to I/R. We also observed increased production of ROS on neutrophils harvested from the intestines of FcγRIIb−/− mice submitted to I/R. In contrast, FcγRIII−/− mice presented reduced tissue damage and neutrophil influx after reperfusion injury, a phenotype reversed by FcγRIIb blockade. In addition, we observed reduced IFN‐β expression in the intestines of FcγRIII−/− mice after I/R, a phenotype that was also reverted by blocking FcγRIIb. IFNAR−/− mice submitted to I/R presented reduced lethality and TNF release. Altogether our results demonstrate that antibody deposition triggers FcγRIIb to control IFN‐β and IFNAR activation and subsequent TNF release, tailoring tissue damage, and death induced by reperfusion injury.
Societal practices as predictors of sustainable outcomes: Evidence across 57 countries
Authors: Das Roshni
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this paper is to present evidence that cultural factors account for sustainability‐based outcomes at the national level. Instead of subjective and perception‐based measure of sustainable propensity of individuals as used in previous research, this paper uses the directly and objectively captured sustainability scores from the Environmental Performance Index report. The test sample is comprised of 57 countries. Bayesian regression modelling is adopted. One important theoretical contribution is that sustainable competitiveness may be conceptualised as a higher‐order concept consisting of two first‐order constructs, namely primary resources and derivative capabilities. Cultural determinants vary substantially in the way they are related to these two components. Four cultural characteristics are related to derivative capabilities, while none have any predictive relationship with respect to primary resources. Researchers may use the findings of this study to similarly model the normative or soft factors embedded in hard environmental performance metrics, in the future. Country clusters may exhibit variations and nuances which warrant further investigation.
Health economic assessment of negative pressure wound therapy use in the management of subcutaneous abdominal wound healing impairment (SAWHI) in the out‐of‐hospital setting
Authors: Brennfleck Frank W. , Bongards Christine
Published: July 2022

Development of subcutaneous abdominal wound healing impairment (SAWHI) can greatly affect patient care. Complications from SAWHI include delayed healing, increased risk of infection, and fascial dehiscence resulting in increased patient care and associated costs. Treatment options include conventional wound treatment or negative pressure wound therapy, both of which can be used in the out‐of‐hospital setting. However, limited published evidence on cost‐effectiveness exists. A conservative health economic model was created to assess the cost–benefit of negative pressure wound therapy in the out‐of‐hospital setting for the management of SAWHI. Study data from a published multicentre randomised controlled trial were used and represented 221 patients that received care in the out‐of‐hospital setting. The mean per‐patient total cost within 42 days was slightly higher in the negative pressure wound therapy group (2034.98 € versus 1918.91 €); however, when wound closure rates were considered, a cost savings of 4155.98 € per closed wound was observed with the use of negative pressure wound therapy (4324.34 € versus 8480.32 €). A cost‐effectiveness analysis was constructed, and negative pressure wound therapy was observed to have a lower cost of care and a higher incremental closure rate.
Genome‐wide association for milk urea concentration in Dual‐Purpose Belgian Blue cows
Authors: Atashi Hadi , Chen Yansen , Wilmot Hélène , Vanderick Sylvie , Hubin Xavier , Gengler Nicolas
Published: July 2022

The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters and identify genomic regions associated with milk urea concentration (MU) in Dual‐Purpose Belgian Blue (DPBB) cows. The data were 29,693 test‐day records of milk yield (MY), fat yield (FY), protein yield (PY), fat percentage (FP), protein percentage (PP) and MU collected between 2014 and 2020 on 2498 first parity cows (16,935 test‐day records) and 1939 second‐parity cows (12,758 test‐day records) from 49 herds in the Walloon Region of Belgium. Data of 28,266 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), located on 29 Bos taurus autosomes (BTA), on 1699 animals (639 males and 1060 females) were used. Random regression test‐day models were used to estimate genetic parameters through the Bayesian Gibbs sampling method using a single chain of 100,000 iterations after a burn‐in period of 20,000. SNP solutions were estimated using a single‐step genomic best linear unbiased prediction approach. The proportion of genetic variance explained by windows of 25 consecutive SNPs (with an average size of ~2 Mb) was calculated, and regions accounting for at least 1.0% of the total additive genetic variance were used to search for candidate genes. The mean (SD) of MU was 22.89 (10.07) and 22.35 (10.07) mg/dl for first and second parity, respectively. The mean (SD) heritability estimates for daily MU were 0.18 (0.01) and 0.22 (0.02), for first and second parity, respectively. The mean (SD) genetic correlations between daily MU and MY, FY, PY, FP and PP were −0.05 (0.09), −0.07 (0.11), −0.03 (0.13), −0.05 (0.08) and −0.03 (0.11) for first parity, respectively. The corresponding values estimated for second parity were 0.02 (0.10), −0.02 (0.09), 0.02 (0.08), −0.08 (0.06) and −0.05 (0.05). The genome‐wide association analyses identified three genomic regions (BTA2, BTA3 and BTA13) associated with MU. The identified regions showed contrasting results between parities and among different stages within each parity. This suggests that different groups of candidate genes underlie the phenotypic expression of MU between parities and among different lactation stages within a parity. The results of this study can be used for future implementation and use of genomic evaluation to reduce MU in DPBB cows.
Recent expansion of the non‐recombining sex‐linked region on Silene latifolia sex chromosomes
Authors: Filatov Dmitry A.
Published: July 2022

Evolution of a non‐recombining sex‐specific region on the Y (or W) chromosome (NRY) is a key step in sex chromosome evolution, but how recombination suppression evolves is not well understood. Studies in many different organisms indicated that NRY evolution often involves several expansion steps. Why such NRY expansions occur remains unclear, although it is though that they are likely driven by sexually antagonistic selection. This paper describes a recent NRY expansion due to shift of the pseudoautosomal boundary on the sex chromosomes of a dioecious plant Silene latifolia. The shift resulted in inclusion of at least 16 pseudoautosomal genes into the NRY. This region is pseudoautosomal in closely related Silene dioica and Silene diclinis, indicating that the NRY expansion occurred in S. latifolia after it speciated from the other species ~120 thousand years ago. As S. latifolia and S. dioica actively hybridise across Europe, interspecific gene flow could blur the PAR boundary in these species. The pseudoautosomal genes have significantly elevated genetic diversity (π ~ 3% at synonymous sites), which is consistent with balancing selection maintaining diversity in this region. The recent shift of the PAR boundary in S. latifolia offers an opportunity to study the process of on‐going NRY expansion.
Multicenter evaluation of a topical hyaluronic acid serum
Authors: Robinson Deanne Mraz , Vega Janelle , Palm Melanie D. , Bell Michaela , Widgerow Alan D. , Giannini Alessia
Published: July 2022

Background

A new hyaluronic acid (HA) formulation was developed based on high molecular weight (MW) compounds used on the surface of the skin while using peptides to stimulate the high MW HA production by fibroblasts and keratinocytes from within the skin layers. Detailed science has been submitted to this journal in a previous publication. This multicenter study aims to validate the science by demonstrating the safety and efficacy of the product in the clinical realm.

Objectives

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a topical HA serum in facial skin.

Methods

An open‐label clinical study was undertaken over 4 months from November 2021 to March 2022. Participants applied the topical serum twice daily and were provided a gentle cleanser and an SPF 30+ to use in the morning. Follow‐up visits were conducted at weeks 2, 4, and 8. At every visit, participants were measured for hydration post 15 minutes of cleansing the skin and post 15 minutes of product application for cumulative skin hydration sensor measurements. Additional procedures included participant assessments and satisfaction, investigator assessments, biopsies, and photography.

Results

At each follow‐up visit, there was an increase in hydration measurements compared to baseline, in both immediate scores and cumulative long‐term scores. At weeks 4 and 8, there was a statistically significant increase in hydration compared to baseline and the prior visit. Participants' assessments progressively increased over 2‐, 4‐, and 8‐week intervals with significantly favorable ratings in all measured parameters. Similarly, investigator assessment grades were statistically significant (p < 0.0001) for decreased fine lines/wrinkling, crepiness, texture, erythema, and dryness, and increased (p < 0.0001) for moisture/hydration. Histology revealed increased CD44 staining in 6 of the 7 participants biopsied, denoting increased HA stimulation. In all of the participant biopsies, H&E staining demonstrated improvement in solar elastosis. Photography revealed remarkable improvement in erythema, tone, and texture.

Conclusions

The study results demonstrated that the formulation produced significant improvements in immediate and long‐term hydration effects on the skin as measured by the skin hydration sensor, ‘wearifi’ technology, comparison of before and after biopsies, and participant and investigator assessments. This high MW HA formulation produced excellent clinical improvement in skin health and hydration.
Update of the Epidemiology of the Sporotrichosis Epidemic in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Munhoz Lívia Silveira , Poester Vanice Rodrigues , Severo Cecília Bittencourt , Trápaga Mariana Rodrigues , Madrid Isabel Martins , Benelli Jéssica Louise , Stevens David A. , Xavier Melissa Orzechowski
Published: July 2022

Background

Sporotrichosis is a disease not requiring jurisdictional notification and consequently is underreported in Brazil. Therefore, the epidemiological picture even in hyperendemic states is unknown. Thus, we evaluated the occurrence of sporotrichosis throughout the territory of the southern state of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul (RS).

Methods

We update the epidemiological situation of sporotrichosis in the southern region of this state and describe the emergence of this disease in the Metropolitan region. We engaged professionals from RS enrolled in animal health care in answering a questionnaire regarding sporotrichosis.

Results

The occurrence of local cases of feline sporotrichosis was reported by 83% of the participants from 40 cities, distributed through the seven health districts of RS. Human sporotrichosis cases, transmitted by cats, were also reported by professionals from four regions of the state. The frequency of the disease in both the South and Metropolitan regions showed a marked increase in recent years.

Conclusion

Feline and cat‐transmitted human sporotrichosis is an underreported mycosis in RS, widely distributed in the territory of this state and increasing. Aggressive public health policies are urgently necessary to control the geographical expansion of this spreading mycosis.
Barriers to obesity health care from GP and client perspectives in New Zealand general practice: A meta‐ethnography review
Authors: Norman Kimberley , Chepulis Lynne , Burrows Lisette , Lawrenson Ross
Published: July 2022

Obesity is a complex international health concern affecting individual quality of life and contributing to an unsustainable strain on national health systems. General practice is positioned as best suited to deliver weight management health care, yet, obesity rates remain high suggesting barriers are experienced within this space. The aim of this review is to synthesize general practitioner and client perspectives of weight management to identify barriers experienced in New Zealand general practice. Six databases were searched resulting in eight articles being included in this review. This interpretive synthesis was guided by principles of meta‐ethnography and grounded theory. Four overarching themes were identified from client and general practitioner perspectives: stigma, communication, inadequate health care (system limitations for general practitioners and lack of tailored advice for clients), and sociocultural influences. These four barriers were found to be interdependent, influencing each other outside the general practice context, highlighting the intersectionality of weight management health‐care barriers and further complicating effective weight management within general practice. Clients reported wanting tailored, non‐stigmatized, effective weight management health care, yet, general practitioners reported being ill‐equipped to provide this due to barriers both within and outside the limits of their practice. General practice requires more systemic support to deliver effective weight management including public health campaigns and indigenous health information to reduce health inequities. An appraisal of general practice being “best suited” to deliver effective weight management health care that is culturally appropriate is urgently required to improve obesity related health outcomes in New Zealand.
The role of self‐compassion in the psychological (mal)adjustment of older adults: A repeated‐measures study protocol
Authors: Tavares Lúcia Rafaela , Vagos Paula , Xavier Ana
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Self‐compassion is associated with healthy ageing and may be a protection factor of older adults' mental health in face of negative life events and other factors such as insecure attachment. However, fear of self‐compassion may constitute an obstacle to promoting self‐compassion. The role of self‐compassion on the psychological (mal)adjustment of older adults requires further research with robust designs, and fear of self‐compassion has not been studied in this population. We will test the moderator and mediator role, respectively, of self‐compassion and fear of self‐compassion, and we will analyse the longitudinal developmental trajectories of these variables.

Methods

A repeated‐measures design with three data collection moments across 6 months, using a sample (180–200 participants) of community residents aged ≥65 years. Data will be collected using traditional (i.e. pencil‐and‐paper questionnaires) and online (i.e. Google Forms) methods. Path analyses will be conducted to test moderation and mediation models. Latent growth curve analyses will be conducted to study the within‐person change and between‐person differences in change over time of self‐compassion and fear of self‐compassion.

Conclusions

We expect that participants with higher self‐compassion will show better psychological adjustment, regardless of attachment quality and negative life events. We expect that insecure attachment and more negative life events will increase the participants' fear of self‐compassion, which will decrease their psychological adjustment. Additionally, we expect that self‐compassion and fear of self‐compassion will show stable developmental trajectories during 6 months. Our results will contribute to better understand protection factors of older adults' mental health, which may guide future psychological interventions.
Globally aspired, locally constrained; how national education test regime in Turkey shapes middle‐class parenting
Authors: Çelik Çetin , Özdemir Tuğçe
Published: July 2022

This article studies how middle‐class parents negotiate globally inspired and classed parenting dispositions with contextual circumstances for transferring their privileges to their children. By drawing on 3‐year longitudinal qualitative data from middle‐class parents in Istanbul, we show that, first, this class feels insecure in the face of changing its social position in the transformation of the state's political economy and ideological foundations. Second, consistent with patterns reported elsewhere, they generally follow a concerted cultivation style of childrearing – enrolling their children in various extracurricular activities, prompting them to discover or create specific talents, consciously developing their language use and forging their ability to interact with social institutions – to impose a competitive personality on their offspring. Third, however, the early tracking, which may stream their children to disadvantaged upper secondary schools through multiple choice and centralized standardized tests, limits their concerted cultivation process by necessitating test‐doing skills. We argue that the Turkish middle class aspires to cultivate their children culturally, but the national testing regime forces them to develop aggressive tactics such as strategically delaying the cultivation process and cutting children's friendships.
Does the Achilles Tendon Influence Foot Strike Patterns During an Exhaustive Run?
Authors: Urbaczka Jan , Vilimek Dominik , Jandacka Daniel
Published: July 2022

The study purpose was to investigate whether there is a relationship between the Achilles tendon (AT) length, moment arm length, and the foot strike pattern (FP) change during an exhaustive run (EXR) in nonrearfoot FP runners. Twenty-eight runners were recruited and divided into 2 groups (highly trained/moderately trained) according to their weekly training volume. Participants underwent the graded exercise test, the EXR with biomechanical analysis at the beginning, and at the end, and the magnetic resonance imaging scan of the AT. Correlations were used to assess associations between FP change (value of the difference between end and beginning) and the selected performance and AT variables. AT length significantly correlated with the FP change according to foot strike angle (r = −.265, P = .049). The AT moment arm length significantly correlated with the FP change according to strike index during EXR (r = −.536, P = .003). Multiple regression showed that AT length was a significant predictor for the FP change according to foot strike angle if the second predictor was the graded exercise test duration and the third predictor was training group association. These results suggest that a runner’s training volume, along with a longer AT and AT moment arm appear to be associated with the ability to maintain a consistent FP during EXR by nonrearfoot FP runners.
A 3-Dimensional Gait Analysis of the Effects of Fatigue-Induced Reduced Foot Adductor Muscle Strength on the Walking of Healthy Subjects
Authors: Hirata Rogerio Pessoto , Erbs Alexander W. , Gadsbøll Erik , Winther Rannvá , Christensen Sanne H. , Simonsen Morten Bilde
Published: July 2022

Dysfunction of the tibialis posterior muscle is the most common cause of adult acquired flat foot. Tibialis posterior muscle weakness has been observed in several patient populations, including those in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis. However, the influence of tibialis posterior weakness on gait mechanics is not fully understood, although gait instability has been reported. In 24 healthy participants, 3-dimension lower limb kinematics and kinetics during walking were evaluated bilaterally, before and after, a muscle fatigue protocol aiming to decrease the right foot adductor muscles strength, including the tibialis posterior muscle. The 3-dimension gait kinematics and kinetics were analyzed with statistical parametric mapping. The stance phase duration was increased for the right side. The right ankle external rotation moment decreased, and the left hip extension moment increased with reduced muscle strength compared with normal strength conditions. These changes are similar in patients with dysfunction in the tibialis posterior muscle, indicating that compensatory strategies observed in these patients might be related to the loss of tibialis posterior muscle strength. Such strategies may involve the unaffected side.
The Impact of Pandemic Lockdowns and Remote Learning on Student Fitness: An Investigation of Changes to High School Student Fitness Levels
Authors: Nolan Ryan , Zbaracki Matthew D.
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact on health-related fitness resulting from COVID-19 lockdowns on male high school students in Melbourne, Australia. Method: A total of 146 students completed fitness testing in February and retesting in November following 7 months of remote learning. Fitness tests conducted were 20-m shuttle run (Beep Test), flexed arm hang, body mass index, push-ups, sit-ups, and sit and reach. Results: The mean fitness levels of this cohort decreased across the health-related fitness components. Decreases were varying in magnitude, body composition (d = 0.3), flexibility (d = 0.56), muscular strength (d = 0.64), muscular endurance (d = 0.39 and d = 0.26), and cardiovascular endurance (d = 0.96). Discussion: The impact on students’ fitness levels was noteworthy, and the long-term impacts of this decrease are yet to be seen. This research brings focus to what can be done to maintain adolescent fitness when their usual exercise opportunities are not available.
Visualizing Eigen/Zundel cations and their interconversion in monolayer water on metal surfaces
Authors: Tian Ye , Hong Jiani , Cao Duanyun , You Sifan , Song Yizhi , Cheng Bowei , Wang Zhichang , Guan Dong , Liu Xinmeng , Zhao Zhengpu , Li Xin-Zheng , Xu Li-Mei , Guo Jing , Chen Ji , Wang En-Ge , Jiang Ying
Published: July 2022

The nature of hydrated proton on solid surfaces is of vital importance in electrochemistry, proton channels, and hydrogen fuel cells but remains unclear because of the lack of atomic-scale characterization. We directly visualized Eigen- and Zundel-type hydrated protons within the hydrogen bonding water network on Au(111) and Pt(111) surfaces, using cryogenic qPlus-based atomic force microscopy under ultrahigh vacuum. We found that the Eigen cations self-assembled into monolayer structures with local order, and the Zundel cations formed long-range ordered structures stabilized by nuclear quantum effects. Two Eigen cations could combine into one Zundel cation accompanied with a simultaneous proton transfer to the surface. Moreover, we revealed that the Zundel configuration was preferred over the Eigen on Pt(111), and such a preference was absent on Au(111).
Playing catch-up in building an open research commons
Authors: Bourne Philip E. , Bonazzi Vivien , Brand Amy , Carroll Bonnie , Foster Ian , Guha Ramanathan V. , Hanisch Robert , Keller Sallie Ann , Kennedy Mary Lee , Kirkpatrick Christine , Mons Barend , Nusser Sarah M. , Stebbins Michael , Strawn George , Szalay Alex
Published: July 2022

As efforts advance around the globe, the US falls behind
A Swiss Army knife for surface chemistry
Authors: Alabugin Igor , Hu Chaowei
Published: July 2022

Voltage pulses offer a way to control single-molecule reactions on a surface
Building perovskite solar cells that last
Authors: Habisreutinger Severin N. , Reese Matthew O.
Published: July 2022

An inorganic halide perovskite solar cell architecture promises multiyear stability
Discovering the “Hobbit”

Little Species, Big Mystery: The Story of
Homo Floresiensis

Debbie Argue
Melbourne University Press, 2022. 216 pp.
Authors: Roberts Richard G. , Sutikna Thomas
Published: July 2022

A paleoanthropologist unpacks the curious tale of the diminutive hominin
Homo floresiensis
In Other Journals
Authors: Vignieri Sacha , Funk Michael A. , Lopez Bianca , Smith Keith T. , Hurtley Stella M. , Scanlon Seth Thomas , Stajic Jelena
Published: July 2022

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Hunt for a long-sought dark matter particle nears a climax
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: July 2022

Three huge detectors are racing to detect WIMPs, long the favored candidate for universe's missing matter
The HIV Latency Reversal Agent HODHBt Enhances NK Cell Effector and Memory-Like Functions by Increasing Interleukin-15-Mediated STAT Activation
Authors: Macedo Amanda B. , Levinger Callie , Nguyen Bryan N. , Richard Jonathan , Gupta Mamta , Cruz Conrad Russell Y. , Finzi Andrés , Chiappinelli Katherine B. , Crandall Keith A. , Bosque Alberto
Published: July 2022

Elimination of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reservoirs is a critical endpoint to eradicate HIV. One therapeutic intervention against latent HIV is “shock and kill.” This strategy is based on the transcriptional activation of latent HIV with a latency-reversing agent (LRA) with the consequent killing of the reactivated cell by either the cytopathic effect of HIV or the immune system. We have previously found that the small molecule 3-hydroxy-1,2,3-benzotriazin-4(3H)-one (HODHBt) acts as an LRA by increasing signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) factor activation mediated by interleukin-15 (IL-15) in cells isolated from aviremic participants. The IL-15 superagonist N-803 is currently under clinical investigation to eliminate latent reservoirs. IL-15 and N-803 share similar mechanisms of action by promoting the activation of STATs and have shown some promise in preclinical models directed toward HIV eradication. In this work, we evaluated the ability of HODHBt to enhance IL-15 signaling in natural killer (NK) cells and the biological consequences associated with increased STAT activation in NK cell effector and memory-like functions. We showed that HODHBt increased IL-15-mediated STAT phosphorylation in NK cells, resulting in increases in the secretion of CXCL-10 and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and the expression of cytotoxic proteins, including granzyme B, granzyme A, perforin, granulysin, FASL, and TRAIL. This increased cytotoxic profile results in increased cytotoxicity against HIV-infected cells and different tumor cell lines. HODHBt also improved the generation of cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells. Overall, our data demonstrate that enhancing the magnitude of IL-15 signaling with HODHBt favors NK cell cytotoxicity and memory-like generation, and thus, targeting this pathway could be further explored for HIV cure interventions.
Agonists in the Extended Conformation Stabilize the Active State of β-Adrenoceptors
Authors: Efimov Alexander V. , Meshcheryakova Olga V. , Ryazanov Alexey G.
Published: July 2022

In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the structure of agonists and antagonists of transmembrane (TM) β-adrenoceptors (β-ARs) and their interactions with the β-ARs and proposed the mechanism of receptor activation. A characteristic feature of agonist and antagonist molecules is the presence of a hydrophobic head (most often, one or two aromatic rings) and a tail with a positively charged amino group. All β-adrenergic agonists have two carbon atoms between the aromatic ring of the head and the nitrogen atom of the amino group. In antagonist molecules, this fragment can be either reduced or increased to four atoms due to the additional carbon and oxygen atoms. The agonist head, as a rule, has two H-bond donors or acceptors in the para- and meta-positions of the aromatic rings, while in the antagonist heads, these donors/acceptors are absent or located in other positions. Analysis of known three-dimensional structures of β-AR complexes with agonists showed that the agonist head forms two H-bonds with the TM5 helix, and the tail forms an ionic bond with the D3.32 residue of the TM3 helix and one or two H-bonds with the TM7 helix. The tail of the antagonist can form similar bonds, but the interaction between the head and the TM5 helix is much weaker. As a result of these interactions, the agonist molecule acquires an extended “strained string” conformation, in contrast to the antagonist molecule, which has a longer, bended, and flexible tail. The “strained string” of the agonist interacts with the TM6 helix (primarily with the W6.48 residue) and turns it, which leads to the opening of the G protein-binding site on the intracellular side of the receptor, while flexible and larger antagonist molecules do not have the same effect on the receptor.
The impact of a direct to beneficiary mobile communication program on reproductive and child health outcomes: a randomised controlled trial in India
Authors: LeFevre Amnesty Elizabeth , Shah Neha , Scott Kerry , Chamberlain Sara , Ummer Osama , Bashingwa Jean Juste Harrisson , Chakraborty Arpita , Godfrey Anna , Dutt Priyanka , Ved Rajani , Mohan Diwakar
Published: July 2022

Background

Direct-to-beneficiary communication mobile programmes are among the few examples of digital health programmes to have scaled widely in low-resource settings. Yet, evidence on their impact at scale is limited. This study aims to assess whether exposure to mobile health information calls during pregnancy and postpartum improved infant feeding and family planning practices.

Methods

We conducted an individually randomised controlled trial in four districts of Madhya Pradesh, India. Study participants included Hindi speaking women 4–7 months pregnant (n=5095) with access to a mobile phone and their husbands (n=3842). Women were randomised to either an intervention group where they received up to 72 Kilkari messages or a control group where they received none. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and instrumental variable (IV) analyses are presented.

Results

An average of 65% of the 2695 women randomised to receive Kilkari listened to ≥50% of the cumulative content of calls answered. Kilkari was not observed to have a significant impact on the primary outcome of exclusive breast feeding (ITT, relative risk (RR): 1.04, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.23, p=0.64; IV, RR: 1.10, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.81, p=0.71). Across study arms, Kilkari was associated with a 3.7% higher use of modern reversible contraceptives (RR: 1.12, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.21, p=0.007), and a 2.0% lower proportion of men or women sterilised since the birth of the child (RR: 0.85, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.97, p=0.016). Higher reversible method use was driven by increases in condom use and greatest among those women exposed to Kilkari with any male child (9.9% increase), in the poorest socioeconomic strata (15.8% increase), and in disadvantaged castes (12.0% increase). Immunisation at 10 weeks was higher among the children of Kilkari listeners (2.8% higher; RR: 1.03, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.06, p=0.048). Significant differences were not observed for other maternal, newborn and child health outcomes assessed.

Conclusion

Study findings provide evidence to date on the effectiveness of the largest mobile health messaging programme in the world.

Trial registration number

Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov; ID 90075552,NCT03576157.
Database quality assessment in research in paramedicine: a scoping review protocol
Authors: McDonald Neil , Kriellaars Dean , Doupe Malcolm , Giesbrecht Gordon , Pryce Rob T
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The paramedic practice environment presents unique challenges to data documentation and access, as well as linkage to other parts of the healthcare system. Variable or unknown data quality can influence the validity of research in paramedicine. A number of database quality assessment (DQA) frameworks have been developed and used to evaluate data quality in other areas of healthcare. The extent these or other DQA practices have been applied to paramedic research is not known. Accordingly, this scoping review aims to describe the range, extent and nature of DQA practices within research in paramedicine.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will follow established methods for the conduct (Johanna Briggs Institute; Arksey and O’Malley) and reporting (Preferred Reporting Items in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews) of scoping reviews. In consultation with a professional librarian, a search strategy was developed representing the applicable population, concept and context. This strategy will be applied to MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine), Embase (Elsevier), Scopus (Elsevier) and CINAHL (EBSCO) to identify studies published from 2011 through 2021 that assess paramedic data quality as a stated goal. Studies will be included if they report quantitative results of DQA using data that relate primarily to the paramedic practice environment. Protocols, commentaries, case studies, interviews, simulations and experimental data-processing techniques will be excluded. No restrictions will be placed on language. Study selection will be performed by two reviewers, with a third available to resolve conflicts. Data will be extracted from included studies using a data-charting form piloted and iteratively revised based on studies known to be relevant. Results will be summarised in a chart of study characteristics, DQA-specific outcomes and key findings.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required. Results will be submitted to relevant conferences and peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration

10.17605/OSF.IO/Z287T.
Developing a method to capture parental experience in a neonatal surgical centre in the context of COVID-19: a qualitative study
Authors: Mernenko Rebecca Kate , Littlejohns Anna , Latchford Gary , Crouzen Emile , Moni-Nwinia Waaka , Lakshminarayanan Bhanumathi , Chauhan Hemma , Lawson Elizabeth , McConachie Douglas , McElwaine John G , Metcalfe Fiona , Sagoo Gurdeep Singh , McKechnie Liz , Sutcliffe Jonathan
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Improved parental experience is related to improved mental and physical health outcomes for the infant. The COVID-19 pandemic abruptly impacted on healthcare delivery and services need information to shape how to manage the disruption and recovery.

Methods

Our aim was to develop a systematic process to capture parents’ experience of their neonatal surgical healthcare journey during the pandemic. We identified relevant stakeholders and using semistructured interviews, we explored three key themes.

(1) How to recruit and collect data from representative parents?

(2) What questions should be asked?

(3) How to disseminate results for service development?

Results

Responses indicated the need to involve ‘difficult to access groups’ (eg, first language not English, high social deprivation, low health literacy), defined the range of family and patient characteristics variables to be considered for representative responses (eg, antenatal diagnosis, disease complexity, number of siblings, single parent, parental health). The proposed questions were grouped into five main topics: information preadmission; in-patient experience; support during admission; the effect of COVID-19; discharge and posthospital experience. Recommendations for dissemination included local, regional and national fora as well as the need to feedback to participants about the changes made.

Based on the analysis, we developed a semistructured interview which underwent cognitive testing, prepilot and pilot phase testing.

Discussion

This protocol is grounded in the views of relevant stakeholders to ensure it captures relevant information in a pragmatic but methodologically sound way. It will next be used to assess parental experience in a large neonatal surgical unit. We hope that the protocol could be adapted and used by other groups.
Evolution of a stratigraphic model in a fluvial deltaic wedge: implications for groundwater resource protection in an oil and gas-bearing region in the Upper Cretaceous Dunvegan Formation, Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Glas Nathan H. , Bhattacharya Janok P. , Steelman Colby M. , Munn Jonathan D. , Pierce Amanda A. , Parker Beth L.
Published: July 2022

The Liard Basin, in northwestern Canada, contains one of Canada’s largest natural gas reserves. There are concerns about degradation of Dunvegan Formation groundwater quality, which is the basin's main shallow freshwater aquifer, as a consequence of oil and gas development. Previous lithostratigraphic studies interpreted the Dunvegan as conglomeratic alluvial fans. In this study, newly collected cores and surface resistivity surveys are integrated with legacy hydrocarbon well data and measured sections for improved sedimentary bedrock characterization. Rather than alluvial fans, we interpret the upper Dunvegan as a coarse-sand to gravel bed fluvial system that was likely tributive to incised valleys associated with linked Alberta Basin base-level falls. Correlation of well logs and measured sections suggest the lower Dunvegan comprises a prograding delta complex with off-lapping clinoforms fed by smaller sand-bed rivers that grade into the upper Dunvegan conglomeratic system, which built southeast towards the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway. This sequence stratigraphic and facies architectural approach is employed to inform the aquifer–aquitard flow system and aid in understanding the 3D groundwater flow system, once hydrogeologic characterisation confirms position and thickness of important hydrogeologic units. Resistivity surveys suggest upper Dunvegan channel-belt facies may be well-connected and laterally extensive, potentially acting as interconnected aquifer units; whereas lower Dunvegan channel belts may be discontinuous, indicating smaller-scale flow units separated by floodplain and marine shale. This revised geologic understanding provides opportunities for determining impacts or resilience from shallow and deep sources of contamination associated with human activities, including oil and gas development, land-use, and (or) climate change.
(Invited) Comprehensive Analysis of Electronic Properties of Carbon Nanotube Fibers
Authors: Okazaki Toshiya
Published: July 2022

The electronic properties of various carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers that were produced by dry spinning from multi-walled CNT (MWCNT) forests, direct spinning from a CVD furnace and wet spinning of CNTs, are systematically investigated. The electrical conductivity of the fibers is significantly correlated with the effective CNT length [1], yarn density, and CNT alignment in the yarns. In contrast, the tensile strength depends more on the yarn density and the CNT alignment. The temperature dependence of the electronical properties of the CNT fibers are also investigated. Even though the constituent CNTs are very similar, the CNT fibers produced by the wet spinning of the acid treated CNT dispersion and the micelle CNT solution show different temperature dependences in the lower temperature region. The difference can be explained by the different conduction paths in the two wet-spinning fibers. Further, the iodide doping effect on the electronic property of the wet-spinning fiber produced by the acid treated dispersion is also discussed. This work was supported by a project (JPNP16010) commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).

[1] T. Morimoto et al., ACS Nano, 8, 9897–9904 (2014).
(Invited, Digital Presentation) Surface Modified Graphene FET for Human Infective Virus Detection
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuhiko
Published: July 2022

The human infectivity of avian influenza virus was detected with a sensitivity of as high as 0.256HAU using the 2-6 sugar chain modified graphene FET using the linker of PBASE, which was 2~3 orders of magnitude higher than the conventional chromatography method. The detection of influenza virus was also performed by an the antibody modified graphene FET and its sensitivity was 0.0256HAU, which was ~2 orders of magnitudes higher than the conventional method. New corona virus was also detected in the same way using the antibody modified graphene FET and the clear SEM image of the new corona virus on the graphene FET channel was obtained. For the future multimodal detection of viruses, the 82 graphene FET’s was integrated and the each 82 FET’s could be modified by the different receptors by the bio-inkjet system.
Anode-Free Sodium Ion Batteries: Effect of Pressure on Sodium Plating on Copper
Authors: Willow Ashley , Hussein Haytham E.M. , Margadonna Serena
Published: July 2022

Sodium ion anode-free battery technology puts extra emphasis on high plating and stripping efficiency of sodium metal at the anode surface, due to the lack of an excess of the transporting ion. Recent studies have shown the importance of strict control of water content in enabling efficient plating and stripping of sodium on copper in the 1M NaPF6 in diglyme electrolyte[1]. We have achieved promising results at coin cell level in this configuration: 99.9% coulombic efficiency over 400 cycles, low nucleation overpotential of 40mV and 10mV hysteresis at 0.2mA cm-2, without dendrite formation. To demonstrate the scalability of the anode-free concept, we attempted plating and stripping of sodium metal on copper foils with areas that are 10-fold higher (>10 cm2) than those previously achievable in coin cells (~1cm2) using a split pouch cell configuration. Furthermore, we investigate the effect of pressure at this scale by using two methods. The initial method involves increasing spacer thickness, which acts to compress a wave spring within the split pouch cell. These experiments demonstrate that the plating and stripping voltage hysteresis can be decreased from 125mV -> 40mV -> 10mV, with increasing spacer thickness on the order 3mm -> 3.5mm -> 4mm. The hysteresis observed in coin cells is then matched when 4mm of spacers is used in split pouch cells, indicating a similar pressure applied in these two cell formats. Voltage instabilities are also reduced by increasing the spacer thickness, indicating the formation an increasingly stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI). Secondly, the optimal pressure for the Na||Cu half-cell is investigated by using a pressure calibration unit to accurately measure the applied force within a compressive jig.

References:

[1] Chengtian Zhou et al 2021 J. Electrochem. Soc. 168 060532

Figure 1