bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Kinked‐Demand Theory of Price Rigidity
Authors: DUPRAZ STÉPHANE
Published: May 2023

I provide a microfounded theory for one of the oldest, but so far informal, explanations of price rigidity: the kinked‐demand curve theory. Kinked‐demand curves arise when some customers observe at no cost only the price at the store they are at. At the microlevel, the kinked‐demand theory predicts that prices should be more likely to change if they have recently changed, and more flexible in markets where customers can more easily compare prices. At the macrolevel, it captures a part of the inflation/output trade‐off that is not shifted by inflation expectations and therefore persists in the long run.
Monitoring sleep stages with a soft electrode array: Comparison againstvPSGand home‐based detection ofREMsleep without atonia
Authors: Oz Shani , Dagay Andrew , Katzav Shlomit , Wasserman Danielle , Tauman Riva , Gerston Aaron , Duncan Iain , Hanein Yael , Mirelman Anat
Published: May 2023

Sleep disorders are symptomatic hallmarks of a variety of medical conditions. Accurately identifying the specific stage in which these disorders occur is particularly important for the correct diagnosis of non‐rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement parasomnias. In‐lab polysomnography suffers from limited availability and does not reflect habitual sleep conditions, which is especially important in older adults and those with neurodegenerative diseases. We aimed to explore the feasibility and validity of a new wearable system for accurately measuring sleep at home. The system core technology is soft, printed dry electrode arrays and a miniature data acquisition unit with a cloud‐based data storage for offline analysis. The positions of the electrodes allow manual scoring following the American Association of Sleep Medicine guidelines. Fifty participants (21 healthy subjects, mean age 56.6 ± 8.4 years; and 29 patients with Parkinson's disease, 65.4 ± 7.6 years) underwent a polysomnography evaluation with parallel recording with the wearable system. Total agreement between the two systems reached Cohen's kappa (k) of 0.688 with agreement in each stage of: wake k = 0.701; N1 = 0.224; N2 = 0.584; N3 = 0.410; and rapid eye movement = 0.723. Moreover, the system reliably detected rapid eye movement sleep without atonia with a sensitivity of 85.7%. Additionally, a comparison between sleep as measured in the sleep lab with data collected from a night at home showed significantly lower wake after sleep onset at home. The results demonstrate that the system is valid, accurate and allows for the exploration of sleep at home. This new system offers an opportunity to help detect sleep disorders on a larger scale than possible today, fostering better care.
Portmanteau tests for periodic ARMA models with dependent errors
Authors: Boubacar Maïnassara Y. , Ilmi Amir A.
Published: May 2023

In this article, we derive the asymptotic distributions of residual and normalized residual empirical autocovariances and autocorrelations of (parsimonious) periodic autoregressive moving‐average (PARMA) models under the assumption that the errors are uncorrelated but not necessarily independent. We then deduce the modified portmanteau statistics. We establish the asymptotic behavior of the proposed statistics. It is shown that the asymptotic distribution of the modified portmanteau tests is that of a weighted sum of independent chi‐squared random variables, which can be different from the usual chi‐squared approximation used under independent and identically distributed assumption on the noise. We also propose another test based on a self‐normalization approach to check the adequacy of PARMA models. A set of Monte Carlo experiments and an application to financial data are presented.
When I Don't Say … ‘Patients’
Authors: Steinert Yvonne , Nimmon Laura , Buckley Heather
Published: May 2023

In the latest "When I Say…" paper, Steinert et al. outline the consequences of not saying "patients"
Mosquito community composition in two major stopover aquatic ecosystems used by migratory birds in northern Spain
Authors: González Mikel A. , Goiri Fátima , Cevidanes Aitor , Hernández‐Triana Luis M. , Barandika Jesús F. , García‐Pérez Ana L.
Published: May 2023

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are common bloodsucking Diptera frequently found in aquatic environments, which are valuable ecosystems for many animal species, particularly migrating birds. Therefore, interactions between these animal species and mosquitoes may play a critical role in pathogen transmission. During 2018–2019, mosquitoes were collected from two aquatic ecosystems in northern Spain using different methodologies and identified using classical morphology and molecular tools. A total of 1529 males and females of 22 native mosquito species (including eight new records for the region) were trapped using CO2‐baited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) traps and sweep netting. Among the blood‐fed female mosquitoes, 11 vertebrate host species—six mammals and five birds—were identified using DNA barcoding. The developmental sites of eight mosquito species were determined across nine microhabitats, and 11 mosquito species were caught landing on humans. The flight period varied among mosquito species, with some peaking in the spring and others in the summer. Our study highlights the advantages of mosquito sampling using various techniques to comprehensively characterise species composition and abundance. Information on the trophic preferences, biting behaviour and influence of climatic variables on the ecology of mosquitoes is also provided.
Application of deep learning algorithm in the recognition of cryptococcosis and talaromycosis skin lesions
Authors: Wei Wudi , He Xiaotao , Bao Xiuli , Wang Gang , Luo Qiang , Chen Lixiang , Zhan Baili , Lai Jingzhen , Jiang Junjun , Ye Li , Liang Hao
Published: May 2023

Background

Cryptococcosis and talaromycosis are known as ‘neglected epidemics’ due to their high case fatality rates and low concern. Clinically, the skin lesions of the two fungal diseases are similar and easily misdiagnosed. Therefore, this study aims to develop an algorithm to identify cryptococcosis/talaromycosis skin lesions.

Methods

Skin images of tararomiasis and cryptococcosis were collected from published articles and augmented using the Python Imaging Library (PIL). Then, five deep artificial intelligence models, VGG19, MobileNet, InceptionV3, Incept ResNetV2 and DenseNet201, were developed based on the collected datasets using transfer learning technology. Finally, the performance of the models was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, accuracy, AUC and ROC curve.

Results

In total, 159 articles (79 for cryptococcosis and 80 for talaromycosis), including 101 cryptococcosis skin lesion images and 133 talaromycosis skin lesion images, were collected for further mode construction. Five methods showed good performance for prediction but did not yield satisfactory results for all cases. Among them, DenseNet201 performed best in the validation set, followed by InceptionV3. However, InceptionV3 showed the highest sensitivity, accuracy, F1 score and AUC values in the training set, followed by DenseNet201. The specificity of DenseNet201 in the training set is better than that of InceptionV3.

Conclusions

DenseNet201 and InceptionV3 are equivalent to the optimal model in these conditions and can be used in clinical settings as decision support tools for the identification and classification of skin lesions of cryptococcus/talaromycosis.
Clinical, radiological and laboratory characteristics of central nervous system histoplasmosis: A systematic review of a severe disease
Authors: de Oliveira Vítor Falcão , Kruschewsky Wdson Luis Lima , Sekiguchi William Kazunori , Costa Silvia F. , Levin Anna S. , Magri Marcello Mihailenko Chaves , Silva Guilherme Diogo
Published: May 2023

Background

The knowledge of central nervous system (CNS) histoplasmosis is limited to case reports and series.

Objectives

Our objective was to synthesise clinical, radiological and laboratory characteristics of CNS histoplasmosis to improve our understanding of this rare disease.

Methods

We performed a systematic review using Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS databases accessed on March 2023 without publication date restrictions. Inclusion criteria comprised: (1) histopathological, microbiological, antigen or serological evidence of histoplasmosis; (2) CNS involvement based on cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis or neuroimaging abnormalities. We classified the certainty of the diagnosis in proven (CNS microbiological and histopathological confirmation), probable (CNS serological and antigen confirmation) or possible (non‐CNS evidence of histoplasmosis). Metaproportion was used to provide a summary measure with 95% confidence intervals for the clinical, radiological and laboratory characteristics. Chi‐squared test was used to compare mortality between pairs of antifungal drugs.

Results

We included 108 studies with 298 patients. The median age was 31 years, predominantly male, and only 23% were immunocompromised (134/276, 95%CI: 3–71), mainly due to HIV infection. The most common CNS symptom was headache (130/236, 55%, 95%CI: 49–61), with a duration predominantly of weeks or months. Radiological presentation included histoplasmoma (79/185, 34%, 95%CI: 14–61), meningitis (29/185, 14%, 95%CI: 7–25), hydrocephalus (41/185, 37%, 95%CI: 7–83) and vasculitis (18/185, 6%, 95%CI: 1–22). There were 124 proven cases, 112 probable cases and 40 possible cases. The majority of patients presented positive results in CNS pathology (90%), serology (CSF: 72%; serum: 70%) or CSF antigen (74%). Mortality was high (28%, 56/198), but lower in patients who used liposomal amphotericin B and itraconazole. Relapse occurred in 13% (23/179), particularly in HIV patients, but less frequently in patients who used itraconazole.

Conclusion

Central nervous system histoplasmosis usually presents subacute‐to‐chronic symptoms in young adults. Neuroimaging patterns included not only focal lesions but also hydrocephalus, meningitis and vasculitis. Positive results were commonly found in CSF antigen and serology. Mortality was high, and treatment with liposomal amphotericin B followed by itraconazole may decrease mortality.
How economic growth, sustainable energy and carbon emission impact each other? New insights from India using ARDL approach
Authors: Kaur Jasvinder , Singh Kamaljit , Chaudhary Rashmi , Vashishtha Simmi
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the association among economic growth, sustainable energy consumption and carbon emission with additional variables including fossil fuel energy consumption, natural gas and trade openness. The annual time‐series data from 1972 to 2019 is analysed using an auto‐regressive distributive lag model. Moreover, the novelty and robustness of the model are verified using dynamic ordinary least squares, and fully modified ordinary least squares. The results specify that except carbon emission model equation, there is co‐integration exists among variables. In terms of the outcomes in the long term, the consumption of fossil fuels has a notable impact on economic growth and natural gas, whereas the consumption of sustainable energy has a detrimental effect on economic growth. Interestingly, in the short run, sustainable energy consumption positively links with trade openness and economic growth. Furthermore, the VECM‐based Granger Causality detects a one‐way causal linkage of fossil fuel consumption, trade openness, carbon emissions and natural gas with economic growth. A bidirectional causality exists from carbon emission to fossil fuel consumption, suggesting a feedback hypothesis. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the underlying variables. The policymakers can make decisions for the efficient functioning of energy markets, enhanced production of energy‐from‐waste material and environmental enforcement in India related to air pollution should be strengthened.
The Aim of Medicine. Sanocentricity and the Autonomy Thesis
Authors: Varga Somogy
Published: May 2023

Recent criticisms of medicine converge on fundamental questions about the aim of medicine. The main task of this paper is to propose an account of the aim of medicine. Discussing and rejecting the initially plausible proposal according to which medicine is pathocentric, the paper presents and defends the Autonomy Thesis, which holds that medicine is not pathocentric, but sanocentric, aiming to promote health with the final aim to enhance autonomy. The paper closes by considering the objection that the Autonomy Thesis is overly permissive and allows many highly controversial procedures as legitimate parts of medicine.
BMI1 is required for melanocyte stem cell maintenance and hair pigmentation
Authors: Wilson Molly M. , Danielian Paul S. , Salus Griffin , Ferretti Roberta , Whittaker Charles A. , Lees Jacqueline A.
Published: May 2023

The epigenetic repressor BMI1 plays an integral role in promoting the self‐renewal and proliferation of many adult stem cell populations, and also tumor types, primarily through silencing the Cdkn2a locus, which encodes the tumor suppressors p16Ink4a and p19Arf. However, in cutaneous melanoma, BMI1 drives epithelial‐mesenchymal transition programs, and thus metastasis, while having little impact on proliferation or primary tumor growth. This raised questions about the requirement and role for BMI1 in melanocyte stem cell (McSC) biology. Here, we demonstrate that murine melanocyte‐specific Bmi1 deletion causes premature hair greying and gradual loss of melanocyte lineage cells. Depilation enhances this hair greying defect, accelerating depletion of McSCs in early hair cycles, suggesting that BMI1 acts to protect McSCs against stress. RNA‐seq of McSCs, harvested before onset of detectable phenotypic defects, revealed that Bmi1 deletion derepresses p16Ink4a and p19Arf, as observed in many other stem cell contexts. Additionally, BMI1 loss downregulated the glutathione S‐transferase enzymes, Gsta1 and Gsta2, which can suppress oxidative stress. Accordingly, treatment with the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) partially rescued melanocyte expansion. Together, our data establish a critical function for BMI1 in McSC maintenance that reflects a partial role for suppression of oxidative stress, and likely transcriptional repression of Cdkn2a.
Connecting the dots: Melanoma cell of origin, tumor cell plasticity, trans‐differentiation, and drug resistance
Authors: Castro‐Pérez Edgardo , Singh Mithalesh , Sadangi Shreyans , Mela‐Sánchez Carmen , Setaluri Vijayasaradhi
Published: May 2023

Melanoma, a lethal malignancy that arises from melanocytes, exhibits a multiplicity of clinico‐pathologically distinct subtypes in sun‐exposed and non‐sun‐exposed areas. Melanocytes are derived from multipotent neural crest cells and are present in diverse anatomical locations, including skin, eyes, and various mucosal membranes. Tissue‐resident melanocyte stem cells and melanocyte precursors contribute to melanocyte renewal. Elegant studies using mouse genetic models have shown that melanoma can arise from either melanocyte stem cells or differentiated pigment‐producing melanocytes depending on a combination of tissue and anatomical site of origin and activation of oncogenic mutations (or overexpression) and/or the repression in expression or inactivating mutations in tumor suppressors. This variation raises the possibility that different subtypes of human melanomas (even subsets within each subtype) may also be a manifestation of malignancies of distinct cells of origin. Melanoma is known to exhibit phenotypic plasticity and trans‐differentiation (defined as a tendency to differentiate into cell lineages other than the original lineage from which the tumor arose) along vascular and neural lineages. Additionally, stem cell‐like properties such as pseudo‐epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal (EMT‐like) transition and expression of stem cell‐related genes have also been associated with the development of melanoma drug resistance. Recent studies that employed reprogramming melanoma cells to induced pluripotent stem cells have uncovered potential relationships between melanoma plasticity, trans‐differentiation, and drug resistance and implications for cell or origin of human cutaneous melanoma. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the current state of knowledge on melanoma cell of origin and the relationship between tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance.
People who help people: A needs assessment of those who provide interpersonal support to individuals with chronic illnesses
Authors: Voorhees Heather L. , Makos Shana , Babu Sara , Taniguchi‐Dorios Emiko , Thompson Charee M.
Published: May 2023

Social support during an ongoing illness has been shown to be beneficial for both the provider and the receiver, but people often struggle with offering effective, appropriate support. There is a lack of communication‐focused training not specifically tied to caregiving or training that is designed for all social network members of a person experiencing a chronic illness, which we call interpersonal support providers (ISPs). We conducted a concurrent mixed‐methods needs assessment, surveying both ISPs and support receivers, to understand communicative challenges and inform an evidence‐based intervention. Analysis of results from an online survey (Nproviders = 91, Nreceivers = 97), consisting of five open‐ended and 15 quantitative items, suggests that ISPs have difficulty managing their worries and emotions while providing comfort to others, which may impact support quality. In addition, ISPs and receivers both identify “listening” as a key skill for ISPs to hone, though ISPs feel they are more skilled at listening than receivers say they are. Lastly, ISPs feel they are good at sharing information and advice, but receivers often perceive it as patronizing or unhelpful. These results will inform the creation of an intervention for everyone offering emotional, esteem, and informational support to individuals with chronic illnesses.
Identification of HuSPL family and key role of HuSPL12 in regulation of betalain biosynthesis in pitaya
Authors: Zeng Jianmei , Chen Jiayi , Shah Kamran , Xie Fangfang , Chen Canbin , Chen Jiaxuan , Zhao Jietang , Hu Guibing , Zhang Zhike , Qin Yonghua
Published: May 2023

The SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein‐like (SPL) gene family is a unique family of plant‐specific transcription factors (TFs), which plays vital roles in a variety of plant biological processes. Its role in betalain biosynthesis in Hylocereus undantus; however, is still unclear. Here, we report a total of 16 HuSPL genes from the pitaya genome, which were unevenly distributed among nine chromosomes. The HuSPL genes were clustered into seven groups, and most HuSPLs within the same group shared similar exon–intron structures and conserved motifs. Eight segment replication events in the HuSPL gene family were the main driving force behind the gene family expansion. Nine of the HuSPL genes had potential target sites for Hmo‐miR156/157b. Hmo‐miR156/157b‐targeted HuSPLs exhibited differential expression patterns compared with constitutive expression patterns of most Hmo‐miR156/157b‐nontargeted HuSPLs. The expression of Hmo‐miR156/157b gradually increased during fruit maturation, while the expression of Hmo‐miR156/157b‐targeted HuSPL5/11/14 gradually decreased. In addition, the lowest expression level of Hmo‐miR156/157b‐targeted HuSPL12 was detected 23rd day after flowering, when the middle pulps started to turn red. HuSPL5, HuSPL11, HuSPL12, and HuSPL14 were nucleus‐localized proteins. HuSPL12 could inhibit the expression of HuWRKY40 by binding to its promoter. Results from yeast two‐hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays showed that HuSPL12 could interact with HuMYB1, HuMYB132, or HuWRKY42 TFs responsible for betalain biosynthesis. The results of the present study provide an essential basis for future regulation of betalain accumulation in pitaya.
Standing alone on the frontline. The meaning of being a nurse in the archipelago—A phenomenological hermeneutical study
Authors: Lundberg Anna , Santamäki‐Fischer Regina , Gyllencreutz Lina , Saveman Britt‐Inger , Boman Erika
Published: May 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to illuminate the meaning of being a nurse in the archipelago.

Methodological Design and Justification

A phenomenological hermeneutical design was applied, as there is a need to understand the lifeworld and the meaning of being a nurse in the archipelago.

Ethical Issues and Approval

Approval was granted by the Regional Ethical Committee and local management team. All participants provided consent to participate.

Research Method

Individual interviews were conducted with 11 nurses (Registered Nurses or primary health nurses). The interviews were transcribed, and the text was analysed by means of phenomenological hermeneutical method.

Results

The analyses ended in one main theme: Standing alone on the frontline, and three themes: 1. Combating sea, weather and the clock with the sub‐themes: Fighting to give care to patients despite harsh conditions and Fighting against time; 2. Standing firm but wavering with the sub‐themes: Embracing the unexpected and Calling out for support; and 3. Being a lifeline throughout the entire lifespan with the sub‐themes: Having responsibility for the islanders and Having an intertwined private and work life.

Study Limitations

The interviews may be considered few, but the textual data were rich and assessed suitable for the analysis. The text may be interpreted differently, but we deemed our interpretation as more probable than others.

Conclusion

Being a nurse in the archipelago means standing alone on the frontline. Nurses, other health professionals and managers need knowledge and insight about working alone and the moral responsibilities thereof. There is a need to support the nurses in their lonely work. Traditional means of consultations and support could preferably be supplemented by modern digital technology.
Sex‐dependent expression levels of VAV1 and P2X7 in PBMC of multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Rump Airi , Ratas Kristel , Lepasepp Tuuli Katarina , Suurväli Jaanus , Smolander Olli‐Pekka , Gross‐Paju Katrin , Toomsoo Toomas , Kanellopoulos Jean , Rüütel Boudinot Sirje
Published: May 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system and the leading cause of progressive neurological disability in young adults. It decreases the patient's lifespan by about 10 years and affects women more than men. No medication entirely restricts or reverses neurological degradation. However, early diagnosis and treatment increase the possibility of a better outcome. To identify new MS biomarkers, we tested the expression of six potential markers (P2X4, P2X7, CXCR4, RGS1, RGS16 and VAV1) using qPCR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of MS patients treated with interferon β (IFNβ), with glatiramer acetate (GA) or untreated. We showed that P2X7 and VAV1 are significantly induced in MS patients. In contrast, the expression of P2X4, CXCR4, RGS1 and RGS16 was not significantly modified by MS in PBMC. P2X7 and VAV1 are essentially induced in female patients, suggesting these markers are connected to sex‐specific mechanisms. Strikingly, VAV1 expression is higher in healthy women than healthy men and IFNβ treatment of MS reduced VAV1 expression in female MS patients while it up‐regulated VAV1 in male MS patients. Our data point to the differential, sex‐dependent value of MS markers and treatment effects. Although rgs16 expression in PBMC was not a valid MS marker in patients, the strong upregulation of P2X4 and P2X7 induced in the spinal cord of WT mice by EAE was abrogated in rgs16KO mice suggesting that rgs16 is required for P2X4 and P2X7 induction by neurological diseases.
Parental unconditional acceptance: An antidote to parental conditional regard
Authors: Tsang Kitty Ka Yee , Lam Shui‐fong
Published: May 2023

Studies around the world revealed that children's performance is a significant source of parents’ self‐worth. This phenomenon is particularly salient among Chinese parents because of the emphasis on interdependent self‐construal in a face culture. With child‐based worth, many parents feel compelled to use conditional regard to minimize children's failure and maximize success. Yet, parental conditional regard is notorious for its undermining effects on children's well‐being. This study aimed to investigate the antecedents and consequences of parental unconditional acceptance to children, an antidote to parental conditional regard. We conducted a priming experiment with 145 parents randomly assigned to child‐based worth or unconditional self‐acceptance conditions. Results showed that child‐based worth was an inhibitive factor, whereas unconditional self‐acceptance was a facilitative factor to parents’ provision of unconditional acceptance to children. Parents primed with unconditional self‐acceptance had more intention to provide unconditional acceptance to their children, and in turn had more authoritative responses to their children's undesirable behavior. Our findings have practical implications for parent education.
‘I think this is where this lovely word “sustainability” comes in’: Fruit and vegetable growers' narratives concerning the regulation of environmental water use for food production
Authors: Sutcliffe Chloe , Knox Jerry , Hess Tim
Published: May 2023

This article concerns UK commercial fruit and vegetable growers’ narratives regarding the sustainability of water use for food production. In it we explore their perspectives on efforts by regulators to limit agricultural withdrawals of water from the natural environment in line with EU Water Framework Directive objectives, alongside their views on retailer sustainability commitments. Discourse analysis is used to investigate how the growers contested restrictive regulation, constructed their identities, portrayed other supply chain stakeholders, and conveyed their social relations with them. Using Erving Goffman's theory of frontstage and backstage performances, the implications for the growers’ water management decisions and their internalisation of sustainability agendas for water are examined. Whilst the growers gave accounts of purposely misrepresenting their water withdrawal practices and their discourse illustrated significant polarisation between environmental and agricultural interests, their underlying commitment to environmental sustainability was ambivalent, with both anti and pro‐environmental attitudes expressed. The growers also frequently gave critiques of superficial sustainability in fresh produce supply chains. We argue that, given contemporary shifting definitions of agricultural identities, settings in which their construction is negotiated can provide windows of opportunity for conventional growers to engage in genuine pro‐environmental performances that may deepen their assimilation of environmental goals and commitment to sustainable water use.
GIS‐enabled historiography to determine travel routes during the Western Han period via agent‐based models and least‐cost path analysis
Authors: Sengupta Raja , Vankeerberghen Griet , Wen Ruoxuan , Rao Jing , Chen Yanbing
Published: May 2023

GIS‐enabled historiography allows us to shed light on missing or poorly understood aspects of historical events. Here, we use agent‐based models (ABMs), least cost path analysis (LCPA), and space–time paths to recreate and evaluate possible modes and routes of travel undertaken by Shi Rao, a Western Han official. A diary was found in Shi Rao's tomb that includes information about his travels over 1 year (11 BCE), including start and end times of his journeys. But it leaves out details regarding modes of transport or exact routes. Using Tan Qixiang's historical atlas, we digitized river networks and utilized modern topographic data to digitally recreate the landscape as it was during Shi Rao's travels. This was then used to evaluate possible journeys via rivers (using ABMs) and roads (using LCPA), and compared to historical speed of boats, carts and horses, with findings indicating that horseback may have been the viable option.
Strategies to improve antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and early engagement among men insub‐SaharanAfrica: A scoping review of interventions in the era of universal treatment
Authors: Dovel Kathryn L. , Hariprasad Santhi , Hubbard Julie , Cornell Morna , Phiri Khumbo , Choko Augustine , Abbott Rachel , Hoffman Risa , Nichols Brooke , Gupta Sundeep , Long Lawrence
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Men in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) have lower rates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and higher rates of early default than women. Little is known about effective interventions to improve men's outcomes. We conducted a scoping review of interventions aimed to increase ART initiation and/or early retention among men in SSA since universal treatment policies were implemented.

Methods

Three databases, HIV conference databases and grey literature were searched for studies published between January 2016 to May 2021 that reported on initiation and/or early retention among men. Eligibility criteria included: participants in SSA, data collected after universal treatment policies were implemented (2016–2021), quantitative data on ART initiation and/or early retention for males, general male population (not exclusively focused on key populations), intervention study (report outcomes for at least one non‐standard service delivery strategy), and written in English.

Results

Of the 4351 sources retrieved, 15 (reporting on 16 interventions) met inclusion criteria. Of the 16 interventions, only two (2/16, 13%) exclusively focused on men. Five (5/16, 31%) were randomised control trials (RCT), one (1/16, 6%) was a retrospective cohort study, and 10 (10/16, 63%) did not have comparison groups. Thirteen (13/16, 81%) interventions measured ART initiation and six (6/16, 37%) measured early retention. Outcome definitions and time frames varied greatly, with seven (7/16, 44%) not specifying time frames at all. Five types of interventions were represented: optimising ART services at health facilities, community‐based ART services, outreach support (such as reminders and facility escort), counselling and/or peer support, and conditional incentives. Across all intervention types, ART initiation rates ranged from 27% to 97% and early retention from 47% to 95%.

Conclusions

Despite years of data of men's suboptimal ART outcomes, there is little high‐quality evidence on interventions to increase men's ART initiation or early retention in SSA. Additional randomised or quasi‐experimental studies are urgently needed.
Implications of Grounded Cognition for Conceptual Processing Across Cultures
Authors: Barsalou Lawrence W.
Published: May 2023

Cross‐linguistic differences in concepts have implications for all theories of concepts, not just for grounded ones. Failure to address these implications does not imply the belief that they do not exist. Instead, it reflects a division of labor between researchers who focus on general principles versus cultural variability. Furthermore, core principles of grounded cognition—empirical learning and situated conceptual processing—predict large cultural differences in conceptual systems. If asked, most grounded cognition researchers would anticipate and endorse these differences, as would most researchers from other perspectives. Finally, by incorporating ethnographic and linguistic analysis, grounded cognition researchers can examine how cultural differences manifest themselves in conceptual systems.
Androcentric Bias: Anthropomorphic Characters Promoting Masculinity
Authors: Shanmugapriya K. , Christopher G.
Published: May 2023

Cartoons on television are a platform for gender representation because of their varied content. It is observed evidence that cartoons hold a more dominant role over the centuries. The stereotyped gender representation in animated television programs affects viewers, particularly young children, in a variety of ways. The purpose of this study is to analyze how anthropomorphic characters promote masculinity in Indian television cartoons. The character comparison was conducted to determine whether cartoons in India promote masculinity or not. It was discovered that anthropomorphic male characters played the main characters and dominate one, while female anthropomorphic characters are underrepresented, indicating that gender is stereotypically portrayed. Through androcentrism, the article would examine how the gender stereotypes given to the nonhuman characters in these shows perpetuate gender unfairness. This study examines how gender stereotypes are promoted through the pretense of “children’s entertainment” in animations and how these problems might be addressed.
Experimental and Computational Investigation of Shaped Film Cooling Holes Designed to Minimize Inlet Separation
Authors: Jones Fraser B. , Fox Dale W. , Bogard David G.
Published: May 2023

Film cooling is used to protect turbine components from the extreme temperatures by ejecting coolant through arrays of holes to create an air buffer from the hot combustion gases. Limitations in traditional machining meant film cooling holes universally have sharp inlets, which create separation regions at the hole entrance. The present study uses experimental and computational data to show that these inlet separation are a major cause of performance variation in crossflow fed film cooling holes. Three-hole designs were experimentally tested by independently varying the coolant velocity ratio (VR) and the coolant channel velocity ratio (VRc) to isolate the effects of crossflow on hole performance. Leveraging additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, the addition of a 0.25D radius fillet to the inlet of a 7-7-7 shaped hole is shown to significantly improve diffuser usage and significantly reduce variation in performance with VRc. A second AM design used a very large radius of curvature inlet to reduce biasing caused by the inlet crossflow. Experiments showed that this “swept” hole design did minimize biasing of the coolant flow to one side of the shaped hole, and it significantly reduced variations due to varying VRc. RANS simulations at six VR and three VRc conditions were made for each geometry to better understand how the new geometries changed the velocity field within the hole. The sharp and rounded inlets were seen to have very similar tangential velocity fields and jet biasing. Both AM inlets created more uniform, slower velocity fields entering the diffuser. The results of this article indicate that large improvements in film cooling performance can be found by leveraging AM technology.
Growth of self-integrated atomic quantum wires and junctions of a Mott semiconductor
Authors: Asaba Tomoya , Peng Lang , Ono Takahiro , Akutagawa Satoru , Tanaka Ibuki , Murayama Hinako , Suetsugu Shota , Razpopov Aleksandar , Kasahara Yuichi , Terashima Takahito , Kohsaka Yuhki , Shibauchi Takasada , Ichikawa Masatoshi , Valentí Roser , Sasa Shin-ichi , Matsuda Yuji
Published: May 2023

Continued advances in quantum technologies rely on producing nanometer-scale wires. Although several state-of-the-art nanolithographic technologies and bottom-up synthesis processes have been used to engineer these wires, critical challenges remain in growing uniform atomic-scale crystalline wires and constructing their network structures. Here, we discover a simple method to fabricate atomic-scale wires with various arrangements, including stripes, X-junctions, Y-junctions, and nanorings. Single-crystalline atomic-scale wires of a Mott insulator, whose bandgap is comparable to those of wide-gap semiconductors, are spontaneously grown on graphite substrates by pulsed-laser deposition. These wires are one unit cell thick and have an exact width of two and four unit cells (1.4 and 2.8 nm) and lengths up to a few micrometers. We show that the nonequilibrium reaction-diffusion processes may play an essential role in atomic pattern formation. Our findings offer a previously unknown perspective on the nonequilibrium self-organization phenomena on an atomic scale, paving a unique way for the quantum architecture of nano-network.
Heat transport across the Antarctic Slope Front controlled by cross-slope salinity gradients
Authors: Si Yidongfang , Stewart Andrew L. , Eisenman Ian
Published: May 2023

The Antarctic Slope Front (ASF) is a strong gradient in water mass properties close to the Antarctic margins, separating warm water from the Antarctic ice sheet. Heat transport across the ASF is important to Earth’s climate, as it influences melting of ice shelves, the formation of bottom water, and thus the global meridional overturning circulation. Previous studies based on relatively low-resolution global models have reported contradictory findings regarding the impact of additional meltwater on heat transport toward the Antarctic continental shelf: It remains unclear whether meltwater enhances shoreward heat transport, leading to a positive feedback, or further isolates the continental shelf from the open ocean. In this study, heat transport across the ASF is investigated using eddy- and tide-resolving, process-oriented simulations. It is found that freshening of the fresh coastal waters leads to increased shoreward heat flux, which implies a positive feedback in a warming climate: Increased meltwater will increase shoreward heat transport, causing further melt of ice shelves.
Inter-organelle cross-talk supports acetyl-coenzyme A homeostasis and lipogenesis under metabolic stress
Authors: Kuna Ramya S. , Kumar Avi , Wessendorf-Rodriguez Karl A. , Galvez Hector , Green Courtney R. , McGregor Grace H. , Cordes Thekla , Shaw Reuben J. , Svensson Robert U. , Metallo Christian M.
Published: May 2023

Proliferating cells rely on acetyl-CoA to support membrane biogenesis and acetylation. Several organelle-specific pathways are available for provision of acetyl-CoA as nutrient availability fluctuates, so understanding how cells maintain acetyl-CoA homeostasis under such stresses is critically important. To this end, we applied
13
C isotope tracing cell lines deficient in these mitochondrial [ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY)]–, cytosolic [acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACSS2)]–, and peroxisomal [peroxisomal biogenesis factor 5 (PEX5)]–dependent pathways. ACLY knockout in multiple cell lines reduced fatty acid synthesis and increased reliance on extracellular lipids or acetate. Knockout of both ACLY and ACSS2 (DKO) severely stunted but did not entirely block proliferation, suggesting that alternate pathways can support acetyl-CoA homeostasis. Metabolic tracing and PEX5 knockout studies link peroxisomal oxidation of exogenous lipids as a major source of acetyl-CoA for lipogenesis and histone acetylation in cells lacking ACLY, highlighting a role for inter-organelle cross-talk in supporting cell survival in response to nutrient fluctuations.
Density declines, richness increases, and composition shifts in stream macroinvertebrates
Authors: Rumschlag Samantha L. , Mahon Michael B. , Jones Devin K. , Battaglin William , Behrens Jonny , Bernhardt Emily S. , Bradley Paul , Brown Ethan , De Laender Frederik , Hill Ryan , Kunz Stefan , Lee Sylvia , Rosi Emma , Schäfer Ralf , Schmidt Travis S. , Simonin Marie , Smalling Kelly , Voss Kristofor , Rohr Jason R.
Published: May 2023

Documenting trends of stream macroinvertebrate biodiversity is challenging because biomonitoring often has limited spatial, temporal, and taxonomic scopes. We analyzed biodiversity and composition of assemblages of >500 genera, spanning 27 years, and 6131 stream sites across forested, grassland, urban, and agricultural land uses throughout the United States. In this dataset, macroinvertebrate density declined by 11% and richness increased by 12.2%, and insect density and richness declined by 23.3 and 6.8%, respectively, over 27 years. In addition, differences in richness and composition between urban and agricultural versus forested and grassland streams have increased over time. Urban and agricultural streams lost the few disturbance-sensitive taxa they once had and gained disturbance-tolerant taxa. These results suggest that current efforts to protect and restore streams are not sufficient to mitigate anthropogenic effects.
Divergent acute versus prolonged pharmacological GLP-1R responses in adult β cell–specific β-arrestin 2 knockout mice
Authors: Bitsi Stavroula , El Eid Liliane , Manchanda Yusman , Oqua Affiong I. , Mohamed Nimco , Hansen Ben , Suba Kinga , Rutter Guy A. , Salem Victoria , Jones Ben , Tomas Alejandra
Published: May 2023

The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is a major type 2 diabetes therapeutic target. Stimulated GLP-1Rs are rapidly desensitized by β-arrestins, scaffolding proteins that not only terminate G protein interactions but also act as independent signaling mediators. Here, we have assessed in vivo glycemic responses to the pharmacological GLP-1R agonist exendin-4 in adult β cell–specific β-arrestin 2 knockout (KO) mice. KOs displayed a sex-dimorphic phenotype consisting of weaker acute responses that improved 6 hours after agonist injection. Similar effects were observed for semaglutide and tirzepatide but not with biased agonist exendin-phe1. Acute cyclic adenosine 5′-monophosphate increases were impaired, but desensitization reduced in KO islets. The former defect was attributed to enhanced β-arrestin 1 and phosphodiesterase 4 activities, while reduced desensitization co-occurred with impaired GLP-1R recycling and lysosomal targeting, increased trans-Golgi network signaling, and reduced GLP-1R ubiquitination. This study has unveiled fundamental aspects of GLP-1R response regulation with direct application to the rational design of GLP-1R–targeting therapeutics.
Coronavirus Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Utilizes Chemokine Interleukin-8 to Facilitate Viral Replication by Regulating Ca
2+
Flux
Authors: Guo Xuyang , Feng Yingtong , Zhao Xiaojing , Qiao Shuang , Ma Zhiqian , Li Zhiwei , Zheng Haixue , Xiao Shuqi
Published: May 2023

Coronavirus porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a highly contagious enteric coronavirus that caused severe economic losses worldwide, and more effort is needed to develop economical and efficient vaccines to control or eliminate this disease. The chemokine interleukin-8 (CXCL8/IL-8) is indispensable for the activation and trafficking of inflammatory mediators and tumor progression and metastasis.
HDAC6 Degrades nsp8 of Porcine Deltacoronavirus through Deacetylation and Ubiquitination to Inhibit Viral Replication
Authors: Li Zhuang , Duan Panpan , Qiu Runhui , Fang Liurong , Fang Puxian , Xiao Shaobo
Published: May 2023

As an emerging enteropathogenic coronavirus with zoonotic potential, porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) has sparked tremendous attention. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a critical deacetylase with both deacetylase activity and ubiquitin E3 ligase activity and is extensively involved in many important physiological processes.
Clinical, Bacteriological, and Genetic Characterization of Bone and Joint Infections Involving Linezolid-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis: a Retrospective Multicenter Study in French Reference Centers
Authors: Coustillères François , Renault Victor , Corvec Stéphane , Dupieux Céline , Simões Patricia Martins , Lartigue Marie Frédérique , Plouzeau-Jayle Chloé , Tande Didier , Lamoureux Claudie , Lemarié Carole , Chenouard Rachel , Laurent Frédéric , Lemaignen Adrien , Bémer Pascale ,   the CRIOGO (Centre de Référence des Infections Ostéo-articulaires du Grand Ouest) Study Team, Caubrière Marin , Lemarie Carole , Chenouard Rachel , Vildy Amandine , Ansart Séverine , Quaesaet Luc , Stindel Eric , Tande Didier , Lamoureux Claudie , Greves Anaïs , Boutoille David , Lecomte Raphaël , Deschanvres Colin , Nich Christophe , Crenn Vincent , Bémer Pascale , Corvec Stéphane , Ruffier d’Epenoux Louise , Bourigault Céline , Troussier Barbara , Plantard Barbara , Cazenave-Roblot France , Le Moal Gwenaël , Pries Pierre , Plouzeau-Jayle Chloé , Thomas Céline , Arvieux Cédric , Baldeyrou Marion , Common Harold , Cattoir Vincent , Méheut Anne , Bernard Louis , Lemaignen Adrien , Lacasse Marion , Rosset Philippe , Le Nail Louis-Romée , Lartigue Marie-Frédérique , Laplaige Isabelle
Published: May 2023

The manuscript describes the emergence of clonal linezolid-resistant strains of
Staphylococcus epidermidis
(LR-MDRSE) isolated from patients presenting with bone and joint infections. Incidence of LR-MDRSE increased over the study period.
Use of interviewer-administered telephone surveys during infectious disease outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics: a scoping review
Authors: Arita Sayaka , Ba Mouhamadou Faly , Traoré Zoumana , Bonnet Emmanuel , Faye Adama , Ridde Valéry
Published: May 2023

Introduction

During the COVID-19 crisis, researchers had to collect data remotely. Telephone surveys and interviews can quickly gather data from a distance without heavy expense. Although interviewer-administered telephone surveys (IATS) can accommodate the needs of international public health research, the literature on their use during infectious disease outbreaks is scarce. This scoping review aimed to map the characteristics of IATS during infectious disease outbreaks.

Methods

IATS conducted principally during infectious disease outbreaks and answered by informants at least 18 years old were searched from PubMed and EBSCO. There was a manual addition of relevant documents identified during an initial search. Overall trends were reported using different groupings, including WHO regions, and study details were compared before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

70 IATS published between 2003 and 2022 were identified. 57.1% were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among 30 IATS conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic in the world, only 3.3% were carried out in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). This percentage of studies in LMICs out of all the IATS rose to 32.5% during the pandemic. The share of qualitative studies grew from 6.7% before the COVID-19 outbreak to 32.5% during the outbreak. IATS performed during the COVID-19 pandemic focused on more diverse, specific population groups, such as patients and healthcare professionals. Mobile phones are increasingly used for IATS over time.

Conclusion

IATS are used globally with high frequency in the Western Pacific Region and high-income countries. Technical and financial challenges continue to exist, and assessments of inclusiveness and representativeness should be carefully conducted. A lack of details related to methods was observed, and this scoping review urges researchers using this data collection method in the future to specify how they executed IATS for better use and more efficient deployment.