bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downstream Process of Xylanase Production from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches: A Review
Authors: Simanjuntak Berlian , Julian Helen , Kresnowati M T A P
Published: June 2022

As an enzyme that can hydrolyze the glycosidic bond of hemicellulose, xylanase is widely used in pulp and paper, feed, food, and beverage industries. The vast availability of lignocellulosic biomass waste offers the potential of xylanase production by microorganisms via submerged and solid-state fermentation. However, the specific activity of the produced crude enzyme is still too low to be directly used in a commercial application. Downstream processing of the enzyme, that is purification and concentration, is necessary. Centrifugation or filtration can be used as a pre-treatment process for biomass separation before the next purification technologies. Precipitation, aqueous two-phase system (ATPS), chromatography, and membrane ultrafiltration (UF) are technologies for enzyme purification. Freeze drying can be used also as a late-stage purification procedure. ATPS and membrane UF have been emerged as a recovery method enabling the purification and concentration of the target biomolecule in a single operation. The downstream process of an enzyme usually accounts for 70-90% of the total production cost. Nonetheless set of purification methods that have high purification factors, cost-effective, high productivity, and environmentally benign strategies are needed such that the xylanase production process can be conducted economically at an industrial/commercial scale. This paper reviews processes for xylanase purification/concentration produced by using solid-state fermentation configuration. A membrane-based process for downstream processing of xylanase production is suggested.
Metal-phosphorus network on Pt(111)
Authors: Zhang Junqiu , Dong Xingxing , Xu Shaogang , Xia Yipu , Ho Wingkin , Xu Hu , Xie Maohai
Published: June 2022

Phosphorus (P) has been predicted to possess many two-dimensional (2D) allotropes, which have attracted intensive research attention due to their excellent properties and application promises. While only 2D black P films have been successfully obtained by the exfoliation method, fabrication of other phosphorus structures by epitaxial growth remains challenging. Recently, the metal-phosphorus network (MPhoN), a superstructure consisted of P and metal atoms has been realized, which offers a wider platform to study P and related compounds. In this paper, we report the observation of platinum-phosphorus networks obtained by P adsorption on Pt(111). Our findings not only enrich the diverse structures of the MPhoN family but also provide insights into the formation mechanism of epitaxial P and its interaction with the noble metal substrate.
Development of nanometer-thick graphite film extreme ultraviolet pellicle with hydrogen-resistant TiN capping layer
Authors: Yeo Jin-Ho , Nam Ki-Bong , Kang Gil-Seon , Hu Qicheng , Jeong Chang-Young , Park Young-Soo , Lee Seok Jong , Jung Jaesun , Lee Seung Hyun , Cho Deok Hyun , Kim Mun-Ja , Yoo Ji-Beom
Published: June 2022

TiN has beneficial physicochemical properties, such as high hardness, good chemical inertness, and good corrosion resistance. TiN has been used for optical filters and protective coatings to exploit these properties. We deposited TiN using atomic layer deposition as a capping layer for a pellicle. We investigated the hydrogen plasma resistance using Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. As the hydrogen plasma exposure time increased, bonds formed between the TiN film and nitrogen compounds. With long-term exposure, the thickness of the TiN film decreased owing to etching.
2022 roadmap on low temperature electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Stephens Ifan E L , Chan Karen , Bagger Alexander , Boettcher Shannon W , Bonin Julien , Boutin Etienne , Buckley Aya K , Buonsanti Raffaella , Cave Etosha R , Chang Xiaoxia , Chee See Wee , da Silva Alisson H M , de Luna Phil , Einsle Oliver , Endrődi Balázs , Escudero-Escribano Maria , Ferreira de Araujo Jorge V , Figueiredo Marta C , Hahn Christopher , Hansen Kentaro U , Haussener Sophia , Hunegnaw Sara , Huo Ziyang , Hwang Yun Jeong , Janáky Csaba , Jayathilake Buddhinie S , Jiao Feng , Jovanov Zarko P , Karimi Parisa , Koper Marc T M , Kuhl Kendra P , Lee Woong Hee , Liang Zhiqin , Liu Xuan , Ma Sichao , Ma Ming , Oh Hyung-Suk , Robert Marc , Cuenya Beatriz Roldan , Rossmeisl Jan , Roy Claudie , Ryan Mary P , Sargent Edward H , Sebastián-Pascual Paula , Seger Brian , Steier Ludmilla , Strasser Peter , Varela Ana Sofia , Vos Rafaël E , Wang Xue , Xu Bingjun , Yadegari Hossein , Zhou Yuxiang
Published: June 2022

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2R) is an attractive option for storing renewable electricity and for the sustainable production of valuable chemicals and fuels. In this roadmap, we review recent progress in fundamental understanding, catalyst development, and in engineering and scale-up. We discuss the outstanding challenges towards commercialization of electrochemical CO2R technology: energy efficiencies, selectivities, low current densities, and stability. We highlight the opportunities in establishing rigorous standards for benchmarking performance, advances in in operando characterization, the discovery of new materials towards high value products, the investigation of phenomena across multiple-length scales and the application of data science towards doing so. We hope that this collective perspective sparks new research activities that ultimately bring us a step closer towards establishing a low- or zero-emission carbon cycle.
fdrci: FDR confidence interval selection and adjustment for large-scale hypothesis testing
Authors: Millstein Joshua , Battaglin Francesca , Arai Hiroyuki , Zhang Wu , Jayachandran Priya , Soni Shivani , Parikh Aparna R , Mancao Christoph , Lenz Heinz-Josef
Published: June 2022

Motivation

Approaches that control error by applying a priori fixed discovery thresholds such as 0.05 limit the ability of investigators to identify and publish weak effects even when evidence suggests that such effects exist. However, current false discovery rate (FDR) estimation methods lack a principled approach for post hoc identification of discovery thresholds other than 0.05.

Results

We describe a flexible approach that hinges on the precision of a permutation-based FDR estimator. A series of discovery thresholds are proposed, and an FDR confidence interval selection and adjustment technique is used to identify intervals that do not cover one, implying that some discoveries are expected to be true. We report an application to a transcriptome-wide association study of the MAVERICC clinical trial involving patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Several genes are identified whose predicted expression is associated with progression-free or overall survival.

Availability and implementation

Software is provided via the CRAN repository (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/fdrci/index.html).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Advances online.
MiMIR: R-shiny application to infer risk factors and endpoints from Nightingale Health’s 1H-NMR metabolomics data
Authors: Bizzarri D , Reinders M J T , Beekman M , Slagboom P E , van den Akker E B
Published: June 2022

Motivation

1H-NMR metabolomics is rapidly becoming a standard resource in large epidemiological studies to acquire metabolic profiles in large numbers of samples in a relatively low-priced and standardized manner. Concomitantly, metabolomics-based models are increasingly developed that capture disease risk or clinical risk factors. These developments raise the need for user-friendly toolbox to inspect new 1H-NMR metabolomics data and project a wide array of previously established risk models.

Results

We present MiMIR (Metabolomics-based Models for Imputing Risk), a graphical user interface that provides an intuitive framework for ad hoc statistical analysis of Nightingale Health’s 1H-NMR metabolomics data and allows for the projection and calibration of 24 pre-trained metabolomics-based models, without any pre-required programming knowledge.

Availability and implementation

The R-shiny package is available in CRAN or downloadable at https://github.com/DanieleBizzarri/MiMIR, together with an extensive user manual (also available as Supplementary Documents to the article).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
hapCon: estimating contamination of ancient genomes by copying from reference haplotypes
Authors: Huang Yilei , Ringbauer Harald
Published: June 2022

Motivation

Human ancient DNA (aDNA) studies have surged in recent years, revolutionizing the study of the human past. Typically, aDNA is preserved poorly, making such data prone to contamination from other human DNA. Therefore, it is important to rule out substantial contamination before proceeding to downstream analysis. As most aDNA samples can only be sequenced to low coverages (<1× average depth), computational methods that can robustly estimate contamination in the low coverage regime are needed. However, the ultra low-coverage regime (0.1× and below) remains a challenging task for existing approaches.

Results

We present a new method to estimate contamination in aDNA for male modern humans. It utilizes a Li&Stephens haplotype copying model for haploid X chromosomes, with mismatches modeled as errors or contamination. We assessed this new approach, hapCon, on simulated and down-sampled empirical aDNA data. Our experiments demonstrate that hapCon outperforms a commonly used tool for estimating male X contamination (ANGSD), with substantially lower variance and narrower confidence intervals, especially in the low coverage regime. We found that hapCon provides useful contamination estimates for coverages as low as 0.1× for SNP capture data (1240k) and 0.02× for whole genome sequencing data, substantially extending the coverage limit of previous male X chromosome-based contamination estimation methods. Our experiments demonstrate that hapCon has little bias for contamination up to 25–30% as long as the contaminating source is specified within continental genetic variation, and that its application range extends to human aDNA as old as ∼45 000 and various global ancestries.

Availability and implementation

We make hapCon available as part of a python package (hapROH), which is available at the Python Package Index (https://pypi.org/project/hapROH) and can be installed via pip. The documentation provides example use cases as blueprints for custom applications (https://haproh.readthedocs.io/en/latest/hapCon.html). The program can analyze either BAM files or pileup files produced with samtools. An implementation of our software (hapCon) using Python and C is deposited at https://github.com/hyl317/hapROH.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
MetBP: a software tool for detection of interaction between metal ion–RNA base pairs
Authors: Roy Parthajit , Bhattacharyya Dhananjay
Published: June 2022

Motivation

The role of metals in shaping and functioning of RNA is a well-established fact, and the understanding of that through the analysis of structural data has biological relevance. Often metal ions bind to one or more atoms of the nucleobase of an RNA. This fact becomes more interesting when such bases form a base pair with any other base. Furthermore, when metal ions bind to any residue of an RNA, the secondary structural features of the residue (helix, loop, unpaired, etc.) are also biologically important. The available metal-binding-related software tools cannot address such type-specific queries.

Results

To fill this limitation, we have designed a software tool, called MetBP that meets the goal. This tool is a stand-alone command-line-based tool and has no dependency on the other existing software. It accepts a structure file in mmCIF or PDB format and computes the base pairs and thereafter reports all metals that bind to one or more nucleotides that form pairs with another. It reports binding distance, angles along with base pair stability. It also reports several other important aspects, e.g. secondary structure of the residue in the RNA. MetBP can be used as a generalized metal-binding site detection tool for Proteins and DNA as well.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/computational-biology/metbp

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Low-voltage area substrate modification for atrial fibrillation ablation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Junarta Joey , Siddiqui Muhammad U , Riley Joshua M , Dikdan Sean J , Patel Akash , Frisch Daniel R
Published: June 2022

Aims

The value of additional ablation beyond pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is unclear, especially for persistent AF. The optimal target for substrate modification to improve outcomes is uncertain. We investigate the utility of low-voltage area (LVA) substrate modification in patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF.

Methods and results

This meta-analysis was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Medline, Scopus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Only randomized studies were included. AF patients who underwent catheter ablation with voltage-guided substrate modification targeting LVA (LVA group) vs. conventional ablation approaches not targeting LVA (non-LVA group) were compared. Four studies comprising 539 patients were included (36% female). Freedom from arrhythmia (FFA) in patients with persistent AF was greater in the LVA group [risk ratio (RR) 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.64]. There was no difference in FFA in patients with paroxysmal AF between groups (RR 1.30; 95% CI 0.89–1.91). There was no difference in total procedural time (mean difference −17.54 min; 95% CI −64.37 to 29.28 min) or total ablation time (mean difference −36.17 min; 95% CI −93.69 to 21.35 min) in all included patients regardless of AF type between groups. There was no difference in periprocedural complications between groups in all included patients regardless of AF type (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.22–3.82).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis demonstrates improved FFA in persistent AF patients who underwent voltage-guided substrate modification targeting LVA.
Object Handling for People With Dementia: A Scoping Review and the Development of Intervention Guidance
Authors: D’Andrea Federica , Dening Tom , Tischler Victoria
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives

Among the various psychosocial interventions aiming at improving behavior, quality of life, and the well-being of people with dementia, one that has attracted recent attention has been object handling. This scoping review synthesizes available studies on object handling for people with dementia, their effects, and methodological characteristics and describes its components and likely domains.

Research Design and Methods

The search was conducted using CINAHL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, Academic Search Elite, and Art Full Text, plus review of reference lists and hand search. Data from the studies included were chattered and reported in narrative form.

Results

Eleven studies were included; of which, 9 described a group intervention and 10 investigated the distinctive value of heritage items. Studies used a mixed-methods or qualitative design and varied in their procedures, including number of sessions and length of intervention. Most studies reported positive effects on well-being, mood, and emotion in those with dementia. Qualitative investigations revealed that the co-construction of an object’s meaning facilitated new learning, social inclusion, and change in attitudes toward dementia. From the review and stakeholder consultations, a definition of object handling is proposed, which includes three components: presenting, receiving, and responding.

Discussion and Implications

The findings suggest that people with dementia may benefit from object handling interventions as a means of improving well-being, mood, and social inclusion. The review highlighted a variety of approaches used and a small number of studies were identified under the term of “object handling.” Further studies are needed to examine the complexity of object handling, its impact within dementia care settings, and that explicitly use the term “object handling.” Given the focus to date on heritage, archive, and museum objects, more studies involving the handling of everyday material objects are needed because these are by definition highly accessible.
Aging and the Left Behind: Puerto Rico and Its Unconventional Rapid Aging
Authors: Matos-Moreno Amílcar , Verdery Ashton M , Mendes de Leon Carlos F , De Jesús-Monge Vivianna M , Santos-Lozada Alexis R
Published: June 2022

Puerto Rico is aging more rapidly than almost any country, with 2020 estimates placing its population share of adults older than 65 as being the 10th highest in the world. Unlike most locales, Puerto Rico’s aging is driven by both (a) the culmination of long-running fertility and mortality trends and (b) high levels of outmigration of working-age adults, which contributes both directly (removal of young people) and indirectly (reduced births) to its pace of population aging. This article offers an overview of the main issues surrounding population aging in Puerto Rico. Policymakers and government leaders must plan for Puerto Rico’s unconventional population aging, which will exacerbate traditional concerns about the sustainability of government services and long-term economic prospects. Additional concerns emerge related to reduced social support networks and their impact on caregiving dynamics and implications for health. Puerto Rico’s unique history and political relationship with the United States present challenges and benefits for its aging population. Research on aging in Puerto Rico and public health policies must adapt to the needs of the country’s aging society.
Establishing political priority for global mental health: a qualitative policy analysis
Authors: Iemmi Valentina
Published: June 2022

Mental disorders represent the leading cause of disability worldwide, yet they remain a low global health priority. This paper uses a case study methodology and different data sources (35 interviews and documents) to analyse factors that have shaped the generation of political priority for global mental health over the past three decades (1990–2020) and their changes over time. The Shiffman and Smith framework on determinants of political priority for global health issues is used to organize data into themes: actor power, ideas, political context and issue characteristics. Global mental health has gained political attention, especially over the past decade, yet support remains limited. Findings reveal that actor power is undermined by a fragmented policy community, the absence of one guiding institution or coordination mechanism and little civil society mobilization. Public portrayal of the issue is divided, hampered by the absence of a common understanding by the community and by stigma. Some policy windows have been missed and a strong global governance structure is lacking. Credible indicators and evidence on simple cost-effective solutions, especially in low- and middle-income countries, are scarce. However, opportunities are arising, including an increasing number of leaders and grassroots organizations, multiple arguments for action and integrated solutions resonating with broader audiences, widening political support at the national level, an emerging global governance structure and an expanding evidence base on the scale of the problem and available solutions. The results point to three technical and four political challenges that advocates need to address to increase political support over the next decade.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and related factors among COVID-19 patients during the fourth wave of the pandemic in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Bac , Nguyen Thi Hong Minh , Vo Thi Hong Nhan , Vo Thi Cam Nhung , Nguyen Duc Nguyet Quynh , Nguyen Huu-Thinh , Tang Tuan-Ngan , Nguyen Thi-Hiep , Do Van Trang , Truong Quang Binh
Published: June 2022

Background

This study investigated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and their related factors among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients during the fourth wave of the pandemic in Vietnam.

Methods

Vietnamese-fluent confirmed COVID-19 patients for at least 3 d were recruited in this online cross-sectional study to answer a three-part questionnaire including participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, PTSD (Impact of Event Scale-Revised) and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Associated factors were determined using multivariable binary logistic regression models.

Results

Of 1544 responses, the majority were female (53.0%), ages 18–39 y (74.8%) and were isolated and treated at field hospitals (72.2%). Family or friends were the greatest sources of mental support (68.2%), followed by healthcare providers (51.1%). The overall prevalence rates of PTSD, anxiety and depression among COVID-19 patients were 22.9%, 11.2% and 17.4%, respectively. Risk factors included older age, higher education, getting infected from the public, knowing someone who died from COVID-19 and high perception of life threat. Meanwhile, mental assistance from family or friends, a greater number of supporters, living with someone not vulnerable and higher salaries were significantly protective factors.

Conclusions

The psychological responses associated with some sociodemographic details. Family or friends should be the first line of mental interventions for COVID-19 patients.
Distributions Distract: How Distributions on Attribute Filters and Other Tools Affect Consumer Judgments
Authors: Davis Derick F
Published: June 2022

Firms and other entities provide category-level product attribute information via attribute filters and other tools to aid consumers in filtering, evaluating, comparing, and choosing products. This research examines how displaying this information as a range with or without the distribution of values systematically affects judgments involving attribute value comparisons. Specifically, distributions draw attention away from attribute values, reducing the importance of attribute value differences. With this reduced importance, consumers are less sensitive to attribute value differences; thus, consumers evaluate individual products more positively as they seem more similar to the best available option. Likewise, wider bands of attribute values are selected when filtering product options, as the minimum and maximum values chosen seem less different. Reduced sensitivity to differences also has implications for choices involving tradeoffs between attributes. Importantly, the presence of a distribution itself is the primary driver of this effect, more so than distribution type, as the effect is largely independent of the type of distribution displayed (e.g., normal, bimodal, skewed, uniform). Across six main and seven supplemental experiments, this research highlights a novel consideration for how consumers filter options, form preferences, and choose products. These findings have practical implications and highlight important topics for future research.
A survey of sodium absorption in 10 giant exoplanets with high-resolution transmission spectroscopy
Authors: Langeveld Adam B , Madhusudhan Nikku , Cabot Samuel H C
Published: June 2022

The alkali metal sodium (Na) is one of the most commonly detected chemical species in the upper atmospheres of giant exoplanets. In this work, we conducted a homogeneous survey of Na in a diverse sample of 10 highly irradiated giant exoplanets using high-resolution transmission spectroscopy. Our sample includes nine planets with previous Na detections and one new detection. We confirm previous detections and assess multiple approaches for deriving Na line properties from high-resolution transmission spectra. The homogeneously measured sodium line depths were used to constrain the atmospheric heights (HNa) with respect to the planetary radii (Rp). We assess an empirical trend describing the relative atmospheric height (HNa/Rp) as a function of planetary equilibrium temperature (Teq) and surface gravity (g), in which HNa/Rp decreases exponentially with ξ ∝ gTeq, approaching a constant at large ξ. We also report the sodium D2/D1 line ratios across our sample and find that seven targets have line ratios that are consistent with unity. Finally, we measured net blueshifted offsets of the sodium absorption lines from their rest frame wavelengths for all 10 planets, corresponding to day–night wind velocities of a few km s−1. This suggests that the broad sample of exoplanets share common underlying processes that govern atmospheric dynamics. Our study highlights a promising avenue for using high-resolution transmission spectroscopy to further our understanding of how atmospheric characteristics vary over a diverse sample of exoplanets.
Discovering vanishing objects in POSS I red images using the Virtual Observatory
Authors: Solano Enrique , Villarroel B , Rodrigo C
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we report a search for vanishing sources in POSS I red images using virtual observatory (VO) archives, tools, and services. The search, conducted in the framework of the VASCO project, aims at finding POSS I (red) sources not present in recent catalogues like Pan-STARRS DR2 (limiting magnitude r = 21.4) or Gaia EDR3 (limiting magnitude G = 21). We found 298 165 sources visible only in POSS I plates, out of which 288 770 had a cross-match within 5 arcsec in other archives (mainly in the infrared), 189 were classified as asteroids, 35 as variable objects, 3592 as artefacts from the comparison to a second digitization (Supercosmos), and 180 as high proper motion objects without information on proper motion in Gaia EDR3. The remaining unidentified transients (5399) as well as the 172 163 sources not detected in the optical but identified in the infrared regime are available from a VO compliant archive and can be of interest in searches for strong M-dwarf flares, high-redshift supernovae, asteroids, or other categories of unidentified red transients. No point sources were detected by both POSS-I and POSS-II before vanishing, setting the rate of failed supernovae in the Milky Way during 70 yr to less than one in one billion.
Formation of periodic FRB in binary systems with eccentricity
Authors: Barkov Maxim V , Popov Sergei B
Published: June 2022

Long-term periodicity in the rate of flares is observed for two repeating sources of fast radio bursts (FRBs). In this paper, we present a hydrodynamical modelling of a massive binary consisting of a magnetar and an early-type star. We model the interaction of the pulsar wind from the magnetar with an intense stellar wind. It is shown that only during a fraction of the orbital period, radio emission can escape the system. This explains the duty cycle of the two repeating FRB sources with periodic activity. The width of the transparency window depends on the eccentricity, stellar wind properties, and the viewing angle. To describe the properties of the known sources, it is necessary to assume large eccentricities ≳0.5. We apply the maser cyclotron mechanism of the radio emission generation to model spectral properties of the sources. The produced spectrum is not wide: Δν/ν ∼ 0.2 and the typical frequency depends on the radius of the shock where the emission is generated. The shock radius changes along the orbit. This, together with changing parameters of the medium, allows us to explain the frequency drift during the phase of visibility. Frequency dependence of the degree of polarization at few GHz can be a consequence of a small-scale turbulence in the shocked stellar wind. It is much more difficult to explain huge (∼105 rad/m2) and variable value of the rotation measure observed for FRB 121102. We suggest that this can be explained if the supernova explosion, which produced the magnetar happened near a dense interstellar cloud with n ∼ 100 cm−3.
The peculiar spectral evolution of the new X-ray transient MAXI J0637–430
Authors: Ma R C , Soria R , Tao L , Zhang W , Qu J L , Zhang S N , Zhang L , Qiao E L , Zhao S J , Ge M Y , Li X B , Huang Y , Song L M , Zhang S , Bu Q C , Wang Y N , Ma X , Jia S M
Published: June 2022

We studied the transient Galactic black hole candidate MAXI J0637−430 with data from Insight-HXMT, Swift, and XMM–Newton. The broad-band X-ray observations from Insight-HXMT help us constrain the power-law component. MAXI J0637–430 is located at unusually high Galactic latitude; if it belongs to the Galactic thick disc, we suggest a most likely distance ≲7 kpc. Compared with other black hole transients, MAXI J0637–430 is also unusual for other reasons: a fast transition to the thermal dominant state at the start of the outburst; a low peak temperature and luminosity (we estimate them at ≈0.7 keV and ≲0.1 times Eddington, respectively); a short decline time-scale; a low soft-to-hard transition luminosity (≲0.01 times Eddington). We argue that such properties are consistent with a small binary separation, short binary period (P ∼ 2 h), and low-mass donor star (M2 ∼ 0.2 M⊙). Moreover, spectral modelling shows that a single disc blackbody component is not a good fit to the thermal emission. Soft spectral residuals, and deviations from the standard $L_{\rm disc} \propto T_{\rm in}^4$ relation, suggest the need for a second thermal component. We propose and discuss various scenarios for such component, in addition to those presented in previous studies of this source. For example, a gap in the accretion disc between a hotter inner ring near the innermost stable orbit, and a cooler outer disc. Another possibility is that the second thermal component is the thermal plasma emission from an ionized outflow.
Role of aIF5B in archaeal translation initiation
Authors: Kazan Ramy , Bourgeois Gabrielle , Lazennec-Schurdevin Christine , Larquet Eric , Mechulam Yves , Coureux Pierre-Damien , Schmitt Emmanuelle
Published: June 2022

In eukaryotes and in archaea late steps of translation initiation involve the two initiation factors e/aIF5B and e/aIF1A. In eukaryotes, the role of eIF5B in ribosomal subunit joining is established and structural data showing eIF5B bound to the full ribosome were obtained. To achieve its function, eIF5B collaborates with eIF1A. However, structural data illustrating how these two factors interact on the small ribosomal subunit have long been awaited. The role of the archaeal counterparts, aIF5B and aIF1A, remains to be extensively addressed. Here, we study the late steps of Pyrococcus abyssi translation initiation. Using in vitro reconstituted initiation complexes and light scattering, we show that aIF5B bound to GTP accelerates subunit joining without the need for GTP hydrolysis. We report the crystallographic structures of aIF5B bound to GDP and GTP and analyze domain movements associated to these two nucleotide states. Finally, we present the cryo-EM structure of an initiation complex containing 30S bound to mRNA, Met-tRNAiMet, aIF5B and aIF1A at 2.7 Å resolution. Structural data shows how archaeal 5B and 1A factors cooperate to induce a conformation of the initiator tRNA favorable to subunit joining. Archaeal and eukaryotic features of late steps of translation initiation are discussed.
The flexibility of proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in plants
Authors: Lu Nan , Jun Ji Hyung , Liu Chenggang , Dixon Richard A
Published: June 2022

Plants have evolved different routes for the synthesis and assembly of the building blocks of proanthocyanidins.
Governance and societal impact of blockchain-based self-sovereign identities
Authors: Benchaya Gans Rachel , Ubacht Jolien , Janssen Marijn
Published: June 2022

Traditionally, governments and companies store data to identify persons for services provision and interactions. The rise of self-sovereign identities (SSIs) based on blockchain technologies provides individuals with ownership and control over their personal data and allows them to share their data with others using a sort of “digital safe.” Fundamentally, people have the sole ownership of their identity data and control when and how it is shared, protecting their privacy. As these data need to be validated to be trusted, they may become a more important data source for digital information sharing and transactions than the formal source of identity controlled by governments. Furthermore, SSIs can be used for interacting digitally with any organization. These developments change the relationship between government, companies, and individuals. We explore information sharing and governance in the digital society using blockchain-based SSIs. In addition, the impact of SSIs on data storage in the digital world is assessed. Technology enactment might result in no greater control or privacy and might only reinforce current practices. Finally, we argue that regulation and a combination of centralized and decentralized governance are still required to avoid misuse and ensure that envisaged benefits are realized.
Risk factors associated with non-vaccination in Gambian children: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Young Benjamin , Sarwar Golam , Hossain Ilias , Mackenzie Grant
Published: June 2022

Background

We determined the risk factors associated with unvaccinated children in rural Gambia.

Methods

We conducted prospective demographic surveillance and recorded immunisations in real time in the Upper River Region, The Gambia. Analysis included residents born from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016. Data included age, sex, household members and relationships, migrations, births, deaths, ethnicity, residential location and birth type. Children were defined as unvaccinated at 10, 15 and 24 mo of age if they missed all primary series doses (pentavalent, oral polio and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines), secondary series (first dose measles and yellow fever vaccines) or both vaccination series, respectively. Logistic regressions measured the association between risk factors and being unvaccinated.

Results

In total, 5% (1567/30 832) of infants born during the study period and who were residents at the age of 10 mo were unvaccinated. Being unvaccinated at 10 mo of age was associated with children; who did not reside with either parent (adjusted OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.60 to 3.19), whose parents were not the head of household (1.29, 1.09 to 1.52), who had experienced immigration (2.78, 1.52 to 5.08) or who were not of Mandinka ethnicity (between 1.57 and 1.85 for other ethnicities).

Conclusions

Family characteristics are associated with unimmunised children in rural Gambia. Our findings may inform strategies to increase vaccine coverage.
Loss ofDrosophila NUS1results in cholesterol accumulation and Parkinson’s disease‐related neurodegeneration
Authors: Xue Jin , Zhu Yingbao , Wei Liyi , Huang Hongjing , Li Guangxu , Huang Wen , Zhu Hua , Duan Ranhui
Published: June 2022

NgBR is the Nogo‐B receptor, encoded byNUS1gene. As NgBR contains a C‐terminal domain that is similar to cis‐isoprenyltransferase (cis‐IPTase), NgBR was speculated to stabilize nascent Niemann‐Pick type C 2 (NPC2) to facilitate cholesterol transport out of lysosomes. Mutations in theNUS1were known as risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD). In our previous study, it was shown that knockdown ofDrosophila NUS1orthologous genetango14causes decreased climbing ability, loss of dopaminergic neurons, and decreased dopamine contents. In this study,tango14mutant flies were generated with a mutation in the C‐terminal enzyme activity region using CRISPR/Cas9.Tango14mutant showed a reduced lifespan with locomotive defects and cholesterol accumulation in Malpighian tubules and brains, especially in dopaminergic neurons. Multilamellar bodies were found intango14mutants using electron microscopy. Neurodegenerative‐related brain vacuolization was also detected intango14knockdown flies in an age‐dependent manner. In addition,tango14knockdown increased α‐synuclein (α‐syn) neurotoxicity in α‐syn‐overexpressing flies, with decreased locomotive activities, dopamine contents, and the numbers of dopaminergic neurons in aging flies. Thus, these observations suggest a role ofNUS1, the ortholog oftango14, in PD‐related pathogenesis.
Effectiveness of a Clay Pelvic Model
Authors: Chong Woojin , Tran Nhi , Bui Anthony
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND:

Understanding pelvic anatomy is an important part of education during obstetrics and gynecology residency. Traditional teaching methods to learn pelvic anatomy have obstacles and are often costly.

METHOD:

We provide a self-constructed clay pelvic model to aid in the mastery of pelvic anatomy for obstetrics and gynecology residents and to estimate whether building a clay pelvic model would increase residents' confidence and knowledge in pelvic anatomy.

EXPERIENCE:

Each resident constructed a clay pelvic model on a bony pelvis, along with the traditional didactic on pelvic anatomy. Demographics of the participants were obtained, followed by a knowledge test and confidence level and satisfaction surveys. Descriptive analysis and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for data analysis. Nine residents (three postgraduate year [PGY]-1, one PGY-2, two PGY-3, three PGY-4) completed the knowledge and confidence questions before and after the simulation, along with the satisfaction survey. The median score from the 10 multiple-choice knowledge questions was 50% (30–70%) on the pretest and 70% (40–100%) on the posttest (P=not significant). Although most residents scored higher on the posttest, two residents scored 10% lower. Overall, 66.7% of residents improved their knowledge scores up to 30% after the simulation session. Self-assessed confidence level scores improved from 2–3 to 4 (1, lowest; 5, highest) for all questions asked (P=.010 to approximately .019). A majority of residents responded with 4 or 5 to the satisfaction statements.

CONCLUSION:

A low-budget clay pelvic model is easy to build and did increase residents' confidence in pelvic anatomy knowledge and satisfaction. Self-constructing a clay pelvic model would provide an excellent way of reviewing the major landmarks of pelvic anatomy.
Outpatient Use of Monoclonal Antibodies in Pregnant Individuals With Mild or Moderate Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Eid Joe , Abdelwahab Mahmoud , Williams Hayley , Lehman Joy , Malvestutto Carlos , Landon Mark B. , Costantine Maged M. , Rood Kara M.
Published: June 2022

Treatment with monoclonal antibodies has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and disease progression among high-risk patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pregnant individuals were excluded from the original trials. In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we evaluated whether monoclonal antibody treatment in pregnant individuals is associated with decreased risk of hospitalization. Outcomes of patients who received the treatment were compared with those who were eligible but did not receive the treatment. Analyses were stratified by vaccination status. Unvaccinated pregnant patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 who received outpatient monoclonal antibodies were less likely to be admitted to the hospital (4.2% vs 15.7%, odds ratio 0.24, 95% CI 0.07–0.74), whereas among vaccinated patients, the treatment was not associated with a lower rate of hospitalization (2.3% vs 0%, P=.99).
U.S. Black Women and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Preexposure Prophylaxis Implementation
Authors: Hoover Karen W. , Kourtis Athena P. , Smith Dawn K.
Published: June 2022

Black women are disproportionately affected by the U.S. human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a safe and effective intervention for HIV prevention. Increased PrEP implementation is a pillar of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative. However, PrEP has been used by a smaller proportion of women with PrEP indications compared with men. The goals of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative can be achieved only by increasing PrEP use among Black women. Obstetricians and gynecologists are uniquely poised to provide PrEP services for women. We describe the need for community-to-clinic models to overcome the barriers to PrEP use by Black women and a roadmap for clinician and community organization collaboration to increase access to and use of PrEP by Black women.
Incidental Detection of Maternal Malignancy by Fetal Cell-Free DNA Screening
Authors: Rink Britton D. , Stevens Blair K. , Norton Mary E.
Published: June 2022

Cell-free DNA is an advancing technology with increasing applications in screening, diagnosis, and treatment for several disease processes. The shared physiologic, genetic, and epigenetic characteristics of placental physiology and tumor development have become apparent to both clinicians and researchers. Maternal malignancy has been reported as a cause of false-positive prenatal cell-free DNA screening results. The detection of multiple aneuploidies or a single autosomal monosomy increases the chance for an underlying maternal malignancy when the result is discordant with fetal diagnostic testing. There is currently no consensus guideline on counseling and evaluation of patients with concern for malignancy from cell-free DNA testing. Furthermore, laboratories differ significantly in reporting policies, terminology, and in reporting strategies and methods used for unexpected or incidental findings. The ordering practitioner is therefore tasked to understand the policies of their laboratory of choice to provide adequate pretest and posttest genetic counseling. In pretest counseling, the potential for incidental or unexpected findings or nonreportable results should be explained. With an abnormal, unanticipated, or nonreportable result, posttest counseling should include a description of possible fetal or maternal diagnoses, including malignancy. Health care professionals should explain options for further evaluation and management, including a recommendation for fetal diagnostic testing. The medical workup recommended by various authors to evaluate cancer risk is based on consensus, experience, and expert opinion. These strategies should incorporate the patient's desire for information, cost, and family and personal medical history. Ongoing research and multi-disciplinary collaboration in this area is critical to identify best practices in management of complex results from this increasingly common screening test.
D2 receptor antagonism enhances cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization in female, but not male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)
Authors: Gill Karin E. , McGarrigle William J. , Neel Anna Isabella , Tonto Derrick O.W. , Greenleaf Kathryn L.
Published: June 2022

Sex differences in cocaine-induced behaviors are well established. In rodents, females show enhanced locomotion to cocaine over multiple trials compared with males, a behavioral response known as sensitization. Estradiol enhances cocaine-induced sensitization in female rats by agonizing dopaminergic activity within the brain. In female quail, cocaine does not increase locomotion regardless of increased estradiol. A higher D2:D1 dopamine receptor ratio in quail compared with rodents may explain this sex and species difference. The goal of the present work was to investigate the role of D2 receptors in cocaine-induced locomotion and sensitization in Japanese quail and to determine whether a greater D2 receptor availability contributed to the lack of cocaine-induced sensitization in female quail found in previous studies. Male and female quail were administered 0, 0.03, 0.05, or 0.07 mg/kg of eticlopride (Eti) followed by 10 mg/kg of cocaine or saline then immediately placed in open-field chambers. Distance traveled was recorded for 30 min daily for 7 days. In female quail, cocaine-induced sensitization was observed with 0.03 or 0.05 mg/kg Eti, but not in cocaine-only females. In male quail, cocaine-induced sensitization was observed similar to previous research. However, Eti did not enhance cocaine-induced locomotion or produce sensitization in male quail. The D2 receptor likely mediates cocaine’s motor stimulating effects in quail. In females, this effect is more pronounced. Since high D2 availability is protective against stimulant abuse, Japanese quail may be a useful model for investigating the role of the D2 receptor in cocaine addiction, but further research is needed.
Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Following Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Yousefifard Mahmoud , Ramezani Fatemeh , Faridaalaee Gholamreza , Baikpour Masoud , Madani Neishaboori Arian , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Hosseini Mostafa , Rahimi-Movaghar Vafa
Published: June 2022

Background

Limited evidence is currently available on the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the prevalence and geographic distribution of PTSD symptoms after SCI.

Methods

After a search in the MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, two reviewers independently summarized relevant studies published through 20 October 2021. Observational studies were included. The studies were eligible if they assessed PTSD symptoms using standard self-report or clinician-based instruments. Data and results were reported using the overall prevalence and the odds ratio (OR), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

24 articles (5646 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms ranged from 6.33% (95% CI, 2.73–13.97) to 61.76% (95% CI, 52.07–70.61). Pooled analysis demonstrated that the overall prevalence of PTSD symptoms in SCI patients was significantly higher in developing countries (41.64%; 95% CI, 31.11–52.55) than in developed countries (19.35%; 95% CI, 14.66–24.51) (OR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08–1.42; p = .003). The highest prevalence of PTSD symptoms was reported in South Africa (56.25%; 95% CI, 47.01–65.08), followed by Sri Lanka (45.71%; 95% CI, 30.47–61.81), and Greece (43.55%; 95% CI, 31.94–55.91). By contrast, Norway (6.33%; 95% CI, 2.73–13.97), Switzerland/Germany (8.65%; 95% CI, 4.8–13.42), and Denmark (10.71%; 95% CI, 6.89–16.30) were found to have the lowest prevalence of PTSD symptoms after SCI.

Conclusion

Many traumatic SCI patients suffer from PTSD symptoms, and their prevalence seems to be higher in developing countries than in developed countries. These findings underscore the need to consider the psychological aspects of traumatic SCI.
Understanding the ins and outs of lipoprotein (a) metabolism
Authors: Boffa Michael B. , Koschinsky Marlys L.
Published: June 2022

Purpose of review

This review summarizes our current understanding of the processes of apolipoprotein(a) secretion, assembly of the Lp(a) particle and removal of Lp(a) from the circulation. We also identify existing knowledge gaps that need to be addressed in future studies.

Recent findings

The Lp(a) particle is assembled in two steps: a noncovalent, lysine-dependent interaction of apo(a) with apoB-100 inside hepatocytes, followed by extracellular covalent association between these two molecules to form circulating apo(a).

The production rate of Lp(a) is primarily responsible for the observed inverse correlation between apo(a) isoform size and Lp(a) levels, with a contribution of catabolism restricted to larger Lp(a) isoforms.

Factors that affect apoB-100 secretion from hepatocytes also affect apo(a) secretion.

The identification of key hepatic receptors involved in Lp(a) clearance in vivo remains unclear, with a role for the LDL receptor seemingly restricted to conditions wherein LDL concentrations are low, Lp(a) is highly elevated and LDL receptor number is maximally upregulated.

The key role for production rate of Lp(a) [including secretion and assembly of the Lp(a) particle] rather than its catabolic rate suggests that the most fruitful therapies for Lp(a) reduction should focus on approaches that inhibit production of the particle rather than its removal from circulation.