bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of self‐reported emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and association with fear of childbirth in pregnant women with epilepsy: The Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study
Authors: Vederhus Johannes , Husebye Elisabeth Synnøve Nilsen , Eid Karine , Gilhus Nils Erik , Bjørk Marte Helene
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study was undertaken to examine the prevalence of self‐reported experiences with abuse in pregnant women with epilepsy and the association between having experienced abuse and childbirth expectations, particularly the fear of childbirth.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study of women with and without epilepsy enrolled in the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study 1999–2008. Data on epilepsy diagnosis; antiseizure medication (ASM) use; emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; and childbirth expectations were collected from questionnaires completed during gestational Weeks 17–19 and 30.

Results

Our study population included 295 women with ASM‐treated epilepsy, 318 women with ASM‐untreated epilepsy, and 93 949 women without epilepsy. A total of 115 women (47%) with ASM‐treated and 132 women (57%) with ASM‐untreated epilepsy reported any emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, compared to 25 100 women (32%) without epilepsy. The adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for having experienced any abuse were 1.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4–2.3) and 1.8 (95% CI = 1.4–2.2) for ASM‐treated and ASM‐untreated epilepsy, respectively. A total of 29 women (11%) with ASM‐treated and 34 women (11%) with ASM‐untreated epilepsy reported having been raped, compared to 3088 women (4%) without epilepsy (aORs = 2.8 [95% CI = 1.8–4.1] and 2.9 [95% CI = 2.0–4.2], respectively). In nulliparous women with ASM‐untreated epilepsy, having experienced abuse was associated with fear of childbirth; 22 women (31%) with abuse experiences reported fear of childbirth compared to five women (7%) with no experience of abuse (aOR = 5.4 [95% CI = 1.7–17.2]). This association was not seen in multiparous women or in women with ASM‐treated epilepsy.

Significance

More women with epilepsy reported emotional, physical, and sexual abuse than women without epilepsy. Such experiences may be associated with childbirth expectations.
Combined effects of bird extinctions and introductions in oceanic islands: Decreased functional diversity despite increased species richness
Authors: Soares Filipa C. , de Lima Ricardo F. , Palmeirim Jorge M. , Cardoso Pedro , Rodrigues Ana S. L.
Published: March 2022

Aim

We analyse the consequences of species extinctions and introductions on the functional diversity and composition of island bird assemblages. Specifically, we ask if introduced species have compensated the functional loss resulting from species extinctions.

Location

Seventy‐four oceanic islands (> 100 km2) in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Time period

Late Holocene.

Major taxa studied

Terrestrial and freshwater bird species.

Methods

We compiled a species list per island (extinct and extant, native and introduced), and then compiled traits per species. We used single‐trait analyses to assess the effects of past species extinctions and introductions on functional composition. Then, we used probabilistic hypervolumes in trait space to calculate functional richness and evenness of original versus present avifaunas of each island (and net change), and to estimate how functionally unique are extinct and introduced species on each island.

Results

The net effects of extinctions and introductions were: an increase in average species richness per island (alpha diversity), yet a decline in diversity across all islands (gamma diversity); an average increase in the prevalence of most functional traits, yet an average decline in functional richness and evenness, associated with the fact that extinct species were functionally more unique (when compared to extant natives) than introduced species.

Main conclusions

Introduced species are on average offsetting (and even surpassing) the losses of extinct species per island in terms of species richness, and they are increasing the prevalence of most functional traits. However, they are not compensating for the loss of functional richness due to extinctions. Current island bird assemblages are becoming functionally poorer, having lost unique species and being composed of functionally more redundant species. This is likely to have cascading repercussions on the functioning of island ecosystems. We highlight that taxonomic and functional biodiversity should be assessed simultaneously to understand the global impacts of human activities.
Scaling migration network governance? City networks and civil society in multilevel policymaking dynamics
Authors: Caponio Tiziana
Published: March 2022

Although existing studies have documented the capacity of migration city networks (CNs) to mobilize on the vertical/intergovernmental dimension, there is less evidence of how CNs can contribute to scaling up network governance with societal actors beyond local jurisdictions and favour the emergence of multilevel governance arrangements. In this article, I aim to contribute to deepening our understanding of migration CN horizontal state‐‐society relations by throwing new light on how CN leaders’ agendas affect the policy actions undertaken by two migration CNs in Europe and one in the United States. Evidence shows that migration CNs engage differently with non‐public actors depending on agendas that reflect the aims of their leaders. These agendas can be more or less conducive to scaling up migration network governance. When horizontal/state–society relations are conceived as subordinate to vertical relations, lobbying and political advocacy prevail with little room for the emergence of multilevel governance.
A ten‐year follow‐up of the prevalence of pressure injuries in the Czech Republic: Analysis of the National Registry
Authors: Búřilová Petra , Pokorná Andrea , Benešová Klára , Mužík Jan , Klugar Miloslav , Krupová Lenka , Dolanová Dana , Saibertová Simona , Beeckman Dimitri
Published: March 2022

The study aims to follow up on the analysis of Pressure injuries (PIs) prevalence conducted between 2007 and 2014 and after the new methodological requirements for PIs surveillance establishment at the national level. A retrospective, nationwide cross‐sectional analysis of data regarding the STROBE checklist was collected by the National Health Information System (NHIS). The International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐10) diagnoses L89.0‐L89.9 for PIs were used in the period 2010–2019. A total of 264 442 records of patients with diagnoses of L89.0‐L89.9 were identified from 2010 to 2019 (26 444 patients per year on average). The numbers are increasing every year, and there is a 40% increase between 2010 and 2019. When comparing recorded PIs, the percentage of PIs occurrence in category I decreased, and the number of PIs in category IV increased in the second analysed period. Still, in absolute numbers, there is an increase across all categories. The age of patients with recorded PIs also rose slightly in the second analysed period. We have proven the PIs prevalence increase in an ageing population.
De‐problematising Aboriginal young peoples’ health and well‐being through their voice: An Indigenous scoping review
Authors: Smallwood Reakeeta , Usher Kim , Woods Cindy , Sampson Neville , Jackson Debra
Published: March 2022

Background

The continued use of a deficit discourse when researching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples of Australia is problematic. Understanding and challenging the researchers position and the power of the words they use is important. It will ensure we do not persist in framing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People as a problem to be solved.

Design

Indigenist review of the evidence of Aboriginal young people's health and well‐being.

Methods

This review was conducted using an Indigenist approach to identify texts which amplified the voices of Aboriginal young people of Australia and presents a narrative summary of their accounts. This review is reported in line with the PRISMA‐ScR reporting guidelines.

Results

Culture and connection are critical components of Aboriginal young people's health and well‐being. Aboriginal young people describe feeling of powerlessness to influence health and well‐being of their community, and they understood the risks they and their communities faced. Young people identified the importance of connection to culture, community and Elders as crucial to their social and emotional well‐being.

Conclusion

By harnessing an Indigenous analysis, we were able to reveal a strong counter narrative of strength and resilience within their historical, social, and political contexts through the storied accounts of Aboriginal young people.

Relevance to clinical practice

Most of the currently available evidence about Aboriginal health and well‐being is immersed in deficit discourse. Literature reviews being the foundation of research and informing nursing practice, we call for a purposeful shift towards the adoption of an Indigenist strength‐based approach which emphasises the strength and resilience of Aboriginal young people.
Recurrent primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma preconception, pregnancy, delivery, and puerperal management: A case report and literature review
Authors: Pu Tengda , Fan Lili , Wang Lihua , Li Li , Zeng Hui
Published: March 2022

A primary ovarian leiomyosarcoma (POLMS) is a rare malignant tumor of the ovary. Herein, we report a patient with an early‐stage POLMS who underwent unilateral adnexectomy in our department with a subsequent pregnancy, delivery, and tumor recurrence. In this case, the patient was a 29‐year‐old female with a complaint of abdominal distention who underwent a right adnexectomy for a solid tumor in the right ovary. The pathological diagnosis was a stage IA leiomyosarcoma of the right ovary. One month later, a recurrence in the left ovary tumor was diagnosed. The patient did not agree to further treatment. She subsequently achieved a spontaneous pregnancy and had an uneventful pregnancy and delivery at term. During the puerperium, she underwent radical surgery and chemotherapy with the recommended follow‐up evaluation. The literature review shows the pathogenesis of POLMS has not been established. There are no specific tumor markers, and it is difficult to distinguish the nature and origin of the tumor with imaging modalities, thus, early diagnosis is difficult. The malignancy rate is high, and the prognosis of advanced tumors is poor. To properly counsel patients to optimize treatment, more reports of cases, the disease course, treatments, and outcomes are needed.
Incidence and risk factors of drug‐induced liver injury
Authors: Li Xiaoyun , Tang Jieting , Mao Yimin
Published: March 2022

The epidemiology and aetiology of drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) vary across different countries and populations. Overall, DILI is rare in the general population but has become more prevalent in hospitalized patients, especially among patients with unexplained liver conditions. In addition, drugs implicated in DILI differ between Western and Eastern countries. Antibiotics are the leading drugs implicated in DILI in the West, whereas traditional Chinese medicine is the primary cause implicated in DILI in the East. The incidence of herbal and dietary supplements‐induced hepatotoxicity is increasing globally. Several genetic and nongenetic risk factors associated with DILI have been described in the literature; however, there are no confirmed risk factors for all‐cause DILI. Some factors may contribute to the risk of DILI in a drug‐specific manner.
At the Intersection of SLA and Sociolinguistics: The Predictive Power of Social Networks During Study Abroad
Authors: KENNEDY TERRY KRISTEN M.
Published: March 2022

This longitudinal study of 17 American learners of French lies at the intersection of 2 complementary fields of inquiry in second language acquisition (SLA): language variation and change (LVC) and language acquisition during study abroad. Studies in LVC examine the nature and use of linguistic features that have more than 1 possible realization in native‐speaker speech (i.e., variable features). Conversely, investigations into language acquisition during study abroad have primarily focused on the acquisition of categorical features that have only 1 possible, grammatical realization in the target language, or on the acquisition of global oral proficiency and fluency. Moreover, while studies in LVC have long relied on social network theory to predict language performance, existing research on language acquisition during study abroad provides conflicting results and explanations for learner gains during study abroad. The current study bridges this research gap by providing empirical evidence for the critical role of social networks with target‐language speakers in the acquisition of stylistic variation by French learners during study abroad. Additionally, because this study includes both semester and year‐long learners, results demonstrate the significant impact of time on task, which, when combined with network strength, negates the role of individual learner characteristics previously shown to influence acquisition during study abroad.
RESISTANCE AND AUTHORITY AT THE BEGINNING OF URBANISM: THE CASE OF TEL BET YERAH BROKEN MACEHEADS
Authors: Ashkenazi Hai , Rosenberg Danny
Published: March 2022

A large number of broken limestone maceheads found at Early Bronze Tel Bet Yerah appears to be the result of intentional curation and fragmentation. Our analysis suggests that Early Bronze maceheads could function as weapons, but their efficiency and dependability were limited. Based on their properties, provenance, breakage pattern, and dating, we suggest that the maceheads symbolized the distribution of power in the community and resistance to centralized authority during Early Bronze II. Their accumulation and fragmentation would then represent a reversal of heterarchical tendencies and possibly an attempt to assert centralized power at the beginning of Early Bronze III.
Theories of Postindustrial Fertility Decline: An Empirical Examination
Authors: Han Sinn Won , Brinton Mary C.
Published: March 2022

Family formation patterns in the postindustrial world have changed markedly in the past several decades. Fertility rates have declined, cohabitation rates have increased, age at marriage has gone up, and nonmarital childbearing has become more common in most postindustrial settings. A dominant theoretical explanation for these changes is second demographic transition (SDT) theory, which posits widespread value change towards individualism and postmaterialist concerns. In contrast, gender equity theory emphasizes structural changes, including women's increased participation in the public sphere and the resulting incompatibility of women's domestic and public roles given the slower adaptation on the part of families and institutions to adapt to women's new roles. We test the predictions of these two theoretical frameworks by analyzing fertility decline in 27 European societies. We find evolving gender egalitarianism, measured by the prevalence of gender‐egalitarian attitudes, to have greater explanatory power than SDT‐related ideational changes. The gender equity framework is particularly relevant in explaining the recent fertility trajectories of Central, Eastern, and Southern European countries.
Cardiovascular reactions to acute psychological stress and academic achievement
Authors: Ginty Annie T. , Tyra Alexandra T. , Young Danielle A. , Brindle Ryan C. , de Rooij Susanne R. , Williams Sarah E.
Published: March 2022

Cardiovascular reactions to acute psychological stress have been associated with cognitive function. However, previous work has assessed cardiovascular reactions and cognitive function in the laboratory at the same time. The present study examined the association between cardiovascular reactions to acute psychological stress in the laboratory and academic performance in final year high school students. Heart rate, blood pressure, stroke volume, and cardiac output reactions to an acute psychological stress task were measured in 131 participants during their final year of high school. Performance on high school A‐levels were obtained the following year. Higher heart rate and cardiac output reactivity were associated with better A‐level performance. These associations were still statistically significant after adjusting for a wide range of potentially confounding variables. The present results are consistent with a body of literature suggesting that higher heart rate reactions to acute psychological stress are associated with better cognitive performance across a variety of domains.
Relative expression of aromatase in the male goat reproductive organs during different seasons
Authors: Sobhani Keyvan , Vaziry Asaad , Farzinpour Amjad , Rostamzadeh Jalal
Published: March 2022

Aromatase, a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily (encoded by CYP19), is the enzyme responsible for the aromatization of androgens into estrogens which is the last step of estrogen biosynthesis. It plays an important role in reproduction and sexual development. The aromatase expression in many tissues and organs of different species is shown in the last two decades’ investigation. This study was conducted to determine the relative seasonal expression of aromatase mRNA in testis, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate and seminal vesicle of a male goat. The aromatase expression of 16 male goat reproductive organs, slaughtered in the different seasons (n = 4 each season), were determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Results showed that during the autumn, aromatase mRNA expression of the testis was found to be significantly higher (p < .05) as compared to the spring and summer seasons. Higher aromatase mRNA expression was also found in the epididymis and seminal vesicle organs during the autumn and summer seasons. Interestingly, prostate and vas deferens aromatase mRNA expression during the summer was higher than in other seasons. The aromatase mRNA level analysis revealed that aromatase is expressed in all the examined reproductive organs in which a strong expression signal was detected in the testis and epididymis tissues. This study shows the expression of the aromatase in the goat reproductive organs in the breeding season which resembles other mammals with continuous breeding.
MicroRNA‐342‐3p regulates yak oocyte meiotic maturation by targeting DNA methyltransferase 1
Authors: Xiong Xianrong , Yang Manzhen , Yu Hailing , Hu Yulei , Yang Luyu , Zhu Yanjin , Fei Xixi , Pan Bangting , Xiong Yan , Fu Wei , Li Jian
Published: March 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in the development of oocytes and ovarian follicles. We have previously shown differential expression of miR‐342‐3p during yak oocyte maturation. In this study, we investigated the role of miR‐342‐3p in meiotic maturation of yak oocytes and the underlying mechanism. The profile of ovarian DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression was investigated in yak by RT‐qPCR and western blot analyses. The pattern of Dnmt1 expression in various meiotic stages (GV stage, MI stage and MII stage) of yak oocyte maturation was then measured by immunofluorescence staining. The interaction between Dnmt1 and miR‐342‐3p was verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Finally, miR‐342‐3p inhibitors were microinjected into yak cumulus‐oocyte complex to evaluate the effects on oocyte maturation. MiR‐342‐3p expression was upregulated in oocytes during meiotic maturation, with significantly higher levels in the MII stage compared with the GV‐ and MI stages (p < .05), whereas the opposite pattern of Dnmt1 expression was detected. In the period to sexual maturity (3‐year‐old), DNMT1 showed an age‐related pattern of ovarian expression at both the gene and protein levels. Immunohistochemistry analysis also indicated maturation‐stage‐related differences in DNMT1 expression in the ovarian follicles and corpus luteum, with expression predominantly detected in cumulus cells and oocytes. MiR‐342‐3p inhibitors effectively upregulated Dnmt1 expression and significantly inhibited oocyte meiotic maturation. Taken together, our results indicate that miR‐342‐3p plays a vital role in the meiotic maturation of yak oocytes by targeting the 3'‐untranslated regions (UTR) of Dnmt1 and provide a new perspective on the mechanism of this process.
Routine noninvasive prenatal screening for fetal Rh D in maternal plasma—A 2‐year experience from a single center in Belgium
Authors: Blomme Siska , Nollet Friedel , Rosseel Wesley , Bogaard Natalie , Devos Helena , Emmerechts Jan , Cauwelier Barbara
Published: March 2022

Background

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) due to rhesus D (RhD) immunization is a potentially life‐threatening situation for which use of Rh Immunoglobulin (RhIg) has decreased risk drastically. Determination of fetal RHD on maternal plasma can be used to restrict prenatal RhIg administration to women carrying an RhD‐positive child, avoiding unnecessary administration of blood‐derived products.

Study Design and Methods

The aim of this study is to determine the performance of fetal RHD typing in our center. We prospectively collected 205 fetal RHD and 127 serological cord blood RhD data from RhD‐negative women starting at 11 weeks of pregnancy (from October 2019 to October 2021). Real‐time polymerase chain reaction targeting RHD exon 5 and 7 was used, similar to the screening program in The Netherlands, supplemented with an amplification control (beta‐actin; ACTB) and a sex determination marker located on the Y‐chromosome (SRY gene).

Results

Fetal RHD testing reached a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. No false‐negative nor false‐positive results were reported. Inconclusive results (6%, 13/205) were due to weak amplification in 10 cases, a maternal RHD variant in 2 cases (RHD*01N.71 and partial DVI), and a fetal RHD variant (partial DVI) in 1 case. Unnecessary administration of RhIg prophylaxis was avoided in 33% of cases and on the other hand was administered in one case (fetal partial DVI) which would have been missed with cord blood serology.

Discussion

This study demonstrates the high accuracy of routine prenatal fetal RHD gene screening after 11 weeks of pregnancy, encouraging routine clinical practice.
Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Measurement Properties of the Brazilian–Portuguese Version of the Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire in Older Adults
Authors: Nunes Ana Carla Lima , Jesus-Moraleida Fabianna Resende , Lima Pedro Olavo de Paula , Landers Merrill R.
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire (FFABQ) into Brazilian–Portuguese (FFABQ-B), and to examine its reliability and validity in Brazilian older adults. The FFABQ-B was translated and tested in 10 Brazilian older adults. We assessed 52 community-dwellers, 68.7 (±6.2) years, using the FFABQ-B, BERG Balance Scale, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, Falls Efficacy Scale, 6-Minute Walk Test, Timed Up and Go test, and activity monitor. Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, construct validity, and floor and ceiling effects were analyzed. The FFABQ-B had adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .90) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .81; 95% confidence interval [.68, .90]). The FFABQ-B was associated with 6-Minute Walk Test, Timed Up and Go, BERG Balance Scale, physical activity time (p < .05), Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, and Falls Efficacy Scale (p < .001). The FFABQ-B is both reliable and valid to assess avoidance behavior in activities and participation due to fear of falling in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults.
Relationships Between Physical Activity, Boredom Proneness, and Subjective Well-Being Among U.K. Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: McCurdy Ashley , Stearns Jodie A. , Rhodes Ryan E. , Hopkins Debbie , Mummery Kerry , Spence John C.
Published: March 2022

This investigation sought to examine physical activity (PA) as a potential determinant of chronic boredom and associated well-being within the context of COVID-related restrictions. A representative sample of U.K. adults (N = 1,521) completed a survey on June 1, 2020. Bivariate analyses demonstrated that individuals who met guidelines and maintained or increased PA scored higher on life satisfaction, worthwhileness, and happiness and lower on anxiety (i.e., indicators of well-being) and boredom proneness (d = 0.13–0.43). Boredom proneness was correlated with all indicators of well-being (r = .38–.54). A series of regression models revealed that PA predicted lower boredom proneness and better life satisfaction, worthwhileness, and happiness. Boredom proneness accounted for the covariance between PA and well-being. Prospective research is needed to confirm causality of the observed relationships.
How distorted food prices discourage a healthy diet
Authors: Pancrazi Roberto , van Rens Thijs , Vukotić Marija
Published: March 2022

Public policy making for the prevention of diet-related disease is impeded by a lack of evidence on whether poor diets are a matter of personal responsibility or a choice set narrowed by environmental conditions. An important element of the environment is market imperfections in food retail that distort prices. We use a rich dataset on quantities and prices of food purchases in the United States and a structural model of dietary choices to examine variation in diets across households that have different levels of income and live in different neighborhoods. We find that price distortions account for one-third of the gap between the recommended and actual intake of fruits and vegetables. A feasible fiscal intervention that remedies these distortions makes all consumers better off.
Asynchronous nuclear cycles in multinucleatedPlasmodium falciparumfacilitate rapid proliferation
Authors: Klaus Severina , Binder Patrick , Kim Juyeop , Machado Marta , Funaya Charlotta , Schaaf Violetta , Klaschka Darius , Kudulyte Aiste , Cyrklaff Marek , Laketa Vibor , Höfer Thomas , Guizetti Julien , Becker Nils B. , Frischknecht Friedrich , Schwarz Ulrich S. , Ganter Markus
Published: March 2022

Malaria-causing parasites proliferate within erythrocytes through schizogony, forming multinucleated stages before cellularization. Nuclear multiplication does not follow a strict geometric 2nprogression, and each proliferative cycle produces a variable number of progeny. Here, by tracking nuclei and DNA replication, we show that individual nuclei replicate their DNA at different times, despite residing in a shared cytoplasm. Extrapolating from experimental data using mathematical modeling, we provide strong indication that a limiting factor exists, which slows down the nuclear multiplication rate. Consistent with this prediction, our data show that temporally overlapping DNA replication events were significantly slower than partially overlapping or nonoverlapping events. Our findings suggest the existence of evolutionary pressure that selects for asynchronous DNA replication, balancing available resources with rapid pathogen proliferation.
Vibrational control of the reaction pathway in the H + CHD
3
→ H
2
+ CD
3
reaction
Authors: Ellerbrock Roman , Zhao Bin , Manthe Uwe
Published: March 2022

An accurate full-dimensional quantum state-to-state simulation of the six-atom title reaction based on first-principles theory is reported. Counterintuitive effects are found: Increasing the energy in the reactant’s CD
3
umbrella vibration reduces the energy in the corresponding product vibration. An in-depth analysis reveals the crucial role of the effective dynamical transition state: Its geometry is controlled by the vibrational states of the reactants and subsequently controls the quantum state distribution of the products. This finding enables generalizing the concept of transition state control of chemical reactions to the quantum state–specific level.
Structure-to-process design framework for developing safer pesticides
Authors: Lewer Jessica M. , Stickelman Zachary R. , Huang Jessica H. , Peloquin John F. , Kostal Jakub
Published: March 2022

Rational design of pesticides with tunable degradation properties and minimal ecotoxicity is among the grand challenges of green chemistry. While computational approaches have gained traction in predictive toxicology, current methods lack the necessary multifaceted approach and design-vectoring tools needed for system-based chemical development. Here, we report a tiered computational framework, which integrates kinetics and thermodynamics of indirect photodegradation with predictions of ecotoxicity and performance, based on cutoff values in mechanistically derived physicochemical properties and electronic parameters. Extensively validated against experimental data and applied to 700 pesticides on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s registry, our simple yet powerful approach can be used to screen existing molecules to identify application-ready candidates with desirable characteristics. By linking structural attributes to process-based outcomes and by quantifying trade-offs in safety, depletion, and performance, our method offers a user-friendly roadmap to rational design of novel pesticides.
Small-molecule targeted therapies induce dependence on DNA double-strand break repair in residual tumor cells
Authors: Ali Moiez , Lu Min , Ang Hazel Xiaohui , Soderquist Ryan S. , Eyler Christine E. , Hutchinson Haley M. , Glass Carolyn , Bassil Christopher F. , Lopez Omar M. , Kerr D. Lucas , Falcon Christina J. , Yu Helena A. , Hata Aaron N. , Blakely Collin M. , McCoach Caroline E. , Bivona Trever G. , Wood Kris C.
Published: March 2022

Residual cancer cells that survive drug treatments with targeted therapies act as a reservoir from which eventual resistant disease emerges. Although there is great interest in therapeutically targeting residual cells, efforts are hampered by our limited knowledge of the vulnerabilities existing in this cell state. Here, we report that diverse oncogene-targeted therapies, including inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), KRAS, and BRAF, induce DNA double-strand breaks and, consequently, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM)–dependent DNA repair in oncogene-matched residual tumor cells. This DNA damage response, observed in cell lines, mouse xenograft models, and human patients, is driven by a pathway involving the activation of caspases 3 and 7 and the downstream caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease (CAD). CAD is, in turn, activated through caspase-mediated degradation of its endogenous inhibitor, ICAD. In models of
EGFR
mutant non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), tumor cells that survive treatment with small-molecule EGFR-targeted therapies are thus synthetically dependent on ATM, and combined treatment with an ATM kinase inhibitor eradicates these cells in vivo. This led to more penetrant and durable responses in
EGFR
mutant NSCLC mouse xenograft models, including those derived from both established cell lines and patient tumors. Last, we found that rare patients with
EGFR
mutant NSCLC harboring co-occurring, loss-of-function mutations in
ATM
exhibit extended progression-free survival on first generation EGFR inhibitor therapy relative to patients with
EGFR
mutant NSCLC lacking deleterious
ATM
mutations. Together, these findings establish a rationale for the mechanism-based integration of ATM inhibitors alongside existing targeted therapies.
Computational Network Inference for Bacterial Interactomics
Authors: James Katherine , Muñoz-Muñoz Jose
Published: March 2022

Since the large-scale experimental characterization of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) is not possible for all species, several computational PPI prediction methods have been developed that harness existing data from other species. While PPI network prediction has been extensively used in eukaryotes, microbial network inference has lagged behind.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) possibly secondary to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination
Authors: Wangu Zoon , Swartz Hannah , Doherty Meaghan
Published: March 2022

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 is a postinfectious condition identified during the COVID-19 pandemic with specific Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO criteria. Theoretical concerns have been raised whether MIS-C might also occur after COVID-19 vaccination, as the pathogenesis of MIS-C is not yet entirely understood. We present a woman in her late teens who developed MIS-C after having received two doses of Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine 12 weeks prior, in the setting of documented anti-spike SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive, antinucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 IgG negative, and multiple negative surveillance SARS-CoV-2 PCRs done in the 12-week period prior to development of MIS-C. While vaccination remains safe and critical in controlling the pandemic, it may be considered as a potential trigger for MIS-C in patients with no history of infection. Further surveillance is necessary to determine whether MIS-C will emerge as a confirmed adverse event after COVID-19 vaccination.
‘We are not going anywhere’: a qualitative study of Kenyan healthcare worker perspectives on adolescent HIV care engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Enane Leslie A , Apondi Edith , Liepmann Claire , Toromo Judith J , Omollo Mark , Bakari Salim , Scanlon Michael , Wools-Kaloustian Kara , Vreeman Rachel C
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) may be vulnerable to widescale impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and to health system responses which impact HIV care. We assessed healthcare worker (HCW) perspectives on impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent HIV care delivery and engagement in western Kenya.

Methods

We performed in-depth qualitative interviews with HCW at 10 clinical sites in the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare in Kenya, from January to March, 2021. Semistructured interviews ascertained pandemic-related impacts on adolescent HIV care delivery and retention.

Results

Interviews were conducted with 22 HCWs from 10 clinics. HCWs observed adolescent financial hardships, unmet basic needs and school dropouts during the pandemic, with some adolescents relocating to rural homes, to partners or to the street. Marked increases in adolescent pregnancies and pregnancy complications were described, as well as barriers to family planning and antenatal care. Transportation challenges and restrictions limited access to care and prompted provision of multi-month refills, refills at local dispensaries or transfer to local facilities. Adolescent-friendly services were compromised, resulting in care challenges and disengagement from care. Clinic capacities to respond to adolescent needs were limited by funding cuts to multidisciplinary staff and resources. HCW and youth peer mentors (YPMs) demonstrated resilience, by adapting services, taking on expanded roles and leveraging available resources to support adolescent retention and access to care.

Conclusions

ALHIV are uniquely vulnerable, and adolescent-friendly services are essential to their treatment. The combined effects of the pandemic, health system changes and funding cuts compromised adolescent-friendly care and limited capacity to respond to adolescent needs. There is a need to reinforce adolescent-friendly services within programmes and funding structures. Support for expanded YPM roles may facilitate dedicated, scalable and effective adolescent-friendly services, which are resilient and sustainable in times of crisis.
Evidence mapping of current status, impact, prevention and control measures from rabies research in Bangladesh (2010–2021): a scoping review protocol
Authors: Hasan Rubyath Binte , Ferdous Jinnat , Luna Mahfuja , Zannat Mosammat Moonkiratul
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Rabies is one of the priority zoonotic diseases in Bangladesh. Though the rabies cases have been reduced over the years due to the mass dog vaccination programme since 2011 throughout the country, it is still a major health problem in Bangladesh with an annual estimated 200 000 animal bite cases and over 2000 human deaths. This article presented a scoping review protocol for published literature on rabies in Bangladesh and believes to create impact in Bangladesh by identifying the research gap and guiding the evidence-informed policy adaptation from its findings in the future which will strongly underscore the elimination of Rabies and reduce preventable mortalities. We will attempt to synthesise evidence descriptively on burden and impact of rabies in human population as well as the awareness level and effective control and preventive measures from the available studies on rabies from 2010 to 2021 in Bangladesh.

Methods

The scoping review is planned following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the major guiding steps are: defining the research questions, determining the eligibility criteria with population, concept and context strategy, stating the plan for evidence searching, selection and data collection, searching for evidence and selection of literature by the inclusion criteria, data collection, descriptive analysis and presentation of the data and reporting of the findings. Search will be conducted for both published and grey literature in English language. Blinded screening processes will be adapted to prevent bias among reviewers.

Ethics and dissemination

A scoping review synthesises existing knowledge and does not necessitate ethical approval. Results of this scoping review will be submitted to a journal for publication, presented in relevant conferences and disseminated on social media platforms (eg, Twitter) among the global health stakeholders.
REducing Colonoscopies in patients without significant bowEl DiseasE: the RECEDE Study - protocol for a prospective diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Bradley Christopher , Hee Siew Wan , Andronis Lazaros , Persaud Krishna , Hull Mark A , Todd John , Taylor-Phillips Sian , Smith Steve , Constable Rachel , Waugh Norman , Arasaradnam Ramesh P
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Demand for colonoscopies and CT colonography (CTC) is exceeding capacity in National Health Service Trusts. In many patients colonoscopies and CTCs show no significant bowel disease (SBD). Faecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) is being introduced to prioritise patients for colonoscopies but is insufficient to identify non-SBD patients meaning colonoscopy and CTC demand remains high. The REducing Colonoscopies in patients without significant bowEl DiseasE (RECEDE) study aims to test urine volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis alongside FIT to improve detection of SBD and to reduce the number of colonoscopies and CTCs.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre, prospective diagnostic accuracy study evaluating whether stool FIT plus urine VOC compared with stool FIT alone improves detection of SBD in patients referred for colonoscopy or CTC due to persistent lower gastrointestinal symptoms. To ensure SBD is not missed, the dual test requires a high sensitivity, set at 97% with 95% CI width of 5%. Our assumption is that to achieve this sensitivity requires 200 participants with SBD. Further assuming 19% of all participants will have SBD and 55% of all participants will return both stool and urine samples we will recruit 1915 participants. The thresholds for FIT and VOC results diagnosing SBD have been pre-set. If either FIT or VOC exceeds the respective threshold, the participant will be classed as having suspected SBD. As an exploratory analysis we will be testing different thresholds. The reference comparator will be a complete colonoscopy or CTC. Secondary outcomes will look at optimising the FIT and VOC thresholds for SBD detection. An economic evaluation, using a denovo decision analytic model, will be carried out determine the costs, benefits and overall cost-effectiveness of FIT +VOC vs FIT followed by colonoscopy.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained by Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee (20/NW/0346).

Trial registration number

RECEDE is registered on Clinicaltrials.govNCT04516785&ISRCTN14982373. This protocol was written and published before results of the trial were available.
A perspective on the ecological and evolutionary consequences of phenological variability in lake ice on north-temperate lakes
Authors: Feiner Zachary S. , Dugan Hilary A. , Lottig Noah R. , Sass Greg G. , Gerrish Gretchen A.
Published: March 2022

Climate change is leading to shifts in not only the average timing of phenological events, but also their variance and predictability. Increasing phenological variability creates a stochastic environment that is critically understudied, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. We provide a perspective on the possible implications for increasingly unpredictable aquatic habitats, including more frequent trophic asynchronies and altered hydrologic regimes, focusing on ice-off phenology in lakes. Increasingly frequent phenological extremes may limit the ability of organisms to optimize traits required to adapt to a warming environment. Using a unique, long-term ecological dataset on Escanaba Lake, WI, USA, as a case study, we show that the average date of ice-off is shifting earlier and becoming more variable, thus altering limnological conditions and yielding uncoupled food web responses with ramifications for fish spawn timing and recruitment success. A genes-to-ecosystems understanding of the responses of aquatic communities to increasingly variable phenology is needed. Our perspective suggests that management for diversity, at the intra- and interspecific levels, will become paramount for conserving resilient aquatic ecosystems.
Experimental Comparisons of Clustering Approaches for Data Representation
Authors: Anand Sanjay Kumar , Kumar Suresh
Published: March 2022

Clustering approaches are extensively used by many areas such as IR, Data Integration, Document Classification, Web Mining, Query Processing, and many other domains and disciplines. Nowadays, much literature describes clustering algorithms on multivariate data sets. However, there is limited literature that presented them with exhaustive and extensive theoretical analysis as well as experimental comparisons. This experimental survey paper deals with the basic principle, and techniques used, including important characteristics, application areas, run-time performance, internal, external, and stability validity of cluster quality, etc., on five different data sets of eleven clustering algorithms. This paper analyses how these algorithms behave with five different multivariate data sets in data representation. To answer this question, we compared the efficiency of eleven clustering approaches on five different data sets using three validity metrics-internal, external, and stability and found the optimal score to know the feasible solution of each algorithm. In addition, we have also included four popular and modern clustering algorithms with only their theoretical discussion. Our experimental results for only traditional clustering algorithms showed that different algorithms performed different behavior on different data sets in terms of running time (speed), accuracy and, the size of data set. This study emphasized the need for more adaptive algorithms and a deliberate balance between the running time and accuracy with their theoretical as well as implementation aspects.
Fake News Propagation: A Review of Epidemic Models, Datasets, and Insights
Authors: Raponi Simone , Khalifa Zeinab , Oligeri Gabriele , Di Pietro Roberto
Published: March 2022

Fake news propagation is a complex phenomenon influenced by a multitude of factors whose identification and impact assessment is challenging. Although many models have been proposed in the literature, the one capturing all the properties of a real fake-news propagation phenomenon is inevitably still missing. Modern propagation models, mainly inspired by old epidemiological models, attempt to approximate the fake-news propagation phenomena by blending psychological factors, social relations, and user behavior.

This work provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of fake-news propagation models supported by real-world datasets. We highlighted similarities and differences in the modeling approaches, wrapping up the main research trends. Propagation models, transitions, network topologies, and performance metrics have been identified and discussed in detail. The thorough analysis we provided in this article, coupled with the highlighted research hints, have a high potential to pave the way for future research in the area.
How Flexible is Your Computing System?
Authors: Huang Shihua , Waeijen Luc , Corporaal Henk
Published: March 2022

In literature, computer architectures are frequently claimed to be
highly flexible
, typically implying the existence of trade-offs between flexibility and performance or energy efficiency. Processor flexibility, however, is not very sharply defined, and consequently these claims cannot be validated, nor can such hypothetical relations be fully understood and exploited in the design of computing systems. This paper is an attempt to introduce scientific rigour to the notion of flexibility in computing systems. A survey is conducted to provide an overview of references to flexibility in literature, both in the computer architecture domain, as well as related fields. A classification is introduced to categorize different views on flexibility, which ultimately form the foundation for a qualitative definition of flexibility. Departing from the qualitative definition of flexibility, a generic quantifiable metric is proposed, enabling valid quantitative comparison of the flexibility of various architectures. To validate the proposed method, and evaluate the relation between the proposed metric and the general notion of flexibility, the flexibility metric is measured for 25 computing systems, including CPUs, GPUs, DSPs, and FPGAs, and 40 ASIPs taken from literature. The obtained results provide insights into some of the speculative trade-offs between flexibility and properties such as energy efficiency and area efficiency. Overall the proposed quantitative flexibility metric shows to be commensurate with some generally accepted qualitative notions of flexibility collected in the survey, although some surprising discrepancies can also be observed. The proposed metric and the obtained results are placed into context of the state of the art on compute flexibility, and extensive reflection provides not only a complete overview of the field, but also discusses possible alternative approaches and open issues. Note that this work does not aim to provide a final answer to the definition of flexibility, but rather provides a framework to initiate a broader discussion in the computer architecture society on defining, understanding, and ultimately taking advantage of flexibility.
Effect of Particle Size Distribution, pH, and Na+ Concentration on the Chemical Mechanical Polishing of Sapphire and 4H-SiC (0001)
Authors: Wang Weilei , Xu Qiufeng , Liu Weili , Song Zhitang
Published: March 2022

As two typical representatives of super-hard materials, sapphire and silicon carbide, their processing has always been a hot spot. Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) technology is the only way to achieve global planarization, and it has also become one of the most important processes for precision machining of sapphire and silicon carbide. This paper introduced the relationship between the removal rate and surface roughness of sapphire and 4H-SiC (0001) and the size distribution and pH of alumina slurry. More importantly, this paper explored the negative effect of Na+ on the removal rate of alumina-based sapphire polishing slurry, and the more negative effect of Na+ on the removal rate of alumina-based silicon carbide polishing slurry and the surface state of SiC(0001). At the end of the article, the polishing mechanism of sapphire with alumina as a brasive was given.