bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ‘borderlands’ of the science–policy interface
Authors: Kass Gary , Milner Alice M , Dodds Klaus
Published: August 2022

In this commentary, using the UK as our example, we focus on what we describe as the borderlands of the science–policy interface (SPI) and use two case studies to sketch out where we think there are further opportunities for geographers and others interested in advocating and engaging. As authors we bring to the topic different professional backgrounds and experiences at the SPI, ranging from ex‐Deputy Chief Scientist at Natural England with a recent secondment to Defra to two academic geographers who have worked with and for Defra to other roles including acting as specialist adviser to the Houses of Parliament. As geographers and environmental scientists, we believe that there is much to be gained by working with both policy development and practice in the pursuit of positive outcomes for economy, society and environment.
Between Rationalism and Romanticism: Blanckenburg'sVersuch über den Romanand the Transformation of Rationalist Metaphysics
Authors: Klemm Stephen
Published: August 2022

This essay examines Blanckenburg's theory of the novel in relation to Leibniz's metaphysics. It argues that Blanckenburg theorizes the novel as uniquely suited to respond to the problem in Leibniz's metaphysics of how to bridge the gap between the apparent contingency of first‐person experience and the promise that the world is actually a well‐ordered whole. Whereas Leibniz must appeal to the Principle of Sufficient Reason to bridge this gap, Blanckenburg suggests that the novel can aid philosophical cognition by doing what philosophical thought cannot: create a world depicting the development of a human life in its totality. However, freed from its ontological basis, Blanckenburg's theory provides an important starting point for early Romantic aesthetic theory. Following Blanckenburg, the novel becomes a privileged medium not for copying life, but for offering a model for it, thereby providing an important impulse in Romanticism's reversal of rationalist hierarchies of philosophy and aesthetics.
Suspicious symptom monitoring for leprosy: an optimal practice for early detection under a low endemic situation in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Shen Yun‐Liang , Kong Wen‐Ming , Yu Mei‐Wen , Wu Li‐Mei , Fei Li‐Juan
Published: August 2022

Background

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that causes disabilities and deformities. Early detection is a major strategy for leprosy control. This study reported a new practice of suspicious symptom monitoring for early detection of leprosy.

Methods

A descriptive and comparative analysis between a non‐strategy group of pre‐implementation of suspicious symptom monitoring in 2005–2011 and a strategy group of strategy implementation in 2012–2018 was conducted through indicators of the number of times of misdiagnoses, delayed period, proportion of early detected cases, and proportion of disabilities.

Result

Compared with the non‐strategy group in 2005–2011, the median number of times of misdiagnoses was decreased from two times to zero times (z = 4.387, P < 0.001), and the median delayed period of newly detected cases were shortened from 24 months to 13 months (z = 2.381, P < 0.001), the proportion of early detected cases was increased from 43.7% to 75.2% (χ2 = 29.464, P < 0.001), the proportion of grade 2 disabilities was decreased from 28.6% in the highest year of 2005 to 4.0% in the lowest year of 2014, and the average proportion of disabilities was decreased from 33.5% to 17.6% (χ2 = 9.421, P = 0.002) in the strategy group in 2012–2018, respectively.

Conclusion

Suspicious symptom monitoring promoted early detection of cases by reducing the number of times misdiagnosis of leprosy patients, shortening the delayed period, increasing the proportion of early detection, and decreasing the proportion of disabilities. It is an important and recommendable public health strategy for leprosy prevention and control in a low epidemic condition.
Fc Fragment of IgE Receptor Ig (FCER1G) acts as a key gene involved in cancer immune infiltration and tumour microenvironment
Authors: Yang Riwei , Chen Zude , Liang Leqi , Ao Shan , Zhang Jinhu , Chang Zhenglin , Wang Zuomin , Zhou Yuhao , Duan Xiaolu , Deng Tuo
Published: August 2022

Although recent studies have revealed the relationship between Fc Fragment of IgE Receptor Ig (FCER1G) and human tumours, there is still a lack of a more comprehensive pan‐cancer analysis of FCER1G as an immune‐related gene. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern and prognostic value of FCER1G based on multiple databases. Subsequently, we further explored the role of FCER1G in tumour proliferation and metastasis, as well as its genomic alterations and DNA methylation levels, we next assessed the association between FCER1G and the immune infiltrating cells of the tumour microenvironment in different cancers and verified it by immunohistochemical staining. The correlation between FCER1G and immune checkpoint genes expression and its predictive power in the immune checkpoint blockade treatment cohorts were used to evaluate the importance of FCER1G in immunotherapy. Enrichment analysis of FCER1G‐associated partners was also performed. In addition, we substantiated the expression of FCER1G in specific cell types of different tumours using single‐cell RNA sequencing data from different databases. Our research results showed that FCER1G is up‐regulated in most tumour. Positive associations were found between FCER1G expression and tumour prognosis, proliferation, and metastasis, we also found that FCER1G is closely related to the tumour microenvironment and tumour immunity. Moreover, FCER1G‐associated partners were enriched in pathways associated with neutrophils activation. Finally, we confirmed that FCER1G was mainly expressed in monocyte/macrophages of the tumour microenvironment. In conclusion, our findings provided a comprehensive understanding of FCER1G in oncogenesis and tumour immunology among various tumours and demonstrated its potential value in prognosis prediction and tumour immunotherapy.
Neuroinflammation: Extinguishing a blaze of T cells
Authors: Benallegue Nail , Kebir Hania , Alvarez Jorge I.
Published: August 2022

Inflammation is a biological process that dynamically alters the surrounding microenvironment, including participating immune cells. As a well‐protected organ surrounded by specialized barriers and with immune privilege properties, the central nervous system (CNS) tightly regulates immune responses. Yet in neuroinflammatory conditions, pathogenic immunity can disrupt CNS structure and function. T cells in particular play a key role in promoting and restricting neuroinflammatory responses, while the inflamed CNS microenvironment can influence and reshape T cell function and identity. Still, the contraction of aberrant T cell responses within the CNS is not well understood. Using autoimmunity as a model, here we address the contribution of CD4 T helper (Th) cell subsets in promoting neuropathology and disease. To address the mechanisms antagonizing neuroinflammation, we focus on the control of the immune response by regulatory T cells (Tregs) and describe the counteracting processes that preserve their identity under inflammatory challenges. Finally, given the influence of the local microenvironment on immune regulation, we address how CNS‐intrinsic signals reshape T cell function to mitigate abnormal immune T cell responses.
Clinical manifestations of COVID‐19: An overview of 102 systematic reviews with evidence mapping
Authors: Luo Xufei , Lv Meng , Zhang Xianzhuo , Estill Janne , Yang Bo , Lei Ruobing , Ren Mengjuan , Liu Yunlan , Wang Ling , Liu Xiao , Wang Qi , Meng Min , Chen Yaolong ,   the COVID‐19 evidence and recommendations working group
Published: August 2022

Objective

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has rapidly spread worldwide, but there is so far no comprehensive analysis of all known symptoms of the disease. Our study aimed to present a comprehensive picture of the clinical symptoms of COVID‐19 using an evidence map.

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane library from their inception to March 16, 2021. We included systematic reviews reporting the clinical manifestations of COVID‐19 patients. We followed the PRISMA guidelines, and the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were done by two individuals independently. We assessed the methodological quality of the studies using AMSTAR. We visually presented the clinical symptoms of COVID‐19 and their prevalence.

Results

A total of 102 systematic reviews were included, of which, 68 studies (66.7%) were of high quality, 19 studies (18.6%) of medium quality, and 15 studies (14.7%) of low quality. We identified a total of 74 symptoms including 17 symptoms of the respiratory system, 21 symptoms of the neurological system, 10 symptoms of the gastrointestinal system, 16 cutaneous symptoms, and 10 ocular symptoms. The most common symptoms were fever (67 studies, ranging 16.3%–91.0%, pooled prevalence: 64.6%, 95%CI, 61.3%–67.9%), cough (68 studies, ranging 30.0%–72.2%, pooled prevalence: 53.6%, 95%CI, 52.1%–55.1%), muscle soreness (56 studies, ranging 3.0%–44.0%, pooled prevalence: 18.7%, 95%CI, 16.3%–21.3%), and fatigue (52 studies, ranging 3.3%‐58.5%, pooled prevalence: 29.4%, 95%CI, 27.5%–31.3%). The prevalence estimates for COVID‐19 symptoms were generally lower in neonates, children and adolescents, and pregnant women than in the general populations.

Conclusion

At least 74 different clinical manifestations are associated with COVID‐19. Fever, cough, muscle soreness, and fatigue are the most common, but attention should also be paid to the rare symptoms that can help in the early diagnosis of the disease.
A review of inventory modeling methods for missing data in life cycle assessment
Authors: Zargar Shiva , Yao Yuan , Tu Qingshi
Published: August 2022

Missing data is the key challenge facing life cycle inventory (LCI) modeling. The collection of missing data can be cost‐prohibitive and infeasible in many circumstances. Major strategies to address this issue include proxy selection (i.e., selecting a surrogate dataset to represent the missing data) and data creation (e.g., through empirical equations or mechanistic models). Within these two strategies, we identified three approaches that are widely used for LCI modeling: Data‐driven, mechanistic, and future (e.g., 2050) inventory modeling. We critically reviewed the 12 common methods of these three approaches by focusing on their features, scope of application, underlying assumptions, and limitations. These methods were characterized based on the following criteria: “domain knowledge requirement” (both as a method developer and a user), “post‐treatment requirement,” “challenge in assessing data quality uncertainty,” “challenge in generalizability,” and “challenge in automation.” These criteria can be used by LCA practitioners to select the suitable method(s) to bridge the data gap in LCI modeling, based on the goal and scope of the intended study. We also identified several aspects for future improvement for these reviewed methods.
Using information flow analysis to establish key data gaps in the assessment of marine microplastic pollution
Authors: Pauna Valentina H. , Askham Cecilia
Published: August 2022

Despite the persistent research interest in marine microplastic (MP) particles, the pollutant is still largely misunderstood. Significant data gaps hinder experts’ understanding of the sources, pathways, and fate of marine MPs, making it difficult to assess its environmental implications. Interdisciplinary work is required to fully understand the complexity of marine MPs (MMP) and to address the potential stress that this form of pollution may put on marine ecosystems. This study introduces an approach called information flow analysis (IFA), which intends to connect different fields of study through data flows, demonstrating the importance of these fields in the development of life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) of MMPs. The IFA approach was used to clarify where microplastic data is expected to come from with the goal of providing insight into how to obtain the data required for risk assessment (RA) and life cycle assessment (LCA). In order to observe and demonstrate these links, the next step was to develop a site‐specific coarse material flow analysis (MFA) based on previously estimated MP emissions from Norway and data from MP sampling in the inner Oslofjord. The coarse MFA demonstrated that MP sources in Norway were estimated to contribute between 85% and 96% rubbery MP particles and between 4% and 15% semisynthetic MP particles in 2018, while blue mussels sampled by the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) contained 93% rubbery MP particles and 7% semisynthetic MP particles. This seems to demonstrate a connection between Norwegian MP sources (emissions) and MP levels observed in the environment.
Perception of orbital epitheses evaluated with eye tracker
Authors: Basmacı Fulya , Mersin Tuggen Özcivelek , Turgut Berna , Akbulut Kuddusi , Kılıçarslan Mehmet Ali
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Orbital epitheses replace a missing eyeball and surrounding soft tissue. Perception of epithesis in public gaze and the attention areas on the face are of interest. This study aimed to examine the differences in perception of orbital epitheses by prosthodontists, dentistry students, and laypeople with an objective evaluation tool that utilized eye‐tracking technology.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐four frontal facial images of 12 patients who had orbital epitheses were viewed by 81 observers (prosthodontists, dentistry students, laypeople) in random order for 5 seconds each. Gaze data were analyzed. Kruskal‐Wallis H test with Bonferroni correction was used to compare parameters in groups and areas of interest.

Results

First fixation duration at the mouth for symmetrical images were 0.30, 0.28, and 0.25 seconds for prosthodontists, students, and laypeople, respectively. Fixation duration at the mouth for the laypeople (0.27 second) was shorter than students (0.29 second) and prosthodontists (0.31 second) at symmetrical images. Time to the first fixation to epithesis, nose, and eye was significantly lower than the forehead and mouth for all groups. Fixation count at epithesis was 6.36 for prosthodontists, 5.64 for students, and 5.34 for laypeople.

Conclusion

Eyes were of most significant interest for all observer groups in symmetrical images. Individuals dealing with dentistry, especially prosthodontists, paid more attention to the mouth region along with the eyes in symmetrical images, considering fixation duration and fixation count. Attention directed to epithesis by all groups was verified with objective and measurable criteria. Prosthodontists’ attention to epithesis and mouth was evident considering the four parameters measured.
Views and experience of breastfeeding in public: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Grant Aimee , Pell Bethan , Copeland Lauren , Brown Amy , Ellis Rebecca , Morris Delyth , Williams Denitza , Phillips Rhiannon
Published: August 2022

Breastfeeding rates in many Global North countries are low. Qualitative research highlights that breastfeeding in public is a particular challenge, despite mothers often having the legal right to do so. To identify barriers and facilitators, we systematically searched the qualitative research from Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries relating to breastfeeding in public spaces from 2007 to 2021. Data were analysed using the Thematic Synthesis technique. The review was registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42017081504). Database searching identified 3570 unique records. In total, 74 papers, theses, or book chapters, relating to 71 studies, were included, accounting for over 17,000 mothers. Overall, data quality was high. Our analysis identified that five core factors influenced mothers' thought processes and their breastfeeding in public behaviour: legal system; structural (in)equality; knowledge; beliefs and the social environment. Macro‐level factors relating to legislation and inequality urgently require redress if breastfeeding rates are to be increased. Widespread culture change is also required to enhance knowledge, change hostile beliefs and thus the social environment in which mother/infant dyads exist. In particular, the sexualisation of breasts, disgust narratives and lack of exposure among observers to baby‐led infant feeding patterns resulted in beliefs which created a stigmatising environment. In this context, many mothers felt unable to breastfeed in public; those who breastfed outside the home were usually highly self‐aware, attempting to reduce their exposure to conflict. Evidence‐based theoretically informed interventions to remove barriers to breastfeeding in public are urgently required.
Tracing Opuatia: Repatriating and repurposing colonial land data
Authors: Kukutai Tahu , Whitehead Jesse , Kani Heeni
Published: August 2022

Māori land data produced through colonial systems of dispossession lack interoperability, preventing kin‐based communities from tracking their land. Our novel approach to repatriate and harmonise historic land data traces the history of the 45,500 acre Opuatia Block allocated to hapū Ngāti Tiipa in 1866, following the confiscation of 1.2 million acres of Waikato land. Ngāti Tiipa resisted Crown and settler pressures for 30 years, but 80% of Opuatia was alienated within a decade. We discuss the devastation of ‘judicial raupatu’ and the implications of this work for hapū data sovereignty and wider international efforts to achieve Indigenous data sovereignty.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis on the agreement of non‐cycloplegic and cycloplegic refraction in children
Authors: Wilson Salma , Ctori Irene , Shah Rakhee , Suttle Catherine , Conway Miriam L.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To determine the diagnostic agreement of non‐cycloplegic and cycloplegic refraction in children.

Method

The study methodology followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Electronic databases were searched for comparative studies exploring refraction performed on children under non‐cycloplegic and cycloplegic conditions. There was no restriction on the year of publication; however, only publications in the English language were eligible. Inclusion criteria consisted of children aged ≤12 years, any degree or type of refractive error, either sex and no ocular or binocular co‐morbidities. The QUADAS‐2 tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. Meta‐analysis was conducted to synthesise data from all included studies. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were undertaken for those studies with a risk of bias.

Results

Ten studies consisting of 2724 participants were eligible and included in the meta‐analysis. The test for overall effect was not significant when comparing non‐cycloplegic Plusoptix and cycloplegic autorefractors (Z = 0.34, p = 0.74). The pooled mean difference (MD) was −0.08 D (95% CI −0.54 D, +0.38 D) with a prediction interval of −1.72 D to +1.56 D. At less than 0.25 D, this indicates marginal overestimation of myopia and underestimation of hyperopia under non‐cycloplegic conditions. When comparing non‐cycloplegic autorefraction with a Retinomax and Canon autorefractor to cycloplegic refraction, a significant difference was found (Z = 9.79, p < 0.001) and (Z = 4.61, p < 0.001), respectively.

Discussion

Non‐cycloplegic Plusoptix is the most useful autorefractor for estimating refractive error in young children with low to moderate levels of hyperopia. Results also suggest that cycloplegic refraction must remain the test of choice when measuring refractive error ≤12 years of age. There were insufficient data to explore possible reasons for heterogeneity. Further research is needed to investigate the agreement between non‐cycloplegic and cycloplegic refraction in relation to the type and level of refractive error at different ages.
Inborn errors of immunity associated with defects of thymic development
Authors: Pala Francesca , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Bosticardo Marita
Published: August 2022

The main function of the thymus is to support the establishment of a wide repertoire of T lymphocytes capable of eliminating foreign pathogens, yet tolerant to self‐antigens. Thymocyte development in the thymus is dependent on the interaction with thymic stromal cells, a complex mixture of cells comprising thymic epithelial cells (TEC), mesenchymal and endothelial cells. The exchange of signals between stromal cells and thymocytes is referred to as “thymic cross‐talk”. Genetic defects affecting either side of this interaction result in defects in thymic development that ultimately lead to a decreased output of T lymphocytes to the periphery. In the present review, we aim at providing a summary of inborn errors of immunity (IEI) characterized by T‐cell lymphopenia due to defects of the thymic stroma, or to hematopoietic‐intrinsic defects of T‐cell development, with a special focus on recently discovered disorders. Additionally, we review the novel diagnostic tools developed to discover and study new genetic causes of IEI due to defects in thymic development. Finally, we discuss therapeutic approaches to correct thymic defects that are currently available, in addition to potential novel therapies that could be applied in the future.
Melanoma central nervous system metastases: An update to approaches, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Karz Alcida , Dimitrova Maya , Kleffman Kevin , Alvarez‐Breckenridge Christopher , Atkins Michael B. , Boire Adrienne , Bosenberg Marcus , Brastianos Priscilla , Cahill Daniel P. , Chen Qing , Ferguson Sherise , Forsyth Peter , Glitza Oliva Isabella C. , Goldberg Sarah B. , Holmen Sheri L. , Knisely Jonathan P. S. , Merlino Glenn , Nguyen Don X. , Pacold Michael E. , Perez‐Guijarro Eva , Smalley Keiran S. M. , Tawbi Hussein A. , Wen Patrick Y. , Davies Michael A. , Kluger Harriet M. , Mehnert Janice M. , Hernando Eva
Published: August 2022

Brain metastases are the most common brain malignancy. This review discusses the studies presented at the third annual meeting of the Melanoma Research Foundation in the context of other recent reports on the biology and treatment of melanoma brain metastases (MBM). Although symptomatic MBM patients were historically excluded from immunotherapy trials, efforts from clinicians and patient advocates have resulted in more inclusive and even dedicated clinical trials for MBM patients. The results of checkpoint inhibitor trials were discussed in conversation with current standards of care for MBM patients, including steroids, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. Advances in the basic scientific understanding of MBM, including the role of astrocytes and metabolic adaptations to the brain microenvironment, are exposing new vulnerabilities which could be exploited for therapeutic purposes. Technical advances including single‐cell omics and multiplex imaging are expanding our understanding of the MBM ecosystem and its response to therapy. This unprecedented level of spatial and temporal resolution is expected to dramatically advance the field in the coming years and render novel treatment approaches that might improve MBM patient outcomes.
Clinical and pathological characteristics of familial melanoma with germline TERT promoter variants
Authors: Zaremba Anne , Meier Friedegund , Schlein Christian , Jansen Philipp , Lodde Georg , Song Mingxia , Kretz Julia , Möller Inga , Stadtler Nadine , Livingstone Elisabeth , Zimmer Lisa , Hadaschik Eva , Sucker Antje , Schadendorf Dirk , Griewank Klaus
Published: August 2022

Around 10% of melanoma occurs in patients with a suspected familial predisposition. TERT promoter mutations are the most common somatic hotspot mutations in human cancers. However, only two families with germline mutations have been identified to date. We present detailed histological, clinical, and molecular pathologic analyses of affected patients and details of newly identified individuals in one of these previously reported families. TERT (NM_198253.3) Chr.5:1,295,161T>C (c.‐57 T>C) promoter variants were detected in all melanoma‐affected (n = 18) and one non‐diseased family member. The median age at diagnosis was 30 years (n = 18, range 16–46 years, 2 unknown). While most primary melanomas arose on the upper extremities (n = 7, 21%) and were superficial spreading melanoma (SSM, n = 8, 24%), many primary melanomas also originated from non‐UV‐exposed mucosal (n = 2, 6%) and acral (n = 4, 12%) locations. One SSM sample harbored a Chr.5:1,295,228C>T TERT promoter mutation in addition to the germline Chr.5:1,295,161T>C variant, arguing additional pathway activation can support tumor pathogenesis. Patients treated with BRAF inhibitor and/or immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) showed responses, although of limited duration. One mucosal melanoma harbored both a KIT copy number gain and an activating c.1727 p.Leu576Pro mutation. Following the modest response to ICI, subsequent KIT inhibitor (imatinib) therapy demonstrated an ongoing complete pathological response (currently 7 months).
Wittgenstein on necessity: ‘Are you not really an idealist in disguise?’
Authors: Couldrick Sam W. A.
Published: August 2022

Wittgenstein characterises ‘necessary truths’ as rules of representation that do not answer to reality. The invocation of rules of representation has led many to compare his work with Kant's. This comparison is illuminating, but it can also be misleading. Some go as far as casting Wittgenstein's later philosophy as a specie of transcendental idealism, an interpretation that continues to gather support despite scholars pointing to its limitations. To understand the temptation of this interpretation, attention must be paid to a distinction Bernard Williams (1981) makes, echoing Kant, between empirical and transcendental idealism. Williams claims that the move to transcendental idealism is an effort to block empirical idealism. The latter, in this context, amounts to a scepticism regarding necessity and a denial of its objectivity. To show what is wrong with the transcendental interpretation, it is important to challenge the mistaken presumption that Wittgenstein's philosophy would otherwise lead to empirical idealism. The fundamental mistake common to both attributions is that they misunderstand the relation that obtains between our rules of representation and the contingent facts that condition those rules of representation. Once this relation has been clarified, Wittgenstein's philosophy can be understood as providing a genuine alternative to realism and idealism.
Disruption to vegetable food systems during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the Lao People's Democratic Republic
Authors: Syfongxay Chanthaly , Kongmanila Daovy , Sinavong Phonevilay , Sacklokham Silinthone , Alexander Kim Suzanne
Published: August 2022

Globally, the COVID‐19 (SARSCoV‐2) pandemic has affected human health and the flow of goods and services in many sectors, with significant social and economic consequences and repercussions. COVID‐19 lockdowns have disrupted food systems; impacting farmers, food producers, traders and consumers. Using a food system approach, disruptions to and the resilience of vegetable food production and trade was analysed. Representatives of traditional farming systems in Lao PDR producing and trading vegetables were involved. Over 350 farmers, 60 wholesalers, 50 retailers and 70 consumers were surveyed to determine the disruptions to vegetable supplies in terms of quantities traded, prices and income fluctuations. Findings revealed significant impacts on trading capacity and consequent reductions in incomes, prices, purchases, transport and sales of produce. However, livelihoods resumed as soon as the lockdown lifted. Traditionally, vegetable production and trading are a woman's tasks and hence women were the most affected by the disruptions. With trading contractions, the stability of the food supply was threatened, but only temporarily, indicating that a traditional, resilient farming system based on lower population densities, lower input requirements and lower productivity could adapt to novel disruptions in the short term.
An Automatic Finite Element Method-Boundary Element Method Coupling Method for Elastic–Plastic Problems of Multiscale Structures in Electronic Packaging
Authors: Qin Fei , He Qi , Gong Yanpeng , Hou Chuantao , Cheng Hao , An Tong , Dai Yanwei , Chen Pei
Published: August 2022

We introduce a coupled finite and boundary element method for elastic-plastic analysis over multiscale electronic packaging structures. Based on the finite element-boundary element (FE-BE) coupling algorithm, an automatic implementation procedure for the coupling of the abaqus with a self-written elastic BE code is introduced for elastic problems. In the mixed finite element method (FEM)-boundary element method (BEM) model, the effective stiffness and effective forces at the interfacial boundary are evaluated by the self-written BE code. Then, the obtained effective stiffness and effective forces are assembled to the global FE formulations by using the user subroutine (UEL) in abaqus. Numerical simulation of structures with plastic deformation, stress concentration, etc. is carried out by using FEM theory. The boundary element method is used for linear elastic domains with large-scale structures. The proposed method offers several key improvements compared with current analysis methods available for multiscale electronic packaging structures. The benefits are: (i) the powerful pre- and postprocessing of abaqus; (ii) the higher accuracy of the solution; (iii) the computational cost and time can be reduced by using the scheme; and (iv) solving systems with infinite extension by using the BEM as a supplement. Furthermore, we demonstrate the ability of the proposed approach to handle multiscale structures in electronic packaging problems.
Analyzing the single-reed excitation mechanism
Authors: Chatziioannou Vasileios , Pàmies-vilà Montserrat
Published: August 2022

The Reflections series takes a look back on historical articles from The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America that have had a significant impact on the science and practice of acoustics.
Remote auditory assessment using Portable Automated Rapid Testing (PART) and participant-owned devices
Authors: Lelo de Larrea-Mancera E. Sebastian , Stavropoulos Trevor , Carrillo Audrey Anna , Cheung Sierra , He Yue J. , Eddins David A. , Molis Michelle R. , Gallun Frederick J. , Seitz Aaron R.
Published: August 2022

Remote testing of auditory function can be transformative to both basic research and hearing healthcare; however, historically, many obstacles have limited remote collection of reliable and valid auditory psychometric data. Here, we report performance on a battery of auditory processing tests using a remotely administered system, Portable Automatic Rapid Testing. We compare a previously reported dataset collected in a laboratory setting with the same measures using uncalibrated, participant-owned devices in remote settings (experiment 1, n = 40) remote with and without calibrated hardware (experiment 2, n = 36) and laboratory with and without calibrated hardware (experiment 3, n = 58). Results were well-matched across datasets and had similar reliability, but overall performance was slightly worse than published norms. Analyses of potential nuisance factors such as environmental noise, distraction, or lack of calibration failed to provide reliable evidence that these factors contributed to the observed variance in performance. These data indicate feasibility of remote testing of suprathreshold auditory processing using participants' own devices. Although the current investigation was limited to young participants without hearing difficulties, its outcomes demonstrate the potential for large-scale, remote hearing testing of more hearing-diverse populations both to advance basic science and to establish the clinical viability of auditory remote testing.
The effect of sensorineural hearing loss on suprathreshold perception of tonal components in noise
Authors: Hots Jan , Ashraf Vaghefi Shirin , Verhey Jesko L.
Published: August 2022

The present study investigates how sensorineural hearing loss affects the perception of suprathreshold tonal components in noise. Masked threshold, tonality, and loudness of the tonal content are measured for one, two, or four simultaneously presented sinusoids. The levels of the suprathreshold tonal components were chosen relative to the individual masked thresholds. Masked thresholds were significantly higher for the hearing-impaired listeners than for normal-hearing listeners. In general, tonality was the same for hearing-impaired and normal-hearing listeners at the same level above threshold. The same was found for the loudness of the tonal content.
Bacterial Metabolism and Transport Genes Are Associated with the Preference of Drosophila melanogaster for Dietary Yeast
Authors: Call Tanner B. , Davis Emma K. , Bean Joseph D. , Lemmon Skyler G. , Chaston John M.
Published: August 2022

Associated microorganisms (“microbiota”) impact the physiology and behavior of their hosts, and defining the mechanisms underlying these interactions is a major gap in the field of host-microbe interactions. This study expands our understanding of how the microbiota can influence dietary preference for yeast (DPY) of a model host,Drosophila melanogaster.
Elevated c-di-GMP Levels and Expression of the Type III Secretion System Promote Corneal Infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Yam Joey Kuok Hoong , Aung Thet Tun , Chua Song Lin , Cheng Yingying , Kohli Gurjeet Singh , Zhou Jianuan , Constancias Florentin , Liu Yang , Cai Zhao , Salido May Margarette Santillan , Drautz-Moses Daniela I. , Rice Scott A. , Schuster Stephan Christoph , Boo Zhao Zhi , Wu Bin , Kjelleberg Staffan , Tolker-Nielsen Tim , Lakshminarayanan Rajamani , Beuerman Roger W. , Yang Liang , Givskov Michael
Published: August 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is generally believed to establish biofilm-associated infections under the regulation of the secondary messenger c-di-GMP. To evaluate
P. aeruginosa
biofilm physiology during ocular infections, comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed on wild-type
P. aeruginosa
PAO1, a Δ
wspF
mutant strain (high c-di-GMP levels), and a p

lac

-
yhjH
-containing strain (low c-di-GMP levels) from mouse corneal infection, as well as
in vitro
biofilm and planktonic cultures. The c-di-GMP content in
P. aeruginosa
during corneal infection was monitored using a fluorescent c-di-GMP reporter strain. Biofilm-related genes were induced in
in vivo
PAO1 compared to
in vitro
planktonic bacteria. Several diguanylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases were commonly regulated in
in vivo
PAO1 and
in vitro
biofilm compared to
in vitro
planktonic bacteria.
Transcriptional Regulation by the Velvet Protein VE-1 during Asexual Development in the Fungus Neurospora crassa
Authors: Cea-Sánchez Sara , Corrochano-Luque María , Gutiérrez Gabriel , Glass N. Louise , Cánovas David , Corrochano Luis M.
Published: August 2022

Most fungi disperse in nature and infect new hosts by producing vegetative spores or conidia during asexual development. This is a process that is regulated by environmental signals like light and the availability of nutrients.
Genome Sequences of Streptococcus suis Isolates Obtained from Pigs in the United States between 2015 and 2017
Authors: Nicholson Tracy L. , Shore Sarah M.
Published: August 2022

Streptococcus suis
is a zoonotic swine pathogen responsible for substantial health and economic burdens to the swine industry worldwide. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of 106
S. suis
isolates obtained within the United States between 2015 and 2017.
Repressed Ang 1–7 in COVID-19 Is Inversely Associated with Inflammation and Coagulation
Authors: Carpenter Rebecca M. , Young Mary K. , Petri William A. O. , Lyons Genevieve R. , Gilchrist Carol , Carey Robert M. , Petri William A.
Published: August 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes a unique disease, COVID-19, which ranges in severity from asymptomatic to causing severe respiratory failure and death. Viral transmission throughout the world continues at a high rate despite the development and widespread use of effective vaccines.
Profiles of Microbial Community and Antibiotic Resistome in Wild Tick Species
Authors: Wei Nana , Lu Jinmiao , Dong Yi , Li Shibo
Published: August 2022

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses serious threat to the public health around the world. Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites, surviving via feeding on the blood of various animal hosts.
Modeling-Guided Amendments Lead to Enhanced Biodegradation in Soil
Authors: Dhakar Kusum , Zarecki Raphy , Medina Shlomit , Ziadna Hamam , Igbaria Karam , Lati Ran , Ronen Zeev , Eizenberg Hanan , Freilich Shiri
Published: August 2022

Providing the food requirements of a growing population comes at the cost of intensive use of agrochemicals, including pesticides. Native microbial soil communities are considered key players in the degradation of such exogenous substances.
Microalgae and Bacteria Interaction—Evidence for Division of Diligence in the Alga Microbiota
Authors: Astafyeva Yekaterina , Gurschke Marno , Qi Minyue , Bergmann Lutgardis , Indenbirken Daniela , de Grahl Imke , Katzowitsch Elena , Reumann Sigrun , Hanelt Dieter , Alawi Malik , Streit Wolfgang R. , Krohn Ines
Published: August 2022

The current study gives a detailed insight into mutualistic collaboration of microalgae and bacteria, including the involvement of competitive interplay between bacteria. We provide experimental evidence that Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the
Dyadobacter
,
Porphyrobacter
, and
Variovorax
are the key players in a
Scenedesmus quadricauda
alga-bacteria interaction.
Concentrative Nucleoside Transporter, CNT, Results in Selective Toxicity of Toyocamycin against Candida albicans
Authors: Ojima Yoshihiro , Yokota Naoki , Tanibata Yuki , Nerome Shinsuke , Azuma Masayuki
Published: August 2022

We investigated the mechanism of toxicity of TM and its analogs to
C. albicans
. Inspired by the effect of the copresence of TM and purine nucleosides on cell growth of
C. albicans
, we investigated the involvement of CNT in the toxicity mechanism by expressing CNT of
C. albicans
(CaCNT) in
S. cerevisiae
and deleting CaCNT in
C. albicans
.
Plant-Microbe Interaction: Mining the Impact of Native Bacillus amyloliquefaciens WS-10 on Tobacco Bacterial Wilt Disease and Rhizosphere Microbial Communities
Authors: Ahmed Waqar , Dai Zhenlin , Zhang Jinhao , Li Shichen , Ahmed Ayesha , Munir Shahzad , Liu Qi , Tan Yujiao , Ji Guanghai , Zhao Zhengxiong
Published: August 2022

The plant rhizosphere acts as the first line of defense against the invasion of pathogens. The perturbation in the rhizosphere microbiome is directly related to plant health and disease development.
Systemic Candida albicans Infection in Mice Causes Endogenous Endophthalmitis via Breaching the Outer Blood-Retinal Barrier
Authors: Singh Sneha , Singh Sukhvinder , Kumar Ashok
Published: August 2022

Patients with candidemia often experience endophthalmitis, a blinding infectious eye disease. However, the pathogenesis of
Candida
endophthalmitis is not well understood.
Primary Murine Macrophages as a Tool for Virulence Factor Discovery in Coxiella burnetii
Authors: Case Elizabeth Di Russo , Mahapatra Saugata , Hoffpauir Caitlyn T. , Konganti Kranti , Hillhouse Andrew E. , Samuel James E. , Van Schaik Erin J.
Published: August 2022

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, preferentially infects macrophages of the respiratory tract when causing human disease. This work describes how primary macrophages respond toC. burnetiiat the earliest stages of infection, before bacterial replication.
Successful term pregnancy following cervical cerclage for uterine atrophy secondary to childhood radiotherapy
Authors: Martin Anastasia , Suff Natalie , Shennan Andrew
Published: August 2022

Pelvic radiotherapy can lead to scarring and atrophy of reproductive organs including the uterus. This may lead to complications, such as preterm birth, during pregnancy. The mechanism by which preterm birth is associated with pelvic radiation is believed to be due to inefficient uterine stretch or a deficient cervix. We report a case of cervical shortening during the second trimester in a pregnant woman with a history of pelvic radiotherapy in childhood. Ultrasound surveillance and cervical cerclage inserted in the shortening cervix successfully prevented preterm labour in this case. Cerclage insertion led to a longer cervix and lower fibronectin. Although cervical cerclage does not influence uterine stretch, it may be able to prevent cervical dilatation and therefore prevent ascending infections and subsequent inflammatory sequelae which results in preterm labour. We recommend cervical surveillance and targeted cerclage interventions to prevent preterm labour in women with prior childhood pelvic radiotherapy.
Predicting the risk of distant and local recurrence for patients with ocular adnexal extranodal marginal zone lymphoma: a matched case–control study
Authors: Shi Jiahao , Zhu Tianyu , Zhou Min , Zhou Xiaowen , Song Xin , Wang Yefei , Jia Renbing , Yu Ziyao , Zhou Yixiong , Fan Xianqun
Published: August 2022

Background/aims

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of ocular adnexa (OA-EMZL) is the most frequent type of ocular adnexal lymphomas, with a high rate of disease recurrence. Precise patient stratification based on disease recurrence is understudied. This study aims to identify risk factors of distant recurrence (DR) and local recurrence (LR) to construct a prognostic model optimising rapid decision of therapeutic strategies.

Methods

A total of 104 patients diagnosed with OA-EMZL between January 2011 and February 2020 were enrolled. Propensity score matching was performed for DR and LR groups. A nomogram was generated using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

After matching, different independent risk factors of DR and LR were identified. Monocyte percentage (p=0.015) and M category >0 (p=0.043) were significant independent risk factors of DR. Epiphora (p<0.001) was the significant independent risk factor of LR. Three factors (monocyte percentage, M category >0, age >60) were integrated into the nomogram to predict the risk of DR. It had a relatively better discriminative ability for distant recurrence-free survival (C-index: 3-year, 0.784; 6-year, 0.801) than IPI score (C-index: 3-year, 0.663; 6-year, 0.673) in the cohort of all patients.

Conclusion

Our analyses suggested DR and LR as two distinct prognostic events, and additionally identified novel risk factors of them. The nomogram may serve as a practical tool for the prognostic estimation and rapid decision of therapeutic strategies for patients with OA-EMZL.
Lived experience of Jordanian front-line healthcare workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study
Authors: Nazzal Mohammad S , Oteir Alaa O , Jaber Ala'a F , Alwidyan Mahmoud T , Raffee Liqaa
Published: August 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the lived experience of Jordanian front-line healthcare workers (FHCWs), including their experienced challenges and adaptations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

A phenomenological qualitative design was used to highlight the experiences of a sample Jordanian FHCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative interviews were conducted using a semistructured guide with open-ended questions, audiotaped and then transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis of the transcribed narratives was conducted using an open coding line by line to develop themes and related subthemes.

Setting

Mobile COVID-19 testing and contact tracing units during an active surge of cases in Jordan between May and September 2020.

Participants

Participants were recruited using purposive sampling method and consisted of 15 FHCWs (2 physicians, 10 nurses, 2 paramedics and 1 laboratory technician) who have worked in testing and contact tracing teams in the community and have dealt with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Results

Participant narratives were classified into two main overarching themes; challenges and adaptation themes. The challenges theme was exhibited as follows: (1) an excruciating encounter with an invisible enemy, (2) distorted knowledge about COVID-19 and (3) organisational and administrative challenges. The adaptation theme was exhibited as follows: (1) seeking relevant knowledge about the disease and (2) seeking more connectedness.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic exerted many challenges for FHCWs at multiple levels; intrapersonal and interpersonal, organisational and societal levels. Nevertheless, a number of adaptation strategies within these levels have been reported. This study helps to provide the base on which healthcare officials and public health personnel can formulate preparedness plans that tackle challenges faced by front-line workers, which ultimately enhance the resilience of healthcare systems to withstand future pandemics.
How COVID-19 has impacted access to healthcare and social resources among individuals experiencing homelessness in Canada: a scoping review
Authors: Maretzki Maxine , Geiger Rachael , Buxton Jane A
Published: August 2022

Objectives

In Canada, individuals experiencing homelessness (IEH) rely on public health and social services for healthcare, food and basic necessities. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected marginalised populations, in part by impacting their access to such services. We performed a scoping review to identify from the published literature how access to services has changed for Canadian IEH during the pandemic.

Data sources

OVID Medline, Web of Science, Sociological Abstracts, CINAHL and OVID EmCare databases, and websites for the Salvation Army, Homeless Hub, Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, Canadian Network for the Health and Housing of People Experiencing Homelessness and BC Centre for Disease Control.

Study design

We used the scoping review methodology developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and defined access to healthcare and social services using the 10-component Levesque framework. Academic databases and grey literature searches were used, with the final searches for each taking place 24 May and 1 June 2021, respectively. Data were compiled into an Excel spreadsheet. Title and abstract screening and full-text review were completed by two independent reviewers (RG and MM). Data extraction was completed by MM and cross checked by RG.

Results

In total, 17 academic and grey literature articles were included. Positive and negative changes in service access were reported in the literature. During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to social and healthcare resources was generally reduced for Canadian IEH. A new component of access, digital connectivity, was identified. Unexpectedly, coordination and collaboration of services improved, as did the number of outreach services.

Conclusions

Positive changes to service access such as improved coordination of services should be scaled up. Further work should be done to improve access to digital technologies for IEH.