bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The humble estimate: Humility predicts higher self‐assessment accuracy
Authors: Teo Nigel Q. X. , Lim Travis , Tong Eddie M. W.
Published: May 2022

Humility is thought to be associated with greater accuracy in self‐assessment. However, clear evidence is lacking. Two studies tested this central proposition. In Study 1 (N = 258), participants completed a task on logical reasoning before estimating both their raw and relative performance. Study 2 (N = 214) was aimed at replicating Study 1 with a task on English fluency. Results from both studies were consistent. There was evidence of overestimation bias across each sample in which participants’ estimated performance was higher than their actual performance. More importantly, humility was associated with less overestimation bias, such that the difference in estimated and actual performance was smaller or non‐existent among those higher in humility. We also replicated the Dunning–Kruger effect in which participants of lower ability in these skills (i.e., lower actual scores) were most likely to overestimate their performance. Further analyses found that the negative relationship between humility and overestimation bias was not moderated by actual performances. However, the same analyses revealed that the Dunning–Kruger effect was also not moderated by humility. Hence, there is strong replicable evidence that humility is associated with less overestimation bias, supporting the view that greater accuracy in self‐assessment is an attribute of humility, and that this relationship is independent of actual ability, but humility does not affect the robust Dunning–Kruger effect.
Determinants of active energy expenditure in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Hendra Heidy , Sridharan Sivakumar , Farrington Ken , Davenport Andrew
Published: May 2022

Background

Less active haemodialysis patients have an increased risk of mortality. We wished to determine which factors were associated with active energy expenditure (AEE).

Methods

We used the validated recent physical activity questionnaire to determine AEE and estimated dietary protein intake and creatinine generation rates. We measured extracellular and total body water ratio (ECW/TBW) and appendicular lean muscle with bioimpedance and arm strength by hand grip strength (HGS). Patients were graded using the Charlson co‐morbidity and the Clinical Frailty Score (CFS).

Results

AEE was calculated in 98 patients (64 male), mean age 62.1 ± 15.5 years, and AEE was negatively associated with CFS (r = −0.48), ECW/TBW (r = −0.47) and age (r = −0.4), all p < 0.001, Charlson co‐morbidity score (−0.27, p = 0.007), and positively with serum creatinine (r = 0.38, p < 0.010), and HGS (r = 0.25, p = 0.016). Although protein nitrogen accumulation and creatinine generation were associated with resting energy expenditure (r = 0.70 and r = 0.44 respectively, both p < 0.0001), neither were associated with AEE. On multivariable analysis only CFS remained independently associated with AEE (β = −0.031, 95% limits: −0.057 to −0.004, p = 0.024), although both age (negative p = 0.07), and ALM (positive p = 0.081) were retained in the model.

Conclusions

We found that AEE was lower with increasing frailty, age, loss of cell mass, co‐morbidity and inflammation, and greater AEE in patients with higher serum creatinine and albumin, and greater muscle strength on univariate analysis, but only frailty remained independently associated on multivariable analysis. Whether exercise programmes designed to increase AEE in haemodialysis patients can improve frailty scores, and so reduce mortality risk reman to be determined.
P38 initiates degeneration of midbrain GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons in diabetes models
Authors: Farhadi Aisan , Totonchi Mehdi , Nabavi Seyed Masood , Baharvand Hossein , Pakdaman Hossein , Hajizadeh‐Saffar Ensiyeh , Mousavi Seyed Ahmad , Hadi Fatemeh , Al‐Sinawi Hamed , Li Quan , Zhang Jin‐San , Tahamtani Yaser , Shahpasand Koorosh
Published: May 2022

Diabetes mellitus may cause tau protein hyperphosphorylation and neurodegeneration, but the exact mechanism by which diabetic conditions induce tau pathology remains unclear. Tau protein hyperphosphorylation is considered a major pathological hallmark of neurodegeneration and can be triggered by diabetes. Various tau‐directed kinases, including P38, can be activated upon diabetic stress and induce tau hyperphosphorylation. Despite extensive research efforts, the exact tau specie(s) and kinases driving neurodegeneration in diabetes mellitus have not been clearly elucidated. We herein employed different techniques to determine the exact molecular mechanism of tau pathology triggered by diabetes in in vivo and in vitro models. We showed that diabetes‐related stresses and glucose metabolism deficiency could induce cis P‐tau (an early driver of the tau pathology) accumulation in the midbrain and corpus callosum of the diabetic mice models and cells treated with 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose, respectively. We found that the active phosphorylated level of P38 was increased in the treated cells and diabetic mice models. We observed that oxidative stress activated P38, which directly and indirectly drove tau pathology in the GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons of the midbrain of the diabetic mice after 96 h, which accumulated in the other neighboring brain areas after 2 months. Notably, P38 inhibition suppressed tau pathogenicity and risk‐taking behaviors in the animal models after 96 h. The data establish P38 as a central mediator of diabetes mellitus‐induced tau pathology. Our findings provide mechanistic insight into the consequences of this metabolic disorder on the nervous system.
Microbially promoted calcite precipitation in the pelagic redoxcline: Elucidating the formation of the turbid layer
Authors: Leberecht Kerstin M. , Ritter Simon M. , Lapp Christian J. , Klose Lukas , Eschenröder Julian , Scholz Christian , Kühnel Sebastian , Stinnesbeck Wolfgang , Kletzin Arnulf , Isenbeck‐Schröter Margot , Gescher Johannes
Published: May 2022

Large bell‐shaped calcite formations called “Hells Bells” were discovered underwater in the stratified cenote El Zapote on the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Together with these extraordinary speleothems, divers found a white, cloudy turbid layer into which some Hells Bells partially extend. Here, we address the central question if the formation of the turbid layer could be based on microbial activity, more specifically, on microbially induced calcite precipitation. Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic profiling of the microbial community in the turbid layer, which overlaps with the pelagic redoxcline in the cenote, revealed chemolithoautotrophic Hydrogenophilales and unclassified β‐Proteobacteria as the metabolic key players. Bioinformatic and hydrogeochemical data suggest chemolithoautotrophic oxidation of sulfide to zero‐valent sulfur catalyzed by denitrifying organisms due to oxygen deficiency. Incomplete sulfide oxidation via nitrate reduction and chemolithoautotrophy are both proton‐consuming processes, which increase the pH in the redoxcline favoring authigenic calcite precipitation and may contribute to Hells Bells growth. The observed mechanism of microbially induced calcite precipitation is potentially applicable to many other stagnant sulfate‐rich water bodies.
Global estimates of the extent and production of macroalgal forests
Authors: Duarte Carlos M. , Gattuso Jean‐Pierre , Hancke Kasper , Gundersen Hege , Filbee‐Dexter Karen , Pedersen Morten F. , Middelburg Jack J. , Burrows Michael T. , Krumhansl Kira A. , Wernberg Thomas , Moore Pippa , Pessarrodona Albert , Ørberg Sarah B. , Pinto Isabel S. , Assis Jorge , Queirós Ana M. , Smale Dan A. , Bekkby Trine , Serrão Ester A. , Krause‐Jensen Dorte
Published: May 2022

Aim

Macroalgal habitats are believed to be the most extensive and productive of all coastal vegetated ecosystems. In stark contrast to the growing attention on their contribution to carbon export and sequestration, understanding of their global extent and production is limited and these have remained poorly assessed for decades. Here we report a first data‐driven assessment of the global extent and production of macroalgal habitats based on modelled and observed distributions and net primary production (NPP) across habitat types.

Location

Global coastal ocean.

Time period

Contemporary.

Major taxa studied

Macroalgae.

Methods

Here we apply a comprehensive niche model to generate an improved global map of potential macroalgal distribution, constrained by incident light on the seafloor and substrate type. We compiled areal net primary production (NPP) rates across macroalgal habitats from the literature and combined this with our estimates of the global extent of these habitats to calculate global macroalgal NPP.

Results

We show that macroalgal forests are a major biome with a global area of 6.06–7.22 million km2, dominated by red algae, and NPP of 1.32 Pg C/year, dominated by brown algae.

Main conclusions

The global macroalgal biome is comparable, in area and NPP, to the Amazon forest, but is globally distributed as a thin strip around shorelines. Macroalgae are expanding in polar, subpolar and tropical areas, where their potential extent is also largest, likely increasing the overall contribution of algal forests to global carbon sequestration.
Haemophilia gene therapy—Update on new country initiatives
Authors: Reiss Ulrike M. , Mahlangu Johnny , Ohmori Tsukasa , Ozelo Margareth C. , Srivastava Alok , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Gene therapy is emerging as a potential cure for haemophilia. Gene therapy is a one‐time treatment that can elevate factor levels for many years and minimize or eliminate the need for clotting factor concentrate (CFC) replacement therapy. However, there is a paucity of reports on gene therapy efforts in countries outside of North America or Europe, especially in low‐and‐middle‐income countries (LMIC). All indications are that gene therapy will be one of standard care treatments for haemophilia in the future. Still, it may not be accessible to many countries due to various barriers and challenges. At the same time, each country may formulate solutions that may be used globally.

Aim

To summarize the approaches taken to establish haemophilia gene therapy in Japan, China, India, South Africa, and Brazil, and to describe the US‐initiated multi‐LMIC haemophilia gene therapy development program to include Peru, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Methods

A review of related published information or as accessible by each country's author.

Results

Different starting conditions, differing input and level of support from the multitude of stakeholders, and strong leadership have led to various approaches for facilitating research and developing needed infrastructure and regulatory and financing models. Gene therapy programs are at various stages of development and include both adeno‐associated viral and lentiviral vectors.

Conclusion

Global partnerships and collaboration, exchange of knowledge and experience, and alignment of processes across borders will promote further progress towards global access to gene therapy for haemophilia.
Towards novel treatment options in von Willebrand disease
Authors: Lenting Peter J. , Kizlik‐Manson Claire , Casari Caterina
Published: May 2022

Deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor (VWF) is associated with a bleeding disorder known as von Willebrand disease (VWD). The clinical manifestations of VWD are heterogeneous, and are in part dictated by the structural or functional defects of VWF. The tools to control bleeding in VWD are dominated by VWF concentrates, desmopressin and antifibrinolytic therapy. In view of these treatments being considered as effective, it is surprising that quality‐of‐life studies consistently demonstrate a significant mental and physical burden in VWD patients, particularly in women. Apparently, the current weaponry to support the management of VWD is insufficient to fully address the needs of the patients. It is important therefore to continue to search for innovative treatment options which could better serve the VWD patients. In this short review, two of such options are discussed in more detail: emicizumab to correct for the deficiency of factor VIII (FVIII), and the pegylated aptamer BT200 to increase endogenous levels of the VWF/FVIII complex.
Therapeutic and technological advancements in haemophilia care: Quantum leaps forward
Authors: Lewandowska Magdalena , Nasr Sonia , Shapiro Amy D.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Recent technological innovations in haemophilia have advanced at an astounding pace, including gene therapy programmes and bioengineered molecules for prophylaxis, products that reduce treatment burden through half‐life extension, unique mechanisms of action, and subcutaneous administration. Additional technological advancements have emerged that are anticipated to further transform haemophilia care.

Aim

Review new and emerging haemophilia therapies, including replacement and bypassing products, digital applications, utilisation of big data, and personalised medicine.

Methods

Data were obtained from peer‐reviewed presentations/publications, and ongoing studies in haemophilia, ultrasonography, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Results

Available treatments include new recombinant factors VIII (FVIII) and IX (FIX), extended half‐life FVIII/IX products, a new FVIIa product for inhibitor patients, and a FVIIIa‐mimetic. Several novel therapeutics are in clinical trials, including FVIIIa mimetics and inhibitors of naturally‐occurring anticoagulants. Ongoing gene therapy trials suggest that a single vector infusion using an optimised construct can produce factor activity that reduces bleeding to near zero for years. Today, persons with haemophilia (PwH) approach a lifespan comparable to that of the general population, presenting treatment challenges for age‐related co‐morbidities. Technological innovations have broadened beyond therapeutics to include large database analyses utilising remote data collection with handheld devices, and to tailor AI applications. Current development efforts include patient‐performed ultrasonography, algorithms for scan interpretation, and point‐of‐care haemostatic testing devices.

Conclusions

We have entered a golden age for haemophilia treatment and care with wide‐ranging advancements targeting improved quality of life (QoL). Future‐focused efforts by clinical and patient communities may provide equitable access and care for people impacted by haemophilia worldwide.
What is new in adult acne for the last 2 years: focus on acne pathophysiology and treatments
Authors: Dagnelie Marie‐Ange , Poinas Alexandra , Dréno Brigitte
Published: May 2022

Acne affects more than 640 million people worldwide, including about 85% of adolescents. This inflammatory dermatosis affects the entire population, from teenagers to adults, which reinforces the need to investigate it. Furthermore, in adults, acne has serious consequences, including a psychological impact, low self‐esteem, social isolation, and depression. Over the last years, the understanding of acne pathophysiology has improved, mainly thanks to the identification of the pivotal role of the microbiota. The aim of this review was to screen the most recent scientific literature on adult acne and the newly tested treatments. Clinically, therapeutic innovations for the treatment of acne have been recently developed, including pre/probiotics, new molecules, and innovative formulations associated, however, with fewer side effects. Moreover, clinical trials are underway to use off‐label molecules that seem to be proving their value in the fight against adult acne.
The balance of interleukin‐12 and interleukin‐23 determines the bias of MAIT1 versus MAIT17 responses during bacterial infection
Authors: Wang Huimeng , Nelson Adam G , Wang Bingjie , Zhao Zhe , Lim Xin Yi , Shi Mai , Meehan Lucy J , Jia Xiaoxiao , Kedzierska Katherine , Meehan Bronwyn S , Eckle Sidonia BG , Souter Michael NT , Pediongco Troi J , Mak Jeffrey YW , Fairlie David P , McCluskey James , Wang Zhongfang , Corbett Alexandra J , Chen Zhenjun
Published: May 2022

Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a major subset of innate‐like T cells mediating protection against bacterial infection through recognition of microbial metabolites derived from riboflavin biosynthesis. Mouse MAIT cells egress from the thymus as two main subpopulations with distinct functions, namely, T‐bet‐expressing MAIT1 and RORγt‐expressing MAIT17 cells. Previously, we reported that inducible T‐cell costimulator and interleukin (IL)‐23 provide essential signals for optimal MHC‐related protein 1 (MR1)‐dependent activation and expansion of MAIT17 cells in vivo. Here, in a model of tularemia, in which MAIT1 responses predominate, we demonstrate that IL‐12 and IL‐23 promote MAIT1 cell expansion during acute infection and that IL‐12 is indispensable for MAIT1 phenotype and function. Furthermore, we showed that the bias toward MAIT1 or MAIT17 responses we observed during different bacterial infections was determined and modulated by the balance between IL‐12 and IL‐23 and that these responses could be recapitulated by cytokine coadministration with antigen. Our results indicate a potential for tailored immunotherapeutic interventions via MAIT cell manipulation.
The Formation of Inflation Expectations: Microdata Evidence from Japan
Authors: KIKUCHI JUNICHI , NAKAZONO YOSHIYUKI
Published: May 2022

We propose a novel approach for measuring inflation expectations, which can alleviate the rounding number problem. Furthermore, we examine how consumers form inflation expectations. We find that consumers heterogeneously update their information sets on prices; 46% of the consumers collect information about the consumer price index at least once a quarter, while the remaining consumers less frequently or never obtain this information. We also find that forecast revisions are sensitive to a change in food prices. More than half of consumers are attentive only to a change in food prices and may form their inflation expectations using food price changes as a signal of fluctuations in the overall inflation rates. The existence of consumers who are inattentive to aggregate inflation casts doubt on the transmission of monetary policy through the management of expectations.
Platelet‐rich plasma versus carboxytherapy in the treatment of periorbital dark circles: A split‐face study
Authors: El‐Tahlawi Samar M. , Fawzy Marwa M. , El Maadawi Zeinab , Yasen Sara M. , Aboraia Nesreen M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Periorbital hyperpigmentation is a recurrent problem in dermatologic clinics that affect the patients' quality of life and their psychological status. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) may serve as a source of different growth factors which may reduce the pigmentation in this problem. Carboxytherapy is carbon dioxide infusion into human tissue for therapeutic purposes.

Objective

To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of PRP and carboxytherapy in the treatment of periorbital dark circles (PODC). Histopathological evaluation was also done.

Patients and Methods

Split‐face study of 23 patients with PODC treated with PRP at the right side and carboxytherapy at the left side. Patients received four sessions; one session/week. Final follow‐up evaluation was done 3 months after the last session by clinical and histopathological assessment.

Results

PRP showed significant better response (p = 0.002), shorter downtime, and tolerable side effects than caboxytherapy. Reduction in area percent of melanin after PRP injections showed 46.6% improvement, while after carboxytherapy, it showed only 14.3% improvement.

Conclusion

The present study showed that PRP is more effective and tolerable than caboxytherapy in the treatment of PODC.
Loss of oral sensation impairs feeding performance and consistency of tongue–jaw coordination
Authors: Laurence‐Chasen Jeffrey D. , Arce‐McShane Fritzie I. , Hatsopoulos Nicholas G. , Ross Callum F.
Published: May 2022

Background

Individuals with impaired oral sensation report difficulty chewing, but little is known about the underlying changes to tongue and jaw kinematics. Methodological challenges impede the measurement of 3D tongue movement and its relationship to the gape cycle.

Objective

The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of loss of oral somatosensation on feeding performance, 3D tongue kinematics and tongue‐jaw coordination.

Methodology

XROMM (X‐ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology) was used to quantify 3D tongue and jaw kinematics during feeding in three rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) before and after an oral tactile nerve block. Feeding performance was measured using feeding sequence duration, number of manipulation cycles and swallow frequency. Coordination was measured using event‐ and correlation‐based metrics of jaw pitch, anterior tongue length, width and roll.

Results

In the absence of tactile sensation to the tongue and other oral structures, feeding performance decreased, and the fast open phase of the gape cycle became significantly longer, relative to the other phases (p < .05). The tongue made similar shapes in both the control and nerve block conditions, but the pattern of tongue‐jaw coordination became significantly more variable after the block (p < .05).

Conclusion

Disruption of oral somatosensation impacts feeding performance by introducing variability into the typically tight pattern of tongue‐jaw coordination.
Feline cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis complex
Authors: Jaffey J. A.
Published: May 2022

Cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis complex in cats is commonly encountered in clinical practice worldwide. Diagnosis and management of cats with this complex is difficult because of the ambiguity of clinical signs, diagnostic test results and commonality of comorbid disorders. These impediments can delay disease identification and treatment, which can increase morbidity and mortality. ​In this narrative review, we aimed to provide a thorough review of the unique physioanatomic features of the biliary system as well as clinically relevant updates on cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis complex in cats.
Prevalence and clinical features of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc‐associated epidural hemorrhage in dogs
Authors: Bridges Jenni , Windsor Rebecca , Stewart Samuel D. , Fuerher‐Senecal Lori , Khanna Chand
Published: May 2022

Background

Intervertebral disc‐associated epidural hemorrhage (EH) in dogs is a poorly understood neurological condition.

Objective

To compare the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes, and clinical outcome of dogs with acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation (TL‐IVDH) with and without EH.

Animals

One hundred sixty client‐owned dogs that underwent MRI and hemilaminectomy for acute TL‐IVDH at a private practice in Colorado, including 63 dogs with EH and 97 dogs without EH.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical record data from 160 dogs presenting sequentially to a single practice with acute TL‐IVDH that underwent MRI and hemilaminectomy surgery.

Results

Sixty‐three of 160 (39%) dogs had confirmed EH. French Bulldogs were significantly overrepresented (23/63; odds ratio [OR]: 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8‐9.0; P < .001) of the EH cases. Dogs with EH were more likely to present with clinical signs less than 48 hours than were dogs without EH (24‐48 vs 48‐72 hours; OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2‐4.6; P = .02) and were more likely to be nonambulatory on presentation (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0‐4.1; P = .04). Dogs with EH were more likely to have <50% cross‐sectional spinal cord compression than dogs without EH (OR: 2.3 vs. 0.4; 95% CI: 1.2‐4.4 and 0.2‐0.9, respectively), longer longitudinal spinal cord compression (3 spaces vs 1 space, P < .001), and greater intrinsic spinal cord change (grade 3/severe vs grade 1/mild; P < .001) based on MRI. The location of the intervertebral disc herniation in French Bulldogs with EH was more likely to be thoracolumbar (OR: 10.8; 95% CI: 2.1‐55.7; P = .03).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

French Bulldogs have a high prevalence of intervertebral disc‐associated EH. Dogs with EH have a shorter clinical course and are more likely to be nonambulatory on initial presentation.
Modeling and corpus methods in experimental philosophy
Authors: Chartrand Louis
Published: May 2022

Research in experimental philosophy has increasingly been turning to corpus methods to produce evidence for empirical claims, as they open up new possibilities for testing linguistic claims or studying concepts across time and culture. The present article reviews the quasi‐experimental studies that have been done using textual data from corpora in philosophy, with an eye for the modeling and experimental design that enable statistical inference. I find that most studies forego comparisons that could control for confounds, and that only a little less than half employ statistical testing methods to control for chance results. Furthermore, at least some researchers make modeling decisions that either do not take into account the nature of corpora and of the word‐concept relationship, or undermine the experiment's capacity to answer research questions. I suggest that corpus methods could both provide more powerful evidence and gain more mainstream acceptance by improving their modeling practices.
Processing speed, but not working memory or global cognition, is associated with pupil diameter during fixation
Authors: Coors Annabell , Breteler Monique M. B. , Ettinger Ulrich
Published: May 2022

Mean pupil size during fixation has been suggested to reflect interindividual differences in working memory and fluid intelligence. However, due to small samples with limited age range (17–35 years) and suboptimal light conditions in previous studies, these associations are still controversial and it is unclear whether they are observed at older ages. Therefore, we assessed whether interindividual differences in cognitive performance are reflected in pupil diameter during fixation and whether these associations are age‐dependent. We analyzed pupillometry and cognition data of 4560 individuals aged 30–95 years of the community‐based Rhineland Study. Pupillometry data were extracted from a one‐minute fixation task. The cognitive test battery included tests of oculomotor control, working memory, episodic verbal memory, processing speed, executive function, and crystallized intelligence. For data analysis, we used multivariable regression models. Working memory and global cognition were not associated with pupil diameter during fixation. Better processing speed performance was associated with larger pupil diameter during fixation. Associations between cognition and pupil diameter during fixation hardly varied with age, but pupil diameter during fixation declined linearly with age (adjusted decline: 0.33 mm per 10 years of age). There were no significant sex differences in pupil size. We conclude that interindividual differences in mean pupil diameter during fixation may partly reflect interindividual differences in the speed of processing and response generation. We could not confirm that interindividual differences in working memory and fluid intelligence are reflected in pupil size during fixation; however, our sample differed in age range from previous studies.
Inhalational exposures in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease: Presentation, pulmonary function and survival in the Canadian Registry for Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Lee Cathryn T. , Strek Mary E. , Adegunsoye Ayodeji , Wong Alyson W. , Assayag Deborah , Cox Gerard , Fell Charlene D. , Fisher Jolene H. , Gershon Andrea S. , Halayko Andrew J. , Hambly Nathan , Khalil Nasreen , Kolb Martin , Lok Stacey D. , Manganas Hélène , Marcoux Veronica , Morisset Julie , Sadatsafavi Mohsen , Shapera Shane , To Teresa , Wilcox Pearce , Ryerson Christopher J. , Johannson Kerri A.
Published: May 2022

Background and objective

Inhalational exposures are a known cause of interstitial lung disease (ILD), but little is understood about their prevalence across ILD subtypes and their relationship with pulmonary function and survival.

Methods

Patients with fibrotic ILD were identified from the multicentre Canadian Registry for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Patients completed questionnaires regarding ILD‐related occupational and environmental exposures. The relationship between exposures and the outcomes of baseline age, gender, family history, pulmonary function and survival was analysed using linear and logistic regression models, linear mixed‐effect regression models and survival analysis using multivariable Cox proportional hazards along with the log‐rank test.

Results

There were 3820 patients included in this study, with 2385 (62%) having ILD‐related inhalational exposure. Exposed patients were younger, particularly in the idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis subgroup. Inhalational exposure was associated with male gender (adjusted OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.28–1.68, p < 0.001) and family history of pulmonary fibrosis (adjusted OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.40–2.15, p < 0.001). Patients with any inhalational exposure had improved transplant‐free survival (hazard ratio 0.81, 95% CI 0.71–0.92, p = 0.001); this effect persisted across diagnostic subtypes. The relationship between exposures and annual change in forced vital capacity varied by ILD subtype.

Conclusion

Patients with fibrotic ILD report high prevalence of inhalational exposures across ILD subtypes. These exposures were associated with younger age at diagnosis, male gender and family history of pulmonary fibrosis. Identification of an inhalational exposure was associated with a survival benefit. These findings suggest that inhaled exposures may impact clinical outcomes in patients with ILD, and future work should characterize the mechanisms underlying these relationships.
Contemporary Concise Review 2021: Interstitial lung disease
Authors: McCarthy Cormac , Keane Michael P.
Published: May 2022

The last 2 years have presented previously unforeseen challenges in pulmonary medicine. Despite the significant impact of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic on patients, clinicians and communities, advances in the care and understanding of interstitial lung disease (ILD) continued unabated. Recent studies have led to improved guidelines, better understanding of the role for antifibrotics in fibrosing ILDs, prognostic indicators and novel biomarkers. In this concise contemporary review, we summarize many of the important studies published in 2021, highlighting their relevance and impact to the management and knowledge of ILD.
Predicting Epidemics and the Impact of Interventions in Heterogeneous Settings: Standard SEIR Models are too Pessimistic
Authors: Coffeng Luc E. , Vlas Sake J.
Published: May 2022

The basic reproduction number (R0) is an established concept to describe the potential for an infectious disease to cause an epidemic and to derive estimates of the required effect of interventions for successful control. Calculating R0 from simple deterministic transmission models may result in biased estimates when important sources of heterogeneity related to transmission and control are ignored. Using stochastic simulations with a geographically stratified individual-based SEIR (susceptible, exposed, infectious, recovered) model, we illustrate that if heterogeneity is ignored (i.e. no or too little assumed interindividual variation or assortative mixing) this may substantially overestimate the transmission rate and the potential course of the epidemic. Consequently, predictions for the impact of interventions then become relatively pessimistic. However, should such an intervention be suspended, then the potential for a consecutive epidemic wave will depend strongly on assumptions about heterogeneity, with more heterogeneity resulting in lower remaining epidemic potential, due to selection and depletion of high-risk individuals during the early stages of the epidemic. These phenomena have likely also affected current model predictions regarding COVID-19, as most transmission models assume homogeneous mixing or at most employ a simple age stratification, thereby leading to overcautious predictions of durations of lockdowns and required vaccine coverage levels.
Poverty and self‐rated health in later life: The mediating role of material hardship
Authors: Li Yang , Mutchler Jan E.
Published: May 2022

Objective

Poverty and material hardship have both been linked to negative health outcomes in later life. Yet, limited research investigates their combined associations with health. We examined the mediating role of material hardship in the association between poverty and self‐rated health.

Methods

Using data from the Understanding America Study, we estimated binary and ordered logistic regression models of self‐rated health, including indicators of hardship and income‐to‐poverty ratios for adults aged 50 years or older (N = 2862).

Results

We found that the association between income poverty and self‐rated health was mediated by indicators of material hardship among those with incomes between two and four times the official poverty threshold.

Conclusion

Interventions to improve health in later life would benefit from efforts to assess and alleviate hardship, with attention to those in the middle range of the income distribution who have income too high to qualify for needs‐based supports while still being at risk of experiencing hardship.
An Average Flow Model Considering Non-Newtonian Characteristics With Application to Grease Behavior
Authors: Wu Miaojie , Han Xu , Tao Yourui , Pei Jiaxing
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the application scope of the average flow model is extended to grease lubrication considering the non-Newtonian characteristics. First, flow factor expressions applicable to both Newtonian fluids and non-Newtonian fluids are derived. Then, a model problem is established by coupling the Reynolds governing equation, film thickness function, and boundary conditions and solved for the flow factor. Fit the result into empirical relations for conveniently using in the grease lubrication analysis. Finally, the influence of several parameters on the flow factor is studied. The results demonstrate that the film thickness ratio, rheological index, and surface elastic deformation have a significant effect on the flow factor, and the influence law is affected by the orientation of the surface roughness.
High-energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra of HfO2 measured by Cr Kα
Authors: Zborowski C. , Vanleenhove A. , Hoflijk I. , Vaesen I. , Artyushkova K. , Conard T.
Published: May 2022

Hafnium oxide (HfO2) grown by atomic layer deposition on Si was analyzed using high-resolution high-energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). The HAXPES spectra of HfO2 obtained using monochromatic Cr Kα radiation at 5414.8 eV include two survey scans (Al Kα and Cr Kα) and high-resolution spectra of Hf 3s, Hf 3p3/2, Hf 3d5/2, Hf 4p3/2, Hf 4d, Hf 4f, Hf 4s, and O 1s.
Combining neural network and sequence analyses to determine animal call repertoires
Authors: Janik Vincent M. , Oswald Julie
Published: May 2022

Classifying frequency modulation patterns in animal signals is a challenging task depending on the level of stereotypy of call types. Not only do graded transitions between types create problems for defining them, but animals also vary single parameters within types without changing the overall shape of a modulation. One example for the latter is the variation in overall duration within call types of delphinids. Deecke et al. (1999) developed an adaptive resonance theory neural network for killer whale calls to standardize classification for dialect comparisons. This was later modified to make it usable for delphinid whistles by Deecke and Janik (2006) and is available as free software under the name ARTWARP. It creates categories by comparing frequency contours while time warping them to allow for variation in overall duration. Average frequency contours of all resulting call types are provided to describe repertoires once classification is complete. ARTWARP has recently been further improved to expand its analysis outputs and speed and can be used for the classification of any animal signals with a tonal component. Tests of ARTWARP in combination with the SIGID sequence analysis for signature whistles (Janik et al., 2013) provides an accurate repertoire of delphinid calls.
Fat-Free Mass Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis as an Alternative to Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in Calculating Energy Availability in Female Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Ramos Ivy Evangelista , Coelho Gabriela Morgado , Lanzillotti Haydée Serrão , Marini Elisabetta , Koury Josely Correa
Published: May 2022

Energy availability (EA) is calculated by subtracting exercise energy expenditure from energy intake, adjusted for fat-free mass (FFM) obtained using accurate methods, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Unlike DXA, the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is low in cost, simple and easy to carry out. This study aimed to test the concordance between the calculation of EA using FFM values from four BIA predictive equations and FFM obtained using DXA in female adolescent athletes (n = 94), recruited via social media. Paired Student’s t test, Wilcoxon test, Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient, root mean square error, limits of agreement, and mean absolute percentage error were used to evaluate agreement between the FFM values obtained by the four SF-BIA predictive equations and DXA. Regression linear analysis was used to determine the relation between FFM values obtained using DXA and the BIA predictive equations. Standardized residuals of the FFM and EA were calculated considering DXA values as reference. The most appropriate model for the FFM (limits of agreement = 4.0/−2.6 kg, root mean square error = 1.9 kg, mean absolute percentage error = 4.34%, Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient = .926) and EA (limits of agreement = 2.51/4.4 kcal·kg FFM−1·day−1, root mean square error = 1.8 kcal·kg FFM−1·day−1, mean absolute percentage error 4.24%, Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient = .992) was the equation with sexual maturity as a variable, while the equation with the greatest age variability was the one with the lowest agreement. FFM-BIA predictive equations can be used to calculate EA of female adolescent athletes. However, the equation should be chosen considering sex, age, and maturation status. In the case of athletes, researchers should use equations developed for this group.
Restrictive Eating and Prior Low-Energy Fractures Are Associated With History of Multiple Bone Stress Injuries
Authors: Gehman Sarah , Ackerman Kathryn E. , Caksa Signe , Rudolph Sara E. , Hughes Julie M. , Garrahan Margaret , Tenforde Adam S. , Bouxsein Mary L. , Popp Kristin L.
Published: May 2022

Bone stress injuries (BSIs) are common among athletes and have high rates of recurrence. However, risk factors for multiple or recurrent BSIs remain understudied. Thus, we aimed to explore whether energy availability, menstrual function, measures of bone health, and a modified Female Athlete Triad Cumulative Risk Assessment (CRA) tool are associated with a history of multiple BSIs. We enrolled 51 female runners (ages 18–36 years) with history of ≤1 BSI (controls; n = 31) or ≥3 BSIs (multiBSI; n = 20) in this cross-sectional study. We measured lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck areal bone mineral density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, bone material strength index using impact microindentation, and volumetric bone mineral density, microarchitecture, and estimated strength by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Participants completed questionnaires regarding medical history, low-energy fracture history, and disordered eating attitudes. Compared with controls, multiBSI had greater incidence of prior low-energy fractures (55% vs. 16%, p = .005) and higher modified Triad CRA scores (2.90 ± 2.05 vs. 1.84 ± 1.59, p = .04). Those with multiBSI had higher Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (0.92 ± 1.03 vs. 0.46 ± 0.49, p = .04) scores and a greater percentage difference between lowest and highest body mass at their current height (15.5% ± 6.5% vs. 11.5% ± 4.9% p = .02). These preliminary findings indicate that women with a history of multiple BSIs suffered more prior low-energy fractures and have greater historical and current estimates of energy deficit compared with controls. Our results provide strong rationale for future studies to examine whether subclinical indicators of energy deficit contribute to risk for multiple BSIs in female runners.
If you rise, I fall: Equality is prevented by the misperception that it harms advantaged groups
Authors: Brown N. Derek , Jacoby-Senghor Drew S. , Raymundo Isaac
Published: May 2022

Nine preregistered studies (
n
= 4197) demonstrate that advantaged group members misperceive equality as necessarily harming their access to resources and inequality as necessarily benefitting them. Only when equality is increased within their ingroup, instead of between groups, do advantaged group members accurately perceive it as unharmful. Misperceptions persist when equality-enhancing policies offer broad benefits to society or when resources, and resource access, are unlimited. A longitudinal survey of the 2020 U.S. voters reveals that harm perceptions predict voting against actual equality-enhancing policies, more so than voters’ political and egalitarian beliefs. Finally two novel-groups experiments reveal that advantaged participants’ harm misperceptions predict voting for inequality-enhancing policies that financially hurt them and against equality-enhancing policies that financially benefit them. Misperceptions persist even after an intervention to improve decision-making. This misperception that equality is necessarily zero-sum may explain why inequality prevails even as it incurs societal costs that harm everyone.
Nanobody assemblies with fully flexible topology enabled by genetically encoded tetrazine amino acids
Authors: Van Fossen Elise M. , Bednar Riley M. , Jana Subhashis , Franklin Rachel , Beckman Joseph , Karplus P. Andrew , Mehl Ryan A.
Published: May 2022

Assembling nanobodies (Nbs) into polyvalent multimers is a powerful strategy for improving the effectiveness of Nb-based therapeutics and biotechnological tools. However, generally effective approaches to Nb assembly are currently restricted to the amino or carboxyl termini, greatly limiting the diversity of Nb multimer topologies that can be produced. Here, we show that reactive tetrazine groups—site-specifically inserted by genetic code expansion at Nb surface sites—are compatible with Nb folding and function, enabling Nb assembly at any desired point. Using two anti–SARS-CoV-2 Nbs with viral neutralization ability, we created Nb homo- and heterodimers with improved properties compared with conventionally linked Nb homodimers, which, in the case of our tetrazine-conjugated trimer, translated into enhanced viral neutralization. Thus, this tetrazine-based approach is a generally applicable strategy that greatly increases the accessible range of Nb assembly topologies, and thereby adds the optimization of topology as an effective avenue to generate Nb assemblies with improved efficacy.
Dissipative biocatalytic cascades and gated transient biocatalytic cascades driven by nucleic acid networks
Authors: Ouyang Yu , Zhang Pu , Willner Itamar
Published: May 2022

Living systems consist of complex transient cellular networks guiding structural, catalytic, and switchable functions driven by auxiliary triggers, such as chemical or light energy inputs. We introduce two different transient, dissipative, biocatalytic cascades, the coupled glucose oxidase (GOx)/horseradish peroxidase (HRP) glucose–driven oxidation of 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS
2−
) to the radical anion (ABTS
•−
) and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD
+
) lactate–driven reduction of NAD
+
to NADH. The transient biocatalytic systems are driven by nucleic acid reaction modules using a nucleic acid fuel strand L
1
′ and a nicking enzyme, Nt.BbvCI, as fuel-degrading catalyst, leading to the dynamic spatiotemporal transient formation of structurally proximate biocatalysts activating the biocatalytic cascades and transient coupled processes, including the generation of chemiluminescence and the synthesis of alanine. Subjecting the mixture of biocatalysts to selective inhibitors allows the gated transient operation of the biocatalysts. The kinetics of transient biocatalytic cascades are accompanied by kinetic models and computational simulations.
Measuring vaccine effectiveness from limited public health datasets: Framework and estimates from India’s second COVID wave
Authors: Mukherjee Abhiroop , Panayotov George , Sen Rik , Dutta Harsha , Ghosh Pulak
Published: May 2022

Despite an urgent need, authorities in many countries are struggling to track COVID vaccine effectiveness (VE) because standard VE measures cannot be calculated from their public health data. Here, we use regression discontinuity design (RDD) to estimate VE, motivated by such limitations in public health records from West Bengal, India. These data cover 8,755,414 COVID vaccinations (90% ChAdOx1 NCov-19, almost all first doses, until May 2021), 8,179,635 tests, and 141,800 hospitalizations. The standard RDD exploits age-based vaccine eligibility; we also introduce a new RDD-based VE measure that improves on the standard one when better data are available. Applying these measures, we find a VE of 55.2% (95% confidence interval: 44.5 to 65.0%) against symptomatic disease, 80.1% (63.3 to 88.8%) against hospitalizations, and 85.5% (24.8 to 99.2%) against intensive care/critical care/high dependency admissions or deaths. Other data-deficient countries with age-based eligibility for any vaccine—and not just COVID vaccines—can also use these easy-to-implement measures to inform their own immunization policies.
Targeting TLR4 during vaccination boosts MAdCAM-1
+
lymphoid stromal cell activation and promotes the aged germinal center response
Authors: Denton Alice E. , Dooley James , Cinti Isabella , Silva-Cayetano Alyssa , Fra-Bido Sigrid , Innocentin Silvia , Hill Danika L. , Carr Edward J. , McKenzie Andrew N.J. , Liston Adrian , Linterman Michelle A.
Published: May 2022

The failure to generate enduring humoral immunity after vaccination is a hallmark of advancing age. This can be attributed to a reduction in the germinal center (GC) response, which generates long-lived antibody-secreting cells that protect against (re)infection. Despite intensive investigation, the primary cellular defect underlying impaired GCs in aging has not been identified. Here, we used heterochronic parabiosis to demonstrate that GC formation was dictated by the age of the lymph node (LN) microenvironment rather than the age of the immune cells. Lymphoid stromal cells are a key determinant of the LN microenvironment and are also an essential component underpinning GC structure and function. Using mouse models, we demonstrated that mucosal adressin cell adhesion molecule–1 (MAdCAM-1)–expressing lymphoid stromal cells were among the first cells to respond to NP-KLH + Alum immunization, proliferating and up-regulating cell surface proteins such as podoplanin and cell adhesion molecules. This response was essentially abrogated in aged mice. By targeting TLR4 using adjuvants, we improved the MAdCAM-1
+
stromal cell response to immunization. This correlated with improved GC responses in both younger adult and aged mice, suggesting a link between stromal cell responses to immunization and GC initiation. Using bone marrow chimeras, we also found that MAdCAM-1
+
stromal cells could respond directly to TLR4 ligands. Thus, the age-associated defect in GC and stromal cell responses to immunization can be targeted to improve vaccines in older people.