bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angled Ultrasonic Bone Curette‐Assisted Circumferential Decompression for Thoracic Myelopathy Caused by Severely Anterior Ossification
Authors: Li Cheng , Li Zeqing , Li Lei , Mei Yunli , Huang Shuai
Published: August 2022

Objective

Thoracic myelopathy caused by severe anterior ossification is often progressive and fails to respond to conservative treatment. Removal of the compressing ossification is the most effective method but is hard to operate. In this study, we describe a novel one‐stage posterior circumferential decompressive procedure assisted by an angled ultrasonic bone curette (UBC) for thoracic myelopathy caused by severe anterior ossification and evaluate its safety and efficacy.

Methods

The current study enrolled 15 consecutive patients (five men and 10 women) with thoracic myelopathy caused by severely anterior ossification between January 2017 and December 2019. All patients underwent posterior circumferential decompression assisted by angled UBC and segmental instrumentation with interbody fusion. At the time of surgery, the average age was 58.6 ± 6.3 years (47–70 years). Before and after surgery, the patient data, clinical manifestation, operative levels, blood loss, operative time, perioperative complications, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score were recorded and analyzed retrospectively.

Results

All patients had successful one‐stage posterior circumferential decompression to remove anterior ossifications directly. There were 12 cases of OPLL, two cases of a calcified giant herniated disc, and one case of osteophyte. The average operation time was 153.4 ± 53.4 min (77–242 min), with a mean blood loss of 463.5 ± 155.8 mL (240–780 mL). The average length of stay in the hospital was 14.3 ± 4.7 days (9–25 days) and the mean follow‐up duration was 20.8 ± 8.8 months (12–39 months). Almost all patients had subjective improvement in motor power and gait. The average preoperative JOA score was 4.5 ± 1.6, which improved to 9.0 ± 1.8 at the final follow‐up. Postoperative differences in the overall JOA scores showed significant improvement (F = 105.446, p < 0.01). The overall recovery rate at the final examination scored 70.9% ± 25.0%. According to Hirabayashi's classification, eight cases were rated as excellent, four as good, two as fair, and one as unchanged. No patient was graded as deteriorated. Two patients (13.3%) experienced intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage, while two cases (13.3%) experienced unilateral intercostal neuralgia, and only one (6.7%) encountered acute neurological deterioration. All these patients were treated conservatively and their neurological function improved significantly. At the follow‐up, there was no evidence of neurological deterioration.

Conclusion

Circumferential decompression assisted by angled UBC can preserve more posterior elements of the involved levels, maintaining an intact pleura and reducing the operation time and blood loss for thoracic myelopathy caused by severe anterior ossification. It is a safe, effective, and technically feasible method to provide surgeons with a new option for thoracic spinal circumferential decompression.
Borderline Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: A Risk Factor Predicting the Development and Poor Prognosis after Core Decompression for Idiopathic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Huang Kai , Zhang Qing‐Yi , He Hui‐Yu , Gao Chen‐Xiang , Wang Gang , Yang Jing , Xie Hui‐Qi , Zeng Yi
Published: August 2022

Objective

It is unclear whether idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is associated with borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip (BDDH). This study aimed to compare the incidence of BDDH between patients with idiopathic ONFH and matched control subjects and determine the influence of BDDH on poor prognosis after core decompression (CD).

Methods

We retrospectively examined 78 consecutive patients (111 hips) with idiopathic ONFH undergoing CD and 1:2 matched with 156 control subjects (222 hips). The anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were used to measure the acetabular anatomical parameters and divide included subjects into BDDH or non‐BDDH group. The incidence of BDDH and acetabular anatomical parameters were compared between patients with idiopathic ONFH and matched controls. Clinical outcomes, such as Harris Hip Score (HHS), progression of collapse, and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA), were compared between patients with BDDH and without BDDH in the idiopathic ONFH group, with a mean follow‐up of 72.1 ± 36.6 months.

Results

Patients with idiopathic ONFH had a significantly higher incidence of BDDH than matched controls (29.7% vs 12.2%, p < 0.001). Less acetabular coverage was also found in patients with idiopathic ONFH than in matched controls as demonstrated by lower CEA (28.5° ± 4.7° vs 33.1° ± 5.7°, p < 0.001), AHI (82.4 ± 5.0 vs 86.3 ± 5.4, p < 0.001), ADR (299.6 ± 28.4 vs 318.8 ± 31.3, p < 0.001), and a higher sharp angle (40.0° ± 3.4° vs 37.4° ± 3.7°, p < 0.001). In patients with idiopathic ONFH, the BDDH group had a significantly lower mean HHS at the last follow‐up (83.5 ± 17.4 vs 91.6 ± 9.7, p = 0.015) with a different score distribution (p = 0.004), and a lower 5‐year survival rate with both clinical failure (66.7%, 95% CI 52.4%–84.9% vs 83.7%, 95% CI 75.2%–93.1%; p = 0.028) and conversion to THA (74.6%, 95% CI 60.7%–91.6% vs 92.1%, 95% CI 85.6%–99.0%; p = 0.008) as the endpoints than the non‐BDDH group.

Conclusion

The incidence of BDDH was significantly higher in patients with idiopathic ONFH than matched controls, and idiopathic ONFH patients who underwent CD with BDDH had lower mean HHS as well as 5‐year survival rate than those without BDDH. Therefore, BDDH should be considered a risk factor predicting the development of idiopathic ONFH as well as poor prognosis after CD.
SARS‐CoV‐2 spike trimer vaccine expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana adjuvanted with Alum elicits protective immune responses in mice
Authors: Song Shi‐Jian , Kim Heeyeon , Jang Eun Young , Jeon Hyungmin , Diao Hai‐Ping , Khan Md Rezaul Islam , Lee Mi‐Seon , Lee Young Jae , Nam Jeong‐hyun , Kim Seong‐Ryeol , Kim Young‐Jin , Sohn Eun‐Ju , Hwang Inhwan , Choi Jang‐Hoon
Published: August 2022

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has spurred rapid development of vaccines as part of the public health response. However, the general strategy used to construct recombinant trimeric severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) spike (S) proteins in mammalian cells is not completely adaptive to molecular farming. Therefore, we generated several constructs of recombinant S proteins for high expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. Intramuscular injection of N. benthamiana‐expressed Sct vaccine (NSctVac) into Balb/c mice elicited both humoral and cellular immune responses, and booster doses increased neutralizing antibody titres. In human angiotensin‐converting enzyme knock‐in mice, two doses of NSctVac induced anti‐S and neutralizing antibodies, which cross‐neutralized Alpha, Beta, Delta and Omicron variants. Survival rates after lethal challenge with SARS‐CoV‐2 were up to 80%, without significant body weight loss, and viral titres in lung tissue fell rapidly, with no infectious virus detectable at 7‐day post‐infection. Thus, plant‐derived NSctVac could be a candidate COVID‐19 vaccine.
Preemptive liver transplant in two patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1: Clinical significance of nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis
Authors: Uchida Hajime , Sakamoto Seisuke , Kodama Tasuku , Nakao Toshimasa , Yanagi Yusuke , Shimizu Seiichi , Fukuda Akinari , Sato Mai , Kamei Koichi , Kasahara Mureo
Published: August 2022

Background

Although nephrolithiasis (NL) and nephrocalcinosis (NC) are very common features of primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1), the long‐term prognosis of NL and NC after preemptive liver transplantation (PLT) has not been elucidated.

Material and Methods

We describe the cases of two chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage three patients with different clinical courses after PLT for PH1.

Results

The first patient underwent PLT at 7 years of age with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 47.8 ml/min/1.73 m2. Two years later, she experienced several episodes of obstructive pyelonephritis due to urolithiasis, and developed septic shock in one of these episodes. At the same time as these episodes, preexisting NL and NC progressively improved, with disappearance on X‐ray disappeared at 8 years after transplantation. Her renal function has been maintained with an eGFR of 58.7 ml/min/1.73 m2. The second patient received PLT at 10 years of age with an eGFR of 58.9 ml/min/1.73 m2. Her renal function has been maintained with an eGFR of 65.9 ml/min/1.73 m2. She had repeated urolithiasis which started to appear at 3 years after LT. The radiological findings still show bilateral NL and NC, but the stones in the renal pelvis have shown mild improvement.

Conclusions

Regardless of the regression in NC seen on X‐ray, long‐term maintenance of the renal function in patients with PH1 with CKD stage 3 can be achieved with PLT. In patients with NL, there is a risk of serious complications due to posttransplant immunosuppressive therapy when obstructive pyelonephritis occurs after LT.
Reversible Photoisomerization of Norbornadiene‐Quadricyclane within a Confined Capsule†
Authors: Pradeep Anu , Varadharajan Ramkumar , Ramamurthy Vaidhyanathan
Published: August 2022

With the desire to develop a sustainable green method to store and release solar energy via a chemical reaction, we have examined the well‐investigated norbornadiene‐quadricyclane (NBD‐QC) system in water. In this context, we have employed octa acid (OA) as the host that forms a capsule in water. According to 1H NMR spectra and diffusion constants, OA forms a stable 2:2 complex with both NBD and QC and 1:1:2 mixed complex in the presence of equal amounts of both NBD and QC. The photoconversion of NBD to QC within the OA capsule is clean without side reactions. In this case, OA itself acts as a triplet sensitizer. Recognizing the disadvantage of this supramolecular approach, in the future we plan to look for visible light absorbing sensitizers to perform this conversion. The reverse reaction (QC to NBD) is achieved via electron transfer process with methylene blue as the sensitizer. This reverse reaction is also clean, and no side products were detected. The preliminary results reported here provide “proof of principle” for combining green, sustainable and supramolecular chemistries in the context of solar energy capture and release.
Community nurse specialists' translation of newly learned knowledge in primary healthcare: A mixed methods study
Authors: Berthelsen Connie , Møller Nicoline , Andersen Heidi M. , Bondesen Anne , Rothenberg Manja B. , Hølge‐Hazelton Bibi
Published: August 2022

Aim

To investigate how graduates of a Nurse Specialist Education in Community and Primary Healthcare Nursing programme self‐assess their competencies and possibilities to translate knowledge into practice.

Methods

A mixed methods design based on the triangulation convergence model was used. Thirty‐four community nurse specialists, who had graduated from a Nurse Specialist Education in Community and Primary Healthcare Nursing programme, participated in a cross‐sectional survey and of these; seven nurses participated in a semi‐structured interview. Data from the survey were analysed using descriptive statistics and data from the interviews underwent a thematic analysis. All results were combined and compared according to the study design.

Findings

The combined comparison of the results from the survey and the findings from the interviews showed, how the community nurse specialists self‐assessed their competencies in direct clinical practice, professional development, ethical decision‐making, clinical leadership, cooperation and collaboration, and critical thinking as high. However, they experienced very few opportunities to translate their new knowledge in practice due to low alignment between the statutory purpose of the education and their own expectations.

Conclusions

Competent clinical nurses working in community care settings who completed an education in advanced community care experienced few opportunities to use their new knowledge in practice. The community nurse specialists' expectations of how to use their new knowledge in practice after graduation does not align with the statutory order of the specialist education, which is directed towards combining direct and specialised patient care with coordination of care trajectories for the most fragile patients. It is important to include the managers in coordination of the community nurse specialists' usage of their new knowledge in practice.
Family formation under the law: How immigration laws construct contemporary Latino/a immigrant families in the U.S.
Authors: Delgado Vanessa
Published: August 2022

Sociologists of the family have established that U.S. laws play a fundamental role in shaping the outcomes of family members. This article builds on this work by examining how immigration law is instrumental to the family formation processes of contemporary Latino/a immigrant families. Drawing on insights from sociology of the family and immigrant incorporation literature, I argue that immigration laws aid in the creation of family typologies among Latino/a immigrants. This argument is supported by providing a historical overview of key federal immigration laws that affect Latino/a immigrant families and a discussion of five Latino/a immigrant family typologies: citizen/lawful permanent resident families, transnational families, separated families, mixed‐status families, and undocumented families. This article concludes with implications for scholars, students, and policymakers on how laws can be used to create harm but can also undo harm against immigrant families.
Treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in the first 2 months after kidney transplant: A controlled clinical trial
Authors: Antonio Mendoza Enciso Emmanuel , Cassandra Barajas García Carolina , Emiliano Rodriguez Jimenez Dante , Guadalupe Ortiz Lopez Margarita , Lilian Reza Escalera Ana , Teresa Tiscareño Gutiérrez María , Mario Gonzalez Gamez , Ivan Rodríguez Correa Gustavo , Mercedes Ramos Velazco , Alfredo Chew Wong , Rafael Reyes Acevedo , Lilian Guerrero Barrera Alma , Manuel Arreola Guerra Jose
Published: August 2022

Background

The incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the first 2 months postrenal transplantation (pRT) is very high. We evaluate the efficacy of asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB) screening and treatment on the incidence of UTI in the first 2 months pRT

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial. A urine culture was obtained in all patients on the day of the bladder catheter removal, on week three, and before removal of the ureteral catheter. The intervention group received treatment for AB. The control group did not receive treatment. The primary outcomes were the cumulative incidence of UTI and/or graft pyelonephritis and the time to the first episode of UTI and/or graft pyelonephritis

Results

Eighty patients were randomized, 40 in each group, and the median follow‐up was 63 days (IQR 54–70). The average age was 29.8 years and 33.7% (n = 27) were women. The incidences of UTI (n = 10, 25 % vs. n = 4, 10%, p = .07) and pyelonephritis (n = 6, 15% vs. n = 1, 2.5%, p = .04) were greater in the intervention group, as also shown in the survival analysis: UTI (HR2.8, 95% CI 0.8–9.1, p = .07) and pyelonephritis (HR 6.5, 95% CI 0.8–54.7, p = .08), respectively. The most commonly isolated bacterium was Escherichia coli (n = 28, 59.5%), and over half were E. coli with extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases (n = 15). A major limitation was not obtaining the calculated sample size due to a delay in patient recruitment resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic

Conclusion

Treatment of AB in the first 2 months pRT does not decrease the incidence of UTI or graft pyelonephritis and may actually increase their frequency. Routine treatment of AB during the first months after renal transplantation should not be a standard procedure.

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The mechanistic basis of sodium exclusion in Puccinellia tenuiflora under conditions of salinity and potassium deprivation
Authors: Han Qing‐Qing , Wang Yong‐Ping , Li Jian , Li Jing , Yin Xiao‐Chang , Jiang Xing‐Yu , Yu Min , Wang Suo‐Min , Shabala Sergey , Zhang Jin‐Lin
Published: August 2022

Soil salinity is a significant threat to global agriculture. Understanding salt exclusion mechanisms in halophyte species may be instrumental in improving salt tolerance in crops. Puccinellia tenuiflora is a typical salt‐excluding halophytic grass often found in potassium‐deprived saline soils. Our previous work showed that P. tenuiflora possesses stronger selectivity for K+ than for Na+; however, the mechanistic basis of this phenomenon remained elusive. Here, P. tenuiflora PutHKT1;5 was cloned and the functions of PutHKT1;5 and PutSOS1 were characterized using heterologous expression systems. Yeast assays showed that PutHKT1;5 possessed Na+ transporting capacity and was highly selective for Na+ over K+. PutSOS1 was located at the plasma membrane and operated as a Na+/K+ exchanger, with much stronger Na+ extrusion capacity than its homolog from Arabidopsis. PutHKT2;1 mediated high‐affinity K+ and Na+ uptake and its expression levels were upregulated by mild salinity and K+ deprivation. Salinity‐induced changes of root PutHKT1;5 and PutHKT1;4 transcript levels matched the expression pattern of root PutSOS1, which was consistent with root Na+ efflux. The transcript levels of root PutHKT2;1 and PutAKT1 were downregulated by salinity. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the functional activity of PutHKT1;5 and PutSOS1 in P. tenuiflora roots is fine‐tuned under saline conditions as well as by operation of other ion transporters/channel (PutHKT1;4, PutHKT2;1, and PutAKT1). This leads to the coordination of radial Na+ and K+ transport processes, their loading to the xylem, or Na+ retrieval and extrusion under conditions of mild salinity and/or K+ deprivation.
Economical viability analysis of an innovative gravity‐driven rainwater harvesting system for a commercial office building
Authors: Shiguang Chen , Hongwei Sun , Song Liu , Qiuli Chen
Published: August 2022

Gravity‐driven rainwater harvesting (RWH) system showcases a promising alternative solution to reduce energy consumption in rainwater recycling. However, the economic efficiency is one of the most concerns with regard to the adoption of this green infrastructure. In this study, a commercial official building has a rooftop area of 1600 m2 and with 560 inhabitants was assumed to apply two configurations of RWH system (i.e., gravity system and pressure system), and comparative study was conducted to evaluate the economic performance of two RWH systems. The potential water saving quantity of the RWH system was simulated based on a daily water balance model and their expected economic efficiency were discussed in terms of benefit cost ratio and net present value. Results shown that only when the building height is higher than 102 m or the property rent is less than 0.4 CNY (China Yuan) per square metre per day, can make the gravity system economically attractive. This study provides an innovative approach to utilize roof rainwater in a more low‐energy mode; it is of great significance to promote building energy‐saving and carbon reduction.
Automatized Experimental Combustor Development Using Adaptive Surrogate Model-Based Optimization
Authors: Reumschüssel Johann Moritz , Zur Nedden Philipp Maximilian , von Saldern Jakob G. R. , Reichel Thoralf G. , Ćosić Bernhard , Paschereit Christian Oliver
Published: August 2022

Lean premixed combustion is the state-of-the-art technology to achieve ultra low NOx emissions in stationary gas turbines. However, lean premixed flames are susceptible to thermoacoustic instabilities, lean blowout, and flashback. The design of such a combustion system is thus always related to the balancing between the levels of emissions and flame stability. Data-driven optimization methods and the adaptation of models through artificial intelligence have experienced a surge in development in the past years. The goal of this study is to show the potential of these methods for gas turbine burner development. A special pilot burner that features 61 different positions of fuel injection, manufactured by means of selective laser melting is used to modify the gas mixture close to the flame anchoring position. Each of the injector lines is equipped with an individual valve, such that the distribution of fuel-air mixture can be modified variously. Installed into an industrial MGT6000 swirl combustor, a data-driven optimization method is used to find an optimal subset of injection locations by automated experiments. The method uses a surrogate model that is based on Gaussian processes regression. It is adopted for experimental optimization, keeping measurement efforts to a minimum. The optimizer controls the fuel valves and uses live measurements to find a distribution that generates minimal NOx emissions while ensuring flame stability. The solutions found by the optimization scheme are analyzed and advantages and limitations of the approach are discussed.
Preeminent Women in Exercise Physiology and Their Contributions to Title IX
Authors: Swan Pamela D. , Garber Carol Ewing , Ainsworth Barbara E. , Hubal Monica J. , Ransdell Lynda , Millard-Stafford Melinda , Panton Lynn B.
Published: August 2022

Prior to 1950, the field of exercise science was in its infancy. Exercise physiologists focused their research on understanding basic mechanisms of how the body responds to exercise and how to increase fitness. Most researchers and almost all research participants were male. Over the next two decades, and coinciding with the passage of Title IX, a few remarkable female exercise scientists emerged whose research and leadership had a profound effect on the field and directly influenced girls’ and women’s sports participation. This commentary presents an overview of the contributions and impact of several of these groundbreaking female exercise physiologists, Josephine Rathbone, Barbara Drinkwater, Priscilla Clarkson, Christine Wells, and Emily Haymes. We highlight their influence on the development of the field of exercise science and recognize their continued importance to women’s sport at the 50th Anniversary of Title IX.
Metabolic scaling is the product of life-history optimization
Authors: White Craig R. , Alton Lesley A. , Bywater Candice L. , Lombardi Emily J. , Marshall Dustin J.
Published: August 2022

Organisms use energy to grow and reproduce, so the processes of energy metabolism and biological production should be tightly bound. On the basis of this tenet, we developed and tested a new theory that predicts the relationships among three fundamental aspects of life: metabolic rate, growth, and reproduction. We show that the optimization of these processes yields the observed allometries of metazoan life, particularly metabolic scaling. We conclude that metabolism, growth, and reproduction are inextricably linked; that together they determine fitness; and, in contrast to longstanding dogma, that no single component drives another. Our model predicts that anthropogenic change will cause animals to evolve decreased scaling exponents of metabolism, increased growth rates, and reduced lifetime reproductive outputs, with worrying consequences for the replenishment of future populations.
Lineage plasticity in prostate cancer depends on JAK/STAT inflammatory signaling
Authors: Chan Joseph M. , Zaidi Samir , Love Jillian R. , Zhao Jimmy L. , Setty Manu , Wadosky Kristine M. , Gopalan Anuradha , Choo Zi-Ning , Persad Sitara , Choi Jungmin , LaClair Justin , Lawrence Kayla E. , Chaudhary Ojasvi , Xu Tianhao , Masilionis Ignas , Linkov Irina , Wang Shangqian , Lee Cindy , Barlas Afsar , Morris Michael J. , Mazutis Linas , Chaligne Ronan , Chen Yu , Goodrich David W. , Karthaus Wouter R. , Pe’er Dana , Sawyers Charles L.
Published: August 2022

Drug resistance in cancer is often linked to changes in tumor cell state or lineage, but the molecular mechanisms driving this plasticity remain unclear. Using murine organoid and genetically engineered mouse models, we investigated the causes of lineage plasticity in prostate cancer and its relationship to antiandrogen resistance. We found that plasticity initiates in an epithelial population defined by mixed luminal-basal phenotype and that it depends on increased Janus kinase (JAK) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) activity. Organoid cultures from patients with castration-resistant disease harboring mixed-lineage cells reproduce the dependency observed in mice by up-regulating luminal gene expression upon JAK and FGFR inhibitor treatment. Single-cell analysis confirms the presence of mixed-lineage cells with increased JAK/STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) and FGFR signaling in a subset of patients with metastatic disease, with implications for stratifying patients for clinical trials.
Cryo-EM structures of two human B cell receptor isotypes
Authors: Ma Xinyu , Zhu Yuwei , Dong De , Chen Yan , Wang Shubo , Yang Dehui , Ma Zhuo , Zhang Anqi , Zhang Fan , Guo Changyou , Huang Zhiwei
Published: August 2022

The B cell receptor (BCR) complex plays a critical role in B cell development and immune responses. The assembly mechanisms underlying the BCR complex remain unknown. We determined the cryo–electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of human IgG-BCR and IgM-BCR, which consist of membrane-bound immunoglobulin molecules (mIg) and Igα/β subunits at a 1:1 stoichiometry. Assembly of both BCR complexes involves their extracellular domains, membrane-proximal connection peptides, and transmembrane (TM) helices. The TM helices of mIgG and mIgM share a conserved set of hydrophobic and polar interactions with Igα/β TM helices. By contrast, the IgG-Cγ3 and IgM-Cμ4 domains interact with extracellular Ig-like domains of Igα/β through head-to-tail and side-by-side modes, respectively. This work reveals the structural basis for BCR assembly and provides insights into BCR triggering.
Structural basis of nucleosome disassembly and reassembly by RNAPII elongation complex with FACT
Authors: Ehara Haruhiko , Kujirai Tomoya , Shirouzu Mikako , Kurumizaka Hitoshi , Sekine Shun-ichi
Published: August 2022

During gene transcription, RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) traverses nucleosomes in chromatin, but the mechanism has remained elusive. Using cryo–electron microscopy, we obtained structures of the RNAPII elongation complex (EC) passing through a nucleosome in the presence of the transcription elongation factors Spt6, Spn1, Elf1, Spt4/5, and Paf1C and the histone chaperone FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription). The structures show snapshots of EC progression on DNA mediating downstream nucleosome disassembly, followed by its reassembly upstream of the EC, which is facilitated by FACT. FACT dynamically adapts to successively occurring subnucleosome intermediates, forming an interface with the EC. Spt6, Spt4/5, and Paf1C form a “cradle” at the EC DNA-exit site and support the upstream nucleosome reassembly. These structures explain the mechanism by which the EC traverses nucleosomes while maintaining the chromatin structure and epigenetic information.
New law’s big payout for farming has uncertain climate payoff
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: August 2022

Measures to capture carbon in soil may be less effective than hoped, scientists say
Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase Variants Resistant to Ceftazidime-Avibactam: an Evolutionary Overview
Authors: Hobson Claire Amaris , Pierrat Gautier , Tenaillon Olivier , Bonacorsi Stéphane , Bercot Béatrice , Jaouen Ella , Jacquier Hervé , Birgy André
Published: August 2022

First variants of the
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC), KPC-2 and KPC-3, have encountered a worldwide success, particularly in
K. pneumoniae
isolates. These beta-lactamases conferred resistance to most beta-lactams including carbapenems but remained susceptible to new beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors, such as ceftazidime-avibactam.
Characterization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) Envelope Glycoprotein Variants Selected for Resistance to a CD4-Mimetic Compound
Authors: Anang Saumya , Richard Jonathan , Bourassa Catherine , Goyette Guillaume , Chiu Ta-Jung , Chen Hung-Ching , Smith Amos B. , Madani Navid , Finzi Andrés , Sodroski Joseph
Published: August 2022

CD4-mimetic compounds (CD4mcs) and conformational blockers like BMS-806 and BMS-529 (temsavir) are small-molecule inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) entry into host cells. Although CD4mcs and conformational blockers inhibit HIV-1 entry by different mechanisms, they both target a pocket on the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) spike that is used for binding to the receptor CD4 and is highly conserved among HIV-1 strains.
Biofilm Formation in Streptococcus agalactiae Is Inhibited by a Small Regulatory RNA Regulated by the Two-Component System CiaRH
Authors: Jabbour Nancy , Morello Eric , Camiade Emilie , Lartigue Marie-Frédérique
Published: August 2022

Although
Streptococcus agalactiae
is a commensal bacterium of the human digestive and genitourinary tracts, it is also an opportunistic pathogen for humans and other animals. As the main cause of neonatal infections, it is responsible for pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis.
Effect of Different Tolerable Levels of Constitutive
mcr-1
Expression on Escherichia coli
Authors: Qiao Han , Yu Jie , Wang Xiukun , Nie Tongying , Hu Xinxin , Yang Xinyi , Li Congran , You Xuefu
Published: August 2022

The effects of relatively lower tolerable levels of
mcr-1
were not evaluated thoroughly, and direct evidence for moderate resistance mediated by
mcr-1
was lacking. In the present study, we made constructs carrying
mcr-1
on the
E. coli
K12 chromosome under the control of serial constitutive promoters of different strengths and studied the effects of different tolerable levels of
mcr-1
expression
in vitro
and
in vivo
.
Barriers to green inhaler prescribing: ethical issues in environmentally sustainable clinical practice
Authors: Parker Joshua
Published: August 2022

The National Health Service (NHS) was the first healthcare system globally to declare ambitions to become net carbon zero. To achieve this, a shift away from metered-dose inhalers which contain powerful greenhouse gases is necessary. Many patients can use dry powder inhalers which do not contain greenhouse gases and are equally effective at managing respiratory disease. This paper discusses the ethical issues that arise as the NHS attempts to mitigate climate change. Two ethical issues that pose a barrier to moving away from metered-dose inhalers are considered: patients who decline an inhaler with a smaller carbon footprint and increased cost. I argue that while a patient is not morally justified in refusing a more environmentally sustainable inhaler due to the expected harms, a doctor may still prescribe a metered-dose inhaler if they believe that switching without consent might undermine trust or substantially worsen the patient’s health. Turning to cost, I argue that the imperative to combat climate change means the NHS should accept small increased financial costs for lower carbon inhalers, even though this provides no additional direct benefit for the patient. I then go on to consider the implications of the preceding analysis for policy and practice. I argue for a policy that minimises the impact of inhalers on the climate by advocating for a principle of environmental prescribing and explore decision-making in practice. While the arguments here pertain primarily to inhalers, the discussion has broader implications for debates around healthcare’s responsibility to be environmentally sustainable.
COVID-19 vaccination: patient uptake and attitudes in a multi-ethnic North London maternity unit
Authors: Davies Dorothy , McDougall Anna , Prophete Amelia , Sivashanmugarajan Viswapriya , Yoong Wai
Published: August 2022

Purpose

COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women has been low, particularly in younger and ethnic minority mothers. We performed a ‘snapshot’ survey to explore vaccine uptake and factors which influence this, as well as underlying beliefs regarding COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women in a North London hospital.

Study design

Pregnant women were invited to complete an anonymised survey, where data were collected on demographics, personal and household vaccination status, and beliefs about the vaccine. Free-text comments were analysed thematically.

Results

Two hundred and two women completed the survey, of whom 56.9% (n=115) were unvaccinated and 43.1% (n=87) had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with 35.6% (n=72) having received two doses. Factors associated with acceptance of vaccination included: (a) age over 25 years (57.6% vaccinated vs 17.2% under 25 years); (b) Asian ethnicity (69.4% vaccinated vs 41.2% white ethnicity, 27.5% black/Caribbean/African/black-British ethnicity and 12.5% mixed ethnicity) and (c) living in a vaccinated household (63.7% vaccinated vs 9.7% living in an unvaccinated household) (all p<0.001). Vaccine uptake was higher in women who had relied on formal medical advice as their main source of information compared with other sources (59.0% vs 37.5% friends and family, 30.4% news and 21.4% social media). Qualitative data revealed concerns about a lack of information regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy.

Conclusion

Age, ethnicity, household vaccination status and information source influenced vaccination status in our pregnant population. These findings highlight the urgent need to tackle vaccine mistrust and disseminate pregnancy-specific vaccine safety data to pregnant women.

Trial registration number

5467.
Overlooked sources of methane emissions from trees: branches and wounds
Authors: Gorgolewski Adam S. , Vantellingen Juliana , Caspersen John P. , Thomas Sean C.
Published: August 2022

Tree stems have been identified as globally significant methane (CH4) sources; however, little information exists on emissions from tree wounds and branches. CH4 emissions can occur from the decomposition of anaerobic heartwood, which is also associated with wounds; CH4 may also be transported through the transpiration stream and emitted from branches. We compared CH4 emissions between tree stems and branches and assessed whether trees with major wounds emit more than those without. CH4 fluxes were measured from stems, branches, and wounds (classified as major or minor) of two dominant tree species in an upland temperate forest, and from the soil, and scaled up to the stand level. Branches and stems of both species emitted CH4, and the per unit area emission rates from branches were similar to (or in some cases greater than) stems. Trees with major wounds had greater CH4 emission rates than those without, from unblemished sections of their stems and from the wounds. At the stand scale, branches, stems, and wounds accounted for 83%, 9%, and 8% of net CH4 emissions from trees, respectively, and collectively offset 63% of the soil CH4 sink. These results indicate that tree branches and wounds can be important CH4 sources in forests.
Nest defense by Mountain Bluebirds (Sialia currucoides) is related to their sex and brood characteristics but not morphological attributes
Authors: Tkaczyk Simon P. , Chivers Douglas P. , Wiebe Karen L.
Published: August 2022

Within species, bird parents defend their nests with different levels of intensity. Previous studies have examined several hypotheses for this variation by looking at factors such as morphological characteristics of the parents and the characteristics of the brood, but few have controlled for multiple factors simultaneously. Here we examined a broad range of factors that may influence the nest defense behaviour of Mountain Bluebirds ( Sialia currucoides (Bechstein, 1798)), including the adult's morphology (sex, age, plumage colour, body size, and body condition) and characteristics of their brood (size, hatch date, and stage of nestling development). Parental aggression was triggered using a taxidermy mount of an American red squirrel ( Tamiasciurus hudsonicus (Erxleben, 1777)). We found no relationship between nest defense and any morphological characteristic of adults, but the intensity of nest defense was positively correlated with the stage of offspring development, clutch size, and hatch date consistent with parental investment theory. Males also defended nests more strongly than females, consistent with the premise of the renesting hypothesis that males have fewer future opportunities to breed and, therefore, are more invested in the current brood. Our results provide strong support for parental investment theory and renesting as the primary drivers of nest defense intensity in breeding birds.
Long-term ocean and resource dynamics in a hotspot of climate change
Authors: Lotze Heike K. , Mellon Stefanie , Coyne Jonathan , Betts Matthew , Burchell Meghan , Fennel Katja , Dusseault Marisa A. , Fuller Susanna D. , Galbraith Eric , Garcia Suarez Lina , de Gelleke Laura , Golombek Nina , Kelly Brianne , Kuehn Sarah D. , Oliver Eric , MacKinnon Megan , Muraoka Wendy , Predham Ian T.G. , Rutherford Krysten , Shackell Nancy , Sherwood Owen , Sibert Elizabeth C. , Kienast Markus
Published: August 2022

The abundance, distribution, and size of marine species are linked to temperature and nutrient regimes and are profoundly affected by humans through exploitation and climate change. Yet little is known about long-term historical links between ocean environmental changes and resource abundance to provide context for current and potential future trends and inform conservation and management. We synthesize >4000 years of climate and marine ecosystem dynamics in a Northwest Atlantic region currently undergoing rapid changes, the Gulf of Maine and Scotian Shelf. This period spans the late Holocene cooling and recent warming and includes both Indigenous and European influence. We compare environmental records from instrumental, sedimentary, coral, and mollusk archives with ecological records from fossils, archaeological, historical, and modern data, and integrate future model projections of environmental and ecosystem changes. This multidisciplinary synthesis provides insight into multiple reference points and shifting baselines of environmental and ecosystem conditions, and projects a near-future departure from natural climate variability in 2028 for the Scotian Shelf and 2034 for the Gulf of Maine. Our work helps advancing integrative end-to-end modeling to improve the predictive capacity of ecosystem forecasts with climate change. Our results can be used to adjust marine conservation strategies and network planning and adapt ecosystem-based management with climate change.
The low-lying hidden- and double-charm tetraquark states in a constituent quark model with instanton-induced interaction
Authors: Wang Jin-Bao , Li Gang , An Chun-Sheng , Deng Cheng-Rong , Xie Ju-Jun
Published: August 2022

Spectrum of the low-lying hidden- and double-charm tetraquark states are investigated in a nonrelativistic quark potential model, where the instanton-induced interaction is taken as the residual spin-dependent hyperfine interaction between quarks. The model parameters are fixed by fitting the spectrum of the ground hadron states. Our numerical results show that masses of several presently studied tetraquark states are close to those of the experimentally observed candidates of exotic meson, which indicates that the corresponding compact tetraquark components may take considerable probabilities in those observed exotic states.
Beam steering with quasi-mosaic bent silicon single crystals: computer simulations for 855 MeV and 6.3 GeV electrons and comparison with experiments
Authors: Backe H.
Published: August 2022

Monte Carlo simulations have been performed for 855 MeV and 6.3 GeV electrons channeling in silicon single crystals at circular bent (111) planes. The aim was to identify critical experimental parameters which affect the volume-deflection and volume-capture characteristics. To these belongs the angular alignment of the crystal with respect to the nominal beam direction. The continuum potential picture has been utilized. The simulation results were compared with experiments. It turns out that the assumption of an anticlastic bending of the crystal, bent on the principle of the quasi-mosaic effect, is not required to reproduce the gross features of the experimental observations for two examined examples.

Graphical abstract
Poly L- methionine/Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite Film Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for the Simultaneous Determination of 5-hydroxyindole Acetic Acid and Tyrosine
Authors: Swathy S. , Mathew Manna Rachel , Kumar K. Girish
Published: August 2022

An effective electrochemical sensor based on “poly L- methionine/Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite Film Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode (poly(L-Met)/ERGO/GCE))” has been developed for the individual and simultaneous determination of 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) and tyrosine (Tyr). In clinical point of view, simultaneous determination of these analytes is very important and a sensor for the same is not reported yet. This sensor offers sensitive, reproducible and selective determination of 5-HIAA and Tyr. Experimental parameters for the effective determination of the analytes were optimized. Under optimized conditions, quantification of 5-HIAA is possible within the range 1.0 × 10−5 M to 8.0 × 10−7 M and for Tyr in two ranges, 1.0 × 10−5 M to 5.0 × 10−6 M and 7.0 × 10−5 M to 2.0 × 10−5 M. The limit of detection and limit of quantification obtained for 5-HIAA using poly(L-Met)/ERGO/GCE are 5.0 × 10−7 M and 8.0 × 10−7 M respectively, and for Tyr, 1.0 × 10−6 M and 5.0 × 10−6 M respectively. The sensor was successfully applied for the determination of both 5-HIAA and Tyr in artificial urine and blood serum samples.
Overexpressed angiotensin-converting enzyme in neutrophils suppresses glomerular damage in crescentic glomerulonephritis
Authors: Saito Suguru , Tatsumoto Narihito , Cao Duo-Yao , Nosaka Nobuyuki , Nishi Hiroshi , Leal Daniel N. , Bernstein Ellen , Shimada Kenichi , Arditi Moshe , Bernstein Kenneth E. , Yamashita Michifumi
Published: August 2022

We studied immune complex (IC)-mediated crescentic glomerulonephritis in NeuACE mice that overexpress ACE only in neutrophils. Such mice show no significant defects in humoral immunity but strongly resist nephrotoxic serum nephritis (less proteinuria, milder histological damage, reduced IC deposits, and more glomerular neutrophils). NeuACE neutrophils enhanced IC uptake via increased surface expression of CR1/2 and FcgRII/III, as well as elevated serum complement C3b. These results suggest neutrophil ACE as a novel approach to reducing glomerulonephritis.
The Application of Dopamine Combined with Intravenous Furosemide Infusion Therapy Has an Apparent Clinical Effect in Treating Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Shi Jinzheng , Wang Rui , Qin Shaoqiang , Zhang Zhanshuai , Li Huixian
Published: August 2022

Objective. To observe the efficacy and safety of dopamine plus furosemide in treating patients with heart failure. Methods. This research included 150 patients with heart failure who were diagnosed and treated at our hospital between March 2018 and November 2020. The patients were randomly assigned to a study group or a reference group according to the data of admission (the cut-off date was June 2019). Patients in the reference group were given furosemide, whereas those in the study group were given dopamine plus furosemide intravenous pumping. Outcome measures included clinical effectiveness, heart function changes, and adverse responses. Results. Dopamine plus furosemide resulted in higher treatment efficiency (96.00%) versus furosemide (74.67%) study group (

P
<
0.05

). Before therapy, there was no significant change in the scores of cardiac function indices between the two groups (

P
>
0.05

). The cardiac function of the two groups of patients was improved after treatment, and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of the study group (44.85 ± 4.12) was higher than that of the reference group (38.45 ± 4.36), and the left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVESD), and plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (43.17 ± 3.98, 51.32 ± 4.25, 3045.56 ± 365.48) were lower than the reference group (47.56 ± 4.65, 56.28 ± 4.85, 4856.48 ± 395.46) (

P
<
0.05

). There was no significant difference in the total incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (

P
>
0.05

). Conclusion. Dopamine plus intravenous furosemide infusion treatment has an obvious therapeutic benefit in treating patients with heart failure and dramatically enhances cardiac function without noteworthy adverse responses. It demonstrated great potential for clinical promotion.
Semantic Approach for Evaluation of Energy Storage Technologies under Fuzzy Environment
Authors: Nagaraju Dega , Chiranjeevi C. , Rajasekhar Y. , Selvaraj Senthil Kumaran , Chadha Utkarsh , Nagalakshmi R. , Paramasivam Velmurugan
Published: August 2022

Energy storage systems are becoming increasingly important, with a growing focus on renewable energy sources that provide highly fluctuating output. Therefore, sound decisions regarding the energy storage systems to be employed need to be made, especially with a systematic and semantic approach. This paper considers the problem of evaluation and selection of energy storage technologies (ESTs). The objective of the proposed research is to decide the best technology for energy storage under the novel idea of hybrid multicriteria decision-making technique under fuzzy environment, that is, fuzzy AHP with fuzzy VIKOR. Electrochemical storage, electrical storage, magnetic storage, mechanical storage, and chemical storage are considered as five alternative energy storage technologies. Energy density, life cycles, cycle efficiency, investment level, suitability to climatic conditions, and required space are considered as six main evaluation criteria. Under each of the main criteria, a set of subcriteria are also considered. The weights of main criteria and subcriteria are determined using fuzzy AHP. With the help of the weights of each set of subcriteria, the weights of alternatives are determined using fuzzy VIKOR. Further, with the help of the main criteria weights and the weights of alternatives determined with respect to each set of subcriteria, the final normalized weights of alternatives are determined. Based on these weights, energy storage technologies are ranked. In addition, the sensitivity analysis is carried out to analyze the variation in ranking pattern of alternatives. From the research findings of this paper, the results are found to be more practical as the evaluation is carried out on an objective basis.