bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogenic variants damage cell composition and single cell transcription in cardiomyopathies
Authors: Reichart Daniel , Lindberg Eric L. , Maatz Henrike , Miranda Antonio M. A. , Viveiros Anissa , Shvetsov Nikolay , Gärtner Anna , Nadelmann Emily R. , Lee Michael , Kanemaru Kazumasa , Ruiz-Orera Jorge , Strohmenger Viktoria , DeLaughter Daniel M. , Patone Giannino , Zhang Hao , Woehler Andrew , Lippert Christoph , Kim Yuri , Adami Eleonora , Gorham Joshua M. , Barnett Sam N. , Brown Kemar , Buchan Rachel J. , Chowdhury Rasheda A. , Constantinou Chrystalla , Cranley James , Felkin Leanne E. , Fox Henrik , Ghauri Ahla , Gummert Jan , Kanda Masatoshi , Li Ruoyan , Mach Lukas , McDonough Barbara , Samari Sara , Shahriaran Farnoush , Yapp Clarence , Stanasiuk Caroline , Theotokis Pantazis I. , Theis Fabian J. , van den Bogaerdt Antoon , Wakimoto Hiroko , Ware James S. , Worth Catherine L. , Barton Paul J. R. , Lee Young-Ae , Teichmann Sarah A. , Milting Hendrik , Noseda Michela , Oudit Gavin Y. , Heinig Matthias , Seidman Jonathan G. , Hubner Norbert , Seidman Christine E.
Published: August 2022

Pathogenic variants in genes that cause dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) convey high risks for the development of heart failure through unknown mechanisms. Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we characterized the transcriptome of 880,000 nuclei from 18 control and 61 failing, nonischemic human hearts with pathogenic variants in DCM and ACM genes or idiopathic disease. We performed genotype-stratified analyses of the ventricular cell lineages and transcriptional states. The resultant DCM and ACM ventricular cell atlas demonstrated distinct right and left ventricular responses, highlighting genotype-associated pathways, intercellular interactions, and differential gene expression at single-cell resolution. Together, these data illuminate both shared and distinct cellular and molecular architectures of human heart failure and suggest candidate therapeutic targets.
Transparency practices at the FDA: A barrier to global health
Authors: Lumpkin Murray M. , Hamburg Margaret A. , Schultz William B. , Sharfstein Joshua M.
Published: August 2022

Data sharing among regulators must be “business as usual”
Safe, selective, and scalable carbenes
Authors: West Michael S. , Rousseaux Sophie A. L.
Published: August 2022

The synthesis of reactive carbene intermediates is made simpler and safer
Mitochondria rescue cells from ischemic injury
Authors: Cadenas Susana
Published: August 2022

Activation of a G protein–coupled receptor prevents cardiomyocyte death during ischemia
Synchronizing neural rhythms
Authors: Reinhart Robert M. G.
Published: August 2022

Personalized, noninvasive network-based neuromodulation aids impaired cognition
A key time for UK–Europe science
Authors: Mathieson Peter
Published: August 2022

The opening line of a recent
Financial Times
article put it best: “Relations between the UK and EU badly need a reset.” Although the article was mostly about geopolitics, the disconnect also applies to science and the current uncertainty about whether the UK will remain an associated partner in European Union (EU) research programs such as Horizon Europe. In the post-Brexit era, and with a new UK Prime Minister to be named shortly, the UK and EU should be considering how best to maximize the potential of the numerous brilliant scientists, technicians, academics, and clinicians working in the universities and research institutes of all European countries, including the UK.
In Other Journals
Authors: Lopez Bianca , Suleymanov Yury , Grocholski Brent , Stern Peter , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Wible Brad , Hurtley Stella M.
Published: August 2022

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Mechanistic Insights to Combating NDM- and CTX-M-Coproducing Klebsiella pneumoniae by Targeting Cell Wall Synthesis and Outer Membrane Integrity
Authors: Smith Nicholas M. , Boissonneault Katie Rose , Chen Liang , Petraitis Vidmantas , Petraitiene Ruta , Tao Xun , Zhou Jieqiang , Lang Yinzhi , Kavaliauskas Povilas , Bulman Zackery P. , Holden Patricia N. , Cha Raymond , Bulitta Jürgen B. , Kreiswirth Barry N. , Walsh Thomas J. , Tsuji Brian T.
Published: August 2022

Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Gram-negative bacteria cause infections associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Currently, a leading regimen to treat infections caused by MBL-producing bacteria is aztreonam combined with ceftazidime-avibactam.
EUCAST-Obtained Olorofim MICs against Aspergillus and Scedosporium Species and Lomentospora prolificans Showed High Agreements between Visual Inspection and Spectrophotometric Readings
Authors: Escribano Pilar , Gómez Ana , Reigadas Elena , Muñoz Patricia , Guinea Jesús
Published: August 2022

Previous studies show high agreement between MIC spectrophotometric readings and visual inspection of azoles and amphotericin B against
Aspergillus fumigatus
isolates. Here, we tested and compared the
in vitro
activity of a novel antifungal, olorofim, against
Aspergillus
spp.,
Scedosporium
spp., and
Lomentospora prolificans
by visual inspection and spectrophotometric readings.
Rotavirus VP4 Epitope of a Broadly Neutralizing Human Antibody Defined by Its Structure Bound with an Attenuated-Strain Virion
Authors: Jenni Simon , Li Zongli , Wang Yuhuan , Bessey Theresa , Salgado Eric N. , Schmidt Aaron G. , Greenberg Harry B. , Jiang Baoming , Harrison Stephen C.
Published: August 2022

Rotavirus live-attenuated vaccines generate broadly heterotypic protection, and B-cells isolated from adults encode antibodies that are broadly protective in mice. Determining the structural and mechanistic basis of broad protection can contribute to understanding the current limitations of vaccine efficacy in developing countries.
Pandemic 1918 Influenza Virus Does Not Cause Lethal Infection in Rhesus or Cynomolgus Macaques
Authors: Chan Mable , Tiwary Meenakshi , Wu Helen L. , Tailor Nikesh , Vendramelli Robert , Audet Jonathan , Warner Bryce M. , Tierney Kevin , Albietz Alix , Truong Thang , Doan Kaylie , Bello Alexander , Willman Marnie , Griffin Bryan D. , Hanley Patrick W. , Lovaglio Jamie , Safronetz David , Strong Jim , Sacha Jonah B. , Kobasa Darwyn
Published: August 2022

The world remains at risk of an influenza pandemic, and the development of new therapeutic and preventative modalities is critically important for minimizing human death and suffering during the next influenza pandemic. Animal models are central to the development of new therapies and vaccine approaches.
A SCID Mouse Model To Evaluate the Efficacy of Antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Abdelnabi Rana , Foo Caroline S. , Kaptein Suzanne J. F. , Boudewijns Robbert , Vangeel Laura , De Jonghe Steven , Jochmans Dirk , Weynand Birgit , Neyts Johan
Published: August 2022

Unlike the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain, the Beta (B.1.351) variant of concern has been reported to replicate to some extent in WT mice (C57BL/6 and BALB/c). We demonstrate here that infection of SCID mice with the Beta variant resulted in high viral loads in the lungs on day 3 postinfection.
Neutralization Titers in Vaccinated Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Delta Breakthrough Infections
Authors: Zou Jing , Xie Xuping , Liu Mingru , Shi Pei-Yong , Ren Ping
Published: August 2022

Given that neutralizing antibodies play a key role in protection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is important to define the neutralization levels in vaccinated individuals when they contracted breakthrough infections. In this study, we analyzed the neutralization levels from 64 vaccinated patients on days 0 to 5 before they tested positive for Delta breakthrough infections.
Genistein Targets STING-Driven Antiviral Responses
Authors: Ullah Tomalika R. , Balka Katherine R. , Ambrose Rebecca L. , Pépin Geneviève , Wilce Matthew C. J. , Wilce Jacqueline A. , Thomas Belinda J. , De Nardo Dominic , Williams Bryan R. G. , Gantier Michael P.
Published: August 2022

Several reports suggest that Genistein exhibits antiviral activities against DNA viruses. Our work uncovers a previously unrecognized proviral effect of Genistein, through inhibition of the cGAS-STING pathway at the level of cGAMP transfer and its sensing by STING. This suggests that the use of Genistein as an antiviral should be taken with caution as it may reduce the protective antiviral effects elicited by host STING activation.
Complete Genome Sequences of the Soil Oxalotrophic Bacterium Cupriavidus oxalaticus Strain Ox1 and Its Derived mCherry-Tagged Strain
Authors: Palmieri Fabio , Udriet Pauline , Johnson Shannon L. , Davenport Karen , Chain Patrick S. G. , Bindschedler Saskia , Junier Pilar
Published: August 2022

Here, we report the complete genome sequences of the soil oxalotrophic bacterium
Cupriavidus oxalaticus
Ox1 and a derived mCherry-tagged strain. The genome size is approximately 6.69 Mb, with a GC content of 66.9%. The genome sequence of
C. oxalaticus
Ox1 contains a complete operon for the degradation and assimilation of oxalate.
A Salvaging Strategy Enables Stable Metabolite Provisioning among Free-Living Bacteria
Authors: Gude Sebastian , Pherribo Gordon J. , Taga Michiko E.
Published: August 2022

Recycling gives new life to old things. Bacteria have the ability to recycle and reuse complex molecules they encounter in their environment to fulfill their basic metabolic needs in a resource-efficient way.
Characterization of a Novel RNA Virus Causing Massive Mortality in Yellow Catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, as an Emerging Genus in
Caliciviridae
(
Picornavirales
)
Authors: Liu Wenzhi , Xue Mingyang , Yang Tao , Li Yiqun , Jiang Nan , Fan Yuding , Meng Yan , Luo Xiaowen , Zhou Yong , Zeng Lingbing
Published: August 2022

Caliciviruses are rapidly evolving viruses that cause pandemic outbreaks associated with significant morbidity and mortality globally. A novel calicivirus identified from yellow catfish also causes substantial mortality.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Point of Care Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay in Fingerprick Whole Blood and Urine Samples for the Detection of Asymptomatic Cryptococcal Disease in Patients with Advanced HIV Disease
Authors: Boyd Kathryn , Kouamou Vinie , Hlupeni Admire , Tangwena Zorodzai , Ndhlovu Chiratidzo E. , Makadzange Azure T. ,   CryptoART Study Team
Published: August 2022

Cryptococcal disease (CD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals with advanced HIV disease (AHD). Identifying point of care (POC) approaches to screening for CD in asymptomatic individuals is important to guide therapeutic management.
α2,3-Linked Sialic Acids Are the Potential Attachment Receptor for Shaan Virus Infection in MARC-145 Cells
Authors: Jang Seong Sik , Noh Ji Yeong , Kim Min Chan , Lim Hyun A. , Song Min Suk , Kim Hye Kwon
Published: August 2022

Bats host major mammalian paramyxoviruses, and novel paramyxoviruses are increasingly being reported around the world. Shaan virus (ShaV), from the genus
Jeilongvirus
, family
Paramyxoviridae
, has a potential attachment glycoprotein, HN.
Isoenzyme
N
-Acyl-
l
-Amino Acid Amidohydrolase NA Increases Ochratoxin A Degradation Efficacy of
Stenotrophomonas
sp. CW117 by Enhancing Amidohydrolase ADH3 Stability
Authors: Chen Nan , Fei Qingru , Luo Han , Fang Zemin , Xiao Yazhong , Du Zhengjun , Zhou Yu
Published: August 2022

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potent mycotoxin mainly produced by toxicogenic strains of
Aspergillus
spp. and seriously contaminates foods and feedstuffs. Previous OTA detoxification studies mainly focused on characterizations of degradation strains and detoxifying enzymes.
Risk factors for severe PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospitalised children
Authors: Schober Tilmann , Caya Chelsea , Barton Michelle , Bayliss Ann , Bitnun Ari , Bowes Jennifer , Brenes-Chacon Helena , Bullard Jared , Cooke Suzette , Dewan Tammie , Dwilow Rachel , El Tal Tala , Foo Cheryl , Gill Peter , Haghighi Aski Behzad , Kakkar Fatima , Lautermilch Janell , Lefebvre Marie-Astrid , Leifso Kirk , Le Saux Nicole , Lopez Alison , Manafi Ali , Merckx Joanna , Morris Shaun K , Nateghian Alireza , Panetta Luc , Petel Dara , Piché Dominique , Purewal Rupeena , Restivo Lea , Roberts Ashley , Sadarangani Manish , Scuccimarri Rosie , Soriano-Fallas Alejandra , Tehseen Sarah , Top Karina A , Ulloa-Gutierrez Rolando , Viel-Theriault Isabelle , Wong Jacqueline , Yea Carmen , Yeh Ann , Yock-Corrales Adriana , Robinson Joan L , Papenburg Jesse
Published: August 2022

Objective

To identify risk factors for severe disease in children hospitalised for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Design

Multicentre retrospective cohort study.

Setting

18 hospitals in Canada, Iran and Costa Rica from 1 February 2020 to 31 May 2021.

Patients

Children<18 years of age hospitalised for symptomatic PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 infection, including PCR-positive multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

Main outcome measure

Severity on the WHO COVID-19 Clinical Progression Scale was used for ordinal logistic regression analyses.

Results

We identified 403 hospitalisations. Median age was 3.78 years (IQR 0.53–10.77). At least one comorbidity was present in 46.4% (187/403) and multiple comorbidities in 18.6% (75/403). Eighty-one children (20.1%) met WHO criteria for PCR-positive MIS-C. Progression to WHO clinical scale score ≥6 occurred in 25.3% (102/403). In multivariable ordinal logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, chest imaging findings, laboratory-confirmed bacterial and/or viral coinfection, and MIS-C diagnosis, presence of a single (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.90, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.20) or multiple chronic comorbidities (aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.79), obesity (aOR 3.42, 95% CI 1.76 to 6.66) and chromosomal disorders (aOR 4.47, 95% CI 1.25 to 16.01) were independent risk factors for severity. Age was not an independent risk factor, but different age-specific comorbidities were associated with more severe disease in age-stratified adjusted analyses: cardiac (aOR 2.90, 95% CI 1.11 to 7.56) and non-asthma pulmonary disorders (aOR 3.07, 95% CI 1.26 to 7.49) in children<12 years old and obesity (aOR 3.69, 1.45–9.40) in adolescents≥12 years old. Among infants<1 year old, neurological (aOR 10.72, 95% CI 1.01 to 113.35) and cardiac disorders (aOR 10.13, 95% CI 1.69 to 60.54) were independent predictors of severe disease.

Conclusion

We identified risk factors for disease severity among children hospitalised for PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 infection. Comorbidities predisposing children to more severe disease may vary by age. These findings can potentially guide vaccination programmes and treatment approaches in children.
Are children with obesity at school entry more likely to have a diagnosis of a musculoskeletal condition? Findings from a systematic review
Authors: Firman Nicola , Wilk Marta , Harper Gill , Dezateux Carol
Published: August 2022

Background

Children with obesity at school entry are at increased risk of persistent obesity throughout childhood and adulthood. Little is known about associations with adverse health outcomes with onset during childhood including those affecting the musculoskeletal system. We examined the association between obesity present at school entry and adverse musculoskeletal diagnoses with onset during childhood.

Methods

We searched three electronic databases to identify longitudinal studies published in English between January 2000 and June 2022 assessing associations between obesity measured at school entry (around age 5 years) and musculoskeletal diagnoses made before age 20 years. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full-text using EPPI-Reviewer software. Bias and quality of eligible studies were appraised using The Quality Assessment tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional studies and findings synthesised.

Results

We identified four eligible studies from 291 unique records, three conducted in Spain and one in Scotland. These studies reported on 1 232 895 children (available data: 51.4% boys; none reported ethnic distribution) with study sample sizes ranging from <2000 to 600 000 and length of follow-up from 2 to 13 years. Quantitative synthesis of findings across these four studies was not possible due to differences in outcomes and effect sizes reported. Children with obesity at school entry were more likely to receive diagnoses of slipped capital femoral epiphysis, back pain, fractures and musculoskeletal complaints made in primary care settings. Included studies were assessed as of ‘fair’ to ‘good’ quality.

Conclusion

There is good to fair evidence to suggest children with obesity at school entry are more likely to receive a diagnosis of a musculoskeletal condition during childhood. Further research is needed to replicate these findings in ethnically diverse populations and to investigate whether these are causal associations. The implications of this for children’s mobility and quality of life and future musculoskeletal health warrants further assessment.
Recent advances in clinical practice: advances in cross-sectional imaging in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Rimola Jordi , Torres Joana , Kumar Shankar , Taylor Stuart A , Kucharzik Torsten
Published: August 2022

Endoscopy remains the reference standard for the diagnosis and assessment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but it has several important limitations. Cross-sectional imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) and intestinal ultrasound (IUS) are better tolerated and safer. Moreover, they can examine the entire bowel, even in patients with stenoses and/or severe inflammation. A variety of cross-sectional imaging activity scores strongly correlate with endoscopic measures of mucosal inflammation in the colon and terminal ileum. Unlike endoscopy, cross-sectional techniques allow complete visualisation of the small-bowel and assess for extraintestinal disease, which occurs in nearly half of patients with IBD. Extramural findings may predict outcomes better than endoscopic mucosal assessment, so cross-sectional techniques might help identify more relevant therapeutic targets. Coupled with their high sensitivity, these advantages have made MRE and IUS the primary non-invasive options for diagnosing and monitoring Crohn’s disease; they are appropriate first-line investigations, and have become viable alternatives to colonoscopy. This review discusses cross-sectional imaging in IBD in current clinical practice as well as research lines that will define the future role of these techniques.
‘In the picture’: perspectives on living and working with cancer
Authors: Day Sophie , Gleason Kelly , Lury Celia , Sherlock Di , Viney William , Ward Helen
Published: August 2022

We explored working and living with cancer at a large research-intensive National Health Service hospital breast cancer service and adjoining non-governmental organisation (NGO). The project had three elements that were largely autonomous in practice but conceptually integrated through a focus on personalised cancer medicine. Di Sherlock held conversations with staff and patients from which she produced a collection of poems,Written Portraits. At the same time, we conducted interviews and observation in the hospital, and hosted a public series of science cafés in the NGO. The trajectory of this project was not predetermined, but we found that the poetry residency provided a context for viewing participation in experimental cancer care and vice versa. Taking themes from the poetry practice, we show how they revealed categories of relevance to participants and illuminated others that circulated in the hospital and NGO. Reciprocally, turning to findings from long-term ethnographic research with patients, we show that their observations were not only representations but also tools for navigating life in waiting with cancer. The categories that we discovered and assembled about living and working with cancer do not readily combine into an encompassing picture, we argue, but instead provide alternating perspectives. Through analysis of different forms of research participation, we hope to contribute to an understanding of how categories are made, recognised and inhabited through situated comparisons. In personalised medicine, category-making is enabled if not dependent on increasingly intensive computation and so the practices seem far removed from mundane processes of interaction. Yet, we emphasise connections with everyday practices, in which people categorise themselves and others routinely according to what they like and resemble.
What can the Defence Medical Services learn from the COVID-19 pandemic in order to be ready for the future?
Authors: Newman Charles
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic placed significant global pressure on public health, with the demand for specialist clinical input, equipment and therapeutics often outweighing supply in many well-established healthcare systems. The UK was no exception to this burden, resulting in unprecedented demands being placed on its NHS. Throughout the pandemic, the UK Defence Medical Services (DMS) aided the civilian healthcare sector, while concurrently adapting as an organisation to meet its enduring commitment in promoting the operational output of the wider UK Armed Forces. This paper serves to provide an overview of some of these key activities while offering proposed lessons which can be learnt, in order to promote the DMS’ output in times of future crises. Of note, the DMS aided to mitigate surge demands placed on the NHS’ supply chain, assisting in promoting its resilience to provide key materials to civilian clinical personnel. Adaptation of military policy generation mechanisms, together with adoption of novel technological approaches to promote remote working, empowered efficient DMS operational output throughout the pandemic. Direct provision of personnel to assist in the NHS’ clinical output served to foster mutually beneficial interorganisational relationships, while providing objective benefit for the UK public.

This paper was selected as theBMJ Military HealthRoyal Society of Medicine Colt Foundation National Essay Prize Winner 2021.
Intra-arterial thrombolytics during endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke in the MR CLEAN Registry
Authors: Collette Sabine L , Bokkers Reinoud P H , Mazuri Aryan , Lycklama à Nijeholt Geert J , van Oostenbrugge Robert J , LeCouffe Natalie E , Benali Faysal , Majoie Charles B L M , de Groot Jan Cees , Luijckx Gert Jan R , Uyttenboogaart Maarten
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The efficacy and safety of local intra-arterial (IA) thrombolytics during endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for large-vessel occlusions is uncertain. We analysed how often IA thrombolytics were administered in the Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) Registry, whether it was associated with improved functional outcome and assessed technical and safety outcomes compared with EVT without IA thrombolytics.

Methods

In this observational study, we included patients undergoing EVT for an acute ischaemic stroke in the anterior circulation from the MR CLEAN Registry (March 2014–November 2017). The primary endpoint was favourable functional outcome, defined as an modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 at 90 days. Secondary endpoints were reperfusion status, early neurological recovery and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH). Subgroup analyses for IA thrombolytics as primary versus adjuvant revascularisation attempt were performed.

Results

Of the 2263 included patients, 95 (4.2%) received IA thrombolytics during EVT. The IA thrombolytics administered were urokinase (median dose, 250 000 IU (IQR, 1 93 750–2 50 000)) or alteplase (median dose, 20 mg (IQR, 12–20)). No association was found between IA thrombolytics and favourable functional outcome (adjusted OR (aOR), 1.16; 95% CI 0.71 to 1.90). Successful reperfusion was less often observed in those patients treated with IA thrombolytics (aOR, 0.57; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.90). The odds of sICH (aOR, 0.82; 95% CI 0.32 to 2.10) and early neurological recovery were comparable between patients treated with and without IA thrombolytics. For primary and adjuvant revascularisation attempts, IA thrombolytics were more often administered for proximal than for distal occlusions. Functional outcomes were comparable for patients receiving IA thrombolytics as a primary versus adjuvant revascularisation attempt.

Conclusion

Local IA thrombolytics were rarely used in the MR CLEAN Registry. In the relatively small study sample, no statistical difference was observed between groups in the rate of favourable functional outcome or sICH. Patients whom required and underwent IA thrombolytics were patients less likely to achieve successful reperfusion, probably due to selection bias.
Purification and characterization of inorganic pyrophosphatase for in vitro RNA transcription
Authors: Tersteeg Scott , Mrozowich Tyler , Henrickson Amy , Demeler Borries , Patel Trushar R.
Published: August 2022

Inorganic pyrophosphatase (iPPase) is an enzyme that cleaves pyrophosphate into two phosphate molecules. This enzyme is an essential component of in vitro transcription (IVT) reactions for RNA preparation as it prevents pyrophosphate from precipitating with magnesium, ultimately increasing the rate of the IVT reaction. Large-scale RNA production is often required for biochemical and biophysical characterization studies of RNA, therefore requiring large amounts of IVT reagents. Commercially purchased iPPase is often the most expensive component of any IVT reaction. In this paper, we demonstrate that iPPase can be produced in large quantities and high quality using a reasonably generic laboratory facility and that laboratory-purified iPPase is as effective as commercially available iPPase. Furthermore, using size exclusion chromatography coupled with multi-angle light scattering and dynamic light scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, and small-angle X-ray scattering, we demonstrate that yeast iPPase can form tetramers and hexamers in solution as well as the enzymatically active dimer. Our work provides a robust protocol for laboratories involved with RNA in vitro transcription to efficiently produce active iPPase, significantly reducing the financial strain of large-scale RNA production.
Mechanisms, volumetric assessment, and prognosis for rapid coastal erosion of Tuktoyaktuk Island, an important natural barrier for the harbour and community
Authors: Whalen D. , Forbes D.L. , Kostylev V. , Lim M. , Fraser P. , Nedimović M.R. , Stuckey S.
Published: August 2022

The coastline of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR) in the Mackenzie–Beaufort region of the western Canadian Arctic is characterised by rapid erosion of ice-bonded sediments with abundant excess ground ice, resulting in widespread thermal and mechanical process interactions in the shore zone. Coastal communities within the ISR are acutely aware of the rapidly eroding coastline and its impacts on infrastructure, subsistence activities, cultural or ancestral sites, and natural habitats. Tuktoyaktuk Island is a large natural barrier protecting the harbour and surrounding community from exposure to waves. It is threatened by coastal erosion, a better understanding of which will inform adaptation strategies. Using historical and recent aerial imagery, high-resolution digital elevation models, cliff geomorphology, stratigraphy, and sedimentology, including ground-ice content, this study documents erosional processes, recession rates, volume losses, and sediment delivery since 1947 and projected into the future. Erosion along the northwest-facing (exposed) cliff, primarily by thermo-abrasional undercutting and block failure, has accelerated since 2000 to a mean of 1.80 ± 0.02 m/year, a 22% increase over the previous 15 years and 14% faster than 1947–2000. Lower recession rates on the harbour side of the island increased more than two-fold. Projection of future shoreline vectors by extrapolation, using the post-2000 accelerated coastal recession rates at 284 transects, points to breaching of this vital natural harbour barrier by 2044, after which rapid realignment is expected to occur as the new inlet evolves. Further acceleration of rates, as seems highly likely, brings the breaching date closer.
Self-consistent numerical evaluation of concrete shielding activation for proton therapy systems
Authors: Ramoisiaux E. , Tesse R. , Hernalsteens C. , Boogert S. T. , Gnacadja E. , Nevay L. J. , Pauly N. , Shields W. , Stichelbaut F. , Vanwelde M.
Published: August 2022

Due to the advancement of proton therapy for cancer treatment, there has been a worldwide increase in the construction of treatment facilities. Therapy centres are often coupled with clinical, biological or material-science research programs. Research activities require proton beams at energies spanning an extensive range with higher beam currents and longer irradiation times than clinical conditions. Additionally, next-generation proton therapy systems are evolving towards more compact designs. In addition to the increased centres’ workloads, reducing the system in size produces a more significant number of secondary particles per unit volume and time. Therefore, the activation level of materials constituting those future proton therapy centres is expected to be higher, increasing the ambient dose and the amount of radioactive waste collected at the end of a centre’s lifetime. These operating conditions pose new challenges for the shielding design and the reduction of the concrete activation. To tackle them, we propose a novel approach to seamlessly simulate all the processes relevant for the evaluation of the concrete shielding activation using, as an illustration, the Ion Beam Applications Proteus$$^\circledR $$

®

One system. A realistic model of the system is developed using Beam Delivery Simulation (BDSIM), a Geant4-based particle tracking code. It allows a single model to simulate primary and secondary particle tracking in the beamline, its surroundings, and all particle-matter interactions. The code system and library database FISPACT-II allows the computation of the shielding activation by solving the rate equations using ENDF-compliant group library data for nuclear reactions, particle-induced or spontaneous fission yields, and radioactive decay. As input, FISPACT-II is provided with the secondary particle fluences scored using the BDSIM Monte Carlo simulations. This approach is applied to the proton therapy research centre of Charleroi, Belgium. Results compare the evolution of the clearance level and the long-lived nuclide concentrations throughout the facility lifetime when using regular concrete or the newly developed Low Activation Concrete (LAC). A comparison with the initial shielding dimensioning has been performed for all the shielding walls to validate the methodology and highlight the clear benefits of integrating LAC inserts in the shielding design. The effectiveness of coupling BDSIM and FISPACT-II gives a glimpse of the possibility of a complete activation study following the actual workloads of the centre, allowing a better assessment of the shielding activation level at any time of the facility lifespan.
Book Review: Solving Public Problems – A Practical Guide to Fix Our Government and Change Our World
Authors: Kamensky John M.
Published: August 2022

This is a book review on Solving Public Problems written by Beth Simone Noveck (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2021, 352 pgs.) Dr. Noveck is widely known as an evangelist for digital innovation. But in this book, she focuses on the need to develop a cadre of “public problem solvers” to fix government more broadly. She outlines four sets of skills they need to be successful and the steps that need to be taken to build the capacity to involve both public servants and citizens in tackling public challenges. Her book is a plan of action that is supplemented with exercises at the end of each chapter and a free on-line training course with video tutorials and worksheets.
Novel Micro-Ceramic Bottom Ash Mixed PEDOT:PSS/PVP for a Low-Cost Pt-Free Counter Electrode in a Dye Sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Kanjana Nattakan , Pimsopa Sirilak , Maiaugree Wasan , Laokul Paveena , Chaiya Inthira , Chingsungnoen Artit , Poolcharuansin Phitsanu , Ratchapolthavisin Nattawat , Jarernboon Wirat , Wongjom Poramed , Infahsaeng Yingyot
Published: August 2022

This work presents a novel route for utilizing waste from power plants to create a new power source (solar cells). Bottom ash (BA) ceramic micro-particles were studied to improve an electrocatalytic activity in solar cell applications for the first time. In the counter electrodes (CE) of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), bottom ash was mixed with PEDOT:PSS (PP) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (BA/PP/PVP) in volume ratios of 3:7, 4:6, 5:5, and 6:4. We found that bottom ash has a significant impact in improving the electrocatalytic activity and DSSC efficiency of these cells. Moreover, the PP and PVP ratios have a high impact on solar cell performance. The BA/PP/PVP-(6:4) counter electrode attained a higher DSSC efficiency, 2.70%, compared to the other electrodes prepared under similar conditions and a Pt CE based DSSC (3.23%) at AM 1.5 (100 mWcm−2). The influences of bottom ash and PP/PVP ratios on film structure, electrocatalytic activity in

I

3

−

reduction, redox reaction rate, and electron transport were characterized using SEM, CV, Tafel, and EIS, respectively. The results show that low-cost BA/PP/PVP-(6:4) CE is a promising new alternative to Pt CEs in DSSCs.
An All-Solid-State Ag/AgCl Reference Electrode Based on the Polydopamine Coating
Authors: Su Xiaoqing , Zhang Xiliang , Chen Cheng , Xu Kun , Xu Yunfeng
Published: August 2022

A solid thin film Ag/AgCl reference electrode modified by polydopamine (PDA) was developed in order to present a stable and fixed reference potential in solution. The reference electrode consists of a silver film, an AgCl layer and a PDA-modified film. The bare Ag/AgCl reference electrode, Nafion-modified Ag/AgCl reference electrode, PDA-modified Ag/AgCl reference electrode and Nafion-PDA-modified Ag/AgCl reference electrode were fabricated respectively. The sensitivity of these reference electrodes in KCl solution was measured, and the PDA-modified reference electrode had a sensitivity of 2.1 mV/pCl. Then the stability and reversibility were tested in different solutions in buffer and cyclic voltammetric characteristics was also investigated. The results showed that the reference electrode modified by PDA was stabled in PBS solution within a month, with a standard deviation of 1.4 mV. The response potential of electrode modified by PDA always recovers to a relatively stable potential and the deviation is less than 5 mV in different pH buffer solutions. The PDA-modified reference electrode also showed minimal drift over 50 cyclic voltammetry tests compared to other reference electrodes. The reference electrode modified by PDA has good reproducibility, and the sensitivity of the sensor composed of the self-made electrode is close to that of the commercial reference electrode.
Hepatic and proximal tubule angiotensinogen play distinct roles in kidney dysfunction, glomerular and tubular injury, and fibrosis progression
Authors: Jang Hee-Seong , Noh Mi Ra , Plumb Troy , Lee Kyung , He John Cijiang , Ferrer Fernando A. , Padanilam Babu J.
Published: August 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major unmet medical need with no effective treatment. Current findings demonstrate that hepatic and proximal tubule angiotensinogen have distinct roles in tubular and glomerular injury, fibrogenesis, and renal dysfunction during CKD development. As renin-angiotensin system components, including angiotensinogen, are important targets for treating CKD in the clinic, the results from our study may be applied to developing better tissue-targeted treatment strategies for CKD and other fibroproliferative diseases.
Construction and Effect Analysis of College Students’ Physical Education Teaching Mode Based on Data Mining Algorithm
Authors: Wang Peipei
Published: August 2022

With the wide application of computer technology, communication technology, network technology, and multimedia technology in modern education, teaching methods tend to be diversified and scientific. Based on the DM (data mining) algorithm, this paper implements a sports achievement management system. Through this system, the efficiency of inputting and counting students’ achievements can be improved, and teachers can be freed from the complicated achievement management. Aiming at the problem that SVM (Support Vector Machine) is slow in training large sample sets in DM classification, a DM classification algorithm based on improved SVM, PSO_SVM, is proposed, which applies the density of adjacent samples to the design of membership function to reduce the influence of noise points on classification. The results show that the training time of this algorithm is increased by 54.26 s and 55.69 s compared with SVM and

K

-means, respectively, and the accuracy is increased by 35.62%. The results obtained by the DM algorithm will be helpful for teachers to diagnose teaching problems and construct PET (physical education teaching) model for college students with characteristics.
BrainNet: Optimal Deep Learning Feature Fusion for Brain Tumor Classification
Authors: Zahid Usman , Ashraf Imran , Khan Muhammad Attique , Alhaisoni Majed , Yahya Khawaja M. , Hussein Hany S. , Alshazly Hammam
Published: August 2022

Early detection of brain tumors can save precious human life. This work presents a fully automated design to classify brain tumors. The proposed scheme employs optimal deep learning features for the classification of FLAIR, T1, T2, and T1CE tumors. Initially, we normalized the dataset to pass them to the ResNet101 pretrained model to perform transfer learning for our dataset. This approach results in fine-tuning the ResNet101 model for brain tumor classification. The problem with this approach is the generation of redundant features. These redundant features degrade accuracy and cause computational overhead. To tackle this problem, we find optimal features by utilizing differential evaluation and particle swarm optimization algorithms. The obtained optimal feature vectors are then serially fused to get a single-fused feature vector. PCA is applied to this fused vector to get the final optimized feature vector. This optimized feature vector is fed as input to various classifiers to classify tumors. Performance is analyzed at various stages. Performance results show that the proposed technique achieved a speedup of 25.5x in prediction time on the medium neural network with an accuracy of 94.4%. These results show significant improvement over the state-of-the-art techniques in terms of computational overhead by maintaining approximately the same accuracy.
Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis following the First Dose of the Elasomeran COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Casale Jarett J. , Muse Mikél E. , Snow Tara J. , Gould Karen P. , Depcik-Smith Natalie D.
Published: August 2022

Our case highlights leukocytoclastic vasculitis as a potential side effect of the elasomeran COVID-19 vaccine. As the elasomeran vaccine becomes more widely available to the public, cutaneous reactions should be noted and looked for as potential side effects of the vaccine. Our patient had a history of immune thrombocytopenic purpura, making this a potential predisposing condition to the development of vasculitis following elasomeran administration. The case of vasculitis in our patient, although diffuse in distribution, was self-resolving. Our patient was counseled of the potential risk of worsening reaction to the second dose of the vaccine and instructed to proceed at their own risk. He elected to receive the second vaccination dose without any further reaction or side effects. Primary teaching points from this case include the potential of developing leukocytoclastic vasculitis following the elasomeran vaccination. Patients who develop LCV following the first dose should be counseled of the risks associated with receiving the second dose, including progression to systemic organ involvement.
Chemical Composition and the Anticancer, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Properties of Acacia Honey from the Hail Region: The in vitro and in silico Investigation
Authors: Hamadou Walid Sabri , Bouali Nouha , Badraoui Riadh , Hadj Lajimi Ramzi , Hamdi Assia , Alreshidi Mousa , Patel Mitesh , Adnan Mohd , Siddiqui Arif Jamal , Noumi Emira , Rao Pasupuleti Visweswara , Snoussi Mejdi
Published: August 2022

In consideration of the emergence of novel drug-resistant microbial strains and the increase in the incidences of various cancers throughout the world, honey could be utilized as a great alternative source of potent bioactive compounds. In this context, this study pioneers in reporting the phytochemical profiling and the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of Acacia honey (AH) from the Hail region of Saudi Arabia, assessed using in vitro and molecular docking approaches. The phytochemical profiling based on high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HR-LCMS) revealed eight compounds and three small peptide-like proteins as the constituents. The honey samples exhibited promising antioxidant activities (DPPH-IC50 = 0.670 mg/mL; ABTS-IC50 = 1.056 mg/mL; β-carotene-IC50 > 5 mg/mL). In the well-diffusion assay, a high mean growth inhibition zone (mGIZ) was observed against Staphylococcus aureus (48.33 ± 1.53 mm), Escherichia coli ATCC 10536 (38.33 ± 1.53 mm), and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 (39.33 ± 1.15 mm). The microdilution assay revealed that low concentrations of AH could inhibit the growth of almost all the evaluated bacterial and fungal strains, with the minimal bactericidal concentration values (MBCs) ranging from 75 mg/mL to 300 mg/mL. On the contrary, high AH concentrations were required to kill the tested microorganisms, with the minimal bactericidal concentration values (MBCs) ranging from approximately 300 mg/mL to over 600 mg/mL and the minimal fungicidal concentration values (MFCs) of approximately 600 mg/mL. The AH exhibited effective anticancer activity in a dose-dependent manner against breast (MCF-7), colon (HCT-116), and lung (A549) cancer cell lines, with the corresponding IC50 values of 5.053 μg/mL, 5.382 μg/mL, and 6.728 μg/mL, respectively. The in silico investigation revealed that the observed antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of the constituent compounds of AH are thermodynamically feasible, particularly those of the tripeptides (Asp-Trp-His and Trp-Arg-Ala) and aminocyclitol glycoside. The overall results highlighted the potential of AH as a source of bioactive compounds with significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities, which could imply further pharmacological applications of AH.
Exploration of Energy-Saving Chilling Landscape Design Based on Algo for Group Intelligence
Authors: Li Zhuo
Published: August 2022

Due to the influence of regional climatic conditions, the development of cold ecological tourism agricultural park in the north is slow, its landscape planning and design research lags behind, and there are still some problems. With the development of electronic computers, the previously unachievable optimization of engineering structures is now possible, while the traditional optimization methods cannot meet the requirements of modern computing due to the implementation constraints. The emergence of algo for group intelligences has made some applications of engineering structural optimization possible. Group intelligence is the characteristic of a system in which the collective behavior of low-level individuals interacting locally with their environment forms an overall pattern of consistent functions. This paper presents a study of energy-efficient cold landscape design based on algo for group intelligences and analyzes the problems that arise in the ecological landscape design of cold urban settlements. Then countermeasures are proposed to solve the problems. The linear model is replaced by the determination of the weight of the evaluation index of the energy-saving design of frozen landscape. And take it as a new migration model. Then, based on the weight of the evaluation index, the group algorithm analysis in landscape design is proposed, which is a generalized definition of the standard model. The experimental results show that the algo for group intelligence outperforms another algorithm in terms of solving ability to the extent that the average optimization ability is improved by 13.45%, so the algo for group intelligence demonstrates its superior ability to take into account both local and global search. Therefore, the use of algo for group intelligences to build an energy-efficient society is a necessary path for China’s development, and the construction of energy-efficient gardens is an important part of building an energy-efficient society, and the application of energy-efficient concepts to modern landscape design is an inevitable trend in the development of urban landscaping.
[Retracted] Investigation on Immune‐Related Protein (Heat Shock Proteins and Metallothionein) Gene Expression Changes and Liver Histopathology in Cadmium‐Stressed Fish
Authors: Jabeen Ghazala , Ishaq Sarwat , Arshad Mateen , Fatima Shafaq , Kanwal Zakia , Ali Farah
Published: August 2022

Heat shock proteins (HSP) are highly conserved in their structure and released in case of stress. Increased metallothionein (MT) synthesis is associated with increased capacity for binding heavy metals. Healthy juveniles of grass carp were exposed to sublethal dose (1.495 mg L-1) of cadmium for 28 days. Simultaneously, a control group was also run to compare difference of total RNA expression levels in cadmium‐treated and control groups. The cadmium levels in the tissues of treated fish recorded were 1.78 ± 0.10 mg L−1, 1.60 ± 0.04 mg L−1, and 2.00 ± 0.05 mg L−1, respectively. Several histological alterations including edema, hemorrhage, dilated sinusoids, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, congestion of central vein, and nuclear alterations were observed in cadmium‐exposed fish. Stress gene (metallothionein and heat shock proteins) mRNA transcription levels were studied by mRNA extraction and cDNA preparation by using PCR. The expression level of heat shock protein gene was higher as compared to metallothionein and beta‐2‐microglobulin gene after cadmium exposure. This study reports various stress‐related immune‐responsive changes of immune proteins, heat shock proteins, metallothionein, and histopathological changes in fish due to cadmium toxicity that make the fish immunocompromised which may be considered as the biomarkers of cadmium toxicity in other experimental species.