bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wheeler’s delayed-choice experiment based on Rydberg atoms
Authors: Ye Gen-Sheng , Xu Biao , Kuang Feng-Yuan , Liu Hao-Xiang , Shi Shuai , Ma Yiqiu , Li Lin
Published: March 2022

The delayed choice gedanken-experiment initially proposed by J A Wheeler reveals the nontrivial features of wave–particle duality in quantum world, that is, the choice of whether to observe the particle/wave character of a quantum system at a delayed time can affect its evolution history. In this work, the Wheeler’s delayed-choice experiment is conducted and tested in a new regime based on a Rydberg-ground level atomic Mach–Zehnder interferometer with optical coherent manipulation. Our quantum system exhibits an excellent single-excitation of the collective atomic state due to the Rydberg blockade effect, and the delayed choice of the interferometer configuration is realized by a quantum random number generator based on high-quality Rydberg single-photon source. Our experimental results demonstrate the Wheeler’s nontrivial time order inversion in this quantum system and confirm the Copenhagen interpretation of the physical reality of quantum state, which means the particle/wave character can only be ascribed to a quantum system when it was measured. This work is encouraging toward testing the foundations of quantum mechanics using the Rydberg atoms.
The Associations of Dietary Copper With Cognitive Outcomes
Authors: Wei Jingkai , Gianattasio Kan Z , Bennett Erin E , Stewart James D , Xu Xiaohui , Park Eun Sug , Smith Richard L , Ying Qi , Whitsel Eric A , Power Melinda C
Published: March 2022

Dietary copper intake may be associated with cognitive decline and dementia. We used data from 10,269 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risks in Communities Study to study the associations of dietary copper intake with 20-year cognitive decline and incident dementia. Dietary copper intake from food and supplements was quantified using food frequency questionnaires. Cognition was assessed using 3 cognitive tests at study visits; dementia was ascertained at study visits and via surveillance. Multiple imputation by chained equations was applied to account for the missing information of cognitive function during follow-up. Survival analysis with parametric models and mixed-effect models were used to estimate the associations for incident dementia and cognitive decline, respectively. During 20 years of follow-up (1996–1998 to 2016–2017), 1,862 incident cases of dementia occurred. Higher intake of dietary copper from food was associated with higher risk of incident dementia among those with high intake of saturated fat (hazard ratio = 1.49, 95% confidence interval: 1.04, 1.95). Higher intake of dietary copper from food was associated with greater decline in language overall (beta = −0.12, 95% confidence interval: −0.23, −0.02). Therefore, a diet high in copper, particularly when combined with a diet high in saturated fat, may increase the risk of cognitive impairment.
Bimodal frequency distribution as a criterion for dimorphism in male rhinoceros beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae)
Authors: Packard Gary C
Published: March 2022

Bateson & Brindley (1892) reported that males of the rhinoceros beetle Xylotrupes gideon are dimorphic (i.e. occurring in two distinct forms) with respect to size of the prominent cephalic horn. This claim was based on a comparison of frequency distributions for size of the horn (bimodal) and size of the body (unimodal). Bateson and Brindley did not realize, however, that a bivariate plot of horn length against body size follows a steep, S-shaped trajectory, or that steepness of such a curve—and not dimorphism—underlies the bimodal frequency distribution for size of the horn. The bivariate distribution for horn size vs. body size is continuous and without breaks or interruptions, so the beetles merely exhibit a pattern of allometric variation that went unrecognized at the time. Other species of dynastine beetle also display patterns of sigmoid allometry, but only those with the steepest slopes for the allometric curve also have bimodal frequency distributions for size of the horn. The concept of male dimorphism in X. gideon and other dynastine beetles needs to be reconsidered in the light of findings reported here and elsewhere.
Assessment of the triangle test methodology for determining umami discrimination status
Authors: Hartley Isabella , Orellana Liliana , Liem Djin Gie , Keast Russell
Published: March 2022

The prototypical stimuli for umami taste is monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is the sodium salt form of glutamic acid. A proportion of the population has a reduced or complete inability to taste l-glutamate independent to the sodium ion. To determine individuals’ umami discrimination status, many studies use a series of triangle tests containing isomolar (29 mM) sodium chloride (NaCl) and MSG, requiring participants to correctly identify the odd sample. Across studies, inconsistent categorization criteria have been applied. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal classification criterion based on the number of tests assessed to ascertain an individual’s ability to discriminate between MSG and NaCl. Thirty-eight participants attended 3 taste assessment sessions, each involving 24 triangle tests (2 blocks of 12 tests) containing 29 mM NaCl and 29 mM MSG, detection and recognition threshold were measured for MSG, monopotassium glutamate (MPG), and sweet (sucrose) tastes. There was no learning, or fatigue trend over n = 24 (P = 0.228), and n = 12 (P = 0.940) triangle tests across each testing session. Twenty-four triangle tests produced the most consistent categorization of tasters across sessions (68.4%). The test–retest correlation across each testing session was highest for n = 24 triangle tests (ICC = 0.50), in comparison to 12 (ICC = 0.37). Overall, conducting n = 24 compared with n = 12 triangle tests provided the optimal classification to determine an individual’s ability to discriminate l-glutamate from NaCl and thus their umami discrimination status, based on the number of tests assessed in this study.
Efficacy and Safety of Switching to the 2-Drug Regimen Dolutegravir/Lamivudine Versus Continuing a 3- or 4-Drug Regimen for Maintaining Virologic Suppression in Adults Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1): Week 48 Results From the Phase 3, Noninferiority SALSA Randomized Trial
Authors: Llibre Josep M , Brites Carlos , Cheng Chien-Yu , Osiyemi Olayemi , Galera Carlos , Hocqueloux Laurent , Maggiolo Franco , Degen Olaf , Taylor Stephen , Blair Elizabeth , Man Choy , Wynne Brian , Oyee James , Underwood Mark , Curtis Lloyd , Bontempo Gilda , van Wyk Jean
Published: March 2022

Background

In TANGO, switching to dolutegravir/lamivudine (DTG/3TC) demonstrated long-term noninferior efficacy vs continuing tenofovir alafenamide–based regimens in treatment-experienced adults with HIV-1. The phase 3 SALSA study evaluated efficacy and safety of switching to DTG/3TC compared with continuing various 3-/4-drug current antiretroviral regimens (CARs).

Methods

Adults with HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL and no previous virologic failure were randomized (1:1, stratified by baseline third agent class) to switch to once-daily fixed-dose combination DTG/3TC or continue CAR (primary endpoint: proportion of participants with HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL at week 48; Snapshot, intention-to-treat–exposed population, 5% noninferiority margin).

Results

Overall, 493 adults (39% women; 39% aged ≥50 years; 19% African American/African heritage; 14% Asian) were randomized to switch to DTG/3TC (n = 246) or continue CAR (n = 247). At week 48, 1 (0.4%) participant in the DTG/3TC group and 3 (1.2%) in the CAR group had HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL (Snapshot), demonstrating noninferiority (adjusted difference, −0.8%; 95% CI, −2.4%, .8%). Zero participants met confirmed virologic withdrawal criteria; therefore, no resistance testing was performed. Drug-related adverse events were more frequent with DTG/3TC (20%) than CAR (6%) through week 48 but comparable post–week 24 (5% vs 2%, respectively). Proximal tubular renal function and bone turnover biomarkers improved with DTG/3TC. Both groups had generally minimal changes in lipids and inflammatory biomarkers.

Conclusions

Switching to DTG/3TC was noninferior to continuing CAR for maintaining virologic suppression at week 48 with no observed resistance, supporting the efficacy, good safety, and high barrier to resistance of DTG/3TC.

Clinical Trials Registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04021290.
Global Epidemiology of Human Infections With Variant Influenza Viruses, 1959–2021: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Chen Xinghui , Wang Wei , Qin Ying , Zou Junyi , Yu Hongjie
Published: March 2022

Background

Although human case numbers of variant influenza viruses have increased worldwide, the epidemiology of human cases and human-to-human transmissibility of different variant viruses remain uncertain.

Methods

We used descriptive statistics to summarize the epidemiologic characteristics of variant virus infections. The hospitalization rate, case-fatality, and hospitalization-fatality risks were used to assess disease severity. Transmissibility of variant viruses between humans was determined by the effective reproductive number (Re) and probability of infection following exposure to human cases.

Results

We identified 707 naturally infected cases of variant viruses from 1959 to 2021, and their spatiotemporal/demographic characteristics changed across subtypes. The clinical severity of cases of variant viruses was generally mild; patients older than 18 years with underlying conditions were associated with hospitalization. Of 69 clusters of human infections with variant viruses (median cluster size: 2), the upper limit of Re was 0.09 (H1N1v, H1N2v, and H3N2v: 0.20 vs 0.18 vs 0.05), whereas it was not significantly different from the pooled estimates for avian influenza A(H7N9) and A(H5N1) viruses (0.10). Moreover, contacts of H5N1 cases (15.7%) had a significantly higher probability of infection than contacts of individuals with H7N9 (4.2%) and variant virus infections (4.2%–7.2%).

Conclusions

The epidemiology of cases of variant viruses varied across time periods, geographical regions, and subtypes during 1959–2021. The transmissibility of different variant viruses between humans remains limited. However, given the continuous evolution of viruses and the rapidly evolving epidemiology of cases of variant viruses, improving the surveillance systems for human variant virus infections is needed worldwide.
Probable Animal-to-Human Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Delta Variant AY.127 Causing a Pet Shop-Related Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Jasper Fuk Woo , Siu Gilman Kit Hang , Yuan Shuofeng , Ip Jonathan Daniel , Cai Jian Piao , Chu Allen Wing Ho , Chan Wan Mui , Abdullah Syed Muhammad Umer , Luo Cuiting , Chan Brian Pui Chun , Yuen Terrence Tsz Tai , Chen Lin Lei , Chik Kenn Ka Heng , Liang Ronghui , Cao Hehe , Poon Vincent Kwok Man , Chan Chris Chung Sing , Leung Kit Hang , Tam Anthony Raymond , Tsang Owen Tak Yin , Chan Jacky Man Chun , To Wing Kin , Lam Bosco Hoi Shiu , Lee Lam Kwong , Lo Hazel Wing Hei , Wong Ivan Tak Fai , Leung Jake Siu Lun , Wong Evelyn Yin Kwan , Chu Hin , Yip Cyril Chik Yan , Cheng Vincent Chi Chung , Chan Kwok Hung , Tse Herman , Lung David Christopher , Ng Kenneth Ho Leung , Au Albert Ka Wing , Hung Ivan Fan Ngai , Yuen Kwok Yung , To Kelvin Kai Wang
Published: March 2022

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can infect human and other mammals, including hamsters. Syrian (Mesocricetus auratus) and dwarf (Phodopus sp.) hamsters are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection in the laboratory setting. However, pet shop-related Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks have not been reported.

Methods

We conducted an investigation of a pet shop-related COVID-19 outbreak due to Delta variant AY.127 involving at least 3 patients in Hong Kong. We tested samples collected from the patients, environment, and hamsters linked to this outbreak and performed whole genome sequencing analysis of the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-positive samples.

Results

The patients included a pet shop keeper (Patient 1), a female customer of the pet shop (Patient 2), and the husband of Patient 2 (Patient 3). Investigation showed that 17.2% (5/29) and 25.5% (13/51) environmental specimens collected from the pet shop and its related warehouse, respectively, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RT-PCR. Among euthanized hamsters randomly collected from the storehouse, 3% (3/100) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RT-PCR and seropositive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody by enzyme immunoassay. Whole genome analysis showed that although all genomes from the outbreak belonged to the Delta variant AY.127, there were at least 3 nucleotide differences among the genomes from different patients and the hamster cages. Genomic analysis suggests that multiple strains have emerged within the hamster population, and these different strains have likely transmitted to human either via direct contact or via the environment.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated probable hamster-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2. As pet trading is common around the world, this can represent a route of international spread of this pandemic virus.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Placental Infection Is Associated With Massive Perivillous Fibrin Deposition at the Maternal-Fetal Interface: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kotiloglu-Karaa Esin , Kele Beatrix , Kulasegaran-Shylini Raghavendran , Broad Claire E , Owoyemi Dola , Martin Joanne , MacPhail Graham , Iliodromiti Stamatina , Riddell Anna , Alexander Eliza , Cutino-Moguel Teresa
Published: March 2022

We observed an increased frequency of massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MPFD) during the second coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic wave dominated by the Alpha variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). MPFD associated with 100% reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity for SARS-CoV-2 and detection by immunohistochemistry. The Alpha variant was identified in all placentas with MPFD that could be sequenced.
How Generalizable Are Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) in Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia? A Description of the Mortality Gap Between RCTs and Observational Studies
Authors: Bai Anthony D , Lo Carson K L , Komorowski Adam S , Suresh Mallika , Guo Kevin , Garg Akhil , Tandon Pranav , Senecal Julien , Del Corpo Olivier , Stefanova Isabella , Fogarty Clare , Butler-Laporte Guillaume , McDonald Emily G , Cheng Matthew P , Morris Andrew M , Loeb Mark , Lee Todd C
Published: March 2022

In Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, mortality rates in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are consistently lower than observational studies. Stringent eligibility criteria and omission of early deaths in RCTs contribute to this mortality gap. Clinicians should acknowledge the possibility of a lower treatment effect when applying RCT results to bedside care.
Physiological acclimation of elk during population restoration in the Missouri Ozarks, USA
Authors: Pero Ellen M , Chitwood M Colter , Hildreth Aaron M , Keller Barbara J , Millspaugh Rami J , Sumners Jason A , Hansen Lonnie P , Isabelle Jason L , Breuner Creagh W , Millspaugh Joshua J
Published: March 2022

Conservation translocations—the intentional movement of animals to restore populations—have increased over the past 30 years to halt and reverse species declines and losses. However, there are many challenges translocated animals face that should be considered for restoration programs to be successful. Understanding how long it takes for translocated animals to acclimate to these challenges and their new landscape is a critical component of post-release population management. Physiological measures such as hormone responses are increasingly used to assess animal responses and acclimation to disturbances including translocation. We determined the physiological acclimation period of elk (Cervus canadensis) translocated to the Missouri Ozarks, USA, as part of a restoration effort. From 2011 to 2013, we translocated 108 GPS-radio-collared elk from Kentucky, USA, to Missouri, USA, and collected faecal samples for glucocorticoid metabolite extraction to use as an indicator of physiological acclimation. We modelled the response of population-wide faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCMs) across the initial 9 years of the restoration in response to days following release and additional site-specific covariates. Presence of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) hunts and monthly precipitation levels were positively and negatively associated with fGCM levels, respectively. Concurrent with influences from site-specific conditions on the release landscape, fGCM levels declined following release. We identified a breakpoint in fGCM decline at ~42 days following translocation releases suggesting elk acclimated physiologically relatively quickly compared to other species. The fast physiological acclimation by Missouri elk suggests effective use of temporary post-release management efforts. Determining how quickly animals acclimate following translocations allows researchers to tailor post-release management plans to each species’ needs, thus maximizing the success of future translocation efforts while minimizing costs.
Poverty, Inequality Statistics and Knowledge Politics Under Thatcher
Authors: Römer Felix
Published: March 2022

It is common knowledge that, under the premiership of Margaret Thatcher, economic inequality and poverty in the United Kingdom rose dramatically, but it is often overlooked that during the 1980s knowledge about movements in poverty and inequality was much less certain and was subject to political battles over statistical policies, measurements and figures. This article connects the historiography on Thatcherism to the growing scholarship on the politics of statistics. Based on recently declassified government records and other archival and published sources, it explores government interventions in official statistics and their impact on public discourse on issues of economic inequality. The Thatcher government endeavoured to transform the social-democratic knowledge regime inherited from the 1970s by cutting back existing statistical series on income and wealth distribution and by gearing the low income statistics towards the concept of absolute poverty, as favoured by the New Right. Moreover, the government made extensive use of statistical artefacts for government public relations purposes, including controversial claims about substantial rises in the real incomes of the poorest under Thatcher. The article traces how ministers and civil servants used statistical knowledge to promote narratives about the success of Thatcher’s policies and the trickle-down effect, complementing recent research about government public relations and Thatcherite efforts to recast social discourse. It argues that knowledge politics were employed to marginalise issues of economic inequality and to defuse opposition against market-driven reforms.
Results of emergency salvage lung resection after chemo- and/or radiotherapy among patients with lung cancer
Authors: Hino Haruaki , Utsumi Takahiro , Maru Natsumi , Matsui Hiroshi , Taniguchi Yohei , Saito Tomohito , Tsuta Koji , Murakawa Tomohiro
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to elucidate the outcomes of emergency salvage surgery following life-threatening events (serious haemorrhage and/or infections) among patients with lung cancer who had undergone chemo- and/or radiotherapy.

Materials and Methods

We analysed the data of patient from 2015 to 2020, retrospectively. The clinical characteristics, including preoperative treatment, perioperative outcomes and survival time, were analysed.

RESULTS

Of the 862 patients who underwent primary lung cancer surgeries, 10 (1.2%) underwent emergency surgeries. The preoperative clinical characteristics were: median age, 63.7 years [interquartile range (IQR) 55–70.5]; sex (male/female), 9/1; clinical staging before initial treatment (I/II/III/IV), 1/1/3/5; initial treatment (chemoradiotherapy/chemotherapy/proton beam therapy), 5/4/1; and indications for emergency surgery (lung abscess/lung abscess with haemoptysis/haemoptysis/empyema), 5/3/1/1. The selected procedures and results were as follows: lobectomy/bilobectomy/pneumonectomy, 8/1/1 (all open thoracotomies); median operation time, 191.0 min (IQR 151–279); median blood loss, 1071.5 ml (IQR 540–1691.5); postoperative severe complications, 3 (30%); hospital mortality, none; median postoperative hospital stay, 37 days (12–125); control of infection and/or haemoptysis, all the cases; final outcome (alive/dead), 3/7 (all the cancer deaths); median postoperative survival, 9.4 months (IQR 4.3–20.4); and median survival from initial treatment, 19.4 months (IQR 8.0–66.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency salvage lung resection is a technically challenging procedure; however, the results were feasible and acceptable when the surgical indication, procedure and optimal timing were considered carefully by a multidisciplinary team. Although the aim was palliation, some patients who received additional chemotherapy afterwards and, thus, had additional survival time.
Exposure to source-specific air pollution and risk for type 2 diabetes: a nationwide study covering Denmark
Authors: Sørensen Mette , Poulsen Aslak H , Hvidtfeldt Ulla A , Frohn Lise M , Ketzel Matthias , Christensen Jesper H , Brandt Jørgen , Geels Camilla , Raaschou-Nielsen Ole
Published: March 2022

Background

Only few epidemiological studies have investigated whether chronic exposure to air pollution from different sources have different impacts on risk of diabetes. We aimed to investigate associations between air pollution from traffic versus non-traffic sources and risk of type 2 diabetes in the Danish population.

Methods

We estimated long-term exposure to traffic and non-traffic contributions of particulate matter with a diameter <2.5 µg (PM2.5), elemental carbon (EC), ultrafine particles (UFP) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) for all persons living in Denmark for the period 2005–17. In total, 2.6 million persons aged >35 years were included, of whom 148 020 developed type 2 diabetes during follow-up. We applied Cox proportional hazards models for analyses, using 5-year time-weighted running means of air pollution and adjustment for individual- and area-level demographic and socioeconomic covariates.

Results

We found that 5-year exposure to all particle measures (PM2.5, UFP and EC) and NO2 were associated with higher type 2 diabetes risk. We observed that for UFP, EC and potentially PM2.5, the pollution originating from traffic was associated with higher risks than the non-traffic contributions, whereas for NO2 similar hazard ratios (HR) were observed. For example, in two-source models, hazard ratios (HRs) per interquartile change in traffic UFP, EC and PM2.5 were 1.025, 1.045 and 1.036, respectively, whereas for non-traffic UFP, EC and PM2.5, the HRs were 1.013, 1.018 and 1.001, respectively.

Conclusions

Our finding of stronger associations with particulate matter from traffic compared with non-traffic sources implies that prevention strategies should focus on limiting traffic-related particulate matter air pollution.
Novel Hepatic Schistosomula Antigens as Promising Targets for Immunodiagnosis and Immunoprotection of Schistosomiasis japonica
Authors: Hou Nan , Piao Xianyu , Jiang Ning , Liu Shuai , Cai Pengfei , Liu Bing , McManus Donald P , Chen Qijun
Published: March 2022

Background

Antigens of migrating schistosomula are promising candidates as schistosomiasis vaccine targets, since immune attack on hepatic schistosomula would interrupt the parasites life cycle and reduce egg burden on the host.

Methods

In this study, we report a collection of Schistosoma japonicum schistosomula proteins (SjScPs) that are highly expressed in hepatic schistosomula. The expression characteristics, antigenicity and immune protection of these proteins were studied by western blot, ELISA, immunofluorescence and challenge assays.

Results

We found that several of these SjScPs were highly antigenic and could effectively stimulate humoral immune responses in both human and other mammalian hosts. In particular, SjScP25, SjScP37, SjScP41, SjScP80, and SjScP88 showed high potential as biomarkers for schistosomiasis immunodiagnosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that immunization with several of the recombinant SjScPs were able to protect mice from S japonicum challenge infection, with SjScP25 generating the most protective results.

Conclusions

Our work represents a group of novel schistosome immunogens, which may be promising schistosomiasis japonica diagnosis and vaccine candidates.
Global Disease Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Preterm Children in 2019: A Systematic Review and Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis Protocol
Authors: Wang Xin , Li You , Shi Ting , Ma Yiming , Wahi-Singh Bhanu , Riley Richard D , Nair Harish
Published: March 2022

Existing guidelines on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis differ greatly by gestational age (GA) and other underlying risk factors, highlighting the data gaps in RSV disease burden among preterm infants. We will conduct a systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis of RSV global disease burden among preterm-born children. Three databases, Medline, Embase, and Global Health, will be searched for relevant studies on RSV disease burden for 2019 or before in preterm-born children published between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2021. IPD will be sought by contacting the investigators identified from published literature and from existing collaboration networks. One-stage and 2-stage random-effects meta-analyses will be used to combine information from IPD and non-IPD studies to produce summary RSV burden estimates of incidence rate, hospital admission rate, and in-hospital case fatality ratio. The framework will be extended to examine subgroup(s) with the most substantial RSV disease burden.
Improved non-redundant species screening panels for benchmarking the performance of new investigational antibacterial candidates against Category A and B priority pathogens
Authors: Cummings Jason E. , Abdo Zaid , Slayden Richard A.
Published: March 2022

Background

NIAID has a programme for testing drug candidates against biodefense and emerging bacterial pathogens that uses defined strain panels consisting of standard laboratory reference strains and strains of clinical origin.

Objectives

The current studies were performed to assess the activity of standard-of-care drugs, determine benchmark criteria for new investigational antibacterial candidate prioritization and identify reduced non-redundant strain panels for candidate performance classification.

Methods

The susceptibilities of each strain in the screening panels to 40 standard-of-care drugs and clinical drug combinations were determined by percentage growth inhibition using multiple concentrations, a method commonly used in efficient high-throughput screening efforts. The drug susceptibility of each strain was categorized based on interpretive criteria to benchmark the activity of each standard-of-care drug and drug combination, followed by confirmation of select active drugs. Exact match and clustering analyses defined focused non-redundant species and pan-species screening panels.

Results

This process revealed a broad spectrum of susceptibilities among strains in each species, with important differences between the standard laboratory reference strains and strains of clinical origin. Exact match and clustering analyses identified subsets of non-redundant strains that can more efficiently classify drug activity resulting in individual species screening panels, a pan-species screening panel and a pan-species maximum resistance panel.

Conclusions

This study resulted in improved non-redundant species screening panels for benchmarking the performance of new investigational antibacterial candidates with the greatest potential for efficacy against clinically relevant Category A and B priority and emerging pathogens.
Videoconferencing for Large Animal Trauma Experiments During COVID-19: A Cross-Continent Experience
Authors: Ali-Mohamad Nabil , Cau Massimo F , Baylis James R , Semple Hugh , Kastrup Christian J , Beckett Andrew
Published: March 2022

Introduction

COVID-19 shutdowns in many research facilities across North America impacted preclinical trauma-related research and development. Shutdown limited the speed and resources available for large animal experiments necessary for advancing medical devices and technologies. However, the pandemic led to the rapid adoption and expansion of videoconferencing in social circles, workplaces, and primary care health settings. Here, we describe the use of simple videoconferencing equipment to plan and carry out 3 total weeks of large animal experiments with a large, cross-continent, interdisciplinary team testing a novel technology in swine models of noncompressible intraabdominal hemorrhage and junctional hemorrhage.

Materials and Methods

Animal experiments using swine were scheduled over 3 weeks in February and March 2021 to take place in Toronto, Canada. All relevant animal protocols and COVID-19 site-specific risk assessments were completed and approved by the responsible institutional committees. Experiments were conducted by connecting 12 total research personnel from 3 sites by a simple video conferencing setup which included low-cost, high-definition webcams and standard smartphones streaming to Zoom.

Results

Video conferencing allowed for 3 weeks of trauma experiments to take place at the height of Toronto’s third peak of COVID-19 cases. Up to 3 experiments were completed for models requiring 6 hours of monitoring, and up to 5 experiments were completed for models requiring 3 hours of monitoring. The large amount of digital data collected during these experiments was rapidly shared with our network of collaborators, who analyzed results and interpreted findings in real time.

Conclusions

The system described in this paper has the potential to reduce costs of trauma animal model development and allow for rapid testing and implementation of life-saving devices in settings with limited onsite personnel as experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Part II: Risk Factors for Stress Fractures in Female Military Recruits
Authors: Abbott Alexandra , Wang Cindy , Stamm Michaela , Mulcahey Mary K
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Stress fractures (SFx) represent a significant proportion of injuries in military recruits internationally. Stress fractures disproportionately affect female recruits, a disparity that has similarly been consistently demonstrated in female athletes. Stress fractures result in medical morbidity, financial burden, and medical discharge from military service. This review presents current literature regarding SFx risk factors to identify and/or mitigate in this high-risk population.

Methods

A literature review was conducted using PubMed to find relevant articles. We utilized keywords stress fracture, military, recruits, female, risk factors, modifiable, non-modifiable, overuse, nutrition, and/or prevention. Articles older than 10 years (published before 2010) were not considered. Review articles were considered, but if a research article was cited by a review, the research was included directly. Articles with primary military data, members of the military as subjects, especially when female recruits were included, were strongly considered for inclusion in this review.

Results

Modifiable risk factors for SFx include nutritional deficiency, especially of iron, vitamin D, and possibly calcium, poor physical fitness, suboptimal training programming for injury development and recovery, load carriage, and military footwear. Non-modifiable risk factors include female sex, greater height, lower weight and body mass index in females but lower or higher weight and body mass index in males, lower body fat percentage, and lower bone mineral density. In addition, menstrual dysfunction, low energy availability, later age at menarche, and iron deficiency pose unique risks to female recruits. Preventive measures include leadership education, programs with recovery considerations, and risk factor screening.

Conclusion

This review, Part II of a two-part series, guides multidisciplinary management of military recruits, especially females, who are at risk for developing SFx. Unique nuances of the military recruit require specific knowledge to reduce high incidence rates of injury internationally.
Stellar wind effect on the atmospheric escape of hot Jupiters and their Ly α and H α transits
Authors: Mitani Hiroto , Nakatani Riouhei , Yoshida Naoki
Published: March 2022

Atmospheric escape of close-in exoplanets can be driven by high-energy radiation from the host star. The planetary outflows interacting with the stellar wind may generate observable transit signals that depend on the strength of the stellar wind. We perform detailed radiation-hydrodynamics simulations of the atmospheric escape of hot Jupiters with including the wind from the host star in a self-consistent, dynamically coupled manner. We show that the planetary outflow is shaped by the balance between its thermal pressure and the ram pressure of the stellar wind. We use the simulation outputs to calculate the Lyman α and H α transit signatures. Strong winds can confine the outflow and decrease the Lyman α transit depth. Contrastingly, the wind effect on H α is weak because of the small contribution from the uppermost atmosphere of the planet. Observing both of the lines is important to understand the effect of the ultraviolet radiation and wind from the host. The atmospheric mass-loss rate is approximately independent of the strength of the wind. We also discuss the effect of the coronal mass ejections on the signatures. We argue that around M dwarfs the effect can be significant in every transit.
SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1 connects sumoylation and reactive oxygen species homeostasis processes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Castro Pedro Humberto , Couto Daniel , Santos Miguel Ângelo , Freitas Sara , Lourenço Tiago , Dias Eva , Huguet Stéphanie , Marques da Silva Jorge , Tavares Rui Manuel , Bejarano Eduardo Rodríguez , Azevedo Herlander
Published: March 2022

The ubiquitin-like modifying peptide SMALL UBIQUITIN-LIKE MODIFIER (SUMO) has become a known modulator of the plant response to multiple environmental stimuli. A common feature of many of these external stresses is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Taking into account that SUMO conjugates rapidly accumulate in response to an external oxidative stimulus, it is likely that ROS and sumoylation converge at the molecular and regulatory levels. In this study, we explored the SUMO–ROS relationship, using as a model the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) null mutant of the major SUMO-conjugation enhancer, the E3 ligase SAP AND MIZ 1 (SIZ1). We showed that SIZ1 is involved in SUMO conjugate increase when primed with both exogenous and endogenous ROS. In siz1, seedlings were sensitive to oxidative stress imposition, and mutants accumulated different ROS throughout development. We demonstrated that the deregulation in hydrogen peroxide and superoxide homeostasis, but not of singlet O2 (1O2), was partially due to SA accumulation in siz1. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis highlighted a transcriptional signature that implicated siz1 with 1O2 homeostasis. Subsequently, we observed that siz1 displayed chloroplast morphological defects and altered energy dissipation activity and established a link between the chlorophyll precursor protochlorophyllide and deregulation of PROTOCHLOROPHYLLIDE OXIDOREDUCTASE A (PORA), which is known to drive overproduction of 1O2. Ultimately, network analysis uncovered known and additional associations between transcriptional control of PORA and SIZ1-dependent sumoylation. Our study connects sumoylation, and specifically SIZ1, to the control of chloroplast functions and places sumoylation as a molecular mechanism involved in ROS homeostatic and signaling events.
Blockchain tools for socio-economic interactions in local communities
Authors: Viano Cristina , Avanzo Sowelu , Cerutti Monica , Cordero Alex , Schifanella Claudio , Boella Guido
Published: March 2022

Blockchain technology is generating interest in novel applicative fields such as co-production of public services. Our CommonsHood project is a “wallet app” that uses the Blockchain as a tool to support sustainability of the local economy. Its tokenization mechanism allows everyone to create new types of cryptographic tokens on the Blockchain in order to digitalize assets, augment the availability of local liquidity, and incentivize cooperative socio-economic interactions. This article analyzes a concrete application of CommonsHood for innovating local development policies and service co-production in the tourism sector. We examine this application using Linders’s analytical framework for information and communications technology (ICT)-enabled co-production of services (2012). We show the advantages our project brings for local policies on tourism development, and we discuss the benefits and costs of using the Blockchain in that context. We argue that the observed case study covers different types of digitally enabled co-production of services, and that it can be defined as a case of Governance as a Platform. We also argue that well-established analytical frameworks for ICT-enabled co-production of services need to be expanded in order to account for the new affordances enabled by the Blockchain technology, namely the creation and transaction of digital values, which represent a paradigm change in how we understand the Internet and digital co-production.
The weight status of children in late childhood within south East Wales and predictions for their future health
Authors: Jarvis Stuart , Giles Helen , Jarvis Paul , New Karl
Published: March 2022

Background

Current child measurements of weight status in Wales are determined at early childhood only. A further measurement at late childhood could identify adiposity levels prior to adolescence and young adulthood. The aim of this study therefore was to determine current adiposity levels in a cohort of children at late childhood and present a prediction of future levels upon entering young adulthood.

Methods

In total, 288 boys (M age = 10.94 years, SD = 0.58) and 257 girls (M age = 10.78 years, SD = 0.63) from South East Wales were measured for anthropometry and their body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) determined. International Obesity Task Force data predicted their BMI at age 18 years.

Results

Approximately one quarter of boys and girls in late childhood were classified at an unhealthy weight. Predictive data showed that by age 18 years, this percentage had increased to approximately one-third in both genders.

Conclusion

The overweight and obesity levels in our cohort were high and predicted that many could become obese adults. This study therefore supports the call for the current Wales child measurement programme to be extended to report weight status in late childhood.
Unstable jobs and time out of work: evidence from the UK
Authors: Avram Silvia
Published: March 2022

This article tests the hypothesis that unstable jobs with variable hours or pay enhance the job-finding chances of the working-age non-employed in the UK, by using a combination of the UK Household Longitudinal Study and the Labour Force Survey data and a discrete time model. We find no evidence on the share of unstable jobs in the non-employed person’s local labour market impacts on the probability to move into employment. This result holds both for men and women and for groups with low employability such as the low educated and the long-term unemployed. It is robust to alternative ways of defining unstable jobs and to the inclusion of unobserved heterogeneity. Overall, findings cast doubt on the importance of unstable jobs for employment creation in the UK.
Field and Landscape Risk Factors Impacting Flavescence Dorée Infection: Insights from Spatial Bayesian Modeling in the Bordeaux Vineyards
Authors: Adrakey Hola Kwame , Malembic-Maher Sylvie , Rusch Adrien , Ay Jean-Sauveur , Riley Luke , Ramalanjaona Lovasoa , Fabre Frederic
Published: March 2022

Flavescence dorée (FD) is a quarantine disease threatening European vineyards. Its management is based on mandatory insecticide treatments and the uprooting of infected plants identified during annual surveys. Field surveys are currently not optimized because the drivers affecting FD spread in vineyard landscapes remain poorly understood. We collated a georeferenced dataset of FD detection, collected from 34,581 vineyard plots over 5 years in the South West France wine region. Spatial models fitted with integrated nested Laplace approximation were used to identify local and landscape factors affecting FD detection and infection. Our analysis highlights the importance of sampling period on FD detection and of local practices and landscape context on FD infection. At field scale, altitude and cultivar choice were the main factors affecting FD infection. In particular, the odds ratio of FD infection in fields planted with the susceptible Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, or Muscadelle varieties were approximately twice those in fields planted with the less susceptible Merlot. Field infection was also affected by the field’s immediate surroundings (within a circle with a radius of 150 to 200 m), corresponding to landscapes of 7 to 12 ha. In particular, the probability of FD infection increased with the proportions of forest and urban land and with the proportion of susceptible cultivars, demonstrating that the cultivar composition impacts FD epidemiology at landscape scale. The satisfactory predictive performance of the model for identifying districts with a prevalence of FD detection >10% of the fields suggests that it could be used to target areas in which future surveys would be most valuable.
Characteristics Associated With Disparities Among Older Adults in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outcomes in an Academic Health Care System
Authors: Gelfman Laura P. , Moreno Jaison , Frydman Julia L. , Singer Joshua , Houldsworth Jane , Cordon-Cardo Carlos , Mehrotra Meenakshi , Chai Emily , Aldridge Melissa , Morrison Rolfe S.
Published: March 2022

Background:

An improved understanding of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is needed to identify predictors of outcomes among older adults with COVID-19.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to examine patient and health system factors predictive of in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and readmission among patients with COVID-19.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

A cohort study of patients aged 18 years and older with COVID-19 discharged from 5 New York hospitals within the Mount Sinai Health System (March 1, 2020–June 30, 2020).

Measures:

Patient-level characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, comorbidities/serious illness, transfer from skilled nursing facility, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viral load, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, treatments); hospital characteristics.

Outcomes:

All-cause in-hospital mortality; ICU admission; 30-day readmission.

Results:

Among 7556 subjects, mean age 61.1 (62.0) years; 1556 (20.6%) died, 949 (12.6%) had an ICU admission, and 227 (9.1%) had a 30-day readmission. Increased age [aged 55–64: odds ratio (OR), 3.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.41–4.46; aged 65–74: OR, 4.67; 95% CI, 3.43–6.35; aged 75–84: OR, 10.73; 95% CI, 7.77–14.81; aged 85 y and older: OR, 20.57; 95% CI, 14.46–29.25] and comorbidities (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.16, 2.13) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Yet older adults (aged 55–64 y: OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.40–0.77; aged 65–74: OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.33–0.65; aged 75–84: OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.18–0.40; aged above 85 y: OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.13–0.34) and those with Medicaid (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56–0.99) were less likely to be admitted to the ICU. Race/ethnicity, crowding, population density, and health system census were not associated with study outcomes.

Conclusions:

Increased age was the single greatest independent risk factor for mortality. Comorbidities and serious illness were independently associated with mortality. Understanding these risk factors can guide medical decision-making for older adults with COVID-19. Older adults and those admitted from a skilled nursing facility were half as likely to be admitted to the ICU. This finding requires further investigation to understand how age and treatment preferences factored into resource allocation.
Increased birth rank of homosexual males: disentangling the older brother effect and sexual antagonism hypothesis
Authors: Raymond Michel , Turek Daniel , Durand Valerie , Nila Sarah , Suryobroto Bambang , Vadez Julien , Barthes Julien , Apostoulou Menelaos , Crochet Pierre-André
Published: March 2022

Male homosexual orientation remains a Darwinian paradox, as there is no consensus on its evolutionary (ultimate) determinants. One intriguing feature of homosexual men is their higher male birth rank compared to heterosexual men. This can be explained by two non-exclusive mechanisms: an antagonistic effect (AE), implying that more fertile women have a higher chance of having a homosexual son and to produce children with a higher mean birth rank, or a fraternal birth effect (FBOE), where each additional older brother increases the chances for a male embryo to develop a homosexual orientation due to an immunoreactivity process. However, there is no consensus on whether both FBOE and AE are present in human populations, or if only one of these mechanisms is at play with its effect mimicking the signature of the other mechanism. An additional sororal birth order effect (SBOE) has also recently been proposed. To clarify this situation, we developed theoretical and statistical tools to study FBOE and AE independently or in combination, taking into account all known sampling biases. These tools were applied on new individual data, and on various available published data (two individual datasets, and all relevant aggregated data). Support for FBOE was apparent in aggregated data, with the FBOE increasing linearly with fertility. The FBOE was also supported in two individual datasets. An SBOE is generated when sampling in presence of FBOE, suggesting that controlling for FBOE is required to avoid artefactual SBOE. AE was not supported in individual datasets, including the analysis of the extended maternal family. The evolutionary implications of these findings are discussed.
Study on the usefulness of Direct Saliva sample Collection (DiSC) by polyester swab
Authors: Aoki Kotaro , Nagashima Mami , Kashiwagi Katsuhito , Chiba Takashi , Sadamasu Kenji , Ishii Yoshikazu , Tateda Kazuhiro
Published: March 2022

Saliva sample can be self-collected and used in testing of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) test in Japan. However, this may have difficulty collecting a proper specimen when collecting for the first time. We compared 2 collection methods, conventional methods and Direct Saliva Sample Collection method (DiSC) from 44 asymptomatic or symptomatic individuals who were in quarantine in Toho university hospital. RT-PCR by DiSC method showed about 70 % positive percent agreement compared to RT-PCR by conventional methods. In addition, comparing RT-PCR and TMA by DiSC method, TMA showed about 90 % positive percent agreement compared to RT-PCR. DiSC method is easy to perform by every person, does not have complicated restrictions/instructions and can be used in RT-PCR and TMA. This method allows for ease of saliva collection in certain patient populations.