bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Similarities and differences across the underlying dimensions of social functioning in rural and nonrural cancer survivors: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Rivera Rivera Jessica N. , Borger Tia , Sizemore Yancey , Burris Jessica L.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

For cancer survivors, social functioning greatly influences other quality of life dimensions. While there is potential for differences in social functioning to vary as a function of geographic residence, few studies examine the social functioning of rural cancer survivors specifically. This study aims to help fill this gap.

Methods

This was an embedded mixed‐methods study where all participants completed a questionnaire, and some were purposively selected to complete an interview to gather more information about social functioning (ie, social roles, activities, network, support, and constraint). Participants (n = 93; 63% rural) were recruited through a state cancer registry and cancer care facility. Participants were predominately White, non‐Hispanic (92.47%), roughly half female (54.84%), and on average, diagnosed in the past two years (SD = 1.68), and 61.45 (SD = 10.87) years old.

Findings

Few differences in the social functioning of rural and nonrural participants were found on questionnaires, though rural participants reported larger networks and more overall support. Across groups, common themes in the interview data were the experience of both social support (eg, instrumental support) and social constraint (eg, others minimizing participants’ problems or sharing their own negative experiences).

Conclusions

This was the first cancer survivorship study to thoroughly examine social functioning by geographic residence. Rural cancer survivors described some unique strengths, but major group differences were not apparent. All participants highlighted situations when others, even with good intentions, were unhelpful to them. Future interventions to improve social functioning could work to dispel the belief that cancer survivors should handle their cancer on their own.
Undoing Competence: Coloniality, Homogeneity, and the Overrepresentation of Whiteness in Applied Linguistics
Authors: Flores Nelson , Rosa Jonathan
Published: October 2022

Conceptualizations of competence that permeate applied linguistics systematically fail to account for the role of racialization in language learning and assessments thereof. To interrogate the racialization of linguistic competence, we first examine its discursive emergence in conjunction with the ideological construction of linguistic homogeneity as central to the naturalization of race within the context of European colonialism. We then track how ideas about linguistic competence took shape jointly with a genre of the human that is overrepresented as white, as well as how this particular genre of the human informed foundational conceptualizations of communicative competence. After analyzing relevant examples of how communicative competence has been taken up in ways that reify this racializing ideology, we end with an alternative conceptualization of the goals of language learning that focuses on the worldviews and lifeways of racialized communities to move beyond universalizing conceptions of competence as the desired outcome.
Estimating body mass of sperm whales from aerial photographs
Authors: Glarou Maria , Gero Shane , Frantzis Alexandros , Brotons José María , Vivier Fabien , Alexiadou Paraskevi , Cerdà Margalida , Pirotta Enrico , Christiansen Fredrik
Published: October 2022

Body mass is a fundamental feature of animal physiology. Although sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are the largest toothed predators on earth, body mass is seldom included in studies of their ecophysiology and bioenergetics due to the inherent difficulties of obtaining direct measurements. We used UAV‐photogrammetry to estimate the weight of free‐ranging sperm whales. Aerial photographs (23 calves, 11 juveniles, 55 nonmother adults, 13 mothers) were collected in the Eastern Caribbean and Mediterranean Sea during 2017–2020. Body length, widths, and heights (dorso‐ventral distance at 5% increments) were measured from dorsal and lateral photographs, while body volume was calculated using an elliptical model. Volume varied noticeably (12.01 ± 4.79 m3) in larger animals (>8 m), indicating fluctuations in body condition of adults and mothers. Volume was converted to mass, using tissue‐density estimates from catch data, animal‐borne tags, and body‐tissue composition. Average total body density ranged from 834 to 1,003 kg/m3, while the weight predictions matched with existing measurements and weight‐length relationships. Our body‐mass models can be used to study sperm whale bioenergetics, including inter‐ and intraseasonal variations in body condition, somatic growth, metabolic rates, and cost of reproduction.
Utilization of light‐emitting diodes for skin therapy: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ngoc Le Thi Nhu , Moon Ju‐Young , Lee Young‐Chul
Published: October 2022

This study investigates the dermatological as well as the esthetic potential of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) by performing a systematic review and meta‐analysis. From the electronic databases, 554 articles were assessed; however, only 31 studies were selected after manually screening and eliminating unnecessary studies. The potential effectiveness of LEDs for skin therapies was assessed by evaluating the standardized mean differences (SMDs) and funnel plots of this meta‐analysis. It was discovered that both red and blue LED lights play an important role in the treatment of acne vulgaris with an overall statistically significant SMD of −2.42 [−2.64, −2.15] and I2 = 17% < 50%. Additionally, other LEDs (e.g., yellow LEDs and near‐infrared devices) showed outstanding levels of effectiveness, not only in reducing the lesions of herpes simplex and psoriasis but also in improved skin rejuvenation with highly consistent analytical results (I2 = 0% and 33%, respectively). However, the analysis of LED‐based skin wound healing and atopic dermatitis treatments exhibited heterogeneity (I2 = 85% and 90%) due to the lack of unpublished articles. In conclusion, it is suggested that LEDs are useful for dermatology and could be potential candidates for future cosmetic applications.
Framing socioecological complexity: The long‐term evolution of multiple dimensions of desertification risk in Italy
Authors: Salvati Luca
Published: October 2022

Desertification risk depends on the interplay of biophysical and socioeconomic drivers, among which climate change, soil depletion, landscape modifications, and biodiversity decline are key factors of change in Southern Europe. The present study introduces a diachronic analysis of desertification risk in Italy adopting a multidimensional approach based on four dimensions (ecological, economic, demographic, and administrative) assessed at three dates (1961, 1991, and 2011). These risk components were evaluated separately in Southern Italy, a formerly affected region (sensu United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification), and Northern/Central Italy, a nonaffected region in the country. All risk measures document how the divide between affected and nonaffected regions in Italy has gradually reduced. Because of local warming and rising human pressure, Northern Italy has recently displayed a level of desertification risk close to those observed in Southern Italy over the last 30 years. These results suggest a thorough revision of the national classification of risky areas, that may inform more specific mitigation and adaptation policies responding effectively to recent socioenvironmental trends and local (economic) dynamics. The intrinsic system's evolution observed at both regional and national level in Italy may be generalized to a broader European context. Our work finally documents the appropriateness of a multidimensional definition of desertification risk grounded on the joint analysis of ecological, demographic, economic, and administrative indicators. A comprehensive knowledge of socioeconomic patterns and processes of change contributes to more precise scenario modeling and design of integrated strategies mitigating desertification risk.
Public pension policy and the equity–efficiency trade‐off∗
Authors: Gustafsson Johan
Published: October 2022

This paper illustrates that the equity–efficiency trade‐off between a redistributive, Beveridgean, pension system and an earnings‐based, Bismarckian, scheme can collapse when accounting for labor supply effects on the extensive margins. I introduce a general equilibrium overlapping generations model with endogenous savings, human capital formation, and labor supply. The model is calibrated to an average OECD economy. The results suggest that allocating funds towards a Bismarckian pension system always reduces earnings inequality – and, in some cases, lifetime inequality – when compared with a Beveridgean scheme. However, the Bismarckian scheme crowds out more human capital in the economy following a higher steady‐state interest rate.
Genetic differences between suicide deaths and deaths of undetermined intent
Authors: Edwards Alexis C. , Ohlsson Henrik , Mościcki Eve K. , Sundquist Jan , Crump Casey , Kendler Kenneth S. , Sundquist Kristina
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Few, if any, prior studies have considered whether undetermined intent (UDI) deaths and suicide deaths differ with respect to genetic liability for suicidal behavior or psychopathology.

Methods

The authors used Swedish national registry data to identify suicide deaths (N = 31,835) and UDI deaths (N = 10,623); sociodemographic covariates; and registrations for psychopathology. Family genetic risk scores (FGRS) were derived for each form of psychopathology. The authors used LASSO models to assess genetic and phenotypic differences across outcomes.

Results

In the multivariate LASSO regressions, higher FGRS for major depression, bipolar disorder, and suicide death were associated with lower odds of UDI relative to unambiguous suicide (OR = 0.91–0.95), while those for alcohol and drug use disorders, ADHD, and criminal behavior were associated with higher odds of UDI relative to unambiguous suicide (OR = 1.04–1.12). When the corresponding phenotypic registration status for these outcomes was included in a subsequent model, the associations were attenuated and of small magnitude, but many remained different from OR = 1.

Conclusions

Aggregate genetic differences between unambiguous suicide decedents and UDI deaths are small, particularly when accounting for psychiatric comorbidity, but in some cases, statistically significant. These findings suggest that different analytic treatment of UDI deaths may be warranted depending on the research question. Replication in other samples, and using molecular genetic data, is necessary.
Aerobic high‐intensity intervals are superior to improve V̇O2max compared with sprint intervals in well‐trained men
Authors: Hov Håkon , Wang Eivind , Lim Yi Rui , Trane Glenn , Hemmingsen Magnus , Hoff Jan , Helgerud Jan
Published: October 2022

Maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) may be the single most important factor for long‐distance running performance. Interval training, enabling high intensity, is forwarded as the format that yields the largest increase in V̇O2max. However, it is uncertain if an optimal outcome on V̇O2max, anaerobic capacity, and running performance is provided by training with a high aerobic intensity or high overall intensity. Thus, we randomized 48 aerobically well‐trained men (23 ± 3 years) to three commonly applied interval protocols, one with high aerobic intensity (HIIT) and two with high absolute intensity (sprint interval training; SIT), 3× week for 8 weeks: (1) HIIT: 4 × 4 min at ~95% maximal aerobic speed (MAS) with 3 min active breaks. (2) SIT: 8 × 20 s at ~150% MAS with 10 s passive breaks. (3) SIT: 10 × 30 s at ~175% MAS with 3.5 min active breaks. V̇O2max increased more (p < 0.001) following HIIT, 4 × 4 min (6.5 ± 2.4%, p < 0.001) than SIT, 8 × 20 s (3.3 ± 2.4%, p < 0.001) and SIT, 10 × 30 s (n.s.). This was accompanied by a larger (p < 0.05) increase in stroke volume (O2‐pulse) following HIIT, 4 × 4 min (8.1 ± 4.1%, p < 0.001) compared with SIT, 8 × 20 s (3.8 ± 4.2%, p < 0.01) and SIT, 10 × 30 (n.s.). Anaerobic capacity (maximal accumulated oxygen deficit) increased following SIT, 8 × 20 s (p < 0.05), but not after HIIT, 4 × 4 min, nor SIT, 10 × 30 s. Long‐distance (3000‐m) endurance performance increased (p < 0.05–p < 0.001) in all groups (HIIT, 4 × 4 min: 5.9 ± 3.2%; SIT, 8 × 20 s: 4.1 ± 3.7%; SIT, 10 × 30 s: 2.2 ± 2.2%), with HIIT increasing more than SIT, 10 × 30 s (p < 0.05). Sprint (300‐m) performance exhibited within‐group increases in SIT, 8 × 20 s (4.4 ± 2.0%) and SIT, 10 × 30 s (3.3 ± 2.8%). In conclusion, HIIT improves V̇O2max more than SIT. Given the importance of V̇O2max for most endurance performance scenarios, HIIT should typically be the chosen interval format.
Hypoxic storage of donor red cells preserves deformability after exposure to plasma from adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Karafin Matthew S. , Field Joshua J. , Ilich Anton , Li Lang , Qaquish Bahjat F. , Shevkoplyas Sergey S. , Yoshida Tatsuro
Published: October 2022

Background

Red cell (RBC) transfusions are beneficial for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), but ex vivo studies suggest that inflamed plasma from patients with SCD during crises may damage these RBCs, diminishing their potential efficacy. The hypoxic storage of RBCs may improve transfusion efficacy by minimizing the storage lesion. We tested the hypotheses that (1) The donor RBCs exposed to the plasma of patients in crisis would have lower deformability and higher hemolysis than those exposed to non‐crisis plasma, and (2) hypoxic storage, compared to standard storage, of donor RBCs could preserve deformability and reduce hemolysis.

Study Design and Methods

18 SCD plasma samples from patients who had severe acute‐phase symptoms (A‐plasma; n = 9) or were at a steady‐state (S = plasma; n = 9) were incubated with 16 RBC samples from eight units that were stored either under conventional(CRBC) or hypoxic(HRBC) conditions. Hemolysis and microcapillary deformability assays of these RBCs were analyzed using linear mixed‐effect models after each sample was incubated in patient plasma overnight at 37°C

Results

Relative deformability was 0.036 higher (p < 0.0001) in HRBC pairs compared to CRBC pairs regardless of plasma type. Mean donor RBC hemolysis was 0.33% higher after incubation with A‐plasma compared to S‐plasma either with HRBC or CRBC (p = 0.04). HRBCs incubated with steady‐state patient plasma demonstrated the highest deformability and lowest hemolysis.

Conclusion

Hypoxic storage significantly influenced RBC deformability. Patient condition significantly influenced post‐incubation hemolysis. Together, HRBCs in steady‐state plasma maximized donor red cell ex vivo function and survival.
Short-Term Solar Irradiance Forecasting Using CNN-1D, LSTM, and CNN-LSTM Deep Neural Networks: A Case Study With the Folsom (USA) Dataset
Authors: Marinho Felipe P. , Rocha Paulo A. C. , Neto Ajalmar R. R. , Bezerra Francisco D. V.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, solar irradiance short-term forecasts were performed considering time horizons ranging from 5 min to 30 min, under a 5 min time-step. Global horizontal irradiance (GHI) and direct normal irradiance (DNI) were computed using deep neural networks with 1-dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN-1D), long short-term memory (LSTM), and CNN-LSTM layers on the benchmarking dataset FOLSOM, which is formed by predictors obtained by recursive functions on the clear sky index time series and statistical attributes extracted from images collected by a camera pointed to the zenith, characterizing endogenous and exogenous variables, respectively. To analyze the endogenous predictors influence on the accuracy of the networks, the performance was evaluated for the cases with and without them. This analysis is motivated, to our best knowledge, by the lack of works that cite the FOLSOM dataset using deep learning models, and it is necessary to verify the impact of the endogenous and exogenous predictors in the forecasts results for this specific approach. The accuracy of the networks was evaluated by the metrics mean absolute error (MAE), mean bias error (MBE), root-mean-squared error (RMSE), relative root mean squared error (rRMSE), determination coefficient (R2), and forecast skill (s). The network architectures using isolated CNN-1D and LSTM layers generally performed better. The best accuracy was obtained by the CNN-1D network for a horizon of 10 min ahead reaching an RMSE of 36.24 W/m2, improving 11.15% on this error metric compared to the persistence model.
On the Influence of Nonlinear Inertial Forces on the Limit Cycle Oscillations of an Inextensible Plate in a Supersonic Axial Flow
Authors: Stanton Samuel C. , Choi Sung J. , McHugh Kevin A.
Published: October 2022

Recent results in the literature highlight the impact of nonlinear inertial forces on the post-flutter limit cycle oscillation (LCO) characteristics of highly deflected structures in supersonic axial flow. The current investigation examines how the ability to passively modulate nonlinear inertial forces may alter the overall aeroelastic response. The structural model is a one-dimensional nonlinear inextensible plate subject to nonlinear aerodynamic forces in accordance with a new, geometrically modified third-order Piston Theory. For the linear aeroelastic case, we find that nonhomogeneous mass distribution elicits discontinuous increases in the critical Mach number for flutter and several flutter mode-switching phenomena that are not observed when mass is added homogeneously. The existence of several different flutter mode mechanisms as a function of a concentrated mass location leads to different post-flutter LCO amplitude behavior. This is found to transition the underlying nonlinear structural dynamics to either be stiffening (when lower-order modes merge) or softening (when higher-order modes merge), which in turn alter the influence of nonlinear aerodynamic forces. We also address discrepancies in LCO amplitude trends due to the nonlinear inertial forces previously reported in the literature.
Area-selective plasma-enhanced atomic layer etching (PE-ALE) of silicon dioxide using a silane coupling agent
Authors: Osonio Airah P. , Tsutsumi Takayoshi , Oda Yoshinari , Mukherjee Bablu , Borude Ranjit , Kobayashi Nobuyoshi , Hori Masaru
Published: October 2022

A novel route to achieve an ideal plasma-enhanced atomic layer etching of silicon dioxide with self-limiting deposition and area-selective feature over silicon nitride is demonstrated in this work using a silane coupling agent and argon plasma. While monitoring the film thickness of silicon dioxide, self-limiting characteristics in both modification and etching steps are attained. Moreover, the dosing step revealed the selective formation of a modification layer on the oxide over the nitride film. In situ infrared spectroscopy results suggest the surface functionalization of the hydroxyl terminal groups of the oxide with the silane coupling agent to form the self-limiting modification layer at a relatively low substrate temperature. Compared to the previously reported fluorocarbon precursors, a higher etch yield for SiO2 was calculated, showing a promising option to meet the increasing demands in semiconductor production.
Construction strategies and the development trend of antibacterial surfaces
Authors: Wu Haixia , Liu Wei , Liu Caixia , Ai Can
Published: October 2022

The construction of antibacterial surfaces is an efficient way to respond to the problem of microbial contamination. In this review, we first describe the formation process and characteristics of microbial contamination and the current research status of antibacterial surfaces. Then, the passive antiadhesion, active killing, and combination construction strategies of the antibacterial surface are discussed in detail. Based on different antibacterial mechanisms and existing problems of current antibacterial strategies, we then discuss the future development trends of the next generation of antibacterial surfaces.
Determining the Focal Length of Converging and Diverging Lenses Using a Smartphone
Authors: Phang Yoong Sheng , Zhao Yiping
Published: October 2022

In this study, we propose a novel and direct method of determining the focal length of a converging or diverging lens using a smartphone. The standard optical sensor used in modern smartphone cameras is an active-pixel sensor called the complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS). The CMOS is covered by an assembly of five to seven camera lenses that can be moved along the axis of the camera to electronically adjust its overall effective focal length, i.e., the autofocus feature. This collection of lenses, referred to as a system of adaptive optical lenses, can be treated as a single effective converging lens that forms a real image on the CMOS sensor array. We assume that the image distance between the CMOS sensor array and the smartphone camera lens (SCL) is a constant. Based on this assumption, a two-step procedure is proposed to accurately obtain the focal length of a lens without the need for additional lenses.
Hearing aid delay in open-fit devices: Preferred sound quality in listeners with normal and impaired hearing
Authors: Lelic Dina , Stiefenhofer Georg , Lundorff Ellen , Neher Tobias
Published: October 2022

A key factor influencing sound quality in open-fit digital hearing aids is the processing delay. So far, the delay limit needed for ensuring optimal (rather than tolerable) sound quality has not been established. Using a realistic hearing aid simulator, the current study investigated the relationship between preferred sound quality and five processing delays ranging from 0.5 to 10 ms in listeners with normal and impaired hearing. The listeners with normal hearing showed a strong preference for the shortest delay. For the listeners with impaired hearing, participants with mild hearing losses below 2 kHz also preferred the shortest delay.
Coaches’ Perspectives of the Continuing Coach Education Program in the Development of Quality Coach Education in Singapore
Authors: Tan Li Quan Warrick , O’Connor Donna
Published: October 2022

Continuing professional development is considered essential to the improvement of sport coaching standards through the development of coaches’ knowledge. To support continuing professional development participation and learning for Singapore coaches, the Continuing Coach Education (CCE) program was introduced by Sport Singapore. The present study examined the influence of the Continuing Coach Education program on Level 1 Singapore-based coaches registered under the National Registry of Coaches. Utilizing an explanatory sequential quantitative–qualitative mixed methods approach to enhance understanding of participants’ perceptions, National Registry of Coaches Level 1 coaches completed an online questionnaire (n = 124) and participated in a semistructured interview (n = 7). Results revealed: (a) that intrapersonal knowledge was valued over professional and interpersonal knowledge; (b) that holistic development with an emphasis on character development of athletes was valued; (c) coaches’ key learning needs (i.e., sport psychology, use of technology in coaching, and career planning and development); (d) a preference to experience various learning sources (i.e., collaborative, experientially driven, recognized mediated, and internal unmediated), specific learning sources (i.e., self-directed and guided experiential), and improved coach developer facilitation; and (e) main learning motivations (i.e., meeting requirements and content relevance) and barriers (i.e., time and cost). Possible strategies to promote continuing professional development participation and learning for coaches practicing in similar contexts are discussed.
Drug Repurposing in Chagas Disease: Chloroquine Potentiates Benznidazole Activity against Trypanosoma cruzi
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Authors: Pandey Ramendra P. , Nascimento Marilda Savoia , Franco Caio Haddad , Bortoluci Karina , Silva Marcelo Nunes , Zingales Bianca , Gibaldi Daniel , Castaño Barrios Leda , Lannes-Vieira Joseli , Cariste Leonardo Moro , Vasconcelos Jose Ronnie , Moraes Carolina Borsoi , Freitas-Junior Lucio H. , Kalil Jorge , Alcântara Laura , Cunha-Neto Edecio
Published: October 2022

Drug combinations and drug repurposing have emerged as promising strategies to develop novel treatments for infectious diseases, including Chagas disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the repurposed drugs chloroquine (CQ) and colchicine (COL), known to inhibit
Trypanosoma cruzi
infection in host cells, could boost the anti-
T. cruzi
effect of the trypanocidal drug benznidazole (BZN), increasing its therapeutic efficacy while reducing the dose needed to eradicate the parasite. The combination of BZN and COL exhibited cytotoxicity to infected cells and low antiparasitic activity.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Carbofuran-Degrading Sphingomonads Reveals the Carbofuran Catabolism Mechanism in
Sphingobium
sp. Strain CFD-1
Authors: Jiang Wankui , Zhang Mingliang , Gao Siyuan , Zhu Qian , Qiu Jiguo , Yan Xin , Xin Fengxue , Jiang Min , Hong Qing
Published: October 2022

Owing to the extensive use of carbofuran over the past 50 years, bacteria have evolved catabolic pathways to mineralize this insecticide, which plays an important role in eliminating carbofuran residue in the environment. In this study, the
cfd
gene cluster, responsible for the catabolism of carbofuran phenol, was predicted by comparing sphingomonad genomes.
Xanthomonas
Infection Transforms the Apoplast into an Accessible and Habitable Niche for Salmonella enterica
Authors: Dixon Megan H. , Cowles Kimberly N. , Zaacks Sonia C. , Marciniak Isabel N. , Barak Jeri D.
Published: October 2022

Bacterial spot disease caused by
Xanthomonas
species devastates tomato production worldwide. Salmonellosis outbreaks from consumption of raw produce have been linked to the arrival of
Salmonella enterica
on crop plants in the field via contaminated irrigation water.
Optical O
2
Sensors Also Respond to Redox Active Molecules Commonly Secreted by Bacteria
Authors: Flamholz Avi I. , Saccomano Samuel , Cash Kevin , Newman Dianne K.
Published: October 2022

When they are closely packed, as in biofilms, colonies, and soils, microbes can consume O
2
faster than it diffuses. As such, O
2
concentrations in natural environments can vary greatly over time and space, even on the micrometer scale.
Biomarkers of Intestinal Injury and Dysfunction: Adding New Possibilities to Current Methods for Risk Stratification of Children with Malaria Disease
Authors: Balanza Núria , López-Varela Elisa , Baro Bàrbara , Bassat Quique
Published: October 2022

Malaria remains, in 2022, a major cause of pediatric preventable mortality, with its major burden disproportionately circumscribed to sub-Saharan African countries. Although only ~1 to 2% of malaria cases can be considered severe and potentially life threatening, it is often challenging to identify them so as to prioritize adequate health care and resources.
Commentary on “Outcomes of Convalescent Plasma with Defined High versus Lower Neutralizing Antibody Titers against SARS-CoV-2 among Hospitalized Patients: CoronaVirus Inactivating Plasma (CoVIP) Study”
Authors: Joyner Michael J. , Paneth Nigel
Published: October 2022

The totality of evidence favors the efficacy of convalescent plasma to treat COVID-19 when high-titer plasma is administered early in the course of disease or to immunocompromised patients. In this commentary, we frame the findings of L. A.
Proteomic Analysis of a Hypervirulent Mutant of the Insect-Pathogenic Fungus Metarhizium anisopliae Reveals Changes in Pathogenicity and Terpenoid Pathways
Authors: Huang Wenyou , Huang Peiquan , Yü Dan , Li Chengzhou , Huang Shuaishuai , Qi Ping , Huang Song , Keyhani Nemat O. , Huang Zhen
Published: October 2022

The mechanisms that underlie and contribute to microbial (fungal) virulence are known to be varied; however, the identification of contributing pathways beyond known virulence factors remains difficult. Using TMT-based proteomic analyses, changes in the proteomes of an
M. anisopliae
hypervirulent mutant and its wild-type parent were determined.
Impact of Protein Nitration on Influenza Virus Infectivity and Immunogenicity
Authors: Dulin Harrison , Hendricks Nathan , Xu Duo , Gao Linfeng , Wuang Keidy , Ai Huiwang , Hai Rong
Published: October 2022

Nitric oxide and peroxynitrite produced during microbial infections have diverse and seemingly paradoxical functions. While nitration of lung tissue during influenza virus infection has been observed in both mice and humans, the direct effect of protein nitration on influenza viruses has remained elusive.
Qualitative and Quantitative Detection of Multiple Sexually Transmitted Infection Pathogens Reveals Distinct Associations with Cervicitis and Vaginitis
Authors: Kang Wen-Tyng , Xu Haibo , Liao Yiqun , Guo Qiwei , Huang Qiuying , Xu Ye , Li Qingge
Published: October 2022

Scarce information exists with regard to whether STI pathogens can be defined as valid microbiological predictive markers for the diagnosis of cervicitis and vaginitis. We therefore conducted this study to assess the presence and abundance of a wide range of STI pathogens among patients having these two diseases and healthy controls as well.
One-Step Rapid and Sensitive ASFV p30 Antibody Detection via Nanoplasmonic Biosensors
Authors: Zhao Ya , Li Rui , Lv ChangJie , Zhang Yuanfeng , Zhou Hanlin , Xia Xiaohan , Yu Shiman , Wang Yongqi , Huang Liping , Zhang Qiang , Liu Gang L. , Jin Meilin
Published: October 2022

African swine fever (ASF) is a serious transnational disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), which is highly contagious in wild boars and domestic pigs. There is currently no available vaccine for ASF; therefore, development efforts are a key priority as ASFV continues to evolve and diversify.
Genetic Analysis of a Novel H16N3 Virus Isolated from a Migratory Gull in China in 2021 and Animal Studies of Infection
Authors: Wang Yanwen , Zhang Hong , Wang Mengjing , Guo Jing , Zhao Conghui , Cui Pengfei , Deng Guohua , Chu Dong , Shen Jinyan , Sun Xiaohong , Gao Xinxin , Li Yubao , Liu Wenqiang , Peng Peng , Li Xuyong
Published: October 2022

Migratory wild birds are natural reservoirs of H16 viruses and play a key role in the global prevalence of these viruses. Here, we found that H16 viruses predominantly circulate in migratory gulls and that the gull H16N3 virus cannot replicate efficiently in chickens, ducks, or mice without prior adaptation. These findings contribute to our understanding of the ecology, evolution, and biological properties of H16 viruses and will guide avian influenza surveillance in birds.
The Role of Histo-Blood Group Antigens and Microbiota in Human Norovirus Replication in Zebrafish Larvae
Authors: Cuvry Arno , Gozalbo-Rovira Roberto , Strubbe Dufie , Neyts Johan , de Witte Peter , Rodríguez-Díaz Jésus , Rocha-Pereira Joana
Published: October 2022

Despite causing over 700 million infections yearly, many gaps remain in the knowledge of human norovirus (HuNoV) biology due to an historical lack of efficient cultivation systems. Fucose-containing carbohydrate structures, named histo-blood group antigens, are known to be important (co)receptors for viral entry in humans, while the natural gut microbiota is suggested to enhance viral replication.
HIV-1 Proteins gp120 and Tat Promote Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Invasiveness of HPV-Positive and HPV-Negative Neoplastic Genital and Oral Epithelial Cells
Authors: Lien Kathy , Mayer Wasima , Herrera Rossana , Padilla Nicole T. , Cai Xiaodan , Lin Vicky , Pholcharoenchit Rangsimon , Palefsky Joel , Tugizov Sharof M.
Published: October 2022

HPV-16-immortalized genital and oral epithelial cells and HPV-negative oral cancer cells that undergo prolonged contact with cell-free HIV-1 virions or with viral proteins gp120 and tat respond by becoming more invasive. EMT cells induced by HIV-1 in cultures of HPV-16-immortalized anal and cervical epithelial cells express the stem cell markers CD133 and CD44.
Comprehensive Interactome Analysis for the Sole Adenylyl Cyclase Cyr1 of Candida albicans
Authors: Zeng Guisheng , Neo Suat Peng , Pang Li Mei , Gao Jiaxin , Chong Shu Chen , Gunaratne Jayantha , Wang Yue
Published: October 2022

A critical virulence trait of the human fungal pathogen
Candida albicans
is its ability to undergo the yeast-to-hypha transition in response to diverse environmental and cellular stimuli. Previous studies suggested that the sole adenylyl cyclase of
C. albicans
, Cyr1, is a multivalent signal sensor and integrator synthesizing cAMP to activate the downstream hypha-promoting events through the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway.
New treatments in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Gowda Vasantha Lakshmi , Fernandez-Garcia Miguel A. , Jungbluth Heinz , Wraige Elizabeth
Published: October 2022

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe neurodegenerative condition due to recessive mutations in theSMN1gene resulting in insufficiency of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Lack of SMN protein results in irreversible degeneration of lower motor neurons and consequential muscle atrophy and weakness.SMN2, aSMN1homologue, produces low levels of functional SMN protein with the potential to partially compensateSMN1loss. Several compounds have been shown to successfully restore SMN protein production in motor neurons, either by enhancingSMN2gene function or by direct replacement of theSMN1gene. Clinical trials of these compounds have demonstrated the potential to substantially alter the natural history of SMA and have led to their implementation into clinical practice. To date, 3 novel drugs, nusinersen, onasemnogene aberparvovec and risdiplam, have received marketing authorisation for SMA treatment by several authorities including Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency. While implementing these drugs into daily clinical practice, clinicians face a number of new challenges, including identifying the most advantageous treatment for any individual, optimisation of outcomes and management of a modified SMA phenotype. Considering that treatment initiation at the pre-symptomatic or paucisymptomatic stage appears to be associated with better outcomes, health services need to support early diagnosis for this now treatable condition. This review aims to give an overview of the current therapeutic landscape of SMA, to provide an understanding of current practice of SMA management and to help increase awareness of the imminent need for urgent early diagnosis at the pre-symptomatic stage.
Change in neurodevelopmental outcomes for extremely premature infants over time: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kaempf Joseph W , Guillen Ursula , Litt Jonathan S , Zupancic John A F , Kirpalani Haresh
Published: October 2022

Objective

Survival rates of extremely premature infants are rising, but changes in neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) rates are unclear. Our objective was to perform a systematic review of intrainstitutional variability of NDI over time.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar.

Study selection

Study eligibility: (1) at least two discrete cohorts of infants born <27 weeks’ gestation or <1000 g birth weight, (2) one cohort born after 1990 and at least one subsequent cohort of similar gestational age, (3) all cohorts cared for within the same Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(s) (NICU) and (4) neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18–36 months corrected age.

Main outcome

Change in NDI rates. Quality, validity and bias were assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation and Quality in Prognosis Studies guidelines.

Results

Of 203 publications, 15 were eligible, including 13 229 infants. At the first time point, average NDI rate across study groups weighted by sample size was 41.0% (95% CI 34.0% to 48.0%). The average change in NDI between time points was −3.3% (95% CI −8·8% to 2.2%). For each added week of gestation at birth, the rate of NDI declined by 9.7% (95% CI 6.2% to 13.3%). Most studies exhibited moderate–severe bias in at least one domain, especially attrition rates.

Conclusions

When comparing discrete same-centre cohorts over time, there was no significant change in NDI rates in infants born <27 weeks’ gestation or <1000 g. Higher survival rates unaccompanied by improvement in neurodevelopment highlight urgency for renewed focus on the causes of NDI and evidence-based strategies to reduce brain injury.
Bleb-related infection after primary trabeculectomy: medical chart reviews from 1993 to 2021
Authors: Yang Hsin-Yu , Chi Sheng-Chu , Ko Yu-Chieh , Chen Mei-Ju , Kuang Tung-Mei , Chang Yu-Fan , Liu Catherine Jui-Ling
Published: October 2022

Background

To investigate the incidence of and risk factors for bleb-related infection (BRI) in patients who underwent mitomycin C-augmented primary trabeculectomy.

Methods

We reviewed the medical charts of consecutive patients who had received primary trabeculectomy in Taipei Veterans General Hospital. We recorded the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients before, during and after surgery. Furthermore, we recorded the time interval between surgery and infection onset, clinical manifestations and visual outcomes of patients with BRI. The cumulative incidence of BRI was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to explore factors associated with BRI.

Results

In total, 1663 eyes were postoperatively followed up for 94.57±65.23 months. The cumulative incidence of BRI was 1.86 per 1000 person-years during the 28-year follow-up period: 24 (1.44%) patients developed BRI and 6 (0.36%) patients additionally developed endophthalmitis. A multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of BRI with wound manipulation, high myopia and hyperlipidaemia. Patients younger than 60 years were more likely to receive wound manipulation than their elderly counterparts (<0.001). One year after BRI, the best corrected visual acuity of the eyes with blebitis did not change significantly, whereas that of the eyes with endophthalmitis worsened significantly.

Conclusion

Risk factors for BRI after trabeculectomy include wound manipulation, high myopia and hyperlipidaemia. Considering myopia is highly prevalent throughout the world and is a risk factor for glaucoma, the lifelong risk of BRI after trabeculectomy in eyes with high myopia warrants the attention of ophthalmologists.
Associations between antipsychotics and risk of violent crimes and suicidal behaviour in personality disorder
Authors: Herttua Kimmo , Crawford Mike , Paljarvi Tapio , Fazel Seena
Published: October 2022

Background

Despite uncertain benefits, people with personality disorder are commonly treated with antipsychotic medication.

Objective

To investigate the association between antipsychotics and violent crimes and suicidal behaviour in individuals with personality disorder.

Methods

We used nationwide Danish registries to identify all individuals with diagnosed personality disorder aged 18–64 years during 2007 to 2016. Antipsychotics were recorded in dispensed prescriptions, and individuals were followed up for police-recorded suspicions for violent crimes and healthcare presentations of suicidal behaviour. We applied a within-individual design where outcome rates for individuals with personality disorder during medicated periods were compared with rates during non-medicated periods.

Findings

The cohort included 166 328 people with diagnosed personality disorder, of whom 79 253 were prescribed antipsychotics, presented at least one outcome and were thus included in the within-individual analyses. Compared with periods when individuals were not on antipsychotic medication, violent crime suspicions were 40% lower (incident rate ratio (IRR) 0.60, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.63) in men and 10% lower (IRR 0.90, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.01) in women, while rates of suicidal behaviour were 32% lower both in men (IRR 0.68, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.71) and in women (IRR 0.68, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.70). In subgroup analyses, the magnitude of the association varied across specific personality disorders for criminal outcomes but less for suicidal behaviour, with largest association in dissocial personality disorder for violent criminality (IRR 0.53, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.59).

Conclusions

Treatment with antipsychotics was associated with reduced risks for violent crime suspicions and suicidal behaviour among individuals with personality disorder.

Clinical implications

Potential effects of antipsychotics on suicidal behaviour and violence should be taken into account when considering treatment options for people with personality disorders.
Evolution and significance of the psychosomatic model in gastroenterology
Authors: Zhang Qiaoli , Ding Lixin , Cao Jianxin
Published: October 2022

The biomedical model, which limits itself to finding the attributions of organic disease, is challenged by gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Simultaneously, physicians' attribution of GI symptoms to underlying psychological issues is not readily accepted by patients and can negatively affect the clinical rapport between doctor and patient. In reality, psychosocial aspects are involved in many functional disorders and organic diseases, not just in mental disorders. Time is overdue for gastroenterologists to recognise the inadequacy and limitations of conventional gastroenterology and consider the role of psychological, social and biological variables throughout the entire clinical course of the illness, as is shown in George Engel’s model. This review discusses the following: (1) the current challenges of using the conventional clinical model for both functional and organic GI illness, (2) the inadequacy and limitations of explaining GI symptoms simply as psychological disorders, (3) the exploration of the symptom-centred, stepped reattribution clinical model, (4) the clarification of psychosomatic medical concepts for use in gastroenterology, and (5) the significance of a systematic and interdisciplinary framework for a comprehensive psychosomatic model in gastroenterology.
Targeting tumour-intrinsic N7-methylguanosine tRNA modification inhibits MDSC recruitment and improves anti-PD-1 efficacy
Authors: Liu Haining , Zeng Xuezhen , Ren Xuxin , Zhang Yifan , Huang Manling , Tan Li , Dai Zihao , Lai Jiaming , Xie Wenxuan , Chen Zebin , Peng Sui , Xu Lixia , Chen Shuling , Shen Shunli , Kuang Ming , Lin Shuibin
Published: October 2022

Objective

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) exhibits very low response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. We investigate the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) of ICCs and the underlying regulatory mechanisms with the aim of developing new target to inhibit tumour growth and improve anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) efficacy.

Design

Tumour tissues from patients with ICC together with hydrodynamic ICC mouse models were employed to identify the key cell population in TIME of ICCs. Functional analysis and mechanism studies were performed using cell culture, conditional knockout mouse model and hydrodynamic transfection ICC model. The efficacy of single or combined therapy with anti-PD-1 antibody, gene knockout and chemical inhibitor were evaluated in vivo.

Results

Polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) are enriched in advanced ICCs and significantly correlated with N7-methylguanosine tRNA methyltransferase METTL1. Using diverse in vivo cancer models, we demonstrate the crucial immunomodulator function of METTL1 in regulation of PMN-MDSC accumulation in TIME and ICC progression. Mechanistically,CXCL8in human andCxcl5in mouse are key translational targets of METTL1 that facilitate its function in promoting PMN-MDSC accumulation in TIME and ICC progression in vivo. Co-blockade of METTL1 and its downstream chemokine pathway enhances the anti-PD-1 efficacy in ICC preclinical mouse models.

Conclusions

Our data uncover novel mechanisms underlying chemokine regulation and TIME shaping at the layer of messenger RNA translation level and provide new insights for development of efficient cancer immunotherapeutic strategies.
Inequalities in COVID-19 deaths by migration background during the first wave, interwave period and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: a closed cohort study of 17 million inhabitants of the Netherlands
Authors: Chilunga Felix P , Stoeldraijer Lenny , Agyemang Charles , Stronks Karien , Harmsen Carel , Kunst Anton E
Published: October 2022

Background

It is not known how differences in COVID-19 deaths by migration background in the Netherlands evolved throughout the pandemic, especially after introduction of COVID-19 prevention measures targeted at populations with a migration background (in the second wave). We investigated associations between migration background and COVID-19 deaths across first wave of the pandemic, interwave period and second wave in the Netherlands.

Methods

We obtained multiple registry data from Statistics Netherlands spanning from 1 March 2020 to 14 March 2021 comprising 17.4 million inhabitants. We estimated incidence rate ratios for COVID-19 deaths by migration background using Poisson regression models and adjusted for relevant sociodemographic factors.

Results

Populations with a migration background, especially those with Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese background, exhibited higher risk of COVID-19 deaths than the Dutch origin population throughout the study periods. The elevated risk of COVID-19 deaths among populations with a migration background (as compared with Dutch origin population) was around 30% higher in the second wave than in the first wave.

Conclusions

Differences in COVID-19 deaths by migration background persisted in the second wave despite introduction of COVID-19 prevention measures targeted at populations with a migration background in the second wave. Research on explanatory mechanisms and novel prevention measures are needed to address the ongoing differences in COVID-19 deaths by migration background.
APCgermline pathogenic variants and epithelial ovarian cancer: causal or coincidental findings?
Authors: Vibert Roseline , Le Gall Jessica , Buecher Bruno , Mouret-Fourme Emmanuelle , Bataillon Guillaume , Becette Véronique , Trabelsi-Grati Olfa , Moncoutier Virginie , Dehainault Catherine , Carriere Jennifer , Schwartz Mathias , Suybeng Voreak , Bieche Ivan , Colas Chrystelle , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Stoppa-Lyonnet Dominique , Golmard Lisa
Published: October 2022

APCgermline pathogenic variants result in predisposition to familial adenomatous polyposis and extraintestinal tumours such as desmoid fibromatosis, medulloblastomas and thyroid cancers. They have also been recently involved in ovarian microcystic stromal tumours.APCinactivation has been described at the tumour level in epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs). Here, we report the identification ofAPCgermline pathogenic variants in two patients diagnosed with premenopausal EOC in early 30s, with no other pathogenic variant detected in the known ovarian cancer predisposing genes. Subsequent tumour analysis showed neither a second hit ofAPCinactivation nor β-catenin activation. Both tumours did not have a homologous recombination (HR) deficiency, pointing towards the implication of other genes than those involved in HR.APCmay contribute to the carcinogenesis of EOC in a multifactorial context. Further studies are required to clarify the role ofAPCin predisposition to EOC.