bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating health belief model and theory of planned behavior to assess COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among urban slum people in Bangladesh
Authors: Patwary Muhammad Mainuddin , Disha Asma Safia , Hasan Mahadi , Bardhan Mondira , Hasan Mehedi , Tuhi Faiza Imam , Rahim Sama Jamila , Newaz Md. Navid , Imran Sardar Al , Haque Md. Zahidul , Hossain Md. Riad , Kabir Md Pervez , Swed Sarya
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been identified as a promising strategy to reduce the severity of the pandemic. Despite the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, bringing socioeconomically disadvantaged people under vaccination coverage has been challenging for developing countries like Bangladesh. Therefore, this study explored the determinants of vaccine acceptance among urban slum residents of Bangladesh using the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).

Methods

A face-to-face survey of 400 urban slum dwellers in two large cities in Bangladesh was conducted between July 5 to August 5, 2021. The questionnaire included vaccine acceptance, socio-demographics, health-related characteristics, trust in health authorities, reasons for vaccine hesitancy, and dimensions of HBM and TPB frameworks. Hierarchical logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between these characteristics and vaccination acceptance.

Results

Around 82% (n = 327) of respondents were willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. In a fully adjusted model, respondents with secondary level education had higher intention (OR = 46.93, 95%CI = 1.21–1807.90, p < 0. 05) to accept COVID-19 vaccine. Respondents with bad (OR = 0.11, 95%CI = 0.01–0.35, p<0.05) or very bad (OR = 0.01, 95%CI = 0.01–0.35, p<0.05) health conditions were less interested in the COVID-19 vaccination. In regard to HBM dimensions, greater perceived susceptibility (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.12–2.75, p < 0.05), and perceived benefits (OR = 3.28, 95% CI = 1.17–6.00, p < 0.001) were associated with a greater willingness to get vaccinated. In regard to TPB, higher self-efficacy in preventing illness without the vaccine increased the desire to get vaccinated (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.02–2.37, p < 0.05). Fear of unknown side effects, religious beliefs, contraindications to vaccination, and insufficient information on the vaccine were the main reasons for vaccine hesitancy.

Conclusions

These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers in Bangladesh to design targeted interventions that address vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination acceptability among socially disadvantaged individuals in urban areas. Strategies should focus on providing accurate and accessible information about the vaccine, communicating its positive impact effectively, engaging with religious leaders to address misconceptions, and tailoring vaccination campaigns to meet the unique needs of different demographic groups.
Targeting Sirtuin 1 for therapeutic potential: Drug repurposing approach integrating docking and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Alrouji Mohammed , Alhumaydhi Fahad A. , Alsayari Abdulrhman , Sharaf Sharaf E. , Shafi Sheeba , Anwar Saleha , Shahwan Moyad , Atiya Akhtar , Shamsi Anas
Published: December 2023

Identifying novel therapeutic agents is a fundamental challenge in contemporary drug development, especially in the context of complex diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes. Here, we present a comprehensive computational study to identify potential inhibitors of SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1), a critical protein involved in various cellular processes and disease pathways. Leveraging the concept of drug repurposing, we employed a multifaceted approach that integrates molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to predict the binding affinities and dynamic behavior of a diverse set of FDA-approved drugs from DrugBank against the SIRT1. Initially, compounds were shortlisted based on their binding affinities and interaction analyses to identify safe and promising binding partners for SIRT1. Among these candidates, Doxercalciferol and Timiperone emerged as potential candidates, displaying notable affinity, efficiency, and specificity towards the binding pocket of SIRT1. Extensive evaluation revealed that these identified compounds boast a range of favorable biological properties and prefer binding to the active site of SIRT1. To delve deeper into the interactions, all-atom MD simulations were conducted for 500 nanoseconds (ns). These simulations assessed the conformational dynamics, stability, and interaction mechanism of the SIRT1-Doxercalciferol and SIRT1-Timiperone complexes. The MD simulations illustrated that the SIRT1-Doxercalciferol and SIRT1-Timiperone complexes maintain stability over a 500 ns trajectory. These insightful outcomes propose that Doxercalciferol and Timiperone hold promise as viable scaffolds for developing potential SIRT1 inhibitors, with implications for tackling complex diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes.
Transferrin receptor in primary and metastatic breast cancer: Evaluation of expression and experimental modulation to improve molecular targeting
Authors: Fontana Francesca , Esser Alison K. , Egbulefu Christopher , Karmakar Partha , Su Xinming , Allen John S. , Xu Yalin , Davis Jennifer L. , Gabay Ariel , Xiang Jingyu , Kwakwa Kristin A. , Manion Brad , Bakewell Suzanne , Li Shunqiang , Park Haeseong , Lanza Gregory M. , Achilefu Samuel , Weilbaecher Katherine N.
Published: December 2023

Background

Conjugation of transferrin (Tf) to imaging or nanotherapeutic agents is a promising strategy to target breast cancer. Since the efficacy of these biomaterials often depends on the overexpression of the targeted receptor, we set out to survey expression of transferrin receptor (TfR) in primary and metastatic breast cancer samples, including metastases and relapse, and investigate its modulation in experimental models.

Methods

Gene expression was investigated by datamining in twelve publicly-available datasets. Dedicated Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were generated to evaluate matched primary and bone metastases as well as and pre and post chemotherapy tumors from the same patient. TMA were stained with the FDA-approved MRQ-48 antibody against TfR and graded by staining intensity (H-score). Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and isogenic metastatic mouse models were used to study in vivo TfR expression and uptake of transferrin.

Results

TFRC gene and protein expression were high in breast cancer of all subtypes and stages, and in 60–85% of bone metastases. TfR was detectable after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, albeit with some variability. Fluorophore-conjugated transferrin iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) enhanced TfR uptake in human breast cancer cells in vitro and proved transferrin localization at metastatic sites and correlation of tumor burden relative to untreated tumor mice.

Conclusions

TfR is expressed in breast cancer, primary, metastatic, and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Variability in expression of TfR suggests that evaluation of the expression of TfR in individual patients could identify the best candidates for targeting. Further, systemic iron chelation with DFO may upregulate receptor expression and improve uptake of therapeutics or tracers that use transferrin as a homing ligand.
Association between systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with coronary heart disease according to age
Authors: Wang Nelson , Mustafa Rima , Zuber Verena , Rodgers Anthony , Dehghan Abbas
Published: December 2023

Background

The impact of elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) on the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) at different stages of life is unclear. We aimed to investigate whether genetically mediated SBP/LDL-C is associated with the risk of CHD throughout life.

Methods and findings

We conducted a three-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using data from the UK Biobank including 136,648 participants for LDL-C, 135,431 participants for SBP, and 24,052 cases for CHD to assess the effect of duration of exposure to the risk factors on risk of CHD. Analyses were stratified by age at enrolment. In univariable analyses, there was a consistent association between exposure to higher LDL-C and SBP with increased odds of incident CHD in individuals aged ≤55 years, ≤60 years, and ≤65 years (p-value for heterogeneity = 1.00 for LDL-C and 0.67 for SBP, respectively). In multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses, exposure to elevated LDL-C/SBP early in life (age ≤55 years) was associated with a higher risk of CHD independent of later life levels (age >55 years) (odds ratio 1.68, 95% CI 1.20–2.34 per 1 mmol/L LDL-C, and odds ratio 1.33, 95% CI 1.18–1.51 per 10 mmHg SBP).

Conclusions

Genetically predicted SBP and LDL-C increase the risk of CHD independent of age. Elevated SBP and LDL-C in early to middle life is associated with increased CHD risk independent of later-life SBP and LDL-C levels. These findings support the importance of lifelong risk factor control in young individuals, whose risk of CHD accumulates throughout life.
Cyp3A4 *1G polymorphism is associated with alcohol drinking: A 5-year retrospective single centered population-based study in China
Authors: Jia Xiaoqing , Zhang Xiaoting , Zhou Tao , Sun Dalong , Li Rong , Yang Na , Luo Zheng
Published: December 2023

Introduction

We investigated the epidemiology of Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 genotype and the relationship between CYP3A4 genotype and alcohol drinking habits.

Materials and methods

A single-centered retrospective study was conducted on 630 patients who underwent CYP3A4*1G genetic testing. Their relevant information on epidemiology and etiology was collected. Laboratory testing, including CYP3A4*1G genotype, liver function tests, and serum lipid measurements were performed. Bi-variate logistic regressions were used to examine the relationship between variables. The relationship between alcohol drinking and CYP3A4*1G genotype was estimated. Demographic and clinical features were analyzed. Participants with drinking history were divided into non-heavy drinking and heavy drinking groups. Liver function and dyslipidemia of participants with drinking histories were compared between CYP3A4*1G mutation (GA+AA) and wild-type (GG) groups.

Results

Participants with CYP3A4*1G mutation(GA+AA) had an increased adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 2.56 (95% CI, 1.4–4.65; P = 0.00) for alcohol abuse when compared with participants without CYP3A4 mutation (GG). In the subgroup of participants with alcohol abuse, there are no significant differences in liver injury levels and serum lipid levels between CYP3A4*1G mutant and wild-type groups. Patients with CYP3A4*1G mutation had an increased AOR of cardiac-vascular diseases and malignant diseases compared with patients without CYP3A4*1G mutation. The epidemiology had no difference between GA and AA group.

Conclusion

The study indicated that there was association between alcohol drinking and CYP3A4*1G genetic mutation. In the subgroup of participants with alcohol abuse, there are no significant differences in liver injury and dyslipidemia between CYP3A4*1G mutant and wild-type groups. CYP3A4*1G mutation was also related to cardiac-vascular diseases and malignant diseases.
The impact of digital technologies on knowledge networks in two engineering organisations
Authors: Patterson Eann A. , Taylor Richard J. , Yao Yuxin
Published: December 2023

The management and exploitation of knowledge can contribute to the competitive advantage of an organisation and hence can be a driver of its value. This paper examines knowledge management practices within two engineering organisations with an emphasis on barriers to its effectiveness and the influence of current and anticipated deployment of digital technologies. Two methods were used to gather research data across both organisations by combining a series of semi-structured interviews with a quantitative social network analysis. Examination of the acquired data provided insights into the relationship between the knowledge management culture in both organisations and their adoption of digital tools. Hudson’s evolutionary model of safety culture has been modified to describe the culture of knowledge management in an organisation and the acquired data used to locate the two organisations on their knowledge management journey. It is proposed that social networks could be used as an indicator of the stage of evolution of knowledge management in engineering organisations more generally with low network densities and dispersed networks representing higher stages of evolution.
Intimate partner violence against women during covid-19: A population-based study in Vitória, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil
Authors: Leite Franciéle Marabotti Costa , Venturin Bruna , Eduarda Portes Ribeiro Luiza , De Paula Silva Ranielle , Luis Alves Mayara , Wehrmeister Fernando César , Santos Dherik Fraga
Published: December 2023

Background

Violence against women has a negative impact on multiple dimensions of women’s health. During the Covid-19 pandemic, intimate partner violence against women has continued, and in some contexts has intensified. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of intimate partner violence against women during covid-19 pandemic and its association with socioeconomic, behavioral, and life-experience factors.

Methods and findings

Cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in the municipality of Vitória, state of Espírito Santo, from January to May 2022, where 1,086 women aged 18 years and over were interviewed. The World Health Organization (WHO) instrument on violence against women was used to screen outcomes. The prevalence of violence during the pandemic (psychological, physical, and sexual) and bivariate analysis with sociodemographic, behavioral, family, and life history characteristics of women were estimated. The multivariate analysis was carried out for each type of violence, the Poisson regression model was performed with an estimate of robust variance, inserting the variables of interest with (p<0.20). Those with p<0.05 remained in the adjusted model.

Results

The prevalence of violence psychological against women perpetrated by an intimate partner during the pandemic was the most frequent (20.2%), followed by physical (9.0%) and sexual violence (6.5%). Women with less schooling and who were single had a higher prevalence of physical and psychological violence, as did those with a history of sexual abuse in childhood and whose mothers had been beaten by their intimate partners. Sexual violence was more prevalent among non-white, with up to eight years of schooling, whose mothers had a history of intimate partner violence, and who consumed alcohol during four days or more (p<0.01).

Conclusion

Psychological, physical, and sexual violence perpetrated by the intimate partner during the pandemic presented high magnitude among women living in Vitória. Sociodemographic, behavioral factors, and personal and maternal experiences of violence were associated with the phenomenon.
Detecting nuance in conspiracy discourse: Advancing methods in infodemiology and communication science with machine learning and qualitative content coding
Authors: Haupt Michael Robert , Chiu Michelle , Chang Joseline , Li Zoe , Cuomo Raphael , Mackey Tim K.
Published: December 2023

The spread of misinformation and conspiracies has been an ongoing issue since the early stages of the internet era, resulting in the emergence of the field of infodemiology (i.e., information epidemiology), which investigates the transmission of health-related information. Due to the high volume of online misinformation in recent years, there is a need to continue advancing methodologies in order to effectively identify narratives and themes. While machine learning models can be used to detect misinformation and conspiracies, these models are limited in their generalizability to other datasets and misinformation phenomenon, and are often unable to detect implicit meanings in text that require contextual knowledge. To rapidly detect evolving conspiracist narratives within high volume online discourse while identifying nuanced themes requiring the comprehension of subtext, this study describes a hybrid methodology that combines natural language processing (i.e., topic modeling and sentiment analysis) with qualitative content coding approaches to characterize conspiracy discourse related to 5G wireless technology and COVID-19 on Twitter (currently known as ‘X’). Discourse that focused on correcting 5G conspiracies was also analyzed for comparison. Sentiment analysis shows that conspiracy-related discourse was more likely to use language that was analytic, combative, past-oriented, referenced social status, and expressed negative emotions. Corrections discourse was more likely to use words reflecting cognitive processes, prosocial relations, health-related consequences, and future-oriented language. Inductive coding characterized conspiracist narratives related to global elites, anti-vax sentiment, medical authorities, religious figures, and false correlations between technology advancements and disease outbreaks. Further, the corrections discourse did not address many of the narratives prevalent in conspiracy conversations. This paper aims to further bridge the gap between computational and qualitative methodologies by demonstrating how both approaches can be used in tandem to emphasize the positive aspects of each methodology while minimizing their respective drawbacks.
A sepsis treatment algorithm to improve early antibiotic de-escalation while maintaining adequacy of coverage (Early-IDEAS): A prospective observational study
Authors: Bucheeri Mohamed Abdulla Ghuloom Abdulla , Elligsen Marion , Lam Philip W. , Daneman Nick , MacFadden Derek
Published: December 2023

Background

Empiric antibiotic treatment selection should provide adequate coverage for potential pathogens while minimizing unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotic use. We sought to pilot a sepsis treatment algorithm to individualize antibiotic recommendations, and thereby improve early antibiotic de-escalation while maintaining adequacy of coverage (Early-IDEAS).

Methods

In this observational study, the Early-IDEAS decision support algorithm was derived from previous Gram- negative and Gram-positive prediction rules and models along with local guidelines, and then applied to prospectively identified consecutive adults within 24 hours of suspected sepsis. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients for whom de-escalation of the primary antibiotic regimen was recommended by the algorithm. Secondary outcomes included: (1) proportion of patients for whom escalation was recommended; (2) number of recommended de-escalation steps along a pre-specified antibiotic cascade; and (3) adequacy of therapy in patients with culture-confirmed infection.

Results

We screened 578 patients, of whom 107 eligible patients were included. The Early-IDEAS treatment recommendation was informed by Gram-negative models in 76 (71%) patients, Gram-positive rules in 64 (59.8%), and local guidelines in 27 (25.2%). Antibiotic de-escalation was recommended in almost half of all patients (n = 52, 48.6%), with a median of 2 steps down the a priori antibiotic treatment cascade. No treatment change was recommended in 45 patients (42.1%), and escalation was recommended in 10 (9.3%). Among the 17 patients with positive blood cultures, both the clinician prescribed regimen and the algorithm recommendation provided adequate coverage for the isolated pathogen in 12 patients (70.6%), (p = 1). Among the 25 patients with positive relevant, non-blood cultures, both the clinician prescribed regimen and the algorithm recommendation provided adequate coverage in 20 (80%), (p = 1).

Conclusion

An individualized decision support algorithm in early sepsis could lead to substantial antibiotic de-escalation without compromising adequate antibiotic coverage.
Designing effective U = U communication strategies considering the needs of PLHIV, their partners, and healthcare worker constraints in South African clinics
Authors: Onoya Dorina , Sineke Tembeka , King Rachel , Mokhele Idah , Sharma Shubhi , Dukashe Mandisa , Cele Refiloe , Bokaba Dorah , Inglis Robert , Sigasa Simangele , Bor Jacob
Published: December 2023

Introduction

We sought to understand the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) communication needs of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and barriers to U = U communication among healthcare providers (HCPs) in South Africa.

Methods

We conducted five focus group discussions (FGDs) with HCPs (N = 42) including nurses and counsellors from primary healthcare clinics (PHCs) in the Gauteng and Free State Provinces of South Africa, three FGDs (N = 27) with PLHIV recruited by snowball sampling from civil society organizations, and 27 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with recently diagnosed PLHIV in Johannesburg. IDIs and FGDs were audio recorded, transcribed, translated to English, and analysed thematically.

Results

PLHIV were largely unaware and sceptical of U = U as the message appeared to contradict the mainstream HIV prevention clinical guidance. The low viral load (VL) knowledge further reduced confidence in U = U. PLHIV need support and guidance on the best approaches for sharing U = U information and disclosing their VL status to their partners, highlighting the central role of community understanding of U = U and VL to mediate the desired stigma reduction, social acceptance and emotional benefits of U = U for PLHIV. HCPs were uneasy about sharing U = U due to concerns about risk compensation and ART non-adherence and worried about enabling any ensuing HIV transmission. HCPs also need a simple, unambiguous, and consistent narrative for U = U, integrated with other HIV prevention messages. PLHIV and HCPs alike recommended a patient-centred approach to communicating U = U, focusing primarily on attaining viral suppression and emphasizing that condomless sex is only safe during periods of ART adherence.

Conclusions

These data highlight the need for simple U = U communication support targeting both HCP and PLHIV. Culturally appropriate communication materials, with training and ongoing mentorship of the clinic staff, are essential to improve patient-centred U = U communication in clinics.
Memoir study: Investigating image memorability across developmental stages
Authors: Almog Gal , Alavi Naeini Saeid , Hu Yu , Duerden Emma G. , Mohsenzadeh Yalda
Published: December 2023

Images have been shown to consistently differ in terms of their memorability in healthy adults: some images stick in one’s mind while others are forgotten quickly. Studies have suggested that memorability is an intrinsic, continuous property of a visual stimulus that can be both measured and manipulated. Memory literature suggests that important developmental changes occur throughout adolescence that have an impact on recognition memory, yet the effect that these changes have on image memorability has not yet been investigated. In the current study, we recruited adolescents ages 11–18 (n = 273, mean = 16) to an online visual memory experiment to explore the effects of developmental changes throughout adolescence on image memorability, and determine if memorability findings in adults can be generalized to the adolescent age group. We used the online experiment to calculate adolescent memorability scores for 1,000 natural images, and compared the results to the MemCat dataset—a memorability dataset that is annotated with adult memorability scores (ages 19–27). Our study finds that memorability scores in adolescents and adults are strongly and significantly correlated (Spearman’s rank correlation, r = 0.76, p < 0.001). This correlation persists even when comparing adults with developmentally different sub-groups of adolescents (ages 11–14: r = 0.67, p < 0.001; ages 15–18: r = 0.60, p < 0.001). Moreover, the rankings of image categories by mean memorability scores were identical in both adolescents and adults (including the adolescent sub-groups), indicating that broadly, certain image categories are more memorable for both adolescents and adults. Interestingly, however, adolescents experienced significantly higher false alarm rates than adults, supporting studies that show increased impulsivity and reward-seeking behaviour in adolescents. Our results reveal that the memorability of images remains consistent across individuals at different stages of development. This consistency aligns with and strengthens prior research, indicating that memorability is an intrinsic property of images. Our findings open new pathways for applying memorability studies in adolescent populations, with profound implications in fields such as education, marketing, and psychology. Our work paves the way for innovative approaches in these domains, leveraging the consistent nature of image memorability across age groups.
Dexamethasone induces sleep disturbance in a dose-dependent manner in mice
Authors: Kato Tomonobu , Okawa Gento , Tanaka Kenji F. , Mitsukura Yasue
Published: December 2023

Synthetic corticosteroids, the most well-known anti-inflammatory drugs globally, are effective against inflammatory diseases despite their adverse effects that decrease a patient’s quality of life (QOL). One of these effects is sleep disturbance, which causes other health issues and further diminishes the QOL. However, the acute effects of steroid drugs on sleep-wake issues are not fully understood and must be clarified in detail using experimental animals. Therefore, this study examines the dose-dependent effect of dexamethasone (DXM), one of the strongest steroid drugs, on the sleep-wake architecture of mice. We conducted acute DXM administration at multiple doses and 24-hour EEG/EMG recordings. Our results revealed that DXM increased the time spent in arousal and decreased that of NREM sleep, even at very low doses. These results imply that steroid-induced sleep disturbance must be addressed at any dosage.
Bacteriophage-encoded 24B_1 molecule resembles herpesviral microRNAs and plays a crucial role in the development of both the virus and its host
Authors: Bloch Sylwia , Lewandowska Natalia , Zwolenkiewicz Joanna , Mach Paulina , Łukasiak Aleksandra , Olejniczak Mikołaj , Donaldson Logan W. , Węgrzyn Grzegorz , Nejman-Faleńczyk Bożena
Published: December 2023

The 24B_1 small non-coding RNA molecule has been identified inEscherichia coliafter induction of Shiga toxin-converting bacteriophage Φ24B. In this work, we focused on its direct role during phage and bacterial host development. We observed that in many aspects, this phage sRNA resembles herpesviral microRNAs. Similar to microRNAs, the mature 24B_1 is a short molecule, consisting of just 20 nucleotides. It is generated by cleaving the 80-nt long precursor transcript, and likely it undergoes a multi-step maturation process in which the Hfq protein plays an important role, as confirmed by demonstration of its binding to the 24B_1 precursor, but not to the 24B_1 mature form. Moreover, 24B_1 plays a significant role in maintaining the prophage state and reprogramming the host’s energy metabolism. We proved that overproduction of this molecule causes the opposite physiological effects to the mutant devoid of the24B_1gene, and thus, favors the lysogenic pathway. Furthermore, the 24B_1 overrepresentation significantly increases the efficiency of expression of phage genes coding for proteins CI, CII, and CIII which are engaged in the maintenance of the prophage. It seems that through binding to mRNA of thesdhBgene, coding for the succinate dehydrogenase subunit, the 24B_1 alters the central carbon metabolism and causes a drop in the ATP intracellular level. Interestingly, a similar effect, called the Warburg switch, is caused by herpesviral microRNAs and it is observed in cancer cells. The advantage of the Warburg effect is still unclear, however, it was proposed that the metabolism of cancer cells, and all rapidly dividing cells, is adopted to convert nutrients such as glucose and glutamine faster and more efficiently into biomass. The availability of essential building blocks, such as nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids, is crucial for effective cell proliferation which in turn is essential for the prophage and its host to stay in the lysogenic state.
Using viral sequence diversity to estimate time of HIV infection in infants
Authors: Russell Magdalena L. , Fish Carolyn S. , Drescher Sara , Cassidy Noah A. J. , Chanana Pritha , Benki-Nugent Sarah , Slyker Jennifer , Mbori-Ngacha Dorothy , Bosire Rose , Richardson Barbra , Wamalwa Dalton , Maleche-Obimbo Elizabeth , Overbaugh Julie , John-Stewart Grace , Matsen Frederick A. , Lehman Dara A.
Published: December 2023

Age at HIV acquisition may influence viral pathogenesis in infants, and yet infection timing (i.e. date of infection) is not always known. Adult studies have estimated infection timing using rates of HIV RNA diversification, however, it is unknown whether adult-trained models can provide accurate predictions when used for infants due to possible differences in viral dynamics. While rates of viral diversification have been well defined for adults, there are limited data characterizing these dynamics for infants. Here, we performed Illumina sequencing of gag and pol using longitudinal plasma samples from 22 Kenyan infants with well-characterized infection timing. We used these data to characterize viral diversity changes over time by designing an infant-trained Bayesian hierarchical regression model that predicts time since infection using viral diversity. We show that diversity accumulates with time for most infants (median rate within pol = 0.00079 diversity/month), and diversity accumulates much faster than in adults (compare previously-reported adult rate within pol = 0.00024 diversity/month [1]). We find that the infant rate of viral diversification varies by individual, gene region, and relative timing of infection, but not by set-point viral load or rate of CD4+ T cell decline. We compare the predictive performance of this infant-trained Bayesian hierarchical regression model with simple linear regression models trained using the same infant data, as well as existing adult-trained models [1]. Using an independent dataset from an additional 15 infants with frequent HIV testing to define infection timing, we demonstrate that infant-trained models more accurately estimate time since infection than existing adult-trained models. This work will be useful for timing HIV acquisition for infants with unknown infection timing and for refining our understanding of how viral diversity accumulates in infants, both of which may have broad implications for the future development of infant-specific therapeutic and preventive interventions.
A fungal RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is a novel player in plant infection and cross-kingdom RNA interference
Authors: Cheng An-Po , Lederer Bernhard , Oberkofler Lorenz , Huang Lihong , Johnson Nathan R. , Platten Fabian , Dunker Florian , Tisserant Constance , Weiberg Arne
Published: December 2023

Small RNAs act as fungal pathogen effectors that silence host target genes to promote infection, a virulence mechanism termed cross-kingdom RNA interference (RNAi). The essential pathogen factors of cross-kingdom small RNA production are largely unknown. We here characterized the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDR)1 in the fungal plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea that is required for pathogenicity and cross-kingdom RNAi. B. cinerea bcrdr1 knockout (ko) mutants exhibited reduced pathogenicity and loss of cross-kingdom small RNAs. We developed a "switch-on" GFP reporter to study cross-kingdom RNAi in real-time within the living plant tissue which highlighted that bcrdr1 ko mutants were compromised in cross-kingdom RNAi. Moreover, blocking seven pathogen cross-kingdom small RNAs by expressing a short-tandem target mimic RNA in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana led to reduced infection levels of the fungal pathogen B. cinerea and the oomycete pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. These results demonstrate that cross-kingdom RNAi is significant to promote host infection and making pathogen small RNAs an effective target for crop protection.
Necrotizing Pancreatitis After Cardiac Arrest With Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Donat Christine , Farah Michel , Jobbins Kathryn
Published: December 2023

Acute pancreatitis has been reported as a complication of cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, necrotizing pancreatitis as a subsequent complication has not. Because pancreatic necrosis develops 7–10 days after the initial episode of pancreatitis, it may be difficult to identify and, therefore, diagnose. This case details the course of a patient who developed infected necrotizing pancreatitis after receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation after cardiac arrest.
[Review] Francesca Mackenney. Birdsong, Speech and Poetry: The Art of Composition in the Long Nineteenth Century. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2023. 244 pp. ISBN 9781316513712
Authors: Woodward Wendy
Published: December 2023

[Review] Francesca Mackenney. Birdsong, Speech and Poetry: The Art of Composition in the Long Nineteenth Century. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2023. 244 pp. ISBN 9781316513712
Economies of Extinction: Animals, Labour, and Inheritance in the Longleaf Pine Forests of the US South
Authors: Otjen Nathaniel
Published: December 2023

Despite mounting critiques, extinction continues to be framed as a unidirectional problem where humans, through acts of negligence and intent, lead nonhuman species to their demise. In addition to universalizing the actors and processes involved, unidirectional approaches overlook the ways nonhuman beings participate in the extinction of others and the ways extinction continues to impact multispecies communities long after the violent event or the death of an endling. With its focus on how nonhuman animals experience and navigate violence, the field of critical animal studies can illustrate how nonhuman animals contribute to extinction events and how extinction unfolds across distinct groups over extended temporal periods. Placing critical animal studies in conversation with species loss, this article takes up the longleaf pine forests of the US South, an ecological community that was once among the largest in the world and is now among the most endangered. I consider how late-nineteenth and earlytwentieth century naval stores and logging operations used animal labour and the logics of animality to extract longleaf pine and its products. Animal-dependent industries like turpentining and logging, I argue, were part of what John Levi Barnard calls an ‘extinctionproducing economy’. Looking at the labour of oxen, mules, and horses, together with the Black and immigrant labourers tasked with providing their care, I ask how animals and their human caretakers become caught up in the wider deaths of others. Acknowledging that the absences resulting from species loss extend beyond the historical events and timeframes that produced them, I then examine how subsequent generations of humans and nonhumans have inherited the loss of longleaf forests. Turning to Janisse Ray’s memoirs Ecology of a Cracker Childhood and Wild Card Quilt: The Ecology of Home, I consider her family’s involvement in eradicating longleaf forests and how this loss continues to be experienced.
RESEARCH INFLUENCE OF THERMAL PLASMA ENERGY ON MORPHOLOGY AND PHASE COMPOSITION ALUMINUM SILICATE MICROSPHERES
Authors: Shekhovtsov V. V.
Published: December 2023

The effect of thermal plasma energy on the morphology and phase composition of agglomerated refractory oxide powders has been studied. It has been established that during the processing of an agglomerated powder based on the ash residue of a state district power station in a thermal plasma flow with different thermophysical characteristics of the carrier medium, three types of morphological features of the particles are formed: a dense particle with separate gas inclusions in the surface layer; hollow spherical particle; vitrified agglomerated particle with solid-phase inclusions. Agglomerated polycrystalline powders after processing according to XRD data are amorphous. The X-ray diffraction patterns of particles processed in the turbulent regime of plasma jet outflow show a small Bragg peak of ?-quartz. This means that the grains do not reach the molten state in the center of the agglomerate.
BRUCITE-CONTAINING WASTE FROM THE PRODUCTION OF REFRACTORY MATERIALS IN WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESSES
Authors: Kuzin E. N. , Kruchinina N. E.
Published: December 2023

As part of the study, an assessment was made of the possibility of using magnesium-containing waste from the production of periclase in the processes of engineering environmental protection. Evaluation of the efficiency of removal of phosphate and ammonium ions using powdered brucite, water-soluble magnesium salts and complex titanium-containing coagulants has been carried out. The high efficiency of magnesium-containing reagents in the processes of co-precipitation of sparingly soluble magnesium ammonium phosphate and in the processes of wastewater treatment with a high pH value has been proven. The approbation of magnesium-containing reagents was carried out on waste waters of plastic processing and cement production.
RESOURCE- AND ENERGY-SAVING TECHNOLOGY FOR DECORATING GLASS PRODUCTS WITH FOAMING PAINTS
Authors: Bessmertnyi V. S. , Zdorenko N. M. , Bondarenko M. A. , Makarov A. V. , Varfolomeeva C. V. , Burlakov N. M. , Kochurin D. V.
Published: December 2023

An energy-saving technology for decorating glass products with foaming paints has been developed. The optimal parameters of coating firing by the flow of plasma–forming gas – argon are determined. The influence of sodium liquid glass on the quality of decorative coating is investigated.
THERMAL PROCESSES IN VITRIFIED TUBES OF A HEAT EXCHANGER
Authors: Ibragimov N. Yu.
Published: December 2023

A study was made of the heat maximum transfer coefficients and thermal conductivity of glass coatings of heat exchange tubes. A formula is obtained for determining the optimal value of the thermal conductivity coefficient of a glass coating.
It has been established that during long-term operation of the apparatus, the heat transfer coefficient of the glass coating of the pipe practically does not depend on the operating time due to the cleanliness of the glass surface.
It has been established that during long-term operation of the apparatus, the heat transfer coefficient of the glass coating of the pipe practically does not depend on the operating time due to the cleanliness of the glass surface. At the same time, in brass or copper pipes, over time, a sharp drop in the heat transfer coefficient occurs due to the formation of a durable layer of scale and corrosion products. For this purpose, a formula has been derived for calculating the value maximum of the heat transfer coefficient of coatings.
Synthesis and Structure of Cyclopentadienyl Diferrocenoylacetonatozirconium Chloride С5H5[С10H9FeC(O)CHC(O)CF3]2ZrCl.
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, Rybakova A.
Published: December 2023

Interaction of zirconocene dichloride with ferrocenoyltrifluoroacetylacetone in benzene so-lution led to synthesis of a trans-isomer of cyclopentadienyl diferrocenoylacetonatozirconium chloride, the structure of which was proved by X-ray diffraction analysis. According to the X-ray analysis performed at 293 K on an automatic four-circle diffractometer D8 QuestBruker (MoCA radiation, λ = 0.71073 Å, graphite monochromator), the zirconium atoms in the trans-isomer of complex 1 have a distorted octahedral configuration [C33H25F6ClFe2ZrO4 (1), M 837.90; the crys-tal structure is triclinic, the symmetry group P ; crystal unit cell parameters: a = 10.16(3), b = 12.39(3), c = 13.44 (3) Å; α= 95.70(10)º, β = 102.62(14)º, γ = 93.77(2)° ; V = 1635 (6) Å3; crystal size 0.16 × 0.09 × 0.08 mm3; reflection index intervals –12 ≤ h ≤ 12, –15 ≤ k ≤ 15, –17 ≤ l ≤ 17; total reflections 23770; independent reflections 7090; Rint = 0.3164; GOOF = 1.054; R1 = 0.1601, wR2 = 0.3121; residual electron density 1.41/–1.80 e/Å3. In the IR spectrum of com-pound 1 the bands are observed at 808, 1007, 1055, 1409, 2855, 2926, 3099 cm–1, which can be attributed to fluctuations in the bonds of the ferrocene substituent. The intense vibration band at 1298 cm–1 corresponds to the vibrations of the CF3 groups. Valence vibrations of the Zr-O bonds appear in the IR spectrum as a series of bands in the region of 400–1000 cm–1. According to the X-ray diffraction analysis, the packing of complex 1 molecules into layers is possible due to short contacts С···С (3.323 Å). Each of the layers is formed by reference contacts Н···С (2.850 Å). Complete tables of atomic coordinates, bond lengths, and valence angles are deposited in the Cambridge structural data Bank (No. 1988379 for 1; deposit@ccdc.cam.ac.uk; http://www.ccdc.cam.ac.uk).
Solid-Phase Synthesis of High-Entropy Crystals with the M-Type Hexaferrite Structure in the Ba(Fe,Mn,Zr,Ga,Al)12o19, Ba(Fe,Sn,Zn,Ga,Al)12o19 and (Ba,Sr)(Fe,Ga,In,Al)12o19/B2o3 Systems
Authors:   South Ural State University, Zlatoust, Russian Federation, Zaitseva O. , Zhivulin V. , Punda A. , Trofimov E. ,   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation
Published: December 2023

Experiments to obtain new high-entropy oxide phases with the M-type hexaferrite structure, the composition of which reflects the MeR12O19 formula, were carried out. In this formula, the Me components are Ba, Sr, and in the role of the R components, along with the previously used – Fe, Mn, Al, Ga, In – a number of new components unused previously for these tasks: Zr, Sn, Zn. Taking into account the data presented in the literature, at this stage of the research the studies with samples belonging to three compositions were carried out: Ba(Fe,Mn,Zr,Ga,Al)12O19, Ba(Fe,Sn,Zn,Ga,Al)12O19, and (Ba,Sr)(Fe,Ga,In,Al)12O19/B2O3. In the first case, it was planned to establish whether zirconium can act as a component of the high-entropy phase with the M-type hexaferrite structure. The second composition made it possible to establish whether tin and zinc could be used together as such components (it was assumed that the combination of the tetrava-lent tin and bivalent zinc would make it possible to achieve mutual compensation of the charges of the ions of these metals, obtaining an average value of +3). While studying the third composition, it was planned to study the possibility of using additions of low-melting compo-nents (boron oxide and salts formed by boron oxide and alkaline earth elements) in the process of the formation of crystals of the high-entropy phase. The study of the structure and chemical composition of samples of the Ba(Fe,Mn,Zr,Ga,Al)12O19, Ba(Fe,Sn,Zn,Ga,Al)12O19, and (Ba,Sr)(Fe,Ga,In,Al)12O19/B2O3 systems, obtained by solid-phase synthesis, showed the possibility of formation of high-entropy microcrystals with the M-type hexaferrite structure at all tem-peratures used. In the course of the work carried out, it was found that in the composition of the high-entropy MeR12O19 phase, a number of new components, unused previously for these tasks, can be used as the R components: Zr, Sn, Zn. The use of a low-melting additive in the composi-tion of the mixture based on boron oxide did not lead to a noticeable improvement in the results of crystal growth (and, in addition, the sample naturally turned out to be contaminated by boron compounds). The XRD results demonstrate that an increase in the synthesis temperature (in our case, up to 1400 °C) has a positive effect on its results. All these facts should be taken into ac-count in the course of subsequent experiments to create single-phase samples suitable for study-ing their characteristics.
Difficulties in determining distribution of population sizes within different orchid metapopulations
Authors: Švecová Magdaléna , Štípková Zuzana , Traxmandlová Iva , Kindlmann Pavel
Published: December 2023

When examining the probability of extinction of a given orchid species, the species must be viewed as a metapopulation composed of many individual populations connected by migration. In biology, much attention has been paid to the dynamics of metapopulations, especially in the situation where metapopulation dynamics are affected by active migration of individuals between populations. However, this is not the case with orchids. Their seeds are passively spread by wind, and therefore are unable to actively choose the point where they land (passive migrants, unlike, e.g., butterflies, which can actively look for a suitable site that hosts, hosted or can potentially host a population of their species (active migrants). Thus, while active migrants can often find a suitable destination for their migration, passive migrants often die after landing at an unsuitable site. One would therefore expect that, other things being equal, the proportion of suitable sites inhabited by active migrants is larger than that inhabited by passive migrants. In passive migrants (orchids) we may therefore meet metapopulation dynamics of a different, yet unexplored type, in which some existing localities die out and new localities appear, in the vast majority where no orchids have ever grown before. This type of dynamics has not yet been studied anywhere and this paper is intended to be the first step in this direction. The main goal here is therefore empirical determination of actual distributions of population sizes in different metapopulations. We do it in four regions of the Czech Republic and for four species of orchids, considering the factors that influence it.
FRANTIŠEK STELLNER A KOL., Úvod do studia historie, Praha 2023, Karolinum, 434 s., ISBN 978-80-246-5476-8
Authors: Strupek Jan
Published: December 2023

Recenze
Wokół Istnienia Poszczególnego, niezależności i konieczności
Authors: Kmiecikowski Waldemar
Published: December 2023

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest prezentacja zagadnienia niezależności i konieczności w filozoficznej refleksji Stanisława Ignacego Witkiewicza, które jest stałym komponentem systemu tworzonego przez tego myśliciela. W związku z tym podjęto analizę wybranych reprezentatywnych pism Witkiewicza. Wynikiem rozważań zawartych w artykule jest postulat dyskusji na temat (wykluczonego) Bytu Koniecznego i Tajemnicy Istnienia.
Moralność zwierząt - wokół Dzikiej sprawiedliwości Marca Bekoffa i Jessiki Pierce. Analizy wstępne
Authors: Strzyżyński Przemysław
Published: December 2023

W artykule analizuje się pojęcie moralności zaproponowanego przez Bekoffa i Pierce w kontekście moralności zwierząt w książce Dzika sprawiedliwość. Wykazuje się różnice w porównaniu do rozumienia moralności w kontekście ludzkim. Na tej podstawie sugeruje się używanie nazwy (proto)moralność na zwierzęce zachowania zbliżone do zachowań moralnych ludzi. Część artykułu analizuje pojęcie empatii używane w kontekście zwierząt. W artykule argumentuje się też, aby używać trzeciego rodzaju moralnego statusu (proto)podmiotowości moralnej.
Nazwy motyli w mowie mieszkańców wielkopolskich wsi
Authors: Kobus Justyna
Published: December 2023

W artykule zostały opisane nazwy motyla dziennego i nocnego wyekscerpowane z wielkopolskich źródeł dialektologicznych. Współcześnie pozyskane dane językowe zebrano w ramach projektu edukacyjnego przeprowadzonego na terenie gminy Pobiedziska (pow. Poznań). Na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań terenowych uzyskano – obok nazw ogólnych – zaledwie kilka nazw gatunkowych motyli. Nazwy współczesne zostały zestawione z nazwami wyekscerpowanymi z materiałów archiwalnych AdamaTomaszewskiego i Atlasu języka i kultury ludowej Wielkopolski. W tekście poczyniono także drobne uwagi etymologiczne dotyczące zróżnicowanych na terenie Wielkopolski nazw motyla i ćmy.