bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Al target power density on tribological properties of (Ti, Al)N coatings
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liu Xiansheng , Li Hongtao , Song Shiyu , Qian Chaolang , Li Deye , Tu Chaohui
Published: July 2022

(Ti, Al)N coatings with different Al target power densities on the surface of M2 high-speed steel were deposited by magnetron sputtering to study the tribological properties. The phase composition, microstructure, and element distribution of coatings were characterized by x-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectrometry. The results showed that the tribological properties of the coatings were closely related to the power density of the Al target. With a gradual increase in the Al target power density, the microhardness increased from 1324.7 to 2819.2 HV. Meanwhile, when Al target power density was 7.9 W/cm2, the coatings exhibit the lowest coefficient of friction (COF = 0.23). By comparison, it was found that (Ti, Al)N coatings exhibited a smooth surface, uniformly dense columnar structures, and smaller grain sizes due to the addition of Al atoms. (Ti, Al)N coatings showed a unique microstructure that determined their excellent tribological properties.
The distribution of dioecious plant pollination, sex ratio and seed dispersal research by climate type in Australia
Authors: Draper J. T. , Stanhope J. , Simpson B. S. , Weinstein P.
Published: July 2022

Dioecious-plant life-history characteristics and reproduction vary greatly among species, and have been linked to certain climate and habitat types, particularly tropical and island habitats. Australia is a large, predominantly arid continent, although it also contains mediterranean, temperate and tropical climates. Dioecious plants occupy each of these climate types, with their respective habitats and evolutionary pressures. As a result, dioecious species demonstrate great variation in key reproductive characteristics (pollination mechanism, sex ratio, and seed dispersal), which require understanding so as to conserve dioecious species effectively among climate types. Therefore, to understand dioecious-plant ecology across Australia, research must include all climate types, and investigate reproductive traits in each to better focus conservation strategies. An external factor which could prevent equal study effort across climate types would be geoclimatic preference of study location or biases in researcher interest, causing gaps in practical understanding and less effective dioecious-plant conservation management in understudied systems. To assess the prevalence and nature of dioecious plant research in Australia, we conducted a systematic mapping and scoping review to answer the following questions: (1) what climate zones have been captured by dioecious-plant research in Australia, focusing on pollination, sex ratio and seed dispersal; and (2) what is the distribution of dioecious-plant pollination, sex ratio and seed dispersal research by climate type; of the 43 studies that met the inclusion criteria, 27 (62.8%) studies were conducted in temperate climates, 8 (18.6%) in dry climates, 6 (13.9%) in tropical climates, and 5 (11.6%) in continental climates. Of the three focal areas, pollination studies (n = 24, 75% studies of entomophily) were most common, whereas sex ratio (n = 17, 41% studies of sex ratio over more than one population) and seed dispersal studies (n = 13, 54% of studies investigated abiotic dispersal) were less frequently researched. Considering the climate classification distribution in Australia, studies of dioecious species in dry climates are less prevalent than those in temperate climates. Of the focal areas of research, particularly under-investigated areas were anemophily, biotic seed dispersal, and study of female-biased species. Further studies addressing these gaps would be beneficial to inform conservation initiatives for Australian dioecious plant species. Additionally, it would be informative to investigate whether similar patterns are found in dioecious plant research in other countries with diverse climate types.
Transformation of soil phosphorus fractions: the role of time and fertilisation
Authors: Wang Qiujun , Guo Dejie , Xu Yehong , Ma Yan
Published: July 2022

Context Organic fertilisation may increase soil phosphorus (P) availability and increase risk of P loss to groundwater. Aims To understand the effect of continuously applying organic fertilisers on formation of P fractions. Methods A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different fertilisation (CF, chemical fertiliser; COF, cow dung compost with chemical fertiliser; POF, pig manure compost with chemical fertiliser) on different soil P fractions for five growing seasons. Key results Compared with CF, the COF and POF treatments had significantly higher total P and available P contents in each season. The COF treatment showed the highest concentration of NaOH-Pi; however, POF showed the highest concentration of HCl-Pi in all seasons. There were significant positive correlations between concentrations of total P (r = 0.863, P = 0.001), available P (r = 0.590, P = 0.006), each P fraction (r = 0.447 to 0.862, P = 0.048 to 0.001) and organic carbon concentration. Concentrations of total P (r = −0.473, P = 0.035), available P (r = −0.589, P = 0.006) and each P fraction (except HCl-Pi) (r = −0.711 to −0.476, P = 0.001 to 0.034) showed significant negative correlations with soil pH. Available P concentration showed the highest correlation with concentrations of residual P (r = 0.665, P = 0.007), HCl-Pi (r = 0.413, P = 0.126) and NaOH-Pi (r = 0.282, P = 0.309) in CF, COF and POF treatments, respectively. Conclusions Continuous application of organic fertiliser can significantly improve P availability through impacting distribution of P fractions. Implications Further studies are needed to establish the release risk of each P fraction in soils.
Important challenges in the study of metaphors
Authors: Gibbs Raymond W.
Published: July 2022

The world of metaphor scholarship is amazingly diverse, involving a myriad of empirical methods and theoretical frameworks. This diversity is greatly appealing, given the enormous complexity of metaphorical thinking, language, and human action. This chapter identifies some challenges for metaphor scholars both in doing particular empirical work and in offering theoretical accounts of metaphor and its role in human life. These challenges focus on issues with metaphor identification, the meanings of metaphor in discourse, online metaphor processing, and the metaphorical character of source domains. I see these challenges as “matters for all of us to think about” as we try to explain both the regularities and variations in metaphorical thinking, language, and multimodal action.
Being in the same boat, in two ways
Authors: Kuna Agnes , Bochatay Naike , Kim Sara , Csabai Márta
Published: July 2022

In research on conflicts, the systematic study of metaphors is playing an increasingly prominent role. In the context of a U.S. – Swiss–Hungarian international collaboration investigating conflicts through interviews with healthcare professionals, the present chapter analyzes linguistic and conceptual metaphors in Hungarian interviews. The theoretical background for the analysis is provided by the cognitive theory of metaphor, while its methodology is based on MIPVU.

Moving away from linguistic representations, this study aims to analyze the role of metaphors in the conceptualization, interpretation, and management of conflicts. The chapter presents general, conventionalized orientational and ontological metaphors of conflict, also exploring the core metaphors of the metaphor families of competition and cooperation as well as correlations between conflicts and power structures.
Number of states with given spin I and isospin T for n fermions in a j orbit*
Authors: Yin X. , Zhao Y. M.
Published: July 2022

In this study, we investigate formulas of the number of states with a given total spin I and isospin T for n nucleons in a single-j shell denoted by

. Talmi's recursion formulas for the number of states with a given z-axis projection of total spin are generalized by further considering the isospin couplings and are applied to derive explicit formulas of

.
Flat plate and evacuated tube collectors solar water heater system – A comparative study
Authors: Hujailan Faleh F.F. , Maleque Md Abdul , Mustafizur Md
Published: July 2022

Renewable energy for the sustainable energy application in the buildings are increasing day-by-day. The aim of this study is to compare flat plate and evacuated tube collectors system in solar water heating of urban building. The two types of solar water heater systems were designed and evaluated based on the requirements of the urban building dwellers. The F-chart method along with commercial software was used to study the performance efficiency of the solar water heater system at an operating temperature of 65 °C. An economic analysis was also carried out using the same tool for both types of collectors with the desired designed parameters. The performance efficiency results of flat plate and evacuated tube collector are 77 % and 67.3 %, respectively. The economic analysis showed that flat plate collector is cost-effective for the solar water heater system due to its steadiness and lower maintenance costs.
Tunnel-magnetoresistive-based Pulsed Eddy Current Probe for Inspection of Corrosion under Insulation
Authors: Mohamed Mohamoud Hussein , Sophian Ali , Sulaiman Nadzril , Adesta Erry Yulian Triblas
Published: July 2022

The problem of corrosion in the industrial oil and gas pipes has been one of the major contributors in catastrophic structural failures. Among the various types of corrosion, corrosion under insulation (CUI) has been known to cause serious problems. Pulsed eddy current (PEC) non-destructive testing has shown its effectiveness in detecting hidden CUI. Most PEC systems have been developed by using an inductive coil as their sensing device, while some use a magnetic sensor which potentially offers better resolution. A new probe design based on a solid-state Tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) is presented. TMR sensors offer higher sensitivities compared to other commercially available sensors. The performance of the probe is evaluated by using ferromagnetic mild steel plates that have thicknesses in the range of 8mm to 12mm at different stand-offs with a thin aluminium sheet under the probe. The different thicknesses represent different corrosion levels, while the stand-offs and thin aluminium sheet are to mimic the insulation of different thicknesses and the cladding in the real pipeline structure. The results show an overall mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.19 mm, which is better than our existing Hall-device-based PEC probe.
Temporal Branch Ablation for the Treatment of Facial Rhytids: A New Surgical Technique
Authors: Viterbo Fausto , Fonseca Eduardo , Magnani Lucas V , Neto Balduino F M
Published: July 2022

Background

Frontal wrinkles are a cause of distress for many people as they age. Traditionally, these have been treated with botulinum toxin injections. However, this procedure is not free from complications and has a temporary result. This report describes a procedure involving temporal branch of facial nerve ablation, a novel and simple technique for the treatment and prevention of rhytids.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to introduce this new technique of ablation for the treatment of frontal wrinkles after analyzing 3 options of approach based on the number of ablation lines.

Methods

Fifty-one patients with a mean age of 49 years underwent nerve ablation. The temporal nerve branches were located through electrostimulation. Through a skin puncture in the temporal region, an Abbocath, with part of the plastic coating removed at its base, was introduced. The nerve branches were cauterized in oblique lines with a monopolar electric scalpel. Patients were divided into 3 groups, depending on the number of ablation lines.

Results

The median follow-up period was 20 months (range, 1-50 months). Only 3 (5.7%) patients developed unilateral relapse of muscle activity in the frontal region. Group 6 was statistically superior to Group 1. There was no statistically significant difference between Group 4 and the other 2 groups. More than 70% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the results.

Conclusions

Facial nerve branch ablation is a simple surgical technique for the treatment of forehead rhytids that produces less postoperative pain, features rapid recovery, and, above all, offers long-lasting results.

Level of Evidence: 4
When the end modifies its means: the origins of novelty and the evolution of innovation
Authors: Moczek Armin P
Published: July 2022

The origin of novel complex traits constitutes a central yet largely unresolved challenge in evolutionary biology. Intriguingly, many of the most promising breakthroughs in understanding the genesis of evolutionary novelty in recent years have occurred not in evolutionary biology itself, but through the comparative study of development and, more recently, the interface of developmental biology and ecology. Here, I discuss how these insights are changing our understanding of what matters in the origin of novel, complex traits in ontogeny and evolution. Specifically, my essay has two major objectives. First, I discuss how the nature of developmental systems biases the production of phenotypic variation in the face of novel or stressful environments toward functional, integrated and, possibly, adaptive variants. This, in turn, allows the production of novel phenotypes to precede (rather than follow) changes in genotype and allows developmental processes that are the product of past evolution to shape evolutionary change that has yet to occur. Second, I explore how this nature of developmental systems has itself evolved over time, increasing the repertoire of ontogenies to pursue a wider range of objectives across an expanding range of conditions, thereby creating an increasingly extensive affordance landscape in development and developmental evolution. Developmental systems and their evolution can thus be viewed as dynamic processes that modify their own means across ontogeny and phylogeny. The study of these dynamics necessitates more than the strict reductionist approach that currently dominates the fields of developmental and evolutionary developmental biology.
Visual snow syndrome and the emperor’s new clothes
Authors: Kondziella Daniel
Published: July 2022

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Microstructure in patients with visual snow syndrome: an ultra-high field morphological and quantitative MRI study’, by Strik et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcac164)
Shared Parental Leave: Can Transferable Maternity Leave Ever Encourage Fathers to Care?
Authors: Mitchell Gemma
Published: July 2022

Shared parental leave made some maternity leave transferable in the UK. The aim was to improve the position of working parents, particularly mothers, by encouraging fathers to take on more of a caring role. It has been widely acknowledged that the legislation has failed to achieve this. This article considers whether the reasons for this failure are due to the specifics of the UK’s legislative scheme itself or the model of transferable maternity leave. Comparing the experience of other countries with transferable maternity leave shows that solving many of the issues with the UK legislation would not be enough to encourage fathers to care. Instead, such comparison shows that the model of transferable maternity leave can never be the most effective tool to encourage fathers to care because it will always prioritise mothers’ caring role.
Ordering as an Alternative to Indirect Co-Perpetration
Authors: Block Johannes
Published: July 2022

This article explores the issue of leadership criminality with a view to construing it as ordering liability under Article 25(3)(b) of the ICC Statute. It outlines the requirements of ordering liability as they can be deduced from the practice of international criminal tribunals and the International Criminal Court. In a case study, it applies these criteria to the conduct of Bosco Ntaganda to ascertain whether he could have been convicted for ordering crimes. Based on the case study, the article discusses whether ordering, as a form of criminal responsibility, should be preferred to the theory of indirect (co-)perpetration.
Proteomic and miRNA profiling of radon-induced skin damage in mice: FASN regulated by miRNAs
Authors: Mo Wei , Xu Wanglei , Hong Min , Yang Tingyi , Shi Yuhong , Jiao Yang , Nie Jihua , Cui Fengmei , Cao Jianping , Zhang Shuyu
Published: July 2022

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and considered as a serious carcinogen to humans. Continuous radioactive decay of this gas emits high-energy alpha particles. Long-term radon exposure induces oxidative stress and inflammatory response, which results in chronic lung diseases. However, biological effects after radon exposure in other organs have been rarely reported. As the outermost organ of the human body, the skin suffers from environmental damage to agents such as air pollution. Epidemiological studies indicated that areas with high level of radon had a high incidence of skin cancer. However, whether radon exposure induces skin damage has not been reported yet. In this study, we established a radon-exposed mouse model and found that radon exposure affected the structure of skin tissues, which was manifested by inflammatory cell infiltration and skin atrophy. Using proteomic approach, we found 45 preferentially expressed proteins in 60 Working Level Months (WLM) group and 314 preferentially expressed proteins in 120 WLM group from radon-exposed skin tissues. Through microRNA (miRNA) sequencing profiling analysis, 57 dysregulated miRNAs were screened between the control and radon-treated mouse skin. By integrating the dysregulated proteins and miRNAs, radon-induced fatty acid synthase (FASN) was investigated in greater detail. Results showed that FASN was regulated by miR-206-3p and miR-378a-3p and involved in the pathogenesis of radon-induced skin damage. Overexpression of FASN inhibited the proliferation, and induced in WS1 cells. Our present findings illustrate the molecular change during radon-induced skin damage and the potential role of FASN during this process.
What is the ideal management of Krukenberg syndrome?
Authors: Arró Ortiz Carolina , Ramallo Darío , Guerrini Nicolás
Published: July 2022

We present the case of a 34-year-old female patient diagnosed with Krukenberg Syndrome, in which we performed total cytoreduction surgery of the lesions, with subsequent perioperative chemotherapy. After a follow-up of three years, we observe she continues without evidence of disease. In the early 1990’s Sugarbaker et al. introduced cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) as a new innovative therapy option for selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Nowadays, there is no established treatment for patients with peritoneal metastasis of colorectal cancer. There is a need for the future high-quality randomized multicenter trials to make a strong recommendation.
Does the Reader Fear God for Nothing?
Authors: Schwáb Zoltán
Published: July 2022

God’s speeches in Job 38–41 have been criticized by some for their arrogant tone and celebrated by others for their non-anthropocentric worldview. While these interpretations address important features of the text, they are too simple. Rather than having a non-anthropocentric perspective, God hides his fascination with Job in order to raise him to a new level of selflessness. Similarly, rather than simply being arrogant, God hides his care for Job, which also serves a pedagogical purpose. God wants Job to experience a completely unselfish fear of his maker that does not expect anything in exchange, not even God’s loving attention. While readers reflect on Job’s response, they also reflect on their own: are they willing to fear God for nothing in return?
In vitro and in vivo studies on bacteria and encrustation resistance of heparin/poly-L-lysine-Cu nanoparticles coating mediated by PDA for ureteral stent application
Authors: Awonusi Bukola O , Li Jianzhong , Li Hongwei , Wang Zhenyu , Yang Ke , Zhao Jing
Published: July 2022

Ureteral stents are commonly utilized as a medical device to aid the flow of urine. However, biofilm formation and encrustation complications have been clinical problems. To overcome this challenge, heparin/poly-L-lysine-copper (Hep/PLL-Cu) nanoparticle was immobilized on a dopamine-coated polyurethane surface (PU/NPs). The stability and structural properties of the nanoparticles were characterized by Zeta potential, poly dispersion index, transmission electron microscopy, atom force microscopy and contact angle. The surface composition, antibacterial potency, encrustation resistance rate and biocompatibility of PU/NPs were investigated by scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, antibacterial assay and MTS assay, respectively. In addition, the anti-encrustation property was studied by implanting coated NPs stents in the rat bladder for 7 days. It was shown that the size and distribution of Hep/PLL-Cu nanoparticles were uniform. PU/NPs could inhibit Proteus mirabilis proliferation and biofilm formation, and exhibit no cytotoxicity. Less encrustation (Ca and Mg salt) was deposited both in vitro and in vivo on samples, demonstrating that the NPs coating could be a potential surface modification method of ureteral material for clinical use.
How Dissemination and Implementation Science Can Contribute to the Advancement of Learning Health Systems
Authors: Trinkley Katy E. , Ho P. Michael , Glasgow Russell E. , Huebschmann Amy G.
Published: July 2022

Many health systems are working to become learning health systems (LHSs), which aim to improve the value of health care by rapidly, continuously generating evidence to apply to practice. However, challenges remain to advance toward the aspirational goal of becoming a fully mature LHS. While some important challenges have been well described (i.e., building system-level supporting infrastructure and the accessibility of inclusive, integrated, and actionable data), other key challenges are underrecognized, including balancing evaluation rapidity with rigor, applying principles of health equity and classic ethics, focusing on external validity and reproducibility (generalizability), and designing for sustainability. Many LHSs focus on continuous learning cycles, but with limited consideration of issues related to the rapidity of these learning cycles, as well as the sustainability or generalizability of solutions. Some types of data have been consistently underrepresented, including patient-reported outcomes and preferences, social determinants, and behavioral and environmental data, the absence of which can exacerbate health disparities. A promising approach to addressing many challenges that LHSs face may be found in dissemination and implementation (D&I) science. With an emphasis on multilevel dynamic contextual factors, representation of implementation partner engagement, pragmatic research, sustainability, and generalizability, D&I science methods can assist in overcoming many of the challenges facing LHSs. In this article, the authors describe the current state of LHSs and challenges to becoming a mature LHS, propose solutions to current challenges, focusing on the contributions of D&I science with other methods, and propose key components and characteristics of a mature LHS model that others can use to plan and develop their LHSs.
Maternal blood metal concentrations are associated with C-reactive protein and cell adhesion molecules among pregnant women in Puerto Rico
Authors: Kim Christine , Cathey Amber L. , Watkins Deborah J. , Mukherjee Bhramar , Rosario-Pabón Zaira Y. , Vélez-Vega Carmen M. , Alshawabkeh Akram N. , Cordero José F. , Meeker John D.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Studies have revealed a link between aberrant levels of maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) with adverse birth outcomes. Some epidemiologic studies have indicated that long-term metal exposures can modulate the levels of CRP and CAMs, but the associations between prenatal metal exposures and the levels of CRP and CAMs have yet to be studied more extensively. In this study, we assessed associations between maternal blood metal levels and CRP/CAMs among 617 pregnant women in the Puerto Rico PROTECT birth cohort.

Methods:

Blood samples were collected from participants at 16–20 (visit 1) and 24–28 (visit 3) weeks gestation. We measured concentrations of 11 metals using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). From the blood samples, CRP and CAMs intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) were also quantified using a customized Luminex assay. Linear-mixed effects models (LMEs) were used to regress CRP and CAMs on metals and included random intercepts for study participants to account for correlated repeated outcome measures. Fetal sex and visit effects were estimated using interaction terms between metal exposure variables and fetal sex, as well as visit indicators, respectively.

Results:

We observed significant positive associations between nickel and CRP (Δ: 7.04, 95% CI = 0.75, 13.73) and between lead and VCAM (Δ: 4.57, 95% CI = 1.36, 7.89). The positive associations were mainly driven by mothers carrying male fetuses. We also observed various visit-specific associations. The significant associations between metals and CRP were predominantly driven by visit 3; however, the significant associations between metals and VCAM were mainly driven by visit 1.

Conclusion:

Certain maternal blood metal levels were significantly associated with CRP and CAMs and most of these associations were differentially driven by fetal sex, as well as by timing in pregnancy. Future studies should further explore metal-CRP/CAMs associations for a better understanding of the underlying mechanism of metal-induced adverse birth outcomes.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF CHORIOCAPILLARIS ALTERATIONS IN SWEPT-SOURCE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY-ANGIOGRAPHY DURING RADIATION RETINOPATHY
Authors: Gilli Christelle , Kodjikian Laurent , Loria Olivier , Jabour Charles , Rosier Laurence , Nhari Maxime , Nguyen Anh Minh , Herault Joël , Thariat Juliette , Salleron Julia , Mathis Thibaud
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate choriocapillaris alterations following proton beam therapy irradiation using swept-source optical coherence tomography-angiography, and to assess their correlation with the grade of radiation retinopathy (RR).

Methods:

Eyes with uveal melanoma evaluated before and after irradiation with proton beam therapy were included, as well as the healthy fellow eye. The gradation of RR was based on a previously published classification. Choriocapillaris flow voids area was analyzed using Phansalkar thresholding. Retinal vascularization was described by foveal avascular zone (FAZ) perimeter, FAZ area, FAZ circularity index, and percentage of nonperfusion area (PAN) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) or deep capillary plexus.

Results:

A total of 157 eyes of 83 patients were analyzed. Overall, there was a significant difference between the control group, the uveal melanoma before proton beam therapy group, and the grades of RR in the uveal melanoma after proton beam therapy group for FAZ perimeter (P < 0.001), FAZ area (P < 0.001), FAZ-circularity index (P < 0.001), PAN-SCP (P < 0.001), PAN-deep capillary plexus (P < 0.001), and choriocapillaris flow voids area (P < 0.001). Moreover, choriocapillaris flow voids area was significantly increased in the early stages of RR (P = 0.003) and was further significantly correlated with FAZ perimeter (P < 0.001), FAZ area (P < 0.001), FAZ-circularity index (P = 0.010), PAN-SCP (P < 0.001), and PAN-deep capillary plexus (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Quantitative optical coherence tomography-angiography alterations in the choriocapillaris microvascularization are an early biomarker of RR and are correlated to the severity of the disease.
Neonatal nurse practitioner job satisfaction, workforce environment, and mental well-being
Authors: Snapp Barbara , McCutchon Elizabeth Welch , Moore Tiffany A. , Teel Dedra
Published: July 2022

Background:

Increased demand for nurse practitioners emphasizes the importance of consistent and ongoing collection of data to provide a better understanding of the NNP workforce and to promote retention and recruitment of NNPs.

Purpose:

To understand how work environment and work hours influence job or career satisfaction.

Methodology:

The National Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners in collaboration with the National Certification Corporation emailed an online survey to all 6,558 certified neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) in 2020 with 845 (12.8%) responding. Subjects included those with responsibilities in direct patient care, transport NPs, faculty/directors, and advanced practice registered nurse coordinators/managers/administrators.

Results:

Satisfaction with career choice as an NNP was reported as very satisfied by 58% (n = 493) and mostly satisfied by 37% (n = 310). Satisfaction with current job as an NNP was reported as very satisfied for 30% (n = 252), with 51% being mostly satisfied (n = 435). Age influenced satisfaction scores, with NNPs aged 61 years or older having a higher mean score than NNPs aged 31–40 years (p = .041). The majority of NNPs did not use all of their available paid time off (72%; n = 609) and respondents worked an additional 248 extra hours per year. NNPs experience bullying (58%) and/or lateral violence (32%). Seventeen percent have called in sick for mental health reasons (n = 147).

Conclusions:

Neonatal nurse practitioners' satisfaction is multifactorial. Those who reported taking time off for self-prescribed mental health indicated less job satisfaction, more work hours, poor work/life balance, and a less-than-optimum work environment.

Implications:

Overall, NNPs are satisfied with their career choice but are less satisfied with their job choice. Understanding factors that influence mental well-being and job satisfaction will improve recruitment and retention of nurse practitioners.
Progress in pediatric obesity: new and advanced therapies
Authors: Cuda Suzanne , Censani Marisa
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

In this review, we discuss new medical and surgical options for the treatment of children and adolescents with obesity. We review the impact of COVID-19 on this vulnerable population. We also discuss the recent availability of screening tests for rare genetic causes of obesity.

Recent findings

COVID-19 increased the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents. This population is at increased risk for severe disease. The field of pediatric obesity has benefited from the approval of two new antiobesity medications: liraglutide and setmelanotide. We discuss indications for their use. New guidelines for surgical options for the treatment of children and adolescents with obesity are reviewed. These options are increasingly used as part of the comprehensive care for these children.

The epidemic of childhood obesity continues. COVID-19 and the associated isolation contributed to the problem. However, promising new medical and surgical therapies and screening tests for rare genetic causes of obesity are available. These new diagnostic and therapeutic options bring renewed enthusiasm to the treatment of children and adolescents with obesity and increased recognition that obesity is a chronic disease starting in childhood deserving intervention to prevent consequences.
iOBPdb – A Database for Experimentally Determined Functional Characterization of Odorant Binding Proteins
Authors: Shukla Shalabh , Nakano-Baker Oliver , MacKenzie Devin , Sarikaya Mehmet
Published: July 2022

Summary/Abstract

Odorant binding proteins, OBPs, are a diverse family of small, globular, extra-cellular proteins solubilize volatile organic compounds (VOCs) so they can be internalized and transported by an organism. Since their initial discovery in the early eighties 1, thousands of OBPs have been identified through genome sequencing and characterized by fluorescence ligand binding assays 2. While individual OBPs have been studied in the context of their roles in specific organism, there have been no studies towards the understanding of the comparative structure-function relations of all known OBPs, primarily due to a lack of a centralized database that incorporates the binding affinity with the structure of all OBPs. Incorporating OBP information into a database requires not only an extensive search of all existing resources, but also creating a useful platform that relates sequence structures to target functions. Combining 215 functional studies containing 381 unique OBPs from 91 insect species we created a database, iOBPdb: https://iobpdb.herokuapp.com, of OBP binding affinities for a wide range of VOC targets. We demonstrate here that the construction of this initial database provides powerful search and associative capabilities including interrogating odor binding proteins as clusters and groups by sequence similarity versus protein and target molecular weights, and by the functional groups of the VOC targets. The comparative interrogation of the probe-target recognition allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying structural features of all OBPs that had not been possible by only examining the OBPs individually. We present our results in a variety of phylogenetic representations as well as providing the binding profiles of OBP groups to VOC functional moieties. Potential applications include development of molecular probes for biosensors, novel bioassays and drugs, discovery of novel pesticides which inhibit VOC / OBP interactions, as well providing a foundational basis for the functional understanding of odor sensing and perception in the brain.

Abstract Figure
The cost of information acquisition by natural selection
Authors: McGee Ryan Seamus , Kosterlitz Olivia , Kaznatcheev Artem , Kerr Benjamin , Bergstrom Carl T.
Published: July 2022

Natural selection enriches genotypes that are well-adapted to their environment. Over successive generations, these changes to the frequencies of types accumulate information about the selective conditions. Thus, we can think of selection as an algorithm by which populations acquire information about their environment. Kimura (1961) pointed out that every bit of information that the population gains this way comes with a minimum cost in terms of unrealized fitness (substitution load). Due to the gradual nature of selection and ongoing mismatch of types with the environment, a population that is still gaining information about the environment has lower mean fitness than a counter-factual population that already has this information. This has been an influential insight, but here we find that experimental evolution of Escherichia coli with mutations in a RNA polymerase gene (rpoB) violates Kimura’s basic theory. To overcome the restrictive assumptions of Kimura’s substitution load and develop a more robust measure for the cost of selection, we turn to ideas from computational learning theory. We reframe the ‘learning problem’ faced by an evolving population as a population versus environment (PvE) game, which can be applied to settings beyond Kimura’s theory – such as stochastic environments, frequency-dependent selection, and arbitrary environmental change. We show that the learning theoretic concept of ‘regret’ measures relative lineage fitness and rigorously captures the efficiency of selection as a learning process. This lets us establish general bounds on the cost of information acquisition by natural selection. We empirically validate these bounds in our experimental system, showing that computational learning theory can account for the observations that violate Kimura’s theory. Finally, we note that natural selection is a highly effective learning process in that selection is an asymptotically optimal algorithm for the problem faced by evolving populations, and no other algorithm can consistently outperform selection in general. Our results highlight the centrality of information to natural selection and the value of computational learning theory as a perspective on evolutionary biology.
Leveraging Serosurveillance and Postmortem Surveillance to Quantify the Impact of COVID-19 in Africa
Authors: Kogan Nicole E. , Gantt Shae , Swerdlow David , Viboud Cécile , Semakula Muhammed , Lipsitch Marc , Santillana Mauricio
Published: July 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on global health, the magnitude of which appears to differ intercontinentally: for example, reports suggest 271,900 per million people have been infected in Europe versus 8,800 per million people in Africa. While Africa is the second largest continent by population, its reported COVID-19 cases comprise <3% of global cases. Although social, environmental, and environmental explanations have been proposed to clarify this discrepancy, systematic infection underascertainment may be equally responsible.

Methods

We seek to quantify magnitude of underascertainment in COVID-19’s cumulative incidence in Africa. Using serosurveillance and postmortem surveillance, we constructed multiplicative factors estimating ratios of true infections to reported cases in African nations since March 2020.

Results

Multiplicative factors derived from serology data – in a subset of 12 nations – suggested a range of COVID-19 reporting rates, from 1 in 630 infections reported in Kenya (May 2020) to 1 in 15 infections reported in South Africa (November 2021). The largest multiplicative factor, 3,795, corresponded to Malawi (June 2020), suggesting <0.05% of infections captured. A similar set of multiplicative factors for all nations derived from postmortem data points toward the same conclusion: reported COVID-19 cases are unrepresentative of true infections, suggesting a key reason for low case burden in many African nations is significant underdetection and underreporting.

Conclusions

While estimating COVID-19’s exact burden is challenging, the multiplicative factors we present provide incidence curves reflecting likely-to-worst-case ranges of infection. Our results stress the need for expansive surveillance to allocate resources in areas experiencing severe discrepancies between reported cases, projected infections, and deaths.

Here we present a range of estimates quantifying the extent of underascertainment of COVID-19 cumulative incidence in Africa. These estimates, constructed from serology and mortality data, suggest that systematic underdetection and underreporting may be contributing to the seemingly low burden of COVID-19 reported in Africa.
Short repeat RNA reduces cytotoxicity by preventing the aggregation of TDP-43 and its 25 kDa carboxy-terminal fragment
Authors: Fujimoto Ai , Kinjo Masataka , Kitamura Akira
Published: July 2022

TAR DNA/RNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) proteinopathy is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in which cytoplasmic aggregates containing TDP-43 and its C-terminal fragments, such as TDP25, are observed in degenerative neuronal cells. However, few reports have focused on small molecules that can reduce their aggregation and cytotoxicity. Here, we show that short RNA repeats of GGGGCC and AAAAUU are aggregation-suppressors of TDP-43 and TDP25. TDP25 interacts with these RNAs, as well as TDP-43, despite the lack of major RNA-recognition motifs, using fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy. Expression of these RNAs significantly decreases the cells harboring cytoplasmic aggregates of TDP-43 and TDP25 and ameliorates rounded and shrinking cells by mislocalized TDP-43; furthermore, the cellular transcriptome is not altered. Consequently, these RNAs can maintain proteostasis by preventing aggregation of TDP-43 and TDP25.
Waning of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced immunity: A systematic review and secondary data analysis
Authors: Menegale Francesco , Manica Mattia , Zardini Agnese , Guzzetta Giorgio , Marziano Valentina , d’Andrea Valeria , Trentini Filippo , Ajelli Marco , Poletti Piero , Merler Stefano
Published: July 2022

Background

The emergence of Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2021 was followed by a marked increase of breakthrough infections. Estimates of vaccine effectiveness (VE) in the long term are key to assess potential resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the future.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of manuscripts published until June 21, 2022 to identify studies reporting the level of protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptomatic disease at different time points since vaccine administration. An exponential model was used to perform a secondary data analysis of the retrieved data to estimate the progressive waning of VE associated with different vaccine products, numbers of received doses, and SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Findings

Our results show that VE of BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccines against any laboratory confirmed infection with Delta might have been lower than 70% at 9 months from second dose administration. We found a marked immune escape associated with Omicron infection and symptomatic disease, both after the administration of two and three doses. The half-life of protection against symptomatic infection provided by two doses was estimated in the range of 178-456 days for Delta, and between 66 and 73 days for Omicron. Booster doses were found to restore the VE to levels comparable to those acquired soon after administration of the second dose; however, a fast decline of booster VE against Omicron was observed, with less than 20% VE against infection and less than 25% VE against symptomatic disease at 9 months from the booster administration.

Conclusions

This study provides a cohesive picture of the waning of vaccine protection; obtained estimates can inform the identification of appropriate targets and timing for future COVID-19 vaccination programs.
Patterns of mortality in domesticated ruminants in Ethiopia
Authors: Innocent Giles T. , Vance Ciara , Ewing David , McKendrick Iain J. , Hailemariam Solomon , Nwankpa Veronica R. , Allan Fiona K. , Schnier Christian , Peters Andrew R.
Published: July 2022

Background

In Ethiopia, there are limited data on the causes of ruminant mortality and reproductive losses which is hampering the development of interventions to improve livestock health. The present study aimed to establish the causes and magnitude of mortality and reproductive losses in cattle, sheep and goats across all smallholder production systems in Ethiopia.

Methods

The study, consisting of three data sources, was conducted to collect data on mortality and reproductive losses in cattle, sheep and goats. Nine regional states; Afar, Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambela, Harari, Oromia, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region, Somali, and Tigray were surveyed, as well as the city administrations of Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa. Questionnaire surveys were conducted with farmers and key stakeholders, as well as data collected from regional diagnostic laboratories. Data from the Living Standards Measurement Study were also included. Generalised linear mixed and hurdle models were used for data analysis, with results summarized using predicted outcomes.

Results

Analyses indicated that most herds experienced zero mortality and reproductive losses, with rare occasions of larger losses. Diseases causing deaths varied greatly both geographically and over time. There was little agreement between the different datasets. While the models aid the understanding of patterns of mortality and reproductive losses, the degree of variation observed limited the predictive scope.

Conclusions

The models revealed some insight into why mortality rates are variable over time and are therefore less useful in measuring production or health status, and it is suggested that alternative measures of productivity, such as young stock mortality, would be more stable over time and likely more indicative.
Paracoccin impacts on Paracoccidioides brasiliensis virulence and susceptibility to antifungal drugs by modifying the expression of genes related to remodeling of the yeasts cell wall
Authors: Pitangui Nayla de Souza , Fernandes Fabrício Freitas , da Silva Thiago Aparecido , Gonçales Relber Aguiar , Roque-Barreira Maria Cristina
Published: July 2022

The study of the paracoccin lectin (PCN) has provided knowledge about its role in the biology of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and in the pathogenesis of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). In this context, PCN has proved to be a promising immunomodulatory agent for the exploration of vaccine target molecules and/or for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Previous investigations allowed establishing PCN as a factor of fungal virulence. However, the effect PCN exerts on the yeast’s resistance to antifungal pharmacological agents used to treat human PCM are not known. Therefore, this work characterizes the role of PCN functional duality on virulence and susceptibility of P. brasiliensis to antifungal drugs. We show that the PCN overexpression increases the virulence of P. brasiliensis yeasts in an alternative model of infection, induces high susceptibility in vitro and in vivo of P. brasiliensis yeasts to antifungal therapy, and impact reducing relative mRNA expression of genes encoding proteins related to cell wall degradation. Conversely, PCN silencing minimized the yeasts’ virulence in Galleria mellonella, correlates with the lowest susceptibility to treatment with antifungal agent in vivo and impact differently from the PCN overexpression on the relative expression of markers related to P. brasiliensis yeasts cell wall remodelling. Our study demonstrates the impact of endogenous PCN on the P. brasiliensis yeasts’ virulence vs. susceptibility to antifungal drugs, the fungal biology, and the relationship of the yeasts-host cells.
CHCHD2 mediates glioblastoma cell proliferation, mitochondrial metabolism, hypoxia-induced invasion, and therapeutic resistance
Authors: Lumibao Jan C. , Haak Payton , Kolossov Vladimir L. , Chen Jee-Wei Emily , Stutchman Jeremy , Ruiz Alejandra , Sivaguru Mayandi , Sarkaria Jann N. , Harley Brendan A. C. , Steelman Andrew J. , Gaskins H. Rex
Published: July 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and malignant primary brain tumor in adults and remains incurable. The mitochondrial coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain-containing protein 2 (CHCHD2) is demonstrated to mediate mitochondrial respiration, nuclear gene expression, and cell migration, but evidence of this in GBM is lacking. We hypothesized that CHCHD2 would serve a functional role in U87 GBM cells expressing the constitutively active epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII). Amplification of the CHCHD2 gene was found to be associated with decreased patient overall survival and progression-free survival. CHCHD2 mRNA levels were increased in high-versus low-grade glioma, IDH-wt GBMs, and in tumor versus non-tumor tissue. Additionally, CHCHD2 protein expression was greatest in invasive, EGFRvIII-expressing patient-derived samples. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout of CHCHD2 in EGFRvIII-expressing U87 cells resulted in altered mitochondrial respiration and glutathione status, decreased cell growth and invasion in both normoxia and hypoxia, and increased sensitivity to cytotoxic agents. CHCHD2 was distributed in both mitochondria and nuclei of U87 and U87vIII cells, and U87vIII displayed greater nuclear CHCHD2 compared to isogenic U87 cells. Incubation in hypoxia, serum starvation, and reductive unfolding of CHCHD2 induced nuclear accumulation of CHCHD2 in both cell lines. Collectively, these data indicate that CHCHD2 mediates a variety of GBM cell hallmark characteristics and highlights mitonuclear retrograde signaling as a pathway of interest in GBM cell biology.

Implications

These data demonstrate CHCHD2 as a mediator of a number of GBM cell functions representing disease hallmarks, as well as highlight its subcellular distribution in response to metabolic stressors. These results may inspire therapeutic strategies undermining mitochondrial biology to potentially improve GBM tumor management.