bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La négociation collective dans le secteur du travail domestique et son rôle dans la réglementation et la formalisation de cette activité en Italie
Authors: SEIFFARTH Marlene
Published: September 2023

La négociation collective étant rare dans le secteur du travail domestique, la recherche ne s'est pas encore intéressée à son rôle dans la réglementation et la formalisation de cette activité. L'Italie, qui est l'un des pays d'Europe comptant le plus de travailleurs domestiques, est aussi l'un des rares pays dotés d'une convention collective, négociée depuis 1974 par les syndicats et les associations de ménages employeurs. L'analyse qualitative par entretiens présentée ici décrit les difficultés et limites rencontrées, mais aussi le processus de formalisation permis par la négociation collective et l'engagement des partenaires sociaux dans une profession où les femmes immigrées sont surreprésentées.
Green and eco‐friendly biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Calendula officinalis flower extract: Wound healing potential and antioxidant activity
Authors: Aydin Acar Cigdem , Gencer Muhammet Abdurrahim , Pehlivanoglu Suray , Yesilot Sukriye , Donmez Soner
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to produce zinc oxide nanoparticles with Calendula officinalis flower extract (Co‐ZnO NPs) using the green synthesis method. In addition, the antioxidant and wound healing potential of synthesized ZnO NPs were evaluated. The absorbance band at 355 nm, which is typical for ZnO NPs, was determined from the UV–Vis absorbance spectrum. The energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) measurements revealed a high zinc content of 42.90%. The x‐ray diffractometer data showed Co‐ZnO NPs with an average crystallite size of 17.66 nm. The Co‐ZnO NPs did not have apparent cytotoxicity up to 10 μg/mL (IC50 25.96 μg/mL). C. officinalis ZnO NPs showed partial cell migration and percent wound closure (69.1%) compared with control (64.8%). In addition, antioxidant activities of Co‐ZnO NPs with 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2 diphenyl‐1 picrylhydrazil (DPPH) were evaluated and radical scavenging activity of 33.49% and 46.63%, respectively, was determined. These results suggest that C. officinalis extract is an effective reducing agent for the green synthesis of ZnO NPs with significant antioxidant and wound healing potential.
Clawbacks, Holdbacks, and CEO Contracting
Authors: Gillan Stuart L. , Nguyen Nga Q.
Published: September 2023

“Clawbacks” are much discussed in the context of senior executive compensation, yet the discussion has largely ignored the presence of holdbacks that are already in place in many firms. Holdbacks are deferred compensation that is potentially foregone in the event that the CEO leaves the firm without good reason or they are dismissed for wrong‐doing. They are explicit or written features of a CEOs employment contract.

Holdbacks are already in use at 70% of S&P 500 firms and average $18.4 million each. Firms with higher CEO replacement costs, greater information asymmetry, a recent bad experience (fraud, lawsuit, or restatement), or in more certain environments are more likely to have a holdback. In contrast, clawback adoptions are mainly driven by firms' bad experiences and external pressure from shareholders. Holdbacks and incentive‐based compensation are substitutes, as termination incentives can reduce the need for incentive compensation. As managers reasonably demand a premium for accepting risky compensation, a measure of abnormal compensation is positively associated with holdbacks, but there is no significant association between clawbacks and holdbacks.

These findings suggest that the holdbacks many firms already have in place could help an “ex‐post settling up” in the event of financial misconduct, or even simply misstated financials. As companies have more control over the amounts held back ex‐ante, holdbacks are potentially more efficient.
How to Evaluate Risk Management Units in Financial Institutions?
Authors: Gelman Michael , Greenberg Doron , Rosenboim Mosi
Published: September 2023

Based on the existing Enterprise Risk Management framework and current government regulations, “banks are required to establish risk management units (RMUs) to review and evaluate their risks, monitor them, and to advise top management.” Currently an integral part of the risk governance and management process, RMUs in financial institutions have become increasingly important since the 2007–2008 financial crisis.

This article details the authors' creation of an index to evaluate the performance of risk management units in financial institutions, and then examines some of their findings. The index transforms twelve parameters into a simple and convenient index that isolates the RMU's activities from the rest of the organizational risk management process, its risk preferences and the activities of the rest of the units. The index's parameters are divided into three dimensions of the RMU's performance: professionalism, organizational status and relationship with top management and the board.

The authors found a positive relationship between their RMUI and some important risk governance characteristics: CROs who are among the five highest paid executives at the bank, banks with at least one independent director serving on the board's risk committee having banking and finance experience and boards with greater efficacy.
Corporate Finance and Sustainability: the Case of the Electric Utility Industry
Authors: Kihm Steven , Cappers Peter , Satchwell Andrew , Graffy Elisabeth
Published: September 2023

The electric utility industry is in transition but needs to move even faster if the country is to meet its emissions goals. The industry has historically moved cautiously, but policies and regulatory approaches must avoid unintentionally reinforcing the status quo. Incentive‐oriented policies and redesigned regulations must balance environmental sustainability with economic sustainability.

The authors draw on well‐established corporate finance principles to guide more effective policies. Shareholder‐focused utility executives must make investments conditioned by three elements: (1) the return on equity the utility can expect to make on each project; (2) the investors' required return on equity capital for each project; and (3) the size of the investment.

The well‐established economic value added (EVA) model can assist policy analysis: V=(r‐k)I; where V is the shareholder value created, r is the return on equity, k is the return investors require if they are to invest in the stock, and I is the scale of the project. Any new incremental V translates into higher stock prices.

All three elements of their model (i.e., risk, return, and scale) require attention by regulators and policymakers to create value for shareholders. The authors show how the right state policies could create powerful incentives for shareholder focused utility executives to support such transitions.
Conditioning on the causal network prevents indirect response to selection
Authors: Bonamy Martin , Fernández María Elena , Giovambattista Guillermo , Munilla Sebastián
Published: September 2023

Multiple trait animal models (MTM) allow to estimate the breeding values (BV) of several traits simultaneously while accounting for genetic and environmental correlations among them. However, relationships among traits may not be reciprocal but rather causal in nature. In these cases, and given a causal network, structural equations models (SEM) arise as a more appropriate methodology. Although MTM and SEM have been shown to be parametrically equivalent, the estimated breeding value (EBV) obtained from either one or the other should be interpreted differently. In this study, we investigated the impact of using these estimates on the response to selection for a causal network comprising five different traits through a stochastic simulation experiment. Three different selection targets were assayed, involving traits located upstream, midstream and downstream this causal network. We first considered the case in which traits were causally related but not genetically correlated. The current results support our hypothesis that MTM will absorb causal relationships as genetic correlations and, consequently, change the response to selection achieved as compared with SEM. We found no differences on the response to selection when the target trait was located at the top of the causal network, but noticeable differences were detected on upstream traits when selection pressure was placed on midstream or downstream traits. We also assayed a scenario in which causal effects and genetic correlations act simultaneously and found that selection based on BVs estimated using SEM diminished the indirect response in traits upstream the causal network.
Association between hemoglobin concentration and hypertension risk in native Tibetans at high altitude
Authors: Liu Xueting , Yang Changqiang , Zhang Xin , Ye Runyu , Li Xinran , Zhang Zhipeng , Jia Shanshan , Sun Lirong , Meng Qingtao , Chen Xiaoping
Published: September 2023

Previous studies examining the association between hemoglobin concentration and hypertension have yielded inconsistent results. There is still a lack of evidence regarding the association between hemoglobin concentration and hypertension risk in native Tibetans at high altitude. We performed this cross‐sectional study in Luhuo County of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (average altitude of 3500 m). In this study, we enrolled 1547 native Tibetans. The association between hemoglobin concentration and hypertension risk was examined by multivariate binary logistic regression and smooth curve fitting. Native Tibetans with hypertension had significantly higher hemoglobin concentrations than those without hypertension (165.9 ± 21.5 g/L vs. 157.7 ± 19.2 g/L, P < 0.001). An increase in hemoglobin concentration of 1 g/L was associated with hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.02) after confounder adjustment. The highest hemoglobin concentration group (exceeding 173 g/L) was associated with an increased hypertension risk compared with the bottom quartile of hemoglobin concentration (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.48–3.85). Hemoglobin concentration (per 1 g/L change) exceeding 176 g/L was significantly associated with an increased hypertension risk (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03–1.06). Additionally, high‐altitude polycythemia significantly increased the hypertension risk compared with a normal hemoglobin concentration (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.25–6.86). A similar result was observed for mild polycythemia (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.29–2.34). In conclusion, hemoglobin concentration was associated with hypertension risk in native Tibetans. When the hemoglobin concentration exceeded a certain value (approximately 176 g/L), the risk of hypertension was significantly increased.
Interactive effects of CDKN2B‐AS1 gene polymorphism and habitual risk factors on oral cancer
Authors: Yeh Jung‐Chun , Chen Yi‐Tzu , Chou Ying‐Erh , Su Shih‐Chi , Chang Lun‐Ching , Chen Yen‐Lin , Lin Chiao‐Wen , Yang Shun‐Fa
Published: September 2023

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignant disease associated with a high mortality rate and heterogeneous disease aetiology. Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B‐AS1), is a long noncoding RNA that has been shown to act as a scaffold, sponge, or signal hub to promote carcinogenesis. Here, we attempted to assess the effect of CDKN2B‐AS1 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the susceptibility to OSCC. Five CDKN2B‐AS1 SNPs, including rs564398, rs1333048, rs1537373, rs2151280 and rs8181047, were analysed in 1060 OSCC cases and 1183 cancer‐free controls. No significant association of these five SNPs with the risk of developing OSCC was detected between the case and control group. However, while examining the clinical characteristics, patients bearing at least one minor allele of rs1333048 (CA and CC) were more inclined to develop late‐stage (stage III/IV, adjusted OR, 1.480; 95% CI, 1.129–1.940; p = 0.005) and large‐size (greater than 2 cm in the greatest dimension, adjusted OR, 1.347; 95% CI, 1.028–1.765; p = 0.031) tumours, as compared with those homologous for the major allele (AA). Further stratification analyses demonstrated that this genetic correlation with the advanced stage of disease was observed only in habitual betel quid chewers (adjusted OR, 1.480; 95% CI, 1.076–2.035; p = 0.016) or cigarette smokers (adjusted OR, 1.531; 95% CI, 1.136–2.063; p = 0.005) but not in patients who were not exposed to these major habitual risks. These data reveal an interactive effect of CDKN2B‐AS1 rs1333048 with habitual exposure to behavioural risks on the progression of oral cancer.
In vitro wear resistance of conventional and flowable composites containing various filler types after thermomechanical loading
Authors: Turk Sabri , Erden Kayalidere Ezgi , Celik Esra Uzer , Yasa Bilal
Published: September 2023

Objective

To comparatively assess the wear resistance of conventional and flowable composites containing different filler types using thermomechanical chewing simulation.

Materials and Methods

Six different composite resin materials were used: a conventional and flowable composite from each of three manufacturers respectively classified by different filler characterizations: (1), a nanohybrid conventional (G‐aenial Posterior, GC) and flowable (G‐aenial Universal Injectable, GC), (2) a nanofilled conventional (Filtek One Bulk‐fill Restorative, 3M) and flowable (Filtek Ultimate Flow, 3M), and submicron‐filled conventional (Estelite Posterior Quick, Tokuyama) and flowable (Estelite Bulk‐Fill Flow, Tokuyama). The buccal surfaces of extracted human premolars were planarly abraded and used as control (n = 12). The prepared surfaces were subjected to wear using a thermocycler chewing simulator against 6‐mm diameter steatite balls for 240,000 cycles, simulating 1 year of in vivo use. Digital profiles of treated sample surfaces were scanned using a laser scanner, and the volume loss and maximum depth of loss were calculated. Two‐way MANOVA was used to compare the wear volume loss and depth according viscosity (conventional/flowable) and filler type (nanohybrid, nanofilled, submicron‐filled), and multiple comparisons were performed using Duncan's test.

Results

Wear volume loss and loss depth were significantly lower in enamel than in all composite resin groups. The wear volume loss and loss depth of nanofilled composites were significantly higher than the other composite filler types, with no significant difference in either parameter between the nanohybrid and submicron‐filled composite groups. With respect to apparent viscosity, wear volume loss and loss depth of conventional composites were significantly lower than the flowable composites.

Conclusions

The type of composite filler and its apparent viscosity significantly influence the in vitro wear resistance of the material. All composite materials tested demonstrated a susceptibility to simulated wear that was two to three times greater than that of human enamel.

Clinical Significance

Flowable composite resins provide a level of convenience in clinical application. Despite advancements in their wear characteristics, they continue to display inferior wear resistance compared to conventional composite resins. Nevertheless, all tested composite resins exhibited a significantly higher potential for wear than human enamel.
Gene editing of putative cAMP and Ca2+‐regulated proteins using an efficient cloning‐free CRISPR/Cas9 system in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Chiurillo Miguel A. , Ahmed Milad , González César , Raja Aqsa , Lander Noelia
Published: September 2023

Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease, must adapt to a diversity of environmental conditions that it faces during its life cycle. The adaptation to these changes is mediated by signaling pathways that coordinate the cellular responses to the new environmental settings. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) and Calcium (Ca2+) signaling pathways regulate critical cellular processes in this parasite, such as differentiation, osmoregulation, host cell invasion and cell bioenergetics. Although the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology prompted reverse genetics approaches for functional analysis in T. cruzi, it is still necessary to expand the toolbox for genome editing in this parasite, as for example to perform multigene analysis. Here we used an efficient T7RNAP/Cas9 strategy to tag and delete three genes predicted to be involved in cAMP and Ca2+ signaling pathways: a putative Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase (CAMK), Flagellar Member 6 (FLAM6) and Cyclic nucleotide‐binding domain/C2 domain‐containing protein (CC2CP). We endogenously tagged these three genes and determined the subcellular localization of the tagged proteins. Furthermore, the strategy used to knockout these genes allows us to presume that TcCC2CP is an essential gene in T. cruzi epimastigotes. Our results will open new venues for future research on the role of these proteins in T. cruzi.
“Taking from Peter to pay Paul”: The experience of people in receipt of fuel and food vouchers from a UK foodbank
Authors: Hanson Sarah , Belderson Pippa , Player Emily , Minihane Anne‐Marie , Sweeting Anna
Published: September 2023

For people on very low incomes, household fuel and food environments are increasingly uncertain. Many live in precarious situations with little control over their lives. In addition to food parcels, many foodbanks also supply emergency fuel payments. There has been a surge in demand due to the cost of living crisis in the United Kingdom. This qualitative study, using semi‐structured interviews, explored the lived experience of people who received a fuel voucher via a foodbank to gain insights into food preparation, eating practices and heating and appliance use in their homes. All participants (n = 6) described a change in life circumstances leaving them at crisis point with overwhelming uncertainty. Using Thematic Analysis, we identified four themes: (1) Bewilderment in using foodbank services; (2) The need to make trade‐offs between food and fuel; (3) Feeling shame at using the services and (4) Missing out on pleasurable eating practices. Three case studies give fuller insights and context. All interviewees had acute and complex needs and described being ‘at rock bottom’, with fuel vouchers viewed as a ‘lifeline’ to address essential cooking, heating and electrical appliance needs. We, therefore, suggest the need for extra support and follow‐up for first‐time users who are in a state of denial and shock when seeking help. Further research is needed on how to best help organisations develop strategies to address and ameliorate a sense of powerlessness and shame felt by their clients which likely limits them from seeking help, despite being in acute, complex and dire need.
High‐density mapping for ablation of atypical atrial flutters – procedural characteristics related to outcome
Authors: Abeln Bob G. S. , Balt Jippe C. , Klaver Martijn N. , Maarse Moniek , van Dijk Vincent F. , Wijffels Maurits C. E. F. , Boersma Lucas V. A.
Published: September 2023

Background

High‐density (HD) mapping is increasingly used to characterize arrhythmic substrate for ablation of atypical atrial flutters (AAFl). However, results on clinical outcomes and factors that are associated with arrhythmia recurrence are scarce.

Methods

Single‐center, prospective, observational cohort study that enrolled patients with catheter ablation for AAFl using a HD mapping system and a grid‐shaped mapping catheter. Procedural characteristics, rates of atrial flutter recurrence, and factors that were associated with atrial flutter recurrence were evaluated.

Results

Sixty‐one patients with a total of 94 AAFl were included in the cohort. HD mapping was used to successfully identify the flutter circuit of 80/94 AAFl. The circuit was not identified for 14/94 AAFl in 11 patients. Critical isthmuses were identified and ablated in 29 patients (48%). Acute procedural success was achieved in 52 patients (85%), and 37 patients (61%) remained free from atrial flutter recurrence during a follow up of 1.3 [1.0–2.1] years. Atrial flutter recurrence was univariably associated with presence of a non‐identified flutter circuit (HR:2.6 95% CI [1.1–6.3], p = .04) and critical isthmus‐targeted ablation (HR:0.4 [0.15–0.90], p = .03). In multivariable regression analyses, critical isthmus ablation remained significant (HR:0.4 [0.16–0.97], p = .04), whereas presence of a non‐identified flutter did not (HR:2.4 [0.96–5.8], p = .06).

Conclusion

HD mapping was successfully used to identify the majority of AAFl circuits. Ablation resulted in freedom from atrial flutter recurrence in 61% of the cohort. Successful identification of all flutter circuits and critical isthmuses appears to be beneficial for long‐term outcomes.
The separation and identification of circulating small extracellular vesicles from endurance‐trained, strength‐trained and recreationally active men
Authors: Darragh Ian A. J. , McNamee Niamh , Daly Róisín , Pacheco Sarai Martinez , O'Driscoll Lorraine , Egan Brendan
Published: September 2023

Small extracellular vesicles (EV) are membrane‐encapsulated particles that carry bioactive cargoes, are released by all cell types and are present in all human biofluids. Changes in EV profiles and abundance occur in response to acute exercise, but this study investigated whether individuals with divergent histories of exercise training (recreationally active controls – CON; endurance‐trained – END; strength‐trained – STR) presented with varied abundances of small EVs in resting samples and whether the abundance of small EVs differed within each group across two measurement days. Participants (n = 38, all male; CON n = 12, END n = 13, STR n = 13) arrived at the lab on two separate occasions in a rested, overnight fasted state, with standardisation of time of day of sampling, recent dietary intake, time since last meal and time since last exercise training session (∼40 h). Whole blood samples were collected and separated into plasma from which small EVs were separated using size exclusion chromatography and identified in accordance with the Minimal Information For Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (MISEV) guidelines. No differences in the abundance of small EVs were observed within or between groups across multiple methods of small EV identification (nanoparticle tracking analysis, flow cytometry, immunoblot of specific EV markers). Targeted metabolomics of the small EV preparations identified 96 metabolites that were associated with the structure and function of small EVs, with no statistically significant differences in concentrations observed across groups. The results of the current study suggest that the abundance and metabolomic profile of small EVs derived from men with divergent histories of exercise training are similar to those in resting blood samples.

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Key points

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are membrane‐encapsulated particles that are present in circulation and carry bioactive materials as ‘cargo’.

The abundance and profile of small EVs are responsive to acute exercise, but little is known about the relationship between small EVs and exercise training.

This study examined the abundance, and a targeted metabolomic profile, of small EVs separated from the blood of endurance athletes, strength athletes and recreationally active controls at rest (∼40 h after the most recent exercise session) on two separate but identical lab visits.

No differences were observed in the abundance or metabolomic profile of small EV preparations between the groups or between the lab visits within each group.

Further research should determine whether the bioactive cargoes (e.g. RNA, protein and additional metabolites) carried within EVs are altered in individuals with divergent histories of exercise training or in response to exercise training interventions.
The Birth and Development of Sports Video Games From the 1950s to the Early 1980s
Authors: Zhouxiang Lu
Published: September 2023

This article provides an overview of the origins and early development of sports video games. The first generation of sports video games were developed by scientists in laboratories for academic purposes. Together with the rise of microcomputers and the widespread adoption of television (TV) sets, commercial video games began to emerge in the early 1970s. Like their laboratory predecessors, most of the first-generation commercial games were sports-themed and primarily designed as a platform for competition between players. In the second half of the 1970s, ball-and-paddle-based games began to be replaced by more sophisticated games adopting the rules and actions of real-life sports. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, intense competition between video game companies gave birth to many innovative titles, with various sports disciplines adapted into games. Most of the sports games created in this period were based on competitive sports including American football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and tennis, as well as recreational sports like bowling, pool, and darts, many of them long popular in Western Europe and North America, some with a huge fan base in Japan. They were clearly produced to cater to the needs of gamers and sports fans in the world’s three major TV, personal computer, video game, and sports markets at the time.
Predicting pathogenic protein variants
Authors: Marsh Joseph A. , Teichmann Sarah A.
Published: September 2023

Machine-learning algorithm uses structure prediction to spot disease-causing mutations
Diagnostic performance of host protein signatures as a triage test for active pulmonary TB
Authors: Koeppel Lisa , Denkinger Claudia M. , Wyss Romain , Broger Tobias , Chegou Novel N. , Dunty Jill M. , Scott Kerry , Cáceres Tatiana , Dutoit Elloise , Ugarte-Gil Cesar , Nicol Mark , Gotuzzo Eduardo , Corstjens Paul L. A. M. , Geluk Annemieke , Sutherland Jayne , Sigal George B. , Moreau Emmanuel , Albertini Audrey , Mantsoki Anna , Ongarello Stefano , Walzl Gerhard , Fernandez Suarez Marta
Published: September 2023

The current four-symptom screen recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) is widely used as screen to initiate diagnostic testing for active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), yet the performance is poor especially when TB prevalence is low. In contrast, more sensitive molecular tests are less suitable for placement at primary care level in low-resource settings. In order to meet the WHO End TB targets, new diagnostic approaches are urgently needed to find the missing undiagnosed cases. Proteomics-derived blood host biomarkers have been explored because protein detection technologies are suitable for the point-of-care setting and could meet cost targets. This study aimed to find a biomarker signature that fulfills WHO’s target product profile (TPP) for a TB screening. Twelve blood-based protein biomarkers from three sample populations (Vietnam, Peru, and South Africa) were analyzed individually and in combinations via advanced statistical methods and machine learning algorithms. The combination of I-309, SYWC and kallistatin showed the most promising results to discern active TB throughout the data sets meeting the TPP for a triage test in adults from two countries (Peru and South Africa). The top-performing individual markers identified at the global level (I-309 and SYWC) were also among the best-performing markers at country level in South Africa and Vietnam. This analysis clearly shows that a host protein biomarker assay is feasible in adults for certain geographical regions based on one or two biomarkers with a performance that meets minimal WHO TPP criteria.
Evolution of the T4 phage virion is driven by selection pressure from non-bacterial factors
Authors: Majewska Joanna , Miernikiewicz Paulina , Szymczak Aleksander , Kaźmierczak Zuzanna , Goszczyński Tomasz M. , Owczarek Barbara , Rybicka Izabela , Ciekot Jarosław , Dąbrowska Krystyna
Published: September 2023

Bacteriophages colonize animal and human bodies, propagating on sensitive bacteria that are symbionts, commensals, or pathogens of animals and humans. T4-like phages are dependent on abundant symbionts such as
Escherichia coli
, commonly present in animal and human gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. Bacteriophage T4 is one of the most complex viruses, and its intricate structure, particularly the capsid head protecting the phage genome, likely contributes substantially to the overall phage fitness in diverse environments. We investigated how individual head proteins—gp24, Hoc, and Soc—affect T4 phage survival under pressure from non-bacterial factors. We constructed a panel of T4 phage variants defective in these structural proteins: T4∆Soc, T4∆24byp24, T4∆Hoc∆Soc, T4∆Hoc∆24byp24, T4∆Soc∆24byp24, and T4∆Hoc∆Soc∆24byp24 (byp = bypass). These variants were investigated for their sensitivity to selected environmental conditions relevant to the microenvironment of the GI tract, including pH, temperature, and digestive enzymes. The simple and “primitive” structure of the phage capsid (∆24byp24) was significantly less stable at low pH and more sensitive to inactivation by digestive enzymes, and the simultaneous lack of gp24 and Soc resulted in a notable decrease in phage activity at 37°C. Gp24 was also found to be highly resistant to thermal and chemical denaturation. Thus, gp24, which was acquired relatively late in evolution, seems to play a key role in T4 withstanding environmental conditions, including those related to the animal/human GI tract, and Soc is a molecular glue that enhances this protective effect.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteriophages are important components of animal and human microbiota, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, where they dominate the viral community and contribute to shaping microbial balance. However, interactions with bacterial hosts are not the only element of the equation in phage survival—phages inhabiting the GI tract are constantly exposed to increased temperature, pH fluctuations, or digestive enzymes, which raises the question of whether and how the complex structure of phage capsids contributes to their persistence in the specific microenvironment of human/animal bodies. Here we address this phage-centric perspective, identifying the role of individual head proteins in T4 phage survival in GI tract conditions. The selection pressure driving the evolution of T4-like phages could have come from the external environment that affects phage virions with increased temperature and variable pH; it is possible that in the local microenvironment along the GI tract, the phage benefits from stability-protecting proteins.
Interferon-independent processes constrain measles virus cell-to-cell spread in primary human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Durnell Lorellin A. , Hippee Camilla E. , Cattaneo Roberto , Bartlett Jennifer A. , Singh Brajesh K. , Sinn Patrick L.
Published: September 2023

Amplification of measles virus (MeV) in human airway epithelia may contribute to its extremely high contagious nature. We use well-differentiated primary cultures of human airway epithelial cells (HAE) to model
ex vivo
how MeV spreads in human airways. In HAE, MeV spreads cell-to-cell for 3–5 days, but then, infectious center growth is arrested. What stops MeV spread in HAE is not understood, but interferon (IFN) is known to slow MeV spread in other
in vitro
and
in vivo
models. Here, we assessed the role of type I and type III IFN in arresting MeV spread in HAE. The addition of IFN-β or IFN-λ1 to the medium of infected HAE slowed MeV infectious center growth, but when IFN receptor signaling was blocked, infectious center size was not affected. In contrast, blocking type-I IFN receptor signaling enhanced respiratory syncytial virus spread. HAE were also infected with MeV mutants defective for the V protein. The V protein has been demonstrated to interact with both MDA5 and STAT2 to inhibit activation of innate immunity; however, innate immune reactions were unexpectedly muted against the V-defective MeV in HAE. Minimal innate immunity activation was confirmed by deep sequencing, quantitative RT-PCR, and single-cell RNA-seq analyses of the transcription of IFN and IFN-stimulated genes. We conclude that in HAE, IFN-signaling can contribute to slowing infectious center growth; however, IFN-independent processes are most important for limiting cell-to-cell spread.

Importance

Fundamental biological questions remain about the highly contagious measles virus (MeV). MeV amplifies within airway epithelial cells before spreading to the next host. This final step likely contributes to the ability of MeV to spread host-to-host. Over the course of 3–5 days post-infection of airway epithelial cells, MeV spreads directly cell-to-cell and forms infectious centers. Infectious center formation is unique to MeV. In this study, we show that interferon (IFN) signaling does not explain why MeV cell-to-cell spread is ultimately impeded within the cell layer. The ability of MeV to spread cell-to-cell in airway cells without appreciable IFN induction may contribute to its highly contagious nature. This study contributes to the understanding of a significant global health concern by demonstrating that infectious center formation occurs independent of the simplest explanation for limiting viral transmission within a host.
Age variability and decadal time-averaging in oyster reef death assemblages
Authors: Durham Stephen R. , Dietl Gregory P. , Hua Quan , Handley John C. , Kaufman Darrell , Clark Cheryl P.
Published: September 2023

Using paleoecological data to inform resource management decisions is challenging without an understanding of the ages and degrees of time-averaging in molluscan death assemblage (DA) samples. We illustrate this challenge by documenting the spatial and stratigraphic variability in age and time-averaging of oyster reef DAs. By radiocarbon dating a total of 630 oyster shells from samples at two burial depths on 31 oyster reefs around Florida, southeastern United States, we found that (1) spatial and stratigraphic variability in DA sample ages and time-averaging is of similar magnitude, and (2) the shallow oyster reef DAs are among the youngest and highest-resolution molluscan DAs documented to date, with most having decadal-scale time-averaging estimates, and sometimes less. This information increases the potential utility of the DAs for habitat management because DA data can be placed in a more specific temporal context relative to real-time monitoring data. More broadly, the results highlight the potential to obtain decadal-scale resolution from oyster bioherms in the fossil record.
Renal anastomosing haemangioma
Authors: Capinha Mariana Dias , Carvalho-Dias Emanuel , Cerqueira-Alves Mário , Mota Paulo
Published: September 2023

Anastomosing haemangioma is a rare subtype of haemangioma, a benign vascular tumour. Its rarity stems from its low incidence and difficulty in obtaining an accurate diagnosis. In addition, its histological resemblance to malignant neoplasms may lead to unnecessary overtreatment. Here, we report the case of an asymptomatic male patient with a slight increase in kidney function who underwent an abdominal ultrasound and a CT scan for suspected renal cell carcinoma. Subsequently, the patient underwent laparoscopic left radical nephrectomy. Histological analysis revealed an anastomosing haemangioma. The patient is currently asymptomatic with no relapse or imaging progression. We also present a literature review on anastomosing haemangioma.
Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas mimicking gastrointestinal stromal tumour
Authors: Solanki Pratik , Bose Bodhisattva , Mondal Avijit , Kottayasamy Seenivasagam Rajkumar
Published: September 2023

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of pancreas is an uncommon low-grade malignant tumour that has a remarkable postoperative cure rate. Improved awareness and widespread use of imaging have resulted in more frequent diagnosis of these tumours. We report a case of a woman in her 20s who had an abdominal lump identified as a gastrointestinal stromal tumour on imaging elsewhere. The patient was reevaluated in our hospital and given a provisional diagnosis of SPN on radiology, which was later confirmed on postoperative histopathology.
Glomangiopericytoma withCTNNB1mutation
Authors: Iwata Shinji , Kitazawa Riko , Kitazawa Sohei , Hato Naohito
Published: September 2023

Glomangiopericytoma (GPC) is a rare tumour, accounting <0.5% of all nasal cavity tumours. It is classified as borderline malignant to indolent and is associated with perivascular myeloid cells. We report a case of GPC in a woman in her 80s who presented with nasal obstruction. The tumour originated from the nasal septum and was resected via endoscopic sinus surgery. Histopathological examination revealed dense spindle-shaped to oval-shaped mesenchymal cells forming tumour nodules with staghorn-like vessel formation. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the tumour cells were positive for α-smooth muscle actin, CD34, β-catenin and cyclin D1, whereas they were negative for STAT6. The percentage of Ki-67-positive cells was approximately 2%. Recent studies have demonstrated a high frequency of β-catenin (CTNNB1) mutations in GPC. We report a case of GPC where identifyingCTNNB1mutations (c.94G>C, p.D32H) was crucial for establishing a definitive diagnosis.
Frequency of postoperative cognitive dysfunction after non-cardiac surgery and its impact on functional outcomes: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Roldan Yetiani , Khattak Shahzaib , Samari Saif , Chan Olsen , Pancucci Meghan , Sritharan Praveen , Jamil Yasser , Marcucci Maura
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Older surgical candidates are at increased risk of a phenomenon known as postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Several studies have looked at the incidence of POCD at different time points following surgery, using different study methods. Fewer have assessed whether changes in cognition after surgery are attributable to surgery and how they impact patient function and quality of life. The aim of this systematic review is to summarise and appraise studies addressing any of the following research questions (RQs): (RQ1) what is the frequency of POCD after non-cardiac surgery?; (RQ2) is non-cardiac surgery associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline?; (RQ3) is POCD after non-cardiac surgery associated with patient-important outcomes?

Methods and analysis

This protocol adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. Three electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO and EMBASE) will be systematically searched from their inception date. Identified studies will be screened by two reviewers for eligibility using Covidence, and data will be extracted into a standardised electronic form. We will evaluate methodological quality of included studies using the Quality In Prognosis Studies and its adaptation to the overall prognosis question, and the CLARITY risk of bias for cohort and case–control studies. For RQ1, we will estimate an average POCD frequency at different time points by performing a meta-analysis of included studies when appropriate. For RQ2 and RQ3, we will extract and meta-analyse the effect measures for the association of surgery with cognitive decline when compared with the non-surgical comparator, and association of cognitive changes with functional changes, quality of life and other patient-important outcomes based on available evidence. We will narratively summarise and discuss the different methods implemented in the existing studies to answer the three RQs, and when meta-analysis is deemed infeasible, we will qualitatively report the results of the included studies.

Ethics and dissemination

This project involves the collection and analysis of data from previously published studies and therefore does not require ethics approval. We plan to present the findings of this research project at peer-reviewed conferences and publish the results in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022370674.
Social isolation, depression, nutritional status and quality of life during COVID-19 among Chinese community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Zhang Chengrui , Luan Wei
Published: September 2023

Objective

This survey investigated the relationship between social isolation, depression, nutritional status and quality of life among community-dwelling older adults during COVID-19.

Design

This was a cross-sectional survey study.

Setting

Communities in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China that have contracted with Renji Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.

Participants

From May to July 2022, 406 community-dwelling older adults were selected by convenience sampling in Shanghai, China.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The Lubben Social Network Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, 36-item Short Form Health Survey Scale and risk assessment of malnutrition were used in older adults. Mediation models were constructed to determine the mediating role of depression and nutritional status on social isolation and quality of life among older adults.

Results

The prevalence of social isolation among older adults in the community was 44.3%. The total social isolation score in community-dwelling older adults was positively associated with the total malnutrition risk and quality of life scores, and negatively associated with depression (p<0.01). Logistic regression demonstrated that living alone, loss of families or friends during COVID-19 and depression were risk factors for social isolation among community-dwelling older adults (p<0.05). Social isolation could directly affect the quality of life (β=0.306). In addition, depression (β=0.334) and nutritional status (β=0.058) had a significant mediating effect on the relationship between social isolation and quality of life.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that the prevalence of social isolation among older adults increased during COVID-19. Depression and nutritional status played parallel mediating roles on the effect of social isolation on quality of life. Community workers and healthcare providers should develop intervention plans to improve the status of social isolation in older adults, eliminating existing and ongoing adverse effects.
Evaluating the dynamic behavior of railway-bridge transition zone: numerical and field measurements
Authors: Heydari Hamidreza
Published: September 2023

Short-span bridges are one of the most frequent infrastructures along railway tracks where railway track stiffness suddenly changes. The sudden variation in the vertical stiffness of railway tracks increases dynamic loads and causes numerous defects in ballasted railroads. Therefore, improving the dynamic performance of railway tracks can be conducted by constructing countermeasures along the transition zone. In this regard, the approach slab is a practical technique used in railway-bridge transition zones. As the dimensional shape of the approach slab plays a significant role in the dynamic response of transition zones, this study evaluated the effects of its main geometric parameters. A three-dimensional model of the railway portal bridge, including the approach slab, was built using the finite element method and analyzed by imposing moving wheel loads as a series of acting force points along rail elements. The model was validated with field-obtained results acquired through a laser/camera-based measuring technique. Then, some sensitivity analyses were performed to find optimized geometric dimensions of approach slabs to improve the dynamic behavior of railway-bridge transition zones. Obtained results of the geometrical sensitivity analysis show that when the geometrically optimized approach slab is used along the railway-bridge transition zone, the displacements of rail and ballast are decreased by 24% and 18%, respectively.
A closer look at Toronto's water quality control design criteria for bioretention cells
Authors: Rowe Elizabeth , Guo Yiping , Li Zhong
Published: September 2023

Bioretention cells in the Toronto region are usually sized to accommodate runoff from the 90th percentile storm, which has a depth of about 25 mm. This research examines the water quality control performance and cost of bioretention cells sized to satisfy alternative design criteria ranging from 5 to 50 mm. The long-term average runoff-capture efficiencies provided by representative bioretention cells are determined, and their capital as well as operation and maintenance costs are estimated. Results indicate that the current design criterion of 25 mm is probably too high and not cost-efficient. In fact, above some threshold levels, little improvement in runoff-capture and pollutant removal performances may be achieved if the design criterion is increased further, but cost would still linearly increase. Presented here is a methodology that can be used to properly consider both the performance and cost of bioretention cells for establishing a more cost-efficient design criterion. It is shown that a more cost-efficient design criterion for Toronto could be lower than the current one, and significant cost savings can be realized if a lower design criterion is implemented. Some inappropriate ways of quantifying the effective volume of storage provided by bioretention cells are also identified in this paper.
“Tracking rule” and generalization of special relativity
Authors: Kholmetskii Alexander L. , Missevitch Oleg V. , Yarman Tolga
Published: September 2023

We recall that a consistent description of the Thomas precession and Thomas–Wigner rotation is impossible without introducing a “tracking rule” into the structure of the special theory of relativity (STR), as we have shown in our publications (A.L. Kholmetskii and T. Yarman. Eur. Phys. J. Plus 132, 400 (2017); A.L. Kholmetskii, O.V. Missevitch, T. Yarman, and M. Arik. Europhys. Lett. 129, 3006 (2020)). The purely phenomenological origin of this rule in the framework of STR allows assuming the existence of a more general theory of empty space–time than STR, where the “tracking rule” is intrinsically incorporated into its structure. We find a possible way of developing such a generalized theory of empty space–time, where the “tracking rule” naturally arises, and propose an experimental scheme for its verification.
Blueprints: Systematizing Behavior Change Designs—The Case of Social Comparison Theory
Authors: De Vries Roelof A. J. , Lemke Mailin , Ludden Geke D. S.
Published: September 2023

To improve people’s lives, human-computer interaction researchers are increasingly designing technological solutions based on behavior change theory, such as social comparison theory (SCT). However,
how
researchers operationalize such a theory as a design remains largely unclear. One way to clarify this methodological step is to clearly state which functional elements of a design are aimed at operationalizing a specific behavior change theory construct to evaluate if such aims were successful. In this article, we investigate how the operationalization of functional elements of theories and designs can be more easily conveyed. First, we present a scoping review of the literature to determine the state of operationalizations of SCT as behavior change designs. Second, we introduce a new tool to facilitate the operationalization process. We term the tool
blueprints
. A blueprint explicates essential functional elements of a behavior change theory by describing it in relation to
necessary
and
sufficient
building blocks incorporated in a design. We describe the process of developing a blueprint for SCT. Last, we illustrate how the blueprint can be used during the design refinement and reflection process.