bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deviation between quartz‐in‐garnet elastic geobarometry and equilibrium‐based pressure–temperature modelling in Barrovian metamorphic rocks
Authors: Mulligan Suzanne R. , Wells Michael L. , Hoisch Thomas D. , Salamat Ashkan , Childs Christian , Tschauner Oliver , Craddock Affinati Suzanne , Wills Marci A. , Smith G. Alexander
Published: February 2022

Quartz‐in‐garnet elastic geobarometry (QuiG) pressures in rocks from two Barrovian metamorphic terranes in the western US Cordilleran hinterland exceed pressures determined using chemical thermodynamics by 3–4 kbar. For this study, 135 quartz inclusions from the Funeral Mountains, California, were analysed using QuiG in five garnets from three locations representing metamorphic grades of upper greenschist, lower amphibolite, and middle amphibolite facies. From a second Barrovian terrane, the Wood Hills in northeastern Nevada, 125 quartz inclusions were analysed using QuiG in 14 garnets from a single rock sample metamorphosed to middle amphibolite facies. Pressures determined for rocks in the Funeral Mountains using QuiG and methods rooted in equilibrium thermodynamics yielded consistent pressure differences between locations, but QuiG pressures are higher. Similarly, QuiG pressures determined for rocks in the Wood Hills are higher than pressures determined by equilibrium thermodynamic approaches. Possible explanations for the pressure differences include garnet compositions not reflecting equilibrium, sources of error in thermodynamic calculations such as thermodynamic data or a‐X models, or an unknown source of systematic error that causes QuiG to overestimate pressures of entrapment. To test Raman spectroscopy's ability to reproduce inclusion pressures, pressures were calculated using Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron X‐ray diffraction, which yielded consistent pressures and support the use of the single mode‐shift of the 464 cm−1 band of quartz for geobarometry, which simplifies the method by assuming hydrostatic compression of quartz. These results are compared with pressures obtained using Grüneisen tensors and show consistency between these different approaches.
Innovations in Prospective Perinatal Research as a Result Of the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Kissler Katherine , Breman Rachel Blankstein , Carlson Nicole , Tilden Ellen , Erickson Elise , Phillippi Julia
Published: February 2022

In 2020, in‐person research activities were stopped because of the spread of the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and the resulting disease, coronavirus disease 2019. Our collaborative team of nurse and midwife scientists at universities across the United States adapted research activities to continue prospective perinatal research during the pandemic. These adaptations included development of new research techniques and the implementation of previously developed, but underused, strategies to conduct research from a distance. These strategies included online recruitment, virtual enrollment and consent, qualitative data collection via video conferencing, new applications of smart phone technology, wearable biological measurement, and participant self‐collection of biological samples. In addition to allowing research to continue during the pandemic, these innovative strategies may increase access to research for low‐income, rural, and racially diverse pregnant and postpartum populations. Decreased travel requirements, flexible scheduling, wearable devices, and the capacity to self‐collect biologic samples may improve recruitment and the experience of research participation. The rapid implementation of these research strategies has advanced innovation toward wider, more inclusive and increasingly diverse perinatal research access, and many of these strategies will continue to be used and refined.
Intersecting Structural Oppression and Suicidality Among Black Sexual Minority Male Adolescents and Emerging Adults
Authors: English Devin , Boone Cheriko A. , Carter Joseph A. , Talan Ali J. , Busby Danielle R. , Moody Raymond L. , Cunningham Diamond J. , Bowleg Lisa , Rendina H. Jonathon
Published: February 2022

This study examined associations between structural racism, anti‐LGBTQ policies, and suicide risk among young sexual minority men (SMM). Participants were a 2017–2018 Internet‐based U.S. national sample of 497 Black and 1536 White SMM (ages 16–25). Structural equation modeling tested associations from indicators of structural racism, anti‐LGBTQ policies, and their interaction to suicide risk factors. For Black participants, structural racism and anti‐LGBTQ policies were significantly positively associated with depressive symptoms, heavy drinking, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, self‐harm, and suicide attempt. There were significant interaction effects: Positive associations between structural racism and several outcomes were stronger for Black participants in high anti‐LGBTQ policy states. Structural racism, anti‐LGBTQ policies, and their interaction were not significantly associated with suicide risk for White SMM.
Intermittent hypoxia and sleep disruption in obstructive sleep apnea increase serum tau and amyloid‐beta levels
Authors: Bhuniya Sourin , Goyal Manish , Chowdhury Nilotpal , Mishra Priyadarshini
Published: February 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by intermittent hypoxia and sleep disruption, leading to accelerated neurodegenerative changes and cognitive decline. Serum amyloid‐beta and tau proteins, which are markers for Alzheimer's disease, have been reported to increase in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. This study compared the serum levels of amyloid‐beta proteins and tau proteins in 46 cognitively normal obstructive sleep apnea patients and 30 healthy controls. Sleep parameters and severity of obstructive sleep apnea were determined using overnight polysomnography. Serum levels of Aβ40, Aβ42, total tau and phosphorylated‐tau were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea had significantly higher median serum levels of Aβ40 (121.0 versus 78.3 pg ml–1), Aβ42 (105.6 versus 18.6 pg ml–1) and total tau (168.5 versus 10.9 pg ml–1) than controls. Serum levels of phosphorylated‐tau did not differ significantly between the two groups. Serum levels of amyloid and tau proteins correlated with parameters of nocturnal oxygen saturation. Rapid eye movement sleep was negatively correlated with total amyloid‐beta proteins. We conclude that serum levels of amyloid‐beta and total tau are higher in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and hypoxia as well as changes in sleep architecture associated with their increased levels. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea should be closely monitored for the signs of cognitive impairment. Obstructive sleep apnea is a modifiable risk factor, and its treatment may reverse neurodegenerative changes and prevent cognitive impairment.
Diarrhea outbreak associated with coronavirus infection in adult dairy goats
Authors: Smith Fauna Leah , Heller Meera C. , Crossley Beate M. , Clothier Kristin A. , Anderson Mark L. , Barnum Samantha S. , Pusterla Nicola , Rowe Joan D.
Published: February 2022

Background

Infection by coronaviruses cause gastrointestinal disease in many species. Little is known about its prevalence and importance in goats.

Objective

Identify the etiology, demographics, and clinical features of an outbreak of diarrhea in adult goats.

Hypothesis

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) PCR would detect viral material in feces of goats in the herds involved in the diarrhea outbreak.

Animals

Twelve herds with 4 to 230 adult goats were affected. Goats sampled for fecal PCR were ≥1‐year‐old: 25 from affected herds and 6 from a control herd.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional descriptive study of an outbreak of diarrheal disease in adult goats. BCoV PCR primers for the spike (S) or nucleocapsid (N) proteins were used to test fecal material from affected goats. The N protein sequencing and phylogenetic analysis was performed. Herd records and owner surveys were used to characterize morbidity, clinical signs, and treatment.

Results

In 2 affected herds 18/25 of animals had at least 1 positive BCoV PCR test. Goats from affected herds were significantly more likely to be PCR positive than the control herd (OR 8.75, 95% CI 1.11‐104, P = .05). The most common clinical signs were change in fecal consistency (19/20) and decreased milk production (14/15). Phylogenetic analysis of the N protein showed this virus was closely related to a bovine‐like coronavirus isolated from a giraffe.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Bovine coronavirus primers detected nucleic acids of the N and S proteins in feces of goats in affected herds. Coronavirus shedding frequency was temporally associated with the outbreak.
Culturable and metagenomic approaches of wheat bran and wheat straw phyllosphere’s highlight new lignocellulolytic microorganisms
Authors: Besaury L. , Rémond C.
Published: February 2022

The phyllosphere, defined as the aerial parts of plants, is one of the most prevalent microbial habitats on earth. The microorganisms present on the phyllosphere can have several interactions with the plant. The phyllosphere represents then a unique niche where microorganisms have evolved through time in that stressful environment and may have acquired the ability to degrade lignocellulosic plant cell walls in order to survive to oligotrophic conditions. The dynamic lignocellulolytic potential of two phyllospheric microbial consortia (wheat straw and wheat bran) has been studied. The microbial diversity rapidly changed between the native phyllospheres and the final degrading microbial consortia after 48 h of culture. Indeed, the initial microbial consortia was dominated by the Ralstonia (35·8%) and Micrococcus (75·2%) genera for the wheat bran and wheat straw whereas they were dominated by Candidatus phytoplasma (59%) and Acinetobacter (31·8%) in the final degrading microbial consortia respectively. Culturable experiments leading to the isolation of several new lignocellulolytic isolates (belonging to Moraxella and Atlantibacter genera) and metagenomic reconstruction of the microbial consortia highlighted the existence of an unpredicted microbial diversity involved in lignocellulose fractionation but also the existence of new pathways in known genera (presence of CE2 for Acinetobacter, several AAs for Pseudomonas and several GHs for Bacillus in different metagenomes-assembled genomes). The phyllosphere from agricultural co-products represents then a new niche as a lignocellulolytic degrading ecosystem.
(Ir)regular Mood Swings: Lexical Variability in Heritage Speakers’ Oral Production of Subjunctive Mood
Authors: Giancaspro David , Perez‐Cortes Silvia , Higdon Josh
Published: February 2022

Previous research indicates that heritage speakers (HSs) of Spanish produce both subjunctive and indicative mood in expected subjunctive contexts. The present study sheds new light on this pattern by testing the effects of morphological regularity on HSs’ mood production in volitional contexts, where Spanish‐dominant speakers (e.g., first‐generation immigrants) use almost exclusively subjunctive forms. Results of an elicited production task, completed by 42 HSs and 10 first‐generation controls, reveal that HSs differentiate between the two moods. Despite this sensitivity, HSs also exhibit variability, which is strongly conditioned by regularity. Whereas HSs produce subjunctive forms almost categorically with irregular verbs, their subjunctive production with regular verbs is more variable, a pattern we link to irregular verbs’ higher relative lexical autonomy and perceptual salience. Instead of classifying HSs’ morphological knowledge in binary terms, we argue for the importance of exploring how variability with mood is shaped by the morphological characteristics of individual lexical items.
Influence of exclusive breastfeeding on hippocampal structure, satiety responsiveness, and weight status
Authors: Higgins Ryan C. , Keller Kathleen L. , Aruma Jane C. , Masterson Travis D. , Adise Shana , Fearnbach Nicole , Stein Wendy M. , English Laural K. , Fuchs Bari , Pearce Alaina L.
Published: February 2022

Longer exclusive breastfeeding duration has been associated with differences in neural development, better satiety responsiveness, and decreased risk for childhood obesity. Given hippocampus sensitivity to diet and potential role in the integration of satiety signals, hippocampus may play a role in these relationships. We conducted a secondary analysis of 149, 7–11‐year‐olds (73 males) who participated in one of five studies that assessed neural responses to food cues. Hippocampal grey matter volume was extracted from structural scans using CAT12, weight status was assessed using age‐ and sex‐adjusted body mass index (%BMIp85), and parents reported exclusive breastfeeding duration and satiety responsiveness (Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire). Separate path models for left and right hippocampus tested: (1) the direct effect of exclusive breastfeeding on satiety responsiveness and its indirect effect through hippocampal grey matter volume; (2) the direct effect of hippocampal grey matter volume on %BMIp85 and its indirect effect through satiety responsiveness. %BMIp85 was adjusted for maternal education, yearly income, and premature birth while hippocampal grey matter volume was adjusted for total intercranial volume, age, and study from which data were extracted. Longer exclusive breastfeeding duration was associated with greater bilateral hippocampal grey matter volumes. In addition, better satiety responsiveness and greater left hippocampal grey matter volume were both associated with lower %BMIp85. However, hippocampal grey matter volumes were not associated with satiety responsiveness. Although no relationship was found between breastfeeding and child weight status, these results highlight the potential impact of exclusive breastfeeding duration on the hippocampal structure.
Misconduct and Questionable Research Practices: The Ethics of Quantitative Data Handling and Reporting in Applied Linguistics
Authors: ISBELL DANIEL R. , BROWN DAN , CHEN MEISHAN , DERRICK DEIRDRE J. , GHANEM ROMY , ARVIZU MARÍA NELLY GUTIÉRREZ , SCHNUR ERIN , ZHANG MEIXIU , PLONSKY LUKE
Published: February 2022

Scientific progress depends on the integrity of data and research findings. Intentionally distorting research data and findings constitutes scientific misconduct and introduces falsehoods into the scientific record. Unintentional distortions arising from questionable research practices (QRPs), such as unsystematically deleting outliers, pose similar obstacles to knowledge advancement. To investigate the extent of misconduct and QRPs in quantitative applied linguistics research, we surveyed 351 applied linguists who conduct quantitative research about their practices related to data handling and reporting. We found that 17% of respondents (approximately 1 in 6) admitted to 1 or more forms of scientific misconduct and that 94% admitted to 1 or more QRPs relevant to quantitative research. We also examined these practices in relation to participant background and training. Researchers admitting to misconduct tended to be earlier in their careers and had experienced publication rejection due to lack of statistically significant results. Quantitative training had generally desirable associations with QRPs. Publication rate and experience with publication rejection were associated with admission of several QRPs related to omitting statistical results. We discuss these findings and offer 5 recommendations for the field of applied linguistics to improve ethical quantitative data handling and reporting in research.
Increases in oil price or oil exports: Which one is more positive on trade balance for African OPEC Member Countries?
Authors: Bala Umar , Chin Lee
Published: February 2022

This study examines whether an increase in oil prices or oil exports will improve the trade balance in African OPEC Member Countries. The annual panel data of four African OPEC Member Countries, namely Algeria, Angola, Libya and Nigeria were used in the study. The aim of the study is to determine whether African OPEC Member Countries will benefit more from an increase in oil prices or an increase in oil exports coupled with a depreciation in the exchange rate. Two panel estimators were used, namely a fully modified OLS and a dynamic OLS. The results indicate that both an increase in oil prices and in oil exports will improve the trade balance of African OPEC Member Countries; but the greater benefit will be from an increase in crude oil exports. Furthermore, depreciation in the exchange rate will discourage imports, while it will be insignificant in encouraging exports. Policymakers should know that it will be more beneficial to increase oil exports rather than oil prices in order to improve the trade balance of their country. The oil producing countries are supplying the crude oil based on the equilibrium in the world market demand increase in economic activities is favourable to trade balance. In addition, the central bank has to realise that devaluing the exchange rate is not an effective way to improve exports since it will not lower the price of domestic crude oil.
Bullying and social goal‐setting in youth: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Samson Jennifer E. , Delgado Megan A. , Louis Danielle F. , Ojanen Tiina
Published: February 2022

Bullying is a serious concern worldwide and may compromise development for all involved. Growing evidence suggests that bullying may be viewed as a goal‐oriented strategy to achieve prestige and power or as a form of proactive aggression serving personal goals. The current paper reports a meta‐analysis of studies examining social goals‐bullying associations in youth. In addition to reporting an overall weighted‐average effect size, we compared the relative strength of associations of specific goals (status/dominance vs. antisocial/prosocial) with bullying, and examined goal type (situation‐specific vs. global), gender, and age as potential moderators. A thorough literature search identified 45 eligible effect sizes from 16 independent samples (14 sources). On average, bullying behavior was related significantly to social goal setting. Specifically, youth who displayed more bullying behavior were more likely to endorse status/power goals (r = .16, 95% CI [.11, .21]) and antisocial goals (r = .27, 95% CI [.04, .48]) and to disregard prosocial goals (r = −.10, 95% CI [−.19, −.02]) than their peers who displayed less bullying behavior. None of the included moderators related to differences in the weighted average effect size. The findings support conceptualization of bullying as instrumental behavior aimed at achieving personal goals. They also advance the understanding of motivations for bullying by indicating that, for example, goals for status/power among peers and goals of antisocial nature (e.g., revenge goals) are both related to the risk of bullying. Implications for basic research and bullying interventions are discussed.
High‐resolution bin‐based linkage mapping uncovers the genetic architecture and heterosis‐related loci of plant height in indica–japonica derived populations
Authors: Kong Weilong , Deng Xiaoxiao , Yang Jing , Zhang Chenhao , Sun Tong , Ji Wenjie , Zhong Hua , Fu Xiaopeng , Li Yangsheng
Published: February 2022

Plant height (PH) is an important trait affecting the plant architecture, seed yield, and harvest index. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PH heterosis remain unclear. In addition, useful PH‐related genes must be urgently identified to facilitate ideal plant architecture breeding in rice (Oryza sativa L.). In the present study, to explore rice quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and heterosis‐related loci of PH in rice, we developed a high‐generation (>F15) population of 272 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) from a cross of two elite varieties, Luohui 9 (indica/xian) × RPY geng (japonica/geng), and two testcross hybrid populations derived from the crosses of RILs and two cytoplasmic male sterile lines (YTA [indica] and Z7A [japonica]). Using deep resequencing data, a high‐density genetic map containing 4758 bin markers was constructed, with a total map distance of 2356.41 cM. Finally, 31 PH‐related QTLs for different PH component lengths or tiller numbers across five seasons were identified. Two major environment‐specific PH QTLs were stably detected in Hainan (qPH‐3.1) or Hubei (qPH‐5.1), which have undergone significant functional alterations in rice with changes in geographical environment. Based on comparative genomics, gene function annotation, homolog identification, and existing literature (pioneering studies), candidate genes for multiple QTLs were fine‐mapped, and the candidate genes qPH‐3.1 and qPH‐5.1 for PH were further validated using CRISPR–Cas9 gene editing. Specifically, qPH‐3.1 was characterized as a pleiotropic gene, and the qPH‐3.1 knockout line showed reduced PH, delayed heading, a decreased seed setting rate, and increased tiller numbers. Importantly, 10 PH heterosis‐related QTLs were identified in the testcross populations, and a better‐parent heterosis locus (qBPH‐5.2) completely covered qPH‐5.1. Furthermore, the cross results of fixed‐genotype RILs verified the dominant effects of qPH‐3.1 and qPH‐5.1. Together, these findings further our understanding of the genetic mechanisms of PH and offer multiple highly reliable gene targets for breeding rice varieties with ideal architecture and high yield potential in the immediate future.
Staging canine patients with appendicular osteosarcoma utilizing fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography compared to whole body computed tomography
Authors: Brody Ariel , Crooks J. Clifton , French John M. , Lang Linda G. , Randall Elissa K. , Griffin Lynn R.
Published: February 2022

Few studies have investigated the diagnostic performance of fluorine‐18‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for staging veterinary patients with appendicular osteosarcoma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT compared to whole‐body CT (WBCT) for staging canine patients with appendicular osteosarcoma. The 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT imaging studies of 66 dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma were anonymized and separated into two detached studies (one with whole body pre‐ and post‐contrast CT images and the other with the whole body pre‐ and post‐contrast CT images with the associated 18F‐FDG‐PET overlay). Image assessment was performed retrospectively by five board‐certified veterinary radiologists. The radiologists were instructed to assign a predefined categorical score (1–4) to each pre‐designated anatomic region based on a devised lesional scoring system. A score of 1 was normal, 2 abnormal but not neoplastic, 3 abnormal and concerning for neoplasia, and 4 abnormal, most likely neoplastic. Overall, the likelihood of detection of ‘3 or 4’ was found to be significantly higher with 18F‐FDG PET/CT when compared to WBCT after adjusting for the effect of evaluator and the subject. Most significantly, 13 osseous lesions concerning for metastasis (scored 3–4) were identified in 10/66 dogs by at least one reviewer on 18F‐FDG PET/CT, which were not identified by any reviewer on WBCT. Additionally, four comorbid neoplastic lesions were identified with 18F‐FDG PET/CT and not with WBCT. The results of this study suggest that 18F‐FDG PET/CT is more efficacious in detecting metastatic and comorbid neoplastic lesions compared to WBCT in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma.
Gobierno corporativo e insider trading. La concentración de la propiedad como variable moderadora del rol de control de los consejos
Authors: Tobar Arias José E. , Mora Valencia Andres , Del Brío González Esther B.
Published: February 2022

El propósito de este documento es doble: en primer lugar, se realiza un análisis del efecto directo de la estructura de propiedad y de los consejos de administración sobre el insider trading. En segundo lugar, examinamos el posible efecto moderador que tiene la concentración de la propiedad sobre el papel disciplinario de los consejos a la hora de prevenir esta práctica de mercado. Los resultados de la regresión múltiple y la regresión múltiple jerárquica muestran un efecto negativo tanto de la concentración de la propiedad como de la porción de directores independientes sobre el insider trading. En cuanto al efecto moderador, se evidencia que el rol de control de los consejos está influenciado por la concentración de propiedad.
A transfer matrix method for calculating the transmission and reflection coefficient of labyrinthine metamaterials
Authors: Azbaid El Ouahabi Abdelhalim , Memoli Gianluca
Published: February 2022

Labyrinthine unit cells have existed for many years and have been central to the design of numerous metamaterial solutions. However, the literature does not present a reproducible analytical model to predict their behaviour both in transmission and reflection, thus limiting design optimization in terms of bandwidth of operation and space occupied. In this work, we present an analytical model based on the transfer matrix method for phase shift and intensity of transmission/reflection-based labyrinthine unit cells. We benchmark our analytical model by finding agreement with finite element method simulations – using commercial software – within 1 dB in amplitude and a 1° in phase. Finally, we compare our predictions with measurements on transmissive/reflective units with 4 and 6 horizontal baffles (“bars”), using different experimental methods. We found that some of the measurement methods lead to an agreement within 2 dB, while others are completely out of range, thus pointing out the challenges in characterizing this type of acoustic metamaterial.
The Record Power Profile in Professional Female Cyclists: Normative Values Obtained From a Large Database
Authors: Mateo-March Manuel , van Erp Teun , Muriel Xabier , Valenzuela Pedro L. , Zabala Mikel , Lamberts Robert P. , Lucia Alejandro , Barranco-Gil David , Pallarés Jesús G.
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To describe the record power profile of professional female cyclists and to assess potential differences based on the type of rider. Methods: Power output data (32,028 files containing both training and competition sessions recorded) in 44 female professional cyclists during 1–6 years were analyzed. Cyclists were categorized as all-rounders, time trialists, climbers, or sprinters. The record power profile was calculated using the mean maximal power output (MMP) values attained by each cyclist for different-effort durations (5 s to 60 min) expressed in relative (W·kg−1), as well as absolute, power output (W). Results: Participants’ MMP averaged 15.3 (1.8) W·kg−1 for 5 seconds, 8.4 (0.8) W·kg−1 for 1 minute, 5.2 (0.5) W·kg−1 for 10 minutes, and 4.2 (0.4) W·kg−1 for 60 minutes. For short-duration efforts (5–30 s), sprinters attained the highest MMP results, with significantly higher relative (Hedges g = 1.40–2.31) or absolute (g = 4.48–8.06) values than the remainder of categories or climbers only, respectively. Time trialists attained the highest MMP for longer efforts, with higher relative values than both all-rounders and climbers when comparing efforts lasting 10 to 60 minutes (P < .05, g = 1.21–1.54). Conclusions: In professional female cyclists, the record power profile substantially differs based on the specific category of the rider. These findings provide unique insights into the physical capacities of female professional cyclists, as well as a benchmark for coaches and scientists aiming to identify talent in female cycling.
Phenotypic variability, not noise, accounts for most of the cell-to-cell heterogeneity in IFN-γ and oncostatin M signaling responses
Authors: Topolewski Piotr , Zakrzewska Karolina E. , Walczak Jarosław , Nienałtowski Karol , Müller-Newen Gerhard , Singh Abhyudai , Komorowski Michał
Published: February 2022

Cellular signaling responses show substantial cell-to-cell heterogeneity, which is often ascribed to the inherent randomness of biochemical reactions, termed molecular noise, wherein high noise implies low signaling fidelity. Alternatively, heterogeneity could arise from differences in molecular content between cells, termed molecular phenotypic variability, which does not necessarily imply imprecise signaling. The contribution of these two processes to signaling heterogeneity is unclear. Here, we fused fibroblasts to produce binuclear syncytia to distinguish noise from phenotypic variability in the analysis of cytokine signaling. We reasoned that the responses of the two nuclei within one syncytium could approximate the signaling outcomes of two cells with the same molecular content, thereby disclosing noise contribution, whereas comparison of different syncytia should reveal contribution of phenotypic variability. We found that ~90% of the variance in the primary response (which was the abundance of phosphorylated, nuclear STAT) to stimulation with the cytokines interferon-γ and oncostatin M resulted from differences in the molecular content of individual cells. Thus, our data reveal that cytokine signaling in the system used here operates in a reproducible, high-fidelity manner.
Legionella
takes aim at mitochondria
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: February 2022

A
Legionella
virulence factor blocks mitochondrial ADP/ATP exchange in infected cells.
A Central Role for Magnesium Homeostasis during Adaptation to Osmotic Stress
Authors: Wendel Brian M. , Pi Hualiang , Krüger Larissa , Herzberg Christina , Stülke Jörg , Helmann John D.
Published: February 2022

Environments with high concentrations of salt or other solutes impose an osmotic stress on cells, ultimately limiting viability by dehydration of the cytosol. A very common cellular response to high osmolarity is to immediately import high levels of potassium ion (K
+
), which helps prevent dehydration and allows time for the import or synthesis of biocompatible solutes that allow a resumption of growth.
Multiple Regulatory Mechanisms Control the Production of CmrRST, an Atypical Signal Transduction System in Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Garrett Elizabeth M. , Mehra Anchal , Sekulovic Ognjen , Tamayo Rita
Published: February 2022

Clostridioides difficile
is a leading cause of hospital-acquired intestinal infections in the United States. The CmrRST signal transduction system controls numerous physiological traits and processes in
C. difficile
, including cell and colony morphology, motility, biofilm formation, and virulence.
Plasma Membrane Phosphatidylinositol-4-Phosphate Is Not Necessary for Candida albicans Viability yet Is Key for Cell Wall Integrity and Systemic Infection
Authors: Garcia-Rodas Rocio , Labbaoui Hayet , Orange François , Solis Norma , Zaragoza Oscar , Filler Scott G. , Bassilana Martine , Arkowitz Robert A.
Published: February 2022

While the PI-4-kinases
PIK1
and
STT4
both produce PI(4)P, the former generates PI(4)P at the Golgi cisterna and the latter at the plasma membrane, and these two pools are functionally distinct. To address the importance of plasma membrane PI(4)P in
Candida albicans
, we generated deletion mutants of the three putative plasma membrane PI-4-kinase complex components and quantified the levels of plasma membrane PI(4)P in each of these strains.
Phenotypic and Genomic Diversification in Complex Carbohydrate-Degrading Human Gut Bacteria
Authors: Pudlo Nicholas A. , Urs Karthik , Crawford Ryan , Pirani Ali , Atherly Todd , Jimenez Roberto , Terrapon Nicolas , Henrissat Bernard , Peterson Daniel , Ziemer Cherie , Snitkin Evan , Martens Eric C.
Published: February 2022

Nonharmful bacteria are the primary microbial symbionts that inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract. These bacteria play many beneficial roles and in some cases can modify disease states, making it important to understand which nutrients sustain specific lineages.
Label-Free Raman Microspectroscopy for Identifying Prokaryotic Virocells
Authors: Monsees Indra , Turzynski Victoria , Esser Sarah P. , Soares André , Timmermann Lara I. , Weidenbach Katrin , Banas Jarno , Kloster Michael , Beszteri Bánk , Schmitz Ruth A. , Probst Alexander J.
Published: February 2022

Viruses are highly diverse biological entities shaping many ecosystems across Earth. However, understanding the infection of individual microbial cells and the related biochemical changes remains limited.
If exercise is medicine, why don’t we know the dose? An overview of systematic reviews assessing reporting quality of exercise interventions in health and disease
Authors: Hansford Harrison J , Wewege Michael A , Cashin Aidan G , Hagstrom Amanda D , Clifford Briana K , McAuley James H , Jones Matthew D
Published: February 2022

Objective

To determine how well exercise interventions are reported in trials in health and disease.

Design

Overview of systematic reviews.

Data sources

PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and PsycINFO from inception until June 2021.

Eligibility criteria

Reviews of any health condition were included if they primarily assessed quality of exercise intervention reporting using the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) or the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR). We assessed review quality using a modified version of A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews.

Results

We identified 7804 studies and included 28 systematic reviews. The median (IQR) percentage of CERT and TIDieR items appropriately reported was 24% (19%) and 49% (33%), respectively. TIDieR items 1,Brief name(median=100%, IQR 4) and 2,Why(median=98%, IQR 6), as well as CERT item 4,Supervision and delivery(median=68%, IQR 89), were the best reported. For replication of exercise interventions, TIDieR item 8,When and how much,was moderately well reported (median=62%, IQR 68) although CERT item 8,Description of each exercise to enable replication(median=23%, IQR 44) and item 13,Detailed description of the exercise intervention(median=24%, IQR 66) were poorly reported. Quality of systematic reviews ranged from moderate to critically low quality.

Conclusion

Exercise interventions are poorly reported across a range of health conditions. If exercise is medicine, then how it is prescribed and delivered is unclear, potentially limiting its translation from research to practice.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021261285; Open Science Framework: osf.io/my3ec/.
Are cause of death data for Shanghai fit for purpose? A retrospective study of medical records
Authors: Chen Lei , Xia Tian , Yuan Zheng-An , Rampatige Rasika , Chen Jun , Li Hang , Adair Timothy , Yu Hui-Ting , Bratschi Martin , Setel Philip , Rajasekhar Megha , Chowdhury H R , Gamage Saman Hattotuwa , Fang Bo , Azam Omair , Santon Romain , Gu Zhen , Tan Ziwen , Wang Chunfang , Lopez Alan D , Wu Fan
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To assess the quality of cause of death reporting in Shanghai for both hospital and home deaths.

Design and setting

Medical records review (MRR) to independently establish a reference data set against which to compare original and adjusted diagnoses from a sample of three tertiary hospitals, one secondary level hospital and nine community health centres in Shanghai.

Participants

1757 medical records (61% males, 39% females) of deaths that occurred in these sample sites in 2017 were reviewed using established diagnostic standards.

Interventions

None.

Primary outcome

Original underlying cause of death (UCOD) from medical facilities.

Secondary outcome

Routine UCOD assigned from the Shanghai Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system and MRR UCODs from MRR.

Results

The original UCODs as assigned by doctors in the study facilities were of relatively low quality, reduced to 31% of deaths assigned to garbage codes, reduced to 2.3% following data quality and follow back procedures routinely applied by the Shanghai CRVS system. The original UCOD had lower chance-corrected concordance and cause-specific mortality fraction accuracy of 0.57 (0.44, 0.70) and 0.66, respectively, compared with 0.75 (0.66, 0.85) and 0.96, respectively, after routine data checking procedures had been applied.

Conclusions

Training in correct death certification for clinical doctors, especially tertiary hospital doctors, is essential to improve UCOD quality in Shanghai. A routine quality control system should be established to actively track diagnostic performance and provide feedback to individual doctors or facilities as needed.
Diseases prevalent before major depressive disorder diagnosis: an exploratory nested case–control study using health insurance-based claims data
Authors: Cho Yoshinori , Mishiro Izumi , Akaki Tsuyoshi , Akimoto Takafumi , Fujikawa Keita
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is often comorbid with other chronic and/or serious diseases. However, little is known about the prevalence of various diseases that are present before MDD onset. We examined the prevalence of all pre-existing diseases in the 12 months before an MDD diagnosis.

Design

Exploratory nested case–control study.

Setting

Data, including diagnoses based on International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision codes, were from a Japanese health insurance database (JMDC).

Participants

Adults newly diagnosed with MDD during 2015, 2016 or 2017 (but not the preceding year) (cases) were matched (exact) 1:10 to controls by age, sex, index date and working status.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was the proportion of patients in each group with each pre-existing disease during the 12 months before the index date (ie, before MDD diagnosis in cases). Odds ratios (ORs) for onset of MDD were calculated for each pre-existing disease. A post hoc multivariate analysis examined interactions of metabolic risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia), psychiatric disorders (sleep disorders, psychiatric disorders other than depression) and MDD-related symptoms (headache, pain, autonomic nerve imbalance) on MDD diagnosis.

Results

There were 13 420 cases and 134 200 controls (mean age 41.9 years; 66.5% male). The prevalence of almost all pre-existing diseases was higher in cases than in controls. The highest ORs (5.8–21.0) were for psychiatric diseases and sleep disorders. Insomnia (21.1% of patients; OR 8.7) and neurosis (9.7%; OR 10.6) were particularly prevalent in the case group. The odds of MDD increased in the presence of metabolic risk factors, psychiatric disorders and/or MDD-related symptoms.

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of pre-existing diseases in Japanese patients who develop MDD compared with matched controls without MDD. These results suggest that patients with chronic and/or serious diseases should be actively monitored for depression.
Is pharmacokinetic-guided dosing of desmopressin and von Willebrand factor-containing concentrates in individuals with von Willebrand disease or low von Willebrand factor reliable and feasible? A protocol for a multicentre, non-randomised, open label cohort trial, the OPTI-CLOT: to WiN study
Authors: Heijdra Jessica M , Al Arashi Wala , de Jager Nico C B , Cloesmeijer Michael E , Bukkems Laura H , Zwaan Christian M , Leebeek Frank W G , Mathôt Ron A A , Cnossen Marjon H
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a bleeding disorder, caused by a deficiency or defect of von Willebrand factor (VWF). In case of medical procedures or bleeding, patients are treated with desmopressin and/or VWF-containing concentrates to increase plasma VWF and factor VIII (FVIII). However, in many cases these factor levels are outside the targeted range. Therefore, population pharmacokinetic (PK) models have been developed, which aim to quantify and explain intraindividual and interindividual differences in treatment response. These models enable calculation of individual PK parameters by Bayesian analysis, based on an individual desmopressin test or PK profile with a VWF-containing concentrate. Subsequently, the dose necessary for an individual to achieve coagulation factor target levels can be calculated.

Methods and analysis

Primary aim of this study is to assess the predictive performance (the difference between predicted and measured von VWF activity and FVIII levels) of Bayesian forecasting using the developed population PK models in four different situations: (A) desmopressin testing (n≥30); (B) medical procedures (n=70; 30 receiving desmopressin, 30 receiving VWF-containing concentrate and 10 receiving a combination of both); (C) bleeding episodes (n=20; 10 receiving desmopressin and 10 receiving VWF-containing concentrate) and (D) prophylaxis with a VWF-containing concentrate (n=3 to 5). Individuals with all types of VWD and individuals with low VWF (VWF 0.30–0.60 IU/mL) will be included. Reliability and feasibility of PK-guided dosing will be tested by assessing predictive performance, treatment duration, haemostasis, patient satisfaction and physician satisfaction.

Ethics and dissemination

The OPTI-CLOT:to WiN study was approved by the medical ethics committee of the Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Results of the study will be communicated through publication in international scientific journals and presentation at (inter)national conferences.

Trial registration number

NL7212 (NTR7411); Pre-results, EudraCT 2018-001631-46.
Effect of a tailored multidimensional intervention on the care burden among family caregivers of stroke survivors: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Elsheikh Mahmoud Ahmed , Moriyama Michiko , Rahman Md Moshiur , Kako Mayumi , EL-Monshed Ahmed Hashem , Zoromba Mohamed , Zehry Hamada , Khalil Maha Hazem , El-Gilany Abdel-Hady , Amr Mostafa
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of a tailored multidimensional intervention in reducing the care burden of family caregivers of stroke survivors. This intervention considered caregivers’ perceived needs and incorporated three evidence-based dimensions (psychoeducation, skill-building and peer support).

Design

A prospective randomised control trial.

Setting

A community-based study conducted in Egypt.

Participants

A total of 110 caregivers aged ≥18 years who cared for a survivor within 6 months of stroke, with modified Rankin Scale scores of 3–5, and without other physical disabilities or terminal illnesses were recruited between December 2019 and May 2020. Participants were assigned to the intervention group (IG; n=55) and control group (CG; n=55) through open-label, parallel 1:1 randomisation.

Intervention

The IG was provided with tailored multidimensional interventions for 6 months until November 2020, including three home visits, six home-based telephone calls and one peer-support session. The CG received simple educational instructions at a single visit.

Outcome

The participants completed the Zarit Burden Interview (primary outcome) and the WHO Quality of Life-BREF (secondary outcome) before the intervention (T0), at 3 months (T1) and at 6 months (T2).

Results

No differences were observed between the characteristics of the groups at baseline (T0). The independent t-test showed no significant differences in the care burden and Quality of Life (QoL) at T1 and T2 between the groups. The intervention had no significant effect on the outcomes between or within groups over time, as shown by the repeated-measures analysis of variance. However, the group and time interaction had significant main effects on caregivers’ QoL (psychological and social domains).

Conclusion

The main results showed that participants in the IG did not experience an improvement in the main outcomes. Nevertheless, the improvement in the psychological and social domains may have been attributed to our intervention.

Trial registration number

NCT04211662.
Urban–rural lifespan disparities and cause-deleted analysis: evidence from China
Authors: Chen Mengxue , Canudas-Romo Vladimir
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To examine the length and dispersion level of lifespan for the subnational populations in China, identify the urban–rural gap and sex differences, and analyse the contribution made by causes of death.

Setting

Cause-specific mortality data extracted from the Chinese Disease Surveillance Points system, grouped by sex and urban/rural residence.

Primary outcome measures

Life expectancy and lifespan disparity are used to measure the length and dispersion level of lifespan, respectively. Cause-specific contributions are obtained by contrasting cause-deleted life expectancy and lifespan disparities with observed values.

Participants

Aggregated national data gathered from over 605 surveillance points across China, covering over 264 million people by 2016 (about 19.14% of the total Chinese population).

Results

In the decade under observation, all subpopulations in China, by area and sex, experienced increases in life expectancy and decreases in lifespan disparity, while causes of deaths contributed differently. For example, based on the 2016 data, if cardiovascular diseases were deleted, there would be an increase in life expectancy that ranges from 5.59 years for urban males to 6.69 years for rural females. However, also lifespan disparity would increase, ranging from 0.81 years for urban females to 1.37 years for rural males.

Conclusions

In China, the urban–rural gaps in both life expectancy and lifespan disparity are shrinking as the rural residents are catching up fast, while the gender gaps remain large, and even widening. Causes of death with different age distribution patterns contribute differently to the level and direction of the urban–rural and sex differentials in life expectancy and lifespan disparity. Sex differentials were observed in cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, lung and liver cancers, and external causes, while urban–rural differences were found in lung and breast cancers, and external causes.
Residency training in family medicine and its impact on coordination and continuity of care: an analysis of referrals to secondary care in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Jantsch Adelson Guaraci , Burström Bo , Nilsson Gunnar H , Ponce de Leon Antônio
Published: February 2022

Objective

To measure the effect that residency training in family medicine (RTFM) has on continuity and coordination of care.

Design

Observational cohort study using electronic health records.

Setting

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, public primary care system.

Participants

504 940 patients, 633 generalists (physicians without RTFM) and 204 family physicians (FP—doctors with 2 years of RTFM) from one health district between January 2015 and December 2018.

Intervention

Two years of RTFM.

Main outcome measures

Relative risks of patients being referred to secondary care for outpatient consultations and diagnostics tests; and having a follow-up medical consultation in primary care within 3 and 6 months after being referred.

Results

We examined 2 414 508 medical consultations and 284 754 referrals to secondary care. FPs were less likely to request ambulatory care services (including surgical specialties), but were more likely to request ophthalmology, physiotherapy, rehabilitationand surgical evaluations for their patients. Patients referred to secondary care by FPs were more likely to have a follow-up visit in primary care for almost every service requested. If all medical consultations were performed by FPs, a 37.6% (95% CI 32.4% to 42.4%) increased demand for rehabilitation services would be noticed. Oppositely, 1532 (95% CI 1458 to 1602) fewer requests for dermatology would happen every year.

Conclusions

RTFM improves coordination and continuity of care by making FPs more competent to retain those health conditions that can be properly managed in primary care and making FPs more competent to detect health conditions that require specific biomedical technologies and skills, increasing the demand for those services. Besides, it increases the chances of patients having follow-up visits in primary care. Policy-makers in low-income and middle-income countries must consider investing in RTFM to make primary care systems more comprehensive, with better coordination and continuity of care.