bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of morphospace of Neotropical Sericini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): disparity in the light of species diversity and activity patterns
Authors: Pacheco Thaynara L. , Monné Marcela L. , Ahrens Dirk
Published: October 2021

The striking diversity among herbivorous Scarabaeoidea is still poorly understood. Therefore, we compare in these work linear measurements of body features of Neotropical and Old World linages of Sericini chafers to uncover patterns possibly linked to foraging behavior (day or night activity) or to the success of their diversification in terms of diversity. If diversity in Sericini chafers would be linked to morphological disparity, we would expect in the much less diverse Neotropical lineage a very clear drop of morphological disparity. Comparing the two major sister clades, Old World and Neotropical Sericini, in terms of their disparity and diversity, the here elaborated distance data do not support the hypothesis that morphological disparity could be a driver for the diversity of Sericini in the Old World. The influence of the metacoxal length on morphological disparity appears to represent a possible key for a better understanding of the evolution of Sericini in the Neotropical region (including their lower diversity) and answers the question of why they are so much less diverse than their sister lineage in the Old World. The increasing length of the metacoxal plate appears to be a result of the presence of a secondary metacoxal joint in Old World Sericini, which has a crucial impact on hind leg mobility and digging behavior. General body shape and single morphological characters appear under similar general evolutionary pressure: high morphometric disparity between nocturnal and diurnal Neotropical species was also corroborated by disparity estimated from discrete morphological characters.
Dynamics of urinary and respiratory shedding of Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA excludes urine as a relevant source of viral transmission
Authors: Mumm Jan-Niclas , Ledderose Stephan , Ostermann Andreas , Rudelius Martina , Hellmuth Johannes C. , Münchhoff Max , Munker Dieter , Scherer Clemens , Volz Yannic , Ebner Benedikt , Giessen-Jung Clemens , Lampert Christopher , Vilsmaier Theresa , Schneider Stephanie , Gapp Madeleine , Milger-Kneidinger Katrin , Behr Jürgen , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Keppler Oliver T. , Stief Christian , Magistro Giuseppe , Staehler Michael , Rodler Severin
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To investigate the expression of the receptor protein ACE-2 alongside the urinary tract, urinary shedding and urinary stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining was performed on tissue from urological surgery of 10 patients. Further, patients treated for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at specialized care-units of a university hospital were assessed for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urinary samples via PCR, disease severity (WHO score), inflammatory response of patients. Finally, the stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urine was analyzed.

Results

High ACE-2 expression (3/3) was observed in the tubules of the kidney and prostate glands, moderate expression in urothelial cells of the bladder (0–2/3) and no expression in kidney glomeruli, muscularis of the bladder and stroma of the prostate (0/3). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 5/199 urine samples from 64 patients. Viral RNA was detected in the first urinary sample of sequential samples. Viral RNA load from other specimen as nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) or endotracheal aspirates revealed higher levels than from urine. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urine was not associated with impaired WHO score (median 5, range 3–8 vs median 4, range 1–8, p = 0.314), peak white blood cell count (median 24.1 × 1000/ml, range 5.19–48.1 versus median 11.9 × 1000/ml, range 2.9–60.3, p = 0.307), peak CRP (median 20.7 mg/dl, 4.2–40.2 versus median 11.9 mg/dl, range 0.1–51.9, p = 0.316) or peak IL-6 levels (median: 1442 ng/ml, range 26.7–3918 versus median 140 ng/ml, range 3.0–11,041, p = 0.099). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was stable under different storage conditions and after freeze–thaw cycles.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the urine of COVID-19 patients occurs infrequently. The viral RNA load and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding suggest no relevant route of transmission through the urinary tract.
The Hydrating Effects of Hypertonic, Isotonic and Hypotonic Sports Drinks and Waters on Central Hydration During Continuous Exercise: A Systematic Meta-Analysis and Perspective
Authors: Rowlands David S. , Kopetschny Brigitte Hani , Badenhorst Claire E.
Published: October 2021

Background

Body-fluid loss during prolonged continuous exercise can impair cardiovascular function, harming performance. Delta percent plasma volume (dPV) represents the change in central and circulatory body-water volume and therefore hydration during exercise; however, the effect of carbohydrate–electrolyte drinks and water on the dPV response is unclear.

Objective

To determine by meta-analysis the effects of ingested hypertonic (> 300 mOsmol kg−1), isotonic (275–300 mOsmol kg−1) and hypotonic (< 275 mOsmol kg−1) drinks containing carbohydrate and electrolyte ([Na+] < 50 mmol L−1), and non-carbohydrate drinks/water (< 40 mOsmol kg−1) on dPV during continuous exercise.

Methods

A systematic review produced 28 qualifying studies and 68 drink treatment effects. Random-effects meta-analyses with repeated measures provided estimates of effects and probability of superiority (p+) during 0–180 min of exercise, adjusted for drink osmolality, ingestion rate, metabolic rate and a weakly informative Bayesian prior.

Results

Mean drink effects on dPV were: hypertonic − 7.4% [90% compatibility limits (CL) − 8.5, − 6.3], isotonic − 8.7% (90% CL − 10.1, − 7.4), hypotonic − 6.3% (90% CL − 7.4, − 5.3) and water − 7.5% (90% CL − 8.5, − 6.4). Posterior contrast estimates relative to the smallest important effect (dPV = 0.75%) were: hypertonic-isotonic 1.2% (90% CL − 0.1, 2.6; p+ = 0.74), hypotonic-isotonic 2.3% (90% CL 1.1, 3.5; p+ = 0.984), water-isotonic 1.3% (90% CL 0.0, 2.5; p+ = 0.76), hypotonic-hypertonic 1.1% (90% CL 0.1, 2.1; p+ = 0.71), hypertonic-water 0.1% (90% CL − 0.8, 1.0; p+ = 0.12) and hypotonic-water 1.1% (90% CL 0.1, 2.0; p+ = 0.72). Thus, hypotonic drinks were very likely superior to isotonic and likely superior to hypertonic and water. Metabolic rate, ingestion rate, carbohydrate characteristics and electrolyte concentration were generally substantial modifiers of dPV.

Conclusion

Hypotonic carbohydrate–electrolyte drinks ingested continuously during exercise provide the greatest benefit to hydration.

Graphical abstract
Animal Business: an Ethical Exploration of Corporate Responsibility Towards Animals
Authors: Janssens Monique
Published: October 2021

The aim of this paper is to take normative aspects of animal welfare in corporate practice from a blind spot into the spotlight, and thus connect the fields of business ethics and animal ethics. Using insights from business ethics and animal ethics, it argues that companies have a strong responsibility towards animals. Its rationale is that animals have a moral status, that moral actors have the moral obligation to take the interests of animals into account and thus, that as moral actors, companies should take the interests of animals into account, more specifically their current and future welfare. Based on this corporate responsibility, categories of corporate impact on animals in terms of welfare and longevity are offered, including normative implications for each of them. The article concludes with managerial implications for several business sectors, including the most animal-consuming and animal-welfare-threatening industry: the food sector. Welfare issues are discussed, including the issue of killing for food production.
Altitude of the East Asian Coastal Mountains and Their Influence on Asian Climate During Early Late Cretaceous
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liu Yonggang , Flögel Sascha , Zhang Tao , Wang Chengshan , Fang Xiaomin
Published: October 2021

The East Asian coastal mountains have been in place during the Late Cretaceous times, thus substantially influencing the Asian climate. So far, their altitude is uncertain. Here we investigate the influence of such mountains on Asian climate using an atmosphere‐ocean general circulation model, Community Earth System Model version 1.2.2. Simulation results show that extensive deserts would develop over the eastern part of the East Asia if the altitude of the coastal mountains was greater than 2 km. This is due to the pumping effect of the coastal mountains which deprives the moisture from the East Asian interior during summer and autumn, leading to less precipitation and greater potential evapotranspiration. The existence of extensive desert areas would be more consistent with the presented Asian paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Therefore, our results independently indicate that the altitude of the coastal mountains had attained 2 km or more by the early Late Cretaceous.
Neighborhoods Are Feeling the Heat of Climate Change
Authors: Rocheleau Jackie
Published: October 2021

It’s no secret there are disparities in exposure to climate change’s effects. A new study zeroes in on the demographics of neighborhoods subjected to the hottest temperatures.
New Paleointensity Data From Aniakchak Volcano, Alaska, USA
Authors: Cromwell Geoffrey , Zhang Yiming
Published: October 2021

This study presents the first set of Holocene, high‐quality absolute paleointensity data from Alaska, USA. Existing paleointensity data for the Holocene are generally located at mid‐northern latitudes in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and eastern Asia. Relatively few data are from the Alaska region. IZZI‐modified paleointensity experiments were conducted on glassy volcanic materials from Aniakchak volcano, a mid‐ to high‐latitude composite volcano on the Alaska‐Aleutian arc. The CCRIT selection criteria were applied to the paleointensity results. A total of 30 specimens from six samples with estimated ages ranging from 1931 CE to 2,300 years before present passed all selection criteria. The sample‐mean paleointensities ranged from 49.5 to 68.0 microTesla (μT). The sample‐mean paleointensity results are comparable to modeled intensities, however all except for one sample‐mean paleointensity are lower than those predicted by geomagnetic field models. The paleointensity estimate for the historical 1931 CE eruption was about 15 μT greater than the expected field strength. This overestimate may result from unrecognized alteration or non‐ideal remanence carriers in this sample. Further evaluation of samples from the 1931 CE eruption using a Bayesian estimation method resulted in a paleointensity estimate that encompasses the historical field strength within uncertainty. These new paleointensity results are a valuable contribution to the mid‐ to high‐northern latitude paleomagnetic data set. Incorporation of these data into future geomagnetic field models will improve the predictions of geomagnetic field behavior in the Alaska region.
Toward Improving Point‐Source Moment‐Tensor Inference by Incorporating 1D Earth Model's Uncertainty: Implications for the Long Valley Caldera Earthquakes
Authors: Phạm Thanh‐Son , Tkalčić Hrvoje
Published: October 2021

To infer seismic moment tensor (MT) of moderate earthquakes at regional scales, seismologists typically simulate waveforms using available structural models of the Earth to match the observed seismograms. This procedure is known as waveform seismic MT inversion. However, the seismic data are noisy, and the Earth model is inevitably different from the actual structure of the Earth; hence, there is a discrepancy between the predicted and the observed waveforms. This discrepancy arises from the noise in the data and imperfections in theoretical predictions, stemming most significantly from the Earth model. This study introduces structural uncertainty, estimated empirically, and referred to as “theory uncertainty,” as part of the combined covariance matrix. In the synthetic setting, we first show through a series of synthetic experiments that the structural uncertainty plays a critical role in retrieving MT solutions, especially for short‐period waveforms. The method is then benchmarked against the waveforms of non‐double‐couple earthquakes in Long Valley Caldera, California. We confirm the highly isotropic nature of the source in a pilot event but find a non‐negligible CLVD component that was overlooked in past studies ignoring the uncertainty in Earth model. Thus, careful consideration of the Earth model's uncertainty as part of the MT inversion schemes will be necessary for future applications to better understand the complicated physics of earthquake sources.
Black Carbon Particles Physicochemical Real‐Time Data Set in a Cold City: Trends of Fall‐Winter BC Accumulation and COVID‐19
Authors: Li Houjie , Ariya Parisa A.
Published: October 2021

Black carbon (BC) plays an important role in climate and health sciences. Using the combination of a year real‐time BC observation (photoacoustic extinctiometer) and data for PM2.5 and selected co‐pollutants, we herein show that annual BC Mass concentration has a bi‐modal distribution, in a cold‐climate city of Montreal. In addition to the summer peak, a winter BC peak was observed (up to 0.433 μg/m3), lasting over 3 months. A comparative study between two air pollution hotspots, downtown and Montreal international airport indicated that airborne average BC Mass concentration in downtown was 0.344 μg/m3, whereas in the residential areas around Montreal airport BC Mass values were over 400% higher (1.487 μg/m3). During the numerous snowfall events, airborne BC Mass concentration decreased. High‐resolution scanning/transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis of the snow samples provided evidence that airborne BC particles or carbon nanomaterials were indeed transferred from polluted air to snow. During the COVID‐19 lockdown, the BC concentration and selected co‐pollutants, decreased up to 72%, confirming the predominance of anthropogenic activities in BC emission. This first cold‐climate BC data set can be essential for more accurate air quality and climate modeling. About one‐third of the Earth's land surface receive snow annually, the impact of this study on air quality, health and climate change is discussed.
The Dayside Ionopause of Mars: Solar Wind Interaction, Pressure Balance, and Comparisons With Venus
Authors: Chu F. , Girazian Z. , Duru F. , Ramstad R. , Halekas J. , Gurnett D. A. , Cao X. , Kopf A. J.
Published: October 2021

Due to the lower ionospheric thermal pressure and existence of the crustal magnetism at Mars, the Martian ionopause is expected to behave differently from the ionopause at Venus. We study the solar wind interaction and pressure balance at the ionopause of Mars using both in situ and remote sounding measurements from the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding instrument on the Mars Express orbiter. We show that the magnetic pressure usually dominates the thermal pressure to hold off the solar wind at the ionopause at Mars, with only 13% of the cases where the ionospheric thermal pressure plays a more important role in pressure balance. This percentage at Venus, however, is up to 65%. We also find that the ionopause altitude at Mars decreases as the normal component of the solar wind dynamic pressure increases, similar to the altitude variation of the ionopauses at Venus. Moreover, our results show that the ionopause thickness at Mars and Venus is mainly determined by the ion gyromotion and is equivalent to about five ion gyroradii.
Post‐Wildfire Generation of Debris‐Flow Slurry by Rill Erosion on Colluvial Hillslopes
Authors: Alessio Paul , Dunne Thomas , Morell Kristin
Published: October 2021

Landscapes after wildfire commonly experience accelerated hillslope erosion, which often contributes to the mobilization and volume of debris flows. However, quantitative studies of the erosion and its relationship to rainfall, runoff, and landscape characteristics have been limited to a narrow range of physiographic conditions. We estimated the volume and delivery rate of slurry (a water‐sediment mixture) supplied to stream channels during a post‐wildfire rainstorm that generated large debris flows in six catchments above Montecito, CA, in 2018. We mapped the distribution of rills and measured their cross‐sectional geometries to quantify the influences of runoff, lithology, and hillslope characteristics on the sediment volumes released by rill erosion, and we scaled the results up to the 19.5 km2 of burned hillslopes in the source catchments. We computed the likely rate of surface runoff during the rainstorm and developed an empirical model for the evolution of a representative hillslope‐spanning rill to illustrate the magnitude and speed of the erosion process. Rilling was the dominant form of erosion across the hillslopes of the source catchments, and the rapid evacuation and mixing of water and sediment during rill formation supplied a slurry with high solids concentrations to stream channels. Colluvium on shale formations was more continuous, finer‐grained, and probably less permeable than colluvium on sandstones, and these differences affected the extent and dimensions of rills. As a result, shale hillslopes were the dominant source of slurry to the debris flows and supplied over twice as much slurry per unit burn area as sandstones.
Observations of Unusual Daytime Range Spread F at Middle Latitude During the Afternoon Hours
Authors: Wei Lehui , Jiang Chunhua , Lan Ting , Wang Wenxuan , Shen Hua , Aa Ercha , Huang Wengeng , Liu Jing , Yang Guobin , Hu Yaogai , Zhao Zhengyu
Published: October 2021

In this study, an unusual daytime range spread F event recorded by the ionosonde installed at Zhangye (ZHY, 39.4°N, 100.13°E, dip latitude 29.65°N) station during the afternoon of December 23, 2016 was presented. Daytime spread F during the afternoon hours have seldom been reported at midlatitude regions. In addition, observations of daytime spread F are mostly the frequency spread F. In this case, daytime range spread F and spread Es in the midlatitude region were simultaneously observed during the afternoon hours (15:15‐16:00 LT). Moreover, some distorted traces of the main traces occurred on ionograms during the morning. The result of these observations seems to indicate that these extra traces and daytime diffused echoes on ionograms might be attributed to the same ionospheric disturbances phenomenon. Analysis of the iso‐frequency of ionospheric virtual height from ZHY ionosonde data during this event revealed the presence of wave‐like disturbances consistent with traveling ionosphere disturbances (TIDs)/atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs). The periods of TIDs on this day are in a range of 20–70 min that can be roughly classified into MSTIDs. We found that the daytime range spread F might be induced by the passage of ionospheric wave‐like structures caused by TIDs/AGWs. In addition, the seeding of TIDs/AGWs might be attributed to the stratosphere gravity waves over the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, which causes the coupled of the atmosphere‐ionosphere‐thermosphere to significantly impact the ionosphere.
An evaluation of a national mass media campaign to raise public awareness of possible lung cancer symptoms in England in 2016 and 2017
Authors: Ball Susan , Hyde Chris , Hamilton Willie , Bright Chloe J. , Gildea Carolynn , Wong Kwok F. , Paley Lizz , Hill Helen L. , Mak Vivian , Moffat Jodie , Elliss-Brookes Lucy
Published: October 2021

Background

A two-phase ‘respiratory symptoms’ mass media campaign was conducted in 2016 and 2017 in England raising awareness of cough and worsening shortness of breath as symptoms warranting a general practitioner (GP) visit.

Method

A prospectively planned pre–post evaluation was done using routinely collected data on 15 metrics, including GP attendance, GP referral, emergency presentations, cancers diagnosed (five metrics), cancer stage, investigations (two metrics), outpatient attendances, inpatient admissions, major lung resections and 1-year survival. The primary analysis compared 2015 with 2017. Trends in metrics over the whole period were also considered. The effects of the campaign on awareness of lung cancer symptoms were evaluated using bespoke surveys.

Results

There were small favourable statistically significant and clinically important changes over 2 years in 11 of the 15 metrics measured, including a 2.11% (95% confidence interval 1.02–3.20, p < 0.001) improvement in the percentage of lung cancers diagnosed at an early stage. However, these changes were not accompanied by increases in GP attendances. Furthermore, the time trends showed a gradual change in the metrics rather than steep changes occurring during or after the campaigns.

Conclusion

There were small positive changes in most metrics relating to lung cancer diagnosis after this campaign. However, the pattern over time challenges whether the improvements are wholly attributable to the campaign. Given the importance of education on cancer in its own right, raising awareness of symptoms should remain important. However further research is needed to maximise the effect on health outcomes.
FBXL10 promotes EMT and metastasis of breast cancer cells via regulating the acetylation and transcriptional activity of SNAI1
Authors: Yang Yangyang , Zhao Binggong , Lv Linlin , Yang Yuxi , Li Shujing , Wu Huijian
Published: October 2021

F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 10 (FBXL10) has been reported to play a regulatory role in the initiation and development of breast cancer. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that FBXL10 may involve in the process of cytoskeleton organization. This research aimed to investigate the function of FBXL10 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of breast cancer, and tried to reveal the molecular mechanism involved in this issue. Functional experiments in vitro revealed that FBXL10 promoted the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells through inhibiting E-cadherin expression and inducing EMT. Mechanical studies revealed that FBXL10 could specifically interact with SNAI1, but not Slug or ZEB1. And it promoted the transcriptional repression activity of SNAI1 on CDH1 in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, FBXL10 had a positive role for the deacetylation of SNAI1 by facilitating the interaction between SNAI1 and HDAC1, a dominating deacetylase of SNAI1. And the deacetylated SNAI1 showed a more suppressive ability to inhibit the transcription of E-cadherin. Moreover, mouse models were also conducted to confirm the effect of FBXL10 on the lung metastasis of breast cancer in vivo. Totally, our data revealed that FBXL10 served as a pro-metastatic factor in breast cancer via repressing the expression of E-cadherin and inducing EMT. It may provide a novel regulatory axis in the EMT of breast cancer.
Group 11 metal complexes of the dinucleating triazole appended bisphosphine 1,4-bis(5-(diisopropylphosphaneyl)-1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)benzene
Authors: Kote Basvaraj S. , Kunchur Harish S. , Radhakrishna Latchupatula , Pandey Madhusudan K. , Balakrishna Maravanji S.
Published: October 2021

This paper describes the synthesis and the copper(i), silver(i) and gold(i) complexes of a novel large bite angle bisphosphine {(C6H4(PhC2N3)PiPr2)2-p}.
Lu(iii) bis-phthalocyanines containing carbazole moieties: synthesis, characterization, electrochemical properties and sensor applications
Authors: Sarıoğulları Hidayet , Sengul Ibrahim F. , Gürek Ayşe Gül
Published: October 2021

In this study, the synthesis and characterization of sandwich type Lu(iii) bis-phthalocyanines bearing electropolymerizable carbazole groups were evaluated and their electrochemical sensing properties studied towards DA, UA and AA.
A permanent covalent bond-crosslinked thermosetting polymer with room-temperature autonomous self-healing performance
Authors: Wang Yuechuan , Xiao Yao , Fu Xiaowei , Jiang Liang , Yuan Anqian , Xu Hualiang , Wei Zhengkai , Lei Yuan , Lei Jingxin
Published: October 2021

A room-temperature autonomous self-healing thermosetting polymer was prepared by crosslinking hydroxylated hyperbranched polymer with permanent covalent bonds for the first time.
Access to azonanes via Pd-catalyzed decarboxylative [5 + 4] cycloaddition with exclusive regioselectivity
Authors: Liu Yin , He Yicheng , Liu Yang , Wei Kun , Guo Wusheng
Published: October 2021

An efficient approach for the synthesis of azonanes via Pd-catalyzed decarboxylative [5 + 4] cycloaddition has been developed. The reactions feature wide functional group tolerance with exclusive regioselectivity.
Phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole with a leaf-like three-layer porous structure as a high-temperature proton exchange membrane for fuel cells
Authors: Wang Peng , Peng Jinwu , Yin Bibo , Fu Xianzhu , Wang Lei , Luo Jing-Li , Peng Xiaojun
Published: October 2021

Leaf-like three-layer porous PBI HT-PEMs with excellent power density and durability, which break through the limits of porous membranes.
Wavefront tolerances of space-based segmented telescopes at very high contrast: Experimental validation
Authors: Laginja Iva , Sauvage Jean-François , Mugnier Laurent M. , Pueyo Laurent , Perrin Marshall D. , Noss James , Will Scott D. , Brooks Keira J. , Por Emiel H. , Petrone Peter , Soummer Rémi
Published: October 2021

Context.The detection and characterization of Earth-like exoplanets (exoEarths) from space requires exquisite wavefront stability at contrast levels of 10−10. On segmented telescopes in particular, aberrations induced by co-phasing errors lead to a light leakage through the coronagraph, deteriorating the imaging performance. These need to be limited in order to facilitate the direct imaging of exoEarths.

Aims.We perform a laboratory validation of an analytical tolerancing model that allows us to determine wavefront error requirements in the 10−6 − 10−8contrast regime for a segmented pupil with a classical Lyot coronagraph. We intend to compare the results to simulations, and we aim to establish an error budget for the segmented mirror on the High-contrast imager for Complex Aperture Telescopes (HiCAT) testbed.

Methods.We use the Pair-based Analytical model for Segmented Telescope Imaging from Space to measure a contrast influence matrix of a real high-contrast instrument, and use an analytical model inversion to calculate per-segment wavefront error tolerances. We validate these tolerances on the HiCAT testbed by measuring the contrast response of segmented mirror states that follow these requirements.

Results.The experimental optical influence matrix is successfully measured on the HiCAT testbed, and we derive individual segment tolerances from it that correctly yield the targeted contrast levels. Further, the analytical expressions that predict a contrast mean and variance from a given segment covariance matrix are confirmed experimentally.
Back to Black: African American Literary Criticism in the Present Moment
Authors: Warren Kenneth W
Published: October 2021

For more than a century, scholars of Black literature have sought to align a critical project focused on identifying and celebrating Black distinctiveness with a social project aimed at redressing racial inequality. This commitment to Black distinctiveness announces itself as a project on behalf of “the race” as a whole, but has always been, and remains, a project and politics guided in the first instance by the needs and outlook of the Black professional classes. Over the first half of the twentieth century, this cultural project achieved some real successes: politically, it helped discredit the moral and intellectual legitimacy of the Jim Crow order that in various ways affected all Black Americans; culturally, it placed Black writers in the vanguard of a modernist project predicated on multicultural pluralism. Since the 1970s the limitations of this project, culturally and politically, have become increasingly evident. Blind to the class dimension of their efforts, literary scholars continue to misrepresent the historical/political nature of the project of Black distinction as a property of cultural texts themselves. Overestimating the efficacy of race-specific social policies, these scholars disparage the universalist social policies that would most effectively benefit a majority of Black Americans.
Adopting permanent His bundle pacing: learning curves and medium-term outcomes
Authors: De Leon Jhobeleen , Seow Swee-Chong , Boey Elaine , Soh Rodney , Tan Eugene , Gan Hiong Hiong , Lee Jie Ying , Teo Lisa Jie Ting , Yeo Colin , Tan Vern Hsen , Kojodjojo Pipin
Published: October 2021

Aims

This study aims to determine procedural characteristics, acute success rates, and medium-term outcomes of consecutive patients undergoing His bundle pacing (HBP); and learning curves of experienced electrophysiologists adopting HBP.

Methods and results

Consecutive HBP patients at three hospitals were recruited. Clinical characteristics, acute procedural details, and medium-term outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records. Two hundred and thirty-three patients [mean age 74.6 ± 10.1 years, 48% female, 68% narrow QRS, 71% normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), 55.8% atrioventricular block] underwent HBP. Acute procedural success was 81.1% (mean procedural and fluoroscopic times of 105.5 ± 36.5 and 13.8 ± 9.3 min). Broad QRS was associated with lower HBP success (odds ratio 0.39, P = 0.02). Fluoroscopic and procedural times decreased and plateaued after 30–40 cases per operator. Implant HBP threshold was 1.3 ± 0.7 V at 1.0 ± 0.2 ms and R wave was 5.0 ± 3.9 mV. During follow-up, loss of HBP occurred in a further 12.4% and 11.3% of patients experienced a ≥1 V increase in HBP threshold. Five (2.6%) patients required HBP revision for pacing difficulties. About 8.6% of patients had a >50% decrease in R wave but lead revision for sensing issues was not necessary. On an intention to treat basis, 56.7% of patients in whom HBP was attempted had persisting HBP capture and thresholds of <2 V.

Conclusion

Physicians adopting HBP should be cognizant of the learning curve and preferentially select non-dependent patients with normal QRS and LVEF, to minimize risk of lead revision. Further rises in HBP threshold may increase battery drain and need for reoperations, important considerations when choosing HBP for cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Factors associated with Australian female doctors’ long term, as opposed to short term, rural Family Medicine work
Authors: Playford Denese , Masi Lauren , Rowe Anne , May Jennifer , Wharton Rosalie
Published: October 2021

Objective

In light of current debate around securing and distributing the General Practitioner (GP) workforce in Australia, we analysed rural health workforce data to identify characteristics associated with long-term tenure for rural female GPs, an importantly lacking part of the rural workforce in Australia.

Methods

In this cohort study, 555 currently practicing rural female GPs with long, versus short, rural work histories were surveyed annually. Their data were compared.

Results

In logistic regression, as expected the factors associated with 7+ years (long-term) versus <7 years (short-term) rural work were: being older (odds ratio [OR] 6.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16, 13.0, P < 0.001); being an Australian resident (OR 4.64, 95% CI 2.17, 9.91, P < 0.001); having a practice teaching commitment (OR 3.55, 95% CI 1.67, 7.55, P = 0.001); having multiple children (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.23, 3.88, P = 0.008); rural health club experience as a medical student (OR 5.23, 95% CI 1.11, 23.86, P = 0.033); and, marginally, being rurally experienced as an undergraduate through the Rural Clinical School programme (OR 8.89, 95% CI 0.921, 85.75, P = 0.059) and having a rural background spouse (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.94, 4.21, P = 0.070).

Conclusion

The factors involved in long-term rural work for female GPs include a longitudinal set from medical school into postgraduate practice life, some based on Australian government policy initiatives and others on lifestyle choices. These factors should be considered in providing a clinically mature female GP workforce to rural populations.
BSAC Vanguard Series: The future of infection prevention and control: how COVID is already transforming our approach to antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Voss Andreas
Published: October 2021

COVID -19 stimulated enormous focus on, and change in, infection prevention and control (IPC), not just in the healthcare sector but also among the general public. While global cooperation and guidance are important, there is also an essential role and benefit from national policies that respect local circumstances and cultural differences. Hospitals will have a new role and data sharing and cooperation between areas such as acute and long-term care will be even more important. Further integration of infection control, microbiology and infectious diseases staff in IPC teams is needed. The digital and AI revolutions have roles to play in how and where patients are seen and diagnosed. The built environment may have longer-term influence on changing the behaviour of health professionals than education and training. One constant is the need for highly trained, flexible and motivated staff in these IPC teams.
Analytical Performance Evaluation of a New Calcitonin Assay
Authors: Moretti Giacomo , Troiani Eliana , Sarlo Francesca , Baroni Silvia , Urbani Andrea
Published: October 2021

Background

The use of efficient laboratory calcitonin (CT) testing is required for optimal management of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Several pitfalls are related to the calcitonin laboratory assays and a careful evaluation is needed. We report the analytical performances of the new Siemens ADVIA-Centaur-CALCT (CT-XPT) assay and its comparison with our standard method DiaSorin-Calcitonin-II-Gen (CT-LIA) assay.

Methods

Analytical performance of the CT-XPT-assay, limit of blank (LOB), limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ), were determined. We also evaluated the in vitro stability of the sample, together with the linearity and percentage recovery.

Results

The CT-XPT-assay showed a better detection limit than the CT-LIA assay, with lower values of LOB (0.86 pg/mL vs 1.00 pg/mL) and LOQ (1.65 pg/mL vs 3.00 pg/mL). Both values were in agreement with those reported by the manufacturer. Within- and between-run precision demonstrated a good concordance of results. Regarding the in vitro stability of CT, the low CT concentration sera showed a much greater decrease in CT levels compared to the high concentration sera. Correlation studies showed a good correlation between the two methods (Kappa Cohen coefficent, KC: 0.68, agreement % for male: 89.58%; KC: 0.63; agreement % for female: 88.33%).

Conclusions

Our findings showed a good correlation between the CT-LIA and CT-XPT methods. Moreover, we demonstrated that the analytical performance of the CT-XPT assay, together with its technical specifications, could represent major features of the CT-XPT method. Collectively, the technical evaluation and the analytical results described in the presented paper highlight that the novel CT-XPT is a valid method for CT testing in a clinical diagnostic setting.
Rare modification in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway leads to amphotericin B resistance inCandida aurisclinical isolates
Authors: Kordalewska Milena , Guerrero Kevin D. , Mikulski Timothy D. , Elias Tony N. , Garcia-Rubio Rocio , Berrio Indira , Gardam Dianne , Heath Christopher H. , Chowdhary Anuradha , Govender Nelesh P. , Perlin David S.
Published: October 2021

We determined amphotericin B (AmB) susceptibility and sequenced key genes of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway implicated in AmB resistance (ERG2, ERG3, ERG6, ERG11) of 321 clinical isolates ofCandida auris. In antifungal susceptibility testing, 19 (5.9%) isolates were categorized as AmB-resistant (MIC ≥2 mg/l). Only one AmB-resistant isolate presented a unique non-wild-typeERG6genotype that was confirmed to confer amphotericin B resistance (MIC >32 mg/l) when introduced into a susceptible strain (MIC = 0.5 mg/l).
Analyzing SARS CoV-2 Patient Data Using Quantum Supervised Machine Learning
Authors: Yu Zara
Published: October 2021

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created a serious threat to global health. We developed a new quantum machine learning (QML) assisted diagnostic method that can provide an accurate diagnosis to aid decision processes of medical providers. One of the key elements in our method was to implement the quantum variational method to efficiently classify data, taking crucial multiple correlations among the features into account. We established and fine-tuned this quantum classifier by using a group of data drawn from publicly available COVID-19 cases. We have shown that QML is capable of processing patient information efficiently and accurately for the diagnosis of COVID-19.
Novel pectin from crude polysaccharide of Syzygium aromaticum against SARS-CoV-2 activities by targeting 3CLpro
Authors: Jin Can , Feng Bo , Pei Rongjuan , Ding Yaqi , Li Meixia , Chen Xia , Du Zhenyun , Ding Yangxiao , Huang Chunfan , Zhang Bo , Chen Xinwen , Zang Yi , Li Jia , Ding Kan
Published: October 2021

To date, COVID-19 is still a severe threat to public health, hence specific effective therapeutic drugs development against SARS-CoV-2 is urgent needed. 3CLpro and PLpro and RdRp are the enzymes required for the SARS-CoV-2 RNA synthesis. Therefore, binding to the enzyme may interfere the enzyme function. Before, we found that sulfated polysaccharide binding to 3CLpro might block the virus replication. Hence, we hypothesize that negative charged pectin glycan may also impede the virus replication. Here we show that 922 crude polysaccharide from Syzygium aromaticum may near completely block SARS-CoV-2 replication. The inhibition rate was 99.9% (EC50 : 0.90 μM). Interestingly, 922 can associates with 3CLpro, PLpro and RdRp. We further show that the homogeneous glycan 922211 from 922 may specifically attenuate 3CL protease activity. The IC50s of 922 and 922211 against 3CLpro are 4.73 ± 1.05 µM and 0.18 ± 0.01 µM, respectively. Monosaccharide composition analysis reveals that 922211 with molecular weight of 78.7 kDa is composed of rhamnose, galacturonic acid, galactose and arabinose in the molar ratio of 8.21 : 37.81 : 3.58 : 4.49. The structure characterization demonstrated that 922211 is a homogalacturonan linked to RG-I pectin polysaccharide. The linear homogalacturonan part in the backbone may be partly methyl esterified while RG-I type part bearing 1, 4-linked α-GalpA, 1, 4-linked α-GalpAOMe and 1, 2, 4-linked α-Rhap. There are four branches attached to C-1 or C4 position of Rhamnose glycosyl residues on the backbone. The branches are composed of 1, 3-linked β-Galp, terminal (T)-linked β-Galp, 1, 5-linked α-Araf, T-linked α-Araf, 4-linked α-GalpA and/or 4-linked β-GalpA. The above results suggest that 922 and 922211 might be a potential novel leading compound for anti-SARS-CoV-2 new drug development.
Dopamine-induced pruning in Monocyte-Derived-Neuronal-like cells (MDNCs) from patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Bellon Alfredo , Feuillet Vincent , Cortez-Resendiz Alonso , Mouaffak Faycal , Kong Lan , Hong L. Elliot , De Godoy Lilian , Jay Therese M. , Hosmalin Anne , Krebs Marie-Odile
Published: October 2021

The long lapse between the presumptive origin of schizophrenia (SCZ) during early development and its diagnosis in late adolescence has hindered the study of crucial neurodevelopmental processes directly in living patients. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter consistently associated with the pathophysiology of SCZ, participates in several aspects of brain development including pruning of neuronal extensions. Excessive pruning is considered the cause of the most consistent finding in SCZ, namely decreased brain volume. It is therefore possible that patients with SCZ carry an increased susceptibility to dopamine’s pruning effects and that this susceptibility would be more obvious in the early stages of neuronal development when dopamine pruning effects appear to be more prominent. Obtaining developing neurons from living patients is not feasible. Instead, we used Monocyte-Derived-Neuronal-like Cells (MDNCs) as these cells can be generated in only 20 days and deliver reproducible results. In this study, we expanded the number of individuals in whom we tested the reproducibility of MDNCs and deepened the neurostructural comparison between human developing neurons and these neuronal-like cells. Moreover, we studied MDNCs from 12 controls and 13 patients with SCZ. Patients’ cells differentiate more efficiently, extend longer secondary neurites and grow more primary neurites. In addition, MDNCs from a subset of patients expresses less D1R and prune more primary neurites when exposed to dopamine. Haloperidol did not influence our results but the role of other antipsychotics was not examined.
Factors associated with acceptance of a digital contact tracing application for COVID-19 in the Japanese working-age population
Authors: Ishimaru Tomohiro , Ibayashi Koki , Nagata Masako , Tateishi Seiichiro , Hino Ayako , Tsuji Mayumi , Ando Hajime , Muramatsu Keiji , Fujino Yoshihisa ,   for the CORoNaWork Project
Published: October 2021

Objective

This study aimed to determine factors associated with acceptance of a Digital Contact Tracing (DCT) app for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Japanese working-age population.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed for 27,036 full-time workers registered with an internet survey company during December 2020 in Japan.

Results

The rate of downloading the DCT app was 25.1%. The DCT app was more likely to be accepted by people with married status, university graduation or above, higher income, and occupations involving desk work. Fear of COVID-19 transmission, wearing a mask, using hand disinfection, willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and presence of an acquaintance infected with COVID-19 were also associated with a greater likelihood of adopting the app.

Conclusions

The present findings have important implications for widespread adoption of DCT apps in working-age populations in Japan and elsewhere.
Biological Aging for Risk Prediction of First-Ever Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Cerebral Infarction in Advanced Age
Authors: Waziry Reem , Hofman Albert , Ghanbari Mohsen , Tiemeier Henning , Ikram M. Arfan , Viswanathan Anand , Klap Jaco , Ikram M. Kamran , Goudsmit Jaap
Published: October 2021

Successful interventions to prevent cerebrovascular disease and stroke require early identification of persons at risk before clinical manifestation of disease. We assessed the predictive value of biological age (BA) as an early indicator for cerebrovascular disease and risk of first-ever intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and cerebral infarction (CI) in advanced age and compared these relationships with commonly used biomarkers including tau and Aβ40 and Aβ42. The study included Individuals who consented for blood draw and follow-up. We computed biological age using structural equation modelling. The algorithm integrates biomarkers that represent six body systems involved in overall cerebrovascular health including metabolic function, cardiac function, lung function, kidney function, liver function, immunity and inflammation. Time to event analysis was conducted using Cox-regression models. Prediction analysis was conducted using Harrel’s C and Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The sample included a total of 1699 individuals at baseline followed up over a median of 11 years. During a period of 15, 780 and 16, 172 person-years a total of 17 first-ever intracerebral hemorrhage and 83 cerebral infarction cases occurred. In time-to-event analysis, BA showed higher magnitude of associations with ICH compared to CA (HRBA-ICH:2.30, 95% CI: 1.20, 4.30; HRCA-ICH:1.40, 95% CI: 0.76, 2.53) and higher precision with CI (HRBA-CI:1.30, 95% CI: 1.01,1.75; HRCA-CI:1.90, 95% CI: 1.48, 2.66). BA outperformed CA for prediction of ICH (AUC: 0.68 vs 0.53; Harrel’s C: 0.72 vs 0.53) and for CI (AUC:0.63 vs 0.62; Harrel’s C: 0.68 vs 0.67). Biological aging based on integrated physiology biomarkers provides a novel tool for monitoring and identification of persons at highest risk of cerebrovascular disease in advanced age. Future studies should confirm these observations in bigger samples and further characterize aging mechanisms that contribute towards brain reserve and resilience among individuals with similar risk profiles.
An Objective Search for Unrecognized Bias in Validated COVID-19 Prediction Models
Authors: Estiri Hossein , Strasser Zachary H , Rashidian Sina , Klann Jeffery G , Wagholikar Kavishwar B , McCoy Thomas H , Murphy Shawn N
Published: October 2021

The growing recognition of algorithmic bias has spurred discussions about fairness in artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) algorithms. The increasing translation of predictive models into clinical practice brings an increased risk of direct harm from algorithmic bias; however, bias remains incompletely measured in many medical AI applications. Using data from over 56 thousand Mass General Brigham (MGB) patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), we evaluate unrecognized bias in four AI models developed during the early months of the pandemic in Boston, Massachusetts that predict risks of hospital admission, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death after a SARS-CoV-2 infection purely based on their pre-infection longitudinal medical records.

We discuss that while a model can be biased against certain protected groups (i.e., perform worse) in certain tasks, it can be at the same time biased towards another protected group (i.e., perform better). As such, current bias evaluation studies may lack a full depiction of the variable effects of a model on its subpopulations.

If the goal is to make a change in a positive way, the underlying roots of bias need to be fully explored in medical AI. Only a holistic evaluation, a diligent search for unrecognized bias, can provide enough information for an unbiased judgment of AI bias that can invigorate follow-up investigations on identifying the underlying roots of bias and ultimately make a change.
Application of Cas12j for Streptomyces editing and cluster activation
Authors: Tan Lee Ling , Heng Elena , Zulkarnain Nadiah , Leong Chung Yan , Ng Veronica , Yang Lay Kien , San Seow Deborah Chwee , Peh Guangrong , Lim Yee Hwee , Lokanand Koduru , Kanagasundaram Yoganathan , Ng Siew Bee , Wong Fong Tian
Published: October 2021

In recent years, CRISPR-Cas toolboxes for Streptomyces editing have rapidly accelerated natural product discovery and engineering. However, Cas efficiencies are also oftentimes strain dependent, subsequently a variety of Cas proteins would allow for flexibility and enable genetic manipulation within a wider range of Streptomyces strains. In this work, we have further expanded the Cas toolbox by presenting the first example of Cas12j mediated editing in Streptomyces sp. A34053. In our study, we have also observed significantly improved editing efficiencies with Acidaminococcus sp. Cas12j compared to Cas12a, Francisella tularensis subsp. novicida U112’s type V-A Cas (FnCpf1).