bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Encouraging Students to Co-Construct and Co- and Self-Regulate Their Learning Within a Cooperative Learning Environment in Physical Education
Authors: Moura André , MacPhail Ann , Graça Amândio , Batista Paula
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Improving students’ learning is dependent on students’ participation, meaningfulness, and value of the teaching–learning process. This study explores students’ learning experiences when undertaking the role of co-constructors and co- and self-regulators in a cooperative learning environment. Methods: The study included 110 school students aged between 15 and 18 years from four physical education preservice teachers’ classes. Data were collected through student focus group interviews, a postteaching units’ survey, students’ class reflections, and the researcher’s field notes. Results/Discussion: Data report that (a) having access to learning goals and assessment criteria was essential for the co-construction and co- and self-regulation processes, (b) there is a positive reciprocal relationship between students’ involvement in co-construction and co- and self-regulations, and (c) co-construction and co- and self-regulations were strengthened by students’ involvement in cooperative learning and vice versa.
An innate pathogen sensing strategy involving ubiquitination of bacterial surface proteins
Authors: Apte Shruti , Bhutda Smita , Ghosh Sourav , Sharma Kuldeep , Barton Thomas E. , Dibyachintan Soham , Sahay Osheen , Roy Suvapriya , Sinha Akash Raj , Adicherla Harikrishna , Rakshit Jyotirmoy , Tang Shiying , Datey Akshay , Santra Shweta , Joseph Jincy , Sasidharan Sreeja , Hammerschmidt Sven , Chakravortty Dipshikha , Oggioni Marco R. , Santra Manas Kumar , Neill Daniel R. , Banerjee Anirban
Published: March 2023

Sensing of pathogens by ubiquitination is a critical arm of cellular immunity. However, universal ubiquitination targets on microbes remain unidentified. Here, using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies, we identify the first protein-based ubiquitination substrates on phylogenetically diverse bacteria by unveiling a strategy that uses recognition of degron-like motifs. Such motifs form a new class of intra-cytosolic pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Their incorporation enabled recognition of nonubiquitin targets by host ubiquitin ligases. We find that SCFFBW7E3 ligase, supported by the regulatory kinase, glycogen synthase kinase 3β, is crucial for effective pathogen detection and clearance. This provides a mechanistic explanation for enhanced risk of infections in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia bearing mutations in F-box and WD repeat domain containing 7 protein. We conclude that exploitation of this generic pathogen sensing strategy allows conservation of host resources and boosts antimicrobial immunity.
Inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis is sufficient for total arrest of staphylococcal cell division
Authors: Puls Jan-Samuel , Brajtenbach Dominik , Schneider Tanja , Kubitscheck Ulrich , Grein Fabian
Published: March 2023

Bacterial cell wall biosynthesis is the target of many important antibiotics. Its spatiotemporal organization is closely coordinated with cell division. However, the role of peptidoglycan synthesis within cell division is not fully understood. Even less is known about the impact of antibiotics on the coordination of these two essential processes. Visualizing the essential cell division protein FtsZ and other key proteins in
Staphylococcus aureus
, we show that antibiotics targeting peptidoglycan synthesis arrest cell division within minutes of treatment. The glycopeptides vancomycin and telavancin completely inhibit septum constriction in all phases of cell division. The beta-lactam oxacillin stops division progress by preventing recruitment of the major peptidoglycan synthase PBP2 to the septum, revealing PBP2 as crucial for septum closure. Our work identifies cell division as key cellular target of these antibiotics and provides evidence that peptidoglycan synthesis is the essential driving force of septum constriction throughout cell division of
S. aureus
.
Integrating biopolymer design with physical unclonable functions for anticounterfeiting and product traceability in agriculture
Authors: Sun Hui , Maji Saurav , Chandrakasan Anantha P. , Marelli Benedetto
Published: March 2023

Smallholder farmers and manufacturers in the Agri-Food sector face substantial challenges because of increasing circulation of counterfeit products (e.g., seeds), for which current countermeasures are implemented mainly at the secondary packaging level, and are generally vulnerable because of limited security guarantees. Here, by integrating biopolymer design with physical unclonable functions (PUFs), we propose a cryptographic protocol for seed authentication using biodegradable and miniaturized PUF tags made of silk microparticles. By simply drop casting a mixture of variant silk microparticles on a seed surface, tamper-evident PUF tags can be seamlessly fabricated on a variety of seeds, where the unclonability comes from the stochastic assembly of spectrally and visually distinct silk microparticles in the tag. Unique, reproducible, and unpredictable PUF codes are generated from both Raman mapping and microscopy imaging of the silk tags. Together, the proposed technology offers a highly secure solution for anticounterfeiting and product traceability in agriculture.
Short-term acute bright light exposure induces a prolonged anxiogenic effect in mice via a retinal ipRGC-CeA circuit
Authors: Wang Ge , Liu Yun-Feng , Yang Zhe , Yu Chen-Xi , Tong Qiuping , Tang Yu-Long , Shao Yu-Qi , Wang Li-Qin , Xu Xun , Cao Hong , Zhang Yu-Qiu , Zhong Yong-Mei , Weng Shi-Jun , Yang Xiong-Li
Published: March 2023

Light modulates mood through various retina-brain pathways. We showed that mice treated with short-term acute bright light exposure displayed anxiety-related phenotypes in a prolonged manner even after the termination of the exposure. Such a postexposure anxiogenic effect depended upon melanopsin-based intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) activities rather than rod/cone photoreceptor inputs. Chemogenetic manipulation of specific central nuclei demonstrated that the ipRGC–central amygdala (CeA) visual circuit played a key role in this effect. The corticosterone system was likely to be involved in this effect, as evidenced by enhanced expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) protein in the CeA and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and by the absence of this effect in animals treated with the GR antagonist. Together, our findings reveal a non-image forming visual circuit specifically designed for “the delayed” extinction of anxiety against potential threats, thus conferring a survival advantage.
3D-printed micrometer-scale wireless magnetic cilia with metachronal programmability
Authors: Zhang Shuaizhong , Hu Xinghao , Li Meng , Bozuyuk Ugur , Zhang Rongjing , Suadiye Eylul , Han Jie , Wang Fan , Onck Patrick , Sitti Metin
Published: March 2023

Biological cilia play essential roles in self-propulsion, food capture, and cell transportation by performing coordinated metachronal motions. Experimental studies to emulate the biological cilia metachronal coordination are challenging at the micrometer length scale because of current limitations in fabrication methods and materials. We report on the creation of wirelessly actuated magnetic artificial cilia with biocompatibility and metachronal programmability at the micrometer length scale. Each cilium is fabricated by direct laser printing a silk fibroin hydrogel beam affixed to a hard magnetic FePt Janus microparticle. The 3D-printed cilia show stable actuation performance, high temperature resistance, and high mechanical endurance. Programmable metachronal coordination can be achieved by programming the orientation of the identically magnetized FePt Janus microparticles, which enables the generation of versatile microfluidic patterns. Our platform offers an unprecedented solution to create bioinspired microcilia for programmable microfluidic systems, biomedical engineering, and biocompatible implants.
Development of Modernized Acinetobacter baumannii Susceptibility Test Interpretive Criteria for Recommended Antimicrobial Agents Using Pharmacometric Approaches
Authors: Lepak A. J. , Trang M. , Hammel J. P. , Sader H. S. , Bhavnani S. M. , VanScoy B. D. , Pogue J. M. , Ambrose P. G. , Andes D. R. ,   United States Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
Published: March 2023

Acinetobacter baumannii-
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
complex (referred to herein as
A. baumannii
) treatment guidelines contain numerous older antimicrobial agents with susceptibility test interpretive criteria (STIC, also known as susceptibility breakpoints) set using only epidemiological data. We utilized a combination of
in vitro
surveillance data, preclinical murine thigh and lung infection models, population pharmacokinetics, simulation, and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target attainment analyses to evaluate
A. baumannii
STIC for four commonly recommended antimicrobials from different classes (amikacin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline).
Infection or Contamination with
Rothia, Kocuria, Arthrobacter
and
Pseudoglutamicibacter—
a Retrospective Observational Study of Non-
Micrococcus Micrococcaceae
in the Clinic
Authors: Odeberg Görel , Bläckberg Anna , Sunnerhagen Torgny
Published: March 2023

Rothia
,
Kocuria
,
Arthrobacter
, and
Pseudoglutamicibacter
are bacterial species within the family
Micrococcaeae
. Knowledge of human infections due to these bacteria is limited.
Evidence for the Role of a Second Fc-Binding Receptor in Placental IgG Transfer in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Rosenberg Yvonne J. , Ordonez Tracy , Khanwalkar Urjeet S. , Barnette Philip , Pandey Shilpi , Backes Iara M. , Otero Claire E. , Goldberg Benjamin S. , Crowley Andrew R. , Leib David A. , Shapiro Mariya B. , Jiang Xiaoming , Urban Lori A. , Lees Jonathan , Hessell Ann J. , Permar Sallie , Haigwood Nancy L. , Ackerman Margaret E.
Published: March 2023

This study compared the ability of several human HIV envelope-directed monoclonal antibodies produced in plants with the same antibodies produced in mammalian cells for their ability to cross monkey and mouse placentas. We found that the two types of antibodies have comparable transfer efficiencies in mice, but they are differentially transferred across macaque placentas, consistent with a two-receptor IgG transport model in primates.
Seasonal and Spatially Distributed Viral Metagenomes from Comau Fjord (42°S), Patagonia
Authors: Castro-Nallar Eduardo , Berríos-Farías Valentín , Díez Beatriz , Guajardo-Leiva Sergio
Published: March 2023

Viruses are key players in marine environments, affecting food webs and biogeochemical cycles. We present 48 viral metagenomes and 5,656 viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) from Comau Fjord, Patagonia (42°S), to understand viral-mediated processes in coastal and estuarine waters. These data represent a spatial (35-km transect, two depths) and seasonal (winter and fall) data set.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus gallolyticus Strain XH2168
Authors: Yang Siyuan , Yao Yue , Zhao Feng , Yu Yunsong , Hua Xiaoting
Published: March 2023

We assembled a complete genome sequence of
Streptococcus gallolyticus
strain XH2168 by combining the sequencing results from both the Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms. The assembled genome comprises 2,392,629 bp, with 37.69% G+C content and 2,265 protein-coding genes.
Dual Transcriptomics Reveals Interspecific Interactions between the Mycoparasite
Calcarisporium cordycipiticola
and Its Host Cordyceps militaris
Authors: Liu Qing , Dong Caihong
Published: March 2023

White mildew disease caused by
Calcarisporium cordycipiticola
is devastating for the fruiting body cultivation of
Cordyceps militaris
, a popular and highly valued edible fungus. Here, the pathogenic mechanisms of
C. cordycipiticola
, the responses of
C. militaris
to the infection, and the interaction of these two phylogenetically close species were revealed by time course dual-transcriptome profiles.
COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis Isolates Are Genomically Diverse but Similar to Each Other in Their Responses to Infection-Relevant Stresses
Authors: Mead Matthew E. , de Castro Patrícia Alves , Steenwyk Jacob L. , Gangneux Jean-Pierre , Hoenigl Martin , Prattes Juergen , Rautemaa-Richardson Riina , Guegan Hélène , Moore Caroline B. , Lass-Flörl Cornelia , Reizine Florian , Valero Clara , Van Rhijn Norman , Bromley Michael J. , Rokas Antonis , Goldman Gustavo H. , Gago Sara ,   on behalf of the ECMM CAPA Study Group
Published: March 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been globally reported as a life-threatening complication in some patients with severe COVID-19. Most of these infections are caused by the environmental mold
Aspergillus fumigatus
, which ranks third in the fungal pathogen priority list of the WHO.
Role of COPD in a case of fatalAspergillus nigertracheobronchitis
Authors: Ashby Tracy , Green Kevin , Burcher Kimberly Marie , Louis Mariam
Published: March 2023

A man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in his mid-60s was admitted for respiratory failure due to multifocal, necrotising pneumonia. Despite initial improvement with antimicrobial therapy, the patient developed hemoptysis and progressive infiltrates. Subsequent fungal cultures from his bronchoalveolar lavage were positive forAspergillus nigerand treatment with voriconazole was added for suspected invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). A repeat bronchoscopy revealed cobblestone lesions with mucosal friability throughout the lower trachea and bilateral mainstem bronchi. Endobronchial biopsy showed septated hyphae confirming the diagnosis of IPA. Despite appropriate therapy, the patient declined further and passed away on hospital day 11. Invasive infections withA. nigerare infrequent, with a paucity of data on clinical course and outcomes. Our case adds to the current body of literature regarding the potential virulence of this species in patients with COPD.
Leuconostoc mesenteroidesbacteremia in a patient with exposure to unpasteurised raw milk
Authors: Immel Shanan , Widmer Kyle
Published: March 2023

Leuconostocspp are lactic acid-producing bacteria closely related to theStreptococcusfamily. While usually associated with the fermentation of dairy products and sauerkraut, they are rarely associated with human infections. This is a case report of an immunocompetent patient found to haveL. mesenteroidesbacteremia associated with raw milk and poor dentition as the likely source of infection, which was treated successfully with daptomycin as this genus is intrinsically resistant to vancomycin.
Flash pulmonary oedema following arteriovenous fistula surgery: rapid assessment and treatment is key to break the vicious cycle
Authors: Ajmera Jagadeep , Pol Manjunath Maruti , Gysley Belmin Winston , Yadav Bhanupradeep
Published: March 2023

An early adolescent boy with chronic kidney disease on haemodialysis was referred to the surgical clinic for the creation of an arteriovenous fistula. He was undergoing treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The patient was haemodynamically stable during the procedure, but he developed rapidly progressing dyspnoea, tachycardia and tachypnoea about 10 min after the vessels were declamped. His blood pressure rapidly rose above 220/120 mm Hg and saturation dropped below 90%. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) constituted of surgeons, nephrologists and intensivists was quickly activated. The patient was put on a mechanical ventilator and resuscitated with parenteral antihypertensives, diuretics, amiodarone and haemodialysis. The patient improved clinically and was discharged on the third postoperative day. Thus, a rapidly activated MDT approach was key in breaking the vicious cycle caused by hypertensive crisis, myocardial dysfunction and impending ventilatory failurethat occurred following access surgery.
Oedema: a rare complication of plasma donation in an adolescent female
Authors: Shychuk Elahe Meryl , Glasford Krystal , Shychuk Andrew Jacob , Joseph Nancy
Published: March 2023

Plasma donation has been widely used to recover medically vital components, such as immunoglobulins and clotting factors. Although generally well tolerated, there have been reports in the medical literature of reactions following blood and plasma donation. We present the first case, to our knowledge, of lower extremity oedema as the only complication noted following plasma donation in an adolescent female without underlying risk factors. Laboratory evaluation was unremarkable with the exception of decreased total serum protein. Symptoms resolved with conservative management and avoidance of plasma donation. Our case highlights the importance of screening for all sources of income in adolescents to assess for health disparities, evaluate risk factors and provide appropriate guidance.
Optimal duration of antibiotic treatment for community-acquired pneumonia in adults: a systematic review and duration-effect meta-analysis
Authors: Furukawa Yuki , Luo Yan , Funada Satoshi , Onishi Akira , Ostinelli Edoardo , Hamza Tasnim , Furukawa Toshi A , Kataoka Yuki
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To find the optimal treatment duration with antibiotics for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults.

Design

Systematic review and duration-effect meta-analysis.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL through 25 August 2021.

Eligibility criteria

All randomised controlled trials comparing the same antibiotics used at the same daily dosage but for different durations for CAP in adults. Both outpatients and inpatients were included but not those admitted to intensive care units. We imposed no date, language or publication status restriction.

Data extraction and synthesis

Data extraction by two independent reviewers. We conducted a random-effects, one-stage duration-effect meta-analysis with restricted cubic splines. We tested the non-inferiority with the prespecified non-inferiority margin of 10% examined against 10 days . The primary outcome was clinical improvement on day 15 (range 7–45 days). Secondary outcomes: all-cause mortality, serious adverse events and clinical improvement on day 30 (15–60 days).

Results

We included nine trials (2399 patients with a mean (SD) age of 61.2 (22.1); 39% women). The duration-effect curve was monotonic with longer duration leading to a lower probability of improvement, and shorter treatment duration (3–9 days) was likely to be non-inferior to 10-day treatment. Harmful outcome curves indicated no association. The weighted average percentage of the primary outcome in the 10-day treatment arms was 68%. Using that average, the absolute clinical improvement rates of the following durations were: 3-day treatment 75% (95% CI: 68% to 81%), 5-day treatment 72% (95% CI: 66% to 78%) and 7-day treatment 69% (95% CI: 61% to 76%).

Conclusions

Shorter treatment duration (3–5 days) probably offers the optimal balance between efficacy and treatment burden for treating CAP in adults if they achieved clinical stability. However, the small number of included studies and the overall moderate-to-high risk of bias may compromise the certainty of the results. Further research on the shorter duration range is required.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD 42021273357.
Optimising psychological treatment for pain after breast cancer: a factorial design study protocol in Denmark
Authors: Buskbjerg Cecilie , O'Toole Mia Skytte , Zachariae Robert , Jensen Anders Bonde , Frederiksen Yoon , Johansen Christoffer , von Heymann Annika , Speckens Anne , Johannsen Maja
Published: March 2023

Introduction

One in five breast cancer (BC) survivors are affected by persistent pain years after completing primary treatment. While the efficacy of psychological interventions for BC-related pain has been documented in several meta-analyses, reported effect sizes are generally modest, pointing to a need for optimisation. Guided by the Multiphase Optimization Strategy, the present study aims to optimise psychological treatment for BC-related pain by identifying active treatment components in a full factorial design.

Methods and analysis

The study uses a 2×3 factorial design, randomising 192 women with BC-related pain (18–75 years) to eight experimental conditions. The eight conditions consist of three contemporary cognitive–behavioural therapy components, namely: (1) mindful attention, (2) decentring, and (3) values and committed action. Each component is delivered in two sessions, and each participant will receive either zero, two, four or six sessions. Participants receiving two or three treatment components will be randomised to receive them in varying order. Assessments will be conducted at baseline (T1), session by session, every day for 6 days following the first session in each treatment component, at post-intervention (T2) and at 12-week follow-up (T3). Primary outcomes are pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale) and pain interference (Brief Pain Inventory interference subscale) from T1 to T2. Secondary outcomes are pain burden, pain quality, pain frequency, pain catastrophising, psychological distress, well-being and fear of cancer recurrence. Possible mediators include mindful attention, decentring, and pain acceptance and activity engagement. Possible moderators are treatment expectancy, treatment adherence, satisfaction with treatment and therapeutic alliance.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for the present study was received from the Central Denmark Region Committee on Health Research Ethics (no: 1-10-72-309-40). Findings will be made available to the study funders, care providers, patient organisations and other researchers at international conferences, and published in international, peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT05444101).
Prevalence, treatment outcomes and determinants of TB–HIV coinfection: a 10-year retrospective review of TB registry in Kwabre East Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Osei Bonsu Emmanuel , Addo Isaac Yeboah , Adjei Benjamin Noble , Alhassan Muhib Mohammed , Nakua Emmanuel Kweku
Published: March 2023

Objective

To assess the prevalence, treatment outcomes and determinants of tuberculosis (TB)–HIV coinfection in Ghana.

Study design

A retrospective review of TB case register for Kwabre East Municipality was conducted for the period 2010–2020 to identify TB–HIV coinfections.

Setting

462 patients with TB from four sub-municipal treatment centres were included in the study.

Primary outcome measure

A logistic regression model was used to investigate the relationship between clinico-demographic factors (age, sex, type of patient, disease classification, treatment category and sputum smear microscopy) and TB–HIV coinfection.

Results

Of the 462 individual TB cases found in the TB register from 2010 to 2020, 286 (61.9%) were screened for HIV and the results showed that 18% had TB–HIV coinfection. TB–HIV coinfection was highest in 2015 with a prevalence of 40% among all registered TB cases. The likelihood of TB–HIV coinfection was highest among patients with TB aged 40–49 years (AOR=3.99, CI=1.3, 12.7). Those who tested negative for TB at the end of their treatment period had lower odds of HIV coinfection (AOR=0.27, CI=0.10, 0.72).

Conclusion

Nearly one out of every five (18%) patients with TB in the municipality were found to be coinfected with HIV. TB–HIV coinfection was significantly associated with patients' age and their TB treatment outcomes. Urgent interventions are needed to address these risk factors to promote optimal health for patients with TB in the municipality.
Things I need you to know: a qualitative analysis of advice-giving statements in early-onset colorectal cancer patients’ personal accounts published online
Authors: Lamprell Klay , Fajardo-Pulido Diana , Arnolda Gaston , Owais Syeda Somyyah , Nic Giolla Easpaig Bróna , Tran Yvonne , Liauw Winston , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: March 2023

Objective

People with early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), defined as colorectal cancer (CRC) before the age of 50, now constitute a significant patient population. In empirical and grey literature EOCRC patients report unsatisfactory experiences of care, especially in relation to protracted intervals from first help-seeking to diagnosis. This study is the first to investigate EOCRC patients’ perspectives on ways to improve experiences of care. The objective is to provide foundational knowledge for the development of EOCRC-specific patient-reported experience measures (PREMs).

Design

The study was designed as qualitative Internet Mediated Research, involving a thematic analysis of unsolicited narratives recounting personal experiences of EOCRC care. We examined advice-giving statements in 120 online texts written by EOCRC patients and survivors.

Setting

The Internet is the broad research setting. The host websites of three prominent charitable CRC support organisations were selected as specific research sites: Bowel Cancer Australia, Bowel Cancer UK and Bowel Cancer New Zealand.

Results

We found that 90% of texts comprised statements of advice to new patients about the importance of self-advocacy in achieving quality care. Four key contexts for self-advocacy were identified: (1) accessing relevant diagnostic services; (2) driving diagnostic investigations when symptoms are not resolved; (3) involvement in treatment decision-making and (4) proactivity about preferred outcomes. Over 30% of advice-giving texts also directed statements of advice to healthcare providers, indicating that their youthfulness had been a barrier to timely diagnosis.

Conclusion

Healthcare barriers to, and facilitators of, patient self-advocacy may be indicators of quality EORC care. There is a need for greater awareness of the impact of age bias on the responsiveness of clinicians and healthcare services in EOCRC care. Our findings support the development of EOCRC-specific PREMs that can guide age-appropriate policy and practice for this newly identified patient population.
Clinical trial on the efficacy and safety of NPC-15 for patients with xeroderma pigmentosum exaggerated sunburn reaction type: XP-1 study protocol for a multicentre, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, two-group crossover study followed by a long-term open study in Japan
Authors: Tsujimoto Mariko , Kakei Yasumasa , Yamano Nozomi , Fujita Takeshi , Ueda Takehiro , Ono Ryusuke , Murakami Sae , Moriwaki Shinichi , Nishigori Chikako
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare intractable disease without a fundamental treatment, presenting with severe photosensitivity, freckle-like pigmented and depigmented maculae and numerous skin cancers before the age of 10 years without strict sun protection. About 70% of the patients exhibit extremely severe sunburn reactions and most of them develop neurological symptoms, including sensorineural hearing impairment and progressive peripheral and central nervous disorders beginning from childhood ages. In the preclinical study, we found that N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine was effective in suppressing skin tumour development in addition to improvement of auditory brainstem response in chronically ultraviolet-irradiated XP-A model mice.

Methods and analysis

On the bases of the preclinical study, we conduct a clinical trial on the efficacy of NPC-15 for patients with XP with exaggerated sunburn reaction type by a multicentre, double-blinded placebo-controlled, two-group crossover study followed by a 52 weeks open study.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is overseen by the Kobe University Institutional Review Board and Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Institutional Review Board, and the study is conducted in accordance with the approved protocol. All participants will be required to provide written informed consent. Findings will be disseminated through scientific and professional conferences and peer-reviewed journal publications. The data sets generated during the study will be available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Trial registration number

jRCTs051210181.
Youth’s engagement and perceptions of disposable e-cigarettes: a UK focus group study
Authors: Smith Marissa J , MacKintosh Anne Marie , Ford Allison , Hilton Shona
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Evidence suggests that use of flavoured disposable electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is increasing. Considering the growing popularity and rapid evolution of e-cigarettes, we explored youth’s perceptions and engagement with disposable e-cigarettes.

Design

Twenty focus groups were conducted between March and May 2022, with 82 youths aged 11–16 living in the Central belt of Scotland.

Methods

Youths were asked about smoking and vaping behaviours and disposable e-cigarettes and were shown vaping-related images and videos from social media which were used to stimulate discussion about different messages, presentations and contextual features. Transcripts were imported into NVivo V.12, coded thematically, and analysed.

Results

Youths described disposable e-cigarettes as ‘cool’, ‘fashionable’ and enticing and viewed as a modern lifestyle ‘accessory’. Tank models were perceived as being used by older adults. Youths stated that disposable e-cigarettes were designed in a way to target youths and the brightly coloured devices and range of flavourings encouraged youths to want to try the products, particularly sweet flavourings. Participants perceived e-cigarettes to be less harmful compared with combustible cigarettes but noted the uncertainty of ingredients in disposable e-cigarettes.

Conclusions

Youths distinguish between e-cigarettes with varying characteristics and social perceptions of users. These findings provide evidence that disposable e-cigarettes are attractive to youths. Future research is needed to understand the factors that contribute to youth perceptions of disposable e-cigarettes. Policymakers should work together to design and implement policies and strategies to prevent youth uptake of vaping.
Randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effect of contrast material dilution on renal function in patients after endovascular aortic repair: rationale and design for the CULTURE trial
Authors: Zhou Yuhang , Wang Jiarong , Zhao Jichun , Huang Bin , Yuan Ding , Wang Tiehao
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Postoperative renal function decline is a major concern for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and endovascular abdominal aortic repair (EVAR). Diluting contrast medium in the power injector may be helpful in reducing the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy, but it can also blur fluoroscopic vision during surgery. The quality of the current evidence is very low; thus, this study is designed to investigate the effect of contrast dilution in the power injector on renal function changes in patients after endovascular aortic repair.

Method and analysis

The study is a prospective, single-blind, parallel, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial with two independent cohorts: Cohort TEVAR and EVAR. Individuals will enter the appropriate cohort based on clinical interviews if they meet the eligibility criteria. Participants in Cohort TEVAR and EVAR will be randomly allocated to the intervention group (diluting contrast medium to 50% in the power injector) and control group (pure contrast medium in the power injector) separately in a 1:1 ratio. The primary study points consist of the proportion of patients who develop acute kidney injury within 48 hours after TEAVR or EVAR (first stage) and freedom of major adverse kidney events at 12 months after TEAVR or EVAR (second stage). The safety endpoint is freedom of all types of endoleaks at 30 days after TEVAR or EVAR. Follow-up will be conducted at 30 days and 12 months after intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial was approved by the Ethics Committee on Biomedical Research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University (approval number: 20201290). The results of the study will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at academic conferences.

Trial registration number

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100042555).
Sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter defects: a rare cause of recurrent vomiting and faltering growth
Authors: Rupasinghe Kushila , Onyeador Nkem
Published: March 2023

We describe the case of a previously fit child with recurrent vomiting, faltering growth, persistent diarrhoea and rashes who was diagnosed with a sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT) defect. Whole exome sequencing revealed he was homozygous for aSLC5A6missense variant. TheSLC5A6gene produces SMVTs, which are expressed in various tissues including the intestine, brain, liver, lung, kidney, cornea, retina and heart. It plays a major role in the uptake of biotin, pantothenate and lipoate in the digestive system and transporting B-group vitamins across the blood–brain barrier.

This case was only the fourth described in literature. Management was with vitamin replacement therapy: biotin, dexpanthenol and α-lipoic acid. With treatment there was significant, sustained clinical improvement with resolution of recurrent vomiting, rashes and graduation to full enteral feeds.

This case highlights how defects in multivitamin transporters can lead to multisystemic disease and subsequent targeted treatment leading to significant clinical improvement.
Effect of obesity on airway and systemic inflammation in adults with asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Scott Hayley A , Ng Shawn HM , McLoughlin Rebecca F , Valkenborghs Sarah R , Nair Parameswaran , Brown Alexandra C , Carroll Olivia R , Horvat Jay C , Wood Lisa G
Published: March 2023

Background

Obesity is associated with more severe asthma, however, the mechanisms responsible are poorly understood. Obesity is also associated with low-grade systemic inflammation; it is possible that this inflammation extends to the airways of adults with asthma, contributing to worse asthma outcomes. Accordingly, the aim of this review was to examine whether obesity is associated with increased airway and systemic inflammation and adipokines, in adults with asthma.

Methods

Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus and Current Contents were searched till 11 August 2021. Studies reporting measures of airway inflammation, systemic inflammation and/or adipokines in obese versus non-obese adults with asthma were assessed. We conducted random effects meta-analyses. We assessed heterogeneity using the I2statistic and publication bias using funnel plots.

Results

We included 40 studies in the meta-analysis. Sputum neutrophils were 5% higher in obese versus non-obese asthmatics (mean difference (MD)=5.0%, 95% CI: 1.2 to 8.9, n=2297, p=0.01, I2=42%). Blood neutrophil count was also higher in obesity. There was no difference in sputum %eosinophils; however, bronchial submucosal eosinophil count (standardised mean difference (SMD)=0.58, 95% CI=0.25 to 0.91, p<0.001, n=181, I2=0%) and sputum interleukin 5 (IL-5) (SMD=0.46, 95% CI=0.17 to 0.75, p<0.002, n=198, I2=0%) were higher in obesity. Conversely, fractional exhaled nitric oxide was 4.5 ppb lower in obesity (MD=−4.5 ppb, 95% CI=−7.1 ppb to −1.8 ppb, p<0.001, n=2601, I2=40%). Blood C reactive protein, IL-6 and leptin were also higher in obesity.

Conclusions

Obese asthmatics have a different pattern of inflammation to non-obese asthmatics. Mechanistic studies examining the pattern of inflammation in obese asthmatics are warranted. Studies should also investigate the clinical relevance of this altered inflammatory response.

PROSPERO registeration number

CRD42021254525.
Cosmological dynamics of Cuscuta–Galileon gravity
Authors: Panpanich Sirachak , Maeda Kei-ichi
Published: March 2023

We study cosmological dynamics of the Cuscuta–Galileon gravity with a potential term by using the dynamical system approach. This model is galileon generalization of the cuscuton gravity where we add a potential term to the theory in order to obtain the radiation and matter dominated eras. The exponential potential can provide the sequence of the thermal history of the Universe correctly, i.e. starting from radiation dominance, passing through matter dominant era, and then approaching de Sitter expansion stage. This model has no ghosts and the Laplacian instability for both scalar and tensor perturbations. We also discuss the observational constraints on the model parameters. It turns out that the model actually has three degrees of freedom unlike the original cuscuton theory.
Spontaneous Lorentz symmetry breaking effects on GRBs jets arising from neutrino pair annihilation process near a black hole
Authors: Khodadi Mohsen , Lambiase Gaetano , Mastrototaro Leonardo
Published: March 2023

The study of neutrino pair annihilation into electron-positron pairs ($$\nu {\bar{\nu }}\rightarrow e^-e^+$$νν¯→e-e+) is astrophysically well-motivated because it is a possible powering mechanism for the gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). In this paper, we estimate the gamma-ray energy deposition rate (EDR) arising from the annihilation of the neutrino pairs in the equatorial plane of a slowly rotating black hole geometry modified by the broken Lorentz symmetry (induced by a background bumblebee vector field). More specifically, owing to the presence of a dimensionless Lorentz symmetry breaking (LSB) parameterlarising from nonminimal coupling between the bumblebee field with nonzero vacuum expectation value and gravity, the metric solution in question differs from the standard slowly rotating Kerr black hole. By idealizing the thin accretion disk temperature profile in the two forms of isothermal and gradient around the bumblebee gravity-based slow rotating black hole, we investigate the influence of spontaneous LSB on the$$\nu {\bar{\nu }}$$νν¯-annihilation efficiency. For both profiles, we find that positive values of LSB parameter$$l>0$$l>0induce an enhancement of the EDR associated with the neutrino-antineutrino annihilation. Therefore, the process of powering the GRBs jets around bumblebee gravity modified slowly rotating geometry is more efficient in comparison with standard metric. Using the observed gamma-ray luminosity associated with different GRBs types (short, long, and ultra-long), we find, through the analysis of the EDR in the parameter space$$l-a$$l-a($$a^2\ll 1$$a2≪1), some allowed ranges for the LSB parameterl.
Tuning of Efimov states in non-integer dimensions
Authors: Garrido Eduardo , Jensen Aksel S.
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this paper is to show that, by combining Feshbach resonances with external confining potentials, the energy scale factor of neighboring Efimov states can be tremendously reduced. The Efimov conditions can be reached for systems made of three different particles. For the case of two identical light particles and a heavy particle, the energy factor can be reduced by many orders of magnitude, and the Efimov states are in this way more easily reachable experimentally. The equivalence between external potentials and the formulation in terms of non-integer dimensions, d, is exploited. The technically simpler d-method is used to derive analytic expressions for two-component relative wave functions describing two short-range square-well interacting particles. The two components express one open and one closed channel. The scattering length is obtained after phase shift expansion, providing an analytic form for the Efimov condition. We illustrate the results by means of systems made of $$^7$$

7

Li, $$^{39}$$

39

K, and $$^{87}$$

87

Rb, with realistic parameters. The related pairs of dimension and magnetic field are shown and discussed. The results are universal as they only rely on large-distance properties.

Graphic abstract
BODIPY-based catenane: Synthesis and optical properties
Authors: Rago Aurélie , David Sylvain , Framery Eric , Maury Olivier , Andrioletti Bruno
Published: March 2023

The syntheses of unprecedented bis-triazolyl BODIPY dyes displaying high quantum yields are described. The synthetic approach involves a key alkene metathesis step after templating the two bis-triazolyl dipyrromethenes with Zn, promoting the catenane structure at the expense of the mono-macrocyclic structure. The optical properties of the open form, macrocyclic, and [2]-catenane derivatives are compared. Interestingly, if the fluorescence of both the open and the macrocyclic structure displayed excellent fluorescent properties in dichloromethane, the fluorescence is quenched for the catenane analogue. However, the fluorescence of the catenane can be restored in toluene. A putative explanation for the strong solvent effect is proposed.
Visible light-driven borylation of aryl halides by a B12 derivative based on a dual photoredox strategy
Authors: Sasaki Kaito , Shichijo Keita , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Shimakoshi Hisashi
Published: March 2023

Reductive dehalogenation of an aryl halide (Ar-X) subsequent coupling with bis(pinacolato)diboron (B2pin[Formula: see text] to form an arylboronate (Ar-Bpin) by the photo-excited B[Formula: see text] complex of the Co[Formula: see text] oxidation state with an iridium photosensitizer (PS), [Ir(dtbbpy)(ppy)2]PF6, under anaerobic conditions was reported. The robust B[Formula: see text] complex and iridium PS provided the highest turnover numbers of over 3,800 for the borylation reaction at room temperature. The CoI state of the B[Formula: see text] complex was formed via the reductive quenching pathway of [Ir(dtbbpy)(ppy)2]PF6 by visible light irradiation in the presence of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]-diisopropylethylamine ([Formula: see text]-Pr2NEt) as a sacrificial electron donor (SED), which was confirmed by a photoluminescence lifetime analysis. A picosecond time-resolved spectroscopic analysis showed that the electron transfer from the excited Co[Formula: see text] state of the B[Formula: see text] complex ([Formula: see text]Co[Formula: see text] to the Ar-X occurred in the order of the rate constants for electron transfer ([Formula: see text], Ar-I [Formula: see text] Ar-Br [Formula: see text] Ar-Cl. Based on the mechanistic studies, dual excitation of PS and the B[Formula: see text] complex is involved in the catalytic reaction and single electron transfer (SET) from [Formula: see text]Co[Formula: see text] to Ar-X could provide the aryl radical by fragmentation of the Ar-X radical anion. The aryl radical should react with the radical trapping reagent, B2pin2, to form the Ar-Bpin product.
Eliminating Space Scanning: Fast mmWave Beam Alignment with UWB Radios
Authors: Wang Ju , Chen Xi , Liu Xue , Dudek Gregory
Published: March 2023

Due to their large bandwidth and impressive data speed, millimeter-wave (mmWave) radios are expected to play a key role in the 5G and beyond (e.g., 6G) communication networks. Yet, to release mmWave’s true power, the highly directional mmWave beams need to be aligned perfectly. Most existing beam alignment methods adopt an exhaustive or semi-exhaustive space scanning, which introduces up to seconds of delays. To eliminate the need for complex space scanning, this article presents an Ultra-wideband (UWB)-assisted mmWave communication framework, which leverages the co-located UWB antennas to estimate the best angles for mmWave beam alignment. One major challenge of applying this idea in the real world is the barrier of limited antenna numbers. Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) devices are usually equipped with only a small number of UWB antennas, which are not enough for the existing algorithms to provide an accurate angle estimation. To solve this challenge, we design a novel Multi-Frequency MUltiple SIgnal Classification (MF-MUSIC) algorithm, which extends the classic MUltiple SIgnal Classification (MUSIC) algorithm to the frequency domain and overcomes the antenna limitation barrier in the spatial domain. Extensive real-world experiments and numerical simulations illustrate the advantage of the proposed MF-MUSIC algorithm. MF-MUSIC uses only three antennas to achieve an accurate angle estimation, which is a mere 0.15° (or a relative difference of 3.6%) different from the state-of-the-art 16-antenna-based angle estimation method.
Preparation of Granular Activated Carbon Particle Electrode Loaded with Co3O4 and its Effect on Amoxicillin Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Ma Jinsong , Sun Haishu , Wang Xiaona , Li Yuan , Xu Mingyue , Wang Qunhui
Published: March 2023

In this work, granular activated carbon (GAC) loaded with Co3O4 catalyst (Co3O4/GAC) was used as a particle electrode for three-dimensional (3D) electrochemical treatment of amoxicillin (AMX) wastewater. The morphology, crystal structure, surface chemical bonds, specific surface area, and pore structure of the particle electrodes were characterized. Considering AMX and TOC removal rates and electrical energy consumption (EEC), the optimal manufacturing conditions of the Co3O4/GAC were determined as the calcination temperature of 700 °C, the calcination time of 5 h, and the impregnation time of 3 h, respectively. The measurement of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the interfacial electron transfer property of Co3O4/GAC was much improved compared with GAC. AMX removal rate (96.0%, 40 min), TOC removal rate (84.4%, 2 h), and EEC (87.2 kWh kg−1 TOC) of the 3D-Co3O4/GAC system were all significantly improved compared to the 3D-GAC system (77.9%, 40.3%, 232.9 kWh kg−1 TOC) and the 2D system (66.4%, 3.9%, 2080.3 kWh kg−1 TOC) under the same operating conditions. It was confirmed that Co3O4/GAC catalytically generates ·OH and H · radicals and increases the conductivity inside the reactor. The degradation of AMX was confirmed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and the degradation mechanism of AMX in the 3D-Co3O4/GAC system was proposed.
Crosstalk Reactions Induce Positive- and Negative-Electrode Resistance Increments in Li[Li1/3Ti5/3]O4/LiNi1/2Mn3/2O4 Cells
Authors: Nakamura Taichi , Ariyoshi Kingo
Published: March 2023

With the rapid utilization of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in various applications, including automobiles, battery-lifetime extension has become an important issue. A major cause of capacity fading in batteries is the increase in the positive- and negative-electrode resistance, mainly due to the formation of highly resistive electrode films. Previous studies indicate that crosstalk reactions significantly influence the resistance-increase mechanism. Although previous publications confirm that the rate of positive-electrode resistance-increase is greatly affected by the negative-electrode potential, the quantitative relationship between the crosstalk reaction and cell-resistance increment remains unexplained. In this study, potentiostatic charge tests were performed on Li[Li1/3Ti5/3]O4/LiNi1/2Mn3/2O4 cells by varying the charging voltage. Although the number of side reactions increased on increasing the charging voltage, the increase in cell resistance remained almost same; the Li[Li1/3Ti5/3]O4 and LiNi1/2Mn3/2O4 electrode resistances increased significantly after potentiostatic charging. To explain the resistance-increase behavior of the cell, a phenomenological model incorporating the crosstalk reaction was proposed. Subsequently, this model was used to calculate the increase in cell resistance. The simulation results were consistent with the experimental results, indicating that the model could be used to quantitatively predict the increase in cell resistance.