bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elastic wave velocities in a granitic geothermal reservoir
Authors: Sayers Colin M.
Published: September 2022

Geothermal resources have potential for providing cost‐effective and sustainable energy. Monitoring of production‐induced changes in geothermal reservoirs using seismic waves requires understanding of the elastic properties of the rock and how they change due to injection of fluids and opening and closing of natural and hydraulic fractures. P‐ and S‐wave velocities measured in a granitic geothermal reservoir using sonic logging are systematically lower than those predicted using the composition of the rock. Cracks may occur in granitic rocks from tectonic stresses and from the thermal expansion mismatch between differently oriented anisotropic crystals. An isotropic orientation distribution of microcracks causes a significant reduction in both the P‐ and S‐velocities, consistent with the observed sonic P‐ and S‐velocities. Vertical fractures cause a difference in the velocity of vertically propagating shear waves polarized parallel and perpendicular to the fractures. An assumption that the lower measured velocities are caused by the presence of vertical fractures is inconsistent with the sonic data. This is because vertical fractures cause a decrease in slow S‐wave velocity that greatly exceeds the decrease in P‐wave velocity, in contrast to the observed data. The growth of vertical fractures in the geothermal reservoir may be monitored using the difference in velocity of the fast and slow shear waves, while the change in P‐velocity in a crossplot of measured P‐ and slow S‐velocities is useful for estimating the ratio of the normal‐to‐shear compliance of the fractures.
Group heterogeneity and the economic effect of farmer organisation participation: Empirical evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Min‐Han , Luh Yir‐Hueih
Published: September 2022

We explore the effects of different farmer organisations on smallholder farmers' economic performance. The average treatment effect of switching between different farmer organisations is examined. In addition, based on the premise that a higher level of social capital is accumulated through participation in multiple farmer organisations, we also investigate how the economic consequences of farmer organisation membership vary with the intensity of participation. Our conceptual model explicitly includes social capital to provide a micro‐foundation and a theoretical justification for the linkage between farmer organisation participation and the economic outcome. This indicates that participating in different types of farmer organisations is beneficial for farm households only when the returns from social capital investment outweigh the time cost of participation. Our empirical results suggest that membership of farmer organisations that are more homogeneous in terms of member specialty and similarity in production and marketing activities results in a significant increase in farm sales revenue and net returns. This result supports the view that technological proximity accentuates knowledge spillovers within the farmer organisations, and thus leads to better economic outcomes. In line with the prediction of the theoretical model, the average treatment effect of participation is found to increase with the number of organisations that farmers belong to. Moreover, results from the quantile regression provide empirical evidence supporting increasing returns to social capital accumulated through participation in several farmer organisations.
Mistakes in terminology cause false conclusions: Vitamin D does not increase the risk of dementia
Authors: Vieth Reinhold
Published: September 2022

There has been a progressive trend in recent years, to trivialize the terminology surrounding the molecules based on a secosteroid structure. The generic use of the term, “vitamin D," results in gross misrepresentations that confuse the use of a drug commonly used for patients with kidney failure, with the nutritional use of vitamin D. This commentary is a critique of one particularly bad example of that terminological trivialization. Authors may simply want to add impact to their findings when they refer to “vitamin D supplementation” when what they are reporting on is calcitriol. However, the consequences of this practice are to mislead all readers who do not go through the primary publication very carefully to understand the details behind sloppy terminology. Contrary to all the words written in the publication commented upon here, it offers no clinical evidence that vitamin D supplementation increases risk of Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
Racial and ethnic differences in diet quality and food insecurity among adults with fatty liver and significant fibrosis: a U.S. population‐based study
Authors: Kardashian Ani , Dodge Jennifer L. , Terrault Norah A.
Published: September 2022

Background

Food insecurity affects diet quality (DQ) and is associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). While racial and ethnic disparities in NAFLD exist, the relationship between food insecurity and DQ by race and ethnicity is unknown.

Aim

To examine the relationship between food insecurity and DQ in adults with NAFLD and significant fibrosis by race and ethnicity in a nationally representative cohort

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of U.S. adults (≥20 years) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018 with vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE), DQ, and food security (FS) measurements. NAFLD and significant fibrosis were defined using validated VCTE cut‐offs. We assessed total and component DQ by the healthy eating index (HEI)‐2015, with poor scores defined as <25th percentile. We used multivariable linear and logistic regression to examine associations of FS and race/ethnicity with DQ.

Results

Of 1351 adults with NAFLD (17% food insecure; 248 with fibrosis), mean (standard error [SE]) DQ score was 49 (1) and 47(1.2) for food secure and insecure groups, respectively. Mean (SE) DQ was lowest for White (47[1.1]), followed by Black (49[0.9]), Hispanic (50[1.2]) and Asian persons (56[2.1]). In multivariable models, there was an inverse relationship between FS and DQ, although this did not reach statistical significance (estimated difference [coef]:‐1.8 mean HEI score, 95% CI: −4.3–0.7; p = 0.14). Adjusted mean DQ scores were higher for Black (coef:+3.0, 95% CI:0.5–5.5; p = 0.02), Asian (coef:+7.4, 95% CI:3.4–11.5; p = 0.001) and Hispanic (coef: +4.3, 95% CI: 0.6–7.9; p = 0.03) compared to White persons. Greatest differences in DQ components by food security status were seen in White persons.

Conclusion

Among adults with NAFLD, White persons had poorer DQ than other races/ethnicities. The influence of food insecurity on DQ may be potentiated in this group. Exploration of the sociocultural factors influencing DQ is needed to mitigate NAFLD disparities.
Trends in characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding to emergency departments in the United States from 2006 to 2019
Authors: Zheng Neil S. , Tsay Cynthia , Laine Loren , Shung Dennis L.
Published: September 2022

Background

Recent epidemiologic studies of trends in gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) provided results through 2014 or earlier and assessed only hospitalised patients, excluding patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs) who are not hospitalised.

Aims

To provide the first U.S. nationwide epidemiological evaluation of all patients presenting to EDs with GIB

Methods

We used the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample for 2006–2019 to calculate yearly projected incidence of patients presenting to EDs with primary diagnoses of GIB, categorised by location and aetiology. Outcomes were assessed with multivariable analyses.

Results

The age/sex‐adjusted incidence for GIB increased from 378.4 to 397.5/100,000 population from 2006 to 2019. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) incidence decreased from 2006 to 2014 (112.3–94.4/100,000) before increasing to 116.2/100,000 by 2019. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) incidence increased from 2006 to 2015 (146.0 to 161.0/100,000) before declining to 150.2/100,000 by 2019. The proportion of cases with one or more comorbidities increased from 27.4% to 35.9% from 2006 to 2019. Multivariable analyses comparing 2019 to 2006 showed increases in ED discharges (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43–1.48) and decreases in red blood cell (RBC) transfusions (OR = 0.62; 0.61–0.63), endoscopies (OR = 0.60; 0.59–0.61), death (OR = 0.51; 0.48–0.54) and length of stay (relative ratio [RR] = 0.81; 0.80–0.82). Inpatient cost decreased from 2012 to 2019 (RR = 0.92; 0.91–0.93).

Conclusions

The incidence of GIB in the U.S. is increasing. UGIB incidence has been increasing since 2014 while LGIB incidence has been decreasing since 2015. Despite a more comorbid population in 2019, case fatality rate, length of stay and costs have decreased. More patients are discharged from the ED and the rate of RBC transfusions has decreased, possibly reflecting changing clinical practice in response to updated guidelines.
Biological, clinical features and modelling of heterozygous variants of glycoprotein Ib platelet subunit alpha (GP1BA) and glycoprotein Ib platelet subunit beta (GP1BB) genes responsible for constitutional thrombocytopenia
Authors: Dib Fatema , Quéméner Agnès , Bayart Sophie , Boisseau Pierre , Babuty Antoine , Trossaërt Marc , Sigaud Marianne , Ternisien Catherine , Drillaud Nicolas , Eveillard Marion , Guillet Benoit , Béné Marie C. , Fouassier Marc
Published: September 2022

Constitutional thrombocytopenias are rare disorders, often difficult to discriminate from acquired thrombocytopenias. More than 80 genes have been described as being at the origin of these diseases. Among them, several variants of the glycoprotein Ib platelet subunit alpha (GP1BA) and glycoprotein Ib platelet subunit beta (GP1BB) genes, coding for the GpIb‐IX‐V glycoprotein complex, have been reported in the literature. The study reported here aimed at describing newly identified monoallelic anomalies affecting the GP1BA and GP1BB genes on a clinical, biological and molecular level. In a cohort of nine patients with macrothrombocytopenia, eight heterozygous variants of the GP1BA or GP1BB genes were identified. Five of them had never been described in the heterozygous state. Computer modelling disclosed structure/function relationships of these five variants.
Nowhere Else but Home: A National Resting Place for Indigenous Australian Ancestral Remains
Authors: Norman Heidi , Payne Anne Maree
Published: September 2022

This article addresses the establishment of the National Resting Place, a new Australian cultural institution designed to perform a vital role in the care of Ancestral Remains. Exploring the history of why there are, and have been, many thousands of Ancestral Remains in Australia that need to be repatriated, reburied or cared for as a community determines, this article demonstrates the physical and cultural harm caused to Indigenous people through the cultural and professional practices of scientists, anatomists, and collectors throughout the main era of collecting, highlighting how the methods and norms of collecting in this era led to a lack of provenance and other identifying information for many Ancestral Remains. The article identifies the challenges of repatriation in the Australian context and discusses the emergence of a new model, the National Resting Place, to provide an Indigenous‐centred response to the care of Ancestral Remains in Australia.
The effect of forming implementation intentions on alcohol consumption: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cooke Richard , McEwan Helen , Norman Paul
Published: September 2022

Issues

Meta‐analysis was used to estimate the effect of forming implementation intentions (i.e., if‐then plans) on weekly alcohol consumption and heavy episodic drinking (HED). Sample type, mode of delivery, intervention format and timeframe were tested as moderator variables.

Approach

Cochrane, EThOS, Google Scholar, PsychArticles, PubMed and Web of Science were searched for relevant publications to 31 March 2021. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to estimate the effect size difference (d) between individuals forming versus not forming implementation intentions on weekly consumption and HED.

Key Findings

Sixteen studies were included in meta‐analyses. The effect size difference for forming implementation intentions on weekly alcohol consumption was d+ = −0.14 confidence interval (CI) [−0.24; −0.03]. Moderator analyses highlighted stronger effects for: (i) community (d+ = −0.38, CI [−0.58; −0.18]) versus university (d+ = −0.04, CI [−0.13; 0.05]) samples; (ii) paper (d+ = −0.26, CI [−0.43; −0.09]) versus online (d+ = −0.04, CI [−0.14; 0.06]) mode of delivery; and (iii) volitional help sheet (d+ = −0.34, CI [−0.60; −0.07]) versus implementation intention format (d+ = −0.07, CI [−0.16; 0.02]). In addition, effects diminished over time (B = 0.02, SE = 0.01, CI [0.03; 0.01]). Forming implementation intentions had a null effect on HED, d+ = −0.01 CI [−0.10; 0.08].

Implications

Forming implementation intentions reduces weekly consumption but has no effect on HED.

Conclusion

This review identifies boundary conditions on the effectiveness of implementation intentions to reduce alcohol consumption. Future research should focus on increasing the effectiveness of online‐delivered interventions and integrating implementation intention and motivational interventions.
Intelligent metaheuristics with optimal machine learning approach for malware detection on IoT‐enabled maritime transportation systems
Authors: Maray Mohammed , Alghamdi Mohammed , Alrayes Fatma S. , Alotaibi Saud S. , Alazwari Sana , Alabdan Rana , Al Duhayyim Mesfer
Published: September 2022

The latest advancements in Internet of Things (IoT) have revolutionized the productivity of global shipping industry in the recent years. It also led to the emergence of IoT‐enabled Maritime Transportation Systems (MTS). These approaches detect the malware in network before the execution process. Various machine learning (ML) models have been proposed and designed in literature for effective malware detection. However, the existence of numerous features in the data bring dimensionality problem which can be only resolved by the use of feature selection approaches. Therefore, the current research work presents Intelligent Metaheuristics‐based Feature Selection model with Optimal ML approach for Malware Detection (IMFSOML‐MD) on IoT‐enabled MTS. Primarily, IMFSOML‐MD technique involves the design of Quantum Invasive Weed Optimization Algorithm‐based Feature Selection technique to optimally choose a subset of features. Moreover, an Optimal Wavelet Neural Network (OWNN) model is employed to perform classification process. The initial parameters of WNN model are optimally tuned with the help of Colliding Bodies Optimization algorithm thereby improving the detection performance. The proposed IMFSOML‐MD technique was experimentally validated using publicly‐available CICMalDroid2020 dataset. The results from extensive comparative analysis demonstrated the superiority of the proposed IMFSOML‐MD technique over other compared methods in terms of detection performance with maximum accuracy of 98.96%.
Ocean acidification drives global reshuffling of ecological communities
Authors: Nagelkerken Ivan , Connell Sean D.
Published: September 2022

The paradigm that climate change will alter global marine biodiversity is one of the most widely accepted. Yet, its predictions remain difficult to test because laboratory systems are inadequate at incorporating ecological complexity, and common biodiversity metrics have varying sensitivity to detect change. Here, we test for the prevalence of global responses in biodiversity and community‐level change to future climate (acidification and warming) from studies at volcanic CO2 vents across four major global coastal ecosystems and studies in laboratory mesocosms. We detected globally replicable patterns of species replacements and community reshuffling under ocean acidification in major natural ecosystems, yet species diversity and other common biodiversity metrics were often insensitive to detect such community change, even under significant habitat loss. Where there was a lack of consistent patterns of biodiversity change, these were a function of similar numbers of studies observing negative versus positive species responses to climate stress. Laboratory studies showed weaker sensitivity to detect species replacements and community reshuffling in general. We conclude that common biodiversity metrics can be insensitive in revealing the anticipated effects of climate stress on biodiversity—even under significant biogenic habitat loss—and can mask widespread reshuffling of ecological communities in a future ocean. Although the influence of ocean acidification on community restructuring can be less evident than species loss, such changes can drive the dynamics of ecosystem stability or their functional change. Importantly, species identity matters, representing a substantial influence of future oceans.
Mechanical integrity of ceramic coatings on Kapton made by a dry aerosol deposition of lunar mare simulant
Authors: Calvo Robert , Fuierer Paul
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the use of lunar regolith and the dry aerosol deposition (DAD) method to produce ceramic coatings on polyimide polymer, and to test their mechanical integrity. Ceramic films were produced on Kapton substrates using a custom‐built DAD system and lunar mare simulant (LMS) feedstock. Ultrafine grains and impact densification were confirmed using atomic force and electron microscopy. Mechanical properties of the DAD–LMS Kapton samples were evaluated with indentation, tensile, and mandrel bend tests. DAD–LMS coatings tripled the hardness and doubled the indentation modulus of the Kapton surface. Coatings 3–16 µm thick did not have a predictable effect on the ultimate tensile strength or elongation to failure; however, the apparent modulus of elasticity did increase. The coatings were able to withstand significant bending before damage, with critical bend radii of 5 and 1.5 mm for 7.5 µm and 120 nm thicknesses, respectively. Modest heat treatment was shown to reduce the bending strain of coated substrates. Advanced ceramic coatings are of interest for the protection of space and satellite polymers from micrometeoroid impacts, radiation, and atomic oxygen. Lunar posts and habitats will require the development of space manufacturing techniques and in situ resource utilization.
Texas Private Equity Conference 2022: Session III: Space: The Final Investing Frontier
Authors: Arseneau Brant , Anderman David , Dominocielo Gabe , Kuta Matthew , Wiles Ken
Published: September 2022

In this final panel at the Texas Private Equity Conference, four active investors discuss the commercial opportunities opened up by the privatization of space exploration. With the cost of launching rockets into space and putting satellites into orbit dropping sharply, unit economics are dropping quickly, much faster than even the industry expected. Reusable rockets in particular are changing the economics of space launches significantly and revolutionized the industry. And the Starship developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX will soon be operational, and is expected to reduce costs by a factor of 10. SpaceX, after just a few years in existence, is now the most valuable private company in the United States, second only to ByteDance in the rest of the world. Satellite costs have also come down dramatically. Thanks to the privatization of space exploration, shareholders of privately owned companies have supplanted national governments as the largest owners of SpaceX rockets, and will own the next International Space Station.

The consensus among the panelists is that today's New Space sector is now where the Internet was around 1995. A lot of money will also be made by the applications and services surrounding the launch sector. Uber, Google Maps, and other GPS‐related services create demand for satellite services as do telecommunications that use satellite‐based optical laser links instead of land‐based fiber optic cable. Among the major challenges, however, space projects continue to take longer and cost more than expected. And the space entrepreneurs on this panel consistently described the time horizons of traditional venture capital as too limited. “Space junk”—orbiting spacecraft or pieces of old spacecraft that might collide with satellites—is viewed as a growing concern, but not an existential threat to the New Space Economy.
The advancement of Ethiopia's salt iodization programme—The success story of the central iodized facilities
Authors: Yusufali Rizwan , Frohmann Denise , Chuko Tesfaye , Laillou Arnaud
Published: September 2022

The objective of this article is to characterize the value of centralized iodization facilities (CIFs) to advance Ethiopia's salt iodization programme and its impact on the population iodine status. The analysis is based on a review of publications relating to salt iodization and iodine deficiency control efforts in Ethiopia. The country has made remarkable progress in improving iodized salt coverage, leading to improved iodine intake across its population that would otherwise be at high risk of iodine deficiency disorders. Establishment of central processing facilities, more frequent monitoring and generation of data and encouraging private sector investment have been instrumental in this achievement. Ethiopia has thus achieved and sustained greater than 89% HH iodized salt coverage from its lowest point of 15% coverage and subsequently improved iodine intake across its population. Iodine intake sufficiency in a population is assessed by median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC). The lessons learned and the experience with CIFs have applicability in several other countries where fragmented salt production continues to create barriers to achieve higher iodized salt coverage.
SAPOVIRUS AND ASTROVIRUS ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS IN THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS
Authors: Shilova Y. , Paklonskaya N. , Amvrosieva T. , Kaltunova Yu. , Belskaya I.
Published: September 2022

A significant variety of causative agents of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) of viral etiology dictates the need of studying their typical diversity and the contribution of the infections they cause, including little-studied ones, to the incidence.
The aim of the presented work was to establish the frequency of astroviruses (HAsV) and sapoviruses (SaV) occurrence in patients with acute intestinal infections in our country, the characteristics of their circulation and genetic diversity.
Astro- and sapovirus infections were detected in 3.0% and 2.3% of patients with AGE, respectively. Most often they were found in children aged 4-7, however, there were no significant differences in the frequency of their detection in patients of different age groups. Neither seasonal fluctuations in the circulation activity of these viral agents have been registered.
The analysis of the genetic diversity of identified HAsV and SaV showed that the isolates identified in 2018-2021 belong to 2 HAsV genotypes - HuAsV-3, HuAsV-4 and to 3 SaV genotypes - GII.1, GI.2, GII.5.
Taking into account the significant genetic variability of these pathogens, the ability to cause outbreaks and the likelihood of an increase in their activity, previously noted in other countries, it seems appropriate to monitor them in patients with AGE with the identification of detected genotypes by molecular methods.
Modeling of Phase Change in Nanoconfinement Using Moment Methods
Authors: Kumar Anil , A. M. Aneesh , Rana Anirudh Singh
Published: September 2022

Accurate prediction of liquid–vapor phase change phenomena is critical in the design of thin vapor chambers and microheat pipes for the thermal management of miniaturized electronic systems. In view of this, we have considered the heat and mass transfer between two-liquid meniscuses separated by a thin gap of its own vapor. Assuming the heat and mass flow are to be steady and one-dimensional, analytic solutions are obtained to the linearized equations from the regularized 26-moment framework. Our analytic solutions provide excellent predictions for the effective heat conductivity of a dilute gas with those from the molecular dynamics (MD) and Boltzmann equation where Fourier's law fails. We also verified that the predicted heat and mass flow rates over the whole range of the Knudsen number are consistent with the kinetic theory of gases. Further, the model has been used to predict the effect of evaporation and accommodation coefficients on the heat and mass transfer between the liquid layers.
Infants Born Preterm Demonstrate Reduced Task-Specific Exploration During the Scaffolded Kick-Activated Mobile Task
Authors: Kim Jeong Ah , Park Sungwoo , Fetters Linda , Eckel Sandrah P. , Kubo Masayoshi , Sargent Barbara
Published: September 2022

This study quantified the spatial exploration of 13 infants born very and extremely preterm (PT) at 4 months corrected age as they learned that moving their feet vertically to cross a virtual threshold activated an infant kick-activated mobile and compared results to 15 infants born full-term (FT) from a previously published study. Spatial exploration was quantified using two general spatial exploration variables (exploration volume and exploration path), two task-specific spatial variables (duration of time in the task-specific region of interest and vertical variance of kicks), and one non-task-specific spatial variable (horizontal variance of kicks). The infants born PT, similar to FT, increased their general spatial exploration and duration in the region of interest and did not change the vertical and horizontal variances of kicks. However, the infants born PT, compared to FT, spent less time in the task-specific region of interest and had a greater non-task-specific horizontal variance throughout the task. This may indicate that infants born PT and FT exhibit similar general spatial exploration, but infants born PT exhibit less task-specific spatial exploration. Future research is necessary to determine the contribution of learning and motor abilities to the differences in task-specific exploration between infants born PT and FT.
Understanding pathogen survival and transmission by arthropod vectors to prevent human disease
Authors: Barillas-Mury Carolina , Ribeiro José M. C. , Valenzuela Jesus G.
Published: September 2022

Many endemic poverty-associated diseases, such as malaria and leishmaniasis, are transmitted by arthropod vectors. Pathogens must interact with specific molecules in the vector gut, the microbiota, and the vector immune system to survive and be transmitted. The vertebrate host, in turn, is infected when the pathogen and vector-derived factors, such as salivary proteins, are delivered into the skin by a vector bite. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of the biology of pathogen transmission from the human to the vector and back, from the vector to the host. We also highlight recent advances in the biology of vector-borne disease transmission, which have translated into additional strategies to prevent human disease by either reducing vector populations or by disrupting their ability to transmit pathogens.
Oncometabolite
d
-2HG alters T cell metabolism to impair CD8
+
T cell function
Authors: Notarangelo Giulia , Spinelli Jessica B. , Perez Elizabeth M. , Baker Gregory J. , Kurmi Kiran , Elia Ilaria , Stopka Sylwia A. , Baquer Gerard , Lin Jia-Ren , Golby Alexandra J. , Joshi Shakchhi , Baron Heide F. , Drijvers Jefte M. , Georgiev Peter , Ringel Alison E. , Zaganjor Elma , McBrayer Samuel K. , Sorger Peter K. , Sharpe Arlene H. , Wucherpfennig Kai W. , Santagata Sandro , Agar Nathalie Y. R. , Suvà Mario L. , Haigis Marcia C.
Published: September 2022

Gain-of-function mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) in human cancers result in the production of
d
-2-hydroxyglutarate (
d
-2HG), an oncometabolite that promotes tumorigenesis through epigenetic alterations. The cancer cell–intrinsic effects of
d
-2HG are well understood, but its tumor cell–nonautonomous roles remain poorly explored. We compared the oncometabolite
d
-2HG with its enantiomer,
l
-2HG, and found that tumor-derived
d
-2HG was taken up by CD8
+
T cells and altered their metabolism and antitumor functions in an acute and reversible fashion. We identified the glycolytic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a molecular target of
d
-2HG.
d
-2HG and inhibition of LDH drive a metabolic program and immune CD8
+
T cell signature marked by decreased cytotoxicity and impaired interferon-γ signaling that was recapitulated in clinical samples from human patients with
IDH1
mutant gliomas.
Structure-based discovery of nonopioid analgesics acting through the α
2A
-adrenergic receptor
Authors: Fink Elissa A. , Xu Jun , Hübner Harald , Braz Joao M. , Seemann Philipp , Avet Charlotte , Craik Veronica , Weikert Dorothee , Schmidt Maximilian F. , Webb Chase M. , Tolmachova Nataliya A. , Moroz Yurii S. , Huang Xi-Ping , Kalyanaraman Chakrapani , Gahbauer Stefan , Chen Geng , Liu Zheng , Jacobson Matthew P. , Irwin John J. , Bouvier Michel , Du Yang , Shoichet Brian K. , Basbaum Allan I. , Gmeiner Peter
Published: September 2022

Because nonopioid analgesics are much sought after, we computationally docked more than 301 million virtual molecules against a validated pain target, the α
2A
-adrenergic receptor (α
2A
AR), seeking new α
2A
AR agonists chemotypes that lack the sedation conferred by known α
2A
AR drugs, such as dexmedetomidine. We identified 17 ligands with potencies as low as 12 nanomolar, many with partial agonism and preferential G
i
and G
o
signaling. Experimental structures of α
2A
AR complexed with two of these agonists confirmed the docking predictions and templated further optimization. Several compounds, including the initial docking hit ‘9087 [mean effective concentration (EC
50
) of 52 nanomolar] and two analogs, ‘7075 and PS75 (EC
50
4.1 and 4.8 nanomolar), exerted on-target analgesic activity in multiple in vivo pain models without sedation. These newly discovered agonists are interesting as therapeutic leads that lack the liabilities of opioids and the sedation of dexmedetomidine.
Sex- and age-dependent genetics of longevity in a heterogeneous mouse population
Authors: Bou Sleiman Maroun , Roy Suheeta , Gao Arwen W. , Sadler Marie C. , von Alvensleben Giacomo V. G. , Li Hao , Sen Saunak , Harrison David E. , Nelson James F. , Strong Randy , Miller Richard A. , Kutalik Zoltán , Williams Robert W. , Auwerx Johan
Published: September 2022

DNA variants that modulate life span provide insight into determinants of health, disease, and aging. Through analyses in the UM-HET3 mice of the Interventions Testing Program (ITP), we detected a sex-independent quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 12 and identified sex-specific QTLs, some of which we detected only in older mice. Similar relations between life history and longevity were uncovered in mice and humans, underscoring the importance of early access to nutrients and early growth. We identified common age- and sex-specific genetic effects on gene expression that we integrated with model organism and human data to create a hypothesis-building interactive resource of prioritized longevity and body weight genes. Finally, we validated
Hipk1
,
Ddost
,
Hspg2
,
Fgd6
, and
Pdk1
as conserved longevity genes using
Caenorhabditis elegans
life-span experiments.
A framework for sex, gender, and diversity analysis in research
Authors: Hunt Lilian , Nielsen Mathias Wullum , Schiebinger Londa
Published: September 2022

Funding agencies have ample room to improve their policies
Inefficient and unlit natural gas flares both emit large quantities of methane
Authors: Plant Genevieve , Kort Eric A. , Brandt Adam R. , Chen Yuanlei , Fordice Graham , Gorchov Negron Alan M. , Schwietzke Stefan , Smith Mackenzie , Zavala-Araiza Daniel
Published: September 2022

Flaring is widely used by the fossil fuel industry to dispose of natural gas. Industry and governments generally assume that flares remain lit and destroy methane, the predominant component of natural gas, with 98% efficiency. Neither assumption, however, is based on real-world observations. We calculate flare efficiency using airborne sampling across three basins responsible for >80% of US flaring and combine these observations with unlit flare prevalence surveys. We find that both unlit flares and inefficient combustion contribute comparably to ineffective methane destruction, with flares effectively destroying only 91.1% (90.2, 91.8; 95% confidence interval) of methane. This represents a fivefold increase in methane emissions above present assumptions and constitutes 4 to 10% of total US oil and gas methane emissions, highlighting a previously underappreciated methane source and mitigation opportunity.
Hydrophobic polyamide nanofilms provide rapid transport for crude oil separation
Authors: Li Siyao , Dong Ruijiao , Musteata Valentina-Elena , Kim Jihoon , Rangnekar Neel D. , Johnson J. R. , Marshall Bennett D. , Chisca Stefan , Xu Jia , Hoy Scott , McCool Benjamin A. , Nunes Suzana P. , Jiang Zhiwei , Livingston Andrew G.
Published: September 2022

Hydrocarbon separation relies on energy-intensive distillation. Membrane technology can offer an energy-efficient alternative but requires selective differentiation of crude oil molecules with rapid liquid transport. We synthesized multiblock oligomer amines, which comprised a central amine segment with two hydrophobic oligomer blocks, and used them to fabricate hydrophobic polyamide nanofilms by interfacial polymerization from self-assembled vesicles. These polyamide nanofilms provide transport of hydrophobic liquids more than 100 times faster than that of conventional hydrophilic counterparts. In the fractionation of light crude oil, manipulation of the film thickness down to ~10 nanometers achieves permeance one order of magnitude higher than that of current state-of-the-art hydrophobic membranes while retaining comparable size- and class-based separation. This high permeance can markedly reduce plant footprint, which expands the potential for using membranes made of ultrathin nanofilms in crude oil fractionation.
Earth’s composition was modified by collisional erosion
Authors: Frossard Paul , Israel Claudine , Bouvier Audrey , Boyet Maud
Published: September 2022

The samarium-146 (
146
Sm)–neodymium-142 (
142
Nd) short-lived decay system (half-life of 103 million years) is a powerful tracer of the early mantle-crust evolution of planetary bodies. However, an increased
142
Nd/
144
Nd in modern terrestrial rocks relative to chondrite meteorites has been proposed to be caused by nucleosynthetic anomalies, obscuring early Earth’s differentiation history. We use stepwise dissolution of primitive chondrites to quantify nucleosynthetic contributions on the composition of chondrites. After correction for nucleosynthetic anomalies, Earth and the silicate parts of differentiated planetesimals contain resolved excesses of
142
Nd relative to chondrites. We conclude that only collisional erosion of primordial crusts can explain such compositions. This process associated with planetary accretion must have produced substantial loss of incompatible elements, including long-term heat-producing elements such as uranium, thorium, and potassium.
Earth was seasoned by countless blows
Authors: Leinhardt Zoë Malka
Published: September 2022

Earth’s composition was shaped by collisions from external objects
The genetics of a long life
Authors: de Magalhães João Pedro
Published: September 2022

Genetically diverse mice and cross-species comparison uncover links to longevity
In Other Journals
Authors: Suleymanov Yury , Smith Keith T. , Simonti Corinne , Kelly Priscilla N. , Ash Caroline , Vignieri Sacha , Yeston Jake
Published: September 2022

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
High Prevalence Rate of Microbial Contamination in Patient-Ready Gastrointestinal Endoscopes in Tehran, Iran: an Alarming Sign for the Occurrence of Severe Outbreaks
Authors: Houri Hamidreza , Aghdaei Hamid Asadzadeh , Firuzabadi Sepideh , Khorsand Babak , Soltanpoor Fatemeh , Rafieepoor Maedeh , Tanhaei Mohammad , Soleymani Ghazal , Azimirad Masoumeh , Sadeghi Amir , Ebrahimi Daryani Nasser , Zamani Farhad , Talaei Ramin , Yadegar Abbas , Mohebi Seyed Reza , Sherkat Ghazal , Hagh Azalli Mehrdad , Malekpour Habib , Hemmasi Gholamreza , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2022

In the light of severe outbreaks caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms due to contaminated GI endoscopes, understanding to what extent GI endoscopes are inadequately reprocessed is crucial. Several studies assessed contamination of GI endoscopes with various outcomes across the world; however, the prevalence and risk factors of contaminated GI endoscopes and potential subsequent nosocomial spread are still unknown in Iran.
Preferential Selection of Low-Frequency, Lipopolysaccharide-Modified, Colistin-Resistant Mutants with a Combination of Antimicrobials in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Kamoshida Go , Yamada Noriteru , Nakamura Tomoka , Yamaguchi Daiki , Kai Daichi , Yamashita Maho , Hayashi Chiaki , Kanda Nana , Sakaguchi Moe , Morimoto Hitoshi , Sawada Teppei , Okada Tomoko , Kaya Yuki , Takemoto Norihiko , Yahiro Kinnosuke
Published: September 2022

Acinetobacter baumannii
has developed resistance to various antimicrobial drugs, and its drug-resistant strains cause nosocomial infections. Controlling these infections has become a global clinical challenge.
Coinfection of Two
Rickettsia
Species in a Single Tick Species Provides New Insight into
Rickettsia
-
Rickettsia
and
Rickettsia
-Vector Interactions
Authors: Pan Yu-Sheng , Cui Xiao-Ming , Du Li-Feng , Xia Luo-Yuan , Du Chun-Hong , Bell-Sakyi Lesley , Zhang Ming-Zhu , Zhu Dai-Yun , Dong Yi , Wei Wei , Zhao Lin , Sun Yi , Lv Qing-Yu , Ye Run-Ze , He Zhi-Hai , Wang Qian , Li Liang-Jing , Yao Ming-Guo , Xiong Tao , Jiang Jia-Fu , Cao Wu-Chun , Jia Na
Published: September 2022

The rickettsiae are a group of obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria that include human pathogens causing an array of clinical symptoms and even death. There is an important question in the field, that is whether one infection can block the superinfection of other rickettsiae.
Acinetobacter baumannii and Cefiderocol, between Cidality and Adaptability
Authors: Stracquadanio Stefano , Bonomo Carmelo , Marino Andrea , Bongiorno Dafne , Privitera Grete Francesca , Bivona Dalida Angela , Mirabile Alessia , Bonacci Paolo Giuseppe , Stefani Stefania
Published: September 2022

This work demonstrates the underrated presence of
Acinetobacter baumannii
heteroresistant subpopulations after exposure of
A. baumannii
strains to FDC and its instability. Both
A. baumannii
and FDC are of great interest for the scientific community, as well as for clinicians; the former represents a major threat to public health due to its resistance to antibiotics, with related costs of prolonged hospitalization, and the latter is a novel, promising cephalosporin currently under the magnifying glass.
Host Cell Neddylation Facilitates Alphaherpesvirus Entry in a Virus-Specific and Cell-Dependent Manner
Authors: Lee Becky H. , Tebaldi Giulia , Pritchard Suzanne M. , Nicola Anthony V.
Published: September 2022

Alphaherpesviruses are ubiquitous pathogens of humans and veterinary species that cause lifelong latent infections and significant morbidity and mortality. Host cell neddylation is important for cell homeostasis and for the infection of many viruses, including HSV-1, HSV-2, PRV, and BoHV-1.
Building resilience for sexual and reproductive health at the community level: learning from three crisis-affected provinces in Pakistan
Authors: Tanabe Mihoko , Hynes Michelle , Rizvi Anjum , Goswami Nimisha , Mahmood Nadeem , Krause Sandra
Published: September 2022

Pakistan regularly faces natural disasters and has a longstanding disaster risk management infrastructure. It is also a nation with high maternal and newborn mortality. Rahnuma-Family Planning Association of Pakistan, with support from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Women’s Refugee Commission and the International Planned Parenthood Federation South Asia Region’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Programme in Crisis and Post Crisis Situations Initiative, embarked on building community capacity to prepare for and respond to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) risks in select disaster-prone areas in Pakistan, and linking communities to existing disaster risk management structures at national, regional and district levels.

The initiative began with a training of trainers at the national level, which was cascaded to six union councils (UCs) in three districts in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh provinces. Participants developed action plans for their respective UCs that addressed gaps in implementing the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for SRH, the international standard of care for SRH in emergency settings. Communities spent 1.5 years implementing their action plans to strengthen their capacity to respond to SRH needs in the event of an emergency.

Project learning highlights the benefits of investing in preparedness to strengthen core services and linking communities to existing formal structures. Action planning led to immediate gains and longer-term benefits. The MISP for SRH was integrated into disaster risk management at all levels. Community mobilisation, awareness raising and the creation of blood donor groups and emergency transport contributed to averting mortality at the community level.
Socioeconomic risk markers of congenital Zika syndrome: a nationwide, registry-based study in Brazil
Authors: Paixão Enny S , Fernandes Qeren Hapuk R Ferreira , Cardim Luciana L , Pescarini Julia M , Costa Maria Conceicao N , Falcão Ila R , Brickley Elizabeth B , Santos Andreia Costa , Portela Souza André , Carvalho-Sauer Rita de Cassia Oliveira , Smeeth Liam , Rodrigues Laura C , Barreto Mauricio L , Teixeira Maria Gloria
Published: September 2022

While it is well known that socioeconomic markers are associated with a higher risk of arbovirus infections, research on the relationship between socioeconomic factors and congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) remains limited. This study investigates the relationship between socioeconomic risk markers and live births with CZS in Brazil. We conducted a population-based study using data from all registered live births in Brazil (Live Births Information System) linked with the Public Health Event Record from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2018. We used logistic regression models to estimate the OR and 95% CIs of CZS based on a three-level framework. In an analysis of 11 366 686 live births, of which 3353 had CZS, we observed that live births of self-identified black or mixed race/brown mothers (1.72 (95% CI 1.47 to 2.01) and 1.37 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.51)) were associated with a higher odds of CZS. Live births from single women compared with married women and those from women with less than 12 years of education compared with those with more than 12 years of education also had higher odds of CZS. In addition, live births following fewer prenatal care appointments had increased odds of CZS in the nationwide data. However, in the analyses conducted in the Northeast region (where the microcephaly epidemic started before the link with Zika virus was established and before preventive measures were known or disseminated), no statistical association was found between the number of prenatal care appointments and the odds of CZS. This study shows that live births of the most socially vulnerable women in Brazil had the greatest odds of CZS. This disproportionate distribution of risk places an even greater burden on already socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, and the lifelong disabilities caused by this syndrome may reinforce existing social and health inequalities.
Effects of telemedicine interventions on essential hypertension: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Ling , Li Dongze , Jiang Xiao-Lian , Jia Yu , Liu Yi , Li Fanghui , Chen Xiaoli , Lin Tao , Diao Dongmei , Gao Yongli
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Essential hypertension is a major preventable risk factor for early cardiovascular disease, premature death and disability. It has been reported that telemedicine interventions can provide an innovative solution to essential hypertension to overcome the barriers that exist in traditional treatment or control. Nevertheless, this subject has not been thoroughly investigated. The goal of this study is to systematically evaluate and describe the impact of telemedicine interventions on essential hypertension.

Methods and analysis

To find relevant research, we will conduct a systematic literature search of three databases (PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library), with no language limitations, in addition to researching grey literature. Two reviewers will extract the data individually, and any disagreements will be resolved by discussion or by a third reviewer. The randomised controlled trials will be chosen based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Primary outcomes will include systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure after the telemedicine intervention. Secondary outcomes will include medication adherence (eg, the Morisky Medication Adherence Questionnaire), quality of life (eg, the MOS item scale of the Health Survey Short Form 36 questionnaire), blood pressure control rate and adverse events (eg, stroke, chronic renal failure, aortic dissection, myocardial infarction and heart failure). The quality of the included studies will be assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias method. The data will be analysed using RevMan V.5.3.5 software and STATA V.16.0 software. If heterogeneity testing reveals little or no statistical heterogeneity, a fixed effect model will be used for data synthesis; otherwise, a random effect model would be employed. We will synthesise the available evidence to perform a high-quality meta-analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

This project does not require ethical approval because it will be conducted using publicly available documents. The review’s findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and publications.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021293539.