bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing adaptive stepped-care interventions to change adults’ health behaviors: A systematic review
Authors: Roddy McKenzie K. , Pfammatter Angela F. , Mayberry Lindsay S.
Published: August 2023

Chronic diseases are ubiquitous and costly in American populations. Interventions targeting health behavior change to manage chronic diseases are needed, but previous efforts have fallen short of producing meaningful change on average. Adaptive stepped-care interventions, that tailor treatment based on the needs of the individual over time, are a promising new area in health behavior change. We therefore conducted a systematic review of tests of adaptive stepped-care interventions targeting health behavior changes for adults with chronic diseases. We identified 9 completed studies and 13 research protocols testing adaptive stepped-care interventions for health behavior change. The most common health behaviors targeted were substance use, weight management, and smoking cessation. All identified studies test intermediary tailoring for treatment non-responders via sequential multiple assignment randomized trials (SMARTs) or singly randomized trials (SRTs); none test baseline tailoring. From completed studies, there were few differences between embedded adaptive interventions and minimal differences between those classified as treatment responders and non-responders. In conclusion, updates to this work will be needed as protocols identified here publish results. Future research could explore baseline tailoring variables, apply methods to additional health behaviors and target populations, test tapering interventions for treatment responders, and consider adults’ context when adapting interventions.
Relations Between Guardians and Domestic Animals During the Sars-Cov-2 Pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Melo Ailton da Cruz , Santos Isabela Carvalho dos , Trevisani Adriane Cordeiro , Rúbio Kariny Aparecida Jardim , Cano Ana Luisa , Caldart Eloiza Teles , Mendonça Juliana Aparecida , Agostinis Renata Olivotto , Piau Junior Ranulfo , Gazim Zilda Cristiani , Barbosa Lidiane Nunes , Gonçalves Daniela Dib
Published: August 2023

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate how relationships between guardians and domestic animals were established and their possible effects during the COVID-19 pandemic period in Brazil.

Methods:

Data were collected by completing an online questionnaire. Throughout the national territory, 2002 people completed the questionnaire, while respecting social distancing from January 20, 2021, to March 20, 2021. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were ‘to own pets’ or ‘those who had them during the period of quarantine’ in Brazil. The data obtained were treated qualitatively through discourse analysis and content analysis, while the quantitative data were tabulated by the questionnaire application platform itself.

Results:

The results showed that 97% of the participants were affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil and that of these, 95.5% stated that their pet was important to overcome and bear bad feelings during the period of social isolation. It was possible to observe through the participants’ reports through the online questionnaire that the relationships with their pets were deepened during the pandemic period, and that these had an important role in overcoming bad emotions caused by social distancing.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that due to these relationships, behaviors such as anxiety and sadness were reduced and the pets themselves also showed an increase in affective behaviors in relation to their guardians.
Strategies to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections in acute-care hospitals: 2022 Update
Authors: Patel Payal K. , Advani Sonali D. , Kofman Aaron D. , Lo Evelyn , Maragakis Lisa L. , Pegues David A. , Pettis Ann Marie , Saint Sanjay , Trautner Barbara , Yokoe Deborah S. , Meddings Jennifer
Published: August 2023

Abstract and purpose

The intent of this document is to highlight practical recommendations in a concise format designed to assist physicians, nurses, and infection preventionists at acute-care hospitals in implementing and prioritizing their catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention efforts. This document updates the Strategies to Prevent Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections in Acute-Care Hospitals published in 2014. It is the product of a collaborative effort led by SHEA, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), the American Hospital Association (AHA), and The Joint Commission.
Relative Dehn functions, hyperbolically embedded subgroups and combination theorems
Authors: Bigdely Hadi , Martínez-Pedroza Eduardo
Published: August 2023

Consider the following classes of pairs consisting of a group and a finite collection of subgroups:

•

$ \mathcal{C}= \left \{ (G,\mathcal{H}) \mid \text{$\mathcal{H}$ is hyperbolically embedded in $G$} \right \}$

•

$ \mathcal{D}= \left \{ (G,\mathcal{H}) \mid \text{the relative Dehn function of $(G,\mathcal{H})$ is well-defined} \right \} .$

Let
$G$
be a group that splits as a finite graph of groups such that each vertex group
$G_v$
is assigned a finite collection of subgroups
$\mathcal{H}_v$
, and each edge group
$G_e$
is conjugate to a subgroup of some
$H\in \mathcal{H}_v$
if
$e$
is adjacent to
$v$
. Then there is a finite collection of subgroups
$\mathcal{H}$
of
$G$
such that

1.

If each
$(G_v, \mathcal{H}_v)$
is in
$\mathcal C$
, then
$(G,\mathcal{H})$
is in
$\mathcal C$
.

2.

If each
$(G_v, \mathcal{H}_v)$
is in
$\mathcal D$
, then
$(G,\mathcal{H})$
is in
$\mathcal D$
.

3.

For any vertex
$v$
and for any
$g\in G_v$
, the element
$g$
is conjugate to an element in some
$Q\in \mathcal{H}_v$
if and only if
$g$
is conjugate to an element in some
$H\in \mathcal{H}$
.

That edge groups are not assumed to be finitely generated and that they do not necessarily belong to a peripheral collection of subgroups of an adjacent vertex are the main differences between this work and previous results in the literature. The method of proof provides lower and upper bounds of the relative Dehn functions in terms of the relative Dehn functions of the vertex groups. These bounds generalize and improve analogous results in the literature.
Identity, Conflict and Discourse: Understanding Military Contestation in Brazil
Authors: Littlefield Ned , Block Douglas
Published: August 2023

The Brazilian military has recently executed an unexpected return to politics by engaging more actively in domestic policymaking and implementation both before and during the Bolsonaro government, thus jeopardising democratic consolidation. To help understand this development, we examine why the military openly challenges civilian authority over some issues, while remaining silent on others. Whereas prior work emphasises external factors like civilians’ threats to military prerogatives, we argue that contestation of civilian authority stems in no small part from internal military conflict over how to utilise power. The military uses contestation to coordinate prerogatives with civilians and to communicate within the armed forces to increase cohesion. We illustrate this argument with case studies of military contestation surrounding political leadership selection and internal security, using the Army Commander's discourse via Twitter posts and public statements, plus key informant interviews and military publications.
Stuart Ward's Untied Kingdom: A Global History of the End of Britain
Authors: Nasar Saima
Published: August 2023

Unpicking Britishness on a global stage: a review of Stuart Ward's Untied Kingdom.
Factor-augmented QVAR models: an observation-driven approach
Authors: Alanya-Beltran Willy
Published: August 2023

I develop and study a factor-augmented quasi-vector autoregressive (FAQVAR) model for economic policy analysis in tumultuous times. An observation-driven framework that exploits the information from the score of the model allows a maximum likelihood estimation. This multivariate FAQVAR model, which assumes a Studentterror distribution, is robust to atypical observations such as the global financial crisis and the recent pandemic. The model outperforms the FAVAR moving average model because of the assumed heavy tails that capture the COVID-19 atypical data and other turbulent episodes. An empirical application to the U.S. economy assessing its monetary policy reveals that estimates and impulse responses are stable when considering the sample before and during COVID-19.
Interventions to prevent obesity in Latinx children birth to 6 years globally: a systematic review
Authors: Bleiweiss-Sande Rachel , Skelton Kara , Zaltz Daniel , Bacardí-Gascón Montserrat , Jiménez-Cruz Arturo , Benjamin-Neelon Sara E
Published: August 2023

Objective:

To conduct a systematic review of obesity prevention interventions in Latinx children ages birth to 6 years published in any language from 2010–2020.

Design:

We used PubMed, ERIC, PsycINFO, Scopus, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Google Scholar databases to conduct a search on May 1 2020, January 1 2021 and November 1 2022. We included randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies and non-randomised interventions with a control or comparison group that reported measures of adiposity.

Setting:

Interventions taking place in the United States, Latin America or the Caribbean.

Participants:

Latinx children ages birth to 6 years.

Results:

Of 8601 unique records identified, forty manuscripts about thirty-nine unique studies describing thirty distinct interventions in the United States and nine interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean met our inclusion criteria. Interventions were primarily based in early care and education centres (n 13) or combined home settings, for example home and community (n 7). Randomised interventions taking place in community or home settings were more likely to report significant reductions in adiposity or weight-related outcomes compared to other settings. Using the Cochrane risk of bias tools for randomised and non-randomised studies, we judged thirty-eight randomised trials and nine non-randomised interventions to have a high or unclear risk of bias.

Conclusions:

The results highlight a need for more rigorous designs and more effective intervention strategies in Latinx children at risk for having overweight and obesity. Registered with the PROSPERO database for systematic reviews under registration number CRD42020161339.
Development of an initiatives package to increase children’s vegetable intake in long day care centres using the Multiphase Optimisation Strategy (MOST) randomised factorial experiment
Authors: Bell Lucinda K , Morgillo Samantha , Zarnowiecki Dorota , Gardner Claire , Leemaqz Shalem , Arguelles Jennifer , Poelman Astrid AM , Cochet-Broch Maeva O , Cox David N , Golley Rebecca K
Published: August 2023

Objective:

To inform a package of initiatives to increase children’s vegetable intake while in long day care (LDC) by evaluating the independent and combined effects of three initiatives targeting food provision, the mealtime environment and the curriculum.

Design:

Using the Multiphase Optimisation Strategy (MOST) framework, a 12-week, eight-condition (n 7 intervention, n 1 control) randomised factorial experiment was conducted. Children’s dietary intake data were measured pre- and post-initiative implementation using the weighed plate waste method (1× meal and 2× between-meal snacks). Vegetable intake (g/d) was calculated from vegetable provision and waste. The optimal combination of initiatives was determined using a linear mixed-effects model comparing between-group vegetable intake at follow-up, while considering initiative fidelity and acceptability.

Setting:

LDC centres in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia.

Participants:

32 centres, 276 staff and 1039 children aged 2–5 years.

Results:

There were no statistically significant differences between any of the intervention groups and the control group for vegetable intake (all P > 0·05). The curriculum with mealtime environment group consumed 26·7 g more vegetables/child/day than control (ratio of geometric mean 3·29 (95 % CI 0·96, 11·27), P = 0·06). Completion rates for the curriculum (> 93 %) and mealtime environment (61 %) initiatives were high, and acceptability was good (4/5 would recommend), compared with the food provision initiative (0–50 % completed the menu assessment, 3/5 would recommend).

Conclusion:

A programme targeting the curriculum and mealtime environment in LDC may be useful to increase children’s vegetable intake. Determining the effectiveness of this optimised package in a randomised controlled trial is required, as per the evaluation phase of the MOST framework.
Introduction to special issue: Feminist manifestos and global constitutionalism
Authors: Houghton Ruth , O’Donoghue Aoife
Published: August 2023

Feminists and women activists use manifestos to express their frustrations with legal and political systems, expose the harms suffered in their lived experiences under patriarchy, colonialism and capitalism, and call for radical political, legal and social change. This special issue on feminist manifestos and global constitutionalism considers the role of feminist manifestos in global constitutionalism. It interrogates the role of feminist manifestos in bringing about legal and political reform, their role as historical texts and sources of global constitutionalization, and their limitations as tools that are potentially both exclusionary and de-political. In their article, Ruth Houghton and Aoife O’Donoghue outline a role for feminist manifestos within feminist approaches to constituent power. Sheri Labenski uncovers from the archives the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom manifesto from 1924 and the outline for a ‘New International Order’. Gina Heathcote and Lucia Kula centre Lusophone African feminist action in Luanda, Angola, to problematize an approach to feminist manifestos that reiterates dominant feminisms, and instead argue for active silence by those more dominant feminist voices. In her conclusion to the special issue, Emily Jones uses posthuman feminism to interrogate and critique the claim of universality in global constitutionalism. Across this special issue, key themes emerge: the potential of inclusion and exclusion, and the role of manifesto as a method in knowledge production.
High-density lipoprotein dysfunction in carotid artery stenosis
Authors: Senat Almila , Ilker Yon Mehmet , Yuce Gokhan , Deniz Orhan , Erel Ozcan
Published: August 2023

Summary: Background: High density lipoprotein (HDL) is well established to have an athero-protective role under normal conditions; however, pro-inflammatory alteration of HDL proteins may transform the HDL particle into a dysfunctional molecule. Our aim was to investigate HDL dysfunction by measuring enzyme-based markers in carotid artery stenosis (CAS). Patients and methods: All participants underwent duplex ultrasound and 52 subjects diagnosed with CAS and 51 subjects who had no significant stenosis (as controls) were enrolled in this study. Serum lipid profiles and serum parameters associated with dysfunctional HDL including myeloperoxidase (MPO), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), arylesterase (ARE) activity, and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels were measured. Results: It was found that the patients with CAS had increased levels of MPO and LOOH while PON1 activity was decreased. There was no significant difference between the CAS and non-CAS groups in terms of HDL levels. MPO/PON1, MPO/ARE, and LOOH/PON1 ratios were significantly increased in the CAS group. MPO/PON1 and MPO/ARE ratios both demonstrated significant correlations with degree of stenosis (%). Conclusions: The MPO/PON1 and MPO/ARE ratios may be potential serum markers that can enable the monitoring of HDL functionality and the assessment of atherosclerotic disease risks. Additionally, monitoring the oxidative balance of lipids on HDL molecules by LOOH/PON1 ratio may have value in the early detection of pro-atherosclerotic transformation of the HDL particle.
One Solution to the Climate Crisis: Better High School Education
Authors: Wysession Michael
Published: August 2023

Integrating Earth and space science into high school biology, chemistry, and physics courses may be the best way to educate the public about climate science.
The Effect of a Short Observational Record on the Statistics of Temperature Extremes
Authors: Zeder Joel , Sippel Sebastian , Pasche Olivier C. , Engelke Sebastian , Fischer Erich M.
Published: August 2023

In June 2021, the Pacific Northwest experienced a heatwave that broke all previous records. Estimated return levels based on observations up to the year before the event suggested that reaching such high temperatures is not possible in today's climate. We here assess the suitability of the prevalent statistical approach by analyzing extreme temperature events in climate model large ensemble and synthetic extreme value data. We demonstrate that the method is subject to biases, as high return levels are generally underestimated and, correspondingly, the return period of low‐likelihood heatwave events is overestimated, if the underlying extreme value distribution is derived from a short historical record. These biases have even increased in recent decades due to the emergence of a pronounced climate change signal. Furthermore, if the analysis is triggered by an extreme event, the implicit selection bias affects the likelihood assessment depending on whether the event is included in the modeling.
Signal‐To‐Noise Calculations of Emergence and De‐Emergence of Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
Authors: Robertson F. , Revell L. E. , Douglas H. , Archibald A. T. , Morgenstern O. , Frame D.
Published: August 2023

The year when total column ozone (TCO) returns to 1980 levels is commonly used to quantify recovery from disturbance caused by ozone‐depleting substances. This date is reasonable but somewhat arbitrary. Here we borrow an indicator from climate change research, the signal‐to‐noise (S/N) metric to investigate how TCO might return to statistically similar levels to those of the pre‐ozone hole era (1960–1970). We calculate S/N for ozone projections from the Chemistry‐Climate Model Initiative. In most regions, a return to 1980 levels doesn't represent TCO recovery to pre‐disturbance conditions because it does not account for internal variability or reflect when statistically significant TCO losses occurred. Future projections show that, in most regions, TCO “de‐emerges” (i.e., S/N becomes less than one standard deviation from the pre‐disturbance mean) before it returns to its 1980 value. We conclude that S/N is an appropriate, perhaps complementary metric for determining when TCO returns to a pre‐disturbance state.
Predicting Postfire Sediment Yields of Small Steep Catchments Using Airborne Lidar Differencing
Authors: Guilinger James J. , Foufoula‐Georgiou Efi , Gray Andrew B. , Randerson James T. , Smyth Padhraic , Barth Nicolas C. , Goulden Michael L.
Published: August 2023

Predicting sediment yield from recently burned areas remains a challenge but is important for hazard and resource management as wildfire impacts increase. Here we use lidar‐based monitoring of two fires in southern California, USA to study the movement of sediment during pre‐rainfall periods and postfire periods of flooding and debris flows over multiple storm events. Using a data‐driven approach, we examine the relative importance of terrain, vegetation, burn severity, and rainfall amounts through time on sediment yield. We show that incipient fire‐activated dry sediment loading and pre‐fire colluvium were rapidly flushed out by debris flows and floods but continued erosion occurred later in the season from soil erosion and, in ∼9% of catchments, from shallow landslides. Based on these observations, we develop random forest regression models to predict dry ravel and incipient runoff‐driven sediment yield applicable to small steep headwater catchments in southern California.
Electron Aurora and Polar Rain Dependencies on Solar Wind Parameters
Authors: Bouriat S. , Wing S. , Barthélémy M.
Published: August 2023

Data analysis was performed using 17 years of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program SSJ/4/5 data to characterize the relations between the solar wind parameters and the electron low‐energy fluxes measured on both magnetic poles (magnetic latitude above 55°). Inputs are solar wind velocity, density, dynamic pressure, and Bz of the interplanetary magnetic field. The median of electron energy flux for each MLAT‐MLT pair has been computed for given values of solar wind condition parameters. Results highlight that high velocity, density or pressure implies higher energy flux overall, higher polar rain energy fluxes, and wider nightside oval. There seems to be a positive correlation between polar rain and solar wind density, contrary to a previous study. As a function of Bz, the oval width has a “U” shape and the polar cap activity a “V” shape, with their minimum at Bz around zero.
Multiple Longitude Sector Storm‐Enhanced Density (SED) and Long‐Lasting Subauroral Polarization Stream (SAPS) During the 26–28 February 2023 Geomagnetic Storm
Authors: Aa Ercha , Zhang Shun‐Rong , Wang Wenbin , Erickson Philip J. , Coster Anthea J.
Published: August 2023

This paper conducts a multi‐instrument analysis and data assimilation study of midlatitude ionospheric disturbances over the European and North American longitude sectors during a strong geomagnetic storm on 26–28 February 2023. The study uses a set of ground‐based (GNSS receivers, ionosondes) observations, space‐borne (DMSP, GOLD) measurements, and a new TEC‐based ionospheric data assimilation system (TIDAS). We observed a series of distinct storm‐time features with regard to storm‐enhanced density (SED) and subauroral polarization stream (SAPS) as follows: (a) Under multiple ring current intensifications, the storm‐time subauroral ionosphere produced long‐lasting duskside SAPS for ∼36 hr along with considerable dawnside SAPS for several hours. (b) Associated with long‐lived SAPS, strong SED occurred consecutively in the European longitude sector near local noon during a positive ionospheric storm and later in the North American longitude sector near local dusk during a negative ionospheric storm. (c) The 3‐D morphology of SED in multiple longitude sectors was reconstructed using TIDAS data assimilation technique with fine‐scale details, which revealed a narrow ionospheric plasma channel with electron density enhancement and layer uplift.
An Entropy Weight‐Based Method for Path Loss Predictions for Terrestrial Services in the VHF and UHF Bands
Authors: Wang Jian , Hao Yulong , Yang Cheng
Published: August 2023

VHF and UHF are widely used frequency bands, and accurate path loss prediction in these bands is of great significance. In order to improve the prediction accuracy and stability of radio wave propagation, we propose a combined modeling method based on the entropy weight method. This method assigns appropriate weights to the predicted values of sub‐models using entropy, and calculates the final predicted value through weighted aggregation. To validate the feasibility of our proposed method, we conduct modeling using data from Denver, Colorado. We compare our method with the ITU‐R models and a model established using the coefficient of variation method. The results demonstrate that our proposed model outperforms the compared models. Specifically, the root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of our proposed model is reduced by 5.94 and 5.51 dB compared to the ITU‐R P.1546 and 2001 models, respectively. Moreover, our proposed model exhibits better stability than the ITU‐R models. We also use the improvement percentage (γ) to evaluate the degree of improvement of our model over the sub‐models, which is 49.13% and 47.86% for the ITU‐R P.1546 and 2001 models, respectively. Additionally, by comparing the RMSE and absolute error, we find that the entropy weight‐based method outperforms the coefficient of variation‐based method. This research demonstrates the superiority of the entropy weight‐based modeling method, providing a valuable channel modeling approach for path loss prediction and supporting the regional assimilation of radio propagation prediction methods.
EIF4A3-mediated circ_0042881 activates the RAS pathway via miR-217/SOS1 axis to facilitate breast cancer progression
Authors: Ju Chenxi , Zhou Mingxia , Du Dan , Wang Chang , Yao Jieqiong , Li Hongle , Luo Yang , He Fucheng , He Jing
Published: August 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most frequent cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. Studies have shown the potential impact of circRNAs in multiple human tumorigeneses. Research on the vital signaling pathways and therapeutic targets of circRNAs is indispensable. Here, we aimed to investigate the clinical implications and underlying mechanisms of circ_0042881 in BC. RT-qPCR validated circ_0042881 was notably elevated in BC tissues and plasma, and closely associated with BC clinicopathological features. Functionally, circ_0042881 significantly accelerated the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, circ_0042881 promoted BC progression by sponging miR-217 to relieve its inhibition effect in son of sevenless 1 (SOS1), which further activated RAS protein and initiated downstream signaling cascades, including MEK/ERK pathway and PI3K/AKT pathway. We also demonstrated that treatment of BAY-293, an inhibitor of SOS1 and RAS interaction, attenuated BC progression induced by circ_0042881 overexpression. Furthermore, Eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-III (EIF4A3) could facilitate circ_0042881 circularization. Altogether, we proposed a novel signaling network in which circ_0042881, induced by EIF4A3, influences the process of BC tumorigenesis and metastasis by miR-217/SOS1 axis.
New insight into protein glycosylation in the development of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhao Jingwei , Lang Minglin
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that seriously endangers the physical and mental health of patients, however, there are still no effective drugs or methods to cure this disease up to now. Protein glycosylation is the most common modifications of the translated proteins in eukaryotic cells. Recently many researches disclosed that aberrant glycosylation happens in some important AD-related proteins, such as APP, Tau, Reelin and CRMP-2, etc, suggesting a close link between abnormal protein glycosylation and AD. Because of its complexity and diversity, glycosylation is thus considered a completely new entry point for understanding the precise cause of AD. This review comprehensively summarized the currently discovered changes in protein glycosylation patterns in AD, and especially introduced the latest progress on the mechanism of protein glycosylation affecting the progression of AD and the potential application of protein glycosylation in AD detection and treatment, thereby providing a wide range of opportunities for uncovering the pathogenesis of AD and promoting the translation of glycosylation research into future clinical applications.
DNA methylation at the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) gene influences height in childhood
Authors: Issarapu Prachand , Arumalla Manisha , Elliott Hannah R. , Nongmaithem Suraj S. , Sankareswaran Alagu , Betts Modupeh , Sajjadi Sara , Kessler Noah J. , Bayyana Swati , Mansuri Sohail R. , Derakhshan Maria , Krishnaveni G. V. , Shrestha Smeeta , Kumaran Kalyanaraman , Di Gravio Chiara , Sahariah Sirazul A. , Sanderson Eleanor , Relton Caroline L. , Ward Kate A. , Moore Sophie E. , Prentice Andrew M. , Lillycrop Karen A. , Fall Caroline H. D. , Silver Matt J. , Chandak Giriraj R. ,   the EMPHASIS study group, Di Gravio Chiara , Potdar Ramesh D. , Chopra Harsha , Sane Harshad , Gandhi Meera , Jarjou Landing , Prentice Ann , Kehoe Sarah H. , Owens Stephen
Published: August 2023

Human height is strongly influenced by genetics but the contribution of modifiable epigenetic factors is under-explored, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). We investigate links between blood DNA methylation and child height in four LMIC cohorts (n = 1927) and identify a robust association at three CpGs in the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) gene which replicates in a high-income country cohort (n = 879). SOCS3 methylation (SOCS3m)—height associations are independent of genetic effects. Mendelian randomization analysis confirms a causal effect of SOCS3m on height. In longitudinal analysis, SOCS3m explains a maximum 9.5% of height variance in mid-childhood while the variance explained by height polygenic risk score increases from birth to 21 years. Children’s SOCS3m is associated with prenatal maternal folate and socio-economic status. In-vitro characterization confirms a regulatory effect of SOCS3m on gene expression. Our findings suggest epigenetic modifications may play an important role in driving child height in LMIC.
Structural and functional insights into the modulation of T cell costimulation by monkeypox virus protein M2
Authors: Yang Shangyu , Wang Yong , Yu Feiyang , Cheng Rao , Zhang Yiwei , Zhou Dan , Ren Xuanxiu , Deng Zengqin , Zhao Haiyan
Published: August 2023

The rapid spread of monkeypox in multiple countries has resulted in a global public health threat and has caused international concerns since May 2022. Poxvirus encoded M2 protein is a member of the poxvirus immune evasion family and plays roles in host immunomodulation via the regulation of innate immune response mediated by the NF-κB pathway and adaptive immune response mediated by B7 ligands. However, the interaction of monkeypox virus (MPXV) M2 with B7 ligands and structural insight into poxviral M2 function have remained elusive. Here we reveal that MPXV M2, co-existing as a hexamer and a heptamer, recognizes human B7.1 and B7.2 (hB7.1/2) with high avidities. The binding of oligomeric MPXV M2 interrupts the interactions of hB7.1/2 with CD28 and CTLA4 and subverts T cell activation mediated by B7.1/2 costimulatory signals. Cryo-EM structures of M2 in complex with hB7.1/2 show that M2 binds to the shallow concave face of hB7.1/2 and displays sterically competition with CD28 and CTLA4 for the binding to hB7.1/2. Our findings provide structural mechanisms of poxviral M2 function and immune evasion deployed by poxviruses.
A versatile, fast and unbiased method for estimation of gene-by-environment interaction effects on biobank-scale datasets
Authors: Di Scipio Matteo , Khan Mohammad , Mao Shihong , Chong Michael , Judge Conor , Pathan Nazia , Perrot Nicolas , Nelson Walter , Lali Ricky , Di Shuang , Morton Robert , Petch Jeremy , Paré Guillaume
Published: August 2023

Identification of gene-by-environment interactions (GxE) is crucial to understand the interplay of environmental effects on complex traits. However, current methods evaluating GxE on biobank-scale datasets have limitations. We introduce MonsterLM, a multiple linear regression method that does not rely on model specification and provides unbiased estimates of variance explained by GxE. We demonstrate robustness of MonsterLM through comprehensive genome-wide simulations using real genetic data from 325,989 individuals. We estimate GxE using waist-to-hip-ratio, smoking, and exercise as the environmental variables on 13 outcomes (N = 297,529-325,989) in the UK Biobank. GxE variance is significant for 8 environment-outcome pairs, ranging from 0.009 – 0.071. The majority of GxE variance involves SNPs without strong marginal or interaction associations. We observe modest improvements in polygenic score prediction when incorporating GxE. Our results imply a significant contribution of GxE to complex trait variance and we show MonsterLM to be well-purposed to handle this with biobank-scale data.
The sequence and de novo assembly of the genome of the Indian oil sardine, Sardinella longiceps
Authors: Sukumaran Sandhya , Sebastian Wilson , Gopalakrishnan A. , Mathew Oommen K. , Vysakh V. G. , Rohit Prathibha , Jena J. K.
Published: August 2023

The Indian oil sardine, Sardinella longiceps, is a widely distributed and commercially important small pelagic fish of the Northern Indian Ocean. The genome of the Indian oil sardine has been characterized using Illumina and Nanopore platforms. The assembly is 1.077 Gb (31.86 Mb Scaffold N50) in size with a repeat content of 23.24%. The BUSCO (Benchmarking Universal Single Copy Orthologues) completeness of the assembly is 93.5% when compared with Actinopterygii (ray finned fishes) data set. A total of 46316 protein coding genes were predicted. Sardinella longiceps is nutritionally rich with high levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The core genes for omega-3 PUFA biosynthesis, such as Elovl 1a and 1b,Elovl 2, Elovl 4a and 4b,Elovl 8a and 8b,and Fads 2, were observed in Sardinella longiceps. The presence of these genes may indicate the PUFA biosynthetic capability of Indian oil sardine, which needs to be confirmed functionally.
Analysis of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related gene signature for the prognosis and pattern in diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Chaofeng , Lin Qi , Li Chaoqi , Chen Zhimin , Deng Mengmeng , Weng Huixin , Zhu Xiongpeng
Published: August 2023

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoma in adults. This study aimed to determine the prognostic significance of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related genes in DLBCL. ER stress-related genes were obtained from the molecular signatures database. Gene expression data and clinical outcomes from the gene expression omnibus and TCGA datasets were collected, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened out. Gene ontology enrichment analysis, the kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes pathway analysis, and geneset enrichment analysis were used to analyse the possible biological function of ER stress-related DEGs in DLBCL. Protein–protein interaction network construction using the STRING online and hub genes were identified by cytoHubba on Cytoscape software. The significant prognosis-related genes were screened, and the differential expression was validated. The immune microenvironment assessment of significant genes were evaluated. Next, the nomogram was built using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. 26 ER stress-related DEGs were screened. Functional enrichment analysis showed them to be involved in the regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum mainly. NUPR1 and TRIB3 were identified as the most significant prognostic-related genes by comparison with the GSE10846, GSE11318, and TCGA datasets. NUPR1 was correlated with a good prognosis and immune infiltration in DLBCL; on the other hand, high expression of TRIB3 significantly correlated with a poor prognosis, which was an independent prognostic factor for DLBCL. In summary, we identified NUPR1 and TRIB3 as critical ER stress-related genes in DLBCL. NUPR1 might be involved in immune infiltration in DLBCL, and TRIB3 might serve as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic factor in DLBCL.
Activation of peroxymonosulphate using a highly efficient and stable ZnFe2O4 catalyst for tetracycline degradation
Authors: Zhao Xuying , Li Wei , Gao Junyi , Li Caibin , Xiao Yansong , Liu Xue , Song Dean , Zhang Jiguang
Published: August 2023

Tetracycline (TC) is a widely used antibiotic that adversely affects ecosystems and, therefore, must be removed from the environment. Owing to their strong ability to oxidise pollutants, including antibiotics, and selectivity for these pollutants, an improved oxidation method based on sulphate radicals (SO4·−) has gained considerable interest. In this study, a novel technique for removing TC was developed by activating peroxymonosulphate (PMS) using a ZnFe2O4 catalyst. Using the co-precipitation method, a ZnFe2O4 catalyst was prepared by doping zinc into iron-based materials, which increased the redox cycle, while PMS was active and facilitated the production of free radicals. According to electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy results, a ZnFe2O4 catalyst may activate PMS and generate SO4·−, HO·, O2·−, and 1O2 to eliminate TC. This research offers a new method for creating highly effective heterogeneous catalysts that can activate PMS and destroy antibiotics. The study proposes the following degradation pathways: hydroxylation and ring-opening of TC based on the products identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. These results illustrated that the prepared ZnFe2O4 catalyst effectively removed TC and exhibited excellent catalytic performance.
High-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training on patient quality of life in cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Haohan , Zhao Xudong , Wu Xiaoxia , Yang Jing , Wang Jun , Hou Lijuan
Published: August 2023

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on the quality of life (QOL) and mental health (MH) of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVDs). Web of Science, Medline, Embase, Cochrane (CENTRAL), CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and China Science and Technology Journal databases were searched from their date of establishment to July, 2023. A total of 5798 articles were screened, of which 25 were included according to the eligibility criteria. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) were used to analyze data from the same and different indicator categories, respectively. The fixed-effects model (FE) or random-effects model (RE) combined data based on the between-study heterogeneity. There were no statistically significant differences regarding QOL, physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary (MCS), and MH, including depression and anxiety levels, between the HIIT and MICT groups [SMD = 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI)  − 0.18–0.61, Z = 1.06, P = 0.290; SMD = 0.10, 95% CI  − 0.03–0.23, Z = 1.52, P = 0.128; SMD = 0.07, 95% CI  − 0.05–0.20, Z = 1.13, P = 0.25; SMD = − 0.08, 95% CI  − 0.40–0.25, Z = − 0.46, P = 0.646; WMD = 0.14. 95% CI  − 0.56–0.84, Z = 0.39, P = 0.694, respectively]. HIIT significantly improved PCS in the coronary artery disease (CAD) population subgroup relative to MICT. HIIT was also significantly superior to MICT for physical role, vitality, and social function. We conclude that HIIT and MICT have similar effects on QOL and MH in patients with CVD, while HIIT is favorable for improving patients’ self-perceived physiological functioning based on their status and social adjustment, and this effect is more significant in patients with CAD.
Molecular surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum drug-resistance markers in Vietnam using multiplex amplicon sequencing (2000–2016)
Authors: Rovira-Vallbona Eduard , Kattenberg Johanna Helena , Hong Nguyen Van , Guetens Pieter , Imamura Hideo , Monsieurs Pieter , Chiheb Driss , Erhart Annette , Phuc Bui Quang , Xa Nguyen Xuan , Rosanas-Urgell Anna
Published: August 2023

Emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACT) is a major challenge for Greater Mekong Subregion countries in their goal to eliminate malaria by 2030. Tools to efficiently monitor drug resistance beyond resource-demanding therapeutic efficacy studies are necessary. A custom multiplex amplicon sequencing assay based on Illumina technology was designed to target the marker of partial resistance to artemisinin (K13), five candidate modulators of artemisinin resistance, the marker of resistance to chloroquine (crt), and four neutral microsatellite loci. The assay was used to genotype 635 P. falciparum-positive blood samples collected across seven provinces of Vietnam and one of Cambodia between 2000 and 2016. Markers of resistance to artemisinin partner-drugs piperaquine (copy number of plasmepsin-2) and mefloquine (copy number of multidrug-resistance 1) were determined by qPCR. Parasite population structure was further assessed using a 101-SNP barcode. Validated mutations of artemisinin partial resistance in K13 were found in 48.1% of samples, first detection was in 2000, and by 2015 prevalence overcame > 50% in Central Highlands and Binh Phuoc province. K13-C580Y variant became predominant country-wide, quickly replacing an outbreak of K13-I543T in Central Highlands. Mutations in candidate artemisinin resistance modulator genes paralleled the trends of K13 mutants, whereas resistance to piperaquine and mefloquine remained low (≈ 10%) by 2015–2016. Genomic tools applied to malaria surveillance generate comprehensive information on dynamics of drug resistance and population structure and reflect drug efficacy profiles from in vivo studies.
Deep learning and wing interferential patterns identify Anopheles species and discriminate amongst Gambiae complex species
Authors: Cannet Arnaud , Simon-Chane Camille , Akhoundi Mohammad , Histace Aymeric , Romain Olivier , Souchaud Marc , Jacob Pierre , Sereno Darian , Mouline Karine , Barnabe Christian , Lardeux Frédéric , Boussès Philippe , Sereno Denis
Published: August 2023

We present a new and innovative identification method based on deep learning of the wing interferential patterns carried by mosquitoes of the Anopheles genus to classify and assign 20 Anopheles species, including 13 malaria vectors. We provide additional evidence that this approach can identify Anopheles spp. with an accuracy of up to 100% for ten out of 20 species. Although, this accuracy was moderate (> 65%) or weak (50%) for three and seven species. The accuracy of the process to discriminate cryptic or sibling species is also assessed on three species belonging to the Gambiae complex. Strikingly, An. gambiae, An. arabiensis and An. coluzzii, morphologically indistinguishable species belonging to the Gambiae complex, were distinguished with 100%, 100%, and 88% accuracy respectively. Therefore, this tool would help entomological surveys of malaria vectors and vector control implementation. In the future, we anticipate our method can be applied to other arthropod vector-borne diseases.
Characterization and comparative analysis of the Escherichia marmotae M-12 isolate from bank vole (Myodes glareolus)
Authors: Zhurilov Pavel A. , Andriyanov Pavel A. , Tutrina Anastasia I. , Razheva Irina V. , Liskova Elena A. , Gladkova Nadezda A. , Kashina Daria D. , Yashin Ivan V. , Blokhin Andrey A.
Published: August 2023

The Escherichia marmotae is a bacterium of the Enterobacterales order, which was first isolated from the Himalayan marmot (Marmota himalayana). Recently E. marmotae has been shown to cause severe infections in humans. Wild animals were suggested to be a natural reservoir of this bacterium. The present study describes the first case of E. marmotae isolation from an apparently healthy wild bank vole (Myodes glareolus). Phenotype, as well as genotype-based techniques, were applied to characterize E. marmotae M-12 isolate. E. marmotae M-12 had the capsule-positive phenotype, high adhesion to human erythrocytes and HEp-2 cells as well as a low invasion into HEp-2 cells. E. marmotae M-12 was avirulent in mice. The phylogenomic analyses of E. marmotae showed dispersed phylogenetic structure among isolates of different origins. Virulome analysis of M-12 isolate revealed the presence of the following factors: siderophores, heme uptake systems, capsule synthesis, curli and type I fimbriae, flagella proteins, OmpA porin, etc. Comparative virulome analysis among available E. marmotae genomes revealed the presence of capsule K1 genes mostly in pathogenic isolates and OmpA porin presence among all strains. We assume that the K1 capsule and OmpA porin play a key role in the virulence of E. marmotae. Pathogenesis of the latter might be similar to extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli.
Classifications of Quantum Dots and Their Detection Principles in Sensing
Authors: Ramezani Zahra , Ghalehsardi Fatemeh Kiani , Noorizadeh Siamak
Published: August 2023

Quantum dots (QDs) are highly bright fluorescent nanoparticles with high resistance to photobleaching compared to organic fluorophores. They are used extensively as fluorophores in many types of fluorescence sensing; in imaging, phototherapy, and optoelectronic devices; and as catalysts in biochemical and chemical reactions. The use of QDs in the field of sensing is currently a research hotspot, and the synthesis and characterization of newly developed QDs are subjects of active research in many fields. Knowledge of different QDs, their unique properties, and their limitations helps scientists to select appropriate QDs for various applications. This chapter gives a brief history of QD development and discusses its principles and classification. We also provide an overview of development trends that show improvements in QDs’ photochemical and chemical stability as well as reductions in their toxicity. Last but not least, this chapter discusses various sensing mechanisms in QD-based probes in order to provide deep insights into the nature of assembled biosensors and their detection principles in biomedical systems.
Environmental Application of Quantum Dots
Authors: Pourreza Nahid , Ghomi Matineh , Yadollahi Mahtab
Published: August 2023

Industrial effluents and agricultural and medical waste products that are disposed of in the environment pose a critical threat to the environment and human health. They may contain heavy metal ions, dyes, organic compounds, pesticides, and drug residues. Recently, quantum dots (QDs) have attracted attention for their potential applications in the field of effluent detection and disposal. They possess many characteristics – such as versatility, large surface area, low toxicity, and chemical inertness – that make them particularly useful in this context. This chapter describes several of QDs’ applications in the detection of pollutants such as organic compounds, metal ions, and drug residues in environmental samples.
Quantum Dots for Toxin Detection in Foods and Beverages
Authors: Ramezani Zahra , Sedaghati Fatemeh , Heiran Roghayeh
Published: August 2023

Food safety is a complex issue that significantly affects human health and industry. Bacteria are everywhere and can contaminate food and beverages, and some bacteria and fungi can produce toxins; in such cases, the identification of pathogens alone is not sufficient to prevent harm. Therefore, rapid, sensitive, and easy detection methods for these microorganisms’ toxins are urgently necessary. More specifically, the development of new methods for toxin detection is of vital importance to national organizations responsible for overseeing food and beverage quality control (such as the Food and Drug Administration in the United States). Optical (bio)sensors are a reliable and fast-sensing tool for point-of-care assays. Quantum dots (QDs) are ultrasmall nanoparticles that are suitable for use in optical (bio)sensors due to their superior photostability, size-dependent optical properties, high extinction coefficient, and (in the case of some more recently developed QDs) simple methods of preparation. To the best of our knowledge, a few QDs-based (bio)sensors have been reported for the detection of pathogen toxins in food and beverages, with a limited number for bacterial toxin detection. Herein, we will discuss QD-based biosensors for toxin detection and provide an overview of biocompatible sensors for food safety evaluation that deliver results more quickly than current gold-standard methods while upholding existing requirements for reliability and sensitivity.
SERS determination of sodium saccharin content on the tipping paper of cigarettes using AgNP substrates prepared with a USB-power supply device
Authors: Deng Huipeng , Talpur Zakir H. , Wang Kaijun , Kang Yan , Du Yiping , Xu Dongmei , Fan Xinglong , Li Wei
Published: August 2023

A novel magnetic agitating heater powered by a USB port has been developed to synthesize silver colloid substrate for SERS detection of sodium saccharin.
Study on the effect of licochalcone A on intestinal flora in type 2 diabetes mellitus mice based on 16S rRNA technology
Authors: Luo Zhonghua , Xu Jing , Gao Qingqing , Wang Zhifang , Hou Mingxiao , Liu Yunen
Published: August 2023

Licorice, has a long history in China where it has various uses, including as a medicine, and is often widely consumed as a food ingredient.