bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of cytomegalovirus “Blips” in high‐risk kidney/kidney‐pancreas transplant recipients
Authors: Payne Alexandra T. , Lindner Brian K. , Gilbert Alexander J. , Kumar Rebecca N. , Thomas Beje S. , Timpone Joseph G.
Published: January 2022

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after solid organ transplantation. While guidelines suggest using highly sensitive QNAT assays for CMV detection, there is no defined viral load to guide initiation of preemptive therapy. This study evaluates the progression to quantifiable CMV (DNAemia) following a CMV “blip” in high‐risk (D+/R) kidney/kidney‐pancreas (KP) transplant recipients.

Methods

This is a single center, retrospective study. A CMV “blip” was defined as the first positive QNAT assay below the level of quantification (<1.37 × 102 IU/ml or <200 viral copies). Subsequent CMV QNAT assays were followed to assess the progression from blip to CMV DNAemia for 1 year following transplant.

Results

A total of 134 patients were included in the study. Fifty‐three (39.6%) patients had their first positive CMV QNAT value below the level of quantification, a “CMV blip.” Of these 53 patients, 69.8% (n = 37) progressed to DNAemia while 30.2% (n = 16) did not. The median time from transplant to the first CMV blip was 68 (46–97) days and most patients with viral blips (71.1%) were on prophylaxis. No differences in patient characteristics were found among those who progressed from blip to DNAemia and those who only had a blip.

Conclusions

In CMV high‐risk kidney/KP transplant recipients, CMV blips progressed to CMV DNAemia in the majority of cases. This progression typically occurred 2–3 weeks following the initial blip. CMV blips are common early posttransplant despite prophylaxis and likely represent an early marker of CMV infection.
Incidence of anti‐D alloimmunization in D‐negative individuals receiving D‐positive red blood cell transfusion: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ji Yanli , Luo Guangping , Fu Yongshui
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives

The transfusion of D‐negative red blood cells (RBCs) to D‐negative patients has been widely adopted to prevent anti‐D alloimmunization, especially in women of childbearing age. Still, transfusion of D‐positive RBCs to D‐negative recipients is occasionally inevitable in practice, and the resulting incidence of anti‐D in different D‐negative groups of patients has not been well summarized.

Materials and Methods

We searched the relevant literature using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases from inception date to 30 September 2021. We looked for studies of anti‐D occurring in D‐negative recipients who received D‐positive RBC transfusions. The anti‐D incidence was summarized with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Data with similar characteristics were combined using a random‐effects model.

Results

About 42 studies (2226 cases), which found anti‐D, the exact volume of D‐positive RBC transfused, and the follow‐up time for anti‐D detection, met the inclusion criteria. The pooled anti‐D incidence was 64% (95% CI, range 55%–74%) in volunteers receiving small volumes of D‐positive RBCs, 84% (95% CI, 74%–94%) in those receiving whole units, 26% (95% CI, 19%–32%) in mixed patients, 12% (95% CI, 8%–16%) in oncology patients, 27% (95% CI, 13%–40%) in trauma patients, 4% (95% CI, 0%–8%) in immune‐compromised transplant patients, and 6% (95% CI, 1%–39%) in those with AIDS.

Conclusion

Compared with the high frequency of anti‐D in healthy D‐negative volunteers given D‐positive RBCs, we found a lower rate of anti‐D immunization in various D‐negative patients and almost none in transplant and AIDS patients.
Impact of new management practices on arable and field margin plant communities in sunflower, with an emphasis on the abundance of Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Asteraceae)
Authors: Fried Guillaume , Le Corre Valérie , Rakotoson Tiana , Buchmann Julie , Germain Thomas , Gounon Rémi , Royer Hélène , Biju‐Duval Luc , Felten Emeline , Vieren Eric , Chauvel Bruno
Published: January 2022

Some troublesome weeds such as Ambrosia artemisiifolia have led farmers to adopt herbicide‐tolerant varieties (HTVs) in cultivated sunflower fields. Agricultural practices associated with the use of HTVs have raised concerns among public authorities, prompting the recommendation to monitor the potential effects of HTVs on biodiversity. In this context, we surveyed the vegetation of 239 sunflower fields and their margins in three French regions between 2017 and 2019, with a specific focus on A. artemisiifolia. We collected information on 21 explanatory variables covering agricultural practices, landscape factors, and spatiotemporal data. Herbicide‐tolerant varieties fields were associated with lower weed diversity but similar field margin community diversity. This lower weed diversity can be attributed to the greater use of herbicides and shorter crop rotations, whereas landscape factors may be more important for the diversity in field margins. Conventional fields with traditional varieties showed lower abundance of A. artemisiifolia compared with organic fields and HTV fields. A. artemisiifolia abundance was higher in the most infested region, in fields with a high proportion of sunflower crops in the crop rotation, late sowing dates, high numbers of hoeing operations, and high numbers of post‐emergence treatments. We interpreted the association of hoeing and HTV use with a high abundance of A. artemisiifolia as a response to weed infestation rather than its cause. In conclusion, no unintended effects of HTVs were found in field margins, but practices associated with HTVs lead to lower weed community diversity and HTV fields had still high A. artemisiifolia abundance after weed control.
Large-Scale Modeling of Damage and Failure of Nuclear Graphite Moderated Reactor
Authors: Farrokhnia Ahmadreza , Jivkov Andrey P. , Hall Graham , Mummery Paul
Published: January 2022

The UK Advanced Gas-Cooled reactors (AGRs) have cores made of graphite bricks with dual functions: as structural elements of the core, providing space for and separating fuel and control rods; and as moderator of the nuclear reaction. Nuclear graphite is a quasi-brittle material, where the dominant mechanism for failure is cracking. While cracking of isolated bricks is expected due to operation-induced changes in graphite microstructure and stress fields, these could be tolerated as far as the overall structural function of the core is maintained. Assessment of the whole core behavior has been previously done with whole scale models where bricks have been considered as rigid body elements connected by elastic-brittle springs. This approach does not allow for the realistic assessment of the stresses in the bricks and associated brick cracking. Reported here are results from an ongoing project, which addresses this shortcoming. The proposed model uses deformable bricks with appropriate interactions, allowing for physically realistic whole core analysis. The results are focused on the damage that a graphite moderated reactor develops during a life cycle, how this affects the behavior of the whole core, and how changes in bricks' behavior impacts the core integrity. The proposed methodology is a major step toward high-fidelity assessment of AGRs' fitness for service, required for supporting continuous safe operation and life-extension decisions.
Buckling Behavior of Thick Porous Functionally Graded Material Toroidal Shell Segments Under External Pressure and Elevated Temperature Including Tangential Edge Restraint
Authors: Long Vu Thanh , Van Tung Hoang
Published: January 2022

Owing to mathematical and geometrical complexities, there is an evident lack of stability analyses of thick closed shell structures with porosity. Based on an effective analytical approach, for the first time, simultaneous effects of porosities, elasticity of edge constraint, and surrounding elastic media on the buckling resistance capacity of thick functionally graded material (FGM) toroidal shell segments (TSSs) subjected to external pressure, elevated temperature, and combined thermomechanical loads are investigated in this paper. The volume fractions of constituents are varied across the thickness according to power law functions, and effective properties of the FGM are determined using a modified rule of mixture. The porosities exist in the FGM through even and uneven distributions. Governing equations are based on a higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT) taking into account interactive pressure from surrounding elastic media. These equations are analytically solved and closed-form expressions of buckling loads are derived adopting the two-term form of deflection along with Galerkin method. Parametric studies indicate that the porosities have beneficial and deteriorative influences on the buckling resistance capacity of thermally loaded and pressure-loaded porous FGM TSSs, respectively. Furthermore, tangential constraints of edges lower the buckling resistance capacity of the shells, especially at elevated temperatures.
Finite Element Analysis Model-Based Cautious Automatic Optimal Shape Control for Fuselage Assembly
Authors: Zhong Zhen , Mou Shancong , Hunt Jeffrey H. , Shi Jianjun
Published: January 2022

In a half fuselage assembly process, shape control is vital for achieving ultra-high-precision assembly. To achieve better shape adjustment, we need to determine the optimal location and force of each actuator to push or pull a fuselage to compensate for its initial shape distortion. The current practice achieves this goal by solving a surrogate model-based optimization problem. However, there are two limitations of this surrogate model-based method: (1) low efficiency: collecting training data for surrogate modeling from many finite element analysis (FEA) replications is time-consuming; (2) non-optimality: The required number of FEA replications for building an accurate surrogate model will increase as the potential number of actuator locations increases. Therefore, the surrogate model can only be built on a limited number of prespecified potential actuator locations, which will lead to suboptimal control results. To address these issues, this paper proposes an FEA model-based automatic optimal shape control (AOSC) framework. This method directly loads the system equation from the FEA simulation platform to determine the optimal location and force of each actuator. Moreover, the proposed method further integrates the cautious control concept into the AOSC system to address model uncertainties in practice. The case study with industrial settings shows that the proposed Cautious AOSC method achieves higher control accuracy compared to the current industrial practice.
A Reduced and Linearized High Fidelity Waveboard Multibody Model for Stability Analysis
Authors: Agúndez A. G. , García-Vallejo D. , Freire E. , Mikkola A.
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the robustness of a recently validated linearization approach is demonstrated with the linear stability analysis of a waveboard, a human-propelled two-wheeled vehicle consisting in two rotatable platforms, joined by a torsion bar and supported on two caster wheels. A multibody model with holonomic and nonholonomic constraints is used to describe the system. The nonlinear equations of motion, which constitute a differential-algebraic system of equations (DAE system), are linearized along the steady forward motion. With this approach, the minimal set of linearized equations of motion of the waveboard multibody model with toroidal wheels is derived. The procedure enables the generation of the Jacobian matrix in terms of the geometric and dynamic parameters of the multibody system, and the eigenvalues of the system are parameterized in terms of the design parameters. The resulting minimum set of linear equations leads to the elimination of null eigenvalues, while retaining all the stability information in spite of the reduction of the Jacobian matrix. The linear stability results of the waveboard obtained in previous work are validated with this approach. The procedure shows an excellent computational efficiency with the waveboard, its utilization being highly advisable to linearize the equations of motion of complex constrained multibody systems.
UN ANÁLISIS DUMONTIANO DE LAS PELÍCULAS LA PRINCESA MONONOKE (HAYAO MIYAZAKI, 1997) Y AVATAR (JAMES CAMERON, 2009)
Authors:   UNED, Pastor-Talboom Sara
Published: January 2022

La obra de Louis Dumont, haciendo guiños al hecho social total de Marcel Mauss y a la noción de incrustación de Karl Polanyi, se caracteriza por diferenciar dos tipos de sociedades con sus respectivas ideologías: la configuración moderna representada en su Homo Aequalis y la configuración más común, la no moderna, plasmada en el famoso Homo Hierarchicus, y en la que el autor denota personalmente su preferencia.La configuración moderna se caracteriza por tener al individuo como valor, por separar al individuo de la naturaleza, por separar la ciencia de la estética y de la moral y, finalmente, por separar los hechos (el ser) de las ideas (los aspectos cognitivos o existenciales) y especialmente de los valores (el deber ser).Frente a esta especialización y atomización de la cultura moderna, los no modernos se caracterizan por ser holistas, es decir, por tener integrados a modo de jerarquías y subordinaciones (a modo de partes de un todo) los distintos elementos que en la cultura moderna aparecen separados. El individuo aquí no destaca, sino que aparece subsumido en su respectivo todo (la sociedad, la naturaleza), y los hechos (ser) no aparecen separados de los valores (deber ser) y de las ideas. De ahí la mayor moralidad de esta sociedad.Mi intención en esta comunicación es señalar las escenas en las que es palpable este dualismo y que explicarían quizás la enorme acogida que tuvieron estas películas en el momento de su estreno e incluso en la actualidad y los debates ecológicos y morales que suscitaron.
Influence of the carrier wafer during GaN etching in Cl2 plasma
Authors: Meyer Thibaut , Petit-Etienne Camille , Pargon Erwine
Published: January 2022

In this study, we have performed a thorough characterization of the GaN surface after etching up to 100 nm in Cl2 plasma under various bias voltages and according to the carrier wafer used (Si, SiO2, Si3N4, and photoresist). The objective of this article is to evaluate the etch damage and contamination of the GaN surface when materials with other chemical nature are present during etching. The effects of etching conditions on surface morphology and chemical compositions of etched GaN films are studied in detail using XPS and AFM measurements. To this aim, a universal methodology is proposed to estimate accurately by XPS the stoichiometry of the GaN surface exposed to reactive plasmas when only an Al Kα x-ray source is available. The results indicate that the GaN etching mechanisms are very sensitive to the chlorine radical density present in the plasma, the latter being strongly influenced by the carrier wafer. Substrates that are more chemically reactive with Cl2 plasma such as silicon or photoresist compared to SiO2 or Si3N4 will lead to a greater loading of atomic chlorine, which in turn will lead to lower GaN etch rates. Moreover, the GaN surface contamination will depend on the etch by-products ejected by the carrier wafer. The GaN surface exposed to Cl2 plasma shows a Ga-depleted surface because of the more important reactivity of Cl with Ga rather than N, except in the SiO2 carrier wafer case. In this latter case, the formation of Ga–O bond limits the Ga removal. Regarding the surface roughness, it seems that the contaminants play a little role in the roughness formation except for the oxygen released by the SiO2 carrier wafer. On the other hand, the surface roughness evolution is clearly driven by the chlorine radical flux reaching the GaN surface. At low bias voltage, a preferential crystalline orientation etching driven by the Cl radicals leads to the formation of hexagonal shaped defects that are associated to screw-type threading dislocations already present in the pristine GaN material. At higher bias, the enlargement of the defects is limited, leading to a very low surface roughness value but to amorphized surfaces.
Spontaneous etching of B2O3 by HF gas studied using infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and density functional theory
Authors: Cano Austin M. , Kondati Natarajan Suresh , Partridge Jonathan L. , Elliott Simon D. , George Steven M.
Published: January 2022

The spontaneous etching of boron oxide (B2O3) by hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas is important during thermal atomic layer etching after BCl3 converts the surface of various metal oxides to a B2O3 layer. In this study, the chemical vapor etching (CVE) of B2O3 by HF was experimentally monitored using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS). The spontaneous etching of B2O3 by HF gas was also analyzed using density functional theory (DFT). B2O3 films were grown using B2O3 atomic layer deposition with BCl3 and H2O as the reactants at 40 °C. FTIR spectroscopy then observed the CVE of B2O3 by HF at 150 °C. B2O3 etching was monitored by the loss of absorbance for B–O stretching vibration in B2O3 films. FTIR spectroscopy studies also observed B–F stretching vibrations from BFx species on the B2O3 surface after HF exposures. In addition, the QMS analysis was able to identify the etch products during the spontaneous etching of B2O3 by HF gas at 150 °C. The QMS studies observed the main volatile etch products as BF3, BF2(OH), and H2O. Additional volatile etch products were also detected including B3O3F3 and other boroxine ring compounds. The DFT predictions were consistent with the spontaneous etching of B2O3 by HF gas. DFT confirmed that CVE was likely because the energetics of the spontaneous etching reaction B2O3(s) + 6HF(g) → 2BF3(g) + 3H2O(g) were more favorable than the self-limiting reaction B2O3(s) + 6HF(g) → 2BF3(s) + 3H2O(g). The spontaneous etching of B2O3 was predicted at temperatures above −163 °C for an HF reactant pressure of 0.2 Torr and BF3 and H2O product pressure of 0.01 Torr.
Impact of Social Media on Intention to Purchase Pay-Per-View and Event Attendance: The Case of the Ultimate Fighting Championship
Authors: Kim Andrew , Kim Minhong , Salaga Steven , Zhang James J.
Published: January 2022

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) utilizes a unique pay-per-view (PPV) product distribution structure, and relies heavily on social media to promote its events. Yet, no research has examined how UFC fans’ social media motivation influences their consumption. Using uses and gratifications theory and a mixed-method design, this study qualitatively explored the themes of UFC fans’ social media motivations and identified five themes (i.e., information, convenience, social interaction, entertainment, and economic). Based on these themes, this study developed the Scale of Social Media Motivation through quantitative analyses and further investigated how Scale of Social Media Motivation factors would affect consumption behavior by incorporating fan identification as a mediator. The findings revealed that the factors were positively associated with purchase intentions when fan identification serves as a partial mediator. Discussions are focused on utilizing the social media motivation factors and nurturing fan identification to promote UFC consumption.
Training-Load Management in Rhythmic Gymnastics: Practices and Perceptions of Coaches, Medical Staff, and Gymnasts
Authors: Debien Paula B. , Timoteo Thiago F. , Gabbett Tim J. , Bara Filho Maurício G.
Published: January 2022

Purpose:This study described and analyzed practices and perceptions of rhythmic gymnastics coaches, medical staff, and athletes on training-load management.Methods:Online surveys were distributed among professionals and gymnasts involved in rhythmic gymnastics training across the world. One hundred (50 coaches, 12 medical staff, and 38 gymnasts) participants from 25 different countries completed the surveys.Results:Respondents stated using coaches’ perception on a daily basis as a method of monitoring external (57%) and internal (58%) load, recovery/fatigue (52%), and performance (64%). Variables and methods (eg, wearable devices, athlete self-reported measures, session rating of perceived exertion), and metrics (eg, acute and chronic load) commonly reported in the training-load literature and other sports were not frequently used in rhythmic gymnastics. The majority of coaches (60.3% [17%]) perceived that maladaptation rarely or never occurred. Medical staff involvement in sharing and discussing training-load information was limited, and they perceived that the measurement of athletes’ recovery/fatigue was poor. Gymnasts noted good quality in relation to the measurement of performance. Most participants (≥85%) believed that a specific training-load management model for rhythmic gymnastics could be very or extremely effective.Conclusions:In conclusion, rhythmic gymnastics coaches’ perception is the most commonly used strategy to monitor load, recovery/fatigue, and performance; although, this could be a limited method to guarantee effective training-load management in this sport.
An Independent Examination of the Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Protocol in National Collegiate Athletic Association Swimming and Diving
Authors: Kostrna Jason , D’Addario Aaron
Published: January 2022

The mindful sport performance enhancement (MSPE) protocol is designed to enhance mindfulness, emotional regulation, and attentional awareness and control. The MSPE consists of trainer led group sessions teaching the concepts of mindfulness through discussion and meditation practice. However, little research has tested the MSPE protocol’s adaptability and generalizability to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division-I teams and practitioners independent of the MSPE protocol’s creators. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to test the efficacy of an adapted MSPE protocol. The adapted MSPE protocol was delivered to a NCAA Division I team while a second team participated as a potentially equivalent control group. Both teams completed measures of attentional control, flow, rumination, and mindful attention as primary outcome variables. Results revealed significant decreases in rumination and trait anxiety, as well as improvements in concentration control and focusing ability compared with the control group. Findings support the external validity of the MSPE protocol to adapt to independent practitioners and a previously unstudied combination of sport and level of competition.
Parent Physical Activity: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Johnson Norah L. , Bekhet Abir K. , Sawdy Rachel , Zint Emily , Wang June , Pena Sylvia , Zurcher Hannah , Enea Nina
Published: January 2022

Background: The aims of this review were to describe exercise interventions, facilitators, and barriers to physical activity for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods: A systematic review of the literature, appraising the validity of each article with Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt’s level of evidence, from different databases CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO, PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science between 2000 and 2020 was conducted. As the initial search revealed no articles on exercise interventions and only 2 articles with children with autism spectrum disorder, the aim was widened to all parents of children. Results: Forty-five articles were identified on barriers to physical activity including being the primary caregiving parent, perception of guilt and selfishness, and adhering to exercise programs they do as part of research, once research ends. Facilitators for physical activity including parents being more likely to exercise if they can bring their child with them and parents preferring exercise that is a lifelong habit, such as walking. Conclusions: Due to the lack of research on parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, recommendations include development and testing of interventions for parents of children with this condition including family-based exercise interventions where children and parents have a choice to exercise together.
Community Proteomics of a Natural Microbial Biofilm
Authors: Ram Rachna J. , VerBerkmoes Nathan C. , Thelen Michael P. , Tyson Gene W. , Baker Brett J. , Blake Robert C. , Shah Manesh , Hettich Robert L. , Banfield Jillian F.
Published: January 2022

Using genomic and mass spectrometry–based proteomic methods, we evaluated gene expression, identified key activities, and examined partitioning of metabolic functions in a natural acid mine drainage (AMD) microbial biofilm community. We detected 2033 proteins from the five most abundant species in the biofilm, including 48% of the predicted proteins from the dominant biofilm organism,
Leptospirillum
group II. Proteins involved in protein refolding and response to oxidative stress appeared to be highly expressed, which suggests that damage to biomolecules is a key challenge for survival. We validated and estimated the relative abundance and cellular localization of 357 unique and 215 conserved novel proteins and determined that one abundant novel protein is a cytochrome central to iron oxidation and AMD formation.
Cytoplasmic zinc promotes IL-1β production by monocytes and macrophages through mTORC1-induced glycolysis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kim Bonah , Kim Hee Young , Yoon Bo Ruem , Yeo Jina , In Jung Ji , Yu Kyung-Sang , Kim Hyeon Chang , Yoo Su-Jin , Park Jin Kyun , Kang Seong Wook , Lee Won-Woo
Published: January 2022

Zinc metabolically reprograms monocytes and macrophages to promote inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.
Brussowvirus SW13 Requires a Cell Surface-Associated Polysaccharide To Recognize Its Streptococcus thermophilus Host
Authors: Lavelle Katherine , Sadovskaya Irina , Vinogradov Evgeny , Kelleher Philip , Lugli Gabriele A. , Ventura Marco , van Sinderen Douwe , Mahony Jennifer
Published: January 2022

Streptococcus thermophilus
is an important starter culture bacterium in global dairy fermentation processes, where it is used for the production of various cheeses and yogurt. Bacteriophage predation of the species can result in substandard product quality and, in rare cases, complete fermentation collapse.
Complement Receptor 3 Mediates HIV-1 Transcytosis across an Intact Cervical Epithelial Cell Barrier: New Insight into HIV Transmission in Women
Authors: Day Christopher J. , Hardison Rachael L. , Spillings Belinda L. , Poole Jessica , Jurcisek Joseph A. , Mak Johnson , Jennings Michael P. , Edwards Jennifer L.
Published: January 2022

In women, the lower female reproductive tract is the primary site for HIV infection. How HIV traverses the epithelium to infect CD4 T cells in the submucosa is ill-defined.
Elevated Levels of an Enzyme Involved in Coenzyme B
12
Biosynthesis Kills Escherichia coli
Authors: Jeter Victoria L. , Escalante-Semerena Jorge C.
Published: January 2022

E. coli
is the best-studied prokaryote, and some strains of this bacterium are human pathogens. We show that when the level of the enzyme that catalyzes the penultimate step of vitamin B
12
biosynthesis is elevated, the viability of
E. coli
decreases.
Habitat Adaptation Drives Speciation of a
Streptomyces
Species with Distinct Habitats and Disparate Geographic Origins
Authors: Wang Jiao , Li Yisong , Pinto-Tomás Adrián A. , Cheng Kun , Huang Ying
Published: January 2022

Both isolation by distance and isolation by environment occur in bacteria, and different diversification patterns may apply to different species.
Streptomyces
species, typified by producing useful natural products, are widespread in nature and possess high genetic diversity. However, the ecological processes and evolutionary mechanisms that shape their distribution are not well understood.
The Odilorhabdin Antibiotic Biosynthetic Cluster and Acetyltransferase Self-Resistance Locus Are Niche and Species Specific
Authors: Lanois-Nouri Anne , Pantel Lucile , Fu Jun , Houard Jessica , Ogier Jean-Claude , Polikanov Yury S. , Racine Emilie , Wang Hailong , Gaudriault Sophie , Givaudan Alain , Gualtieri Maxime
Published: January 2022

Odilorhabdins (ODLs) constitute a novel antibiotic family with promising properties for treating problematic multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. ODLs are 10-mer linear cationic peptides inhibiting bacterial translation by binding to the small subunit of the ribosome.
Rapid Protection from COVID-19 in Nonhuman Primates Vaccinated Intramuscularly but Not Intranasally with a Single Dose of a Vesicular Stomatitis Virus-Based Vaccine
Authors: Furuyama Wakako , Shifflett Kyle , Pinski Amanda N. , Griffin Amanda J. , Feldmann Friederike , Okumura Atsushi , Gourdine Tylisha , Jankeel Allen , Lovaglio Jamie , Hanley Patrick W. , Thomas Tina , Clancy Chad S. , Messaoudi Ilhem , O’Donnell Kyle L. , Marzi Andrea
Published: January 2022

The vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vaccine platform rose to fame in 2019, when a VSV-based Ebola virus (EBOV) vaccine was approved by the European Medicines Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for human use against the deadly disease.
Systematic Genetic Interaction Analysis Identifies a Transcription Factor Circuit Required for Oropharyngeal Candidiasis
Authors: Solis Norma V. , Wakade Rohan S. , Glazier Virginia E. , Ollinger Tomye L. , Wellington Melanie , Mitchell Aaron P. , Filler Scott G. , Krysan Damian J.
Published: January 2022

The pathology of oral candidiasis has features of biofilm formation, a well-studied process
in vitro
. Based on that analogy, we hypothesized that the network of transcription factors that regulates
in vitro
biofilm formation has similarities and differences during oral infection.
Rescuing Tetracycline Class Antibiotics for the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Pulmonary Infection
Authors: De Oliveira David M. P. , Forde Brian M. , Phan Minh-Duy , Steiner Bernhard , Zhang Bing , Zuegg Johannes , El-deeb Ibrahim M. , Li Gen , Keller Nadia , Brouwer Stephan , Harbison-Price Nichaela , Cork Amanda J. , Bauer Michelle J. , Alquethamy Saleh F. , Beatson Scott A. , Roberts Jason A. , Paterson David L. , McEwan Alastair G. , Blaskovich Mark A. T. , Schembri Mark A. , McDevitt Christopher A. , von Itzstein Mark , Walker Mark J.
Published: January 2022

Within intensive care unit settings, multidrug-resistant (MDR)Acinetobacter baumanniiis a major cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia, and hospital-associated outbreaks are becoming increasingly widespread. Antibiotic treatment ofA. baumanniiinfection is often compromised by MDR strains resistant to last-resort β-lactam (e.g., carbapenems), polymyxin, and tetracycline class antibiotics.
Conceptual Exchanges for Understanding Free-Living and Host-Associated Microbiomes
Authors: Pfister Catherine A. , Light Samuel H. , Bohannan Brendan , Schmidt Thomas , Martiny Adam , Hynson Nicole A. , Devkota Suzanne , David Lawrence , Whiteson Katrine
Published: January 2022

Whether a microbe is free-living or associated with a host from across the tree of life, its existence depends on a limited number of elements and electron donors and acceptors. Yet divergent approaches have been used by investigators from different fields.
The Numidian sand event in the Burdigalian foreland basin system of the Rif, Morocco, in a source-to-sink perspective
Authors: Abbassi Anas , Cipollari Paola , Fellin M.G. , Zaghloul M.N. , Guillong Marcel , El Mourabet Mohamed , Cosentino Domenico
Published: January 2022

During the Tertiary evolution of the Western Mediterranean subduction system, a migrating foreland basin system developed between the Maghrebian orogenic belt and the adjacent African Craton. However, a comprehensive reconstruction of the foreland basin systems of the Rif Chain is still missing. By integrating field observations with quantitative biostratigraphic data from calcareous nannofossil assemblages, sandstone composition, and detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology from selected stratigraphic successions, we reconstruct the foreland basin system that developed in the early Miocene in front of the growing Rif orogen. The successions analyzed are representative of (1) the classical “Numidian Facies” from the Intrarifian Tanger Unit and (2) the Numidian-like deposits (mixed successions) of the “Mérinides Facies” from the “Maghrebian Flysch Basin” and the “Beliounis Facies” from the Predorsalian Unit. Our petrographic analyses and detrital zircon U-Pb ages show that the quartzarenites of the “Numidian Facies” originated from the African Craton, whereas the sublitharenites and feldspathic litharenites from the Mérinides and Beliounis Facies originated from a cratonic area and the exhuming Rif Chain.

Our biostratigraphic analyses suggest a simultaneous arrival of the quartz grains in the Numidian, Mérinides, and Beliounis deposits, which indicates that their deposition occurred at ~1 m.y. (ca. 20–19 Ma, early Burdigalian) and allows us to delineate the early Burdigalian foreland basin system of the Rif Chain. The foreland depozone received the “Numidian Facies,” the foredeep-hosted ~2000 m of the “Mérinides Facies” and the Beni Ider Flysch, whereas the wedge-top depozone was characterized by deposition of the “Beliounis Facies.”

The Numidian Sandstones and the Numidian-like deposits analyzed in Morocco show the same age as similar deposits from Algeria, Tunisia, and Sicily, which suggests a comparable early Burdigalian tectono-sedimentary evolution along the southern branch of the Western Mediterranean subduction-related orogen.
Supplemental Material: Quantifying volcanism and organic carbon burial across Oceanic Anoxic Event 2
Authors: Papadomanolaki Nina , al. et
Published: January 2022

Supplemental information and methods, Figures S1–S4, and Tables S1 and S2.
Supplemental Material: History of earthquakes along the creeping section of the San Andreas fault, California, USA
Authors: Coffey Genevieve , al. et
Published: January 2022

Supplemental figures related to biomarker analysis, thermal modeling, and experimental setup; more detailed methodology, and tables containing model parameters and biomarker data.
Association of progressive optic disc tilt with development of retinal nerve fibre layer defect in children with large cup-to-disc ratio
Authors: Ha Ahnul , Baek Sung Uk , Kim Jin-Soo , Jeoung Jin Wook , Park Ki Ho , Kim Young Kook
Published: January 2022

Background/aims

Whereas myopic optic disc deformation has been posited as a risk factor for glaucomatous damage, longitudinal studies evaluating their association have been sparse. We investigated whether the optic nerve head (ONH)’s morphological alteration during myopia progression play any role in development of retinal nerve fibre layer defect (RNFLD) in children with a large vertical cup-to-disc ratio (vCDR).

Methods

Sixty-five normotensive eyes of 65 children aged under 8 years with (1) vCDR ≥0.5 but no additional signs of glaucoma and (2) who could be tracked at young adulthood (18–28 years) were included. Children’s spherical equivalent (SE), intraocular pressure, vCDR and optic disc tilt ratio were recorded. Rare events logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with RNFLD-development risk.

Results

The study group’s mean age was 5.4±1.3 years, its average vCDR was 0.62±0.07, and the average SE was −0.3±1.4 dioptres ((D), range −3.15 to 2.75D) at the baseline. After an average follow-up of 16.1±3.0 years, the mean vCDR was 0.64±0.09, and the mean SE, −3.2±2.2D (range −7.25 to 0.00 D). Among the 65 eyes, 12 (18.5%) developed RNFLD. A greater SE change (OR=1.737, p=0.016) and a greater increase in tilt ratio (OR=2.364, p=0.002) were both significantly associated with higher RNFLD-development risk.

Conclusion

In this cohort of Korean children with large vCDR, progressive optic disc tilt in the course of myopia progression was associated with higher RNFLD-development risk. This finding suggests that morphological alterations in the ONH during axial elongation might represent an underlying susceptibility to glaucomatous damage in large-vCDR children.
Reassessing the evidence for universal school-age BCG vaccination in England and Wales: re-evaluating and updating a modelling study
Authors: Abbott Sam , Christensen Hannah , Brooks-Pollock Ellen
Published: January 2022

Objectives

In 2005, England and Wales switched from universal BCG vaccination against tuberculosis (TB) disease for school-age children to targeted vaccination of neonates. We aimed to recreate and re-evaluate a previously published model, the results of which informed this policy change.

Design

We recreated an approach for estimating the impact of ending the BCG schools scheme, correcting a methodological flaw in the model, updating the model with parameter uncertainty and improving parameter estimates where possible. We investigated scenarios for the assumed annual decrease in TB incidence rates considered by the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and explored alternative scenarios using notification data.

Setting

England and Wales.

Outcome measures

The number of vaccines needed to prevent a single notification and the average annual additional notifications caused by ending the policy change.

Results

The previously published model was found to contain a methodological flaw and to be spuriously precise. It greatly underestimated the impact of ending school-age vaccination compared with our updated, corrected model. The updated model produced predictions with wide CIs when parameter uncertainty was included. Model estimates based on an assumption of an annual decrease in TB incidence rates of 1.9% were closest to those estimated using notification data. Using this assumption, we estimate that 1600 (2.5; 97.5% quantiles: 1300, 2000) vaccines would have been required to prevent a single notification in 2004.

Conclusions

The impact of ending the BCG schools scheme was found to be greater than previously thought when notification data were used. Our results highlight the importance of independent evaluations of modelling evidence, including uncertainty, and evaluating multiple scenarios when forecasting the impact of changes in vaccination policy.
‘When will this end? Will it end?’ The impact of the March–June 2020 UK COVID-19 lockdown response on mental health: a longitudinal survey of mothers in the Born in Bradford study
Authors: Dickerson Josie , Kelly Brian , Lockyer Bridget , Bridges Sally , Cartwright Christopher , Willan Kathryn , Shire Katy , Crossley Kirsty , Bryant Maria , Siddiqi Najma , Sheldon Trevor A , Lawlor Deborah A , Wright John , McEachan Rosemary RC , Pickett Kate E
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To explore clinically important increases in depression/anxiety from before to during the first UK COVID-19 lockdown and factors related to this change, with a particular focus on ethnic differences.

Design

Pre-COVID-19 and lockdown surveys nested within two longitudinal Born in Bradford cohort studies.

Participants

1860 mothers with a child aged 0–5 or 9–13, 48% Pakistani heritage.

Main outcome measures

ORs for a clinically important increase (5 points or more) in depression (eight item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8)) and anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7)) in unadjusted regression analyses, repeated with exposures of interest separated by ethnicity to look for differences in magnitude of associations, and lived experience of mothers captured in open text questions.

Results

The number of women reporting clinically important depression/anxiety increased from 11% to 20% (95% CI 10%–13%; 18%–22%) and from 10% to 16% (95% CI 8%–11%; 15%–18%), respectively. Increases in depression/anxiety were associated with loneliness (OR=8.37, 95% CI 5.70 to 12.27; 8.50, 95% CI 5.71 to 12.65, respectively); financial (6.23, 95% CI 3.96 to 9.80; 6.03, 95% CI 3.82 to 9.51), food (3.33, 95% CI 2.09 to 5.28; 3.46, 95% CI 2.15 to 5.58) and housing insecurity (3.29, 95% CI 2.36 to 4.58; 3.0, 95% CI 2.11 to 4.25); a lack of physical activity (3.13, 95% CI 2.15 to 4.56; 2.55, 95% CI 1.72 to 3.78); and a poor partner relationship (3.6, 95% CI 2.44 to 5.43; 5.1, 95% CI 3.37 to 7.62). The magnitude of associations between key exposures and worsening mental health varied between ethnic groups.

Responses to open text questions illustrated a complex interplay of challenges contributing to mental ill health including: acute health anxieties; the mental load of managing multiple responsibilities; loss of social support and coping strategies; pressures of financial and employment insecurity; and being unable to switch off from the pandemic.

Conclusions

Mental ill health has worsened for many during the COVID-19 lockdown, particularly in those who are lonely and economically insecure. The magnitude of associations between key exposures and worsening mental health varied between ethnic groups. Mental health problems may have longer term consequences for public health and interventions that address the potential causes are needed.
Association between long-term oxygen therapy provided outside the guidelines and mortality in patients with COPD
Authors: Alexandre Francois , Molinier Virginie , Hayot Maurice , Chevance Guillaume , Moullec Gregory , Varray Alain , Héraud Nelly
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Hypoxaemia is a frequent complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To prevent its consequences, supplemental oxygen therapy is recommended by international respiratory societies. However, despite clear recommendations, some patients receive long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT), while they do not meet prescription criteria. While evidence suggests that acute oxygen supply at high oxygenation targets increases COPD mortality, its chronic effects on COPD mortality remain unclear. Thus, the study will aim to evaluate through a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis (IPD-MA), the association of LTOT prescription outside the guidelines on survival over time in COPD.

Methods

Systematic review and IPD-MA will be conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses IPD guidelines. Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, OpenGrey and BioRxiv/MedRxix) will be scanned to identify relevant studies (cohort of stable COPD with arterial oxygen tension data available, with indication of LTOT filled out at the moment of the study and with a survival follow-up). The anticipated search dates are January–February 2022. The main outcome will be the association between LTOT and time to all-cause mortality according to hypoxaemia severity, after controlling for potential covariates and all available clinical characteristics. Quantitative data at the level of the individual patient will be used in a one-step approach to develop and validate a prognostic model with a Cox regression analysis. The one-step IPD-MA will be conducted to study the association and the moderators of association between supplemental oxygen therapy and mortality. Multilevel survival analyses using Cox-mixed effects models will be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

As a protocol for a systematic review, a formal ethics committee review is not required. Only studies with institutional approval from an ethics committee and anonymised IPD will be included. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations in conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020209823.
Effect of a low-salt diet on chronic kidney disease outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Honghong , Su Xiaole , Li Chunfang , Guo Wenjuan , Wang Lihua
Published: January 2022

Objective

The benefits of a low-salt diet for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of a low-salt diet on major clinical outcomes.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

MEDLINE by Ovid, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies that assessed the effect of a low-salt diet on the renal composite outcomes (more than 50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during follow-up, doubling of serum creatinine or end-stage renal disease), rate of eGFR decline, change in proteinuria, all-cause mortality events, cardiovascular (CV) events, and changes in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent researchers extracted data and evaluated their quality. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs were used for dichotomous data. Differences in means (MDs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs were used to pool continuous data. We used the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool to evaluate the quality of RCTs, and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale to evaluate the quality of cohort studies.

Results

We found 9948 potential research records. After removing duplicates, we reviewed the titles and abstracts, and screened the full text of 230 publications. Thirty-three studies with 101 077 participants were included. A low-salt diet produced a 28% reduction in renal composite outcome events (RR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.89). No significant effects were found in terms of changes in proteinuria (SMD: −0.71; 95% CI: −1.66 to 0.24), rate of eGFR (decline MD: 1.16; 95% CI: −2.02 to 4.33), risk of all-cause mortality (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.58 to 1.46) and CV events (RR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.46 to 2.22).

Conclusion

A low-salt diet seems to reduce the risk for renal composite outcome events in patients with CKD. However, no compelling evidence indicated that such a diet would reduce the eGFR decline rate, proteinuria, incidence of all-cause mortality and CV events. Further, more definitive studies are needed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017072395.
Experiences of living with long COVID and of accessing healthcare services: a qualitative systematic review
Authors: Macpherson Karen , Cooper Kay , Harbour Jenny , Mahal Dawn , Miller Charis , Nairn Moray
Published: January 2022

Objective

To explore the experiences of people living with long COVID and how they perceive the healthcare services available to them.

Design

Qualitative systematic review.

Data sources

Electronic literature searches of websites, bibliographic databases and discussion forums, including PubMed LitCovid, Proquest COVID, EPPI Centre living systematic map of evidence, medRxiv, bioRxiv, Medline, Psychinfo and Web of Science Core Collection were conducted to identify qualitative literature published in English up to 13 January 2021.

Inclusion criteria

Papers reporting qualitative or mixed-methods studies that focused on the experiences of long COVID and/or perceptions of accessing healthcare by people with long COVID. Title/abstract and full-text screening were conducted by two reviewers independently, with conflicts resolved by discussion or a third reviewer.

Quality appraisal

Two reviewers independently appraised included studies using the qualitative CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) checklist. Conflicts were resolved by discussion or a third reviewer.

Data extraction and synthesis

Thematic synthesis, involving line-by-line reading, generation of concepts, descriptive and analytical themes, was conducted by the review team with regular discussion.

Results

Five studies published in 2020 met the inclusion criteria, two international surveys and three qualitative studies from the UK. Sample sizes varied from 24 (interview study) to 3762 (survey). Participants were predominantly young white females recruited from social media or online support groups. Three analytical themes were generated: (1) symptoms and self-directed management of long COVID; (2) emotional aspects of living with long COVID and (3) healthcare experiences associated with long COVID.

Conclusions

People experience long COVID as a heterogeneous condition, with a variety of physical and emotional consequences. It appears that greater knowledge of long COVID is required by a number of stakeholders and that the design of emerging long COVID services or adaptation of existing services for long COVID patients should take account of patients’ experiences in their design.