bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational sociophonetics using automatic speech recognition
Authors: Coto‐Solano Rolando
Published: September 2022

Recent years have seen numerous advances in natural language processing that can help accelerate sociophonetic work. These include software to align speech recordings with their transcriptions, as well as to transcribe audio automatically. This solves a major bottleneck and will help process larger datasets and test hypotheses more efficiently. This paper will summarise recent progress, highlight relevant examples of sociophonetic research, and comment on the technical and ethical issues at the cutting edge of natural language processing.
A retrospective socio‐ecological analysis of seal strandings in the Gulf of Maine
Authors: Haverkamp Holland , Chang Hsiao‐Yun , Newcomb Emma , Doughty Lynda , Walk Dominique , Seton Rosemary , Jones Lindsey S. , Todd Sean , Cammen Kristina M.
Published: September 2022

Over the past several decades, the Gulf of Maine has experienced significant socio‐ecological change. Coastlines have become more densely populated and developed, rapid and dramatic climate change has affected coastal ocean environments, and seal populations have grown as a result of federal protections. Long‐term data sets from marine mammal stranding networks represent a valuable resource for investigating indicator species for coastal ocean health during this period of change. Using data collected from stranded harbor (Phoca vitulina), harp (Pagophilus groenlandicus), and gray (Halichoerus grypus) seals from 2002 to 2017 in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, we tested for spatiotemporal correlations between stranding density and human population density, size of and proximity to seal haul‐outs, sea surface temperature, North Atlantic Oscillation, snowfall, and sea ice extent. We found that in the Gulf of Maine proximity to coastal human population centers and large seal haul‐outs are the greatest drivers of reported seal stranding density. Environmental factors played an important role only for harp seals, which do not breed in the study area, although recent shifts in the environmental seascape have the potential to affect all seal species in the Gulf of Maine.
Transition metals and Enterococcus faecalis: Homeostasis, virulence and perspectives
Authors: Ali Islam A. A. , Cheung Gary S.P. , Neelakantan Prasanna
Published: September 2022

Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram‐positive bacterium, is known to be a key player in several chronic infections as well as nosocomial, heart valve, urinary tract, surgical wound, and dental root canal infections. The capability to sense different transition metal levels and tune its response accordingly endows it with the potential to thrive and cause infections in several host niches. Over the past decade, our knowledge of how transition metals play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis of E. faecalis has improved significantly. The aim of this review is to elucidate the roles of metals such as iron, manganese, zinc, and copper in the physiology, metabolism, and pathogenicity of E. faecalis. These essential micronutrients contribute to energy production, redox stress response, expression of virulence determinants, and cooperation in polymicrobial communities. The review also highlights metal homeostasis systems in E. faecalis, which respond to fluctuations in extracellular metal levels, and regulate the intracellular metal content. Regulation of intracellular metallome secures the tolerance of E. faecalis to oxidative stress and host‐mediated metal sequestration strategies. Therapeutic interventions which deprive E. faecalis of its essential metal requirements or disrupt its homeostatic control have been proposed to combat E. faecalis infections.
Wavefront aberrometry repeatability and agreement—A comparison between Pentacam AXL Wave, iTrace and OPD‐Scan III
Authors: Wan Kelvin H. , Liao Xu Lin , Yu Marco , Tsui Rachel W. Y. , Chow Vanissa W. S. , Chong Kelvin K. L. , Chan Tommy C. Y.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

To compare intrasession agreement and repeatability of wavefront aberration measurements from three different aberrometers obtained using Hartmann–Shack, ray tracing and automated retinoscopy methods, as well as their interdevice agreement.

Methods

Three consecutive measurements were obtained using the Pentacam AXL Wave, the iTrace and the OPD‐Scan III in 47 eyes of 47 patients. Wavefront refractions, root mean square of total aberrations (RMS total), RMS of higher‐order aberrations (HOA) and second‐, third‐ and fourth‐order HOAs were exported for 4‐mm pupils. Wavefront refractions were converted into vector components: M, J0 and J45. Intrasession agreement and repeatability were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and repeatability coefficients (RCs); interdevice agreement was assessed using the Bland–Altman method.

Results

The intrasession agreement and repeatability of RMS HOA were comparable between the three devices; both the Pentacam AXL Wave and the OPD‐Scan III had better intrasession agreement and repeatability for the RMS total than the iTrace (p ≤ 0.02). Intrasession repeatability for the majority of second‐ and third‐order aberrations was better on the Pentacam AXL Wave than on the iTrace (p ≤ 0.01) and OPD‐Scan III (p ≤ 0.04), although their agreement and repeatability in spherical aberration were comparable (p ≥ 0.24). Significant systematic differences and proportional bias were detected for almost all refraction power vectors and Zernike coefficients among the three devices.

Conclusions

In this study, all three devices provided good‐to‐excellent agreement for aberration measurements. Most of the individual Zernike's components were not exchangeable between different aberrometers. Their relative intrasession performance in agreement and repeatability varied significantly across different ocular aberration parameters.
Windows of Vulnerability: Consequences of Exposure Timing during the Dutch Hunger Winter
Authors: Ramirez Daniel , Haas Steven A.
Published: September 2022

Prior research on early‐life exposures to famine has established in utero development as a critical period of vulnerability to malnutrition. Yet, previous research tends to focus narrowly on this stage, at the expense of a more comprehensive examination of childhood. As a result, the literature has yet to compare the severity of the consequences of exposure to malnutrition across developmentally salient periods. Such comparison is crucial not only in the magnitude of effects but also in the nature of outcomes. Using a restricted population registry‐linked health survey, this study examines the Dutch Hunger Winter to provide a comprehensive examination of the long‐term consequences of in utero, infant, childhood, and adolescent exposure to famine. The results show malnutrition leads to heterogeneous effects depending on when the exposure occurs. In utero exposure to malnutrition leads to deleterious conditions in physical health and lower socioeconomic attainment. For older cohorts, results suggest a resilience to the effects of malnutrition on physical health in late life, but a higher vulnerability to socioeconomic stunting. Furthermore, the results suggest important gender differences in the long‐term impact of malnutrition. Males consistently show stronger negative consequences across a wider array of conditions.
Self‐regulation in close relationships
Authors: Righetti Francesca , Đurić Mirna , Hofmann Wilhelm , Finkenauer Catrin
Published: September 2022

In the past 20 years, greater attention has been devoted to the study of self‐regulation in an interpersonal context. This review summarize this work and presents findings on how self‐regulation processes influence close relationship outcomes. The review is organized around the four ingredients of self‐regulation (i.e., standards, monitoring, self‐regulatory capacity, and motivation). For each ingredient, we discuss their influence on relationship processes and dynamics. In the standards section, we discuss the literature on approach/avoidance, promotion/prevention, goal conflicts between partners, and interpersonal goal support. In the monitoring section, we describe how partners' monitoring of each other's goal progress affects relationships. We also highlight that research on this topic is scant. In the self‐regulatory capacity section, we discuss findings on how self‐regulatory capacity is associated with relationship maintenance behaviors. In the motivation section, we review the literature on commitment and its impact on relationship dynamics. Finally, for each ingredient, we address an important avenue for future research.
When charismatic leadership Trumps social networking: Searching for the effects of social media on beliefs of electoral legitimacy
Authors: Aguado N. Alexander
Published: September 2022

This research examines the effect that information and communications technology, via social media, had on peoples' confidence in American democratic processes. Using a large N dataset, this work finds that use of social networking sites (SNS) had a negligible effect on voter confidence. This finding is surprising given President Trump's ubiquitous online presence and his role in pushing conspiracies about electoral fraud in the 2020 presidential election. I go on to examine how respondents' sentiment toward President Trump affected the trust they had in American democratic institutions. This study finds that political elites can serve as a more powerful influence on their constituents than do the effects of social media usage. SNS will continue to pose a unique challenge to American democracy as for‐profit corporations continue to develop online platforms that compel engagement by offering salacious content that feeds into users' biases.

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Merry, Melissa K. 2022. “Trump's Tweets as Policy Narratives: Constructing the Immigration Issue via Social Media.” Politics & Policy 50(4): 752–72. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12487.

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Using a grey relational analysis in an improved Grunow–Finke assessment tool to detect unnatural epidemics
Authors: Lin Mengxuan , Chen Hui , Jia Leili , Yang Mingjuan , Qiu Shaofu , Song Hongbin , Wang Ligui , Zheng Tao
Published: September 2022

The Grunow–Finke epidemiological assessment tool (GFT) has several limitations in its ability to differentiate between natural and man‐made epidemics. Our study aimed to improve the GFT and analyze historical epidemics to validate the model. Using a gray relational analysis (GRA), we improved the GFT by revising the existing standards and adding five new standards. We then removed the artificial weights and final decision threshold. Finally, by using typically unnatural epidemic events as references, we used the GRA to calculate the unnatural probability and obtain assessment results. Using the advanced tool, we conducted retrospective and case analyses to test its performance. In the validation set of 13 historical epidemics, unnatural and natural epidemics were divided into two categories near the unnatural probability of 45%, showing evident differences (p < 0.01) and an assessment accuracy close to 100%. The unnatural probabilities of the Ebola virus disease of 2013 and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome of 2012 were 30.6% and 36.1%, respectively. Our advanced epidemic assessment tool improved the accuracy of the original GFT from approximately 55% to approximately 100% and reduced the impact of human factors on these outcomes effectively.
Optimal control analysis of a multigroup SEAIHRD model for COVID‐19 epidemic
Authors: Zong Kai , Luo Cuicui
Published: September 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has threatened public health and caused substantial economic loss to most countries worldwide. A multigroup susceptible–exposed–asymptomatic–infectious–hospitalized–recovered–dead (SEAIHRD) compartment model is first constructed to model the spread of the disease by dividing the population into three age groups: young (aged 0–19), prime (aged 20–64), and elderly (aged 65 and over). Then, we develop a free terminal time, partially fixed terminal state optimal control problem to minimize deaths and costs associated with hospitalization and the implementation of different control strategies. And the optimal strategies are derived under different assumptions about medical resources and vaccination. Specifically, we explore optimal control strategies for reaching herd immunity in the COVID‐19 outbreak in a free terminal time situation to evaluate the effect of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and vaccination as control measures. The transmission rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 is calibrated by using real data in the United States at the early stage of the epidemic. Through numerical simulation, we conclude that the outbreak of COVID‐19 can be contained by implementing appropriate control of the prime age population and relatively strict control measures for young and elderly populations. Within a specific period, strict control measures should be implemented before the vaccine is marketed.
Cross‐sectoral frontline delivery of welfare‐to‐work services for young adults with complex problems in Norway
Authors: Bakken Frøydis M. , van der Wel Kjetil
Published: September 2022

Activation policies have increasingly targeted new and ‘hard‐to‐serve’ clients with complex needs, often deprived of the labour market experience, health, skills, and competencies that employers look for. The role of the health sector as a partner for welfare services has thus become more important. Cross‐sectoral frontline delivery of activation is seen as crucial in succeeding with activation and labour market integration in general and especially for young adults with complex needs. The current study aims at contributing new insights on such cross‐sectoral coordination by investigating how various actors within the welfare and health services experience interagency collaboration in the context of activating young welfare clients in the Norwegian Work Assessment Allowance scheme (WAA). Our data consist of 33 interviews with frontline workers in the two sectors in six different municipalities. Our data suggest that cross‐sectoral work in Norway directed at young WAA‐clients is hampered by a lack of coordination and communication between frontline workers in the two sectors, leading to tension and inefficiency in activating these young clients. We do, however, find that in‐house medical advisers in the welfare services have a potential to act as boundary spanners, but that seem to be an underused asset in this regard. We conclude that frontline workers' opportunities for cross‐sectoral coordination seem to be constrained by narrow and insufficient spaces for integration and collaboration, possibly due to organisational and administrative barriers.
In-Space Additive Manufacturing: A Review
Authors: Hoffmann Miguel , Elwany Alaa
Published: September 2022

Manufacturing or repairing parts on-site, high geometric freedom, and feedstock efficiency have long been regarded as nascent capabilities of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. Researchers aim to adopt these capabilities for the future of space exploration, and polymer AM demonstrations in space were achieved in 2014; however, methods to process metals and other materials are needed. This paper provides a comprehensive review of AM research tested on reduced-gravity platforms from academia and industry across the globe. In addition, complementary processes and technologies under development are summarized. Reports from the literature are categorized by established AM process terminology and processed material. Lastly, alternatives to enabling metal AM in space are discussed, and knowledge gaps are presented.
On the Design of an Adaptable Underactuated Hand Using Rolling Contact Joints and an Articulated Palm
Authors: Boisclair Jean-Michel , Laliberté Thierry , Gosselin Clément
Published: September 2022

Based on an optimized underactuated finger using rolling contact joints, a novel prosthetic hand is proposed in this paper to increase the adaptability to objects of highly underactuated grippers. The hand has 17 degrees-of-freedom and only one degree of actuation, yielding a robust and simple control. A manually operated thumb, able to reach three stable positions corresponding to the main grasping postures is first presented. Its rolling contact joints, introduce geometric twist and tilt, are designed in an iterative process using 3D modeled contacts. In parallel, the parameters of the thumb are optimized to maximize the distribution of contacts and the ability to hold objects. A joint located inside the hand allows the palm to arch, increasing the opposition of the ring finger, and the little finger to the thumb. The floating mechanism used to distribute the single actuation to the different degrees-of-freedom reduces friction while avoiding the unnecessary blocking of components. Finally, a prototype is designed and built to demonstrate the adaptation capabilities of the hand to diverse objects, which is enhanced by a gravity-dependent closing sequence and the deformation of the palm that maximizes the contribution of each finger. Novel possibilities are also presented such as the grasping and flipping of small objects on a hard surface.
Computation and Assignment of the Minima of Structurally Radiated Sound Pressure
Authors: Shi Yingsha , Li Sheng
Published: September 2022

The minimum sound pressure is an important aspect of noise control. This means that minimal or no noise at a location will be experienced at a certain frequency. In many engineering applications, it is desirable to compute and assign the frequency corresponding to the minimum sound pressure. This paper presents three novel methods for the prediction of frequencies corresponding to the minima of radiated sound pressure. Two of them are developed for determining zero sound pressure frequencies, which correspond to a response close to zero. They are based on the application of linear matrix algebra methods in conjunction with the fundamental definitions for the existence of local minima. The other is developed to solve for frequencies of the minimum response points corresponding to a zero slope in the frequency response function curve by using the dichotomy method. In addition, an inverse structural modification for the assignment of the zero sound pressure frequency and antiresonant frequencies is presented. At these frequencies, the modification causes the selected location to experience the minimum sound pressure, while the other locations selected on the structure do not vibrate. Numerical examples of a simply supported plate in air and water are analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed approaches.
Fracture Toughness Evaluation of the Heat-Affected Zone Under the Weld Overlay Cladding in Reactor Pressure Vessel Steel
Authors: Ha Yoosung , Tobita Tohru , Takamizawa Hisashi , Katsuyama Jinya
Published: September 2022

The fracture toughness in the heat-affected zone (HAZ), which is located under the weld overlay cladding on the inner surface of the reactor pressure vessel (RPV), was evaluated by considering the inhomogeneous microstructures of the HAZ. In this regard, 0.4T-C(T) specimens and miniature C(T) (Mini-C(T)) specimens were manufactured to clarify the effect of the HAZ on fracture toughness. First, the fracture toughness was evaluated using 0.4T-C(T) specimens targeted on microstructural distribution due to the cladding bead location. The reference temperature (To) of HAZ at middle region of cladding bead was 12 °C higher than that at overlap cladding beads. Second, the fracture toughness was evaluated using Mini-C(T) specimens focused on the microstructural difference with distance from the boundary between the cladding and the base metal. The To value of the central position located at 3–7 mm from the boundary between the cladding and the base metal was higher than those of the other positions in HAZ. However, the To values of HAZ for both 0.4T-C(T) and Mini-C(T) specimens were significantly lower than that of the base metal at a quarter thickness by 40–60 °C. Compared with the literature data that indicated fracture toughness at the inner surface without overlay cladding and the base metal at a quarter thickness, this study concluded that the HAZ under the overlay cladding showed no detrimental effect on the conservatism of the structural integrity assessment of RPV steel.
Genetic diversity of three major spider mites damaging rubber trees
Authors: Liu Ya , Nie Yue , Chen Junyu , Lu Tangfei , Niu Liming , Jia Jingjing , Ye Zhengpei , Fu Yueguan
Published: September 2022

Three spider mite species, Eotetranychus sexmaculatus, Eutetranychus orientalis and Oligonychus biharensis, are widely distributed in China, infesting rubber trees. They cause various damages in different areas with different landforms, climates and rubber-growing varieties. The difference in habitat of the spider mites may result in genetic differentiation. It supposed be one of the main reasons for their various damage levels in different geographic regions. To examine whether the population genetic differentiation exist between E. sexmaculatus, E. orientalis and O. biharensis, we collected samples of three mite species from ten locations in China and one in Vietnam. Mitochondrial COI sequences of collected samples were analyzed. The results showed that the value of genetic differentiation among populations of the three mites was: E. orientalis > O. biharensis > E. sexmaculatus. There were 16 haplotypes in eight populations of E. orientalis and relatively large genetic distances between haplotypes. E. orientalis had the maximum Fst and Gst values, 0.792 and 0.434, respectively. There was no significant differentiation of E. sexmaculatus among different geographic regions after excluding the Ruili population. Both O. biharensis and E. orientalis were clustered into three large branches in the phylogenetic tree. A single peak appeared in the total population mismatch distribution curve and a star-like haplotype network of E. sexmaculatus suggests a history of population expansion. Three rubber tree spider mites collected in Yunnan had the greatest genetic diversity with the maximum number of haplotypes. In contrast, the genetic diversity of these three spider mites collected in Hainan and Guangdong was relatively small, with few haplotypes. These results implied that genetic differentiation existed in these three spider mites. Specific property and geographic isolation might be the major factor triggering genetic differentiation of E. orientalis, E. sexmaculatus and O. biharensis.
Transcription and splicing regulation by NLRC5 shape the interferon response in human pancreatic β cells
Authors: Szymczak Florian , Alvelos Maria Inês , Marín-Cañas Sandra , Castela Ângela , Demine Stéphane , Colli Maikel Luis , Op de Beeck Anne , Thomaidou Sofia , Marselli Lorella , Zaldumbide Arnaud , Marchetti Piero , Eizirik Décio L.
Published: September 2022

IFNα is a key regulator of the dialogue between pancreatic β cells and the immune system in early type 1 diabetes (T1D). IFNα up-regulates HLA class I expression in human β cells, fostering autoantigen presentation to the immune system. We observed by bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing that exposure of human induced pluripotent-derived islet-like cells to IFNα induces expression of HLA class I and of other genes involved in antigen presentation, including the transcriptional activator NLRC5. We next evaluated the global role of NLRC5 in human insulin-producing EndoC-βH1 and human islet cells by RNA sequencing and targeted gene/protein determination. NLRC5 regulates expression of HLA class I, antigen presentation–related genes, and chemokines. NLRC5 also mediates the effects of IFNα on alternative splicing, a generator of β cell neoantigens, suggesting that it is a central player of the effects of IFNα on β cells that contribute to trigger and amplify autoimmunity in T1D.
Ambush predation and the origin of euprimates
Authors: Wu Yonghua , Fan Longcheng , Bai Lu , Li Qingqing , Gu Hao , Sun Congnan , Jiang Tinglei , Feng Jiang
Published: September 2022

Primates of modern aspect (euprimates) are characterized by a suite of characteristics (e.g., convergent orbits, grasping hands and feet, reduced claws, and leaping), but the selective pressures responsible for the evolution of these euprimate characteristics have long remained controversial. Here, we used a molecular phyloecological approach to determine the diet of the common ancestor of living primates (CALP), and the results showed that the CALP had increased carnivory. Given the carnivory of the CALP, along with the general observation that orbital convergence is largely restricted to ambush predators, our study suggests that the euprimate characteristics could have been more specifically adapted for ambush predation. In particular, our behavior experiment further shows that nonclaw climbing can significantly reduce noises, which could benefit the ancestral euprimates’ stalking to ambush their prey in trees. Therefore, our study suggests that the distinctive euprimate characteristics may have evolved as their specialized adaptation for ambush predation in arboreal environments.
Design of the SARS-CoV-2 RBD vaccine antigen improves neutralizing antibody response
Authors: Dickey Thayne H. , Tang Wai Kwan , Butler Brandi , Ouahes Tarik , Orr-Gonzalez Sachy , Salinas Nichole D. , Lambert Lynn E. , Tolia Niraj H.
Published: September 2022

The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is the primary target of neutralizing antibodies and is a component of almost all current vaccines. Here, RBD immunogens were created with stabilizing amino acid changes that improve the neutralizing antibody response, as well as characteristics for production, storage, and distribution. A computational design and in vitro screening platform identified three improved immunogens, each with approximately nine amino acid changes relative to the native RBD sequence, and four key changes conserved between immunogens. The changes are adaptable to all vaccine platforms and compatible with mutations in emerging variants of concern. The immunogens elicit higher levels of neutralizing antibodies than native RBD, focus the immune response to structured neutralizing epitopes, and have increased production yields and thermostability. Incorporating these variant-independent amino acid changes in next-generation COVID vaccines may enhance the neutralizing antibody response and lead to longer duration and broader protection.
Dual spike and nucleocapsid mRNA vaccination confer protection against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta variants in preclinical models
Authors: Hajnik Renee L. , Plante Jessica A. , Liang Yuejin , Alameh Mohamad-Gabriel , Tang Jinyi , Bonam Srinivasa Reddy , Zhong Chaojie , Adam Awadalkareem , Scharton Dionna , Rafael Grace H. , Liu Yang , Hazell Nicholas C. , Sun Jiaren , Soong Lynn , Shi Pei-Yong , Wang Tian , Walker David H. , Sun Jie , Weissman Drew , Weaver Scott C. , Plante Kenneth S. , Hu Haitao
Published: September 2022

Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), including the highly transmissible Omicron and Delta strains, has posed constant challenges to the current COVID-19 vaccines that principally target the viral spike protein (S). Here, we report a nucleoside-modified messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine that expresses the more conserved viral nucleoprotein (mRNA-N) and show that mRNA-N vaccination alone can induce modest control of SARS-CoV-2. Critically, combining mRNA-N with the clinically proven S-expressing mRNA vaccine (mRNA-S+N) induced robust protection against both Delta and Omicron variants. In the hamster models of SARS-CoV-2 VOC challenge, we demonstrated that, compared to mRNA-S alone, combination mRNA-S+N vaccination not only induced more robust control of the Delta and Omicron variants in the lungs but also provided enhanced protection in the upper respiratory tract. In vivo CD8
+
T cell depletion suggested a potential role for CD8
+
T cells in protection conferred by mRNA-S+N vaccination. Antigen-specific immune analyses indicated that N-specific immunity, as well as augmented S-specific immunity, was associated with enhanced protection elicited by the combination mRNA vaccination. Our findings suggest that combined mRNA-S+N vaccination is an effective approach for promoting broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Intrinsic Antibacterial Activity of Xeruborbactam
In Vitro
: Assessing Spectrum and Mode of Action
Authors: Sun Dongxu , Tsivkovski Ruslan , Pogliano Joe , Tsunemoto Hannah , Nelson Kirk , Rubio-Aparicio Debora , Lomovskaya Olga
Published: September 2022

Xeruborbactam (formerly QPX7728) is a cyclic boronate inhibitor of numerous serine and metallo-beta-lactamases. At concentrations generally higher than those required for beta-lactamase inhibition, xeruborbactam has direct antibacterial activity against some Gram-negative bacteria, with MIC
50
/MIC
90
values of 16/32 μg/mL and 16/64 μg/mL against carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacterales
and carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
, respectively (the MIC
50
/MIC
90
values against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
are >64 μg/mL).
N
6
-Methyladenine Modification of Hepatitis Delta Virus Regulates Its Virion Assembly by Recruiting YTHDF1
Authors: Kim Geon-Woo , Moon Jae-Su , Gudima Severin O. , Siddiqui Aleem
Published: September 2022

The functional roles of N
6
-methyladenine (m6A) modifications in the HBV life cycle have been recently highlighted. Here, we investigated the functional role of m6A modification in the HDV life cycle.
Hsp90 Regulates GCRV-II Proliferation by Interacting with VP35 as Its Receptor and Chaperone
Authors: Jiang Lin , Liu An-qi , Zhang Chu , Zhang Yong-An , Tu Jiagang
Published: September 2022

Identification of viral receptors has always been the research hot spot in virus research field as receptor functions at the first stage of viral infection, which can be designed as efficient antiviral drug targets. GCRV-II, the causative agent of the grass carp epidemic hemorrhagic disease, has caused tremendous losses in grass carp culture in China.
A Photoconvertible Reporter System for Bacterial Metabolic Activity Reveals That Staphylococcus aureus Enters a Dormant-Like State to Persist within Macrophages
Authors: Lang Julia C. , Seiß Elena A. , Moldovan Adriana , Müsken Mathias , Sauerwein Till , Fraunholz Martin , Müller Andreas J. , Goldmann Oliver , Medina Eva
Published: September 2022

The capacity of
Staphylococcus aureus
to survive and persist within phagocytic cells has been associated with antibiotic treatment failure and recurrent infections. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms leading to
S. aureus
persistence within macrophages using a reporter system that enables to distinguish between intracellular bacteria with high and low metabolic activity in combinstion with a dual RNA-seq approach.
Use of ventilation/perfusion mismatch to guide individualised CPAP level selection in preterm infants: a feasibility trial
Authors: Bamat Nicolas A , Orians Carolyn M , Abbasi Soraya , Morley Colin J , Ross Russell Rob , Panitch Howard B , Handley Sara C , Foglia Elizabeth E , Posencheg Michael A , Kirpalani Haresh
Published: September 2022

Objective

To measure within-subject changes in ventilation/perfusion (V′/Q′) mismatch in response to a protocol of individualised nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) level selection.

Design

Single-arm, non-randomised, feasibility trial.

Setting

Three centres in the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia neonatal care network.

Patients

Twelve preterm infants of postmenstrual age 27–35 weeks, postnatal age >24 hours, and receiving a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) >0.25 on CPAP of 4–7 cm H2O.

Interventions

We applied a protocol of stepwise CPAP level changes, with the overall direction and magnitude guided by individual responses in V′/Q′ mismatch, as determined by the degree of right shift (kilopascals, kPa) in a non-invasive gas exchange model. Best CPAP level was defined as the final pressure level at which V′/Q′ improved by more than 5%.

Main outcome measures

Within-subject change in V′/Q′ mismatch between baseline and best CPAP levels.

Results

There was a median (IQR) within-subject reduction in V′/Q′ mismatch of 1.2 (0–3.2) kPa between baseline and best CPAP levels, p=0.02. Best CPAP was observed at a median (range) absolute level of 7 (5–8) cm H2O.

Conclusions

Non-invasive measures of V′/Q′ mismatch may be a useful approach for identifying individualised CPAP levels in preterm infants. The results of our feasibility study should be interpreted cautiously and replication in larger studies evaluating the impact of this approach on clinical outcomes is needed.

Trial registration number

NCT02983825.
Intravascular leiomyomatosis: a continuing diagnostic challenge
Authors: Kolstad Emil Magnus Mong , Østergård Signe , Andersen Gratien , Fuglsang Katrine
Published: September 2022

We report the case of a woman in her 60s with intravascular leiomyomatosis. She suffered from numerous non-specific symptoms including weight loss, anaemia and sudden swelling of the left lower extremity. CT imaging showed the presence of an enlarged left ovary and a thrombus extending from the left ovarian venous plexus intruding into the right atrium of the heart. Cancer antigen 125 was 20 U/mL. Pelvic transvaginal ultrasound examination identified two normal ovaries and a mass adjacent to the left ovary. A second opinion on the CT scan was requested at a oncogynaecological multidisciplinary team meeting, where the radiologist of the team identified an intervascular leiomyomatosis. After further investigation, surgical treatment was planned and completed in collaboration with the departments of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery. The patient recovered fully.
Safety and efficacy of first-line nivolumab plus ipilimumab alternating with nivolumab monotherapy in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma: the non-randomised, open-label, phase IIIb/IV CheckMate 920 trial
Authors: George Daniel J , Spigel David R , Gordan Lucio N , Kochuparambil Samith T , Molina Ana M , Yorio Jeff , Rezazadeh Kalebasty Arash , McKean Heidi , Tchekmedyian Nishan , Tykodi Scott S , Zhang Joshua , Askelson Margarita , Johansen Jennifer L , Hutson Thomas E
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The non-randomised, open-label, phase IIIb/IV multicohort CheckMate 920 trial explored the safety and efficacy with a less frequent, but continual nivolumab plus ipilimumab (NIVO+IPI) dosing regimen (cohort 1) to determine whether this modification could potentially retain efficacy benefits while improving on the manageable safety profile previously observed with this combination in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC).

Setting

Patients were enrolled from 48 largely community-based sites in the USA.

Participants

106 patients with previously untreated, predominantly clear cell aRCC received treatment.

Interventions

Patients received NIVO 6 mg/kg plus IPI 1 mg/kg on day 1 of the first week of each 8-week cycle; the combination alternated with NIVO 480 mg monotherapy on day 1 of the fifth week of each 8-week cycle. Treatment continued until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, withdrawal of consent or study end. The maximum treatment duration was 2 years. The primary endpoint was the incidence of high-grade (grade 3/4 and grade 5) immune-mediated adverse events (IMAEs) within 100 days of the last dose. Select secondary endpoints included time to onset and resolution of high-grade IMAEs, progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR). The incidence of treatment-related adverse events and the overall survival (OS) were the exploratory endpoints.

Results

The most common grade 3/4 IMAEs were diarrhoea/colitis (7.5%) and rash (6.6%) and no grade 5 IMAEs occurred, with a minimum follow-up of 28.5 months. The median PFS was 4.8 (95% CI 3.0 to 8.3) months, the ORR in evaluable patients (n=96) was 34.4% (95% CI 25.0 to 44.8), and the median OS was not reached (95% CI 24.8 months to not estimable).

Conclusions

While no new safety signals were reported with less frequent, but continual NIVO+IPI dosing in CheckMate 920, the modified regimen was not associated with clinical benefits relative to the approved NIVO+IPI dose. These results support the continued use of the currently approved NIVO+IPI combination dosing schedule for patients with aRCC.

Trial registration number

NCT02982954.
Longitudinal qualitative study of living with neurogenic claudication
Authors: Griffiths Frances , Srikesavan Cynthia , Ward Lesley , Boniface Graham , Williamson Esther , Lamb Sarah E
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Neurogenic claudication (NC) causes pain and reduced mobility, particularly in older people, and can negatively affect mental and social well-being, so limiting successful ageing. This qualitative study explored how people with NC changed over 12 months.

Design

A longitudinal qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.

Setting

Participants were recruited from a UK clinical trial of a physiotherapy intervention for NC.

Participants

Interviews were undertaken at baseline, 1 month after receiving any intervention and at 12 months. We analysed 30 sets of three interviews.

Results

Interview data were summarised for each time point into biopsychosocial domains: pain, mobility and activities of daily living, psychological impact, and social and recreational participation. Through comparative analysis we explored participant trajectories over time.

Progressive improvement in at least one domain was experienced by 13 participants, but there was variability in trajectories with early improvements that remained the same, transient changes and no change also commonly observed.

Eleven participants described co-present improvement trajectories in all domains. Three participants described co-present improvement in all domains except participation; one had never stopped their participation and two had unattainable expectations. Five participants described co-present improvement in one domain and deterioration in another and 14 participants described co-present no change in one domain and change in another.

There was evidence of interaction between domains; for example, improved mobility led to improved participation and for some participants, specific factors influenced change. Of the 15 participants who experienced improved participation, 10 reported improvements in all other domains and five participants did not; for two, pain did not prevent participation, one used a walking aid and two had a positive psychological outlook.

Conclusion

The daily lived experiences of older adults with NC are variable and include interaction between biopsychosocial domains. Therapist understanding of these trajectories and their interactions may help to provide personalised therapy

Trial Registration Number

ISRCTN12698674
Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with delirium: analysis of a nationwide Japanese medical database
Authors: Ueda Naoya , Igarashi Masakazu , Okuyama Kotoba , Sano Hideki , Takahashi Kanae , P Qureshi Zaina , Tokita Shigeru , Ogawa Asao , Okumura Yasuyuki , Okuda Shoki
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Delirium commonly occurs during hospitalisation and is associated with increased mortality, especially in elderly patients. This study aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with delirium in the Japanese real-world clinical setting using a nationwide database comprising claims and discharge abstract data.

Design

This was an observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study in hospitalised patients with an incident delirium identified by a diagnosis based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes or initiating antipsychotics recommended for delirium treatment in Japan during their hospitalisation.

Setting

Patients from the Medical Data Vision database including more than 400 acute care hospitals in Japan were evaluated from admission to discharge.

Participants

Of the 32 910 227 patients who were included in the database between April 2012 and September 2020, a total of 145 219 patients met the criteria for delirium.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Demographic and baseline characteristics, comorbidities, clinical profiles and pharmacological treatments were evaluated in patients with delirium.

Results

The mean (SD) patient age was 76.5 (13.8) years. More than half of the patients (n=82 159; 56.6%) were male. The most frequent comorbidities were circulatory system diseases, observed in 81 954 (56.4%) patients. Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) with risk of delirium including benzodiazepines and opioids were prescribed to 76 798 (52.9%) patients. Approximately three-fourths of these patients (56 949; 74.2%) were prescribed ≥4 PIMs. The most prescribed treatment for delirium was injectable haloperidol (n=82 490; 56.8%). Mean (SD) length of hospitalisation was 16.0 (12.1) days.

Conclusions

The study results provide comprehensive details of the clinical characteristics of patients with delirium and treatment patterns with antipsychotics in the Japanese acute care setting. In this patient population, the prescription rate of injectable haloperidol and PIMs was high, suggesting the need for improved understanding among healthcare providers about the appropriate management of delirium, which may benefit patients.
Effect of melatonin on quality of life and symptoms in patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Fan Rongrong , Bu Xiaofan , Yang Siyu , Tan Yan , Wang Tongyu , Chen Hongyun , LI Xuying
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study systematically reviewed the effect of melatonin (MLT) on quality of life (QoL) and symptoms among patients with cancer.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, China Biology Medicine (CBM), ProQuest and Open Grey were searched from inception to November 2021.

Eligibility criteria

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of MLT on QoL, sleep quality, fatigue, depression, pain, stomatitis rate and stomatitis severity in adult patients with cancer, without language restrictions. Studies that reported the effects of MLT along with other interventions and had incomplete or absent outcome data were excluded.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted data, and another two reviewers assessed the risk of bias. The risk of bias for each eligible study was assessed using the Cochrane assessment tool. The mean difference or standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% CIs was used in the computation of continuous variables to synthesise data. The relative risk was used for dichotomous outcomes. Heterogeneity was assessed and quantified (I2 statistic).

Results

A total of 19 qualified studies that included 2101 patients with cancer (MLT: 1078, control: 1023) were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that MLT had no significant effect on QoL (SMD=−0.01, 95% CI (−0.14 to 0.11), p=0.83), sleep quality (SMD=−0.18, 95% CI (−0.62 to 0.26), p=0.42), fatigue (SMD=−0.34, 95% CI (−0.73 to 0.06), p=0.10), pain (SMD=−0.34, 95% CI (−0.7 to 0.02), p=0.06) or stomatitis severity (RR=0.78, 95% CI (0.47 to 1.30), p=0.35). MLT reduced stomatitis rate among patients with cancer (RR=0.47, 95% CI (0.26 to 0.88), p=0.02), except those with head and neck cancer (RR=1.09, 95% CI (0.92 to 1.29), p=0.35). MLT eased depression in patients who received administration for more than 14 days (SMD=−0.14, 95% CI (−0.27 to –0.01), p=0.03) and those who underwent surgery (SMD=−0.17, 95% CI (−0.32 to –0.03), p=0.02).

Conclusion

The findings showed that MLT did not improve the QoL, sleep quality, fatigue, pain or stomatitis severity among patients with cancer. It had a limited effect on decreasing the stomatitis rate and easing depression. Different treatments, durations and cancer types were the main sources of heterogeneity. Further large-scale RCTs are urgently needed. In addition, the effects of different combinations of MLT dosage and duration, administration types and joint measures are worthy of further study.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021292855.
Nursing support for symptoms in patients with cancer and caregiver burdens: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Kako Jun , Kobayashi Masamitsu , Kanno Yusuke , Kajiwara Kohei , Nakano Kimiko , Morikawa Miharu , Matsuda Yoshinobu , Shimizu Yoichi , Hori Megumi , Niino Mariko , Suzuki Miho , Shimazu Taichi
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Terminally ill patients with cancer experience a variety of symptoms, and their families experience certain caregiver burdens. Most studies on this topic have focused on the symptoms experienced by patients with cancer. There is little established evidence to show how nursing support affects these symptoms and burdens. Nurses provide support by extrapolating their clinical experience, practical knowledge and insights gained from the treatment phase of patients with cancer, regardless of the existence or degree of evidence. This study presents a scoping review protocol with the aim of categorising the feasibility of nursing support from the initial to the terminal phases in the trajectory of cancer care.

Method and analysis

This review will be guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage scoping review framework and Levac’s extension. Our research project team will focus on the pain, dyspnoea, nausea and vomiting, constipation, delirium, fatigue and skin disorders experienced by patients with cancer as well as the burdens experienced by caregivers of such patients. All available published articles from database inception to 31 January 2022 will be systematically searched using the following electrical databases: PubMed, CINAHL, CENTRAL in the Cochrane Library and Ichushi-Web of the Japan Medical Abstract Society databases. In addition, we will assess relevant studies from the reference list and manually search each key journal. The formula creation phase of the literature search involves working with a librarian to identify relevant keywords. At least two reviewers will independently screen and review articles and extract data using a data chart form. Results will be mapped according to study design and analysed for adaptation in the field of terminal cancer.

Ethics and dissemination

This review does not require ethical approval as it is a secondary analysis of pre-existing, published data. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.