bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A vacuum-actuated soft robot inspired by Drosophila larvae to study kinetics of crawling behaviour
Authors: Sun Xiyang , Nose Akinao , Kohsaka Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

Peristalsis, a motion generated by the propagation of muscular contraction along the body axis, is one of the most common locomotion patterns in limbless animals. While the kinematics of peristalsis has been examined intensively, its kinetics remains unclear, partially due to the lack of suitable physical models to simulate the locomotion patterns and inner drive in soft-bodied animals. Inspired by a soft-bodied animal, Drosophila larvae, we propose a vacuum-actuated soft robot mimicking its crawling behaviour. The soft structure, made of hyperelastic silicone rubber, was designed to imitate the larval segmental hydrostatic structure. Referring to a numerical simulation by the finite element method, the dynamical change in the vacuum pressure in each segment was controlled accordingly, and the soft robots could exhibit peristaltic locomotion. The soft robots successfully reproduced two previous experimental phenomena on fly larvae: 1. Crawling speed in backward crawling is slower than in forward crawling. 2. Elongation of either the segmental contraction duration or intersegmental phase delay makes peristaltic crawling slow. Furthermore, our experimental results provided a novel prediction for the role of the contraction force in controlling the speed of peristaltic locomotion. These observations indicate that soft robots could serve to examine the kinetics of crawling behaviour in soft-bodied animals.
German brass for Benin Bronzes: Geochemical analysis insights into the early Atlantic trade
Authors: Skowronek Tobias B. , DeCorse Christopher R. , Denk Rolf , Birr Stefan D. , Kingsley Sean , Cook Gregory D. , Benito Dominguez Ana María , Clifford Brandon , Barker Andrew , Otero José Suárez , Moreira Vicente Caramés , Bode Michael , Jansen Moritz , Scholes Daniel
Published: April 2023

Utilizing geochemical analysis, this study identifies the sources of European brass used in the casting of the renowned Benin Bronzes, produced by the Edo people of Nigeria. It is commonly believed that distinctive brass rings known as “manillas”, used as currency in the European trade in West Africa, also served as a metal source for the making of the Bronzes. However, prior to the current study, no research had conclusively connected the Benin artworks and the European manillas. For this research, manillas from shipwrecks in African, American and European waters dating between the 16th and 19th Century were analysed using ICP-MS analysis. Comparing trace elements and lead isotope ratios of manillas and Benin Bronzes identifies Germany as the principal source of the manillas used in the West African trade between the 15thand 18thcenturies before British industries took over the brass trade in the late 18thcentury.
Feeling safe or falling through the cracks—Patients’ experiences of healthcare in cirrhosis illness: A qualitative study
Authors: Hjorth Maria , Svanberg Anncarin , Sjöberg Daniel , Rorsman Fredrik , Kaminsky Elenor
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Patients with cirrhosis have a long-lasting relationship with medical personnel. Hierarchy in the healthcare contacts and feeling stigmatised may affect the patient’s interactions with these care providers. Despite healthcare professionals’ awareness of patients’ increased self-care needs, patients report getting insufficient information and support. The patients’ expectations and experiences of interacting with healthcare professionals in cirrhosis care is hence a research area that needs further investigation.

Purpose

To capture patients’ descriptions of healthcare experiences in relation to cirrhosis illness.

Material and methods

Data comprise semi-structured interviews (N = 18) and open-ended questionnaire responses (N = 86) of patients with cirrhosis. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis process was used, including both semantic and inductive elements. The study is reported following the COREQ guidelines.

Findings

The analysis resulted in two themes: 1) Struggle to be in a dialogue and 2) Being helped or harmed. Six sub-themes were identified concerning aspects of experiences within each theme during the analysis. These sub-themes included: ‘getting information’, ‘being involved’, ‘being perceived as a person’, ‘enduring care’, ‘feeling lost in the healthcare organisation’, and ‘not being taken care of’.

Conclusions

Patients with cirrhosis express concerns regarding where to turn in the continuum of cirrhosis care. They emphasise the importance of being involved in the dialogue with the healthcare professional, to be perceived as a person with a unique need to be informed. The healthcare organisation and continuity of care are either viewed as confusing or as helping to shape a safe and trustful contact, which was an important difference in feeling helped or harmed. Hence, patients wished for improved collaboration with healthcare professionals and to receive increased information about their disease. Person-centred communication in nurse-led clinics may increase patient satisfaction and prevent patients from falling through the cracks.
Retention strategies among those on community supervision in the South: Lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Uhrig Castonguay Breana J. , LeMasters Katherine , Corsi Chris , Batty Evan J. , Krajewski Taylor J. , Travis Madelene , Waleed Craig , Oser Carrie B. , Nowotny Kathryn M. , Brinkley-Rubinstein Lauren
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Cohort studies must implement effective retention strategies to produce internally valid and generalizable results. Ensuring all study participants are retained, particularly those involved in the criminal legal system, ensures study findings and future interventions will be relevant to this group, who are often lost to follow-up: critical to achieving health equity. Our objective was to characterize retention strategies and describe overall retention among an 18-month longitudinal cohort study of persons on community supervision prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We implemented various retention strategy best-practices (e.g., multiple forms of locator information, training study staff on rapport building, study-branded items). During the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed and describe new retention strategies. We calculated overall retention and analyzed differences between those retained and lost to follow-up by demographic characteristics.

Results

Prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, 227 participants enrolled across three sites (N = 46 North Carolina; N = 99 Kentucky; N = 82 Florida). Of these, 180 completed the final 18-month visit, 15 were lost to follow-up, and 32 were ineligible. This resulted in an overall retention of 92.3% (180/195). While most participant characteristics did not differ by retention status, a greater proportion of those experiencing unstable housing were lost to follow-up.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight that when retention strategies are flexible, particularly during a pandemic, high retention is still achievable. In addition to retention best-practices (e.g., frequent requests for updated locator information) we suggest other studies consider retention strategies beyond the study participant (e.g., paying participant contacts) and incentivize on-time study visit completion (e.g., providing a bonus when completed the study visit on time).
Optimization of gene editing in cowpea through protoplast transformation and agroinfiltration by targeting the phytoene desaturase gene
Authors: Bridgeland Aya , Biswas Sudip , Tsakirpaloglou Nikolaos , Thomson Michael J. , Septiningsih Endang M.
Published: April 2023

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a legume staple widely grown across Sub-Saharan Africa and other tropical and sub-tropical regions. Considering projected climate change and global population increases, cowpea’s adaptation to hot climates, resistance to drought, and nitrogen-fixing capabilities make it an especially attractive crop for facing future challenges. Despite these beneficial traits, efficient varietal improvement is challenging in cowpea due to its recalcitrance to transformation and long regeneration times. Transient gene expression assays can provide solutions to alleviate these issues as they allow researchers to test gene editing constructs before investing in the time and resource- intensive process of transformation. In this study, we developed an improved cowpea protoplast isolation protocol, a transient protoplast assay, and an agroinfiltration assay to be used for initial testing and validation of gene editing constructs and for gene expression studies. To test these protocols, we assessed the efficacy of a CRISPR-Cas9 construct containing four multiplexed single-guide RNA (sgRNA) sequences using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated transformation and agroinfiltration with phytoene desaturase (PDS) as the target gene. Sanger sequencing of DNA from transformed protoplasts and agroinfiltrated cowpea leaves revealed several large deletions in the target sequences. The protoplast system and agroinfiltration protocol developed in this study provide versatile tools to test gene editing components before initiating plant transformation, thus improving the chance of using active sgRNAs and attaining the desired edits and target phenotype.
CSFPre: Expressway key sections based on CEEMDAN-STSGCN-FCM during the holidays for traffic flow prediction
Authors: Chen Libiao , Ren Qiang , Zeng Juncheng , Zou Fumin , Luo Sheng , Tian Junshan , Xing Yue
Published: April 2023

The implementation of the toll free during holidays makes a large number of traffic jams on the expressway. Real-time and accurate holiday traffic flow forecasts can assist the traffic management department to guide the diversion and reduce the expressway’s congestion. However, most of the current prediction methods focus on predicting traffic flow on ordinary working days or weekends. There are fewer studies for festivals and holidays traffic flow prediction, it is challenging to predict holiday traffic flow accurately because of its sudden and irregular characteristics. Therefore, we put forward a data-driven expressway traffic flow prediction model based on holidays. Firstly, Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) gantry data and toll data are preprocessed to realize data integrity and accuracy. Secondly, after Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN) processing, the preprocessed traffic flow is sorted into trend terms and random terms, and the spatial-temporal correlation and heterogeneity of each component are captured simultaneously using the Spatial-Temporal Synchronous Graph Convolutional Networks (STSGCN) model. Finally, the fluctuating traffic flow of holidays is predicted using Fluctuation Coefficient Method (FCM). Through experiments of real ETC gantry data and toll data in Fujian Province, this method is superior to all baseline methods and has achieved good results. It can provide reference for future public travel choices and further road network operation.
Evaluation of decellularization process for developing osteogenic bovine cancellous bone scaffolds in-vitro
Authors: Al Qabbani Ali , Rani K. G. Aghila , Syarif Junaidi , AlKawas Sausan , Sheikh Abdul Hamid Suzina , Samsudin A. R. , Azlina Ahmad
Published: April 2023

Current immunological issues in bone grafting regarding the transfer of xenogeneic donor bone cells into the recipient are challenging the industry to produce safer acellular natural matrices for bone regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a novel decellularization technique for producing bovine cancellous bone scaffold and compare its physicochemical, mechanical, and biological characteristics with demineralized cancellous bone scaffold in an in-vitro study. Cancellous bone blocks were harvested from a bovine femoral head (18–24 months old) subjected to physical cleansing and chemical defatting, and further processed in two ways. Group I was subjected to demineralization, while Group II underwent decellularization through physical, chemical, and enzymatic treatments. Both were then freeze-dried, and gamma radiated, finally producing a demineralized bovine cancellous bone (DMB) scaffold and decellularized bovine cancellous bone (DCC) scaffold. Both DMB and DCC scaffolds were subjected to histological evaluation, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), quantification of lipid, collagen, and residual nucleic acid content, and mechanical testing. The osteogenic potential was investigated through the recellularization of scaffolds with human osteoblast cell seeding and examined for cell attachment, proliferation, and mineralization by Alizarin staining and gene expression. DCC produced a complete acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) with the absence of nucleic acid content, wider pores with extensive interconnectivity and partially retaining collagen fibrils. DCC demonstrated a higher cell proliferation rate, upregulation of osteogenic differentiation markers, and substantial mineralized nodules production. Our findings suggest that the decellularization technique produced an acellular DCC scaffold with minimal damage to ECM and possesses osteogenic potential through the mechanisms of osteoconduction, osteoinduction, and osteogenesis in-vitro.
Application of quantum computing to a linear non-Gaussian acyclic model for novel medical knowledge discovery
Authors: Kawaguchi Hideaki
Published: April 2023

Recently, the utilization of real-world medical data collected from clinical sites has been attracting attention. Especially as the number of variables in real-world medical data increases, causal discovery becomes more and more effective. On the other hand, it is necessary to develop new causal discovery algorithms suitable for small data sets for situations where sample sizes are insufficient to detect reasonable causal relationships, such as rare diseases and emerging infectious diseases. This study aims to develop a new causal discovery algorithm suitable for a small number of real-world medical data using quantum computing, one of the emerging information technologies attracting attention for its application in machine learning. In this study, a new algorithm that applies the quantum kernel to a linear non-Gaussian acyclic model, one of the causal discovery algorithms, is developed. Experiments on several artificial data sets showed that the new algorithm proposed in this study was more accurate than existing methods with the Gaussian kernel under various conditions in the low-data regime. When the new algorithm was applied to real-world medical data, a case was confirmed in which the causal structure could be correctly estimated even when the amount of data was small, which was not possible with existing methods. Furthermore, the possibility of implementing the new algorithm on real quantum hardware was discussed. This study suggests that the new proposed algorithm using quantum computing might be a good choice among the causal discovery algorithms in the low-data regime for novel medical knowledge discovery.
Executive function and the continued influence of misinformation: A latent-variable analysis
Authors: McIlhiney Paul , Gignac Gilles E. , Ecker Ullrich K. H. , Kennedy Briana L. , Weinborn Michael
Published: April 2023

Misinformation can continue to influence reasoning after correction; this is known as the continued influence effect (CIE). Theoretical accounts of the CIE suggest failure of two cognitive processes to be causal, namely memory updating and suppression of misinformation reliance. Both processes can also be conceptualised as subcomponents of contemporary executive function (EF) models; specifically, working-memory updating and prepotent-response inhibition. EF may thus predict susceptibility to the CIE. The current study investigated whether individual differences in EF could predict individual differences in CIE susceptibility. Participants completed several measures of EF subcomponents, including those of updating and inhibition, as well as set shifting, and a standard CIE task. The relationship between EF and CIE was then assessed using a correlation analysis of the EF and CIE measures, as well as structural equation modelling of the EF-subcomponent latent variable and CIE latent variable. Results showed that EF can predict susceptibility to the CIE, especially the factor of working-memory updating. These results further our understanding of the CIE’s cognitive antecedents and provide potential directions for real-world CIE intervention.
’More of the same, but worse than before’: A qualitative study of the challenges encountered by people who use drugs in Nova Scotia, Canada during COVID-19
Authors: Comeau Emilie , Bonn Matthew , Wildeman Sheila , Herder Matthew
Published: April 2023

Background

To learn about the experiences of people who use drugs, specifically opioids, in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), in Nova Scotia, Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic through qualitative interviews with people who use drugs and healthcare providers (HCP). This study took place within the HRM, a municipality of 448,500 people [1]. During the pandemic many critical services were interrupted while overdose events increased. We wanted to understand the experiences of people who use drugs as well as their HCPs during the first year of the pandemic.

Methodology

We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 13 people who use drugs and 6 HCPs, including physicians who work in addiction medicine (3), a pharmacist, a nurse, and a community-based opioid agonist therapy (OAT) program staff member. Participants were recruited within HRM. Interviews were held via phone or videoconference due to social distancing directives. Interviews focused on the challenges people who use drugs and HCPs faced during the pandemic as well as elicited perspectives on a safe supply of drugs and the associated barriers and facilitators to the provision of a safe supply.

Results

Of the 13 people who use drugs who participated in this study, ages ranged from 21–55 years (mean 40). Individuals had spent on average 17 years in HRM. Most people who use drugs (85%, n = 11) utilized income assistance, the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit, or disability support. Many had experienced homelessness (85%, n = 11) and almost half (46%, n = 6) were currently precariously housed in the shelter system. The main themes among interviews (people who use drugs and HCPs) were housing, accessing healthcare and community services, shifts in the drug supply, and perspectives on safe supply.

Conclusions

We identified several challenges that people who use drugs face in general, but especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to services, housing support, and interventions to use safely at home were limited. As many challenges faced by people who use drugs exist outside of COVID-19, we concluded that the formal and informal interventions and changes in practice that were made to support people who use drugs should be sustained well past the end of the pandemic. The need for enhanced community supports and a safe supply of drugs, despite its complicated nature, is essential for the health and safety of people who use drugs in HRM, especially during COVID-19.
High levels of pro-inflammatory SARS-CoV-2-specific biomarkers revealed by in vitro whole blood cytokine release assay (CRA) in recovered and long-COVID-19 patients
Authors: Gomes Shayane Martins Rodrigues , Brito Andréia Carolinne de Souza , Manfro Wânia Ferraz Pereira , Ribeiro-Alves Marcelo , Ribeiro Roberto Stefan de Almeida , da Cal Mariana Soares , Lisboa Vinicius da Cunha , Abreu Daniel Paiva Barros de , Castilho Leda dos Reis , Porto Luís Cristóvão de Moares Sobrino , Mafort Thiago Thomáz , Lopes Agnaldo José , da Silva Silvia Amaral Gonçalves , Dutra Patrícia Maria Lourenço , Rodrigues Luciana Silva
Published: April 2023

Background

Cytokines induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and hyperinflammatory responses have been associated with poor clinical outcomes, with progression to severe conditions or long-term subacute complications named as long-COVID-19.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate a set of antigen-specific inflammatory cytokines in blood from recovered COVID-19 individuals or who suffered a post-acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to healthy individuals with no history of COVID-19 exposition or infection. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IFN-γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-17A were quantified by multiplex cytometric bead assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after stimulation of whole blood with recombinant Spike protein from SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, all participants have evaluated for anti-(S) protein-specific IgG antibodies. Clinical specimens were collected within two months of COVID-19 diagnosis.

Results

A total of 47 individuals were enrolled in the study, a median age of 43 years (IQR = 14.5), grouped into healthy individuals with no history of infection or exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (unexposed group; N = 21); and patients from the Health Complex of the Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Brazil, who were SARS-CoV-2 positive by RT-PCR (COVID-19 group)–categorized as recovered COVID-19 (N = 11) or long-COVID-19 (N = 15). All COVID-19 patients presented at least one signal or symptom during the first two weeks of infection. Six patients were hospitalized and required invasive mechanical ventilation. Our results showed that COVID-19 patients had significantly higher levels of IFN-γ, TNF, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and IP-10 than the unexposed group. The long-COVID-19 group has presented significantly high levels of IL-1β and IL-6 compared to unexposed individuals, but not from recovered COVID-19. A principal-component analysis demonstrated 84.3% of the total variance of inflammatory-SARS-CoV-2 response in the first two components, and it was possible to stratify IL-6, TNF, IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-2 as the top-five cytokines which are candidates to discriminate COVID-19 group (including long-COVID-19 subgroup) and healthy unexposed individuals.

Conclusion

We revealed important S protein-specific differential biomarkers in individuals affected by COVID-19, bringing new insights into the inflammatory status or SARS-CoV-2 exposition determination.
Prescribing errors in a Brazilian teaching hospital: Causes and underlying factors from the perspective of junior doctors
Authors: Bonella Gislaine F. , Alves Letícia da S. , Souza Alicia R. N. D. de , Silva Carlos H. M. da
Published: April 2023

Introduction

In university hospital settings most prescriptions are written by junior doctors, who are more likely to make prescribing errors than experienced doctors. Prescribing errors can cause serious harm to patients and drug harm differs among low, middle and high-income countries. In Brazil, few studies have investigated the causes of these errors. Our aim was to explore medication prescribing errors in a teaching hospital, their causes, and underlying factors from the perspective of junior doctors.

Method

Qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study that used a semi-structured individual interview with questions related to the planning and execution of prescriptions. It was conducted with 34 junior doctors who graduated from twelve different universities located in six Brazilian states. The data were analyzed according to the Reason’s Accident Causation model.

Results

Among the 105 errors reported, medication omission stood out. Most errors resulted from unsafe acts during execution, followed by mistakes and violations. Many errors reached the patients; unsafe acts of rule violations and slips accounted for the majority. Work overload and time pressure were the most frequently reported causes. Difficulties faced by the National Health System and organizational problems were identified as latent conditions.

Conclusion

The results reaffirm international findings about the severity of prescribing errors and the multifactorial aspect of their causes. Unlike other studies, we found a large number of violations, which, from the interviewees’ perspectives, are related to socioeconomic and cultural patterns. The violations were not seen or mentioned by the interviewees as violations, but as difficulties in accomplishing their tasks on time. Knowing these patterns and perspectives is important for implementing strategies to improve the safety of both patients and professionals involved in the medication process. It is suggested that the exploitation culture of junior doctors’ work be discouraged and that their training be improved and prioritized.
Development and validation of a depression risk prediction nomogram for US Adults with hypertension, based on NHANES 2007–2018
Authors: Wang Yicheng , Zhang Yan , Ni Binghang , Jiang Yu , Ouyang Yu
Published: April 2023

Depression is of increasing concern as its prevalence increases. Our study’s objective was to create and evaluate a nomogram to predict the likelihood that hypertension patients may experience depression. 13293 people with hypertension who were under 20 years old were chosen from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database between 2007 and 2018 for this study. The training and validation sets were split up into the dataset at random in a 7:3 ratio. To find independent predictors, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were employed on the training set. Using information from the validation set, nomogram was subsequently created and internally validated. The effectiveness of the nomogram is assessed using calibration curve and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. Combining univariate logistic regression analysis and multifactor logistic regression analysis, the results showed that age, sex, race, marital, education level, sleep time on workdays, poverty to income ratio, smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary time and heart failure status were risk factors for hypertensive patients suffering from depression and were included in the nomogram model, and ROC analysis showed that the AUC of the training set was 0.757 (0.797–0.586), with a sensitivity of 0.586; the AUC of the test set was 0.724 (0.712–0.626), with a sensitivity of 0.626, which was a good fit. Decision curve analysis further confirms the value of nomogram for clinical application. In the civilian non-institutionalized population of the United States, our study suggests a nomogram that can aid in predicting the likelihood of depression in hypertension patients and aiding in the selection of the most effective treatments.
The E2 glycoprotein holds key residues for Mayaro virus adaptation to the urban Aedes aegypti mosquito
Authors: Cereghino Chelsea , Roesch Ferdinand , Carrau Lucía , Hardy Alexandra , Ribeiro-Filho Helder V. , Henrion-Lacritick Annabelle , Koh Cassandra , Marano Jeffrey M. , Bates Tyler A. , Rai Pallavi , Chuong Christina , Akter Shamima , Vallet Thomas , Blanc Hervé , Elliott Truitt J. , Brown Anne M. , Michalak Pawel , LeRoith Tanya , Bloom Jesse D. , Marques Rafael Elias , Saleh Maria-Carla , Vignuzzi Marco , Weger-Lucarelli James
Published: April 2023

Adaptation to mosquito vectors suited for transmission in urban settings is a major driver in the emergence of arboviruses. To better anticipate future emergence events, it is crucial to assess their potential to adapt to new vector hosts. In this work, we used two different experimental evolution approaches to study the adaptation process of an emerging alphavirus, Mayaro virus (MAYV), to Ae. aegypti, an urban mosquito vector of many other arboviruses. We identified E2-T179N as a key mutation increasing MAYV replication in insect cells and enhancing transmission after escaping the midgut of live Ae. aegypti. In contrast, this mutation decreased viral replication and binding in human fibroblasts, a primary cellular target of MAYV in humans. We also showed that MAYV E2-T179N generates reduced viremia and displays less severe tissue pathology in vivo in a mouse model. We found evidence in mouse fibroblasts that MAYV E2-T179N is less dependent on the Mxra8 receptor for replication than WT MAYV. Similarly, exogenous expression of human apolipoprotein receptor 2 and Mxra8 enhanced WT MAYV replication compared to MAYV E2-T179N. When this mutation was introduced in the closely related chikungunya virus, which has caused major outbreaks globally in the past two decades, we observed increased replication in both human and insect cells, suggesting E2 position 179 is an important determinant of alphavirus host-adaptation, although in a virus-specific manner. Collectively, these results indicate that adaptation at the T179 residue in MAYV E2 may result in increased vector competence–but coming at the cost of optimal replication in humans–and may represent a first step towards a future emergence event.
Cryo-EM structures and binding of mouse and human ACE2 to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern indicate that mutations enabling immune escape could expand host range
Authors: Ni Dongchun , Turelli Priscilla , Beckert Bertrand , Nazarov Sergey , Uchikawa Emiko , Myasnikov Alexander , Pojer Florence , Trono Didier , Stahlberg Henning , Lau Kelvin
Published: April 2023

Investigation of potential hosts of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is crucial to understanding future risks of spillover and spillback. SARS-CoV-2 has been reported to be transmitted from humans to various animals after requiring relatively few mutations. There is significant interest in describing how the virus interacts with mice as they are well adapted to human environments, are used widely as infection models and can be infected. Structural and binding data of the mouse ACE2 receptor with the Spike protein of newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variants are needed to better understand the impact of immune system evading mutations present in variants of concern (VOC). Previous studies have developed mouse-adapted variants and identified residues critical for binding to heterologous ACE2 receptors. Here we report the cryo-EM structures of mouse ACE2 bound to trimeric Spike ectodomains of four different VOC: Beta, Omicron BA.1, Omicron BA.2.12.1 and Omicron BA.4/5. These variants represent the oldest to the newest variants known to bind the mouse ACE2 receptor. Our high-resolution structural data complemented with bio-layer interferometry (BLI) binding assays reveal a requirement for a combination of mutations in the Spike protein that enable binding to the mouse ACE2 receptor.
Developing an appropriate evolutionary baseline model for the study of SARS-CoV-2 patient samples
Authors: Terbot John W. , Johri Parul , Liphardt Schuyler W. , Soni Vivak , Pfeifer Susanne P. , Cooper Brandon S. , Good Jeffrey M. , Jensen Jeffrey D.
Published: April 2023

Over the past 3 years, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread through human populations in several waves, resulting in a global health crisis. In response, genomic surveillance efforts have proliferated in the hopes of tracking and anticipating the evolution of this virus, resulting in millions of patient isolates now being available in public databases. Yet, while there is a tremendous focus on identifying newly emerging adaptive viral variants, this quantification is far from trivial. Specifically, multiple co-occurring and interacting evolutionary processes are constantly in operation and must be jointly considered and modeled in order to perform accurate inference. We here outline critical individual components of such an evolutionary baseline model—mutation rates, recombination rates, the distribution of fitness effects, infection dynamics, and compartmentalization—and describe the current state of knowledge pertaining to the related parameters of each in SARS-CoV-2. We close with a series of recommendations for future clinical sampling, model construction, and statistical analysis.
Th2-dependent STAT6-regulated genes in intestinal epithelial cells mediate larval trapping during secondary Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri infection
Authors: Westermann Stefanie , Schubart Christoph , Dietschmann Axel , Castiglione Kirstin , Radtke Daniel , Voehringer David
Published: April 2023

Gastrointestinal helminths are a major health threat worldwide. Alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs) have been shown to contribute to host protection during secondary helminth infections. AAMs express effector molecules that depend on activation of the IL-4- or IL-13-induced transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6). However, the specific role of STAT6-regulated genes like Arginase-1 (Arg1) from AAMs or STAT6-regulated genes in other cell types for host protection remains unclear. To address this point, we generated mice expressing STAT6 only in macrophages (Mac-STAT6 mouse). In the model of Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri (Hpb) infection, Mac-STAT6 mice could not trap larvae in the submucosa of the small intestine after secondary infection. Further, mice lacking Arg1 in hematopoietic and endothelial cells were still protected from secondary Hpb infection. On the other hand, specific deletion of IL-4/IL-13 in T cells blunted AAM polarization, activation of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and protective immunity. Deletion of IL-4Rα on IEC also caused loss of larval trapping while AAM polarization remained intact. These results show that Th2-dependent and STAT6-regulated genes in IECs are required and AAMs are not sufficient for protection against secondary Hpb infection by mechanisms that remain to be investigated.
Fish Stock Status Assessment in Alue Naga Waters Using A 200 Khz Single Beam Echosounder
Authors: Purnawan Syahrul , Karina Sofyatuddin , Kang Myounghee , Manik Henry
Published: April 2023

Monitoring fish stocks is an important part of sustainable management of fisheries resources. Conducting the current evaluation is very difficult since there are no reliable data on the potential for fisheries in the waters surrounding Banda Aceh city. The hydroacoustic method was used for the first time in the waters of Alue Naga, located north of Banda Aceh, to evaluate the condition of fish stocks. A single beam scientific echosounder with a frequency of 200 kHz was used to collect hydroacoustic data in the area. The collected data was then processed using the Sonar5-Pro software. Cell integration was carried out at an interval of 10 meters vertically with an elementary sampling distance (ESD) of 200 m. While the volume backscattering strength (SV) value tends to be the highest in intermediate layers, the target strength (TS) value was found to be maximum in deeper layer, reaching a maximum value of -49.46 dB at a depth of 51–60 m. Area density value (#.ha-1) was found to be the highest at a depth of 11-20 m, while Biomass (g.ha-1) at a depth of 21-30 m was the highest among other depth layers with a value of 1558 g.ha-1. According to the in-situ catches of Carangoides, Selaroides, Aphareus, Variola, and Priacanthidae, there are a number of potential reef fish resources in the waters of Alue Naga. The findings of this study strongly support the conclusion that the hydroacoustic method effectively provides comprehensive information on the horizontal and vertical distribution of fish in Alue Naga waters.
Microplastic Bioaccumulation by Tiger Snail (Babylonia spirata): Application of Nuclear Technique Capability using Polystyrene Labelled with Radiotracer 65Zn
Authors: Susetyo Andhi , Suseno Heny , Muslim Muslim , Munir Miftakul , Pujiyanto Anung , Yusof Noor Fadzilah Binti
Published: April 2023

Plastic waste is a solid that is difficult to decompose but can turn into environmental microplastics. Microplastics are sizes between 0.1 μm–5 mm, highly prolific anthropogenic pollutants affecting terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of Babylonia spirata to accumulate and eliminate polystyrene microplastics. This experiment uses the nuclear applications technique. The experiment consists of two methods: manufacturing microplastics and biokinetics. The manufacture of microplastics labeled Zn-65 is based on the reaction of polystyrene sulfonate with zinc to form polystyrene sulfonate Zn resin. This microplastic labeled Zn-65 is very stable in the aquatic environment, so it is used for bioaccumulation experiments. Biokinetics includes acclimatization/adaptation of the organism for seven days, bioaccumulation consists of the organism accumulating microplastics labeled Zn-65 for seven days, and depuration for seven days that were placing the organism accumulating microplastics labeled Zn-65 in water free of contamination and biokinetics calculations include the BCF (Biocontration Factor), ku (uptake constant), ke (depuration constants), and t1/2 (half-life). The experimental results show that the ability to bioaccumulate polystyrene microplastics from seawater (BCF) is 79.2 to 304.31 ml.g-1. This bioaccumulation is affected by the microplastic content in the water. The biological half-life of the microplastic is 14.54 to 41.78 d. There is a relationship between the concentration and the Ku, Ke and BCF. the polystyrene content. The experimental results show that microplastics bioaccumulate in a marine organism so that they can move through the food chain and are ultimately harmful to humans.
In vitro biomedical corrosion and enzyme activity inhibition on modified Cu-Zn-Al bioalloy
Authors: Herenda Safija , Asanović Vanja , Hasković Edhem , Radonjić Dragan , Šćepanović Jelena
Published: April 2023

The amperometric biosensor was created using a flat sheet of the Cu-Zn-Al shape memory alloy, with a shiny surface and uniform thickness below 1 mm. The high biocompatibility and a large specific surface area for enzyme loading are evaluated. In vitro biomedical corrosion testing of samples revealed successful immobilization of catalase, which has undergone quasi-reversible electron transfer from the surface and saline solution. A catalase that had been immobilized retained its basic structure and bioactivity and demonstrated a remarkable electrocatalytic response to hydrogen peroxide reduction. The reduction of hydrogen peroxide on the catalase-modified Cu-25.38Zn-3.3Al alloy was investigated using hydrodynamic amperometry in both the absence and presence of l-cysteine and K2[B3O3F4OH] inhibitors. Catalytic reduction currents have increased as a result of the gradual increase in hydrogen peroxide concentration. The study on enzyme activity inhibition has shown a lower corrosion rate of catalase-modified bioalloy than the initial sample because inhibitor ions occupy all sites of the immobilized enzyme.
The antibacterial and cytocompatibility of the polyurethane nanofibrous scaffold containing curcumin for wound healing applications
Authors: Abdelbasset Walid Kamal , Jasim Saade Abdalkareem , Abed Azher M. , Altimari Usama S. , Eid Marwa M. , Karim Yasir Salam , Elkholi Safaa M. , Mustafa Yasser Fakri , Jalil Abduladheem Turki
Published: April 2023

In today’s world, wound healing is a growing serious problem for clinical institutes. In this study, nanofibrous scaffolds were prepared using polyurethane as a mat scaffold. Also, by immersing curcumin as an antibacterial component another scaffold was fabricated using the electrospinning technique. The obtained scaffolds were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, tensile analysis, porosity, and water vapor transmission rate. MTT and DAPI staining were used to prove the biocompatibility and cell attachment of the nanofibers. The curcumin incorporated into the PU scaffold can stop both the Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria activities through direct contact with them. Studies showed that the PU/Curcumin scaffold has considerable ability to play a key role in wound healing applications.
The Purposes of Tort Law
Authors: Kadner Graziano Thomas
Published: April 2023

According to art 10:101 of the Principles of European Tort Law (PETL), tort law pursues two objectives: compensation and the prevention of harm. The following contribution argues that modern tort law pursues a much wider range of objectives. The author identifies a total of eleventh functions which interact and complement each other. He suggests for a future version of the PETL to explicitly mention the whole range of objectives. Naming the full range would facilitate the application of tort law and a teleological interpretation of its provisions, which is, alongside the grammatical interpretation, the most important method for legal interpretation in continental Europe.
Comparative analyses of surrogates of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents with metabolically healthy obesity vs. metabolically unhealthy obesity according to Damanhoury’s criteria
Authors: Mohamad Riham , Cakir Aydilek Dagdeviren , Ada Halil İbrahim , Uçar Ahmet
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) has been reported with varying frequencies in children. The reasons of metabolically healthy phenotype in some obese subjects are unclear. Our aim was to identify the frequency of MHO in obese subjects, to assess the potential associations of demographic characteristics, serum uric acid, alanine transaminase (ALT), pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibsosis score probability (PNFS p) with MHO status and to evaluate the differences between MHO and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) with regard to metabolic syndrome surrogates.

Methods

251 consecutive obese subjects (125 females) aged 7–18 years were included. Subjects were classified as having MHO according to Damanhoury’s criteria. Several metabolic variables were measured, PNFS p was calculated by using the formula: z=1.1+(0.34*sqrt(ALT))+ (0.002*ALP)–(1.1*log(platelets)–(0.02*GGT).

Results

Median age of the subjects was 12.5 yr (range: 7.0–17.0 yr). The frequency of MHO was 41 %. Subjects with MHO were significantly younger, had lower waist circumference (WC) and waist height ratio (WHtR) and lower HOMA-IR than those without MHO(p<0.05 for all). Frequencies of hyperuricemia, hypertransaminasemia, hepatosteatosis and PNFS p values≥8 were similar betwen the groups. When putatively influential factors associated with MHO status were assessed with logistic regression analysis, only WC(β=1.03) and HOMA-IR(β=1.166) emerged as significant factors(Nagelkerke R2=0.142). None of the investigated demographic factors were associated with MHO status.

Conclusions

We found a remarkably high frequency of MHO status. Nevertheless, the absence of decreased frequencies of hyperuricemia, hypertransaminasemia and PNFS in subjects with MHO may suggest the need to reconsider the validity of the criteria defining MHO.
Tribological behaviour of industrial waste based agave sisalana/glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites for marine applications
Authors: Rasu Karthick , Veerabathiran Anbumalar
Published: April 2023

Accumulation of industrial waste is a serious environmental problem, which lead to air and water pollution. Addition of industrial waste in polymer composites as reinforcement can enhance the various properties. To overcome this issue, an attempt has been made to investigate mechanical, tribological and water absorption behaviour of industrial waste (red mud) based sisal/glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites and also no research has been done on this. In this work, prepared the composite specimens using sisal fiber (35, 30, 25 and 20 wt%), red mud (0, 5, 10 and 15 wt%) through hand layup technique. In addition to this, glass fiber (5 wt%) and polyester matrix (60 wt%) are kept as constant. From the results, it is observed that, enhanced mechanical properties, minimum wear behaviour and good water resistance were observed on 30 wt% of sisal fiber and 5 wt% of red mud filled composite and recommending this material for marine applications due to good water resistance in sea water. Morphological analysis shows fiber breakages, voids, wear debris, minor cracks, voids and delamination.
Crystal structure of bis{μ2-(4-acetyl-phenoxy)acetato-κ2
O:O′}-bis{μ2-(4-acetyl-phenoxy)acetato-κ3
O,O′:O)- bis{(4-acetyl-phenoxy)acetato-κ2
O,O′}-bis(phenanthrolin-κ2
N,N′)didysprosium(III) tetrahydrate, C84H78N4O28Dy2
Authors: Wang Li–Hua , Tai Hao–Wen , Zhao Mei–Li , Tai Xi–Shi
Published: April 2023

C84H78N4O28Dy2, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 12.3134(5) Å, b = 12.7705(5) Å, c = 14.5150(6) Å, α = 70.852(1)°, β = 80.298(1)°, γ = 65.726(1)°, V = 1964.05(14) Å3, Z = 1, R

gt
(F) = 0.0381, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0682, T = 296.15 K.
Promising Paths and Dead Ends in Evolutionary Theodicy
Authors: Wahlberg Mats
Published: April 2023

In this article, I first reflect on the background of the debate between myself and Eikrem and Søvik and make some clarificatory remarks about the term “Only Way argument”, which figured in the article that started the exchange. I then map areas of agreement and disagreement between us, with an eye to discerning promising and less promising paths forward in the field of evolutionary theodicy. Finally, I respond to Eikrem’s and Søvik’s criticism of my previous arguments about token-goods.
A simulative study on the effect of friction coefficient and angle on failure behaviors of GLARE subjected to low-velocity impact
Authors: You Peiyu , Chen Hui , Li Mingjie , Wu Ye
Published: April 2023

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of friction coefficient and impact angle on the failure behaviors of glass fiber reinforced aluminum laminates (GLARE) under the low-velocity impact (LVI) loading. A methodology is developed in commercial software ABAQUS/Explicit, and its accuracy is verified based on the results of comparison between simulation and experiment. In the simulation, Johnson–Cook flow stress model and surface-based cohesive behavior are carried out to simulate the damage evolution of aluminum alloy layers and delamination at the interface. Further, both the dynamic response history and damage mechanism characterization of these hybrid laminates are presented and compared carefully. Additionally, due to the advantage of simulation, it is accurate and easy to discuss on the evolution of the damage contour consisting of the damage degree of composite and metal layers as well as the interface between them. Finally, the influence rules of friction coefficient and angle on the failure behaviors of GLARE under LVI are drawn clearly.
Stärkung der Spiritualität von Mitarbeitenden des Gesundheitswesens durch Digitale Medien – eine qualitative Untersuchung
Authors: Linseisen Elisabeth , Mächler Ruth , Frick Eckhard
Published: April 2023

Hintergrund

In den letzten Jahrzehnten hat die Nutzung digitaler Medien (DM) zugenommen, die Covid-19-Pandemie wirkt für die Digitalisierung im Gesundheits- und Sozialwesen als Beschleuniger. Dennoch ist wenig darüber bekannt, wie Mitarbeitende DM in ihren Einrichtungen im Arbeitsalltag einsetzen. Da Spiritual Care (SC) ein wesentlicher Bestandteil dieses Systems ist, sollten förderliche digitale Möglichkeiten bekannt sein.

Forschungsfragen/Ziele: Es sollte untersucht werden, (1) welche DM- und Social-Media-Aktivitäten (SMA) vom Personal im Gesundheitswesen und in Einrichtungen für behinderte oder ältere Menschen genutzt werden, (2) inwieweit die Spiritualität des Personals durch DM unterstützt werden könnte und (3) inwiefern DM/SMA für SC für Arbeitnehmende nützen können.

Methoden: Querschnittsstudie mit 33 halbstrukturierten Telefoninterviews von März bis Mai 2021; die Auswertung erfolgte mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse und deskriptiver Statistiken.

Ergebnisse: (1) Im beruflichen Kontext verwendet etwa die Hälfte der Befragten DM. YouTube wird von 24 Teilnehmenden genutzt, berufsspezifische Apps von 7. (2+3) DM/SMA werden als wertvolle Hilfsmittel für Spiritualität und SC angesehen, die als Unterstützung zu persönlichen Kontakten oder Präsenz dienen können.

Schlussfolgerung: DM/SMA können für Mitarbeitende wertvolle Hilfsmittel für den Umgang mit Spiritualität und SC darstellen, insbesondere in Situationen, in denen ein Kontakt in Präsenz nicht möglich ist.