bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the inter‐rater agreement of corneal cytology and culture findings in canine ulcerative keratitis
Authors: Hamzianpour N. , Adams V. J. , Grundon R. A. , Linn‐Pearl R. , Scurrell E. , Rozmanec M. , Civello A. , Goss R. , Watkins C. , Kearns H. , Heinrich C.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To assess the inter‐rater agreement of corneal cytology findings in canine ulcerative keratitis by veterinary surgeons of different training levels and the agreement of corneal cytology with culture.

Materials and Methods

Dogs with progressive ulcerative keratitis were prospectively recruited for corneal cytology and culture. Corneal cytology slides were reviewed by veterinary surgeons of different training levels (three general practitioners, three ophthalmologists and three pathologists). The inter‐rater agreement of cytology findings and agreement of cytology with culture was assessed using the kappa measure of agreement.

Results

The study included 145 corneal cytology samples from 143 dogs (145 eyes) with progressive ulcerative keratitis. Positive cultures were obtained from 81 of 145 (56%) eyes. The most commonly isolated pathogens wereStreptococcus canis,Pseudomonas aeruginosaandStaphylococcus pseudintermedius. The results demonstrated increased inter‐rater agreement of corneal cytology and increased agreement with culture with increased ocular pathology expertise (pathologists > ophthalmologists > general practitioners).

Clinical Significance

This study provides important information about the diagnostic value of corneal cytology in canine ulcerative keratitis and the most common pathogens involved in such cases in the UK. Based on the results of this study, cytology findings should be interpreted in conjunction with the expertise of the observer. For maximal pathogen identification, both cytology and culture should be considered.
The legislative framework of donor human milk and human milk banking in Europe
Authors: Klotz Daniel , Wesołowska Aleksandra , Bertino Enrico , Moro Guido E. , Picaud Jean‐Charles , Gayà Antoni , Weaver Gillian
Published: December 2021

Data about the regulatory approaches to donor human milk (DHM) in European countries are lacking. The aim of this study is to describe the various regulations of DHM within European countries, to assess its legislative context and its impact in relation to donor milk banking. We performed a cross‐sectional survey using a semistructured online questionnaire addressing 29 national European milk‐banking representatives from June 2020 to February 2021. Representatives of 26 national DHM services participated in this study. The legal classification and regulatory status of DHM were defined in 9 out of 26 areas of jurisdiction (35%) as either food product (n = 6), product of human origin according to a blood, tissue, cell regulation (n = 2), or medicinal product (n = 1). In the remainder, DHM remains unclassified. Most legislations did not provide a comprehensive framework concerning DHM and costs to cover milk bank operations were rarely reimbursed. In general, the lack of national legislative governance and the actual legislative regulations in place do not support the use of DHM in European countries. National medical guidelines for the use of DHM have been issued in only 11 countries. The current number and distribution of milk banks (n = 239) within participating countries may not provide an equitable access to DHM for eligible infants. These findings could guide stakeholders aiming to establish a regulatory framework for DHM.
DNA metabarcoding reveals the importance of gelatinous zooplankton in the diet ofPandalus borealis, a keystone species in the Arctic
Authors: Urban Paulina , Præbel Kim , Bhat Shripathi , Dierking Jan , Wangensteen Owen S.
Published: December 2021

Information about the dietary composition of a species is crucial to understanding their position and role in the food web. Increasingly, molecular approaches such as DNA metabarcoding are used in studying trophic relationships, not least because they may alleviate problems such as low taxonomic resolution or underestimation of digestible taxa in the diet. Here, we used DNA metabarcoding with universal primers for cytochromecoxidase I (COI) to study the diet composition of the northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis), an Arctic keystone species with large socio‐economic importance. Across locations, jellyfish and chaetognaths were the most important components in the diet ofP. borealis, jointly accounting for 40%–60% of the total read abundance. This dietary importance of gelatinous zooplankton contrasts sharply with published results based on stomach content analysis. At the same time, diet composition differed between fjord and shelf locations, pointing to different food webs supportingP. borealisin these two systems. Our study underlines the potential of molecular approaches to provide new insights into the diet of marine invertebrates that are difficult to obtain with traditional methods, and calls for a revision of the role of gelatinous zooplankton in the diet of the key Arctic speciesP. borealis, and in extension, Arctic food webs.
Seismic adaptive control of building structures with simultaneous sensor and damper faults based on dynamic neural network
Authors: Naderpoor Pegah , Taghikhany Touraj
Published: December 2021

The use of seismic control systems in building structures requires simultaneous attention to uncertainties in model parameters, measurement noises, faults on sensors and dampers, and earthquake input. The present study suggests a procedure to resolve the complications of these issues in semi‐active control of building structures. To this end, the effects of faults on sensors and dampers are decoupled by using transfer matrices. The sensor fault and the structure's state are estimated by a dynamic neural network (DNN)‐based observer. Later, parametric uncertainty in the structure's model and fault on dampers are atoned by an adaptive controller that guarantees the stability of the system during an earthquake. In this controller, DNN is used to concurrently identify and compensate dampers' faults. The effectiveness of the proposed method was confirmed by numerical simulation of a three‐story structure with magneto‐rheological dampers.
Compulsory notification of paracoccidioidomycosis: A 14‐year retrospective study of the disease in the state of Paraná, Brazil
Authors: de Suguiura Igor Massahiro Souza , Ono Mario Augusto
Published: December 2021

Background

Paracoccidioidomycosis, caused by fungi of the Paracoccidioides genus, is one of the most important endemic mycoses in Brazil. The disease is not of mandatory reporting in the country; however, some Brazilian states, such as Paraná, have included it on their local lists of public health‐reportable diseases.

Objective

Describe the epidemiology of the positive paracoccidioidomycosis cases in the state of Paraná based on analysis of reporting forms and mortality data.

Subjects and methods

Data of positive cases of state residents 2007–2020 were obtained from public health databases and frequency, incidence, geographic distribution, mortality and trends were analysed. Mortality of the disease was also compared to other mycoses such as cryptococcosis, aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, candidiasis and sporotrichosis.

Results

670 patients were positive for the disease. The cumulative and average annual incidence was, respectively, 6.4 and 0.46 cases/100,000 inhabitants. The new cases of paracoccidioidomycosis were reported mainly by specialised health units, including tertiary centres, and 285 days was the mean from the beginning of the symptoms until the diagnosis. The western region showed the highest incidence and mortality by the disease over the other state mesoregions. During the period, a decreasing trend was observed in the confirmed cases and stability in the mortality rate with an average annual mortality of 1.17 per million/inhabitants in the state; however, paracoccidioidomycosis had the highest mortality when compared to other mycoses.

Conclusions

Paracoccidioidomycosis is an important endemic mycosis in Paraná and this study provides an epidemiological baseline for future modifications of paracoccidioidomycosis surveillance.
A missense mutation in WRKY32 converts its function from a positive regulator to a repressor of photomorphogenesis
Authors: Zhou Hua , Zhu Wei , Wang Xuncheng , Bian Yeting , Jiang Yan , Li Jian , Wang Lixia , Yin Ping , Deng Xing Wang , Xu Dongqing
Published: December 2021

CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1) mediates various cellular and physiological processes in plants by targeting a large number of substrates for ubiquitination and degradation.

In this study, we reveal that a substitution of Pro for Leu at amino acid position 409 in WRKY32 largely suppresses the short hypocotyls and expanded cotyledon phenotypes of cop1‐6. WRKY32P409L promotes hypocotyl growth and inhibits the opening of cotyledons in Arabidopsis.

Loss of WRKY32 function mutant seedlings display elongated hypocotyls, whereas overexpression of WRKY32 leads to shortened hypocotyls. WRKY32 directly associates with the promoter regions of HY5 to activate its transcription. COP1 interacts with and targets WRKY32 for ubiquitination and degradation in darkness. WRKY32P409L exhibits enhanced DNA binding ability and affects the expression of more genes compared with WRKY32 in Arabidopsis.

Our results not only reveal the basic role for WRKY32 in promoting photomorphogenesis, but also provide insights into manipulating plant growth by engineering key components of light signaling.
Host‐microbial interactions between PTGR2 and Bifidobacterium in the early life gut of atopic dermatitis children
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Hyun , Lee Seung‐Hwa , Kang Mi‐Jin , Hwang Sun‐Goo , Park Yoon Mee , Kim Bong‐Soo , Lee So‐Yeon , Kim Shin Ah , Park Min Jee , Song Kun Baek , Choi Eom Ji , Jung Sungsu , Hong Soo‐Jong
Published: December 2021

Background

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is linked to the development and responses of the immune system and can play an important role in the onset of allergic diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD). This study investigated the association between host genetics and the gut microbiota in AD.

Methods

A global gene expression profiling of the gut epithelial colonocytes, genetic variations analysis, and the gut microbial composition analysis were performed.

Results

This study identified the upregulation of PTGR2 (p = .028), a gene involved in prostaglandin catalysis and inflammatory responses, as a potential risk factor for AD. In subsequent fine mapping analysis using 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PTGR2 in 864 Korean subjects (420 AD patients and 444 unaffected controls), several SNPs and haplotypes showed significant associations with AD and its SCORing AD (SCORAD) values (p = .002). To investigate host‐microbial interactions, further gut microbiota data and genotypes were obtained from an independent cohort of 176 subjects (91 AD patients and 85 controls). From correlation analysis, a significantly negative association between SNP and Bifidobacterium abundance was observed in AD patients (p = .005). In additional observations of PTGR2‐associated downstream molecules, NRF2 (p = .004) and several antioxidant genes (GSTT1, GCLC, GPX1; p < .05) showed significantly reduced expression in AD patients.

Conclusions

Our current findings suggest that the interaction between PTGR2 dysregulated expression and a Bifidobacterium abundance affects a higher risk of AD and a more severe onset.
Social and Cognitive Aspects of the Vulnerability to Political Misinformation
Authors: Pantazi Myrto , Hale Scott , Klein Olivier
Published: December 2021

In the last few years, especially after the Brexit referendum and the 2016 U.S. elections, there has been a surge in academic interest for misinformation and disinformation. Social, cognitive, and political scientists' work on these phenomena has focused on two main aspects:

Individuals' (and by extension societies') vulnerability to misinformation;

Factors and interventions that can increase individuals' (and societies') resistance to misinformation.

In this article, we offer a critical review of the psychological research pertaining to these two aspects. Drawing on this review, we highlight an emerging tension in the relevant literature. Indeed, the current state of the art of the political misinformation literature reflects the combined operation of two opposing psychological constructs: excess gullibility on the one hand and excess vigilance on the other. We argue that this conceptualization is important in both advancing theories of individuals' and societies' vulnerability to misinformation and in designing prospective research programs. We conclude with proposing what, in our view, are the most promising avenues for future research in the field.
Market dominance, R&D grant funding, and innovation outcomes
Authors: Hogan Teresa , Humphery‐Jenner Mark , Huong Tran T.L. , Powell Ronan
Published: December 2021

Which companies should receive government R&D grants? Should R&D grants go to already dominant firms, whom one would expect to execute fully in innovation spending to produce better outcomes? Or, should grants go to firms that are less dominant and might need the funding for innovation? Using a novel proprietary panel dataset of over 26,000 firm‐year observations for Irish firms with 1,825 winning grants, this paper provides support for a strategic or efficiency effect: market dominance moderates grant innovation outcomes. Specifically, dominant firms significantly outperform other groups in terms of future R&D spending, R&D growth, and overall employment gains. However, they perform worse than other groups with respect to the employment of in‐house R&D workers, suggesting that dominant firms already have significant R&D capabilities. We also show that dominant firms’ future productivity is not statistically different from similar non‐grant backed dominant firms, potentially implying that they use grant money to retain their existing market position, rather than to capitalize on it and increase productivity by more than their peer firms.
Clinical and prognostic significance of CD14 (+) HLA‐DR (−/low) myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma received transarterial radioembolization with Yttrium‐90
Authors: Boral Barış , Ballı Hüseyin Tuğsan , Sözütok Sinan , Pehlivan Umur Anıl , Aikimbaev Kairgeldy
Published: December 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. For unresectable HCC, transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with Yttrium‐90 is a widely used treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether monocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (M‐MDSC) and CD39+ T cells can be non‐invasive predictive biomarkers of radiological response and prognosis in patients with HCC treated with TARE. This study was conducted on 39 patients with HCC who were treated with TARE between August 2018 and December 2019 and the control group consisted of 23 healthy volunteers. CD4+, CD8+, CD39+ T cells, Natural killer (NK) cells, myeloid cells (MC) and M‐MDSC parameters are examined in the course of TARE treatment with student t test and Kaplan‐Meier method. There were statistically significant differences in M‐MDSC, CD39+ T cells and MC values between healthy controls and HCC patients. A statistically significant difference was found in M‐MDSC and CD4+ T cells values in the HCC patient group who responded to the treatment compared to those who did not. Survival analysis found that patients with lower frequencies (under 3.81%) of M‐MDSC showed more prominent differences of overall survival (OS) compared to patients with all high groups. We found that M‐MDSC in the peripheral blood might be a useful non‐invasive biomarker to predict OS. We have shown for the first time that M‐MDSC is correlated with treatment response in HCC patients treated with TARE. Additionally, we have found that the percentage of CD39+ T cells is high in HCC patients and these cells are positively correlated with M‐MDSC.
Absence of correlation between ABO Rh(D) blood group and neutralizing antibody titers in SARS‐CoV‐2 convalescent plasma donors
Authors: Hirani Rena , Hoad Veronica , Gosbell Iain B. , Irving David O.
Published: December 2021

Background

Several studies have described associations between ABO blood group and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection severity in hospitalized patients where group A individuals are over‐represented and group O individuals may have a lower infection rate. In convalescent individuals, group B blood donors have higher neutralizing SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody titers. We analyzed whether there was any correlation of ABO Rh(D) blood group with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and with neutralizing antibodies in Australian convalescent plasma (CP) donors.

Study Design and Methods

ABO Rh(D) distribution and demographics of CP donors (n = 765) were compared with the total blood donor panel (n = 488,028), plasmapheresis donors (n = 203,176) and whole blood donors (n = 282,437) from 2020. The presence of neutralizing antibodies in CP donors was measured using the Vero E6 cell microneutralization assay.

Results

The distribution of ABO group in CP donors compared to the total donor panel was not significantly different (p = .177). There were significantly more group AB donors in the plasmapheresis subset (p = .005) and group O individuals were over‐represented in the whole blood donor subset (p < .0001). There was no significant difference in neutralizing antibody levels among CP donors with differing ABO blood groups (p = .872).

Conclusion

ABO Rh(D) blood group distribution was not found to be significantly different between convalescent plasma donors and general blood donors in our large sample group. Inherent blood donor selection biases associated with clinical demand accounted for some differences within CP donors. The levels of SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibodies were also not significantly associated with ABO Rh(D) group.
Geomitologia da Pedra da Onça: Conservação do Patrimônio Natural e Cultural por meio da História do Gato-maracajá, o Verdadeiro Felino da Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Authors: Caetano João Marcus Vale , De Araujo Júlia Mayer , Peixinho Lia Fernandes , Ponciano Luiza Corral Martins de Oliveira
Published: December 2021

A Geomitologia da Pedra da Onça apresenta uma ampla influência cultural sobre os moradores da Ilha do Governador (Rio de Janeiro, RJ). As variantes dessa história têm como parte em comum a transformação de um felídeo em rocha (petrificação), possibilitando a divulgação dos elementos locais da geodiversidade e biodiversidade por meio de uma abordagem lúdica, visando à conservação do Patrimônio Natural e Cultural. Para alcançar tal objetivo, o presente estudo elaborou uma recriação do mito por meio da substituição da onça e do gato-maracajá (os dois animais citados nas variantes) pelo Smilodon populator, animal extinto cuja ocorrência pretérita é bem documentada no Brasil. Além disso, o presente estudo demonstra o potencial de tal metodologia para o ensino da história evolutiva de grupos biológicos, uma vez que se faz presente aqui também um breve resumo sobre a evolução no grupo interno dos Felidae, além de abordar os hábitos de vida do gato-maracajá (Leopardus wiedii) e de Smilodon. Como a história evolutiva de Felidae está intrinsecamente relacionada a ambos os táxons referidos, o método aqui empregado revela um notável potencial para a divulgação e ensino de Geociências e Biologia.
Assessing the Labour Government’s new procurement approach through a Māori economic justice perspective
Authors: Ruckstuhl Katharina , Short Sequoia , Foote Jeff
Published: December 2021

INTRODUCTION: Social procurement—the intentional generation of social value through an organisation’s procurement and commissioning processes—is being adopted globally and in Aotearoa New Zealand as progressive social policy. Some of the issues that lie behind calls for economic justice, such as economic opportunity, rights for vulnerable workers, and unemployment, may be addressed through social procurement. While Māori may also benefit from this, there are other factors that should be considered from a Te Tiriti perspective.METHOD: In this research brief, we outline the context behind the government’s current initiatives, drawing on policy and research literature as part of a scoping study aimed at developing a Te Tiriti approach to social procurement.CONCLUSION: We conclude by noting the opportunities for economic justice for Māori, but also some of the caveats drawn from international and Aotearoa New Zealand literature.
Intersections of immigration law and family violence: Exploring barriers for ethnic migrant and refugee background women
Authors: Ayallo Irene
Published: December 2021

INTRODUCTION: Action on family violence1 remains a policy priority for the New Zealand government. Accordingly, this article explores the Immigration New Zealand’s Victims of Family Violence (VFV) visa. Specifically, it explores possible barriers preventing MELAA2 cultural groups from utilizing the VFV visa.APPROACH: The discussion is based on administrative immigration data, gathered by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), on applicants for VFV visas between July 2010 and March 2021.FINDINGS: Over the last 10 years, INZ received 1,947 applications for the VFV Visa. People of Asian (40%) and Pacific (38%) backgrounds made most of these applications, with India, Fiji, China, the Philippines, and Tonga making up the top five source countries. MELAA communities made only 11% of the total VFV visa applications. Applicants from South Africa, Brazil, Iran, Nigeria, and Argentina made up the top five source MELAA countries. Analyses showed that MELAA applications were mostly work-type visas.IMPLICATIONS: Data presented shows that the VFV visa is still underutilised within these communities. Possible reasons for these notable outcomes are explored in this article, with suggestions for remediating strategies for barriers preventing MELAA communities from utilising the VFV visa. This article concludes that more research is required to gain an in- depth understanding of the specific cultural contexts within which these women engage with this visa.
Resonant x-ray scattering method for measuring cation stoichiometry in BaSnO3 thin films
Authors: Lau Claudia , Combs Nicholas G. , Karapetrova Evguenia , Jiang Juan , Stemmer Susanne , Ahn Charles H. , Walker Frederick J.
Published: December 2021

We develop a resonant scattering technique to measure cation stoichiometry of lanthanum-doped BaSnO3 (BSO) thin films on a DyScO3 substrate. Samples are grown by a hybrid molecular beam epitaxy method and display high room-temperature carrier mobilities. The measured thin films are grown with widely differing cation arrival rates, with Ba being evaporated from an elemental source and Sn from a SnO2 source. Differences in mobilities in these films may arise from differences in Ba/Sn cation stoichiometry. Owing to the similar scattering strength of the Ba and Sn cations, odd-order Bragg peaks of BSO are particularly sensitive to the material's cation stoichiometry, i.e., the Ba/Sn ratio. Sensitivity to cation stoichiometry is further enhanced using the technique of resonant x-ray scattering, which changes the scattering strength of a single element across the Ba L absorption edges. We determine that the Ba/Sn cation stoichiometry varies from unity by less than 1% for films of mobility ranging from 84.8 to 144 cm2/(V s) and conclude that the mobility of these films scales with film thickness and growth rate rather than stoichiometry.
Use of the auditory brainstem response for assessment of cochlear synaptopathy in humans
Authors: Bramhall Naomi F.
Published: December 2021

Although clinical use of the auditory brainstem response (ABR) to detect retrocochlear disorders has been largely replaced by imaging in recent years, the discovery of cochlear synaptopathy has thrown this foundational measure of auditory function back into the spotlight. Whereas modern imaging now allows for the noninvasive detection of vestibular schwannomas, imaging technology is not currently capable of detecting cochlear synaptopathy, the loss of the synaptic connections between the inner hair cells and afferent auditory nerve fibers. However, animal models indicate that the amplitude of the first wave of the ABR, a far-field evoked potential generated by the synchronous firing of auditory nerve fibers, is highly correlated with synaptic integrity. This has led to many studies investigating the use of the ABR as a metric of synaptopathy in humans. However, these studies have yielded mixed results, leading to a lack of consensus about the utility of the ABR as an indicator of synaptopathy. This review summarizes the animal and human studies that have investigated the ABR as a measure of cochlear synaptic function, discusses factors that may have contributed to the mixed findings and the lessons learned, and provides recommendations for future use of this metric in the research and clinical settings.
Phenotypic drug screening in a human fibrosis model identified a novel class of antifibrotic therapeutics
Authors: Gerckens Michael , Schorpp Kenji , Pelizza Francesco , Wögrath Melanie , Reichau Kora , Ma Huilong , Dworsky Armando-Marco , Sengupta Arunima , Stoleriu Mircea Gabriel , Heinzelmann Katharina , Merl-Pham Juliane , Irmler Martin , Alsafadi Hani N. , Trenkenschuh Eduard , Sarnova Lenka , Jirouskova Marketa , Frieß Wolfgang , Hauck Stefanie M. , Beckers Johannes , Kneidinger Nikolaus , Behr Jürgen , Hilgendorff Anne , Hadian Kamyar , Lindner Michael , Königshoff Melanie , Eickelberg Oliver , Gregor Martin , Plettenburg Oliver , Yildirim Ali Önder , Burgstaller Gerald
Published: December 2021

Innovative high-content screening platform identified
N
-(2-butoxyphenyl)-3-(phenyl)acrylamides as novel antifibrotics.
Global minimization via classical tunneling assisted by collective force field formation
Authors: Caravelli Francesco , Sheldon Forrest C. , Traversa Fabio L.
Published: December 2021

An alternative classical mechanism to quantum and thermal tunneling.
Metabolic detection and systems analyses of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through machine learning, lipidomics, and multi-omics
Authors: Wang Guangxi , Yao Hantao , Gong Yan , Lu Zipeng , Pang Ruifang , Li Yang , Yuan Yuyao , Song Huajie , Liu Jia , Jin Yan , Ma Yongsu , Yang Yinmo , Nie Honggang , Zhang Guangze , Meng Zhu , Zhou Zhe , Zhao Xuyang , Qiu Mantang , Zhao Zhicheng , Jiang Kuirong , Zeng Qiang , Guo Limei , Yin Yuxin
Published: December 2021

The machine learning–aided serum lipidomics approach could be used to help early diagnosis of patients with PDAC.
Visualizing intracellular nanostructures of living cells by nanoendoscopy-AFM
Authors: Penedo Marcos , Miyazawa Keisuke , Okano Naoko , Furusho Hirotoshi , Ichikawa Takehiko , Alam Mohammad Shahidul , Miyata Kazuki , Nakamura Chikashi , Fukuma Takeshi
Published: December 2021

Nanoendoscopy-AFM can visualize the internal cell’s structures in its physiological environment at the nanometer scale.
Machine learning–accelerated design and synthesis of polyelemental heterostructures
Authors: Wahl Carolin B. , Aykol Muratahan , Swisher Jordan H. , Montoya Joseph H. , Suram Santosh K. , Mirkin Chad A.
Published: December 2021

Machine learning accelerates materials discovery by suggesting targets, yielding exceptionally complex biphasic nanoparticles.
Highly mobile hot holes in Cs
2
AgBiBr
6
double perovskite
Authors: Zhang Heng , Debroye Elke , Zheng Wenhao , Fu Shuai , Virgilio Lucia D. , Kumar Pushpendra , Bonn Mischa , Wang Hai I.
Published: December 2021

Ultrafast terahertz spectroscopy reveals excess energy-dependent highly mobile hot holes in Cs
2
AgBiBr
6
double perovskites.
Stress ball morphogenesis: How the lizard builds its lung
Authors: Palmer Michael A. , Nerger Bryan A. , Goodwin Katharine , Sudhakar Anvitha , Lemke Sandra B. , Ravindran Pavithran T. , Toettcher Jared E. , Košmrlj Andrej , Nelson Celeste M.
Published: December 2021

This study reveals how pressure drives the morphogenesis of cellular sheets into complex 3D architectures.
Polyphosphate drives bacterial heterochromatin formation
Authors: Beaufay Francois , Amemiya Haley M. , Guan Jian , Basalla Joseph , Meinen Ben A. , Chen Ziyuan , Mitra Rishav , Bardwell James C. A. , Biteen Julie S. , Vecchiarelli Anthony G. , Freddolino Peter L. , Jakob Ursula
Published: December 2021

Polyphosphate specifically cooperates with Hfq to silence prophages and mobile genetic elements in the bacterial chromosome.
Experimental quantum teleportation of propagating microwaves
Authors: Fedorov Kirill G. , Renger Michael , Pogorzalek Stefan , Di Candia Roberto , Chen Qiming , Nojiri Yuki , Inomata Kunihiro , Nakamura Yasunobu , Partanen Matti , Marx Achim , Gross Rudolf , Deppe Frank
Published: December 2021

Experimental microwave teleportation brings quantum local area networks within reach by exceeding the no-cloning limit.
Alterations of human skin microbiome and expansion of antimicrobial resistance after systemic antibiotics
Authors: Jo Jay-Hyun , Harkins Catriona P. , Schwardt Nicole H. , Portillo Jessica A. ,   NISC Comparative Sequencing Program, Zimmerman Matthew D. , Carter Claire L. , Hossen Md Amir , Peer Cody J. , Polley Eric C. , Dartois Véronique , Figg William D. , Moutsopoulos Niki M. , Segre Julia A. , Kong Heidi H.
Published: December 2021

Use of systemic antibiotics induces substantial changes in the microbiome and expansion of antimicrobial resistant bacteria.
An orthogonal IL-2 and IL-2Rβ system drives persistence and activation of CAR T cells and clearance of bulky lymphoma
Authors: Aspuria Paul-Joseph , Vivona Sandro , Bauer Michele , Semana Marie , Ratti Navneet , McCauley Scott , Riener Romina , de Waal Malefyt Rene , Rokkam Deepti , Emmerich Jan , Kastelein Rob A. , Lupardus Patrick J. , Oft Martin
Published: December 2021

Orthogonal IL-2 improves CAR T cell–mediated antitumor efficacy by selectively and controllably expanding and activating CAR T cells in vivo.
Genetic analysis of praziquantel response in schistosome parasites implicates a transient receptor potential channel
Authors: Le Clec’h Winka , Chevalier Frédéric D. , Mattos Ana Carolina A. , Strickland Amanda , Diaz Robbie , McDew-White Marina , Rohr Claudia M. , Kinung’hi Safari , Allan Fiona , Webster Bonnie L. , Webster Joanne P. , Emery Aidan M. , Rollinson David , Djirmay Amadou Garba , Al Mashikhi Khalid M. , Al Yafae Salem , Idris Mohamed A. , Moné Hélène , Mouahid Gabriel , LoVerde Philip , Marchant Jonathan S. , Anderson Timothy J. C.
Published: December 2021

A transient receptor potential channel in
Schistosoma mansoni
determines variation in praziquantel response.
Functional Analysis of H
+
-Pumping Membrane-Bound Pyrophosphatase, ADP-Glucose Synthase, and Pyruvate Phosphate Dikinase as Pyrophosphate Sources in Clostridium thermocellum
Authors: Kuil Teun , Hon Shuen , Yayo Johannes , Foster Charles , Ravagnan Giulia , Maranas Costas D. , Lynd Lee R. , Olson Daniel G. , van Maris Antonius J. A.
Published: December 2021

Increased understanding of the central metabolism of
C. thermocellum
is important from a fundamental as well as from a sustainability and industrial perspective. In addition to showing that H
+
-pumping membrane-bound PPase, glycogen cycling, a Ppdk–malate shunt cycle, and acetate cycling are not significant sources of PP
i
supply, this study adds functional annotation of four genes and availability of an updated PP
i
stoichiometry from biosynthesis to the scientific domain.
Hypoxia and HIF-1 Trigger Marek’s Disease Virus Reactivation in Lymphoma-Derived Latently Infected T Lymphocytes
Authors: Mallet Corentin , Cochard Jade , Leclercq Sébastien , Trapp-Fragnet Laetitia , Chouteau Philippe , Denesvre Caroline
Published: December 2021

Latent-to-lytic switch of herpesviruses (also known as reactivation) is responsible for pathology recurrences and/or viral shedding. Studying physiological triggers of reactivation is therefore important for health to limit lesions and viral transmission.
Single-Chain Variable Fragments of Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Prevent HIV Cell-Cell Transmission
Authors: van Dorsten Rebecca T. , Reh Lucia , Trkola Alexandra , Morris Lynn , Moore Penny L.
Published: December 2021

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) are a major focus for passive immunization against HIV, with the recently concluded HVTN Antibody Mediated Protection trial providing proof of concept. Most studies focus on cell-free HIV; however, cell-associated virus may play a significant role in HIV infection, pathogenesis, and latency.
Molecular Mechanisms Driving the
In Vivo
Development of KPC-71-Mediated Resistance to Ceftazidime-Avibactam during Treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Infections
Authors: Li Xi , Ke Huanhuan , Wu Wenhao , Tu Yuexing , Zhou Hua , Yu Yunsong
Published: December 2021

In this study, we report an ST11-type clinical CRKP isolate that produces KPC-71, a novel plasmid backbone KPC variant that confers the development of CZA resistance during treatment. Furthermore, we reveal that resistance to CZA is mediated by the 182S insertion mutation in the KPC enzyme, which increases ceftazidime affinity and decreases avibactam inhibition.
Phylogenetic Analysis with Prediction of Cofactor or Ligand Binding for Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAS and Cache Domains
Authors: Hutchin Andrew , Cordery Charlotte , Walsh Martin A. , Webb Jeremy S. , Tews Ivo
Published: December 2021

To adjust to a variety of life conditions, bacteria typically use multidomain proteins, where the modular structure allows functional differentiation. Proteins responding to environmental cues and regulating physiological responses are found in chemotaxis pathways that respond to a wide range of stimuli to effect movement.
Considerations for the Analysis of Bacterial Membrane Vesicles: Methods of Vesicle Production and Quantification Can Influence Biological and Experimental Outcomes
Authors: Bitto Natalie J. , Zavan Lauren , Johnston Ella L. , Stinear Timothy P. , Hill Andrew F. , Kaparakis-Liaskos Maria
Published: December 2021

Recent years have seen a surge in interest in the roles of BMVs in host-microbe interactions and interbacterial communication. As a result of such rapid growth in the field, there is a lack of uniformity in BMV enumeration.
Improved Formazan Dissolution for Bacterial MTT Assay
Authors: Benov Ludmil
Published: December 2021

Reduction of the water-soluble tetrazolium salt 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2,5 diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) to purple, water-insoluble formazan is commonly used for assessment of cell viability and proliferation. Spectrophotometric detection of formazan requires its solubilization.
Dose-Dependent Relationship between Protection of Thioacetamide-Induced Acute Liver Injury and Hyperammonemia and Concentration of Lactobacillus salivarius Li01 in Mice
Authors: Lou Pengcheng , Shen Yangfan , Zhuge Aoxiang , Lv Longxian , Zhu Xueling , Yuan Yin , Yang Liya , Wang Kaicen , Li Bo , Li Lanjuan
Published: December 2021

This research investigated the relationship between the concentration of
Lactobacillus salivarius
Li01 and its impact on mice that had a thioacetamide-induced acute liver injury and hyperammonemia. These findings could provide new insights into the effective, proper, and safe use of probiotics.
Correction of whistle deformity secondary to cleft lip repair by V-Y plasty: a simple and effective technique
Authors: Bhat H Hari Kishore , Upadya Varsha Haridas
Published: December 2021

Several techniques are available for the surgical repair of the cleft lip, however, avoiding secondary deformities and achieving consistent results remains a challenge. The whistle deformity is a secondary lip deformity characterised by inadequate fullness of the central upper lip with abnormal exposure of the central incisors when the lips are at rest, giving a whistling appearance. The causes include scarring of the vermilion and failure to restore the mucosal or muscular continuity. Various surgical options are available ranging from simple procedures like V-Y plasty and Z-plasty to complex procedures like complete lip redo, locoregional flaps, fillers and grafts. V-Y plasty is a simple, effective procedure for lip lengthening that can be performed under local anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure. It is less technique sensitive and also allows for some degree of muscle repair. We present a case of whistle deformity satisfactorily corrected with V-Y plasty.
Bilateral multipartite patellae avulsions associated with a unilateral quadriceps tendon rupture
Authors: Miles Rebecca , Cruz Christian , Mannino Brian J
Published: December 2021

Multipartite (or bipartite) patella is a developmental anomaly that occurs in 2%–6% of individuals. In 50%, the variant is bilateral. Multipartite patella is usually an asymptomatic condition. Quadriceps tendon rupture is also a rare entity occurring mostly in men aged >40 years and usually results from an acute eccentric quadriceps contracture. The authors present a case of a patient with bilateral multipartite patellae that sustained bilateral multipartite avulsions as well as an associated unilateral quadriceps tendon rupture. This constellation of injuries has never been reported in the literature. The patient was treated with excision of the multipartite patella fragments and quadriceps tendon repair on the side with the extensor mechanism disruption. He was treated non-operatively for the contralateral lower extremity multipartite patella avulsion. This report, along with a thorough review of the literature, serves to demonstrate the clinical and radiographic characteristics of this unusual injury.
Microsporidia-induced stromal keratitis: a new cause of presumed immune stromal (interstitial) keratitis
Authors: Mohanty Amrita , Behera Himansu Sekhar , Barik Manas Ranjan , Kaur Amanjot , Sharma Savitri , Das Sujata , Fernandes Merle , Panda Sailendra , Sahu Srikant K
Published: December 2021

Background and objective

To describe the clinical features, diagnosis and management of immune stromal keratitis/interstitial keratitis (IK) associated with microsporidial epithelial keratitis.

Methods

Between October 2020 and January 2021, medical records of IK patients microbiologically proven as microsporidia from samples collected from corneal epithelium on smear examination, and/ or molecular analysis were reviewed. Demography, clinical profile and treatment were analysed. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) for adenovirus (ADV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was done.

Results

Twenty of 152 (13%) microbiologically proven cases of microsporidial keratitis were diagnosed as IK during the study period, the mean age and duration of symptoms were 35.7±11.4 years and 46.3±27.7 days, respectively. Half had predisposing risk factors, like trauma; and 30% had prior recurrences. One-fourth of patients were using antivirals on presentation. Characteristic presentations included disciform keratitis(n=12), incomplete/complete ring(n=5), and combination(n=3), along with variable subepithelial infiltrates (n=14). All cases had stromal oedema, with an intact epithelium and fine pigment dusting on endothelium. Corneal epithelial scrapings had scanty microsporidia spores in smears of 17/20 (85%), and pan-microsporidial DNA was identified in 14/20 (70%), with Vittaforma corneae by sequencing in 11/20 (55%). Other viruses detected were ADV (14,70%), VZV (2,10%), EBV (1,5%) and HSV (1,5%). Rapid resolution of inflammation and oedema within 2 weeks of starting steroids was seen in all cases.

Conclusion

Microsporidia epithelial keratitis induced stromal inflammatory keratitis; is distinguished from microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis and stromal keratitis, by characteristic clinical features, and response to topical steroids.
Retrospective observational study of ethnicity-gender pay gaps among hospital and community health service doctors in England
Authors: Woodhams Carol , Williams Mark , Dacre Jane , Parnerkar Ira , Sharma Mukunda
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To identify differences in average basic pay between groups of National Health Service (NHS) doctors cross-classified by ethnicity and gender. Analyse the extent to which characteristics (grade, specialty, age, hours, etc.) can explain these differences.

Design

Retrospective observational study using repeated cross-section design.

Setting

Hospital and Community Health Service (HCHS) in England.

Participants

All HCHS doctors in England employed by the NHS between 2016 and 2020 appearing in the Digital Electronic Staff Record dataset (average N=99 953 per year).

Main outcome measures

Hours-adjusted full-time equivalent pay gaps; given as raw data and further adjusted for demographic, job, and workplace characteristics (such as grade, specialty, age, whether British nationality, region) using multivariable regression and statistical decomposition techniques.

Results

Pay gaps relative to white men vary with the ethnicity-gender combination. Indian men slightly out-earn white men and Bangladeshi women have a 40% pay gap. In most cases, pay gaps can largely be explained by characteristics that can be measured, especially grade, with the extent varying by specific ethnicity-gender group. However, a portion of pay gaps cannot be explained by characteristics that can be measured.

Conclusions

This study presents new evidence on ethnicity-gender pay gaps among NHS doctors in England using high quality administrative and payroll data. The findings indicate all ethnicity-gender groups earn less than white men on average, except for Indian men. In some cases, these differences cannot be explained giving rise to discussions about the role of discrimination.
PARIS: protocol for a prospective single arm, theory-based, group-based feasibility intervention study to increase Physical Activity and reduce sedentary behaviouR after barIatric Surgery
Authors: James Jennifer , Hardeman Wendy , Eborall Helen , Goodall Mark , Wilding John
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviour can encourage favourable outcomes after bariatric surgery. However, there is a lack of evidence as to how to support patients with behaviour change. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of a physiotherapist led, online group-based behaviour change intervention to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour following bariatric surgery.

Methods and analysis

Single arm feasibility study of a theory and evidence-based group behaviour change intervention based on the Behaviour Change Wheel and Theoretical Domains Framework using behaviour change techniques from the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1. The intervention has eight objectives and specifies behaviour change techniques that will be used to address each of these. Groups of up to eight participants who have had surgery within the previous 5 years will meet weekly over 6 weeks for up to 1½ hours. Groups will be held online led by a physiotherapist and supported by an intervention handbook. Feasibility study outcomes include: rate of recruitment, retention, intervention fidelity, participant engagement and acceptability. Secondary outcomes include: physical activity, sedentary behaviour, body composition, self-reported health status and will be analysed descriptively. Change in these outcomes will be used to calculate the sample size for a future evaluation study. Qualitative interviews will explore participants’ views of the intervention including its acceptability. Data will be analysed according to the constant comparative approach of grounded theory.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has National Health Service Research Ethics Committee approval; Haydock 20/NW/0472. All participants will provide informed consent and can withdraw at any point. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference and clinical service presentations.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN31524689.
Prognostic factors for work disability in patients with chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia: protocol for a cohort study
Authors: Duhn Pernille H , Locht Henning , Wæhrens Eva Ejlersen , Christensen Robin , Thielen Karsten , Henriksen Marius , Kristensen Lars Erik , Bliddal Henning , Amris Kirstine
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The association between chronic widespread pain (CWP) and disability is well established. Although research support large interindividual differences in functional outcomes, limited studies are available on the socio-economic consequences of offering stratified treatment based on prognostic factors. Identification of predictors of long-term functional outcomes such as work disability as a critical consequence, could assist early and targeted personalised interventions. The primary objective of this cohort study is to identify prognostic factors for the primary endpoint work status (employed and working vs not working) in patients with CWP assessed 3 years from baseline, that is, at referral for specialist care.

Methods and analyses

Data are collected at the diagnostic unit at Department of Rheumatology, Frederiksberg Hospital. The first 1000 patients≥18 years of age registered in a clinical research database (DANFIB registry) with CWP either ‘employed and working’ or ‘not working’ will be enrolled. Participants must meet the American College of Rheumatology 1990 definition of CWP, that is, pain in all four body quadrants and axially for more than 3 months and are additionally screened for fulfilment of criteria for fibromyalgia. Clinical data and patient-reported outcomes are collected at referral (baseline) through clinical assessment and electronic questionnaires. Data on the primary endpoint work status at baseline and 3 years from baseline will be extracted from the Integrated Labour Market Database, Statistics Denmark and the nationwide Danish DREAM database. Prognostic factor analysis will be based on multivariable logistic regression modelling with the dichotomous work status as dependent variable.

Ethics and dissemination

Sensitive personal data will be anonymised according to regulations by the Danish Data Protection Agency, and informed consent are obtained from all participants. Understanding and improving the prognosis of a health condition like CWP should be a priority in clinical research and practice. Results will be published in international peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04862520.