bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early adversities accelerate epigenetic aging into adulthood: a 10‐year, within‐subject analysis
Authors: Copeland William E. , Shanahan Lilly , McGinnis Ellen W. , Aberg Karolina A. , van den Oord Edwin J.C.G.
Published: February 2022

Background

Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify whether early adversities are associated with advanced methylation age or if they actually accelerate methylation aging. This study test whether different dimensions of childhood adversity accelerate biological aging from childhood to adulthood, and, if so, via which mechanisms.

Methods

381 participants provided one blood sample in childhood (average age 15.0; SD = 2.3) and another in young adulthood (average age 23.1; SD = 2.8). Participants and their parents provided a median of 6 childhood assessments (total = 1,950 childhood observations), reporting exposures to different types of adversity dimensions (i.e. threat, material deprivation, loss, unpredictability). The blood samples were assayed to estimate DNA methylation age in both childhood and adulthood and also change in methylation age across this period.

Results

Cross‐sectional associations between the childhood adversity dimensions and childhood measures of methylation age were non‐significant. In contrast, multiple adversity dimensions were associated with accelerated within‐person change in methylation age from adolescence to young adulthood. These associations attenuated in model testing all dimensions at the same time. Accelerated aging increased with increasing number of childhood adversities: Individuals with highest number of adversities experienced 2+ additional years of methylation aging compared to those with no exposure to childhood adversities. The association between total childhood adversity exposure and accelerated aging was partially explained by childhood depressive symptoms, but not anxiety or behavioral symptoms.

Conclusions

Early adversities accelerate epigenetic aging long after they occur, in proportion to the total number of such experiences, and in a manner consistent with a shared effect that crosses multiple early dimensions of risk.
Micronutrient deficiencies in heart failure: Mitochondrial dysfunction as a common pathophysiological mechanism?
Authors: Bomer Nils , Pavez‐Giani Mario G. , Grote Beverborg Niels , Cleland John G. F. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , van der Meer Peter
Published: February 2022

Heart failure is a devastating clinical syndrome, but current therapies are unable to abolish the disease burden. New strategies to treat or prevent heart failure are urgently needed. Over the past decades, a clear relationship has been established between poor cardiac performance and metabolic perturbations, including deficits in substrate uptake and utilization, reduction in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and excessive reactive oxygen species production. Together, these perturbations result in progressive depletion of cardiac adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and cardiac energy deprivation. Increasing the delivery of energy substrates (e.g., fatty acids, glucose, ketones) to the mitochondria will be worthless if the mitochondria are unable to turn these energy substrates into fuel. Micronutrients (including coenzyme Q10, zinc, copper, selenium and iron) are required to efficiently convert macronutrients to ATP. However, up to 50% of patients with heart failure are deficient in one or more micronutrients in cross‐sectional studies. Micronutrient deficiency has a high impact on mitochondrial energy production and should be considered an additional factor in the heart failure equation, moving our view of the failing myocardium away from an “an engine out of fuel” to “a defective engine on a path to self‐destruction.” This summary of evidence suggests that supplementation with micronutrients—preferably as a package rather than singly—might be a potential therapeutic strategy in the treatment of heart failure patients.
Infectious complications and optimising infection prevention for children with cochlear implants
Authors: Davidson Lucy , Foley David A , Clifford Patricia , Blyth Christopher C , Bowen Asha C , Hazelton Briony , Kuthubutheen Jafri , McLeod Charlie , Rodrigues Stephen , Tay Siu Min , Campbell Anita J
Published: February 2022

Aim

To describe the clinical epidemiology of children receiving cochlear implants, as well as the management and outcomes of cochlear implant infections and adherence to infection prevention measures.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted in children ≤18 years who received cochlear implants in Western Australia's tertiary paediatric hospital. Information was obtained from medical and laboratory records regarding demographics, indication for implant, implant infection and preoperative Staphylococcus aureus screening/decolonisation. Immunisation history was examined using the Australian Immunisation Register.

Results

Overall, 118 children received cochlear implants, with 158 devices inserted (599 cochlear implant insertion‐years). An implant infection rate of 3.8% (6/158) was identified during the study period (four pneumococcal and two community‐acquired methicillin resistant S. aureus infections). All required surgical management, with an overall median duration of antibiotic therapy of 37 days (interquartile range (IQR) 29–48) and median length of stay of 8 days (IQR 8–9.5). All devices were retained and there were no relapses or deaths. Half of the children who developed cochlear implant infections (50%, 3/6) were up‐to‐date with additional pneumococcal vaccinations and no children (0%, 0/118) received S. aureus screening/decolonisation before implant insertion.

Conclusions

Favourable outcomes were achieved with cochlear implant retention; however, the treatment was burdensome for families. We demonstrate significant scope to improve adherence to existing infection prevention strategies and provide direction for optimising preventative measures in the future. These include ensuring parental education, additional pneumococcal vaccinations and S. aureus decolonisation which are delivered as an infection prevention bundle to the growing population of infants receiving cochlear implants.
Tax competition and phantom FDI
Authors: Pulina Giuseppe , Zanaj Skerdilajda
Published: February 2022

Offshore financial centers are almost never the final destination of the foreign direct investments (FDI) they receive. A large portion of these investments are phantom FDI, which ultimately flow to third countries or return back to the source country in a process called round‐tripping. This paper develops a model in which onshore countries compete internationally with tax instruments to attract capital from abroad, in the presence of an offshore financial center that encourages phantom FDI. We show that the presence of offshore financial centers is beneficial to technologically advanced countries, whereas it is detrimental to others. Finally, we use this framework to analyze the effectiveness of Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) rules against profit shifting recently implemented in Europe and the associated loss of tax base.
Cytolysin A-mediated protein exportation efficiency and its role in enhancing the fitness of live recombinant Salmonella Typhi vaccine strain
Authors: Loh F.-K. , Nathan S. , Chow S.-C. , Fang C.-M.
Published: February 2022

The genetic fusion of cytolysin A (clyA) to heterologous antigen expressed in live Salmonella vector demonstrated efficient translocation into periplasmic space and extracellular medium. Accumulating evidence has shown that clyA-mediated antigen delivery improved growth fitness and enhanced immunogenicity of live vector vaccine, but the factors influencing this protein exportation has not been investigated. In this study, Toxoplasma gondii antigen fused at C-terminal of clyA protein was expressed in live S. Typhi vector via both plasmid and chromosomal-based expressions. The bivalent strains showed comparable growth rates as monovalent strains, but in varies antigen exportation efficiency. ClyA-fusion antigen with positive charges was translocated to the extracellular spaces, whereas those with negative charges were retained in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, excessive cellular resources expenditure on antigen expression, especially antigen with larger size, could limit the clyA-fusion antigen exportation, resulting in undesirable metabolic burden that eventually affects the growth fitness. Altogether, the present work indicates potential linkage of factors mainly on antigen properties and expression platforms that may affect clyA-mediated antigen delivery to enhance the growth fitness of live vector strain.
Residual concentrations of antimicrobial growth promoters in poultry litter favour plasmid conjugation among Escherichia coli
Authors: Saraiva M. M. S. , Silva N. M. V. , Ferreira V. A. , Moreira Filho A. L. B. , Givisiez P. E. N. , Freitas Neto O. C. , Berchieri Júnior A. , Gebreyes W. A. , de Oliveira C. J. B.
Published: February 2022

Considering that plasmid conjugation is a major driver for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria, this study aimed to investigate the effects of residual concentrations of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry litter on the frequencies of IncFII-FIB plasmid conjugation among Escherichia coli organisms. A 2 × 5 factorial trial was performed in vitro, using two types of litter materials (sugarcane bagasse and wood shavings) and five treatments of litter: non-treated (CON), herbal alkaloid sanguinarine (SANG), AGPs monensin (MON), lincomycin (LCM) and virginiamycin (VIR). E. coli H2332 and E. coli J62 were used as donor and recipient strains, respectively. The presence of residues of monensin, lincomycin and virginiamycin increased the frequency of plasmid conjugation among E. coli in both types of litter materials. On the contrary, sanguinarine significantly reduced the frequency of conjugation among E. coli in sugarcane bagasse litter. The conjugation frequencies were significantly higher in wood shavings compared with sugarcane bagasse only in the presence of AGPs. Considering that the presence of AGPs in the litter can increase the conjugation of IncFII-FIB plasmids carrying antimicrobial resistance genes, the real impact of this phenomenon on the dissemination of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the poultry production chain must be investigated.
Long evolutionary history of an emerging fungal pathogen of diverse tree species in eastern Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands
Authors: Kozhar Olga , Kim Mee‐Sook , Ibarra Caballero Jorge , Klopfenstein Ned B. , Cannon Phil G. , Stewart Jane E.
Published: February 2022

Emerging plant pathogens have been increasing exponentially over the last century. To address this issue, it is critical to determine whether these pathogens are native to ecosystems or have been recently introduced. Understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes fostering emergence can help to manage their spread and predict epidemics/epiphytotics. Using restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing data, we studied genetic relationships, pathways of spread and the evolutionary history of Phellinus noxius, an emerging root‐rotting fungus of unknown origin, in eastern Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. We analysed patterns of genetic variation using Bayesian inference, maximum‐likelihood phylogeny, population splits and mixtures measuring correlations in allele frequencies and genetic drift, and finally applied coalescent‐based theory using Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) with supervised machine learning. Population structure analyses revealed five genetic groups with signatures of complex recent and ancient migration histories. The most probable scenario of ancient pathogen spread is movement from an unsampled population to Malaysia and the Pacific Islands, with subsequent spread to Taiwan and Australia. Furthermore, ABC analyses indicate P. noxius spread occurred thousands of generations ago, contradicting previous assumptions that this pathogen was recently introduced to multiple geographical regions. Our results suggest that recent emergence of P. noxius in eastern Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands has probably been driven by anthropogenic and natural disturbances, such as deforestation, land‐use change, severe weather events and/or introduction of exotic plants. This study provides a novel example of applying genome‐wide allele frequency data to unravel the dynamics of pathogen emergence under changing ecosystem conditions.
Opportunities for studying propagule pressure using gene flow reveal its role in accelerating biological invasions
Authors: Greve Michelle , Pertierra Luis R.
Published: February 2022

When an alien species establishes at a new location, it must spread to become an invader. The extent to which propagule pressure promotes the spread of invaders, especially at local scales, is often difficult to quantify because it requires a reliable measure of, and variation in, rate of spread, and of propagule pressure across similar areas. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Mairal et al. (2022) make use an unique system of paired sub‐Antarctic islands, one with very infrequent human activities, and another inhabited by scientists, to assess the role of propagule pressure and anthropogenic disturbance in the introduction and spread of a major global invader, Poa annua L., to and on the islands. Genetic admixture between different genetic clusters is virtually absent from the little‐visited island, while the inhabited island experienced more introduction events, but also significant admixture between genetic clusters. Detailed distribution maps of P. annua spanning more than 50 years allowed the authors to link genetic diversity to residence time. The nature of the system, and the multifaceted approach used by the authors, allows for new insights into the mechanism by which propagule pressure results in the spread of invasive species.
Incidence of white matter lesions in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Rastogi Aarushi , Bhaskar Sonu Menachem Maimonides
Published: February 2022

Objective

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has been found to be associated with encephalopathy and brain imaging abnormalities. The identification of incident white matter lesions, known to be associated with cerebral microcirculatory failure and cerebrovascular disease, in COVID‐19 patients is of clinical and scientific interest. We performed a meta‐analysis to investigate the incidence of white matter lesions (WMLs) in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies on brain imaging abnormalities in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. The terms used included “white matter lesions,” “white matter hyperintensity,” “COVID‐19,” “coronavirus,” and “SARS‐CoV‐2.” A random‐effects meta‐analysis was conducted to obtain a pooled estimate of WML prevalence in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients.

Results

A total of 4 eligible studies involving 362 patients (144 with WMLs and 218 without) were included in the meta‐analysis. We found the pooled estimate of WML prevalence to be 20% (ES 0.20; 95% CI 0.00–0.54; p = .03).

Conclusions

The estimated pooled prevalence rate of WMLs was approximately 20% in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients, albeit lower than the crude prevalence rate (39.8%).
EQUAL Candida score, an effective tool for predicting the outcomes of Candida tropicalis candidaemia: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Leepattarakit Teera , Tulyaprawat Orawan , Vongseenin Chyanis , Rujirachun Pongprueth , Wattanachayakul Phuuwadith , Phichinitikorn Prawut , Phoompoung Pakpoom , Ngamskulrungroj Popchai
Published: February 2022

Background

Candida tropicalis is the most common non‐albicans Candida species found in Asia‐Pacific countries, including Thailand. The pathogen is known for its great virulence, which causes a high case‐fatality rate. Associations between case fatality and patient characteristics, infectious disease unit consultation and EQUAL Candida score were investigated.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted with 160 cases of C. tropicalis bloodstream infection between 2015 and 2019 at a single, large, tertiary centre in Thailand. Clinical characteristics, clinical presentations, patient outcomes (30‐day case‐fatality rate) and independent predictive factors were analysed.

Results

The 30‐day case‐fatality rate was 68.1%. The median of the EQUAL Candida score was 8. Independent factors for the prediction of case fatality were septic shock (hazard ratio, 1.84), the use of mechanical ventilation (hazard ratio, 2.03) and the EQUAL Candida score (hazard ratio, 0.75).

Conclusions

The predictive factors for 30‐day case fatality were septic shock, mechanical ventilation use and the EQUAL Candida score. It is recommended that the EQUAL score be considered for patients infected with C. tropicalis candidaemia to reduce the case‐fatality rate.
The effect of oil prices on headline and core inflation in Jordan
Authors: Hijazine Rami , Al‐Assaf Ghazi
Published: February 2022

This paper examined the effect of oil prices on headline and core inflation in Jordan over the period 2002Q1–2019Q4. Using the Johansen cointegration test and the vector error correction model, the empirical findings show that, in the short‐run, oil prices have a positive significant effect on headline inflation, and a unidirectional Granger causality relationship from oil prices only to headline inflation is found, while core inflation is not affected by oil prices movements. In the long run, oil prices—that appear to be transitory—have no substantial positive effect on headline or core inflation, while both inflation indices are affected by the GDP growth, interest rate, and the import prices for the core inflation model. The study suggests that policymakers should be concerned about targeting core inflation movements when implementing monetary policies.
Dementia care in Nepalese old age homes: Critical challenges as perceived by healthcare professionals
Authors: Shrestha Soni , Tranvåg Oscar
Published: February 2022

Aim

To explore and describe critical challenges in current dementia care practice as perceived by healthcare professionals (HCPs) in old age homes (OAHs) in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Background

In Nepal, the number of older people with dementia is rapidly rising, and there is a need for knowledge of how to provide quality dementia care in OAHs.

Methods

An exploratory hermeneutic design, employing qualitative interviews with eleven HCPs caring for residents with dementia in a total of five OAHs.

Findings

The analysis showed that HCPs found limited educational training in dementia‐specific care to be a critical challenge leading to reduced quality in caregiving practice. Insufficient HCP competence in dementia‐specific care undermined adequate coping with residents’ cognitive disturbances and the behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD). Poor HCP/medical doctor (MD)‐to‐patient ratio was perceived as a critical challenge preventing proper diagnostic examination, treatment and dementia‐specific care practice.

Conclusions

Limited educational training, sparse competence in mastering residents’ cognitive disturbances and BPSD, and insufficient resources to ensure sufficient numbers of HCPs and MDs for proper diagnostic examination, treatment and dementia‐specific care were identified as critical challenges restricting quality dementia care in these Nepalese OAHs.

Implications for practice

The study findings indicate a need for a clear Nepalese policy and a national plan for dementia care in OAHs that includes strategies for HCP educational training and how to provide resources to ensure a sufficient workforce of HCPs and MDs for proper diagnostic examination, treatment and dementia‐specific care.
The psychological journey of weight gain in psychosis
Authors: Waite Felicity , Langman Amy , Mulhall Sophie , Glogowska Margaret , Hartmann‐Boyce Jamie , Aveyard Paul , Lennox Belinda ,   Oxford Cognitive Approaches to Psychosis Patient Advisory Group, Kabir Thomas , Freeman Daniel
Published: February 2022

Background

Rapid weight gain is common with antipsychotic medication. Lost confidence, low mood and medication non‐adherence often follow. Yet, the dynamic interactions between the physical and psychological consequences of weight gain, and implications for intervention, are unknown.

Objectives

We examined first‐person accounts of weight gain to identify preferences for weight change interventions.

Design

A qualitative design was used to explore patients’ experiences of weight change in the context of psychosis.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews, analysed using grounded theory, were conducted with 10 patients with psychosis. Sample validation was conducted with peer researchers with lived experience of psychosis.

Results

Patients described that initially the extent and speed of weight gain was overshadowed by psychotic experiences and their treatment. This led to a shocking realisation of weight gain. The psychological impact of weight gain, most strikingly on the self‐concept, was profound. Loss of self‐worth and changed appearance amplified a sense of vulnerability. There were further consequences on mood, activity and psychotic experiences, such as voices commenting on appearance, that were additional obstacles in the challenging process of weight loss. Sedative effects of medication also contributed. Unsuccessful weight loss left little hope and few preferences for interventions. Early information about common weight gain trajectories and working with experts‐by‐experience were valued. Rebuilding self‐confidence, efficacy and worth may be a necessary first step.

Conclusions

The journey of weight gain in patients with psychosis is characterised by loss of self‐worth, agency and hope. There are multiple stages in the journey, each with different psychological reactions, that may need different treatment responses.
Lessons learned from psychosocial support and mental health surveys during the 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake: Establishing evidence‐based disaster psychiatry
Authors: Kunii Yasuto , Usukura Hitomi , Otsuka Kotaro , Maeda Masaharu , Yabe Hirooki , Takahashi Sho , Tachikawa Hirokazu , Tomita Hiroaki
Published: February 2022

Post‐disaster mental health and psychosocial support have drawn attention in Japan after the 1995 Great Hanshin‐Awaji Earthquake, with mental health care centers for the affected communities being organized. After the catastrophe, a reconstruction budget was allocated to organize mental health care centers to provide psychosocial support for communities affected by the 2007 Chūetsu offshore earthquake, the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, and the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. There were several major improvements in post‐disaster mental health measures after the Great East Japan Earthquake. The Disaster Psychiatric Assistance Team system was organized after the earthquake to orchestrate disaster response related to the psychiatric health system and mental health of the affected communities. Special mental health care efforts were drawn to the communities affected by the nuclear power plant accident through Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high yield Explosives, being succeeded by measures against the coronavirus pandemic. As another new movement after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the number of surveys involving communities affected by disasters has soared. More than 10 times the number of scientific publications were made in English during the decade following the Great East Japan Earthquake, compared with the previous decades. In this review, we examined the results and issues acquired in the 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake, proposing evidence‐based disaster psychiatry as the direction of future mental health measures related to emergency preparedness and response.
Holocene evolution and depositional model of a bayhead delta, Lake Illawarra, Australia
Authors: Hopley Carl A. , Jones Brian G.
Published: February 2022

Extensive research into the evolution of wave‐dominated estuaries has been documented since the 1960s. However, there has only been limited research on the prograding bay‐head deltas that are the primary drivers for the rate and stage of estuary evolution. This paper presents the findings of a high‐resolution spatial study into the evolution of the Macquarie Rivulet bayhead delta in the Lake Illawarra barrier estuary. The delta’s evolution has been established based on sedimentological analysis of 74 cores, two14C ages and 45 amino acid racemization ages. This study intersected two Pleistocene and 10 Holocene sedimentary facies associations representing both the retrogradational and progradational phases of delta development. The distribution of bayhead delta facies associations in shallow barrier estuaries is initially controlled by the antecedent morphology, but, in contrast to deeper estuaries, this influence decreases as sedimentation proceeds. Changing relative sea level also has a major control on facies distribution with transgressive facies deposited as relative sea‐level rises being replaced by prograding deltaic facies during the highstand and subsequent minor relative sea‐level fall. Fluvial sediment supply and river flood events affect the rate of delta progradation, and produce low and high flow sediment deposits within the overall deltaic sequence. The low tidal flux in barrier estuaries, the muddy cohesive nature of the sediments and the prevalence of bioturbation means that primary sedimentary structures are rarely preserved in these bayhead delta facies. The depositional model of bayhead delta evolution shown by the Macquarie Rivulet delta would be widely applicable to other similar barrier estuary settings.
A deep trajectory clustering method based on sequence‐to‐sequence autoencoder model
Authors: Wang Chao , Lyu Fangzheng , Wu Sensen , Wang Yuanyuan , Xu Liuchang , Zhang Feng , Wang Shaowen , Wang Yongheng , Du Zhenhong
Published: February 2022

Most existing trajectory clustering methods use point matching similarity measurement strategies to compare trajectory objects; however, such methods have poor similarity measurement accuracy, which reduces clustering quality. To address this research gap, this article considers a combination of trajectory‐feature learning and clustering. A deep trajectory clustering (DTC) method toward clustering‐friendly spaces is proposed to simultaneously learn trajectory representations (i.e., low‐dimensional vectors are used to represent trajectories) and cluster centroids, and further acquire the cluster assignments end to end. We first use a sequence‐to‐sequence autoencoder network for pretraining to obtain preliminary trajectory vectors, and then jointly optimize the learned representations and cluster centroids under the same framework. The effectiveness of DTC is demonstrated in synthetic datasets, and the learned representations in the real world can be used to identify hot routes in cities.
Temporal changes in transcripts of miniature inverted‐repeat transposable elements during rice endosperm development
Authors: Nagata Hiroki , Ono Akemi , Tonosaki Kaoru , Kawakatsu Taiji , Sato Yutaka , Yano Kentaro , Kishima Yuji , Kinoshita Tetsu
Published: February 2022

The repression of transcription from transposable elements (TEs) by DNA methylation is necessary to maintain genome integrity and prevent harmful mutations. However, under certain circumstances, TEs may escape from the host defense system and reactivate their transcription. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and rice (Oryza sativa), DNA demethylases target the sequences derived from TEs in the central cell, the progenitor cell for the endosperm in the female gametophyte. Genome‐wide DNA demethylation is also observed in the endosperm after fertilization. In the present study, we used a custom microarray to survey the transcripts generated from TEs during rice endosperm development and at selected time points in the embryo as a control. The expression patterns of TE transcripts are dynamically up‐ and downregulated during endosperm development, especially those of miniature inverted‐repeat TEs (MITEs). Some TE transcripts were directionally controlled, whereas the other DNA transposons and retrotransposons were not. We also discovered the NUCLEAR FACTOR Y binding motif, CCAAT, in the region near the 5′ terminal inverted repeat of Youren, one of the transcribed MITEs in the endosperm. Our results uncover dynamic changes in TE activity during endosperm development in rice.
Improving hypertension control and cardiovascular health: An urgent call to action for nursing
Authors: Hannan Judith A. , Commodore‐Mensah Yvonne , Tokieda Natsuko , Smith Alison P. , Gawlik Kate Sustersic , Murakami Linda , Cooper Jennifer , Koob Susan , Wright Kathy D. , Cassarino Doreen , Arslanian‐Engoren Cynthia , Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek
Published: February 2022

Background

Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and affects nearly one in two adults in the United States when defined as a blood pressure of at least 130/80 mm Hg or on antihypertensive medication (Virani et al., 2021, Circulation, 143, e254). Long‐standing disparities in hypertension awareness, treatment, and control among racial and ethnic populations exist in the United States. High‐quality evidence exists for how to prevent and control hypertension and for the role nurses can play in this effort. In response to the 2020 Surgeon General's Call to Action to Control Hypertension, nursing leaders from 11 national organizations identified the critical roles and actions of nursing in improving hypertension control and cardiovascular health, focusing on evidence‐based nursing interventions and available resources.

Aims

To develop a unified “Call to Action for Nurses” to improve control of hypertension and cardiovascular health and provide information and resources to execute this call.

Methods

This paper outlines roles that registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, schools of nursing, professional nursing organizations, quality improvement nurses, and nursing researchers can play to control hypertension and prevent CVD in the United States. It describes evidence‐based interventions to improve cardiovascular health and outlines actions to bring hypertension and CVD to the forefront as a national priority for nursing.

Linking Evidence to Action

Evidence‐based interventions exist for nurses to lead efforts to prevent and control hypertension, thus preventing much CVD. Nurses can take actions in their communities, their healthcare setting, and their organization to translate these interventions into real‐world practice settings.
Two new species of eriophyoid mites from China (Acari: Eriophyoidea)
Authors: Xue Xiao-Feng , Lu Yi-Wen
Published: February 2022

Two new species of eriophyoid mites from China are described and illustrated. They are Phyllocoptes broccolis sp. nov. on Mucuna macrocarpa (Leguminosae), and Apodiptacus hongkouianus sp. nov. on Bambusa sp. (Poaceae). Both new eriophyoid mite species are vagrants causing no apparent symptom to their host plants.
Sulfur-enhanced dynamics of coinage metal(111) surfaces: Step edges versus terraces as locations for metal-sulfur complex formation
Authors: Liu Da-Jiang , Evans James W.
Published: February 2022

The propensity of trace amounts of sulfur adsorbed on coinage metal(111) surfaces to dramatically enhance surface dynamics has been demonstrated by STM observations of accelerated 2D island decay for Cu and Ag. It is generally accepted that this enhancement is due to the formation of adsorbed metal-sulfur complexes, which facilitate surface mass transport of the metal. These complexes were originally proposed to form on terraces following the extraction of metal atoms from step edges and subsequent combination with sulfur on the terraces. However, even when thermodynamically feasible, this mechanism may not be kinetically viable for some complexes due to limited coupling of the complex concentration to the surface diffusion flux of metal atoms. Focusing on the case of Cu, we assess various scenarios where complexes are formed either on terraces or instead directly at step edges, the latter being a new paradigm. A new pathway is proposed for the formation on terraces. A rich variety of structures incorporating S at step edges exist, which could provide a viable source for complexes, at least from a thermodynamic perspective. However, it is necessary to also assess the activation barrier for complex formation and detachment from step edges. This is facilitated by the nudged-elastic-band analysis of the minimum energy path for this process utilizing machine-learning derived potentials based on density functional theory energetics for the metal-sulfur system.
CRISPR-based gene disruption and integration of high-avidity, WT1-specific T cell receptors improve antitumor T cell function
Authors: Ruggiero Eliana , Carnevale Erica , Prodeus Aaron , Magnani Zulma Irene , Camisa Barbara , Merelli Ivan , Politano Claudia , Stasi Lorena , Potenza Alessia , Cianciotti Beatrice Claudia , Manfredi Francesco , Di Bono Mattia , Vago Luca , Tassara Michela , Mastaglio Sara , Ponzoni Maurilio , Sanvito Francesca , Liu Dai , Balwani Ishina , Galli Rossella , Genua Marco , Ostuni Renato , Doglio Matteo , O’Connell Daniel , Dutta Ivy , Yazinski Stephanie Ann , McKee Mark , Arredouani Mohamed Simo , Schultes Birgit , Ciceri Fabio , Bonini Chiara
Published: February 2022

T cell receptor (TCR)–based therapy has the potential to induce durable clinical responses in patients with cancer by targeting intracellular tumor antigens with high sensitivity and by promoting T cell survival. However, the need for TCRs specific for shared oncogenic antigens and the need for manufacturing protocols able to redirect T cell specificity while preserving T cell fitness remain limiting factors. By longitudinal monitoring of T cell functionality and dynamics in 15 healthy donors, we isolated 19 TCRs specific for Wilms’ tumor antigen 1 (WT1), which is overexpressed by several tumor types. TCRs recognized several peptides restricted by common human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and displayed a wide range of functional avidities. We selected five high-avidity HLA-A*02:01–restricted TCRs, three that were specific to the less explored immunodominant WT1
37–45
and two that were specific to the noncanonical WT1
−78–64
epitopes, both naturally processed by primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts. With CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing tools, we combined TCR-targeted integration into the TCR α constant (
TRAC
) locus with TCR β constant (
TRBC
) knockout, thus avoiding TCRαβ mispairing and maximizing TCR expression and function. The engineered lymphocytes were enriched in memory stem T cells. A unique WT1
37–45
-specific TCR showed antigen-specific responses and efficiently killed AML blasts, acute lymphoblastic leukemia blasts, and glioblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo in the absence of off-tumor toxicity. T cells engineered to express this receptor are being advanced into clinical development for AML immunotherapy and represent a candidate therapy for other WT1-expressing tumors.
Targeting an alternate Wilms’ tumor antigen 1 peptide bypasses immunoproteasome dependency
Authors: Lahman Miranda C. , Schmitt Thomas M. , Paulson Kelly G. , Vigneron Nathalie , Buenrostro Denise , Wagener Felecia D. , Voillet Valentin , Martin Lauren , Gottardo Raphael , Bielas Jason , McElrath Julie M. , Stirewalt Derek L. , Pogosova-Agadjanyan Era L. , Yeung Cecilia C. , Pierce Robert H. , Egan Daniel N. , Bar Merav , Hendrie Paul C. , Kinsella Sinéad , Vakil Aesha , Butler Jonah , Chaffee Mary , Linton Jonathan , McAfee Megan S. , Hunter Daniel S. , Bleakley Marie , Rongvaux Anthony , Van den Eynde Benoit J. , Chapuis Aude G. , Greenberg Philip D.
Published: February 2022

Designing effective antileukemic immunotherapy will require understanding mechanisms underlying tumor control or resistance. Here, we report a mechanism of escape from immunologic targeting in an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient, who relapsed 1 year after immunotherapy with engineered T cells expressing a human leukocyte antigen A*02 (HLA-A2)–restricted T cell receptor (TCR) specific for a Wilms’ tumor antigen 1 epitope, WT1
126–134
(T
TCR-C4
). Resistance occurred despite persistence of functional therapeutic T cells and continuous expression of WT1 and HLA-A2 by the patient’s AML cells. Analysis of the recurrent AML revealed expression of the standard proteasome, but limited expression of the immunoproteasome, specifically the beta subunit 1i (β1i), which is required for presentation of WT1
126–134
. An analysis of a second patient treated with T
TCR-C4
demonstrated specific loss of AML cells coexpressing β1i and WT1. To determine whether the WT1 protein continued to be processed and presented in the absence of immunoproteasome processing, we identified and tested a TCR targeting an alternative, HLA-A2–restricted WT1
37–45
epitope that was generated by immunoproteasome-deficient cells, including WT1-expressing solid tumor lines. T cells expressing this TCR (T
TCR37–45
) killed the first patients’ relapsed AML resistant to WT1
126–134
targeting, as well as other primary AML, in vitro. T
TCR37–45
controlled solid tumor lines lacking immunoproteasome subunits both in vitro and in an NSG mouse model. As proteasome composition can vary in AML, defining and preferentially targeting these proteasome-independent epitopes may maximize therapeutic efficacy and potentially circumvent AML immune evasion by proteasome-related immunoediting.
Acinetobactin-Mediated Inhibition of Commensal Bacteria by Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Knauf Gregory A. , Powers Matthew J. , Herrera Carmen M. , Trent M. Stephen , Davies Bryan W.
Published: February 2022

The ability of
Acinetobacter baumannii
to asymptomatically colonize patients is a risk factor for infection and exacerbates its clinical spread. However, there is minimal information describing how
A. baumannii
asymptomatically colonizes patients.
Trends of Antimicrobial Susceptibility in Clinically Significant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Isolated from Cerebrospinal Fluid Cultures in Neurosurgical Adults: a Nine-Year Analysis
Authors: Ye Yi , Tian Ye , Kong Yueyue , Ma Jiawei , Shi Guangzhi
Published: February 2022

Coagulase-negative staphylococci are the main pathogens in health care-associated ventriculitis and meningitis. There are three conclusions from the results of this study.
Impact of Empirical Antibiotic Therapy on Outcomes of Outpatient Urinary Tract Infection Due to Nonsusceptible
Enterobacterales
Authors: Dunne Michael W. , Puttagunta Sailaja , Aronin Steven I. , Brossette Stephen , Murray John , Gupta Vikas
Published: February 2022

Resistance rates for bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) have increased dramatically. Regional rates of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics now exceed 20%, which is the threshold at which the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends therapy be guided by culture.
Selective Toxicity of Secondary Metabolites from the Entomopathogenic Bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens
sonorensis
against Selected Plant Parasitic Nematodes of the Tylenchina Suborder
Authors: Kusakabe Ayako , Wang Chen , Xu Ya-ming , Molnár István , Stock S. Patricia
Published: February 2022

Two phenylpropanoid and one alkaloid secondary metabolites were isolated and identified from culture filtrates of
Photorhabdus l. sonorensis
strain Caborca. The three identified metabolites showed selective nematicidal and/or nematistatic activities against two important plant parasitic nematodes, the root-knot nematode (
Meloidogyne incognita
) and the citrus nematode (
Tylenchulus semipenetrans
).
Carbapenem Resistance in Acinetobacter nosocomialis and Acinetobacter junii Conferred by Acquisition of
bla
OXA-24/40
and Genetic Characterization of the Transmission Mechanism between Acinetobacter Genomic Species
Authors: Lasarte-Monterrubio Cristina , Guijarro-Sánchez Paula , Bellés Alba , Vázquez-Ucha Juan Carlos , Arca-Suárez Jorge , Fernández-Lozano Carlos , Bou German , Beceiro Alejandro
Published: February 2022

Acinetobacter baumannii
is one of the most relevant pathogens in terms of antibiotic resistance. The main resistance mechanisms are the carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamases (CHDLs), especially OXA-23 and OXA-24/40.
Open AR-Sandbox: A haptic interface for geoscience education and outreach
Authors: Wellmann Florian , Virgo Simon , Escallon Daniel , de la Varga Miguel , Jüstel Alexander , Wagner Florian M. , Kowalski Julia , Zhao Hu , Fehling Robin , Chen Qian
Published: February 2022

Virtual reality concepts have been widely adapted to teach geoscientific content, most notably in virtual field trips—with increased developments due to recent travel restrictions and challenges of field access. On the spectrum between real and fully virtual environments are also combinations of digital and real content in mixed-reality environments. In this category, augmented-reality (AR) sandboxes have been used as a valuable tool for science outreach and teaching due to their intuitive and haptic interaction-enhancing operation. Most of the common AR-sandboxes are limited to the visualization of topography with contour lines and colors, as well as water simulations on the digital terrain surface. We show here how we can get beyond this limitation, through an open-source implementation of an AR-sandbox system with a versatile interface written in the free and cross-platform programming language Python. This implementation allows for creative and novel applications in geosciences education and outreach in general. With a link to a 3-D geomodelling system, we show how we can display geologic subsurface information such as the outcropping lithology, creating an interactive geological map for structural geology classes. The relations of subsurface structures, topography, and outcrop can be explored in a playful and comprehensible way. Additional examples include the visualizations of geophysical fields and the propagation of seismic waves, as well as simulations of Earth surface processes. We further extended the functionality with ArUco-marker detection to enable more precise and flexible interaction with the projected content. In combination, with these developments, we aim to make AR-sandbox systems, with the additional dimension of haptic interactions, accessible to a wider range of geoscientific applications for education and outreach.
Supplemental Material: Influence of hydrostratigraphy on the distribution of groundwater arsenic in the transboundary Ganges River aquifer system, India and Bangladesh
Authors: Chakraborty Madhumita , al. et
Published: February 2022

Details of methodologies and data used for the study along with ancillary figures.
Retching as an unusual cause of bilateral posterior shoulder fracture dislocation
Authors: Montgomery Grant WA , Alnajjar Rafee , Shannon Fintan J , Canavan Michelle D , Murphy Colin G
Published: February 2022

Bilateral posterior shoulder fracture dislocation is a debilitating injury and is quite rare. This injury pattern has been described in the literature as either secondary to seizure, electrocution or major trauma. We present a case of an elderly man who appears to have sustained the injury after an episode of retching and vomiting. With our patient witnessed closely throughout and no trauma, electrocution or seizure activity reported, we propose that the violent action of retching and vomiting not only has the potential to cause this injury pattern but also was the only credible cause in our patient. This case not only adds to the list of potential injuries caused by retching and vomiting but also questions the validity of a previously limited list of modes-of-injury for posterior shoulder fracture dislocation.
Higher order visual dysfunction and myoclonic-atonic seizure: an atypical presentation of CLN6 neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Authors: Mukherjee Debaleena , Bhattacharyya Dwaipayan , Pandit Alak , Dubey Souvik
Published: February 2022

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis is a rare childhood neurodegenerative disease, classified under the spectrum of progressive myoclonic epilepsy (PME). Cognitive decline, seizures including myoclonus, vision loss and ataxia are the commonly described manifestations of this illness. While visual failure in this disease is largely attributed to retinal, macular degeneration and optic atrophy, with this index case, we report an atypical presentation in the form of higher order visual dysfunction. The pattern of cognitive regression has further been explored here with higher order visual dysfunction and language regression being the predominant manifestations, stemming from an involvement of bilateral occipitoparietal/occipitotemporal networks. Yet another unique feature of this case also lies in the occurrence of myoclonic-atonic seizure, a semiology rarely reported before in PME.
Mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of childhood systemic polyarteritis nodosa
Authors: Bhattarai Dharmagat , Banday Aaqib Zaffar , Nori Harshita , Gupta Anju
Published: February 2022

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a medium vessel vasculitis with necrotising vascular changes along with multisystemic involvement. Due to variable initial presentations, diagnosis of systemic PAN in children requires a comprehensive work up. In addition, systemic PAN needs an aggressive therapy. Mycophenolate mofetil is an emerging newer alternative for the treatment of PAN. We report a case of childhood systemic PAN who initially presented with subtle signs like reduced sensation over lateral foot, non-deforming arthritis and multiform rashes. After comprehensive aetiological work up, nerve biopsy and supporting evidence clinched the diagnosis. Vasculitis in children presenting with benign subtle signs is sometimes a diagnostic challenge to clinicians. Our case highlights the importance of lateral thinking while dealing with non-specific multisystemic signs. Evidence of successful treatment of PAN with mycophenolate mofetil is gradually being built up. It is also described to result lower relapse and increased treatment free survival rate.
Exploring the impact of pulse oximeter selection within the COVID-19 home-use pulse oximetry pathways
Authors: Stell David , Noble Jonathan James , Kay Rebecca Hazell , Kwong Man Ting , Jeffryes Michael John Russell , Johnston Liam , Glover Guy , Akinluyi Emmanuel
Published: February 2022

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, portable pulse oximeters were issued to some patients to permit home monitoring and alleviate pressure on inpatient wards. Concerns were raised about the accuracy of these devices in some patient groups. This study was conducted in response to these concerns.

Objectives

To evaluate the performance characteristics of five portable pulse oximeters and their suitability for deployment on home-use pulse oximetry pathways created during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study considered the effects of different device models and patient characteristics on pulse oximeter accuracy, false negative and false positive rate.

Methods

A total of 915 oxygen saturation (spO2) measurements, paired with measurements from a hospital-standard pulse oximeter, were taken from 50 patients recruited from respiratory wards and the intensive care unit at an acute hospital in London. The effects of device model and several patient characteristics on bias, false negative and false positive likelihood were evaluated using multiple regression analyses.

Results and conclusions

All five portable pulse oximeters appeared to outperform the standard to which they were manufactured. Device model, patient spO2and patient skin colour were significant predictors of measurement bias, false positive and false negative rate, with some variation between models. The false positive and false negative rates were 11.2% and 24.5%, respectively, with substantial variation between models.