bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel PLS1 c.981+1G>A variant causes autosomal‐dominant hereditary hearing loss in a family
Authors: Xu Liangpu , Wang Xinrui , Li Jia , Chen Lingji , Wang Haiwei , Xu Shiyi , Zhang Yanhong , Li Wei , Yao Pengcheng , Tan Meihua , Zhou Si , Chen Meihuan , Pan Yali , Chen Xuemei , Chen Xiaolan , Liu Yunliang , Lin Na , Huang Hailong , Cao Hua
Published: December 2022

The fimbrin protein family contains a variety of proteins, among which Plastin1 (PLS1) is an important member. According to recent studies, variations in the coding region of the PLS1 gene are associated with the development of deafness. However, the molecular mechanism of deafness caused by PLS1 gene variants remains unknown. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed on hearing‐impaired family members and hearing family members to identify pathogenic variants, followed by Sanger sequencing. A minigene assay was conducted to investigate the effect of the variant on PLS1 mRNA splicing. The pathogenicity of the variant was further investigated in zebrafish. RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) was performed to analyze the dysregulation of downstream signaling pathways caused by knockdown of PLS1 expression. We identified a novel variant, PLS1 c.981+1G>A, in a large Chinese family with hearing loss and showed that the variant is responsible for the occurrence of hearing loss by inducing exon 8 skipping. The variant caused abnormal inner ear phenotypes, characterized by decreases in the mean otolith distance, anterior otolith diameter, posterior otolith diameter, cochlear diameter, and swimming speed and distance in zebrafish. Furthermore, silencing PLS1 expression significantly upregulated the expression of genes in the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway, including Col6a3, Spp1, Itgb3 and hepatocyte growth factor (Hgf). PLS1 c.981+1G>A is a novel pathogenic variant causing hearing loss by inducing exon 8 skipping. Upregulation of the expression of genes in the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis caused by variants in the PLS1 gene.
The John S. Najarian symposium: The past, present, and future of surgery and transplantation, May 20, 2022, Minneapolis, MN
Authors: Knatterud Mary E. , Simmons Richard L. , Payne William , Stock Peter , Chavers Blanche , Ascher Nancy , Kaufman Dixon , Kirk Alan , Keshavjee Shafique , Humar Abhinav , Ganesh Swaytha , Hughes Christopher , Kandaswamy Raja , Matas Arthur J.
Published: December 2022

Dr John S Najarian (1927–2020), chairman of the Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota from 1967 to 1993, was a pioneer in surgery, clinical immunology and transplantation. A Covid‐delayed Festschrift was held in his honor on May 20, 2022. The speakers reflected on his myriad contributions to surgery, transplantation, and resident/fellow training, as well as current areas of ongoing research to improve clinical outcomes. Of note, Dr Najarian was a founder of the journal Clinical Transplantation.
“Something for everyone”: Ownership as a moving target in Swedish and British regional foreign aid to Africa
Authors: Söderbaum Fredrik , Stapel Sören , Wennergren Sally
Published: December 2022

Motivation

Regionalism in Africa is to a large extent financed from the outside, which has given rise to a deep‐seated ownership problem. African actors and donors struggle with whether the ownership deficit derives from unequal donor–recipient relationships or recipient‐related weaknesses. This study goes beyond these debates and adds new insights by exploring the preconceived notions, ideas, and practices of ownership within the donor agencies themselves.

Purpose

The article explores the ownership of regional foreign aid to Africa through three generic questions: what is meant by “ownership” in a regional setting?; who are the “owners”?; and what strategies and activities are enacted to ensure ownership of regional foreign aid?

Methods and approach

The study is based on a paired comparison of Sweden and the United Kingdom. While both are large donors of regional aid to Africa, they have diverging approaches to ownership. The empirical material consists of official regional strategies, internal planning documents, aid evaluations and more than 20 semi‐structured interviews with Swedish and British officials based both in headquarters and in field offices.

Findings

The meanings and principles, considerations about “owners,” as well as strategies and activities to strengthen ownership frequently change over time and for different actors. In both Sweden and the UK, ownership means different things to different officials. Internal contestations between top‐level and field‐based officials reinforce the ambiguities and contradictions within each donor agency. Contrary to expectations, there is more diversity within the Swedish aid machinery than in the British.

Policy implications

In contrast to the widespread belief among both donors and African‐based actors that the ownership problem results from asymmetric donor–recipient relationships and/or weak African commitment to regional integration, the study shows that policy‐makers need to shift their attention towards the goals, strategies, and internal practices within donor agencies themselves.
Assessing Artemisia lavandulaefolia as a trap plant for managing Apolygus lucorum in tea plantations
Authors: Tian Yueyue , Ping Sun , Zhang Xinzhe , Li Bingqian , Zhang Zhengqun , Cai Xiaoming
Published: December 2022

Green plant bugs Apolygus lucorum Meyer‐Dür (Hemiptera: Miridae) are among the most important piercing‐sucking insect pests of the tea plant Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze (Theaceae) and severely reduce the quality and economic benefits of tea. The preference of A. lucorum for tea plants and weed hosts, including Humulus scandens (Lour.) (Moraceae), Artemisia lavandulaefolia DC., Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq, and Artemisia annua L. (all Asteraceae), was evaluated using an olfactometer bioassay. Volatiles from weed host plants were analyzed by electronic nose and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The A. lucorum adults had a significant preference for the volatiles from A. lavandulaefolia compared to volatiles from tea. Myrcene, 1,8‐cineole, and sabinene were the three dominant components in the A. lavandulaefolia flower volatiles. Artemisia lavandulaefolia was selected as a trap plant to assess the attractiveness to A. lucorum and the effects on natural enemies. The population density of A. lucorum on A. lavandulaefolia planted in tea plantations was significantly higher than that on tea. In particular, in tea fields with A. lavandulaefolia at 2 m spacing, the number of A. lucorum on trap strips of A. lavandulaefolia was higher than on tea at 10, 20, and 30 m away from the trap strips. The trap strips of A. lavandulaefolia also promoted a small increase in the presence of natural enemies in the tea agroecosystem, especially lacewings. Our research indicated that planting A. lavandulaefolia as a trap plant at 2 m spacing has the potential to manipulate the population of A. lucorum in tea plantations.
Assessment of data‐limited fisheries: A case study of three finfish species in Chilika lagoon, India
Authors: Suresh Vettath Raghavan , Varghese Eldho , Sajina Aliyamintakath M. , Karna Subodha Kumar , Mohanty Surya K. , Sethi Pradeep K. , Mukherjee Manasi , Banik Surajit K. , Jayaraman Jayasankar , Munivenkatappa Manas H. , Mukherjee Jayanta , Manna Ranjan K. , Panda Debabrata
Published: December 2022

Inland capture fisheries in many parts of the world, especially in developing nations, receive relatively low governance priority, thereby raising concerns about their sustainability. Consequently, most inland capture fisheries are data‐limited, which renders conventional capture fisheries assessment methods inapplicable for making science‐based monitoring and management decisions. Three recent data‐limited approaches for marine fish stock assessments using length frequency and catch data (Length‐Based Indicators [LBI], Growth‐Type Groups Length‐Based Spawning Potential Ratio [GTG‐LBSPR] and Catch Maximum Sustainable Yield [CMSY]), were explored for applicability to assess stock status of three commercially exploited finfish species, Daysciaena albida, Eleutheronema tetradactylum and Mugil cephalus, in Chilika lagoon, an inland water body along the east coast of India. The LBI and GTG‐LBSPR approaches are based on catch length‐frequency data, while the CMSY is based on catch‐only data. The LBI provided insight into current exploitation status of the three species in relation to sustainable fishing, the GTG‐LBSPR provided reference points (RP) for the unfished portion of spawning biomass and relative yield in relation to selectivity, and the CMSY provided RPs for MSY, biomass and fishing pressure that yield MSY, to assess stock status and fishery management decisions. All three approaches suggested that the three species were overfished in terms of catch length and quantity, which agreed with expert knowledge of the fishery in the lagoon. All three approaches can support management and policy decisions in inland fisheries and fishery management recommendations. Future research should explore and standardise such approaches to overcome data limitations in assessing and managing inland capture fisheries.
The impact of ankle haemarthropathy in patients with moderate haemophilia
Authors: Wilkins Richard A. , Siddle Heidi J. , Chapman Graham J. , Horn Elizabeth , Walwyn Rebecca , Redmond Anthony C.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Moderate haemophilia has traditionally been associated with less complications than severe haemophilia. Changes in treatment recommendations have highlighted the burden of moderate haemophilia with a subset of patients with a severe bleeding phenotype. The ankle joint is disproportionally affected by ankle haemarthropathy however the impact has not been evaluated in moderate haemophilia, nor the effect on health related quality of life (HRQoL) or foot and ankle outcomes.

Aims

To establish the impact of ankle haemarthropathy in patients with moderate haemophilia.

Methods

A multicentre questionnaire study recruited patients from 11 haemophilia centres in England, Scotland and Wales. The HAEMO‐QoL‐A and Manchester‐Oxford foot and ankle questionnaire (MOXFQ) with total and domain scores measured impact. Measures of pain and ankle haemophilia joint health (HJHS) scores were also collected.

Results

Twenty‐nine participants were recruited. HAEMO‐QoL A mean (SD) total scores of 10.8 (5.2) of 100 (best health) and foot and ankle specific MOXFQ total scores of 45.5 (24.7) above zero (best outcome) indicate poor HRQoL and foot and ankle outcomes. Average ankle pain over past 6 months of (0–10) 5.5 (SD2.5) was reported and median (IQR) ankle HJHS of 3.0 (1;12.5) to 4.5 (0;9.5) for the left and right ankles.

Conclusion

HRQoL and foot and ankle specific outcomes are poor in patients with moderate haemophilia and ankle haemarthropathy, driven by chronic levels of ankle joint pain. Despite moderate haemophilia being considered less affected by haemarthrosis and haemarthropathy, patients with a bleeding or haemarthropathy phenotype are clinically similar to patients with severe haemophilia A.
Effect of coupon geometry and preload on flexural properties of oxide ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Lehnert Tobias , Shi Yuan , Cepli Daniel , Jemmali Raouf , Wamser Thomas , Lauer Andreas , Roßdeutscher Jan , Panthen Britta
Published: December 2022

Oxide ceramic matrix composites (O‐CMCs) have a high potential for usage in thermal protection systems or combustion chambers because of their low weight, temperature‐ and corrosion stability as well as non‐brittle failure behavior. Mechanical property changes over their lifetime due to operational loads are not well understood. Moreover, mechanical properties from planar samples under laboratory conditions often differ substantially from upscaled components with complex geometries. In this work, the influences of curvature and preloading conditions were investigated experimentally using modeling to determine boundary conditions. Effects of curvature and trends among preload conditions were determined, with high‐cycle‐fatigue‐preload (HCF) reducing strength and Young’s Modulus by 15% compared to their original values where low‐cycle‐fatigue‐preload (LCF) had smaller effect. The low impacts of high temperatures and small‐to‐medium loads on the properties of O‐CMCs makes them an interesting choice for high‐temperature combustive environments.
Experiences of a mental health promotion, prevention, and early‐intervention training program targeted to school nurses in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al‐Yateem Nabeel , Rossiter Rachel , Slewa‐Younan Shameran , Azizur Rahman Syed , Subu Muhammad Arsyad , Dias Jacqueline Maria , Saifan Ahmad Rajeh
Published: December 2022

Aim

To report participants’ and facilitators’ experiences of mental health promotion, prevention, and early‐intervention training program targeted at school nurses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Background

The UAE school healthcare service is staffed by full‐time nurses and part‐time doctors and linked to primary healthcare centers. This service supports children's physical and mental well‐being. However, school nurses’ capacity to realize the potential of this service, particularly regarding mental health, has not yet been explored.

Methods

We used an exploratory qualitative approach with data triangulation. Data were drawn from school nurses that participated in a targeted mental health promotion, prevention, and early‐intervention training program. Data were gathered through focus group interviews with participating school nurses, written reflections, and notes recorded by the program designers and trainers. All school nurses who participated in the training program (N = 15) were included in this study. This study adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.

Results

Nurses’ narratives encompassed three main themes, which indicated the program was an enjoyable professional and personal journey that allowed professional discovery/development and personal growth. Program organizers/facilitators indicated the training program was important, but challenging to implement. Four themes emerged from their reflections that covered the structure of school nursing services, participants’ competency and education, the UAE context, and teaching style.

Conclusion

A well‐structured professional development program can contribute to improving mental healthcare in schools. Improved service structure and regulations to support this goal are essential.

Implications for nursing practice, research, and policy

School nurses benefit professionally and personally from targeted mental health training, which also improves the care students receive. School healthcare service managers should consider increasing such training opportunities for nurses and focus on measuring service outcomes and evaluating effectiveness. It is also necessary to reassess the minimum qualification requirement for school nurses. Specific professional development programs for school nurses will improve their clinical practice and support the recruitment of competent and prepared staff.
Repair of complex digital soft‐tissue defects using a free composite ulnar artery perforator flap from the volar wrist
Authors: Qi Jian‐Wu , Ding Mao‐Chao , Zhang Hui , Chen Hong
Published: December 2022

Digital skin defects resulting from trauma are often associated with dysfunction of the digital nerve and the extensor and flexor tendons in the affected fingers. The repair of these complex tissue defects requires a graft containing multiple tissues that can be used to reconstruct the tendons and nerves and restore the skin. Such procedures can cause multiple injuries and significant damage to the donor site. The current study used a novel technique to repair complex dorsal and palmar digital soft‐tissue defects. First, multiple tissues were cut and collected from the donor site. Then, part of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon was transplanted to repair the tendon defect, and a medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve graft was used to repair the digital nerve defect. Finally, a skin flap was used to cover the skin defect. This paper reports on 31 cases of complex soft‐tissue digital defects, with defect areas of 2–18 cm2. One patient presented with a postoperative arterial crisis in the flap. All other patients recovered without experiencing a vascular crisis, flap necrosis, or wound infection. The postoperative flaps were similar in texture to the original digital skin. The sensation and the extension/flexion functions in the affected fingers recovered well. The effect on grip strength, wrist flexion, and forearm sensation was minor and the postoperative total active motion scores of the affected digits were good or excellent in 96.77% of the cases. The flap sensation recovery rate was also excellent in 83.87% of the cases. The present technique facilitates the repair of multiple dorsal and palmar digital soft‐tissue, tendon and nerve defects, reduces the damage to the donor site, and significantly improves the success of surgical repair.
Demographic changes and life‐history strategies predict the genetic diversity in crabs
Authors: Peres Pedro A. , Mantelatto Fernando L.
Published: December 2022

Uncovering what predicts genetic diversity (GD) within species can help us access the status of populations and their evolutionary potential. Traits related to effective population size show a proportional association to GD, but evidence supports life‐history strategies and habitat as the drivers of GD variation. Instead of investigating highly divergent taxa, focusing on one group could help to elucidate the factors influencing the GD. Additionally, most empirical data is based on vertebrate taxa; therefore, we might be missing novel patterns of GD found in neglected invertebrate groups. Here, we investigated the predictors of the GD in crabs (Brachyura) by compiling the most comprehensive cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) available. Eight predictor variables were analysed across 150 species (16 992 sequences) using linear models (multiple linear regression) and comparative methods (PGLS). Our results indicate that population size fluctuation represents the most critical trait predicting GD, with species that have undergone bottlenecks followed by population expansion showing lower GD. Egg size, pelagic larval duration and habitat might play a role probably because of their association with how species respond to disturbances. Ultimately, K‐strategists that have undergone bottlenecks are the species showing lower GD. Some variables do not show an association with GD as expected, most likely due to the taxon‐specific role of some predictors, which should be considered in further investigations and generalizations. This work highlights the complexity underlying the predictors of GD and adds results from a marine invertebrate group to the current understanding of this topic.
Sulfatide‐selectin signaling in the spinal cord induces mechanical allodynia
Authors: Morita Motoki , Watanabe Shun , Nomura Natsumi , Takano‐Matsuzaki Kanako , Oyama Misa , Iwai Takashi , Tanabe Mitsuo
Published: December 2022

Sulfatide is a sulfated glycosphingolipid that is present abundantly in myelin sheaths of the brain and spinal cord. It is synthesized by a cerebroside sulfotransferase encoded by Gal3st1, which catalyzes the transfer of sulfate from 3′‐phosphoadenylylsulfate to galactosylceramide. We previously reported that Gal3st1 gene expression in the spinal cord is up‐regulated 1 day after intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), indicating that sulfatide is involved in inflammatory pain. In the present study, we found that intrathecal injection of sulfatide led to mechanical allodynia. Sulfatide caused levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and nitric oxide in the spinal cord to increase. Mechanical allodynia induced by intrathecal injection of sulfatide was blocked by nitric oxide synthase inhibitors and by suppression of astrocyte activation by L‐α‐aminoadipate. These results suggest that sulfatide‐induced mechanical allodynia involved glial activation and nitric oxide production. Blocking selectin, a sulfatide‐binding protein, with bimosiamose attenuated sulfatide‐induced allodynia and ameliorated CFA‐induced mechanical allodynia during inflammatory pain. Finally, elevated levels of sulfatide concentration in the spinal cord were observed during CFA‐induced inflammatory pain. The elevated sulfatide levels enhanced selectin activation in the spinal cord, resulting in mechanical allodynia. Our data suggest that sulfatide‐selectin interaction plays a key role in inflammatory pain.

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Anatomical basis for contribution of hip joint motion by the obturator internus to defaecation/urinary functions by the levator ani via the obturator fascia
Authors: Muro Satoru , Nimura Akimoto , Ibara Takuya , Chikazawa Kenro , Nakazawa Masataka , Akita Keiichi
Published: December 2022

The functional association between hip joint motion and defaecation/urinary function has attracted considerable research and clinical attention owing to the potential novel approaches for pelvic floor rehabilitation; however, the anatomical basis remains unclear. This study, therefore, aimed to analyse the anatomical basis of force transmission between the obturator internus, a muscle of the hip joint, and the levator ani, a muscle of the pelvic floor. Twenty‐three cadavers were used for macroscopic and histological analyses. The three‐dimensional structures of the muscles and fascia were recorded using a high‐definition camera and a 3D scanner. The arrangement and attachment of the muscle fibres, tendons and fascia were visualised using histological sections stained with Masson's trichrome. The obturator internus and levator ani were in broad contact through the obturator fascia. The height of their contact area was 24.6 ± 9.1 mm. Histologically, the obturator internus and levator ani shared a large area of the obturator fascia, and the obturator fascia provided the attachment of several muscle layers of the levator ani. The contribution of hip joint motion to defaecation/urinary function can be explained by the broad ‘planar’ contact between the obturator internus and levator ani. This anatomical feature suggests that movement of the obturator internus creates the foundation for the function of the levator ani and contributes to pelvic floor support through the obturator fascia. This study provides an anatomical basis for the effectiveness of the hip muscles in improving defaecation/urinary function by enabling balanced and proper movements.
Associations between insomnia symptoms and functional connectivity in the UK Biobank cohort (n = 29,423)
Authors: Holub Florian , Petri Roxana , Schiel Julian , Feige Bernd , Rutter Martin K. , Tamm Sandra , Riemann Dieter , Kyle Simon D. , Spiegelhalder Kai
Published: December 2022

An increasing number of studies harness resting‐state fMRI functional connectivity analysis to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms of insomnia. The results to date are inconsistent and the detection of minor and widely distributed alterations in functional connectivity requires large sample sizes. The present study investigated associations between insomnia symptoms and resting‐state functional connectivity at the whole‐brain level in the largest sample to date. This cross‐sectional analysis used resting‐state imaging data from the UK Biobank, a large scale, population‐based biomedical database. The analysis included 29,423 participants (age: 63.1 ± 7.5 years, 54.3% female), comprising 9210 with frequent insomnia symptoms and 20,213 controls without. Linear models were adjusted for relevant clinical, imaging, and socio‐demographic variables. The Akaike information criterion was used for model selection. Multiple comparisons were corrected using the false discovery rate with a significance level of q < 0.05. Frequent insomnia symptoms were associated with increased connectivity within the default mode network and frontoparietal network, increased negative connectivity between the default mode network and the frontoparietal network, and decreased connectivity between the salience network and a node of the default mode network. Furthermore, frequent insomnia symptoms were associated with altered functional connectivity between nodes comprising sensory areas and the cerebellum. These functional alterations of brain networks may underlie dysfunctional affective and cognitive processing in insomnia and contribute to subjectively and objectively impaired sleep. However, it must be noted that the item that was used to assess frequent insomnia symptoms in this study did not assess all the characteristics of clinically diagnosed insomnia.
Performance of algorithms for identifying patients with chronic hepatitis B or C infection in the french health insurance claims databases using the ANRS CO22 HEPATHER cohort
Authors: Lam Laurent , Fontaine Hélène , Lapidus Nathanael , Bellet Jonathan , Lusivika‐Nzinga Clovis , Nicol Jérôme , Dorival Céline , Cagnot Carole , Hejblum Gilles , Pol Stanislas , Bourlière Marc , Carrat Fabrice ,   for the ANRS/AFEF HEPATHER Study Group
Published: December 2022

The validity of algorithms for identifying patients with chronic hepatitis B or C virus (HBV or HCV) infection in claims databases has been little explored. The performance of 15 algorithms was evaluated. Data from HBV‐ or HCV‐infected patients enrolled between August 2012 and December 2015 in French hepatology centres (ANRS CO22 HEPATHER cohort) were individually linked to the French national health insurance system (SNDS). The SNDS covers 99% of the French population and contains healthcare reimbursement data. Performance metrics were calculated by comparing the viral status established by clinicians with those obtained with the algorithms identifying chronic HBV‐ and HCV‐infected patients. A total of 14 751 patients (29% with chronic HBV and 63% with chronic HCV infection) followed‐up until December 2018 were selected. Despite good specificity, the algorithms relying on ICD‐10 codes performed poorly. By contrast, the multi‐criteria algorithms combining ICD‐10 codes, antiviral dispensing, laboratory diagnostic tests (HBV DNA or HCV RNA detection and quantification, HCV genotyping), examinations for the assessment of liver fibrosis and long‐term disease registrations were the most effective (sensitivity 0.92, 95% CI, 0.91–0.93 and specificity 0.96, 95% CI, 0.95–0.96 for identifying chronic HBV‐infected patients; sensitivity 0.94, 95% CI, 0.94–0.94 and specificity 0.85, 95% CI, 0.84–0.86 for identifying chronic HCV‐infected patients). In conclusion, the multi‐criteria algorithms perform well in identifying patients with chronic hepatitis B or C infection and can be used to estimate the magnitude of the public health burden associated with hepatitis B and C in France.
Hepatitis C care cascade before and during the direct‐acting antiviral eras in New South Wales, Australia: A population‐based linkage study
Authors: Yousafzai Mohammad T. , Alavi Maryam , Valerio Heather , Hajarizadeh Behzad , Grebely Jason , Dore Gregory J.
Published: December 2022

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) care cascade characterization is important for monitoring progress towards HCV elimination. This study evaluated HCV care cascade and factors associated with treatment during pre‐DAA (2011–2012 and 2013–2015) and DAA (2016–2018) eras in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. We conducted a cohort study of people with an HCV notification (1993 to 2017) through end 2018, linked to administrative datasets, including HCV treatment and non‐hospital services. Those aged <18 years, died within first 6 months of study period or notification, and who had successful HCV treatment in period before were excluded. Sex‐specific spontaneous viral clearance was incorporated to estimate treatment‐eligible population. The study population in each period were cumulative and brought forward from one period to the next. Among 115,667 people with HCV notification, 87,063 fulfilled eligibility criteria. During 2011 to 2012, 2013 to 2015, and 2016 to 2018, cumulative HCV notifications were 71,677, 77,969, and 80,017; 52,016, 56,793, and 57,467 were eligible for treatment; 29%, 48%, and 64% confirmed HCV RNA positive; and 0.6%, 5%, and 38% initiated HCV treatment, respectively. Birth cohort 1945 to 1964 (vs. ≥1965), males, non‐Aboriginal ethnicity, regional/rural area of residence, and HCV/HIV co‐infection were associated with higher treatment uptake. Incarceration and drug dependence were associated with higher treatment uptake during the DAA era. In Australia, many marginalized populations including those incarcerated and those with drug dependence have equitable treatment uptake in the DAA era. Targeted strategies are required to enhance treatment uptake for females and Aboriginal populations.
Success factors of great oceanic dispersers: Case of Squamata in the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Escoriza D.
Published: December 2022

The Pacific Ocean is the largest in the world, and it contains many remote archipelagos, some of which are distant more than 4000 km from continents. Despite their isolation, these archipelagos harbour diverse assemblages of squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes), and these species differ greatly in their dispersal ranges. This study tested the hypothesis that there is a spatial effect on the variation among species in dispersal ability and that it is also associated with the evolutionary relationships among species and their life‐history strategies (body size and reproductive mode). The results indicated greater spatial than phylogenetic effects on the variables describing interspecific dispersal. The unisexual reproduction mode in squamates is not associated with a greater ability to colonize than sexual species that rely on similar mechanisms of dispersal. The higher reproductive rate of unisexual taxa might be initially advantageous for establishment on remote oceanic islands because of the unlikely arrival of sexual congenerics, which are frequently superior competitors in island ecosystems. Body size tends to exert a negative effect on the dispersal capacity of island squamates, but this relationship is positive in a subgroup of recently introduced commensal species.
Raman instrument calibration for astromaterials and analysis of Mars return samples
Authors: Jakubek Ryan Scott , Fries Marc D.
Published: December 2022

The study of astromaterials generally involves the distribution of limited sample to many laboratories for analysis. Maximum scientific yield for a sample occurs when the data and results from different studies are examined as a collective. This collective examination of results will be particularly important for upcoming sample return missions including Mars sample return and OSIRIS‐REx. When comparing results across laboratories, instrument calibration is of key importance. For Raman data, this includes the calibration of all three Raman band parameters: peak wavenumber position, bandwidth, and intensity. Although wavenumber is routinely calibrated, bandwidth and intensity are not; though they are commonly compared across studies. In addition, Raman instrument calibration is time dependent. An understanding of the time dependence of instrument calibration is important for proper calibration. Here, we use a mixture of well‐established and recently developed calibration techniques to propose a standard method of calibrating Raman astromaterial data across laboratories to maximize the scientific value of the data.
Interaction between cucumber green mottle mosaic virus MP and CP promotes virus systemic infection
Authors: Shi Ya‐Juan , Yang Xue , Yang Ling‐Ling , Li Qing‐Lun , Liu Xiao‐Min , Han Xiao‐Yu , Gu Qin‐Sheng , Li Hong‐Lian , Chen Lin‐Lin , Liu Yiqing , Shi Yan
Published: December 2022

The movement protein (MP) and coat protein (CP) of tobamoviruses play critical roles in viral cell‐to‐cell and long‐distance movement, respectively. Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) is a member of the genus Tobamovirus. The functions of CGMMV MP and CP during viral infection remain largely unclear. Here, we show that CGMMV MP can interact with CP in vivo, and the amino acids at positions 79–128 in MP are vital for the MP–CP interaction. To confirm this finding, we mutated five conserved residues within the residue 79–128 region and six other conserved residues flanking this region, followed by in vivo interaction assays. The results showed that the conserved threonine residue at the position 107 in MP (MPT107) is important for the MP–CP interaction. Substitution of T107 with alanine (MPT107A) delayed CGMMV systemic infection in Nicotiana benthamiana plants, but increased CGMMV local accumulation. Substitutions of another 10 conserved residues, not responsible for the MP–CP interaction, with alanine inhibited or abolished CGMMV systemic infection, suggesting that these 10 conserved residues are possibly required for the MP movement function through a CP‐independent manner. Moreover, two movement function‐associated point mutants (MPF17A and MPD97A) failed to cause systemic infection in plants without impacting on the MP–CP interaction. Furthermore, we have found that co‐expression of CGMMV MP and CP increased CP accumulation independent of the interaction. MP and CP interaction inhibits the salicylic acid‐associated defence response at an early infection stage. Taken together, we propose that the suppression of host antiviral defence through the MP–CP interaction facilitates virus systemic infection.
Probing the dark matter of environmental associations yields novel insights into the architecture of adaptation
Authors: Eckert Andrew J. , Neale David B.
Published: December 2022

This article is a Commentary on Capblancq et al. (2023), 237: 1590–1605.
Impact of stable environments on maltreated children
Authors: Koizumi Michiko , Tomoda Akemi , Takiguchi Shinichiro , Kosaka Hirotaka
Published: December 2022

Background

The development of the ability to understand others' facial expressions is thought to be dependent on the environment in which one has been reared.

Methods

This study compared the ability to understand others' facial expressions between 15 children who were in an unstable environment, 11 children who had been maltreated before and were in a stable environment, like a foster family, and 33 children who had never been maltreated. We used the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) as measure.

Results

Children who were in an unstable environment scored higher on the RMET than children who had never been maltreated.

Conclusions

The results suggested that hypersensitivity to others' facial expressions might be an adaptive response to a harmful environment and that it might decline when in a stable environment because such sensitivity is no longer needed.
Ultrasound‐guided femoral vascular access in pediatric cardiac catheterization
Authors: Go Kiyotaka , Kojima Taiki , Watanabe Fumio
Published: December 2022

Background

In pediatric catheterization, the palpation and landmark (PL) technique is widely used for femoral arterial and venous (FAV) cannulation. Over the past decade, the ultrasound‐guided (US) technique has replaced the PL technique. This study aimed to assess the clinical impact of application of the US technique on the success rate and completion time of FAV cannulation during cardiac catheterization in children.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study of consecutive pediatric patients who underwent cardiac catheterization in a tertiary care children's hospital from April 2016 to March 2022. The association between FAV cannulation success rate and the US technique was analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis by adjusting for potential confounders, including patient and operator characteristics and procedural details.

Results

A total of 749 patients (PL, 378; US, 371) were analyzed. The odds ratio (OR) of the US technique success rate for FAV cannulation was 2.03, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10–3.73; p = 0.02. The OR of the cannulation success rate of children aged <1 year was 0.16 (95% CI, 0.03–0.97; p = 0.046).

Conclusions

The US‐guided technique was associated with an increased success rate of FAV cannulation, compared with the PL technique. Moreover, age < 1 year was an independent factor associated with a lower success rate of FAV cannulation. The US‐guided technique might be an effective procedure in FAV cannulation during cardiac catheterization in children.
Transmission properties of space‐time modulated metamaterials
Authors: Ammari Habib , Cao Jinghao , Zeng Xinmeng
Published: December 2022

We prove the possibility of achieving exponentially growing wave propagation in space‐time modulated media and give an asymptotic analysis of the quasifrequencies in terms of the amplitude of the time modulation at the degenerate points of the folded band structure. Our analysis provides the first proof of existence of k‐gaps in the band structures of space‐time modulated systems of subwavelength resonators.
Safety and accuracy of blind vs. ultrasound‐guided dorsal retrobulbar nerve blocks in horses—A cadaveric study
Authors: Thieme Katharina , Mesquita Luis , Lieberth Simona , Dancker Christian , Doherr Marcus Georg , Eule Johanna Corinna
Published: December 2022

Objective

There is limited knowledge regarding the safety and accuracy of ultrasound‐guided retrobulbar nerve blocks in horses. The aim of this study was to compare these parameters between blind and ultrasound‐guided injection techniques for the dorsal retrobulbar nerve block in horses.

Methods

Equine cadaver heads were used to inject the retrobulbar space with contrast medium (CM). Injections were performed either blindly based on anatomic landmarks (blind group, n = 44) or under ultrasonographic guidance (US‐group, n = 44), equally divided between an experienced and unexperienced operator. Needle position and distribution of CM were assessed with computed tomography imaging and evaluated by a board‐certified veterinary diagnostic imager blinded to the technique. Safety and accuracy of both techniques were compared.

Results

Ocular penetration was observed in two cases (n = 2/44) in the blind group but not in the US group (n = 0/44). No intrathecal, intraneural, or intravascular injections were seen in either group. Safety was significantly improved in the US group (p = .026). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the accuracy of the injection. Excellent accuracy was achieved more often with the ultrasound‐guided technique (n = 11/22) than with the blind technique (n = 7/22) when performed by the unexperienced operator, but this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

To prevent globe‐threatening complications and improve the safety of the injection, we recommend using the ultrasound‐guided injection technique for the dorsal retrobulbar nerve block.
EMI (English‐medium instruction) across the Asian region
Authors: Bolton Kingsley , Bacon‐Shone John , Botha Werner
Published: December 2022

This article has two main aims. First, to describe the general background to English‐medium instruction (EMI) with reference to Outer Circle and Expanding Circle societies in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Second, it analyses data from each of the four case studies in the symposium in this issue in order to identify and explain the background to, and varying forms, of EMI in higher education in Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, and South Korea.
The Preparation of Stable Nonslacking Fuel by Steam-Drying Subbituminous Coal and Lignite
Authors: Parry V. F. , Harrington L. C. , Koth Arthur
Published: December 2022

Subbituminous coal and lignite, as mined, contain 20 to 40 per cent moisture, which limits their markets, due to slacking and to the costs of transporting this water. By drying these fuels with saturated steam at 400 psi pressure, by the Fleissner process, described in this paper, the free-moisture content may be lowered to 4 to 8 per cent, reducing slacking and increasing the available market. The properties of the dried fuel and processing data are presented and the construction and operating costs of plants are estimated.
Theoretical Consideration of Power Loss Caused by Combustion Knock
Authors: Good C. W.
Published: December 2022

In this paper the author presents a theoretical analysis to show that the power loss accompanying combustion knock may be attributed to a mass vibration of the gases within the combustion chamber rather than to radiation. Equations are developed, based on perfect gases, to show that, on the basis of assumptions made, pressure rise with normal combustion is proportional to the quantity of charge burned and to show the loss in effective pressure caused by the vibration resulting from knocking combustion. The latter have been developed for both the Otto and Diesel cycles and the relative theoretical losses for the two cycles is indicated. The author indicates the effect of differences between actual and assumed conditions.
Molecular Basis of the Toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 Serotype Switch from Ogawa to Inaba in Haiti
Authors: Paisie Taylor K. , Cash Melanie N. , Tagliamonte Massimiliano S. , Ali Afsar , Morris J. Glenn , Salemi Marco , Mavian Carla
Published: December 2022

Our phylodynamic analysis demonstrated that
Vibrio cholerae
Inaba strains in Haiti evolved directly from Ogawa strains. Our results support the hypothesis that after an initial Ogawa-dominated epidemic wave,
V. cholerae
Inaba was able to become the dominant strain thanks to a selective advantage driven by ongoing diversifying selection, independently from the mutational pattern in the
wbeT
gene.
Validation of earthquake ground-motion models in southern California, USA, using precariously balanced rocks
Authors: Rood Anna H. , Rood Dylan H. , Balco Greg , Stafford Peter J. , Ludwig Lisa Grant , Kendrick Katherine J. , Wilcken Klaus M.
Published: December 2022

Accurate estimates of earthquake ground shaking rely on uncertain ground-motion models derived from limited instrumental recordings of historical earthquakes. A critical issue is that there is currently no method to empirically validate the resultant ground-motion estimates of these models at the timescale of rare, large earthquakes; this lack of validation causes great uncertainty in ground-motion estimates. Here, we address this issue and validate ground-motion estimates for southern California utilizing the unexceeded ground motions recorded by 20 precariously balanced rocks. We used cosmogenic 10Be exposure dating to model the age of the precariously balanced rocks, which ranged from ca. 1 ka to ca. 50 ka, and calculated their probability of toppling at different ground-motion levels. With this rock data, we then validated the earthquake ground motions estimated by the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast, Version 3 (UCERF3) seismic-source characterization and the Next Generation Attenuation (NGA)-West2 ground-motion models. We found that no ground-motion model estimated levels of earthquake ground shaking consistent with the observed continued existence of all 20 precariously balanced rocks. The ground-motion model I14 estimated ground-motion levels that were inconsistent with the most rocks; therefore, I14 was invalidated and removed. At a 2475 year mean return period, the removal of this invalid ground-motion model resulted in a 2−7% reduction in the mean and a 10−36% reduction in the 5th−95th fractile uncertainty of the ground-motion estimates. Our findings demonstrate the value of empirical data from precariously balanced rocks as a validation tool for removing invalid ground-motion models and, in turn, reducing the uncertainty in earthquake ground-motion estimates.
Understanding the biology, morbidity and social contexts of adolescent tuberculosis: a prospective observational cohort study protocol (Teen TB)
Authors: Swanepoel Jeremi , Zimri Klassina , van der Zalm Marieke M , Hoddinott Graeme , Palmer Megan , Doruyter Alex , De Beer Gezila , Kleynhans Leanie , Johnson Sarah M , Jongen Vita , Wademan Dillon , Mcimeli Khanyisa , Jacobs Stephanie , Swanepoel Ruan , Van Zyl Gert , Allwood Brian W , Malherbe Stephanus , Heuvelings Charlotte , Griffith-Richards Stephanie , Whittaker Elizabeth , Moore David A J , Schaaf H Simon , Hesseling Anneke C , Seddon James A
Published: December 2022

Introduction

A considerable burden of the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic is found in adolescents. The reasons for increased susceptibility to TB infection and higher incidence of TB disease in adolescence, compared with the 5–10 years old age group, are incompletely understood. Despite the pressing clinical and public health need to better understand and address adolescent TB, research in this field remains limited.

Methods and analysis

Teen TB is an ongoing prospective observational cohort study that aims to better understand the biology, morbidity and social context of adolescent TB. The study plans to recruit 50 adolescents (10–19 years old) with newly diagnosed microbiologically confirmed pulmonary TB disease and 50 TB-exposed controls without evidence of TB disease in Cape Town, South Africa, which is highly endemic for TB. At baseline, cases and controls will undergo a detailed clinical evaluation, chest imaging, respiratory function assessments and blood collection for viral coinfections, inflammatory cytokines and pubertal hormone testing. At 2 weeks, 2 months and 12 months, TB disease cases will undergo further chest imaging and additional lung function testing to explore the patterns of respiratory abnormalities. At week 2, cases will complete a multicomponent quantitative questionnaire about psychological and social impacts on their experiences and longitudinal, in-depth qualitative data will be collected from a nested subsample of 20 cases and their families.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has received ethical approval from the Stellenbosch University Health Research Ethics Committee (N19/10/148). The study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, academic conferences and formal presentations to health professionals. Results will also be made available to participants and caregivers.
Impact of community-based health insurance on healthcare utilisation and out-of-pocket expenditures for the poor in Senegal
Authors: Ly Mamadou Selly , Faye Adama , Ba Mouhamadou Faly
Published: December 2022

Objectives

This study aims to assess the impact of the subsidised community health insurance scheme in Senegal particularly on the poor.

Design and setting

The study used data from a household survey conducted in 2019 in three regions, representing 29.3% of the total population. Inverse probability of treatment weighting approach was applied for the analysis.

Participants

1766 households with 15 584 individuals selected through a stratified random sampling with two draws.

Main outcome measures

The impact of community-based health insurance (CBHI) was evaluated on poor people’s access to care and on their financial protection. For the measurement of access to care, we were interested in the use of health services and non-withdrawal from care in case of illness. To assess financial protection, we looked at out-of-pocket expenditure by type of provider and by type of service, the weight of out-of-pocket expenditure on household income, non-exposure to impoverishing health expenditure and non-exposure to catastrophic health expenditure.

Results

The results indicate that the CBHI increases primary healthcare utilisation for non-poor (OR 1.36 (CI90 1.02–1.8) for the general scheme and 1.37 (CI90 1.06–1.77) for the special scheme for indigent recipients of social cash transfers), protect them against catastrophic (OR 1.63 (CI90 1.12–2.39)) or impoverishing (OR 2.4 (CI90 1.27–4.5)) health expenditures. However, CBHI has no impact on the poor’s healthcare utilisation (OR 0.61 (CI90 0.4–0.94)) and do not protect them from the burden related to healthcare expenditures (OR: 0.27 (CI90 0.13–0.54)).

Conclusion

Our study found that CBHI has an impact on the non-poor but does not sufficiently protect the poor. This leads us to conclude that a health insurance programme designed for the general population may not be appropriate for the poor. A qualitative study should be conducted to better understand the non-financial barriers to accessing care that may disproportionately affect the poorest.