bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A world alone: Masculinities, humiliation and aggrieved entitlement on an incel forum
Authors: Thorburn Joshua , Powell Anastasia , Chambers Peter
Published: March 2022

An emerging body of criminological research has sought to investigate the ‘incels’ movement. This article explores the construction of masculinities, gender and violence in a popular incel online forum. Here, we discuss results from a digital ethnography incorporating qualitative analysis of user posts, with a focus on three key overarching themes, namely: biological determinism, masculine humiliation and hierarchical gender relations. Our analysis draws on concepts such as hegemonic and hybrid masculinities (Demetriou 2001; Connell 2005; Bridges and Pascoe 2014), as well as Kimmel’s (2013) notion of ‘aggrieved entitlement’, to further develop understandings of the complexity of users’ framings of gender and masculine identity within the forum. Implications for future research in the field are then discussed.
Fear of Economic Cybercrime Across Europe: A Multilevel Application of Routine Activity Theory
Authors: Cook Steven , Giommoni Luca , Trajtenberg Pareja Nicolas , Levi Michael , Williams Matthew L
Published: March 2022

Despite the increasing prevalence of cybercrime and its study by criminologists, very little research has examined the extent, nature, and impact of fear of cybercrime. In this study, we conducted a multilevel analysis of the 2018 Eurobarometer Cybersecurity Survey to test the applicability of routine activities theory on fear of economic cybercrime. We contribute to the literature by demonstrating that: (1) fear of economic cybercrime varies across EU member states; (2) country-level infrastructure development and income inequality are predictive of individual-level fear; (3) individual-level routine activities and sociodemographic variables are associated with fear; (4) country-level infrastructure development moderates the effects of individual-level guardianship. This paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of including country-level and individual-level determinants in fear of cybercrime research.
DNA methylation in relation to gestational age and brain dysmaturation in preterm infants
Authors: Wheater Emily N. W. , Galdi Paola , McCartney Daniel L. , Blesa Manuel , Sullivan Gemma , Stoye David Q. , Lamb Gillian , Sparrow Sarah , Murphy Lee , Wrobel Nicola , Quigley Alan J. , Semple Scott , Thrippleton Michael J. , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Bastin Mark E. , Marioni Riccardo E. , Cox Simon R. , Boardman James P.
Published: March 2022

Preterm birth is associated with dysconnectivity of structural brain networks and is a leading cause of neurocognitive impairment in childhood. Variation in DNA methylation is associated with early exposure to extrauterine life but there has been little research exploring its relationship with brain development. Using genome-wide DNA methylation data from the saliva of 258 neonates, we investigated the impact of gestational age on the methylome and performed functional analysis to identify enriched gene sets from probes that contributed to differentially methylated probes or regions. We tested the hypothesis that variation in DNA methylation could underpin the association between low gestational age at birth and atypical brain development by linking differentially methylated probes with measures of white matter connectivity derived from diffusion MRI metrics: peak width skeletonized mean diffusivity, peak width skeletonized fractional anisotropy and peak width skeletonized neurite density index. Gestational age at birth was associated with widespread differential methylation at term equivalent age, with genome-wide significant associations observed for 8870 CpG probes (P < 3.6 × 10−8) and 1767 differentially methylated regions. Functional analysis identified 14 enriched gene ontology terms pertaining to cell–cell contacts and cell–extracellular matrix contacts. Principal component analysis of probes with genome-wide significance revealed a first principal component that explained 23.5% of the variance in DNA methylation, and this was negatively associated with gestational age at birth. The first principal component was associated with peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (β = 0.349, P = 8.37 × 10−10) and peak width skeletonized neurite density index (β = 0.364, P = 4.15 × 10−5), but not with peak width skeletonized fraction anisotropy (β = −0.035, P = 0.510); these relationships mirrored the imaging metrics’ associations with gestational age at birth. Low gestational age at birth has a profound and widely distributed effect on the neonatal saliva methylome that is apparent at term equivalent age. Enriched gene ontology terms related to cell–cell contacts reveal pathways that could mediate the effect of early life environmental exposures on development. Finally, associations between differential DNA methylation and image markers of white matter tract microstructure suggest that variation in DNA methylation may provide a link between preterm birth and the dysconnectivity of developing brain networks that characterizes atypical brain development in preterm infants.
Temporal dynamic patterns of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex underlie the association between rumination and depression
Authors: Gao Wei , Biswal Bharat , Yang Jiemin , Li Songlin , Wang YanQing , Chen Shengdong , Yuan JiaJin
Published: March 2022

As a major contributor to the development of depression, rumination has proven linked with aberrant default-mode network (DMN) activity. However, it remains unclear how the spontaneous spatial and temporal activity of DMN underlie the association between rumination and depression. To illustrate this issue, behavioral measures and resting-state functional magnetic resonance images were connected in 2 independent samples (NSample1 = 100, NSample2 = 95). Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were used to assess spatial characteristic patterns, while voxel-wise functional concordance (across time windows) (VC) and Hurst exponent (HE) were used to assess temporal dynamic patterns of brain activity. Results from both samples consistently show that temporal dynamics but not spatial patterns of DMN are associated with rumination. Specifically, rumination is positively correlated with HE and VC (but not fALFF and ReHo) values, reflecting more consistent and regular temporal dynamic patterns in DMN. Moreover, subregion analyses indicate that temporal dynamics of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) reliably predict rumination scores. Furthermore, mediation analyses show that HE and VC of VMPFC mediate the association between rumination and depression. These findings shed light on neural mechanisms of individual differences in rumination and corresponding risk for depression.
Prestimulus amygdala spectral activity is associated with visual face awareness
Authors: Guex Raphael , Ros Tomas , Mégevand Pierre , Spinelli Laurent , Seeck Margitta , Vuilleumier Patrik , Domínguez-Borràs Judith
Published: March 2022

Alpha cortical oscillations have been proposed to suppress sensory processing in the visual, auditory, and tactile domains, influencing conscious stimulus perception. However, it is unknown whether oscillatory neural activity in the amygdala, a subcortical structure involved in salience detection, has a similar impact on stimulus awareness. Recording intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) from 9 human amygdalae during face detection in a continuous flash suppression task, we found increased spectral prestimulus power and phase coherence, with most consistent effects in the alpha band, when faces were undetected relative to detected, similarly as previously observed in cortex with this task using scalp-EEG. Moreover, selective decreases in the alpha and gamma bands preceded face detection, with individual prestimulus alpha power correlating negatively with detection rate in patients. These findings reveal for the first time that prestimulus subcortical oscillations localized in human amygdala may contribute to perceptual gating mechanisms governing subsequent face detection and offer promising insights on the role of this structure in visual awareness.
Predicting Airborne Infection Risk: Association Between Personal Ambient Carbon Dioxide Level Monitoring and Incidence of Tuberculosis Infection in South African Health Workers
Authors: Nathavitharana Ruvandhi R , Mishra Hridesh , Sullivan Amanda , Hurwitz Shelley , Lederer Philip , Meintjes Jack , Nardell Edward , Theron Grant
Published: March 2022

Background

High rates of tuberculosis (TB) transmission occur in hospitals in high-incidence countries, yet there is no validated way to evaluate the impact of hospital design and function on airborne infection risk. We hypothesized that personal ambient carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring could serve as a surrogate measure of rebreathed air exposure associated with TB infection risk in health workers (HWs).

Methods

We analyzed baseline and repeat (12-month) interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) results in 138 HWs in Cape Town, South Africa. A random subset of HWs with a baseline negative QuantiFERON Plus (QFT-Plus) underwent personal ambient CO2 monitoring.

Results

Annual incidence of TB infection (IGRA conversion) was high (34%). Junior doctors were less likely to have a positive baseline IGRA than other HWs (OR, 0.26; P = .005) but had similar IGRA conversion risk. IGRA converters experienced higher median CO2 levels compared to IGRA nonconverters using quantitative QFT-Plus thresholds of ≥0.35 IU/mL (P < .02) or ≥1 IU/mL (P < .01). Median CO2 levels were predictive of IGRA conversion (odds ratio [OR], 2.04; P = .04, ≥1 IU/mL threshold). Ordinal logistic regression demonstrated that the odds of a higher repeat quantitative IGRA result increased by almost 2-fold (OR, 1.81; P = .01) per 100 ppm unit increase in median CO2 levels, suggesting a dose-dependent response.

Conclusions

HWs face high occupational TB risk. Increasing median CO2 levels (indicative of poor ventilation and/or high occupancy) were associated with higher likelihood of HW TB infection. Personal ambient CO2 monitoring may help target interventions to decrease TB transmission in healthcare facilities and help HWs self-monitor occupational risk, with implications for other airborne infections including coronavirus disease 2019.
hCoronavirusesDB: an integrated bioinformatics resource for human coronaviruses
Authors: Almansour Iman , Boudellioua Imane
Published: March 2022

In the twenty-first century, three new human coronaviruses have been identified with known zoonotic origins: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). SARS-CoV-2 was identified in November 2019 and is associated with an ongoing pandemic. Molecular surveillance and monitoring studies are essential for containing viral outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. In addition, the development and deployment of bioinformatics resources for highly pathogenic human coronaviruses are crucial for understanding the genetic and immunogenic landscape associated with these viruses. Here, we introduce an open-access, integrated resource for SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV: the Human Coronaviruses Database and Analysis Resource (hCoronavirusesDB; http://hcoronaviruses.net/), which include nucleotide and protein sequence data obtained for these viruses. The database also offers a user-friendly search interface coupled with bioinformatics analytics and visualization tools. In addition, hCoronavirusesDB contains curated, experimentally validated B cell and T cell epitope data for these viruses. This resource can assist with the molecular surveillance necessary to trace virus circulation and contribute to microevolutionary studies. This application can also serve as a valuable resource for the development of rationally designed pan-coronavirus diagnostic tools, vaccines, and therapeutic agents.

Database URL:http://hcoronaviruses.net/
Population Dynamics of Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Strawberry Cultivars in Southern Brazil
Authors: de Souza Mireli Trombin , de Souza Michele Trombin , Chek Priscila Aparecida , Bernardi Daniel , Mógor Átila Francisco , Zawadneak Maria Aparecida Cassilha
Published: March 2022

Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis is a polyphagous thrips species that has been reported as a potential pest in strawberry cultivation in Brazil. Since it has only recently emerged as a pest species in production areas, understanding seasonal trends in the species’ activity is particularly important for designing management strategies. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the influence of climate factors (temperature and relative humidity) and six strawberry cultivars (‘Albion’, ‘Aromas’, ‘Camino Real’, ‘Monterey’, ‘Portola’, and ‘San Andreas’) on the population dynamics of H. haemorrhoidalis during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 growing seasons in southern Brazil. The greatest peak in thrips populations in the cultivars assessed occurred between January and March (summer) in both growing seasons. The relationship between the incidence of H. haemorrhoidalis and temperature was observed to be negative during the autumn, spring, and summer months but positive during winter. Relative humidity levels above 70% had a negative influence on the abundance of insects. Populations of H. haemorrhoidalis varied between the cultivars as follows: ‘Aromas’ > ‘Monterey’ > ‘San Andreas’ > ‘Albion’ > ‘Camino Real’ > ‘Portola’. Cross-sections of strawberry leaves showed that ‘Monterey’ had the highest density of nonglandular trichomes/mm2 (7.26), while ‘Portola’ cultivar, the greatest predominance of glandular trichomes/mm2 (12.67), which may have contributed to the incidence of H. haemorrhoidalis. The demographic information presented on H. haemorrhoidalis in strawberry cultivars provides a starting point to better understand the insect’s population dynamics. These results also indicate that climatic conditions are a limiting factor for the development of H. haemorrhoidalis.
Histopathological maladaptive changes in the explanted human mitral leaflets correlate with changes in echocardiographic leaflet morphology and the severity of ischaemic mitral regurgitation
Authors: Avila-Vanzzini Nydia , Lancellotti Patrizio , Fernandez Calix Luis Alberto , De León López Wilman , Berrios-Bárcenas Enrique , Aranda-Fraustro Alberto , Jordan-Rios Antonio , Herrera-Bello Hector , Rivera-Lara Pedro , Arias-Godínez Jose Antonio , Vannan Mani A
Published: March 2022

Aims

Several changes of the mitral valve (MV) morphology have been previously documented in ischaemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) upon macro and microscopic examination. This study aimed to correlate echocardiographic MV thickening with IMR severity and to delineate the histopathological basis of valve thickening from the explanted leaflets.

Methods and results

Two hundred and fifty patients were included in the echo-group; of these, 48 patients (19.2%) underwent surgical mitral valve replacement (MVR), including them in the histology-group. By echocardiography, the thickness of the anterior and posterior leaflet was more extensive in moderate to severe IMR, P < 0.001. Histology-group: patients were divided into two groups based on the median thickness: those with cusp thickness <0.42 cm in Group 1, and ≥0.42 cm in Group 2. The thickness of the base and cusp was more significant in Group 2, P < 0.05 in both. Group 2 biopsies were characterized by involvement of the three leaflet segments, myxoid tissue, and fibrosis deposition. Thicker leaflets were associated with a greater degree of mitral regurgitation (MR), P < 0.0001. In the echo-group, a median leaflet thickness of 3.5 mm of the anterior and posterior MV was independently associated with moderate to severe ischaemic MR [odds ratio (OR) 2.88, P < 0.01] and (OR 10.8, P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

In ischaemic MR, the thicker the cusps, the worse the MR. Leaflet thickening was due to the myxoid and fibrosis deposition and was detected by echocardiography. Therefore, this method can be helpful in the evaluation of valve remodelling.
Migration and descent, adaptations to altitude and tuberculosis in Nepalis and Tibetans
Authors: Corbett Stephen , Cho Jin-Gun , Ulbricht Evan , Sintchenko Vitali
Published: March 2022

Background

High rates of tuberculosis (TB) in migrants from Tibet and Nepal have been documented for over 120 years and were previously ascribed to poor living conditions in the places of settlement. Adaptations to altitude involving genes in the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor pathway are present in 90–95% of Tibetans and in Nepalis these allele frequencies increase by 17% with each 1000 m increase in altitude.

Methods

We calculated the incidence of TB by country of origin in immigrants from South and East Asia in New South Wales (NSW), Australia between 2004 and 2018, and compared disease severity, site of infection, evidence of local transmission and prevalence of latent TB, among these groups.

Results

The incidence of active TB was consistently higher among 30 000 Nepalese and 1000 Tibetans than among all other immigrants to NSW. Nepal was the only country of origin where TB incidence in immigrants was not significantly lower than the reported TB incidence in the country of origin.

Conclusions and implications

High rates of TB among Nepalese and Tibetan immigrants in Australia are unlikely to be attributable to pre-existing disease or local acquisition. Phenotypic effects of high-altitude adaptations may include a dampening of inflammatory responses to hypoxia, an effect unmasked by descent to a normoxic environment. A corollary of these findings may be that hypoxia-induced inflammation limits TB progression, reconfirming previous explanations for the apparent efficacy of high-altitude sanatoria. If vindicated by subsequent research, these provisional findings could open new avenues into preventive and host-directed interventions for tuberculosis.

Lay Summary

The incidence of tuberculosis among Nepalese immigrants to Australia and other people of Tibetan heritage who migrate to lower altitudes is very high. In these screened populations, pre-existing active TB or locally acquired infection are unlikely explanations. We suggest that adaptations to altitude combined with descent to higher oxygen levels in air at sea level may be contributing factors.
Alternative Polyadenylation Utilization Results in Ribosome Assembly and mRNA Translation Deficiencies in a Model for Muscle Aging
Authors: Mei Hailiang , Boom Jasper , el Abdellaoui Salma , Abdelmohsen Kotb , Munk Rachel , Martindale Jennifer L , Kloet Susan , Kielbasa Szymone M , Sharp Thomas H , Gorospe Myriam , Raz Vered
Published: March 2022

Aging-associated muscle wasting is regulated by multiple molecular processes, whereby aberrant mRNA processing regulation induces muscle wasting. The poly(A)-binding protein nuclear 1 (PABPN1) regulates polyadenylation site (PAS) utilization, in the absence of PABPN1 the alternative polyadenylation (APA) is utilized. Reduced PABPN1 levels induce muscle wasting where the expression of cellular processes regulating protein homeostasis, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and translation, are robustly dysregulated. Translation is affected by mRNA levels, but PABPN1 impact on translation is not fully understood. Here we show that a persistent reduction in PABPN1 levels led to a significant loss of translation efficiency. RNA-sequencing of rRNA-depleted libraries from polysome traces revealed reduced mRNA abundance across ribosomal fractions, as well as reduced levels of small RNAs. We show that the abundance of translated mRNAs in the polysomes correlated with PAS switches at the 3′-UTR. Those mRNAs are enriched in cellular processes that are essential for proper muscle function. This study suggests that the effect of PABPN1 on translation efficiency impacts protein homeostasis in aging-associated muscle atrophy.
Shifts in Older Adults’ Social Connections Throughout the Initial Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fuller Heather R , Huseth-Zosel Andrea , Hofmann Brittany , Van Vleet Bryce , Kinkade Emily , Carlson Shawn L , Sturn Emily
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exposed older adults to increased health risks, yet social distancing precautions also heightened risks to their social well-being. This mixed-methods study explores changes in older adults’ satisfaction with social engagement and interpersonal connections throughout the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research Design and Methods

A Midwestern sample of 76 older adults aged 70–97 completed a series of 4 interviews from March 2020 through April 2021 about their experiences with COVID-19 social distancing precautions. Participants reported social engagement satisfaction and frequency of contact with family and friends. Additionally, they responded to open-ended questions about social connection experiences.

Results

Satisfaction with social engagement rebounded with significant increases across the year of the pandemic, whereas frequency of contact shifted from high remote contact early in the pandemic to greater in-person contact over time, with nuanced distinctions between family and friends. Qualitative thematic analysis identified themes including: (1) shifts in family support, (2) adaptable and flexible friendships, (3) social isolation fatigue, and (4) communication through technology. Within each theme, perceptions of interpersonal connections shifted over time.

Discussion and Implications

Findings suggest diverse social connection experiences among older adults, yet general patterns of strong social connections and adaptation over time. Future research should build upon these findings to better understand older adults’ social needs and seek to explore ways to best foster social connections during instances of forced social isolation or historical crises.
A reappraisal of active tectonics along the Fethiye–Burdur trend, southwestern Turkey
Authors: Nissen Edwin , Cambaz Musavver Didem , Gaudreau Élyse , Howell Andrew , Karasözen Ezgi , Savidge Elena
Published: March 2022

We investigate active tectonics in southwestern Turkey along the trend between Fethiye, near the eastern end of the Hellenic subduction zone, and Burdur, on the Anatolian plateau. Previously, regional GNSS velocities have been used to propose either (1) a NE-trending zone of strike-slip faulting coined the Fethiye–Burdur Fault Zone, or (2) a mix of uniaxial and radial extension accommodated by normal faults with diverse orientations. We test these models against the available earthquake data, updated in light of recent earthquakes at Arıcılar (24 November 2017, Mw 5.3), Acıpayam (20 March 2019, Mw 5.6) and Bozkurt (8 August 2019, Mw 5.9), the largest in this region in the last two decades. Using Sentinel-1 InSAR and seismic waveforms and arrival times, we show that the Arıcılar, Acıpayam and Bozkurt earthquakes were partially or fully buried ruptures on pure normal faults with subtle or indistinct topographic expressions. By exploiting ray paths shared with these well-recorded modern events, we relocate earlier instrumental seismicity throughout southwestern Turkey and incorporate these improved hypocentres in an updated focal mechanism compilation. The southwestern Fethiye–Burdur trend is dominated by ESE–WNW trending normal faulting, even though most faults evident in the topography strike NE–SW. This hints at a recent change in regional strain, perhaps related to eastward propagation of the Gökova graben into the area or to rapid subsidence of the Rhodes basin. The northeastern Fethiye–Burdur trend is characterized by orthogonal normal faulting, consistent with radial extension and likely responsible for the distinct physiography of Turkey’s Lake District. We find that the 1971 Mw 6.0 Burdur earthquake likely ruptured a NW-dipping normal fault in an area of indistinct geomorphology near Salda Lake, contradicting earlier studies that place it on well-expressed faults bounding the Burdur basin, and further highlighting how damaging earthquakes are possible on faults that would prove difficult to identify beforehand. Overall, our results support GNSS-derived kinematic models that depict a mix of uniaxial and radial extension throughout southwestern Turkey, with no evidence from focal mechanisms for major, active strike-slip faults anywhere along the Fethiye–Burdur trend. Normal faulting orientations are consistent with a stress field driven primarily by contrasts in gravitational potential energy between the elevated Anatolian plateau and the low-lying Rhodes and Antalya basins.
Frobenius and the Hodge Filtration of the Generic Fiber
Authors: Yao Zijian
Published: March 2022

We use the Nygaard filtration on Ainf cohomology to give a new proof of the following result: for a smooth proper (formal) scheme over a mixed characteristic valuation ring, the Newton polygon of its special fiber lies on or above the Hodge polygon of its generic fiber.
Becoming Global Governors: Self-Agentification, Recognition, and Delegation in World Politics
Authors: Hofferberth Matthias , Lambach Daniel
Published: March 2022

The emergence of new global governors and the ensuing complexity marks one of the most noticeable characteristics of contemporary global politics. However, this core axiom of global governance has not been unpacked in terms of why and how new actors emerge. This is surprising, since the emergence of new global governors raises fundamental questions about the very architecture of global governance. To unpack the dynamics of agency emergence, the article proposes a conceptual framework eclectically derived from relationalism. The framework defines foundational terms and allows us to posit assumptions on self-agentification, recognition, and delegation. We illustrate the framework and its mechanisms by reconstructing the emergence and evolution of corporate agency within the United Nations (UN) from initial debates in the 1960s to the UN Global Compact and conclude that this is mostly a story of contested recognition rather than self-agentification, with the international community and, in particular, states of the global north, inviting business to become more active.
Analysis of Aflatoxins, Fumonisins, Deoxynivalenol, Ochratoxin A, Zearalenone, HT-2, and T-2 Toxins in Animal Feed by LC–MS/MS Using Cleanup with a Multi-Antibody Immunoaffinity Column
Authors: Mackay Naomi , Marley Elaine , Leeman Dave , Poplawski Cezary , Donnelly Carol
Published: March 2022

Background

Regulations limiting aflatoxin levels in animal feed and guidance values for maximum levels for fumonisins (FB1 and FB2), deoxynivalenol (DON), ochratoxin A (OTA), zearalenone (ZON), HT-2, and T-2 toxins are in place both to protect animal health and to minimize potential transfer to animal products for human consumption. A multi-mycotoxin method which can handle complex feed matrices such as distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is essential for analysis and accurate quantification without the need to revert to separately analyze individual mycotoxins.

Objective

The objective of this study is to generate single laboratory validation data for a method employing a multi-antibody immunoaffinity column (IAC) capable of providing cleanup for eleven mycotoxins, followed by LC–MS/MS quantification without the need for isotopic labelled and matrix-matched standards. The applicability of method is to be demonstrated for corn feed, pig feed, and DDGS by fortification and naturally occurring mycotoxins covering the range of regulated limits.

Methods

Feed sample (1 kg) ground by milling to approximately 1–2 mm particle size and sub-sample (5 g) extracted with acetonitrile–water–formic acid, passing through a multi-mycotoxin IAC, washing, and eluting prior to LC–MS/MS analysis monitoring selected ion transitions.

Results

Recoveries were in the range 74 to 117% (excluding five outliers) for aflatoxins, FB1, FB2, DON, OTA, ZON, HT-2, and T2- toxins spiked into three commercial animal feed matrixes (n = 84) and within-day RSDs averaged 1.7 to 10.3% (n = 99).

Conclusion

Single laboratory validation of a multi-antibody IAC method coupled with LC–MS/MS has shown the method to be suitable for accurate quantification of eleven regulated mycotoxins in DDGS, pig feed, and poultry feed.

Highlights

IAC method capable of accurately quantifying eleven regulated mycotoxins in complex feed matrices.
Evaluation of Areawide Forecasts of Wind-borne Crop Pests: Sugarcane Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Infestations of Sorghum in the Great Plains of North America
Authors: Koralewski Tomasz E , Wang Hsiao-Hsuan , Grant William E , Brewer Michael J , Elliott Norman C
Published: March 2022

Airborne pests pose a major challenge in agriculture. Integrated pest management programs have been considered a viable response to this challenge, and pest forecasting can aid in strategic management decisions. Annually recurrent areawide sugarcane aphid [Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)] infestations of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (Poales: Poaceae)] in the Great Plains of North America is one of such challenges. As part of the response, a spatially-explicit individual-based model was developed that simulates sugarcane aphid infestations over the southern-to-central part of the region. In this work, we evaluated model forecasts using 2015–2018 field data. The ranges of forecasted days of first infestation significantly overlapped with those observed in the field. The average days of first infestation observed in the field were approximated by the model with differences of less than 28 days in Texas and southern Oklahoma (2015–2018), and in northern Oklahoma (2016–2017). In half of these cases the difference was less than 14 days. In general, the modeled average day of first infestation was earlier than the observed one. As conceptual modeling decisions may impact model forecasts and as various socio-environmental factors may impact spatio-temporal patterns of field data collection, agreement between the forecasts and the observed estimates may vary between locations and seasons. Predictive modeling has the potential to occupy a central position within areawide integrated pest management programs. More detailed consideration of local agricultural practices and local environmental conditions could improve forecasting accuracy, as could broader participation of producers in field monitoring efforts.
A low-power HAR method for fall and high-intensity ADLs identification using wrist-worn accelerometer devices
Authors: de la Cal Enrique A , Fáñez Mirko , Villar Mario , Villar Jose R , González Víctor M
Published: March 2022

There are many real-world applications like healthcare systems, job monitoring, well-being and personal fitness tracking, monitoring of elderly and frail people, assessment of rehabilitation and follow-up treatments, affording Fall Detection (FD) and ADL (Activity of Daily Living) identification, separately or even at a time. However, the two main drawbacks of these solutions are that most of the times, the devices deployed are obtrusive (devices worn on not quite common parts of the body like neck, waist and ankle) and the poor battery life. Thus, this work proposes a low-power classification algorithm based on an Ensemble of KNN and K-Means algorithms (EKMeans) to identify Falls and High-Intensity ADL events such as running, jogging and climbing up stairs. The input of EKMeans are triaxial accelerometer data gathered from wrist-wearable devices. The proposal will be validated on the Fall&ADL publicly available datasets UMAFall, UCIFall and FallAllD, considering two kinds of activity labelling: Two-Class and Multi-Class. An exhaustive comparative study between our proposal, and the baseline algorithms KNN and a feed-forward Neural Network (NN) is deployed, where EKMeans outperformed clearly the Specificity (ADL classification) of the KNN and NN for the three datasets. Finally, a comparative battery consumption study has been included deploying the analyzed algorithms in a WearOS smartwatch, where EKMeans drains the battery from 100% to 0% in 27.45 hours, saving 5% and 21% concerning KNN and NN, respectively. Keywords: Human Activity Recognition, ADL Identification, Fall Detection TS Clustering, TS Classification, Wearable Devices, Low-Power HAR.
Early Posttherapy Opioid Prescription, Potential Misuse, and Substance Use Disorder Among Pediatric Cancer Survivors
Authors: Ji Xu , Hu Xin , Brock Katharine E , Mertens Ann C , Cummings Janet R , Effinger Karen E
Published: March 2022

Background

Pediatric cancer survivors often have pain, which may be managed with opioids. We examined the prevalence of opioid prescriptions, potential misuse, and substance use disorders (SUDs) among pediatric cancer survivors during the first year posttherapy.

Methods

Using MarketScan Commercial Database, we identified 8969 survivors (aged 21 years or younger at diagnosis) who completed cancer therapy in 2009-2018 and remained continuously enrolled for at least 1 year posttherapy and 44 845 age-, sex-, and region-matched enrollees without cancer as a comparison group. Outcomes included opioid prescriptions, any indicator of potential prescription opioid misuse, and SUDs within 1 year posttherapy. Outcomes were compared between survivors and noncancer peers in bivariate and adjusted analyses, stratified by off-therapy age (children: 0-11 years; adolescents: 12-17 years; young adults: 18-28 years). All statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results

A higher proportion of survivors than noncancer peers filled opioid prescriptions (children: 12.7% vs 2.0%; adolescents: 22.9% vs 7.7%; young adults: 26.0% vs 11.9%). In models adjusting for sociodemographic factors and health status, survivors remained 74.4%-404.8% more likely than noncancer peer to fill opioid prescriptions (P < .001). The prevalence of potential misuse or SUDs was low, with 1.4% of child, 4.7% of adolescent, and 9.4% of young adult survivors fulfilling at least 1 criterion; however, it was higher than noncancer peers (0.1%, 1.4%, and 4.3%, respectively). In adjusted models, the likelihood of potential misuse among survivors remained at least 2 times higher than that among noncancer peers (P  < .001), and the difference in SUDs became nonstatistically significant.

Conclusion

Statistically significantly higher rates of opioid prescriptions and potential misuse were found among pediatric cancer survivors within 1 year posttherapy as compared with peers without cancer.
Responses of fungal community to forest fire are species-specific in Yunnan Plateau, southwest China
Authors: Wang Ling-Ling , Zhou Qing-Qiu , Su Wen-Hua , Xu Yun-Jian , Qian Qin-Dong , Yang Xiong , Chen De-Yun , Chen Zhe , Wu Jian-Ping
Published: March 2022

Fire frequently causes strong disturbance in forests. Belowground fungi are sensitive to forest fire disturbance and can affect vegetation restoration. Our objective was to investigate the responses of belowground fungi under two tree species to forest fire in a mixed forest in Yunnan Plateau. Samples from three ‘sample sites’ (roots, rhizosphere soil and bulk soil) were collected from two plant species, Pinus yunnanensis and Eucalyptus citriodora, and were analyzed for fungal diversity and community composition. Fungi were identified using high-throughput sequencing. Shannon index and principal coordinate analysis were used for diversity and network analysis. LEfSe and FUNGuild were used to analyze the community composition, trophic mode and guild. Alpha diversity in bulk soil was higher than that in rhizosphere soil and roots, while the community composition was significantly different among the three sample sites. Fungal network complexity of E. citriodora was higher than that of P. yunnanensis. The relative abundance of Mucoromycota in the three sample sites was higher for P. yunnanensis than E. citriodora. Most of the top 10 dominant genera of the two plant species were saprotrophic fungi. In the comparison of biomarker, ectomycorrhizal fungi dominated in the roots and rhizosphere soil of P. yunnanensis, while both saprotrophic fungi and symbiotic fungi were in the roots and rhizosphere soil of E. citriodora. Our findings suggest that, following a forest fire, responses of fungal community are species-specific in Yunnan Plateau.
Quantifying the dosimetric effects of neck contour changes and setup errors on the spinal cord in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: establishing a rapid estimation method
Authors: Li Yinghui , Wei Zhanfu , Liu Zhibin , Teng Jianjian , Chang Yuanzhi , Xie Qiuying , Zhang Liwen , Shi Jinping , Chen Lixin
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of neck contour changes and setup errors on spinal cord (SC) doses during the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to establish a rapid dose estimation method. The setup errors and contour changes in 60 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 10 NPC patients were analysed in different regions of the neck (C1–C3, C4–C5 and C6–C7). The actual delivered dose to the SC was calculated using the CBCT images, and univariate simulations were performed using the planning CT to evaluate the dose effects of each factor, and an index ${\mathrm{Dmax}}_{\mathrm{displaced}}$ was introduced to estimate the SC dose. Compared with the planned dose, the mean (maximum) Dmax increases in the C1–C3, C4–C5 and C6–C7 regions of the SC were 2.1% (12.3%), 1.8% (8.2%) and 2.5% (9.2%), respectively. The simulation results showed that the effects of setup error in the C1–C3, C4–C5 and C6–C7 regions were 1.5% (9.7%), 0.9% (8.2%) and 1.3% (6.3%), respectively, and the effects of contour change were 0.4% (1.7%), 0.7% (2.5%) and 1.5% (4.9%), respectively. The linear regression model can be used to estimate the dose effect of contour changes (R2 > 0.975) and setup errors (R2 = 0.989). Setup errors may lead to a significant increase in the SC dose in some patients. This study established a rapid dose estimation method, which is of great significance for the daily dose evaluation and the adaptive re-planning trigger of the SC.
Elevated Lactate Dehydrogenase Concentrations in Plasma Compared to Serum
Authors: Bockoven Crystal , Benirschke Robert C , Lee Hong-Kee
Published: March 2022

Objective

To evaluate the difference in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations in plasma vs serum specimens in our patient population.

Materials and Methods

We measured LDH in 110 paired plasma and serum specimens over a 2-week period. Hemolytic indices were performed on each specimen. These paired specimens were drawn in a single setting and stored under the same conditions. For the last 14 paired specimens, cell counts were performed on the plasma/serum.

Results

Plasma LDH was on average 22% higher than serum LDH. There was no difference in the hemolytic indices between the plasma and the serum specimens. In the last 14 specimens, cell counts revealed increased platelets in the plasma specimens compared to the serum specimens.

Conclusion

We propose switching back to using serum for LDH testing because there was unpredictable elevation in plasma LDH concentrations. These elevations in LDH levels may be linked to the platelets present in plasma and that may lyse or become activated with storage at refrigerated temperature.
The VMC survey – XLVIII. Classical cepheids unveil the 3D geometry of the LMC
Authors: Ripepi Vincenzo , Chemin Laurent , Molinaro Roberto , Cioni Maria-Rosa L , Bekki Kenji , Clementini Gisella , de Grijs Richard , De Somma Giulia , El Youssoufi Dalal , Girardi Léo , Groenewegen Martin A T , Ivanov Valentin , Marconi Marcella , McMillan Paul J , van Loon Jacco Th
Published: March 2022

We employed the VISTA near-infrared YJKssurvey of the Magellanic System (VMC) to analyse the $Y,\, J,~\mathrm{ and}~ K_\mathrm{s}$ light curves of δ Cepheid stars (DCEPs) in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). Our sample consists of 4408 objects accounting for 97 per cent of the combined list of OGLE IV and Gaia DR2 DCEPs. We determined a variety of period–luminosity (PL) and period–Wesenheit PW relationships for Fundamental (F) and First Overtone (1O) pulsators. We discovered for the first time a break in these relationships for 1O DCEPs at P= 0.58 d. We derived relative individual distances for DCEPs in the LMC with a precision of ∼1 kpc, calculating the position angle of the line of nodes and inclination of the galaxy: θ = 145.6 ± 1.0 deg and i = 25.7 ± 0.4 deg. The bar and the disc are seen under different viewing angles. We calculated the ages of the pulsators, finding two main episodes of DCEP formation lasting ∼40 Myr which happened 93 and 159 Myr ago. Likely as a result of its past interactions with the SMC, the LMC shows a non-planar distribution, with considerable structuring: the bar is divided into two distinct portions, the eastern and the western displaced by more than 1 kpc from each other. Similar behaviour is shown by the spiral arms. The LMC disc appears ‘flared’ and thick, with a disc scale height of h ∼ 0.97 kpc. This feature can be explained by strong tidal interactions with the Milky Way and/or the Small Magellanic Cloud or past merging events with now disrupted LMC satellites.
GAS6-mediated dialogue between decidual stromal cells and macrophages is essential for early pregnancy maintenance by inducing M2-like polarization and cell proliferation of decidual macrophages
Authors: Dai Jing-Cong , Yang Jia-Yan , Chang Rui-Qi , Liang Yan , Hu Xiao-Yu , Li Hu , You Shuang , He Fan , Hu Li-Na
Published: March 2022

Maternal immunotolerance towards the semi-allogeneic foetus is critical for normal pregnancy (NP). As a secretory protein, growth arrest-specific factor 6 (GAS6) promotes cancer progression by inducing the conversion of tumour-associated macrophages to an immunosuppressive M2-like phenotype. However, little is known about whether GAS6 regulates decidual macrophages (dMφs) in the early maternal–foetal interface. In this study, first-trimester decidual tissues were obtained from normal pregnant women undergoing elective terminations and patients with miscarriages. The expression of GAS6 and its receptors (AXL, TYRO3 and MERTK) in decidua and GAS6 secretion by decidual stromal cells (DSCs) was measured. Then, we investigated the effect of recombinant human GAS6 (rhGAS6) on dMφs isolated from NP and THP-1 cells, and revealed the underlying mechanism. Both the expression of GAS6 in DSCs and MERTK in dMφs, in addition to GAS6 secretion by DSCs, was found to be significantly decreased in miscarriage patients compared to that in NPs. Additionally, we observed that rhGAS6 polarized dMφs and THP-1 cells towards an M2-like phenotype, as evidenced by the up-regulated CD163 expression. Moreover, rhGAS6 enhanced the clearance of toxic cell-free haemoglobin by dMφs by up-regulating CD163 expression, and rhGAS6 also boosted cell proliferation of dMφs and THP-1 cells. Finally, we demonstrated that rhGAS6 stimulated CD163 expression and cell proliferation by activating the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. Collectively, these findings suggest that GAS6-mediated dialogue between DSCs and dMφs is crucial for the establishment and maintenance of maternal–foetal immunotolerance, and decreased GAS6 secretion by DSCs may lead to the occurrence of miscarriage in the first trimester.
G-quadruplex occurrence and conservation: more than just a question of guanine–cytosine content
Authors: Vannutelli Anaïs , Perreault Jean-Pierre , Ouangraoua Aïda
Published: March 2022

G-quadruplexes are motifs found in DNA and RNA that can fold into tertiary structures. Until now, they have been studied experimentally mainly in humans and a few other species. Recently, predictions have been made with bacterial and archaeal genomes. Nevertheless, a global comparison of predicted G4s (pG4s) across and within the three living kingdoms has not been addressed. In this study, we aimed to predict G4s in genes and transcripts of all kingdoms of living organisms and investigated the differences in their distributions. The relation of the predictions with GC content was studied. It appears that GC content is not the only parameter impacting G4 predictions and abundance. The distribution of pG4 densities varies depending on the class of transcripts and the group of species. Indeed, we have observed that, in coding transcripts, there are more predicted G4s than expected for eukaryotes but not for archaea and bacteria, while in noncoding transcripts, there are as many or fewer predicted G4s in all species groups. We even noticed that some species with the same GC content presented different pG4 profiles. For instance, Leishmania major and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii both have 60% of GC content, but the former has a pG4 density of 0.07 and the latter 1.16.
Direct conversion of N2 and O2: status, challenge and perspective
Authors: Li Di , Zan Lingxing , Chen Shiming , Shi Zhang-Jie , Chen Ping , Xi Zhenfeng , Deng Dehui
Published: March 2022

As key components of air, nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) are the vital constituents of lives. Synthesis of NO2, and C–N–O organics direct from N2 and O2, rather than from an intermediate NH3 (known as the Haber–Bosch process), is tantalizing. However, the extremely strong N≡N triple bond (945 kJ mol–1) and the nonpolar stable electron configuration of dinitrogen lead to its conversion being extensively energy demanding. The further selective synthesis of high-value C–N–O organics directly from N2, O2 and C-containing molecules is attractive yet greatly challenging from both scientific and engineering perspectives. Enormous efforts have been dedicated to the direct conversion of N2 and O2 via traditional and novel techniques, including thermochemical, plasma, electrochemical, ultrasonic and photochemical conversion. In this review, we aim to provide a thorough comprehension of the status and challenge of the direct conversion of N2, O2 and C-containing molecules (particularly N2 and O2). Moreover, we will propose some future perspectives to stimulate more inspiration from the scientific community to tackle the scientific and engineering challenges.
Systematic review of carotenoid concentrations in human milk and infant blood
Authors: Zaidi Yusuf , Stroh Rachel , Moran Nancy E
Published: March 2022

Context

Dietary carotenoid intake is associated with vitamin A status and healthy visual and cognitive function in early life. To date, however, only limited population-level data on the concentrations of carotenoids in human milk or infant blood have been available to assess the dietary exposure of infants to carotenoids.

Objective

This systematic review seeks to define worldwide carotenoid concentrations in human milk and infant blood.

Data Sources

The PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for original research articles published before February 2021.

Data Extraction

Dietary carotenoid concentrations in human milk and in blood plasma or serum from healthy infants (≤1 year of age), along with study location, infant age, and lactation stage, were extracted. Means and 95%CIs were analyzed within and across variables.

Data Analysis

Publications on carotenoid concentrations in infant blood (47 publications, n = 4553 unique individuals) and human milk (65 publications, n = 2871 unique individuals) described populations from 22 and 31 countries, respectively. Carotenoid species concentrations ranged from 0.3 to 20 µg/dL in blood and from 0.1 to 30 µg/dL in human milk, with carotenoid concentrations generally decreasing in milk across lactation stages and increasing in blood with infant age.

Conclusion

Concentrations of the major dietary carotenoids—β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and α-carotene—have been reported in both infant blood and human milk across infant ages and lactation stages, with β-carotene, lutein, and lycopene tending to be more abundant than other carotenoids. Despite heterogeneous amounts of data available for each outcome, infants worldwide are exposed to a variety of dietary carotenoids. The estimates of dietary carotenoids in human milk and infant blood can facilitate the interpretation of future studies and the design of nutritionally relevant experiments on dietary carotenoids and infant health.