bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults: Case Finding Through Systematic Review of Electronic Medical Records
Authors: Melgar Michael , Haston Julia , DeCuir Jennifer , Cheng Qi , Arnold Kathryn E , Meng Lu , Murphy David J , Overton Elizabeth , Hollberg Julie , Tobin-D’Angelo Melissa , Patel Pragna , Campbell Angela P , Godfred-Cato Shana , Belay Ermias D
Published: April 2022

Background

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) is a severe condition temporally associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we applied the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case definition to identify diagnosed and undiagnosed MIS-A cases among adults discharged during April 2020–January 2021 from 4 Atlanta, Georgia hospitals affiliated with a single medical center. Non–MIS-A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalizations were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification encounter code U07.1. We calculated the ratio of MIS-A to COVID-19 hospitalizations, compared demographic characteristics of the 2 cohorts, and described clinical characteristics of MIS-A patients.

Results

We identified 11 MIS-A cases, none of which were diagnosed by the treatment team, and 5755 COVID-19 hospitalizations (ratio 1:523). Compared with patients with COVID-19, patients with MIS-A were more likely to be younger than 50 years (72.7% vs 26.1%, P < .01) and to be non-Hispanic Black (81.8% vs 50.0%, P = .04). Ten patients with MIS-A (90.9%) had at least 1 underlying medical condition. Two MIS-A patients (18.2%) had a previous episode of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, occurring 37 and 55 days prior to admission. All MIS-A patients developed left ventricular systolic dysfunction. None had documented mucocutaneous involvement. All required intensive care, all received systemic corticosteroids, 8 (72.7%) required mechanical ventilation, 2 (18.2%) required mechanical cardiovascular circulatory support, and none received intravenous immunoglobulin. Two (18.2%) died or were discharged to hospice.

Conclusions

MIS-A is a severe but likely underrecognized complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Improved recognition of MIS-A is needed to quantify its burden and identify populations at highest risk.
External finance, subordinated financialisation: a reflection on Argentina’s currency flights in the last three decades
Authors: Lampa Roberto , Tavasci Daniela , Ventimiglia Luigi
Published: April 2022

We use the example of Argentina to argue that the changing characteristics of developing countries’ financial integration may have reinforced the old dynamics of subordination and reliance upon external finance where large firms, foreign and domestic, engage in practices that allow for securing their surplus abroad in precious hard currency. Financial practices and openness have allowed these firms to navigate through the multiple interconnections between financial and productive spheres, resulting in extraordinary profits, which have been systematically remitted abroad, political and trade cycles notwithstanding. We find that rather than setting against investment and financial speculation, financialisation in Argentina highlights that both capital and exchange market volatility have also been triggered by industrial investment and the subsequent financial re-investment of profits in the international markets. We conclude with policy recommendations to attempt to lessen the effect of monetary subordination and capital dependence.
Aortic valve fenestration: respect it or fix it?
Authors: Shraer Nathanael , Youssefi Pouya , Monin Jean-Luc , Berrebi Alain , Mankoubi Leila , Noghin Milena , Debauchez Mathieu , Lansac Emmanuel
Published: April 2022

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether aortic valve fenestrations (respected or fixed) represent a factor associated with recurrent aortic insufficiency or reoperation after repair.

METHODS

Between 2003 and 2019, patients who underwent aortic valve repair were included. Aortic insufficiency phenotypes were root aneurysm (repair: root remodelling + annuloplasty), ascending aorta aneurysm (repair: tubular aortic replacement + annuloplasty) and isolated regurgitation (repair: single/double annuloplasty). Fenestrations were either respected or fixed according to their features.

RESULTS

A total of 618 patients (out of 798 operated on; 77.4%) had their valve repaired, with 167 cases of fenestrations (128 were respected, 39 fixed—32 with a patch, 6 with running suture and 1 with both). After conducting propensity score matching between no-fenestration (n = 167) and fenestration groups (n = 167), respectively, we noted the following: survival [90.3% (n = 7 deaths) vs 95.8% (n = 4)], cumulative incidence of reoperation [6.7% (n = 7) vs 5.2% (n = 4)], aortic insufficiency grade ≥ 3 [6.4% (n = 6) vs 4.4% (n = 4)] and grade ≥ 2 [28.9% (n = 28) vs 37.1% (n = 35)] were similar at 9 years [P = 0.94; median follow-up: 2.2, interquartile range: (0.8, 5.8)], whether fenestration was respected (P = 0.55) or fixed (P = 0.6, at 6 years). Standardization of the surgical approach (consisting of double annuloplasty in isolated regurgitation phenotype and expansible subvalvular annuloplasty with effective height assessment with remodelling repair for root aneurysm phenotype) reduced the risk of reoperation (era before standardization: hazard ratio: 5.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.9–15.7, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Fenestration, respected or fixed, is not a factor associated with reoperation or recurrence of significant aortic insufficiency after valve repair if the surgical approach is standardized.
Voice under Domination: Notes on the Making and Significance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants
Authors: Gradoni Lorenzo , Pasquet Luca
Published: April 2022

In 2018, a transnational coalition led by La Vía Campesina, a 200-million-strong peasants’ organization, managed to have the United Nations General Assembly adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas (UNDROP). The present article examines selected aspects of the law-making process that led to the Declaration, focusing on the stiff resistance encountered by the peasants’ struggle for equality. As the most controversial UN-sponsored human rights instrument ever, the UNDROP intrudes deeply into the field of relations of production and market structures and applies to billions worldwide, including the great majority of the population in least developed countries. Framed as a case study of a voice under domination in international law, the article retrieves what the oppressed were not allowed to say through the language of international human rights law and describes how they responded to this impediment. It argues that UNDROP fits into a law-making tradition rooted in the decolonization process, reinvigorates it and channels it in new directions. UNDROP combines NIEO-inspired measures and human rights law in a way that seems to achieve much more than the elusive Declaration on the Right to Development. Its non-consensual adoption and radical content also point to a possible alternative to the absorption of the political process concerning the right to development into the a-conflictual logic of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Return-to-work and rehabilitation needs in cardiac arrest survivors: an exploratory cross-sectional study
Authors: Christensen Jan , Winkel Bo Gregers , Eskildsen Signe Janum , Gottlieb Rikke , Hassager Christian , Wagner Mette Kirstine
Published: April 2022

Patient-reported return-to-work and job functioning 6 and 12 months after hospital discharge and received rehabilitation interventions and unmet rehabilitation needs were explored in a consecutive population of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors. Patients working prior to cardiac arrest were invited to participate in a telephone administered survey. Thirty-eight surveys were conducted and included for analysis, equivalent to a minimum response rate of 95%. Survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest had extensive challenges returning to work. Six- and 12-months post-arrest, 58% and 45% were respectively on full time sick leave or working notably less (>10 h/week) and with extensive unmet rehabilitation needs.
The Rad9–Rad1–Hus1 DNA Repair Clamp is Found in Microsporidia
Authors: Mascarenhas dos Santos Anne Caroline , Julian Alexander Thomas , Pombert Jean-François
Published: April 2022

DNA repair is an important component of genome integrity and organisms with reduced repair capabilities tend to accumulate mutations at elevated rates. Microsporidia are intracellular parasites exhibiting high levels of genetic divergence postulated to originate from the lack of several proteins, including the heterotrimeric Rad9–Rad1–Hus1 DNA repair clamp. Microsporidian species from the Encephalitozoonidae have undergone severe streamlining with small genomes coding for about 2,000 proteins. The highly divergent sequences found in Microsporidia render functional inferences difficult such that roughly half of these 2,000 proteins have no known function. Using a structural homology-based annotation approach combining protein structure prediction and tridimensional similarity searches, we found that the Rad9–Rad1–Hus1 DNA clamp is present in Microsporidia, together with many other components of the DNA repair machinery previously thought to be missing from these organisms. Altogether, our results indicate that the DNA repair machinery is present and likely functional in Microsporidia.
One Diagnosis, Two Perspectives: Lived Experiences of Persons With Young-Onset Dementia and Their Care-Partners
Authors: Popok Paula J , Reichman Mira , LeFeber Lisa , Grunberg Victoria A , Bannon Sarah M , Vranceanu Ana-Maria
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives

Young-onset dementias (YODs) are a set of progressive illnesses that are stressful for both persons with the diagnosis and their care-partners. Although the stressors differ based on their roles and individual experiences, both individuals are at risk for heightened emotional distress (e.g., depression and anxiety). Understanding the unique stressors for each partner and adaptive coping strategies to manage these stressors is important for informing individual and couples-based psychosocial interventions.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted open-ended individual interviews with persons with YOD (N = 12) and their care-partners (i.e., romantic partner; N = 17) over live video. We utilized a hybrid of deductive and inductive analysis techniques to extract individual-level themes and subthemes regarding stressors and adaptive coping strategies.

Results

Persons with YOD identified stressors including burden of YOD symptoms, loss of familial roles, resentment toward partner, isolation, and fear of the future. Care-partners identified stressors including managing their partners’ symptoms, increased responsibilities, caregiving role, loss of intimacy, social isolation, and grief. For adaptive coping strategies, persons with YOD endorsed use of acceptance, promotion of independence, social support, and engaging in pleasurable activities. Care-partners endorsed value of learning about the diagnosis, using resources, optimism, social support, and self-care.

Discussion and Implications

Findings highlight the unique experiences of persons with YOD and their care-partners. Identified themes can be used to inform role-specific psychosocial interventions for both individuals and couples coping with YOD.
Made for Funny Business: Negotiating Age and Sexuality in British Sitcoms
Authors: Röber Monika Franziska
Published: April 2022

Though films and television series, portraying later life with its perks and pitfalls have proliferated throughout the past decade, explicit depictions of later life sexuality have been an ever-present absence in visual representations. Yet, it is television, TV series in particular, which enables more diverse framings of later life sexuality, as they reproduce, legitimize, transform and deconstruct stereotypical notions of age, gender, and sexuality through their serial format and unique use of laughter and humor. As such, some sitcoms featuring sexually active, rebellious, and sexually adventurous older adults have been widely regarded as stomping grounds for affirmative notions of aging and sexuality. Often paired with badly and mischievously behaving leads, they show that portrayals of later life sexuality need not necessarily be bogged down by a pervasive asexual/hypersexual divide but may rather offer “possibilities of destabilization” that run counter to cultural taboos regarding age and sexuality.

Based on 2 British sitcoms (Waiting for God [1990–1994], and Vicious [2013–2016]), this article examines the practices and mechanisms sitcoms employ in order to enable or contain representations of later life sexuality, by, for instance couching transgressive portrayals of sexually active older adults in comedic terms or by “containing” older adults in rigid, heteronormative structures. Particular attention will be paid to the intersections of class, gender, and age and how far these intersections help to render later life sexuality, above all, respectable and palatable.
An efficient cascadic multigrid solver for 3-D magnetotelluric forward modelling problems using potentials
Authors: Pan Kejia , Wang Jinxuan , Hu Shuanggui , Ren Zhengyong , Cui Tao , Guo Rongwen , Tang Jingtian
Published: April 2022

The fast and accurate 3-D magnetotelluric (MT) forward modelling is core engine of the interpretation and inversion of MT data. In this study, we develop an improved extrapolation cascadic multigrid method (EXCMG) to solve the large sparse complex linear system arising from the finite-element (FE) discretization on non-uniform orthogonal grids of the Maxwell’s equations using potentials. First, the vector Helmholtz equation and the scalar auxiliary equation are derived from the Maxwell’s equations using Coulomb-gauged potentials. The weighted residual method is adopted to discretize the weak formulation and assemble the FE equation. Secondly, carefully choosing the preconditioned complex stable bi-conjugate gradient method (BiCGStab) as multigrid smoother, we develop an improved EXCMG method on non-uniform grids to solve the resulting large sparse complex non-Hermitian linear systems. Finally, several examples including three standard testing models (COMMEMI3D-1, COMMEMI3D-2 and DTM1.0) and a topographic model are used to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed multigrid solver. Numerical results show that the proposed EXCMG algorithm greatly improves the efficiency of 3-D MT forward modelling, is more efficient than some existing solvers, such as Pardiso, incomplete LU factorization preconditioned biconjugate gradients stabilized method (ILU-BiCGStab) and flexible generalized minimum residual method with auxiliary space Maxwell preconditioner (FGMRES-AMS), and capable to simulate large-scale problems with more than 100 million unknowns.
Three-dimensional finite element modelling on strain localization around the Mabian earthquake swarm, Sichuan Province
Authors: Zhu Xiaojie , He Jiankun , Wang Xinguo , Xiao Jie
Published: April 2022

The Mabian fault zone, distanced ∼200 km to the east of the Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang fault system, is located in the western vicinity of the relatively stable South China Block. Since 1917, about 54 M > 4.7 earthquakes, including the 1974 Ms = 7.1 Mabian event have occurred around this fault zone, suggesting that significant strain is localized within the Mabian fault zone. Here, we built a 3-D finite element model to investigate the main parameters that possibly control strain localization around the Mabian fault zone averaged over the active deformation timescale. In the model, the Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang fault system is specified as a discontinuous contact interface for its motion governed by a Coulomb-friction law, and the crustal rheology is simplified as a frictional upper crust underlain by a viscoelastic lower crust. In addition, global positioning system (GPS) data are used to mimic the horizontal tectonic loading, and the model base is supported by a hydrostatic pressure. Numerical results show that with the weak fault strength and the low viscosity contrast between the Tibetan plateau and the South China Block, strain rates from motion of the southeastern Tibetan plateau could be propagated across the Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang fault system more widely within the Mabian fault zone. Constrained by the estimates on slip rates of the faults and on rheological structures of the crust, our optimal model predicts the effective friction coefficient of the Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang fault of 0.05–0.1. Under this condition, relative motion across the Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang fault system is largely partitioned by the geometric bend near the central portion of the fault system, resulting in a relatively high strain rate of 2.1–3×10–8 yr–1 accumulating around the Mabian fault zone. Keeping the weak strength of the fault, numerical results also show that if the central portion of the Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang fault system follows the Daliangshan fault, strain accumulation around the Mabian fault zone could be significantly reduced. It thus can be concluded that the strain partitioning from the weak strength and the special geometry of the Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang fault system must play a crucial role in active deformation around the Mabian area out of the Tibetan plateau deformation domain. This in turn means that in the Xianshuihe–Xiaojiang fault system, the Anninghe–Zemuhe fault is still the main boundary between the southeastern Tibetan plateau and the South China Block.
Characterizing the N- and O-linked glycans of the PGF-CTERM sorting domain-containing S-layer protein of Methanoculleus marisnigri
Authors: Kelly John , Vinogradov Evgeny , Robotham Anna , Tessier Luc , Logan Susan M , Jarrell Ken F
Published: April 2022

The glycosylation of structural proteins is a widespread posttranslational modification in Archaea. Although only a handful of archaeal N-glycan structures have been determined to date, it is evident that the diversity of structures expressed is greater than in the other domains of life. Here, we report on our investigation of the N- and O-glycan modifications expressed by Methanoculleus marisnigri, a mesophilic methanogen from the Order Methanomicrobiales. Unusually, mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of purified archaella revealed no evidence for N- or O-glycosylation of the constituent archaellins, In contrast, the S-layer protein, identified as a PGF-CTERM sorting domain-containing protein encoded by MEMAR_RS02690, is both N- and O-glycosylated. Two N-glycans were identified by NMR and MS analysis: a trisaccharide α-GlcNAc-4-β-GlcNAc3NGaAN-4-β-Glc-Asn where the second residue is 2-N-acetyl, 3-N-glyceryl-glucosamide and a disaccharide β-GlcNAc3NAcAN-4-β-Glc-Asn, where the terminal residue is 2,3 di-N-acetyl-glucosamide. The same trisaccharide was also found N-linked to a type IV pilin. The S-layer protein is also extensively modified in the threonine-rich region near the C-terminus with O-glycans composed exclusively of hexoses. While the S-layer protein has a predicted PGF-CTERM processing site, no evidence of a truncated and lipidated C-terminus, the expected product of processing by an archaeosortase, was found. Finally, NMR also identified a polysaccharide expressed by M. marisnigri and composed of a repeating tetrasaccharide unit of [−2-β-Ribf-3-α-Rha2OMe-3-α-Rha − 2-α-Rha-]. This is the first report of N- and O-glycosylation in an archaeon from the Order Methanomicrobiales.
‘It’s just one big vicious circle’: young people’s experiences of highly visual social media and their mental health
Authors: McCrory Alanna , Best Paul , Maddock Alan
Published: April 2022

Highly visual social media (HVSM) platforms, such as Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok, are increasingly popular among young people. It is unclear what motivates young people to engage with these specific highly visual platforms and what impact the inherent features of HVSM have on young people’s mental health. Nine semi-structured focus group sessions were conducted with males and females aged 14 and 15 years (n = 47) across five secondary schools in Northern Ireland. Thematic analyses were conducted, and a conceptual model was developed to illustrate the findings. This study found that features such as likes/comments on visuals and scrolling through a feed were associated with the role of ‘viewer’, instigating longer-lasting feelings of jealousy, inferiority and pressure to be accepted. To combat these negative emotions, young people turn to the role of ‘contributor’ by using filters, selecting highlights to post to their feed and adjusting their personas, resulting in temporary feelings of higher self-esteem, greater acceptance and popularity. As users of HVSM are constantly switching between the role of viewer and contributor, the emotions they experience are also constantly switching between instant inadequacy and instant gratification. HVSM appears to trigger an unrelenting process of emotional highs and lows for its adolescent users.
Angiosarcoma of the main pulmonary artery—hand-made conduit reconstruction
Authors: Darawsha Firas , Kramer Ran , Raanani Ehud , Saute Milton
Published: April 2022

Pulmonary artery angiosarcoma is a rare malignant vascular tumour with a poor prognosis and a grim clinical course. Common clinical presentations include shortness of breath, coughing and haemoptysis. Differential diagnosis includes thromboembolism and lung carcinoma. Rarity of the tumour and the consequent lack of treatment guidelines further worsen the prognosis. We report a case of pulmonary artery angiosarcoma involving the main pulmonary artery and its bifurcation with emphasis on the surgical treatment.
Evaluation of the gas turbine unit in the Kirkuk gas power plant to analyse the energy and exergy using ChemCad simulation
Authors: Salah Sara A , Abbas Ehsan F , Ali Obed Majeed , Alwan Naseer T , Yaqoob Salam J , Alayi Reza
Published: April 2022

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the thermal performance of the gas turbine unit represented by (K3) under actual weather conditions by applying the first and second laws of thermodynamics, the design production of the unit (283.6 MW) at standard conditions (1 bar) and temperature (15) Celsius, which included the analysis of the unit energy and available energy. Hence, to find out the weaknesses and losses in the system ChemCad simulation has been used to estimate the effects of external factors (ambient temperature, compression ratio and relative humidity) for a whole year on the performance of the turbine unit. Overall results showed that the maximum exergy efficiency was obtained in November; it was ~37% when Ta was 19.39°C. The maximum efficiency obtained at Ta equal to 19.39°C, which was ~37.67%. Higher ambient temperature increases specific fuel consumption (SFC). The results show that the SFC for the practical and program calculations increases with the increase in the temperature of the external environment and reached the maximum rate in the practical calculations in September (0.224) at 33.27°C. Thus, it economically affects the price of power production. Moreover, the results showed that the combustion chamber occupied the first place for the destruction of available energy, and the results of energy efficiency and available energy were 39.20% and 30.83%, respectively.
The Functional Form of Mahler’s Conjecture for Even Log-Concave Functions in Dimension 2
Authors: Fradelizi Matthieu , Nakhle Elie
Published: April 2022

Let $\varphi :{\mathbb {R}}^{n}\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}\cup \{+\infty \}$ be an even convex function and ${\mathcal {L}}{\varphi }$ be its Legendre transform. We prove the functional form of Mahler’s conjecture concerning the functional volume product $P(\varphi )=\int e^{-\varphi }\int e^{-{\mathcal {L}}\varphi }$ in dimension 2: we give the sharp lower bound of this quantity and characterize the equality case. The proof uses the computation of the derivative in $t$ of $P(t\varphi )$ and ideas due to Meyer [16] for unconditional convex bodies, adapted to the functional case by Fradelizi and Meyer [6] and extended for symmetric convex bodies in dimension 3 by Iriyeh and Shibata [11] (see also [4]).
Recurrent Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in a CD14-Deficient Patient
Authors: Besteman Sjanna B , Phung Emily , Raeven Henriette H M , Amatngalim Gimano D , Rumpret Matevž , Crabtree Juliet , Schepp Rutger M , Rodenburg Lisa W , Siemonsma Susanna G , Verleur Nile , van Slooten Rianne , Duran Karen , van Haaften Gijs W , Beekman Jeffrey M , Chang Lauren A , Meyaard Linde , van der Bruggen Tjomme , Berbers Guy A M , Derksen Nicole , Nierkens Stefan , Morabito Kaitlyn M , Ruckwardt Tracy J , Kurt-Jones Evelyn A , Golenbock Douglas , Graham Barney S , Bont Louis J
Published: April 2022

Background

Recurrent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection requiring hospitalization is rare and the underlying mechanism is unknown. We aimed to determine the role of CD14-mediated immunity in the pathogenesis of recurrent RSV infection.

Methods

We performed genotyping and longitudinal immunophenotyping of the first patient with a genetic CD14 deficiency who developed recurrent RSV infection. We analyzed gene expression profiles and interleukin (IL)-6 production by patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to RSV pre- and post-fusion (F) protein. We generated CD14-deficient human nasal epithelial cells cultured at air-liquid interface (HNEC-ALI) of patient-derived cells and after CRISPR-based gene editing of control cells. We analyzed viral replication upon RSV infection.

Results

Sanger sequencing revealed a homozygous single-nucleotide deletion in CD14, resulting in absence of the CD14 protein in the index patient. In vitro, viral replication was similar in wild-type and CD14−/− HNEC-ALI. Loss of immune cell CD14 led to impaired cytokine and chemokine responses to RSV pre- and post-F protein, characterized by absence of IL-6 production.

Conclusions

We report an association of recurrent RSV bronchiolitis with a loss of CD14 function in immune cells. Lack of CD14 function led to defective immune responses to RSV pre- and post-F protein without a change in viral replication.
B-Cell Responses in Hospitalized Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2–Infected Children With and Without Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome
Authors: Peart Akindele Nadine , Pieterse Lisa , Suwanmanee San , Griffin Diane E
Published: April 2022

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) can complicate infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but differences in the immune responses during MIS-C compared to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are poorly understood. We longitudinally compared the amounts and avidity of plasma anti-nucleocapsid (N) and spike (S) antibodies, phenotypes of B cells, and numbers of virus-specific antibody-secreting cells in circulation of children hospitalized with COVID-19 (n = 10) and with MIS-C (n = 12). N-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) was higher early after presentation for MIS-C than COVID-19 patients and avidity of N- and S-specific IgG at presentation did not mature further during follow-up as it did for COVID-19. Both groups had waning proportions of B cells in circulation and decreasing but sustained production of virus-specific antibody-secreting cells for months. Overall, B-cell responses were similar, but those with MIS-C demonstrated a more mature antibody response at presentation compared to COVID-19, suggesting a postinfectious entity.
Delta Infection After Vaccination Elicits Potent Neutralizing Immunity Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Omicron
Authors: Zhu Ka-Li , Gao Hui-Xia , Yao Lin , Rong Jun , Yang Li , Zhang Zhi , Jiang Ping , Duan Li-Jun , Wang Guo-Lin , Dai Er-Hei , Ma Mai-Juan
Published: April 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant extensively escape neutralizing antibodies by vaccines or infection. We assessed serum neutralizing activity in sera from Delta infection after vaccination and Delta infection only against SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan-Hu-1 (WA1), Beta, Delta, and Omicron. Sera from Delta infection only could neutralize WA1 and Delta but almost completely lost capacity to neutralize Beta and Omicron. However, Delta infection after vaccination resulted in a significant increase of serum neutralizing activity against WA1, Beta, and Omicron. This study demonstrates that breakthrough infection of Delta substantially induced high potency humoral immune response against the Omicron variant and other emerged variants.
An Appraisal of Project Mars and theDivided ArmiesArgument
Authors: Gibler Douglas M , Miller Steven V
Published: April 2022

Project Mars released what it claims to be a completely new dataset of 250 wars fought since 1800 and claims these data do not suffer from Western biases of other data projects (e.g., the Correlates of War [CoW]) that apparently overlook non-Western conflicts. These data featured prominently in a recent argument in Divided Armies (2020) about the negative relationship between military inequality and battlefield performance. Our appraisal of both the data and the argument advanced in Divided Armies suggests some caution with these claims. Project Mars does not amount to a completely new dataset on conventional wars. Instead, Project Mars only evaluated CoW's interstate war data, missed that the bulk of its wars are available elsewhere in CoW's data repository (i.e., as intrastate or extrastate wars), and may have missed important observations in CoW's typology (prominently intrastate wars) that could double the size of Project Mars. Combined with additional misgivings about the quality of Project Mars’ coding and how the military inequality data were not constructed as Project Mars implies, these have important implications for the core argument advanced in Divided Armies. Scholars of war should not pool wars in their statistical models as Project Mars does.
Development and validation of predictive models for COVID-19 outcomes in a safety-net hospital population
Authors: Hao Boran , Hu Yang , Sotudian Shahabeddin , Zad Zahra , Adams William G , Assoumou Sabrina A , Hsu Heather , Mishuris Rebecca G , Paschalidis Ioannis C
Published: April 2022

Objective

To develop predictive models of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes, elucidate the influence of socioeconomic factors, and assess algorithmic racial fairness using a racially diverse patient population with high social needs.

Materials and Methods

Data included 7,102 patients with positive (RT-PCR) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 test at a safety-net system in Massachusetts. Linear and nonlinear classification methods were applied. A score based on a recurrent neural network and a transformer architecture was developed to capture the dynamic evolution of vital signs. Combined with patient characteristics, clinical variables, and hospital occupancy measures, this dynamic vital score was used to train predictive models.

Results

Hospitalizations can be predicted with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 92% using symptoms, hospital occupancy, and patient characteristics, including social determinants of health. Parsimonious models to predict intensive care, mechanical ventilation, and mortality that used the most recent labs and vitals exhibited AUCs of 92.7%, 91.2%, and 94%, respectively. Early predictive models, using labs and vital signs closer to admission had AUCs of 81.1%, 84.9%, and 92%, respectively.

Discussion

The most accurate models exhibit racial bias, being more likely to falsely predict that Black patients will be hospitalized. Models that are only based on the dynamic vital score exhibited accuracies close to the best parsimonious models, although the latter also used laboratories.

Conclusions

This large study demonstrates that COVID-19 severity may accurately be predicted using a score that accounts for the dynamic evolution of vital signs. Further, race, social determinants of health, and hospital occupancy play an important role.
Interplant transfer of nitrogen between C3 and C4 plants through common mycorrhizal networks under different nitrogen availability
Authors: Muneer Muhammad Atif , Chen Xiaohui , Munir Muhammad Zeeshan , Nisa Zaib-Un , Saddique Muhammad Abu Bakar , Mehmood Shehzad , Su Da , Zheng Chaoyuan , Ji Baoming
Published: April 2022

Hyphae of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in soil often form complex mycorrhizal networks among roots of same or different plant species for transfer of nutrients from one plant to another. However, the effect of soil nitrogen (N) availability on nutrient transfer between different plant species via common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) has not been experimentally examined. In order to quantify CMN-mediated nutrient transfer between Leymus chinensis (LC) and Cleistogene squarrosa (CS), two systems, i.e. the CS–LC system (CS and LC were donor and recipient, respectively) and the LC–CS system (LC and CS were donor and recipient, respectively) were established. Stable isotopic 15N was applied to track N transfer between heterospecific seedlings connected by CMNs under three levels of soil N additions: no N addition control (N0), N addition with 7 mg/kg (N1) and N addition with 14 mg/kg (N2). In the CS–LC system, the highest rate of AMF colonization and hyphal length density (HLD) were found at N1. In contrast, maximum AMF colonization rate and HLD were recorded at N2 in LC–CS system. Consequently, plant biomass was significantly higher under N1 and N2 levels in CS–LC and LC–CS systems, respectively. Moreover, in CS–LC system, 15N transfer rate ranged from 16% to 61%, with maximum transfer rate at N1. For LC–CS system, 15N transfer rate was much lower, with the maximum occurring at N0. These findings suggest that CMNs could potentially regulate N transfer from a donor to recipient plant depending upon the strength of individual plant carbon sink.
Shorter serial intervals and incubation periods in SARS-CoV-2 variants than the SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain
Authors: Du Zhanwei , Liu Caifen , Wang Lin , Bai Yuan , Lau Eric H Y , Wu Peng , Cowling Benjamin J
Published: April 2022

The Delta and Omicron variants have the pooled estimates of serial interval as 3.4 days (95% CI: 3.0, 3.7) and 3.1 days (95% CI: 2.9, 3.2), respectively; incubation periods as 4.8 days (95% CI: 3.9, 5.6) and 3.6 days (95% CI: 2.3, 4.9), respectively.
A matter of time: regulatory events behind the synchronization of C4 and crassulacean acid metabolism in Portulaca oleracea
Authors: Ferrari Renata Callegari , Kawabata Aline Bastos , Ferreira Sávio Siqueira , Hartwell James , Freschi Luciano
Published: April 2022

Portulaca species can switch between C4 and crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) depending on environmental conditions. However, the regulatory mechanisms behind this rare photosynthetic adaptation remain elusive. Using Portulaca oleracea as a model system, here we investigated the involvement of the circadian clock, plant hormones, and transcription factors in coordinating C4 and CAM gene expression. Free-running experiments in constant conditions suggested that C4 and CAM gene expression are intrinsically connected to the circadian clock. Detailed time-course, drought, and rewatering experiments revealed distinct time frames for CAM induction and reversion (days versus hours, respectively), which were accompanied by changes in abscisic acid (ABA) and cytokinin metabolism and signaling. Exogenous ABA and cytokinins were shown to promote and repress CAM expression in P. oleracea, respectively. Moreover, the drought-induced decline in C4 transcript levels was completely recovered upon cytokinin treatment. The ABA-regulated transcription factor genes HB7, NFYA7, NFYC9, TT8, and ARR12 were identified as likely candidate regulators of CAM induction following this approach, whereas NFYC4 and ARR9 were connected to C4 expression patterns. Therefore, we provide insights into the signaling events controlling C4–CAM transitions in response to water availability and over the day/night cycle, highlighting candidate genes for future functional studies in the context of facultative C4–CAM photosynthesis.
Molecular mechanisms and evolutionary history of phytomelatonin in flowering
Authors: Mou Zongmin , Wang Houping , Chen Suiyun , Reiter Russel J , Zhao Dake
Published: April 2022

Flowering is a critical stage in plant life history, which is coordinated by environmental signals and endogenous cues. Phytomelatonin is a widely distributed indoleamine present in all living organisms and plays pleiotropic roles in plant growth and development. Recent evidence has established that phytomelatonin could modulate flowering in many species, probably in a concentration-dependent manner. Phytomelatonin seems to associate with floral meristem identification and floral organ formation, and the fluctuation of phytomelatonin might be important for flowering. Regarding the underlying mechanisms, phytomelatonin interacts with the central components of floral gene regulatory networks directly or indirectly, including the MADS-box gene family, phytohormones, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). From an evolutionary point of view, the actions of phytomelatonin in flowering probably evolved during the period of the diversification of flowering plants and could be regarded as a functional extension of its primary activities. The presumed evolutionary history of phytomelatonin-modulated flowering is proposed, presented in the chronological order of the appearance of phytomelatonin and core flowering regulators, namely DELLA proteins, ROS, and phytohormones. Further efforts are needed to address some intriguing aspects, such as the exploration of the association between phytomelatonin and photoperiodic flowering, phytomelatonin-related floral MADS-box genes, the crosstalk between phytomelatonin and phytohormones, as well as its potential applications in agriculture.
IgG-RBD Response Due to Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine: Alteration in D-Dimer and Fibrinogen Concentrations, Association with Comorbidities and Adverse Effects
Authors: Kaytaz Murat , Akkaya Emre , Gumus Sefika Nur , Genc Sema , Issever Halim , Omer Beyhan
Published: April 2022

Objective

To examine the immunoglobulin G-receptor-binding domain (IgG-RBD) response and changes in fibrinogen and D-dimer concentrations in individuals with a past coronavirus infection and followed by CoronaVac.

Methods

The study consisted of a total of 116 participants. Blood samples were drawn from subjects 21–25 days after they received first and second doses of CoronaVac as well as from individuals with a past infection. Fibrinogen, D-dimer, and IgG-RBD concentrations were measured.

Results

The IgG concentrations of the vaccinated subjects were significantly higher (P < .001), fibrinogen levels were lower (P < .001), and D-dimer levels increased following the second vaccination compared with the first vaccination (P = .083). No difference was obtained in IgG-RBD between vaccinated and previously infected individuals (P = .063). The differences in fibrinogen and D-dimer were statistically nonsignificant between both groups.

Conclusion

The CoronaVac vaccine appears to be safe and effective. It is essential for individuals to take personal protective measures, such as using masks and distancing.
T Cell Senescence by Extensive Phenotyping: An Emerging Feature of COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Zuin Jenny , Fogar Paola , Musso Giulia , Padoan Andrea , Piva Elisa , Pelloso Michela , Tosato Francesca , Cattelan Annamaria , Basso Daniela , Plebani Mario
Published: April 2022

Objective

To identify the potential prognostic value of lymphocyte subsets in COVID-19 patients, where lymphopenia is a common finding.

Methods

In 353 COVID-19 inpatients and 40 controls T cell subsets with markers of senescence and exhaustion were studied by flow cytometry.

Results

In severe illness, total lymphocytes B, NK, and all T subsets were dampened. Senescent CD4+, but mainly CD8+ T cells, increased in patients with respect to controls. The most significant index predicting fatal outcome was neutrophils/CD3+ T ratio.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an altered T cell pattern underlies COVID-19 severity and is involved in predicting the outcome.
Validating the HPA-1 to -5 and -15 Detection by Homemade PCR-SSP, Real-Time PCR, and PCR-RFLP Methods
Authors: Ghader Azizi Seyed , Samiee Shahram , Zadsar Maryam , Shaiegan Mojgan
Published: April 2022

Objective

Human platelet antigens (HPAs) are antigenic determinants on platelet membrane glycoproteins that stimulate the host’s immune system and cause platelet destruction. In this study, we share our experience with implementing sequence-specific primer-polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), real-time PCR, and PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) and the validation process used to evaluate the results.

Methods

At the Ardabil Blood Transfusion Center, 10 samples were obtained from blood donors. Validation using PCR-SSP, real-time PCR, and PCR-RFLP methods for genotyping HPAs was done by sequencing. A commercial DNA sample and a commercial kit were also used for validation.

Results

The results of PCR-SSP, TaqMan Real-Time PCR, melting curve analysis (HPA-15), and PCR-RFLP (HPA-3) were 100% consistent with sequencing (gold standard) and commercial kit results.

Conclusions

There was a 100% correlation between repeating the methods and the expected results for repeatability, and no false positives and negatives were observed.
Use of Self-Collected Saliva Samples for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sogbesan Kehinde , Sogbesan Taiwo , Hata D Jane , White Edward L , Daniel Wyeth , Gasson Samuel L , Jones Dylan S , Vicari Brittany R , Van Siclen Carleen P , Palmucci Carla , Marquez Christopher P , Parkulo Mark A , Thielen Kent R , Nassar Aziza
Published: April 2022

Objective

Using a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorization (EUA) reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method, we examined the analytic performance accuracy of saliva specimens as compared to nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens in symptomatic patients. Correlation between test results and symptoms was also evaluated.

Methods

Over a 5-week period in 2020, 89 matched saliva and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from individuals exhibiting symptoms consistent with SARS-CoV-2. Specimens were tested with an FDA EUA-approved RT-PCR method, and performance characteristics were compared.

Results

The concordance rate between saliva and nasopharyngeal testing was 93.26%. The mean cycle threshold value of saliva when compared to the NP specimen was 3.56 cycles higher. As compared to NP swab, saliva testing demonstrates acceptable agreement but lower sensitivity.

Conclusion

When compared to a reference method using NP swabs, the use of saliva testing proved to be a reliable method. Self-collected saliva testing for SARS-CoV-2 allows for a viable option when trained staff or collection materials are in short supply.
Effects of boosting on extragalactic components: methods and statistical studies
Authors: Coulton William , Feldman Sydney , Maamari Karime , Pierpaoli Elena , Yasini Siavash , Dolag Klaus
Published: April 2022

In this work, we examine the impact of our motion with respect to the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) rest frame on statistics of CMB maps by examining the one-, two-, three-, and four- point statistics of simulated maps of the CMB and Sunyaev–Zeldovich (SZ) effects. We validate boosting codes by comparing their outcomes for temperature and polarization power spectra up to ℓ ≃ 6000. We derive and validate a new analytical formula for the computation of the boosted power spectrum of a signal with a generic frequency dependence. As an example we show how this increases the boosting correction to the power spectrum of CMB intensity measurements by ${\sim}30{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ at 150 GHz. We examine the effect of boosting on thermal and kinetic SZ power spectra from semianalytical and hydrodynamical simulations; the boosting correction is generally small for both simulations, except when considering frequencies near the tSZ null. For the non-Gaussian statistics, in general we find that boosting has no impact with two exceptions. We find that, whilst the statistics of the CMB convergence field are unaffected, quadratic estimators that are used to measure this field can become biased at the $O(1){{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ level by boosting effects. We present a simple modification to the standard estimators that removes this bias. Second, bispectrum estimators can receive a systematic bias from the Doppler induced quadrupole when there is anisotropy in the sky – in practice this anisotropy comes from masking and inhomogeneous noise. This effect is unobservable and already removed by existing analysis methods.
Decoding the star forming properties of gas-rich galaxy pairs
Authors: Bok J , Cluver M E , Jarrett T H , Skelton R E , Jones M G , Verdes-Montenegro L
Published: April 2022

We extend the analysis of Bok et al. (2020) in which the H i content of isolated galaxies from the AMIGA (Analysis of the interstellar Medium in Isolated GAlaxies) sample and selected paired galaxies from ALFALFA (Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA) were examined as a potential driver of galaxy location on the WISE (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) mid-infrared SFR–M⋆ sequence. By further characterizing the isolated and pair galaxy samples, i.e. in terms of optical galaxy morphology, a more detailed and quantitative description of local galaxy environment by way of the local number density (η) and tidal strength (Q) parameters, star formation efficiency (SFE$_{\rm {H{\small {\rm ~I}}}}$), and H i integrated profile asymmetries, we present plausible pathways for the broadening of the pair sample H i deficiency distribution towards both high and low deficiencies compared to the narrower isolated galaxy sample distribution (i.e. σPAIRS = 0.34 versus σAMIGA = 0.28). We associate the gas-rich tail of the pair deficiency distribution with the highest Q values, large profile asymmetries, and low SFEs. From this, we infer that merger activity is enhancing gas supplies, as well as disrupting the efficiency of star formation, via strong gravitational torques. The gas-poor wing of the deficiency distribution appears to be populated with galaxies in denser environments (with larger η values on average), more akin to groups. Despite our gas-rich selection criterion, there is a small population of early-type galaxies in the pair sample, which primarily fall in the positive deficiency wing of the distribution. These results suggest that a combination of a denser galaxy environment, early-type morphology, and higher stellar mass is contributing to the broadening of the deficiency distribution towards larger deficiencies.