bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case–control study of antipsychotic use and pneumonia‐related mortality in the United Kingdom
Authors: Copeland Caroline S. , Wallman Phoebe , Morgan David , Owen Eleanor , Taylor David
Published: January 2023

Background and aim

There is increasing evidence linking antipsychotic use with pneumonia, but limited evidence of an effect on pneumonia‐related outcomes such as mortality. In this study, we aimed to examine the association of pneumonia‐related death with specific antipsychotic exposure.

Method

Deaths analysed were those reported to a UK‐based drug‐related deaths database, the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (NPSAD), between 1997 and September 2020. We conducted a case–control study with cases defined as pneumonia‐related deaths and controls as cases with alternative causes of death. Cases were analysed by considering drugs detected at post‐mortem (PM) and by drugs prescribed to the deceased at the time of their death with calculated odds ratios (ORs) adjusted to account for confounders.

Results

There were 2467 PM cases and 40,128 controls; 1818 prescribed cases and 28,018 controls. Second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) were robustly associated with an increased risk of pneumonia‐related death compared with those not prescribed or taking antipsychotics (PM detection adjusted OR [AOR] 1·34 [95% CI 1·15–1·55]; prescribed AOR 1·28 [95% CI 1·11–1·49]). First generation antipsychotics had no clear association with death from pneumonia (PM detection AOR 1·06 [95% CI 0·77–1·47]; prescribed AOR 0·91 [95% CI 0·71–1·17]). Amongst SGAs, olanzapine was associated with an increased risk of death due to pneumonia (PM detection AOR 1·49 [95% CI 1·22–1·82]; prescribed AOR 1·44 [95% CI 1·18–1·76]) as was quetiapine (PM detection AOR 1·34 [95% CI 1·07–1·66]; prescribed AOR 1·28 [95% CI 1·01–1·64]).

Conclusion

Olanzapine and quetiapine were found to increase the risk of pneumonia‐related death in this NPSAD sample to a clinically important extent.
Intersectoral labor migration and agriculture in the United States and Japan
Authors: Ramsey A. Ford , Sonoda Tadashi , Ko Minkyong
Published: January 2023

In spite of important differences in their agricultural sectors, the past century has seen a significant decline in the number of people employed in agriculture in the U.S. and Japan. Economic models of intersectoral labor migration focus on expected return differentials as the primary cause of migration from one sector to another. Empirical applications typically assume that migration occurs as soon as the return differential exceeds Marshallian migration costs, but recent work has focused on embedding the migration decision in a real options framework. Structural and institutional elements can also affect the speed at which the share of agricultural labor declines. We consider the factors influencing intersectoral labor migration in the U.S. and Japan using aggregate migration equations and several definitions of agricultural labor and return differentials. We show that real options, although relevant at the household level, have limited implications for sector‐level empirical models. Our estimates are inconclusive regarding the importance of the Marshallian trigger in the migration decision, with heterogeneity across the two countries and labor definitions. We argue that this heterogeneity in the wage and migration relationship is driven by differences in the structures of the agricultural sectors.
Conditional survival in patients with stage IB‐IIIA melanoma undergoing sentinel node biopsy in Queensland: A longitudinal study
Authors: Tedman Alexander James , Liyanage Upekha E. , Chong Sharene , Rowe Casey , von Schuckmann Lena A. , Malt Maryrose , Green Adele C. , Smithers B. Mark , Khosrotehrani Kiarash
Published: January 2023

Background

Tumour characteristics such as thickness and ulceration, along with sentinel lymph node (SLN) status, have been essential in predicting survival in patients with locally invasive melanomas at the time of diagnosis. It is unclear if these prognostic factors are relevant 1, 2 or 5 years after diagnosis.

Objectives

The key aim of this project was to analyse conditional survival in a cohort of Queensland patients with stage IB to IIIA melanomas (American Joint Committee on Cancer's staging system, 8th version) and to test the relevance of clinicopathological prognostic factors for melanoma outcome after varying intervals of survival time.

Methods

Patients with primary invasive cutaneous melanoma who were referred to a tertiary melanoma clinic and underwent SLN biopsy between 1994 and 2011 were ascertained. The effect of patient and tumour characteristics on melanoma survival were calculated using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models at diagnosis and at variable times after diagnosis.

Results

The final analysis included 651 patients (average age 49 years, 55.5% male) with stage IB to IIIA melanoma. At diagnosis, and after 1 and 2 years survived, SLN positivity, thickness and ulceration were predictive of 10‐year survival since diagnosis. However, once patients survived 5 years, only SLN status was predictive. Overall conditional melanoma survival improved with increasing time survived. Five years after diagnosis, 10‐year conditional melanoma survival (MSS) was 91% (95% CI 86%–95%) compared with 85% (82%–88%) predicted at diagnosis. The improvement in MSS was observed mainly for Stage II melanoma patients and not for those with a positive SLN biopsy.

Conclusions

This study confirms the improvement of prognosis according to time survived since diagnosis suggesting that after 5 years survival the classic prognostic indicators may not have the same influence.
Visual attention across cultures: Similarities and differences in child development and maternal attention styles
Authors: Jurkat Solveig , Köster Moritz , Hernández Chacón Ledys , Itakura Shoji , Kärtner Joscha
Published: January 2023

Previous cross‐cultural research has described two different attention styles: a holistic style, characterized by context‐sensitive processing, generally associated with interdependent cultural contexts, and an analytic style, a higher focus on salient objects, generally found in independent cultural contexts. Though a general assumption in the field is that attention styles are gradually socialized in culture‐specific interactions in childhood, empirical evidence for the proximal mechanisms underlying this development is scarce. This study aimed to document the emergence of cross‐cultural differences in attention styles in three cultural contexts differing in social orientations, namely in urban middle‐class families from Münster, Germany (i.e., more independent context), and Kyoto, Japan, and Indigenous‐heritage families from Cotacachi, Ecuador (i.e., more interdependent contexts). Furthermore, to test the assumption that caregivers’ attention guidance is one of the forces driving differential development, we investigated how caregivers guide children's attention. In total, 270 children between 4 and 9 years of age and their mothers participated in three tasks: an eye‐tracking task, a picture description task and a forced‐choice recognition task. Results indicate a mixed pattern of findings: While some tasks revealed the expected cultural differences, namely a higher object focus in Münster compared to Kyoto and Cotacachi, others did not. Regarding caregivers’ attention guidance, we found that mothers in Münster more strongly emphasized the focal object than mothers in Kyoto and Cotacachi. The results are discussed in terms of culture‐specific developmental trajectories and the generalizability of attentional processes across tasks and cultural contexts.

Research Highlights

We investigated visual attention styles in 4‐ to 9‐year‐old children and their mothers from urban Germany, urban Japan, and rural Ecuador in three different tasks.

Special emphasis lied on mothers’ verbal attention guidance toward their children as a proximal mechanism underlying the emergence of culture‐specific attention styles.

Mothers from urban Germany guided their children's attention in more analytic ways than mothers from urban Japan and rural Ecuador.

The relevance of verbal attention guidance in the development of culture‐specific attention styles has been demonstrated beyond the East‐West dichotomy.
RETRACTED: A meta‐analysis examined the effect of topical vancomycin application in decreasing sternal wound infections post cardiac surgery
Authors: Zhang Yanbing , Zhang Pengyu , Li Han , Chi Haitao , Zheng Nan , Pan Xu , Tang Chuzhong
Published: January 2023

To assess the impact of topical vancomycin (TV) application in decreasing sternal wound infections (SWIs) post cardiac surgery (CS), we lead a meta‐analysis. Twenty‐three thousand seven hundred and forty five participants had CS at the outset of the investigations, according to a thorough evaluation of the literature done up to November 2022; 8730 of them used TV, while 15 015 were controls. To assess the effectiveness of TV application in lowering SWIs following CS, odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed with dichotomous technique with a fixed‐ or random‐effect model. The TV had significantly lower SWIs post CS (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.20–0.57; P < .001), and deep SWIs post CS (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.11–0.65; P = .004) compared with control as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Yet, there was no significant difference found amongst TV and control in superficial SWIs post CS (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.07–1.30; P = .011). The TV had significantly lower SWIs, and deep SWIs post CS, and no significant difference was found in superficial SWIs post CS compared with control. The low number of included studies in this meta‐analysis for superficial SWIs calls for precaution when analysing the outcomes.
Significantly improved corrosion resistance of high‐entropy rare‐earth silicate multiphase ceramics against molten CMAS
Authors: He Yuxuan , Wang Xu , Wang Chao , Liu Shiying , Li Liuyuan , Wu Yusheng , Wang Zhanjie
Published: January 2023

To improve the ability of rare‐earth (RE) silicates to resist molten calcium–magnesium–aluminosilicate (CMAS) at high temperature, a novel high‐entropy (4RE0.25)2Si2O7/(4RE0.25)2SiO5 (RE = Y, Yb, Er, and Sc) multiphase ceramic was prepared by a two‐step process. During sintering, (4RE0.25)2SiO5 can react with SiO2 at the grain boundaries of (4RE0.25)2Si2O7, which can not only purify the grain boundary but also promote the growth of the original (4RE0.25)2Si2O7 grains, thereby significantly improving the ability to resist molten CMAS corrosion at high temperature. After corroding at 1500°C for 48 h, the reaction layer of the multiphase ceramic was only 55 μm thick. Our results confirm that the high‐entropy RE silicate multiphase ceramics represent an effective way to improve the ability to resist molten CMAS corrosion at high temperature.
Microwave‐assisted synthesis and electrochemical characterization of TiNb2O7microspheres as anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Gupta Karan Kumar , Li Kuo‐Chen , Balaji Sivaramakrishnan , Kumar Parthasarathi Senthil , Lu Chung‐Hsin
Published: January 2023

TiNb2O7microspheres are prepared via a microwave‐assisted solvothermal method. The microwave irradiation lowers the compound formation temperature to 600°C, and highly crystalline TiNb2O7powders are obtained upon calcination at 800°C. Morphological analysis of the sample shows uniformly distributed microspheres with a particle size of around 1 μm. The Li+‐ion diffusion coefficient calculated from the electrochemical impedance result is around 1.21 × 10−13 cm2 s−1, which is 1.5 times higher than the sample obtained from the conventional solvothermal method. The TiNb2O7sample derived from microwave yields a high discharge capacity of 299 mA h g−1at 0.1 C, whereas the sample synthesized via the conventional solvothermal process yields only 278 mA h g−1at 0.1 C. Excellent rate capabilities such as 220 mA h g−1at 5 C and 180 mA h g−1at 10 C are also observed for the microwave‐assisted solvothermal sample. Moreover, the sample exhibits a large capacity retention of 95.5% after 100 discharge–charge cycles at 5 C. These results reveal the appropriateness of the microwave‐assisted solvothermal process to prepare TiNb2O7powders with superior properties for battery applications.
Determination of the growth performance and reproductive season of wild Channa lucius (Cuvier, 1831) populations of genus Channa (Channidae, Perciformes) in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Ly Tien H. , Huang Cheng‐Ting , Lee Meng‐Chou , Thanh Vo V. , Diep Doan X.
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to investigate the growth and spawning characteristics of wild Channa lucius (Cuvier, 1831) populations in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. The study was carried out from March 2011 to February 2012. The length–weight relationship of C. lucius was determined according to the equations W = 0.0044L3.2494, R2 = 0.9157 (female fish) and W = 0.0047L3.2178, R2 = 0.9434 (male fish). The length and weight of the body for female fish ranged from 16.3 to 36.0 cm and 49.0 to 550.0 g, and for male fish, from 14.6 to 38.2 cm and 46.0 to 639.0 g, respectively. Female and male fish had almost similar lengths at first maturity (21.3958 cm for females and 21.3952 cm for males). The condition factor of female fish ranged from 0.842 to 0.864 and for male fish ranged from 0.848 to 0.874. The gonadosomatic index of female fish was highest in June (1.68%) and lowest in November (0.69%); that of male fish was highest in June (0.53%) and lowest in September (0.15%). The sexual maturity rate (SMR) of female fish peaked in May, with SMRs of 33.3% (stage III) and 58.3% (stage IV). In conclusion, C. lucius has a positive allometric range (b > 3), reaching sexual maturity when its length reaches 21.39 cm for both sexes, and the spawning season begins in December but peaks in May and June.
Effectiveness of direct‐acting antiviral therapy among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with HCV infection in Australia: A national real‐world cohort (REACH‐C)
Authors: Hudson‐Buhagiar Jessica , Carson Joanne , Monaghan Scott , Collie Patricia , Nelson Renjy , Van Gessel Helen , Read Phillip , Hanson Josh , Monaghan Robert , Matthews Gail , Dore Gregory J. , Martinello Marianne ,   the REACH‐C study group
Published: January 2023

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience a disproportionate burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study assessed the effectiveness of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy among Aboriginal peoples in the three years following universal access in Australia. REACH‐C, a national multicentre prospective cohort study, evaluated HCV treatment outcomes from sequential DAA initiations across 33 health services between March 2016 and June 2019. DAA effectiveness was assessed by sustained virological response (SVR) in the total (full analysis set) and effectiveness (modified analysis set excluding those lost to follow‐up) populations. Overall, 915 (10%) Aboriginal and 8095 (90%) non‐Indigenous people commenced DAA therapy, of whom 30% and 16% reported current injecting drug use and 73% and 42% were treated in primary care, respectively. SVR in the total and effectiveness populations was 74% and 94% among Aboriginal people and 82% and 94% among non‐Indigenous people, with loss to follow‐up contributing to lower SVR in the total population analysis (22% Aboriginal, 13% non‐Indigenous). Among Aboriginal people, returning for follow‐up was positively associated with older age (aOR 1.20; 95% CI 1.04, 1.39) and SVR was negatively associated with cirrhosis (aOR 0.39; 95% CI 0.19, 0.80) and prior DAA treatment (aOR 0.14; 95% CI 0.04, 0.49). Factors reflecting higher vulnerability or inequity were not associated with returning for testing or SVR. DAA therapy was highly effective among Aboriginal peoples with HCV treated through primary and tertiary services. Tailored community‐led interventions are necessary to optimize follow‐up and engagement. Sustained DAA uptake and equitable access to care, treatment and prevention are required for HCV elimination.
Parallel duplication and loss of aquaporin‐coding genes during the “out of the sea” transition as potential key drivers of animal terrestrialization
Authors: Martínez‐Redondo Gemma I. , Simón Guerrero Carolina , Aristide Leandro , Balart‐García Pau , Tonzo Vanina , Fernández Rosa
Published: January 2023

One of the most important physiological challenges animals had to overcome during terrestrialization (i.e., the transition from sea to land) was water loss, which alters their osmotic and hydric homeostasis. Aquaporins are a superfamily of membrane water transporters heavily involved in osmoregulatory processes. Their diversity and evolutionary dynamics in most animal lineages remain unknown, hampering our understanding of their role in marine–terrestrial transitions. Here, we interrogated aquaporin gene repertoire evolution across the main terrestrial animal lineages. We annotated aquaporin‐coding genes in genomic data from 458 species from seven animal phyla where terrestrialization episodes occurred. We then explored aquaporin gene evolutionary dynamics to assess differences between terrestrial and aquatic species through phylogenomics and phylogenetic comparative methods. Our results revealed parallel aquaporin‐coding gene duplications during the ecological transition from marine to nonmarine environments (e.g., brackish, freshwater and terrestrial), rather than from aquatic to terrestrial ones, with some notable duplications in ancient lineages. In contrast, we also recovered a significantly lower number of superaquaporin genes in terrestrial arthropods, suggesting that more efficient oxygen homeostasis in land arthropods might be linked to a reduction in this type of aquaporin. Our results thus indicate that aquaporin‐coding gene duplication and loss might have been one of the key steps towards the evolution of osmoregulation across animals, facilitating the “out of the sea” transition and ultimately the colonization of land.
Instruments to measure post‐intensive care syndrome: A scoping review
Authors: Chu Yuan , Thompson David R. , Eustace‐Cook Jessica , Timmins Fiona
Published: January 2023

Background

There is an increased interest in the evaluation of post‐intensive care syndrome among adult patients who survive critical illness. However, there is little consensus regarding measurement instruments in clinical practice.

Aim

To investigate the characteristics of existing instruments used to measure this syndrome in adults.

Study design

A scoping review following the Arksey and O'Malley framework and Joanna Briggs Institute guideline was conducted. Studies published between 2010 and 2021 were identified in Medline via EBSCO, CINAHL complete, EMBASE, Web of Science, AMED, and PsycINFO databases, along with grey literature were included. The search retrieved 4134 references; eligible studies were independently identified, extracted, and appraised using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool.

Results

Out of 4134 articles, 18 research articles underwent data extraction and analysis. Forty‐one instruments were identified. Most studies (n = 14) employed two or more instruments, generating single domain‐specific instruments that measured functioning within the physical (n = 10), cognitive (n = 7), psychological (n = 12), or social (n = 3) domains. Three studies detected post‐intensive care syndrome (without reference to the social domain) using a single assessment tool. Instruments used to measure psychological disorders were relatively consistent within studies, with little attention being paid to the social domain.

Conclusion

While post‐intensive care syndrome is recognized as a growing phenomenon among patients globally, and international practice recommendations suggest a range of instruments to measure it, evaluation of this syndrome remains inconsistent. Also, identified instruments did not comprehensively assess this syndrome and lacked data pertaining to their psychometric properties. A psychometrically robust instrument that measures all domains of post‐intensive care syndrome in clinical practice is an urgent requirement.

Relevance to clinical practice

Prompt recognition of post‐intensive care syndrome can facilitate prevention and management interventions. Urgent attention is needed to develop a valid, reliable, and practical instrument to measure this syndrome holistically.
Association of G protein‐coupled receptor 78 with salivary dysfunction in male Sjögren's patients
Authors: Tanaka Tsutomu , Guimaro Maria C. , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Perez Paola , Ji Youngmi , Michael Drew G. , Afione Sandra A. , Zheng Changyu , Goldsmith Corinne , Swaim William D. , Pedersen Anne Marie Lynge , Chiorini John A.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Sjögren's disease (SjD) has a strong sex bias, suggesting an association with sex hormones. Male SjD represents a distinct subset of the disease, but the pathogenic mechanisms of male SjD is poorly characterized. The aim of this study is to identify initiating events related to the development of gland hypofunction and autoimmunity in male SjD patients.

Materials and methods

Human minor salivary glands were transcriptomically analyzed with microarrays to detect differentially expressed genes in male SjD patients. Identified genes were tested on their involvement in the disease using conditional transgenic mice and gene‐overexpressing cells.

Results

GPR78, an orphan G protein–coupled receptor, was overexpressed in the salivary glands of male SjD patients compared with male healthy controls and female SjD patients. Male GPR78 transgenic mice developed salivary gland hypofunction with increased epithelial apoptosis, which was not seen in control or female transgenic mice. In cell culture, GPR78 overexpression decreased lysosomal integrity, leading to caspase‐dependent apoptotic cell death. GPR78‐induced cell death in vitro was inhibited by treatment with estradiol.

Conclusion

GPR78 overexpression can induce apoptosis and salivary gland hypofunction in male mice through lysosomal dysfunction and increased caspase‐dependent apoptosis in salivary gland epithelium, which may drive disease in humans.
Deep dental phenotyping and a novel FAM20A variant in patients with amelogenesis imperfecta type IG
Authors: Sriwattanapong Kanokwan , Theerapanon Thanakorn , Khamwachirapitak Chompak , Sae‐ear Pannagorn , Srijunbarl Anucharte , Porntaveetus Thantrira , Shotelersuk Vorasuk
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To identify etiologic variants and perform deep dental phenotyping in patients with amelogenesis imperfecta (AI).

Methods

Three patients of two unrelated families were evaluated. Genetic variants were investigated by exome and Sanger sequencing. An unerupted permanent third molar (AI1) from Patient1 and a deciduous first molar (AI2) from Patient2, along with three tooth‐type matched controls for each were characterized.

Results

All three patients harbored biallelic pathogenic variants in FAM20A, indicating AI1G. Of the four identified variants, one, c.1231C > T p.(Arg411Trp), was novel. Patient1 possessed the largest deletion, 7531 bp, ever identified in FAM20A. In addition to hypoplastic enamel, multiple impacted teeth, intrapulpal calcification, pericoronal radiolucencies, malocclusion, and periodontal infections were found in all three patients, gingival hyperplasia in Patient1 and Patient2, and alveolar bone exostosis in Patient3. Surface roughness was increased in AI1 but decreased in AI2. Decreased enamel mineral density, hardness, and elastic modulus were observed in AI1 enamel and dentin and AI2 dentin, along with decreased phosphorus, increased carbon, and increased calcium/phosphorus and carbon/oxygen ratios. Severely collapsed enamel rods and disorganized dentin–enamel junction were observed.

Conclusions

We report a novel FAM20A variant and, for the first time, the defective mineral composition and physical/mechanical properties of AI1G teeth.
Leaf chemistry of architecturally defended plants responds more strongly to soil phosphorus variation than non‐architecturally defended ones
Authors: Wang Xiaomao , Fan Huan , Phoncharoen Waraporn , Gélin Uriel , Tomlinson Kyle W.
Published: January 2023

Plants utilize a mixture of defence types in response to herbivores, including physical, chemical, and biological defences. Among chemical defences, phenolics are well‐known to inhibit digestion and are highly variable across plant species and resource gradients. There are prominent hypotheses predicting the potential change of phenolics in response to soil nutrients, but most focus on nitrogen (N) and none consider their interaction with defence strategies. We proposed an updated theoretical model that incorporates defence types and predicts their relative advantages under herbivore attack. We studied intraspecific leaf chemistry of several architecturally defended and non‐architecturally defended species growing together across four sites with varying soil chemistry. We measured individual‐level leaf concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and phenolics, and site‐level soil N, P, and K. We found that architectural defenders had lower phenolics and higher P than non‐architectural defenders across locations. Relationships between soil nutrients and leaf chemistry were steeper in architectural defenders. Most leaf nutrients and phenolics showed significant relationships with soil P, and only leaf P was related to its respective soil resource. Within leaves, phenolics were negatively related to leaf N in both groups but only negatively related to leaf P for architectural defenders. Our results suggest that architectural defenders are less able to accumulate phenolic defences in high P soils than non‐architectural defender. One possible explanation is that phenolic production is limited in P‐rich soils via active phloem loading, but only in architectural defenders that have defence options other than chemical ones.
Performance of soil and water conservation practices in the erosion evolution process, runoff dynamics and surface roughness
Authors: Guo Huili , Sun Liquan , Wu Shufang , Feng Hao , Hill Robert L. , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: January 2023

Soil and water conservation practices are used widely to prevent soil erosion and protect soil and water resources, which is significant for ecological restoration and food security. However, rill evolution processes, erosion and deposition characteristics and critical hydrodynamic parameters need more research. In order to investigate the effect of soil and water conservation practices on soil erosion dynamics, simulated rainfall experiments were undertaken in a laboratory on 15° loess slopes with engineering measures (fish‐scale pits, FSPs), tillage measures (artificial digging, AD; contour ploughing, CP) and bare slope (CK). The results showed that: (1) during rill erosion, hillslopes with FSPs, CP and AD were more likely to develop wide and shallow rills, while a bare slope (CK) was more likely to develop narrow and deep rills. At the end of the experiment (cumulative rainfall was about 150 mm), headward retreat erosion dominated the AD slope (maximum rill length: 3.27 m), side‐wall expansion erosion dominated the CP slope (maximum rill width: 0.522 m) and bed incision erosion dominated the CK (maximum rill depth: 0.09 m); (2) soil and water conservation practices reduced surface erosion and sediment transport and runoff velocity. However, the positive effects disappeared when rainfall amounts exceeded 82.5, 105 and 127.5 mm for FSPs, CP and AD, respectively; (3) for runoff kinetic energy and runoff shear strength of 3 J and 1.5 N/m2, respectively, soil and water conservation measures had greater anti‐erosion abilities than CK; (4) as rainfall duration increased, surface roughness, runoff rate and sediment concentration increased on the CK and FSP treatments, but decreased on the CP and AD treatments. This study has important implications for managing different soil and water conservation measures based on rainfall conditions and offers a deeper understanding of soil erosion processes.
Imported Strongyloides stercoralis infection and diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases: Is there any association?
Authors: Salvador Fernando , Galvis Daniel , Treviño Begoña , Sulleiro Elena , Sánchez‐Montalvá Adrián , Serre‐Delcor Núria , Goterris Lidia , Aznar Mª Luisa , Bosch‐Nicolau Pau , Oliveira Inés , Espinosa‐Pereiro Juan , Pou Diana , Molina Israel
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Strongyloidiasis is a nematode infection caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. Previous studies have addressed the possibility of the parasite to establish a complex relationship with the host that could affect the risk of developing diabetes mellitus or modify its presentation. This study aims to evaluate the potential impact of strongyloidiasis in diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases.

Methods

Case–control observational retrospective study that included 95 S. stercoralis‐infected patients and 83 non‐infected individuals. Epidemiological and clinical variables were retrieved from medical records, and a statistical analysis was carried out to explore any association between strongyloidiasis and diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases.

Results

Most of the patients were men (99, 55.60%) with a mean age of 42.53 ± SD 14 years. Twelve (6.70%) patients were diabetic; 30 (16.90%) presented arterial hypertension; 28 (15.70%) had dyslipidaemia; and 10 (5.60%) had thyroid pathology. When comparing patients with strongyloidiasis and uninfected patients, no differences were found regarding diabetes mellitus or other metabolic diseases.

Conclusions

The results obtained in the present study do not confirm any type of association between strongyloidiasis and diabetes mellitus or other metabolic diseases.
Under the Shadow of the Wall
Authors: Genovese Taylor R.
Published: January 2023

This photo essay focuses on the landscapes of the Sonoran Desert—and the imperialist project of a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico—as a way of investigating the manner in which something as generic as a wall takes on particular and discrete politico‐affective forms. This short provocation explores the ways that violent and distasteful objects create, and subsequently come to characterize grotesque spectacles.
Thyroid hormone disorder and the heart: The role of cardiolipin in calcium handling
Authors: D'Angelo Valentina , Martinez Candela , Arreche Noelia , Balaszczuk Ana María , del Carmen Fernández María , Burgos Juan Ignacio , Petroff Martin Vila , Fellet Andrea
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether alterations in thyroid status affect (1) haemodynamic parameters and echocardiographic measurements in the rat postnatal heart, and (2) calcium handling, contractility, relaxation and cardiolipin content in isolated rat cardiomyocytes. Sprague–Dawley rats aged 2 months treated with T3 (hyperthyroid, 20 μg/100 g body weight) or 0.02% methimazole (hypothyroid, w/v) for 28 days. Heart function was evaluated by echocardiography. Measurements of mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, Ca2+ transients, cardiomyocyte shortening, number of spontaneous contractions per minute and cardiolipin (CL) content were performed. Thyroid disorders were associated with changes in pacemaker activity without modifications of MAP. Thyroid disorder induced changes in left ventricular diameter which were correlated with modifications of cardiac contractility (altered cell shortening and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content). Endocrine disorders altered cardiomyocyte relaxation (reduction in the time to 50% re‐lengthening and the time to 50% Ca2+ decay). Thyroid disorder increased the number of spontaneous contractions per minute (an index of pro‐arrhythmogenic behaviour). CL content was increased only in hypothyroid rats. Changes in CL content, CL composition and CL–protein interaction in mitochondria from hypothyroid animals are responsible for alterations of contractile and relaxation cardiac function. This mechanism may be not be involved in T3‐treated rats. Maintenance of euthyroidism is of crucial importance to preserve cardiac performance. An imbalance in relation to phospholipids of the mitochondrial membrane such as CL is related to defects in mitochondrial function. T3‐dependent CL signals contribute to the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis and involve Ca2+ handling, this pathway being more important in hypothyroidism.
System Architecture and Design Parameters for Extrusion-Based Autonomous Construction Systems
Authors: Patterson Albert E. , Vajipeyajula Bhaskar , Norris William R.
Published: January 2023

Autonomous construction systems (ACSs) have become a topic of great interest in recent years in a variety of areas, including design, materials science, architecture, space exploration, natural disaster recover, military operations, and others. Several different approaches have been proposed, the most promising (and so far most widely-applied) one being a large-scale system based on additive manufacturing (or 3-D printing) principles, where a concrete- or foam-based material is extruded in layers to produce a structure. This structure may be used as a basic shell around which a useful building, shelter, bridge, extraterrestrial habitat, or other infrastructure can be built or may be able to produce a full building in one operation. This article extracts information about the the major components, sub-systems, and interfaces in these systems from a broad sampling of published literature and uses this information to propose a quasi-general system architecture and identify design opportunities. These models can be used to drive further research efforts on these systems, assist with more agile implementation, and improve the design of large-scale 3-D printing-based systems. This work is a first step in the development of a reliable general system architecture similar to those used in the design of large-scale military and aerospace systems.
Fused Granulated Fabrication (FGF) Processing Study for Novel sCF/LMPAEK Recycled Material to Manufacture Aeronautic Structural Parts
Authors: Martín-Pérez Celia , Rodriguez-Del Rosario Daniel , Rodríguez-Senín Elena , González-Castro Noelia
Published: January 2023

ECO-CLIP has developed a novel recycled 40wt% short CF/LMPAEK material from factory scrap that has been used to manufacture aircraft structural parts using injection molding (IM), the conventional manufacturing process, and fussed granulated fabrication (FGF) as an alternative one.

In this sense, a technical study of the material processability has been made for FGF. The most important results are presented in this work, such as fiber breakage, carbon fiber percentage after and before processing, thermal behavior and thermal induce history, and mechanical properties such as compression, tensile and flexural behavior Three different nozzle diameters (0.8, 1.2, and 1.5mm) were used to ensure processability, mechanical requirements, and physical performance. Carrying out a direct comparison with the results achieved by IM.

Other PAEKs have been processed by FGF or traditional fused filament fabrication (FFF) for comparative purposes.
Development of Adaptive Toolpaths for Repair and Cladding of Complex 3D Components by Laser Metal Deposition
Authors: Ortiz Igor , Álvarez Piera , Montealegre Maria Angeles , Cordovilla Francisco , Ocaña José Luis
Published: January 2023

The paper envisages the development of specific toolpaths for additive repair and cladding of full 3D geometry components by the Laser Metal Deposition Additive Manufacturing technique. Due to the essential difference between substractive and additive manufacturing approaches, the use of traditional substractive CAD-CAM programs is hardly suitable for a proper design and manufacturing of 3D additive manufactured AM’d components. The main key points for the development of CAD-CAM tools specifically applicable to Additive Manufacturing - AM processes are the need for an intrinsic process stability in terms of coating and layer growth, the need for a well-tailored additive track overlapping over the whole selected surface area and the need for integration of specific features relative to the laser, addition material and surface properties monitoring and control. The expected result of the full AM process based on the appropriate design tools is an efficient capability to meet not only the full 3D geometry according to the specified tolerances, but, very importantly, the microstructure specifications for the deposited material, avoiding the existence of critical defaults invalidating the fabrication or repair of the component. Moreover, the developed AZALA software must comply with the geometric specifications usual for manufacturing workstations, detecting preventively possible part-tool collisions with part and assuring an overall efficient manufacturing chain.
Targeting de novo lipid synthesis induces lipotoxicity and impairs DNA damage repair in glioblastoma mouse models
Authors: Eyme Katharina M. , Sammarco Alessandro , Jha Roshani , Mnatsakanyan Hayk , Pechdimaljian Caline , Carvalho Litia , Neustadt Rudolph , Moses Charlotte , Alnasser Ahmad , Tardiff Daniel F. , Su Baolong , Williams Kevin J. , Bensinger Steven J. , Chung Chee Yeun , Badr Christian E.
Published: January 2023

Deregulated de novo lipid synthesis (DNLS) is a potential druggable vulnerability in glioblastoma (GBM), a highly lethal and incurable cancer. Yet the molecular mechanisms that determine susceptibility to DNLS-targeted therapies remain unknown, and the lack of brain-penetrant inhibitors of DNLS has prevented their clinical evaluation as GBM therapeutics. Here, we report that YTX-7739, a clinical-stage inhibitor of stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD), triggers lipotoxicity in patient-derived GBM stem-like cells (GSCs) and inhibits fatty acid desaturation in GSCs orthotopically implanted in mice. When administered as a single agent, or in combination with temozolomide (TMZ), YTX-7739 showed therapeutic efficacy in orthotopic GSC mouse models owing to its lipotoxicity and ability to impair DNA damage repair. Leveraging genetic, pharmacological, and physiological manipulation of key signaling nodes in gliomagenesis complemented with shotgun lipidomics, we show that aberrant MEK/ERK signaling and its repression of the energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) primarily drive therapeutic vulnerability to SCD and other DNLS inhibitors. Conversely, AMPK activation mitigates lipotoxicity and renders GSCs resistant to the loss of DNLS, both in culture and in vivo, by decreasing the saturation state of phospholipids and diverting toxic lipids into lipid droplets. Together, our findings reveal mechanisms of metabolic plasticity in GSCs and provide a framework for the rational integration of DNLS-targeted GBM therapies.
Improved Genome Sequence of Australian Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain JKD6159
Authors: Wick Ryan R. , Judd Louise M. , Monk Ian R. , Seemann Torsten , Stinear Timothy P.
Published: January 2023

Staphylococcus aureus
strain JKD6159 represents a prominent community-acquired methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) clone in Australia. Here, we report an improved assembly of the original
S. aureus
JKD6159 genome sequence. By using deep sequencing with multiple technologies combined with carefully curated assembly and polishing, we believe the assembly to contain zero errors.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Clinical Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolated before and after Treatment
Authors: Ko Eon-Min , Kim Hyungjun , Jeong Ji-A , Lee Sungkyoung , Kim Seonghan
Published: January 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
clinical isolates CN177_0W, CN177_2W, CB060_0W, and CB060_2W were isolated from two tuberculosis patients in South Korea. Here, we report the whole-genome sequences of clinical isolates of
M. tuberculosis
isolated before and after tuberculosis treatment.
Diagnosis of Neurological Infections in Pediatric Patients from Cell-Free DNA Specimens by Using Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Li Xia , Yang Le , Li Dongjing , Yang Xuying , Wang Zhijing , Chen Mengyi , Wu Fang , Dou Xiangjun , Niu Mengmeng , Qi HongYan , Deng Ting , Xia Han , Wang Dong
Published: January 2023

Our study emphasized that cfDNA mNGS had overall superiority to conventional methods on causative pathogen detection in CNS-infected children, and it was even better than wcDNA mNGS. cfDNA mNGS detected a wide range of pathogens with a high total coincidence rate (67.5%) against clinical diagnosis. The best timing for cfDNA mNGS detection ranged from 1 to 6 days, rather than 0 days, after the start of empirical anti-infection therapy.
Loss of a Branch Sugar in the Acinetobacter baumannii K3-Type Capsular Polysaccharide Due To Frameshifts in the
gtr6
Glycosyltransferase Gene Leads To Susceptibility To Phage APK37.1
Authors: Timoshina Olga Y. , Kasimova Anastasiya A. , Shneider Mikhail M. , Arbatsky Nikolay P. , Shashkov Alexander S. , Shelenkov Andrey A. , Mikhailova Yuliya V. , Popova Anastasiya V. , Hall Ruth M. , Knirel Yuriy A. , Kenyon Johanna J.
Published: January 2023

Lytic bacteriophage have potential for the treatment of otherwise untreatable extensively antibiotic-resistant bacteria. For
Acinetobacter baumannii
, most phage exhibit specificity for the type of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) produced on the cell surface.
Supplemental Material: The genesis of ca. 1.78 Ga granitoids in the Xiong’er large igneous province: Implications for continental crust generation
Authors: Ma Jian-Feng , Zhao Tai-Ping , al. et
Published: January 2023

Methods and data. 
Supplemental Material: Geochemistry and geochronology of the Bay of Islands metamorphic sole, Newfoundland, Canada: Protoliths and implications for subduction initiation
Authors: Fournier-Roy François , et al.
Published: January 2023

Table S1: Coordinates for geochronology specimens. Table S2: Major element contents. Table S3: Trace element contents. Table S4: Geochemistry quality control data. Table S5: Titanite U-Pb geochronology. Table S6: Detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology. Table S7: Zircon trace element contents. Figure S1: Back-scatter electron images showing size, morphology, textures, and laser spot locations for analyzed concordant zircon grains from sample NA-19-02. Figure S2: Cathodoluminescence images showing representative size, morphology, zoning, and textures of analyzed zircon grains from sample NA-19-02. Warmer colors correspond to brighter cathodoluminescence.
Tasquinimod suppresses tumor cell growth and bone resorption by targeting immunosuppressive myeloid cells and inhibiting c-MYC expression in multiple myeloma
Authors: Fan Rong , Satilmis Hatice , Vandewalle Niels , Verheye Emma , Vlummens Philip , Maes Anke , Muylaert Catharina , De Bruyne Elke , Menu Eline , Evans Holly , Chantry Andrew , De Beule Nathan , Hose Dirk , Törngren Marie , Eriksson Helena , Vanderkerken Karin , Maes Ken , Breckpot Karine , De Veirman Kim
Published: January 2023

Background

Immunotherapy emerged as a promising treatment option for multiple myeloma (MM) patients. However, therapeutic efficacy can be hampered by the presence of an immunosuppressive bone marrow microenvironment including myeloid cells. S100A9 was previously identified as a key regulator of myeloid cell accumulation and suppressive activity. Tasquinimod, a small molecule inhibitor of S100A9, is currently in a phase Ib/IIa clinical trial in MM patients (NCT04405167). We aimed to gain more insights into its mechanisms of action both on the myeloma cells and the immune microenvironment.

Methods

We analyzed the effects of tasquinimod on MM cell viability, cell proliferation and downstream signaling pathways in vitro using RNA sequencing, real-time PCR, western blot analysis and multiparameter flow cytometry. Myeloid cells and T cells were cocultured at different ratios to assess tasquinimod-mediated immunomodulatory effects. The in vivo impact on immune cells (myeloid cell subsets, macrophages, dendritic cells), tumor load, survival and bone disease were elucidated using immunocompetent 5TMM models.

Results

Tasquinimod treatment significantly decreased myeloma cell proliferation and colony formation in vitro, associated with an inhibition of c-MYC and increased p27 expression. Tasquinimod-mediated targeting of the myeloid cell population resulted in increased T cell proliferation and functionality in vitro. Notably, short-term tasquinimod therapy of 5TMM mice significantly increased the total CD11b+cells and shifted this population toward a more immunostimulatory state, which resulted in less myeloid-mediated immunosuppression and increased T cell activation ex vivo. Tasquinimod significantly reduced the tumor load and increased the trabecular bone volume, which resulted in prolonged overall survival of MM-bearing mice in vivo.

Conclusion

Our study provides novel insights in the dual therapeutic effects of the immunomodulator tasquinimod and fosters its evaluation in combination therapy trials for MM patients.
INBRX-120, a CD8α-targeted detuned IL-2 that selectively expands and activates tumoricidal effector cells for safe and durable in vivo responses
Authors: Sulzmaier Florian J , Kern Nadja , Ahn Sae Jeong , Polovina Anya , Ho Jason , Hussain Abrahim , Cyprus Garrett , Macedo Chelsie , Pandit Rajay , Crago William , Rowell Emily , Timmer John C , Eckelman Brendan P
Published: January 2023

Background

As a major driver of lymphocyte proliferation and activation interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a crucial mediator for antitumor responses. Despite promising activity in a subset of patients, wider therapeutic utility of IL-2 (aldesleukin) has been hampered by severe dose-limiting toxicities, the expansion of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and a poor pharmacokinetic (PK) profile. Recent engineering efforts, including non-α IL-2 variants, have lowered the toxicity profile, but have yet to induce meaningful antitumor activity in a wider patient population.

Methods

We engineered INBRX-120, a CD8α-targeted Cisleukin™ molecule consisting of an affinity tuned IL-2 (IL2-x) connected to two high affinity CD8α-specific single domain antibodies via an effector-silenced Fc domain. To show that this large affinity differential enables directed IL-2 cis-signaling exclusively on CD8α-expressing tumoricidal effector cell populations, INBRX-120 effects on target cell expansion, activation and antitumor activity were tested in vitro. In vivo antitumor efficacy was evaluated in syngeneic mouse models alone or in combination with programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) blockade. Preclinical safety, as well as pharmacodynamic (PD) and PK profiling was carried out in non-human primates.

Results

INBRX-120 effectively expanded and enhanced the cytotoxic capacity of CD8 T cells and natural killer cells towards tumor cells without affecting regulatory T cells in vitro and in vivo. In syngeneic mouse models, INBRX-120 surrogate showed safe, potent, and durable antitumor efficacy alone and in combination with PD-1 blockade. In non-human primates, INBRX-120 expanded and activated CD8α-expressing effector cells, showed a favorable PK profile, and was well tolerated up to a dose of 1 mg/kg.

Conclusions

Through its unique cis-signaling activity on CD8α-expressing effector cells, INBRX-120 overcomes the major limitations of IL-2-based therapy and effectively harnesses IL-2’s potent intrinsic antitumor activity. This novel therapeutic strategy promises safer clinical activity that could induce meaningful antitumor efficacy in a wider set of patients with various cancer indications.
On COVID-19 Pandemic-Induced Attitudinal Changes in Software Engineering Teaching and Learning
Authors: Kamthan Pankaj
Published: January 2023

This note outlines certain notable changes observed in the attitudes towards and approaches in teaching and learning software engineeringrelated courses following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. It views these changes from the interrelated perspectives of the primary stakeholders of software engineering education (SEE), namely administrators, educators, and students. It seems that while some changes may be ephemeral and transient, the others may be essential and permanent. From a students' perspective, the transformation of SEE appears to be generally for the better.