bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brittney Griner, Intersectionality, and “Woke Politics”: A Critical Examination of Brittney Griner’s Return to the United States
Authors: Keaton Ajhanai C.I. , Frederick Evan , Branch Keisha , Pegoraro Ann 
Published: November 2023

In February of 2022, professional women’s basketball player Brittney Griner was detained in Russia on drug possession charges. Her detainment was a trending Twitter topic demonstrating the cultural, political, and social state of the United States, specifically pertaining to race, gender, nationality, and LGBTQ matters. The purpose of this study was to analyze what Brittney Griner’s release from Russia tells us about social power relations and contemporary social political matters on the axis of race, gender, and sexual orientation. We organized the data to determine three distinct, yet interconnected themes: (a) Woke Politics at the Intersection of Race, Gender, and Queerness; (b) Preferential Treatment at the Expense of Whiteness Informed Patriotism; and (c) Intersectionality as Political Pandering.
Tropical mountain ice core δ
18
O: A Goldilocks indicator for global temperature change
Authors: Liu Zhengyu , Bao Yuntao , Thompson Lonnie G. , Mosley-Thompson Ellen , Tabor Clay , Zhang Guang J. , Yan Mi , Lofverstrom Marcus , Montanez Isabel , Oster Jessica 
Published: November 2023

Very high tropical alpine ice cores provide a distinct paleoclimate record for climate changes in the middle and upper troposphere. However, the climatic interpretation of a key proxy, the stable water oxygen isotopic ratio in ice cores (δ
18
O
ice
), remains an outstanding problem. Here, combining proxy records with climate models, modern satellite measurements, and radiative-convective equilibrium theory, we show that the tropical δ
18
O
ice
is an indicator of the temperature of the middle and upper troposphere, with a glacial cooling of −7.35° ± 1.1°C (66% CI). Moreover, it severs as a “Goldilocks-type” indicator of global mean surface temperature change, providing the first estimate of glacial stage cooling that is independent of marine proxies as −5.9° ± 1.2°C. Combined with all estimations available gives the maximum likelihood estimate of glacial cooling as −5.85° ± 0.51°C.
mRNAs encoding self-DNA reactive cGAS enhance the immunogenicity of lipid nanoparticle vaccines
Authors: Zhivaki Dania , Gosselin Emily A. , Sengupta Debrup , Concepcion Holly , Arinze Chisom , Chow Jonathan , Nikiforov Anastasia , Komoroski Veronica , MacFarlane Carolyn , Sullivan Caitlin , Kagan Jonathan C. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNAs have emerged as effective vaccination tools to stimulate immunity. The most common application of this technology is to deliver mRNAs that encode antigenic proteins to dendritic cells (DCs), which then stimulate antigen-specific lymphocyte responses. It is unclear whether other immunostimulatory DC activities necessary for vaccine efficacy, beyond antigen presentation, can be induced via mRNA-encoded proteins. Herein, we report an mRNA encoding a self-DNA reactive variant of the enzyme cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), known as cGAS∆N. cGAS∆N produces the cyclic dinucleotide cGAMP upon binding intra-mitochondrial DNA. cGAMP binds the protein STING, which activates innate immune responses that stimulate T cells. We found that when delivered to DCs via LNPs, mRNA-encoded cGAS∆N induced the upregulation of chemokine receptors, T cell costimulatory molecules, major histocompatibility complex proteins, pro-inflammatory cytokines and type I interferons from murine and human DCs. These activities exceeded the immunostimulatory activities of mRNA-encoded antigens delivered via LNPs. Co-immunization of mice with antigen-LNPs and cGAS∆N-LNPs led to the robust production of antigen-specific IFNγ-producing T cells. These T cell responses were durable and circulated through the lymphatics, blood, and lungs. Immunizations with antigen-LNPs alone, akin to what are used in the clinic, stimulated weak and transient T cell responses. Antibody responses to antigen-LNPs were biased towards type I isotypes when co-injected with cGAS∆N-LNPs, as compared to immunizations with antigen-LNPs alone. These findings establish the enzyme cGAS∆N as a catalytic adjuvant, which may prove useful in enhancing the immunogenicity of nucleic acid-based vaccines.

IMPORTANCE

Nucleic acid-based vaccines hold promise in preventing infections and treating cancer. The most common use of this technology is to encode antigenic proteins on mRNAs that are delivered to cells via lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations. In this study, we discovered that immunostimulatory proteins can also be encoded on mRNAs in LNPs. We found that an active mutant of the enzyme cGAS, referred to as cGAS∆N, acts as a catalytic adjuvant in LNP-encapsulated mRNA vaccines. The delivery of cGAS∆N mRNA via LNPs in combination with antigen mRNA-LNPs led to durable antigen-specific IFNγ-producing T cells that exceeded the efficiency of antigen-LNPs similar to those currently used in the clinic. This strategy did not compromise B cell responses; rather it induced Th1-biased antibody isotypes. This work unveils new vaccine design strategies using mRNA-encoded catalytic adjuvants that could be ideal for generating CD8
+
T cell and B cell responses for immunotherapies.
Draft genome sequence of
Cupriavidus
sp. strain TKC, isolated from a γ-hexachlorocyclohexane-degrading community
Authors: Kato Hiromi , Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Hirano Shoko , Masuda Sachiko , Shibata Arisa , Shirasu Ken , Nagata Yuji 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Cupriavidus
sp. strain TKC was isolated from a microbial community enriched with γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH). This strain did not show γ-HCH-degrading activity but was one of the major members of the community. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of the strain TKC with a size of 7 Mb.
Draft genome sequence of perfluorinated acids C
7
–C
9
degrading bacterium
Pseudomonas mosselii
5(3), isolated from soil contaminated with pesticides
Authors: Chetverikov Sergey , Hkudaigulov Gaisar , Sharipov Danil , Starikov Sergey , Delegan Yanina 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

The P
seudomonas mosselii
5(3) strain is a potential degrader of persistent perfluorinated pollutants, particularly C
7
–C
9
perfluorinated acids. The genome of the strain has been fully sequenced. It consists of a chromosome with a length of 5,676,241 base pairs and a G-C content of 64.38%.
Development and validation of a multiplex real-time PCR assay for detection and quantification of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
in pediatric respiratory samples
Authors: Butler Molly , Breazeale Garrett , Mwangi Eric , Dowell Elaine , Dominguez Samuel R. , Lamberth Linda , Hultén Kristina G. , Jung Sarah A. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus pneumoniae
(
Spn
) is a bacterial pathogen that causes a range of disease manifestations in children, from acute otitis media to pneumonia, septicemia, and meningitis. Primary
Spn
laboratory diagnostic identification methods include culture, antigen testing, single-plex real-time PCR, and syndromic PCR panels. However, each method lacks sensitivity, specificity, and/or cost efficiency. We developed and validated a quantitative, multiplex PCR assay using three
Spn
genomic targets (
lytA, piaB
, and SP2020) for improved sensitivity and specificity to detect
Spn
in pleural fluid (PF), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), tracheal aspirate (TA), and upper respiratory (UR, research only) samples. Validation testing included analytical sensitivity (limit of detection), specimen storage, analytical specificity (cross-reactivity), and accuracy studies. Limit of detection is 500 genome copies/mL in lower respiratory samples and 100 copies/mL in upper respiratory specimens, with a quantification range of 1,000 to 10,000,000 copies/mL. Specimens can be stored frozen at least 60 days and
Spn
DNA is stable through three freeze-thaw cycles. No cross-reactivity was observed against 20 closely related microorganisms and/or microorganisms that can be detected in similar sample types, including
Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae
. In testing of residual clinical specimens,
Spn
was detected in 5 of 23 (21.7%) PF, 2 of 19 (10.5%) BAL, 1 of 20 (5.0%) TA, and 44 of 178 (24.7%) UR residual specimens. For accuracy studies, 98 specimens were tested and overall percent agreement with a qualitative,
lytA
-based comparator assay was 96.9% across all sample types. This multiplex, quantitative PCR assay is a sensitive and specific method for
Spn
detection in pediatric respiratory samples.

IMPORTANCE

Streptococcus pneumoniae
(
Spn
) is the world’s leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection morbidity and mortality in children. However, current clinical microbiological methods have disadvantages.
Spn
can be difficult to grow in laboratory conditions if a patient is pre-treated, and
Spn
antigen testing has unclear clinical utility in children. Syndromic panel testing is less cost-effective than targeted PCR if clinical suspicion is high for a single pathogen. Also, such testing entails a full, expensive validation for each panel target if used for multiple respiratory sources. Therefore, better diagnostic modalities are needed. Our study validates a multiplex PCR assay with three genomic targets for semi-quantitative and quantitative
Spn
molecular detection from lower respiratory sources for clinical testing and from upper respiratory sources for research investigation.
Diversity for endoribonuclease nsp15-mediated regulation of alpha-coronavirus propagation and virulence
Authors: Xie Yunfei , Chen Chener , Zhang Ding , Jiao Zhe , Chen Yixi , Wang Gang , Tan Yubei , Zhang Wanpo , Xiao Shaobo , Peng Guiqing , Shi Yuejun 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT
Endoribonuclease non-structural protein 15 (nsp15) (EndoU) is conserved among coronaviruses (CoVs) and is crucial for viral replication, evasion of the innate immune system, and virulence. EndoU-deficient CoVs can activate the interferon (IFN) response and attenuate their virulence, and nsp15 is considered the target of attenuated vaccine development. Among alpha-CoVs, transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) cause lethal diseases in piglets and cats, but the role of EndoU in viral propagation and virulence remains unclear. Here, we verified the TGEV and FIPV EndoU active sites His226 and His241 and found that the antagonization of SeV-induced IFN-β production by nsp15 depends on its EndoU activity. Furthermore, we constructed infectious clones of wild-type (WT) and EndoU-deficient (EnUmt) TGEV and FIPV. Unexpectedly, we found that both the WT and EnUmt viruses propagated efficiently in multiple types of immunocompetent (PK-15, IPI-2I, ST, CRFK, F81, and Fcwf-4) cells. Moreover, the results of infection experiments showed that compared with piglets and cats infected with the WT, the EnUmt virus-infected piglets and cats did not exhibit significantly reduced mortality, tissue injury, or viral shedding. Specially, the death of cats infected with EnUmt-FIPV occurred earlier than that of cats infected with WT. Hence, our results suggest that the function of EndoU is conserved, but nsp15-mediated regulation of the propagation and pathogenesis of CoVs are diverse. Our findings provide a reference for an in-depth understanding of EndoU-mediated immune escape and pathogenicity in CoVs.

IMPORTANCE
Understanding the role of the endoribonuclease non-structural protein 15 (nsp15) (EndoU) in coronavirus (CoV) infection and pathogenesis is essential for vaccine target discovery. Whether the EndoU activity of CoV nsp15, as a virulence-related protein, has a diverse effect on viral virulence needs to be further explored. Here, we found that the transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) nsp15 proteins antagonize SeV-induced interferon-β (IFN-β) production in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Interestingly, compared with wild-type infection, infection with EnUmt-TGEV or EnUmt-FIPV did not change the IFN-β response or reduce viral propagation in immunocompetent cells. The results of animal experiments showed that EnUmt viruses did not reduce the clinical presentation and mortality caused by TGEV and FIPV. Our findings enrich the understanding of nsp15-mediated regulation of alpha-CoV propagation and virulence and reveal that the conserved functions of nonstructural proteins have diverse effects on the pathogenicity of CoVs.
Intra–Neo-Tethyan subduction initiation inferred from the Indawgyi mafic rocks in the Central Ophiolite Belt, Myanmar
Authors: Zhang Qinghua , Chen Yi , Chen Si , Su Bin , Li Yibing , Shi Kaihui , Aung Me M. , Sein Kyaing 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Geological evidence has demonstrated the presence of an intra–Neo-Tethyan subduction system during the Cretaceous. However, when and how this intra-oceanic subduction was initiated, especially for the eastern Neo-Tethys, are still not well constrained. Here we present geochemical and geochronological analyses of the Indawgyi mafic rocks from the Central Ophiolite Belt in the West Burma Block (Myanmar), which record early forearc spreading during the intra–Neo-Tethyan subduction initiation. Zircon U-Pb ages of gabbros indicate the ophiolitic crust formation at ca. 120 Ma. Gabbros show mid-oceanic-ridge basalt–like rare earth element patterns and depleted Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions with negative anomalies of high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf), similar to forearc basalt characteristics. Basalts show more slab-derived component signatures than the gabbros and represent mantle wedge magmas most likely formed between forearc spreading and arc maturation. These data, together with regional geological records and geophysical observations, suggest that the Indawgyi gabbros were derived from an intra–Neo-Tethyan forearc setting during the early stage of subduction initiation. Considering the timing of supra-subduction zone ophiolites and metamorphic sole in the Indo-Burma Range, we propose that spontaneous subduction initiation and sinking of the eastern Neo-Tethyan lithosphere during the Early Cretaceous (ca. 120 Ma) led to formation of the Indawgyi forearc crust, whereas subsequent mature subduction resulted in the Middle Cretaceous (ca. 108–90 Ma) arc magmatism in the West Burma Block. These findings confirm the double-subduction model of the Neo-Tethys Ocean and shed new light on the intra–Neo-Tethyan subduction initiation.
Long-term outcomes of an educational paediatric antimicrobial stewardship programme: a quality improvement study
Authors: Aboza Garcia Marta , Goycochea-Valdivia Walter , Peñalva Germán , Falcon Neyra Lola , Moleón Ruiz Marta , Rodriguez-Villodres Angel , Montero Valladares Cristina , Olbrich Peter , Sánchez-Valderrabanos Elia , Jiménez Francisco , Molina Maria , Moreno Madueño Gloria , Valencia Martin Raquel , Gil Navarro Maria Victoria , Molina Jose , Neth Olaf , Cisneros Jose Miguel 
Published: November 2023

Background and objectivesAntimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) have resulted in antimicrobial consumption (AMC) reduction and quality of prescription (QOP) improvement. However, evidence of ASP impact in paediatrics is still limited. This study aims to assess a paediatric ASP long-term outcomes.MethodsA quality improvement study assessed by a interrupted time series analysis was conducted in a paediatric tertiary hospital. QOP expressed as proportion of adequate prescriptions, AMC measured by defined daily dose incidence per 1000 occupied bed days, incidence density of bloodstream infections (BSIs) and its related all-cause crude death rate (CDR) were compared between pre (from January 2013 to December 2015) and post (from January 2016 to December 2019) ASP activities intensification, which included a dedicated paediatric infectious diseases physician to actively perform educational interviews with prescribers.ResultsInappropriate prescribing showed a significant downward shift associated to the intervention with a −51.4% (−61.2% to −41.8%) reduction with respect to the expected values. Overall AMC showed no trend change after the intervention. For neonatology a28.8% (−36.8% to −20.9%) reduction was observed. Overall anti-pseudomonal cephalosporin use showed a −51.2% (−57.0% to −45.4%) reduction. Decreasing trends were observed for carbapenem use, with a quarterly per cent change (QPC) of −2.4% (−4.3% to −0.4%) and BSI-related CDR (QPC=−3.6%; −5.4% to −1.7%) through the study period. Healthcare-associated multi-drug-resistant BSI remained stable (QPC=2.1; −0.6 to 4.9).ConclusionsIntensification of counselling educational activities within an ASP suggests to improve QOP and to partially reduce AMC in paediatric patients. The decreasing trends in mortality remained unchanged.
Infant fat mass and later child and adolescent health outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Amati Federica , McCann Lucy , Castañeda-Gutiérrez Eurídice , Prior Emily , van Loo-Bouwman Carolien Annika , Abrahamse-Berkeveld Marieke , Oliveros Elena , Ozanne Susan , Symonds Michael Edward , Chang Ching-Yu , Modi Neena 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveObesity and excess adiposity are leading causes of metabolic and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Early identification of individuals at risk is key for preventive strategies. We examined the relationship between infant body composition (0–2 years of age) and later (>2 years) health outcomes using a systematic review.DesignWe preregistered the study on PROSPERO (ID 288013) and searched Embase, PubMed and Cochrane databases for English language publications using the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms ‘infant’ and ‘body composition’ and ‘risk’ between January 1946 and February 2022. We included studies which assessed infant body composition using predetermined in vivo methods other than body mass index (BMI).ResultsWe identified 6015 articles. After abstract screening to assess eligibility, we reviewed 130 full text publications. 30 were included in the final assessment and narrative synthesis. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity of results. All 30 studies were of high quality and reported associations between infant body composition and 19 different health outcomes after 2 years of age. Outcome measurements ranged from 2 years to 16 years. The strongest associations were found between infant fat mass and later fat mass (7 studies), and later BMI (5 studies). For 11 of the outcomes assessed, there was no relationship to infant adiposity detected.ConclusionsCurrent evidence, from a small number of studies, suggests a positive association between infant adiposity and future adiposity or BMI, but the validity of infant body composition as a biomarker of future health remains inconclusive. Carefully designed, standardised studies are required to identify the value of infant body composition for predicting later health.Trial registrationPROSPERO: 288013
Strategic donor behaviour and country vulnerability in health aid transitions
Authors: Mao Wenhui , McDade Kaci Kennedy , Ogbuoji Osondu , Yamey Gavin , Bermeo Sarah Blodgett 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundWhen countries reach the middle-income threshold, many multilateral donors, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), begin to withdraw their official development assistance (ODA), known as graduation. We hypothesised that bilateral donors might follow Gavi’s lead, except in countries where they have strategic interests. We aim to understand how bilateral donors behave after a recipient country graduates from Gavi support and how bilateral donors might treat Gavi support countries differently, based on ‘strategic interest’. We also aim to identify countries that were more vulnerable to ‘simultaneous’ transitions and financial cliffs after Gavi transition.MethodsThis is an observational dyadic analysis using longitudinal data. We collected country-level data on 77 Gavi-eligible countries between 2009 and 2018 and paired donor and recipient country in a specific year to conduct dyadic analysis. We included Gavi graduation status and Gavi disbursement as explanatory variables. We controlled for (1) donor–recipient relationship variables that represent potential strategic relationships (eg, distance between donor and recipient country) and (2) recipient-level characteristics (eg, population, income). We used Odinary Least Squares regression, Tobit and two-part model in Stata SE 15.0.FindingsWe found a country would receive $3.1 million less all sector ODA from a bilateral donor, and $0.6 million less health ODA, after they graduate from Gavi. For every additional 1% ODA a country would receive from Gavi, it would receive 0.14% more ODA and 0.16% more health ODA from individual bilateral donors. Gavi’s graduation status or disbursement brought more change in percentage term to health ODA than to total ODA. Additionally, Gavi’s graduation was observed to have a larger negative impact on bilateral ODA in the longer term. Countries that sent more migrants, had been colonised, and received more US military assistance tended to receive more ODA. There are similarities and differences across different donors and bilateral donors tend to provide more ODA to nearby countries and countries receiving fewer exports from the donor. We found that former colonies did not see a decline in aid after Gavi graduation.ConclusionBilateral donors behave in a similar manner to Gavi when it comes to funding health systems in low and middle-income countries. Therefore, some countries may be at risk of losing donor resources for health from a multitude of sources around the same time. However, countries that have a strategic interest in bilateral donors may be spared from such funding cliffs. This research has important implications for global health donors’ funding policies and approaches in addition to recipient countries’ transition planning.