bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TRPV1 activation in human Langerhans cells and T cells inhibits mucosal HIV-1 infection via CGRP-dependent and independent mechanisms
Authors: Mariotton Jammy , Cohen Emmanuel , Zhu Aiwei , Auffray Cédric , Barbosa Bomfim Caio César , Barry Delongchamps Nicolas , Zerbib Marc , Bomsel Morgane , Ganor Yonatan 
Published: May 2023

Upon its mucosal transmission, HIV type 1 (HIV-1) rapidly targets genital antigen-presenting Langerhans cells (LCs), which subsequently transfer infectious virus to CD4
+
T cells. We previously described an inhibitory neuroimmune cross talk, whereby calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide secreted by peripheral pain-sensing nociceptor neurons innervating all mucosal epithelia and associating with LCs, strongly inhibits HIV-1 transfer. As nociceptors secret CGRP following the activation of their Ca
2+
ion channel transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), and as we reported that LCs secret low levels of CGRP, we investigated whether LCs express functional TRPV1. We found that human LCs expressed mRNA and protein of TRPV1, which was functional and induced Ca
2+
influx following activation with TRPV1 agonists, including capsaicin (CP). The treatment of LCs with TRPV1 agonists also increased CGRP secretion, reaching its anti-HIV-1 inhibitory concentrations. Accordingly, CP pretreatment significantly inhibited LCs-mediated HIV-1 transfer to CD4
+
T cells, which was abrogated by both TRPV1 and CGRP receptor antagonists. Like CGRP, CP-induced inhibition of HIV-1 transfer was mediated via increased CCL3 secretion and HIV-1 degradation. CP also inhibited direct CD4
+
T cells HIV-1 infection, but in CGRP-independent manners. Finally, pretreatment of inner foreskin tissue explants with CP markedly increased CGRP and CCL3 secretion, and upon subsequent polarized exposure to HIV-1, inhibited an increase in LC–T cell conjugate formation and consequently T cell infection. Our results reveal that TRPV1 activation in human LCs and CD4
+
T cells inhibits mucosal HIV-1 infection, via CGRP-dependent/independent mechanisms. Formulations containing TRPV1 agonists, already approved for pain relief, could hence be useful against HIV-1.
‘Help is on the way’
Authors: Skinner Robert , Napier Jemina 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In the UK, police reforms to meet needs of a diverse society have been limited in the case of deaf signers to an
increase in sign language interpreting services (SLIS). This article explores the consequences of this dependence on SLIS by the
UK police. We consider how deaf signers’ contact with the police may be inaccessible, despite national frameworks that ‘guarantee’
accessibility through the provision of BSL-English interpreting. We draw on qualitative data from focus groups and interviews with
police officers and custody sergeants who describe their experiences of having contact with deaf signers (or other minority
language users) through interpreters. We examine and contrast their perceptions and experiences concerning if, when, and how SLIS
provided access, as well as its impact on their contact with deaf signers. We compare these findings with UK police reform
policies to identify the current state of these provisions along with potential divergences.
Temperature compensation of MEMS resonant accelerometers with an on-chip platinum film thermometer
Authors: Wang Shaohang , Ma Yukun , Xu Wenyi , Liu Yunfeng , Han Fengtian 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Temperature-dominated drift is generally the main error source for high-performance micromachined resonant accelerometers (MRAs) due to inherent thermal stress effect of resonator structure and die-attach process. This paper describes the design and experimental evaluation of a temperature compensation scheme for MEMS resonant accelerometers that demonstrates excellent bias and scale factor stability against temperature variation. An on-chip temperature sensor fabricated by sputtering platinum film on glass substrate is proposed to accurately sense the temperature-induced frequency change of the resonator. A polynomial fitting-based post-compensation model is firstly used to suppress the temperature sensitivity of the MRA over dynamic temperature environment. The temperature drift test and compensation of four accelerometer prototypes in a range from −40 ∘C to 60 ∘C show that the stability of bias and scale factor has been improved greatly with navigation-grade performance. Temperature compensation results with three improved drift models based on polynomial fitting, convolutional neural network and support vector regression respectively are presented and compared to suppress the temperature drift hysteresis in consecutive temperature-varying tests. These experimental results indicate that this resonant accelerometer exhibits excellent temperature stability after compensation, which offers the promise for high-performance inertial navigation applications.
Optical characterization of isothermal spin state switching in an Fe(II) spin crossover molecular and polymer ferroelectric bilayer
Authors: Yazdani Saeed , Collier Kourtney , Yang Grace , Phillips Jared , Dale Ashley , Mosey Aaron , Grocki Samuel , Zhang Jian , Shanahan Anne E , Cheng Ruihua , Dowben Peter A 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Using optical characterization, it is evident that the spin state of the spin crossover molecular complex [Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] (pz = tris(pyrazol-1-1y)-borohydride, bipy = 2,2ʹ-bipyridine) depends on the electric polarization of the adjacent polymer ferroelectric polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) thin film. The role of the PVDF-HFP thin film is significant but complex. The UV–Vis spectroscopy measurements reveals that room temperature switching of the electronic structure of [Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] molecules in bilayers of PVDF-HFP/[Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] occurs as a function of ferroelectric polarization. The retention of voltage-controlled nonvolatile changes to the electronic structure in bilayers of PVDF-HFP/[Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] strongly depends on the thickness of the PVDF-HFP layer. The PVDF-HFP/[Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] interface may affect PVDF-HFP ferroelectric polarization retention in the thin film limit.
Exploration of low field magnetic states in Nd 1−x
Ce
x
CrO3
Authors: Gupta Pragya , Pal D 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
We report the structural and magnetic properties of Nd

1
−
x

Ce
x
CrO3 (

x
=
0.05
−
0.175

) single-phase samples to classify the influence of Ce substitution on the Nd-site. The electron density profile indicates the possible covalent nature of Cr–O bonds. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms a mixed Ce valency with a constant ratio of Ce3+/Ce4+ ions in all substituted compounds and the charge neutralization through the oxygen vacancies. The magnetization measurements reveal an increase in antiferromagnetic ordering temperature (

T

N

) and spin-reorientation transition temperature (

T

S
R

) and unfold soft spin-reorientation attributed to diluted superexchange interactions upon Ce incorporation. The presence of mixed Ce ions induces the merging of the hysteresis loop with a significant exchange bias (EB) field. We demonstrate for the first time that the magnitude of the magnetization is different for the same applied field in positive and negative directions, indicating the existence of two different magnetic states. The difference between these two magnetic states possibly arises from the pinning of Cr3+ spins, which requires an additional Zeeman energy for it to rotate. This maximum Zeeman energy from the normalized magnetic susceptibility vs. temperature curves correlates with the maximum EB field, validating unusual EB in these compounds.
Comparative study and multi-parameter analysis to optimize device structure of triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Wajahat Muhammad , Kouzani Abbas Z , Khoo Sui Yang , Mahmud M A Parvez 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Triboelectric nanogenerator is becoming one of the most efficient energy harvesting device among all mechanical energy harvesters. This device consists of dielectric friction layers and metal electrode which generates electrical charges using electrostatic induction effect. There are several factors influencing the performance of this generator which needs to be evaluated prior to experiment. The absence of a universal technique for TENG simulation makes the device design and optimization hard before practical fabrication, which also lengthens the exploration and advancement cycle and hinders the arrival of practical applications. In order to deepen the understanding the core physic behind the working process of this device, this work will provide comparative analysis on different modes of TENG. Systematic investigation on different material combination, effect of material thickness, dielectric constant and impact of surface patterning is evaluated to shortlist the best material combination. COMSOL Multiphysics simulating environment is used to design, model and analyze factor affecting the overall output performance of TENG. The stationary study in this simulator is performed using 2D geometry structure with higher mesh density. During this study short circuit and open circuit condition were applied to observe the behavior of charge and electric potential produced. This observation is analyzed by plotting charge transfer/electric potential against various displacement distances of dielectric friction layers. The ouput is then provided to load ciruitary to measure the maximum output power of the models. Overall, this study provides an excellent understanding and multi-parameter analysis on basic theoretical and simulation modeling of TENG device.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the measurement properties of concerns-about-falling instruments in older people and people at increased risk of falls
Authors: McGarrigle Lisa , Yang Yang , Lasrado Reena , Gittins Matthew , Todd Chris 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
The 16-item Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) is widely used to assess concerns-about-falling. Variants include 7-item Short FES-I, 30-item Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale (Icon FES) and 10-item short Icon FES. No comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis has been conducted to synthesise evidence regarding the measurement properties of these tools.

Objectives
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the measurement properties of four FES-I variants.

Methods
MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched systematically and articles were assessed for eligibility independently. The methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed using COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) Risk of Bias checklist. The quality of measurement properties was assessed using COSMIN criteria for good measurement properties. Where possible, meta-analysis was conducted; otherwise, narrative synthesis was performed. Overall certainty of evidence was rated using a modified Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system approach.

Results
The review included 58 studies investigating measurement properties of the four instruments. There was high-quality evidence to support internal consistency, reliability and construct validity of all instruments. Moderate- to high-certainty evidence suggests one-factor structure of FES-I with two underlying dimensions, one-factor structure of Short FES-I and two-factor structure of Icon FES. There was high-certainty evidence to support the responsiveness of FES-I, with further research needed for the other instruments.

Conclusion
There is evidence for excellent measurement properties of all four instruments. We recommend the use of these tools with healthy older people and people at a greater risk of falls due to conditions that might affect mobility and balance.
A phase IV, randomised, double-blind, controlled, parallel group trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Balneum Plus versus emollient in the treatment of chronic kidney disease–associated pruritus in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Nevols Jacqueline , Watkins Lynn , Lewis Robert 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
Chronic kidney disease–associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a common, distressing complaint in patients with advanced renal disease that is frequently overlooked. Treatment is often unsatisfactory. Balneum Plus (Almirall, Barcelona, Spain) is a cream containing 3% lauromacrogols and 5% urea, commonly used to treat atopic dermatitis. It has not been studied in CKD-aP to date.

Methods
Adult haemodialysis patients were randomised 1:1 to apply Balneum Plus or E45 (Reckitt Beckiser, Slough, UK) to compare the active ingredients of lauromacrogol and urea with a control cream. Itch was defined as three episodes of itching during the last 2 weeks, appearing a few times a day, lasting a few minutes and troubling the patient [1]. Patients with other causes of itch, e.g. eczema and liver disease, were excluded. The primary outcome was a reduction in itch as measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 4 weeks and analysed using an analysis of covariance approach.

Results
A total of 314 patients were screened and 58 patients were randomised, 29 in each group. Three patients dropped out in each group. The median baseline VAS scores were 6.5 [interquartile range (IQR) 4.4–8.0] in the Balneum Plus group and 6.3 (IQR 5.1–7.3) in the E45 group. After 4 weeks, VAS scores decreased to 2.6 (IQR 0.9–4.5) and 2.0 (IQR 0.5–4.8) in the Balneum Plus and E45 groups respectively (P = 0.64 for the difference). Using a validated questionnaire to assess secondary outcomes, we found that the Balneum Plus group had longer itching episodes, more difficulty staying asleep and itching was more annoying than in the E45 group. There was no significant difference in adverse events between the two groups. One patient reported inflamed spots on the abdominal skin in the Balneum Plus group.

Conclusion
This is the first randomised controlled study of two different emollients for the treatment of CKD-aP and is a negative study. We found no significant difference in itch scores between Balneum Plus and E45.
Comparative effectiveness of exercise electrocardiography versus exercise echocardiography in women presenting with suspected coronary artery disease: a randomized study
Authors: Gurunathan Sothinathan , Shanmuganathan Mayooran , Chopra Ankur , Pradhan Jiwan , Aboud Lily , Hampson Reinette , Yakupoglu Haci Yakup , Bioh Gabriel , Banfield Ann , Gage Heather , Khattar Raj , Senior Roxy 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Aims
There is a paucity of randomized diagnostic studies in women with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). This study sought to assess the relative value of exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) compared with exercise electrocardiography (Ex-ECG) in women with CAD.

Methods and results
Accordingly, 416 women with no prior CAD and intermediate probability of CAD (mean pre-test probability 41%), were randomized to undergo either Ex-ECG or ESE. The primary endpoints were the positive predictive value (PPV) for the detection of significant CAD and downstream resource utilization. The PPV of ESE and Ex-ECG were 33% and 30% (P = 0.87), respectively for the detection of CAD. There were similar clinic visits (36 vs. 29, P = 0.44) and emergency visits with chest pain (28 vs. 25, P = 0.55) in the Ex-ECG and ESE arms, respectively. At 2.9 years, cardiac events were 6 Ex-ECG vs. 3 ESE, P = 0.31. Although initial diagnosis costs were higher for ESE, more women underwent further CAD testing in the Ex-ECG arm compared to the ESE arm (37 vs. 17, P = 0.003). Overall, there was higher downstream resource utilization (hospital attendances and investigations) in the Ex-ECG arm (P = 0.002). Using National Health Service tariffs 2020/21 (British pounds) the cumulative diagnostic costs were 7.4% lower for Ex-ECG compared with ESE, but this finding is sensitive to the cost differential between ESE and Ex-ECG.

Conclusion
In intermediate-risk women who are able to exercise, Ex-ECG had similar efficacy to an ESE strategy, with higher resource utilization whilst providing cost savings.
Time Required for Nanopore Whole-Genome Sequencing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae for Identification of Phylogenetic Relationships
Authors: Phillips Laura T , Witney Adam A , Furegato Martina , Laing Ken G , Zhou Liqing , Sadiq S Tariq 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a global health challenge. Limitations to AMR surveillance reporting, alongside reduction in culture-based susceptibility testing, has resulted in a need for rapid diagnostics and strain detection. We investigated Nanopore sequencing time, and depth, to accurately identify closely related N. gonorrhoeae isolates, compared to Illumina sequencing.

Methods
N. gonorrhoeae strains collected from a London sexual health clinic were cultured and sequenced with MiSeq and MinION sequencing platforms. Accuracy was determined by comparing variant calls at 68 nucleotide positions (37 resistance-associated markers). Accuracy at varying MinION sequencing depths was determined through retrospective time-stamped read analysis.

Results
Of 22 MinION-MiSeq pairs reaching sufficient sequencing depth, agreement of variant call positions passing quality control criteria was 185/185 (100%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 98.0%–100.0%), 502/503 (99.8%; 95% CI, 98.9%–99.9%), and 564/565 (99.8%; 95% CI, 99.0%–100.0%) at 10x, 30x, and 40x MinION depth, respectively. Isolates identified as closely related by MiSeq, within one yearly evolutionary distance of ≤5 single nucleotide polymorphisms, were accurately identified via MinION.

Conclusions
Nanopore sequencing shows utility as a rapid surveillance tool, identifying closely related N. gonorrhoeae strains, with just 10x sequencing depth, taking a median time of 29 minutes. This highlights its potential for tracking local transmission and AMR markers.
(004) Are Endogenous Androgens Linked to Female Sexual Function? A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Maseroli E , Cipriani S , Vignozzi L 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
The benefits of treatment with testosterone (T) in women with loss of desire suggest that low androgens may distinguish women with sexual dysfunction (SD) from others; however, evidence on this point is lacking.

Objective
Our aim was to answer the question: is there an association between endogenous levels of androgens and sexual function in women?

Methods
An extensive search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase and PsycInfo. Four separate meta-analyses were conducted for total T, free T, Free Androgen Index (FAI), and Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS). Cohort, cross-sectional, and prospective studies were included. The main outcome was the association between endogenous androgens and sexual desire. Global sexual function was considered as a secondary outcome. The effect measure was expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD).

Results
The meta-analysis on total T included 34 studies involving 3,268 women, mean age 36.5 years. In 11 studies, a significant association was found between sexual desire, measured by validated psychometric instruments, and total T (SMD = 0.59 [0.29;0.88], P &lt; 0.0001), with a moderate effect. The association with global sexual function (n = 12 studies) was also significant (SMD = 0.44 [0.21;0.67], P &lt;0.0001). Overall, total T was associated with a better sexual function (SMD = 0.55 [0.28,0.82)], P &lt; 0.0001), with similar results obtained when poor quality studies were removed. Age showed a negative relationship with the overall outcome. No differences were found when stratifying the studies according to menopausal status, type of menopause, age at menopause, use of hormonal replacement therapy, relationship status, method for T measurement, phase of the menstrual cycle or use of hormonal contraception. The meta-analysis of T derivatives (free T and FAI) also showed a significant, moderate association with sexual desire. In contrast, DHEAS seems not to exert any significant influence on desire, whilst showing a positive association with global sexual function.

Conclusions
There appears to be a moderate association between total T and sexual desire/global sexual function, which is confirmed, although weak, in studies employing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Similar results on desire were obtained for free T and FAI. DHEAS only showed a positive association with global sexual function. A significant publication bias was found for total T. Our results suggest that endogenous androgens show a moderate association with a better sexual function in women; however, the role of psychological, relational and other hormonal factors should not be overlooked. More research is needed.

Disclosure
Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: LV received scientific research grants, advisory board attendance and speaker honoraria from Therascience, Theramex, Bayer Schering Pharma, Intercept, Lipocine, Ibsa.
(009) An Anatomic Map-Based Study: Erogenous and Aversive Sensation in the Vulva, Vagina, and Breasts
Authors: Stelmar J , Garcia M , Zaliznyak M , Isaacson D , Duralde E , Gaither T , Smith S , Yuan N , Topp K 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Erogenous zones (EZs) of the body elicit sexual arousal in response to touch. While previous studies have attempted to map erogeneity throughout the body, they did not assess internal surfaces or individual genital structures/sub-areas. Furthermore, previous work did not query how important specific EZs were to subjects’ sexual pleasure, nor did it assess what body areas people specifically dislike having touched during sex.

Objective
To develop detailed, topographic maps of erogenous and aversive sensation throughout the vulva, vagina, and breasts.

Methods
A sample of 441 sexually active cisgender women (mean age 48.9 ± 15.6 years) completed our anonymous, online questionnaire via Qualtrics®. Respondents selected predefined areas from anatomic illustrations that bring them pleasure when touched during sex, and areas that they dislike having touched during sex. For each EZ, respondents rated its importance to their sexual pleasure on a 10-point Likert scale, and/or indicated why they dislike having a specific area touched. Maps of erogeneity and aversion were generated based on the percent of respondents that selected each zone.

Results
More respondents selected at least one area of the vulva as erogenous (82.0%), as compared to the breasts (77.4%) and vagina (59.4%). Of the EZs of the vulva (Figure 1a), the vaginal introitus (50.8%), peri urethra (42.6%), and clitoris (41.3%) were the three most frequently selected and highest rated structures for pleasure. Conversely, the anus (34.0%) and perineum (7.9%) were the most disliked areas (Figure 1b) for the primary reason of respondents finding “It’s gross,” followed by “It hurts” and “I’m ashamed/embarrassed.” The five EZs of the vagina (Figure 2a) revealed enhanced erogeneity in the superficial anterior (48.1%) and posterior (32.9%) regions. The cervix (6.8%) and posterior zones (3.4%, 5.0%) of the vagina were the most disliked areas (Figure 2b) due to respondents reporting that “It hurts” and “It’s overly sensitive.” Interestingly, two of the most erogenous zones of the breasts (Figure 3a) were also the most disliked (Figure 3b): fatty breast tissue (57.8% erogenous, 5.4% aversive) and the nipples (42.7%, 6.5%). Respondent reasoning for disliking these areas included “It’s overly sensitive,” “It hurts,” and “It reminds me of a bad experience.”

Conclusions
The vulva and vagina were associated with enhanced erogenous sensation not only at (but also in regions immediately peripheral to) the clitoris. These EZs were also rated as “highly important” to sexual pleasure. The anus was overwhelmingly associated with aversive sensation due to feelings of judgment/shame. Other aversive zones were primarily disliked for objective reasons of pain and sensitivity.

Disclosure
No