bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Household secondary attack rates of SARS-CoV-2 by variant and vaccination status: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Madewell Zachary J. , Yang Yang , Longini Ira M. , Halloran M. Elizabeth , Dean Natalie E. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe previously reported a household secondary attack rate (SAR) for SARS-CoV-2 of 18.9% through June 17, 2021. To examine how emerging variants and increased vaccination have affected transmission rates, we searched PubMed from June 18, 2021, through January 7, 2022. Meta-analyses used generalized linear mixed models to obtain SAR estimates and 95%CI, disaggregated by several covariates. SARs were used to estimate vaccine effectiveness based on the transmission probability for susceptibility (VES,p), infectiousness (VEI,p), and total vaccine effectiveness (VET,p). Household SAR for 27 studies with midpoints in 2021 was 35.8% (95%CI, 30.6%-41.3%), compared to 15.7% (95%CI, 13.3%-18.4%) for 62 studies with midpoints through April 2020. Household SARs were 38.0% (95%CI, 36.0%-40.0%), 30.8% (95%CI, 23.5%-39.3%), and 22.5% (95%CI, 18.6%-26.8%) for Alpha, Delta, and Beta, respectively.VEI,p,VES,p, andVET,pwere 56.6% (95%CI, 28.7%-73.6%), 70.3% (95%CI, 59.3%-78.4%), and 86.8% (95%CI, 76.7%-92.5%) for full vaccination, and 27.5% (95%CI, -6.4%-50.7%), 43.9% (95%CI, 21.8%-59.7%), and 59.9% (95%CI, 34.4%-75.5%) for partial vaccination, respectively. Household contacts exposed to Alpha or Delta are at increased risk of infection compared to the original wild-type strain. Vaccination reduced susceptibility to infection and transmission to others.SummaryHousehold secondary attack rates (SARs) were higher for Alpha and Delta variants than previous estimates. SARs were higher to unvaccinated contacts than to partially or fully vaccinated contacts and were higher from unvaccinated index cases than from fully vaccinated index cases.
Fatty acids produced by the gut microbiota dampen host inflammatory responses by modulating intestinal SUMOylation
Authors: Ezzine Chaima , Loison Léa , Bole-Feysot Christine , Déchelotte Pierre , Coëffier Moïse , Ribet David 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe gut microbiota produces a wide variety of metabolites, which interact with intestinal cells and contribute to host physiology. These metabolites regulate intestinal cell activities by modulating either gene transcription or post-translational modifications of gut proteins. The effect of gut commensal bacteria on SUMOylation, an essential ubiquitin-like modification in intestinal physiology, remains however unknown. Here, we show that short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and branched chain fatty acids (BCFAs) produced by the gut microbiota increase protein SUMOylation in different intestinal cell lines in a pH-dependent manner. We demonstrate that these metabolites induce an oxidative stress which inactivates intestinal deSUMOylases and promotes the hyperSUMOylation of chromatin-bound proteins. In order to determine the impact of these modifications on intestinal physiology, we focused on the NF-κB signaling pathway, a key player in inflammation known to be regulated by SUMOylation. We demonstrated that the hyperSUMOylation induced by SCFAs/BCFAs inhibits the activation of the NF-κB pathway in intestinal cells by blocking the degradation of the inhibitory factor IκBα in response to TNFα. This results in a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines expression, such as IL8 or CCL20, as well as a decrease in intestinal epithelial permeability in response to TNFα. Together, our results reveal that fatty acids produced by gut commensal bacteria regulate intestinal physiology by modulating SUMOylation and illustrate a new mechanism of dampening of host inflammatory responses by the gut microbiota.
IMU-derived kinematics detect gait differences with age or knee osteoarthritis but differ from marker-derived inverse kinematics
Authors: Hafer Jocelyn F. , Mihy Julien A. , Hunt Andrew , Zernicke Ronald F. , Johnson Russell T. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCommon in-lab, marker-based gait analyses may not represent daily, real-world gait. Real-world gait analyses may be feasible using inertial measurement units (IMUs), especially with recent advancements in open-source methods (e.g., OpenSense). Before using OpenSense to study real-world gait, we must determine whether these methods: (1) estimate joint kinematics similarly to traditional marker-based motion capture (MoCap) and (2) differentiate groups with clinically different gait mechanics. Healthy young and older adults and older adults with knee osteoarthritis completed this study. We captured MoCap and IMU data during overground walking at participants’ self-selected and faster speeds. MoCap and IMU kinematics were computed with appropriate OpenSim workflows. We tested whether sagittal kinematics differed between MoCap- and IMU-derived data, whether tools detected between-group differences similarly, and whether kinematics differed between tools by speed. MoCap data showed more flexion than IMU data (hip: 0-47 and 65-100% stride, knee: 0-38 and 58-91% stride, ankle: 18-100% stride). Group kinematics differed at the hip (young extension > knee osteoarthritis at 30-47% stride) and ankle (young plantar flexion > older healthy at 62-65% stride). Group-by-tool interactions occurred at the hip (61-63% stride). Significant tool-by-speed interactions were found, with hip and knee flexion increasing more for MoCap than IMU data with speed (hip: 12-15% stride, knee: 60-63% stride). While MoCap- and IMU-derived kinematics differed, our results suggested that the tools similarly detected clinically meaningful differences in gait. Results of the current study suggest that IMU-derived kinematics with OpenSense may enable the valid and reliable evaluation of gait in real-world, unobserved settings.
Purification of synchronized E. coli transcription elongation complexes by reversible immobilization on magnetic beads
Authors: Kelly Skyler L. , Szyjka Courtney E. , Strobel Eric J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSynchronized transcription elongation complexes (TECs) are a fundamental tool for in vitro studies of transcription and RNA folding. Transcription elongation can be synchronized by omitting one or more NTPs from an in vitro transcription reaction so that RNA polymerase can only transcribe to the first occurrence of the omitted nucleotide(s) in the coding DNA strand. This approach was developed over four decades ago and has been applied extensively in biochemical investigations of RNA polymerase enzymes, but has not been optimized for RNA-centric assays. In this work, we describe the development of a system for isolating synchronized TECs from an in vitro transcription reaction. Our approach uses a custom 5’ leader sequence, called C3-SC1, to reversibly capture synchronized TECs on magnetic beads. We first show that complexes isolated by this procedure, called C3-SC1TECs, are >95% pure, >98% active, highly synchronous (94% of complexes chase in <15s upon addition of saturating NTPs), and compatible with solid-phase transcription; the yield of this purification is ∼8%. We then show that C3-SC1TECs perturb, but do not interfere with, the function of ZTP-sensing and ppGpp-sensing transcriptional riboswitches. For both riboswitches, transcription using C3-SC1TECs improved the efficiency of transcription termination in the absence of ligand but did not inhibit ligand-induced transcription antitermination. Given these properties, C3-SC1TECs will likely be useful for developing biochemical and biophysical RNA assays that require high-performance, quantitative bacterial in vitro transcription.
Monomodular Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage JG004 lysozyme (Pae87) contains a bacterial surface-active antimicrobial peptide-like region and a possible substrate-binding subdomain
Authors: Vázquez Roberto , Seoane-Blanco Mateo , Rivero-Buceta Virginia , Ruiz Susana , van Raaij Mark J. , García Pedro 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPhage lysins are a source of novel antimicrobials to tackle the bacterial antibiotic resistance crisis. The engineering of phage lysins is being explored as a game-changing technological strategy for introducing a more precise approach in the way we apply antimicrobial therapy. Such engineering efforts will benefit from a better understanding of lysin structure and function. In this work, the antimicrobial activity of the endolysin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage JG004, termed Pae87, has been characterized. This lysin had been previously identified as an antimicrobial agent candidate, able to interact with the Gram-negative surface and disrupt it. Further evidence is hereby provided on this matter, based on a structural and biochemical study. A high-resolution crystal structure of Pae87 complexed with a peptidoglycan fragment showed a separate substrate-binding region within the catalytic domain, 18 Å away from the catalytic site and located at the opposite side of the lysin molecule. This substrate binding region was conserved among phylogenetically related lysins lacking an additional cell wall binding domain, but not among those containing such a module. Two glutamic acids were identified as relevant for the peptidoglycan degradation activity, although Pae87 antimicrobial activity was seemingly unrelated to it. In contrast, an antimicrobial peptide-like region within Pae87 C-terminus, named P87, was found to be able to actively disturb the outer membrane and have antibacterial activity by itself. Therefore, we propose an antimicrobial mechanism for Pae87 in which the P87 peptide plays the role of binding to the outer membrane and disrupting the cell wall function, either with or without the participation of Pae87 catalytic activity.SynopsisThe structure of the monomodular Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophage JG004 lysin Pae87 is presented and investigated in relationship with its function repurposed as an antimicrobial agent. The structure with its peptidoglycan ligand revealed a possible cell wall binding region. A C-terminal antimicrobial peptide-like region is shown to be important for disrupting the bacterial cell wall.
Prune intake ameliorates chronic constipation symptoms and causes little discomfort from diarrhea and loose stools: A randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Koyama Taishi , Nagata Naoyoshi , Nishiura Kengo , Miura Naoki , Kawai Takashi , Yamamoto Hirotaka 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAimLittle data is available regarding the effectiveness of natural foods in treating chronic constipation. We aimed to identify whether prune ameliorates chronic constipation and can be used safely for a relatively long time.MethodsIn this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 84 subjects with chronic constipation, presenting more than 6 months before and persisting for more than 3 months, were randomized to prune (n=42) or placebo (n=42) intake for 8 weeks. We assessed daily Bristol stool form scale (BSFS) scores and stool frequencies and administered the gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) questionnaire, as primary outcomes for constipation improvement.ResultsThe prune group showed significantly decreased rates of hard stool (BSFS1 or 2) and increased rates of normal stool (BSFS 3 or 4) after 1 week, which were more evident after 7 weeks between the two groups. Prune significantly increased stool frequency immediately after 1 week. Furthermore, GSRS of hard stools, flatulence, and incomplete evacuation significantly improved after 4-8 weeks of prune intake, of which constipation and hard stools were significantly reduced compared to the placebo group. In contrast, prune intake did not cause diarrhea, loose stools, or urgent need for defecation during 8 weeks evaluated by GSRS score. We found no abnormal laboratory tests of liver function, renal function, inflammation, or urinalysis after prune intake.ConclusionsDaily prune intake ameliorates chronic constipation, improving quality of life, and causes few diarrhea-related symptoms or side effects. Our results emphasize a new, useful, and easy strategy for chronic constipation. (UMIN ID:000041384)
Healthcare workers’ views on mandatory SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in the United Kingdom: findings from the UK-REACH prospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Woolf Katherine , Gogoi Mayuri , Martin Christopher A , Papineni Padmasayee , Lagrata Susie , Nellums Laura B , McManus I Chris , Guyatt Anna L , Melbourne Carl , Bryant Luke , Gupta Amit , John Catherine , Carr Sue , Tobin Martin D , Simpson Sandra , Gregary Bindu , Aujayeb Avinash , Zingwe Stephen , Reza Rubina , Gray Laura J , Khunti Kamlesh , Pareek Manish 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundSeveral countries now have mandatory SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare workers (HCWs) or the general population. HCWs’ views on this are largely unknown.MethodsWe administered an online questionnaire to 17891 United Kingdom (UK) HCWs in Spring 2021 as part of the United Kingdom Research study into Ethnicity And COVID-19 outcomes in Healthcare workers (UK-REACH) nationwide prospective cohort study. We categorised responses to a free-text question “What should society do if people don’t get vaccinated against COVID-19?” using content analysis. We collapsed categories into a binary variable: favours mandatory vaccination or not and used logistic regression to calculate its demographic predictors, and occupational, health and attitudinal predictors adjusted for demographics.FindingsOf 5633 questionnaire respondents, 3235 answered the freetext question; 18% (n=578) of those favoured mandatory vaccination but the most frequent suggestion was education (32%, n=1047). Older HCWs, HCWs vaccinated against influenza (OR 1.48; 95%CI 1.10 – 1.99, vs none) and with more positive vaccination attitudes generally (OR 1.10; 95%CI 1.06 – 1.14) were more likely to favour mandatory vaccination (OR 1.26; 95%CI 1.17 – 1.37, per decade increase), whereas female HCWs (OR= 0.80, 95%CI 0.65 – 0.99, vs male), Black HCWs (OR= 0.48, 95%CI 0.26 – 0.87, vs White), those hesitant about COVID-19 vaccination (OR= 0.56; 95%CI 0.43 – 0.71, vs not hesitant), in an Allied Health Profession (OR 0.67; 95%CI 0.51 – 0.88, vs Medical), or who trusted their organisation (OR 0.78; 95%CI 0.63 – 0.96) were less likely to.InterpretationOnly one in six of the HCWs in this large, diverse, UK-wide sample favoured mandatory vaccination. Building trust, educating and supporting HCWs who are hesitant about vaccination may be more acceptable, effective and equitable.FundingMRC-UK Research and Innovation grant (MR/V027549/1) and the Department of Health and Social Care via the National Institute for Health Research.
Fourier coefficients for Laguerre–Sobolev type orthogonal polynomials
Authors: Molano Alejandro 
Published: January 2022

Purpose In this paper, the authors take the first step in the study of constructive methods by using Sobolev polynomials.Design/methodology/approach To do that, the authors use the connection formulas between Sobolev polynomials and classical Laguerre polynomials, as well as the well-known Fourier coefficients for these latter.Findings Then, the authors compute explicit formulas for the Fourier coefficients of some families of Laguerre–Sobolev type orthogonal polynomials over a finite interval. The authors also describe an oscillatory region in each case as a reasonable choice for approximation purposes.Originality/value In order to take the first step in the study of constructive methods by using Sobolev polynomials, this paper deals with Fourier coefficients for certain families of polynomials orthogonal with respect to the Sobolev type inner product. As far as the authors know, this particular problem has not been addressed in the existing literature.
Do religion and politics impact corporate governance diversity policy?
Authors: Gupta Parveen P. , Lam Kevin C.K. , Sami Heibatollah , Zhou Haiyan 
Published: January 2022

PurposeIn this paper, the authors examine how religious and political factors affect a firm's corporate governance diversity policies.Design/methodology/approachThe authors develop five basic empirical models. Model 1 examines how religious beliefs and political affiliation determine whether a firm will establish diversity incentive in its senior executives' performance assessment. Model 2 investigates how the diversity goal, religious beliefs and political affiliation separately affect the level of actual diversity achieved. Model 3 examines how the diversity goal and environmental factors interact to affect the level of actual diversity achieved. Model 4 and Model 5 examine whether the diversity incentive in senior executives' compensation plan and the environmental factors (religious belief and political affiliation) help to reduce the compensation differentials between male and female executives.FindingsThe authors find that firms located in more liberal counties with more Mainline Protestants and less Republican voters in the United States are more likely to include workforce diversity as a criterion in evaluating their senior executives. The authors also provide evidence that firms with diversity goals have more female directors, more female senior executives and more minority directors. However, they find no evidence that the compensation differentials between male and female executives are smaller in these firms. Finally, they find that external environment affects the effectiveness of the implementation of the diversity goals.Originality/valueIn line withthis branch of research, the authors expand the literate on the link between corporate culture and corporate decision-making by investigating the non-financial performance measures. Besides the corporate decision-making in investment, financial reporting and social responsibilities as documented in prior studies, the authors argue that the religious beliefs and political affiliations could also affect the development and implementation of corporate non-financial performance goals in executive incentive contracts.
Intelligent obstacle avoidance path planning method for picking manipulator combined with artificial potential field method
Authors: Fang Zheng , Liang Xifeng 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
The results of obstacle avoidance path planning for the manipulator using artificial potential field (APF) method contain a large number of path nodes, which reduce the efficiency of manipulators. This paper aims to propose a new intelligent obstacle avoidance path planning method for picking robot to improve the efficiency of manipulators.

Design/methodology/approach
To improve the efficiency of the robot, this paper proposes a new intelligent obstacle avoidance path planning method for picking robot. In this method, we present a snake-tongue algorithm based on slope-type potential field and combine the snake-tongue algorithm with genetic algorithm (GA) and reinforcement learning (RL) to reduce the path length and the number of path nodes in the path planning results.

Findings
Simulation experiments were conducted with tomato string picking manipulator. The results showed that the path length is reduced from 4.1 to 2.979 m, the number of nodes is reduced from 31 to 3 and the working time of the robot is reduced from 87.35 to 37.12 s, after APF method combined with GA and RL.

Originality/value
This paper proposes a new improved method of APF, and combines it with GA and RL. The experimental results show that the new intelligent obstacle avoidance path planning method proposed in this paper is beneficial to improve the efficiency of the robotic arm.

Graphical abstract
Figure 1 According to principles of bionics, we propose a new path search method, snake-tongue algorithm, based on a slope-type potential field. At the same time, we use genetic algorithm to strengthen the ability of the artificial potential field method for path searching, so that it can complete the path searching in a variety of complex obstacle distribution situations with shorter path searching results. Reinforcement learning is used to reduce the number of path nodes, which is good for improving the efficiency of robot work. The use of genetic algorithm and reinforcement learning lays the foundation for intelligent control.
Is conditional conservatism a source of deviations of financial statements from Benford's Law?
Authors: Nguyen Tri Tri , Duong Chau Minh , Nguyen Nguyet Thi Minh 
Published: January 2022

PurposeIn this paper, the authors examine the association between conditional conservatism and deviations of the first digits of financial statement items from what are expected by Benford's Law.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses data of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. The authors measure deviations of first digits from Benford's Law following Amiramet al. (2015) and firm-year conditional conservatism following previous studies (Basu, 1997; Khan and Watts, 2009; García Laraet al., 2016). The authors use multiple regressions to provide evidence for their hypothesis.FindingsThe results show that conditional conservatism is positively associated with deviations from Benford's Law. The findings are robust across different measures of deviations and conditional conservatism. Also, the authors find that the relationship between deviations from Benford's Law and conditional conservatism is more pronounced for firms with debt issuance, and for leveraged firms facing financial distress. Next, the authors’ analyses confirm previous evidence by showing that the first digits of financial statement items of UK listed companies conform to Benford's Law at the firm-specific level and the market level, and deviations of income statements are larger than those of balance sheets and cash flow statements.Research limitations/implicationsThe research makes significant contributions to the literature. First, this is the first study that provides empirical evidence suggesting that conditional conservatism may be a source of deviations from Benford’s Law. Second, the authors provide evidence confirming previous US findings (e.g. Amiramet al., 2015) showing that the distributions of first digits of financial statement items of UK listed companies also conform to Benford's Law.Practical implicationsThe authors’ findings have implications for auditors. Auditors should be aware of “false positive” for material misstatements when using Benford's Law as a risk assessment procedure. While both conditional conservatism and earnings management are related to deviations from Benford's Law, conservatism-related biases could indicate less audit risks.Originality/valueThe authors provide new and original evidence suggesting that conditional conservatism is related to deviations from Benford's Law.