bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Hepatic Schistosomula Antigens as Promising Targets for Immunodiagnosis and Immunoprotection of Schistosomiasis japonica
Authors: Hou Nan , Piao Xianyu , Jiang Ning , Liu Shuai , Cai Pengfei , Liu Bing , McManus Donald P , Chen Qijun 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Antigens of migrating schistosomula are promising candidates as schistosomiasis vaccine targets, since immune attack on hepatic schistosomula would interrupt the parasites life cycle and reduce egg burden on the host.

Methods
In this study, we report a collection of Schistosoma japonicum schistosomula proteins (SjScPs) that are highly expressed in hepatic schistosomula. The expression characteristics, antigenicity and immune protection of these proteins were studied by western blot, ELISA, immunofluorescence and challenge assays.

Results
We found that several of these SjScPs were highly antigenic and could effectively stimulate humoral immune responses in both human and other mammalian hosts. In particular, SjScP25, SjScP37, SjScP41, SjScP80, and SjScP88 showed high potential as biomarkers for schistosomiasis immunodiagnosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that immunization with several of the recombinant SjScPs were able to protect mice from S japonicum challenge infection, with SjScP25 generating the most protective results.

Conclusions
Our work represents a group of novel schistosome immunogens, which may be promising schistosomiasis japonica diagnosis and vaccine candidates.
Global Disease Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Preterm Children in 2019: A Systematic Review and Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis Protocol
Authors: Wang Xin , Li You , Shi Ting , Ma Yiming , Wahi-Singh Bhanu , Riley Richard D , Nair Harish 
Published: March 2022

AbstractExisting guidelines on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis differ greatly by gestational age (GA) and other underlying risk factors, highlighting the data gaps in RSV disease burden among preterm infants. We will conduct a systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis of RSV global disease burden among preterm-born children. Three databases, Medline, Embase, and Global Health, will be searched for relevant studies on RSV disease burden for 2019 or before in preterm-born children published between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2021. IPD will be sought by contacting the investigators identified from published literature and from existing collaboration networks. One-stage and 2-stage random-effects meta-analyses will be used to combine information from IPD and non-IPD studies to produce summary RSV burden estimates of incidence rate, hospital admission rate, and in-hospital case fatality ratio. The framework will be extended to examine subgroup(s) with the most substantial RSV disease burden.
Improved non-redundant species screening panels for benchmarking the performance of new investigational antibacterial candidates against Category A and B priority pathogens
Authors: Cummings Jason E. , Abdo Zaid , Slayden Richard A. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
NIAID has a programme for testing drug candidates against biodefense and emerging bacterial pathogens that uses defined strain panels consisting of standard laboratory reference strains and strains of clinical origin.

Objectives
The current studies were performed to assess the activity of standard-of-care drugs, determine benchmark criteria for new investigational antibacterial candidate prioritization and identify reduced non-redundant strain panels for candidate performance classification.

Methods
The susceptibilities of each strain in the screening panels to 40 standard-of-care drugs and clinical drug combinations were determined by percentage growth inhibition using multiple concentrations, a method commonly used in efficient high-throughput screening efforts. The drug susceptibility of each strain was categorized based on interpretive criteria to benchmark the activity of each standard-of-care drug and drug combination, followed by confirmation of select active drugs. Exact match and clustering analyses defined focused non-redundant species and pan-species screening panels.

Results
This process revealed a broad spectrum of susceptibilities among strains in each species, with important differences between the standard laboratory reference strains and strains of clinical origin. Exact match and clustering analyses identified subsets of non-redundant strains that can more efficiently classify drug activity resulting in individual species screening panels, a pan-species screening panel and a pan-species maximum resistance panel.

Conclusions
This study resulted in improved non-redundant species screening panels for benchmarking the performance of new investigational antibacterial candidates with the greatest potential for efficacy against clinically relevant Category A and B priority and emerging pathogens.
Videoconferencing for Large Animal Trauma Experiments During COVID-19: A Cross-Continent Experience
Authors: Ali-Mohamad Nabil , Cau Massimo F , Baylis James R , Semple Hugh , Kastrup Christian J , Beckett Andrew 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction
COVID-19 shutdowns in many research facilities across North America impacted preclinical trauma-related research and development. Shutdown limited the speed and resources available for large animal experiments necessary for advancing medical devices and technologies. However, the pandemic led to the rapid adoption and expansion of videoconferencing in social circles, workplaces, and primary care health settings. Here, we describe the use of simple videoconferencing equipment to plan and carry out 3 total weeks of large animal experiments with a large, cross-continent, interdisciplinary team testing a novel technology in swine models of noncompressible intraabdominal hemorrhage and junctional hemorrhage.

Materials and Methods
Animal experiments using swine were scheduled over 3 weeks in February and March 2021 to take place in Toronto, Canada. All relevant animal protocols and COVID-19 site-specific risk assessments were completed and approved by the responsible institutional committees. Experiments were conducted by connecting 12 total research personnel from 3 sites by a simple video conferencing setup which included low-cost, high-definition webcams and standard smartphones streaming to Zoom.

Results
Video conferencing allowed for 3 weeks of trauma experiments to take place at the height of Toronto’s third peak of COVID-19 cases. Up to 3 experiments were completed for models requiring 6 hours of monitoring, and up to 5 experiments were completed for models requiring 3 hours of monitoring. The large amount of digital data collected during these experiments was rapidly shared with our network of collaborators, who analyzed results and interpreted findings in real time.

Conclusions
The system described in this paper has the potential to reduce costs of trauma animal model development and allow for rapid testing and implementation of life-saving devices in settings with limited onsite personnel as experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Part II: Risk Factors for Stress Fractures in Female Military Recruits
Authors: Abbott Alexandra , Wang Cindy , Stamm Michaela , Mulcahey Mary K 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Stress fractures (SFx) represent a significant proportion of injuries in military recruits internationally. Stress fractures disproportionately affect female recruits, a disparity that has similarly been consistently demonstrated in female athletes. Stress fractures result in medical morbidity, financial burden, and medical discharge from military service. This review presents current literature regarding SFx risk factors to identify and/or mitigate in this high-risk population.

Methods
A literature review was conducted using PubMed to find relevant articles. We utilized keywords stress fracture, military, recruits, female, risk factors, modifiable, non-modifiable, overuse, nutrition, and/or prevention. Articles older than 10 years (published before 2010) were not considered. Review articles were considered, but if a research article was cited by a review, the research was included directly. Articles with primary military data, members of the military as subjects, especially when female recruits were included, were strongly considered for inclusion in this review.

Results
Modifiable risk factors for SFx include nutritional deficiency, especially of iron, vitamin D, and possibly calcium, poor physical fitness, suboptimal training programming for injury development and recovery, load carriage, and military footwear. Non-modifiable risk factors include female sex, greater height, lower weight and body mass index in females but lower or higher weight and body mass index in males, lower body fat percentage, and lower bone mineral density. In addition, menstrual dysfunction, low energy availability, later age at menarche, and iron deficiency pose unique risks to female recruits. Preventive measures include leadership education, programs with recovery considerations, and risk factor screening.

Conclusion
This review, Part II of a two-part series, guides multidisciplinary management of military recruits, especially females, who are at risk for developing SFx. Unique nuances of the military recruit require specific knowledge to reduce high incidence rates of injury internationally.
Stellar wind effect on the atmospheric escape of hot Jupiters and their Ly α and H α transits
Authors: Mitani Hiroto , Nakatani Riouhei , Yoshida Naoki 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
Atmospheric escape of close-in exoplanets can be driven by high-energy radiation from the host star. The planetary outflows interacting with the stellar wind may generate observable transit signals that depend on the strength of the stellar wind. We perform detailed radiation-hydrodynamics simulations of the atmospheric escape of hot Jupiters with including the wind from the host star in a self-consistent, dynamically coupled manner. We show that the planetary outflow is shaped by the balance between its thermal pressure and the ram pressure of the stellar wind. We use the simulation outputs to calculate the Lyman α and H α transit signatures. Strong winds can confine the outflow and decrease the Lyman α transit depth. Contrastingly, the wind effect on H α is weak because of the small contribution from the uppermost atmosphere of the planet. Observing both of the lines is important to understand the effect of the ultraviolet radiation and wind from the host. The atmospheric mass-loss rate is approximately independent of the strength of the wind. We also discuss the effect of the coronal mass ejections on the signatures. We argue that around M dwarfs the effect can be significant in every transit.
SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1 connects sumoylation and reactive oxygen species homeostasis processes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Castro Pedro Humberto , Couto Daniel , Santos Miguel Ângelo , Freitas Sara , Lourenço Tiago , Dias Eva , Huguet Stéphanie , Marques da Silva Jorge , Tavares Rui Manuel , Bejarano Eduardo Rodríguez , Azevedo Herlander 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The ubiquitin-like modifying peptide SMALL UBIQUITIN-LIKE MODIFIER (SUMO) has become a known modulator of the plant response to multiple environmental stimuli. A common feature of many of these external stresses is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Taking into account that SUMO conjugates rapidly accumulate in response to an external oxidative stimulus, it is likely that ROS and sumoylation converge at the molecular and regulatory levels. In this study, we explored the SUMO–ROS relationship, using as a model the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) null mutant of the major SUMO-conjugation enhancer, the E3 ligase SAP AND MIZ 1 (SIZ1). We showed that SIZ1 is involved in SUMO conjugate increase when primed with both exogenous and endogenous ROS. In siz1, seedlings were sensitive to oxidative stress imposition, and mutants accumulated different ROS throughout development. We demonstrated that the deregulation in hydrogen peroxide and superoxide homeostasis, but not of singlet O2 (1O2), was partially due to SA accumulation in siz1. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis highlighted a transcriptional signature that implicated siz1 with 1O2 homeostasis. Subsequently, we observed that siz1 displayed chloroplast morphological defects and altered energy dissipation activity and established a link between the chlorophyll precursor protochlorophyllide and deregulation of PROTOCHLOROPHYLLIDE OXIDOREDUCTASE A (PORA), which is known to drive overproduction of 1O2. Ultimately, network analysis uncovered known and additional associations between transcriptional control of PORA and SIZ1-dependent sumoylation. Our study connects sumoylation, and specifically SIZ1, to the control of chloroplast functions and places sumoylation as a molecular mechanism involved in ROS homeostatic and signaling events.
Blockchain tools for socio-economic interactions in local communities
Authors: Viano Cristina , Avanzo Sowelu , Cerutti Monica , Cordero Alex , Schifanella Claudio , Boella Guido 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Blockchain technology is generating interest in novel applicative fields such as co-production of public services. Our CommonsHood project is a “wallet app” that uses the Blockchain as a tool to support sustainability of the local economy. Its tokenization mechanism allows everyone to create new types of cryptographic tokens on the Blockchain in order to digitalize assets, augment the availability of local liquidity, and incentivize cooperative socio-economic interactions. This article analyzes a concrete application of CommonsHood for innovating local development policies and service co-production in the tourism sector. We examine this application using Linders’s analytical framework for information and communications technology (ICT)-enabled co-production of services (2012). We show the advantages our project brings for local policies on tourism development, and we discuss the benefits and costs of using the Blockchain in that context. We argue that the observed case study covers different types of digitally enabled co-production of services, and that it can be defined as a case of Governance as a Platform. We also argue that well-established analytical frameworks for ICT-enabled co-production of services need to be expanded in order to account for the new affordances enabled by the Blockchain technology, namely the creation and transaction of digital values, which represent a paradigm change in how we understand the Internet and digital co-production.
The weight status of children in late childhood within south East Wales and predictions for their future health
Authors: Jarvis Stuart , Giles Helen , Jarvis Paul , New Karl 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Current child measurements of weight status in Wales are determined at early childhood only. A further measurement at late childhood could identify adiposity levels prior to adolescence and young adulthood. The aim of this study therefore was to determine current adiposity levels in a cohort of children at late childhood and present a prediction of future levels upon entering young adulthood.

Methods
In total, 288 boys (M age = 10.94 years, SD = 0.58) and 257 girls (M age = 10.78 years, SD = 0.63) from South East Wales were measured for anthropometry and their body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) determined. International Obesity Task Force data predicted their BMI at age 18 years.

Results
Approximately one quarter of boys and girls in late childhood were classified at an unhealthy weight. Predictive data showed that by age 18 years, this percentage had increased to approximately one-third in both genders.

Conclusion
The overweight and obesity levels in our cohort were high and predicted that many could become obese adults. This study therefore supports the call for the current Wales child measurement programme to be extended to report weight status in late childhood.
Unstable jobs and time out of work: evidence from the UK
Authors: Avram Silvia 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This article tests the hypothesis that unstable jobs with variable hours or pay enhance the job-finding chances of the working-age non-employed in the UK, by using a combination of the UK Household Longitudinal Study and the Labour Force Survey data and a discrete time model. We find no evidence on the share of unstable jobs in the non-employed person’s local labour market impacts on the probability to move into employment. This result holds both for men and women and for groups with low employability such as the low educated and the long-term unemployed. It is robust to alternative ways of defining unstable jobs and to the inclusion of unobserved heterogeneity. Overall, findings cast doubt on the importance of unstable jobs for employment creation in the UK.
Characteristics Associated With Disparities Among Older Adults in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outcomes in an Academic Health Care System
Authors: Gelfman Laura P. , Moreno Jaison , Frydman Julia L. , Singer Joshua , Houldsworth Jane , Cordon-Cardo Carlos , Mehrotra Meenakshi , Chai Emily , Aldridge Melissa , Morrison Rolfe S. 
Published: March 2022

Background:
An improved understanding of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is needed to identify predictors of outcomes among older adults with COVID-19.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to examine patient and health system factors predictive of in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and readmission among patients with COVID-19.

Design, Setting, and Participants:
A cohort study of patients aged 18 years and older with COVID-19 discharged from 5 New York hospitals within the Mount Sinai Health System (March 1, 2020–June 30, 2020).

Measures:
Patient-level characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, comorbidities/serious illness, transfer from skilled nursing facility, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viral load, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, treatments); hospital characteristics.

Outcomes:
All-cause in-hospital mortality; ICU admission; 30-day readmission.

Results:
Among 7556 subjects, mean age 61.1 (62.0) years; 1556 (20.6%) died, 949 (12.6%) had an ICU admission, and 227 (9.1%) had a 30-day readmission. Increased age [aged 55–64: odds ratio (OR), 3.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.41–4.46; aged 65–74: OR, 4.67; 95% CI, 3.43–6.35; aged 75–84: OR, 10.73; 95% CI, 7.77–14.81; aged 85 y and older: OR, 20.57; 95% CI, 14.46–29.25] and comorbidities (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.16, 2.13) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Yet older adults (aged 55–64 y: OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.40–0.77; aged 65–74: OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.33–0.65; aged 75–84: OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.18–0.40; aged above 85 y: OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.13–0.34) and those with Medicaid (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56–0.99) were less likely to be admitted to the ICU. Race/ethnicity, crowding, population density, and health system census were not associated with study outcomes.

Conclusions:
Increased age was the single greatest independent risk factor for mortality. Comorbidities and serious illness were independently associated with mortality. Understanding these risk factors can guide medical decision-making for older adults with COVID-19. Older adults and those admitted from a skilled nursing facility were half as likely to be admitted to the ICU. This finding requires further investigation to understand how age and treatment preferences factored into resource allocation.
Increased birth rank of homosexual males: disentangling the older brother effect and sexual antagonism hypothesis
Authors: Raymond Michel , Turek Daniel , Durand Valerie , Nila Sarah , Suryobroto Bambang , Vadez Julien , Barthes Julien , Apostoulou Menelaos , Crochet Pierre-André 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTMale homosexual orientation remains a Darwinian paradox, as there is no consensus on its evolutionary (ultimate) determinants. One intriguing feature of homosexual men is their higher male birth rank compared to heterosexual men. This can be explained by two non-exclusive mechanisms: an antagonistic effect (AE), implying that more fertile women have a higher chance of having a homosexual son and to produce children with a higher mean birth rank, or a fraternal birth effect (FBOE), where each additional older brother increases the chances for a male embryo to develop a homosexual orientation due to an immunoreactivity process. However, there is no consensus on whether both FBOE and AE are present in human populations, or if only one of these mechanisms is at play with its effect mimicking the signature of the other mechanism. An additional sororal birth order effect (SBOE) has also recently been proposed. To clarify this situation, we developed theoretical and statistical tools to study FBOE and AE independently or in combination, taking into account all known sampling biases. These tools were applied on new individual data, and on various available published data (two individual datasets, and all relevant aggregated data). Support for FBOE was apparent in aggregated data, with the FBOE increasing linearly with fertility. The FBOE was also supported in two individual datasets. An SBOE is generated when sampling in presence of FBOE, suggesting that controlling for FBOE is required to avoid artefactual SBOE. AE was not supported in individual datasets, including the analysis of the extended maternal family. The evolutionary implications of these findings are discussed.
Study on the usefulness of Direct Saliva sample Collection (DiSC) by polyester swab
Authors: Aoki Kotaro , Nagashima Mami , Kashiwagi Katsuhito , Chiba Takashi , Sadamasu Kenji , Ishii Yoshikazu , Tateda Kazuhiro 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSaliva sample can be self-collected and used in testing of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) test in Japan. However, this may have difficulty collecting a proper specimen when collecting for the first time. We compared 2 collection methods, conventional methods and Direct Saliva Sample Collection method (DiSC) from 44 asymptomatic or symptomatic individuals who were in quarantine in Toho university hospital. RT-PCR by DiSC method showed about 70 % positive percent agreement compared to RT-PCR by conventional methods. In addition, comparing RT-PCR and TMA by DiSC method, TMA showed about 90 % positive percent agreement compared to RT-PCR. DiSC method is easy to perform by every person, does not have complicated restrictions/instructions and can be used in RT-PCR and TMA. This method allows for ease of saliva collection in certain patient populations.
Repurposing Live Attenuated Trivalent MMR Vaccine as Cost-effective Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Yuguo , Gabere Musa , Taylor Mika , Simoes Camila C. , Dumbauld Chelsae , Barro Oumar , Chamcheu Jean Christopher , Post Steven R. , Kelly Thomas J. , Borad Mitesh J. , Cannon Martin J. , Basnakian Alexei , Nagalo Bolni M. 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTDespite its rising promise, cancer immunotherapy remains out of reach for many patients because of the extensive cost of manufacturing immunotherapy products. In this study, we show that intratumoral injections of the trivalent measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) live attenuated viral vaccine (LAVs) modulates a potent cytotoxic T-cell antitumor immune response, resulting in tumor growth inhibition and improved survival in syngeneic mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer. Using an integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approach, we demonstrated that mechanistically, MMR exerts its antitumor activity by priming innate and adaptive antitumor immune responses, leading to immunologically coordinated cancer cells death. Our findings highlight a promising potential for LAVs, such as MMR, to be repurposed as cost-effective cancer immunotherapy.