bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probiotics as a biotherapeutics for the management and prevention of respiratory tract diseases
Authors: Debnath Nabendu , Kumar Ashwani , Yadav Ashok Kumar
Published: April 2022

Respiratory diseases are responsible for a greater mortality rate around the world. Viral or bacterial infections in the respiratory tract have been identified as major causative agents for death and disability among the population. Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) cause severe respiratory ailments starting from coldlike symptoms, eventually affecting the lungs and other viscera, and are mainly categorized into two types depending on the affected area: upper RTIs and lower RTIs. Respiratory viruses belong to several viral families such as influenza virus, enterovirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and recently severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Studies have indicated that people with good immune functions are less prone to respiratory infections and also their recovery rate is quicker. Innate and acquired immune systems actively participate in the recognition and elimination of the pathogenic agents. In the present context, the potential of probiotics is recognized as viable microorganisms that support the balance of the beneficial microbial population in the gastrointestinal tract and promote host immunity. The probiotics have long been known to regulate bodily immune functions and have been used against general RTIs such as cough, pharyngitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, and asthma. In addition, intervention with probiotics could directly affect the composition of the gut microbiota that have been shown to palliate respiratory diseases by modulating pulmonary immune activities through the gut–lung axis, and therefore, probiotics could become an alternative therapeutic approach for RTIs.
Intact Polar and Core Tetraether Lipids in Sediments from the Haiyang 4 Cold‐seep of the Northern South China Sea and their Implications
Authors: LI Yuejiao , SU Xin , JIAO Lu , CHEN Fang , CHENG Sihai
Published: April 2022

A number of cold seeps have been discovered in the northern South China Sea (SCS) including the Haiyang 4 cold‐seep area where Core 973‐5 was collected. Intact polar lipids (IPLs) and core lipids (CLs) were analyzed separately in sediments from Core 973‐5. The most abundant lipid biomarkers were isoprenoidal GDGTs (isoGDGTs), with Crenarchaeol and GDGT‐0 predominating. IPL‐isoGDGTs and CL‐isoGDGTs were mainly derived from Thaumarchaeota. IPL‐isoGDGTs were mainly produced and retained in situ thus containing most of the in situ microbiological information. Branched GDGTs were predominantly derived from generated in marine production, and mixed with some terrestrial inputs. All IPLs groups presented a high value in the sulfate‐methane transition zone (SMTZ). Furthermore, IPL and CL‐MI, IPL‐R0/4 showed the highest values within the SMTZ, while IPL and CL‐R4/i had the lowest values at the SMTZ, suggesting that the contribution of Methanophila and methanogenic to GDGTs increased, while the contribution of ammonia‐oxidizing Archaea to GDGTs decreased at the SMTZ.
CEO overconfidence and the tone of press release
Authors: Gong Rong
Published: April 2022

This paper examines how CEO overconfidence affects the tone of press releases. Using option‐based proxies for CEO overconfidence, I find that over the 2000–2018 period, the press releases issued by firms with overconfident CEOs have more positive tone and receive more positive market reactions. The relation between CEO overconfidence and the tone of press releases is stronger among firms with good operating performance and concentrated in investment‐related news but is insignificant for earnings news. These findings suggest that CEO overconfidence leads to biases in press releases.
Toxic chemical releases and idiosyncratic return volatility: A prospect theory perspective
Authors: Bahadar Stephen , Nadeem Muhammad , Zaman Rashid
Published: April 2022

We investigated whether and how firms’ toxic chemical releases (TCRs) affect idiosyncratic return volatility (IRV) using a prospect theory lens. Utilising a large sample of US public listed firms over the period 2001–2018, we find a significant and positive association between TCRs and IRV, suggesting that firms releasing more toxic chemicals have higher IRV. Additional analyses show that a positive association between TCR and IRV is more evident among firms with (i) high revenue, (ii) lower financial constraints and (iii) fewer environmental violations. A further test also suggests that a positive association between TCRs and IRV is contingent on political leadership ideology and market states. Our results remain consistent with weighted TCRs, IRV based on the Fama–French three‐factor model, fixed‐effect two‐stage least square estimator (FE‐2SLS), and other robustness checks. These findings shed light on the role of equity markets as a driver for capital‐intensive pollution abatement activities and enhanced compliance with environmental laws, standards and best practices.
ThePost‐PoliticalViolence of Racial Property Regimes: Maintaining Gardens’ Land Insecurity through Abstract Codes in East Harlem,NYC
Authors: Gailloux Chantal
Published: April 2022

Six community gardens on City‐owned land in East Harlem have been evicted and relocated for a private mixed‐income and mixed‐use development under Mayor de Blasio’s citywide affordable housing plan, Housing New York. Although the licence agreements enabling gardeners to use public land contained a clerical error concerning which lots gardeners could use, public–private coalitions generating urban space production forcefully affirmed their authority on the interpretation of documents, feeding into the bureaucratic violence of spatial abstraction and racial land injustice. Licence agreements are devices of control over space and its users, and tools of abstraction toward accumulation and racial capitalism. Black and Brown community gardeners have led efforts of urban regeneration when the City rolled back public services in inner‐city neighbourhoods and appropriated land improvements through licence agreements. Housing New York is now catalysing urban regeneration—or City‐led gentrification—for middle‐income and wealthy earners in neighbourhoods with a past of decline. Through the violent story of spatial abstraction and commodification of land used as community gardens, I show how the contestation around a piece of land during participatory governance unfolds through the state’s demonstration of authority with an aura of legality and transparency.
Expanding donor age in liver transplantation using liver grafts from nonagenarian donors
Authors: Caso Maestro Oscar , Justo Alonso Iago , Marcacuzco Quinto Alberto , Manrique Municio Alejandro , Calvo Pulido Jorge , García‐Sesma Alvaro , Jiménez‐Romero Carlos
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Satisfactory outcomes in a series of liver transplantations (LT) with octogenarian liver grafts have been reported, as well as several cases of LT using nonagenarian liver grafts with short follow‐up.

Methods

From October 2013 to December 2019, we performed 426 LT. Six LTs used nonagenarian livers (case group) and 49 used octogenarian livers (control group). A comparative analysis was performed between groups. Median donor age was significantly higher in the nonagenarian group than in the octogenarian group (90.6 years versus 83.4 years; (P < .001). There was a significant difference in LT indications (P = .026) between the groups, but not in perioperative recipient variables, morbidity, or mortality. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year patient survival rates were 67.7% in the recipients of nonagenarian livers and 85.7%, 78.0%, and 74.4%, respectively, in the recipients of octogenarian livers (P = .631). The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year graft survival rates were 66.7% in the recipients of nonagenarian livers and 81.3%, 73.8%, and 70.3%, respectively, in the recipients of octogenarian livers (P = .745).

Conclusions

The results of LT with nonagenarian liver grafts are not significantly different from those obtained with octogenarian donors, taking into consideration the small sample size and careful selection of donors and adequate donor‐recipient matching.
The role of prehabilitation on short‐term outcomes after liver transplantation: A review of the literature and expert panel recommendations
Authors: Vinaixa Carmen , Martínez Palli Graciela , Milliken Donald , Sellers Daniel , Dharancy Sebastien , Spiro Michael , Aristotle Raptis Dimitri , Samuel Didier ,   the ERAS4OLT.org Working Group
Published: April 2022

Background

Prehabilitation programs as part of ERAS protocols are being increasingly used in multiple surgeries, improving postoperative outcomes. Data regarding prehabilitation programs in patients awaiting liver transplantation and their outcomes is scarce.

Objectives

To identify whether prehabilitation programs based on exercise training conducted prior to liver transplantation improve short‐term postoperative outcomes, and to provide expert panel recommendations.

Data sources

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central.

Methods

Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using the GRADE approach derived from an international expert panel. Studies included those evaluating postoperative outcomes, as well as those evaluating functional outcomes. PROSPERO ID: CRD42021236305.

Results

Of the 170 studies screened, only one assessed the primary objective. Most studies focus on the preoperative impact of exercise training on aerobic capacity, muscle mass and/or strength, showing positive effects and no significant adverse events, but are underpowered and with heterogenous designs and interventions. The non‐randomized observational study which assessed relevant postoperative outcomes, showed a non‐significant trend towards reduced 90‐day readmission rate and shorter length of stay in the prehabilitation group.

Conclusions

Prehabilitation prior to liver transplantation is unlikely to be harmful, and likely to have short term benefits on functional status. We cautiously recommend prehabilitation on the basis of absence of harm and possibility of benefit (Quality of Evidence; Very Low | Grade of Recommendation; Low).
An Approach for Selecting a Model for the Assessment of Potentially Contaminated Sites
Authors: Yadav Prabhas K. , Daulat Shamsuddin , Birla Sandhya , Hernandes Natalia Nogueira , Liedl Rudolf , Chahar Bhagu Ram
Published: April 2022

Assessment of potentially contaminated sites (PCS) can be expensive; hence, simple and less demanding methods and models are required. This work attempts to provide an approach that can aid in selecting the most appropriate model for the PCS. The developed method uses over 100 field site data to evaluate four test models (analytical/empirical) that provide the maximum plume length (Lmax), which is used as a principal model ranking quantity in this work. Analysis of site data shows that field plume length (Lf) follows a log‐normal distribution. Subsequently, Lmax is delineated with respect to Lf using a threshold probability as underestimating, overestimating, and overly‐overestimating. Akaike information criterion (AIC) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) are considered to support the threshold approach results. The classical AIC is modified (to AICmod) to fit the term represented by the difference between Lf and Lmax. Additionally, the threshold factors as a product of subjective weights are added to the AICmod. Using Lf and Lmax, the AICmod provides a distinct ranking of the test models. For the AHP approach, the goodness of fit, underestimation, overly overestimation, and model complexity are the four chosen criteria. Similar to AICmod, the AHP approach provides a distinct ranking of the test models. The final decision on the best fitting model can be made on user criteria following the scheme developed in this work.
Phase II trial of nivolumab monotherapy and biomarker screening in patients with chemo‐refractory germ cell tumors
Authors: Kawahara Takashi , Kawai Koji , Kojima Takahiro , Nagumo Yoshiyuki , Sakka Shotarou , Kandori Shuya , Negoro Hiromitsu , Mathis Bryan J , Maruo Kazushi , Miura Koji , Sakamoto Noriaki , Shinohara Nobuo , Yamashita Shinichi , Yonemori Kan , Kishida Takeshi , Ukimura Osamu , Nishimura Kazuo , Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Germ cell tumors are highly susceptible to chemotherapy; however, there is a lack of established treatments for consistently relapsing germ cell tumor. Therefore, in this phase II study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of nivolumab for relapsed germ cell tumor.

Methods

Seventeen adult patients (median age 34 years) with refractory primary germ cell tumor after second‐line or higher chemotherapy were enrolled. Nivolumab was administered over 30 min at 240 mg/body every 2 weeks until disease progression or intolerable adverse event occurrence. The primary endpoint was the overall response rate.

Result

We performed a biomarker analysis of programmed death ligand‐1 expression and genomic sequencing. Tumor histology revealed nonseminoma and seminoma in 14 and three patients, respectively. Patients were pretreated with a median of three chemotherapy lines, and three patients received high‐dose chemotherapy. The median number of nivolumab doses was 3 (range 2–46). One patient showed a partial response and three showed stable disease. Responses were durable in one patient with a partial response and one patient with stable disease (median 90 and 68 weeks, respectively). Nivolumab was well‐tolerated, with only two Grade 3 adverse events observed. Programmed death ligand‐1 expression was not associated with objective responses. Genomic sequencing revealed a high tumor mutation burden in a patient with a durable partial response. While a small subset of chemorefractory germ cell tumors may respond to nivolumab, programmed death ligand‐1 is unreliable to measure response.

Conclusions

Tumor mutation burden is a potential biomarker for future testing of germ cell tumor response.
Pathogenetic role and clinical significance of interleukin‐1β in cancer
Authors: Malkova Anna M. , Gubal Anna R. , Petrova Anastasia L. , Voronov Elena , Apte Ron N. , Semenov Konstantin N. , Sharoyko Vladimir V.
Published: April 2022

In recent years, pro‐oncogenic mechanisms of the tumour microenvironment (ТМЕ) have been actively discussed. One of the main cytokines of the TМЕ is interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), which exhibits proinflammatory properties. Some studies have shown an association between an increase in IL‐1β levels and tumour progression. The purpose of this review is to analyse the pathogenic mechanisms induced by IL‐1β in the TМЕ, as well as the diagnostic significance of the presence of IL‐1β in patients with cancer and the efficacy of treatment with IL‐1β inhibitors. According to the literature, IL‐1β can induce an increase in tumour angiogenesis due to its effects on the differentiation of epithelial cells, pro‐angiogenic molecule secretion and expression of adhesion molecules, thus increasing tumour growth and metastasis. IL‐1β is also involved in the suppression of anti‐tumour immune responses. The expression and secretion of IL‐1β has been noted in various types of tumours. In some clinical studies, an elevated level of IL‐1β was found to be associated with low efficacy of anti‐cancer therapy and a poor prognosis. In most experimental and clinical studies, the use of IL‐1β inhibitors contributed to a decrease in tumour mass and an increase in the response to anti‐tumour drugs.
Oxidation resistance of ZrB2‐based monoliths using polymer‐derived Si(Zr,B)CN as sintering aid
Authors: Petry Nils‐Christian , Ulrich Anke Silvia , Feng Bo , Ionescu Emanuel , Galetz Mathias Christian , Lepple Maren
Published: April 2022

The focus of the present work is the investigation of the influence of polymer‐derived ceramics, used as sintering aids for preparing ZrB2‐based monoliths, on their high‐temperature oxidation behavior. For the preparation of the monoliths, ZrB2 powder was coated with polymer‐derived SiCN, SiZrCN, or SiZrBCN and subsequently densified via hot‐pressing at temperatures as low as 1800°C. To investigate the oxidation kinetics, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed at 1300°C in synthetic air with exposure times of 50 and 100 h. A detailed study of the materials oxide scale and subsurface microstructure was conducted using optical microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The experimental findings were compared to thermodynamic equilibrium calculations using the CALPHAD method, which led to a better understanding of the oxidation mechanism. In comparison to the literature data of ZrB2–SiC, the results show improved oxidation resistance for all three investigated materials. The formation of gaseous species during oxidation, in particular CO, CO2, B2O3, and SiO, within the oxide scale of the monoliths was rationalized via CALPHAD calculations and used to explain the oxidation behavior and kinetics and also the formation of bubbles in the subsurface region of the oxidized specimens.
Efficacy of organic-based carrier material for plant beneficial rhizobacteria application in okra under normal and salt-affected soil conditions
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Shahid Muhammad , Nawaz Farrukh , Ahmad Iftikhar , Ijaz Muhammad , Farooq Abu Bakr Umer , Akram Muhammad , Khalid Umaira , Naqqash Tahir , Mehmood Shehzad , Mubeen Muhammad , Sarfaraz Muhammad , Abbas Yasir
Published: April 2022

Aims

Plant beneficial rhizobacteria (PBR) improve salt tolerance and plant yield in vegetable plants by producing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate-deaminase, indole-3-acetic acid and phosphate solubilization. Organic-based carrier material is needed to ensure the PBR's uniform application, distribution, survival and functioning in a variety of fields. The PBR also use carbon present in the carrier as food and energy source. The selection of a suitable organic-based carrier material for the application of the PBR in normal and saline soils always has received less attention. The current study compared the PBR suitability of different organic-based carrier materials (biochar, biogas residues [BGRs] and coconut powder) and evaluated their effects on okra productivity under normal and saline soil conditions.

Methods and Results

In a pot experiment, the PBR strain Bacillus sp. MR-1/2 (accession number, MG548383) was applied with/or without organic-based carrier materials to okra grown in three different soils: S1 (EC 1.0 dS m−1), S2 (EC 3.0 dS m−1) and S3 (EC 5.0 dS m−1). The experiment was set up in a completely randomized design with five replicates in factorial arrangement. Results indicated that in soil S1, PBR + BGR increased the number of pods per plant, plant dry weight and indole compounds by 64%, 68% and 17% while reduced the electrolyte leakage (ELL), malonaldehyde (MDA) contents and stress ethylene level by 17%, 55% and 38%, respectively over the PBR application without any carrier. Similarly, in soil S2, the treatment PBR + BGR increased the number of pods by 81%, plant dry weight by 40% and indole compounds by 13% while reduced the ELL by 17%, MDA contents by 50% and stress ethylene by 30% over the PBR alone treatment. In soil S3, PBR + biochar increased the number of pods by 51%, plant dry weight by 62% and indole compounds by 20%, while reduced the ELL by 21%, MDA by 40% and indole compounds by 54% over the PBR alone treatment.

Conclusions

Results concluded that in soil S1 and S2 (normal soils), BGR as carrier for PBR showed best results, while in soil S3, biochar as carrier for PBR resulted in enhanced potassium (K+) and calcium (Ca+2) uptake and increased the productivity of okra.

Significance and Impact of Study

Response of different carrier materials in supporting PBR under different soil conditions was variable. This study will help in the selection and use of best suitable carrier material for PBR application under different soil conditions. It is recommended that farmer should use BGR as carrier material for PBR application in normal soils while biochar should be used as carrier for the PBR application in saline soil.
Effective adsorption of perrhenate ions on the filamentous sheath-forming bacteria, Sphaerotilus montanus, Sphaerotilus natans and Thiothrix fructosivorans
Authors: Arshad Faizan , Takeda Minoru , Yoshitake Hideaki
Published: April 2022

Aims

This study aimed to unveil perrhenate sorption properties of the filamentous sheaths formed by Sphaerotilus montanus, Sphaerotilus natans and Thiothrix fructosivorans.

Methods and Results

The adsorptions of perrhenate on lyophilizates of the above-mentioned filamentous sheaths were analysed by ICP, IR, XPS and EDX. The capacity reached 82 mg per g-adsorbent, when using S. natans. The Langmuir coefficient of this adsorbent was found to be the largest of the three. The adsorption capacity was discussed with respect to the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in the adsorbents. The occurrence of anion exchange was implied by the IR spectrum changes before and after adsorption. The adsorption data fitted well with a pseudo-second-order equation, suggesting that the rate is determined by the chemical bond formation.

Conclusions

A significant amount of perrhenate was adsorbed on the sheaths formed by S. montanus, S. natans and T. fructosivorans. The adsorption was correlated with the elemental compositions. A strong chemical bond formation was suggested from the results of the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and kinetic analysis.

Significance and Impact of Study

The capacity obtained for S. natans is one of the largest adsorptions amongst the similar biomaterials, implying the possibility of providing economical adsorbents of rare metal oxyanions.
Siderophore production in pseudomonas SP. strain SP3 enhances iron acquisition in apple rootstock
Authors: Gao Beibei , Chai Xiaofen , Huang Yimei , Wang Xiaona , Han Zhenhai , Xu Xuefeng , Wu Ting , Zhang Xinzhong , Wang Yi
Published: April 2022

Aims

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of siderophore-producing bacteria and bacterial siderophore on the iron nutrition of apple rootstocks under iron-deficient conditions.

Methods and Results

We isolated three Pseudomonas strains, SP1, SP2 and SP3 from the rhizosphere of the Fe-efficient apple rootstocks using the chrome azurol S agar plate assay. We found that all three strains had the ability to secrete indole acetic acid-like compounds and siderophores, especially SP3. When Fe-inefficient rootstocks treated with SP3 were grown in alkaline soil, an increase in the biomass, root development, and Fe concentration was observed in the plants. In addition, SP3 secreted pyoverdine, a siderophore that can chelate Fe3+ to enhance the bioavailability of Fe for plants. We purified the pyoverdine from the SP3 culture supernatant. Hydroponic experiments were conducted with a Fe-deficient solution supplemented with pyoverdine, resulting in a reduction in the chlorosis caused by Fe deficiency and marked improvement in Fe uptake.

Conclusions

Under iron-deficient conditions, Pseudomonas sp. strain SP3 can effectively promote apple rootstock growth and improve plant iron nutrition by secreting siderophores that enhance Fe availability.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study showed that plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria from Fe-efficient plants have the potential to improve iron nutrition in Fe-inefficient plants, and Fe-siderophore chelates can be used as an effective source of iron for apple plants. Based on these findings, it may be possible to develop biological agents such as siderophore-producing bacteria for sustainable agricultural and horticultural production.
Algicidal interaction between Paenibacillus polymyxa MEZ6 and microalgae
Authors: Zhao Na , Yi Li , Ren Sanguo , Yin Qin , Xiang Wei , Zhang Xu , Xie Bo
Published: April 2022

Aims

Algicidal bacteria can be used for control of harmful algal bloom and extraction of algal bioproducts based on their algae-lysing activities. This work investigated the algae-lysing activity of a newly isolated algicidal bacterium, Paenibacillus polymyxa strain MEZ6 and its possible mechanisms.

Methods and Results

Algicidal bacteria were isolated from soil samples collected at the university campus. Co-inoculation tests identified that one isolate, MEZ6, can rapidly kill eukaryotic algae including Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Tribonema minus, Haematococcus pluvialis, and Chlorella ellipsoidea. The strain was determined as Paenibacillus polymyxa MEZ6 based on 16S rRNA gene sequence and genome comparisons. The algicidal activity was detected in both living cells and cell-free supernatant of spent culture medium, suggesting cell-cell contact is not required for algicidal activity. Strain MEZ6 was less active towards cyanobacterial strains compared to algae. Genomic sequence and comparative proteomic analyses were performed to explore the possible algicidal mechanisms of the strain. Differentially expressed protein analysis identified a number of proteins related to polysaccharides degradation and antimicrobial secondary metabolite biosynthesis that may be involved in the algicidal activity of MEZ6.

Conclusion

Paenibacillus polymyxa MEZ6 is a newly discovered gram-positive algicidal bacterial strain with high lytic activity towards several algal species.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Our study extends the understanding of the versatile characters of Paenibacillus polymyxa and sheds new insights into its application in algae biotechnology.
High-copy genome integration and stable production of p-coumaric acid via a POT1-mediated strategy in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Qi Hang , Li Yuanzi , Cai Miao , He Jiaze , Liu Jiayu , Song Xiaofei , Ma Zhongqiang , Xu Haijin , Qiao Mingqiang
Published: April 2022

Aims

To overcome the defective unstable production of p-coumaric acid (p-CA) using episomal plasmids and simultaneously achieve genetic stability and high-copy integration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Methods and results

Two-micron plasmids were used to obtain high titres of p-CA, but p-CA production was decreased significantly in a nonselective medium after 72 h. To overcome the defect of unstable p-CA production during fermentation, delta integration with the triosephosphate isomerase gene from Schizosaccharomyces pombe (POT1) was employed as a selection marker to integrate heterologous p-CA synthesis cassette, and the high-level p-CA-producing strain QT3-20 was identified. In shake flask fermentation, the final p-CA titre of QT3-20 reached 228.37 mg L−1 at 168 h, 11-fold higher than integrated strain QU3-20 using URA3 as the selective marker, and 9-fold higher than the best-performing episomal expression strain NKE1. Additionally, the p-CA titre and gene copy number remained stable after 100 generations of QT3-20 in a nonselective medium.

Conclusion

We achieved high-copy genome integration and stable heterologous production of p-CA via a POT1-mediated strategy in S. cerevisiae.

Significance and impact of study

With superior genetic stability and production stability in a nonselective medium during fermentation, the high-level p-CA-producing strain constructed via POT1-mediated delta integration could serve as an efficient platform strain, to eliminate the threat of unstable and insufficient supply for future production of p-CA derivatives, make downstream processing and biosynthesis much simpler.
Epidemiology of major entero-pathogenic viruses and genetic characterization of Group A rotaviruses among children (≤5 years) with acute gastroenteritis in eastern India, 2018–2020
Authors: Mitra Suvrotoa , Lo Mahadeb , Saha Ritubrita , Deb Alok K. , Debnath Falguni , Miyoshi Shin-Ichi , Dutta Shanta , Chawla-Sarkar Mamta
Published: April 2022

Aims

This study was carried out from January 2018 to March 2020 in Kolkata, eastern India to determine the prevalence rates and epidemiological patterns associated with the major viral agents of gastroenteritis among children ≤5 years of age. Molecular characterization of GARV, the predominant agent of viral gastroenteritis, was done to understand their genotype diversity.

Methods and Results

1284 of 3157 stool samples (~40%) from children (≤5 years) with acute gastroenteritis tested positive for one or more enteric viruses with positivity rates 25.11%, 8.74%, 6.62% and 6.11% for GARV, HAdV-F, AstV and NoV respectively. Co-infection was observed in 5.31% of cases. Associated clinical/meteorological variables like age, sex, symptoms, temperature and precipitation were assessed to find any correlation between these and enteric virus infection rates. >70% of viral gastroenteritis cases were observed in 6–24 months' age group. GARV and AstV infection occurred mostly during cooler months while HAdV-F infection mostly occurred during warmer periods. No definite seasonality was observed for NoV infections. Clinical severity associated with GARV infection was higher compared to other enteric viruses. Genotyping of rotavirus positive samples revealed G3P[8] was the predominantly circulating GARV genotype throughout the study period.

Conclusions

GARV remained the predominant viral agent of acute gastroenteritis among children though its prevalence rates in this region declined significantly compared to the previous years (2010–2016). The prevalence of other enteric viruses was below 10%.

Significance and Impact of study

This study provides valuable insights regarding the current burden of viral gastroenteritis in Eastern India. The 2-year study in children will provide the baseline data for future surveillance studies in evaluating the impact of the introduced GARV vaccine on the overall prevalence of viral gastroenteritis.
The North American Freshwater Migratory Fish Database (NAFMFD): Characterizing the migratory life histories of freshwater fishes of Canada, the United States and Mexico
Authors: Dean Emily M. , Cooper Arthur R. , Wang Lizhu , Daniel Wesley , David Solomon , Ernzen Clayton , Gido Keith B. , Hale Edward , Haxton Tim J. , Kelso William , Leonard Nancy , Lido Chris , Margraf Joseph , Porter Michael , Pennock Casey , Propst David , Ross Jared , Staudinger Michelle D. , Whelan Gary , Infante Dana M.
Published: April 2022

Aim

Migratory freshwater fishes are those that must access discrete habitats to complete their life cycles. Freshwater fish migrations occur around the world and provide numerous ecosystem services for humans and natural systems; however, many migratory species are in decline globally. A limiting factor to successfully conserve freshwater migratory fishes is that the migratory life histories of many species are unknown or only partially described. To provide researchers with critical and comprehensive information to conserve migratory fishes, we developed the North American Freshwater Migratory Fish Database (NAFMFD).

Location

Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Taxon

Freshwater fish.

Methods

To develop this database, we assigned migratory status, pattern and behaviour to a comprehensive list of freshwater fish species found throughout North America. We assembled the database which included assignments (i.e. migratory status, pattern and behaviour) as well as the sources used to make the assignments. Researchers and managers from across North America reviewed the database for completeness and accuracy on the migratory life histories of fishes.

Results

The database synthesizes current knowledge of migratory status, pattern and behaviour of native and non‐native freshwater fishes throughout North America, including 1250 species representing 79 families and 325 genera. Results showcase the diversity of migratory life histories of freshwater fishes on the continent, including that at least 25% of North American freshwater fishes are migratory, 23% are non‐migratory and 44% have undetermined migratory status.

Main conclusions

NAFMFD improves the quality of migratory data accessible to researchers, which supports a more holistic understanding of the threats encountered by migratory fishes, including habitat fragmentation. The approach we used in developing NAFMFD can provide guidance for developing similar databases in other regions. Collectively, our work offers new insights into the range of freshwater fish migratory life histories, stimulating a need to better understand this diversity globally.
High threshold efficacy responses in moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis are associated with additional quality of life benefits: pooled analyses of abrocitinib monotherapy studies in adults and adolescents
Authors: Ständer S. , Bhatia N. , Gooderham M. J. , Silverberg J. I. , Thyssen J. P. , Biswas P. , DiBonaventura M. , Romero W. , Farooqui S. A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Once‐daily abrocitinib treatment provided meaningful improvements in signs and symptoms of moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in randomized controlled studies.

Objective

To evaluate proportions of patients with responses meeting higher threshold efficacy responses than commonly used efficacy end points and to determine if these responses were associated with quality‐of‐life (QoL) benefits.

Methods

Data from a phase 2b (NCT02780167) and two phase 3 studies (NCT03349060/JADE MONO‐1; NCT03575871/JADE MONO‐2) in adult and adolescent patients (N = 942) with moderate‐to‐severe AD receiving once‐daily abrocitinib 200 mg, abrocitinib 100 mg or placebo were pooled. Commonly used (Eczema Area and Severity Index [EASI]‐75 and ≥4‐point improvement in Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale [PP‐NRS4]) and higher threshold efficacy end points (EASI‐90 to <EASI‐100, EASI‐100 or PP‐NRS0/1 response) were evaluated. Proportions of patients across Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index/Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI/DLQI) band descriptors who achieved various efficacy end points were analysed.

Results

More abrocitinib‐treated patients achieved commonly used or higher threshold efficacy end points at week 12 vs. placebo. More abrocitinib‐treated patients who achieved higher threshold efficacy end points reported ‘no effect’ of AD on QoL (by CDLQI/DLQI) at week 12 vs. those who achieved commonly used but not higher threshold efficacy end points (PP‐NRS0/1 vs. PP‐NRS4 but not PP‐NRS0/1 responders [200 mg: 66.3% vs. 17.5%; 100 mg: 62.1% vs. 20.0%]; EASI‐100, EASI‐90 to <EASI‐100 vs. EASI‐75 to <EASI‐90 responders [200 mg: 67.6%, 48.9% vs. 28.8%; 100 mg: 63.2%, 48.1% vs. 36.7%]).

Conclusions

Substantial proportions of patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD receiving abrocitinib met higher threshold efficacy end points, and this was associated with meaningful additional QoL benefits compared with those who did not meet these higher efficacy thresholds. Not only do a substantial proportion of abrocitinib‐treated patients achieve higher threshold efficacy end points but they also do so in a similar timeframe as the more commonly used thresholds for efficacy end points.

Clinical trials

NCT02780167, NCT03349060 and NCT03575871.
Does SAPHO syndrome exist in dermatology?
Authors: Chen W. , Ito T. , Lin S.‐H. , Song Z. , Al‐Khuzaei S. , Jurik A.G. , Plewig G.
Published: April 2022

In the late 1960s, palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) with sternocostoclavicular arthropathy was first described in Japan, predominantly affecting women in the perimenopausal age. In the 1970s, the chronic non‐bacterial osteomyelitis and chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis were initially observed in paediatric patients with approximately 70% girls. Acne fulminans accompanied by polyarthralgia have been observed since early 1970s, which almost exclusively occurs in adolescent boys. Report on spondyloarthropathy associated with hidradenitis suppurativa can be traced back to 1982. The SAPHO syndrome was coined in 1987 to lump together synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis to conceptualize a group of inflammatory osteocutaneous diseases of unclear etiopathogenesis and ill‐defined associations spanning disparate age and gender groups. From historical view, Sasaki syndrome is proposed to replace SAPHO syndrome to represent PPP with sternocostoclavicular arthropathy in the absence of other skin manifestations. Hidradenitis suppurativa is folliculitis in pathogenesis and no longer classified as acne. PPP accompanied by psoriasis vulgaris is more likely psoriasis pustulosa palmoplantaris in dermatological aspect, and the associated arthritis is part of psoriatic arthropathy. Pathophysiology of these disorders is incompletely understood. To echo the advancement of high‐throughput sequencing, splitting but not lumping of clinical findings would be a better strategy to decipher these multigenic complex inflammatory disorders.
Non‐invasive transcriptomic analysis using mRNAs in skin surface lipids obtained from children with mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis
Authors: Shima K. , Inoue T. , Uehara Y. , Iwamura M. , Fukagawa S. , Kuwano T. , Tanida K. , Takada N. , Saito‐Abe M. , Yamamoto‐Hanada K. , Ohya Y. , Murase T.
Published: April 2022

Background

Specimens for analysing the molecular pathology of skin disease are generally obtained through invasive methods, such as biopsy. However, less burdensome methods are desirable for paediatric patients. We recently established a method that comprehensively analyses RNA present in sebum (skin surface lipid–RNAs: SSL‐RNAs) using a next‐generation sequencer. Using this method, biological information can be obtained from the skin in a completely non‐invasive manner.

Objectives

To verify the applicability of the SSL‐RNA method for analysis of paediatric skin and analyse the molecular pathology of mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) in children.

Methods

We collected sebum specimens from the whole faces of 23 healthy children and 16 children with mild‐to‐moderate AD (eczema area and severity index (EASI) score: 5.9 ± 2.6) ranging in age from 6 months to 5 years, using an oil‐blotting film. We then extracted SSL‐RNAs from the samples and performed an AmpliSeq transcriptomic analysis.

Results

The expressions of genes related to keratinization (LCE, PSORS1C2, IVL and KRT17), triglyceride synthesis and storage (PLIN2, DGAT2 and CIDEA), wax synthesis (FAR2), ceramide synthesis (GBA2, SMPD3 and SPTLC3), antimicrobial peptides (DEFB1) and intercellular adhesion (CDSN), all of which are related to the skin barrier, are lower in children with AD than in healthy children. The children with AD also have higher expression of CCL17, a Th2‐cytokine and an increased Th2‐immune response as demonstrated by a gene set variation analysis. Moreover, KRT17 and CCL17 expression levels are significantly correlated with the EASI score.

Conclusions

Molecular changes associated with abnormal immune responses and the epidermal barrier in children with mild‐to‐moderate AD can be determined using the SSL‐RNA method. This non‐invasive method could therefore be a useful means for understanding the molecular pathology of paediatric AD.
Rectal prolapse associated with enlarged seminal vesicles in a Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus)
Authors: Hablolvarid Mohammad Hassan
Published: April 2022

A 7‐year‐old vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) died 8 days after surgery to repair the rectal prolapse. The animal had a history of tenesmus in a week leading up to the rectal prolapse. At necropsy enlargement and dilatation of seminal vesicles that appeared to cause posterior compression of the rectum leading to luminal narrowing. It was concluded that enlargement of the seminal vesicles may have serious consequences such as rectal obstruction and tenesmus leading to prolapse of the rectum in vervet monkeys and should be considered a rare cause of lower gastrointestinal disorders in this species and probably other species of nonhuman primates as well.
Using Foucault to (re)think localisation in chronic disease care: Insights for nursing practice
Authors: Turnbull Dr Margo , Reich Ann
Published: April 2022

Ageing populations and rising rates of chronic disease globally have shifted key elements of disease management to ideas of integrated care and self‐management. The associated policies and programmes often focus on intervention and support beyond the sites of the hospital and clinic. These shifts have significantly impacted the delivery and practice of nursing for both nurses and the clients with whom they work. This article argues that Foucault's comments on space, place and heterotopia (1986) are useful in exploring these changes from a philosophical perspective, to draw out the complexity of these programmes and add texture to discussions on the ways these shifts to localisation and the dominant discourses of self‐management and responsibility have reconfigured nursing practices. The theoretical discussion is augmented with illustrations from an Australian integrated health care programme.
Visual Aids for Sunscreen Application: A mixed methods study
Authors: Julian Anne K. , Tribby Calvin P. , Perna Frank M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Consumers routinely underapply sunscreen, and this may be because they misinterpret application quantity directions on sunscreen labels. U.S. labels use ambiguous terms such as “apply generously” to communicate application quantity. Visual aids may be helpful to consumers to determine proper application quantity.

Purpose

To examine sunscreen application practices and sunscreen quantity visual aid preferences.

Methods

Sets of five GIFs and five static images were created corresponding to five quantities of sunscreen. Participants extracted their typical‐use sunscreen quantity from a pre‐measured tube and answered questions about their estimation process and use of labeled instructions. Participants then identified their typical‐use sunscreen quantity in response to three stimuli: teaspoons, images, and GIFs and reported their preferred format.

Results

No participants reported using the label directions for application quantity to inform their sunscreen use. The GIF‐based visual aid for sunscreen application quantity (44%) was preferred over image‐based (40%) or teaspoon‐based (16%) versions (p = .0249). Addition of a GIF demonstration to clarify application quantity was reported as highly helpful.

Conclusion

Consumers have difficulty determining the appropriate quantity of sunscreen to use and labeling does not influence their application quantity. A QR code incorporating an image or GIF demonstration of proper sunscreen quantity could be useful to sunscreen consumers.
DNA hypomethylation is the plausible driver of heat stress adaptation in Linum usitatissimum
Authors: Saha Dipnarayan , Shaw Arun Kumar , Datta Subhojit , Mitra Jiban , Kar Gouranga
Published: April 2022

Heat stress has a significant impact on the climatic adaptation of flax, a cool‐season economic crop. Genome‐wide DNA methylation patterns are crucial for understanding how flax cultivars respond to heat adversities. It is worth noting that the DNA methylome in flax has yet to be investigated at the nucleotide level. Although heat stress above 40°C caused oxidative damage in flax leaves, 5‐azacytidine, a hypomethylating agent, reduced this effect by 15%–24%. Differences in the expression of the LuMET1 (DNA methyltransferase) gene suggested that DNA methylation/demethylation may play a major role in the flax heat stress response. Thus, whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing‐derived DNA methylation profiles in flax, with or without heat stress and 5‐azaC, were developed and analyzed here. In response to heat stress, a high percentage of significant differentially methylated regions (DMRs), particularly hypomethylated DMRs, were identified in the CHH nucleotide sequence context (H = A/T/C). Some of these DMRs overlapped with transposable element insertions. The majority of DMRs were discovered in intergenic regions, but several DMR loci were also found near genes relevant to heat stress response and epigenetic processes. These DMRs, in particular, are linked to CpG islands, implying a possible role in promoter methylation and gene silencing. The DMRs discovered in this study are crucial for understanding and identifying the key players in heat stress response in flax, which will help in developing climate‐smart flax varieties.
President Trump's Clemency Record: Extraordinary or Just Ordinary?
Authors: Crouch Jeffrey
Published: April 2022

Was President Donald J. Trump's use of the clemency power extraordinary or just ordinary? Does his record of pardons and commutations suggest that extensive reforms are needed? In this article, I take a close look at Trump's clemency record and the questions raised by his actions. I conclude by considering whether any aspects of the clemency power's review process require revision in the wake of the Trump administration.
Nadaraya–Watson estimator for I.I.D. paths of diffusion processes
Authors: Marie Nicolas , Rosier Amélie
Published: April 2022

This paper deals with a nonparametric Nadaraya–Watson (NW) estimator of the drift function computed from independent continuous observations of a diffusion process. Risk bounds on the estimator and its discrete‐time approximation are established. The paper also deals with extensions of the PCO and leave‐one‐out cross‐validation bandwidth selection methods for our NW estimator. Finally, some numerical experiments are provided.
Flipped Classroom Influence on the Learner’s Outcomes: A Study Based on English Writing Courses in Iran
Authors: Shooli Elham , Rahimi Esfahani Fariba , Sepehri Mehrdad
Published: April 2022

The flipped instruction classroom has been claimed as an educational strategy that actively promotes students’ efficiency to independently prepare for lessons, mainly through online material prepared by their teachers. The current study was aimed at addressing the deficits of traditional classroom instruction and enhancing learning among upper-intermediate Iranian EFL learners through implementing flipped classroom instruction. The aim was to improve learners’ English writing outcomes, more precisely, learners’ attitude towards English writing, and experience with English writing using flipped classroom instruction. The study lasted over twelve weeks, from September to December 2020. The participants were 80 EFL students, aged 25-38, learning English in Rama and Parto institutes. Both a questionnaire and pretest-posttest argumentative essay were used for data collection. The outcomes showed that learners had a favorable view of flipped writing instruction classrooms. The flipped learners also revealed statistically significant achievements in the posttest scores than their nonflipped counterparts. Furthermore, the results of this study indicated a broader perspective on a certain number of pedagogical implications for curriculum designers, teachers, administrators, and learners. The study also hopes to help officials and teachers establish a practical class using flipped instruction.