bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A scoping review of parenteral requirements (macronutrients, fluid, electrolytes and micronutrients) in adults with chronic intestinal failure receiving home parenteral nutrition
Authors: Baker Melanie , French Chloe , Hann Mark , Lal Simon , Burden Sorrel
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) prescriptions should be individualised in adults with chronic intestinal failure (IF). The aims of the review were to explore HPN requirements and available guidelines and to determine whether adults (≥ 18 years) receive recommended parenteral nutrient doses.

Methods

Online databases searches identified empirical evidence (excluding case‐reports), reviews and guidelines (Published 2006–2024 in English language). Additional reference lists were hand‐searched. Older studies, cited in national guidelines were highlighted to map evidence source. Two reviewers screened 1660 articles independently, with 98 full articles assessed and 78 articles included (of which 35 were clinical studies). Citation tracking identified 12 older studies.

Results

A lack of evidence was found assessing parenteral macronutrient (amounts and ratios to meet energy needs), fluid and electrolyte requirements. For micronutrients, 20 case series reported serum levels as biomarkers of adequacy (36 individual micronutrient levels reported). Studies reported levels below (27 out of 33) and above (24 out of 26) reference ranges for single micronutrients, with associated factors explored in 11 studies. Guidelines stated recommended parenteral dosages. Twenty‐four studies reported variable proportions of participants receiving HPN dosages outside of guideline recommendations. When associated factors were assessed, two studies showed nutrient variation with type of HPN administered (multichamber or individually compounded bags). Five studies considered pathophysiological IF classification, with patients with short bowel more likely to require individualised HPN and more fluid and sodium.

Conclusions

This review highlights substantial evidence gaps in our understanding of the parenteral nutritional requirements of adult receiving HPN. The conclusions drawn were limited by temporal bias, small samples sizes, and poor reporting of confounders and dose. Optimal HPN nutrient dose still need to be determined to aid clinical decision‐making and further research should explore characteristics influencing HPN prescribing to refine dosing recommendations.
Structural insights into the Oryza sativa cation transporters HKTs in salt tolerance
Authors: Gao Ran , Jia Yutian , Xu Xia , Fu Peng , Zhou Jiaqi , Yang Guanghui
Published: February 2024

The high‐affinity potassium transporters (HKTs), selectively permeable to either Na+ alone or Na+/K+, play pivotal roles in maintaining plant Na+/K+ homeostasis. Although their involvement in salt tolerance is widely reported, the molecular underpinnings of Oryza sativa HKTs remain elusive. In this study, we elucidate the structures of OsHKT1;1 and OsHKT2;1, representing two distinct classes of rice HKTs. The dimeric assembled OsHKTs can be structurally divided into four domains. At the dimer interface, a half‐helix or a loop in the third domain is coordinated by the C‐terminal region of the opposite subunit. Additionally, we present the structures of OsHKT1;5 salt‐tolerant and salt‐sensitive variants, a key quantitative trait locus associated with salt tolerance. The salt‐tolerant variant of OsHKT1;5 exhibits enhanced Na+ transport capability and displays a more flexible conformation. These findings shed light on the molecular basis of rice HKTs and provide insights into their role in salt tolerance.
Impact of knowledge, attitudes and self‐reported practices of nurses on early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU
Authors: Sui Weijing , Gong Xiaoyan , Zhuang Yiyu
Published: February 2024

Background

Many ICUs worldwide are striving to integrate early mobilization as part of critical care rehabilitation. However, ICU nurses, who are essential contributors to the early mobilization of critically ill patients, still lack comprehensive surveys assessing their knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding the early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients.

Aim

To analyse the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses regarding the early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients and to explore the effects of these practices.

Study Design

A multicentre cross‐sectional study. ICU nurses in five tertiary hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China, were selected by convenience sampling and invited to complete an online questionnaire between 1 June 2021 and 15 June 2021. Sociodemographic data and the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of ICU nurses regarding early mobilization.

Results

A total of 296 valid questionnaires were collected, for a response rate of approximately 77.5%. The average scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices of ICU nurses regarding the early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients were 42.7 ± 7.4, 34.3 ± 6.5, and 47.1 ± 6.5, respectively, which were good scores. Quantile regressions showed that at the 25% and 50% quartiles, increases in knowledge and attitude scores resulted in increases in practice scores (p < .001); however, at the 75% quartile, increases in knowledge scores did not result in practice score increases (t = 0.000, p = .999); moreover, there was still a 0.5‐point increase in practice scores per 1‐point increase in attitude scores (t = 0.500, p < .001).

Conclusions

The knowledge, attitudes, and self‐reported practices of ICU nurses were good, although there is room for improvement. Considering that the influence of attitudes on practice improvement is more important than knowledge, ICU managers should promote knowledge transformation, strengthen attitudes, and adopt comprehensive measures to promote the early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

To optimize the early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU, introducing multipronged support strategies based on the knowledge and attitudes of ICU nurses is recommended to promote the implementation of such practices.
Functional treatment of bilateral posterior crossbite improves mandibular kinematics during chewing
Authors: Piancino Maria Grazia , Vallelonga Teresa , De Biase Corrado , Di Benedetto Laura , Crincoli Vito , Tortarolo Alessandro
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of treatment of bilateral posterior crossbite (BPXB) on mandibular kinematics by the percentage of reverse chewing cycles (RCCs) during soft and hard bolus chewing before and after the correction of the malocclusion with function‐generating bite (FGB).

Materials and Methods

This prospective study included 71 subjects: 19 patients with occlusally symmetric BPXB (M = 9; F = 10; mean age 9.3 ± 2.2[yr.mo]), 32 patients with occlusally asymmetric BPXB (19 with more teeth in crossbite on the right side (right prevalent side), M = 7; F = 12; mean age 8.2 ± 1.6 [yr.mo] and 13 on the left side, M = 7; F = 6; mean age 9.6 ± 1.9 [yr.mo]) and 20 controls without malocclusion (M = 8; F = 12; mean age 10.2 ± 1.7 [yr.mo]). Masticatory patterns were recorded before (T0) and after (T1) the correction of the malocclusion with FGB, with the K7‐I® kinesiograph using standardized soft and hard boluses.

Results

BPXB was corrected in all included patients. At T0, the percentage of RCCs in BPXB was significantly increased compared to controls (P < .0001); symmetric BPXB showed no difference in RCCs between the sides, whereas asymmetric BPXB showed significantly more RCCs on the side with more teeth in crossbite (prevalent side). After treatment with FGB (T1), the percentage of RCCs was significantly reduced in both symmetric BPXB patients (soft bolus, P = .003; hard bolus, P < .001) and asymmetric BPXB patients (prevalent side: soft and hard bolus, P < .00001; non‐prevalent side: soft bolus, P = .01 and hard bolus, P = .0002).

Conclusion

Functional correction of BPXB with FGB significantly improved mandibular kinematics during chewing.
JMJD2A mediates transcriptional activation of SFRP4 and regulates oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in heart failure
Authors: Ren Mingming , Ye Xiaoqiang , Ouyang Chun , Da Qing'en , Xue Weiwei , Chen Piji
Published: February 2024

The importance of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress has been indicated in the progression of heart failure (HF). The molecular mechanisms, however, remain to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the role and underlying mechanism of secreted frizzled‐related protein 4 (SFRP4) in these two events in HF. Mice with HF were developed using transverse aortic constriction, and hematoxylin‐eosin staining, MASSON staining, and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated 2'‐Deoxyuridine 5'‐ Triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL assays) were conducted to detect morphological damage in the myocardial tissues of mice. HL‐1 mouse cardiomyocytes were induced with isoproterenol (ISO), and cell viability and apoptosis were examined using cell counting kit‐8 and TUNEL assays. SFRP4 and Jumonji domain‐containing protein 2A (JMJD2A) were highly expressed in myocardial tissues. Suppression of SFRP4 alleviated apoptosis and fibrosis in myocardial tissues of mice. In addition, the extent of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in damaged myocardial tissues and HL‐1 cells was mitigated by SFRP4 inhibition as well. JMJD2A catalyzed demethylation modification of the SFRP4 promoter, thus promoting SFRP4 transcription in the development of HF. JMJD2A is responsible for SFRP4 transcription activation in the failing hearts of mice. Blockade of JMJD2A or SFRP4 might be a novel therapy effective in mitigating HF progression.
Carcinogenesis caused by transcription‐coupled DNA damage through GANP and other components of the TREX‐2 complex
Authors: Sakai Yasuhiro , Kuwahara Kazuhiko
Published: February 2024

Perturbation of genes is important for somatic hypermutation to increase antibody affinity during B‐cell immunity; however, it may also promote carcinogenesis. Previous studies have revealed that transcription is an important process that can induce DNA damage and genomic instability. Transciption‐export‐2 (TREX‐2) complex, which regulates messenger RNA (mRNA) nuclear export, has been studied in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae; however, recent studies have started investigating the molecular function of the mammalian TREX‐2 complex. The central molecule in the TREX‐2 complex, that is, germinal center‐associated nuclear protein (GANP), is closely associated with antibody affinity maturation as well as cancer etiology. In this review, we focus on carcinogenesis, lymphomagenesis, and teratomagenesis caused by transcription‐coupled DNA damage through GANP and other components of the TREX‐2 complex. We review the basic machinery of mRNA nuclear export and transcription‐coupled DNA damage. We then briefly describe the immunological relationship between GANP and the affinity maturation of antibodies. Finally, we illustrate that the aberrant expression of the components of the TREX‐2 complex, especially GANP, is associated with the etiology of various solid tumors, lymphomas, and testicular teratoma. These components serve as reliable predictors of cancer prognosis and response to chemotherapy.
The Ralstonia solanacearum effector RipV1 acts as a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase to suppress plant PAMP‐triggered immunity responses and promote susceptibility in potato
Authors: Cheng Dong , Zhou Dan , Wang Yuqi , Wang Yudan , Qiu Huishan , Tan Xiaodan , Wang Bingsen , Huang Mengshu , Song Botao , Chen Huilan
Published: February 2024

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a destructive plant disease, particularly in potato (Solanum tuberosum). R. solanacearum deploys a diverse and potent arsenal of type III effectors to inhibit the plant immune system. However, the understanding of individual effectors promoting susceptibility in host plants and interfering with plant immunity responses is still limited. Here, we demonstrated that the type III effector RipV1 functioned as a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase (NEL) effector and exhibited E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in vitro. Transient expression of RipV1 suppressed plant pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP)‐triggered immunity (PTI) responses in Nicotiana benthamiana, such as the expression of PTI‐related genes and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst. Prolonged expression of RipV1 induced cell death in N. benthamiana leaves. Notably, mutating the conserved cysteine residue of RipV1 abolished its E3 ligase activity and its ability to suppress plant PTI responses. This study also revealed the indispensability of RipV1 for R. solanacearum's full virulence in potato. Transgenic potato plants overexpressing ripV1 but not the catalytic mutant ripV1‐C444A displayed enhanced susceptibility to R. solanacearum. RipV1 was observed to localize specifically to the plant plasma membrane, with its N‐terminus being pivotal in determining this localization. These findings showcase that RipV1 acts as a NEL effector and contributes to R. solanacearum virulence by suppressing plant PTI responses through its E3 activity.
Other People's Liberties
Authors: Halpin Andrew
Published: February 2024

When we seek a fuller understanding of individual liberty including its relational character, we confront a conundrum. The evident advantages of a single individual possessing liberty cannot be simply transferred to a greater number of beneficiaries. This conundrum is confronted with the resources of Hohfeld's analytical framework, developed specifically to elucidate the practical outworkings of interpersonal relations within the law. Attention is also paid to concerns expressed by von Wright over a representation of liberty (permission) within the resources of standard deontic logic which fails to address its social aspect. The aggregate level of the Hohfeldian scheme is employed to represent a complete picture of liberty, but one that cannot guarantee benefits for a plurality of holders. The conclusion is reached that in order to extend the advantages of individual liberty to all, something other than liberty is required.
Stronger together: A workflow to design new fish polycultures
Authors: Lecocq Thomas , Amoussou Nellya , Aubin Joël , Butruille Grégoire , Liarte Sébastien , Pasquet Alain , Thomas Marielle
Published: February 2024

Polyculture is a relevant practice for improving the sustainability of aquaculture, which raises interest in implementing it in a variety of production systems. However, polyculture is a complex approach that can result not only in complementarity among species but also competition among them and animal welfare issues. Potential polyculture benefits can be expected provided that compatibility and complementarity occur among the combined species. This places a premium on identifying the best species combinations for a given aquaculture system. Here, we developed a conceptual integrative workflow to standardise and plan the development of new fish polycultures. This workflow is designed to screen all possible combinations in a set of species based on three successive steps of assessment. Overall, these steps consider the compatibility and complementarity of co‐farmed species as well as stakeholder demands, sustainability and fish welfare. Step 1 consists of selecting the most promising compatible species combinations (i.e., ‘prospective combinations’) as a function of stakeholder opinion and expectations using databases and surveys. Step 2 validates the effectiveness of prospective combinations based on bioassays by considering species complementarity and animal welfare. Step 3 implements the best species combination(s) in aquaculture production, during which prototyping allows the sustainability of the resulting commercial production system to be studied. In conclusion, the workflow aims at being a valuable tool to innovate in aquaculture by exploiting the opportunities and the strengths of polyculture.
Comparing methods of social preference assessment in childhood
Authors: deMayo Benjamin , Olson Kristina R.
Published: February 2024

A central question in social cognitive development concerns the degree to which children prefer social ingroup members relative to social outgroup members. Forced‐choice measures and continuous rating scales are often used to assess these preferences, but little work has examined the extent to which these two methods yield similar or divergent estimates. In Study 1, we used a within‐subjects design to assess gender‐, race‐, and accent‐based preferences in 5–6‐year‐old predominantly white children (N = 100) with both a forced‐choice and a rating measure (on a 1–6 scale); replicating prior work, children expressed ingroup preference along all three dimensions regardless of how they were assessed. In Study 2, we replicated the discrepancy between forced‐choice and rating in children's ingroup gender preferences in a more racially diverse sample (N = 55). In both studies, while responses on forced‐choice and rating measures were correlated, estimates of ingroup preference were stronger in each domain when assessed with a forced‐choice measure. We discuss the implications for researchers who wish to assess social group preferences.
Alternative targeting methods for social assistance programs: Evidence from Tunisia
Authors: Nasri Khaled , Amara Mohamed , Helmi Imane
Published: February 2024

Social assistance programmes are crucial in alleviating poverty, reducing inequality, and addressing social exclusion. The efficacy of these programmes hinges on the precision and efficiency of their targeting methods. Governments, especially in developing countries, can enhance the impact of social assistance programmes and ensure equitable resource distribution by accurately identifying the right individuals or households. This paper proposes two approaches to targeting beneficiaries of social benefits in Tunisia, including cash transfers and healthcare programmes. The first approach, a Mixed Means Test, extends the Proxy Means Test model by integrating individual/household assessments with explicit geographical targeting methods. The second is a multidimensional targeting strategy that explicitly considers the various deprivations faced by the households. Utilising data from the 2015 National Survey on Household Budget, Consumption, and Standard of Living, our results indicate that the targeting performance of the Mixed Means Test surpasses existing programmes both nationally and regionally, notably minimising inclusion and exclusion errors in the poorest regions of Tunisia. However, the multidimensional targeting approach identifies a higher number of potential beneficiaries compared to the current selection process in Tunisia. Including these households in social programmes may be hindered by limited monetary resources and the country's financial constraints. To address this, the multidimensional targeting approach enables the categorisation of potential beneficiaries into three mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive groups based on their degree of deprivation.
First 3D reconstruction of the male genitalia of a Cretaceous fossil cricket: Diving into the evolutionary history of the Oecanthidae family (Orthoptera: Grylloidea) with the incorporation of new fossils in its phylogeny and a total‐evidence dating approach
Authors: Ferreira Jules , Desutter‐Grandcolas Laure , Nel André , Josse Hugo , de Campos Lucas Denadai
Published: February 2024

Fossils are valuable indicators of the evolutionary history of the clades to which they belong to, especially when they are incorporated as terminal taxa in a total‐evidence phylogeny. According to their state of preservation, fossils are often incompletely described for key morphological characters, such as genitalic structures. Here, the internal parts of the genitalia of a male fossil cricket from Cretaceous amber, †Picogryllus carentonensis Josse & Desutter‐Grandcolas (Oecanthidae, Podoscirtinae), together with other key morphological characters (i.e., metanotal structures and tibial spurs), were reconstructed for the first time by 3D microtomography. Total‐evidence phylogeny and dating combining morphological data (fossils and extant taxa), molecular data (extant taxa only) and time calibration (fossil dates) were performed to evaluate the tempo and mode of evolution of the cricket family Oecanthidae. Divergence time estimates were thus refined and the patterns of transformation for key morphological structures contrasted through the analysis of phylogenetic morphological partitions. Our results show that Oecanthidae date back to the Upper Jurassic (Oxfordian, around 162 Ma) and attest to the presence of the Podoscirtinae in Western Europe during the Lower Cretaceous. Morphological evolution may have been driven by the conquest of new resources (as shown by leg evolution in ancestral Oecanthidae) and/or the ‘conquest of silence’ (as shown by repetitive and definitive losses of acoustic structures). By contrast, genitalia evolution proved more diffuse.
Analyzing the Performance of Diversified Commodity Derivatives Portfolios in Brazil
Authors: Braga Vinícius Da Silva , Tessmann Mathias Schneid , Passos Marcelo de Oliveira , E Silva Glauco Fonteles de Oliveira , Kerbeg Marco Antônio
Published: February 2024

This paper seeks to investigate how we invest in commodity derivatives by comparing the performance of portfolios constructed using the mean-variance model, hierarchical risk parity, and the naive strategy with the stock market and the risk-free rate. For this purpose, daily closing future prices of ethanol, corn, cattle, gold, coffee, and soybeans traded in Brazil from 2015 to 2023 are considered, in addition to the rate of interbank deposit certificates (CDI or DI) and the performance of the theoretical portfolio. of shares in the Ibovespa index. The constructed portfolios are analyzed using the Sharpe Ratio, CVaR, Beta, and Maximum Drawdown metrics and the comparison of their returns. The results indicate that the portfolio constructed using the mean-variance model presented the lowest risk ratios and generated the highest return, followed by the hierarchical risk parity, the naive strategy, and the Ibovespa index. These findings are useful for scientific literature that investigates finance by bringing empirical evidence of Brazilian commodities to portfolio managers, investors, and other agents in the supply chain.
Character sums over sparse elements of finite fields
Authors: Mérai László , Shparlinski Igor E. , Winterhof Arne
Published: February 2024

We estimate mixed character sums of polynomial values over elements of a finite field with sparse representations in a fixed ordered basis over the subfield . First we use a combination of the inclusion–exclusion principle with bounds on character sums over linear subspaces to get nontrivial bounds for large . Then we focus on the particular case , which is more intricate. The bounds depend on certain natural restrictions. We also provide families of examples for which the conditions of our bounds are fulfilled. In particular, we completely classify all monomials as argument of the additive character for which our bound is applicable. Moreover, we also show that it is applicable for a large family of rational functions, which includes all reciprocal monomials.
A Novel Methodology to Estimate the Cell Temperature of Photovoltaic Thermal Modules: Test With Experimental Data, Prospects, and Limits
Authors: Mussard Maxime , Vaudrey Alexandre , Zhu Junjie , Foss Sean Erik
Published: February 2024

The efficient use and understanding of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) modules require accurately evaluating the temperature of their photovoltaic cells. But due to their specific composition, measuring this temperature directly is usually very complicated, if not impossible in practice. In this article, we present an original methodology to estimate the temperature of the cells of a PVT module. In order to do this, we simultaneously conduct experiments on both PVT and PV modules equipped with identical PV cells, and compare their electrical performance. The temperature of the PV module’s back side is measured and used to estimate the temperature of the PV cells. The latter is then combined with the electrical power output difference between PV and PVT modules in order to obtain, through a specifically developed thermal model, the cell temperature of the PVT module. In addition, an experimental comparative analysis of different PVT modules is presented. The methodology and the results are promising but the experimental measurements used are subject to significant uncertainties that impact the accuracy of the estimation. The model uses an innovative approach to estimate the PV cell temperature of PVT modules, and recommendations are provided to optimize experimental data measurement accuracy in order to use this model in the best possible conditions.
High crystalline quality homoepitaxial Si-doped β-Ga2O3(010) layers with reduced structural anisotropy grown by hot-wall MOCVD
Authors: Gogova D. , Tran D. Q. , Stanishev V. , Jokubavicius V. , Vines L. , Schubert M. , Yakimova R. , Paskov P. P. , Darakchieva V.
Published: February 2024

A new growth approach, based on the hot-wall metalorganic chemical vapor deposition concept, is developed for high-quality homoepitaxial growth of Si-doped single-crystalline β-Ga2O3 layers on (010)-oriented native substrates. Substrate annealing in argon atmosphere for 1 min at temperatures below 600 °C is proposed for the formation of epi-ready surfaces as a cost-effective alternative to the traditionally employed annealing process in oxygen-containing atmosphere with a time duration of 1 h at about 1000 °C. It is shown that the on-axis rocking curve widths exhibit anisotropic dependence on the azimuth angle with minima for in-plane direction parallel to the [001] and maximum for the [100] for both substrate and layer. The homoepitaxial layers are demonstrated to have excellent structural properties with a β-Ga2O3(020) rocking curve full-widths at half-maximum as low as 11 arc sec, which is lower than the corresponding one for the substrates (19 arc sec), even for highly Si-doped (low 1019 cm−3 range) layers. Furthermore, the structural anisotropy in the layer is substantially reduced with respect to the substrate. Very smooth surface morphology of the epilayers with a root mean square roughness value of 0.6 nm over a 5 × 5 μm2 area is achieved along with a high electron mobility of 69 cm2 V−1 s−1 at a free carrier concentration n=1.9×1019 cm−3. These values compare well with state-of-the-art parameters reported in the literature for β-Ga2O3(010) homoepitaxial layers with respective Si doping levels. Thermal conductivity of 17.4 Wm−1K−1 is determined along the [010] direction for the homoepitaxial layers at 300 K, which approaches the respective value of bulk crystal (20.6 Wm−1K−1). This result is explained by a weak boundary effect and a low dislocation density in the homoepitaxial layers.
Behind the Curtains of Elite Esports: A Case Study From a Holistic Ecological Approach to Talent Development
Authors: Pedraza-Ramirez Ismael , Ramaker Bernadette , Mathorne Ole Winthereik , Watson Matthew , Laborde Sylvain
Published: February 2024

This case study utilized the holistic ecological approach to talent development as a framework to examine the structure and influence of an elite League of Legends environment. We conducted semistructured interviews with five elite male players (Mage = 20.2, SDage = 2.95) and three elite coaches (Mage = 24.67, SDage = 3.21). In addition, observations were implemented in situ to gather important information about the daily life experiences of the esports players and coaches. Findings suggest that this environment’s organizational culture was significantly influenced by interactions within the microenvironment, leading to the development of healthy relationships between players and coaches, impacting development and performance. Given the findings, we offer several salient applied implications for practitioners in elite esports, notably, the importance of understanding a team’s organizational culture alongside working at a one-to-one level. Furthermore, practitioners can educate coaches in optimizing a learning environment and support them in mitigating the challenges of a volatile industry.
Sphingosine induction of the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
hemolytic phospholipase C/sphingomyelinase (PlcH)
Authors: Mackinder Jacob R. , Hinkel Lauren A. , Schutz Kristin , Eckstrom Korin , Fisher Kira , Wargo Matthew J.
Published: February 2024

Hemolytic phospholipase C, PlcH, is an important virulence factor for
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. PlcH preferentially hydrolyzes sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine, and this hydrolysis activity drives tissue damage and inflammation and interferes with the oxidative burst of immune cells. Among other contributors, transcription of
plcH
was previously shown to be induced by phosphate starvation via PhoB and the choline metabolite, glycine betaine, via GbdR. Here, we show that sphingosine can induce
plcH
transcription and result in secreted PlcH enzyme activity. This induction is dependent on the sphingosine-sensing transcriptional regulator SphR. The SphR induction of
plcH
occurs from the promoter for the gene upstream of
plcH
that encodes the neutral ceramidase, CerN, and transcriptional readthrough of the
cerN
transcription terminator. Evidence for these conclusions came from mutation of the SphR binding site in the
cerN
promoter, mutation of the
cerN
terminator, enhancement of
cerN
termination by adding the
rrnB
terminator, and reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) showing that the intergenic region between
cerN
and
plcH
is made as RNA during sphingosine, but not choline, induction. We also observed that, like glycine betaine induction, sphingosine induction of
plcH
is under catabolite repression control, which likely explains why such induction was not seen in other studies using sphingosine in rich media. The addition of sphingosine as a novel inducer for PlcH points to the regulation of
plcH
transcription as a site for the integration of multiple host-derived signals.

IMPORTANCE

PlcH is a secreted phospholipase C/sphingomyelinase that is important for the virulence of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Here, we show that sphingosine, which presents itself or as a product of
P. aeruginosa
sphingomyelinase and ceramidase activity, leads to the induction of plcH transcription. This transcriptional induction occurs from the promoter of the upstream ceramidase gene generating a conditional operon. The transcript on which plcH resides, therefore, is different depending on which host molecule or condition leads to induction, and this may have implications for PlcH post-transcriptional regulation. This work also adds to our understanding of
P. aeruginosa
with host-derived sphingolipids.
NLRP1 restricts porcine deltacoronavirus infection via IL-11 inhibiting the phosphorylation of the ERK signaling pathway
Authors: He Haojie , Li Yongfeng , Chen Yunyan , Chen Jianfei , Li Zhongyuan , Li Liang , Shi Da , Zhang Xin , Shi Hongyan , Xue Mei , Feng Li
Published: February 2024

Continuously emerging highly pathogenic coronaviruses remain a major threat to human and animal health. Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a newly emerging enterotropic swine coronavirus that causes large-scale outbreaks of severe diarrhea disease in piglets. Unlike other porcine coronaviruses, PDCoV has a wide range of species tissue tropism, including primary human cells, which poses a significant risk of cross-species transmission. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 1 (NLRP1) has a key role in linking host innate immunity to microbes and the regulation of inflammatory pathways. We now report a role for NLRP1 in the control of PDCoV infection. Overexpression of NLRP1 remarkably suppressed PDCoV infection, whereas knockout of NLRP1 led to a significant increase in PDCoV replication. A mechanistic study revealed that NLRP1 suppressed PDCoV replication in cells by upregulating IL-11 expression, which in turn inhibited the phosphorylation of the ERK signaling pathway. Furthermore, the ERK phosphorylation inhibitor U0126 effectively hindered PDCoV replication in pigs. Together, our results demonstrated that NLRP1 exerted an anti-PDCoV effect by IL-11-mediated inhibition of the phosphorylation of the ERK signaling pathway, providing a novel antiviral signal axis of NLRP1-IL-11-ERK. This study expands our understanding of the regulatory network of NLRP1 in the host defense against virus infection and provides a new insight into the treatment of coronaviruses and the development of corresponding drugs.

IMPORTANCE

Coronavirus, which mainly infects gastrointestinal and respiratory epithelial cells
in vivo
, poses a huge threat to both humans and animals. Although porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is known to primarily cause fatal diarrhea in piglets, reports detected in plasma samples from Haitian children emphasize the potential risk of animal-to-human spillover. Finding effective therapeutics against coronaviruses is crucial for controlling viral infection. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 1 (NLRP1), a key regulatory factor in the innate immune system, is highly expressed in epithelial cells and associated with the pathogenesis of viruses. We demonstrate here that NLRP1 inhibits the infection of the intestinal coronavirus PDCoV through IL-11-mediated phosphorylation inhibition of the ERK signaling pathway. Furthermore, the ERK phosphorylation inhibitor can control the infection of PDCoV in pigs. Our study emphasizes the importance of NLRP1 as an immune regulatory factor and may open up new avenues for the treatment of coronavirus infection.
Structure-function analysis of the ATPase domain of African swine fever virus topoisomerase
Authors: Kuang Wenhua , Zhao Yan , Li Jinyue , Deng Zengqin
Published: February 2024

Type II topoisomerase utilizes the energy from ATP hydrolysis to alter DNA topology during genome replication and transcription. The ATPase domain of this enzyme is required for ATP hydrolysis and plays a crucial role in coupling DNA binding and ATP turnover with the DNA strand passage reaction. The African swine fever virus (ASFV) specifically encodes a topoisomerase II (topo II), which is critical for viral replication and an attractive target for antiviral development. Here, we present a high-resolution crystal structure of the ASFV topo II ATPase domain complexed with the substrate analog AMPPNP. Structural comparison reveals that the ASFV topo II ATPase domain shares a conserved overall structure with its homologs from eukaryotes and prokaryotes but also has three characteristic regions, including the intra-molecular interface formed by the ATP-lid and QTK loop as well as helix α9, the K-loop in the transducer domain, and the antennae-like α-helix at the ATP binding domain. Mutating the key residues within these three regions impairs or abolishes the basal and DNA-stimulated ATPase activities and reduces or eliminates the relaxation activity of the holoenzyme. Our data indicate that all three regions are functionally important for the ATPase and relaxation activities and strongly suggest that ATP hydrolysis, DNA binding, and strand passage are highly coupled and managed by the allosteric coordination of multiple domains of the type II topoisomerase. Moreover, we find a promising druggable pocket in the dimeric interface of the ASFV topo II ATPase domain, which will benefit future anti-ASFV drug development.

IMPORTANCE

The ATPase domain of type II topoisomerase provides energy by hydrolyzing ATP and coordinates with the DNA-binding/cleavage domain to drive and control DNA transport. The precise molecular mechanisms of how these domains respond to DNA binding and ATP hydrolysis signals and communicate with each other remain elusive. We determine the first high-resolution crystal structure of the ATPase domain of African swine fever virus (ASFV) topo II in complex with AMPPNP and biochemically investigate its function in ATPase and DNA relaxation activities. Importantly, we find that mutations at three characteristic regions of the ASFV ATPase domain produce parallel effects on the basal/DNA-stimulated ATPase and relaxation activities, implying the tight coupling of the ATP hydrolysis and strand passage process. Therefore, our data provide important implications for understanding the strand passage mechanism of the type II topoisomerase and the structural basis for developing ATPase domain-targeting antivirals against ASFV.
Temperature impacts SARS-CoV-2 spike fusogenicity and evolution
Authors: Dufloo Jérémy , Sanjuán Rafael
Published: February 2024

SARS-CoV-2 infects both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, which are characterized by different temperatures (33°C and 37°C, respectively). In addition, fever is a common COVID-19 symptom. SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to replicate more efficiently at low temperatures, but the effect of temperature on different viral proteins remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate how temperature affects the SARS-CoV-2 spike function and evolution. We first observed that increasing temperature from 33°C to 37°C or 39°C increased spike-mediated cell–cell fusion. We then experimentally evolved a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike at these different temperatures. We found that spike-mediated cell–cell fusion was maintained during evolution at 39°C but was lost in a high proportion of viruses that evolved at 33°C or 37°C. Consistently, sequencing of the spikes evolved at 33°C or 37°C revealed the accumulation of mutations around the furin cleavage site, a region that determines cell–cell fusion, whereas this did not occur in spikes evolved at 39°C. Finally, using site-directed mutagenesis, we found that disruption of the furin cleavage site had a temperature-dependent effect on spike-induced cell–cell fusion and viral fitness. Our results suggest that variations in body temperature may affect the activity and diversification of the SARS-CoV-2 spike.

IMPORTANCE

When it infects humans, SARS-CoV-2 is exposed to different temperatures (e.g., replication site and fever). Temperature has been shown to strongly impact SARS-CoV-2 replication, but how it affects the activity and evolution of the spike protein remains poorly understood. Here, we first show that high temperatures increase the SARS-CoV-2 spike fusogenicity. Then, we demonstrate that the evolution of the spike activity and variants depends on temperature. Finally, we show that the functional effect of specific spike mutations is temperature-dependent. Overall, our results suggest that temperature may be a factor influencing the activity and adaptation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike
in vivo
, which will help understanding viral tropism, pathogenesis, and evolution.
Chitosan oligosaccharide improves intestinal homeostasis to achieve the protection for the epithelial barrier of femaleDrosophila melanogastervia regulating intestinal microflora
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhang Cheng , Fan Shuhang , Wang Jianfeng , Zhou Weihao , Zhou Zhaohui , Liu Yuhang , Wang Qianna , Liu Wei , Dai Xianjun
Published: February 2024

Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) is a new type of marine functional oligosaccharide with biological activities such as regulating intestinal microflora and improving intestinal immunity. In this study, femaleDrosophila melanogasterwas used as a model organism to evaluate the effect of COS on intestinal injury by H2O2induction, and its mechanism was explored through the analysis of intestinal homeostasis. The results showed that 0.25% of COS could effectively prolong the lifespan of stressed femaleD. melanogasterby increasing its antioxidant capacity and maintaining intestinal homeostasis, which included protecting the mechanical barrier, promoting the chemical barrier, and regulating the biological barrier by affecting its autophagy and the antioxidant signaling pathway. Additionally, the protective effect of COS on the intestinal barrier and homeostasis ofD. melanogasterunder oxidative stress status is directly related to its regulation of the intestinal microflora, which could decrease excessive autophagy and activate the antioxidant system to promote health.

IMPORTANCE

The epithelial barrier plays an important role in the organism’s health. Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), a new potential prebiotic, exhibits excellent antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory effects. Our study elucidated the protective mechanisms of COS on the intestinal barrier ofDrosophila melanogasterunder oxidative stress, which could provide new insights into COS application in various industries, such as food, agriculture, and medicine.
The hydrocarbon generation process of the deeply buried Cambrian Yuertusi Formation in the Tabei uplift, Tarim Basin, northwestern China: Constraints from calcite veins hosting oil inclusions in the source rock
Authors: Liu Zhuo , Tian Jinqiang , Hao Fang , Yang Xianzhang , Chen Yongquan , Zhang Ke , Wang Xiaoxue , Quan Li , Cong Fuyun
Published: February 2024

In the northern Tarim Basin (northwestern China), Cambrian source rocks are widely distributed, especially within the Lower Cambrian Yuertusi Formation (Є1y). Understanding the hydrocarbon generation process of the Yuertusi Formation source rocks is essential for reconstructing the evolutionary history of the ultra-deep petroleum system in the Tarim Basin. We employed a novel method of reconstructing hydrocarbon generation history by determining the episodes and absolute ages of hydrocarbon generation and expulsion in source rock via the integration of the fluorescence of oil inclusions, inclusion homogenization temperatures, and in situ U-Pb dating of calcite veins containing hydrocarbon inclusions. In the QT1 well area of the Tabei uplift belt, our reconstructed hydrocarbon generation history indicates that during the Late Hercynian (ca. 288–270 Ma), the source rocks generated oil inclusions with yellow-green fluorescence color (λmax [wavelength at maximal light absorbance] ranging from 490 nm to 545 nm, a maturity of ~0.8%). In the Himalayan period (ca. 10 Ma), oil inclusions were generated with blue-white fluorescence color (λmax ranging from 430 nm to 490 nm, a maturity level of ~1.2%). In the central part of the Tabei uplift belt, in the Late Hercynian (ca. 270–260 Ma), oil inclusions with blue-white fluorescence color (λmax ranging from 430 nm to 490 nm, a maturity of ~1.2%) were generated (reaching their hydrocarbon generation peak). Combining basin modeling and constraints from fluid inclusions indicates that the source rocks mainly generated oils at the Late Hercynian period in the Tabei area.
Large-scale submarine landslides in the Barberton Greenstone Belt, southern Africa—Evidence for subduction and great earthquakes in the Paleoarchean
Authors: Lamb Simon , de Ronde Cornel E.J.
Published: February 2024

New mapping of the Barberton Greenstone Belt in South Africa shows that the central part is a pseudo-stratigraphy made of shallow-water and deep-water siliciclastic and volcanic slide blocks, with individual blocks ranging in size from tens of meters to >10 km in length. The outcrop pattern and scale are remarkably similar to those of large-scale Miocene to recent submarine landslides in New Zealand along the active Hikurangi subduction zone that are periodically triggered by earthquakes on the subduction megathrust, providing evidence for megathrust earthquakes in the Paleoarchean.
Supplemental Material: New precise age constraints of the Hatu gold belt, west Junggar, NW China: Implications for a 300 Ma magmatic hydrothermal event in post-collisional setting
Authors: An Fang , et al.
Published: February 2024

Subsidiary analytical methods and results.
Socioeconomic deprivation and racialised disparities in competitive athletes with sudden cardiac arrest from the USA
Authors: Arthur Megan Nicole , DeLong Randi N , Kucera Kristen , Goettsch Barbara P , Schattenkerk Jared , Bekker Sheree , Drezner Jonathan A
Published: February 2024

Objective

To explore the association of socioeconomic deprivation and racialised outcomes in competitive athletes with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in the USA.

Methods

SCA cases from the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research (July 2014 to June 2021) were included. We matched Area Deprivation Index (ADI) scores (17 metrics to grade socioeconomic conditions) to the 9-digit zip codes for each athlete’s home address. ADI is scored 1–100 with higher scores indicating greater neighbourhood socioeconomic deprivation. Analysis of variance was used to assess differences in mean ADI by racial groups. Tukey post hoc testing was used for pairwise comparisons.

Results

391 cases of SCA in competitive athletes (85.4% male; 16.9% collegiate, 68% high school, 10.7% middle school, 4.3% youth) were identified via active surveillance. 79 cases were excluded due to missing data (19 race, 60 ADI). Of 312 cases with complete data, 171 (54.8%) were white, 110 (35.3%) black and 31 (9.9%) other race. The mean ADI was 40.20 (95% CI 36.64, 43.86) in white athletes, 57.88 (95% CI 52.65, 63.11) in black athletes and 40.77 (95% CI 30.69, 50.86) in other race athletes. Mean ADI was higher in black versus white athletes (mean difference 17.68, 95% CI 10.25, 25.12; p=0.0036) and black versus other race athletes (mean difference 17.11, 95% CI 4.74, 29.47; p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Black athletes with SCA come from areas with higher neighbourhood socioeconomic deprivation than white or other race athletes with SCA. Our findings suggest that socioeconomic deprivation may be associated with racialised disparities in athletes with SCA.
‘You can change your life through sports’—physical activity interventions to improve the health and well-being of adults experiencing homelessness: a mixed-methods systematic review
Authors: Dawes Jo , Rogans-Watson Raphael , Broderick Julie
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Systematically synthesise evidence of physical activity interventions for people experiencing homelessness (PEH).

Design

Mixed-methods systematic review.

Data sources

EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PubMed (MEDLINE), PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus and Cochrane Library, searched from inception to October 2022.

Eligibility criteria

PICO framework: population (quantitative/qualitative studies of PEH from high-income countries); intervention (physical activity); comparison (with/without comparator) and outcome (any health/well-being-related outcome). The risk of bias was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools.

Results

3615 records were screened, generating 18 reports (17 studies, 11 qualitative and 6 quantitative (1 randomised controlled trial, 4 quasi-experimental, 1 analytical cross-sectional)) from the UK, USA, Denmark and Australia, including 554 participants (516 PEH, 38 staff). Interventions included soccer (n=7), group exercise (indoor (n=3), outdoor (n=5)) and individual activities (n=2). The risk of bias assessment found study quality to vary; with 6 being high, 6 moderate, 4 low and 1 very low. A mixed-methods synthesis identified physical and mental health benefits. Qualitative evidence highlighted benefits carried into wider life, the challenges of participating and the positive impact of physical activity on addiction. Qualitative and quantitative evidence was aligned demonstrating the mental health benefits of outdoor exercise and increased physical activity from indoor group exercise. Quantitative evidence also suggests improved musculoskeletal health, cardiovascular fitness, postural balance and blood lipid markers (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Qualitative evidence suggests that physical activity interventions for PEH can benefit health and well-being with positive translation to wider life. There was limited positive quantitative evidence, although most was inconclusive. Although the evidence suggests a potential recommendation for physical activity interventions for PEH, results may not be transferable outside high-income countries. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness and optimal programme design.