bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual evidence for the recruitment of four enzymes with RNase activity to the Bacillus subtilis replication forks
Authors: Hinrichs Rebecca , Graumann Peter L.
Published: September 2022

Removal of RNA/DNA hybrids for the maturation of Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand, or due to misincorporation of ribonucleotides by DNA polymerases, is essential for all types of cells. In prokaryotic cells such as Escherichia coli, DNA polymerase 1 and RNase HI are supposed to remove RNA from Okazaki fragments, but many bacteria lack HI-type RNases, such as Bacillus subtilis. Here, four proteins have been shown to be able to remove RNA from RNA/DNA hybrids in vitro, but their actual contribution to DNA replication is unclear. We have studied the dynamics of DNA polymerase A (similar to Pol 1), 5’->3’ exonuclease ExoR, and the two endoribonucleases RNase HII and HIII in B. subtilis using single molecule tracking. We found that all four enzymes show a localization pattern similar to that of replicative DNA helicase. By scoring the distance of tracks to replication forks, we found that all four enzymes are enriched at DNA replication centers. After inducing UV damage, RNase HIII was even more strongly recruited to the replication forks, and PolA showed a more static behavior, indicative of longer binding events, whereas RNase HII and ExoR showed no response. Inhibition of replication by HPUra clearly demonstrated that both RNase HII and RNase HIII are directly involved in replication, with RNase HIII playing a major role. We found that the absence of ExoR increases the likelihood of RNase HIII at the forks, indicating that substrate availability rather than direct protein interactions may be a major driver for the recruitment of RNases to the lagging strands. Thus, B. subtilis replication forks appear to be an intermediate between E. coli type and eukaryotic replication forks and employ a multitude of RNases, rather than any dedicated enzyme for RNA/DNA hybrid removal.
Simple, rapid, and sensitive quantification of dolichyl phosphates using phosphate methylation and reverse-phase liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Kale Dipali , Kikul Frauke , Phapale Prasad , Beedgen Lars , Thiel Christian , Brügger Britta
Published: September 2022

Dolichyl monophosphates (DolPs) are essential lipids in glycosylation pathways that are highly conserved across almost all domains of life. The availability of DolP is crucial for all glycosylation processes, as these lipids serve as membrane-anchored building blocks that various types of glycosyltransferases use to generate complex post-translational modifications of proteins and lipids. Analysis of DolP species by reverse-phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (RPLC-MS) has remained challenging due to their very low abundance and wide range of lipophilicities. Until now, a method for the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative assessment of DolP species from biological membranes has been lacking. Here we describe a novel approach based on simple sample preparation, rapid and efficient trimethylsilyl diazomethane (TMSD)-dependent phosphate methylation and RPLC-MS analysis for quantification of DolP species with different isoprene chain lengths. We used this workflow to selectively quantify DolP species from lipid extracts derived ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae, HeLa and human skin fibroblasts from steroid 5-α-reductase 3-congenital disorders of glycosylation (SRD5A3-CDG) patients and healthy controls. Integration of this workflow with global lipidomics analyses will be a powerful tool to further our understanding of the role of DolPs in pathophysiological alterations of metabolic pathways downstream of HMG-CoA reductase, associated with CDGs, hypercholesterolemia, neurodegeneration, and cancer.
On the Aging and Reproductive Consequences of Biological Complexity
Authors: Sarkar Tapash Jay
Published: September 2022

Modeling the dynamics of aging often involves attempting to identify a handful of causal factors and correlating it to some ordered and/or disordered evolution. However, this approach may completely overlook the reality of aging as a distributed and complex evolution. Additionally, the theory driving aging should not just be about the how, but also the why, in that there should be motivated objectives and principles behind growth, decay and alternative routes like reproduction. All of these features are incorporated into a new, theoretical model for the aging process proposed herein. It incorporates a number of techniques from other fields that regularly characterize and predict complex systems dynamics.
IL-1β turnover by TRIP12 and AREL1 ubiquitin ligases and UBE2L3 limits inflammation
Authors: Mishra Vishwas , Crespo-Puig Anna , McCarthy Callum , Masonou Tereza , Glegola-Madejska Izabela , Dejoux Alice , Dow Gabriella , Eldridge Matthew J. G. , Marinelli Luciano H. , Meng Meihan , Wang Shijie , Bennison Daniel J. , Shenoy Avinash R.
Published: September 2022

The cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) has pivotal roles in antimicrobial immunity, but also incites inflammatory pathology. Bioactive IL-1β is released following proteolytic maturation of the pro-IL-1β precursor by caspase-1 inflammasomes. UBE2L3/UBCH7, a conserved ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, promotes pro-IL-1β ubiquitylation and proteasomal disposal. However, UBE2L3 actionsin vivoand ubiquitin ligases involved in this process are unknown. Here we report that deletion ofUbe2l3in mice markedly reduces pro-IL-1β turnover in macrophages, leading to excessive mature IL-1β production, neutrophilic inflammation and disease symptoms following inflammasome activation. A family-wide siRNA screen identified two ubiquitin ligases, TRIP12 and AREL1, which we show add K27-, K29- and K33- poly-ubiquitin chains on lysine residues in the ‘pro’ domain and destabilise pro-IL-1β. Mutation of ubiquitylation sites increased pro-IL-1β stability, but did not affect proteolysis by caspase-1. The extent of mature IL-1β production is therefore determined by precursor abundance, and UBE2L3, TRIP12 and AREL1 limit inflammation by shrinking the cellular pool of pro-IL-1β. Our study has uncovered fundamental processes governing IL-1β homeostasis and provided molecular insights that could be exploited to mitigate its adverse actions in disease.
The control of protein arginine phosphorylation facilitates proteostasis by an AAA+ chaperone protease system
Authors: Alver Regina , Hantke Ingo , Cornejo Fabián A. , Gunka Katrin , Rämisch Sebastian , Molière Noël , Charpentier Emmanuelle , Turgay Kürşad
Published: September 2022

We could demonstrate that the AAA+ unfoldase ClpC together with the protein arginine kinase and adaptor protein McsB, its activator McsA and the phosphatase YwlE form a unique chaperone system. Here, the McsA-activated McsB phosphorylates and targets aggregated substrate proteins for extraction and unfolding by ClpC. Sub-stoichiometric amounts of the YwlE phosphatase enhanced the ClpC/McsB/McsA mediated disaggregation and facilitated the de-phosphorylation of the arginine-phosphorylated substrate protein extruded by ClpC, allowing its subsequent refolding. Interestingly, the successfully refolded protein escaped degradation by the loosely associated ClpP protease. This unique chaperone system is thereby able to disaggregate and refold aggregated proteins but can also remove severely damaged protein aggregates by degradation.
Exploring the influence of telework on work performance in public services: experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Varotsis Nikolaos
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Telework has been widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, distance work performed through teleworking may hinder organisational operations in public services owing to lower-than-expected work performance. This research paper aims to explore how teleworking relates to work performance and flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample included 178 managers and employees in public services. The relationships between the variables were evaluated using linear regression.

Findings

The findings indicated that telework affected work performance in public services in different ways. This research also explored the relationship between work performance and work flexibility. The findings revealed that telework had not improved the efficiency of public service work performance; however, the implementation of flexible work schedules owing to teleworking has improved the work performance of public services.

Research limitations/implications

This study only focussed on organisations operating in the public services in Greece.

Practical implications

Teleworking in public services may negatively affect organisational operations due to lower-than-expected work performance.

Social implications

This study could assist managers by showcasing that telework may be better implemented to improve work performance through work flexibility rather than as organisational change.

Originality/value

This novel research aims to gain a better understanding of the impact of telework on factors such as work performance and flexibility.
Altruism and female entrepreneurship: evidence from the Turkish community in Kosovo
Authors: Skeja Afërina , Sadiku-Dushi Nora , Keskin Gülay
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Altruism has an important place in shaping a healthy and developed society for the present and the future. Altruism refers to exhibiting good behavior that does not expect a reward in return. The fact that female entrepreneurs have busy working and private lives and try to be individuals who add value to life while striving for success in this intense tempo increases the investigation of altruism. This study aims to examine the differences in altruistic behaviors of female entrepreneurs according to demographic variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The research sample consists of 120 female entrepreneurs belonging to the Turkish community in Kosovo. T-test and one-way ANOVA analysis were applied to examine the difference between altruism and demographic characteristics.

Findings

This study determined that age and work experience influence altruism. Female entrepreneurs in the age group of 31+ had higher altruism scores than female entrepreneurs in the 21–24 and 25–30 age group. Additionally, it has been revealed that female entrepreneurs with 10 or more years of work experience have higher altruism scores than female entrepreneurs with under 1 year and 1–3 years of work experience. Findings also demonstrated that marital status, education level and income do not influence female entrepreneurs’ altruistic behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

Results obtained from the research are limited to the responses given by the participants to the survey used within the scope of the research.

Originality/value

As Turkish women are small community living in the country, it was interesting to see that apart from their entrepreneurial spirit do they also have altruistic behavior and how this behavior differs among different demographic characteristics. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research will contribute to the literature as no similar study was done before.
Assessing the relationship between service quality, satisfaction and loyalty: the Vietnamese higher education experience
Authors: Bui Ha Thi Thu , Bui Quyen Thi Tu , Nguyen Thanh Thi Phuong , Cao Quang Huu , Phung Thuy Van , Nguyen Ha Thanh
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Service quality has been widely recognized as the core value of any higher education institution (HEIs), especially in the context of higher education reform in Vietnam. The paper aims to assess the student’s perceived service quality using SERVPERF scale and to find the relations between perceived service quality, satisfaction and loyalty in one public university in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

The self-structured questionnaire using SERVPERF scale was administered to 350 students currently attending full-time courses at the university. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to certify the elementary factors. The regression models were applied to determine the relationship between service quality, student satisfaction and student loyalty.

Findings

The findings revealed the significant relationships between student perceived service quality with satisfaction and loyalty. However, this relationship is mediated by student satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to public university education service and examined the perspective of student as “primary customer”; therefore, generalizing the results to other service industries and other role of student as stakeholder or citizen should be used with caution.

Practical implications

The SERVPERF scale could be delivered regularly to get the student’s perception on the HEIs performance. The results should be taken for purpose of continuing quality improvement to enhance the satisfaction and loyalty, particularly in the context of highly competitive environment and university autonomous in Vietnam.

Originality/value

This is believed to be the first study in Vietnam with sufficient evidence to support the concept that service quality positively related to students’ satisfaction and loyalty and satisfaction as mediating factor.
The pan‐genome of Splendidus clade species in the familyVibrionaceae: Insights into evolution, adaptation, and pathogenicity
Authors: Jiang Chunqi , Kasai Hisae , Mino Sayaka , Romalde Jesús L. , Sawabe Tomoo
Published: September 2022

The Splendidus clade is the largest clade inVibrionaceae, and its members are often related to mortality of marine animals with huge economic losses. The molecular bases of their pathogenicity and virulence, however, remain largely unknown. In particular, the complete genome sequences of the Splendidus clade species are rarely registered, which is one of the obstacles to predict core and/or unique genes responsible for their adaptation and pathogenicity, and to perform a fine scale meta‐transcriptome during bacterial infection to their hosts. In this study, we obtained the complete genomes of all type strains in the Splendidus clade and revealed that (1) different genome sizes (4.4–5.9 Mb) withV. lentusthe biggest and most of them had several big plasmids, likely because of the different features on mobilome elements; (2) the Splendidus clade consists of 19 species exceptV. cortegadensis, and 3 sub‐clades (SC) were defined with the 15 most closely related members as SC1; (3) different carbohydrate degradation preferences may be the result of environmental adaptation; and (4) a broad prediction of virulence factors (VFs) revealed core and species unique VF genes.
Efficacy and safety of second‐line chemotherapy for patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer complicated by interstitial lung disease
Authors: Otsuka Kenji , Nokihara Hiroshi , Mitsuhashi Atsushi , Ozaki Ryohiko , Yabuki Yohei , Yoneda Hiroto , Ogino Hirokazu , Nishioka Yasuhiko
Published: September 2022

Background

Treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) is limited because of the risk of its acute exacerbation (AE). Furthermore, the efficacy and safety of second‐line chemotherapy for these patients is unclear.

Methods

To investigate the efficacy and safety of second‐line chemotherapy for NSCLC patients with ILD, we retrospectively reviewed patients who were treated at our institute between April 2010 and December 2018.

Results

Thirty‐five patients received two or more regimens. Thirty‐four patients were male and the median age at the initiation of second‐line chemotherapy was 70 years. Almost all patients had a smoking history. Fourteen patients had adenocarcinoma and 15 had squamous cell carcinoma histology. Stages III and IV were observed in 20 and 11 patients, respectively. With respect to the type of ILD, 12 patients had usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). The overall response rate and disease control rate were 11.4 and 68.6%, respectively. The median progression‐free and median overall survival were 4.1 and 6.4 months, respectively. The AE of ILD was observed in eight patients, five of whom died. UIP and low percentage vital capacity were detected as significant risk factors for the AE of ILD.

Conclusion

Second‐line chemotherapy among patients with NSCLC complicated by ILD showed a certain effectiveness, but some patients experienced the AE of ILD, which may lead to death. The risk of the AE of ILD must be considered especially for patients with UIP and low percentage VC.
The maternal prenatal and offspring early‐life gut microbiome of childhood asthma phenotypes
Authors: Lee‐Sarwar Kathleen A. , Chen Yih‐Chieh , Chen Yuan Yao , Kozyrskyj Anita L. , Mandhane Piush J. , Turvey Stuart E. , Subbarao Padmaja , Bisgaard Hans , Stokholm Jakob , Chawes Bo , Sørensen Søren J. , Kelly Rachel S. , Lasky‐Su Jessica , Zeiger Robert S. , O'Connor George T. , Sandel Megan T. , Bacharier Leonard B. , Beigelman Avraham , Carey Vincent J. , Harshfield Benjamin J. , Laranjo Nancy , Gold Diane R. , Weiss Scott T. , Litonjua Augusto A.
Published: September 2022

Background

The infant fecal microbiome is known to impact subsequent asthma risk, but the environmental exposures impacting this association, the role of the maternal microbiome, and how the microbiome impacts different childhood asthma phenotypes are unknown.

Methods

Our objective was to identify associations between features of the prenatal and early‐life fecal microbiomes and child asthma phenotypes. We analyzed fecal 16 s rRNA microbiome profiling and fecal metabolomic profiling from stool samples collected from mothers during the third trimester of pregnancy (n = 120) and offspring at ages 3–6 months (n = 265), 1 (n = 436) and 3 years (n = 506) in a total of 657 mother–child pairs participating in the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial. We used clinical data from birth to age 6 years to characterize subjects with asthma as having early, transient or active asthma phenotypes. In addition to identifying specific genera that were robustly associated with asthma phenotypes in multiple covariate‐adjusted models, we clustered subjects by their longitudinal microbiome composition and sought associations between fecal metabolites and relevant microbiome and clinical features.

Results

Seven maternal and two infant fecal microbial taxa were robustly associated with at least one asthma phenotype, and a longitudinal gut microenvironment profile was associated with early asthma (Fisher exact test p = .03). Though mode of delivery was not directly associated with asthma, we found substantial evidence for a pathway whereby cesarean section reduces fecal Bacteroides and microbial sphingolipids, increasing susceptibility to early asthma.

Conclusion

Overall, our results suggest that the early‐life, including prenatal, fecal microbiome modifies risk of asthma, especially asthma with onset by age 3 years.
Bypassing the post‐anaesthesia care unit after elective hip and knee arthroplasty: a prospective cohort safety study
Authors: Nielsen N. I. , Kehlet H. , Gromov K. , Troelsen A. , Foss N. B. , Aasvang E. K.
Published: September 2022

Following knee and hip arthroplasty, transfer to a recovery area immediately following surgery and before going to ward might be unnecessary in low‐risk patients. Avoiding the recovery area in this way could allow for more targeted use of resources for higher risk patients, which may improve operating theatre flow and productivity. A prospective single‐centre cohort study on the safety of criteria for bypassing the post‐anaesthesia care unit in elective hip and knee arthroplasty was designed. Criteria were: ASA physical status < 3; peri‐operative bleeding < 500 ml; low postoperative discharge‐score (modified Aldrete‐score); and an uncomplicated surgical and neuraxial anaesthesia procedure. The primary outcome was the number of patients in need of secondary readmission to the post‐anaesthesia care unit. Events within the first 24 postoperative hours were recorded, along with readmission and complication rates. A total of 696 patients were included, with 287 (41%) undergoing total hip arthroplasty, 274 (39%) undergoing total knee arthroplasty and 135 (19%) undergoing unicompartmental knee‐arthroplasty. Of these, 307 (44%) bypassed the post‐anaesthesia care unit. Patients all received multimodal analgesia without peripheral nerve blockade. Only one patient in the ward group required secondary readmission to the post‐anaesthesia care unit. Within 24 h, 151 events were reported, with 41 (27%) in the ward group and 110 (73%) in the post‐anaesthesia care unit group. Two events in each group occurred within 2 hours of surgery. No complications were attributed to bypassing the post‐anaesthesia care unit. The use of simple pragmatic criteria for bypassing the post‐anaesthesia care unit for patients undergoing knee and hip arthroplasty with spinal anaesthesia is possible and associated with significant reduction of post‐anaesthesia care unit admission and without apparent safety issues. Confirmation is needed from other studies and external validity should be interpreted cautiously in centres with different peri‐operative regimens, organisational and staffing structures.
The salvage of mesh infection after hernia repair with the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), a systematic review
Authors: Li Junsheng , Wang Yong , Shao Xiangyu , Cheng Tao
Published: September 2022

Background

Mesh infection is the most feared postoperative complication after abdominal wall hernia repair, often needs mesh removal. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been used in these situations with diverse results. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the NPWT in the treatment of mesh infection, the primary outcome was the mesh salvage rates of different type of meshes and mesh positions.

Methods

Major databases were searched using the keywords negative pressure wound therapy, VSD, vacuum assisted, hernia, mesh infection, including various combinations of the terms. All relevant articles and reference lists in these original studies were also obtained from the above databases.

Results

Ten articles containing 265 patients on the treatment of mesh infection after hernia repair with the use of NPWT method were included. The general infected mesh salvage rate with NPWT was 76.2%. The highest mesh salvage rate was achieved in polypropylene mesh (93.5%), followed by Proceed mesh (83.3%), and the mesh salvage rate was lower in polyester mesh (PCO) (0%) and the ePTFE mesh (14/3%). The salvage rate was higher when mesh placed in the onlay position (82.6%) or retromuscular/sublay position (98.5%), but lower in the IPOM position (55.6%).

Conclusion

The treatment of mesh infection after hernia repair should be individualized according to the mesh type, mesh position and the severity of infection. Infected mesh with favourable mesh materials (large pore and monofilament polypropylene) and favourable positions (onlay or sublay/retromuscular) can be salvaged with the use of NPWT based conservative method.
Association of concomitant headache with hypoperfusion in ischemic stroke: A multimodal CT‐based study
Authors: Ge Yi , Dong Wanli , Lu Haifeng , Zhang Ximeng , Huang Shicun , Yang Yi , Ni Jianqiang
Published: September 2022

Previous investigations indicate that vessel wall elasticity may contribute to the occurrence of an ischemic stroke‐associated headache. In this prospective study, the association between radiologic parameters of intracranial hemodynamic changes and concomitant headaches during the early phase of ischemic stroke was examined. Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were recruited and divided into two groups according to their questionnaire results and the International Classification of Headache Disorder 3 criteria. Baseline data, including stroke sub‐types and neurological function, at admission and discharge were collected. Non‐contrast computed tomography (CT), CT angiography, and CT perfusion were performed to assess intracranial hemodynamic changes. Multiple adjusted logistic models were used and possible confounding factors were included in sequential models. A total of 190 patients with AIS (93 headaches and 97 non‐headache) were recruited. There were significant differences between the two groups in gender, hypertension, Alberta stroke program early CT score, relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF), and relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV). Furthermore, rCBV (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.160; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.055–0.461; p < 0.001) and rCBF (adjusted OR, 0.309; 95% CI, 0.113–0.844; p < 0.05) were significantly associated with concomitant headache during the early phase of AIS in fully adjusted models. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and other confounding factors, p values for the ORs were robust and intensified. Patients with lower rCBV and rCBF tended to experience the concomitant headache during the early phase of AIS. Regional hypoperfusion and microcirculation might play an important role in this separate clinical entity.
Antigingivitis efficacy of a sodium bicarbonate toothpaste: Pooled analysis
Authors: Parkinson Charles R. , Butler Andrew , Ling Martin R.
Published: September 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the antigingivitis and antiplaque treatment effect of a toothpaste containing 67% w/w sodium bicarbonate, at the individual tooth site, tooth region and whole mouth (overall) level, by way of a pooled analysis of data from similarly designed clinical trials.

Methods

Six randomized controlled GSKCH clinical trials, 12–24 weeks in duration, were selected based on pre‐specified criteria which included access to patient level data, pre‐treatment dental prophylaxis, >20 bleeding sites and mild–moderate gingivitis at screening and use of 67% sodium bicarbonate toothpaste and non‐sodium bicarbonate (regular) toothpaste (negative control) for ≥4 weeks. Efficacy outcomes comprised plaque index (TPI), modified gingival index (MGI) and gingival bleeding (bleeding index (BI), number of bleeding sites (BS)). Treatment comparisons were made using ANCOVA for whole mouth (overall) scores and by tooth site region (facial overall, lingual overall; margin/body overall, facial margin/body, lingual margin/body; papillae/interproximal overall, facial papillae/interproximal, lingual papillae/interproximal). Pooled data for BI, MGI, and TPI at individual tooth sites was plotted as a mouthmap to summarize treatment response (change from baseline) by tooth site, at the 24‐week timepoint.

Results

For all measures, whole mouth and for all tooth regions at all post‐treatment timepoints, significant (p < 0.001) differences in favour of the 67% sodium bicarbonate toothpaste compared with control were observed. At the 24‐week timepoint, facial regions demonstrated greater improvements than lingual regions, with the greatest between treatment improvement seen for the facial‐papillae regions for bleeding (BS/BI), facial‐margin regions for MGI and facial‐body regions for TPI. All individual tooth sites demonstrated numerically greater reductions from baseline for the 67% sodium bicarbonate toothpaste than the control toothpaste following 24 weeks use, with the greatest improvements (change from baseline) seen for posterior and papillae tooth sites for bleeding, margin tooth sites for MGI and body tooth sites for TPI.

Conclusion

This pooled analysis of patient level‐data, limited to GSKCH long‐term gingivitis clinical studies, demonstrates that twice daily use of a 67% sodium bicarbonate toothpaste effectively removes plaque from all tooth sites, and results in clinically significant improvements in measures of gingival health, overall and for all the tooth regions investigated, compared with a non‐sodium bicarbonate (regular) toothpaste following 24 weeks twice daily use.
Prenatal interventions and the development of childhood obesity
Authors: Fortin‐Miller Sara , Plonka Brendel , Gibbs Heather , Christifano Danielle , Hull Holly
Published: September 2022

Background

Excess maternal adiposity during pregnancy has lasting effects on child outcomes including increased risk of overweight/obesity, which drives disease development. Prenatal interventions are a potential avenue to curb childhood obesity rates, but little is known on their long‐term influence on offspring adiposity.

Objective

Review the evidence for lasting effects of prenatal interventions on child adiposity.

Methods

Three databases were searched for follow‐up studies of completed prenatal RCTs that involved a diet, exercise, or combined (diet and exercise) intervention, and assessed offspring adiposity‐related outcomes beyond birth.

Results

A total of 18 follow‐up studies describing 4277 offspring were included. Anthropometrics were collected in all studies while body composition was measured in 15 of the studies. Diet or exercise interventions did not have a consistent significant effect on child adiposity. Three combined interventions resulted in lower levels of child adiposity at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Conclusions

No strong association was found between prenatal diet, exercise, or combined interventions and child adiposity. Data are limited due to 63.6% overall retention rate for the follow‐up studies and heterogeneity of intervention approach and child adiposity measures. Findings suggest combined interventions initiated early in pregnancy may decrease offspring adiposity in the first year of life.
Does apple replant disease affect the soil patch selection behaviour and population growth of Collembolans?
Authors: Wadu Thanthri Nilupuli Thushangi , Meyhöfer Rainer
Published: September 2022

Apple replant disease (ARD) is common to all major apple‐growing regions in the world. It occurs when new apple trees are replanted on sites where previously the same or closely related crop species were grown. Biotic (fungi, bacteria and nematodes) and abiotic soil factors (poor soil structure, nutrition) contribute to the development and severity of ARD. However, the aetiology of ARD and effects on higher trophic levels are still unknown. In that sense, Collembola might play an important role, since they are one of the dominant mesofauna groups in many soils. They act as decomposer, fungivores and predators, representing different trophic levels in soil food webs. Therefore, any effect of ARD on the occurrence of Collembola could have ecological impacts on the soil quality and health. Here, we examined the colonization behaviour of two Collembolan species,Folsomia candidaandSinella curviseta, in choice tests and population growth tests using Apple Replant Diseased soil (ARD) and non‐ARD soil samples from different field sites and standardized laboratory bioassays. Additionally, Collembola behaviour was quantified by continuous video observations to investigate short‐term behavioural changes. Results showed that both Collembolan species significantly preferred colonization of the non‐ARD soils compared with ARD soils, independent of the origin of the soil samples or specific disinfection treatments. Moreover, the detailed video analysis of the foraging behaviour indicates rapid colonization of soil samples and low dispersal rates. Most likely, volatile compounds and to a lesser extent feeding stimulants play a vital role for the colonization process for both Collembolan species. Finally, results showed negative effects of ARD on population growth of both Collembolan species already after an 8‐week period, implying strong nutritional deficiencies in ARD affected soils. The hypothesis that ARD causing microorganisms directly affected orientation, colonization and population development of Collembola is discussed.
Bio‐ethical issues in oncology during the first wave of the COVID‐19 epidemic: A qualitative study in a French hospital
Authors: Stoeklé Henri‐Corto , Ladrat Laure , Landrin Terence , Beuzeboc Philippe , Hervé Christian
Published: September 2022

Background

Using a specific bioethical theory (=global bioethics) and method (=a posteriori), we try here to identify and evaluate the bio‐ethical issues raised by the COVID‐19 pandemic, and possible solutions, to improve the management of cancer patients at the hospital in future pandemics, before the emergence of vaccines or scientifically validated treatments.

Materials & Methods

Our work is based primarily on the clinical experience of three oncologists from the oncology department of Foch Hospital in France, who were on the frontline during the first wave of the epidemic. We compared their perceptions with published findings, to complete or nuance their views.

Results

Three bio‐ethical issues were identified, and possible solutions to these problems were evaluated: (1) scientific evidence versus lack of time → the creation of emergency multidisciplinary team meetings (MTM); (2) healthcare equality versus lack of resources → the development of telemedicine; (3) individual liberties versus risk of contamination → role of cancer patients' associations, psychologists and bioethicists.

Conclusion

We consider the creation of an emergency MTM, in particular, in addition to a true ethics committee with real competence in bioethics, to be a first solution that would be easy to implement in hospitals in many countries.
Nonlinear Employment Effects of Tax Policy
Authors: FERRARO DOMENICO , FIORI GIUSEPPE
Published: September 2022

We study the nonlinear propagation mechanism of tax policy in a heterogeneous‐agent equilibrium business cycle model with search frictions in the labor market and an extensive margin of employment adjustment. The model exhibits endogenous job destruction and endogenous hiring standards in the form of occasionally‐binding zero‐surplus constraints. After parameterizing the model using U.S. data, we find that the dynamic response of employment to a temporary change in the labor income tax is highly nonlinear, displaying sizable asymmetries and state dependence. Notably, the response to a tax rate cut is at least twice as large in a recession as in an expansion.
Suspected spontaneous early hemorrhagic transformation of multiple ischemic strokes secondary to primary splenic torsion in a German Shepherd dog
Authors: Van Caenegem Nicolas , Troupel Thibaut , Mortier Jeremy , Thibaud Jean‐Laurent , Blot Stéphane
Published: September 2022

A 3‐year‐old female German Shepherd dog was presented with generalized tonic‐clonic epileptic seizures, right‐sided central vestibular syndrome, and right trigeminal nerve dysfunction. Acute lacunar ischemic strokes within both thalami, right side of the mesencephalon, left side of the myelencephalon, both sides of the cervical spinal cord, and acute hemorrhagic strokes within the rostral part of the right cerebellar hemisphere and right rostral colliculus were identified on magnetic resonance imaging. Additional evaluation identified multiple renal infarcts and complete splenic torsion, with entrapment of the left pancreatic lobe. Medical management, splenectomy, partial pancreatectomy, and intensive physical rehabilitation led to clinical improvement. The histology of the spleen was consistent with hemorrhagic infarction. Three months after onset, neurological examination identified only mild vestibular sequelae. The final diagnosis was multiple ischemic strokes secondary to primary splenic torsion. Spontaneous early hemorrhagic transformation, a well‐known condition in human medicine, also was found in this case.
Interventricular septum angle obtained from cardiac computed tomography for origin differentiation of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia between left and right
Authors: Zhu Xiaomei , Chen Shumin , Ma Kefan , Chen Zenghong , Chen Chun , Jiang Zhixin
Published: September 2022

Aims

Our objective was to explore whether the accuracy of the transitional zone index (TZI) for outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OT‐VAs) origin is affected by cardiac rotation and the additive value of interventricular septum angle (IVSa) obtained from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Methods

Standard 12‐lead ECGs of OT‐VAs with inferior axis in consecutive patients undergoing both CCTA examination and successful ablation were retrospectively analyzed. The IVSa was defined as an angle between the long axis of IVS and sagittal axis of the body from CCTA.

Results

64 patients (31 men; mean age 54.2 ± 11.6 years) were enrolled. The OT‐VAs exhibited right ventricular outflow tract origin in 46 (71.9%) patients and 36 (78.3%) were diagnosed correctly by TZI. The left ventricular outflow tract origin OT‐VAs was observed in 18 (28.1%) patients and 16 (88.9%) were diagnosed correctly by TZI. The patients were then divided into TZI correct group (n = 52) and TZI incorrect group (n = 12). In the TZI incorrect group, 11/12 (91.7%) cases were R/S transition in lead V3 with the TZ score during premature ventricular contractions [2.8(2.5−3.4)], and the TZI between −1.5 and 0. The IVSa was significantly larger in the TZI incorrect group than correct group (52.0 ± 6.9° vs. 39.0 ± 6.1°; p < .0001). The IVSa ≥46° predicted TZI incorrect with 92% sensitivity, 94% specificity, and 94% accuracy.

Conclusion

The IVSa is a novel cardiac rotation index that reliably improves TZI to differentiate the OT‐VAs origin, especially for the OT‐VAs with lead V3 R/S transition.
Levobupivacaine plasma concentrations following repeat caudal anesthetics
Authors: Frawley Geoff , Cortinez Luis Ignacio , Anderson Brian J. , Bjorksten Andrew , King Sebastian
Published: September 2022

Aim

A single caudal anesthetic at the start of lower abdominal surgery is unlikely to provide prolonged analgesia. A second caudal at the end of the procedure extends the analgesia duration but total plasma concentrations may be associated with toxicity. Our aim was to measure total plasma levobupivacaine concentrations after repeat caudal anesthesia in infants and to generate a pharmacokinetic model for prediction of plasma concentrations after repeat caudal anesthesia in neonates, infants and children.

Methods

Infants undergoing definitive repair of anorectal malformations or Hirschsprung's disease received a second caudal anesthesia at the end of the procedure. Total levobupivacaine concentrations were assayed 3–4 times in the first 6 h after the initial caudal. These data were pooled with data from four studies describing plasma concentrations after levobupivacaine caudal or spinal anesthesia. Population pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using nonlinear mixed‐effects models. Covariates included postmenstrual age and body weight. Parameter estimates were used to simulate concentrations after a repeat levobupivacaine 2.5 mg kg−1 caudal at 3 or 4 h following an initial levobupivacaine 2.5 mg kg−1 caudal.

Results

Twenty‐one infants (postnatal age 11–32 weeks, gestation 37–39 weeks, weight 5.2–8.6 kg) were included. The measured peak plasma concentration after repeat caudal levobupivacaine 2.5 mg kg−1 4 h after initial caudal was 1.38 mg L−1 (95% prediction interval 0.60–2.6 mg L−1) and 3 h after initial caudal was 1.46 mg L−1 (0.60–2.80) mg L−1. Simulation of total plasma concentrations in neonates (7 kg, 57 weeks postmenstrual age) given caudal levobupivacaine 4 h after the initial caudal were 1.76 mg L−1 (0.68–3.50) mg L−1 if 2.5 mg kg−1 levobupivacaine was used and 0.88 mg L−1 (0.34–1.73) mg L−1 if 1.25 mg kg−1 of 0.125% levobupivacaine was used. In simulated older children (20 kg, 6 years), the mean maximum concentration was 1.43 mg L−1 (0.60–2.70) mg L−1 if 2.5 mg kg−1 levobupivacaine was repeated at 3 h.

Conclusion

Repeat caudal levobupivacaine 2.5 mg kg−1 at 3 h after an initial 2.5 mg kg−1 dose does not exceed the concentration associated with systemic local anesthetic toxicity. In 2.5% of simulated neonates (weight 3.8 kg, PMA 40 weeks), repeat caudal anesthesia demonstrates broaching of the lower concentration limit associated with toxicity at both 3 and 4 h after initial caudal.
Sealing the gap in bronchoscopic lung volume reduction
Authors: Tonkin James , Shah Pallav L.
Published: September 2022

See related article
Storage-Coupled Nuclear Combined Cycle
Authors: Conlon William M. , Forsberg Charles W.
Published: September 2022

A new design paradigm for nuclear power plants is needed to complement the increasing adoption of low marginal cost variable renewable energy resources. The situation is reflected in the wholesale electricity price–duration curve with four distinct economic opportunities: (a) a hundred or so hours per year of high-value peaking power; (b) about 4000–5000 h of moderate electric prices; (c) about 2000 h per year when renewables set the marginal price at or near zero; and (d) about 1000 h of flexible ramping between the b and c regions. The current approach to the low-carbon energy transition reduces the need for baseload power and requires curtailment of conventional, nuclear, and even renewable generation, decreasing their capacity factors and increasing their fixed charges for electricity generation. Flexible low-carbon dispatchable power plants capable of daily cycling along with storage and time shifting of low-cost nondispatchable renewable power will be needed. Although nuclear power plants have demonstrated load-following capability, cycling can be limited by reactor kinetics (xenon poisoning) as well as by thermal stresses and fatigue considerations in the steam cycle. Storage of nuclear heat is hampered by the relatively low operating temperatures of existing nuclear reactors (but not advanced reactors) that lowers thermal to electric conversion efficiency, which in turn increases the required quantity of storage medium and the cost of storage. The quantity of storage medium can be reduced by integration of thermal energy storage with high-grade heat as in the liquid salt combined cycle (LSCC). The LSCC uses high-temperature gas turbine exhaust heat to increase the electricity output per unit of storage medium, uses the stored energy to add operating flexibility to a bottoming steam cycle, and substantially reduces the fuel heat rate. The low fuel heat rate improves economic competitiveness compared to alternative gas turbine-based power plants, especially when burning expensive fuels such as hydrogen. LSCC could be coupled to a nuclear power plant for time shifting both nuclear and renewable electricity and could support high utilization of a co-located hydrogen electrolysis plant. Further cost reduction could be achieved by using solid media for thermal energy storage, with the liquid salt used as a heat transfer medium.
Complete Genome of Sphingomonas aerolata PDD-32b-11, Isolated from Cloud Water at the Summit of Puy de Dôme, France
Authors: Jarrige Domitille , Nadalig Thierry , Joly Muriel , Sancelme Martine , Vuilleumier Stéphane , Amato Pierre , Bringel Françoise
Published: September 2022

The complete genome of
Sphingomonas aerolata
PDD-32b-11, a bacterium isolated from cloud water, was sequenced. It features four circular replicons, a chromosome of 3.99 Mbp, and three plasmids. Two putative rhodopsin-encoding genes were detected which might act as proton pumps to harvest light energy.
Molecular Epidemiology of Drug Resistance Genes in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates Imported from Nigeria between 2016 and 2020: Continued Emergence of Fully Resistant
Pfdhfr
-
Pfdhps
Alleles
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Xuan , Chen Hualiang , Zhang Jiaqi , Lu Qiaoyi , Ruan Wei , Ling Feng
Published: September 2022

Monitoring the current resistance to antimalarial drugs is critical to enable timely action to prevent its spread and limit its impact. The high prevalence of wild-type
Pfcrt
found in our study is an optimistic signal to reevaluate chloroquine (CQ) sensitivity in Nigeria, which is cost-effective and once played a crucial role in the fight against malaria.
Supplemental Material: Topographic development of a compressional mountain range, the western Transverse Ranges of California, USA, resulted from localized uplift along individual structures and regional uplift from deeper shortening
Authors: Onderdonk N. , al. et
Published: September 2022

Contains PDF and radial plots of luminescence data (Item A), log-log plots of cumulative incision vs age for fluvial terraces (Item B), and profiles of terrace surfaces displaced by faults (Item C)
Complications with hot, cold and altitude environments in disaster management
Authors: Bainbridge Abigail , Wolfe A , Hartley M
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Disaster management is the process of preparing, responding and recovering to an emergency whether that be natural or man-made. It is a time-consuming, resource-heavy process with the aim of reducing the risk of certain events and, where not possible, reducing the impact of said disaster, ensuring that the risks have been identified and appropriate rescue and recovery plan is in place.

Methods

We carried out a thorough literature search on the complications of hot, cold and altitude environments in disaster management and distilled the learnings into this article.

Results

The incidence of disasters of natural, man-made and complex origin is likely to continue increasing as global temperatures continue to rise.

Conclusion

Disaster management in the extreme environments of hot, cold and high altitude is fraught with unique challenges, especially around the physiological response of rescuers, resource constraints and logistics. Recognising these challenges is an important aspect of planning and preparation for disaster management in these environments.
Predicting nonlinear dynamics of short-lived penaeid shrimp species in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Han , Munch Stephan B. , Masi Michelle D. , Pollack Adam G.
Published: September 2022

Predicting the dynamics of harvested species is essential for assessing stock status and establishing index-based management strategies. However, conventional approaches for short-lived species predict dynamics poorly, possibly because unobserved interactions with other species and abiotic factors are often treated as noise. Alternatively, the empirical dynamic modeling (EDM) approach, which uses the time delays of the observed states to compensate for unobserved interactions, may improve the predictions for short-lived species. We test this idea using time series data of two federally managed, short-lived penaeid shrimp species, whose abundances were surveyed over 30 years (1987–2018) across the US Gulf of Mexico. We show that ( i) abundance dynamics of these annual shrimp stocks are well-predicted by EDM, ( ii) the dynamics are spatially similar across most of the gulf, and ( iii) the stock dynamics are characterized by nonlinear density-dependent interaction and vary with temperature. Our findings suggest that EDM may be more responsive than single-species, catch-at-age models in assessing the stock dynamics for short-lived penaeid shrimp species.
An open-source tool for the calculation of field deliverability and cushion-gas requirements in volumetric gas-reservoir storage sites
Authors: Scafidi Jonathan , Schirrer Laurent , Vervoort Isabelle , Heinemann Niklas
Published: September 2022

Regional estimates of hydrogen storage capacities in porous rocks currently rely on uncertain assumptions of cushion-gas requirements. This paper describes an open-source tool developed in Python that estimates the cushion- and working-gas capacities, and calculates flow rates and energy flows from volumetric gas reservoirs using basic reservoir data. The tool is validated against data from four real fields: Cousland (UK), Grijpskerk (The Netherlands), Hatfield Moors (UK) and Rough (UK). The results show that the cushion-gas requirement is dependent on several factors including the number of wells and the well diameter, and the plateau rate. A very basic economics model also indicates that drilling more wells could result in lower total costs.