bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GhBZR3 suppresses cotton fiber elongation by inhibiting very‐long‐chain fatty acid biosynthesis
Authors: Shi Zemin , Chen Xia , Xue Huidan , Jia Tingting , Meng Funing , Liu Yunfei , Luo Xiaomin , Xiao Guanghui , Zhu Shengwei
Published: June 2022

The BRASSINAZOLE‐RESISTANT (BZR) transcription factor is a core component of brassinosteroid (BR) signaling and is involved in the development of many plant species. BR is essential for the initiation and elongation of cotton fibers. However, the mechanism of BR‐regulating fiber development and the function of BZR is poorly understood in Gossypium hirsutum L. (cotton). Here, we identified a BZR family transcription factor protein referred to as GhBZR3 in cotton. Overexpression of GhBZR3 in Arabidopsis caused shorter root hair length, hypocotyl length, and hypocotyl cell length, indicating that GhBZR3 negatively regulates cell elongation. Pathway enrichment analysis from VIGS‐GhBZR3 cotton plants found that fatty acid metabolism and degradation might be the regulatory pathway that is primarily controlled by GhBZR3. Silencing GhBZR3 expression in cotton resulted in taller plant height as well as longer fibers. The very‐long‐chain fatty acid (VLCFA) content was also significantly increased in silenced GhBZR3 plants compared with the wild type. The GhKCS13 promoter, a key gene for VLCFA biosynthesis, contains two GhBZR3 binding sites. The results of yeast one‐hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift, and luciferase assays revealed that GhBZR3 directly interacted with the GhKCS13 promoter to suppress gene expression. Taken together, these results indicate that GhBZR3 negatively regulates cotton fiber development by reducing VLCFA biosynthesis. This study not only deepens our understanding of GhBZR3 function in cotton fiber development, but also highlights the potential of improving cotton fiber length and plant growth using GhBZR3 and its related genes in future cotton breeding programs.
The CaMYB340 transcription factor induces chilling injury in post‐harvest bell pepper by inhibiting fatty acid desaturation
Authors: Ge Wanying , Luo Manli , Sun Huajun , Wei Baodong , Zhou Xin , Zhou Qian , Ji Shujuan
Published: June 2022

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a tradable and desirable crop; however, its perishable nature requires low‐temperature handling. Paradoxically, cold causes chilling injury (CI) and post‐harvest waste. Current knowledge about CI in pepper is limited. The mechanism of CI is multi‐faceted; therefore, we focused on fatty acid (FA) desaturation. We identified an upstream nuclear transcription factor (TF), CaMYB340, belonging to the R2R3 MYB subfamily, that negatively regulates FA desaturation and CaCBF3 expression and whose gene and protein expression is induced by low temperature (4°C). Specifically, McrBC treatment and bisulfite sequencing PCR indicate that exposure to cold triggers DNA methylation on one of the CHH sites in the CaMYB340 promoter. This epigenetic event at least partly contributes to the upregulation of CaMYB340 transcript levels. Increased expression of CaMYB340 results in the formation of protein complexes with CabHLH93 and CaMYB1R1, which in turn downregulate the expression of downstream genes. For peppers held at low temperature, transient overexpression of CaMYB340 reduced unsaturated FA content and membrane fluidity, resulting in cold‐induced poor peel texture. Transient CaMYB340 silencing increased FA desaturation and lowered electrolyte leakage, enhancing cold tolerance in CaMYB340 knockdown fruits. Overall, these results underscore the intricacy of transcriptional networks in plants and highlight the role of CaMYB340 in CI occurrence in pepper fruits.
High‐rise syndrome in cats and dogs
Authors: Lefman Sara , Prittie Jennifer E.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To review the current literature pertaining to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries sustained from high‐rise syndrome in cats and dogs.

Etiology

High‐rise syndrome is defined as a fall from a height of 2 or more stories that results in a constellation of injuries, including thoracic, abdominal, orthopedic, and orofacial trauma. Animals often fall after slipping from windowsills, engaging in mating behavior, or chasing prey. Cats suffer less severe injuries than dogs due to their “righting reflex” and smaller body mass. Affected animals are younger, and the frequency of falls is higher in warmer months.

Diagnosis

Physical examination coupled with radiographs, ultrasound, and computed tomography can diagnose a myriad of injuries that include pneumothorax, pleural or abdominal effusion, orthopedic fractures, and orofacial injuries. Bloodwork may identify anemia, thrombocytopenia, or increases in hepatic, renal, or pancreatic values consistent with trauma to these organs. Serial venous or arterial blood gas can help determine the severity of respiratory compromise and influence resuscitative efforts. Traditional coagulation tests and thromboelastography can assess trauma‐induced coagulopathy and guide transfusion therapy.

Therapy

Animals presenting in shock require hemodynamic stabilization. Initial resuscitation may incorporate crystalloids, colloids, blood products, and analgesics. Thoracic injuries may require oxygen, thoracocentesis, chest tube placement, and mechanical ventilation. Fractures and wounds are decontaminated and splinted/bandaged, with definitive fixation pursued after stabilization. Abdominal injuries are managed medically unless there is severe ongoing bleeding, sepsis, or injury to the urinary tract.

Prognosis

In feline high‐rise syndrome, the prognosis is generally excellent following treatment, with survival exceeding 90%. Canine literature is sparse. The largest retrospective study reported a >90% survival to discharge and a greater need for surgical stabilization in this species. There are no prognostic factors identified that are associated with survival for either species.
Biomarkers of heatstroke‐induced organ injury and repair
Authors: Schlader Zachary J. , Davis Michael S. , Bouchama Abderrezak
Published: June 2022

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

The status and potential role of novel biological markers (biomarkers) that can help identify the patients at risk of organ injury or long‐term complications following heatstroke.

What advances does it highlight?

Numerous biomarkers were identified related to many aspects of generalized heatstroke‐induced cellular injury and tissue damage, and heatstroke‐provoked cardiovascular, renal, cerebral, intestinal and skeletal muscle injury. No novel biomarkers were identified for liver or lung injury.

Classic and exertional heatstroke cause acute injury and damage across numerous organ systems. Moreover, heatstroke survivors may sustain long‐term neurological, cardiovascular and renal complications with a persistent risk of death. In this context, biomarkers, defined as biological samples obtained from heatstroke patients, are needed to detect early organ injury, and predict outcomes to develop novel organ preservation therapeutic strategies. This narrative review provides preliminary insights that will guide the development and future utilization of these biomarkers. To this end, we have identified numerous biomarkers of widespread heatstroke‐associated cellular injury, tissue damage and repair (extracellular heat shock proteins 72 and 60, high mobility group box protein 1, histone H3, and interleukin‐1α), and other organ‐specific biomarkers including those related to the cardiovascular system (cardiac troponin I, endothelium‐derived factors, circulation endothelial cells, adhesion molecules, thrombomodulin and von Willebrand factor antigen), the kidneys (plasma and urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin), the intestines (intestinal fatty acid‐binding protein 2), the brain (serum S100β and neuron‐specific enolase) and skeletal muscle (creatine kinase, myoglobin). No specific biomarkers have been identified so far for liver or lung injury in heatstroke. Before translating the identified biomarkers into clinical practice, additional preclinical and clinical prospective studies are required to further understand their clinical utility, particularly for the biomarkers related to long‐term post‐heatstroke health outcomes.
Efficient Hyper-Reduced Small Sliding Tribomechadynamics
Authors: Witteveen Wolfgang , Koller Lukas
Published: June 2022

In the context of tribomechadynamics, hyper-reduction means that the deformations, as well as the contact and friction forces, are not computed based on all involved finite element nodes but in a reduced space. The goal is a reduction of the simulation time so that virtual tribomechadynamics becomes an efficient complement to test bench investigations and a useful tool for predictive simulation. In this work, an efficient hyper-reduction strategy for contact and friction forces is proposed. The available and a priori known space of possible gaps is used for the hyper-reduction of contact forces without using any snapshots. Friction forces on the other hand are computed based on snapshots stemming from a model order reduced simulation. After the theory has been explained, a generic example with bolted joints and different load cases is used to demonstrate the result quality of the method as well as the computational time savings.
Seesaw-type modulation of secondary electron emission characteristics of polytetrafluoroethylene-MgO composite coating
Authors: Cai Yahui , Wang Dan , Zhang Wen , He Yongning
Published: June 2022

The electrostatic discharge (ESD) from polymer insulators is one of the environment-related anomalies on spacecraft. Theoretically, to mitigate the ESD effects, we could modulate the secondary electron yield (SEY, σ) close to 1 in the entire energy range, suppressing surface charges. However, no single polymer insulator has been reported to achieve this seesaw-type modulation of SEY. Here, we exploringly designed and prepared MgO particles doped polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite coating to achieve this goal, which exhibits not only the reduced SEY characteristic of the microstructured PTFE coating at low energy but also the enhanced SEY characteristic of the double-layer structure of PTFE and MgO at high energy. The simulation and experiment results demonstrate that MgO particles doped PTFE coating achieves this seesaw-type modulation of SEY. The optimal MgO concentration is 20%, where the maximum SEY (σmax) changes from 2.0 to 1.1; the SEY at 10 keV (σ10k) changes from 0.6 to 0.8, and the higher energy of the SEY equal to 1 (Ep2) increases from 4.5 to 6.5 keV. The discharge test of the microstrip antennas with PTFE-MgO composite coating in a scanning electron microscope verifies the role of the seesaw-type SEY modulation in surface charge suppression. This study supplies an essential reference for suppressing surface charges on vacuum electronics based on modulation of secondary electron emission characteristics.
An ultrasonically actuated fine-needle creates cavitation in bovine liver
Authors: Perra Emanuele , Hayward Nick , Pritzker Kenneth P. H. , Nieminen Heikki J.
Published: June 2022

Ultrasonic cavitation is being used in medical applications as a way to influence matter, such as tissue or drug vehicles, on a micro-scale. Oscillating or collapsing cavitation bubbles provide transient mechanical force fields, which can, e.g., fractionate soft tissue or even disintegrate solid objects, such as calculi. Our recent study demonstrates that an ultrasonically actuated medical needle can create cavitation phenomena inside water. However, the presence and behavior of cavitation and related bioeffects in diagnostic and therapeutic applications with ultrasonically actuated needles are not known. Using simulations, we demonstrate numerically and experimentally the cavitation phenomena near ultrasonically actuated needles. We define the cavitation onset within a liver tissue model with different total acoustic power levels. We directly visualize and quantitatively characterize cavitation events generated by the ultrasonic needle in thin fresh bovine liver sections enabled by high-speed imaging. On a qualitative basis, the numerical and experimental results show a close resemblance in threshold and spatial distribution of cavitation. These findings are crucial for developing new methods and technologies employing ultrasonically actuated fine needles, such as ultrasound-enhanced fine-needle biopsy, drug delivery, and histotripsy.
An individualization approach for head-related transfer function in arbitrary directions based on deep learning
Authors: Yao Dingding , Zhao Jiale , Cheng Longbiao , Li Junfeng , Li Xiaodong , Guo Xiaochao , Yan Yonghong
Published: June 2022

This paper provides an individualization approach for head-related transfer function (HRTF) in arbitrary directions based on deep learning by utilizing dual-autoencoder architecture to establish the relationship between HRTF magnitude spectrum and arbitrarily given direction and anthropometric parameters. In this architecture, one variational autoencoder (VAE) is utilized to extract interpretable and exploitable features of full-space HRTF spectra, while another autoencoder (AE) is employed for feature embedding of corresponding directions and anthropometric parameters. A deep neural networks model is finally trained to establish the relationship between these representative features. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art methods in terms of spectral distortion.
Functional connectivity of the world’s protected areas
Authors: Brennan A. , Naidoo R. , Greenstreet L. , Mehrabi Z. , Ramankutty N. , Kremen C.
Published: June 2022

Global policies call for connecting protected areas (PAs) to conserve the flow of animals and genes across changing landscapes, yet whether global PA networks currently support animal movement—and where connectivity conservation is most critical—remain largely unknown. In this study, we map the functional connectivity of the world’s terrestrial PAs and quantify national PA connectivity through the lens of moving mammals. We find that mitigating the human footprint may improve connectivity more than adding new PAs, although both strategies together maximize benefits. The most globally important areas of concentrated mammal movement remain unprotected, with 71% of these overlapping with global biodiversity priority areas and 6% occurring on land with moderate to high human modification. Conservation and restoration of critical connectivity areas could safeguard PA connectivity while supporting other global conservation priorities.
The minimum land area requiring conservation attention to safeguard biodiversity
Authors: Allan James R. , Possingham Hugh P. , Atkinson Scott C. , Waldron Anthony , Di Marco Moreno , Butchart Stuart H. M. , Adams Vanessa M. , Kissling W. Daniel , Worsdell Thomas , Sandbrook Chris , Gibbon Gwili , Kumar Kundan , Mehta Piyush , Maron Martine , Williams Brooke A. , Jones Kendall R. , Wintle Brendan A. , Reside April E. , Watson James E. M.
Published: June 2022

Ambitious conservation efforts are needed to stop the global biodiversity crisis. In this study, we estimate the minimum land area to secure important biodiversity areas, ecologically intact areas, and optimal locations for representation of species ranges and ecoregions. We discover that at least 64 million square kilometers (44% of terrestrial area) would require conservation attention (ranging from protected areas to land-use policies) to meet this goal. More than 1.8 billion people live on these lands, so responses that promote autonomy, self-determination, equity, and sustainable management for safeguarding biodiversity are essential. Spatially explicit land-use scenarios suggest that 1.3 million square kilometers of this land is at risk of being converted for intensive human land uses by 2030, which requires immediate attention. However, a sevenfold difference exists between the amount of habitat converted in optimistic and pessimistic land-use scenarios, highlighting an opportunity to avert this crisis. Appropriate targets in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework to encourage conservation of the identified land would contribute substantially to safeguarding biodiversity.
High-throughput, single-microbe genomics with strain resolution, applied to a human gut microbiome
Authors: Zheng Wenshan , Zhao Shijie , Yin Yehang , Zhang Huidan , Needham David M. , Evans Ethan D. , Dai Chengzhen L. , Lu Peter J. , Alm Eric J. , Weitz David A.
Published: June 2022

Characterizing complex microbial communities with single-cell resolution has been a long-standing goal of microbiology. We present Microbe-seq, a high-throughput method that yields the genomes of individual microbes from complex microbial communities. We encapsulate individual microbes in droplets with microfluidics and liberate their DNA, which we then amplify, tag with droplet-specific barcodes, and sequence. We explore the human gut microbiome, sequencing more than 20,000 microbial single-amplified genomes (SAGs) from a single human donor and coassembling genomes of almost 100 bacterial species, including several with multiple subspecies strains. We use these genomes to probe microbial interactions, reconstructing the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) network and observing HGT between 92 species pairs; we also identify a significant in vivo host-phage association between crAssphage and one strain of
Bacteroides vulgatus
. Microbe-seq contributes high-throughput culture-free capabilities to investigate genomic blueprints of complex microbial communities with single-microbe resolution.
Achieving STEM diversity: Fix the classrooms
Authors: Handelsman Jo , Elgin Sarah , Estrada Mica , Hays Shan , Johnson Tracy , Miller Sarah , Mingo Vida , Shaffer Christopher , Williams Jason
Published: June 2022

Outdated teaching methods amount to discrimination
In Science Journals
Authors: Lopez Bianca , Lavine Marc S. , Jiang Di , Hines Pamela J. , Kauzlarich Susan M. , Osborne Ian S. , Vignieri Sacha , Maroso Mattia , Szuromi Phil , Ash Caroline , Scanlon Seth Thomas , Funk Michael A. , Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Erkes Dan A.
Published: June 2022

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Ph.D. students in science demand living wage
Authors: Langin Katie
Published: June 2022

Inflation intensifies long-standing issue of low student pay
Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infection drives cross-variant neutralization and memory B cell formation against conserved epitopes
Authors: Quandt Jasmin , Muik Alexander , Salisch Nadine , Lui Bonny Gaby , Lutz Sebastian , Krüger Kimberly , Wallisch Ann-Kathrin , Adams-Quack Petra , Bacher Maren , Finlayson Andrew , Ozhelvaci Orkun , Vogler Isabel , Grikscheit Katharina , Hoehl Sebastian , Goetsch Udo , Ciesek Sandra , Türeci Özlem , Sahin Ugur
Published: June 2022

Omicron is the evolutionarily most distinct severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant of concern (VOC) to date. We report that Omicron BA.1 breakthrough infection in BNT162b2-vaccinated individuals resulted in strong neutralizing activity against Omicron BA.1, BA.2, and previous SARS-CoV-2 VOCs but not against the Omicron sublineages BA.4 and BA.5. BA.1 breakthrough infection induced a robust recall response, primarily expanding memory B (B
MEM
) cells against epitopes shared broadly among variants, rather than inducing BA.1-specific B cells. The vaccination-imprinted B
MEM
cell pool had sufficient plasticity to be remodeled by heterologous SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein exposure. Whereas selective amplification of B
MEM
cells recognizing shared epitopes allows for effective neutralization of most variants that evade previously established immunity, susceptibility to escape by variants that acquire alterations at hitherto conserved sites may be heightened.
A Survey of
Helicobacter pylori
Antibiotic-Resistant Genotypes and Strain Lineages by Whole-Genome Sequencing in China
Authors: Zhou Yan , Zhong Zishao , Hu Shengjuan , Wang Jing , Deng Yanhong , Li Ximei , Chen Xianmei , Li Xue , Tang Yuanyuan , Li Xiaofei , Hao Qian , Liu Jun , Sang Tian , Bo Yang , Bai Feihu
Published: June 2022

Antibiotic resistance is the most important factor leading to failed
Helicobacter pylori
eradication therapy, and personalized treatment based on antibiotic susceptibility is becoming increasingly important. To strengthen the understanding of antibiotic genotypic resistance of
H. pylori
and identify new antibiotic resistance loci, in this study, we identified phenotypic resistance information for 60 clinical isolates and compared the concordance of phenotypic and genotypic resistance using whole-genome sequencing (WGS).
Serogroup Y Clonal Complex 23 Meningococcus in China Acquiring Penicillin Resistance from Commensal Neisseria lactamica Species
Authors: Shao Youxing , Chen Mingliang , Luo Jiayuan , Li Dan , Yuan Lingyue , Yang Xiaoying , Wang Minggui , Chen Min , Guo Qinglan
Published: June 2022

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) due to serogroup Y
Neisseria meningitidis
(NmY) is rare in China; recently, an invasive NmY isolate, Nm512, was discovered in Shanghai with decreased susceptibility to penicillin (Pen
NS
). Here, we investigated the epidemiology of NmY isolates in Shanghai and explored the potential commensal
Neisseria lactamica
donor of the Pen
NS
NmY isolate.
Bulk and Spatially Resolved Extracellular Metabolome of Free-Living Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Smercina Darian N. , Kim Young-Mo , Lipton Mary S. , Velickovic Dusan , Hofmockel Kirsten S.
Published: June 2022

Free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria contribute significantly to terrestrial nitrogen availability; however, the forms of nitrogen contributed by this process are poorly understood. This is in part because of inherent challenges to studying soil microorganismsin situ, such as vast differences in scale between microorganism and ecosystem and complexities of the soil system (e.g., opacity, chemical complexity).
Exploring the Ecological Effects of Naturally Antibiotic-Insensitive Bifidobacteria in the Recovery of the Resilience of the Gut Microbiota during and after Antibiotic Treatment
Authors: Argentini Chiara , Mancabelli Leonardo , Alessandri Giulia , Tarracchini Chiara , Barbetti Margherita , Carnevali Luca , Longhi Giulia , Viappiani Alice , Anzalone Rosaria , Milani Christian , Sgoifo Andrea , van Sinderen Douwe , Ventura Marco , Turroni Francesca
Published: June 2022

The first microbial colonizers of the infant gut are members of the genus
Bifidobacterium
, which exhibit different activities beneficial to their host. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC) is the most frequently prescribed antibiotic during infancy, and few strains of bifidobacteria are known to show a natural resistance to this antibiotic.
A Standardized Framework for Better Understanding of Phenotypic Differences within Bacterial Phyla Based on Protein Domain
Authors: Wang Boqian , Zhou Jianglin , Jin Yuan , Hu Mingda , Zhao Yunxiang , Wang Xin , Liang Long , Yue Junjie , Ren Hongguang
Published: June 2022

A 3-step framework was designed which can be applied to clustering species based on their protein domains, and different candidate models are proposed in each step for better adaptation of various scenarios. We show its implementation for the bacterial kingdom as an example, which helps us to find the most appropriate model combination that will best reflect the relationship between domains and phenotypes in this context.
The Dengue Virus Nonstructural Protein 1 (NS1) Interacts with the Putative Epigenetic Regulator DIDO1 to Promote Flavivirus Replication in Mosquito Cells
Authors: Caraballo Gerson I. , Rosales Romel , Viettri Mercedes , Castillo Juan Manuel , Cruz Raymundo , Ding Siyuan , Greenberg Harry B. , Ludert Juan E.
Published: June 2022

Dengue is the most important mosquito-borne viral disease to humans. Dengue virus NS1 is a multifunctional protein essential for replication and modulation of innate immunity.
PKR Binds Enterovirus IRESs, Displaces Host Translation Factors, and Impairs Viral Translation to Enable Innate Antiviral Signaling
Authors: Dobrikov Mikhail I. , Dobrikova Elena Y. , McKay Zachary P. , Kastan Jonathan P. , Brown Michael C. , Gromeier Matthias
Published: June 2022

Among the RIG-I-like pattern recognition receptors, MDA5 stands out because it senses long dsRNA duplexes independent of their 5′ features (RIG-I recognizes viral [v]RNA 5′-ppp blunt ends).
Complete Genome Sequence of Helicobacter pylori Strain 3192, Isolated from a Chinese Patient with Chronic Nonatrophic Gastritis
Authors: Jin Fang , Yang Hong
Published: June 2022

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
Helicobacter pylori
3192, isolated from a patient diagnosed with nonatrophic gastritis in China. The genome is 1.6 Mbp long and encompasses 1,566 genes, including
cagA
and
vacA
genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Virulent Duck Enteritis Virus (DEV/India/IVRI-2016) Isolated from Southern India
Authors: Dandapat Satyabrata , Bindu Suresh , Sharma Gaurav Kumar , Saikumar G.
Published: June 2022

Molecular characterization of Indian isolates of duck enteritis virus (DEV) so far has been limited to a few selected genomic regions. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of an isolate, DEV/India/IVRI-2016, from southern India that is 158,091 bp in length.
Risk Factors for the Development of Colistin Resistance during Colistin Treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Infections
Authors: Huang Po-Han , Chen Wen-Yin , Chou Sheng-Hua , Wang Fu-Der , Lin Yi-Tsung
Published: June 2022

Treatment of carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CRKP) infections is challenging due to the limited options of antibiotics. Colistin is one of the last-resort antibiotics if novel antimicrobial agents are not available.
Horizontal Gene Transfer of Triazole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Morogovsky Alma , Handelman Mariana , Abou Kandil Ammar , Shadkchan Yona , Osherov Nir
Published: June 2022

It is well known that bacteria can transfer antibiotic resistance from one strain to another by horizontal gene transfer (HGT), leading to the current worldwide crisis of rapidly emerging antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, in fungi, HGT events have only been indirectly documented by whole-genome sequencing.
Mouse Subcutaneous BCG Vaccination and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection Alter the Lung and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Silva Fabiola , Enaud Raphaël , Creissen Elizabeth , Henao-Tamayo Marcela , Delhaes Laurence , Izzo Angelo
Published: June 2022

The microbial communities in gut and lung are important players that may modulate the immunity against tuberculosis or other infections as well as impact the vaccine efficacy. We discovered that vaccination through the subcutaneous route affect the composition of gut and lung bacteria, and this might influence susceptibility and defense mechanisms against tuberculosis.
Antimicrobial Properties and the Effect of Temperature on the Formation of Secondary Metabolites in Psychrophilic Micromycetes
Authors: Kuvarina A. E. , Roshka Yu. A. , Rogozhin E. A. , Nikitin D. A. , Kurakov A. V. , Sadykova V. S.
Published: June 2022

The ability of representatives of psychrotolerant micromycetes to produce antimicrobial compounds was studied. A promising producer of antibiotics, Penicillium vulpinum KPB F-290, was selected (from 98 cultures) as a result of the screening. The producer was active against opportunistic fungi and bacteria. The isolated active fractions can be attributed to the group of antimicrobial compounds, including ß-lactam antibiotics and peptides.
Intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 and adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 prior to the second wave of the pandemic in Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wafula Solomon Tsebeni , Mugume Innocent B , Sensasi Benjamin , Okware Solome , Chimbaru Alexander , Nanyunja Miriam , Talisuna Ambrose , Kabanda Richard , Bakyaita Tabley , Wanyenze Rhoda K , Byakika-Tusiime Jayne
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The resurgence in cases and deaths due to COVID-19 in many countries suggests complacency in adhering to COVID-19 preventive guidelines. Vaccination, therefore, remains a key intervention in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among Ugandans.

Design, setting and participants

A nationwide cross-sectional survey of 1053 Ugandan adults was conducted in March 2021 using telephone interviews.

Main outcome measures

Participants reported on adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and intention to be vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines.

Results

Overall, 10.2% of the respondents adhered to the COVID-19 preventive guidelines and 57.8% stated definite intention to receive a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Compared with women, men were less likely to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines (Odds Ratio (OR)=0.64, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.99). Participants from the northern (4.0%, OR=0.28, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.92), western (5.1%, OR=0.30, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.65) and eastern regions (6.5%, OR=0.47, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.92), respectively, had lower odds of adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines than those from the central region (14.7%). A higher monthly income of ≥US$137 (OR=2.31, 95% CI 1.14 to 4.58) and a history of chronic disease (OR=1.81, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.86) were predictors of adherence. Concerns about the chances of getting COVID-19 in the future (Prevalence Ratio (PR)=1.26, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.48) and fear of severe COVID-19 infection (PR=1.20, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.38) were the strongest predictors for a definite intention, while concerns for side effects were negatively associated with vaccination intent (PR=0.75, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.83).

Conclusion

Behaviour change programmes need to be strengthened to promote adherence to COVID-19 preventive guidelines as vaccination is rolled out as another preventive measure. Dissemination of accurate, safe and efficacious information about the vaccines is necessary to enhance vaccine uptake.
Cohort profile: the multigeneration Respiratory Health in Northern Europe, Spain and Australia (RHINESSA) cohort
Authors: Svanes Cecilie , Johannessen Ane , Bertelsen Randi Jacobsen , Dharmage Shyamali , Benediktsdottir Bryndis , Bråbäck Lennart , Gislason Thorarinn , Holm Mathias , Jõgi Oskar , Lodge Caroline J , Malinovschi Andrei , Martinez-Moratalla Jesus , Oudin Anna , Sánchez-Ramos José Luis , Timm Signe , Janson Christer , Real Francisco Gomez , Schlünssen Vivi
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The Respiratory Health in Northern Europe, Spain and Australia (RHINESSA) cohort was established to (1) investigate how exposures before conception and in previous generations influence health and disease, particularly allergies and respiratory health, (2) identify susceptible time windows and (3) explore underlying mechanisms. The ultimate aim is to facilitate efficient intervention strategies targeting multiple generations.

Participants

RHINESSA includes study participants of multiple generations from ten study centres in Norway (1), Denmark (1), Sweden (3), Iceland (1), Estonia (1), Spain (2) and Australia (1). The RHINESSA core cohort, adult offspring generation 3 (G3), was first investigated in 2014–17 in a questionnaire study (N=8818, age 18–53 years) and a clinical study (subsample, n=1405). Their G2 parents participated in the population-based cohorts, European Community Respiratory Heath Survey and Respiratory Health In Northern Europe, followed since the early 1990s when they were 20–44 years old, at 8–10 years intervals. Study protocols are harmonised across generations.

Findings to date

Collected data include spirometry, skin prick tests, exhaled nitric oxide, anthropometrics, bioimpedance, blood pressure; questionnaire/interview data on respiratory/general/reproductive health, indoor/outdoor environment, smoking, occupation, general characteristics and lifestyle; biobanked blood, urine, gingival fluid, skin swabs; measured specific and total IgE, DNA methylation, sex hormones and oral microbiome. Research results suggest that parental environment years before conception, in particular, father’s exposures such as smoking and overweight, may be of key importance for asthma and lung function, and that there is an important susceptibility window in male prepuberty. Statistical analyses developed to approach causal inference suggest that these associations may be causal. DNA methylation studies suggest a mechanism for transfer of father’s exposures to offspring health and disease through impact on offspring DNA methylation.

Future plans

Follow-up is planned at 5–8 years intervals, first in 2021–2023. Linkage with health registries contributes to follow-up of the cohort.
Diagnosis and management of Lynch syndrome
Authors: Edwards Penelope , Monahan Kevin J
Published: June 2022

Lynch syndrome (LS) is a dominantly inherited cancer susceptibility syndrome defined by presence of pathogenic variants in DNA mismatch repair genesMLH1,MSH2,MSH6andPMS2, or in deletions of theEPCAMgene. Although LS is present in about 1 in 400 people in the UK, it estimated that only 5% of people with this condition are aware of the diagnosis. Therefore, testing for LS in all new diagnoses of colorectal or endometrial cancers is now recommended in the UK, and gastroenterologists can offer ‘mainstreamed’ genetic testing for LS to patients with cancer. Because LS results in a high lifetime risk of colorectal, endometrial, gastric, ovarian, hepatobiliary, brain and other cancers, the lifelong care of affected individuals and their families requires a coordinated multidisciplinary approach. Interventions such as high-quality 2-yearly colonoscopy, prophylactic gynaecological surgery, and aspirin are proven to prevent and facilitate early diagnosis and prevention of cancers in this population, and improve patient outcomes. Recently, an appreciation of the mechanism of carcinogenesis in LS-associated cancers has contributed to the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic approaches, with a gene-specific approach to disease management, with potential cancer-preventing vaccines in development. An adaptive approach to surgical or oncological management of LS-related cancers may be considered, including an important role for novel checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy in locally advanced or metastatic disease. Therefore, a personalised approach to lifelong gene-specific management for people with LS provides many opportunities for cancer prevention and treatment which we outline in this review.
COVID-19 Pneumonia in Patients with Impaired Fasting Glucose, Newly Diagnosed Diabetes and Pre-Existing Diabetes: A Tertiary Center Experience
Authors: Boyuk Banu , Akin Seydahmet , Aladag Nazire , Isik Arzu , Erman Hande , Ozgur Yasemin , Topal Meryem , Karademir Nevra , Tomar Uysal Busra , Ozbilgehan Bahar , Kabaca Dilan , Kalmaz Canan , Arslan Seyma , Keskin Ozcan
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 infection is known to increase mortality in patients with diabetes. We aim to demonstrate the differences in disease course and clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19 regarding the presence of impaired fasting glucose, pre-existing diabetes mellitus (DM) or new-onset DM. 236 patients with positive reverse transcription-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 were included in this single-center, retrospective observational study between March 2020 and May 2021. Laboratory results, comorbidities, medications and imaging findings were noted. Logistic regression was used to estimate associated factors for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). 43 patients with normal glucose, 53 with impaired fasting glucose, 60 with newly diagnosed DM, and 80 with pre-existing DM were classified. Patients with pre-existing DM had higher fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin than the other groups (p<0.001 for all). Patients with newly diagnosed DM were more likely to need dexamethasone 6 mg (p=0.001). In both newly diagnosed diabetes and impaired fasting glucose groups, 250 mg methylprednisolone was needed at higher rates (p=0.002). Newly diagnosed DM had higher rates of intubation (21.6%) and more mortality (20.0%) (p=0.045 and p=0.028, respectively). Mortality and hospitalization in the ICU were lower in the group receiving antidiabetic treatment. The risk of ICU attendance was higher in patients with impaired fasting glucose (HR=1.71, 95% CI: 0.48 to 6.08) and newly diagnosed DM (HR=1.88, 95% CI: 0.57 to 6.17), compared with pre-existing DM and non-diabetics. Newly diagnosed DM and impaired fasting glucose are associated with increased mortality and intubation in inpatients with COVID-19.
Glucocorticoid discontinuation in patients with SLE with prior severe organ involvement: a single-center retrospective analysis
Authors: Nakai Takehiro , Fukui Sho , Ikeda Yukihiko , Suda Masei , Tamaki Hiromichi , Okada Masato
Published: June 2022

Objective

Long-term glucocorticoid use in SLE may have significant side effects; however, glucocorticoid discontinuation is occasionally associated with disease flare-ups. Therefore, we evaluated the risk factors for disease flares and the flare rate on glucocorticoid tapering in patients with prior severe organ involvement.

Methods

Data of patients with SLE with glucocorticoid tapering at our institution were retrospectively analysed. We divided the patients by the presence of prior severe organ involvement and compared flare rates after glucocorticoid discontinuation. Furthermore, we determined risk factors for flares after glucocorticoid discontinuation.

Results

In total, 309 patients with SLE were screened, 73 of whom met the inclusion criteria; 49 were classified as SLE with prior severe organ involvement. No significant differences were noted in the 52-week flare rate after glucocorticoid discontinuation between patients with and without prior severe organ involvement (16.7% vs 18.2%, p=1.0). Hypocomplementaemia, elevated anti-dsDNA antibody titres more than twice the upper limit of the laboratory reference range, positive anti-Smith/anti-ribonucleoprotein antibody, and use of any immunosuppressant on the day of glucocorticoid discontinuation were negatively associated with flare-free remission.

Conclusions

Glucocorticoid discontinuation after gradual tapering can often be achieved in patients with SLE, even with prior severe organ involvement, especially when the disease is clinically and serologically stable.
Effects of diet on the outcomes of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs): systematic review and meta-analyses informing the 2021 EULAR recommendations for lifestyle improvements in people with RMDs
Authors: Gwinnutt James M , Wieczorek Maud , Rodríguez-Carrio Javier , Balanescu Andra , Bischoff-Ferrari Heike A , Boonen Annelies , Cavalli Giulio , de Souza Savia , de Thurah Annette , Dorner Thomas E , Moe Rikke Helene , Putrik Polina , Silva-Fernández Lucía , Stamm Tanja , Walker-Bone Karen , Welling Joep , Zlatković-Švenda Mirjana , Guillemin Francis , Verstappen Suzanne M M
Published: June 2022

Background

A EULAR taskforce was convened to develop recommendations for lifestyle behaviours in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). In this paper, the literature on the effect of diet on the progression of RMDs is reviewed.

Methods

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were performed of studies related to diet and disease outcomes in seven RMDs: osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus, axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic sclerosis and gout. In the first phase, existing relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses, published from 2013 to 2018, were identified. In the second phase, the review was expanded to include published original studies on diet in RMDs, with no restriction on publication date. Systematic reviews or original studies were included if they assessed a dietary exposure in one of the above RMDs, and reported results regarding progression of disease (eg, pain, function, joint damage).

Results

In total, 24 systematic reviews and 150 original articles were included. Many dietary exposures have been studied (n=83), although the majority of studies addressed people with OA and RA. Most dietary exposures were assessed by relatively few studies. Exposures that have been assessed by multiple, well conducted studies (eg, OA: vitamin D, chondroitin, glucosamine; RA: omega-3) were classified as moderate evidence of small effects on disease progression.

Conclusion

The current literature suggests that there is moderate evidence for a small benefit for certain dietary components. High-level evidence of clinically meaningful effect sizes from individual dietary exposures on outcomes in RMDs is missing.
Effect of tofacitinib on pain, fatigue, health-related quality of life and work productivity in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis: results from a phase III, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Navarro-Compán Victoria , Wei James Cheng-­Chung , Van den Bosch Filip , Magrey Marina , Wang Lisy , Fleishaker Dona , Cappelleri Joseph C , Wang Cunshan , Wu Joseph , Dina Oluwaseyi , Fallon Lara , Strand Vibeke
Published: June 2022

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) impacts quality of life. We assessed patient-reported outcomes (PROs), pain, fatigue, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and work productivity in a phase III trial of tofacitinib.

Methods

Adults with AS and with inadequate response/intolerance to ≥2 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs received tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily or placebo for 16 weeks. Afterwards, all received open-label tofacitinib until week 48. Change from baseline to week 48 was determined for PROs: total back pain; nocturnal spinal pain; Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) overall spinal pain (Q2); Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue; BASDAI fatigue (Q1); AS Quality of Life (ASQoL); Short Form-36 Health Survey Version 2 (SF-36v2); EuroQoL-Five Dimension-Three Level health profile and Visual Analogue Scale; and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire. Improvements from baseline ≥minimum clinically important difference, and scores ≥normative values at week 16 were evaluated.

Results

In 269 randomised and treated patients, at week 16, there were greater least squares mean improvements from baseline with tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily versus placebo in BASDAI overall spinal pain (–2.85 vs –1.34), BASDAI fatigue (–2.36 vs –1.08), ASQoL (–4.03 vs –2.01) and WPAI overall work impairment (–21.49 vs –7.64) (all p<0.001); improvements continued/increased to week 48. Improved spinal pain with tofacitinib was seen by week 2. Patients receiving tofacitinib reported clinically meaningful PRO improvements at week 16. Percentages with PRO scores ≥normative values at week 16 were greater with tofacitinib in SF-36v2 Physical Component Summary, physical functioning and bodily pain domains (p≤0.05).

Conclusions

In patients with AS, treatment with tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in pain, fatigue, HRQoL and work productivity versus placebo to week 16, which were sustained to week 48.

Trial registration number

NCT03502616.
Surface temperature inversion characteristics in dissimilar valleys, Yukon Canada
Authors: Noad Nick C. , Bonnaventure Philip P.
Published: June 2022

Permafrost distribution in high-latitude continental mountains is a product of both latitudinal and elevationally controlled attributes. Frequently occurring surface-based temperature inversions (SBIs) significantly modify surface lapse rates (SLRs) annually. We aim to identify and quantify patterns of SBI characteristics in two proximal yet morphologically and vegetatively dissimilar central Yukon valleys. Elevational transect analysis is applied by using sensors in valley bottoms and 100 m upslope to determine in situ SLRs for the study period (August 2017 – August 2021). SLRs were shown to vary significantly between these dissimilar valleys. Climate reanalysis products (ClimateNA and Globsim) underestimated or almost entirely missed the presence of strong SBIs which produce annual average SLRs that range from 0.46 to 1.2 °C 100 m−1. The magnitude of these hyper-inversions was grossly underpredicted by previous surface air temperature modelling that attempted to account for SBIs across Yukon. Our results support the previously conceptualized framework that strong SBIs influence surface air temperatures and the pattern of permafrost distribution.
Mucilage affects seed water imbibition and germination time of subtropical monsoonal forbs
Authors: Bhatt Arvind , Daibes L. Felipe , Chen Xingxing , Yu Deshui , Niu Yanli , Gallacher David J.
Published: June 2022

The role of seed mucilage in the moist environments of monsoonal subtropics is poorly understood. We studied germination of six forb species from subtropical monsoonal China. Mucilage presence had little to no effect on germination percentage (G%), except for a significant decline for the large-seeded Prunella vulgaris. Dark treatments reduced G% for all species, while the combination of mucilage removal and high temperatures delayed the mean germination time (MGT). Seed fresh mass was negatively correlated with G%, but only for intact seeds incubated at 12/12 hours of 25/35 °C. The MGT of de-mucilaged seeds varied with seed shape index, also under the warmer temperature regime. Temperature and light are fundamental to drive germination processes, and the presence of mucilage influences MGT of subtropical monsoonal species. Presence or absence of mucilage had little to no difference in germination percentage, but can be important to drive germination timing, also promoting water uptake and seed adhesion to soil.
Beware of scaling artefacts and implicit model characteristics when fitting soil water release and moisture capacity data
Authors: Reynolds W. Daniel , Drury Craig F.
Published: June 2022

The primary objectives of this study were to: ( i) elucidate the impacts of nonlinear scale transformations on the shapes and parameter values of soil water release and moisture capacity curves; and ( ii) demonstrate how implicit characteristics of some established soil water release and moisture capacity models can impact model-data fits and estimates of model parameters. Nonlinear scale transformations of the tension head ( h) axis (e.g., log10h,  h1/2) were found to distort release and capacity curve shapes, create fictitious curve inflections and modes, and occasionally erase visual evidence of actual inflections and modes. The popular van Genuchten–Mualem and Assouline–Grant models were shown to always generate a release curve inflection and a capacity curve mode, even when inflections and modes did not exist in the data, and this in turn caused poor model-data fits in the critical near-saturated region. The van Genuchten model with four independently fitted parameters and the Dexter–Weibull model could accurately fit data sets with no inflection or mode, but this resulted in a physically unrealistic zero-angle intersection between the release curve and the water content axis. It was concluded that nonlinear h axis transforms should not be used when determining inflections, modes, pore size distributions, soil structure parameters, or soil quality indexes from soil water release and moisture capacity data-sets. It was also recommended that more flexible release curve models should be developed that do not assume the existence of inflections and modes, and also produce physically realistic angles of intersection between the water content axis and the fitted model.
Exact solution for accretion onto a moving charged dilaton black hole
Authors: Yang Rong-Jia , Jia Yinan , Jiao Lei
Published: June 2022

We present an analytic solution for accretion of a gaseous medium with adiabatic equation of state onto a charged dilaton black hole which moves at a constant velocity. We determine the four-velocity of accreted flow and find that it possesses axial symmetry. We obtain the particle number density and the accretion rate which depend on the mass, the magnetic charge, and the dilation of black hole, meaning that these parameters take important roles in the process of accretion. Possible theoretical and observational constraints on the parameter related to the dilation are discussed. The results may help us to get deeper understanding of the behavior of accreted flow near the event horizon of black hole.