bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An NADH/NAD
+
-favored aldo-keto reductase facilitates avilamycin A biosynthesis by primarily catalyzing oxidation of avilamycin C
Authors: Zhang Derundong , Wang Yaotong , Tang Qunyan , Zhang Qinglin , Ji Xiaowei , Qiu Xiangqi , Chen Dandan , Liu Wen
Published: March 2024

Avilamycins, which possess potent inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria, are a group of oligosaccharide antibiotics produced by
Streptomyces viridochromogenes
. Among these structurally related oligosaccharide antibiotics, avilamycin
A
serves as the main bioactive component in veterinary drugs and animal feed additives, which differs from avilamycin
C
only in the redox state of the two-carbon branched-chain of the terminal octose moiety. However, the mechanisms underlying assembly and modification of the oligosaccharide chain to diversify individual avilamycins remain poorly understood. Here, we report that AviZ1, an aldo-keto reductase in the avilamycin pathway, can catalyze the redox conversion between avilamycins
A
and
C
. Remarkably, the ratio of these two components produced by AviZ1 depends on the utilization of specific redox cofactors, namely NADH/NAD
+
or NADPH/NADP
+
. These findings are inspired by gene disruption and complementation experiments and are further supported by
in vitro
enzymatic activity assays, kinetic analyses, and cofactor affinity studies on AviZ1-catalyzed redox reactions. Additionally, the results from sequence analysis, structure prediction, and site-directed mutagenesis of AviZ1 validate it as an NADH/NAD
+
-favored aldo-keto reductase that primarily oxidizes avilamycin
C
to form avilamycin
A
by utilizing abundant NAD
+
in vivo
. Building upon the biological function and catalytic activity of AviZ1, overexpressing AviZ1 in
S. viridochromogenes
is thus effective to improve the yield and proportion of avilamycin
A
in the fermentation profile of avilamycins. This study represents, to our knowledge, the first characterization of biochemical reactions involved in avilamycin biosynthesis and contributes to the construction of high-performance strains with industrial value.

IMPORTANCE

Avilamycins are a group of oligosaccharide antibiotics produced by
Streptomyces viridochromogenes
, which can be used as veterinary drugs and animal feed additives. Avilamycin
A
is the most bioactive component, differing from avilamycin
C
only in the redox state of the two-carbon branched-chain of the terminal octose moiety. Currently, the biosynthetic pathway of avilamycins is not clear. Here, we report that AviZ1, an aldo-keto reductase in the avilamycin pathway, can catalyze the redox conversion between avilamycins
A
and
C
. More importantly, AviZ1 exhibits a unique NADH/NAD
+
preference, allowing it to efficiently catalyze the oxidation of avilamycin
C
to form avilamycin
A
using abundant NAD
+
in cells. Thus, overexpressing AviZ1 in
S. viridochromogenes
is effective to improve the yield and proportion of avilamycin
A
in the fermentation profile of avilamycins. This study serves as an enzymological guide for rational strain design, and the resulting high-performance strains have significant industrial value.
Sulfate-reducing bacteria unearthed: ecological functions of the diverse prokaryotic group in terrestrial environments
Authors: Demin Konstantin A. , Prazdnova Evgeniya V. , Minkina Tatiana M. , Gorovtsov Andrey V.
Published: March 2024

Sulfate-reducing prokaryotes (SRPs) are essential microorganisms that play crucial roles in various ecological processes. Even though SRPs have been studied for over a century, there are still gaps in our understanding of their biology. In the past two decades, a significant amount of data on SRP ecology has been accumulated. This review aims to consolidate that information, focusing on SRPs in soils, their relation to the rare biosphere, uncultured sulfate reducers, and their interactions with other organisms in terrestrial ecosystems. SRPs in soils form part of the rare biosphere and contribute to various processes as a low-density population. The data reveal a diverse range of sulfate-reducing taxa intricately involved in terrestrial carbon and sulfur cycles. While some taxa like
Desulfitobacterium
and
Desulfosporosinus
are well studied, others are more enigmatic. For example, members of the Acidobacteriota phylum appear to hold significant importance for the terrestrial sulfur cycle. Many aspects of SRP ecology remain mysterious, including sulfate reduction in different bacterial phyla, interactions with bacteria and fungi in soils, and the existence of soil sulfate-reducing archaea. Utilizing metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, and culture-dependent approaches will help uncover the diversity, functional potential, and adaptations of SRPs in the global environment.
Long-duration environmental biosensing by recording analyte detection in DNA using recombinase memory
Authors: Kalvapalle Prashant Bharadwaj , Sridhar Swetha , Silberg Jonathan J. , Stadler Lauren B.
Published: March 2024

Microbial biosensors that convert environmental information into real-time visual outputs are limited in their sensing abilities in complex environments, such as soil and wastewater, due to optical inaccessibility. Biosensors that could record transient exposure to analytes within a large time window for later retrieval represent a promising approach to solve the accessibility problem. Here, we test the performance of recombinase-memory biosensors that sense a sugar (arabinose) and a microbial communication molecule (3-oxo-C12-L-homoserine lactone) over 8 days (~70 generations) following analyte exposure. These biosensors sense the analyte and trigger the expression of a recombinase enzyme which flips a segment of DNA, creating a genetic memory, and initiates fluorescent protein expression. The initial designs failed over time due to unintended DNA flipping in the absence of the analyte and loss of the flipped state after exposure to the analyte. Biosensor performance was improved by decreasing recombinase expression, removing the fluorescent protein output, and using quantitative PCR to read out stored information. Application of memory biosensors in wastewater isolates achieved memory of analyte exposure in an uncharacterized
Pseudomonas
isolate. By returning these engineered isolates to their native environments, recombinase-memory systems are expected to enable longer duration and
in situ
investigation of microbial signaling, cross-feeding, community shifts, and gene transfer beyond the reach of traditional environmental biosensors.

IMPORTANCE

Microbes mediate ecological processes over timescales that can far exceed the half-lives of transient metabolites and signals that drive their collective behaviors. We investigated strategies for engineering microbes to stably record their transient exposure to a chemical over many generations through DNA rearrangements. We identify genetic architectures that improve memory biosensor performance and characterize these in wastewater isolates. Memory biosensors are expected to be useful for monitoring cell-cell signals in biofilms, detecting transient exposure to chemical pollutants, and observing microbial cross-feeding through short-lived metabolites within cryptic methane, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling processes. They will also enable
in situ
studies of microbial responses to ephemeral environmental changes, or other ecological processes that are currently challenging to monitor non-destructively using real-time biosensors and analytical instruments.
Alternate routes to mnm
5
s
2
U synthesis in Gram-positive bacteria
Authors: Jaroch Marshall , Sun Guangxin , Tsui Ho-Ching Tiffany , Reed Colbie , Sun Jingjing , Jörg Marko , Winkler Malcolm E. , Rice Kelly C. , Dziergowska Agnieszka , Stich Troy A. , Dedon Peter C. , Dos Santos Patricia C. , de Crécy-Lagard Valérie
Published: March 2024

The wobble bases of tRNAs that decode split codons are often heavily modified. In bacteria, tRNA
Glu, Gln, Asp
contains a variety of xnm
5
s
2
U derivatives. The synthesis pathway for these modifications is complex and fully elucidated only in a handful of organisms, including the Gram-negative
Escherichia coli
K12 model. Despite the ubiquitous presence of mnm
5
s
2
U modification, genomic analysis shows the absence of
mnmC
orthologous genes, suggesting the occurrence of alternate biosynthetic schemes for the conversion of cmnm
5
s
2
U to mnm
5
s
2
U. Using a combination of comparative genomics and genetic studies, a member of the YtqA subgroup of the radical Sam superfamily was found to be involved in the synthesis of mnm
5
s
2
U in both
Bacillus subtilis
and
Streptococcus mutans
. This protein, renamed MnmL, is encoded in an operon with the recently discovered MnmM methylase involved in the methylation of the pathway intermediate nm
5
s
2
U into mnm
5
s
2
U in
B. subtilis
. Analysis of tRNA modifications of both
S. mutans
and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
shows that growth conditions and genetic backgrounds influence the ratios of pathway intermediates owing to regulatory loops that are not yet understood. The MnmLM pathway is widespread along the bacterial tree, with some phyla, such as Bacilli, relying exclusively on these two enzymes. Although mechanistic details of these newly discovered components are not fully resolved, the occurrence of fusion proteins, alternate arrangements of biosynthetic components, and loss of biosynthetic branches provide examples of biosynthetic diversity to retain a conserved tRNA modification in Nature.

IMPORTANCE

The xnm
5
s
2
U modifications found in several tRNAs at the wobble base position are widespread in bacteria where they have an important role in decoding efficiency and accuracy. This work identifies a novel enzyme (MnmL) that is a member of a subgroup of the very versatile radical SAM superfamily and is involved in the synthesis of mnm
5
s
2
U in several Gram-positive bacteria, including human pathogens. This is another novel example of a non-orthologous displacement in the field of tRNA modification synthesis, showing how different solutions evolve to retain U34 tRNA modifications.
Hepatitis E virus ORF3 protein hijacking thioredoxin domain-containing protein 5 (TXNDC5) for its stability to promote viral particle release
Authors: Sheng Yamin , Deng Yingying , Li Xiaoxuan , Ji Pinpin , Sun Xuwen , Liu Baoyuan , Zhu Jiahong , Zhao Jiakai , Nan Yuchen , Zhou En-Min , Hiscox Julian A. , Stewart James P. , Sun Yani , Zhao Qin
Published: March 2024

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide, responsible for approximately 20 million infections annually. Among the three open reading frames (ORFs) of the HEV genome, the ORF3 protein is involved in virus release. However, the host proteins involved in HEV release need to be clarified. In this study, a host protein, thioredoxin domain-containing protein 5 (TXNDC5), interacted with the non-palmitoylated ORF3 protein by co-immunoprecipitation analysis. We determined that the overexpression or knockdown of TXNDC5 positively regulated HEV release from the host cells. The
17
FCL
19
mutation of the ORF3 protein lost the ability to interact with TXNDC5. The releasing amounts of HEV with the ORF3 mutation (FCL17-19SSP) were decreased compared with wild-type HEV. The overexpression of TXNDC5 can stabilize and increase ORF3 protein amounts, but not the TXNDC5 mutant with amino acids 1–88 deletion. Meanwhile, we determined that the function of TXNDC5 on the stabilization of ORF3 protein is independent of the Trx-like domains. Knockdown of TXNDC5 could lead to the degradation of ORF3 protein by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated protein degradation-proteasome system. However, the ORF3 protein cannot be degraded in the knockout-TXNDC5 stable cells, suggesting that it may hijack other proteins for its stabilization. Subsequently, we found that the other members of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), including PDIA1, PDIA3, PDIA4, and PDIA6, can increase ORF3 protein amounts, and PDIA3 and PDIA6 interact with ORF3 protein. Collectively, our study suggested that HEV ORF3 protein can utilize TXNDC5 for its stability in ER to facilitate viral release.

IMPORTANCE

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. After the synthesis and modification in the cells, the mature ORF3 protein is essential for HEV release. However, the host protein involved in this process has yet to be determined. Here, we reported a novel host protein, thioredoxin domain-containing protein 5 (TXNDC5), as a chaperone, contributing to HEV release by facilitating ORF3 protein stability in the endoplasmic reticulum through interacting with non-palmitoylated ORF3 protein. However, we also found that in the knockout-TXNDC5 stable cell lines, the HEV ORF3 protein may hijack other proteins for its stabilization. For the first time, our study demonstrated the involvement of TXNDC5 in viral particle release. These findings provide some new insights into the process of the HEV life cycle, the interaction between HEV and host factors, and a new direction for antiviral design.
Ten promotion and tenure tips for microbiologists and immunologists
Authors: Yount Jacob S.
Published: March 2024

In this editorial, I share advice and general principles based on recent experiences as a mentor and evaluator for early-career microbiology and immunology faculty seeking promotion and tenure. I outline 10 recommendations covering research, service, teaching, and mentoring. In addition, I encourage nuanced conversations with colleagues to strategically navigate the unique promotion and tenure processes at different institutions. I hope that these practical tips will assist early-career faculty in attaining promotion and tenure, contributing to long-term scientific and career advances.
Analysis of justification for author order and gender bias in author order among those contributing equally
Authors: Mattoon Ellie Rose , Miles Maisha , Broderick Nichole A. , Casadevall Arturo
Published: March 2024

The practice of designating two or more authors as equal contributors (ECs) on a scientific publication is increasingly common as a form of sharing credit. However, EC authors are often unclearly attributed on curriculum vitae (CVs) or citation engines, and it is unclear how research teams determine author order within an EC listing. In response to studies showing that male authors were more likely to be placed first in an EC listing, the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) required that authors explain the reasons for author order beginning in 2020. In this study, we analyze data from over 2,500 ASM publications to see how this policy affected gender bias and how research teams are making decisions on author order. Data on publications from 2018 to 2021 show that gender bias was largely nonsignificant both before and after authors were asked by ASM to provide an EC statement. The most likely reasons for EC order included alphabetical order, seniority, and chance, although there were differences for publications from different geographic regions. However, many research teams used unique methods in order selection, highlighting the importance of EC statements to provide clarity for readers, funding agencies, and tenure committees.

IMPORTANCE

First-author publications are important for early career scientists to secure funding and educational opportunities. However, an analysis published in
eLife
in 2019 noted that female authors are more likely to be placed second even when both authors report they have contributed equally. American Society for Microbiology announced in response that they would require submissions to include a written justification of author order. In this paper, we analyze the resultant data and show that laboratories are most likely to use some combination of alphabetical order, seniority, and chance to determine author order. However, the prevalence of these methods varies based on the research team's geographic location. These findings highlight the importance of equal contributor statements to provide clarity for readers, funding agencies, and tenure committees. Furthermore, this work is critically important for understanding how these decisions are made and provides a glimpse of the sociology of science.
Identification ofFrancisella tularensisin ascites in the context of typhoidal tularaemia
Authors: Duerig Marco , Suter Philipp , Haefliger Emmanuel , Chuard Christian
Published: March 2024

Tularaemia is a highly infectious, zoonotic disease caused byFrancisella tularensis, which has become increasingly prevalent over the past decade. Depending on the route of infection, different clinical manifestations can be observed. We report a case of typhoidal tularaemia presenting as a febrile illness with gastrointestinal symptoms in a patient in her mid-80s. During the acute illness phase and in the context of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis, the patient developed progressive ascites. During paracentesis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was consistently reported. Blood culture revealed Gram-negative bacilli identified asF. tularensisupon microscopic examination. Immediate clinical improvement was observed after adaptation to a pathogen-specific antibiotic regime. Typhoidal tularaemia presents general, non-specific symptoms without the local manifestations seen in other forms of the disease, thus representing a diagnostic challenge. In the case of protracted fever and if the epidemiological context as well as possible exposure are compatible, tularaemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
PYROXD1-associated myopathy
Authors: D'Costa Matthew Selwyn , Bugiardini Enrico , Merve Ashirwad , Morrow Jasper M
Published: March 2024

PYROXD1-associated myopathy is a rare genetic form of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) with only 23 previous cases having been reported in the literature. The exact role ofPYROXD1in the pathophysiology of LGMD remains unclear. We describe two brothers who presented to the neuromuscular clinic with progressive weakness of their upper and lower limbs over the preceding decades. Our case highlights how recent advancements in genetic sequencing have revolutionised the diagnostic classification process for LGMD and provided opportunities to establish diagnoses for previously unclassified myopathies. We also illustrate how the increased adoption of muscle MRI to identify disease and target muscle biopsy can provide better quality and more informative samples for classification. Finally, our report details the clinical and histopathological findings found in both cases adding valuable data to the currently limited information published onPYROXD1-associated myopathy.
Guidance on sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health in humanitarian and fragile settings: a scoping review
Authors: Shah Mehr Gul , Dey Teesta , Kostelecky Sophie Marie , El Bizri Maria , Rodo Mariana , Singh Neha S , Aboubaker Samira , Evers Egmond Samir , Ashorn Per , Langlois Etienne V
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Progress related to sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) has stalled. COVID-19, conflict and climate change threaten to reverse decades of progress and to ensure the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in humanitarian and fragile settings (HFS) going forward, there is a need for tailored guidance for women, children and adolescents (WCA). This review seeks to map and appraise current resources on SRMNCAH in HFS.

Methods

In line with the updated Joanna Briggs Institute guidance and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews framework, a manual literature review was conducted of global and regional guidance published between January 2008 and May 2023 from members of the Global Health Cluster, the Global Nutrition Cluster and the Inter-Agency Working Group on Reproductive Health in Crises. A content analysis was conducted. Scores were then calculated according to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II scoring tool and subsequently categorised as high quality or low quality.

Results

A total of 730 documents were identified. Of these, 141 met the selection criteria and were analysed. Available guidance for delivering SRMNCH services exists, which can inform policy and programming for the general population and WCA. Important gaps related to beneficiaries, health services and health system strengthening strategies were identified.

Conclusion

The review revealed there is evidence-based guidance available to support interventions targeting WCA in HFS, including: pregnant and lactating women, women of reproductive age, adolescents, newborns, small vulnerable newborns, stillbirths, refugees and internally displaced persons and WCA with disabilities. However, gaps related to beneficiaries, health services and health system strengthening strategies must be addressed in updated guidance that is created, disseminated and monitored in a standardised way that is mindful of the need to respond rapidly in HFS.
Antenatal care services in Benin and Tanzania 2021/2022: an equity analysis study
Authors: Ochieng Walter , Munsey Anna , Kinyina Alen , Assenga Melkior , Onikpo Faustin , Binazon Alexandre , Adeyemi Marie , Alao Manzidatou , Aron Sijenunu , Nhiga Samwel , Niemczura Julie , Buekens Julie , Kitojo Chong , Reaves Erik , Husseini Ahmed Saadani , Drake Mary , Wolf Katherine , Suhowatsky Stephanie , Hounto Aurore , Lemwayi Ruth , Gutman Julie
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Antenatal care (ANC) interventions improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, access to ANC may be inequitable due to sociocultural, monetary and time factors. Examining drivers of ANC disparities may identify those amenable to policy change.

Methods

We conducted an ANC services equity analysis in selected public facilities in Geita, Tanzania, where most services are free to the end-user, and Atlantique, Benin, where every visit incurs user fees. Data on total ANC contacts, quality of care (QoC) indicators and wait times were collected from representative household surveys in the catchment of 40 clinics per country and were analysed by education and wealth. We used indices of inequality, concentration indices and Oaxaca-Blinder decompositions to determine the distribution, direction and magnitude of inequalities and their contributing factors. We assessed out-of-pocket expenses and the benefit incidence of government funding.

Results

ANC clients in both countries received less than the recommended minimum ANC contacts: 3.41 (95% CI 3.36 to 3.41) in Atlantique and 3.33 (95% CI 3.27 to 3.39) in Geita. Wealthier individuals had more ANC contacts than poorer ones at every education level in both countries; the wealthiest and most educated had two visits more than the poorest, least educated. In Atlantique, ANC attendees receive similar QoC regardless of socioeconomic status. In Geita, there are wide disparities in QoC received by education or wealth. In Atlantique, out-of-pocket expenses for the lowest wealth quintile are 2.7% of annual income compared with 0.8% for the highest, with user fees being the primary expense. In Geita, the values are 3.1% and 0.5%, respectively; transportation is the main expense.

Conclusions

Inequalities in total ANC visits favouring wealthier, more educated individuals were apparent in both countries. In Atlantique, reduction of user-fees could improve ANC access. In Geita, training and equipping healthcare staff could improve QoC. Community health services could mitigate access barriers.
Physical activity, physical fitness and self-rated health: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations in adolescents
Authors: Joensuu Laura , Tammelin Tuija H , Syväoja Heidi J , Barker Alan R , Parkkari Jari , Kujala Urho M
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the independent associations of physical activity and physical fitness with self-rated health in adolescents.

Methods

Data from a 2-year observational study (2013–2015) were used (n=256, 58% girls, 13.7±0.3 years at baseline). Self-rated health was assessed with a questionnaire, physical activity by an accelerometer and a questionnaire, and physical fitness via the measurements included in the Finnish national Move! monitoring system for physical functional capacity and their z-score average (fitness index).

Results

Self-reported physical activity had cross-sectional associations with self-rated health (girls β 0.213, p=0.006, β 0.221 boys p=0.021) while accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity did not. Higher self-reported physical activity at baseline was associated with higher self-rated health at follow-up in boys (β 0.289, p<0.001), but not in girls (β −0.056, p=0.430). Accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity had positive longitudinal associations with future self-rated health in boys, but some of these similar associations were negative in girls. Fitness index had a positive cross-sectional association with self-rated health in boys (β 0.282 or β 0.283, p=0.002), but not in girls (β 0.162 or β 0.161, p=0.051). Physical fitness was not longitudinally associated with self-rated health.

Conclusions

Self-reported physical activity showed potential to explain current and future self-rated health better than accelerometer-based physical activity or physical fitness. We recommended to consider self-reported physical activity as an adequate metric of adolescent health in the population-level surveillance systems.
ECG findings in professional rugby players using international screening recommendations
Authors: McHugh Clíodhna , Petek Bradley , Grant Aubrey J , Gustus Sarah , van Dyk Nicol , Hind Karen , Wilson Fiona , Wasfy Meagan
Published: March 2024

Background

While World Rugby guidelines do not mandate the inclusion of an electrocardiogram (ECG) for all players, this is required for entry into international rugby competitions. We, therefore, sought to describe sport-specific normative ECG values and evaluate the performance of contemporary athlete ECG guidelines in male and female professional rugby players.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed professional rugby players’ ECGs (n=356, male 79%) obtained during preparticipation screening (2010–2022), comparing by sex and playing position (forwards vs backs). ECGs were categorised as normal ‘training-related’, borderline and abnormal findings, as defined by the 2017 International Recommendations.

Results

84% of players had one or more normal, ‘training-related’ findings, with males having a higher prevalence than females (91% vs 60%, p<0.001). Most ECG findings did not vary by position. No female player had borderline or abnormal ECG findings. Borderline findings were present in 3% (n=12/356) of players. Abnormal findings were present in 2% (n=7/356) of players. Overall, 2.2% of ECGs were ‘positive’ (n=8/356, including n=1 ECG with two borderline findings).

Conclusions

The application of contemporary ECG interpretation criteria resulted in a low positivity rate isolated to male players. These results help inform the logistic feasibility of ECG-inclusive screening, which is already required to enter major tournaments.
Coronary artery disease and outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Kurmani Sameer , Modi Bhavik , Mukherjee Aditya , Adlam David , Banning Amerjeet , Ladwiniec Andrew , Rajendra Raj , Baron Julia , Roberts Elved , Ng Andre , Squire Iain , McCann Gerald , Samani Nilesh J , Kovac Jan
Published: March 2024

Background

Aortic stenosis is a life-limiting condition for which transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an established therapy. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is frequently found in this patient group and optimal management in these patients remains uncertain.

Objectives

We sought to examine the association of coexistent CAD on mortality and hospital readmission in patients undergoing TAVI.

Methods

In this observational cohort study, we examined patients who underwent TAVI and segregated them by the presence of obstructive epicardial CAD. The primary outcome was 3-year mortality with secondary outcomes being readmission for (1) all-causes, (2) a MACE (Major Adverse Cardiovascular Event) composite endpoint and (3) acute coronary syndrome. Subsidiary outcomes included patient angina and breathlessness scores.

Results

898 patients underwent TAVI, of which 488 (54.3%) had unobstructed coronary arteries and 410 (45.7%) had obstructive CAD. Overall, n=298 (33.2%) patients experienced the primary mortality endpoint with no significant difference when stratified according to CAD (n=160 (32.9%) vs n=136 (33.2%), HR 0.98, CI 0.78 to 1.24). After multivariate analysis, the presence of CAD had no effect on the primary outcome (HR 0.98, CI 0.68 to 1.40). There was no significant difference in readmission for any cause (n=181, 37.1% (CAD) vs n=169, 41.2% (no CAD), p=0.23), including no significant difference on readmission for MACE (n=48, 9.8% (CAD) vs n=45, 11.0% (no CAD), p=0.11). CAD at the time of TAVI also did not alter breathlessness or angina scores before/after TAVI (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Coexistent CAD had no significant association with mortality, any-cause readmission or symptoms for patients undergoing TAVI in our cohort.
Lobbying against tobacco tax increases in France: arguments and strategies of the tobacco industry and tobacconists analysed through their trade press
Authors: Millot Ana , Beguinot Emmanuelle , Petticrew Mark , Gallopel-Morvan Karine
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Raising taxes is one of the most cost-effective measures to reduce tobacco use. France has a unique profile: it has high tobacco use prevalence and a state monopoly on tobacco sales for tobacconists who are both agents of the customs administration and a recognised tobacco industry (TI) front group. In this paper, we investigate the lobbying tactics and arguments against tobacco taxation mobilised by the TI and tobacconists in France.

Methods

We conducted a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the two leading French tobacco trade media outlets (La Revue des Tabacs and Le Losange) between 2000 and 2020. We performed a manual thematic content analysis based on existing conceptual models of TI political activity, including the policy dystopia model.

Results

Tobacconists actively lobbied against tobacco taxation, using traditional arguments highlighted in conceptual models (ie, the claim that ‘taxation increases illicit trade and is ineffective’), but also France-centric arguments (ie, tobacconists denounced the impact of cross-border shopping and highlighted their role as pivotal to community life in rural areas). We also found lobbying strategies mirroring those identified previously (ie, coalition, information management and direct influence in public policy).

Conclusions

Tobacconists in France hold a specific status that gives them privileged access to government bodies that can be exploited to successfully lobby against tobacco taxation. NGOs need to expose these lobbying activities and alert the public authorities to Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control that requires countries to protect policies from TI interests.
Relativistic effects on the kink of nuclear charge radii in lead
Authors: Marcos Saturnino , Niembro Ramón , López-Quelle Mecedes
Published: March 2024

The kink in the nuclear charge radii of lead isotopes is studied in the relativistic mean field approximation framework, using the parameter set NL3$$^*$$

∗

. Within this approach, it is shown that the small component of the single-particle Dirac spinors plays an essential role in the kink formation through its effects on the single-particle central potential. This is because the structure of this potential in terms of the $$\sigma $$
σ
-scalar and $$\omega $$
ω
-vector fields and the contributions of the small component to the scalar and nucleon densities have opposite signs. The impact of the spin-orbit interaction of the valence neutrons on the kink, through its effects on their wave functions, is very small for 1i states but significant for 2g states. Due to relativistic contributions, the effects on the kink of neutrons in the valence levels of a spin-orbit doublet with $$j=l+1/2$$

j
=
l
+
1
/
2

and $$j=l-1/2$$

j
=
l
-
1
/
2

are rather different from each other, even in the limit case of neglecting their spin-orbit interaction.
Observational tests of asymptotically flat $${{\mathcal {R}}}^{2}$$ spacetimes
Authors: Zhu Tao , Nguyen Hoang Ky , Azreg-Aïnou Mustapha , Jamil Mubasher
Published: March 2024

A novel class of Buchdahl-inspired metrics with closed-form expressions was recently obtained based on Buchdahl’s seminal work on searching for static, spherically symmetric metrics in $${{\mathcal {R}}}^{2}$$

R

2

gravity in vacuo. Buchdahl-inspired spacetimes provide an interesting framework for testing predictions of $${{\mathcal {R}}}^{2}$$

R

2

gravity models against observations. To test these Buchdahl-inspired spacetimes, we consider observational constraints imposed on the deviation parameter, which characterizes the deviation of the asymptotically flat Buchdahl-inspired metric from the Schwarzschild spacetime. We utilize several recent solar system experiments and observations of the S2 star in the galactic center and the black hole shadow. By calculating the effects of Buchdahl-inspired spacetimes on astronomical observations both within and outside of the solar system, including the deflection angle of light by the Sun, gravitational time delay, perihelion advance, shadow, and geodetic precession, we determine observational constraints on the corresponding deviation parameters by comparing theoretical predictions with the most recent observations. Among these constraints, we find that the tightest one comes from the Cassini mission’s measurement of gravitational time delay.
How many dark neutrino sectors does cosmology allow?
Authors: Zander Alan , Ettengruber Manuel , Eller Philipp
Published: March 2024

We present the very first constraints on the number of Standard Model (SM) copies with an additional Dirac right-handed neutrino. From cosmology, we are able to pose strong limits on large regions of the parameter space. Moreover, we show that it is possible to account for the right dark matter density in form of stable particles from the dark sectors.
Black holes and regular black holes in coincident $$f({\mathbb {Q}},{\mathbb {B}}_Q)$$ gravity coupled to nonlinear electrodynamics
Authors: Junior José Tarciso S. S. , Lobo Francisco S. N. , Rodrigues Manuel E.
Published: March 2024

In this work, we consider an extension of the symmetric teleparallel equivalent of General Relativity (STEGR), namely, $$f({\mathbb {Q}})$$

f
(
Q
)

gravity, by including a boundary term $${\mathbb {B}}_Q$$

B
Q

, where $${\mathbb {Q}}$$
Q
is the non-metricity scalar. More specifically, we explore static and spherically symmetric black hole and regular black hole solutions in $$f({\mathbb {Q}},{\mathbb {B}}_Q)$$

f
(
Q
,

B
Q

)

gravity coupled to nonlinear electrodynamics (NLED). In particular, to obtain black hole solutions, and in order to ensure that our solutions preserve Lorentz symmetry, we assume the following relation $$f_Q = -f_B$$

f
Q

=
-

f
B

, where $$f_{Q}=\partial f/\partial {\mathbb {Q}}$$

f
Q

=
∂
f
/
∂
Q

and $$f_{B}= \partial f/\partial {\mathbb {B}}_Q$$

f
B

=
∂
f
/
∂

B
Q

. We develop three models of black holes, and as the starting point for each case we consider the non-metricity scalar or the boundary term in such a way to obtain the metric functions A(r). Additionally, we are able to express matter through analytical solutions for specific NLED Lagrangians $${{\mathcal {L}}}_{\textrm{NLED}}(F)$$

L
NLED

(
F
)

. Furthermore, we also obtain generalized solutions of the Bardeen and Culetu types of regular black holes, by imposing specific metric functions.
Thirteen Strategies to Increase the Impact of Assignment Feedback
Authors: Mandernach Jean , Hammond Helen
Published: March 2024

The value of assignment feedback in enhancing student learning is significant, not just in rectifying conceptual misunderstandings but also in engaging and motivating students and strengthening their belief in their academic capabilities. This article outlines 13 strategies to provide effective, efficient, and engaging feedback, including the use of feedforward guidance, one-to-many feedback, peer-to-peer feedback, multimedia feedback, feedback banks, automation, formative classroom assessment techniques, rubrics, assignment exemplars, generative AI, proactive notifications, automated mastery learning opportunities, and student self-feedback, all of which holistically empower students towards academic success, meaningful instructor-student interaction, and a richer online learning experience.
Optimizing Direct Air Capture Solvents to Minimize Energy Consumption of CO2 Release in a Carbonate Electrolyzer
Authors: Gao Xin , Omosebi Ayokunle , Patrick Aron , Liu Kunlei
Published: March 2024

Addressing climate change by carbon management is critical to achieving the goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. In this work, we examined the electrochemically-driven recovery of CO2 during alkaline solvent regeneration for solvent-based direct air capture. A mathematical model was developed by incorporating carbonate chemistry with water electrolysis to predict the energy consumption per unit of CO2 released. The predicted results were consistent with the experimental data, in which the experimental work was achieved by characterizing alkalinity and carbon loading values of solvent collected from a flow carbonate electrolyzer. Through this study, we learned that minimizing the energy expended on CO2 release can be achieved by using an anolyte with a lower alkalinity, increasing the electric charge input to the electrolyzer, and reducing the ohmic resistance of the electrolyzer. Furthermore, using a supporting electrolyte, e.g., Na2SO4 in the present work, effectively compensates for the higher ohmic resistance from using an anolyte with a lower alkalinity.
Larvicidal, Ovicidal, and Repellent Activities of Leucas stachydiformis (Hochst. ex Benth.) Briq Essential Oil against Anopheles arabiensis
Authors: Fikru Sisay , Tolossa Ketema , Lindemann Peter , Bucar Franz , Asres Kaleab
Published: March 2024

Larvicidal, ovicidal, and repellent activities of the essential oil extracted by hydrodistillation from the leaves of the endemic Ethiopian plant Leucas stachydiformis (Hochst. ex Benth.) Briq were investigated against Anopheles arabiensis, the dominant malaria vector species in Ethiopia with the objective of searching for a plant-based malaria vector control strategy from medicinal plants. The larvicidal effect was tested against the fourth instar An. arabiensis wild larvae whilst freshly laid ova of An. arabiensis were used to determine the ovicidal activity of the essential oil at concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 400 ppm. Concentrations of 41.6–366.7 µg/cm2 were used to evaluate the repellent activity of the essential oil on 3–5 days old adult female An. arabiensis. The oil composition of L. stachydiformis was also analyzed using GC-MS. The study revealed that the oil possesses the highest larvicidal activity at 400 ppm and 200 ppm after 24 h and 48 h of treatment. LC50 values for the fourth larval instar after 24 h and 48 h of treatment were 43.4 ppm and 34.2 ppm, respectively. After 72 h of exposure, the oil displayed 100% ovicidal activity at 400 ppm with an IH50 value of 32.2 ppm. In the repellency test, at concentrations of 366.7, 133.3, and 41.6 µg/cm2, the oil gave a total percentage protection of 67.9 ± 4.2%, 37.2 ± 2.8%, and 32 ± 2.2%, respectively, for 4 h. The highest concentration (366.7 µg/cm2) gave 100% protection up to 90 min. GC-MS analysis of the oil revealed the presence of 24 compounds representing 90.34% of the total oil with caryophyllene oxide, germacrene D, and trans-caryophyllene constituting more than 50% of its components. Results of the present study suggest that the essential oil of L. stachydiformis has the potential to be used for the control of An. arabiensis mosquitoes.
Excess Mortality in an Inception Cohort of Childhood Diabetes Diagnosed 1990–2010
Authors: Lain Samantha J. , Stevens Lindsay , Craig Maria E. , Jenkins Alicia J. , Bell Kirstine J. , Pryke Alison , Donaghue Kim C. , Nassar Natasha
Published: March 2024

Objective. Evaluate the mortality risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes compared to the general population. Research Design and Methods. The study population, identified from the Australasian Paediatric Endocrinology Group diabetes register, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age < 16 in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, from 1990 to 2010. The register was linked to National Death Index registrations to ascertain timing and cause of death up to 31/12/2022. Risk factors for mortality were assessed using multivariable Cox regression models and observed mortality rate compared to “expected” rates in the Australian general population using indirect-standardized mortality ratios (SMR), overall and by sex and age at diagnosis. Diabetes-related cause of death categories were identified. Results. Of 5,417 children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, 157 subsequently died, with all-cause mortality of 1.37/1,000 person years. Increased mortality risk was associated with living in most disadvantaged areas (aHR 1.81 (1.05, 3.11)) but not living in a rural area. Overall SMR was 2.83 (95% CI 2.40, 3.33) with females having higher SMR than males (4.18 vs. 2.19). Most common causes of death recorded were acute diabetes complications (26%), including diabetes ketoacidosis, accident/misadventure (21%), and chronic diabetes complications (15%). Alcohol and/or drug use contributed to 17% of deaths. Conclusion. Compared to the general population, higher risk of mortality in people with type 1 diabetes was associated with female sex and living in area of socioeconomic disadvantage. Education about minimizing risk-taking behaviors should be communicated to young adults with type 1 diabetes.
Assessment of Antitick and Repellent Activity of Azadirachta indica Oil against Adults and Larvae Stages of Rhipicephalus microplus
Authors: Shakya Mukesh , Singh Mamta , Gautam Kalpana , Jamra Sunita , Agrawal Vivek , Jayraw A. K. , Jatav G. P. , Gupta S. K. , Kumar Sachin
Published: March 2024

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites and occur all over the world, especially in humid and subhumid nations such as India. They are very important vectors of many economically important livestock diseases, such as Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. Ticks were collected from organized and unorganized cattle farms situated in and around Mhow. The initially collected samples of ticks (≤200) were washed in tap water and identified as Rhipicephalus microplus. The study was carried out from June 2021 to May 2022. Ticks were treated with 0.625, 1.25, 2.50, 5, and 10% oil of Azadirachta indica in both the adult immersion test and larval immersion test. All the concentrations were prepared with absolute ethanol. In the present study, fipronil was used as a positive control using various concentrations (x/8, x/4, x/2, x, and 2x) and was prepared in distilled water. The LC50 values against fipronil were observed as 1.03 and 1.12 ppm for adults and larvae, respectively. Results of the study showed that the oil of Azadirachta indica was responsible for the mortality of adults (LC50 = 2.70%) and larval stages (LC50 = 1.27%) at all the concentrations used. Furthermore, it was observed that this oil was also responsible for the inhibition of oviposition and had excellent repellent activity at 10% concentration. Based on the study, we can conclude that the oil of A. indica can be used in an integrated tick management system to reduce the tick burden on animals.
The Relationship between the Perception of Aging and Death Anxiety in the Older Adults of Eastern Iran during COVID‐19
Authors: Sadeghi Ahmad , Mohamadzadeh Marzieh , Shoraka Hamid Reza , Pirouzeh Razieh , Rahimi Khalifeh Kandi Zahra
Published: March 2024

The perception of aging is widely acknowledged as a key determinant of personal satisfaction with the aging process, and it marks an individual’s adaptability to life changes. As older adults encounter psychophysical changes and disabilities, thoughts surrounding mortality often become more pronounced, leading to a surge in death anxiety, which is recognized as prevalent psychological distress among this population. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between aging perception and death anxiety among older adults in Eastern Iran during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This descriptive‐analytical study included 300 older adults (118 men and 182 women) using a stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic survey, Barker’s Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (APQ), and Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale (DAS). Data were analyzed in SPSS software (V.22) using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, independent t‐tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression. The mean aging perception score was 102.50 ± 15.55. After normalizing the scores, while the highest mean was related to the chronic and acute dimensions (65.32 ± 16.31), the lowest was related to the positive results dimension (65.29 ± 18.71). Also, the death anxiety score was 6.35 ± 1.99. The results from the linear regression analysis indicated an increase in negative emotions, correlating with an uptick in the death anxiety score (P = 0.001). Furthermore, retired individuals had a higher death anxiety score than those still working (P = 0.02). According to the results of this study, older adults with more negative emotions toward aging had higher death anxiety levels. Hence, interventions to foster positive emotions and attitudes towards aging are crucial to healthy aging. Moreover, considering the high level of death anxiety among retired people, further studies are required to investigate the mental health of this population.
The Role of Third Place concerning Loneliness in the Context of Ageing in Place: Three Neighbourhoods in Stockholm
Authors: Jing Jing , Dahlberg Lena , Canter David , Plater-Zyberk Elizabeth
Published: March 2024

There is an increasing recognition of the impact of built environment in the neighbourhood on healthy ageing, especially in the context of ageing in place. This study examines perceptions of third place and its potential value for mitigating loneliness in older adults. Thirty participants aged 65–89, living in ordinary housing across three neighbourhoods in the city of Stockholm, Sweden, conducted the interview‐based sorting procedures, namely, Multiple Sorting Tasks (MST). In each individual MST procedure, the participant was asked to sort twenty pictures into groups using his or her own categories. The data were analysed using Multidimensional Scalogram Analysis, integrating qualitative data input and quantitative statistical analysis of the categorisations. Accessible local third places, which facilitate physical activities (especially walking) and community building (meaningful social connections) and provide options for food (a medium for social interactions), were seen as vital resources to combat loneliness. Thus, these places are supportive built environment elements of healthy ageing and ageing in place. The management aspect in third places operated by municipalities, including designing diverse public programs and services, and the service mentality of the staff members play an important role in making these places feel safe, at home, and potentially lessen the experience of loneliness to some extent. This study adds an urban design and planning perspective that can be integrated into environmental approaches to combat loneliness among older adults living in the community.