bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antifungal and antiocratoxigenic potential of Alpinia speciosa and Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oils encapsulated in poly(lactic acid) nanofibres against Aspergillus fungi
Authors: Brandão R.M. , Cardoso M.G. , de Oliveira J.E. , Barbosa R.B. , Ferreira V.R.F. , Campolina G.A. , Martins M.A. , Nelson D.L. , Batista L.R.
Published: March 2022

Essential oils encapsulated in a polymeric matrix can be used as an alternative method to control fungi and mycotoxins. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography. The nanofibres were produced from poly (acid lactic) (PLA) containing essential oils by the Solution Blow Spinning method. The antifungal and antimicotoxygenic properties were evaluated against Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus westerdijkiae by the fumigation method. Terpinen-4-ol (20·23%), sabinene (20·18%), 1·8-cineole (16·69%) and γ-terpinene (11·03%) were the principal compounds present in the essential oil from Alpinia speciosa, whereas citral (97·67%) was dominant from Cymbopogon flexuosus. Microscopy images showed that the addition of essential oils caused an increase in the diameter of the nanofibres. The infrared spectroscopy results indicated the presence of essential oils in the PLA nanofibres. Differential scanning calorimetry curves also indicated the existence of interactions between the essential oils and polymeric macromolecules through their plasticizing action. The hydrophobic character of nanofibres was revealed by the contact angle technique. An antifungal effect was observed, the mycelial growths (3·25–100%) and the synthesis of ochratoxin A (25·94–100%) were inhibited by the presence of the nanofibres. The results suggest that bioactive nanofibres hold promise for application to control toxigenic fungi.
Identification of diagnostic serum biomarkers for Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis
Authors: Torimoto Kazumasa , Ueda Tomohiro , Kasahara Masato , Hirayama Akihide , Matsushita Chie , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Gotoh Daisuke , Nakai Yasushi , Miyake Makito , Aoki Katsuya , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Diagnosis of Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis (HIC) relies on the ability to identify Hunner lesions endoscopically, which can lead to storage symptom misdiagnosis. Here, we examined serum biomarkers for HIC and verified their utility.

Methods

Based on the previous definition of the Japanese guidelines, which did not distinguish HIC and non‐HIC diseases, we searched for serum biomarkers in 25 patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) and 25 control participants using metabolomics during 2013–2014. In 2019, we conducted a validation study in HIC and control groups. Serum samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and candidate biomarker concentrations were compared between the groups using Mann–Whitney test.

Results

Metabolomics targeted 678 metabolites and revealed that the levels of 14 lysolipids, seven γ‐glutamyl amino acids, and two monoacylglycerols were significantly different between the IC and control groups. The following metabolites were selected from each metabolite category as candidates: 1‐linoleoylglycerophosphocholine (1‐linoleloyl‐GPC [18:2]), γ‐glutamylisoleucine (γ‐Glu‐Ile), and 1‐arachidonylglycerol (1‐AG). The serum concentrations of 1‐linoleoyl‐GPC (18:2) in the HIC and control groups were 27 920 ± 6261 and 40 360 ± 1514 ng/mL (P = 0.0003), respectively. The serum concentrations of γ‐Glu‐Ile and 1‐AG were not significantly different between the groups. When the cut‐off value of 1‐linoleoyl‐GPC (18:2) was set at 28 400 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity were 68% and 84%, respectively.

Conclusions

Serum 1‐linoleoyl‐GPC (18:2) is a candidate diagnostic biomarker for HIC. Additional studies on whether this biomarker can distinguish HIC from other diseases with high urination frequency are required for its clinical use.
Assessing public financing for nutrition in Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka
Authors: Andersen Christopher T. , Cain Jewelwayne S. , Chaudhery Deepika N. , Ghimire Mamata , Higashi Hideki , Tandon Ajay
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study was to assess public financing for nutrition in Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka to identify limitations of available data and to discuss policy implications. A variant of the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement methodology was used. Budget allocations and expenditures for relevant government ministries during 2012–2018 were identified. Nutrition‐related line items were tagged using definitions of nutrition‐specific and nutrition‐sensitive interventions. Data were aggregated by year and calculated in constant United States dollars (USD). Expenditures by year were presented as a proportion of gross domestic product and general government expenditures. The percent utilization of budget allocations and proportion of funding from central government sources were determined. Per capita expenditures on nutrition‐specific interventions varied from USD 1.08–8.76 and for nutrition‐sensitive interventions varied from USD 20.22–51.20. Nutrition‐specific expenditures as a percent of gross domestic product ranged from 0.08% in Sri Lanka in 2017% to 0.34% in Nepal in 2016. The median utilization rate was 64% for nutrition‐specific and 84% for nutrition‐sensitive interventions. Nutrition‐specific funding financed by the central government was 90.7% in Bhutan and 99.4% in Sri Lanka. This study revealed the need to prioritize and invest in evidence‐based interventions, including balancing investments in nutrition‐specific versus ‐sensitive interventions. Challenges in estimation of nutrition expenditures and cross‐country comparison were also observed, highlighting the need for appropriate nutrition line item tagging and standardized systems for data collection.
Global evidence of persistent violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breast‐milk Substitutes: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Becker Genevieve E. , Zambrano Paul , Ching Constance , Cashin Jennifer , Burns Allison , Policarpo Eva , Datu‐Sanguyo Janice , Mathisen Roger
Published: March 2022

The influence of marketing on infant and young child feeding and health is well recognized, and an International Code was adopted by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in 1981 to reduce inappropriate marketing and protect breastfeeding. Yet the marketing and influencing continue. This scoping review systematically examined the published research evidence on the nature and extent of exposure to International Code violations from 1981 to August 2021. We used several search strategies involving multi‐language databases, organization websites, citation tracking, and expert consultation, to find research items meeting our inclusion criteria. We evaluated 657 items and retained 153 studies from at least 95 countries in the review. The majority of the studies (n = 113) documenting exposure to inappropriate marketing were published since 2010. Studies reported a broad range of marketing violations targeting mothers and families, health workers, and the general public. Marketing via digital platforms and brand extension has become more frequent. The evidence shows the use of misleading and inaccurate labeling and health and nutrition claims in breach of the Code. Our review confirms that violations of the Code have not ceased and calls for renewed attention from the WHA and national governments to protect the health of children and their mothers.
Violations of International Code of Breast‐milk Substitutes (BMS) in commercial settings and media in Bangladesh
Authors: Sheikh Sifat P. , Akter Syeda M. , Anne Faugia I. , Ireen Santhia , Escobar‐Alegria Jessica , Kappos Kirsten , Ash Deborah , Rasheed Sabrina
Published: March 2022

The International Code of Marketing of Breast‐milk Substitutes (BMS) instituted to protect breastfeeding against unethical marketing, has been adopted by many countries, including Bangladesh. Despite national adoption, evidence suggests violations occur and inadequate BMS Code implementation is an issue. The study aimed to assess violations of the International BMS Code and the national ‘Breast‐milk Substitutes, Infant Foods, Commercially Manufactured Complementary Foods and the Accessories Thereof (Regulation of Marketing) Act, 2013’ of Bangladesh in commercial settings (retail outlets and media) in Bangladesh, for different types of milk, bottles, and teats using a standardized Network for Global Monitoring and Support for Implementation of the Code and Subsequent relevant World Health Assembly Resolutions (NetCode) protocol. This cross‐sectional quantitative study was conducted in Bangladesh from January to September 2018 in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet cities. Descriptive statistics were reported and χ2 tests were conducted to assess differences between categorical variables of interest. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20. In retail outlets, there were higher proportion of violations observed in Dhaka than in Sylhet and Chattogram (p < 0.001). Significantly greater proportion of violations in product labels occurred among products sold without local distributors compared to others (p < 0.05); violations were higher among “other milk” for children aged 0 to <36 months compared to formulas and growing‐up milk (p < 0.05). Among media channels, internet clips had significantly higher proportions of violations compared to television, radio and newspaper (p < 0.001). BMS Code violations were prevalent in product labels and promotion of products through retail outlets. The study findings highlight the need for specific multisectoral strategies for better enforcement of BMS Code and points to the need for periodic assessment of Code violations.
Multi‐month time‐lag effects of regional vegetation responses to precipitation in arid and semi‐arid grassland: A case study of Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia
Authors: Wu Taosuo , Bai Hongmei , Feng Feng , Lin Qian
Published: March 2022

The 16 years of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and precipitation data are used to analyze the time‐lag effects of the growing‐season NDVI response to precipitation at regional scales. This study focuses on the arid and semi‐arid Hulunbuir grassland dominated by perennials in northeast China. The multi‐month time‐lag effects are examined using simple statistical approaches, which can detect the two distinct time‐lags for four subregions with four major land‐cover types. A “positive” time‐lag effect of the growing‐season NDVI response to precipitation is observed at 1‐month (May in the current year) time‐lag and 13‐month (May in the previous year) time‐lag while a “negative” time‐lag effect is observed at 9‐month (September in the previous year) time‐lag. In addition, the prediction results of NDVI based on precipitation indicate that the NDVI prediction model considered the lagged monthly precipitation has good performance. Therefore, revealing the time‐lag effects is very important for accurately predicting the growing‐season NDVI and evaluating the vegetation dynamics.
Citizen involvement in public policy: Does it matter how much is at stake?
Authors: van der Does Ramon
Published: March 2022

Public administrations increasingly try to find new ways to involve citizens in policy‐making. However, many democratic innovations draw in only a fraction of the public. Why? I hypothesize that we observe such low participation rates because there is often not enough at stake for citizens. I test this with a preregistered survey experiment on citizens' intentions to participate in participatory budgets in the Netherlands. I fielded the experiment among a sample of citizens that had just experienced a participatory budget (N = 225) and among a population‐based sample (N = 1369). I operationalized the stakes as the amount of public money about which citizens can decide. The results show that more money generally does not increase citizens' intention to participate. Supplementary analyses confirm the experimental findings and provide reasons how and why the stakes involved (do not) matter for citizens' involvement.
Comparison of Bovine and Carp Fish Visual Pigment Photo‐Intermediates at Room Temperature
Authors: Dhankhar Dinesh , Nagpal Anushka , Tachibanaki Shuji , Li Runze , Cesario Thomas C. , Rentzepis Peter M.
Published: March 2022

This paper presents room temperature nanoseconds to milliseconds time‐resolved spectra and kinetics of the intermediate states and species of bovine and carp fish rhodopsin visual pigments, which also contained ~5% cone pigments. The nanoseconds to milliseconds range cover all the major intermediates in the visual phototransduction process except the formation of bathorhodopsin intermediate which occurs at the femtosecond time scale. The dynamics of these visual pigment intermediates are initiated by excitation with a 532 nm nanosecond laser pulse. The recorded differences between bovine and carp rhodopsin time‐resolved spectra of the formation and decay kinetics of their intermediates are presented and discussed. The data show that the carp samples batho intermediate decays faster, nearly by a factor of three, compared to the bovine samples. The formation and decay spectra and kinetics of rhodopsin outer segments and extracted rhodopsin inserted in buffer solution were found to be identical, with very small differences between them in the decay lifetimes of bathorhodopsin and formation of lumirhodopsin.
The role of species interactions for forest resilience to drought
Authors: Haberstroh S. , Werner C.
Published: March 2022

Increasing durations and frequencies of droughts under climate change endanger the sustainable functioning of forests worldwide. The admixture of species with complementary resource use may increase the resilience of forests towards drought; however, little is known about modifications of species interactions (i.e. facilitation and competition) by increasing drought severity in mixed forests. In particular, knowledge on the regulation of central ecohydrological processes, such as tree water fluxes, is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a literature review to assess the impact of species interactions on tree resilience (resistance + recovery) under increasing drought severity. The classification of studies into three drought classes suggested that beneficial species interactions, i.e. through improved water relations, were prevalent under mild droughts. However, with increasing drought, negative effects, such as interspecific competition, occurred. These negative interactions were prominent under extreme droughts, where even trees with complementary resource‐use strategies competed for water resources. Fewer data are available on recovery of water fluxes. The limited evidence supported the patterns observed for drought resistance, with facilitation and complementarity of species in mixtures enhancing tree recovery after moderate droughts. However, after extreme droughts, competition effects and reduced recovery for some species were observed, which can strongly compromise tree resilience. While we acknowledge the importance of mixed forests for biodiversity, ecosystem services or pest resistance, we caution that beneficial species interactions may shift under extreme droughts. Thus, there is an urgent need to investigate species interaction effects on resilience in more depth to adapt forest trees to increasing drought stress.
Female Politicians as Climate Fools: Intertextual and Multimodal Constructions of Misogyny Disguised as Humor in Political Communication
Authors: Pettersson Katarina , Martikainen Jari , Hakoköngäs Eemeli , Sakki Inari
Published: March 2022

The present study explores how the polarized political discussion on climate change is used to construct as a humorous misogynist message in a Finnish far‐right political campaign video from 2021. Applying a multimodal analytical approach, the study explores the ways in which humor and irony are mobilized in the video through intertextual cues and verbal, visual, and sonic means to produce a dichotomy between “us”—the rational males who oppose strong measures against climate change—and “them,” the irrational females, who propose them. The study contributes to political psychology, first by responding to the call for social and political psychologists to expand our knowledge of the production and spread of misogyny in online political communication; second, by showing the importance of studying intertextual and multimodal constructions of misogyny disguised as humor in political communication, and, finally, through demonstrating the utility of interdisciplinarity and multimodal analytic approaches in research on online political mobilization and persuasion.
A Multidimensional Pairwise Comparison Model for Heterogeneous Perceptions with an Application to Modelling the Perceived Truthfulness of Public Statements on COVID-19
Authors: Yu Qiushi , Quinn Kevin M.
Published: March 2022

Pairwise comparison models are an important type of latent attribute measurement model with broad applications in the social and behavioural sciences. Current pairwise comparison models are typically unidimensional. The existing multidimensional pairwise comparison models tend to be difficult to interpret and they are unable to identify groups of raters that share the same rater-specific parameters. To fill this gap, we propose a new multidimensional pairwise comparison model with enhanced interpretability which explicitly models how object attributes on different dimensions are differentially perceived by raters. Moreover, we add a Dirichlet process prior on rater-specific parameters which allows us to flexibly cluster raters into groups with similar perceptual orientations. We conduct simulation studies to show that the new model is able to recover the true latent variable values from the observed binary choice data. We use the new model to analyse original survey data regarding the perceived truthfulness of statements on COVID-19 collected in the summer of 2020. By leveraging the strengths of the new model, we find that the partisanship of the speaker and the partisanship of the respondent account for the majority of the variation in perceived truthfulness, with statements made by co-partisans being viewed as more truthful.
Muscle forces and fascicle behavior during three hamstring exercises
Authors: Van Hooren Bas , Vanwanseele Benedicte , van Rossom Sam , Teratsias Panayiotis , Willems Paul , Drost Maarten , Meijer Kenneth
Published: March 2022

Knowledge about muscular forces and fascicle behavior during hamstring exercises can optimize exercise prescription, but information on these outcomes across different exercises is lacking. We aimed to characterize and compare lower‐limb muscle forces and biceps femoris long head muscle fascicle behavior between three hamstring exercises: the Nordic hamstring curl (NHC), single‐leg Roman chair (RCH), and single‐leg deadlift (DL). Ten male participants performed the exercises while full‐body kinematics, ground reaction forces, surface muscle activation, and biceps femoris long head fascicle behavior were measured. Mean fascicle length was highest in the DL, followed by the RCH and NHC. Fascicle lengthening was higher in the NHC compared with the RCH and DL, with no difference between the RCH and DL. Biceps femoris short and long head, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus peak forces were generally higher in the NHC compared with the RCH and DL, while mean forces during the eccentric phase were generally not different between the NHC and RCH. Peak forces in the NHC coincided with low biceps femoris long head and semimembranosus muscle activation. The NHC generally has the highest peak hamstring muscle forces and results in more fascicle lengthening when compared to the DL and RCH. The NHC may therefore be most effective to promote increases in fascicle length. While the NHC may be effective to promote biceps femoris short head and semitendinosus strength adaptations, the RCH and DL may be more effective to promote strength increases in the biceps femoris long head and semimembranosus.
Cluster of humanPuumala orthohantavirusinfections due to indoor exposure?—An interdisciplinary outbreak investigation
Authors: Princk Christina , Drewes Stephan , Meyer‐Schlinkmann Kristin M. , Saathoff Marion , Binder Florian , Freise Jona , Tenner Beate , Weiss Sabrina , Hofmann Jörg , Esser Jutta , Runge Martin , Jacob Jens , Ulrich Rainer G. , Dreesman Johannes
Published: March 2022

Puumala orthohantavirus(PUUV) is the most important hantavirus species in Europe, causing the majority of human hantavirus disease cases. In central and western Europe, the occurrence of human infections is mainly driven by bank vole population dynamics influenced by beech mast. In Germany, hantavirus epidemic years are observed in 2‐ to 5‐year intervals. Many of the human infections are recorded in summer and early autumn, coinciding with peaks in bank vole populations. Here, we describe a molecular epidemiological investigation in a small company with eight employees of whom five contracted hantavirus infections in late 2017. Standardized interviews with employees were conducted to assess the circumstances under which the disease cluster occurred, how the employees were exposed and which counteractive measures were taken. Initially, two employees were admitted to hospital and serologically diagnosed with hantavirus infection. Subsequently, further investigations were conducted. By means of a self‐administered questionnaire, three additional symptomatic cases could be identified. The hospital patients' sera were investigated and revealed in one patient a partial PUUV L segment sequence, which was identical to PUUV sequences from several bank voles collected in close proximity to company buildings. This investigation highlights the importance of a One Health approach that combines efforts from human and veterinary medicine, ecology and public health to reveal the origin of hantavirus disease clusters.
Radiographic Technique for Archaeological Human Dry Bones: a scoping review
Authors: Elliott James
Published: March 2022

Within archaeological research, radiography has been used with human dry bones to diagnose pathologies, demonstrate trauma and assist age estimation through dentition eruption status. This study concerns the acquisition of radiographs, including technical parameters, imaging workflow and associated quantitative analysis of bone. Collectively, these themes can be grouped under the term radiographic technique. Despite its indispensability, the available guidance literature for appropriate radiographic technique in archaeology appears sparse. The aim of this research was to quantify and characterise current knowledge and recommendations related to radiographic technique. A scoping review was conducted, involving a systematic search of academic literature within the last 20 years. Archaeological academic textbooks and journal articles from any geographical location or time period were included but were limited to studies involving human dry bone and written in the English language. Of 244 potential studies, results identified seventeen journal articles and four academic textbooks with direct recommendations or guidance for radiographic technique. The primary reason for exclusion was the omission of methodological detail. The majority of included texts addressed the identification of pathologies, cortical thickness or detection of Harris lines. While recommendations exist, gaps in the knowledge include dedicated guidelines for specific anatomy and the integration of photography during radiographic imaging.
Data Management Policies and Practices of Digital Archaeological Repositories
Authors:   Salzburg Research Institute, Geser Guntram , Richards Julian D. ,   Archaeology Data Service, Massara Flavia ,   Central Institute for the Union Catalogue of Italian Libraries, Wright Holly ,   Archaeology Data Service
Published: March 2022

This article presents the results of a survey of data management policies and practices of digital archaeological repositories in Europe and beyond. The survey was carried out in 2021 under the auspices of the European project ARIADNEplus and the COST Action SEADDA. Its main purpose was to collect and analyse information about current policies that determine access to and reuse of data held by digital archaeological repositories, and to investigate the guidance and support needed to make these repositories and data FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable). These policies comprise the regulations of heritage and research authorities/agencies, councils and other institutions at different levels (European, national/regional, local) as well as the repository rules governing deposition, access to, and reuse of archaeological data. The repositories are operated both by heritage sector institutions and by the research and higher education sector. The survey represents a bottom-up approach by focusing on the actual policies and practices of digital archaeological repositories, which may reflect higher level regulations. A reality check in this regard can enable heritage and research authorities, councils and other institutions to reinforce or put in place regulations that bring current repository policies and practices closer to the ideal of providing FAIR and open access data. The survey results show that there is room for improvement in this regard and some suggestions are made here for future initiatives.
Open quantum system dynamics and the mean force Gibbs state
Authors: Trushechkin A. S. , Merkli M. , Cresser J. D. , Anders J.
Published: March 2022

The dynamical convergence of a system to the thermal distribution, or Gibbs state, is a standard assumption across all of the physical sciences. The Gibbs state is determined just by temperature and energies of the system. However, at decreasing system sizes, i.e., for nanoscale and quantum systems, the interaction with their environments is not negligible. The question then arises: Is the system's steady state still the Gibbs state? If not, how may the steady state depend on the interaction details? Here, we provide an overview of recent progress on answering these questions. We expand on the state of the art along two general avenues: First, we take the static point-of-view, which postulates the so-called mean force Gibbs state. This view is commonly adopted in the field of strong coupling thermodynamics, where modified laws of thermodynamics and nonequilibrium fluctuation relations are established on the basis of this modified state. Second, we take the dynamical point of view, originating from the field of open quantum systems, which examines the time-asymptotic steady state within two paradigms. We describe the mathematical paradigm, which proves return to equilibrium, i.e., convergence to the mean force Gibbs state, and then discuss a number of microscopic physical methods, particularly master equations. We conclude with a summary of established links between statics and equilibration dynamics and provide an extensive list of open problems. This comprehensive overview will be of interest to researchers in the wider fields of quantum thermodynamics, open quantum systems, mesoscopic physics, statistical physics, and quantum optics and will find applications whenever energy is exchanged on the nanoscale, from quantum chemistry and biology to magnetism and nanoscale heat management.
Evaluation of hearing loss in young adults after exposure to 3.0T MRI with standard hearing protection
Authors: Carr Carrie M , Lane John I , Eckel Larry J , Diehn Felix E , Kallmes Dave F , Carlson Matthew L , Shu Yunhong , Bernstein Matt A , Gunderson Tina M , Poling Gayla L
Published: March 2022

Standard clinical protocols require hearing protection during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for patient safety. This investigation prospectively evaluated the auditory function impact of acoustic noise exposure during a 3.0T MRI in healthy adults. Twenty-nine participants with normal hearing underwent a comprehensive audiologic assessment before and immediately following a clinically indicated head MRI. Appropriate hearing protection with earplugs (and pads) was used per standard of practice. To characterize noise hazards, current sound monitoring tools were used to measure levels of pulse sequences measured. A third audiologic test was performed if a significant threshold shift (STS) was identified at the second test, within 30 days post MRI. Some sequences produced high levels (up to 114.5 dBA; 129 dB peak SPL) that required hearing protection but did not exceed 100% daily noise dose. One participant exhibited an STS in the frequency region most highly associated with noise-induced hearing loss. No participants experienced OSHA-defined STS in either ear. Overall, OAE measures did not show evidence of changes in cochlear function after MRI. In conclusion, hearing threshold shifts associated with hearing loss or OAE level shifts reflecting underlying cochlear damage were not detected in any of the 3.0T MRI study participants who used the current recommended hearing protection.
Short-time least squares spectral analysis of pass-by noise in water from a rigid inflatable boat
Authors: Lindberg Anders , Lövgren Bo , Asp Jennie , Antoni Jérôme , Gällström Andreas
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates least squares spectral analysis as a tool to analyze non-stationary signals from pass-by noise measurements in water. The spectral analysis involves successive least squares fitting of a finite Fourier series to approximate the observation in a piecewise manner. The least squares spectral analysis is used to search the signals for first- and second-order periodicity as well as the presence of fundamental periodicity. A first-order analysis reveals line components in the signals, whereas a second-order analysis reveals periodic amplitude modulations. Analysis with a higher-order finite Fourier series reveals harmonic structures in the signals. The main contribution of this paper is the model of a magnitude-squared cosine wave which can be used to analyze second-order periodicity. The developed short-time least squares spectral analysis is illustrated on noise radiated from a rigid inflatable boat in shallow water.
Improved Physiological Markers of Omega-3 Status and Compliance With Omega-3 Supplementation in Division I Track and Field and Cross-Country Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Graybeal Austin J. , Helms Brooke , Couris Katie , Thomas Daphne , Johnston Tatum , Dahan Victoria , Escobedo Nina , Willis Jada L.
Published: March 2022

A sufficient omega-3 index may enhance cardiovascular function, enhance performance, and decrease inflammation. However, most collegiate athletes are deficient in omega-3s, requiring supplementation. A new type of omega-3 (N3) supplement, Enhanced Recovery™ (ER), claims to improve N3 index while addressing the current issues with traditional supplementation. The purpose of this study was to determine if ER improves N3 status and enhances compliance compared with the current standard in collegiate Division I Track and Field and cross-country athletes during a competitive season. Twenty-five (male = 15 and female = 10) athletes completed this longitudinal, randomized controlled crossover trial. Measurements of N3 status were collected at baseline prior to supplementation, and every 2 weeks for 6 weeks with a 33- to 36-day washout period before crossing over. Supplement compliance and dietary intake of N3 rich foods were collected throughout. Visual analog scales and an exit survey asked questions regarding each treatment. Results showed that N3 index increases within 6 weeks (p < .001) for ER (+37.5%) and control (CON; +55.1%), with small differences between treatments at Weeks 4 (ER = 7.3 ± 1.0; CON = 7.7 ± 1.1; p = .043) and 6 (ER = 7.4 ± 1.2; CON = 7.9 ± 1.2; p = .043). Dietary intake of N3-rich foods and supplement compliance were significant drivers of improvements in N3 status (p < .050). Compliance was not different between treatments but was affected by sex (males = 90.0 ± 17.0% and females = 76.5 ± 21.0%; p = .040), likability (p = .001; r = .77, p < .001), ease (p = .023; r = .53, p = .006), and supplement preference (p = .004), which appeared to favor ER. We conclude that consumption of N3-rich foods and consistent supplementation should be implemented for improvements in N3 status in collegiate athletes, but taste tests/trial periods with ER or CON may help determine preference and improve compliance.
Population Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment Analysis of Flomoxef in the Serum and Liver Tissue of Patients Undergoing Hepatic Resection
Authors: Komatsu Toshiaki , Tsumuraya Satomi , Takayama Yoko , Kaizu Takashi , Okamoto Mikiko , Tajima Hiroshi , Nishizawa Nobuyuki , Kubo Hidefumi , Kumamoto Yusuke , Okamoto Hirotsugu , Hanaki Hideaki , Atsuda Koichiro
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the population pharmacokinetics of prophylactic flomoxef based on serum and liver tissue concentrations and to demonstrate a pharmacodynamic target concentration in the serum and liver tissue exceeding the MIC in order to design an effective dosing regimen. Serum samples (
n
 = 210) and liver tissue samples (
n
 = 29) from 43 individuals were analyzed using a nonlinear mixed-effects model. The pharmacodynamics index target value was regarded as the probability of maintaining flomoxef serum trough and liver tissue concentrations exceeding the MIC
90
values, 0.5 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L, for
Escherichia coli
and methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
, respectively. The final population pharmacokinetic model was a two-compartment model with linear elimination.
Combination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis RS Ratio and CFU Improves the Ability of Murine Efficacy Experiments to Distinguish between Drug Treatments
Authors: Dide-Agossou Christian , Bauman Allison A. , Ramey Michelle E. , Rossmassler Karen , Al Mubarak Reem , Pauly Samantha , Voskuil Martin I. , Garcia-Cremades Maria , Savic Rada M. , Nahid Payam , Moore Camille M. , Tasneen Rokeya , Nuermberger Eric L. , Robertson Gregory T. , Walter Nicholas D.
Published: March 2022

Murine tuberculosis drug efficacy studies have historically monitored bacterial burden based on CFU of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in lung homogenate. In an alternative approach, a recently described molecular pharmacodynamic marker called the RS ratio quantifies drug effect on a fundamental cellular process, ongoing rRNA synthesis.
Proximal Binding Pocket Arg717 Substitutions in Escherichia coli AcrB Cause Clinically Relevant Divergencies in Resistance Profiles
Authors: Zwama Martijn , Nishino Kunihiko
Published: March 2022

Recent mutations in RND efflux pumps in clinical strains have further increased multidrug resistance. We show that R717L and R717Q substitutions (found in azithromycin-resistant
Salmonella enterica
spp.) in the
Escherichia coli
efflux pump AcrB dramatically increase macrolide, as well as fluoroquinolone, resistance.
Genome-Wide Assessment of Stress-Associated Genes in Bifidobacteria
Authors: Schöpping Marie , Vesth Tammi , Jensen Kristian , Franzén Carl Johan , Zeidan Ahmad A.
Published: March 2022

Bifidobacteria are Gram-positive bacteria that naturally inhabit diverse ecological niches, including the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Strains of the genus
Bifidobacterium
are widely used as probiotics, since they have been associated with health benefits.
Phylogenetics of Historical Host Switches in a Bacterial Plant Pathogen
Authors: Kahn Alexandra Katz , Almeida Rodrigo P. P.
Published: March 2022

Xylella fastidiosa
is a globally important bacterial plant pathogen with many hosts; however, the underpinnings of host specificity are not known. This paper contains important findings about the usage of phylogenetics to understand the history of host specificity in this bacterial species, as well as convergent evolution in the pan-genome.
Methanosaeta
and “
Candidatus
Velamenicoccus archaeovorus”
Authors: Kizina Jana , Jordan Sebastian F. A. , Martens Gerrit Alexander , Lonsing Almud , Probian Christina , Kolovou Androniki , Santarella-Mellwig Rachel , Rhiel Erhard , Littmann Sten , Markert Stephanie , Stüber Kurt , Richter Michael , Schweder Thomas , Harder Jens
Published: March 2022

Epibiotic bacteria are known to live on and off bacterial cells. Here, we describe the ultramicrobacterial anaerobic epibiont OP3 LiM living on
Archaea
and
Bacteria
.
Increased Butyrate Production in Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum from Lignocellulose-Derived Sugars
Authors: Baur Saskia Tabea , Markussen Sidsel , Di Bartolomeo Francesca , Poehlein Anja , Baker Anna , Jenkinson Elizabeth R. , Daniel Rolf , Wentzel Alexander , Dürre Peter
Published: March 2022

Platform chemicals such as butyrate are usually produced chemically from crude oil, resulting in the carry-over of harmful compounds. The selective production of butyrate using sustainable resources or waste without harmful by-products can be achieved by bacteria such as clostridia.
Surveying the Epigenetic Landscape of Tuberculosis in Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Madden Katrina , Liang Yi Chu , Rajabalee Nusrah , Alvarez Gonzalo G. , Sun Jim
Published: March 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of bacterial disease-related death and is among the top 10 overall causes of death worldwide. The complex nature of this infectious lung disease has proven difficult to treat, and significant research efforts are now evaluating the feasibility of host-directed, adjunctive therapies.
Coevolutionary Analysis Implicates Toll-Like Receptor 9 in Papillomavirus Restriction
Authors: King Kelly , Larsen Brendan B. , Gryseels Sophie , Richet Cécile , Kraberger Simona , Jackson Robert , Worobey Michael , Harrison Joseph S. , Varsani Arvind , Van Doorslaer Koenraad
Published: March 2022

Viruses must avoid detection by the innate immune system. In this study, we characterized two new papillomaviruses from bats and used molecular archeology to demonstrate that their genomes altered their nucleotide compositions to avoid detection by TLR9, providing evidence that TLR9 acts as a PRR during papillomavirus infection.
Resistance-Guided Mining of Bacterial Genotoxins Defines a Family of DNA Glycosylases
Authors: Bradley Noah P. , Wahl Katherine L. , Steenwyk Jacob L. , Rokas Antonis , Eichman Brandt F.
Published: March 2022

Bacteria are rich sources of secondary metabolites that include DNA-damaging genotoxins with antitumor/antibiotic properties. AlthoughStreptomycesproduce a diverse number of therapeutic genotoxins, efforts toward targeted discovery of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) producing DNA-damaging agents is lacking.
MgrB-Dependent Colistin Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae Is Associated with an Increase in Host-to-Host Transmission
Authors: Bray Andrew S. , Smith Richard D. , Hudson Andrew W. , Hernandez Giovanna E. , Young Taylor M. , George Hannah E. , Ernst Robert K. , Zafar M. Ammar
Published: March 2022

The biological cost associated with colistin resistance in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
was examined using a murine model of
K. pneumoniae
gut colonization and fecal-oral transmission. A common mutation resulting in colistin resistance in
K. pneumoniae
is a loss-of-function mutation of the small regulatory protein MgrB that regulates the two-component system PhoPQ.
Control of Variant Surface Glycoprotein Expression by CFB2 in Trypanosoma brucei and Quantitative Proteomic Connections to Translation and Cytokinesis
Authors: Bravo Ruiz Gustavo , Tinti Michele , Ridgway Melanie , Horn David
Published: March 2022

VSG expression represents a key parasite virulence mechanism and an example of extreme biology. Posttranscriptional gene expression controls in trypanosomatids also continue to be the subject of substantial research interest.
Surgical Treatment for Colorectal Cancer Partially Restores Gut Microbiome and Metabolome Traits
Authors: Shiroma Hirotsugu , Shiba Satoshi , Erawijantari Pande Putu , Takamaru Hiroyuki , Yamada Masayoshi , Sakamoto Taku , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Mizutani Sayaka , Soga Tomoyoshi , Saito Yutaka , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Fukuda Shinji , Yachida Shinichi , Yamada Takuji
Published: March 2022

The gut microbiome and metabolites are associated with CRC progression and carcinogenesis. Postoperative CRC patients are reported to be at an increased CRC risk; however, how gut microbiome and metabolites are related to CRC risk in postoperative patients remains only partially understood.
Comparison of Saliva and Midturbinate Swabs for Detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Lai Jianyu , German Jennifer , Hong Filbert , Tai S.-H. Sheldon , McPhaul Kathleen M. , Milton Donald K. ,   for the University of Maryland StopCOVID Research Group for the University of Maryland StopCOVID Research Group, Oluwasanmi Oladapo Adenaiye, Barbara Albert, P. Jacob Bueno de Mesquita, Yi Esparza, Aaron Kassman, Michael Lutchenkov, Dewansh Rastogi, Maria Schanz, Isabel Sierra Maldonado, Aditya Srikakulapu, Delwin Suraj, Faith Touré, Rhonda Washington-Lewis, Somayeh Youssefi, Stuart Weston, Matthew Frieman, Mara Cai, Ashok Agrawala
Published: March 2022

The findings of this manuscript are increasingly important with new variants that appear to have shorter incubation periods emerging, which may be more prone to detection in saliva before detection in nasal swabs. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide the science to support the use of a detection method that is highly sensitive and widely acceptable to the public to improve screening rates and early detection.
Identification of Linear B Cell Epitopes on CD2V Protein of African Swine Fever Virus by Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Jia Rui , Zhang Gaiping , Bai Yilin , Liu Hongliang , Chen Yumei , Ding Peiyang , Zhou Jingming , Feng Hua , Li Mingyang , Tian Yuanyuan , Wang Aiping
Published: March 2022

The ASFV CD2V protein is a crucial antigen on the outer envelopes of virus particles. A modified ASFV CD2V dimeric protein was expressed in the Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression vector system.
Luciferase Immunosorbent Assay Based on Multiple E Antigens for the Detection of Chikungunya Virus-Specific IgG Antibodies
Authors: Li Xiaoxia , Wan Xuan , Liu Jinyue , Wang Haiying , Li Anan , Ke Changwen , Tang Shixing , Zhao Wei , Cai Shaoxi , Wan Chengsong
Published: March 2022

At present, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is still circulating in some parts of the world, and mutated strains have emerged, making it easier for the virus to spread among humans. With the continuous variation of CHIKV, its antigen variation leads to the decline of detection ability.
Use of Whole-Genome Sequencing to PredictMycobacterium tuberculosisComplex Drug Resistance from Early Positive Liquid Cultures
Authors: Wu Xiaocui , Tan Guangkun , Sha Wei , Liu Haican , Yang Jinghui , Guo Yinjuan , Shen Xin , Wu Zheyuan , Shen Hongbo , Yu Fangyou
Published: March 2022

In this study, we used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) from early positive liquid (MGIT) cultures instead of solid cultures to predict drug resistance of 182Mycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex (MTBC) clinical isolates to predict drug resistance using the TB-Profiler informatics platform. Our study indicates that WGS may be a promising method for predicting MTBC resistance using early positive liquid cultures.
Priapism mimic: penile metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gatsinga Rene , Tan Yu Guang , Ngo Nye Thane , Teo Jonathan SM
Published: March 2022

We describe the case of a metastatic penile tumour of hepatocellular origin treated with surgical resection.
Telemetric non-contact intraocular pressure monitoring with an implanted sensor in patients with glaucoma: long-term safety report and monitoring data
Authors: Schmidt Ilka , Plange Niklas , Walter Peter , Koutsonas Antonis
Published: March 2022

Background/aims

Glaucoma is a chronic disease that requires lifelong monitoring and treatment. However, its control is limited due to discontinuous intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring related to the practitioners’ office hours. Implantable telemetric IOP sensors have made self-measurements possible and provide important information regarding the IOP profiles of patients. However, limited long-term monitoring data are currently available.

Methods

In the ARGOS-01 study, a telemetric IOP sensor was implanted in the ciliary sulcus of six patients with open-angle glaucoma during cataract surgery between 2011 and 2012. This study reports telemetric monitoring data collected by self-tonometry and automated measurements and during outpatient visits, including an analysis of one active patient with several years of follow-up. The long-term safety, tolerability and functionality were assessed in the remaining patients during the last visit.

Results

The follow-up period was up to 10 years, in which almost 25 000 IOP measurements were performed. The patients had excellent tolerance of the implanted sensor and did not experience sensor-related discomfort or complications. The active patient reported easy handling of self-tonometry and did not experience long-term restrictions in activities of daily living due to the implanted sensor. Telemetric data provide an insight into patients’ measurement routines and IOP fluctuations.

Conclusion

So far, our data suggest good long-term safety, tolerability and functionality of the implanted sensors up to almost ten years. Such sensors may help facilitate patients’ self-measurements of IOP. This disease monitoring method should be investigated further to determine if it helps improve wider patient experience, engagement and visual prognosis for those being treated for complex glaucoma.
Significance of tibial MRI findings of special forces recruits at the onset of their training
Authors: Milgrom Charles , Tsur N , Eshed I , Milgrom Y , Beyth S , Spitzer E , Gofman I , Finestone A S
Published: March 2022

Introduction

MRI is commonly used to evaluate medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), based on grading assessments developed in civilian populations. When MTSS represents stress fracture, rest is required to allow for bone remodelling to occur. False positive evaluations can lead to unnecessary recruit attrition.

Methods

Thirty randomly selected new recruits to a special forces training unit underwent MRI of their tibias using the T2-Dixon sequence at the onset of training. Evaluation was according to the Fredericson MTSS grading system. Prior to undergoing MRI, anthropomorphic measurements, a survey of sports history and an orthopaedic examination of subject tibias were performed. Orthopaedic follow-up was through 11 weeks of training.

Results

Medial periosteal oedema without the presence of bone marrow oedema, corresponding to a grade 1 stress reaction, was present on MRI in 10 recruits (17 tibias). In only one case did the periosteal oedema include the posterior aspect of the medial cortex where medial tibial stress fractures usually occur. Tibial tenderness was present in seven tibias on examination done just prior to the MRI studies, but none were symptomatic and only one had periosteal oedema present on MRI, but without anatomical correlation between the site of the tenderness and the periosteal oedema. During subsequent training, five tibias in four recruits developed pain and tenderness. Two had periosteal oedema in their prior MRIs, but the location did not coincide anatomically with that of the tibial tenderness. The time from stopping sports before induction and the presence of periosteal oedema was not significant.

Conclusion

Periosteal oedema, one of the hallmarks used in MRI grading systems to evaluate MTSS, was found to have a 37.7% false positive rate for anatomically corresponding tibial tenderness at the time of the examination and during subsequent training, indicating the grading systems’ low utility for the military.