bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of T follicular helper cells in patients with rheumatic diseases and subsequent antibody responses in a three‐dose immunization regimen of CoronaVac
Authors: Zhou Xingyu , Wang Yifan , Huang Bo , Feng Ruiling , Zhou Xinyao , Li Chun , Zhang Xia , Shao Miao , Gan Yuzhou , Jin Yuebo , An Yuan , Xiao Xian , Wang Shiyang , Liu Qinghong , Cheng Gong , Zhu Fengyunzhi , Zhang Kai , Wang Naidi , Xing Xiaoyan , Li Ru , Li Yuhui , Liu Yisi , Lu Dan , Sun Xiaolin , Li Zhanguo , Liu Yudong , He Jing
Published: September 2022

Given increased acceptance of the CoronaVac, there is an unmet need to assess the safety and immunogenic changes of CoronaVac in patients with rheumatic diseases (RD). Here we comprehensively analysed humoral and cellular responses in patient with RD after a three‐dose immunization regimen of CoronaVac. RD patients with stable condition and/or low disease activity (n = 40) or healthy controls (n = 40) were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive CoronaVac (Sinovac). The prevalence of anti‐receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies and neutralizing antibodies was similar between healthy control (HC) and RD patients after the second and the third vaccination. However, the titers of anti‐RBD IgG and neutralizing antibodies were significantly lower in RD patients compared to HCs (p < 0.05), which was associated with an impaired T follicular helper (Tfh) cell response. Among RD patients, those who generated an antibody response displayed a significantly higher Tfh cells compared to those who failed after the first and the second vaccination (p < 0.05). Interestingly, subjects with a negative serological response displayed a similar Tfh memory response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)‐derived peptides as their anti‐RBD IgG positive counterpart, and all (4/4) of the non‐responders in HCs, and 62.5% (5/8) of the non‐responders in patients with RD displayed a positive serological response following the third dose. No serious adverse events were observed. In conclusion, our findings support SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in patients with RD with stable and/or low disease activity. The impaired ability in generating vaccine‐specific antibodies in patients with RD was associated with a reduction in Tfh cells induction. The window of vaccination times still needs to be explored in future studies. Clinical trial registration: This trial was registered with ChiCTR2100049138.
Infant regulation during the pandemic: Associations with maternal response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, well‐being, and socio‐emotional investment
Authors: Reinelt Tilman , Suppiger Debora , Frey Clarissa , Oertel Rebecca , Natalucci Giancarlo
Published: September 2022

In the transition to parenthood, the COVID‐19 pandemic poses an additional strain on parental well‐being. Confirmed infections or having to quarantine, as well as public health measures negatively affect parents and infants. Contrary to previous studies mainly focusing on the well‐being of school‐aged children and their parents during lockdown periods, the present study investigated how mothers of infants respond to the COVID‐19 pandemic and whether this is related to maternal well‐being, maternal socio‐emotional investment, and infant regulation. Between April and June 2021, 206 mothers of infants (Mage = 7.14 months, SDage = 3.75 months) reported on COVID‐19 infections, their response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, their well‐being, socio‐emotional investment, and their infant’s regulation. Exploratory factor analyses yielded five dimensions of maternal response to the COVID‐19 pandemic: social distancing, worrying about the child, birth anxiety, distancing from the child, and information on COVID‐19‐related parenting behavior and support. These dimensions were related to mother‐reported infant regulatory problems. Path analyses revealed paths via reduced maternal well‐being and maternal socio‐emotional investment. Maternal perceptions of infant regulatory problems are related to how the mothers respond to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Better information about COVID‐19‐related parenting behavior and support might buffer against these effects.
Liquid ozone therapies for the treatment of epithelial wounds: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Romary Daniel J. , Landsberger Sarah A. , Bradner K. Nicole , Ramirez Mirian , Leon Brian R.
Published: September 2022

Ozonated water and ozonated oils are emerging as potential therapies for wound care, but their efficacy has not been appropriately evaluated. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of topical ozone in the treatment of mammalian wounds. A structured search of five scientific databases returned a total of 390 unique studies. Of these, 22 studies were included in this review. Four studies provided enough data to be included in a meta‐analysis evaluating the time to complete wound healing. All studies were randomised controlled trials of humans or other mammalian animals that reported clinical signs of wound healing. Each study was critically analysed by a six‐point assessment of the risk of bias. Wounds treated with topical ozone had a greater reduction in wound size than similar wounds treated with controls or standard of care in all studies. Those treated with ozonated liquids also had a shorter time to wound healing by approximately one week. In conclusion, topical ozone contributed to enhanced wound healing in all studies. While additional human experiments would be helpful to quantify ozone's specific effects on wound healing compared to standard treatment, topical ozone should be considered as part of an overall wound management strategy.
Fast synthesis of NaNbO3 nanoparticles with high photocatalytic activity for degradation of organic dyes
Authors: Fernandes Daiane , Ferrer Mateus M. , Raubach Cristiane W. , Moreira Mario L. , Jardim Pedro L. G. , Moreira Eduardo Ceretta , Graeff Carlos F. O. , Cava Sergio S.
Published: September 2022

NaNbO3 nanoparticles were obtained using the microwave‐assisted hydrothermal method followed by heat treatment. It has been shown that heat treatment to increase the crystallinity of the material and modifies particle shape, from nanowires to nanograins. Nanowires with a diameter of approximately 35 nm and a length of tens of micrometers were obtained in the shortest time ever reported in the literature. Particles in the shape of nanograins with a diameter of approximately 35 nm were obtained by burning the nanowires. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles was investigated through the photodegradation of Rhodamine B dye. Electronic structure analysis using density functional theory (DFT) along with experimental techniques was performed to help understand the photocatalytic activity of each sample. The obtained nanoparticles were highly favorable for photocatalytic applications, especially the nanograins, which degraded 100% of the dye in 50 min.
Analysis of fracture mechanisms of ultrathin glass for flexible cover window under pen drop conditions
Authors: Kim Seungho , Chung Woon Jin , Jung Somi , Shim Gyuin , Shon Huiyeon , Kim Seung , Park Kyeong Dae
Published: September 2022

The fracture mechanism of a chemically strengthened ultrathin glass (UTG) for the cover window of flexible display devices was investigated under pen loading conditions for the first time to better understand the UTG impact resistance characteristics. High‐speed camera analysis, fracture fragment analysis, and finite element modeling were employed to investigate the fracture mechanism of the UTG under pen drop conditions. A pen‐on‐plate (POP) test was also employed to examine the fracture characteristics under static loading condition, and its results were compared with those of the pen drop test (PDT) to find a correlation between the static and dynamic loading conditions. The correlation found between the POP and PDT tests indicates that a quantitative estimation of contact displacement under PDT can be obtained by measuring the first ring crack size, to more easily determine the impact resistance characteristics of UTG.
Influence of stabilizing ions and sintering process on the thermal conductivity of α‐SiAlON ceramics
Authors: Zhang Shijia , Du Songmo , Zhang Jie , Li Fei , Chen Zhanglin , Smirnov Konstantin , Chen Kexin , Liu Guanghua
Published: September 2022

α‐SiAlON ceramics with different stabilizing ions of Yb, Dy, Nd, Y, Ca, and binary stabilizing ions of (Yb + Ca) and (Yb + Nd) were prepared by spark plasma sintering at 1600°C and gas pressure sintering at 1800 and 1900°C, and their thermal conductivity was investigated. It was found that α‐SiAlON ceramics with larger and heavier stabilizing ions had lower thermal conductivity and the thermal conductivity could be further reduced by using binary stabilizing ions, which can be explained by phonon scattering from point defects. At the same time, the samples prepared at lower sintering temperatures showed smaller grain sizes and lower thermal conductivity. The relationship between the thermal diffusivity of samples and temperature was studied, where the dependence of inverse thermal diffusivity on temperature was better fitted by a quadratic fitting function than the usual linear one over a wide temperature range from 25 to 800°C.
High‐power piezoelectric energy harvester produced using [0 0 1]‐textured (Na, K)NbO3‐based lead‐free piezoceramics
Authors: Kim Sun‐Woo , Chae Seok‐June , Kim Dae‐Su , Woo Jong‐Un , Kim Eun‐Ji , Go Su‐Hwan , Eum Jae‐Min , Kang Hyung‐Won , Han Seung Ho , Nahm Sahn
Published: September 2022

High‐power piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) require piezoceramics with a large kp and d33 but small εT33/ε0 values. The [0 0 1]‐textured 0.96(Na, K)(Nb1−xSbx)–0.04SrZrO3 piezoceramics (x = 0.025 and 0.045) exhibited the improved electromechanical coupling factor (kp) and piezoelectric charge constant (d33); however, the increase of dielectric constant (εT33/ε0) was not significant. Further, the textured piezoceramic with x = 0.045 shows the large d33 × g33 value of 21.5 pm2/N, where g33 is piezoelectric voltage constant, indicating that texturing is a good technique to fabricate the piezoceramics for PEH. The impedance curve of the PEH consisting of the metal substrate and textured piezoceramic shows a piezoelectric resonance peak at a low frequency, which is the same as the mechanical resonance frequency of the PEH. Hence, the PEH can be considered a piezoelectric material. The figure of merit of the PEH was determined using the mechanical quality and electromechanical coupling factor calculated from the impedance curve of the PEH. A large power output of 1.7 mW was obtained from the type‐1 PEH at the resonance frequency produced using the textured thick film (x = 0.045). Hence, this PEH can be used as a permanent power source for microelectronic devices in the Internet of Things.
Freshwater mussels and host fish gut microbe community composition shifts after agricultural contaminant exposure
Authors: Gill Stephanie P. , Learman Deric R. , Annis Mandy L. , Woolnough Daelyn A.
Published: September 2022

Aims

We examined the effects of a mixture of contaminants found in agricultural watersheds on the gut microbiota and physiology of both the freshwater mussel Lampsilis cardium, and L. cardium host fish Micropterus salmoides.

Methods and results

Lampsilis cardium and M. salmoides were exposed to three concentrations of agricultural contaminants for 60 days (observing behaviour daily) before being sampled for gut microbiota analyses. DNA was extracted from the gut samples, amplified via PCR, and sequenced using the Illumina Mi-Seq platform. Only L. cardium guts had differing microbiota across treatments, with an increase in potentially pathogenic Aeromonas. We also provide novel evidence of a core microbiota within L. cardium and M. salmoides. In terms of physiology, female L. cardium exhibited a decrease in movement and marsupial gill display in contaminant exposures.

Conclusions

Exposure to contaminants from agricultural watersheds may affect population recruitment within freshwater mussel communities over time. Specifically, increased pathogenic micro-organisms and altered behaviour can reduce the likelihood of glochidia dispersal.

Significance and impact of the study

This study supports emerging research that contaminants found in agricultural watersheds may be a factor in freshwater mussel population declines. It also provides novel evidence that unionids have a core gut microbiota.
How to deepen college students' approach to using technologies in T‐O‐IBL? Examining the mediating influence of deep approaches to using technologies between learning factors and higher order thinking skills
Authors: Lu Kaili , Pang Feng , Shadiev Rustam
Published: September 2022

Background

Inquiry‐based learning is a salient instructional approach to cultivate students' higher order thinking skills (HOTS). With the presence and advancement of new technologies, their usage for inquiry learning in university context is increasingly ubiquitous. However, in most circumstances, college students cannot integrate technologies to their inquiry learning in efficient ways or their abilities to use technologies are not good enough. Previous studies found that intrinsic motivation (IM), peer interaction (PI) and classroom connectedness (CC) were key factors to influence students' approaches to using technologies from the personal, behavioural and environmental perspectives.

Objectives

This study investigated the influence of these three essential learning factors (IM, PI and CC) on students' HOTS and the mediate influence of deep approach to using technologies (DAUT) between these learning factors and HOTS in the technology‐enhanced open inquiry‐based learning context.

Methods

A questionnaire was administered to 80 university students who had studied with the technology‐enhanced open inquiry‐based learning approach. The partial least squares method was employed to investigate the relationships among learning factors, DAUT and HOTS.

Results and Conclusions

Results showed that CC and PI were positively directly related to HOTS. DAUT was a significant mediator between two (i.e., IM and PI) of the three learning factors and HOTS. The findings of the study have practical implications for instructors, indicating that they should pay attention to students' IM and PI in deepening their approach to using technologies as well as to improve students' HOTS in technology‐enhanced open inquiry‐based learning.
SNORA70E promotes the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer through pseudouridylation modification of RAP1B and alternative splicing of PARPBP
Authors: Chen Shuo , Li Qian‐hui , Chen Xi , Bao Hai‐Juan , Wu Wu , Shen Fan , Lu Bing‐Feng , Jiang Ru‐Qi , Zong Zhi‐hong , Zhao Yang
Published: September 2022

The present study demonstrated for the first time that SNORA70E, which belongs to box H/ACA small nucleolar noncoding RNAs (snoRNAs) who could bind and induce pseudouridylation of RNAs, was significantly elevated in ovarian cancer tissues and was an unfavourable prognostic factor of ovarian cancer. The over‐expression of SNORA70E showed increased cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro and induced tumour growth in vivo. Further research found that SNORA70E regulates RAS‐Related Protein 1B (RAP1B) mRNA through pseudouracil modification by combing with the pyrimidine synthase Dyskerin Pseudouridine Synthase 1 (DKC1) and increase RAP1B protein level. What's more, the silencing of DKC1/RAP1B in SNORA70E overexpression cells both inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion through reducing β‐catenin, PI3K, AKT1, mTOR, and MMP9 protein levels. Besides, RNA‐Seq results revealed that SNORA70E regulates the alternative splicing of PARP‐1 binding protein (PARPBP), leading to the 4th exon‐skipping in PARPBP‐88, forming a new transcript PARPBP‐15, which promoted cell invasion, migration and proliferation. Finally, ASO‐mediated silencing of SNORA70E could inhibit ovarian cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration ability in vitro and inhibit tumorigenicity in vivo. In conclusion, SNORA70E promotes the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer through pseudouridylation modification of RAP1B and alternative splicing of PARPBP. Our results demonstrated that SNORA70E may be a new diagnostic and therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.
Elevated gamma‐glutamyl transferase to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio has a non‐linear association with incident diabetes mellitus: A second analysis of a cohort study
Authors: Hu Haofei , Han Yong , Guan Mijie , Wei Ling , Wan Qijun , Hu Yanhua
Published: September 2022

Objective

Evidence regarding the association between the GGT/HDL‐c ratio and incident diabetes is still limited. On that account, our research aims to survey the link of the GGT/HDL‐c ratio with the risk of diabetes.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, data of 15,171 participants who participated in the medical examination program were collected in Murakami Memorial Hospital in Japan from 2004 to 2015. The independent and dependent variables were the baseline GGT/HDL‐c ratio and diabetes during the follow‐up, respectively. The Cox proportional‐hazards regression model was used to explore the association between the GGT/HDL‐c ratio and diabetes risk. A Cox proportional hazards regression with the cubic spline smoothing was used to recognize non‐linear relationships between the GGT/HDL‐c ratio and incident diabetes.

Results

After adjusting covariates, the results showed that the GGT/HDL‐c ratio was positively associated with incident diabetes (HR = 1.013, 95% CI: 1.002, 1.024). There was also a non‐linear relationship between the GGT/HDL‐c ratio and the risk of diabetes, and the inflection point of the GGT/HDL‐c ratio was 6.477. The HR on the left and right sides of the inflection point was 2.568 (1.157, 5.699) and 1.012 (1.001, 1.023), respectively. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated the robustness of the results. Besides, the performance of the FPG + GGT/HDL‐c ratio was better than FPG + GGT, FPG + HDL‐c, and FPG in predicting diabetes.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a positive and non‐linear relationship between the GGT/HDL‐c ratio and incident diabetes in the Japanese population. The GGT/HDL‐c ratio is strongly related to diabetes risk when it is <6.477.
European guideline (EuroGuiDerm) on atopic eczema – part II: non‐systemic treatments and treatment recommendations for special AE patient populations
Authors: Wollenberg A. , Kinberger M. , Arents B. , Aszodi N. , Avila Valle G. , Barbarot S. , Bieber T. , Brough H.A. , Calzavara Pinton P. , Christen‐Zäch S. , Deleuran M. , Dittmann M. , Dressler C. , Fink‐Wagner A.H. , Fosse N. , Gáspár K. , Gerbens L. , Gieler U. , Girolomoni G. , Gregoriou S. , Mortz C.G. , Nast A. , Nygaard U. , Redding M. , Rehbinder E.M. , Ring J. , Rossi M. , Serra‐Baldrich E. , Simon D. , Szalai Z.Z. , Szepietowski J.C. , Torrelo A. , Werfel T. , Flohr C.
Published: September 2022

The evidence‐ and consensus‐based guideline on atopic eczema was developed in accordance with the EuroGuiDerm Guideline and Consensus Statement Development Manual. Four consensus conferences were held between December 2020 and July 2021. Twenty‐nine experts (including clinicians and patient representatives) from 12 European countries participated. This second part of the guideline includes recommendations and detailed information on basic therapy with emollients and moisturizers, topical anti‐inflammatory treatment, antimicrobial and antipruritic treatment and UV phototherapy. Furthermore, this part of the guideline covers techniques for avoiding provocation factors, as well as dietary interventions, immunotherapy, complementary medicine and educational interventions for patients with atopic eczema and deals with occupational and psychodermatological aspects of the disease. It also contains guidance on treatment for paediatric and adolescent patients and pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as considerations for patients who want to have a child. A chapter on the patient perspective is also provided. The first part of the guideline, published separately, contains recommendations and guidance on systemic treatment with conventional immunosuppressive drugs, biologics and janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, as well as information on the scope and purpose of the guideline, and a section on guideline methodology.
The cost of rate caps: Evidence from Arkansas
Authors: Lukongo Onyumbe Enumbe Ben , Miller Thomas W.
Published: September 2022

Regulated small‐dollar installment lenders do not operate within Arkansas, but they do in all six states that border Arkansas. We can measure the effects of Arkansas' 17% interest rate cap because Arkansas residents obtain installment loans only from out‐of‐state lenders. On average, Arkansas residents borrow $1051 at an annual percentage rate of 93%, when incorporating travel costs. Arkansas residents borrow at a rate of 90.4 loans per 10,000 people, compared to 524.5 per 10,000 for residents of the six bordering states. Residents in Arkansas counties that border other states hold 96.7% of out‐of‐state‐supplied small‐dollar installment loans. Statistical tests confirm that the interest rate cap affects residents in the interior counties of Arkansas more than it does residents in the perimeter counties.
Executive networks and global stock liquidity
Authors: Egginton Jared F. , McBrayer Garrett A. , McCumber William R.
Published: September 2022

We examine whether executive networks affect the information environment around stocks in an international setting. We find that firms whose executives are more connected enjoy lower stock liquidity costs, as executive networks lower information asymmetries for market participants. However, the positive effects of executive networks on stock liquidity are subsumed in countries where investor protections are weaker. We empirically separate network effects into an information channel and a power channel, and find that the information channel dominates where institutions foster transparency and accountability. Effects of the power channel are visible where institutions are weak. These results suggest that the detrimental effects of network connections (e.g., managerial entrenchment, extraction of private benefits, propensity to commit fraud) documented in prior studies create space for asymmetric information around stocks when formal institutions are weak. Our results are robust to alternative model specifications and tests for endogeneity.
Should lenders also advise? Evidence from project loans
Authors: Power Gabriel J. , Tandja Djerry C. Mbianda
Published: September 2022

Bank loans are an important financing component for large‐scale investment projects. To secure loans, firms often enlist the help of a financial advisor (investment bank, boutique firm). Increasingly, large banks offer both advisory and arranging services. This dual role lowers information asymmetry, according to relationship banking, but suggests a potential conflict of interest. We investigate these trade‐offs and their effects for lenders and borrowers. Using a rich database of project‐specific loans and accounting for possible endogeneity, we find that loan spreads, debt levels, and maturities tend to be higher when the arranger also advises. Our results are consistent with relationship banking. Lenders benefit from better information and monopolistic power, whereas borrowers benefit from lower refinancing risk, higher financial flexibility, and a greater likelihood of financing (i.e., greater credit availability).
Effects of technology‐assisted interventions for people with dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Saragih Ita Daryanti , Wei Chun‐Wang , Batubara Sakti Oktaria , Saragih Ice Septriani , Lee Bih‐O
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The use of technology‐assisted interventions in dementia care contributes to increased communication, reduced burden on the caregivers, improved health outcomes, and improved expense management. Technology‐assisted interventions can be provided remotely to monitor, improve, and enable home care, benefiting the health of both patients and caregivers. Despite increasing use, the effectiveness of technology‐assisted interventions for dementia care remains uncertain, with studies reporting inconclusive findings subject to interpretation. Therefore, the current study investigated the available evidence to explore the efficacy of technology‐assisted interventions for people with dementia.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

The study was preregistered with the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews using a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA)‐guided protocol. The primary search was conducted in eight databases from database inception to January 29, 2022. Using a random‐effects model, the standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were synthesized to obtain pooled effect sizes (using Stata 16.0). The updated Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool (RoB‐2) was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies.

Findings

A pooled analysis of 12 trials, including 584 people with dementia, showed more improvement associated with technology‐assisted interventions compared with standard care, including in the domains of cognitive function (SMD = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.64; p < 0.001) and depression (SMD = −0.75; 95% CI: −1.33 to −0.17; p = 0.01). However, no significant effects were observed for activities of daily living (ADL) or quality of life.

Conclusion

Technology‐assisted interventions appear to improve cognitive function and reduce depression in people with dementia compared with standard care.

Clinical relevance

This study may be used to demonstrate that interventions incorporating many modalities or technologies can be used to enhance dementia care, which may improve favorable outcomes when using technology‐assisted interventions to remotely initiate appropriate activities for people with dementia. Because technology allows for simultaneous communication and access to shared multimedia, it removes environmental constraints and allows treatment to be administered remotely.
Integrating morphology and physiology of the key endocrine organ during tadpole development: The interrenal gland
Authors: Regueira Eleonora , O'Donohoe M. E. Ailín , Pavón Novarin Mariela , Michou Etcheverría Gabriela C. , Tropea Carolina , Hermida Gladys N.
Published: September 2022

Indirect development is widespread in anurans and is considered an ancestral condition. The metamorphosis of larvae into juveniles involves highly coordinated morphological, physiological, biochemical, and behavioral changes, promoted by the thyroid hormone and interrenal corticosteroids. Stress response to environmental changes is also mediated by corticosteroids, affecting the timing and rate of metamorphosis and leading to great developmental plasticity in tadpoles. Given the potential effect of interrenal gland ontogeny alterations on metamorphosis and the lack of studies addressing both the morphology and endocrinology of this gland in tadpoles, we present corticosterone (CORT) production and histological changes through the ontogeny of interrenal gland in the generalized pond‐type tadpole of Rhinella arenarum (Anura, Bufonidae). This species shows the highest concentration of whole‐body CORT by the early climax when drastic metamorphic changes begin. This is coincident with the morphological differentiation of steroidogenic cells and the formation of interrenal cords. By this stage, steroidogenic cells have a shrunken cytoplasm, with a significantly higher nucleus‐to‐cell diameter ratio. The lowest CORT concentration during premetamorphosis and late climax is associated with small undifferentiated cells with lipid inclusions surrounding large blood vessels between kidneys, and with cords of differentiated steroidogenic cells with a significantly lower nucleus‐to‐cell diameter ratio, respectively. Our study characterizes the morphological and physiological pattern of interrenal gland development, showing an association between certain histological and morphometric characteristics and CORT levels. Variations in this morpho‐physiological pattern should be considered when studying the phenotypic plasticity or variable growth rates of tadpoles.
Nineteen months into the pandemic, what have we learned about COVID‐19‐related outcomes in patients with psoriasis?
Authors: Kridin Khalaf , Schonmann Yochai , Onn Erez , Bitan Dana Tzur , Weinstein Orly , Shavit Eran , Cohen Arnon D.
Published: September 2022

Background

The impact of psoriasis on the outcomes of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is yet to be precisely delineated.

Objectives

To assess the risk of COVID‐19, COVID‐19‐associated hospitalization, and mortality among patients with psoriasis as compared with age‐, sex‐, and ethnicity‐matched control subjects. In addition, we aim to delineate determinants of COVID‐19‐associated hospitalization and mortality in patients with psoriasis.

Methods

A population‐based retrospective cohort study was performed to longitudinally follow patients with psoriasis and their matched controls with regard to COVID‐19‐related outcomes. The risk of COVID‐19 infection, COVID‐19‐associated hospitalization, and mortality were assessed using uni‐ and multi‐variable Cox regression analyses. Determinants of COVID‐19‐associated hospitalization and mortality were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study population included 144 304 patients with psoriasis and 144 304 age‐ and sex‐matched control individuals. Patients with psoriasis displayed a slightly elevated risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (fully‐adjusted HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.03–1.08; p < 0.001). Relative to controls, patients with psoriasis had comparable multivariate risk of COVID‐19‐associated hospitalization (fully‐adjusted HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.99–1.18; p = 0.065) and COVID‐19‐associated mortality (fully‐adjusted HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.73–1.05; p = 0.162). When evaluating individuals hospitalized due to COVID‐19, patients with psoriasis were more likely to have type‐2 diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.03–1.50; p = 0.027) and obesity (adjusted OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.13–1.65; p = 0.001) relative to controls.

Conclusions

While patients with psoriasis are at a higher risk of contracting SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, they are not more susceptible to the complications of COVID‐19.
Core metabolism plasticity in phytoplankton: Response of Dunaliella tertiolecta to oil exposure
Authors: Kamalanathan Manoj , Mapes Savannah , Prouse Alexandra , Faulkner Patricia , Klobusnik Nathan Hagen , Hillhouse Jessica , Hala David , Quigg Antonietta
Published: September 2022

Human alterations to the marine environment such as an oil spill can induce oxidative stress in phytoplankton. Exposure to oil has been shown to be lethal to most phytoplankton species, but some are able to survive and grow at unaffected or reduced growth rates, which appears to be independent of the class and phylum of the phytoplankton and their ability to consume components of oil heterotrophically. The goal of this article is to test the role of core metabolism plasticity in the oil‐resisting ability of phytoplankton. Experiments were performed on the oil‐ resistant chlorophyte, Dunaliella tertiolecta, in control and water accommodated fractions of oil, with and without metabolic inhibitors targeting the core metabolic pathways. We observed that inhibiting pathways such as photosynthetic electron transport (PET) and pentose‐phosphate pathway were lethal; however, inhibition of pathways such as mitochondrial electron transport and cyclic electron transport caused growth to be arrested. Pathways such as photorespiration and Kreb's cycle appear to play a critical role in the oil‐tolerating ability of D. tertiolecta. Analysis of photo‐physiology revealed reduced PET under inhibition of photorespiration but not Kreb's cycle. Further studies showed enhanced flux through Kreb's cycle suggesting increased energy production and photorespiration counteract oxidative stress. Lastly, reduced extracellular carbohydrate secretion under oil exposure indicated carbon and energy conservation, which together with enhanced flux through Kreb's cycle played a major role in the survival of D. tertiolecta under oil exposure by meeting the additional energy demands. Overall, we present data that suggest the role of phenotypic plasticity of multiple core metabolic pathways in accounting for the oxidative stress tolerating ability of certain phytoplankton species.
Detection of optrA and poxtA genes in linezolid-resistant Enterococcus isolates from fur animals in China
Authors: Sun W. , Liu H. , Liu J. , Jiang Q. , Pan Y. , Yang Y. , Zhu X. , Ge J.
Published: September 2022

The emergence of linezolid-resistant (LR) enterococci found in food of animal origin arouses attention, but little is known about LR enterococci in fur animals. A total of 342 Enterococcus faecalis and 265 E. faecium strains isolated from fur animals in China from 2015 to 2017 were investigated to determine if LR enterococci (≥16 μg ml−1) are present. Overall, two E. faecalis and 12 E. faecium among these isolates were resistant to linezolid. In addition, all LR isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant isolates. We further explore the resistance genes of the LR enterococci, four E. faecalis and two E. faecium isolates contained optrA gene. Two of them co-harboured optrA and poxtA genes. We detected virulence genes in LR enterococci were the following: asa1, cylA, esp, gelE and hyl, among which the highest carrying rate gene was asa1. Besides, all of the LR enterococci we tested had the biofilm-forming ability. It is worth noting that we detected a novel ST type ST2010 from E. faecium 82-2. These data show LR enterococci exist in fur animals and have unique characteristics.
Population genomics of a predatory mammal reveals patterns of decline and impacts of exposure to toxic toads
Authors: von Takach Brenton , Ranjard Louis , Burridge Christopher P. , Cameron Skye F. , Cremona Teigan , Eldridge Mark D. B. , Fisher Diana O. , Frankenberg Stephen , Hill Brydie M. , Hohnen Rosemary , Jolly Chris J. , Kelly Ella , MacDonald Anna J. , Moussalli Adnan , Ottewell Kym , Phillips Ben L. , Radford Ian J. , Spencer Peter B. S. , Trewella Gavin J. , Umbrello Linette S. , Banks Sam C.
Published: September 2022

Mammal declines across northern Australia are one of the major biodiversity loss events occurring globally. There has been no regional assessment of the implications of these species declines for genomic diversity. To address this, we conducted a species‐wide assessment of genomic diversity in the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), an Endangered marsupial carnivore. We used next generation sequencing methods to genotype 10,191 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 352 individuals from across a 3220‐km length of the continent, investigating patterns of population genomic structure and diversity, and identifying loci showing signals of putative selection. We found strong heterogeneity in the distribution of genomic diversity across the continent, characterized by (i) biogeographical barriers driving hierarchical population structure through long‐term isolation, and (ii) severe reductions in diversity resulting from population declines, exacerbated by the spread of introduced toxic cane toads (Rhinella marina). These results warn of a large ongoing loss of genomic diversity and associated adaptive capacity as mammals decline across northern Australia. Encouragingly, populations of the northern quoll established on toad‐free islands by translocations appear to have maintained most of the initial genomic diversity after 16 years. By mapping patterns of genomic diversity within and among populations, and investigating these patterns in the context of population declines, we can provide conservation managers with data critical to informed decision‐making. This includes the identification of populations that are candidates for genetic management, the importance of remnant island and insurance/translocated populations for the conservation of genetic diversity, and the characterization of putative evolutionarily significant units.
Concerns about Lycan's commonsensism
Authors: Bergmann Michael
Published: September 2022

Despite wholeheartedly endorsing Lycan's commonsensism on display in On Evidence in Philosophy, this paper raises concerns about three views Lycan defends in that book. The first view is compatibilism about free will and determinism. The paper argues that Lycan's Moorean defense of compatibilism fails and that it is plausible for commonsensists to think that, in their dispute with incompatibilists, the burden of proof is on compatibilists. The second view is Lycan's Principle of Humility, offered as an account of the conditions under which recognized disagreement undermines knowledge. The paper considers a permissive and a demanding way of understanding his Principle of Humility and suggests that, contra Lycan, commonsensism fits better with a permissive understanding. The third view discussed is his coherentism about justification. The paper concludes that commonsensism is best understood in foundationalist terms and that Lycan's coherentism is, in fact, an inadequately motivated version of foundationalism.
Histone‐stimulated platelet adhesion to mouse cremaster venules in vivo is dependent on von Willebrand factor
Authors: Courson Justin A. , Lam Fong W. , Langlois Kimberly W. , Rumbaut Rolando E.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Extracellular histones are known mediators of platelet activation, inflammation, and thrombosis. Von Willebrand Factor (vWF) and Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) have been implicated in pro‐inflammatory and prothrombotic histone responses. The objective of this study was to assess the role of vWF and TLR4 on histone‐induced platelet adhesion in vivo.

Methods

Intravital microscopy of the mouse cremaster microcirculation, in the presence of extracellular histones or saline control, was conducted in wild‐type, vWF‐deficient, and TLR4‐deficient mice to assess histone‐mediated platelet adhesion. Platelet counts following extracellular histone exposure were conducted. Platelets were isolated from vWF‐deficient mice and littermates to assess the role of vWF on histone‐induced platelet aggregation.

Results

Histones promoted platelet adhesion to cremaster venules in vivo in wild‐type animals, as well as in TLR4‐deficient mice to a comparable degree. Histones did not lead to increased platelet adhesion in vWF‐deficient mice, in contrast to littermate controls. In all genotypes, histones resulted in thrombocytopenia. Histone‐induced platelet aggregation ex vivo was similar in vWF‐deficient mice and littermate controls.

Conclusions

Histone‐induced platelet adhesion to microvessels in vivo is vWF‐dependent and TLR4‐independent. Platelet‐derived vWF was not necessary for histone‐induced platelet aggregation ex vivo. These data are consistent with the notion that endothelial vWF, rather than platelet vWF, mediates histone‐induced platelet adhesion in vivo.
Diversity in new flagellum tip attachment in bloodstream form African trypanosomes
Authors: Smithson Laura , Ihuoma Akazue Pearl , Findlater Lucy , Gwira Theresa Manful , Vaughan Sue , Sunter Jack D.
Published: September 2022

The closely related parasites Trypanosoma brucei, T. congolense, and T. vivax cause neglected tropical diseases collectively known as African Trypanosomiasis. A characteristic feature of bloodstream form T. brucei is the flagellum that is laterally attached to the side of the cell body. During the cell cycle, the new flagellum is formed alongside the old flagellum, with the new flagellum tip embedded within a mobile transmembrane junction called the groove. The molecular composition of the groove is currently unknown, which limits the analysis of this junction and assessment of its conservation in related trypanosomatids. Here, we identified 13 proteins that localize to the flagellar groove through a small‐scale tagging screen. Functional analysis of a subset of these proteins by RNAi and gene deletion revealed three proteins, FCP4/TbKin15, FCP7, and FAZ45, that are involved in new flagellum tip attachment to the groove. Despite possessing orthologues of all 13 groove proteins, T. congolense and T. vivax did not assemble a canonical groove around the new flagellum tip according to 3D electron microscopy. This diversity in new flagellum tip attachment points to the rapid evolution of membrane‐cytoskeleton structures that can occur without large changes in gene complement and likely reflects the niche specialization of each species.
Perspectives of a proposed patient navigator programme for people with chronic kidney disease in rural communities: Report from national workshops
Authors: Scholes‐Robertson Nicole , Howell Martin , Carter Simon A. , Manera Karine E. , Viecelli Andrea K. , Au Eric , Chong Chanel , Matus‐Gonzalez Andrea , van Zwieten Anita , Reidlinger Donna , Wright Chad , Owen Kelli , Craig Jonathan C. , Tong Allison
Published: September 2022

Aims

People who live in rural areas have reduced access to appropriate and timely healthcare, leading to poorer health outcomes than their metropolitan‐based counterparts. The aims of the workshops were to ascertain participants' perspectives on barriers to access to dialysis and transplantation, to identify and prioritize the roles of a rural patient navigator, to discuss the acceptability and feasibility of implementing this role and identify possible outcomes that could be used to measure the success of the programme in a clinical trial.

Methods

Rural patients (n = 19), their caregivers (n = 5) and health professionals (n = 18) from Australia participated in three workshops. We analysed the data using thematic analysis.

Results

We identified four themes related to access to dialysis and transplantation: overwhelmed by separate and disconnected health systems, unprepared for emotional toll and isolation, lack of practical support and inability to develop trust and rapport. Four themes related to the role of the patient navigator programme: valuing lived experience, offering cultural expertise, requiring a conduit, and flexibility of the job description. The key roles prioritized by participants were psychological support and networking, provision/consolidation of education, and provision of practical support.

Conclusion

Rural patients, caregivers and health professionals believed that programmes that include navigators with lived experience of dialysis and kidney transplantation and cultural expertise, especially for Aboriginal Australians, may have the potential to improve patient experiences in accessing healthcare.
The tomato resistance gene Bs4 suppresses leaf watersoaking phenotypes induced by AvrHah1, a transcription activator‐like effector from tomato‐pathogenic xanthomonads
Authors: Schenstnyi Kyrylo , Strauß Annett , Dressel Angela , Morbitzer Robert , Wunderlich Markus , Andrade Ana Gabriela , Phan Trang‐Thi‐Thu , Aguilera Paloma de los Angeles , Brancato Caterina , Berendzen Kenneth Wayne , Lahaye Thomas
Published: September 2022

The Xanthomonas transcription activator‐like effector (TALE) protein AvrBs3 transcriptionally activates the executor‐type resistance (R) gene Bs3 from pepper (Capsicum annuum), thereby triggering a hypersensitive cell death reaction (HR). AvrBs3 also triggers an HR in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) upon recognition by the nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) R protein Bs4. Whether the executor‐type R protein Bs3 and the NLR‐type R protein Bs4 use common or distinct signalling components to trigger an HR remains unclear.

CRISPR/Cas9‐mutagenesis revealed, that the immune signalling node EDS1 is required for Bs4‑ but not for Bs3‐dependent HR, suggesting that NLR‑ and executor‐type R proteins trigger an HR via distinct signalling pathways. CRISPR/Cas9‐mutagenesis also revealed that tomato Bs4 suppresses the virulence function of both TALEs, the HR‐inducing AvrBs3 protein and of AvrHah1, a TALE that does not trigger an HR in tomato.

Analysis of AvrBs3‑ and AvrHah1‐induced host transcripts and disease phenotypes in CRISPR/Cas9‐induced bs4 mutant plants indicates that both TALEs target orthologous transcription factor genes to promote disease in tomato and pepper host plants.

Our studies display that tomato mutants lacking the TALE‐sensing Bs4 protein provide a novel platform to either uncover TALE‐induced disease phenotypes or genetically dissect components of executor‐triggered HR.
Tumor‐induced osteomalacia combined with acromegaly: A case report
Authors: Li Xiang , Ni Xiaolin , Chai Xiaofeng , Wang Linjie , Jiang Yan , Jing Hongli , Huo Li , Wu Huanwen , Yao Yong , Jin Jin , Feng Bin , Xia Yu , Yu Wei , Chi Yue , Liu Wei , Pang Qianqian , Cui Lijia , Jiajue Ruizhi , Gong Yiyi , Wang Ou , Li Mei , Xing Xiaoping , Xia Weibo
Published: September 2022

Both acromegaly and tumor‐induced osteomalacia (TIO) are rare diseases caused by an excess hormone secreted by neuroendocrine neoplasms, which are growth hormone (GH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), respectively. GH elevates phosphate reabsorption via the effect of insulin‐like factor 1 (IGF‐1), while FGF23 inhibits phosphate reabsorption and reduces serum phosphate level markedly. A patient who developed a typical acromegaly appearance but was accompanied with height loss and hypophosphatemia for 2 years visited our hospital. Laboratory investigations showed GH and IGF‐1 hypersecretion, as well as hypophosphatemia caused by renal phosphate wasting. Magnetic resonance image revealed a pituitary somatotroph adenoma. Octreoscan scintigraphy also found a causative tumor on the right foot for hypophosphatemia. Then, he underwent resection of the tumor on the right foot. His serum phosphate returned to normal immediately but elevated gradually. Then, we removed the pituitary adenoma of the patient, and the GH and phosphate levels returned to the normal range. Here, we report the first case with acromegaly combined with TIO, the changing process of his phosphate concentration suggests an interesting concurrent effect of excess GH and FGF23 in this rare condition.
Clinical decision‐making and management of stage IV periodontitis: A survey
Authors: Merli Mauro , Fratini Adriano , Sforza Nicola Marco , Landi Luca , Pagliaro Umberto , Franchi Lorenzo , Nieri Michele
Published: September 2022

Objective

To investigate the clinical management of stage IV periodontitis patients among clinicians within the Italian Society of Periodontology and Implantology.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was designed on a web‐based anonymous survey. Comparison between ordinary members (OMs) versus active and certified members (ACMs) and comparison between members with at least 10 years of experience in periodontology (Ov10) and members with less than 10 years of experience in periodontology (Un10) were performed.

Results

A total of 324 out of 1362 members (response rate of 24%) responded to the questionnaire. ACMs and Ov10 more often reported their teams hold adequate skills to manage cases. Step I and II periodontal therapy took more time in the ACMs and Ov10 groups. ACMs used different strategies to perform step I‐II therapy, and antibiotics were used less frequently than OMs. Unresponsive sites were treated more often with surgery by ACMs compared to OMs. ACMs adopted different treatment sequences compared to OMs. Ov10 group used more often CBCT, lateral cephalogram, and wax‐up while Un10 group tend to avoid orthodontic therapy.

Conclusions

More experienced members spent more time in step I and II of periodontal therapy, used more diagnostic tools, and performed more often surgery and orthodontics in the treatment of stage IV periodontitis patients.