bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periodontal disease and its association to endothelial dysfunction and clinical changes in limited systemic sclerosis: A case–control study
Authors: Jud Philipp , Wimmer Gernot , Meinitzer Andreas , Strohmaier Heimo , Schwantzer Gerold , Moazedi‐Fürst Florentine , Schweiger Leyla , Brodmann Marianne , Hafner Franz , Arefnia Behrouz
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Periodontal disease occurs frequently in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) while data about underlying pathways contributing to periodontal changes are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate periodontal disease and to investigate its association with endothelial dysfunction and clinical changes in patients with lcSSc.

Methods

In 38 lcSSc patients and 38 controls, periodontal status was evaluated by disease‐specific questionnaire, dental examination including bleeding on probing (BOP), pocket depth, and plaque index, and dental panoramic radiograph. Periodontopathogen bacteria were collected subgingivally using paper points and interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) gene polymorphisms were evaluated using buccal swabs. Endothelial dysfunction was measured by flow‐mediated dilatation, pulse‐wave velocity and biochemical analysis, including arginine metabolites and endothelial microparticles. Additionally, lcSSc‐specific clinical changes and parameters were recorded.

Results

Periodontitis was present in 31 patients with lcSSc (81.6%) and in 27 controls (71.1%) (p = .280). LcSSc patients had a lower teeth number (p = .039) and Eikenella corrodens was to a higher degree detectable in patients with lcSSc (p = .041) while the remaining periodontal parameters revealed no differences between both cohorts. Significant correlations between parameters of arterial stiffness, EUSTAR index, number of teeth and BOP were observed (all p < .05). Detection of Prevotella intermedia was associated with selected IL‐1 gene polymorphisms (p = .032) and Porphyromonas gingivalis was associated with severe periodontitis (p = .041).

Conclusion

Periodontal disease may occur frequently in patients with lcSSc and may be associated with arterial stiffness and with SSc activity.
Delayed bedtime on non‐school days associates with higher weight and waist circumference in children: Cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses with Mendelian randomisation
Authors: Viljakainen Heli , Engberg Elina , Dahlström Emma , Lommi Sohvi , Lahti Jari
Published: March 2023

Sleep duration has been linked with obesity in population‐based studies. Less is known about bedtimes and, especially, if discrepancy between bedtimes on school and non‐school days associate with adiposity in children. The associations of self‐reported bedtimes with the body mass index z‐score (BMIz) and waist‐to‐height ratio (WtHr) were examined among children with a mean (SD) age of 11.2 (0.85) years in cross‐sectional (n = 10,245) and longitudinal (n = 5085) study settings. The causal relationship of whether BMIz contributes to bedtimes, was further examined in a subset of 1064 participants by exploiting Mendelian randomisation (MR). After adjusting for sleep duration and other confounders, every 0.5 h later bedtime on non‐school nights and a delay in bedtime in non‐school nights compared with school nights associated with 0.048 (95% CI 0.027; 0.069) and 0.08 (95% CI 0.056; 0.105) higher BMIz as well as 0.001 (95% CI 0; 0.002) and 0.004 (95% CI 0.003; 0.005) with higher WtHr, respectively. Moreover, every 0.5‐h delay in bedtime in non‐school nights compared with school nights associated with 0.001 (95% CI 0; 0.002) greater increase in WtHr in the 2.5 years follow‐up. Thus, a 2‐h delay in bedtime at the age of 11 years corresponds with a 0.6 cm increase in waist circumference. The MR analysis did not indicate an opposite causal relationship: higher BMIz was not causing delayed bedtimes. Later bedtime on non‐school days and discrepancy in bedtimes associated with increased BMIz and WtHr, while longitudinally these predicted higher WtHr, independently of sleep duration. Promoting early bedtimes, especially on weekends, should be considered in obesity prevention among school‐aged children.
Effect of occlusal equilibration on masticatory muscle activity in females with sleep bruxism: a double‐blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: de Abreu Tereza , Bahia Christianne , Foscaldo Tatiana , Senna Plinio , de Souza Hilda , Fischer Ricardo , Kirveskari Pentti
Published: March 2023

Masticatory muscle activity during sleep has been considered independent of variations in the structural characteristics of the dental occlusion. However, scientific evidence contradicting an occlusal causal role is missing. The purpose of this study was to test the null hypothesis that sleep bruxism (SB) is independent of the presence of occlusal interferences. A total of 17 healthy female subjects (mean [SD] age 24.9 [4.1] years) presenting with SB, and randomly divided into two groups, were evaluated after receiving either elimination of occlusal interferences (Test group) or elimination of sharp margins without change in occlusal contacts (Control group). Audio‐video polysomnography (PSG) recordings were undertaken before and after treatment (mean [SD] duration 14.4 [3.8] months). Two subjects in each group (< 2 rhythmic masticatory muscle activity [RMMA]/h) were excluded for statistical analysis. During the total sleep time (TST), the Test group exhibited a higher reduction in frequency of episodes per hour than the Control group (p < 0.05). The reduction in duration of episodes was also higher in the Test group during the TST. The Test group presented an increase in sleep stage N3 (p < 0.05) at the final PSG when compared with the initial PSG, and a higher percentage of N3 (p < 0.05) at the final PSG when compared to the Control group. Elimination of occlusal interferences resulted in a significant reduction of masseter and temporal muscle activity during sleep in females presenting with SB. Based on these results, the null hypothesis is rejected. The hypothesis of occlusal interferences as a risk factor for SB is still patent.
Different methods for textural evaluation of freeze‐dried candies during storage
Authors: Archaina Diego , Pieniazek Facundo , Messina Valeria , Salvatori Daniela , Schebor Carolina
Published: March 2023

The textural changes during storage of two freeze‐dried candies developed from blackcurrant fruits, unflavored yogurt, and different alternative sweeteners, one sweetened with honey/isomalt (HI) and another sweetened with isomalt/stevia (IS), were analyzed using three different methods (instrumental, sensory, and image analysis). Fresh candies were in the supercooled state and presented different structural and textural characteristics (HI: compact and homogeneous, and IS: porous and crunchy), with Fmax values of 139 ± 14 and 174 ± 16 N for HI and IS, respectively. After storage, the instrumental analysis showed approximately 60% average drop inFmaxandWvalues, in agreement with the decrease observed by sensory analysis in hardness, fracturability, and crispness. Image analysis showed an increase in parameters related to the homogeneity and the uniformity/smoothness for HI. Pearson's correlation coefficients analysis showed that there was a good correlation between the three techniques used, suggesting that the joint use of these methods could be performed for a better understanding of complex food texture.
Fixing skeletal muscle PO2eliminates hyperinsulinemic microvascular blood flow response
Authors: Wells Brenda N. , Russell McEvoy Gaylene M. , Shogan Hamza , Kiley Meghan E. , Fraser Graham M.
Published: March 2023

Objective

To determine if insulin‐mediated hyperemia is partially dependent on local muscle oxygen concentration.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats were anesthetized, and the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) was reflected onto an inverted microscope. Intravital video microscopy sequences were recorded during baseline and hyperinsulinemic euglycemia. The muscle was reflected over a glass stage insert (Experiment 1a and 1b), or over a gas exchange chamber (Experiment 2), and microvascular capillary blood flow was recorded during sequential changes (7%–12%–2%–7%) of oxygen (O2) concentration. Blood flow was measured by the red blood cell supply rate (SR) in number of cells per second. All animal protocols were approved by Memorial University's Institutional Animal Care Committee.

Results

In Experiment 1a, SR increased from 8.0 to 14.0 cells/s at baseline to euglycemia (p = .01), while no significant SR variation was detected after performing a sham hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (Experiment 1b). In Experiment 2, SR decreased at 12% O2and increased at 2% O2, compared to 7% O2, under both experimental conditions. Magnitude of SR responses to oxygen oscillations during euglycemia were not different to those at baseline at each O2concentration (p > .9).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that increased blood flow observed in response to insulin is eliminated if tissue oxygen microenvironment is fixed at a given oxygen concentration.
The evolution of the civic–ethnic distinction as a partial success story: Lessons for the nationalism–patriotism distinction
Authors: Piwoni Eunike , Mußotter Marlene
Published: March 2023

This article brings, for the first time, two of the most pivotal distinctions in nationalism studies into extended dialogue: the civic–ethnic distinction (CED) and the nationalism–patriotism distinction (NPD). By reviewing both the evolution of those distinctions over the previous decades and the ways in which they have been used in quantitative empirical research, we argue that the CED's evolution has been a partial success story, whereas discourse around the NPD has not seen substantial development. Despite lingering inconsistencies, researchers drawing on the CED have been successful in addressing different lines of critique and in using the CED as a heuristic for investigating notions of nationhood as expressed in public perceptions. In contrast, there has been only limited dialogue between theoretical and empirical approaches to the NPD. The article illustrates how research drawing on the NPD could profit from the CED's evolution. We close by providing a conceptual roadmap to guide the path towards more terminological clarity and to construct more theoretically robust measures for nationalism and patriotism. We specifically suggest that nationalism and patriotism should be consistently understood as ideal types that citizens can simultaneously hold to varying degrees.
A data‐intensive documentation of plant ecosystem thermoregulation across spatial and temporal scales
Authors: Drake John E.
Published: March 2023

This article is a Commentary on Guo et al. (2023), 238: 1004–1018.
Reflections on post‐pandemic university teaching, the corresponding digitalisation of education and the lecture attendance crisis
Authors: Uekusa Shinya
Published: March 2023

This short commentary discusses effective university teaching in the context of the pandemic, the corresponding digitalisation of tertiary education, and the recent lecture attendance crisis. By critically reflecting on my own experience as a university educator and as a student in a teacher education course, I suggest that the attendance crisis presents an opportunity to explore effective teaching in a rapidly changing context. To improve our teaching and learning, we can reflect on what students and teachers have gone through and seek to understand who our students are.
Rate and anchorage loss during en‐masse retraction between friction and frictionless mechanics: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sardana Rinkle , Chugh Vinay Kumar , Bhatia Navleen Kaur , Shastri Dipti , Moungkhom Priyawati , Kumar Pravin , Chugh Ankita , Singh Surjit
Published: March 2023

Objective

To compare rate and anchorage loss during en‐masse retraction of anterior maxillary teeth between friction mechanics (FM) and frictionless mechanics (FLM).

Setting and Sample Population

Thirty‐eight patients requiring en‐masse retraction of protruded anterior maxillary teeth were randomly allocated into FM and FLM groups.

Methods

En‐masse retraction with sliding mechanics (FM) using an elastomeric chain was compared with continuous mushroom loop archwire mechanics (FLM). Study models and lateral cephalograms were taken before (T1) and immediately after retraction (T2). The primary outcome was the rate of en‐masse retraction. Anchorage loss was the secondary outcome. Intergroup comparison was performed using an independent t test (P < .05).

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Thirty‐six patients completed the trial. Two patients were lost to follow‐up in the FLM group. The rate of en‐masse retraction did not differ significantly (P = .625) between FM (0.7 mm/mo) and FLM (0.8 mm/mo) groups. The intragroup comparison showed significant anchorage loss in FM (2.28 mm) and FLM (1.13 mm) groups; however, the intergroup comparison showed no statistically significant difference (P = .093). Maxillary first molar showed a statistically significant change in angulation between the two mechanic groups (P < .001). Vertical movement of the maxillary incisor and first molar showed no significant difference between FM and FLM groups (P = .143, P = .546, respectively).

Conclusions

The rate of en‐masse retraction and anchorage loss was comparable between the FM and FLM groups. Significant anchorage loss was seen with both mechanics. The result suggests that both the mechanic group require external reinforcement to prevent anchorage loss.
Indirect grazing‐induced mechanisms contribute to the resilience of Mediterranean seagrass meadows to sea urchin herbivory
Authors: Buñuel Xavier , Alcoverro Teresa , Boada Jordi , Zinkunegi Leire , Smith Timothy M. , Barrera Anaïs , Casas Marc , Farina Simone , Pérez Marta , Romero Javier , Arthur Rohan , Pagès Jordi F.
Published: March 2023

Plant–herbivore interactions are often regulated by a series of direct and indirect buffer mechanisms (compensatory or defensive plant responses, population control, alternative resources) that can determine the relative stability of the system. In plant‐dominated marine environments, these mechanisms are particularly important given how vulnerable these systems are to strong consumer pressure. Here, we evaluate the presence and, where possible, the strength, of five mechanisms that get activated under high herbivory pressure and are capable of dampening their effects in a seagrass meadow ecosystem: 1) seagrass compensatory growth, 2) increase in plant resistance, 3) availability of alternative resources, 4) predatory control and 5) density‐dependent control. We assessed these mechanisms for the interaction between the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica and the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus through a short‐term series of controlled field and laboratory experiments after simulated or natural herbivory events. Of the five mechanisms tested, we found that three mechanisms – availability of alternative resources, increased predation rate and reduction in sea urchin numbers – effectively dampened herbivory and worked as potential buffering mechanisms. In contrast, plant compensatory growth and resistance did not show clear responses. While compensatory growth and plant resistance are direct plant mechanism to tolerate the effects of herbivory, the rest are indirect mechanisms that begin with a modification of a plant trait (i.e. canopy height) that influences other species preference and/or behaviour, which in turn influences plant consumption. These adaptive behaviours may be a crucial and often overlooked factor in the remarkable resilience that Mediterranean seagrass ecosystems show to herbivory.
Forward‐scattered and backward‐scattered light in moderate keratoconus
Authors: Villanueva Celia , Viviano Francesco , García‐Montero María , Lorente‐Velázquez Amalia , Martínez‐Alberquilla Irene , Garzón Nuria
Published: March 2023

Introduction

To evaluate the backscattered light, objective scatter index (OSI) and retinal straylight in patients with moderate keratoconus and healthy control subjects.

Methods

A prospective observational study was developed with 33 patients in the moderate‐keratoconus group (KC) and 34 in the non‐keratoconus group (NKC). Corneal densitometry was obtained using Scheimpflug corneal tomography and measurements were expressed in grayscale units (GSU) over four zones within a 12.00 mm diameter around the corneal apex. A straylight meter was used to determine the amount of intraocular straylight under scotopic conditions, and the straylight parameter (LOG(s)) and test duration were recorded. The Optical Quality Analysis System based on the double‐pass technique determined the OSI value.

Results

Significant differences were observed between the KC and NKC groups for corneal densitometry (except in the 6–10 mm zone), OSI and retinal straylight. A moderate and significant correlation was found between OSI and retinal straylight LOG(s) (r = 0.52, p = 0.002). Weaker and non‐significant correlations were found between corneal densitometry and the other parameters analysed (i.e., OSI, retinal straylight LOG(s) and retinal straylight times).

Conclusions

Backscattered light, retinal straylight and the OSI show clear differences between healthy eyes and those with moderate KC. The changes present in the stages of KC evaluated in the current study (stages II and III according to the Amsler–Krumeich classification) might alter the scattering of the light entering the eye.
Making information silent: How opacity takes root in local governments?
Authors: Renteria Cesar
Published: March 2023

Whether transparency policies are an effective tool for fighting corruption is still under debate. Some scholars have argued that making information available is insufficient for effective transparency. This effectiveness is moderated by the citizens' motivation to use the information and how public officers generate and store information. The latter suggests certain practices could undermine the value of information, but we still do not know enough about those. We argue that practices generating opacity are a way to undermine the value of information. To investigate this, we used a qualitative approach to explore the conditions or practices causing opacity in Mexican municipal governments. We found four tactics public officers use to generate opacity and three institutional conditions that allow it. These findings provide further insights into how the processing and use of information affect the effectiveness of transparency.
Impacts of the COVID‐19 Lockdown on Gender Inequalities in Time Spent on Paid and Unpaid Work in Singapore
Authors: Zang Emma , Tan Poh Lin , Lyttelton Thomas , Guo Anna
Published: March 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic has affected gender inequalities in time spent on paid and unpaid work globally. Few studies outside of the Western context (i.e., countries in Australasia, Europe, or the Americas) have used longitudinal data to compare time use before and during the pandemic, focused on potential mechanisms through which the pandemic affects gender inequalities in time use, or examined the heterogeneous effects of socioeconomic status. We examine the impact of the COVID‐19 lockdown on gender inequalities in time spent on paid work, housework, and childcare in Singapore. Using a panel dataset of 290 married women interviewed before, during, and after the lockdown, and applying between‐within models, we find that gender gaps in housework hours increased during and persisted after the lockdown, even as the gender gap in paid work hours narrowed. The gap in childcare hours expanded among households with fewer resources but decreased among households with more resources. Mothers responded to loss of income and employment by increasing their childcare and housework time more than fathers, suggesting that “doing gender,” rather than time availability or material resources, provide the key mechanism explaining gendered changes in time use. Our results highlight that when a pandemic strikes, women, especially those in less‐resourced households, were put in a particularly vulnerable position compared to men.
Engineering microalgae for water phosphorus recovery to close the phosphorus cycle
Authors: Wang Long , Jia Xianqing , Xu Lei , Yu Jiahong , Ren Suna , Yang Yujie , Wang Kaibin , López‐Arredondo Damar , Herrera‐Estrella Luis , Lambers Hans , Yi Keke
Published: March 2023

As a finite and non‐renewable resource, phosphorus (P) is essential to all life and crucial for crop growth and food production. The boosted agricultural use and associated loss of P to the aquatic environment are increasing environmental pollution, harming ecosystems, and threatening future global food security. Thus, recovering and reusing P from water bodies is urgently needed to close the P cycle. As a natural, eco‐friendly, and sustainable reclamation strategy, microalgae‐based biological P recovery is considered a promising solution. However, the low P‐accumulation capacity and P‐removal efficiency of algal bioreactors restrict its application. Herein, it is demonstrated that manipulating genes involved in cellular P accumulation and signalling could triple the Chlamydomonas P‐storage capacity to ~7% of dry biomass, which is the highest P concentration in plants to date. Furthermore, the engineered algae could recover P from wastewater almost three times faster than the unengineered one, which could be directly used as a P fertilizer. Thus, engineering genes involved in cellular P accumulation and signalling in microalgae could be a promising strategy to enhance P uptake and accumulation, which have the potential to accelerate the application of algae for P recovery from the water body and closing the P cycle.
A refined roadmap to decapod sexual manipulation
Authors: Nguyen Ai Hang Tran , Glendinning Susan , Ventura Tomer
Published: March 2023

Many decapod crustaceans with sexual dimorphism in body size are economically significant species for fisheries and aquaculture, making monosex culture a desirable practice to increase farmers' yield and profits. It is well established that the male‐specific androgenic gland (AG) mediates masculinization in decapods by producing and secreting the insulin‐like AG hormone (IAG). However, IAG is not a sex‐determining factor; hence, iag silencing in decapods does not always lead to successful sex change. Since the establishment of monosex populations in the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii, the same AG/iag manipulation approach has been attempted in economically significant penaeid shrimps, crabs, crayfish and spiny lobsters, to no avail. There are many factors at play with species‐specific intricacies which require close examination when addressing monosex production. This review provides a refined roadmap to successful sexual manipulation in decapod crustaceans, highlighting the key caveats to be considered and critical gaps in knowledge such as the timing of iag expression compared to the development of sexual characteristics, the relationship between iag and a master regulator, as well as silencing capacity. Lastly, this review examines what the future might hold for monosex aquaculture in decapods, taking into consideration novel technologies such as gene editing.
Rogue wave patterns associated with Okamoto polynomial hierarchies
Authors: Yang Bo , Yang Jianke
Published: March 2023

We show that new types of rogue wave patterns exist in integrable systems, and these rogue patterns are described by root structures of Okamoto polynomial hierarchies. These rogue patterns arise when the τ functions of rogue wave solutions are determinants of Schur polynomials with index jumps of three, and an internal free parameter in these rogue waves gets large. We demonstrate these new rogue patterns in the Manakov system and the three‐wave resonant interaction system. For each system, we derive asymptotic predictions of its rogue patterns under a large internal parameter through Okamoto polynomial hierarchies. Unlike the previously reported rogue patterns associated with the Yablonskii–Vorob'ev hierarchy, a new feature in the present rogue patterns is that the mapping from the root structure of Okamoto‐hierarchy polynomials to the shape of the rogue pattern is linear only to the leading order, but becomes nonlinear to the next order. As a consequence, the current rogue patterns are often deformed, sometimes strongly deformed, from Okamoto‐hierarchy root structures, unless the underlying internal parameter is very large. Our analytical predictions of rogue patterns are compared to true solutions, and excellent agreement is observed, even when rogue patterns are strongly deformed from Okamoto‐hierarchy root structures.
A meta‐analytic evaluation of diversity training outcomes across cultures
Authors: Kawasaki Shota , Zou Xi
Published: March 2023

The extant literature on diversity training suggests that its effect size is small and varies across studies, calling for theorization on when and why diversity training does or does not work. In this article, we propose that the national cultural context is a critical moderator and conduct a meta‐analysis to examine its influence on diversity training. Our analyses show that the average effect size of diversity training outcomes is significant both inside and outside the U.S. The effect size of specific diversity training design is contingent on such cultural values as power distance, individualism, masculinity, and uncertainty avoidance. We conclude our review by providing future directions for cross‐cultural research on diversity training.
Deep learning‐assisted prediction of protein–protein interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zheng Jingyan , Yang Xiaodi , Huang Yan , Yang Shiping , Wuchty Stefan , Zhang Ziding
Published: March 2023

Currently, the experimentally identified interactome of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is still far from complete, suggesting that computational prediction methods can complement experimental techniques. Motivated by the prosperity and success of deep learning algorithms and natural language processing techniques, we introduce an integrative deep learning framework, DeepAraPPI, allowing us to predict protein–protein interactions (PPIs) of Arabidopsis utilizing sequence, domain and Gene Ontology (GO) information. Our current DeepAraPPI comprises: (i) a word2vec encoding‐based Siamese recurrent convolutional neural network (RCNN) model; (ii) a Domain2vec encoding‐based multiple‐layer perceptron (MLP) model; and (iii) a GO2vec encoding‐based MLP model. Finally, DeepAraPPI combines the prediction results of the three individual predictors through a logistic regression model. Compiling high‐quality positive and negative training and test samples by applying strict filtering strategies, DeepAraPPI shows superior performance compared with existing state‐of‐the‐art Arabidopsis PPI prediction methods. DeepAraPPI also provides better cross‐species predictive ability in rice (Oryza sativa) than traditional machine learning methods, although the overall performance in cross‐species prediction remains to be improved. DeepAraPPI is freely accessible at http://zzdlab.com/deeparappi/. In the meantime, we have also made the source code and data sets of DeepAraPPI available at https://github.com/zjy1125/DeepAraPPI.
Biodegradation of 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene and hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine by Actinomycetes species, first time isolated and characterized from water, wastewater, and sludge
Authors: Jaafaryneya Murteza , Amani Jafar , Halabian Raheleh
Published: March 2023

Biodegradation has been applied to remediate explosives contaminants, and bacteria have a high potential for the degradation of explosives, such as hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX) and 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT). The present study aims to screen and characterize explosive biodegradable Actinomycetes from water, wastewater, and sludge. Actinomycetes isolates were recovered from 80 environmental samples from diverse environmental resources in explosive contaminated areas of Iran and identified to the genus and species levels using conventional and molecular methods. The growth rate in the presence of pollutants and chromatography was used to determine their biodegradation capability. Twenty‐nine isolates (36.25%) of Actinomycetes were characterized from the cultured samples that belonged to 6 genus and 24 validated species. The most prevalent Actinomycetes isolated were genus Mycobacterium with 11 isolates (37.94%), genus Rhodococcus with seven isolates (24.13%), genus Nocardia with four isolates (13.8%), and genus Streptomyces with three isolates (10.33%). Moreover, our results showed that these isolates could degrade and consume 50–80% of RDX and TNT as their sole carbon and energy source. In conclusion, we showed that Actinomycetes from explosive‐contaminated areas of Iran could degrade TNT and RDX. Hence, seeking and screening untapped ecosystems that possess unexplored Actinomycetes will increase the chances of discovering the resident microorganism that has been capable of degrading TNT and RDX for application in the bioremediation process. The results of this study can be useful in using intact bacteria in nature to eliminate environmental pollution, which is one of the major environmental problems in the world.
Sound properties produced by white-edged rockfish (Sebastes taczanowskii) in relation to body and swim bladder size
Authors: Matsubara Naoto , Katakura Seiji , Takahashi Ryuzo , Akamatsu Tomonari , Yasuma Hiroki
Published: March 2023

The sound properties produced by the white-edged rockfish (Sebastes taczanowskii Steindachner, 1880) were compared with the body size. We conducted a tank experiment to compare the sound properties with body length, which ranged from 12.4 to 19.8 cm. Sound production was composed of pulses with a duration of 0.010–0.022 s and a peak frequency of 400–1000 Hz. Peak frequency decreased with fish and swim bladder size and pulse duration. The relationship between sound properties and body size may be useful for estimating the body length of the target species by using passive acoustic monitoring.
Synthetic enforcement of STING signaling in cancer cells appropriates the immune microenvironment for checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Authors: Vornholz Larsen , Isay Sophie E. , Kurgyis Zsuzsanna , Strobl Daniel C. , Loll Patricia , Mosa Mohammed H. , Luecken Malte D. , Sterr Michael , Lickert Heiko , Winter Christof , Greten Florian R. , Farin Henner F. , Theis Fabian J. , Ruland Jürgen
Published: March 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) enhance anticancer immunity by releasing repressive signals into tumor microenvironments (TMEs). To be effective, ICIs require preexisting immunologically “hot” niches for tumor antigen presentation and lymphocyte recruitment. How the mutational landscape of cancer cells shapes these immunological niches remains poorly defined. We found in human and murine colorectal cancer (CRC) models that the superior antitumor immune response of mismatch repair (MMR)–deficient CRC required tumor cell–intrinsic activation of cGAS-STING signaling triggered by genomic instability. Subsequently, we synthetically enforced STING signaling in CRC cells with intact MMR signaling using constitutively active STING variants. Even in MMR-proficient CRC, genetically encoded gain-of-function STING was sufficient to induce cancer cell–intrinsic interferon signaling, local activation of antigen-presenting cells, recruitment of effector lymphocytes, and sensitization of previously “cold” TMEs to ICI therapy in vivo. Thus, our results introduce a rational strategy for modulating cancer cell–intrinsic programs via engineered STING enforcement to sensitize resistant tumors to ICI responsiveness.
Versatility of bacterial outer membrane vesicles in regulating intestinal homeostasis
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Lin Sisi , Wang Lu , Cao Zhenping , Zhang Mengmeng , Zhang Yifan , Liu Rui , Liu Jinyao
Published: March 2023

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) play vital roles in bacterial communication both intraspecifically and interspecifically. However, extracellular mechanisms of gut microbiota–derived OMVs in the intestine remain poorly understood. Here, we report that OMVs released from
Akkermansia muciniphila
are able to (i) restore disturbed balance of the gut microbiota by selectively promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria through membrane fusion, (ii) elicit mucosal immunoglobulin A response by translocating into Peyer’s patches and subsequently activating B cells and dendritic cells, and (iii) maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier by entering intestinal epithelial cells to stimulate the expressions of tight junctions and mucus. We demonstrate that transplantation of gut microbiota–associated OMVs to the intestine can alleviate colitis and enhance anti–programmed cell death protein 1 therapy against colorectal cancer by regulating intestinal homeostasis. This work discloses the importance of gut microbiota–derived OMVs in intestinal ecology, providing an alternative target for disease intervention and treatment.
Solanoeclepin B, a hatching factor for potato cyst nematode
Authors: Shimizu Kosuke , Akiyama Ryota , Okamura Yuya , Ogawa Chihiro , Masuda Yuki , Sakata Itaru , Watanabe Bunta , Sugimoto Yukihiro , Kushida Atsuhiko , Tanino Keiji , Mizutani Masaharu
Published: March 2023

The potato cyst nematode (PCN) causes extensive crop losses worldwide. Because the hatching of PCN requires host-derived molecules known as hatching factors (HFs), regulating HF production in host plants may help to control this harmful pest. Solanoeclepin A (SEA), isolated from potato, is the most active HF for PCN; however, its biosynthesis is completely unknown. We discovered a HF called solanoeclepin B (SEB) from potato and tomato root exudates and showed that SEB was biosynthesized in the plant and converted to SEA outside the plant by biotic agents. Moreover, we identified five SEB biosynthetic genes encoding three 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases and two cytochrome P450 monooxygenases in tomato. Exudates from tomato hairy roots in which each of the genes was disrupted contained no SEB and had low hatch-stimulating activity for PCN. These findings will help to breed crops with a lower risk of PCN infection.
Solar-powered multi-organism symbiont mimic system for beyond natural synthesis of polypeptides from CO
2
and N
2
Authors: Yu Wen , Zeng Yue , Wang Zenghao , Xia Shengpeng , Yang Zhiwen , Chen Weijian , Huang Yiming , Lv Fengting , Bai Haotian , Wang Shu
Published: March 2023

Developing artificial symbionts beyond natural synthesis limitations would bring revolutionary contributions to agriculture, medicine, environment, etc. Here, we initiated a solar-driven multi-organism symbiont, which was assembled by the CO
2
fixation module of
Synechocystis
sp., N
2
fixation module of
Rhodopseudomonas palustris
, biofunctional polypeptides synthesis module of
Bacillus licheniformis
, and the electron transfer module of conductive cationic poly(fluorene-
co
-phenylene) derivative. The modular design broke the pathway to synthesize γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) using CO
2
and N
2
, attributing to the artificially constructed direct interspecific substance and electron transfer. So, the intracellular ATP and NADPH were enhanced by 69 and 30%, respectively, and the produced γ-PGA was enhanced by 104%. The strategy was further extended to produce a commercial antibiotic of bacitracin A. These achievements improve the selectivity and yield of functional polypeptides with one click by CO
2
and N
2
, and also provide an innovative strategy for creating photosynthetic systems on demand.
Neutralization of NET-associated human ARG1 enhances cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Canè Stefania , Barouni Roza Maria , Fabbi Marina , Cuozzo John , Fracasso Giulio , Adamo Annalisa , Ugel Stefano , Trovato Rosalinda , De Sanctis Francesco , Giacca Mauro , Lawlor Rita , Scarpa Aldo , Rusev Borislav , Lionetto Gabriella , Paiella Salvatore , Salvia Roberto , Bassi Claudio , Mandruzzato Susanna , Ferrini Silvano , Bronte Vincenzo
Published: March 2023

Myeloid cells can restrain antitumor immunity by metabolic pathways, such as the degradation of
l
-arginine, whose concentrations are regulated by the arginase 1 (ARG1) enzyme. Results from preclinical studies indicate the important role of arginine metabolism in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression, suggesting a potential for clinical application; however, divergent evolution in ARG1 expression and function in rodents and humans has restricted clinical translation. To overcome this dichotomy, here, we show that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), released by spontaneously activated neutrophils isolated from patients with PDAC, create a microdomain where cathepsin S (CTSS) cleaves human (h)ARG1 into different molecular forms endowed with enhanced enzymatic activity at physiological pH. NET-associated hARG1 suppresses T lymphocytes whose proliferation is restored by either adding a hARG1-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) or preventing CTSS-mediated cleavage, whereas small-molecule inhibitors are not effective. We show that ARG1 blockade, combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, can restore CD8
+
T cell function in ex vivo PDAC tumors. Furthermore, anti-hARG1 mAbs increase the frequency of adoptively transferred tumor-specific CD8
+
T cells in tumor and enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint therapy in humanized mice. Thus, this study shows that extracellular ARG1, released by activated myeloid cells, localizes in NETs, where it interacts with CTSS that in turn cleaves ARG1, producing major molecular forms endowed with different enzymatic activity at physiological pH. Once exocytosed, ARG1 activity can be targeted by mAbs, which bear potential for clinical application for the treatment of PDAC and require further exploration.
Echinocandin Resistance in Candida auris Occurs in the Murine Gastrointestinal Tract Due to
FKS1
Mutations
Authors: Hirayama Tatsuro , Miyazaki Taiga , Sumiyoshi Makoto , Ito Yuya , Ashizawa Nobuyuki , Takeda Kazuaki , Iwanaga Naoki , Takazono Takahiro , Yamamoto Kazuko , Izumikawa Koichi , Yanagihara Katsunori , Makimura Koichi , Tsukamoto Kazuhiro , Kohno Shigeru , Mukae Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

Candida auris
is resistant to multiple antifungal agents. This study investigated its antifungal susceptibility and explored
FKS1
mutations across the isolates from mice enterically colonized with wild-type
C. auris
and treated with echinocandin.
Side-by-Side Profiling of Oxazolidinones to Estimate the Therapeutic Window against Mycobacterial Infections
Authors: Negatu Dereje A. , Aragaw Wassihun Wedajo , Cangialosi Julianna , Dartois Véronique , Dick Thomas
Published: March 2023

New oxazolidinones are in clinical development for the treatment of tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, as a replacement for linezolid and tedizolid, which cause mitochondrial toxicity after prolonged treatment. Here, we carried out side-by-side measurements of mitochondrial protein synthesis inhibition and activity against clinically relevant mycobacterial pathogens of approved and novel oxazolidinones.
Application of the Fluorescence-Activating and Absorption-Shifting Tag (FAST) for Flow Cytometry in Methanogenic Archaea
Authors: Adlung Norman , Scheller Silvan
Published: March 2023

Methane-producing archaea play an essential role in the global carbon cycle and demonstrate great potential for various biotechnological applications, e.g., biofuel production, carbon dioxide capture, and electrochemical systems. Oxygen sensitivity and high autofluorescence hinder the use of common fluorescent proteins for studying methanogens.
A Novel CovS Variant Harbored by a Colonization Strain Reduces Streptococcus pyogenes Virulence
Authors: Plainvert Céline , Rosinski-Chupin Isabelle , Weckel Antonin , Lambert Clara , Touak Gérald , Sauvage Elisabeth , Poyart Claire , Glaser Philippe , Fouet Agnès
Published: March 2023

Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group AStreptococcus, causes a wide variety of diseases, leading to 517,000 deaths yearly. The two-component CovRS system, which responds to MgCl2and the antimicrobial peptide LL-37, controls the expression of 15% of the genome.
Probiotic
Lactobacillus
Species and Their Biosurfactants Eliminate Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilm in Various Manners
Authors: Al-Shamiri Mona Mohamed , Wang Jingdan , Zhang Sirui , Li Pu , Odhiambo Woodvine Otieno , Chen Yanjiong , Han Bei , Yang E. , Xun Meng , Han Lei , Han Shaoshan
Published: March 2023

A. baumannii
biofilm is a significant virulence factor that causes the biofilm colonization of invasive illnesses. Rising bacterial resistance to synthetic antimicrobials has prompted researchers to look at natural alternatives, such as probiotics and their derivatives.
Diabetes-related behaviours among elderly people with pre-diabetes in rural communities of Hunan, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Luo Bangan , Zhang Jianglin , Hu Zhao , Gao Fan , Zhou Qiuhong , Song Shuang , Qin Lulu , Xu Huilan
Published: March 2023

Objective

To explore diabetes-related behaviours and their influencing factors among elderly individuals with pre-diabetes in rural areas of China.

Design, setting and participants

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among elderly individuals (≥60 years) in rural communities in Yiyang City of China. Multistaged cluster random sampling was carried out to select 42 areas, and interviews were conducted among 434 elderly individuals with pre-diabetes (fasting plasma glucose 6.1–7.0 mmol/L and/or 2-hour post-glucose load of 7.8–11.1 mmol/L) using questionnaires on diabetes-related behaviours. The diabetes-related behaviours included eight categories: average daily sedentary time; frequency of physical activities per week; regular or irregular diet; whether paying attention to diet control or not; daily dietary preferences; frequency of physical examinations per year; current smoking status; and current consumption of alcohol. Each of the risky behaviours was scored −1 and each of the healthy behaviours was scored +1. Each individual’s score of diabetes-related behaviours was the sum of the score for all behaviours.

Main outcome measures

Participants were asked about general information (age, gender, marital status, history of hyperglycaemia, family history of diabetes mellitus, presence of other diseases, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio and education) and their diabetes-related behaviours. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for diabetes-related behaviour among elderly individuals with pre-diabetes.

Results

The average score of diabetes-related behaviours of elderly individuals with pre-diabetes in rural China was 2.7. The prevalences of risky diabetes-related behaviours were as follows: <1 physical examination per year (57.6%), insufficient physical activities (55.3%), lack of attention paid to diet control (51.4%), high-salt and high-fat diets (41.0%), sedentary lifestyle (35.9%), smoking (22.8%), regular alcohol uptake (15.0%) and irregular diet (3.9%). Gender and a history of hyperglycaemia were found to be influencing factors of the diabetes-related behaviour score.

Conclusions

The prevalence of risky diabetes-related behaviours was high among pre-diabetic elderly individuals in rural China. More effort should be made to promote the prevention and control of diabetes in rural China. Future studies should be undertaken on diabetes prevention strategies tailored specially for this population.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR-IOR-15007033; Results.
Is ambient air pollution associated with onset of sudden infant death syndrome: a case-crossover study in the UK
Authors: Litchfield Ian J , Ayres Jon G , Jaakkola Jouni J K , Mohammed Nuredin I
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Air pollution has been associated with increased mortality and morbidity in several studies with indications that its effect could be more severe in children. This study examined the relationship between short-term variations in criteria air pollutants and occurrence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Design

We used a case-crossover study design which is widely applied in air pollution studies and particularly useful for estimating the risk of a rare acute outcome associated with short-term exposure.

Setting

The study used data from the West Midlands region in the UK.

Participants

We obtained daily time series data on SIDS mortality (ICD-9: 798.0 or ICD-10: R95) for the period 1996–2006 with a total of 211 SIDS events.

Primary outcome measures

Daily counts of SIDS events.

Results

For an IQR increase in previous day pollutant concentration, the percentage increases (95% CI) in SIDS were 16 (6 to 27) for PM10, 1 (−7 to 10) for SO2, 5 (−4 to 14) for CO, −17 (−27 to –6) for O3, 16 (2 to 31) for NO2and 2 (−3 to 8) for NO after controlling for average temperature and national holidays. PM10and NO2showed relatively consistent association which persisted across different lag structures and after adjusting for copollutants.

Conclusions

The results indicated ambient air pollutants, particularly PM10and NO2, may show an association with increased SIDS mortality. Thus, future studies are recommended to understand possible mechanistic explanations on the role of air pollution on SIDS incidence and the ways in which we might reduce pollution exposure among infants.
Cluster randomised controlled trial of a multicomponent intervention to support the implementation of policies and practices that promote healthier environments at junior sports clubs: study protocol
Authors: Milner Sharin , Sherker Shauna , Clinton-McHarg Tara , Dray Julia , Zukowski Nadya , Gonzalez Sharleen , Kingsland Melanie , Ooi Jia Ying , Murphy Allan , Brooke Daisy , Wiggers John , Wolfenden Luke
Published: March 2023

Introduction

A large proportion of children and adolescents participate in organised sport, making community sports clubs a promising setting to support healthy behaviours. To date, however, there have been few interventions conducted in junior sports clubs that have targeted health-promoting practices. The primary aim of this pilot study is to assess the potential effectiveness of an intervention to implement health-promoting policies and practices in junior sporting clubs targeting alcohol and tobacco practices, healthy food and beverage availability, and physical activity via participation in sport. A secondary outcome is to assess the impact of such strategies on child exposure to alcohol and tobacco use at the club, purchasing behaviours by/for children at the club canteen and child sports participation opportunities.

Methods and analysis

The study will employ a cluster randomised controlled trial design and be conducted in metropolitan and regional areas of two Australian states. Randomisation will occur at the level of the football league. Community football clubs with over 40 junior players (players under 18 years) within each league will be eligible to participate. The intervention will be developed based on frameworks that consider the social, cultural and environmental factors that influence health behaviours. Intervention clubs will be supported to implement 16 practices targeting alcohol management, tobacco use, nutrition practices, new player recruitment activity, equal participation for players and the development of policies to support these practices. Trained research staff will collect outcome data via telephone interviews at baseline and follow-up. Interviews will be conducted with both club representatives and parents of junior players.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee (H-2013-0429). The results of the study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12617001044314; Pre-results.