bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic viral hepatitis C micro‐elimination program using telemedicine in Guigang city
Authors: Lv Riying , Lu Yanmeng , Xiang Wenyao , Meng Menglan , Li Shixiong
Published: February 2024

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a formidable menace to human health, necessitating urgent attention. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of HCV health management in the city of Guigang which consists of five districts, employing a comprehensive multi‐modal approach. The study systematically carried out HCV screening in Guigang city which consists of five districts, such as Gangbei District, Gangnan District, Guiping District, Qintang District, and Pingnan District from 1 January 2016 to 30 December 2022. The target population consisted of individuals residing in these aforementioned districts, falling within the age range of 30–75 years. A multidisciplinary HCV management team was established to deliver anti‐HCV screening, diagnosis, and direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. The primary outcome of interest was the achievement of sustained virologic response (SVR). A total of 2489 individuals were included as the target population, with 1694 individuals residing in Gangbei District, 202 in Gangnan District, 111 in Qintang District, 167 in Pingnan District, and 315 in Guiping District. Out of these individuals, 2478 were subjected to anti‐HCV screening. The screening rates varied across the districts, ranging from a peak of 99.55% in Guigang City to a nadir of 98.41% in Guiping District. Remarkably, within Guigang City, a noteworthy enhancement was observed in the HCV‐RNA diagnosis rate from 23.4% prior to program implementation to a remarkable 100% following 7 years of intervention and management. Furthermore, the diagnosis and treatment coordination rate experienced a substantial improvement, rising from 26.8% before program inception to 80%. Importantly, a total of 1180 individuals affected by hepatitis C were successfully cured, equating to a 100% cure rate. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between serological status and factors such as Aging, bilirubin, and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase. The findings from our investigation unveil a pioneering HCV management model, exemplified by the Guigang model, which has contributed crucially to HCV microclearance efforts and serves as an invaluable reference for future initiatives.
Institutional factors influencing productivity in medieval England: A case study of tin, lead and silver mining
Authors: Casson Catherine , Casson Mark
Published: February 2024

This paper fills a gap in recent literature on productivity and regional development by examining the determinants of productivity in primary industries in English regions during the Middle Ages. It provides a comprehensive review of relevant literature on the tin, lead and silver mining industries in Medieval England. Modern studies of productivity typically focus on technology, labour skills, unionization and regional economic infrastructure as key determinants of productivity growth and focus on high‐technology manufacturing industries This study of medieval mining, however, focuses on extractive industries in which advanced technologies played only a limited role. The paper shows that alternative factors contributed to the productivity of medieval mining including royal policy, the location of deposits and fluctuations in demand. Technology, investment in training and worker activism had, in contrast, little impact.
Bulbophyllum gopalianum (Orchidaceae), a new species from Mizoram (India), the westernmost region of the Indo‐Myanmar biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Sâwmliana Mal , Gogoi Khyanjeet , Jalal Jeewan Singh , Kumar Pankaj
Published: February 2024

A new species, Bulbophyllum gopalianum, is described from the montane sub‐tropical forest of Mizoram (India) in the westernmost area of the Indo‐Myanmar biodiversity hotspot. The new species belongs to the section Lemniscata and shows close morphological affinity to B. suavissimum and B. shanicum. A detailed description, diagnosis, phenology, taxonomic notes and conservation assessment are presented. The new species is assessed as critically endangered (CR) based on its very small and restricted population size.
Density‐dependent effects of parasitism on the activity of a benthic engineer species: potential impact on ecosystem functioning
Authors: Dairain Annabelle , Doutrelant Manon , Bureau Sarah , Henry Sébastien , Maire Olivier
Published: February 2024

While parasitism is a common lifestyle on Earth, its importance for the functioning of marine ecosystems has been overlooked for a long time. In particular, parasites have significant potential to influence central ecological processes through their impacts on hosts that serve as ecosystem engineers. Using an ex situ experimental approach, we explored the effects of trematode parasites on the engineering bioturbation activity of a common and abundant bivalve along European Atlantic soft‐bottom coastlines, the peppery furrow shell Scrobicularia plana, as well as knock‐on effects for nutrient exchanges at the sediment–water interface (SWI). Trematodes negatively impacted the host's ability to transport sediment particles and solutes in a density‐dependent way, with parasite burden explaining 22–31% of the inter‐individual variability. This could be explained by parasitism impairing the bivalve physiological state and ability to burrow, as we observed a decrease in the condition index and the burrowing depth of the bivalves with an increase in the number of parasites they host. In contrast, the influence of S. plana on benthic biogeochemical fluxes did not vary significantly according to parasitic burden over a short time scale. Here, we focused on the effects of trematode parasites on the behaviour of S. plana alone, and thus excluded other macrofaunal organisms. We should next test whether trematodes modulate the structure and functioning of benthic communities dominated by S. plana to better understand and quantify the engineering role of parasites in soft‐bottom coastal environments.
Habitat simplification affects functional group structure along with taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of temperate‐zone ant assemblages over a ten‐year period
Authors: Pérez‐Toledo G. , Cuautle M. , Castillo‐Guevara C. , Miguelena J. G.
Published: February 2024

Biodiversity is declining at various scales due to habitat simplification. Nevertheless, there is scarce information on how the biotic and abiotic changes linked to simplification affect several diversity dimensions, such as taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversities. This study investigated whether transforming natural oak forests into induced grasslands affected species diversity, functional group structure, and phylogenetic diversity of ant assemblages inhabiting a temperate forest in central Mexico. We placed over 1000 pitfall traps in five sampling events covering a ten‐year period. We used Hill numbers to evaluate species diversity differences between vegetation types and patterns over time. Ant species were classified into stress‐related functional groups, which were analyzed for their association with vegetation types and changes to their proportional abundance over time. We calculated the standardized effect size of the mean nearest taxon distance to quantify the evolutionary history and test for non‐random patterns within vegetation types and sampling years. Species richness did not differ between vegetation types, yet grasslands showed greater diversity for the q = 1 and q = 2 orders. , We also found three ant species as bioindicators for each type of vegetation. Regarding functional structure, cold climate specialists were associated with oak forests. In contrast, generalist species were predominant in induced grasslands. Higher phylogenetic diversity with an overdispersed structure was associated with oak forest, whereas lower phylogenetic diversity and a clustered pattern were found in induced grassland. These results indicate that habitat simplification may not affect the number of ant species, but rather increases their relative abundance and reorganizes the functional and phylogenetic structure in the ecosystem, particularly shifting towards the dominance of evolutionary closely related species and broad‐stress‐tolerant groups. These results highlight the importance of integrating further dimensions of diversity to properly evaluate the reassembly dynamics after habitat simplification, and understand the mechanisms driving this biodiversity loss.
Applying an intersectional understanding of extra work behavior and emotional exhaustion in local public service
Authors: An Brian Y. , Barboza‐Wilkes Cynthia J. , Resh William G.
Published: February 2024

In recent years, public administration scholars have started paying attention to intersectionality of government workforce identities and its implications for diversity management. This study unpacks how the intersection of multiple identities increases the transaction costs inherent to underrepresentation by looking at employee engagement in uncompensated extra‐role behaviors and its effect on emotional exhaustion. Using a structural equation model, we analyze original survey data of Los Angeles city government employees. Our analysis finds that the extra work experiences of minority employees are not homogenous within racial, gender, or generational groups. Among Black employees, it is women who bear the brunt of extra work burden. Further, among Black women, it is older generations who disproportionately engage in extra work and suffer from emotional exhaustion. An intersectional approach is critical to identifying the personnel most vulnerable to disproportionate job burdens and developing the human resource management practices that better support a diverse workforce.
Accumulation of reactive carbonyl species in roots as the primary cause of salt stress‐induced growth retardation of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Sultana Most. Sharmin , Sakurai Chisato , Biswas Md. Sanaullah , Szabados László , Mano Jun'ichi
Published: February 2024

Salt stress on plants induces an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), which then leads to the formation of reactive carbonyl species (RCS) such as acrolein and 4‐hydroxy‐(E)‐2‐nonenal (HNE), potent cytotoxins generated from lipid peroxides. We recently showed that salt‐stress treatment of Arabidopsis thaliana plants increased RCS levels, and exogenously added RCS‐scavenging chemicals alleviated the stress symptoms, indicating that RCS were responsible for the tissue damage in salt‐stressed plants. To obtain deeper insights into the role of RCS in stressed plants, we here analyzed changes in the levels of various RCS in the roots and shoots of A. thaliana. NaCl (90 mM) addition to the culture medium as a salt‐stress treatment caused growth inhibition and leaf chlorosis. Carbonyl analysis using HPLC revealed that the stress treatment induced a 2‐fold increase in the root levels of RCS, including acrolein, HNE and 4‐hydroxy‐(E)‐2‐hexenal (HHE). In the shoots, basal levels and stress‐induced increases of the RCS were lower than in roots. In the transgenic A. thaliana plants that overexpress the RCS‐scavenging enzyme 2‐alkenal reductase (AER) cDNA under the β‐estradiol (β‐ED)‐responsive promoter, salt stress induced less damage than in the wild‐type under β‐ED supplementation. The AER overexpression suppressed the stress‐induced increases in HNE, acrolein, HHE and (E)‐2‐hexenal in roots and in HNE in leaves, but not the ROS increase. These results suggest that the RCS increase in roots was the primary cause of salt‐induced damages. Enhancing RCS‐scavenging abilities, such as by AER overexpression, could be a new strategy to confer salt‐stress tolerance to plants.
Testing strategies to enhance transplant success under stressful conditions at a tidal marsh restoration project
Authors: Pausch Rachel
Published: February 2024

Tidal marsh restoration is becoming an increasingly common tool to plan for future sea level rise. Subsided marshes' elevation can be restored through sediment additions, which may necessitate the reestablishment of vegetation. Understanding key actions to increase vegetation cover at areas that remain persistently bare following elevation restoration is a critical component of a project's long‐term success. Dominant species can shape ecosystem function, as well as ameliorate stressful environments. We transplanted the dominant species, Salicornia pacifica, into bare areas of a restored tidal marsh in central California, United States, 3 years following a sediment addition. We tested salt hardening of plants before transplanting, targeted irrigation, transplant size, and planting configuration to identify management actions that could help vegetation persist in the most stressful areas of the high marsh. Weekly targeted irrigation until the first rains began was critical for small plant survivorship. We found that larger plants had increased survivorship and contributed higher amounts of growth and cover but did not facilitate the performance of nearby smaller plants. After 2 years, we determined that using lone, larger plants was more cost‐effective than multiple smaller plants at our tidal marsh. However, performance was highly site‐specific with dramatically less growth at a drier site with sandier soil. Our results highlight the importance of identifying site‐specific restoration strategies that either ameliorate or help plants tolerate stressful conditions, contributing to the continued success of tidal marsh restoration for climate resilience.
Auxiliary selection in Italian restructuring: An insight into the size of the clause
Authors: Amato Irene
Published: February 2024

In Standard Italian, restructuring clauses are characterized by apparently optional transparency effects in the choice of the clausal perfect auxiliary. In the perfect periphrasis, the auxiliary associated with the modal verb can be either HAVE or the one corresponding to the lexical verb (BE or HAVE). In this paper, I argue that there is no true optionality: different auxiliaries show up because the modal verb can select complements of different sizes. Assuming that auxiliary selection is a form of person Agree, different complement sizes determine different Agree domains. In particular, the “transparent” auxiliary results from a vP complement, while a TP complement leads to HAVE insertion.
First case of presumed trigemino‐oculomotor synkinesis in a dog
Authors: Pompilio Silvia , Scuttari Michela , Zerbetto Katia , Andreis Maria Elena , Tirrito Federica
Published: February 2024

An 11‐year old, intact male Border Collie was referred with a history of subacute and progressive left eye exophthalmos and mydriasis associated with reduced pupillary light reflex, ventrolateral strabismus, and absence of physiologic nystagmus in the left eye. Neuroanatomical localization was consistent with a left oculomotor neuropathy, involving the general somatic and visceral parasympathetic efferent components. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head were performed. Imaging findings were consistent with an infectious‐inflammatory process involving the left retrobulbar space and regional muscles, extending intracranially through the left orbital fissure. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected from the cerebellomedullary cistern, and the analysis revealed albuminocytologic dissociation. The dog was treated with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid and prednisolone at anti‐inflammatory dose; a significant improvement of neurologic status was observed afterward. However, 4 weeks after the initial presentation, the dog showed an abnormal, bilateral adduction of both eyes and third eyelid protrusion of the left eye while chewing the leash; the dog's mental status was normal, and the patient did not appear to be in discomfort during these episodes. A presumptive diagnosis of acquired trigemino‐oculomotor synkinesis, induced by the intracranial inflammation was made. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first case of presumed trigemino‐oculomotor synkinesis reported in veterinary medicine.
Does a program‐based cognitive behavioral therapy affect insomnia and depression in menopausal women? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: El‐Monshed Ahmed Hashem , Khonji Leena Mohamed , Altheeb Marwan , Saad Moustafa Tag El‐Melook , Elsheikh Mahmoud Ahmed , Loutfy Ahmed , Ali Ahmed Salah , El‐Gazar Heba E. , Fayed Sara Mohamed , Zoromba Mohamed A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Menopausal women often complain of a range of physical and psychological symptoms known as menopausal syndrome. These symptoms are associated with fluctuating hormone levels, sleep disturbances, and mood swings.

Aim

This study aimed to examine the efficacy of a program‐based cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBT) for insomnia and depression among women experiencing menopause.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial of 88 women experiencing menopause was conducted in Egypt from June to September 2022 in outpatient clinics at Mansoura University Hospitals in Egypt. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (45 women) and an intervention group (43 women). The intervention group received 7 weeks of CBT sessions. Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Beck Depression Inventory 2nd Edition (BDI‐II) were administered before and after the intervention.

Results

In the intervention group, there was a significant difference in scores of the subdomains of PSQI, including sleep efficiency, daytime dysfunction, subjective sleep quality, and sleep disturbance (t = 8.911, 11.77, 7.638, and 11.054, respectively), while no significant difference in domains of using sleep medication, sleep duration, and sleep latency. Significant improvements were observed between pre‐and‐post‐intervention in the intervention group for the total scores of PSQI, ISI, and BDII‐II (t = 12.711, 16.272, and 12.384, respectively), indicating a large effect size for the three studied variables (r = .81, .87, .8, respectively).

Linking Evidence to Action

This study demonstrated the efficacy of group CBT for lowering insomnia and depression in women experiencing menopause. Thus, results indicated the need of considering prompt and appropriate interventions such as CBT as a safe treatment option to prevent the aggravation of sleep and emotional problems for menopausal women.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05920460.
Zooming in on amphibians: Which is the smallest vertebrate in the world?
Authors: Bolaños Wendy H. , Dias Iuri Ribeiro , Solé Mirco
Published: February 2024

During the last decades several miniaturized frogs have been described from different parts of the world. Those frogs, measuring less than 25 mm, show similar miniaturization features as the loss of phalanges in both the anterior and posterior limbs and the reduction of bone elements. However, there seems to be a limit regarding the minimum size of frogs and here we wanted to find an answer to the question: which is the smallest amphibian in the world? In 2019, an endemic species of toad known only from two localities in southern Bahia, Brazil, was studied. When we compared the size of adult representatives of this species with those of other species discovered in various parts of the world in the last decade, we observed that individuals of Brachycephalus pulex are the amphibians with the smallest total length recorded, thus qualifying them to bear the title of the tiniest anuran amphibian, and also tiniest vertebrate in the world.
The Efficacy of Nile Tilapia Vaccination by Formalin killed Streptococcus agalactiae Encapsulated in Alginate Microcapsules
Authors: M Abu Darwish Moayad , Rozaini Mohd Zul Helmi , Sheikh Hassan I. , Abdul Razzak Laith A
Published: February 2024

Nile tilapia is one of the major farmed fish that is often infected with Streptococcus. Oral vaccination is the most preferable technique, but the antigen is usually degraded by gastric juice. Encapsulation by alginate could be effective in protecting the antigen. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of vaccinating Nile tilapia using formalin-killed Streptococcus agalactiae encapsulated in alginate. The average diameter of fabricated microcapsules was 500±20 μm, with 86% encapsulation efficacy. Fish were then divided into four groups (30 fish per group): group A: fish vaccinated by alginate microcapsules covered by formalin-killed cells (FKC), group B: fish vaccinated by non-covered FKC, group C: fish fed with empty alginate microcapsules and group D: fish feed with commercial pellets as control group. All groups were treated for 14 days and then fed with commercial pellets. Blood samples were collected on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post-vaccination. Bactericidal activity, lysozyme activity and serum antibody titer were significantly elevated in group A (p<0.001) compared to other treated groups. Then, gene expression analysis was performed at 29 days post-vaccination to evaluate the expression of main immune contributors such IgM, IgT, TCR β, CD4, CD8α, IL 1β, IL 8, IFN 1, and TNFα. The analysis showed significant upregulation of all tested genes in group A compared to other treated groups (p<0.001). Lastly, a challenge test was done on day 30 post-vaccination by injecting 4.6×106 CFU mL−1 of virulent S. agalactiae. The relative percent of survival (RPS) were 92± 2%, 48± 5% and 4± 3% for groups A, B and C respectively. The obtained result indicated that alginate encapsulation provided antigen protection due to its higher immunogenicity compared to non-covered vaccine. Hence, the fabricated vaccine could be incorporated with food and orally administered to Nile tilapia to prevent S. agalactiae infection.
Theoretical Insights into the Carbon Linker Length Effects on the Radical Scavenging Activity of Curcumin
Authors: Silfia Pulo Boli Lusia , Rusydi Febdian , Khoirunisa Vera , Saputro Adhitya Gandaryus , Mahyuddin Muhammad Haris , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Rachmawati Heni , Dipojono Hermawan kresno
Published: February 2024

Linker length is one crucial factor affecting the free radical scavenging activity of curcumin. However, identifying an optimal linker length that maintains the desired activity remains challenging. This study offers a thermodynamic evaluation of the influence of linker length on free radical scavenging activity of curcumin, specifically through the hydrogen atom transfer mechanism, in water solvents. Our first-principles calculations reveal that both elongating and shortening the linker promotes a more favorable hydrogen atom transfer at the phenolic O─H and the C─H bond within the linker, respectively. Therefore, linker length should be considered in developing curcumin as a multifunctional medicine.
Sympathetic transduction of cardiac sympathetic nerve activity in healthy, conscious sheep
Authors: Gimhani Dilsha , Shanks Julia , Pachen Mridula , Chang Joshua W‐H , Ramchandra Rohit
Published: February 2024

Sympathetic transduction is the study of how impulses of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) affect end‐organ function. Recently, the transduction of resting bursts of muscle SNA (MSNA) has been investigated and shown to have a role in the maintenance of blood pressure through changes in vascular tone in humans. In the present study, we investigate whether directly recorded resting cardiac SNA (CSNA) regulates heart rate (HR), coronary blood flow (CoBF), coronary vascular conductance (CVC), cardiac output (CO) and mean arterial pressure. Instrumentation was undertaken to record CSNA and relevant vascular variables in conscious sheep. Recordings were performed at baseline, as well as after the infusion of a β‐adrenoceptor blocker (propranolol) to determine the role of β‐adrenergic signalling in sympathetic transduction in the heart. The results show that after every burst of CSNA, there was a significant effect of time on HR (n = 10, ∆: +2.1 ± 1.4 beats min–1, P = 0.002) and CO (n = 8, ∆: +100 ± 150 mL min–1, P = 0.002) was elevated, followed by an increase in CoBF (n = 9, ∆: +0.76 mL min–1, P = 0.001) and CVC (n = 8, ∆: +0.0038 mL min–1 mmHg–1, P = 0.0028). The changes in HR were graded depending on the size and pattern of CSNA bursts. The HR response was significantly attenuated after the infusion of propranolol. Our study is the first to explore resting sympathetic transduction in the heart, suggesting that CSNA can dynamically change HR mediated by an action on β‐adrenoceptors.

image

Key points

Sympathetic transduction is the study of how impulses of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) affect end‐organ function.

Previous studies have examined sympathetic transduction primarily in the skeletal muscle and shown that bursts of muscle SNA alter blood flow to skeletal muscle and mean arterial pressure, although this has not been examined in the heart.

We investigated sympathetic transduction in the heart and show that, in the conscious condition, the size of bursts of SNA to the heart can result in incremental increases in heart rate and coronary blood flow mediated by β‐adrenoceptors.

The pattern of bursts of SNA to the heart also resulted in incremental increases in heart rate mediated by β‐adrenoceptors.

This is the first study to explore the transduction of bursts of SNA to the heart.
Spray Cooling Heat Transfer of a Two-Fluid Spray Atomizer
Authors: Hsieh Shou-Shing , Huang Ching-Feng , Lin Jhen , Chen Yu-Ru
Published: February 2024

The paper presents an experimental study on the droplet size and velocity, as well as temperature distribution, of a two-fluid atomizer (dj = 1.6 mm; spray nozzle exit diameter) through optical nonintrusive interferometric particle image (IPI) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements with five different air–liquid ratios (Rs) at three spray heights with three target-plate initial temperatures. Cold flow visualization was made for the spray height of 50 mm at 25 °C. The Saunter-mean diameter (d32) was measured at the target temperature of 25 °C without heating and found to be in the range of 34.22 μm to 42.62 μm in terms of a correlation with WedjRedj. The measured impact velocity at the spray height of 50 mm was of 10 m/s to 30 m/s with three different initial target temperatures. It was found that the impact velocity displayed a strong function of the initial temperature. Furthermore, both the cooling curve and transient boiling curve were obtained with the identified cooling/boiling parameters of the cooling rate, critical heat flux (CHF), Leidenfrost temperature (LFT), as well as the onset of nucleate boiling (ONB). The best cooling performance was found at R = 0.242 for a spray height of 50 mm with the corresponding cooling rate of −19.1 °C/s, CHF of 486 W/cm2, and heat transfer coefficient (HTC) of 2.85 W/cm2K.
Screening of avian pathogens and genetic analysis of several mitochondrial genes in Dermanyssus gallinae populations in Türkiye

Authors: Koç-inak Nafiye , Demirci B. , Özbakış-Beceriklisoy G. , Kandemir B. , Nalbantoğlu S. , Kan M.
Published: February 2024

The poultry red mite, PRM, Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778), is widely regarded as the primary ectoparasite affecting egg-laying hens around the world. Besides direct feeding damage, the transmission of avian pathogens by PRMs is also a significant concern. Therefore, we aimed to screen the presence of 14 common avian pathogens in 32 PRM populations from egg-laying hens in Türkiye. As a result, Salmonella enterica (n=3), Tsukamurella paurometabola (n=18), and Avian fowlpox virus (n=4) (3 of which were wild-type APV) were detected in tested PRM populations. The results showed that the prevalence of avian pathogens in Turkish PRM populations was low. Nevertheless, these findings suggested that PRM can harbor disease-causing agents and may act as a vector in the spread of these pathogens in farms. In addition, four mitochondrial genes (mtDNAs) of D. gallinae, namely ND4, ND5, cytb, and atp6, were amplified, and obtained sequences were submitted to the GenBank database for the first time, which will allow further analyses. The genetic variation within cytb sequences of Turkish PRMs was the highest (1.01%), whereas intra-specific genetic distance was 1.7% when compared to a Chinese population (only available cytb sequence in the GenBank), indicating increasing genetic differentiation by distance. Last, more sequences belonging to mitochondrial genes are required to reveal their potential as molecular markers.
Olfaction in the Anthropocene: NO
3
negatively affects floral scent and nocturnal pollination
Authors: Chan J. K. , Parasurama S. , Atlas R. , Xu R. , Jongebloed U. A. , Alexander B. , Langenhan J. M. , Thornton J. A. , Riffell J. A.
Published: February 2024

There is growing concern about sensory pollutants affecting ecological communities. Anthropogenically enhanced oxidants [ozone (O
3
) and nitrate radicals (NO
3
)] rapidly degrade floral scents, potentially reducing pollinator attraction to flowers. However, the physiological and behavioral impacts on pollinators and plant fitness are unknown. Using a nocturnal flower-moth system, we found that atmospherically relevant concentrations of NO
3
eliminate flower visitation by moths, and the reaction of NO
3
with a subset of monoterpenes is what reduces the scent’s attractiveness. Global atmospheric models of floral scent oxidation reveal that pollinators in certain urban areas may have a reduced ability to perceive and navigate to flowers. These results illustrate the impact of anthropogenic pollutants on an animal’s olfactory ability and indicate that such pollutants may be critical regulators of global pollination.
A paternal signal induces endosperm proliferation upon fertilization in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Simonini Sara , Bencivenga Stefano , Grossniklaus Ueli
Published: February 2024

In multicellular organisms, sexual reproduction relies on the formation of highly differentiated cells, the gametes, which await fertilization in a quiescent state. Upon fertilization, the cell cycle resumes. Successful development requires that male and female gametes are in the same phase of the cell cycle. The molecular mechanisms that reinstate cell division in a fertilization-dependent manner are poorly understood in both animals and plants. Using
Arabidopsis
, we show that a sperm-derived signal induces the proliferation of a female gamete, the central cell, precisely upon fertilization. The central cell is arrested in S phase by the activity of the RETINOBLASTOMA RELATED1 (RBR1) protein. Upon fertilization, delivery of the core cell cycle component CYCD7;1 causes RBR1 degradation and thus S phase progression, ensuring the formation of functional endosperm and, consequently, viable seeds.
Zeb2 drives the formation of CD11c
+
atypical B cells to sustain germinal centers that control persistent infection
Authors: Gao Xin , Shen Qian , Roco Jonathan A. , Dalton Becan , Frith Katie , Munier C. Mee Ling , Ballard Fiona D. , Wang Ke , Kelly Hannah G. , Nekrasov Maxim , He Jin-Shu , Jaeger Rebecca , Carreira Patricia , Ellyard Julia I. , Beattie Lynette , Enders Anselm , Cook Matthew C. , Zaunders John J. , Cockburn Ian A.
Published: February 2024

CD11c
+
atypical B cells (ABCs) are an alternative memory B cell lineage associated with immunization, infection, and autoimmunity. However, the factors that drive the transcriptional program of ABCs have not been identified, and the function of this population remains incompletely understood. Here, we identified candidate transcription factors associated with the ABC population based on a human tonsillar B cell single-cell dataset. We identified CD11c
+
B cells in mice with a similar transcriptomic signature to human ABCs, and using an optimized CRISPR-Cas9 knockdown screen, we observed that loss of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (Zeb2) impaired ABC formation. Furthermore, ZEB2 haplo-insufficient Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) patients have decreased circulating ABCs in the blood. In

Cd23
Cre/+
Zeb2
fl/fl

mice with impaired ABC formation, ABCs were dispensable for efficient humoral responses after
Plasmodium
sporozoite immunization but were required to control recrudescent blood-stage malaria. Immune phenotyping revealed that ABCs drive optimal T follicular helper (T
FH
) cell formation and germinal center (GC) responses and they reside at the red/white pulp border, likely permitting better access to pathogen antigens for presentation. Collectively, our study shows that ABC formation is dependent on Zeb2, and these cells can limit recrudescent infection by sustaining GC reactions.
The adaptation of bumblebees to extremely high elevation associated with their gut microbiota
Authors: Dong Jiu-Hong , Xu Xin , Ren Zong-Xin , Zhao Yan-Hui , Zhang Yaran , Chen Li , Wu You , Chen Guotao , Cao Ruiqing , Wu Qi , Wang Hong
Published: February 2024

Bumblebees are among the most abundant and important pollinators for sub-alpine and alpine flowering plant species in the Northern Hemisphere, but little is known about their adaptations to high elevations. In this article, we focused on two bumblebee species,
Bombus friseanus
and
Bombus prshewalskyi
, and their respective gut microbiota. The two species, distributed through the Hengduan Mountains of southwestern China, show species replacement at different elevations. We performed genome sequencing based on 20 worker bee samples of each species. Applying evolutionary population genetics and metagenomic approaches, we detected genes under selection and analyzed functional pathways between bumblebees and their gut microbes. We found clear genetic differentiation between the two host species and significant differences in their microbiota. Species replacement occurred in both hosts and their bacteria (
Snodgrassella
) with an increase in elevation. These extremely high-elevation bumblebees show evidence of positive selection related to diverse biological processes. Positively selected genes involved in host immune systems probably contributed to gut microbiota changes, while the butyrate generated by gut microbiota may influence both host energy metabolism and immune systems. This suggests a close association between the genomes of the host species and their microbiomes based on some degree of natural selection.

IMPORTANCE

Two closely related and dominant bumblebee species, distributed at different elevations through the Hengduan Mountains of southwestern China, showed a clear genomic signature of adaptation to elevation at the molecular level and significant differences in their respective microbiota. Species replacement occurred in both hosts and their bacteria (
Snodgrassella
) with an increase in elevation. Bumblebees’ adaptations to higher elevations are closely associated with their gut microbiota through two biological processes: energy metabolism and immune response. Information allowing us to understand the adaptive mechanisms of species to extreme conditions is implicit if we are to conserve them as their environments change.
VirulenceFinder for
Enterococcus faecium
and
Enterococcus lactis
: an enhanced database for detection of putative virulence markers by using whole-genome sequencing data
Authors: Roer Louise , Kaya Hülya , Tedim Ana P. , Novais Carla , Coque Teresa M. , Aarestrup Frank M. , Peixe Luísa , Hasman Henrik , Hammerum Anette M. , Freitas Ana R. ,   On behalf of the ESCMID Study Group for Epidemiological Markers (ESGEM)
Published: February 2024

Enterococcus faecium
(
Efm
) is a leading cause of hospital-associated (HA) infections, often enriched in putative virulence markers (PVMs). Recently, the
Efm
clade B was assigned as
Enterococcus lactis
(
Elts
), which usually lack HA-
Efm
infection markers. Available databases for extracting PVM are incomplete and/or present an intermix of genes from
Efm
and
Enterococcus faecalis
, with distinct virulence profiles. In this study, we constructed a new database containing 27 PVMs [
acm, scm, sgrA, ecbA, fnm, sagA, hylEfm, ptsD, orf1481, fms15, fms21-fms20
(pili gene cluster 1, PGC-1),
fms14-fms17-fms13
(PGC-2),
empA-empB-empC
(PGC-3),
fms11-fms19-fms16
(PGC-4),
ccpA, bepA, gls20-glsB1,
and
gls33-glsB
] from nine reference genomes (seven
Efm
+ two
Elts
). The database was validated against these reference genomes and further evaluated using a collection of well-characterized
Efm
(
n
= 43) and
Elts
(
n
= 7) control strains, by assessing PVM presence/absence and its variants together with a genomic phylogeny constructed as single-nucleotide polymorphisms. We found a high concordance between the phylogeny and
in silico
findings of the PVM, with
Elts
clustering separately and mostly carrying
Elts-
specific PVM gene variants. Based on our validation results, we recommend using the database with raw reads instead of assemblies to avoid missing gene variants. This newly constructed database of 27 PVMs will enable a more comprehensive characterization of
Efm
and
Elts
based on WGS data. The developed database exhibits scalability and boasts a range of applications in public health, including diagnostics, outbreak investigations, and epidemiological studies. It can be further used in risk assessment for distinguishing between safe and unsafe enterococci.

IMPORTANCE

The newly constructed database, consisting of 27 putative virulence markers, is highly scalable and serves as a valuable resource for the comprehensive characterization of these closely related species using WGS data. It holds significant potential for various public health applications, including hospital outbreak investigations, surveillance, and risk assessment for probiotics and feed additives.
Influenza-like illness symptoms due to endemic human coronavirus reinfections are not influenced by the length of the interval separating reinfections
Authors: Sechan Ferdyansyah , Edridge Arthur W. D. , van Rijswijk Jacqueline , Jebbink Maarten F. , Deijs Martin , Bakker Margreet , Matser Amy , Prins Maria , van der Hoek Lia
Published: February 2024

After 3 years of its introduction to humans, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been declared as endemic. Little is known about the severity of the disease manifestation that future infections may cause, especially when reinfections occur after humoral immunity from a previous infection or vaccination has waned. Such knowledge could inform policymakers regarding the frequency of vaccination. Reinfections by endemic human coronaviruses (HCoVs) can serve as a model system for SARS-CoV-2 endemicity. We monitored 44 immunocompetent male adults with blood sampling every 6 months (for 17 years), for the frequency of HCoV (re-)infections, using rises in N-antibodies of HCoV-NL63, HCoV-29E, HCoV-OC43, and HCoV-HKU1 as markers of infection. Disease associations during (re-)infections were examined by comparison of self-reporting records of influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms, every 6 months, by all participants. During 8,549 follow-up months, we found 364 infections by any HCoV with a median of eight infections per person. Symptoms more frequently reported during HCoV infection were cough, sore throat, and myalgia. Two hundred fifty-one of the 364 infections were species-specific HCoV-reinfections, with a median interval of 3.58 (interquartile range 1.92–5.67) years. The length of the interval between reinfections—being either short or long—had no influence on the frequency of reporting ILI symptoms. All HCoV-NL63, HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, and HCoV-HKU1 (re-)infections are associated with the reporting of ILIs. Importantly, in immunocompetent males, these symptoms are not influenced by the length of the interval between reinfections.

IMPORTANCE

Little is known about the disease following human coronavirus (HCoV) reinfection occurring years after the previous infection, once humoral immunity has waned. We monitored endemic HCoV reinfection in immunocompetent male adults for up to 17 years. We found no influence of reinfection interval length in the disease manifestation, suggesting that immunocompetent male adults are adequately protected against future HCoV infections.
Supplemental Material: Rapid development of spiral garnets during subduction zone metamorphism revealed from high-resolution Sm-Nd garnet geochronology
Authors: Farrell Thomas P. , al. et
Published: February 2024

 Detailed summary of analytical, modeling, and computional methods and Sm-Nd data (Tables S1–S3). 
Supplemental Material: Hydrological fluctuations in the Tarim Basin, northwest China, over the past millennium
Authors: Li Kangkang , al. et
Published: February 2024

 Figures S1–S9 and chronological data 
Implementing Joint External Evaluations of the International Health Regulations (2005) capacities in all countries in the WHO African region: process challenges, lessons learnt and perspectives for the future
Authors: Fall Ibrahima-Soce , Wango Roland Kimbi , Yahaya Ali Ahmed , Stephen Mary , Mpairwe Allan , Nanyunja Miriam , Herring Belinda Louise , Latt Anderson , Mghamba Janneth , Ndoungue Viviane Fossouo , Yota Daniel , Massidi Christian , Diallo Amadou Bailo , Ohene Sally-Ann , Njuguna Charles , Oke Antonio , Kizerbo Georges Alfred , Chamla Dick , Yoti Zabulon , Talisuna Ambrose
Published: February 2024

Following the West Africa Ebola virus disease outbreak (2013–2016), the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) is one of the three voluntary components recommended by the WHO for evaluating the International Health Regulations (2005) capacities in countries. Here, we share experience implementing JEEs in all 47 countries in the WHO African region. In February 2016, the United Republic of Tanzania (Mainland) was the first country globally to conduct a JEE. By April 2022, JEEs had been conducted in all 47 countries plus in the island of Zanzibar. A total of 360 subject matter experts (SMEs) from 88 organisations were deployed 607 times. Despite availability of guidelines, the process had to be contextualised while avoiding jeopardising the quality and integrity of the findings. Key challenges were: inadequate understanding of the process by in-country counterparts; competing country priorities; limited time for validating subnational capacities; insufficient availability of SMEs for biosafety and biosecurity, antimicrobial resistance, points of entry, chemical events and radio-nuclear emergencies; and inadequate financing to fill gaps identified. Key points learnt were: importance of country leadership and ownership; conducting orientation workshops before the self-assessment; availability of an external JEE expert to support the self-assessment; the skills, attitudes and leadership competencies of the team lead; identifying national experts as SMEs for future JEEs to promote capacity building and experience sharing; the centrality of involvingOne Healthstakeholders from the beginning to the end of the process; and the need for dedicated staff for planning, coordination, implementation and timely report writing. Moving forward, it is essential to draw from this learning to plan future JEEs. Finally, predictable financing is needed immediately to fill gaps identified.
Patient safety culture in South America: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pedroso Aline Cristina , Fernandes Fernanda Paulino , Tuma Paula , Vernal Sebastian , Pellizzari Marcelo , Seisdedos Mariana Graciela , Prieto Constanza , Wilckens Bernd Oberpaur , Villamizar Omar Javier Salamanca , Olaya Lilian Arlette Castaneda , Delgado Pedro , Cendoroglo Neto Miguel
Published: February 2024

Background

Every year, millions of patients suffer injuries or die due to unsafe and poor-quality healthcare. A culture of safety care is crucial to prevent risks, errors and harm that may result from medical assistance. Measurement of patient safety culture (PSC) identifies strengths and weaknesses, serving as a guide to improvement interventions; nevertheless, there is a lack of studies related to PSC in Latin America.

Aim

To assess the PSC in South American hospitals.

Methods

A multicentre international cross-sectional study was performed between July and September 2021 by the Latin American Alliance of Health Institutions, composed of four hospitals from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia. The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC V.1.0) was used. Participation was voluntary. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the difference between leadership positions and professional categories.

Results

A total of 5695 records were analysed: a 30.1% response rate (range 25%–55%). The highest percentage of positive responses was observed in items related to patient safety as the top priority (89.2%). Contrarily, the lowest percentage was observed in items regarding their mistakes/failures being recorded (23.8%). The strongest dimensions (average score ≥75%) were organisational learning, teamwork within units and management support for patient safety (82%, 79% and 78%, respectively). The dimensions ‘requiring improvement’ (average score <50%) were staffing and non-punitive responses to error (41% and 37%, respectively). All mean scores were higher in health workers with a leadership position except for the hospital handoff/transitions item. Significant differences were found by professional categories, mainly between physicians, nurses, and other professionals.

Conclusion

Our findings lead to a better overview of PSC in Latin America, serving as a baseline and benchmarking to facilitate the recognition of weaknesses and to guide quality improvement strategies regionally and globally. Despite South American PSC not being well-exploited, local institutions revealed a strengthened culture of safety care.
Colchicine in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Tucker Bradley , Goonetilleke Neil , Patel Sanjay , Keech Anthony
Published: February 2024

Inflammation has a direct role in the development of atherosclerotic vascular disease, and oral colchicine displays broad anti-inflammatory properties. Several large, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated colchicine’s impact on cardiovascular outcomes. Results from a meta-analysis of these trials demonstrate that colchicine reduces the risk of recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) by 25%, leading to its recent approval by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Despite this, colchicine has not been shown to confer any survival benefit in these trials. The non-significant reduction in cardiovascular death of 18% (95% CI: 45% decrease to 23% increase) is outweighed by a more prominent, borderline non-significant increase in the risk of non-cardiovascular death by 38% (95% CI: 1% decrease to 92% increase). Key populations including those with heart failure, those undergoing surgical revascularisation, women, elderly individuals and non-Caucasians are under-represented in completed trials, which limits generalisability. C reactive protein has been proposed as a biomarker for colchicine response and shows promise for identifying a high-risk population where the benefit on MACE reduction and specifically reduced cardiovascular death might outweigh any real increased risk of non-cardiovascular death; however, this approach is still to be validated in ongoing RCTs. In conclusion, while colchicine shows promise in reducing MACE, its net risk–benefit profile requires further elucidation before its widespread adoption into clinical practice for the secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Much more large-scale, long-term trial data are still needed in this space.