bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short- and long-term effects of continuous compost amendment on soil microbiome community
Authors: Kraut-Cohen Judith , Zolti Avihai , Rotbart Nativ , Bar-Tal Asher , Laor Yael , Medina Shlomit , Shawahna Raneen , Saadi Ibrahim , Raviv Michael , Green Stefan J , Yermiyahu Uri , Minz Dror
Published: February 2023

Organic amendment, and especially the use of composts, is a well-accepted sustainable agricultural practice. Compost increases soil carbon and microbial biomass, changes enzymatic activity, and enriches soil carbon and nitrogen stocks. However, relatively little is known about the immediate and long-term temporal dynamics of agricultural soil microbial communities following repeated compost applications. Our study was conducted at two field sites: Newe Ya’ar (NY, Mediterranean climate) and Gilat (G, semi-arid climate), both managed organically over 4 years under either conventional fertilization (0, zero compost) or three levels of compost amendment (20, 40 and 60 m3/ha or 2, 4, 6 L/m2). Microbial community dynamics in the soils was examined by high-and low-time-resolution analyses. Annual community composition in compost-amended soils was significantly affected by compost amendment levels in G (first, second and third years) and in NY (third year). Repeated sampling at high resolution (9–10 times over 1 year) showed that at both sites, compost application initially induced a strong shift in microbial communities, lasting for up to 1 month, followed by a milder response. Compost application significantly elevated alpha diversity at both sites, but differed in the compost–dose correlation effect. We demonstrate higher abundance of taxa putatively involved in organic decomposition and characterized compost-related indicator taxa and a compost-derived core microbiome at both sites. Overall, this study describes temporal changes in the ecology of soil microbiomes in response to compost vs. conventional fertilization.

Highlights

Dose-dependent changes in soil microbiome structure by manure compost application

Dynamic short-and long-term changes in soil microbiomes by compost amendment

Climate, soil properties and management influence compost-amendment effects

Immediate and temporal cumulative effects of compost on soil α and β diversity
Nanoparticles of bioactive natural collagen for wound healing: Experimental approach
Authors: Shalaby Manal , Ghareeb Ahmed .Z , Khedr Shaimaa M. , Mostafa Haitham M. , Saeed Hesham , Hamouda Dalia
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Both developing and developed nations have made the creation of innovative wound-healing nanomaterials based on natural extracts a top research goal. The objective of this research was to create a gel containing collagen nanoparticles and evaluate its therapeutic potential for skin lesions.

Methods

Collagen nanoparticles from fish scales were produced for the first time using desolvation techniques. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the structure of the isolated collagen and its similarities to collagen type 1 were identified. The surface morphology of the isolated collagen and its reformulation into nanoparticles were examined using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Human skin fibroblast cells were employed to examine the cytotoxicity of the nanomaterials, and an experimental model was used to evaluate the wound healing capability.

Results

Collagen nanoparticles formulation was confirmed using FTIR, SEM and TEM analysis. Cytotoxicity studies demomstrated that the manufactured nanoparticles have minor toxicity at high concentrations on human skin fibroblast. Histological investigation proved that the fabricated fish scale collagen nanoparticles promoted the healing process in comparison to the saline group.

Conclusion

The fabricated product is a highly influential wound healing product that can be applicable for commercial use. The nanoscale size of collagen nanoparticles, make them interesting candidates for biological applications.

Key Summary Points

The goal of this research was to create natural, effective wound remedies that could lower health-care costs while also providing pain relief and, ultimately, effective scar repair.

Collagen nanoparticles can be synthesized from fish scale utilizing various nanotechnology-based approaches to stimulate skin cell proliferation and promote wound healing.

Collagen nanoparticles have a rough surface, have a negative potential, and can be used for drug delivery and wound healing.

Histological and macroscopical analysis showed that the synthesized nanoparticles promoted faster wound healing.
RelB represses miR-193a-5p expression to promote the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells in aortic aneurysm
Authors: Liu Yisi , Tian Xiaoxiang , Liu Dan , Zhang Xiaolin , Yan Chenghui , Han Yaling
Published: February 2023

Aortic aneurysm (AA) is a potentially fatal disease with the possibility of rupture, causing high mortality rates with no effective drugs for the treatment of AA. The mechanism of AA, as well as its therapeutic potential to inhibit aneurysm expansion, has been minimally explored. Small non-coding RNA (miRNAs and miRs) is emerging as a new fundamental regulator of gene expression. This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of miR-193a-5p in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). In AAA vascular tissue and Angiotensin II (Ang II)-treated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the expression of miR-193a-5 was determined using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Western blotting was used to detect the effects of miR-193a-5p on PCNA, CCND1, CCNE1, and CXCR4. To detect the effect of miR-193a-5p on the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, CCK-8, and EdU immunostaining, flow cytometry, wound healing, and Transwell Chamber analysis were performed. In vitro results suggest that overexpression of miR-193a-5p inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, and its inhibition aggravated their proliferation and migration. In VSMCs, miR-193a-5p mediated proliferation by regulating CCNE1 and CCND1 genes and migration by regulating CXCR4. Further, in the Ang II-induced abdominal aorta of mice, the expression of miR-193a-5p was reduced and significantly downregulated in the serum of patients with aortic aneurysm (AA). In vitro studies confirmed that Ang II-induced downregulation of miR-193a-5p in VSMCs by upregulation of the expression of the transcriptional repressor RelB in the promoter region. This study may provide new intervention targets for the prevention and treatment of AA.
Mycolactone causes destructive Sec61-dependent loss of the endothelial glycocalyx and vessel basement membrane: a new indirect mechanism driving tissue necrosis inMycobacterium ulceransinfection
Authors: Hsieh Louise Tzung-Harn , Hall Belinda S. , Newcombe Jane , Mendum Tom A. , Santana-Varela Sonia , Umrania Yagnesh , Deery Michael J. , Shi Wei Q. , Diaz-Delgado Josué , Salguero Francisco J. , Simmonds Rachel E
Published: February 2023

The drivers of tissue necrosis inMycobacterium ulceransinfection (Buruli ulcer disease) have historically been ascribed solely to the directly cytotoxic action of the diffusible exotoxin, mycolactone. However, its role in the clinically-evident vascular component of disease aetiology remains poorly explained. We have now dissected mycolactone’s effects on primary vascular endothelial cellsin vitroandin vivo. We show that mycolactone-induced changes in endothelial morphology, adhesion, migration, and permeability are dependent on its action at the Sec61 translocon. Unbiased quantitative proteomics identified a profound effect on proteoglycans, driven by rapid loss of type II transmembrane proteins of the Golgi, including enzymes required for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis, combined with a reduction in the core proteins themselves. Loss of the glycocalyx is likely to be of particular mechanistic importance, since knockdown of galactosyltransferase II (beta-1,3-galactotransferase 6; B3GALT6), the GAG linker-building enzyme, phenocopied the permeability and phenotypic changes induced by mycolactone. Additionally, mycolactone depleted many secreted basement membrane components and microvascular basement membranes were disruptedin vivo. Remarkably, exogenous addition of laminin-511 reduced endothelial cell rounding, restored cell attachment and reversed the defective migration caused by mycolactone. Hence supplementing mycolactone-depleted extracellular matrix may be a future therapeutic avenue, to improve wound healing rates.
Flame (v2.0): advanced integration and interpretation of functional enrichment results from multiple sources
Authors: Karatzas Evangelos , Baltoumas Fotis A. , Aplakidou Eleni , Kontou Panagiota I. , Stathopoulos Panos , Stefanis Leonidas , Bagos Pantelis G. , Pavlopoulos Georgios A.
Published: February 2023

Functional enrichment is the process of identifying implicated functional terms from a given input list of genes or proteins. In this article, we present Flame (v2.0), a web tool which offers a combinatorial approach through merging and visualizing results from widely-used functional enrichment applications while also allowing various flexible input options. In this version, Flame utilizes the aGOtool, g:Profiler, WebGestalt and Enrichr pipelines and presents their outputs separately or in combination following a visual analytics approach. For intuitive representations and easier interpretation, it uses interactive plots such as parameterizable networks, heatmaps, barcharts and scatter plots. Users can also:(i)handle multiple protein/gene lists and analyze union and intersection sets simultaneously through interactive UpSet plots,(ii)automatically extract genes and proteins from free text through text-mining and Named Entity Recognition (NER) techniques,(iii)upload single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and extract their relative genes or(iv)analyze multiple lists of differentially-expressed proteins/genes after selecting them interactively from a parameterizable volcano plot. Compared to the previous version of 197 supported organisms, Flame (v2.0) currently allows enrichment for 14,436 organisms.
Differential labelling of human sub-cellular compartments with fluorescent dye esters and expansion microscopy
Authors: Sheard Thomas M. D. , Shakespeare Tayla , Seehra Rajpinder S. , Spencer Michael E , Suen Kin M. , Jayasinghe Izzy
Published: February 2023

Amine-reactive esters of aromatic fluorescent dyes are emerging as imaging probes for nondescript staining of cellular and tissue architectures. We characterised the differential staining patterns of 14 fluorescent dye ester species with varying physical and spectral properties in the broadly studied human cell line – HeLa. When combined with expansion microscopy (ExM), these stains reveal nanoscale features such as the nuclear proteome, membrane-bound compartments and vesicles. Among N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters, we observe differential compartment specificity and weighting of labelling density which correlates with the hydrophobicity of the dye ester. We also observe changes in both staining density and compartment specificity for a given dye ester depending on the presence of a second dye ester species and on the timepoint of application in the ExM protocol. Our findings confirm these dye esters as a useful addition to the repertoire of biomedical stains of the cellular proteome, either on their own, or as counterstains to immunofluorescence.
The Hsf1-sHsp cascade has pan-antiviral activity in mosquito cells
Authors: Qu Jieqiong , Schinkel Michelle , Chiggiato Lisa , Rosendo Machado Samara , Overheul Gijs J , Miesen Pascal , van Rij Ronald P
Published: February 2023

Aedes mosquitoes transmit pathogenic arthropod-borne (arbo) viruses, putting nearly half the world's population at risk. Blocking virus replication in mosquitoes is a promising approach to prevent arbovirus transmission, the development of which requires in-depth knowledge of virus-host interactions and mosquito immunity. By integrating multi-omics data, we find that heat shock factor 1 (Hsf1) regulates eight small heat shock protein (sHsp) genes within one topologically associated domain in the mosquito genome. This Hsf1-sHsp cascade acts as an early response against chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection and shows pan-antiviral activity in cell lines of three vector mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Anopheles gambiae. Our comprehensive in vitro data suggest that Hsf1 could serve as a promising target for the development of novel intervention strategies to limit arbovirus transmission by mosquitoes.
Ketamine Effects on Energy Metabolism, Functional Connectivity and Working Memory in Healthy Humans
Authors: Driesen Naomi R. , Herman Peter , Rowland Margaret A. , Thompson Garth , Qiu Maolin , He George , Fineberg Sarah , Barron Daniel S. , Helgeson Lars , Lacadie Cheryl , Chow Robert , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Straun Teo-Carlo , Krystal John H. , Hyder Fahmeed
Published: February 2023

Working memory (WM) is a crucial resource for temporary memory storage and the guiding of ongoing behavior. N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptors (NMDARs) are thought to support the neural underpinnings of WM. Ketamine is an NMDAR antagonist that has cognitive and behavioral effects at subanesthetic doses. To shed light on subanesthetic ketamine effects on brain function, we employed a multimodal imaging design, combining gas-free calibrated functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measurement of oxidative metabolism (CMRO2), resting-state cortical functional connectivity assessed with fMRI, and WM-related fMRI. Healthy subjects participated in two scan sessions in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Ketamine increased CMRO2and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and other cortical regions. However, resting-state cortical functional connectivity was not affected. Ketamine did not alter CBF-CMRO2coupling brain-wide. Higher levels of basal CMRO2were associated with lower task-related PFC activation and WM accuracy impairment under both saline and ketamine conditions. These observations suggest that CMRO2and resting-state functional connectivity index distinct dimensions of neural activity. Ketamine’s impairment of WM-related neural activity and performance appears to be related to its ability to produce cortical metabolic activation. This work illustrates the utility of direct measurement of CMRO2via calibrated fMRI in studies of drugs that potentially affect neurovascular and neurometabolic coupling.
Optimizing linear ion trap data independent acquisition towards single cell proteomics
Authors: Phlairaharn Teeradon , Ye Zilu , Krismer Elena , Pedersen Anna-Kathrine , Pietzner Maik , Olsen Jesper V. , Schoof Erwin M. , Searle Brian C.
Published: February 2023

A linear ion trap (LIT) is an affordable, robust mass spectrometer that proves fast scanning speed and high sensitivity, where its primary disadvantage is inferior mass accuracy compared to more commonly used time-of-flight (TOF) or orbitrap (OT) mass analyzers. Previous efforts to utilize the LIT for low-input proteomics analysis still rely on either built-in OTs for collecting precursor data or OT-based library generation. Here, we demonstrate the potential versatility of the LIT for low-input proteomics as a stand-alone mass analyzer for all mass spectrometry measurements, including library generation. To test this approach, we first optimized LIT data acquisition methods and performed library-free searches with and without entrapment peptides to evaluate both the detection and quantification accuracy. We then generated matrix-matched calibration curves to estimate the lower limit of quantification using only 10 ng of starting material. While LIT-MS1 measurements provided poor quantitative accuracy, LIT-MS2 measurements were quantitatively accurate down to 0.5 ng on column. Finally, we optimized a suitable strategy for spectral library generation from low-input material, which we used to analyze single-cell samples by LIT-DIA using LIT-based libraries generated from as few as 40 cells.
Testing the efficacy of different molecular tools for parasite conservation genetics: a case study using horsehair worms (Phylum Nematomorpha)
Authors: De Vivo Mattia , Chen Wei-Yun , Huang Jen-Pan
Published: February 2023

In recent years, parasite conservation has become a globally significant issue. Because of this, there is a need for standardised methods for inferring population status and possible cryptic diversity. However, given the lack of molecular data for some groups, it is challenging to establish procedures for genetic diversity estimation. Therefore, universal tools, such as double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq), could be useful when conducting conservation genetic studies on rarely studied parasites. Here, we generated a ddRADseq dataset that includes all three described Taiwanese horsehair worms (Phylum Nematomorpha), possibly one of the most understudied animal groups. Additionally, we produced data for a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COXI) for said species. We used the COXI dataset in combination with previously published sequences of the same locus for inferring the effective population size (Ne) trends and possible population structure.

We found that a larger and geographically broader sample size combined with more sequenced loci resulted in a better estimation of changes inNe. We were able to detect demographic changes associated with Pleistocene events in all the species. Furthermore, the ddRADseq dataset forChordodes formosanusdid not reveal a genetic structure based on geography, implying a great dispersal ability, possibly due to its hosts. We showed that different molecular tools can be used to reveal genetic structure and demographic history at different historical times and geographical scales, which can help with conservation genetic studies in rarely studied parasites.
In VitroAntibacterial Activity of Dinuclear Thiolato-Bridged Ruthenium(II)-Arene Compounds
Authors: Bugnon Quentin , Melendez Camilo , Desiatkina Oksana , de Chaptes Louis Fayolles Chorus , Holzer Isabelle , Păunescu Emilia , Hilty Markus , Furrer Julien
Published: February 2023

The antibacterial activity of 22 thiolato-bridged dinuclear ruthenium(II)-arene compounds was assessedin vitroagainstEscherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniaeandStaphylococcus aureus. None of the compounds efficiently inhibited the growth of the threeE. colistrains tested and only compound5exhibited a medium activity against this bacterium (MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of 25 μM). However, a significant antibacterial activity was observed againstS. pneumoniae, with MIC values ranging from 1.3 to 2.6 μM for compounds1-3,5and6. Similarly, compounds2,5-7and20-22had MIC values ranging from 2.5 to 5 μM againstS. aureus.The tested diruthenium compounds have a bactericidal effect significantly faster than that of penicillin. Fluorescence microscopy assays performed onS. aureususing the BODIPY-tagged diruthenium complex15showed that this type of metal compound enter the bacteria and do not accumulate in the cell wall of gram-positive bacteria. Cellular internalization was further confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) experiments. The nature of the substituents anchored on the bridging thiols and the compounds molecular weight appear to significantly influence the antibacterial activity. Thus, if overall a decrease of the bactericidal effect with the increase of compounds’ molecular weight is observed, however the complexes bearing larger benzo-fused lactam substituents had low MIC values. This first antibacterial activity screening demonstrated that the thiolato-diruthenium compounds exhibit promising activity againstS. aureusandS. pneumoniaeand deserve to be considered for further studies.
Reliability of sucrose preference testing following short or no food and water deprivation - a Systematic Review and Meta–Analysis of rat models of chronic unpredictable stress
Authors: Berrio Jenny P. , Hestehave Sara , Kalliokoski Otto
Published: February 2023

The sucrose preference test is a popular test for anhedonia in the chronic unpredictable stress model of depression. Yet, the test does not always produce consistent results. Long food and water deprivation before the test, while often implemented, confounds the results by introducing unwanted drives in the form of hunger and thirst. We assessed the reliability of the test when only short or no fasting was used. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress that used no more than six hours of food and/or water deprivation before the test. Sweet consumptions, for stressed and control/antidepressant-treated animals, in 132 studies were pooled using random effects models. We found a decrease in sweet consumption in stressed rats, compared to controls, that was halved when a non-caloric sweetener was used and significantly reduced when sucrose consumption was corrected for body weight. What is more, the length of food and water deprivation was found to confound the effect. The effect was reversed when the stressed rats were treated with antidepressants. Methodological strategies meant to control for recognized sources of bias when conducting the test were often missing, and so was a clear and complete report of essential study information. Our results indicate that not only is food and water deprivation before the test unnecessary, but not recommended. Even in absence of long fasting, we found evidence of an additional effect on sweet consumption that is unrelated to anhedonia. Without properly controlling for non-hedonic drivers of consumption, the test is unreliable as a proxy measure of anhedonia. Strengthening the methodological rigor and addressing the confounding effect of metabolic factors in the sucrose preference test prevents misleading conclusions that harm the translatability of the associated research and perpetuates the use of animals for little gain.
The gut lactic acid bacteria metabolite, 10-oxo-cis-6,trans-11-octadecadienoic acid, suppresses inflammatory bowel disease in mice by modulating the NRF2 pathway and GPCR-signaling
Authors: Ando Miki , Nagata Kazuki , Ito Naoto , Noguchi Sakura , Yamamoto Asuka , Kodama Naoki , Yashiro Takuya , Hachisu Masakazu , Ichihara Gaku , Kishino Shigenobu , Yamamoto Masayuki , Ogawa Jun , Nishiyama Chiharu
Published: February 2023

Various gut bacteria, includingLactobacillus plantarum, possess several enzymes that produce hydroxy fatty acids (FAs), oxo FAs, conjugated FAs, and partially saturated FAs from polyunsaturated FAs as secondary metabolites. Among these derivatives, we identified 10-oxo-cis-6,trans-11-octadecadienoic acid (γKetoC), a γ-linolenic acid-derived enon FA, as the most effective immunomodulator, which inhibited the antigen-induced immunoactivation and the LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines. The treatment with γKetoC markedly increased the protein level of NRF2, a master transcription factor for antioxidant responses, and the mRNA level ofHmox1, a target gene of NRF2, in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Although γKetoC significantly suppressed the LPS-induced activation of control BMDCs, particularly the secretion of IL-12/23p40, the suppressive effects of γKetoC were reduced inNrf2-/-BMDCs. GW9508, an agonist of GPR40/GPR120, inhibited the release of cytokines from LPS-stimulated BMDCs without activating the NRF2 pathway. We evaluated the role of NRF2 in the anti-inflammatory effects of γKetoC in a dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis model. The oral administration of γKetoC significantly reduced body weight loss, improved stool scores, and attenuated atrophy of the colon, in wild-type C57BL/6J andNrf2+/-(C57BL/6N) mice with colitis. In contrast, the pathology of colitis was deteriorated inNrf2-/-mice even with the administration of γKetoC.

Collectively, the present results demonstrated the involvement of the NRF2 pathway in γKetoC-mediated anti-inflammatory responses.
The evolving tale of Pol2 function
Authors: Gallitto Matthew , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: February 2023

DNA replication is complex and highly regulated, and DNA replication errors can lead to human diseases such as cancer. DNA polymerase ε (polε) is a key player in DNA replication and contains a large subunit called POLE, which possesses both a DNA polymerase domain and a 3′–5′ exonuclease domain (EXO). Mutations at the EXO domain and other missense mutations on POLE with unknown significance have been detected in a variety of human cancers. Based on cancer genome databases, Meng and colleagues (pp. 74–79) previously identified several missense mutations in POPS (pol2 family-specific catalytic core peripheral subdomain), and mutations at the conserved residues of yeast Pol2 (pol2-REL)showed reduced DNA synthesis and growth. In this issue ofGenes & Development, Meng and colleagues (pp. 74–79) found unexpectedly that mutations at the EXO domain rescue the growth defects ofpol2-REL.They further discovered that EXO-mediated polymerase backtracking impedes forward movement of the enzyme when POPS is defective, revealing a novel interplay between the EXO domain and POPS of Pol2 for efficient DNA synthesis. Additional molecular insight into this interplay will likely inform the impact of cancer-associated mutations found in both the EXO domain and POPS on tumorigenesis and uncover future novel therapeutic strategies.
More warm‐adapted species in soil seed banks than in herb layer plant communities across Europe
Authors: Auffret Alistair G. , Vangansbeke Pieter , De Frenne Pieter , Auestad Inger , Basto Sofía , Grandin Ulf , Jacquemyn Hans , Jakobsson Anna , Kalamees Rein , Koch Marcus A. , Marrs Rob , Marteinsdóttir Bryndís , Wagner Markus , Bekker Renée M. , Bruun Hans Henrik , Decocq Guillaume , Hermy Martin , Jankowska‐Błaszczuk Małgorzata , Milberg Per , Måren Inger E. , Pakeman Robin J. , Phoenix Gareth K. , Thompson Ken , Van Calster Hans , Vandvik Vigdis , Plue Jan
Published: February 2023

Responses to climate change have often been found to lag behind the rate of warming that has occurred. In addition to dispersal limitation potentially restricting spread at leading range margins, the persistence of species in new and unsuitable conditions is thought to be responsible for apparent time‐lags.

Soil seed banks can allow plant communities to temporarily buffer unsuitable environmental conditions, but their potential to slow responses to long‐term climate change is largely unknown. As local forest cover can also buffer the effects of a warming climate, it is important to understand how seed banks might interact with land cover to mediate community responses to climate change.

We first related species‐level seed bank persistence and distribution‐derived climatic niches for 840 plant species. We then used a database of plant community data from grasslands, forests and intermediate successional habitats from across Europe to investigate relationships between seed banks and their corresponding herb layers in 2763 plots in the context of climate and land cover.

We found that species from warmer climates and with broader distributions are more likely to have a higher seed bank persistence, resulting in seed banks that are composed of species with warmer and broader climatic distributions than their corresponding herb layers. This was consistent across our climatic extent, with larger differences (seed banks from even warmer climates relative to vegetation) found in grasslands.

Synthesis. Seed banks have been shown to buffer plant communities through periods of environmental variability, and in a period of climate change might be expected to contain species reflecting past, cooler conditions. Here, we show that persistent seed banks often contain species with relatively warm climatic niches and those with wide climatic ranges. Although these patterns may not be primarily driven by species' climatic adaptations, the prominence of such species in seed banks might still facilitate climate‐driven community shifts. Additionally, seed banks may be related to ongoing trends regarding the spread of widespread generalist species into natural habitats, while cool‐associated species may be at risk from both short‐ and long‐term climatic variability and change.
Women's preconception health in England: a report card based on cross‐sectional analysis of national maternity services data from 2018/2019
Authors: Schoenaker Danielle A. J. M. , Stephenson Judith , Smith Helen , Thurland Kate , Duncan Helen , Godfrey Keith M. , Barker Mary , Singh Claire , Alwan Nisreen A. ,   for the UK Preconception Partnership
Published: February 2023

Objective

To present the first national‐level report card on the state of women's preconception health in England.

Design

Cross‐sectional population‐based study.

Setting

Maternity services, England.

Population

All pregnant women in England with a first antenatal (booking) appointment recorded in the national Maternity Services Dataset (MSDS) from April 2018 to March 2019 (n = 652 880).

Methods

We analysed the prevalence of 32 preconception indicator measures in the overall population and across socio‐demographic subgroups. Ten of these indicators were prioritised for ongoing surveillance based on modifiability, prevalence, data quality and ranking by multidisciplinary UK experts.

Results

The three most prevalent indicators were the proportion of the 22.9% of women who smoked 1 year before pregnancy who did not quit smoking before pregnancy (85.0%), those who had not taken folic acid supplementation before pregnancy (72.7%) and previous pregnancy loss (38.9%). Inequalities were observed by age, ethnicity and area‐based deprivation level. The ten indicators prioritised were not taking folic acid supplementation before pregnancy, obesity, complex social factors, living in the most deprived areas, smoking around the time of conception, overweight, pre‐existing mental health condition, pre‐existing physical health condition, previous pregnancy loss and previous obstetric complication.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest important opportunities to improve the state of preconception health and reduce socio‐demographic inequalities for women in England. In addition to MSDS data, other national data sources that record further and possibly better quality indicators could be explored and linked to build a comprehensive surveillance infrastructure.
Assessment of subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes: Relationship with HbA1c and microvascular complications
Authors: Chen Yanyan , Zhang Ying , Wang Yi , Ta Shengjun , Shi Min , Zhou Yingni , Li Mengying , Fu Jianfang , Wang Li , Liu Xiangyang , Lu Zuowei , Liu Liwen , Li Zeping , Zhou Jie , Li Xiaomiao
Published: February 2023

Background

We aimed to examine the association between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), microvascular complications, and subclinical left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, and to determine the strength of the correlation in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was employed to assess the subclinical LV function of 152 enrolled T2DM patients with preserved LV ejection fraction, with the cutoff for subclinical LV systolic dysfunction predefined as GLS < 18%.

Results

According to univariate analysis, the reduced GLS exhibited association with the clinical features including HbA1c, triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, heart rate, diabetic retinopathy, and urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) (all p < .05). After the factors of gender, age, and related clinical covariables adjusted, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed the HbA1c (odds ratio [OR] 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30–2.13; p < .001), UACR (OR 2.48; 95% CI 1.12–5.47; p = .025) and triglyceride (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.12–3.03; p = .017) as the independent risk factors for the reduced GLS. Receiver operating characteristic curve showed a predictive value of the HbA1c for the subclinical LV systolic dysfunction (area under curve: 0.74; p < .001).

Conclusions

In asymptomatic T2DM patients, subclinical LV systolic dysfunction was associated with HbA1c, diabetic complications, and triglyceride. More prominently, HbA1c may exert a prognostic significance for the progression of myocardial damage.
The use of different 16S rRNA gene variable regions in biogeographical studies
Authors: Varliero Gilda , Lebre Pedro H. , Stevens Mark I. , Czechowski Paul , Makhalanyane Thulani , Cowan Don A.
Published: February 2023

16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing is routinely used in environmental surveys to identify microbial diversity and composition of the samples of interest. The dominant sequencing technology of the past decade (Illumina) is based on the sequencing of 16S rRNA hypervariable regions. Online sequence data repositories, which represent an invaluable resource for investigating microbial distributional patterns across spatial, environmental or temporal scales, contain amplicon datasets from diverse 16S rRNA gene variable regions. However, the utility of these sequence datasets is potentially reduced by the use of different 16S rRNA gene amplified regions. By comparing 10 Antarctic soil samples sequenced for five different 16S rRNA amplicons, we explore whether sequence data derived from diverse 16S rRNA variable regions can be validly used as a resource for biogeographical studies. Patterns of shared and unique taxa differed among samples as a result of variable taxonomic resolutions of the assessed 16S rRNA variable regions. However, our analyses also suggest that the use of multi‐primer datasets for biogeographical studies of the domain Bacteria is a valid approach to explore bacterial biogeographical patterns due to the preservation of bacterial taxonomic and diversity patterns across different variable region datasets. We deem composite datasets useful for biogeographical studies.
Sleep disturbances in Norwegian children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) with and without a diagnosis of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder or epilepsy
Authors: Gerstner Thorsten , Sævareid Hans Inge , Johnsen Åse Ribe , Løhaugen Gro , Skranes Jon
Published: February 2023

Background

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) describes a combination of developmental, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities in children with prenatal exposure to alcohol. The literature suggests that there are higher rates of sleep disturbances in these children. Few studies have investigated sleep disturbances in relation to common comorbidities of FASD. We examined the prevalence of disturbed sleep and the relationship between parent‐reported sleep problems in different FASD subgroups and comorbidities like epilepsy or attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and impact on clinical functioning.

Methods

In this prospective cross‐sectional survey, caregivers of 53 children with FASD completed the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC). Information about comorbidities was collected, and EEG and assessment of IQ, daily‐life executive and adaptive functioning were performed. Group comparisons and ANCOVA interaction models were used to test the associations between different sleep disturbances and clinical factors that could interfere with sleep.

Results

An abnormal sleep score on the SDSC was very common, affecting 79% of children (n = 42) with equal prevalence in all FASD subgroups. Difficulty falling asleep was the most common sleep problem, followed by difficulty staying asleep and waking early. The incidence of epilepsy was 9.4%, with an abnormal EEG seen in 24.5%, and a diagnosis of ADHD in 47.2% of children. The distribution of these conditions was equal in all FASD subgroups. Children with signs of sleep disturbance had poorer working memory, executive function, and adaptive functioning. Children with ADHD had a greater prevalence of sleep disturbance than those without ADHD (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.79).

Conclusion

Problems with sleep are very common in FASD children and seem independent of FASD subgroup and the presence of epilepsy or a pathological EEG finding, while those with ADHD had more sleep problems. The study underscores the importance of screening for sleep disturbances in all children with FASD as these problems may be treatable.
Adverse childhood experiences in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and their effects on behavior
Authors: Kautz‐Turnbull Carson , Rockhold Madeline , Handley Elizabeth D. , Olson Heather Carmichael , Petrenko Christie
Published: February 2023

Background

Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have high rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). ACEs are associated with a wide range of health outcomes including difficulty with behavior regulation, an important intervention target. However, the effect of ACEs on different areas of behavior has not been well characterized in children with disabilities. This study describes ACEs in children with FASD and how they impact behavior problems.

Methods

A convenience sample of 87 caregivers of children (aged 3 to 12) with FASD participating in an intervention study reported on their children's ACEs using the ACEs Questionnaire and behavior problems on the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI). A theorized three‐factor structure of the ECBI (Oppositional Behavior, Attention Problems, and Conduct Problems) was investigated. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations and linear regression.

Results

On average, caregivers endorsed 3.10 (SD = 2.99) ACEs experienced by their children. The two most frequently endorsed ACE risk factors were having lived with a household member with a mental health disorder, followed by having lived with a household member with a substance use disorder. Higher total ACEs score significantly predicted a greater overall frequency of child behavior (intensity scale), but not whether the caregiver perceived the behavior to be a problem (problem scale) on the ECBI. No other variable significantly predicted the frequency of children's disruptive behavior. Exploratory regressions indicated that a higher ACEs score significantly predicted greater Conduct Problems. Total ACEs score was not associated with Attention Problems or Oppositional Behavior.

Discussion

Children with FASD are at risk for ACEs, and those with higher ACEs had a greater frequency of problem behavior on the ECBI, especially conduct problems. Findings emphasize the need for trauma‐informed clinical care for children with FASD and increased accessibility of care. Future research should examine potential mechanisms that underlie the relationship between ACEs and behavior problems to optimally inform interventions.
Effects of topiramate therapy on serum bicarbonate concentration in a sample of 10,279 veterans
Authors: Naps Michelle S. , Leong Shirley H. , Hartwell Emily E. , Rentsch Christopher T. , Kranzler Henry R.
Published: February 2023

Background

Topiramate, which is increasingly being used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD), is commonly associated with reduced serum bicarbonate concentrations. However, estimates of the prevalence and magnitude of this effect are from small samples and do not address whether topiramate's effects on acid–base balance differ in the presence of an AUD or by topiramate dosage.

Methods

Veterans Health Administration electronic health record (EHR) data were used to identify patients with a minimum of 180 days of topiramate prescription for any indication and a propensity score‐matched control group. We differentiated patients into two subgroups based on the presence of a diagnosis of AUD in the EHR. Baseline alcohol consumption was determined using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Consumption (AUDIT‐C) scores in the EHR. Analysis also included a three‐level measure representing mean daily dosage. The topiramate‐associated changes in serum bicarbonate concentration were estimated in difference‐in‐differences linear regression models. A serum bicarbonate concentration <17 mEq/L was considered to represent possible clinically significant metabolic acidosis.

Results

The cohort comprised 4287 topiramate‐treated patients and 5992 propensity score‐matched controls with a mean follow‐up period of 417 days. The mean topiramate‐associated reductions in serum bicarbonate concentration were <2 mEq/L in the low (≤88.75), medium (>88.75 and ≤141.70), and high (>141.70) mg/day dosage tertiles, irrespective of AUD history. Concentrations <17 mEq/L occurred in 1.1% of topiramate‐treated patients and 0.3% of controls and were not associated with alcohol consumption or an AUD diagnosis.

Conclusions

The excess prevalence of metabolic acidosis associated with topiramate treatment does not differ with dosage, alcohol consumption, or the presence of an AUD. Baseline and periodic serum bicarbonate concentration measurements are recommended during topiramate therapy. Patients prescribed topiramate should be educated about the symptoms of metabolic acidosis and urged to report their occurrence promptly to a healthcare provider.
An investigation of the utility of the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in young children
Authors: Dawe Sharon , Eggins Elizabeth , Betts Joseph , Webster Heidi , Pomario Tania , Doak Jessica , Chandler‐Mather Ned , Hatzis Denise , Till Haydn , Harnett Paul , Wood Andrew , Shelton Doug
Published: February 2023

Background

Early diagnosis of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) assists in implementing critical early support. The challenge lies in having a diagnostic process that enables valid and reliable assessment of domains of functioning in young children, with the added complexity that many children will also have co‐occurring exposure to childhood adversity that is likely to impact these domains.

Methods

The aim of this study was to test a diagnostic assessment of FASD in young children using the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD. Ninety‐four children (aged 3 to 7 years) with confirmed or suspected prenatal alcohol exposure were referred to two specialist FASD clinics for assessment in Queensland, Australia.

Results

There was a significant risk profile with 68.1% (n = 64) children having had contact with child protection services, and most children living in kinship (n = 22, 27.7%) or foster (n = 36, 40.4%) care. Forty‐one percent of the children were Indigenous Australians. The majority (64.9%, n = 61) of children met criteria for FASD, 30.9% were classified as “At Risk” for FASD (n = 29), and 4.3% received no FASD diagnosis (n = 4). Only 4 (4%) children were rated as severe for the brain domain. Over 60% of children (n = 58) had two or more comorbid diagnoses. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the removal of comorbid diagnoses in the Attention, Affect Regulation, or Adaptive Functioning domains resulted in a change in 7 of 47 cases (15%) to an “At Risk” designation.

Conclusions

These results highlight the complexity of presentation and the extent of impairment in the sample. The use of comorbid diagnoses to substantiate a “severe” designation in specific neurodevelopmental domains raises the question of whether there were false‐positive diagnoses. The complexity of determining causal relationships between exposure to PAE and early life adversity on developmental outcomes continues to be a challenge in this young population.
Dutch professionals' discussion preferences with the parents of extremely premature infants varied, but the trend was towards shared decision‐making
Authors: Geurtzen R. , De Proost L. , Verhagen A. A. E. , Reiss I. K. M. , Hogeveen M. , Verweij E. J. T.
Published: February 2023

Aim

We explored professionals' views on sharing decision‐making with parents before and after an extremely preterm birth and what healthcare professionals considered severe outcomes.

Methods

A nationwide, multi‐centre online survey was carried out among a wide range of perinatal healthcare professionals in the Netherlands from 4 November 2020 to 10 January 2021. The medical chairs of all nine Dutch Level III and IV perinatal centres helped to disseminate the survey link.

Results

We received 769 survey responses. Most respondents (53%) preferred to place equal emphasis on two treatment options during shared prenatal decision‐making: early intensive care or palliative comfort care. The majority (61%) wanted to include a conditional intensive care trial as a third treatment option, but 25% disagreed. Most (78%) felt that healthcare professionals were responsible for initiating postnatal conversations to justify continuing or withdrawing neonatal intensive care if complications were associated with poor outcomes. Finally, 43% were satisfied with the current definitions of severe long‐term outcomes, 41% were unsure and there were numerous for a broader definition.

Conclusion

Although Dutch professionals expressed diverse preferences on how to reach decisions about extremely premature infants, we observed a trend towards shared decision‐making with parents. These results could inform future guidelines.
Effect of heating bovine colostrum at 60°C for 90′ on colostrum quality and, the health and growth characteristics of Holstein dairy calves
Authors: Zakian A , Rasooli A , Nouri M , Ghorbanpour M , Khosravi M , Constable PD , Moazeni M
Published: February 2023

Aims

The major objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of heat‐treating colostrum on the subsequent growth characteristics (weight gain, body size, dry matter intake and feed efficiency rate) and health of Holstein calves.

Methods

A total of 1200 neonatal Holstein calves on one commercial dairy farm were enrolled. The calves were divided into heat‐treated (60°C for 90 min) and unheated (raw) colostrum groups. Calf serum IgG and total protein concentrations were measured before and after colostrum consumption. Health characteristics and disease prevalence were recorded during the suckling period.

Results

Consumption of heat‐treated colostrum led to increased serum IgG (P < 0.0001) and total protein (P < 0.0001) concentrations, increased apparent efficacy of IgG absorption (P < 0.0001) and increased general health condition, weight gain (P < 0.0001) and clinical performance.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Heat‐treatment of colostrum is an effective method to improve health and increase growth characteristics (weight gain, body size, dry matter intake and feed efficiency rate) of neonatal dairy calves, most likely by decreasing microbial load and facilitating IgG absorption.
Top management teams' foreign experience, environmental regulation, and firms' green innovation
Authors: Zhang Xuejiao , Zhao Qingyang , Li Wanfu , Wang Yu
Published: February 2023

In this study, we examine how top management teams' foreign experience affects firms' green innovation performance and what role environmental regulation plays in their association. Using a large data set on firms' green patents and foreign work or education experience of top management teams from China, we find robust evidence that firms whose top management team members have foreign experience achieve significantly more green patents, and this positive relationship is more pronounced for firms subject to strong environmental regulation. Our findings indicate that via enhancing firms' green innovation performance, top management teams' foreign experience has a positive corporate governance effect on advancing sustainable social development, and environmental regulation is helpful to promote this effect.