bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogenicity of six Calonectria species isolated from five soil layers in a Eucalyptus plantation
Authors: Liu LingLing , Chen ShuaiFei
Published: April 2022

The genus Calonectria includes species that are pathogens of many plants. Calonectria leaf blight is a serious threat to Eucalyptus plantations in China and elsewhere in the world. Some Calonectria recovered from the surface layer (<20 cm) of soils can cause typical leaf blight symptoms on Eucalyptus trees. However, pathogenicity tests of Calonectria species from deeper soil layers have not been conducted. We tested the pathogenicity of 42 isolates of Calonectria aconidialis, C. chinensis, C. hongkongensis, C. ilicicola, C. kyotensis and C. orientalis obtained from 0–20, 20–40, 40–60, 60–80 and 80–100 cm soil layers in one Eucalyptus plantation in southern China. All the Calonectria isolates were pathogenic to two Eucalyptus genotypes. For isolates of the same Calonectria species from different soil layers, there was no evidence of correlation between their pathogenicity and soil depth. The pathogenicity of some isolates found in deeper soil layers was stronger than isolates in shallower soil layers. This may increase the challenges of controlling the diseases caused by these fungi. This study performed the first pathogenicity test for C. chinensis, C. kyotensis and C. orientalis on plants, and the first pathogenicity test for C. ilicicola on Eucalyptus. Research results in this study helped to clarify the potential threats of Calonectria species in deeper soil layers posed to Eucalyptus plantations.
Herbicides and their potential to disrupt plant–insect chemical communication
Authors: Ramos Sergio E. , Bakhtiari Moe , Castañeda‐Zárate Miguel , Iriart Veronica , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: April 2022

Ecological interactions between plants and insects are of paramount importance for the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Herbicides have long been considered a threat to plant and insect populations, but global increases in intensive agriculture and availability of herbicide‐resistant crops have intensified concerns about their full impact on biodiversity. Here, we argue that exposure to sublethal herbicide doses has the potential to alter plant–insect interactions as a result of disruptions in their chemical communication. This is because herbicides interfere with biosynthetic pathways and phytohormones involved in the production of several classes of plant volatiles that mediate plant–insect chemical communication. Sublethal herbicide doses can modify the morphological and life‐history plant traits and affect interactions with insects. However, the potential changes in plant volatiles and their consequences for plant–insect chemical communication have not yet received as much attention. We discuss how target‐site (disruptors of primary metabolism) and non‐target‐site (synthetic auxins) herbicides could alter the production of plant volatiles and disrupt plant–insect chemical communication. We suggest research avenues to fill in the current gap in our knowledge that might derive recommendations and applied solutions to minimize herbicides' impacts on plant–insect interactions and biodiversity.
Linking regeneration niche to monodominance in biodiverse tropical forest landscapes
Authors: Figueiredo Pablo Hugo Alves , Sánchez‐Tapia Andrea , de Siqueira Marinez Ferreira , Sansevero Jerônimo Boelsums Barreto
Published: April 2022

Aims

Although monodominance has attracted the attention of ecologists for many decades, few studies have devoted attention to how abiotic factors could influence the occurrence of monodominant forest patches at the biome scale. Here, we assessed whether the occurrence of monodominant forest patches of Moquiniastrum polymorphum (Less.) G. Sancho (Asteraceae), an early‐successional tree species with wind‐dispersed seeds, could be predicted using optimum germination temperature and past deforestation. We also verified under what edaphic and climatic conditions the species could reach monodominance.

Location

The Atlantic Forest, Brazil.

Methods

We estimated optimum germination temperature across the species’ geographic range as a function of annual mean temperature based on the results of germination tests available in the literature. Past deforestation (a proxy for suitable habitat for the species’ dispersal and establishment) around monodominant forest patches was estimated by calculating the forest cover in 1985. We also modeled the upper limit of dominance (relative abundance) as a function of climatic and edaphic variables considered important for the species’ establishment.

Results

The results showed that the probability of occurrence of monodominant forest patches is statistically null in places where germination can take more than 10 days and the landscape had more than 20% forest cover. Relative density values for the monodominant condition (> 60%) occurred only in warmer regions with infertile soils and median precipitation conditions (ca. 1,075–1,700 mm per year) in the Atlantic Forest.

Conclusion

We conclude that only under optimal conditions of germination and dispersal (i.e., regeneration niche) does monodominance occur. This highlights germination traits as an important mechanism for regulating monodominance. In addition, the approach used to predict regions with optimum germination temperature has further implications for understanding species abundance and distribution more generally.
Does larval food availability ultimately select for seasonal reproduction in marine invertebrates with feeding larvae? A field test of Crisp’s Rule with the temperate sea star Pisaster ochraceus
Authors: Basch Lawrence V. , Pearse John S.
Published: April 2022

Most organisms reproduce seasonally, including most species of marine invertebrates that live across wide ranges in habitat, depth and environmental conditions. We asked: What ultimately selects for seasonal reproduction in benthic marine invertebrates with planktotrophic larvae (characteristic of ≥70% of marine invertebrates)? We hypothesized that seasonal variation in food available for the larvae ultimately selects for timing of adult reproduction. Testing this hypothesis requires a whole life cycle perspective and approach. Using a known proximate cue, daylength, we shifted gametogenesis in the laboratory by six months in a seasonally breeding temperate sea star, the Ochre Star Pisaster ochraceus (Brandt 1835). We were then able to induce spawning, fertilize gametes and culture resulting embryos in vitro to produce feeding larvae six months out of phase with natural photoperiod. We field‐reared these out‐of‐season larvae, similarly produced in‐season conspecifics and similar larvae of an aseasonally breeding asteroid, the Bat Star Patiria miniata (Brandt 1835) in mesh‐covered flow‐through containers that were deployed in seasonally contrasting oceanographic conditions reflecting different productivity regimes and larval food availability in spring and fall. Larval development and survival were similar between seasons: for example, planktonic larval duration was 48 d to first metamorphosis in spring vs. 45 d in fall for P. ochraceus. Hence, temporal variation in available phytoplankton may not be an ultimate selection factor acting on these larvae to regulate timing of seasonal reproduction in the adults. Alternatively, in this and other species of marine invertebrates, selection acting on early benthic juveniles or other life stages may determine the timing of adult reproduction.
The philosophy of logical practice
Authors: Martin Ben
Published: April 2022

While we now have an increasingly detailed understanding of the varied goals and methods that constitute the sciences and mathematics, our understanding of logic as a research area lags behind. A significant reason for this deficiency is that, unlike in the philosophies of science and mathematics, philosophers of logic have yet to embrace a practice‐based approach to their field, re‐orientating their attention towards logic as it is actually practised by logicians. This paper makes the case for a new area of research, the philosophy of logical practice, to sit alongside traditional philosophy of logic and systematically investigate logic's aims and methodologies using the practice‐based approach.
A change of plan: Collaborative ambitions meet institutional realities for the Waikato River
Authors: Paterson‐Shallard Heather , Blue Brendon , Fisher Karen
Published: April 2022

Aotearoa New Zealand has shifted towards more collaborative decision‐making for freshwater in recent years, as national and local authorities seek new ways of working with communities. While the potential benefits of collaboration are well established, the messiness of collaborative processes can challenge institutional imperatives to develop formally justified, implementable plans. This paper explores a collaboration‐first attempt, ‘Healthy Rivers/Wai Ora: Proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1’, demonstrating that while more inclusive forms of plan‐making may better reflect diverse values, interests and knowledges, relinquishing control over planning processes can present significant challenges in the face of existing institutional structures and legislative requirements.
Quantitative proteomics in medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Lorenzo‐Pouso Alejandro I. , Bravo Susana B. , Carballo Javier , Chantada‐Vázquez María del Pilar , Bagán José , Bagán Leticia , Chamorro‐Petronacci Cintia M. , Conde‐Amboage Mercedes , López‐López Rafael , García‐García Abel , Pérez‐Sayáns Mario
Published: April 2022

Objective

Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a paradoxical effect associated with bone‐modifying agents (BMAs) and other drugs. Currently, no valuable diagnostic or prognosis biomarkers exist. The goal of this research was to study MRONJ‐related salivary proteome.

Materials and Methods

This case–control aimed to study salivary proteome in MRONJ versus control groups (i) formed from BMAs consumers and (ii) healthy individuals to unravel biomarkers. Thirty‐eight samples of unstimulated whole saliva (18 MRONJ patients, 10 BMA consumers, and 10 healthy controls) were collected. Proteomic analysis by SWATH‐MS coupled with bioinformatics analysis was executed.

Results

A total of 586 proteins were identified, 175 proteins showed significant differences among MRONJ versus controls. SWATH‐MS revealed differentially expressed proteins among three groups, which have never been isolated. These proteins had distinct roles including cell envelope organization, positive regulation of vesicle fusion, positive regulation of receptor binding, or regulation of low‐density lipoprotein particle clearance. Integrative analysis prioritized 3 proteins (MMP9, AACT, and HBD). Under receiver‐operating characteristic analysis, this panel discriminated MRONJ with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 78.9%.

Conclusion

These findings may inform a novel biomarker panel for MRONJ prediction or diagnosis. Nonetheless, further research is needed to validate this panel.
Reconstruction of Paprosky Type III Acetabular Defects by Three‐Dimensional Printed Porous Augment: Techniques and Clinical Outcomes of 18 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Fu Jun , Ni Ming , Zhu Fangzheng , Li Xiang , Chai Wei , Hao Libo , Zhou Yonggang , Zhang Guoqiang , Chen Jiying
Published: April 2022

Objective

To introduce the surgical technique of reconstruction of Paprosky type III acetabular defects by 3D printed porous augments.

Methods

First, CT scans of pelvis were obtained to establish the 3D reconstruction model of 3D printed porous augment. Then, a nylon pelvis model was printed to simulate operation with the surgeons. At this time, the augment was designed and modified according to the surgeon's suggestions and the 3D printing principles. Eighteen patients with Paprosky type III acetabular defects receiving reconstructive surgery by 3D printed porous augments were included in current study. Their data, including general information, intra‐operative findings, imaging results, functional scores, and complications were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The mean follow‐up time lasted 33.3 ± 2.0 (24–56) months. The average limb‐length discrepancy (LLD) was 31.7 ± 4.2 (3–59) mm preoperatively, 7.7 ± 1.4 (1–21) mm postoperatively (P < 0.0001), and 7.5 ± 1.2 (0–18) mm at the latest follow‐up. The mean vertical position of hip center of rotation (HCOR) from the interteardrop line changed from preoperative 50.7 ± 3.9 (23.3–75.3) mm to postoperative 22.9 ± 1.9 (10.1–40.3) mm (P < 0.0001), with the latest follow‐up revealing an HCOR of 22.3 ± 1.7 (11.0–40.5) mm. Follow‐up study showed that no hip had radiolucencies and radiological loosening of the acetabular components and augment. The average Harris hip score (HHS) improved from 40.3 ± 4.5 (10.5–71) before operation to 88.4 ± 1.9 (75–97) at the last follow‐up (P < 0.0001). Moreover, follow‐up exhibited that no periprosthetic joint infection, hip dislocation, fracture, and re‐revision occurred.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment of Paprosky type III acetabular defect with 3D printed porous augment was simple, achieved good match between porous augment and the defect bone surface and the acetabular component, ideally restored LLD and HCOR after operation, significantly improved HHS and attained good early clinical outcomes. It is a promising personalized solution for patients with severe acetabular bone defect.
Application of multi‐locus GWAS for the detection of bruchid resistance loci in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
Authors: Kpoviessi Akovognon Dieudonné , Agbahoungba Symphorien , Agoyi Eric E. , Badji Arfang , Assogbadjo Achille E. , Chougourou Daniel C. , Adoukonou‐Sagbadja Hubert
Published: April 2022

Identification of genes associated with bruchid resistance variations in cowpea accessions would help breeders to generate new cowpea cultivars with improved resistance and quality. In this work, 107 cowpea collections from various areas in six countries were phenotyped for their responses to Callosobruchus maculatus and genotyped with Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers. Six multi‐locus models Genome Wide Association Study (mrMLM, FASTmrMLM, pKWmEB, pLARmEB, FASTmrEMMA and ISISEM‐BLASSO) were used to associate the genotype data to phenotypic cowpea resistance traits: Percentage of Bruchid Emergence (PBE); Percentage of Weight Loss (PWL); Median Development Period (MDP); Dobie Susceptibility Index (DSI); Number of Egg Laid (NEL) and Mean Number of Hole (MNH). Out of 14 QTNs, three were associated with more than one trait and were associated with 11 candidate genes located within 10–30 kb of the QTNs. These candidate genes exhibit functionalities associated with cowpea resistance mechanisms. All these results could contribute to the gene networks in resistant cowpea varieties. The result of this study could also increase our knowledge of genetic resistance of cowpea to bruchids and could be useful for molecular breeding.
Reckoning With Race and Gender in Public Administration and Public Policy: A Substantive Social Equity Turn
Authors: Pandey Sanjay K. , Newcomer Kathryn , DeHart‐Davis Leisha , McGinnis Johnson Jasmine , Riccucci Norma M.
Published: April 2022

Promoting race‐aware and gender‐aware scholarship is essential for giving substance to social equity research. This review and introduction provides an account of one such initiative to promote race and gender scholarship through collaboration between Public Administration Review (PAR), and the Consortium of Race and Gender Scholars (CORGES), and introduces the PAR Race and Gender Symposium. CORGES is an informal group of scholars motivated by the pressing need to address issues of racial justice and gender justice in public administration and public policy scholarship. This PAR symposium is based on the CORGES inaugural conference, held virtually in September 2020. Conference organizers, with the help of Editor‐in‐Chief Jeremy Hall, devised and oversaw a thoughtful and detailed plan to provide developmental feedback before papers were submitted to PAR's standard peer review process. The symposium is comprised of 14 research articles and 2 viewpoint contributions. In addition to describing symposium contributions, this review provides an account of CORGES origins and its ongoing intellectual and normative commitments on furthering inquiry on racializing and gendering, while also elaborating on the idea of everydayness of scholarly activism. CORGES, with a recently expanded board of advisors committed to centering public administration scholarship on race and gender, as well its intersection with other markers of oppression, continues to support academic research and public outreach on race and gender scholarship.
Global proteomic analysis of preimplantational ovine embryos produced in vitro
Authors: S. Passos José Renato , D. Guerreiro Denise , S. Otávio Kamila , C. dos Santos‐Neto Pedro , Souza‐Neves Marcela , Cuadro Federico , Nuñez‐Olivera Richard , Crispo Martina , B. Bezerra Maria Júlia , F. Silva Renato , F. Lima Laritza , Figueiredo José Ricardo , C. Bustamante‐Filho Ivan , Menchaca Alejo , A. Moura Arlindo
Published: April 2022

The present study was conducted to characterize the major proteome of preimplantation (D6) ovine embryos produced in vitro. COCs were aspirated from antral follicles (2–6 mm), matured and fertilized in vitro and cultured until day six. Proteins were extracted separately from three pools of 45 embryos and separately run in SDS‐PAGE. Proteins from each pool were individually subjected to in‐gel digestion followed by LC‐MS/MS. Three ‘raw files’ and protein lists were produced by Pattern Lab software, but only proteins present in all three lists were used for the bioinformatics analyses. There were 2,262 proteins identified in the 6‐day‐old ovine embryos, including albumin, zona pellucida glycoprotein 2, 3 and 4, peptidyl arginine deiminase 6, actin cytoplasmic 1, gamma‐actin 1, pyruvate kinase, heat shock protein 90 and protein disulfide isomerase, among others. Major biological processes linked to the sheep embryo proteome were translation, protein transport and protein stabilization, and molecular functions, defined as ATP binding, oxygen carrier activity and oxygen binding. There were 42 enriched functional clusters according to the 2,147 genes (UniProt database). Ten selected clusters with potential association with embryo development included translation, structural constituent of ribosomes, ribosomes, nucleosomes, structural constituent of the cytoskeleton, microtubule‐based process, translation initiation factor activity, regulation of translational initiation, cell body and nucleotide biosynthetic process. The most representative KEEG pathways were ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, glutathione metabolism, gap junction, mineral absorption, DNA replication and cGMP‐PKG signalling pathway. Analyses of functional clusters clearly showed differences associated with the proteome of preimplantation (D6) sheep embryos generated after in vitro fertilization in comparison with in vivo counterparts (Sanchez et al., 2021; https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.13897), confirming that the quality of in vitro derived blastocysts are unlike those produced in vivo. The present study portrays the first comprehensive overview of the proteome of preimplantational ovine embryos grown in vitro.
Social movement organizing and the politics of emotion from HIV to Covid‐19
Authors: Mackenzie Sonja
Published: April 2022

The Covid‐19 pandemic has seen the rapid growth of collective organizing on the part of patient groups to address scientific and health inequities. This paper considers the emergence of Covid‐19 activism as an embodied health movement that draws on and contributes to broader movements for racial, economic and gender justice. Recognizing the central role of emotion in social movements and in the bio‐politics of Covid‐19, I examine the key presence of the affective domain in social change through three Covid‐19 social movement groups. These organizations draw upon anti‐racist, feminist, and queer and HIV social movement organizing that position Covid movement building in intersectional histories and futures. I argue that Covid movement activists have built “archives of feeling”—or public cultures of trauma—of commemoration, Covid survivor narratives, and direct action that center affective feelings around grief, representation, and anger, respectively. I suggest that Covid‐19 will become a key lens for articulating structural and social inequalities through which broader social movements will leverage their claims for justice—moving towards an integrated social movement. Social movement mobilizing will continue to play a critical role to ensure that the focus in the Covid‐19 pandemic shifts from pathogen to society.
Na+ is shifted from the extracellular to the intracellular compartment and is not inactivated by glycosaminoglycans during high salt conditions in rats
Authors: Thowsen Irene Matre , Karlsen Tine V. , Nikpey Elham , Haslene‐Hox Hanne , Skogstrand Trude , Randolph Gwendalyn J. , Zinselmeyer Bernd H. , Tenstad Olav , Wiig Helge
Published: April 2022

Recently, studies have emerged suggesting that the skin plays a role as major Na+ reservoir via regulation of the content of glycosaminoglycans and osmotic gradients. We investigated whether there were electrolyte gradients in skin and where Na+ could be stored to be inactivated from a fluid balance viewpoint. Na+ accumulation was induced in rats by a high salt diet (HSD) (8% NaCl and 1% saline to drink) or by implantation of a deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) tablet (1% saline to drink) using rats on a low salt diet (LSD) (0.1% NaCl) on tap water as control. Na+ and K+ were assessed by ion chromatography in tissue eluates, and the extracellular volume by equilibration of 51Cr‐EDTA. By tangential sectioning of the skin, we found a low Na+ content and extracellular volume in epidermis, both parameters rising by ∼30% and 100%, respectively, in LSD and even more in HSD and DOCA when entering dermis. We found evidence for an extracellular Na+ gradient from epidermis to dermis shown by an estimated concentration in epidermis ∼2 and 4–5 times that of dermis in HSD and DOCA‐salt. There was intracellular storage of Na+ in skin, muscle, and myocardium without a concomitant increase in hydration. Our data suggest that there is a hydration‐dependent high interstitial fluid Na+ concentration that will contribute to the skin barrier and thus be a mechanism for limiting water loss. Salt stress results in intracellular storage of Na+ in exchange with K+ in skeletal muscle and myocardium that may have electromechanical consequences.

Key points

Studies have suggested that Na+ can be retained or removed without commensurate water retention or loss, and that the skin plays a role as major Na+ reservoir via regulation of the content of glycosaminoglycans and osmotic gradients.

In the present study, we investigated whether there were electrolyte gradients in skin and where Na+ could be stored to be inactivated from a fluid balance viewpoint.

We used two common models for salt‐sensitive hypertension: high salt and a deoxycorticosterone salt diet.

We found a hydration‐dependent high interstitial fluid Na+ concentration that will contribute to the skin barrier and thus be a mechanism for limiting water loss.

There was intracellular Na+ storage in muscle and myocardium without a concomitant increase in hydration, comprising storage that may have electromechanical consequences in salt stress.
Limits to the sensitivity of a rare-earth-enabled cryogenic vibration sensor
Authors: Louchet-Chauvet Anne , Chanelière Thierry
Published: April 2022

Cryogenics is a pivotal aspect in the development of quantum technologies. Closed-cycle devices have recently emerged as an environmentally friendly and low-maintenance alternative to liquid helium cryostats. Yet the larger level of vibrations in dry cryocoolers forbids their use in most sensitive applications. In a recent work, we have proposed an inertial, broadband, contactless sensor based on the piezospectroscopic effect, i.e., the natural sensitivity of optical lines to strain exhibited by impurities in solids. This sensor builds on the exceptional spectroscopic properties of rare earth ions and operates below 4 K, where spectral hole burning considerably enhances the sensitivity. In this paper, we investigate the fundamental and technical limitations of this vibration sensor by comparing a rigid sample attachment to the cold stage of a pulse-tube cryocooler and a custom-designed exchange gas chamber for acoustic isolation.
What Is Blackness to Sport Management? Manifestations of Anti-Blackness in the Field
Authors: Singer John N. , Agyemang Kwame J.A. , Chen Chen , Walker Nefertiti A. , Melton E. Nicole
Published: April 2022

This article is written in response to the collective “reckoning” with anti-Black violence in 2020. We share our perspective in solidarity with the long traditions, and contemporary, everyday actions of survival and resistance from millions of unnamed members of Black, Indigenous, and other racialized communities across the world. This article calls in the field of sport management, while calling attention to ways anti-Blackness has permeated the academy. Through observations, reflections, and interrogation of literature in the field, we illustrate the invisibility/marginality/erasure of Blackness in this body of knowledge and discuss missed opportunities for sport management. With the hope that the field will transform into a more inclusive, equitable, and just intellectual space, representative of Black, Indigenous, and other racialized voices, perspectives, experiences, and cultures, and accountable to rectifying the injustices inflicted upon Black and other racialized bodies, we offer calls to action for everyone in the field to consider.
Athletic Image Type Influences Women’s Social Physique Anxiety and Visual Attention
Authors: Bazzini Doris , Dickinson Chris , Cooke Alison N. , Pepper Amanda , Udry Jessica , Murray Sidney
Published: April 2022

Media images depicting idealized female physiques have been shown to heighten body dissatisfaction and body objectification. A potentially buffering factor in media exposure are depictions of female athletes performing their sports, which are associated with reduced objectification. These findings have not been extended to social physique anxiety (SPA), a heightened concern that one’s body does not meet comparative standards of physicality and beauty. Sixty-nine college-aged women reported levels of SPA following exposure to images of the same female professional athletes performing their sport, or in a sexualized pose. Visual attention to body parts on the images was measured via an eye tracker to explore whether fixations corresponded with the experience of SPA. Performance images lowered feelings of SPA relative to sexual images, and induced a lesser percentage of time visually fixating on the head/face, and more time fixating on arms and legs, relative to sexual images of the athletes. No differences emerged for fixations on the torso across conditions. Exploratory mediation models were also conducted to explore the influence of visual attention on the relationship between image type and SPA. These findings are considered in light of the nature of objectifying images of women and the importance of promoting empowering images to audiences.
Prevalence and Clonal Diversity of over 1,200 Listeria monocytogenes Isolates Collected from Public Access Waters near Produce Production Areas on the Central California Coast during 2011 to 2016
Authors: Gorski Lisa , Cooley Michael B. , Oryang David , Carychao Diana , Nguyen Kimberly , Luo Yan , Weinstein Leah , Brown Eric , Allard Marc , Mandrell Robert E. , Chen Yi
Published: April 2022

Listeria monocytogenes
serotype 4b and 1/2a strains are implicated in most listeriosis, and hypervirulent listeriosis stems from strains containing pathogenicity islands LIPI-3 and LIPI-4. The waters and sediments in the Central California Coast agricultural region contain widespread and diverse
L. monocytogenes
populations, and all the isolates contain intact virulence genes.
Genes Differentially Expressed by Haemophilus ducreyi during Anaerobic Growth Significantly Overlap Those Differentially Expressed during Experimental Infection of Human Volunteers
Authors: Brothwell Julie A. , Spinola Stanley M.
Published: April 2022

In humans,
H. ducreyi
resides in the anaerobic environment of an abscess and appears to upregulate genes involved in anaerobic metabolism. How anaerobiosis alone affects gene transcription in
H. ducreyi
is unknown.
The Autonomous Glycyl Radical Protein GrcA Restores Activity to Inactive Full-Length Pyruvate Formate-Lyase
In Vivo
Authors: Kammel Michelle , Sawers R. Gary
Published: April 2022

Many facultative anaerobic microorganisms use glycyl radical enzymes (GREs) to catalyze chemically challenging reactions under anaerobic conditions. Pyruvate formate-lyase (PflB) is a GRE that catalyzes cleavage of the carbon-carbon bond of pyruvate during glucose fermentation.
Nonmotile Subpopulations of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Repress Flagellar Motility in Motile Cells through a Type IV Pilus- and Pel-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Lewis Kimberley A. , Vermilyea Danielle M. , Webster Shanice S. , Geiger Christopher J. , de Anda Jaime , Wong Gerard C. L. , O’Toole George A. , Hogan Deborah A.
Published: April 2022

Our study shows that, under the conditions tested, a small population of non-swarming cells can impact the motility behavior of a larger population. The interactions that lead to the suppression of swarming motility require type IV pili and a secreted polysaccharide, two factors with known roles in biofilm formation.
A System Based on Novel Parainfluenza Virus PIV5-L for Efficient Gene Delivery of B-Lymphoma Cells
Authors: Liu Xiaoqing , Zheng Lilan , Wang Ting , Li Ying , Wu Bingbing , Du Shujuan , Zhu Qing , Zhu Caixia , Wang Yuyan , Zhang Rong , Wei Fang , Cai Qiliang
Published: April 2022

B-cell lymphoma is a common aggressive neoplastic disorder of lymphocytes. Delivery of genes of interest into B cells, particularly virus-mediated B-lymphoma cells, is still a challenge. In this study, we report that a system (L-VLP) based on the parainfluenza virus PIV5-L strain isolated from B cells had highly expressed exogenous genes and remained stable without obvious cell toxicity, which provides a potential new strategy for gene delivery and treatment of B-cell cancer.
Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. Strain GQFP Isolated from Soil Near the Roots of Pharmaceutical Plant Elaeagnus pungens
Authors: Zhu Jie
Published: April 2022

Here, we report the complete and linear genome sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. strain GQFP, isolated from the soil microbiome of the root of pharmaceutical plant
Elaeagnus pungens
. The strain contained one 8,306,813-bp chromosome, with a GC content of 69.8%.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Acinetobacter soli Clinical Isolates from a Tertiary Hospital in Terengganu, Malaysia
Authors: Mohd. Rani Farahiyah , A. Rahman Nor Iza , Ismail Salwani , Cleary David W. , Clarke Stuart C. , Yeo Chew Chieng
Published: April 2022

We report the draft genome sequences of
Acinetobacter soli
AC1511 and AC15148, which were isolated from a tertiary hospital in Terengganu, Malaysia, in 2015. AC1511 was assembled into 43 contigs with a total genome size of 3,320,693 bp, whereas AC15148 was 3,260,687 bp over 47 contigs.
The Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis Strain ATCC 13367 Features a
cry
-Containing Chromosome
Authors: Shwed P. S. , Crosthwait J. , Weedmark K. , Leveque G.
Published: April 2022

We report the high-quality closed genome sequence of
Bacillus thuringiensis
ATCC 13367, which is used as a bioinsecticide. The genome features a 328-kbp plasmid and a 5.8-Mbp chromosome. The genome is atypical for the species since it lacks a plasmid pesticidal crystal protein (
cry
) gene and instead features a chromosomal
cry
gene like that of
B. thuringiensis
HER1410.
Phylogeny-Aware Analysis of Metagenome Community Ecology Based on Matched Reference Genomes while Bypassing Taxonomy
Authors: Zhu Qiyun , Huang Shi , Gonzalez Antonio , McGrath Imran , McDonald Daniel , Haiminen Niina , Armstrong George , Vázquez-Baeza Yoshiki , Yu Julian , Kuczynski Justin , Sepich-Poore Gregory D. , Swafford Austin D. , Das Promi , Shaffer Justin P. , Lejzerowicz Franck , Belda-Ferre Pedro , Havulinna Aki S. , Méric Guillaume , Niiranen Teemu , Lahti Leo , Salomaa Veikko , Kim Ho-Cheol , Jain Mohit , Inouye Michael , Gilbert Jack A. , Knight Rob
Published: April 2022

Shotgun metagenomics is a powerful, yet computationally challenging, technique compared to 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing for decoding the composition and structure of microbial communities. Current analyses of metagenomic data are primarily based on taxonomic classification, which is limited in feature resolution.
Genomic Insights into the Distribution of Peptidases and Proteolytic Capacity among
Prevotella
and
Paraprevotella
Species
Authors: Patra Amlan Kumar , Yu Zhongtang
Published: April 2022

Species of
Prevotella
are prevalent and predominant bacteria residing in animals and humans, and their proteolytic capacity and activity play important roles in nutrient utilization in animals (especially ruminants) and some anaerobic infections of the intestinal, respiratory, and urinary tracts in humans. This study reveals the large repertoire and wide distribution of metallo, serine, and cysteine peptidases, especially secretory peptidases, among the
Prevotella
species.
The Characterization of an Efficient Phenylpyruvate Decarboxylase KDC4427, Involved in 2-Phenylethanol and IAA Production from Bacterial Enterobacter sp. CGMCC 5087
Authors: Bao Wenzhi , Li Xing , Liu Jinfeng , Zheng Rong , Liu Lijuan , Zhang Haibo
Published: April 2022

Compared with the chemical synthesis of 2-phenylethanol (2-PE) by condensation of ethylene oxide and benzene, the biological synthesis of 2-PE is a potential method to replace the traditional process. This makes biotransformation gradually become the main way to produce high-quality 2-PE.
Carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis in a patient who presented with psychosis
Authors: Hassanin Ahmed , Ramsamaroo Zachary , Barry Mary , Cassidy Tim
Published: April 2022

Acute psychosis is an unusual presentation of stroke particularly in a patient with no history of psychiatric illness. We report a case where an elderly male patient with self-inflicted injuries caused by acute psychosis. The investigation confirmed an acute left hemispherical stroke associated with a high-grade left internal carotid artery stenosis. The patient underwent a successful left carotid endarterectomy. His psychotic symptoms resolved and he was discharged home without the need for neuroleptic medication.
Balloon pulmonary angioplasty in inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Pereira Ana Rita , Calé Rita , Ferreira Filipa , Pereira Helder
Published: April 2022

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is an emerging treatment for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) or residual/recurrent pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. We report two patients with inoperable and severe CTEPH who were submitted to the BPA programme after optimised treatment with long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) and pulmonary vasodilator drugs, including prostacyclin analogues. They experienced a significant improvement in exercise capacity, oxygenation, right ventricular function and pulmonary haemodynamics. This improvement allowed withdrawal from LTOT and prostacyclin analogues therapies and, consequently, improved patients’ quality of life and reduced future health-related costs. The reported clinical cases intend to highlight the effectiveness of BPA in patients with inoperable CTEPH for whom the only available therapy was, until recently, the pulmonary vasodilator drugs.
Seronegative immune-mediated necrotising myopathy complicated by fulminant myocarditis resulting in cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest
Authors: Tsang Darren , Malladi Chaitanya Lakshmidhar , Patel Komal , Bajaj Puneet
Published: April 2022

A woman in her late 30s recently diagnosed with viral myopericarditis presented with 1 month of worsening fatigue, diffuse myalgias and chest pain radiating to her back. While undergoing work-up for chest wall myositis, she rapidly decompensated, developing heart failure and acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure. Her clinical course was complicated by cardiac arrest and severe cardiogenic shock requiring intra-aortic balloon pump support.
Bronchogenic cyst: a rare case of malignant transformation
Authors: Whooley Jack , White Alexandra , Soo Alan
Published: April 2022

Bronchogenic cysts are rare cystic malformations of the respiratory tract with prevalence that is largely unknown. They are most commonly diagnosed incidentally in asymptomatic patients. While surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for patients who are symptomatic, the treatment course for patients without symptoms is less clear. We describe the case of an initially asymptomatic elderly man who was found to have a bronchogenic cyst on routine surveillance imaging, culminating in the rapid enlargement and malignant transformation of the cyst, ultimately resulting in a technically difficult and challenging surgical resection. The malignant transformation of these bronchogenic cysts is exceedingly rare, with only a few well-documented cases reported in the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a squamous cell carcinoma arising from a bronchogenic cyst in the paratracheal region.
Why don’t children and young people engage with diabetes services?
Authors: Saul Helen , Gursul Deniz , Cassidy Samantha , Sharpe Darren
Published: April 2022

The study

Sharpe D, Rajabi M, Harden A, et al. Supporting disengaged children and young people living with diabetes to self-care: a qualitative study in a socially disadvantaged and ethnically diverse urban area. BMJ Open 2021;11:e046989.

To read the full NIHR Alert, go to: https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/why-dont-young-people-engage-with-diabetes-services/
For a structured response to the psychosocial consequences of the restrictive measures imposed by the global COVID-19 health pandemic: the MAVIPAN longitudinal prospective cohort study protocol
Authors: LeBlanc Annie , Baron Marie , Blouin Patrick , Tarabulsy George , Routhier Francois , Mercier Catherine , Despres Jean-Pierre , Hébert Marc , De Koninck Yves , Cellard Caroline , Collin-Vézina Delphine , Côté Nancy , Dionne Émilie , Fleet Richard , Gagné Marie-Hélène , Isabelle Maripier , Lessard Lily , Menear Matthew , Merette Chantal , Ouellet Marie-Christine , Roy Marc-André , Saint-Jacques Marie-Christine , Savard Claudia
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictive measures have caused important disruptions in economies and labour markets, changed the way we work and socialise, forced schools to close and healthcare and social services to reorganise. This unprecedented crisis forces individuals to make considerable efforts to adapt and will have psychological and social consequences, mainly on vulnerable individuals, that will remain once the pandemic is contained and will most likely exacerbate existing social and gender health inequalities. This crisis also puts a toll on the capacity of our healthcare and social services structures to provide timely and adequate care. The MAVIPAN (Ma vie et la pandémie/ My Life and the Pandemic) study aims to document how individuals, families, healthcare workers and health organisations are affected by the pandemic and how they adapt.

Methods and analysis

MAVIPAN is a 5-year longitudinal prospective cohort study launched in April 2020 across the province of Quebec (Canada). Quantitative data will be collected through online questionnaires (4–6 times/year) according to the evolution of the pandemic. Qualitative data will be collected with individual and group interviews and will seek to deepen our understanding of coping strategies. Analysis will be conducted under a mixed-method umbrella, with both sequential and simultaneous analyses of quantitative and qualitative data.

Ethics and dissemination

MAVIPAN aims to support the healthcare and social services system response by providing high-quality, real-time information needed to identify those who are most affected by the pandemic and by guiding public health authorities’ decision making regarding intervention and resource allocation to mitigate these impacts. MAVIPAN was approved by the Ethics Committees of the Primary Care and Population Health Research Sector of CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale (Committee of record) and of the additional participating institutions.

Trial registration number

NCT04575571.
Multivariate decomposition of trends, inequalities and predictors of skilled birth attendants utilisation in Nigeria (1990–2018): a cross-sectional analysis of change drivers
Authors: Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Oyedele Oyewole Kazeem
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Literature has assessed skilled birth attendants (SBAs) utilisation, but little is known about what contributes to the changes in SBA use. Multivariate decomposition analysis was thus applied in this study to examine; levels, trends, inequalities and drivers of changes in SBA utilisation.

Design and setting

A cross-sectional analysis of five-waves of NDHS-data (1990, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018), collected through similar multistage sampling across the 36 states and the federal-capital-territory of Nigeria.

Participants

Women of reproductive age (15–49 years), and with at least one birth in the last 5 years preceding each of the surveys.

Main outcome measure

SBA use is the response variable while explanatory variables were classified into; Demographics, Health, Economic and Corporal factors.

Methods

Chi-square test for trends of proportions across the ordered survey years assessed trends in SBA use. MDA that quantifies and partition predictors effect into endowment and coefficient components evaluated contributors to changes in SBA use. Statistical analysis was carried out at a 95% confidence interval in Stata 16.

Results

SBA use increased with significant (p<0.05) linear trends by 12% between 2003 and 2018. The decomposition analysis showed that differences in characteristics (endowment) accounted for 11.5% of the changes while the remaining 88.5% were due to differences in effects (coefficient). SBA utilisation rises by 61% when respondents decided on her health compared to when such decisions were made by the spouse. Utilisation of SBA, however, fell by 88% among women who reside in the states with high rural populations percentage.

Conclusions

SBA use remained low in Nigeria, and slowly increase at the rate of <1% yearly. Women health decision-making power contributed most to positive changes. Residing in states with high rural populations has a negative impact on SBA use. Maternal health programmes that strengthen women’s health autonomy and capacity building in rural communities should be encouraged.
How did the adoption of wP-pentavalent affect the global paediatric vaccine coverage rate? A multicountry panel data analysis
Authors: Khan M Mahmud , Vargas-Zambrano Juan Camilo , Coudeville Laurent
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Several studies have highlighted the effects of combination vaccines on immunisation coverage at the national or subnational level. This study examined the effects globally. Worldwide introduction of whole-cell pertussis pentavalent (wP-pentavalent) allowed estimation of incremental coverage effects of combination vaccines on the third doses of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP3); hepatitis B (HepB3) andHaemophilus influenzaetype B (Hib3).

Design

Multicountry panel data analysis.

Data sources

Country-level vaccine coverage data of WHO/UNICEF for the years 1980–2018.

Methods

Linear mixed models were used to estimate the effects of wP-pentavalent introduction by incorporating proxy variables to control for time trend and other time-dependent changes in the immunisation programmes.

Results

Introduction of combination vaccines may have improved the coverage of DTP3 by 3percentage points(95% CI 2.5% to 3.6%) globally compared with the coverage in the pre-combination vaccine era. The comparison of coverage rates of HepB3 and Hib3 in before and after wP-pentavalent periods indicates that the introduction of combination vaccines improved the coverage by 10.1 percentage points (95% CI 8.4% to 11.7%) for HepB3 and 9.9 (95% CI 7.1% to 12.7%) for Hib3 in countries that introduced those antigens prior to adoption of wP-pentavalent. Even though the incremental coverage increase of DTP3 appears quite modest, it is still a significant result, especially because DTP vaccine has been in the national immunisation programmes of all countries for about 24 years prior to the introduction of wP-pentavalent. Additionally, the introduction of pentavalent also allowed inclusion of Hib and HepB in the vaccine schedule for a large number of countries (85 and 37, respectively, of the 102 countries included in our analysis).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that development of combination vaccines with additional antigens is likely to help sustain and improve coverage of existing as well as new childhood vaccines.
Smoking cessation strategy in the national cervical cancer screening program (SUCCESS): study protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomised trial and process evaluation in Dutch general practice
Authors: Mansour Marthe BL , Crone Mathilde R , Sert Edanur , van Weert Henk C , Chavannes Niels H , van Asselt Kristel M
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Cervical cancer screening in general practice could be a routine moment to provide female smokers with stop smoking advice and support. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of a stop smoking strategy delivered by trained practice assistants after the cervical smear, and to evaluate the implementation process.

Methods and analysis

The study is a two-arm, pragmatic cluster randomised trial, in Dutch general practice. Randomisation takes place 1:1 at the level of the general practice. Practices either deliver the SUCCESS stop smoking strategy or the usual care condition. The strategy consists of brief stop smoking advice based on the Ask-Advise-Connect method and is conducted by trained practice assistants after routine cervical cancer screening. The primary outcome is the performance of a serious quit attempt in the 6 months after screening. Secondary outcomes are 7-day point prevalence abstinence, reduction in the number of cigarettes per day and transition in motivation to quit smoking. Follow-up for these measurements takes place after 6 months. Analysis on the primary outcome aims to detect a 10% difference between treatment arms (0.80 power, p=0.05, using a one-sided test), and will be performed according to the intention to treat principle. The process evaluation will assess feasibility, acceptability and barriers or enablers to the strategy’s implementation. For this purpose, both qualitative and quantitative data will be collected via questionnaires and in-depth interviews, respectively, in both individual study participants and involved staff.

Ethics and dissemination

The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport approved of the trial after an advisory report from the Health Council (Nr. 2018/17). A licence was provided to conduct the study under the Population Screening Act. Study results will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NL5052 (NTR7451).