bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro effects of 2‐methyl‐3‐propylbutane‐1,4‐diol purified from Alstonia boonei on erythrocyte membrane stabilization and mitochondrial membrane permeabilization
Authors: Olanlokun John Oludele , Oyebode Olubukola Titilope , Popoola David , Bodede Olusola , Idowu Thomas Oyebode , Moodley Roshila , Olorunsogo Olufunso Olabode
Published: November 2022

A recent review on the ethnomedicinal, chemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties of Alstonia boonei revealed the plant's potential in the treatment and management of a range of diseases. However, most of these pharmacological effects are only traceable to the crude form of the plant extract and not specific natural products. Phytochemical investigation of the methanol fraction of the methanol extract of the stem‐bark of Alstonia boonei led to the isolation and identification of 2‐methyl‐3‐propylbutane‐1,4‐diol. The structures were elucidated by the application of 1D‐, and 2D‐NMR spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with literature data. In this study, the membrane stabilizing activity, mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore opening, cytochrome c release, mitochondrial ATPase activity, and prevention of mitochondrial lipid peroxidation activity of 2‐methyl‐3‐propylbutane‐1,4‐diol (MPBD) isolated from A. boonei were determined. The results showed that MPBD significantly (p < .05) prevented peroxidation of mitochondrial membrane lipids and hemolysis using both the heat‐induced and hypotonic solution‐induced membrane stabilization assays. On the contrary, the compound caused large amplitude swelling of rat liver mitochondria in the absence of calcium, significant (p < .05) cytochrome c release and enhancement of mitochondrial ATPase activity in vitro. Our findings suggest that MPBD showed characteristic biological properties useful in modulating cell death.
Reliability and validity of the Dutch‐language version of the Viking Speech Scale in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Spaans Irene E. M. , Geytenbeek Joke J. M. , Vaillant Emma , de Kleijn Maaike A. M. C. , Buizer Annemieke I. , Pennington Lindsay
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The Viking Speech Scale is used to classify speech performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). A Dutch‐language version (VSS‐NL) has recently become available. This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the VSS‐NL and the association with motor type of CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) and Communication Function Classification System (CFCS).

Methods

A total of 90 children with CP, recruited throughout the Netherlands, took part in the study. VSS‐NL classifications by speech and language therapists unfamiliar (SLT1) and familiar (SLT2) with the child, parents and physicians were compared. Convergent and discriminant validity were determined with the Intelligibility in Context Scale‐Dutch (ICS‐NL) and the Computer Based Instrument for Low Motor Language Testing (C‐BiLLT). Inter‐ and intrarater reliability were determined by weighted Kappa (ƙw). Validity and associations between VSS‐NL and GMFCS, MACS and CFCS were determined with Spearman's coefficient. Association between VSS‐NL and motor type of CP was determined with Fisher's exact test.

Results

Interrater reliability was excellent between SLT1‐SLT2 (ƙw = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–0.99), good between SLT1‐parent (ƙw = 0.71, 95% CI 0.60–0.83), SLT1‐physician (ƙw = 0.70, 95% CI 0.58–0.81), SLT2‐parent (ƙw = 0.71, 95% CI 0.57–0.84), SLT2‐physician (ƙw = 0.73, 95% CI 0.62–0.85) and parent‐physician (ƙ = 0.72, 95% CI 0.60–0.85). Intrarater reliability was excellent for SLTs familiar and unfamiliar to the child (ƙw = 1.00, 95% CI 1.00–1.00), and very good for physicians (ƙw = 0.89, 95% CI 0.75–1.00) and parents (ƙw = 0.72, 95% CI 0.62–1.00).

Convergent validity was very strong (r = −0.81, p < 0.001) and discriminant validity moderate (r = −0.56, p < 0.001). Association with motor type of CP was significant (χ2 = 27.558, p < 0.001) and strong with GMFCS (r = 0.62, p < 0.001), MACS (r = 0.63, p < 0.01) and CFCS (r = 0.69, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The VSS‐NL is a reliable and valid system to classify speech performance in children with cerebral palsy. Classifications can be performed by SLTs, parents and physicians.
Sulphur flow in soil–plant system with long‐term agricultural practices on a Vertisol
Authors: Ghosh Deblina , Murmu Sidhu , Adhikary Samrat , Mukherjee Aritra Kumar , Mal Sudipa , Khanam Rubina , Pawar Archana , Pharande Ashok Laxman , More Nilkanth B. , Mandal Biswapati
Published: November 2022

Sulphur (S) deficiency is widespread in agricultural fields across the globe. Its flow in the soil–plant system under different management practices is too poorly understood to strategize S fertilisation with increased efficiency. Accordingly, an attempt was made to elucidate the pathways of S flow in soils and to plants under organic, inorganic, and integrated nitrogen (N) management practices using a 30‐year‐old long‐term field experiment planted with sorghum in the semi‐arid tropics. Partitioning soil S into pools, we observed that exchangeable (4.2%) and adsorbed (4.6%) pools constituted a small part of total soil S but contributed mainly to S nutrition (46% and 33%) of sorghum; it also contributed to the variability of S extractable by six commonly used extractants. Using multiple criteria, the superiority of monocalcium phosphate as an extractant for assessment of S in Vertisols was established. Among the N management practices, integrated N management performed better in supplying S in soils and to sorghum, and excelled, both in retention (35.9% of applied) and utilisation (13%) of S, curbing its losses (51.1%) from the system, over the organics (26%, 8.4%, and 65.6%, respectively) and inorganic (11.6%, 7.1%, and 81.3%, respectively) management practices. The integrated management practices with farmyard manure (FYM) excelled in improving S in soils, including economics. Out of the organics, FYM was more effective in improving S availability in soils and its nutrition of the crop over the crop residue, and green manure. Changes in organic C, and oxides and hydroxides of Fe and Al in soils are the keys governing the flows of S in the soil–plant system. A detailed pathway of the increased efficacy of S fertilisation upon conjoint application of N sources over the others was highlighted for adoption in Vertisols of semi‐arid tropics.

Highlights

Inter‐relationship between pools and extractants of S were elucidated.

Organic C and sesquioxides played a key role in S transformation in soils.

Monocalcium phosphate was the most sensitive extractant for S in soils.

Sixty two percent of the applied S was lost, 28% retained and 10% utilised.
Random regression models using B‐splines functions provide more accurate genomic breeding values for milk yield and lactation persistence in Murrah buffaloes
Authors: Silva Alessandra A. , Brito Luiz F. , Silva Delvan A. , Lazaro Sirlene F. , Silveira Karina R. , Stefani Gabriela , Tonhati Humberto
Published: November 2022

There is a great worldwide demand for cheese made with buffalo milk, due to its flavour and nutritional properties. In this context, there is a need for increasing the efficiency of buffalo milk production (including lactation persistence), which can be achieved through genomic selection. The most used methods for the genetic evaluation of longitudinal data, such as milk‐related traits, are based on random regression models (RRM). The choice of the best covariance functions and polynomial order for modelling the random effects is an important step to properly fit RRM. To our best knowledge, there are no studies evaluating the impact of the order and covariance function (Legendre polynomials—LEG and B‐splines—BSP) used to fit RRM for genomic prediction of breeding values in dairy buffaloes. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to estimate variance components and evaluate the performance of LEG and BSP functions of different orders on the predictive ability of genomic breeding values for the first three lactations of milk yield (MY1, MY2, and MY3) and lactation persistence (LP1, LP2, and LP3) of Brazilian Murrah. Twenty‐two models for each lactation were contrasted based on goodness of fit, genetic parameter estimates, and predictive ability. Overall, the models of higher orders of LEG or BSP had a better performance based on the deviance information criterion (DIC). The daily heritability estimates ranged from 0.01 to 0.30 for MY1, 0.08 to 0.42 for MY2, and from 0.05 to 0.47 for MY3. For lactation persistence (LP), the heritability estimates ranged from 0.09 to 0.32 for LP1, from 0.15 to 0.33 for LP2, and from 0.06 to 0.32 for LP3. In general, the curves plotted for variance components and heritability estimates based on BSP models presented lower oscillation along the lactation trajectory. Similar predictive ability was observed among the models. Considering a balance between the complexity of the model, goodness of fit, and credibility of the results, RRM using quadratic B‐splines functions based on four or five segments to model the systematic, additive genetic, and permanent environment curves provide better fit with no significant differences between genetic variances estimates, heritabilities, and predictive ability for the genomic evaluation of dairy buffaloes.
Systematic review of dyadic psychoeducational programs for persons with dementia and their family caregivers
Authors: Ghosh Manonita , Dunham Melissa , O'Connell Beverly
Published: November 2022

Aims and Objectives

Synthesising evidence for effects of dyadic psychoeducational support programs on both people with dementia and their caregivers' health and well‐being.

Background

There is an increasing need for psychoeducational support programs for people with dementia and their caregivers; therefore, it is important to identify the benefits and practical implications of the programs on the dyads.

Methods

Guided by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) framework, a systematic search of literature was conducted on dyadic psychoeducational programs published in English between January 2012 and January 2021 from four electronic databases.

Results

Twenty‐four studies evaluating 27 psychoeducational programmes were included in this review. Programs varied in activity types, intensity and duration. Outcome effects on people with dementia were grouped into seven categories: quality of life, cognitive function, psychological and mental health, physical health, changed behaviours, communication and relationship, institutionalisation or mortality. Outcome effects on caregivers were grouped into six: psychological and mental health, quality of life, impact of caregiving, communication and relationship, physical health, and competency. Dyadic psychoeducational programs which were goal oriented and tailored to address individual needs had consistent benefits on various aspects of health and quality of life for the dyads.

Conclusions

Multicomponent psychoeducational support programs combined with addressing individual needs, identifying goals and providing support to attain specific outcomes are recommended. Given the progressive deterioration of people with dementia, and the increased needs for homecare by family members, delivering long‐term, support programs are recommended to maintain the positive effects on the dyads.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The findings contribute to dementia‐care provision and policy making and inform the development of person‐centred interventions and governance.

Patient or Public Contribution

This systematic review was a part of a larger service evaluation project which involved a dementia consumer advisory group.
e‐Learning interventions for nurses to prevent venous thromboembolism in patients: A realist review
Authors: Dyke Ellen V. , Jauncey‐Cooke Jacqueline , Johnston Amy N. B.
Published: November 2022

Aim

To synthesise published literature exploring online venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention education programmes to identify, test and refine a program theory supporting translation of knowledge into practice for registered nurses.

Background

Venous thromboembolism is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in hospitalised patients. Successful implementation of prevention strategies can be impeded by a lack of education and translation of knowledge to practice. Continuing professional development programs using e‐learning platforms are increasingly common, however, there is little published literature exploring effective translation of such education to practice.

Design

Realist Review.

Methods

Searches were conducted in seven healthcare databases prior to July 2020 and updated in March 2022. Synthesis was informed by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model and followed stages of a realist review outlined by Pawson et al. The results were reported according to the RAMESES publication standards.

Results

Eight context‐mechanism‐outcome combinations were identified to explain engagement, completion and adoption of VTE e‐learning into practice. Mechanisms included valuing content as relevant to practice, having confidence in the ability to use the technology and empowerment to enact change based on learning. Contextual factors that may constrain the completion of learning include the support of managers and organisations through time, and the availability of resources.

Conclusion

Translation of e‐learning is critical to ensure clinical excellence. This realist review demonstrated the varying mechanisms contributing to engagement, completion and adoption of learning. These illustrate the complex nature of education for professional development. It demonstrates that the UTAUT model is suitable for guiding the design, implementation and adoption of e‐learning programmes.

Relevance to clinical practice

This review used a common clinical practice (VTE) to provide a program theory that can guide clinical educators to understand mechanisms which can facilitate engagement with, completion and adoption of e‐learning into practice by nurses.

No patient or public contribution

The focus of this realist review was on e‐learning for registered nurses. As such, no patient or public contribution was sought or given in the development, progress and writing of the submitted manuscript.
Out of the Qinghai‐Tibet plateau: Genomic biogeography of the alpine monospecific genus Megadenia (Biscutelleae, Brassicaceae)
Authors: Yang Wenjie , Feng Landi , Jiao Pengfei , Xiang Ling , Yang Luobai , Olonova Marina V. , Chepinoga Victor V. , Al‐Shehbaz Ihsan A. , Liu Jianquan , Hu Quanjun
Published: November 2022

Numerous high‐elevation alpine plants of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) also have disjunct distribution in adjacent low‐altitude mountains. The out‐of‐QTP versus into‐the‐QTP hypothesis of alpine plants provide strong evidence for the highly disputed assumption of the massive ice sheet developed in the central plateau during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). In this study, we sequenced the genomes of most known populations of Megadenia, a monospecific alpine genus of Brassicaceae distributed primarily in the QTP, though rarely found in adjacent low‐elevation mountains of north China and Russia (NC‐R). All sequenced samples clustered into four geographic genetic groups: one pair was in the QTP and another was in NC‐R. The latter pair is nested within the former, and these findings support the out‐of‐QTP hypothesis. Dating the four genetic groups and niche distribution suggested that Megadenia migrated out of the QTP to adjacent regions during the LGM. The NC‐R group showed a decrease in the effective population sizes. In addition, the genes with high genetic divergences in the QTP group were mainly involved in habitat adaptations during low‐altitude colonization. These findings reject the hypothesis of development massive ice sheets, and support glacial survival of alpine plants within, as well as further migration out of, the QTP.
Cool Yourself and Be Strong: Emotional Fixes in the Work of Bangladeshi Marriage Advisers
Authors: Gardner Katy
Published: November 2022

Building on Andrea Pia's notion of the ethical fix, this article shows how emotional fixes are used to bring emotions into balance at a feminist nongovernmental organization (NGO) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Promoting a noninterventionist stance in which its advisers do not directly tell their clients what to do, the NGO provides legal advice and counseling to women facing problems in their marriages. Emotional fixes include building clients’ inner strength, cooling emotions, and shaming abusive husbands. These fixes enable the advisers to reconcile what appears from the outside to be contradictory positions: feminism, on the one hand, and adherence to hierarchical kinship norms, on the other. This means that more intractable issues are avoided and the potentially contradictory ethical stances of the advisers are obscured. Client emotions are malleable and fluid, and injunctions by advisers for clients to cultivate particular states, such as ‘coolness’ can work in a range of ways. While the antipolitics of the emotional fix can cut both ways—concealing both emancipatory and conservative politics ‐ like Pia's ethical fixthe emotional fix itself remains piecemeal and fragile.
The conundrum of the connection of grapevine Pinot gris virus with the grapevine leaf mottling and deformation syndrome
Authors: Tarquini Giulia , Ermacora Paolo , Martini Marta , Firrao Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

Since its discovery in 2012, the role of the trichovirus named grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) as the causative agent of grapevine leaf mottling and deformation (GMLD) syndrome, a grapevine disease for which symptoms had been observed in north Italy and western Slovenia a few years earlier, has been a matter of discussion. In the following 10 years of investigations, evidence has emerged of a role for the genetic diversity of the virus and for the varietal diversity of the host, as well as their interaction during antiviral defence (i.e. RNA silencing) and virus‐mediated defence suppression. In a context of wider research efforts, several relevant aspects of GPGV evolution and GMLD epidemiology were also clarified. Nevertheless, a complete understanding of the molecular events and the environmental conditions that could affect viral infection severity and symptom display remains a challenging puzzle. In the meantime, we are witnessing a large spread of the virus, which has almost completely permeated the regions where it first appeared, while spreading through most areas of grapevine cultivation. A deeper knowledge of the molecular context of the disease is key to establishing whether the impressive potential of GPGV to spread makes it a candidate as the next emerging threat for the grapevine industry.
Collaboration in crisis: Utilizing the SOS program, an at‐home COVID‐19 vaccine administration initiative, to demonstrate best practices in emergency management collaboration
Authors: Rauhaus Beth M. , Sibila Deborah A. , Mahan Mary
Published: November 2022

The Save Our Seniors (SOS) program was created by local government officials in South Texas to vaccinate the community's most vulnerable citizens amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic. The Corpus Christi Fire Department (CCFD) collaborated with various local government entities and other organizations to identify individuals needing the vaccine but unable to leave home. The program was soon adopted statewide and beyond. Using data collected from interviews with the public officials and emergency management personnel responsible for the creation of the SOS program, this Viewpoint provides information about the collaborative efforts used to implement the program and offers best practices for collaboration in local emergency management.
Biomechanical evaluation of Back injuries during typical snowboarding backward falls
Authors: Wei Wei , Evin Morgane , Bailly Nicolas , Arnoux Pierre‐Jean
Published: November 2022

To prevent spinal and back injuries in snowboarding, back protector devices (BPDs) have been increasingly used. The biomechanical knowledge for the BPD design and evaluation remains to be explored in snowboarding accident conditions. This study aims to evaluate back‐to‐snow impact conditions and the associated back injury mechanisms in typical snowboarding backward falls. A previously validated snowboarder multi‐body model was first used to evaluate the impact zones on the back and the corresponding impact velocities in a total of 324 snowboarding backward falls. The biomechanical responses during back‐to‐snow impacts were then evaluated by applying the back‐to‐snow impact velocity to a full human body finite element model to fall on the snow ground of three levels of stiffness (soft, hard, and icy snow). The mean values of back‐to‐snow normal and tangential impact velocities were 2.4 m/s and 7.3 m/s with maximum values up to 4.8 m/s and 18.5 m/s. The lower spine had the highest normal impact velocity during snowboarding backward falls. The thoracic spine was found more likely to exceed the limits of flexion‐extension range of motions than the lumbar spine during back‐to‐snow impacts, indicating a higher injury risk. On the hard and icy snow, rib cage and vertebral fractures were predicted at the costal cartilage and the posterior elements of the vertebrae. Despite the possible back injuries, the back‐to‐snow impact force was always lower than the force thresholds of the current BPD testing standard. The current work provides additional biomechanical knowledge for the future design of back protections for snowboarders.
Silvernanoparticle‐induced hemolysis confounded with direct antiglobulin test‐negative autoimmune hemolytic anemias diagnosis
Authors: Ringel Frauke , Kiesewetter Holger , Mayer Beate , Bartolmäs Thilo , Sehouli Jalid , Salama Abdulgabar
Published: November 2022

Background

We describe here the first patient with recurrent hemolysis related to disinfectant containing silver nanoparticles (AgNps).

Methods

A 58‐year‐old chemist repeatedly experienced DAT‐negative (Coombs‐negative) hemolysis during the last 5 years. He was treated with a number of immunosuppressive drugs including 18 times rituximab. The attempt to treat him with cyclosporine A served only to increase the rate of hemolysis. Only by chance, we revealed that the patient regularly used a hand disinfectant containing AgNps. Serological testing was performed using standard techniques. Eryptosis was measured by binding annexin to exposed phosphatidylserine (PS) of the circulating red blood cells (RBCs).

Results

Antiglobulin tests remained negative, and PS exposing RBCs were detected two times during the last hemolytic episodes. Hemolysis completely disappeared following discontinuation of AgNp containing products.

Conclusion

AgNps are increasingly being used in a large variety of products. Recently, it was reported that they induce in vitro prohemolytic and procoagulant effects via oxidative stress and eryptosis. The clinical findings imply the hemolysis was provoked by the patient's regular use of cleansing products containing AgNps. Our finding might help to explain the etiology of hemolytical disorders that may remain obscure in many cases.
Undergraduate Hypersonics Research: Lessons From Two Years of the REU Site HYPER
Authors: Kauffman Jeffrey L. , Gordon Ali P.
Published: November 2022

The University of Central Florida (UCF) trains future engineers and scientists for research-oriented careers through a number of programs and initiatives. One of the most recent is a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site based on next-generation transportation and energy housed within the Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research (CATER) and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE). The site unites eleven multi-disciplinary research projects around HYpersonic, Propulsive, Energetic, and Reusable Platforms (HYPER). A key goal of HYPER is to equip and motivate undergraduate students to pursue graduate school and/or a research-oriented career, particularly across a diverse student participant cohort. The site has held two cohorts, engaging 25 students in a ten-week intensive experience, conducting research under the guidance of faculty mentors and graduate students. Students explored career options through industry tours, professional development seminars, and mentor-led research seminars. This paper reports the program impacts on the students and discusses several lessons learned across the cohorts.
Contribution to the knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Epieremulus (Acari, Oribatida, Anderemaeidae), with description of a new species from Peru
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Subias Luis S. , Shtanchaeva Umukusum Ya. , Friedrich Stefan
Published: November 2022

Epieremulus (Oribatida, Anderemaeidae) is recorded in the Peruvian fauna for the first time. A new species—Epieremulus mariacaballeroae sp. nov.—is described, based on materials collected from upper soil and leaf litter in primary mountain forests. Generic diagnosis, an identification key, distribution and habitats of representatives of Epieremulus are presented. A species status has been proposed for Epieremulus granulatus andicola: Epieremulus andicola (P. Balogh, 1988) stat. nov.
A reciprocity method for validating acoustic ear-probe source calibrations
Authors: Nørgaard Kren Monrad
Published: November 2022

Measurements of wideband acoustic immittance (WAI) rely on the calibration of an ear probe to obtain its acoustic source parameters. The clinical use of WAI and instruments offering the functionality are steadily growing, however, no international standard exists to ensure a certain reliability of the hardware and methods underlying such measurements. This paper describes a reciprocity method that can evaluate the accuracy of and identify errors in ear-probe source calibrations. By placing the ear probes of two calibrated WAI instruments face-to-face at opposite ends of a short waveguide, the source parameters of each ear probe can be measured using the opposite calibrated ear probe. The calibrated and measured source parameters of each ear probe can then be compared directly, and the influence of possible calibration errors on WAI measurements may be approximated. In various exemplary ear-probe calibrations presented here, the reciprocity method accurately identifies errors that would otherwise remain undetected and result in measurement errors in real ears. The method is likely unsuitable for routine calibration of WAI instruments but may be considered for conformance testing as part of a potential future WAI standard.
Where telemedicine always falls short
The Doctor Who Wasn’t There
Jeremy A. Greene
University of Chicago Press, 2022. 336 pp.
Authors: Rampton Vanessa
Published: November 2022

Efforts to innovate our way to better health consistently fail to deliver on equity promises
In Science Journals
Authors: Hines Pamela J. , Jiang Di , Funk Michael A. , Osborne Ian S. , Williams Ifor , VanHook Annalisa M. , Smith H. Jesse , Ash Caroline , Hurtley Stella M. , Stern Peter , Smith Keith T. , Czajka Caitlin , Fornito Alex
Published: November 2022

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
A Practical Workflow for the Identification of Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucorales by MALDI-TOF MS: Database, Medium, and Incubation Optimization
Authors: Barker Kevin R. , Kus Julianne V. , Normand Anne-Cecile , Gharabaghi Farhad , McTaggart Lisa , Rotstein Coleman , Richardson Susan E. , Campigotto Aaron , Tadros Manal
Published: November 2022

There is an increasing body of literature on the utility of MALDI-TOF MS in the identification of filamentous fungi. However, the process still lacks standardization.
HPV-18E6 Inhibits Interactions between TANC2 and SNX27 in a PBM-Dependent Manner and Promotes Increased Cell Proliferation
Authors: Broniarczyk Justyna Karolina , Massimi Paola , Trejo-Cerro Oscar , Myers Michael P. , Banks Lawrence
Published: November 2022

While a great deal is known about the role of the E6 PDZ binding motif (PBM) in modulating the cellular proteins involved in regulating cell polarity, much less is known about the consequences of E6's interactions with SNX27 and the endocytic sorting machinery. We reasoned that a potential consequence of such interactions could be to affect the fate of multiple SNX27 endosomal partners, such as transmembrane proteins or soluble accessory proteins.
Shiftless Restricts Viral Gene Expression and Influences RNA Granule Formation during Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Lytic Replication
Authors: Rodriguez William , Mehrmann Timothy , Hatfield David , Muller Mandy
Published: November 2022

In the past 5 years, SHFL has emerged as a novel and integral piece of the innate immune response to viral infection. SHFL has been reported to restrict the replication of multiple viruses, including several flaviviruses and the retrovirus HIV-1.
Transcriptional Biomarkers of Differentially Detectable Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Patient Sputum
Authors: Zainabadi Kayvan , Saito Kohta , Mishra Saurabh , Walsh Kathleen Frances , Mathurin Laurent Daniel , Vilbrun Stalz Charles , Ocheretina Oksana , Pape Jean William , Fitzgerald Daniel W. , Nathan Carl F. , Lee Myung Hee
Published: November 2022

Differentially detectable
M. tuberculosis
(DD
M. tuberculosis
), which is detectable by limiting dilution assays but not by CFU, is present and enriched for in TB patient sputum after initiation of first-line therapy. These cryptic cells may play a role in disease persistence due to their phenotypic tolerance to anti-TB drugs.
Complete Genome Sequence of a
Luteibacter
Strain Isolated from a Carnivorous Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia minor)
Authors: Yaroshuk Timothy , Stasulli Nikolas M.
Published: November 2022

A bacterial isolate of
Luteibacter anthropi
, designated SM7.4, was isolated from decaying insect detritus inside a carnivorous pitcher plant (
Sarracenia minor
). Here, we report a complete genome sequence for
Luteibacter anthropi
strain SM7.4, assembled by combining the Oxford Nanopore MinION flow cell and paired-end Illumina sequencing approaches.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lagilactobacillus salivarius VHProbi A17, Isolated from Fecal Samples
Authors: Cui Hongchang , Bu Xinping , Duan Zhi
Published: November 2022

The
Lagilactobacillus salivarius
strain VHProbi A17 is a bacterium that is found to reside in the intestinal tract. Whole-genome-sequencing-based analysis is an ideal approach for evaluating its probiotic properties. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of this strain, which contains a chromosome and four plasmids, with GC contents of 32.86%.
Complete Genome Sequences of Genamy16 and NovaSharks, Two Gordonia rubripertincta Bacteriophages Isolated from Soil in Southeastern Florida
Authors: Torruellas Garcia Julie , Ballarin Sarah , Balusa Neel , Bell Melissa , Caballero Samia , Chan Joshua , Farez Maria , Guillen-Tapia Ashley , Parent Kristin , Pierre-Louis Nashrah , Polishuk Victoria , Soni Bhavya , Subramanian Sundharraman , Crump Katie
Published: November 2022

We report on two actinobacteriophages, Genamy16 and NovaSharks, that were isolated from soil in Florida using
Gordonia rubripertincta
NRRL B-16540. The genomes of both phages are ~65,000 bp, with similar GC contents, and, based on gene content similarity to phages in the Actinobacteriophage Database, were assigned to phage cluster DV.
Genome Sequences of
Streptomyces
Bacteriophages Fabian, FlowerPower, Geostin, RetrieverFever, and Vorvolakos
Authors: Davis Faith , Kakacek Baily , Doorandish Delaram , Goldwasser Tamar , Agboha Neyiasuo ,   2021 UMBC Phage Hunters,   STEM BUILD at UMBC Cohort 6, Caruso Steven M. , Erill Ivan
Published: November 2022

This paper reports the genome sequences of five bacteriophages that were isolated using
Streptomyces scabiei
. Phages Fabian, FlowerPower, Geostin, RetrieverFever, and Vorvolakos were assigned to actinobacteriophage cluster BF based on shared gene content, with each phage containing between 16 and 21 tRNA genes.
A floating mural thrombus in the ascending aorta can cause multiorgan infarction
Authors: Hirata Risa , Tago Masaki , Nakashima Tomotaro , Hirakawa Yuka
Published: November 2022

A man in his 50s with sudden-onset left-sided subcostal pain was diagnosed with splenic infarction by thoracoabdominal CT with contrast enhancement, which also revealed a mural thrombus in the thoracoabdominal aorta, raising the possibility of aortic dissection. The electrocardiographic findings were normal and transthoracic echocardiography did not detect thrombus in the heart. Antihypertensive medication was administered on admission, and anticoagulation therapy was started after he developed left renal infarction and occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery. Nevertheless, he subsequently sustained an acute cerebral infarction. Transoesophageal echocardiography revealed an abnormal floating structure in the ascending aorta, which was surgically removed and finally diagnosed as an organising thrombus. Although most of the causes of multiorgan infarction are cardiogenic, floating mural thrombus can also be a cause. Anticoagulation therapy may be necessary for patients with recurring severe embolisms even when aortic dissection has not been completely ruled out.
Effect of oral antimicrobial prophylaxis on surgical site infection after elective colorectal surgery: multicentre, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial
Authors: Futier Emmanuel , Jaber Samir , Garot Matthias , Vignaud Marie , Panis Yves , Slim Karem , Lucet Jean-Christophe , Lebuffe Gilles , Ouattara Alexandre , El Amine Younes , Couderc Philippe , Dupré Aurélien , De Jong Audrey , Lasocki Sigismond , Leone Marc , Pottecher Julien , Pereira Bruno , Paugam-Burtz Catherine
Published: November 2022

Objective

To investigate whether oral antimicrobial prophylaxis as an adjunct to intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis reduces surgical site infections after elective colorectal surgery.

Design

Multicentre, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial.

Setting

11 university and non-university hospitals in France between 25 May 2016 and 8 August 2019.

Participants

926 adults scheduled for elective colorectal surgery.

Intervention

Patients were randomised to receive either a single 1 g dose of ornidazole (n=463) or placebo (n=463) orally 12 hours before surgery, in addition to intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis before surgical incision.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with surgical site infection within 30 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included individual types of surgical site infections and major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification grade 3 or higher) within 30 days after surgery.

Results

Of the 960 patients who were enrolled, 926 (96%) were included in the analysis. The mean age of participants was 63 years and 554 (60%) were men. Surgical site infection within 30 days after surgery occurred in 60 of 463 patients (13%) in the oral prophylaxis group and 100 of 463 (22%) in the placebo group (absolute difference −8.6%, 95% confidence interval −13.5% to −3.8%; relative risk 0.60, 95% confidence interval 0.45 to 0.80). The proportion of patients with deep infections was 4.8% in the oral prophylaxis group and 8.0% in the placebo group (absolute difference −3.2%, 95% confidence interval −6.4% to −0.1%). The proportion of patients with organ space infections was 5.0% in the oral prophylaxis group and 8.4% in the placebo group (absolute difference −3.4%, −6.7% to −0.2%). Major postoperative complications occurred in 9.1% patients in the oral prophylaxis group and 13.6% in the placebo group (absolute difference −4.5%, −8.6% to −0.5%).

Conclusion

Among adults undergoing elective colorectal surgery, the addition of a single 1 g dose of ornidazole compared with placebo before surgery significantly reduced surgical site infections.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT02618720
.
Transmission dynamics of monkeypox in the United Kingdom: contact tracing study
Authors: Ward Thomas , Christie Rachel , Paton Robert S , Cumming Fergus , Overton Christopher E
Published: November 2022

Objective

To analyse the transmission dynamics of the monkeypox outbreak in the UK, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in July 2022.

Design

Contact tracing study, linking data on case-contact pairs and on probable exposure dates.

Setting

Case questionnaires from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), United Kingdom.

Participants

2746 people with polymerase chain reaction confirmed monkeypox virus in the UK between 6 May and 1 August 2022.

Main outcome measures

The incubation period and serial interval of a monkeypox infection using two bayesian time delay models—one corrected for interval censoring (ICC—interval censoring corrected) and one corrected for interval censoring, right truncation, and epidemic phase bias (ICRTC—interval censoring right truncation corrected). Growth rates of cases by reporting date, when monkeypox virus was confirmed and reported to UKHSA, were estimated using generalised additive models.

Results

The mean age of participants was 37.8 years and 95% reported being gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (1160 out of 1213 reporting). The mean incubation period was estimated to be 7.6 days (95% credible interval 6.5 to 9.9) using the ICC model and 7.8 days (6.6 to 9.2) using the ICRTC model. The estimated mean serial interval was 8.0 days (95% credible interval 6.5 to 9.8) using the ICC model and 9.5 days (7.4 to 12.3) using the ICRTC model. Although the mean serial interval was longer than the incubation period for both models, short serial intervals were more common than short incubation periods, with the 25th centile and the median of the serial interval shorter than the incubation period. For the ICC and ICRTC models, the corresponding estimates ranged from 1.8 days (95% credible interval 1.5 to 1.8) to 1.6 days (1.4 to 1.6) shorter at the 25th centile and 1.6 days (1.5 to 1.7) to 0.8 days (0.3 to 1.2) shorter at the median. 10 out of 13 linked patients had documented pre-symptomatic transmission. Doubling times of cases declined from 9.07 days (95% confidence interval 12.63 to 7.08) on the 6 May, when the first case of monkeypox was reported in the UK, to a halving time of 29 days (95% confidence interval 38.02 to 23.44) on 1 August.

Conclusions

Analysis of the instantaneous growth rate of monkeypox incidence indicates that the epidemic peaked in the UK as of 9 July and then started to decline. Short serial intervals were more common than short incubation periods suggesting considerable pre-symptomatic transmission, which was validated through linked patient level records. For patients who could be linked through personally identifiable data, four days was the maximum time that transmission was detected before symptoms manifested. An isolation period of 16 to 23 days would be required to detect 95% of people with a potential infection. The 95th centile of the serial interval was between 23 and 41 days, suggesting long infectious periods.
Study protocol for a multicentre comparative diagnostic accuracy study of tools to establish the presence and severity of peripheral arterial disease in people with diabetes mellitus: the DM PAD study
Authors: Normahani Pasha , Burgess Laura , Norrie John , Epstein David Mark , Kandiyil Neghal , Saratzis Athanasios , Smith Sasha , Khunti Kamlesh , Edmonds M , Ahluwalia Raju , Coward Trusha , Hartshorne Tim , Ashwell Simon , Shalhoub Joseph , Pigott Elizabeth , Davies Alun H , Jaffer Usman
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease, foot ulceration and lower limb amputation in people with diabetes. Early diagnosis of PAD can enable optimisation of therapies to manage these risks. Its diagnosis is fundamental, though challenging in the context of diabetes. Although a variety of diagnostic bedside tests are available, there is no agreement as to which is the most accurate in routine clinical practice.

The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic performance of a variety of tests (audible waveform assessment, visual waveform assessment, ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI), exercise ABPI and toe brachial pressure index (TBPI)) for the diagnosis of PAD in people with diabetes as determined by a reference test (CT angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)). In selected centres, we also aim to evaluate the performance of a new point-of-care duplex ultrasound scan (PAD-scan).

Methods and analysis

A prospective multicentre diagnostic accuracy study (ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT05009602). We aim to recruit 730 people with diabetes from 18 centres across the UK, covering primary and secondary healthcare. Consenting participants will undergo the tests under investigation. Reference tests (CTA or MRA) will be performed within 6 weeks of the index tests. Imaging will be reported by blinded consultant radiologists at a core imaging lab, using a validated scoring system, which will also be used to categorise PAD severity. The presence of one or more arterial lesions of ≥50% stenosis, or tandem lesions with a combined value of ≥50%, will be used as the threshold for the diagnosis of PAD. The primary outcome measure of diagnostic performance will be test sensitivity.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received approval from the National Research Ethics Service (NRES) (REC reference 21/PR/1221). Results will be disseminated through research presentations and papers.

Trial registration number

NCT05009602.
Using an inverted funnel analogy to develop a theory of change supporting resilient ecosystem-based adaptation in the Great Lakes Basin: a case study of Lincoln, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Vasseur Liette , May Bradley , Caspell Meredith , Marino Alex , Garg Pulkit , Baker Jocelyn , Gauthier Samantha
Published: November 2022

Communities in coastal areas of Canada, including the Great Lakes, face a number of challenges, including increased water level variability and extreme weather events, causing flooding and localized erosion. To effectively respond to these coastal risks requires structured, deliberative approaches with the aim of fostering resilience and contributing to sustainability. A collaborative engagement process was used to explore community challenges. This included a project launch, key informant interviews, meetings, focus groups (agriculture, tourism, youth), and on-line methods (shoreline residents). Participatory social network analysis and theory of change were used for overall sense-making. As a result, community members identified six impact pathways moving forward with climate action: partnerships and collaboration; strategic engagement; water and watersheds; ecosystem-based adaptation; shoreline protection; and education. These themes are consistent with current theory on sustainability and theory of change development.
Bifurcation of N-Dimensional Fractional-Order Competitive Website Model with Delay
Authors: Zhao Lixin , Huang Chengdai , Song Xinyu
Published: November 2022

This paper studies the stability and bifurcation of [Formula: see text]-dimensional fractional competitive website model with time delay. The system parameters are selected as bifurcation parameters, and the stability results and bifurcation criteria of the system are discussed. The theoretical results show that the stability region of the system can be extended or reduced by selecting appropriate system parameters. In addition, the effects of order and time delay on system dynamics are analyzed. The results show that the bifurcation can be delayed when the growth ability of website competition is small, the order is small or the competition between websites is large. Finally, numerical simulations verify the rationality of the theoretical results.
Blue-Sky Catastrophic Bifurcations Behind Emergence and Disappearance of Quasiperiodic Rubbing Oscillations in a Piecewise Smooth Rotor–Stator System
Authors: Fan Shan , Hong Ling , Jiang Jun
Published: November 2022

In this paper, an approach combining the methods of multigrid Point Mapping under Cell Reference and Stagger-and-step is proposed, which can efficiently determine both attractors and unstable saddle-type invariant sets in higher-dimensional dynamical systems. Then, the bifurcations around quasiperiodic partial rub oscillations of a piecewise smooth rotor–stator system are investigated, which are categorized into two classes depending on whether Nonlinear Normal Modes (NNMs) exist or not. It is found that the quasiperiodic rubbing oscillations, within the parameter region with an NNM, emerge through a Hopf bifurcation from a periodic rubbing oscillation and disappear through a collision with a saddle torus with an accompanying variation of system parameters. Within the parameter region without NNM, the bifurcation scenarios of two sequences of quasiperiodic rubbing oscillations, which emerge subsequently with the increasing of the rotating speed, are similar but somewhat complicated. That is, the quasiperiodic rubbing oscillation emerges through an inverse doubling of torus from a chaotic attractor, which is produced from a chaotic saddle after chaotic crisis. The quasiperiodic rubbing oscillation disappears through a collision between the stable and the unstable quasiperiodic tori. The insight into blue-sky catastrophic bifurcations in the quasiperiodic rubbing oscillations of the piecewise smooth rotor–stator rubbing system is thus obtained through this study.
Reconstructing the East Palaeo-Tethyan assemblage boundary in west Indonesia: constraints from Triassic granitoids in the Bangka and Belitung islands
Authors: Zhang Yuzhi , Yu Xiaoqing , Wang Yuejun , Qian Xin , Gan Chengshi , Ghani Azman A. , Yu Yongqi , Xu Chang
Published: November 2022

The geodynamic evolution of the Palaeo-Tethyan Ocean is key to understanding the development of Pangaea. The main continents of SE Asia were welded together in response to the closure of the Palaeo-Tethyan Ocean. However, the precise location of the sutures and timing of the collisions are poorly constrained, especially the southward continuation from Peninsular Malaysia into west Indonesia. This study presents new zircon U–Pb geochronological, petrological, elemental and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf–O isotopic data in order to investigate the origin and tectonic setting of the granitoids from the Bangka and Belitung islands, west Indonesia. Although possessing different mineral compositions, the two groups of samples yield similar crystallization ages of
c.
230–220 Ma and enriched Nd–Hf isotopic compositions (whole-rock ε
Nd
(
t
) = −9.6 to −2.4 and zircon ε
Hf
(
t
) = −12.1 to −0.1), and probably originated from melting of a mixed source of metagreywacke and metapelite with a subordinate meta-igneous component. Both granitic groups formed during post-collisional processes, and when this interpretation is combined with regional investigations on the granitic magmatism, the Bangka–Belitung granitoids may represent the southward continuation of the Main Range granitoids. If correct, the distribution of granitoids with distinct petrogenesis across both islands implies a location for the Palaeo-Tethyan suture zone between Bangka–Belitung and West Kalimantan.