bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The short chain fatty acid propionic acid activates the Rcs stress response system partially through inhibition of D-alanine racemase
Authors: Harshaw Nathaniel S. , Meyer Mitchell D. , Stella Nicholas A. , Lehner Kara M. , Kowalski Regis P. , Shanks Robert M.Q.
Published: August 2022

The Enterobacterial Rcs stress response system reacts to envelope stresses through a complex two-component phosphorelay system to regulate a variety of environmental response genes such as capsular polysaccharide and flagella biosynthesis. However, beyond Escherichia coli, the stresses that activate Rcs are not well understood. In this study, we used a Rcs system dependent luminescent transcriptional reporter to screen a library of over 240 antimicrobial compounds for those that activated the Rcs system in Serratia marcescens, a Yersiniaceae family bacterium. Using an isogenic rcsB mutant to establish specificity, both new and expected activators were identified including the short chain fatty acid propionic acid found at millimolar levels in the human gut. Propionic acid did not reduce bacterial intracellular pH as hypothesized for its antibacterial mechanism. Rather than reduction of intracellular pH, data suggests that the Rcs-activating mechanism of propionic acid is, in part, due to inactivation of the enzyme alanine racemase. This enzyme is responsible for D-alanine biosynthesis, an amino-acid required for generating bacterial cell walls. These results suggest host gut short chain fatty acids can influence bacterial behavior through activation of the Rcs stress response system.
A feasibility study of perioperative vitamin D supplementation in patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection
Authors: Vaughan-Shaw P.G. , Buijs L.F. , Blackmur J.P. , Ewing A. , Theodoratou E. , Ooi Li-Yin. , Din F.V.N. , Farrington S.M. , Dunlop M.G.
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Post-operative vitamin D supplementation improves CRC survival outcomes in randomised trials. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility, safety and efficacy of vitamin D in the pre- and perioperative period in patients undergoing CRC surgery.

METHODS

Patients were given 3200IU oral cholecalciferol per day perioperatively. Serial serum 25OHD was measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and compared to untreated CRC controls. 25OHD/CRP levels were compared using adjusted generalized linear mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

122 patients underwent serial perioperative sampling, including 41 patients given high-dose perioperative supplementation. 25OHD was higher in patients given high-dose supplementation compared to controls at all peri-operative timepoints (P<0.001) and supplementation attenuated the post-operative drop in 25OHD (46% vs 24% drop). Rate of vitamin D insufficiency was significantly less in those on supplementation (14% vs. 56%, P=0.003), with multivariate modelling indicating a ∼60nmol/l higher 25OHD compared to control patients (P=1.22E-15). Supplementation was associated with lower peri-operative CRP (P=0.035).

DISCUSSIONS

High dose pre-operative vitamin D supplementation is associated with higher perioperative 25OHD levels, lower rates of vitamin D insufficiency and reduced early postoperative CRP. These findings provide compelling rationale for early initiation of vitamin D supplementation after a diagnosis of CRC.
Prevalence of non-communicable diseases risk factors and their determinants in Malawi: Evidence from 2017 WHO STEPwise Survey
Authors: Ng’ambi Wingston Felix , Mwase Takondwa , Chinkhumba Jobiba , Udedi Michael , Chigaru Farai , Banda Jonathan Chiwanda , Nkhoma Dominic , Mfutso-Bengo Joseph
Published: August 2022

Introduction

By 2030, the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are expected to overtake communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional (CMNN) diseases combined as the leading cause of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). With the increasing trend in NCDs, the NCD risk factors (NCDRF) need to be understood at local level in order to guide NCD risk mitigation efforts. Therefore, we provide a detailed analysis of some modifiable NCDRF and their determinants in Malawi using the 2017 Stepwise survey (STEPS).

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of the Malawi 2017 STEPS. Data was analysed using frequencies, proportions, odds ratios (OR) and their associated 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). We fitted multiple logistic regression of the NCD risk factors on the explanatory variables using likelihood ratio test. The level of statistical significance was set at P< 0.05.

Results

Of the 4187 persons, 9% were current smokers, 1% were taking alcohol, 16% had high salt intake, 64% had insufficient fruit intake, 21% had low physical activity, 25% had high blood sugar, and 11% had high blood pressure. Smoking odds increased with age but decreased with level of education. Females had lower odds of engaging in harmful alcohol use than males (AOR=0.04, 95%CI: 0.01-0.17, P<0.001). Females had lower odds of high salt uptake than the males (AOR=0.70, 95%CI: 0.58-0.84, P=0.0001). Persons in non-paid jobs had higher odds of salt uptake than those employed (AOR=1.70, 95%CI: 1.03-2.79, P=0.04). Females were 22% more likely to have insufficient fruit uptake compared to males (AOR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.06-1.41, P=0.007).

Conclusion

The high prevalence of physical inactivity, high salt consumption, insufficient fruit intake, raised blood glucose and high relatively blood pressure calls for a sound public health approach. The Malawi Ministry of Health should devise multi-sectoral approaches that minimize exposure to modifiable NCD risk factors at population and individual levels.
Murine infection by Mycobacterium marinum is a reliable model for Bone and Soft-Tissue Damage
Authors: Kumar Mahendra , Ambati Ramaraju , Urade Prachi J , Lotke Anil , Krishnasastry Musti
Published: August 2022

Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) constitutes 15-20% of the entire TB cases worldwide, and immune-suppressive conditions like HIV-AIDS further aggravate the disease often without symptoms and lack of proper diagnostic method delays the treatment. A thorough understanding of the EPTB infection and the pathogenesis is necessary and requires a reliable in-vivo animal model that mimics pathology similar to human infection. The M. marinum mice infection model presented here offers visible and quantifiable pathological features. Moreover, sections of the infected tails exhibited infiltration of the immune cells, a prominent feature frequently observed. Interestingly, the micro-CT imaging of the infected mice’s tails displayed bone erosion to the extent of the coccygeal vertebral loss. Furthermore, infection of the mice with drug-resistant such as Isoniazid (IRP) and Ethambutol (EmbRP) of M. marinum populations exhibited pathological features akin to wild-type M. marinum infection. At the same time, for EmbRP, the severity is significantly reduced, suggesting the nature of the selected population and its ability to retain or fix the virulent determinant(s) during bacterial growth. These findings advocate the use of the developed model to understand the EPTB precisely bone and spine TB, and it can be further utilized to develop novel therapeutics and diagnostics.
Widely Used and Fast De Novo Drug Design by a Protein Sequence-Based Reinforcement Learning Model
Authors: Li Yaqin , Li Lingli , Xu Yongjin , Yu Yi
Published: August 2022

De novo molecular design has facilitated the exploration of large chemical space to accelerate drug discovery. Structure-based de novo method can overcome the data scarcity of active ligands by incorporating drug-target interaction into deep generative architectures. However, these strategies are bottlenecked by the small fraction of experimentally determined protein or complex structures. In addition, the cost of the molecular generation is computationally expensive due to 3D representations of both molecule and protein. Here, we demonstrate a widely used and fast protein sequence-based reinforcement learning (RL) model for drug discovery. In the generative model, one of the reward components, a binding affinity predictor, is based on 1D protein sequence and molecular SMILES. As a proof of concept, the RL model was utilized to design molecules for four targets. The generated compounds showed bioactivities by the validation of both QSAR and molecular docking with experimental 3D binding pockets. We also found that the performance of generated molecules depends on the selection of data source training for the binding predictor. Furthermore, drug design for a kinase without any experimental structure, CDK20, was studied. By only 1D protein sequence as input, the generated novel compounds showed favorable binding affinity based on the AlphaFold predicted structure.
A premotor microcircuit to generate behavior-specific muscle activation patterns in Drosophila larvae
Authors: Huang Yuhan , Zarin Aref A
Published: August 2022

Animals can use a common set of muscles and motor neurons (MNs) to generate diverse locomotor behaviors, but how this is accomplished remains poorly understood. Previously, we characterized the muscle activity patterns for Drosophila larval forward and backward locomotion and found that ventral oblique (VO) muscles become active earlier in backward than in forward locomotion (Zarin et al. 2019). Here, we describe how premotor circuits generate differential activation timing of VO muscles. We identify inhibitory (A06c) and excitatory (A27h) premotor neurons (PMNs) with the greatest number of synapses with VO MNs. Strikingly, A06c is a bi-modal PMN that fires before and after VO MNs in forward locomotion but fires only after MNs in backward locomotion. Further, A27h is a forward-dedicated PMN active only in forward locomotion. These two PMNs interconnect with another forward-dedicated excitatory PMN (A18b3), to create feedforward inhibitory microcircuits that define the activity window for VO MNs/muscles, producing precise VO muscle patterns underlying forward locomotion. Silencing A06c, A27h, or A18b3 PMN results in premature VO muscle activation in forward locomotion, resembling early VO activation in backward locomotion. Our results identify PMN micro-circuits that produce unique MN/muscle activity patterns to create behavior-specific motor output.
CausalCell: applying causal discovery to single-cell analyses
Authors: Wen Yujian , Huang Jielong , Zhang Hai , Guo Shuhui , Elyahu Yehezqel , Monsonego Alon , Ding Yanqing , Zhu Hao
Published: August 2022

Correlation between objects does not answer many scientific questions because of the lack of causal but the excess of spurious information and is prone to happen by coincidence. Causal discovery infers causal relationships from data upon conditional independence test between objects without prior assumptions (e.g., variables have linear relationships and data follow the Gaussian distribution). Causal interactions within and between cells provide valuable information for investigating gene regulation, identifying diagnostic and therapeutic targets, and designing experimental and clinical studies. The rapid increase of single-cell data permits inferring causal interactions in many cell types. However, because no algorithms have been designed for handling abundant variables and few algorithms have been evaluated using real data, how to apply causal discovery to single-cell data remains a challenge. We report a pipeline and web server (http://www.gaemons.net/causalcell/causalDiscovery/) for accurately and conveniently performing causal discovery. The pipeline has been developed upon the benchmarking of 18 algorithms and the analyses of multiple datasets. Our applications indicate that only complicated algorithms can generate satisfactorily reliable results. Critical issues are discussed, and tips for best practices are provided.
Fe0.79Si0.07B0.14metallic glass gaskets for high-pressure research beyond 1 Mbar
Authors: Dong Weiwei , Glazyrin Konstantin , Khandarkhaeva Saiana , Fedotenko Timofey , Bednarčík Jozef , Greenberg Eran , Dubrovinsky Leonid , Dubrovinskaia Natalia , Liermann Hanns-Peter
Published: August 2022

A gasket is an important constituent of a diamond anvil cell (DAC) assembly, responsible for the sample chamber stability at extreme conditions for X-ray diffraction studies. In this work, we studied the performance of gaskets made of metallic glass Fe0.79Si0.07B0.14in a number of high-pressure X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments in DACs equipped with conventional and toroidal-shape diamond anvils. The experiments were conducted in either axial or radial geometry with X-ray beams of micrometre to sub-micrometre size. We report that Fe0.79Si0.07B0.14metallic glass gaskets offer a stable sample environment under compression exceeding 1 Mbar in all XRD experiments described here, even in those involving small-molecule gases (e.g.Ne, H2) used as pressure-transmitting media or in those with laser heating in a DAC. Our results emphasize the material's importance for a great number of delicate experiments conducted under extreme conditions. They indicate that the application of Fe0.79Si0.07B0.14metallic glass gaskets in XRD experiments for both axial and radial geometries substantially improves various aspects of megabar experiments and, in particular, the signal-to-noise ratio in comparison to that with conventional gaskets made of Re, W, steel or other crystalline metals.
Algorithmic accountability: robodebt and the making of welfare cheats
Authors: Nikidehaghani Mona , Andrew Jane , Cortese Corinne
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate how accounting techniques, when embedded within data-driven public-sector management systems, mask and intensify the neoliberal ideological commitments of powerful state and corporate actors. The authors explore the role of accounting in the operationalisation of “instrumentarian power” (Zuboff, 2019) – a new form of power that mobilises ubiquitous digital instrumentation to ensure that algorithmic architectures can tune, herd and modify behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a qualitative archival analysis of publicly available data related to the automation of welfare-policing systems to explore the role of accounting in advancing instrumentarian power.

Findings

In exploring the automation of Australia's welfare debt recovery system (Robodebt), this paper examines a new algorithmic accountability that has emerged at the interface of government, technology and accounting. The authors show that accounting supports both the rise of instrumentarian power and the intensification of neoliberal ideals when buried within algorithms. In focusing on Robodebt, the authors show how the algorithmic reconfiguration of accountability within the welfare system intensified the inequalities that welfare recipients experienced. Furthermore, the authors show that, despite its apparent failure, it worked to modify welfare recipients' behaviour to align with the neoliberal ideals of “self-management” and “individual responsibility”.

Originality/value

This paper addresses Agostino, Saliterer and Steccolini's (2021) call to investigate the relationship between accounting, digital innovations and the lived experience of vulnerable people. To anchor this, the authors show how algorithms work to mask the accounting assumptions that underpin them and assert that this, in turn, recasts accountability relationships. When accounting is embedded in algorithms, the ideological potency of calculations can be obscured, and when applied within technologies that affect vulnerable people, they can intensify already substantial inequalities.
An exploratory study of the experiencescape dimensions and customer revisit intentions for specialty urban coffee shops
Authors: Kwame Opoku Emmanuel , Tham Aaron , Morrison Alastair M. , Wang Mei-jung Sebrina
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The main aim of this research was to explore specialty coffee experience dimensions and what drives revisit intentions through experiencescapes. The theoretical framework on experience co-creation in food and wine consumption by Carvalho et al. (2021) was employed to explore the dimensions of specialty coffee shop experiences and specialty coffee consumer revisit intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the interpretivist epistemology, this research explored these factors from the perspectives of customers, coffee shop baristas, and managers and owners to better understand consumer behaviour in the context of urban coffee shops. In-depth interviews were employed to collect data to obtain first-hand, emic perspectives.

Findings

The notion of specialty coffee and its experiencescape were examined in the context of a region of tea-dominated landscapes. This research highlighted the significance of baristas as agents of coffee connoisseurship, being able to introduce the beans and the art of coffee making to customers in active ways. The findings amplified that olfactory encounters triggering a myriad of senses are crucial to the specialty coffee experiencescape.

Originality/value

This is among the first studies to explore the driving factors for customer visits and revisit intentions to urban coffee shops. The findings point to greater sophistication and engagement in-person and online for urban coffee shops. More importantly, the olfactory encounters differed for solo and group customer.
Be(e)ha(i)viour(e): assessment of honey consumption in Europe
Authors: Kleisiari Christina , Kleftodimos Georgios , Vlontzos George
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Honey is a product that has been consumed for thousands of years owing to honey's nutritional value and unique properties. This survey aimed to assess factors affecting consumer behaviour for honey in countries of the Balkans and Western Europe, on a comparative basis.

Design/methodology/approach

The high importance of honey consumption along with findings from previous surveys on consumer behaviour are included in the introduction chapter. Based on these, and focussing on the fundamental consumer behaviour theories (stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model, theory of planned behaviour (TPB), and health belief model (HBM)), a questionnaire was designed and answered by 2,113 individuals from the Balkans and Western Europe, of which 2,088 were honey consumers. Principal component analysis (PCA) analysis was used to interpret the results.

Findings

According to the analysis, both Western Europeans and Balkans consume honey weekly, whilst only a few consume honey daily. A crucial difference between the two samples is that Western Europeans consider honey to be an expensive product, whilst Balkans considers honey's price acceptable. In general, men consume more honey than women, and households with children purchase honey more often and in more significant quantities. In conclusion, the main reason affecting European honey consumption is the health impact, which is related to therapeutic properties and high nutritional value of honey.

Originality/value

PCA results clarified the factors affecting honey consumption, whilst at the same time, consumer profiles of Balkan and Western European consumers were outlined and compared with each other, outlining a more detailed description of honey consumption in Europe.
Governing systemic and cascading disaster risk in Indonesia: where do we stand and future outlook
Authors: Triyanti Annisa , Surtiari Gusti Ayu Ketut , Lassa Jonatan , Rafliana Irina , Hanifa Nuraini Rahma , Muhidin Mohamad Isnaeni , Djalante Riyanti
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to identify key factors for a contextualised Systemic Risk Governance (SRG) framework and subsequently explore how systemic risks can be managed and how local institutional mechanisms can be tweaked to deal with the complex Indonesian risk landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case study from Palu triple-disasters in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, the authors demonstrate how inland earthquakes in 2018 created cascading secondary hazards, namely tsunamis, liquefactions and landslides, caused unprecedented disasters for the communities and the nation. A qualitative analysis was conducted using the data collected through a long-term observation since 2002.

Findings

The authors argue that Indonesia has yet to incorporate an SRG approach in its responses to the Palu triple-disasters. Political will is required to adopt more appropriate risk governance modes that promote the systemic risk paradigm. Change needs to occur incrementally through hybrid governance arrangements ranging from formal/informal methods to self- and horizontal and vertical modes of governance deemed more realistic and feasible. The authors recommend that this be done by focusing on productive transition and local transformation.

Originality/value

There is growing awareness and recognition of the importance of systemic and cascading risks in disaster risk studies. However, there are still gaps between research, policy and practice. The current progress of disaster risk governance is not sufficient to achieve the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) unless there is an effective governing system in place at the local level that allow actors and institutions to simultaneously manage the interplays of multi-hazards, multi-temporal, multi-dimensions of vulnerabilities and residual risks. This paper contributes to these knowledge gaps.
Human centred lean – introducing the people value stream
Authors: Hines Peter
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The focus of lean has increasingly moved from a tools-based to a systems-based approach with particular emphasis on people. However, a conceptual framework for this is lacking. The people value stream concept provides a starting point for further discussion, research and practical application in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

In this conceptual paper, the author draws on their extensive experience with lean through 30 years of researching, leading and consulting in lean transformations.

Findings

The people value stream concept is presented together with a series of theoretical, practical and social implications for its application. These include: a rethinking of the role of executives in lean organisations; the importance of people and their experience of work; how the issue of wasted human potential might be addressed; how lean can further evolve; how, in addition to products, people can be made the focus in lean; and how pull and flow can be applied to the people value stream, including what competencies, learning and development, behaviours, accountability, social support and mental and physical wellbeing, are required or should be provided to employees throughout their careers.

Originality/value

This paper widens the existing discussion of people within lean. To the best of the author’s knowledge, for the first time in an academic paper, it discusses this within a lean context by proposing a conceptual people value stream model.
Libraries in contemporary science fiction novels: uncertain futures or embedded in the fabric of society?
Authors: Duxfield Amy , Liew Chern Li
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the imagining of libraries and the depiction of library services in contemporary science fiction novels. Analyses of libraries in contemporary science fiction may reveal expectations of libraries and the roles they play in future societies. These may, in turn, be used by the library profession to innovate and to discover opportunities to design and improve library services that meet the expectations of library users now and in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

This research applied a content analysis approach to examine references to libraries in a purposeful sample of science fiction novels published between 2009 and 2019. The sample consists of 29 novels selected from the 2010–2020 winners of the Hugo Award for Best Novel, The Nebula Award for Best Novel, the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel, The Philip K Dick Award and the Arthur C Clarke Award.

Findings

This research finds that libraries are a common feature within contemporary science fiction novels, primarily as part of the background setting of the narratives. Libraries are particularly common in peri-apocalyptic novels, often as “reinvented” libraries. This research identifies considerable differences in the way libraries and information access and use are depicted and documented in science fiction worlds of plenty, compared to those of scarcity. Other key themes discussed include freedom of access to information, and the supposedly common negative stereotyping of libraries.

Originality/value

Existing literature indicates anxiety about the future of libraries which the findings of this research do not support. The insights gained suggested instead, the emergence of an image of libraries as being embedded in the fabric of societies. This indicates the expectation of the place and role of libraries in contemporary societies. Libraries and their services must be adeptly placed and woven into the many facets of the societies they serve.
Working capital, cash flow and profitability of intensive MSMEs: evidence from Ecuador
Authors: Briones Oscar F. , Camino-Mogro Segundo M. , Navas Veronica J.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine Micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Which have limited access to financial resources from financial intermediaries. Thus, resource allocation is a primary concern for them.

Design/methodology/approach

This research studies the determinants of cash conversion cycle components and cash flow of MSMEs operating in Ecuador. This study examined a robust sample of 19,680 firms from 2000 to 2020, using the two-step generalized methods of moments to control for endogeneity and multicollinearity of independent variables issues.

Findings

The sample was divided into working capital intensive and fixed capital intensive firms. It was found that in every segment (micro-, small- and medium-sized), the majority of firms are working capital intensive and their average return is higher. This implies that small business owners assign the majority of their resources to current assets, which thus far have enabled them to achieve higher profitability.

Originality/value

Research investigated Ecuadorian MSMEs in a dollarized developing environment. Scrutinizing working capital intensive vs fixed capital intensive.
How start-ups in emerging economies embrace circular business models and contribute towards a circular economy
Authors: Mehrotra Sonia , Jaladi Santosh Rupa
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the practices that start-ups in emerging economies can implement to design circular economy business models and how they can create and capture value from a circular economy business model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a qualitative case method approach with semi-structured interviews with start-up founder promoters, its employees, its beneficiaries and its customers, conducted in two local Indian start-ups engaged in the manufacture of products and providing services that promote adoption of circular economy principles.

Findings

Analysis of the two business models reveals common patterns in building value proposition. The findings suggest that start-up ventures adopt an iterative approach to produce reusable and interlinked products and co-create with customers, vendors and local communities. They adopt mechanisms that can create, deliver and capture value while maintaining economic viability, and thus contribute towards micro- and macro-level benefits.

Research limitations/implications

This study maximizes the depth of the phenomenon under investigation by leveraging case study methodology. Future research opportunities could be found in quantitative studies to increase the generalizability of the findings of this paper.

Practical implications

The paper presents a theoretical model linking the circular business model design and deployment mechanisms that can be used by start-up entrepreneurs desirous of embracing circular economy principles and thus contribute towards environmental, economic and developmental goals in emerging economies.

Social implications

To accelerate the transition of adoption of circularity principles in emerging markets, start-up ventures could adopt circular business models that contribute towards achieving positive behavioural change. This can be achieved by integrating with different stakeholders in the value network such that they play a vital role in the process of value creation and delivery and benefit from the value captured.

Originality/value

An interdisciplinary approach that integrates the research streams of circular economy, and business model design has been pursued to identify the design and deployment mechanisms adopted in the circular business models of start-ups in real-world emerging economies’ context.
Real‐world data on the use of secukinumab and acitretin in pediatric generalized pustular psoriasis
Authors: Miao Chaoyang , Chen Yunliu , Wang Zhaoyang , Xiang Xin , Liu Ying , Xu Zigang
Published: August 2022

To evaluate the outcomes of secukinumab and acitretin use in children with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), we compared the efficacy and adverse events of secukinumab in 20 children and acitretin in 16 children with GPP from January 1, 2019, to January 30, 2022. Among the 20 patients treated with secukinumab, the average time for pustules to fade, temperature to normalize, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) to normalize was 3.83, 2.46, and 3.91 days, respectively. All patients recovered (Japanese Dermatological Association severity index score: 0/1) in 3 weeks. The adverse events were abnormal liver enzyme (10%), atopic dermatitis–like lesions (10%), herpes simplex (5%), and neutropenia (10%). For the patients treated with acitretin, the average time for pustules to fade, temperature to normalize, and CRP to normalize was 6, 6.14, and 8.73 days, respectively. The adverse events included mucocutaneous dryness (75%), dyslipidemia (37.5%), and abnormal liver enzyme (25%). These findings demonstrate that secukinumab has more favorable outcomes than acitretin, and secukinumab was well tolerated by the pediatric patients with GPP.
Hyperthermophilic endospores germinate and metabolize organic carbon in sediments heated to 80°C
Authors: Bell Emma , Rattray Jayne E. , Sloan Kathryn , Sherry Angela , Pilloni Giovanni , Hubert Casey R. J.
Published: August 2022

Cold surface sediments host a seedbank of functionally diverse thermophilic bacteria. These thermophiles are present as endospores, which are widely dispersed in aquatic environments. Here, we investigated the functional potential of endospore populations in cold surface sediments heated to 80°C. Microbial production of acetate was observed at 80°C and could be enhanced by supplying additional organic carbon substrates. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene amplicon libraries from 80°C enrichments to sediments heated to lower temperatures (50–70°C) showed that temperature selects for distinct populations of endospore‐forming bacteria. Whereas sulfate‐reducing thermophiles were enriched in 50–70°C incubations, 80°C exceeds their thermal tolerance and selects for hyperthermophilic organotrophic bacteria that are similarly detected in amplicon libraries from sediments heated to 90°C. Genome‐resolved metagenomics revealed novel carbon cycling members of Symbiobacteriales, Thermosediminibacteraceae, Thermanaeromonas and Calditerricola with the genomic potential for the degradation of carbohydrates, sugars, amino acids and nucleotides. Endospores of thermophilic bacteria are deposited on seabed sediments worldwide where they remain dormant as they are buried in the accumulating sediments. Our results suggest that endospore populations could be activated by temperature increases encountered during burial and show the potential for organotrophic metabolic activity contributing to acetate generation in deep hot sediments.
An exploration into the implications of the Covid‐19 restrictions on the transition from Early Years Education to Key Stage 1 for children with special educational needs and disability – a comparative study
Authors: Wythe Jessica
Published: August 2022

This small‐scale comparative study explores how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted on the transition from Early Years Education to Key Stage 1 (KS1) for children with special educational needs and disability (SEND) in a SEND specialist school in the UK. Two focus group interviews were conducted with nine professionals who work across three KS1 classes for pupils with moderate learning difficulties at a SEND specialist provision setting. This study aimed to compare their experiences and observations of how the children responded to this significant transition in September 2020, in the context of the coronavirus restrictions, and how their practice, provision and transitional support were adapted to meet the needs of the children and to adhere to the changing Covid‐19 guidance. The novel findings of this study revealed that the professionals observed significant disruptions and delays in children's independence skills and social and emotional skills, and in adhering to behavioral expectations, in comparison to cohorts in previous academic years. Additionally, the study identified a lack of consistent and systematic educational guidance during the coronavirus pandemic and a significant difference in transitional support practices due to the coronavirus restrictions.
The comparison of the main dietary and non‐dietary trigger factors in women with chronic and episodic migraine
Authors: Hajjarzadeh Samaneh , Shalilahmadi Davood , Nikniaz Zeinab , Mahdavi Reza , Hajjarzadeh Sepideh
Published: August 2022

Aims

Migraine is one of the most common neurological diseases and the second cause of disability worldwide. Various trigger factors have been reported in different populations. The current study was designed to extract the main trigger factors using factor analysis, and compare the chronic and episodic patient scores for every extracted pattern.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 300 migrainous women (25–55 years old) participated. A constructed 46‐item Likert questionnaire was developed to assess the primary triggers. The validity of the designed questionnaire was assessed by Content Validity Ratio and Content Validity Index coefficients. The test–retest method was employed to assess reliability. The exploratory factor analysis was performed to extract patterns of correlation among 46 triggers. Each participant was given a score for every extracted pattern. The mean scores of chronic and episodic patients were compared using the Mann–Whitney test.

Results

The mean body mass index of participants was 28.17 ± 5.44 kg/m2. Most participants (90.7%) had migraine without aura. Four factors were extracted using factor analysis that explained 22.37% of the total variance: (1) environmental and behavioural factors; (2) condiments; (3) nitrite, tyramine and caffeine; and (4) fats. None of these factors explained the difference between chronic and episodic migrainous women.

Conclusions

The current study suggests that environmental and behavioural factors, relative to dietary triggers, play an essential role in causing migraine in women and more than dietary triggers. The most important triggers did not differ between episodic and chronic migrainous women.
Pulsed light of near‐infrared and visible light wavelengths induces the accumulation of carotenoids in tomato fruits during post‐treatment time
Authors: González‐Casado Sandra , López‐Gámez Gloria , Martín‐Belloso Olga , Elez‐Martínez Pedro , Soliva‐Fortuny Robert
Published: August 2022

Pulsed light (PL) is proposed as a novel strategy for the food industry to enhance the antioxidant potential of fruits and vegetables for industrial uses. The main aim of this work is to evaluate the impact of postharvest PL treatments of different spectral ranges on the carotenoid concentration as well as quality attributes of tomatoes during post‐treatment time. Doses of wide‐spectrum light (180–1100 nm), full‐spectrum without ultraviolet (UV)‐C wavelengths (305–1100 nm), and visible (VIS) + near‐infrared light (NIR) (400–1100 nm) were compared. Total carotenoids, lycopene, and chlorophyll contents were spectrophotometrically assessed just after treatments and 1, 5, and 10 days post‐treatment. PL treatments accelerated the accumulation of both total carotenoids and lycopene concentrations in tomato fruits. Nevertheless, the efficacy of PL depended on the applied spectral range. Tomato subjected to VIS + NIR treatment exhibited the greatest enhancement in total carotenoids (31 %) and lycopene (35 %) content at day 5 post‐treatment and quality attributes were not affected. Conversely, UV‐light exposure did not enhance carotenoid concentrations. These results evidenced that VIS + NIR treatments induced a faster accumulation of carotenoids without negatively affecting tomato quality attributes.

Practical Application

The integration of visible and near‐infrared (VIS + NIR) light filters in pulsed light (PL) processing allows enhancing the accumulation of bioactive compounds in tomato tissues in a sustainable way, which can be processed to obtain derived products (e.g., juices, purees) with health‐promoting properties. PL technology is characterized by a lack of residual compounds and the absence of applying chemicals potentially harmful to humans. Industries can attract the attention of consumers through their application, which allows offering this added value.
Changes in vitamin D metabolites at the time of critical illness and 6 months later—A prospective observational study
Authors: Jonsdottir Gudrun Maria , Kvaran Runar Bragi , Skarphedinsdottir Sigurbjorg Johanna , Karason Sigurbergur , Krueger Diane , Coursin Douglas B. , Binkley Neil , Hoofnagle Andrew N. , Hogan Kirk , Sigurdsson Gisli Heimir , Sigurdsson Martin Ingi
Published: August 2022

Background

Despite multiple studies suggesting that low 25(OH)D‐vitamin levels are associated with worse outcomes in critically ill individuals, attempts to mitigate the outcomes by fixed dose enteral supplementation unguided by baseline or target blood levels have been unsuccessful. Since a single measurement of 25(OH)D may not optimally reflect an individual's vitamin D status, we studied the plasma concentration of different vitamin D metabolites and their recovery during and following resolution of acute critical illness.

Methods

A prospective observational study including patients 18 years and older admitted to a mixed medical‐surgical ICU in Reykjavik, Iceland, located at a high‐northern altitude (64° N). Vitamin D metabolites were measured at three timepoints; On admission (S1), 3–5 days following admission (S2) and after recovery from acute illness (median 178 days) (S3). Concentrations of total 25(OH)D‐vitamin, cholecalciferol (D3), total 24,25(OH)D‐vitamin, vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) were measured with LC‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and free 25‐(OH)D was measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Most individuals were vitamin D deficient when assessed during critical illness, with 25(OH)D‐vitamin levels under 30 ng/ml for 37/40 individuals at timepoint S1 and 34/38 at S2. After recovery, 18/30 patients were deficient at S3. Levels of all vitamin D metabolites measured were low during critical illness but rose substantially following resolution of acute illness. No strong correlation was found between markers of acute illness severity or duration and resolution of vitamin D metabolites in the interval between acute illness and recovery.

Conclusions

In critically ill patients, levels of multiple vitamin D metabolites are low but substantial recovery occurs following resolution of acute illness. It is unclear whether a single metabolite is sufficient to assess vitamin D status of critically ill patients and guide potential supplementation.
Incremental costs of scaling up kangaroo mother care: Results from implementation research in Ethiopia and India
Authors:   WHO KMC Scale Up Study Group
Published: August 2022

Aim

To estimate incremental costs of an implementation model for scaling up Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for neonates with birthweight <2000 g.

Methods

Seven sites across Ethiopia and India collected data for 2018–19 to calculate incremental recurrent costs (of health worker time, supplies, and operations) and start‐up costs for KMC scale up. The costs were estimated per live newborn <2000 g eligible for KMC identified in the study population.

Results

Scaling up KMC in study districts required average incremental costs of US$59 (95% CI US$ 52–67) in Ethiopia and US$72 (95% CI US$ 41–103) in India per eligible newborn in the population. Most of these costs were recurrent; the annualised start‐up costs per eligible newborn ranged from 12%–25% of total costs in Ethiopia and 9%–16% in India. The major cost driver was human resources, followed by initial and recurrent training, supplies, and communications costs. Incremental infrastructure costs were only 2%–6% of total costs in both countries. Most of the costs were for activities at the KMC implementing facility, accounting for 79%–88% of the total costs in Ethiopia and 89%–93% of those in India.

Conclusion

The costs for successful scale up of KMC seem affordable but must be included in programme budgets.
Perception, knowledge and attitude towards childhood fever: A survey among final‐year medical students
Authors: Milani Gregorio P. , Corsello Antonio , Fadda Marta , Falvo Ilaria , Giannì Maria Lorella , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Cuppari Caterina , Bruzzese Eugenia , Bianchetti Mario G. , Schulz Peter J. , Peroni Diego , Marchisio Paola , Chiappini Elena
Published: August 2022

Aims

Undue concerns about the consequences of fever and its inappropriate management have been documented worldwide among physicians. However, no data exist on medical students. We investigated the perception, knowledge and attitude towards childhood fever among final‐year medical students.

Methods

Between June and September 2021, final‐year medical students of six Italian universities were invited to complete an online survey on their conceptions and attitude towards pharmacological and non‐pharmacological management of childhood fever. History of relevant personal or second‐hand experience with childhood fever was also addressed. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used.

Results

Of 1095 (69%) final‐year medical students, 756 completed the survey. Many students believe that high fever might cause brain damage, would recommend physical methods and alternate two drugs for fever. Most students do not think that fever has mainly beneficial effects. In Northern Italy, students are less likely to believe that fever might lead to brain damage (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.33–0.94), and in Southern Italy students are more likely to advise physical methods (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.22–2.57) and less likely to believe that fever has mainly beneficial effects (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.39–0.77). History of a relevant personal episode of fever during childhood was not associated with these outcomes.

Conclusions

Misconceptions about fever are common among final‐year medical students in Italy. Cultural factors rather than individually learned traits might underlie these beliefs. Medical students are a promising target for educational interventions to improve childhood fever management.
Fusobacterium nucleatum induces excess methyltransferase‐like 3‐mediated microRNA‐4717‐3p maturation to promote colorectal cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Xu Qiaolin , Lu Xiaoxue , Li Jing , Feng Yuyang , Tang Jie , Zhang Tao , Mao Yilan , Lan Yuanzhi , Luo Huaxing , Zeng Linghai , Xiang Yuanyuan , Hu Lv , Zhang Yan , Li Qian , Deng Ling , He Xiaoyi , Tang Bin , Mao Xuhu , Zeng Dongzhu
Published: August 2022

Fusobacterium nucleatum infection plays vital roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Overexpression of microRNA‐4717‐3p (miR‐4717) was reported to be upregulated in F. nucleatum positive CRC tissues, however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. In this study, we found that miR‐4717 promoted CRC cell proliferation in vitro and growth of CRC in vivo following F. nucleatum infection. MicroRNA‐4717 suppressed the expression of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MAP2K4), a tumor suppressor, by directly targeting its 3′‐UTR. Furthermore, we confirmed that methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3)‐dependent m6A methylation could methylate primary (pri)‐miR‐4717, which further promoted the maturation of pri‐miR‐4717, and METTL3 positively regulated CRC cell proliferation through miR‐4717/MAP2K4 pathways. In conclusion, F. nucleatum‐induced miR‐4717 excessive maturation through METTL3‐dependent m6A modification promotes CRC cell proliferation, which provides a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker for CRC.
‘Trial by fire’: An online survey exploring confidence of junior doctors in managing toxicology presentations to the emergency department
Authors: Smith Jennifer L. , McCutcheon David , Weber Courtney , Soderstrom Jessamine , Burcham Jonathon , Fatovich Daniel M.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The often unknown nature of acute drug intoxication, especially with illicit drugs and emerging novel psychoactive substances, can present a significant challenge for emergency clinicians. Less experienced clinicians are particularly vulnerable to the diagnostic dilemmas of complex toxicology emergencies. We sought to better understand the confidence of junior doctors in assessing and managing toxicological emergencies across two emergency departments in Perth, Australia.

Methods

An online survey was conducted between August 2020 and February 2021. Self‐rated confidence was measured on a five‐point Likert Scale across 10 statements. Two open‐ended questions were included to capture perceived barriers and facilitators impacting clinical confidence. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive methods and Fisher's exact test. Free‐text responses were analysed using content analysis.

Results

A total of 104 surveys were completed (19.2% interns, 40.4% resident medical officers and 40.4% registrars). Self‐rated confidence varied across statements and by staff type. The lowest confidence rating was for managing a patient who had overdosed from an unknown substance (31.7%) and the highest rating for referring a patient to psychiatry following deliberate self‐poisoning (86.6%). Confidence increased with greater clinical experience for all statements. Qualitative analysis revealed perceptions of clinical preparedness, complexity of patients and a safe and supportive culture as key factors impacting confidence.

Discussion and Conclusions

Overcoming perceived deficits in knowledge and clinical experience were key to building confidence. Our findings highlight the need for improved access to toxicology‐specific curricula and training, and strategies to ensure adequate supervision from senior clinicians.