bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associated factors of nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes: A multicentred cross‐sectional study in psychiatric inpatient hospitals
Authors: Desmet Karel , Bracke Piet , Deproost Eddy , Goossens Peter J. J. , Vandewalle Joeri , Vercruysse Lieke , Beeckman Dimitri , Van Hecke Ann , Kinnaer Lise‐Marie , Verhaeghe Sofie
Published: July 2023

Accessible Summary

What is already known?

The nurse–patient relationship in mental health care is an important focus of mental health nursing theories and research.

There is limited evidence about which factors influence nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes of the nurse–patient relationship. This hinders the development, planning, delivering, and quality assurance of the nurse–patient relationship in nursing practice and nursing education.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

To our best knowledge, this is the first study to examine associations between nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes of the nurse–patient relationship and a range of patient characteristics and relationship‐contextual factors.

In this study, we found that gender, age, hospital characteristics, nurse availability when needed, nurse contact, and nurse stimulation were associated with the scores on the nurse‐sensitive patient outcome scale.

What are the implications for practice?

Having insight into the factors associated with nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes of the nurse–patient relationship can help nurses, nursing students, nursing management and also patients to enhance the nurse–patient relationship, trying to influence outcomes of nursing care.

Introduction

The lack of evidence on patient characteristics and relational‐contextual factors influencing nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes of a nurse–patient relationship is a possible threat to the quality and education of the nurse–patient relationship.

Aim

To measure nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes of the nurse–patient relationship and to explore the associations between nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes and a range of patient characteristics and relational‐contextual factors.

Method

In a multicenter cross‐sectional study, 340 inpatients from 30 units in five psychiatric hospitals completed the Mental Health Nurse‐Sensitive Patient Outcome Scale. Descriptive, univariate and Linear Mixed Model analyses were conducted.

Results

Overall, patient‐reported outcomes were moderate to good. Female participants, nurse availability when needed, more nurse contact and nurse stimulation were associated with higher outcomes. Age differences were observed for some of the outcomes. Outcomes also varied across hospitals but were not related to the number of times patients were hospitalized or to their current length of stay in the hospital.

Discussion

The results may help nurses to become more sensitive and responsive to factors associated with nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes of the nurse–patient relationship.

Implications

The nurse‐sensitive results can support nurses in designing future nurse–patient relationships.
Effects of thermal processing and temperature on the quality, protein oxidation, and structural characteristics of yak meat
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Shengsheng , Zhao Lizhu
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of processing on the quality, protein oxidation, and structural properties of yak meat. The cooking loss, Warner–Bratzler shear force, meat color, texture, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, total carbonyl content (TCC), total sulfhydryl content (TSC), and structural properties of yak meat under frying, drying, and boiling were measured. The results showed that the cooking loss rate, shear force, L* value, hardness, elasticity, and chewiness of yak meat increased (p < .05) and the a* value decreased (p < .05) with increasing central temperature after processing. Fried yak meat at 80°C had the lowest cooking loss rate of 42.21% and the lowest shear force of 50.86 N, which had better textural characteristics, followed by boiling, while the maximum cooking loss rate, hardness, and shear force were 1.40 times, 1.26 times, and 1.2 times that of frying, respectively. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substance was obtained after decoction and peaked at 1.88 ± 0.04 mmol/mg at 60°C. The highest TCC and the lowest TSC were obtained for dried proteins at 80°C. In addition, as the central temperature increased, the helical structure in the protein secondary structure decreased, the disordered structure increased, the fluorescence intensity of myofibrillar proteins decreased, and protein degradation occurred. It was concluded that dried yak meat had the highest protein oxidation and the worst quality, while fried yak meat had the lowest protein oxidation and the best quality.
Migrating eagles stopping in the Sahara Desert: Aberrant behaviour or foraging strategy?
Authors: Mellone U. , Urios V. , Chiatante G.
Published: July 2023

The Sahara Desert is one of the major ecological barriers of the Palearctic‐Africa bird migration system. We analysed the behaviour of GPS‐tagged booted eagles (Aquila pennata) breeding in Spain and wintering in Tropical Africa, focusing on the Sahara crossing. We searched for anomalous track segments recorded during the desert crossing, finding that non‐directional and/or slow movements occur in 35% of the migratory journeys and last up to 31 days (average: 5.9). The analyses show that this behaviour is not triggered by adverse weather conditions, and is shown especially by females during spring. The length of the stopping periods affects the arrival date to the breeding grounds only in males, which means that females buffer the potential delay with an earlier migration start, suggesting that this behaviour is followed deliberately. These wandering movements occur in hyper‐arid areas without vegetation cover. A similar behaviour has not been previously recorded in any other trans‐Saharan raptor and is probably related to the ability of booted eagles to take advantage of food resources unexploited by other predators, such as migratory songbirds stopping in the desert during the day, and migratory locusts. If confirmed by further research involving higher resolution tracking and field observations, our findings may show a new way of combining foraging and migration, without a well‐defined directed trajectory, nor stopping in a restricted spot, but instead wandering over wide areas.
Does low‐level laser therapy decrease pain and edema in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery? Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: de Paula Ribeiro Borges Danilo , dos Santos Marcos Antônio Lima , da Mota Santana Lucas Alves , de Almeida Souza Liane Maciel , Takeshita Wilton Mitsunari
Published: July 2023

Aim

This systematic review purposed to investigate whether low‐level laser therapy is effective in reducing pain and edema in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.

Materials and Methods

An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, SciELO, Web of Science, LILACS, IEEE XPLORE, Google Scholar, Open Thesis, OpenGrey, and Open Access Thesis and Dissertationswith no restrictions on language or year of publication. PICOS strategy wasused to define the eligibility criteria. The risk of bias (ROB 2.0 Tool) andmethodological quality assessment was carried out, and a meta‐analysis was performed using a random‐effect model. The quality of evidence was classified with the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) classification system. The analyses were performed with Review Manager 5.3 (Cochrane IMS, Copenhagen, Denmark).

Results

A total of 1255 potentially relevant records were selected through the search strategy. After screening titles and abstracts, five full‐text manuscripts were assessed for eligibility and three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the meta‐analysis. Results favourable to low‐level laser therapy were found both for the pain outcome (p < 0.0001) and edema (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Considering the limitations of this systematic review, low‐level laser therapy showed a positive effect in reducing pain and edema in the postoperative period of bimaxillary orthognathic surgeries, with moderate and high‐quality evidence, respectively.
Immobilization of horseradish peroxidase with zwitterionic polymer material for industrial phenolic removal
Authors: Wang Qi , Fu Hao , Qi Xiaoyu , Zhang Lei , Ma Hongyan
Published: July 2023

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is a hemoglobin composed of a single peptide chain that catalyzes the oxidation of various substrates such as phenol and aniline in the presence of hydrogen peroxide via its iron-porphyrin catalytic center. This enzyme is widely used in industrial phenol removal, food additives, biomedicine, and clinical test reagents due to its rapid reaction rate and obvious reaction outcomes. However, the large-scale use of HRP in industrial applications still faces numerous challenges, including activity, stability, and sustainability. This study demonstrates that when peroxidase is immobilized in zwitterionic polymer hydrogels, polycarboxybetaine (PCB) and polysulfobetaine (PSB), the properties of the enzyme are improved. PCB and PSB-embedded HRP exhibit a 6.11 and 1.53 times increase in Kcat/Km value, respectively, compared to the free enzyme. The immobilized enzyme also experiences increased activity over a range of temperatures and better tolerance to extreme pH and organic solvents, including formaldehyde. In addition, immobilized HRP exhibits excellent performance in storage and reproducibility. Remarkably, PCB-HRP still retains 80% of the initial activity after a 6-week storage period and can still attain the initial catalytic level of the free enzyme after six repeated cycles. It also removes 90% of phenol within 12 min, surpassing the current pharmacy on the market. These experimental results indicated that we have successfully designed a set of stable and efficient support substrates for horseradish peroxidase, which enhances its suitability for deployment in industrial applications.
Field emission: Applying the “magic emitter” validity test to a recent paper, and related research-literature integrity issues
Authors: Forbes Richard G.
Published: July 2023

This work concerns field electron emission (FE) from large-area emitters. It corrects literature weaknesses in analyzing experimental current–voltage data and related emitter characterization. A recent paper in Applied Surface Science exemplifies these difficulties: (1) for many modern emitters, traditional data-analysis methodologies, such as the Fowler–Nordheim plot developed in 1929, yield spurious results; (2) confusion occurs between the concepts of local and macroscopic (or “emitter average”) current density; (3) data analysis uses 1920s-style emission equations that were proved seriously incorrect (by a factor typically of order 100) in the 1950s. These weaknesses can combine to yield large undetected discrepancies between theory and experiment in published papers (a factor of 1016 in the example under discussion). The present work shows how a recently introduced validity test—the “magic emitter” test—can sometimes be used, at the immediate-presubmission or review stage, to help uncover scientific problems. In literature concerning large-area FE over the last 15 years or so, there seem many papers (perhaps hundreds) with some or all of the weaknesses discussed: very many authors and reviewers in this community, and many editors, seem to have been “hoaxed” by what sociologists of science call a “pathological literature.” The scientific integrity of this research area, and the related peer review processes, appear significantly damaged, and attempts to correct this by normal procedures have had limited effect. There seems a growing case for independent “official” wider investigation into research integrity issues of this general kind, and maybe, for a later regulatory action.
Linking drivers of plant per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) uptake to agricultural land management decisions
Authors: Scearce Alex E. , Goossen Caleb P. , Schattman Rachel E. , Mallory Ellen B. , MacRae Jean D.
Published: July 2023

Widespread contamination of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) in agricultural areas is largely attributed to the application of sewage sludge in which the PFAS can be concentrated. This creates a pathway for these contaminants to enter the food chain and, by extension, causes human health and economic concerns. One barrier to managing land with PFAS contamination is the variation in reported plant uptake levels across studies. A review of the literature suggests that the variation in plant uptake is influenced by a host of factors including the composition of PFAS chemicals, soil conditions, and plant physiology. Factors include (1) the chemical components of the PFAS such as the end group and chain length; (2) drivers of soil sorption such as the presence of soil organic matter (SOM), multivalent cation concentration, pH, soil type, and micropore volume; and (3) crop physiological features such as fine root area, percentage of mature roots, and leaf blade area. The wide range of driving factors highlights a need for research to elucidate these mechanisms through additional experiments as well as collect more data to support refined models capable of predicting PFAS uptake in a range of cropping systems. A conceptual framework presented here links drivers of plant PFAS uptake found in the literature to phytomanagement approaches such as modified agriculture or phytoremediation to provide decision support to land managers.
Intonation contour similarity: f0 representations and distance measures compared to human perception in two languages
Authors: Kaland Constantijn
Published: July 2023

Recently, cluster analysis on f0 contours has become a popular method in phonetic research. Cluster analysis provides an automated way of categorising f0 contours, which gives new insights into (phonological) categories of intonation that vary across languages. As cluster analysis can be performed in many different ways, it is important to understand the extent to which these analyses can capture human perception of f0. This study focuses on the way in which f0 contours and differences among them are represented numerically, i.e., a crucial methodological choice preceding cluster analysis. These representations are then compared to the way in which f0 contour differences are perceived by human listeners from two different languages. To this end, four time-series contour representations (equivalent rectangular bandwidth, standardisation, octave-median rescaling, first derivative) and three distance measures [Euclidean distance (L2 norm), Pearson correlation, and dynamic time warping) were tested. The perceived differences were obtained from listeners of German and Papuan Malay, two typologically different languages. Results show that computed contour differences reflect human perception moderately, with dynamic time warping applied to the first derivative of the contour performing best, and showing minimal differences between the languages.
A Little Pepper-Upper? Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Studies on Capsaicinoids, Capsinoids, and Exercise Performance
Authors: Sukan-Karaçağıl Betül , Akbulut Gamze , Açar Yasemin , Demirkoparan Meleknur
Published: July 2023

Capsaicinoids and capsinoids are bioactive compounds mostly found in peppers. Although preclinical studies have reported that these compounds can improve exercise performance due to transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1)-mediated thermogenesis, sympathetic modulation, and releasing calcium, it is still unclear how they affect exercise performance in humans as ergogenic supplements. Conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guide 2020, this systematic review examined the ergogenic effect of capsaicinoids and capsinoids on exercise performance in healthy adults. A total of 19 randomized placebo-controlled trials were included in the study. Studies were accessed by searching five databases (PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library). The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool. According to the study results, 10 studies examining the effect of capsaicinoid and capsinoid supplements on exercise performance reported positive effects. Also, the effect of capsaicinoids and capsinoids on exercise performance is more pronounced in resistance training. This difference, which varies according to the type of exercise, may be due to the correlation between capsaicin transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 and insulin-like growth factor-1.
Ergogenic Effects of Very Low to Moderate Doses of Caffeine on Vertical Jump Performance
Authors: Matsumura Teppei , Takamura Yuki , Fukuzawa Kazushi , Nakagawa Kazuya , Nonoyama Shunya , Tomoo Keigo , Tsukamoto Hayato , Shinohara Yasushi , Iemitsu Motoyuki , Nagano Akinori , Isaka Tadao , Hashimoto Takeshi
Published: July 2023

Although the ergogenic effects of 3–6 mg/kg caffeine are widely accepted, the efficacy of low doses of caffeine has been discussed. However, it is unclear whether the ergogenic effects of caffeine on jump performance are dose responsive in a wide range of doses. This study aimed to examine the effect of very low (1 mg/kg) to moderate doses of caffeine, including commonly utilized ergogenic doses (i.e., 3 and 6 mg/kg), on vertical jump performance. A total of 32 well-trained collegiate sprinters and jumpers performed countermovement jumps and squat jumps three times each in a double-blind, counterbalanced, randomized, crossover design. Participants ingested a placebo or 1, 3, or 6 mg/kg caffeine 60 min before jumping. Compared with the placebo, 6 mg/kg caffeine significantly enhanced countermovement jump (p < .001) and squat jump (p = .012) heights; furthermore, 1 and 3 mg/kg of caffeine also significantly increased countermovement jump height (1 mg/kg: p = .002, 3 mg/kg: p < .001) but not squat jump height (1 mg/kg: p = .436, 3 mg/kg: p = .054). There were no significant differences among all caffeine doses in both jumps (all p > .05). In conclusion, even at a dose as low as 1 mg/kg, caffeine improved vertical jump performance in a dose-independent manner. This study provides new insight into the applicability and feasibility of 1 mg/kg caffeine as a safe and effective ergogenic strategy for jump performance.
A lithium superionic conductor for millimeter-thick battery electrode
Authors: Li Yuxiang , Song Subin , Kim Hanseul , Nomoto Kuniharu , Kim Hanvin , Sun Xueying , Hori Satoshi , Suzuki Kota , Matsui Naoki , Hirayama Masaaki , Mizoguchi Teruyasu , Saito Takashi , Kamiyama Takashi , Kanno Ryoji
Published: July 2023

No design rules have yet been established for producing solid electrolytes with a lithium-ion conductivity high enough to replace liquid electrolytes and expand the performance and battery configuration limits of current lithium ion batteries. Taking advantage of the properties of high-entropy materials, we have designed a highly ion-conductive solid electrolyte by increasing the compositional complexity of a known lithium superionic conductor to eliminate ion migration barriers while maintaining the structural framework for superionic conduction. The synthesized phase with a compositional complexity showed an improved ion conductivity. We showed that the highly conductive solid electrolyte enables charge and discharge of a thick lithium-ion battery cathode at room temperature and thus has potential to change conventional battery configurations.
Effect of climate warming on the timing of autumn leaf senescence reverses after the summer solstice
Authors: Zohner Constantin M. , Mirzagholi Leila , Renner Susanne S. , Mo Lidong , Rebindaine Dominic , Bucher Raymo , Palouš Daniel , Vitasse Yann , Fu Yongshuo H. , Stocker Benjamin D. , Crowther Thomas W.
Published: July 2023

Climate change is shifting the growing seasons of plants, affecting species performance and biogeochemical cycles. Yet how the timing of autumn leaf senescence in Northern Hemisphere forests will change remains uncertain. Using satellite, ground, carbon flux, and experimental data, we show that early-season and late-season warming have opposite effects on leaf senescence, with a reversal occurring after the year’s longest day (the summer solstice). Across 84% of the northern forest area, increased temperature and vegetation activity before the solstice led to an earlier senescence onset of, on average, 1.9 ± 0.1 days per °C, whereas warmer post-solstice temperatures extended senescence duration by 2.6 ± 0.1 days per °C. The current trajectories toward an earlier onset and slowed progression of senescence affect Northern Hemisphere–wide trends in growing-season length and forest productivity.
Interface engineering for high-performance, triple-halide perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells
Authors: Mariotti Silvia , Köhnen Eike , Scheler Florian , Sveinbjörnsson Kári , Zimmermann Lea , Piot Manuel , Yang Fengjiu , Li Bor , Warby Jonathan , Musiienko Artem , Menzel Dorothee , Lang Felix , Keßler Sebastian , Levine Igal , Mantione Daniele , Al-Ashouri Amran , Härtel Marlene S. , Xu Ke , Cruz Alexandros , Kurpiers Jona , Wagner Philipp , Köbler Hans , Li Jinzhao , Magomedov Artiom , Mecerreyes David , Unger Eva , Abate Antonio , Stolterfoht Martin , Stannowski Bernd , Schlatmann Rutger , Korte Lars , Albrecht Steve
Published: July 2023

Improved stability and efficiency of two-terminal monolithic perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells will require reductions in recombination losses. By combining a triple-halide perovskite (1.68 electron volt bandgap) with a piperazinium iodide interfacial modification, we improved the band alignment, reduced nonradiative recombination losses, and enhanced charge extraction at the electron-selective contact. Solar cells showed open-circuit voltages of up to 1.28 volts in p-i-n single junctions and 2.00 volts in perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. The tandem cells achieve certified power conversion efficiencies of up to 32.5%.
Interface passivation for 31.25%-efficient perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells
Authors: Chin Xin Yu , Turkay Deniz , Steele Julian A. , Tabean Saba , Eswara Santhana , Mensi Mounir , Fiala Peter , Wolff Christian M. , Paracchino Adriana , Artuk Kerem , Jacobs Daniel , Guesnay Quentin , Sahli Florent , Andreatta Gaëlle , Boccard Mathieu , Jeangros Quentin , Ballif Christophe
Published: July 2023

Silicon solar cells are approaching their theoretical efficiency limit of 29%. This limitation can be exceeded with advanced device architectures, where two or more solar cells are stacked to improve the harvesting of solar energy. In this work, we devise a tandem device with a perovskite layer conformally coated on a silicon bottom cell featuring micrometric pyramids—the industry standard—to improve its photocurrent. Using an additive in the processing sequence, we regulate the perovskite crystallization process and alleviate recombination losses occurring at the perovskite top surface interfacing the electron-selective contact [buckminsterfullerene (C
60
)]. We demonstrate a device with an active area of 1.17 square centimeters, reaching a certified power conversion efficiency of 31.25%.
An improved bound on the electron’s electric dipole moment
Authors: Roussy Tanya S. , Caldwell Luke , Wright Trevor , Cairncross William B. , Shagam Yuval , Ng Kia Boon , Schlossberger Noah , Park Sun Yool , Wang Anzhou , Ye Jun , Cornell Eric A.
Published: July 2023

The imbalance of matter and antimatter in our Universe provides compelling motivation to search for undiscovered particles that violate charge-parity symmetry. Interactions with vacuum fluctuations of the fields associated with these new particles will induce an electric dipole moment of the electron (eEDM). We present the most precise measurement yet of the eEDM using electrons confined inside molecular ions, subjected to a huge intramolecular electric field, and evolving coherently for up to 3 seconds. Our result is consistent with zero and improves on the previous best upper bound by a factor of ~2.4. Our results provide constraints on broad classes of new physics above

10

13

electron volts, beyond the direct reach of the current particle colliders or those likely to be available in the coming decades.
Diet-microbe-host interaction in early life
Authors: Stewart Christopher J.
Published: July 2023

Breast milk bioactives are important for infant microbiome and immunity
An expanded view of transcription
Authors: Stasevich Timothy J. , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: July 2023

A new method expands chromatin to provide detailed images of transcription sites
In Other Journals
Authors: Seale Maddy , Vignieri Sacha , Ash Caroline , Ray L. Bryan , Smith Keith T. , Yeston Jake , Funk Michael A.
Published: July 2023

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Winning a Nobel Prize may be bad for your productivity
Authors: Shultz David
Published: July 2023

Fame and time commitments that come with the honor distract from continued research
Rare fossil implies deep roots for vertebrates
Authors: Heidt Amanda
Published: July 2023

Half-billion-year-old tunicate from western Utah “looks like it died yesterday”
Israel’s science-free schools for ultra-Orthodox Jews draw fire
Authors: Chabin Michele
Published: July 2023

Researchers criticize approval of new funding for religious schools without requirements for broader curriculum
New Resistance Mutations Linked to Decreased Susceptibility to Solithromycin in Streptococcus pneumoniae Revealed by Chemogenomic Screens
Authors: Gingras Hélène , Peillard-Fiorente Flora , Godin Chantal , Patron Kevin , Leprohon Philippe , Ouellette Marc
Published: July 2023

Two strains of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, one expressing the methyltransferase Erm(B) and the other negative for
erm
(B), were selected for solithromycin resistance
in vitro
either with direct drug selection or with chemical mutagenesis followed by drug selection. We obtained a series of mutants that we characterized by next-generation sequencing.
Nitrogen and sulfur cycling driven by Campylobacterota in the sediment–water interface of deep-sea cold seep: a case in the South China Sea
Authors: Sun Qing-lei , Xu Ke , Cao Lei , Du Zengfeng , Wang Minxiao , Sun Li
Published: July 2023

Chemoautotrophs within Campylobacterota, especially
Sulfurovum
and
Sulfurimonas
, are abundant in the seawater–sediment interface of the Formosa cold seep in the South China Sea. However, the
in situ
activity and function of Campylobacterota are unknown. In this study, the geochemical role of Campylobacterota in the Formosa cold seep was investigated with multiple means. Two members of
Sulfurovum
and
Sulfurimonas
were isolated for the first time from deep-sea cold seep. These isolates are new chemoautotrophic species that can use molecular hydrogen as an energy source and CO
2
as a sole carbon source. Comparative genomics identified an important hydrogen-oxidizing cluster in
Sulfurovum
and
Sulfurimonas
. Metatranscriptomic analysis detected high expression of hydrogen-oxidizing gene in the RS, suggesting that H
2
was likely an energy source in the cold seep. Genomic analysis indicated that the
Sulfurovum
and
Sulfurimonas
isolates possess a truncated sulfur-oxidizing system, and metatranscriptomic analysis revealed that
Sulfurovum
and
Sulfurimonas
with this genotype were active in the surface of RS and likely contributed to thiosulfate production. Furthermore, geochemical and
in situ
analyses revealed sharply decreased nitrate concentration in the sediment–water interface due to microbial consumption. Consistently, the denitrification genes of
Sulfurimonas
and
Sulfurovum
were highly expressed, suggesting an important contribution of these bacteria to nitrogen cycling. Overall, this study demonstrated that Campylobacterota played a significant role in the cycling of nitrogen and sulfur in a deep-sea cold seep.

IMPORTANCE

Chemoautotrophs within Campylobacterota, in particular
Sulfurovum
and
Sulfurimonas
, are ubiquitous in deep-sea cold seeps and hydrothermal vents. However, to date, no
Sulfurovum
or
Sulfurimonas
has been isolated from cold seeps, and the ecological roles of these bacteria in cold seeps remain to be investigated. In this study, we obtained two isolates of
Sulfurovum
and
Sulfurimonas
from Formosa cold seep, South China Sea. Comparative genomics, metatranscriptomics, geochemical analysis, and
in situ
experimental study indicated collectively that Campylobacterota played a significant part in nitrogen and sulfur cycling in cold seep and was the cause of thiosulfate accumulation and sharp reduction of nitrate level in the sediment–water interface. The findings of this study promoted our understanding of the
in situ
function and ecological role of deep-sea Campylobacterota.
Global analyses of biosynthetic gene clusters in phytobiomes reveal strong phylogenetic conservation of terpenes and aryl polyenes
Authors: Mukherjee Arijit , Tikariha Hitesh , Bandla Aditya , Pavagadhi Shruti , Swarup Sanjay
Published: July 2023

There are gaps in our understandings on how did the evolutionary relationships among members of the phytobiomes shape their ability to produce tremendously complex specialized metabolites under the influence of plant host. To determine these relationships, we investigated the phylogenetic conservation of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) on a global collection of 4,519 high-quality and nonredundant (out of 12,181) bacterial isolates and metagenome-assembled genomes from 47 different plant hosts and soil, by adopting three independent phylogenomic approaches (D-test, Pagel’s λ, and consenTRAIT). We report that the BGCs are phylogenetically conserved to varying strengths and depths in their different classes. We show that the ability to produce specialized metabolites qualifies as a complex trait, and the depth of conservation is equivalent to ecologically relevant complex microbial traits. Interestingly, terpene and aryl polyene BGCs had the strongest phylogenetic conservation in the phytobiomes, but not in the soil microbiomes. Furthermore, we showed that terpenes are largely uncharacterized in phytobiomes and pinpointed specific clades that harbor potentially novel terpenes. Taken together, this study sheds light on the evolution of specialized metabolites’ biosynthesis potential in phytobiomes under the influence of plant hosts and presents strategies to rationally guide the discovery of potentially novel classes of metabolites.

IMPORTANCE

This study expands our understandings of the biosynthetic potential of phytobiomes by using such worldwide and extensive collection of microbiomes from plants and soil. Apart from providing such vital resource for the plant microbiome researchers, this study provides fundamental insights into the evolution of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in phytobiomes under the influence of plant host. Specifically, we report that the strength of phylogenetic conservation in microbiomes varies for different classes of BGCs and is influenced as a result of plant host association. Furthermore, our results indicate that biosynthetic potential of specialized metabolites is deeply conserved equivalent to other complex and ecologically relevant microbial traits. Finally, for the most conserved class of specialized metabolites (terpenes), we identified clades harboring potentially novel class of molecules. Future studies could focus on plant–microbe coevolution and interactions through specialized metabolites building upon these findings.
Blockade-of-Binding Activities toward Envelope-Associated, Type-Specific Epitopes as a Correlative Marker for Dengue Virus-Neutralizing Antibody
Authors: Keelapang Poonsook , Kraivong Romchat , Pulmanausahakul Rojjanaporn , Sriburi Rungtawan , Prompetchara Eakachai , Kaewmaneephong Jutamart , Charoensri Nicha , Pakchotanon Pattarakul , Duangchinda Thaneeya , Suparattanagool Piyanan , Luangaram Prasit , Masrinoul Promsin , Mongkolsapaya Juthathip , Screaton Gavin , Ruxrungtham Kiat , Auewarakul Prasert , Yoksan Sutee , Malasit Prida , Puttikhunt Chunya , Ketloy Chutitorn , Sittisombut Nopporn
Published: July 2023

This study describes a blockade-of-binding assay for the determination of antibodies that recognize a selected set of serotype-specific or group-reactive epitopes in the envelope of dengue virus. By employing blood samples collected from dengue virus-infected or -immunized macaques, moderate to strong correlations of the epitope-blocking activities with the virus-neutralizing antibody titers were observed with serotype-specific blocking activities for each of the four dengue serotypes.
Urinary Plasmids Reduce Permissivity to Coliphage Infection
Authors: Montelongo Hernandez Cesar , Putonti Catherine , Wolfe Alan J.
Published: July 2023

The urinary tract contains a resident microbial community called the urinary microbiota or urobiota. Evidence exists that it is associated with human health.
Zircon age spectra to quantify magma evolution
Authors: Schmitt A.K. , Sliwinski J. , Caricchi L. , Bachmann O. , Riel N. , Kaus B.J.P. , Cisneros de Léon A. , Cornet J. , Friedrichs B. , Lovera O. , Sheldrake T. , Weber G.
Published: July 2023

The past decades have seen tremendous advances in analytical capabilities regarding the sensitivity, spatial selectivity, and instrumental precision of U-Th-Pb zircon geochronology. Along with improved zircon pretreatment to mitigate the effects of Pb-loss, these advancements have resulted in the emergence of U-Th-Pb dating as the most widely used geochronometer. In parallel, it became increasingly obvious that modern analytical techniques can resolve zircon age dispersal beyond instrumental uncertainties and that this dispersion cannot be attributed to Pb-loss or inheritance. Hence, there is a pressing need to refine statistical procedures for displaying and interpreting dispersed age data from volcanic and plutonic rocks, where zircon ages were traditionally assigned to the quasi-instantaneous events of eruption and magma emplacement, respectively. The ability to resolve zircon age spectra, which often range over timescales of 103–106 years, also offers new opportunities to monitor magmatic processes, because zircon crystallization directly relates to the temperature and composition of its host melt. This relation is, at least for typical subalkaline melt compositions, well calibrated by multiple zircon saturation experiments, although absolute saturation temperatures derived from them can vary by tens of degrees. Moreover, zircon saturation thermometry is supported by the trace element and isotopic inventory of zircon, which records the thermochemical and compositional evolution of melts at high fidelity. Here, we first review the properties of true zircon age spectra that are defined by a statistically robust overdispersion relative to analytical uncertainties. Secondly, we evaluate existing models and present new models that aim to quantitatively translate the properties of zircon age spectra into parameters controlling the longevity and thermal evolution of crustal magma bodies such as magma recharge flux and duration. These developing approaches, which aspire to capture all processes that affect the formation and dispersal of zircon in dynamic crustal magma systems, have the potential to foster an improved understanding of magmatism with implications for volcanic hazard assessment, geothermal energy uses, and the origins of ore deposits.
Supplemental Material: FTIR study of H2O in silicate minerals and mineral inclusions in chromite from the peridotite zone of the Stillwater complex (Montana, USA): Evidence for chromitite formation in an H2O-rich environment
Authors: Bai Yang , Su Ben-Xun , et al.
Published: July 2023

Table S1: Number, brief descriptions, and locations of the studied samples from the Stillwater complex. Table S2: Major-element compositions of silicate minerals in two types of inclusions and interstitial matrix. Table S3: Major-element concentrations of bulk inclusion and proposed parental magmas for the ultramafic series. Figure S1: Backscattered electron images showing the distribution of polymineralic inclusions in chromite from the Stillwater complex. Figure S2: Details of backscattered electron images showing morphology, texture, and mineral assemblage of polymineralic inclusions in chromite from the Stillwater complex. Figure S3: Details of backscattered electron images of single-phase inclusions occurring in margins of chromite grains. Figure S4: Cross-polarized photomicrographs for selected samples. Figure S5: Unpolarized infrared absorption spectra for olivine, orthopyroxene, and clinopyroxene from the Stillwater complex.
Therapeutic value of first versus supplemental indications of drugs in US and Europe (2011-20): retrospective cohort study
Authors: Vokinger Kerstin N , Glaus Camille E G , Kesselheim Aaron S , Serra-Burriel Miquel , Ross Joseph S , Hwang Thomas J
Published: July 2023

Objective

To analyze the therapeutic value of supplemental indications compared with first indications for drugs approved in the US and Europe.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

New and supplemental indications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) between 2011 and 2020.

Main outcome measures

Proportion of first and supplemental indications rated as having high therapeutic value using ratings from the French and German national, independent health authorities.

Results

The cohort study included 124 first and 335 supplemental indications approved by the FDA and 88 first and 215 supplemental indications approved by the EMA between 2011 and 2020; the largest subset was for cancer disorders. Therapeutic ratings were available for 107 (86%) first and 179 (53%) supplemental indications in the US and for 87 (99%) first and 184 (86%) supplemental indications in Europe. Among FDA approved indications with available ratings, 41% (44/107) had high therapeutic value ratings for first indications compared with 34% (61/179) for supplemental indications. In Europe, 47% (41/87) of first and 36% (67/184) of supplemental indications had high therapeutic value ratings. Among FDA approvals, when the sample was restricted to the first three approved indications, second indication approvals were 36% less likely to have a high value rating (relative ratio 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.43 to 0.96) and third indication approvals were 45% less likely (0.55, 0.29 to 1.01) compared with the first indication approval. Similar findings were observed for Europe and when weighting by the inverse number of indications for each drug.

Conclusions

The proportion of supplemental indications rated as having high therapeutic value was substantially lower than for first indications. When first or supplemental indications do not offer added therapeutic value over other available treatments, that information should be clearly communicated to patients and physicians and reflected in the price of the drugs.
Global and regional burden of attributable and associated bacterial antimicrobial resistance avertable by vaccination: modelling study
Authors: Kim Chaelin , Holm Marianne , Frost Isabel , Hasso-Agopsowicz Mateusz , Abbas Kaja
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat with 1.27 million and 4.95 million deaths attributable to and associated with bacterial AMR, respectively, in 2019. Our aim is to estimate the vaccine avertable bacterial AMR burden based on existing and future vaccines at the regional and global levels by pathogen and infectious syndromes.

Methods

We developed a static proportional impact model to estimate the vaccination impact on 15 bacterial pathogens in terms of reduction in age-specific AMR burden estimates for 2019 from the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance project in direct proportion to efficacy, coverage, target population for protection, and duration of protection of existing and future vaccines.

Results

The AMR burden avertable by vaccination in 2019 was highest for the WHO Africa and South-East Asia regions, for lower respiratory infections, tuberculosis, and bloodstream infections by infectious syndromes, and forMycobacterium tuberculosisandStreptococcus pneumoniaeby pathogen. In the baseline scenario for vaccination of primary age groups against 15 pathogens, we estimated vaccine-avertable AMR burden of 0.51 (95% UI 0.49–0.54) million deaths and 28 (27–29) million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) associated with bacterial AMR, and 0.15 (0.14–0.17) million deaths and 7.6 (7.1–8.0) million DALYs attributable to AMR globally in 2019. In the high-potential scenario for vaccination of additional age groups against seven pathogens, we estimated vaccine-avertable AMR burden of an additional 1.2 (1.18–1.23) million deaths and 37 (36–39) million DALYs associated with AMR, and 0.33 (0.32–0.34) million deaths and 10 (9.8–11) million DALYs attributable to AMR globally in 2019.

Conclusion

Increased coverage of existing vaccines and development of new vaccines are effective means to reduce AMR, and this evidence should inform the full value of vaccine assessments.
Initial opioid prescription characteristics and risk of opioid misuse, poisoning and dependence: retrospective cohort study
Authors: García-Sempere Aníbal , Hurtado Isabel , Robles Celia , Llopis-Cardona Fran , Sánchez-Saez Francisco , Rodriguez-Bernal Clara , Peiró-Moreno Salvador , Sanfélix-Gimeno Gabriel
Published: July 2023

Objective

To identify individual and initial prescription-related factors associated with an increased risk for opioid-related misuse, poisoning and dependence (MPD) in patients with non-cancer pain.

Methods

Cohort study linking several databases covering 5 million inhabitants of the region of Valencia, Spain, including all adults initiating prescription opioids in the period 2012–2018. To ascertain the association between the characteristics of the initial prescription choice and the risk of opioid MPD, we used shared frailty Cox regression models. We additionally considered death as a competing risk in sensitivity analyses.

Results

958 019 patients initiated opioid prescription from 2012 to 2018, of which 0.13% experienced MPD. Most patients were prescribed tramadol as initial opioid (76.7%) followed by codeine (16.3%), long-acting opioids (6.7%), short-acting opioids (0.2%) and ultrafast opioids (0.1%). Initiation with ultrafast (HR 7.2; 95% CI 4.1 to 12.6), short-acting (HR 4.8; 95% CI 2.3 to 10.2) and long-acting opioids (HR 1.5; 95% CI 1.2 to 1.9) were associated with a higher risk of MPD when compared with tramadol. Initial prescriptions covering 4–7 days (HR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.8), 8–14 days (HR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.9), 15–30 days (HR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.3) and more than one a month (HR 1.8; 95% CI 1.3 to 2.5) were associated with more MPD risk than initial prescriptions for 1–3 days. Treatments with >120 daily morphine milligram equivalents (MME) increased MPD risk (vs <50 MME, HR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.2). Main individual factors associated with increased risk of MPD risk were male sex (HR 2.4; 95% CI 2.1 to 2.7), younger age (when compared with patients aged 18–44 years, patients aged 45–64 years, HR 0.4; 95% CI 0.4 to 0.5; patients aged 65–74 years, HR 0.4; 95% CI 0.3 to 0.5 and patients aged 75 years old and over, HR 0.7; 95% CI 0.6 to 0.8), lack of economic resources (2.1; 95% CI 1.8 to 2.5) and registered misuse of alcohol (2.9; 95% CI 2.4 to 3.5). Sensitivity analyses yielded overall comparable results.

Conclusions

Our study identifies riskier patterns of opioid prescription initiation for non-cancer indications, as well as patient subgroups with higher risk of misuse, poisoning and dependence.
Bacterial contamination of endoscopist and assistant face visors during gastrointestinal endoscopy: a pilot study
Authors: Nylander David , Leeds John , Perry John , Narayanan Manjusha , Dipper Chris , Gunn Mel , Nayar Manu , Speight Ally , Oppong Kofi W
Published: July 2023

Background and aim

During the COVID-19 pandemic, health workers’ facial exposure to pathogens has been brought into focus. In this study, we aimed to determine the occurrence and degree of facial contamination to both endoscopists and their assistants during endoscopic procedures to help inform future safety measures.

Methods

Non-sterile visors worn by endoscopist, assistant and room control visors from 50 procedures were swabbed post procedure for culture. Procedure type, therapy, duration and evidence of visible visor contamination were recorded. After 48-hour incubation, all bacterial colonies were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Organisms were classified into skin/environmental, oronasal and enteric.

Results

A total of 104 visors were available for assessment (93 staff; 11 control). In worn visors, skin/environmental flora were isolated from 70, oronasal flora from 8, and enteric flora from 3 with an average colony count of >9.5. Notably, bacteria of enteric origin (Escherichia coliandEnterobacter cloacae) were isolated from three worn visors. In room control, skin/environmental flora were isolated from seven and oronasal flora from one with average colony count of five. No room control visors grew enteric flora. Overall, 9.1% room control and 10.8% worn visors were contaminated with organisms that could possibly have originated from patients. However, enteric flora were only obtained from worn visors. No visors were visibly contaminated.

Conclusion

This pilot study demonstrates risk of contamination to faces of endoscopists and assistants. Larger studies are required to determine degree of risk and to give guidance on facial protection during gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Updated definition of pulmonary hypertension and outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Cardaioli Francesco , Nai Fovino Luca , Fabris Tommaso , Masiero Giulia , Arturi Federico , Trevisanello Aurora , Zuccarelli Vittorio , Napodano Massimo , Fraccaro Chiara , Continisio Saverio , Tarantini Giuseppe
Published: July 2023

Objective

The European Society of Cardiology guidelines have recently defined new cut-offs for pulmonary hypertension (PH) and pulmonary vasculature resistance (PVR; median pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) >20 instead of 25 mm Hg and PVR >2 instead of 3 Wood unit). The prognostic value of this updated classification after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is unknown.

Methods

579 consecutive patients treated by TAVI with preprocedural right heart catheterisation evaluation were included. Patients were grouped as: (1) no PH, (2) isolated precapillary/combined (I-PreC/Co) PH and (3) isolated postcapillary PH (I-PoC). All-cause death, cardiovascular death and hospitalisations for heart failure (HF) were evaluated at follow-up. We also analysed the prognostic role of residual postprocedural PH.

Results

Out of 579 patients, 299 (52%) had PH according to the new criteria compared with 185 (32%) according to the previous ones. Overall median age was 82 years, while 55.3% patients were male. Patients with PH were more frequently diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atrial fibrillation and were characterised by higher surgical risk as compared with patients without PH.

At a median follow-up of 2.9 years, the presence of PH according to previous definition was associated with worse survival (p<0.001) and HF hospitalisation (p=0.002) rates, irrespective of PVR values. With newer cut-offs, PH was associated with worse outcomes only in patients with increased PVR, while no differences were found between patients with PH and normal PVR values and those without PH. Postprocedural mPAP normalisation was observed in 45% of the cases, but it was associated with improved long-term survival only in the I-PoC PH group.

Conclusions

New ESC PH cut-offs increased the number of PH diagnoses. The presence of PH, particularly in the setting of increased PVR, identify patients at higher risk for postprocedural mortality and rehospitalisation. Normalisation of PH was associated with better survival only in I-PoC group.