bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of peptidoglycan hydrolases in the formation and toxicity ofPseudomonas aeruginosamembrane vesicles
Authors: Chen Yi-Chi , Kalawong Ratchara , Toyofuku Masanori , Eberl Leo
Published: June 2022

Bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) have been reported to kill other bacteria. In the case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa the bactericidal activity has been attributed to an unidentified 26 kDa peptidoglycan (PG) hydrolase that is associated with MVs and gives rise to a lytic band on zymograms using murein sacculi as substrate. In this study, we employed a proteomics approach to show that this PG hydrolase is the AmphD3 amidase. The analysis of an amphD3 mutant as well as of an AmphD3 overexpression derivative revealed that this enzyme is not required for the bactericidal activity of P. aeruginosa MVs but is involved in cell wall recycling and thus protects the cell against PG damage. Another 23 kDa PG hydrolase, which we observed on zymograms of SOS-induced MVs, was identified as the endolysin Lys, which triggers explosive cell lysis but is shown to be dispensable for MV-mediated killing. We conclude that the lytic activities observed on zymograms do not correlate with the bactericidal potential of MVs. We demonstrate that P. aeruginosa MVs are enriched for several autolysins, suggesting that the predatory activity of MVs depends on the combined action of different murein hydrolases.
Methods to monitor bacterial growth and replicative rates at the single-cell level
Authors: Marro Florian C , Laurent Frédéric , Josse Jérôme , Blocker Ariel J
Published: June 2022

The heterogeneity of bacterial growth and replicative rates within a population was proposed a century ago notably to explain the presence of bacterial persisters. The term “growth rate” at the single-cell level corresponds to the increase in size or mass of an individual bacterium while the “replicative rate” refers to its division capacity within a defined temporality. After a decades long hiatus, recent technical innovative approaches allow population growth and replicative rates heterogeneity monitoring at the single-cell level resuming in earnest. Among these techniques, the oldest and widely used is time-lapse microscopy, most recently combined with microfluidics. We also discuss recent fluorescence dilution methods informing only on replicative rates and best suited. Some new elegant single cell methods so far only sporadically used such as buoyant mass measurement and stable isotope probing have emerged. Overall, such tools are widely used to investigate and compare the growth and replicative rates of bacteria displaying drug-persistent behaviors to that of bacteria growing in specific ecological niches or collected from patients. In this review, we describe the current methods available, discussing both the type of queries these have been used to answer and the specific strengths and limitations of each method.
Identifying Factors Affecting the Sustainability of the STAR-VA Program in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Adjognon Omonyêlé L , Sullivan Jennifer L , Pendergast Jacquelyn , Wray Laura O , Curyto Kimberly
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives

Sustained implementation of new programs in complex care systems like nursing homes is challenging. This prospective qualitative evaluation examined factors affecting the sustainability of the Staff Training in Assisted Living Residences in Veterans Health Administration (STAR-VA) program in Veterans Health Administration (VA) Community Living Centers (CLC, i.e., nursing homes). STAR-VA is an evidence-based interdisciplinary, resident-centered, behavioral approach for managing distress behaviors in dementia.

Evaluation Design and Methods

In 2019, we conducted 39 semistructured phone interviews with STAR-VA key informants across 20 CLCs. We identified a priori themes based on the Organizational Memory Framework, which includes 7 Knowledge Reservoirs (KRs): people, routines, artifacts, relationships, organizational information space, culture, and structure. We conducted content-directed analysis of transcripts to identify factors to program sustainment.

Results

We identified 9 sustainment facilitators across KRs: engaged site leaders and champions, regular meetings and trainings, written documentation and resources, regular and open communication, available educational tools (e.g., handouts and posters), adequate spaces, leadership support on many levels, staff buy-in across disciplines, and staff competencies and recognition. Ten barriers across KRs included: staffing concerns, inconsistent/inefficient routines, inconsistent documentation, lack of written policies, communication gaps, nonstandardized use of tools, constraints with meeting spaces and regulations on posting information, limited leadership support, division among staff, and missing performance expectations.

Discussion and Implications

Findings inform tailored strategies for optimizing STAR-VA program sustainment in CLCs, including the development of a sustained implementation guide, implementation resources, regional communities of practice, and STAR-VA integration into national CLC quality improvement routines for team communication and problem-solving.
The National Health Policy for people with disabilities in Brazil: an analysis of the content, context and the performance of social actors
Authors: Lyra Tereza Maciel , Veloso de Albuquerque Maria Socorro , Santos de Oliveira Raquel , Morais Duarte Miranda Gabriella , Andréa de Oliveira Márcia , Eduarda Carvalho Maria , Fernandes Santos Helena , Penn-Kekana Loveday , Kuper Hannah
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this article is to analyse the circumstances in which the National Health Policy for Persons with Disabilities (PNSPCD) came into place in 2002 and the factors supporting or impeding its implementation from 2002 to 2018. The analysis was based on the Comprehensive Policy Analysis Model proposed by Walt and Gilson and focussed on understanding the context, process, content and actors involved in the formulation and implementation of the Policy. Data were obtained from two sources: document analysis of the key relevant documents and seven key informant interviews. Content analysis was undertaken using the Condensation of Meanings technique. The research demonstrates that the development and implementation of PNSPCD is marked by advances and retreats, determined, above all, by national and international macro-political decisions. The policy was formulated during Fernando Henrique’s governments, under pressure from social movements and the international agenda and constituted a breakthrough for the rights of persons with disabilities. However, progress on implementation only took place under subsequent centre-left governments with the establishment of a care network for people with disabilities and a defined specific budget. These developments resulted from the mobilization of social movements, the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the rights of people with disabilities and the adherence of these governments to the human rights agenda. The coming to power of ultra-right governments triggered fiscal austerity, a setback in the implementation of the care network and a weakening in the content of various social policies related to the care of people with disabilities. During this era, the political approach changed, with the attempt to evade the role of the State, and the perspective of guaranteeing social rights. Undoubtedly, the neoliberal offensive on social policies, especially the Unified Health System, is the main obstacle to the effective implementation of the PNPCD in Brazil.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated fine-tuning of miRNA expression in tetraploid potato
Authors: Lukan Tjaša , Veillet Florian , Križnik Maja , Coll Anna , Mahkovec Povalej Tjaša , Pogačar Karmen , Stare Katja , Chauvin Laura , Chauvin Jean-Eric , Gruden Kristina
Published: June 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs, which modulate the abundance and spatiotemporal accumulation of target mRNAs at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and through that play important roles in several biological processes in plants. Here we show that in polyploid species, CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used for fine-tuning of miRNA expression, which can have broader range of applications compared to knock-out mutants. We established the complete pipeline for CRISPR-Cas9-mediated modulation of miRNA expression in potato. It consists of (1) design and assembly of dual sgRNA CRISPR/Cas9 constructs, (2) transient transfection of protoplasts following fast and efficient screening by high resolution melting analysis to select functional sgRNAs, and (3) stable transformation of potato explants with functional sgRNAs and selection of regenerated transgenic lines with desired mutations and desired miRNA abundance based on sequencing and RT-qPCR. We show that miRNA-editing using dual sgRNA approach results in different types of mutations among transgenic lines but also in different alleles of the same plant, which are target site-dependent. The most frequent were short deletions, but we also detected 1-nt insertions (T or G), deletions between two sgRNAs and larger deletions. miRNA abundance correlates with the frequency and type of introduced mutations, as more extensive mutations in more alleles result in lower miRNA abundance. Interestingly, some mutated loci can generate alternative miRNAs, now novel targets were however predicted for those. In all transgenic lines with Cas9 expression, we detected mutations, suggesting high efficiency of Cas9-editing. We confirmed the miRNA-editing efficiency of our optimised approach in two different potato genotypes and three different loci.
O-209 Separating spermatozoa from debris, non-germ and red blood cells during differential centrifugation as a new effective approach of sperm recovery from surgically-retrieved specimens
Authors: Zakharova E , Zaletova V
Published: June 2022

Study question

What is a more efficient method to separate spermatozoa from debris, non-germ and red blood cells in surgically-retrieved testicular and epididymal specimens?

Summary answer

The newly method  based on differential centrifugation is able to recover a pure fraction of spermatozoa from the supernatant; no sperm are contaminated with sediment.

What is known already

Conventional methods of processing testicular and epididymal specimens are based on simple washing so that spermatozoa are contaminated with non-germ cells, large numbers of red blood cells and debris and  difficult to identify and recover from the sediment. Thus, even if the sample contains spermatozoa, it is not always possible to recover and use them for ICSI. The newly method is based on differential centrifugation, which has never been used for sperm before. Cell particles are separated according to their sedimentation rate so that spermatozoa remain in the  supernatant, whereas the sediment with extra cells and debris is removed.

Study design, size, duration

A total of 223 testicular open biopsies with microdissection (micro-TESE) was performed in patients with NOA. The recovered spermatozoa were used to fertilize the fresh spouse's oocytes (synchronous IVF cycle) and/or cryopreserved ones for delayed transfer in the IVF/ICSI program (non-synchronous IVF cycle). Surplus embryos obtained in IVF programs were cryopreserved for delayed transfer in the FET (frozen-thawed embryo transfer) programs.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The biopsy material was first processed mechanically. In all cases, the further processing of cell suspensions was carried out by differential centrifugation, with parameters of force and time set individually (on average 200-350 g for 1-2 min, 8-12 times).

Main results and the role of chance

The microscopic examination of  cell suspensions, mechanically processed, revealed at least one spermatozoon in all fields of view in 89 patients (39.9%). The further processing of cell suspensions by differential centrifugation was 100% efficient: spermatozoa for ICSI were recovered from the testicular sample in all the 89 cases. Pregnancy occurred in 47 out of 89 patients, in 147 ART cycles (52.8% per patient, 31.9% per ART cycle).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Not applicable

Wider implications of the findings

The newly proposed method of processing cell suspensions for spermatozoa recovery is based on differential centrifugation and allows obtaining male germ cells from biopsy samples and using them for fertilization, especially if they are critically low in number and conventional methods for sperm recovery do no work or are inefficient.

Trial registration number

not applicable
P-349 European Atlas of fertility treatment policies - education and advocacy tool
Authors: Fincham A , Davidashvili M , Kordic K , Rautakallio-Hokkanen S , Bye K , Balaban-Kasztelanski O , Datta N
Published: June 2022

Study question

What are the fertility treatment policies regulating access to treatment in various European countries?

Summary answer

The fertility treatment policies are very diverse in European countries and access for patients is unequal.

What is known already

The data presented in the Atlas is based on ESHRE Survey on ART and IUI: legislation, regulation, funding and registries in European countries and published on ESHRE websites, but difficult to understand and compare.

Study design, size, duration

The Atlas selected criteria of regulation and funding of fertility treatments in 43 European countries and attributed points to them in order to assess access for patients. The assessment was done to illustrate the access to treatment for the patients in various European countries. The number of points for all the criteria defined if the country is green (good access), orange (needs improvement) or red (poor) on the map.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The Atlas is prepared by Fertility Europe and Europan Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights. The data presented in the Atlas is based on ESHRE Survey on ART and IUI: legislation, regulation, funding and registries in European countries with updates from ESHRE and national patients' associations.

Main results and the role of chance

The Atlas presents that regulation and funding of fertility treatments in 43 European countries is very diverse and often based on non-medical principles. The selection and assessment was done to illustrate the access to treatment for the patients in various European countries. Presenting the country in traffic-colour green (good access), orange (needs improvement or red (poor) on the map makes this Atlas a great tool to educate the patients and the policymakers and advocate for changes.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The selection of criteria to simplify the picture reduces the accuracy of the assessment. Several criteria couldn't be included as more research is needed to assess what would be their best regulation.

Wider implications of the findings

The Atlas defines patients' views on good regulations and policies and can become a guide for the policymakers and for the medical specialists on following the patients' needs in fertility treatments.

Trial registration number

not applicable
P-059 Effect of outcome of microfluidic sperm sorter and conventional swim-up technique on DNA integrity of the sperm
Authors: Brahmbhatt N , Mishra V , Aggrawal R , Chaudhary S , Shah K , Priya P , Solanki S , Sheth H , Patel K , Suthar A , Patel K , Repswal P , Dongare A
Published: June 2022

Study question

Does the approach of sperm preparation technique plays any role in sperm DNA Integrity

Summary answer

Outcome of the semen sample is directly proportional to the choice of preparation technique. Microfluidics improves sperm selection and results in better sperm DNA integrity

What is known already

Microfluidic systems are promising tools for fluid manipulation that can noninvasively separate motile sperm with higher hydrodynamics profile from the lower ones. It also enables to manipulate micro swimmers as compared to the traditional methods that to without centrifugation .As it is already known that Semen analysis and preparation is one of the most important aspects in andrology and microfluidics can improve sperm analysis and selection, therefore increasing the ART success rates

Study design, size, duration

Comparative study from July 2019 to Dec 2021 in IVF unit of IKDRC Hospital .A total number of 900 patients were enrolled in the study and were randomized by using computer generated list then divided into two groups, Group A contains 460 samples and Group B having 440 samples.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Group A (n = 460) sample was prepared by using Microfluidic sperm Sorting technique and Group B (n = 440) sample was prepared by conventional Swim up technique. Samples were analyzed according to WHO 2010 laboratory manual for examination and processing of human sperm, including all normozoospermic samples. Primary outcomes of the study was DNA Fragmentation index (DFI) and it was evaluated by using sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test and secondary outcomes was Progressive motility .

Main results and the role of chance

DNA fragmentation index is significantly lower in group A where Microfluidic Sperm Sorting technique (MFSS )is used than in group B where conventional swim up technique is use (10.06% vs 34.2%, p<0.0001) significant values implies that DNA integrity is better in group A than in group B and progressive motility was also found to be significantly higher in group A as compared to group B (57.6%vs16.9%, p <0.001).

Limitations, reasons for caution

As sample size was smaller, larger randomized control studies are needed to strengthen these results and all normal samples were used for the analysis and preparation , abnormal parameters were not involved .

Wider implications of the findings

According to our study the samples prepared by Microfluidic technique have higher DNA integrity than samples prepared by Swim up technique. Lower DNA Fragmentation index in microfluidics outcome indicates lower DNA damage. Choice of technique for the preparation of semen sample also plays a key role in better sperm selection.

Trial registration number

N/A
P-378 Effect of luteinized unruptured follicle on the pregnancy outcomes of single high-quality frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycles
Authors: Zheng Q , Mo M , Zhang H , Xu S , Wang X , Zeng Y
Published: June 2022

Study question

Does luteinized unruptured follicle affect the clinical outcome of natural cycles for single high-quality frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FBT) cycles?

Summary answer

Luteinized unruptured follicle negatively affects the pregnancy outcomes of single high-quality FBT.

What is known already

Recent evidence revealed that natural ovulation cycle with a corpus luteum for frozen-thawed embryo transfer is superior to hormone replacing therapy cycle in preventing early miscarriage and preeclampsia. However, it remains controversial whether a luteinized unruptured follicle of the natural cycle affect the pregnancy outcomes of FBT.

Study design, size, duration

This was a retrospective cohort study comparing the pregnancy outcomes of singe high-quality FBT among 283 cases of LUF cycles and 1083 cases of ovulation cycles between January 2015 to December 2020 in a private fertility center. The study was approved by the hospital's Ethics Committee.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

A natural cycle for FBT was performed for all included patients, and was categorized into LUF or ovulation group based on the continuously monitoring of transvaginal ultrasound. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for important confounders. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Main results and the role of chance

Compared to ovulation group, the LUF group was associated with higher proportion of female indication of IVF treatment. There were no statistically significant differences regarding the parental age at oocyte retrieval, body mass index (BMI), cycle rank, infertility duration, proportion of nulliparity and fertilization method, endometrial thickness, and estrogen levels. P levers were higher in the ovulation group than those of LUF (P =0.028). Logistic regression indicated that after controlling for potential confounders, ovulation group was associated with higher incidence of ongoing pregnancy (aOR 1.460, 95% CI: 1.107-1.924) and live birth (aOR 1.455, 95% CI: 1.102-1.919). Ovulation group also had higher clinical pregnancy rate (aOR 1.255, 95% CI: 0.952-1.656) and lower early miscarriage rate (aOR 0.654, 95% CI: 0.394-1.087), but not reach statistical significance. Our results suggested that LUF negatively affected pregnancy outcomes of single high-quality FBT.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The primary limitation of this study was its retrospective nature, and it was difficult to distinguish some confounding factors.

Wider implications of the findings

Clinicians should counsel couples about the negative effect of LUF on the pregnancy outcome of FBT, particularly for those with few high-quality embryos.

Trial registration number

2018YFC1003900/2018YFC1003904, SZSM201502035
Introduction and Establishment of SARS-CoV-2 Gamma Variant in New York City in Early 2021
Authors: Vasylyeva Tetyana I , Fang Courtney E , Su Michelle , Havens Jennifer L , Parker Edyth , Wang Jade C , Zeller Mark , Yakovleva Anna , Hassler Gabriel W , Chowdhury Moinuddin A , Andersen Kristian G , Hughes Scott , Wertheim Joel O
Published: June 2022

Background

Monitoring the emergence and spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants is an important public health objective. We investigated how the Gamma variant was established in New York City (NYC) in early 2021 in the presence of travel restrictions that aimed to prevent viral spread from Brazil, the country where the variant was first identified.

Methods

We performed phylogeographic analysis on 15 967 Gamma sequences sampled between 10 March and 1 May 2021, to identify geographic sources of Gamma lineages introduced into NYC. We identified locally circulating Gamma transmission clusters and inferred the timing of their establishment in NYC.

Results

We identified 16 phylogenetically distinct Gamma clusters established in NYC (cluster sizes ranged 2–108 genomes); most of them were introduced from Florida and Illinois and only 1 directly from Brazil. By the time the first Gamma case was reported by genomic surveillance in NYC on 10 March, the majority (57%) of circulating Gamma lineages had already been established in the city for at least 2 weeks.

Conclusions

Although travel from Brazil to the United States was restricted from May 2020 through the end of the study period, this restriction did not prevent Gamma from becoming established in NYC as most introductions occurred from domestic locations.
Assessing the Old-Growth Dependency of Two Saproxylic Beetle Species in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Authors: Traylor Clayton R , Caterino Michael S , Ulyshen Michael D , Ferro Michael L , McHugh Joseph V
Published: June 2022

The southern Appalachian Mountains were intensively logged during the early 1900s, leaving little remaining old-growth forest. Much of the region is now second-growth forest, which may not be suitable to specialist saproxylic species. Moreover, if suitable habitat exists, poorly dispersing species may not be able to colonize it. To investigate this, we assessed the distribution and old-growth dependency of two low-mobility saproxylic beetles in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Using both field surveys and community science data, we found Megalodacne heros (Say 1823) (Coleoptera: Erotylidae) to be limited to lower elevations regardless of disturbance history, while Phellopsis obcordata (Kirby 1837) (Coleoptera: Zopheridae) was restricted to inside or near old-growth forests. Although trees were generally smaller in second-growth, we detected no habitat limitation for P. obcordata: fungal hosts were present in second-growth areas and the beetle was present on trees as small as 11 cm in diameter. This suggests its distribution is shaped by its low dispersal capability and need for temporal continuity of deadwood habitat, therefore qualifying it as an indicator species. For P. obcordata, old-growth acted as refugia during landscape-wide, anthropogenic disturbances in the early 1900s, though we can draw no conclusions about M. heros from our dataset. The difference in sensitivity to human disturbance displayed between species may be linked to their relative dispersal abilities: P. obcordata is entirely flightless while M. heros is capable of some flight. This study highlights the value of using saproxylic invertebrates with limited dispersal ability for assessing impacts from anthropogenic forest disturbances.
Novel small molecules that increase the susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to cationic antimicrobial peptides by inhibiting lipid A phosphoethanolamine transferase
Authors: Mullally Christopher , Stubbs Keith A , Thai Van C , Anandan Anandhi , Bartley Stephanie , Scanlon Martin J , Jarvis Gary A , John Constance M , Lim Katherine Y L , Sullivan Courtney M , Sarkar-Tyson Mitali , Vrielink Alice , Kahler Charlene M
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an exclusively human pathogen that commonly infects the urogenital tract resulting in gonorrhoea. Empirical treatment of gonorrhoea with antibiotics has led to multidrug resistance and the need for new therapeutics. Inactivation of lipooligosaccharide phosphoethanolamine transferase A (EptA), which attaches phosphoethanolamine to lipid A, results in attenuation of the pathogen in infection models. Small molecules that inhibit EptA are predicted to enhance natural clearance of gonococci via the human innate immune response.

Methods

A library of small-fragment compounds was tested for the ability to enhance susceptibility of the reference strain N. gonorrhoeae FA1090 to polymyxin B. The effect of these compounds on lipid A synthesis and viability in models of infection were tested.

Results

Three compounds, 135, 136 and 137, enhanced susceptibility of strain FA1090 to polymyxin B by 4-fold. Pre-treatment of bacterial cells with all three compounds resulted in enhanced killing by macrophages. Only lipid A from bacterial cells exposed to compound 137 showed a 17% reduction in the level of decoration of lipid A with phosphoethanolamine by MALDI-TOF MS analysis and reduced stimulation of cytokine responses in THP-1 cells. Binding of 137 occurred with higher affinity to purified EptA than the starting material, as determined by 1D saturation transfer difference NMR. Treatment of eight MDR strains with 137 increased susceptibility to polymyxin B in all cases.

Conclusions

Small molecules have been designed that bind to EptA, inhibit addition of phosphoethanolamine to lipid A and can sensitize N. gonorrhoeae to killing by macrophages.
Clinical study applying machine learning to detect a rare disease: results and lessons learned
Authors: Hersh William R , Cohen Aaron M , Nguyen Michelle M , Bensching Katherine L , Deloughery Thomas G
Published: June 2022

Machine learning has the potential to improve identification of patients for appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment, including those who have rare diseases for which effective treatments are available, such as acute hepatic porphyria (AHP). We trained a machine learning model on 205 571 complete electronic health records from a single medical center based on 30 known cases to identify 22 patients with classic symptoms of AHP that had neither been diagnosed nor tested for AHP. We offered urine porphobilinogen testing to these patients via their clinicians. Of the 7 who agreed to testing, none were positive for AHP. We explore the reasons for this and provide lessons learned for further work evaluating machine learning to detect AHP and other rare diseases.
Wealth in People and Places: Understanding Transnational Gift Obligations
Authors: Appau Samuelson , Crockett David
Published: June 2022

In some cultures, migrants bear an obligation to bring gifts from the foreign country for their relations when returning to their homeland. Why, and to what end? We examine the reasons for these transnational gift obligations in a multisite study of Ghanaian migrants in the United States and Australia, as well as people in Ghana with migrant relations living overseas. We adopt a wealth-centered perspective that problematizes the underexplored mutual impact of migrants and their gifts on social hierarchies within societies and transnational spatial hierarchies between societies. We show how the concepts of wealth in people and wealth in place connect with local gift economies to explain transnational gifting obligations. Specifically, informants use transnational gifts that embody wealth in place to acknowledge “being wealth” to people and to acquire wealth in others. We highlight the wealth in things that are exchanged as gift objects and the wealth in people who are exchanged as gift subjects between here and there. Our findings implicate a “glocal” gift economy that results from the global flows of things and people as gifts within transnational places of differing statuses. We discuss how this glocal gift economy (re)produces transnational spatial hierarchies and local (national) status hierarchies.
On or Off Track: How (Broken) Streaks Affect Consumer Decisions
Authors: Silverman Jackie , Barasch Alixandra
Published: June 2022

New technologies increasingly enable consumers to track their behaviors over time, making them more aware of their “streaks”—behaviors performed consecutively three or more times—than ever before. Our research explores how these logged streaks affect consumers’ decisions to engage in the same behavior subsequently. In seven studies, we find that intact streaks highlighted via behavioral logs increase consumers’ subsequent engagement in that behavior, relative to when broken streaks are highlighted. Importantly, this effect is independent of actual past behavior and depends solely on how that behavior is represented within the log. This is because consumers consider maintaining a logged streak to be a meaningful goal in and of itself. In line with this theory, the effect of intact (vs. broken) logged streaks is amplified when consumers attribute a break in the streak to themselves rather than to external factors, and attenuated when consumers can “repair” a broken streak. Our research provides actionable insights for companies seeking to benefit from highlighting consumers’ streaks in various consequential domains (e.g., fitness, learning) without incurring a cost (e.g., reduced engagement or abandonment) when those streaks are broken.
Living With the Flu: Public Health and Civic Life During the Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1918
Authors: Dicke Tom
Published: June 2022

Most studies of how United States cities responded to the first deadly wave of Spanish influenza focus on the ways public health officials and their allies reacted to the crisis. This study expands our understanding of the pandemic by focusing on how members of the public responded to those efforts to contain the flu. It does so through a close look at social and civil life in a small city in the southern Midwest during the thirty-two days the flu was epidemic there. Shifting the focus in this way brings previously obscured gaps in the public health response into the light. Specifically, this study finds that while compliance in most areas was high there were two places where it was low: activities in support of American involvement in the European War, and participation in social or civic activities. From the first day of the epidemic to the last the society pages of the local newspapers reported a stream of activities that clearly violated emergency measures. Despite the ban on public gatherings, social clubs, fraternal societies, and civic groups all regularly met. The local college football team practiced, and people continued to turn out for weddings, funerals, birthday parties, dinner parties, and extended visits from out-of-town friends and family. With one possible exception, none of the social or civic activities were carried out as protests against health regulations. Instead local newspapers reported these activities as items of social interest.
Patterns of labral tears and cartilage injury are different in femoroacetabular impingement and dysplasia
Authors: Cho Yoon-Je , Rhyu Kee-Hyung , Chun Young-Soo , Kim Myung-Seo
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to assess injury patterns and risk factors of the acetabular labrum and associated cartilage in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) versus dysplasia. We retrospectively reviewed 137 patients diagnosed with labral tears and FAI or dysplasia (74 or 63 cases, respectively) through an arthroscopic procedure. Labral and concomitant cartilage injuries were evaluated. Demographics and radiological variables [lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), anterior center-edge angle, acetabular index (AI), acetabular version and alpha angle] were evaluated as risk factors for labral and cartilage injuries. Detachment of acetabular cartilage with intact labro-cartilaginous junction was the most common in dysplasia, whereas cartilage delamination from the labro-cartilaginous junction was more common in FAI (P < 0.001). A higher body mass index was significantly associated with delamination injury in FAI (odds ratio 1.226; 95% CI 1.043–1.441; P = 0.013). A significant correlation was evident between detachment injury and a larger AI in dysplasia (odds ratio 1.127; 95% CI 1.000–1.270; P = 0.049). In addition, symptom duration was positively correlated with the extent of labral tearing in FAI (P = 0.013), whereas the smaller LCEA was correlated with the larger extent of labral tearing in dysplasia (P = 0.044). FAI and dysplasia patients exhibited different labral and cartilage injury patterns. Increased body mass index was correlated with delamination injury in FAI, whereas an increased AI was associated with detachment injury in dysplasia. Greater tearing was associated with a longer symptom duration in FAI, and a decreased LCEA was a risk factor for the extent of tearing in dysplasia.

Level of evidence

Level III. Case–control study.
Geographies of Shame: Diachronic and Transnational Shame in Forced Migrants with Experiences of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Authors: Papoutsi Anna , Phillimore Jenny , Akyüz Selin , Bradby Hannah , Goodson Lisa , Vaughan Cathy
Published: June 2022

This article investigates the shame that forced migrants bear because of experiences of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Using data from the UK, Turkey, Sweden, and Australia, we focus on shame experienced by women and LGBTQIA+ forced migrants throughout their journey, across borders and cultures. We propose three key ways to understand the complexities of shame from an experiential, temporal, and spatial perspective. First, we discuss how shame, often relating to family honour and stemming from survivors’ experiences in their home country, travels with them over time and space. We then move on to illustrate how prolonged and/or delayed feelings of shame impact on survivors’ self-confidence, self-worth, and trust in people and institutions. Finally, we consider the specific challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals face and how shame affected their settlement prospects. We argue that the SGBV experiences of forced migrants and the associated shame transcend time and space, forming landscapes of transnational and diachronic shame. Our analysis underlines the need for gender and sexuality-sensitive services for forced migrants in countries of refuge, which take into account potential ongoing effects of experiences of violence.
Perioperative management of a patient with a giant thyroglossal duct cyst: a case report
Authors: Iwasa Yoh-ichiro , Hori Kentaro , Hiramatsu Ken , Yokota Yoh , Kitano Tomohiro , Kitoh Ryosuke , Takumi Yutaka
Published: June 2022

Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) are the most common type of congenital neck masses, which generally present in young adults. We present a rare case of a giant TGDC in a 77-year-old patient who required atypical perioperative management. The patient presented with a large soft mass on his anterior neck. Computed tomography showed a lobulated cystic mass measuring 18 × 16 cm, extending from the tongue base to the inferior level of the clavicle. Because difficult intubation was expected, the cyst was punctured and most of the fluid was drained prior to surgery. The swelling of the tongue base was remarkably reduced, and intubation was performed safely. The cyst was extracted using the Sistrunk procedure and tracheotomy was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of TGDC. Preoperative volume reduction of the cyst and tracheotomy should be considered for oral intubation and postoperative airway management, respectively, in patients with large TGDC.
N-terminal modifications, the associated processing machinery, and their evolution in plastid-containing organisms
Authors: Meinnel Thierry , Giglione Carmela
Published: June 2022

The N-terminus is a frequent site of protein modifications. Referring primarily to knowledge gained from land plants, here we review the modifications that change protein N-terminal residues and provide updated information about the associated machinery, including that in Archaeplastida. These N-terminal modifications include many proteolytic events as well as small group additions such as acylation or arginylation and oxidation. Compared with that of the mitochondrion, the plastid-dedicated N-terminal modification landscape is far more complex. In parallel, we extend this review to plastid-containing Chromalveolata including Stramenopiles, Apicomplexa, and Rhizaria. We report a well-conserved machinery, especially in the plastid. Consideration of the two most abundant proteins on Earth—Rubisco and actin—reveals the complexity of N-terminal modification processes. The progressive gene transfer from the plastid to the nuclear genome during evolution is exemplified by the N-terminus modification machinery, which appears to be one of the latest to have been transferred to the nuclear genome together with crucial major photosynthetic landmarks. This is evidenced by the greater number of plastid genes in Paulinellidae and red algae, the most recent and fossil recipients of primary endosymbiosis.
Integrating a crop growth model and radiative transfer model to improve estimation of crop traits based on deep learning
Authors: Chen Qiaomin , Zheng Bangyou , Chen Tong , Chapman Scott C
Published: June 2022

A major challenge for the estimation of crop traits (biophysical variables) from canopy reflectance is the creation of a high-quality training dataset. To address this problem, this research investigated a conceptual framework by integrating a crop growth model with a radiative transfer model to introduce biological constraints in a synthetic training dataset. In addition to the comparison of two datasets without and with biological constraints, we also investigated the effects of observation geometry, retrieval method, and wavelength range on estimation accuracy of four crop traits (leaf area index, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf dry matter, and leaf water content) of wheat. The theoretical analysis demonstrated potential advantages of adding biological constraints in synthetic training datasets as well as the capability of deep learning. Additionally, the predictive models were validated on real unmanned aerial vehicle-based multispectral images collected from wheat plots contrasting in canopy structure. The predictive model trained over a synthetic dataset with biological constraints enabled the prediction of leaf water content from using wavelengths in the visible to near infrared range based on the correlations between crop traits. Our findings presented the potential of the proposed conceptual framework in simultaneously retrieving multiple crop traits from canopy reflectance for applications in precision agriculture and plant breeding.
Mothering Practices and Human Rights Abuses of Girls in Marginalized Contexts: Examining the Moral Culpability of Women who Abuse Children
Authors: Ada Tchoukou Julie
Published: June 2022

The form of gender-based violence (GBV) analysed in this article relates to ‘harmful traditional practices’ (HTPs) detrimental to the health and well-being of girls. In response to calls to action from the international community, many states are enacting laws and regulations against HTPs. Scholars argue that criminal justice reform is a vital component of efforts to reduce HTPs. While this article supports establishing mechanisms to address violence against girls, I question whether criminalization is a suitable strategy. HTPs, although classified as GBV, have distinctive features. Their prevalence hinges on ideas surrounding ethnicity and/or religion in addition to the fact that women work directly and indirectly to sustain these violent practices. The developing contemporary understanding of HTPs within and without legal systems, to the degree that it focuses on perpetrators of abuse, ignores the role of women in the production and reproduction of HTPs. Criminalization of HTPs will have a disproportionate effect on mothers. This article seeks to question and understand the dilemma of determining the ‘moral culpability’ or responsibility of mothers who support and participate in violence against girls. Using postmodern feminism, I argue that a genuine commitment to protecting children requires an approach that accounts for the growing significance of culture, not only in defining action but also providing cultural components that play a role in the decisions of mothers.
Ageing meets kidney disease
Authors: Ortiz Alberto , Mattace-Raso Francesco , Soler Maria José , Fouque Denis
Published: June 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as abnormalities of kidney structure or function, present for ˃3 months, with implications for health. The most used diagnostic criteria are a urinary albumin: creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g or an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Either of these diagnostic thresholds is associated with adverse health outcomes. GFR decreases with age and the prevalence of CKD is highest in older adults; moreover, the presence of CKD is associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death related to accelerated ageing in all age ranges, and the absolute increase in risk is highest for those aged ˃75 years. Indeed, premature death is a more common outcome than CKD progression to kidney failure requiring kidney replacement therapy. The progressive ageing of the world population contributes to the projection that CKD will become the second most common cause of death before the end of the century in countries with long life expectancy. The current collection of selected studies on kidney disease and ageing published in Age&Ageing, NDT and CKJ provides an overview of key topics, including cognitive decline, sarcopaenia, wasting and cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the management of kidney failure and gender differences in CKD progression.
Role of chronotype in dietary intake, meal timing, and obesity: a systematic review
Authors: Teixeira Gabriela P , Guimarães Kisian C , Soares Ana Gabriela N S , Marqueze Elaine C , Moreno Cláudia R C , Mota Maria C , Crispim Cibele A
Published: June 2022

Context

Recent studies show that dietary habits and obesity seem to be influenced by chronotype, which reflects an individual’s preference for the timing of sleeping, eating, and activity in a 24-hour period.

Objective

This review aimed to analyze the association of chronotype with dietary habits, namely energy and macronutrient intakes, meal timing, and eating patterns, as well as with obesity.

Data Sources

PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases were searched between 2004 and 2020. Study selection was performed by 2 authors independently; disagreements on eligibility of articles were resolved by a third author. After assessment of 12 060 abstracts, 43 studies (21 articles on obesity; 13 on food consumption, meal timing, and eating patterns; and 9 that addressed both obesity and dietary behavior) were included.

Data Extraction

A standard form was used to extract study design, country, number of participants, method of chronotype determination, and main findings.

Data Analysis

Approximately 95% of included studies showed an association between eveningness and at least 1 unhealthy eating habit. Morningness was associated with regular consumption of fresh and minimally processed foods. In addition, about 47% of studies showed a higher association between late types and obesity.

Conclusion

Late types are more likely to present unhealthy eating habits, such as eating late at night, skipping breakfast often, and eating processed/ultraprocessed foods, while early types are more likely to have healthy and protective habits, such as eating early and eating predominantly fresh/minimally processed foods. Intermediate types tend to have a pattern of health and eating more similar to early types than to late types. Late types are also more likely to present higher weight and body mass index than early or intermediate types.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021256078.
Do Members of Parliament Express More Opposition in the Plenary than in the Committee? Comparing Frontstage and Backstage Behaviour in Five National Parliaments
Authors: Karlsson Christer , Persson Thomas , Mårtensson Moa
Published: June 2022

This study attempts to break new ground by systematically comparing oppositional behaviour of Members of Parliament (MPs) in the two key arenas found in parliament: the plenary and the committee. Do MPs express more opposition frontstage in the plenary than backstage in the committee when discussing European affairs? The article sheds new light on political opposition in parliament by using a dataset of hand-coded statements made by MPs during plenary debates and European Affairs committee deliberations in five national parliaments. The results lend strong support to the main hypothesis that MPs express more opposition during plenary debates than committee deliberations.
Epigenetic Mutation in a Tubulin-Folding Cofactor B (ZmTFCB) Gene Arrests Kernel Development in Maize
Authors: Guo Yingmei , Chen Yan , Zhang Jie , Li Jiankun , Fan Kaijian , Chen Rongrong , Liu Yunjun , Zheng Jun , Fu Junjie , Gu Riliang , Wang Guoying , Cui Yu , Du Xuemei , Wang Jianhua
Published: June 2022

Epialleles, the heritable epigenetic variants that are not caused by changes in DNA sequences, can broaden genetic and phenotypic diversity and benefit to crop breeding, but very few epialleles related to agricultural traits have been identified in maize. Here, we cloned a small kernel mutant, smk-wl10, from maize, which encoded a tubulin-folding cofactor B (ZmTFCB) protein. Expression of the ZmTFCB gene decreased in the smk-wl10 mutant, which arrested embryo, endosperm and basal endosperm transfer layer developments. Overexpression of ZmTFCB could complement the defective phenotype of smk-wl10. No nucleotide sequence variation in ZmTFCB could be found between smk-wl10 and wild type (WT). Instead, we detected hypermethylation of nucleotide CHG (where H is A, C or T nucleotide) sequence contexts and increased level of histone H3K9me2 methylation in the upstream sequence of ZmTFCB in smk-wl10 compared with WT, which might respond to the attenuating transcription of ZmTFCB. In addition, yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays identified a strong interaction between ZmTFCB and its homolog ZmTFCE. Thus, our work identifies a novel epiallele of the maize ZmTFCB gene, which might represent a common phenomenon in the epigenetic regulation of important traits such as kernel development in maize.