bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Monetary History: A Monetarist Perspective
Authors: Kantor Brian
Published: June 2022

The U.S. Federal Reserve System has recently added very large additional supplies of its own money, in the form of deposits (cash reserves) held by member banks with the Fed. The first injection of central bank money offered in exchange for Treasury Bonds and MBS (QE) was intended to overcome the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) of 2008‐09. The second infusion of extra cash was intended to relieve the impact on the economy of the COVID lockdowns of 2020.

The increase in the money base—defined as commercial bank deposits with the FED plus currency in issue—after 2008 did not lead to any acceleration in what had become a very low rate of inflation. Nor did it lead to any notable acceleration in the supply of money, broadly defined. But both the money supply and spending reactions to the additional central bank money after 2020 have been very different. And the growth in the money supply accelerated sharply and, along with it, inflation.

The author explains these different outcomes in terms consistent with the monetarist and quantity theory traditions. A tradition that focuses on the importance of the demand for as well as the supply of money—including central bank money. The article shows that the demand for as well as the supply of cash reserves increased markedly after the GFC, reflecting the worldwide risk aversion and surfeit of capital. The exposed banks were reluctant to lend more and preferred to shore up their leveraged balance sheets holding extra cash which slowed down deposit growth. Banks in the wake of the COVID lockdowns have proved more willing to exchange cash for overdrafts, leading to rapid increases in the supply of deposits and money. Such increases have in turn led predictably to more spending as the extra money was exchanged for goods, services, and assets that caused prices to rise sharply.

To reverse these inflation trends, the Fed will need to control the supply of money and bank lending. To do so effectively, the Fed should attempt to estimate the demand for large (excess) cash reserves of the banking system and set the interest rate it offers on these cash reserves accordingly. But this Fed is not monetarist; it takes little notice of money or bank credit supplies and will continue to rely on its interest rate tool to limit demand. Nevertheless, monetarists and the market will be watching closely how well the Fed manages a transition not only to higher interest rates, but back to non‐inflationary increases in the supply of money.
Screening and evaluation of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria isolated from aquaculture ponds in a step-by-step strategy as potential biofertilizer
Authors: Armandeh Mostafa , Mahmoudi Nemat , Fallah Nosratabad Ali Reza
Published: June 2022

Aims

The application of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) has received little attention in aquaculture. In addition, the low efficiency of PSB as a biofertilizer in farm conditions is a major concern. Therefore, this study aims to isolate the PSB from sediment of earthen fishponds and evaluate with a more appropriate approach to ensure their effectiveness in increasing the bioavailability of phosphorus (P) in farm conditions.

Methods and Results

PSB was first isolated and selected using the National Botanical Research Institute's Phosphate (NBRIP) medium-containing tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) in solid and liquid media. Among 96 strains that were isolated, 11 strains identified by 16 s rRNA, belonging to the genera Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter, showed a higher ability to release P from TCP (48–170 mg L−1). Then, the efficiency of 11 strains was evaluated by combining different criteria. Among 11 selected strains, based on the ability to dissolve TCP and Ca-Phytate in culture medium, release P in sediment microcosm, and growth in a wide range of environmental conditions in fishponds, especially optimum growth at 4°C and pH above 8, Ps. deceptionensis strain Persian10 was selected as the most efficient strain for testing in aquarium conditions. In the last step, incubation of Persian10 in aquarium sediment (sterilized under gamma-ray) increased soluble P and had an impact on calcium phosphate, organic P and alkaline phosphatase activity; however, Persian10 had no impact on the concentration of iron phosphate and aluminium phosphate.

Conclusions

Persian 10 strain can be considered a bio-fertilizer candidate in earthen fishponds as it expressed the ability to solubilize P in different conditions.

Significance and Impact of the Study

It is very important to evaluate PSB in an appropriate process using a combination of different criteria to ensure optimal performance of PSB in farm conditions.
An endolysin Salmcide-p1 from bacteriophage fmb-p1 against gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Nie Ting , Meng Fanqiang , Lu Fengxia , Bie Xiaomei , Zhao Haizhen , Sun Jing , Lu Zhaoxin , Lu Yingjian
Published: June 2022

Aims

A novel endolysin Salmcide-p1 was developed as a promising candidate of new preservative and a supplement to effective enzyme preparations against gram-negative bacterial contaminations.

Methods and Results

Salmcide-p1 was identified by complementing the genomic sequence of a virulent Salmonella phage fmb-p1. Salmcide-p1 of 112 μg ml−1 could quickly kill Salmonella incubated with 100 mmol l−1 EDTA, with no haemolytic activity. Meanwhile, Salmcide-p1 had a high activity of lysing Salmonella cell wall peptidoglycan. At different temperatures (4–75°C), pH (4–11) and NaCl concentration (10–200 mmol l−1), the relative activity of Salmcide-p1 was above 60%. At 4°C, the combination of Salmcide-p1 and EDTA-2Na could inhibit the number of Salmonella Typhimurium CMCC 50115 in skim milk to less than 4 log CFU ml−1 by 3 days, and the number of Shigella flexneri CMCC 51571 was lower than 4 log CFU ml−1 by 9 days.

Conclusions

Salmcide-p1 had a wide bactericidal activity against gram-negative bacteria and showed a broader anti-Salmonella spectrum than the phage fmb-p1. The combination strategy of Salmcide-p1 and EDTA-2Na could significantly inhibit the growth of gram-negative bacteria inoculated in skim milk.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Bacteriophage endolysin as an antibacterial agent is considered to be a new strategy against bacterial contamination.
Stigma and healthcare access among transgender and gender‐diverse people: A qualitative meta‐synthesis
Authors: Velasco Roque Anthony F. , Slusser Kim , Coats Heather
Published: June 2022

Aim

To describe the experience of stigma among transgender and gender‐diverse (TGD) people accessing care.

Design

A qualitative meta‐synthesis.

Data Sources

CINAHL, Medline, PubMed and PsycINFO were used to retrieve English‐language, peer‐reviewed qualitative studies from September 2016 to September 2021.

Review Methods

The methods for this qualitative meta‐synthesis included four steps. Step 1: Form the clinical question and purpose of synthesis to define and refine search terms. Step 2: Evaluate the literature using PRISMA. Step 3: Appraise the literature using Lett’s Critical Review Form. Step 4: Conduct a reciprocal translation to synthesize the results.

Results

Of the 12 articles that met the inclusion criteria, 3 were from nursing journals. The articles included were studies conducted in U.S.A., Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Mozambique, Sweden, Uganda and United Kingdom, and most recruited transfeminine‐identifying participants. Three main themes emerged: stigma experienced within the individual, interpersonal and structural socio‐ecological levels among TGD people accessing care.

Conclusion

Stigma is a significant public health issue as it limits healthcare access among TGD people. Stigma experienced at various socio‐ecological levels contributes to health disparities. Nurses must create and implement interventions informed by the lived experiences of TGD people.

Impact

Extant literature on this topic is limited in the nursing literature. This qualitative meta‐synthesis illuminates TGD identity stigma‐related experiences using a socio‐ecological framework. While stigma is often experienced at the individual and interpersonal levels, oppressive systems that value cisgender cultural norms over other gender identities allow structural‐level stigma to occur. Nurses are morally, ethically and professionally responsible for challenging systems that create and sustain stigma. Understanding how stigma is experienced when accessing care can help deliver critical information needed to improve healthcare access among TGD people and other historically oppressed communities.
Exploring the association of staff characteristics with staff perceptions of quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviours
Authors: Bruinsma Eke , van den Hoofdakker Barbara J. , Hoekstra Pieter J. , de Kuijper Gerda M. , de Bildt Annelies A.
Published: June 2022

Background

This study aimed to examine the associations between individual staff and staff team characteristics and quality of life of individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviours.

Method

With multilevel analyses, we examined educational level, experience, attitudes and behaviours of 240 staff members, in relation to their perception of quality of life of 152 individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviours they cared for.

Results

Two individual staff characteristics were related to better quality of life: higher educational and self‐reflection levels. Of the team characteristics, higher educational level, higher self‐efficacy and more friendly behaviour were associated with better quality of life. Unexpectedly, higher staff‐individual ratio was related to lower quality of life.

Conclusions

Both individual staff and staff team characteristics are associated with quality of life, indicating the need to take staff team characteristics into account when examining quality of life.
The impact of continuous positive airway pressure on cardiac mechanics: Findings from a meta‐analysis of echocardiographic studies
Authors: Tadic Marijana , Gherbesi Elisa , Faggiano Andrea , Sala Carla , Carugo Stefano , Cuspidi Cesare
Published: June 2022

Current evidence on the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on cardiac mechanics in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is based on a few single studies. The authors investigated this topic through a meta‐analysis of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) studies that provided data on left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) mechanics as assessed by global longitudinal strain (GLS). The PubMed, OVID‐MEDLINE, and Cochrane library databases were systematically analyzed to search English‐language review papers published from inception to January 31, 2022. Studies were identified by crossing the following terms: “obstructive sleep apnea”, “sleep quality”, “sleep disordered breathing”, “continuous positive airway pressure therapy”, “noninvasive ventilation”, “left ventricular hypertrophy”, “systolic dysfunction”, “global longitudinal strain”, “left ventricular mechanics”, “right ventricular mechanics”, “echocardiography” and “STE echocardiography”. The meta‐analysis, including a total of 337 patients with OSA from nine studies (follow‐up 2–24 months) showed a significant GLS improvement in both LV and RV after CPAP, standard mean difference (SMD) being 0.51±0.08, CI:0.36–0.66, p = .0001 and 0.28±0.07, CI:0.15–0.42, p = .0001), respectively. Corresponding SMD values for LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were 0.20±0.06, CI:0.08–0.33, p = .001 and 0.08±0.06, CI: ‐0.04/0.20, p = .21. Our meta‐analysis suggests that: I) CPAP treatment exerts beneficial effects on biventricular function in patients with OSA; II) the assessment of cardiac mechanics by STE should be routinely recommended for monitoring cardiac function in this setting, due to limitations of conventional echocardiography in evaluating biventricular performance.
Self‐completed online dietary recalls as an alternative method of dietary assessment for dietetic outpatient appointments: A feasibility study
Authors: Gianfrancesco Carla , Taylor Carolyn , Croot Liz
Published: June 2022

Background

Integrating digital dietary assessment within dietetic care could save time and reduce costs, at the same time as increasing patient engagement. The present study explores the feasibility of implementing a web‐based dietary assessment tool, myfood24 (https://www.myfood24.org), into routine healthcare.

Methods

This mixed methods feasibility study recruited dietitians and patients from a National Health Service (NHS) hospital outpatient setting. Patients completed and shared three online 24‐h dietary recalls in advance, which were used as a dietary assessment by dietitians. Recruitment data were collected and questionnaires on technology, usability, and acceptability were completed. Patient interviews and focus groups with dietitians were conducted.

Results

Eleven dietitians working in allergy, bariatrics, diabetes, oncology, general, renal, infectious diseases, and coeliac services took part with 39 patients. Recruitment rates were highest in bariatrics and lowest in renal and oncology.

Compared to other studies, completion rates were good, with 29 (74.4%) completing three recalls despite lower technology readiness and software usability scores than in similar studies. Illness and difficulty with technology were reasons for non‐completion. Opportunity to receive nutritional feedback from the tool and share this with a dietitian motivated patients to complete the record accurately. Consultation times were shortened in approximately one‐third of appointments and a higher proportion of time was spent on nutritional education compared to usual practice. However, mean preparation time increased by 13 min per appointment because dietitians found nutritional analysis reports difficult to interpret.

Conclusions

It is feasible to introduce a digital dietary assessment tool into NHS dietetic practice. However, further development is needed to ensure that the tool is suitable for healthcare.
The link between task‐focused care and care beyond technique: A meta‐ethnography about the emotional labour in nursing care
Authors: Fernández‐Basanta Sara , Lois‐Sandá Lía , Movilla‐Fernández María‐Jesús
Published: June 2022

Objective

To synthesise the available body of qualitative work regarding the experiences of registered nurses and nursing students in managing emotional demands of care.

Background

Care is the central part of nursing, and its provision is linked to interaction with patients. Comprehensive care allows emotions to be considered as an essential part of care. However, the emotional commitment that care demands poses a challenge for the nursing staff.

Design

Noblit and Hare's interpretive meta‐ethnography, which was written and reviewed for reporting clarity using the eMERGe.

Methods

A comprehensive systematic search strategy was undertaken in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO in January 2020. The search included terms related to the sample population, phenomenon of interest, purpose of the study and type of research. Original or mixed qualitative articles in English, Spanish and Portuguese were included if they addressed the emotional labour experiences of nurses or nursing students.

Results

A line‐of‐argument synthesis based on the metaphor The link between task‐focused care and care beyond technique was developed. Three themes from analogous and refutational translations of findings in the included nine papers emerged: (1) forces to get involved in care; (2) the cost of caring and (3) need to vent.

Conclusion

Nursing staff and students managed the emotional demands by adjusting their involvement in care. Care beyond technique is provided by nurses who have strength and motivation in themselves and in the interaction with patients to become emotionally involved in care. Task‐focused care avoids emotional exposure to patient suffering due to the personal cost involved. Venting and distancing are required to emotionally reconstruct themselves and to re‐engage in care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Increased knowledge about these experiences may raise awareness of the emotional demands as part of the care process, to prevent their impact and favour their support.
Correlations among lean tissue index, physical activity, clinical parameters, diet quality, and nutritional status in patients receiving haemodialyses
Authors: Hsiao Ya‐Hsin , Chang Chia‐Hao , Hung Peir‐Haur , Huang Tsuey‐Yuan
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Poor diet quality and malnutrition accelerate protein and energy depletion. This can result in a diminished lean tissue index (LTI) and an inability to perform daily activities, both of which increase the risk of falls and affect the quality of life.

Objective

This study investigated the correlations among LTI, physical activity (PA), clinical parameters, diet quality, and nutritional status.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design was employed. Participants in stable conditions receiving haemodialyses were enroled. LTI was measured using a body composition monitor. Three‐day dietary records and demographic and clinical parameters were collected.

Results

In total, 104 patients receiving haemodialyses were recruited (53.8% men, aged 57.7 ± 11.78 years; dialysis duration, 7.3 ± 6.04 years). LTI was not associated with diet quality; LTI was positively correlated with sex and negatively correlated with age, dialysis duration, and fat tissue index (FTI); and lean tissue index was positively correlated with PA. Among patients with a normal LTI, the odds ratio for low‐FTI was 31.04 times higher than that for high‐FTI. In total, 80.8% of the participants had poor diet quality, which was mainly attributed to their excessive intake of saturated fatty acids and insufficient fruit intake.

Conclusions

Although diet quality was unrelated to the LTI, the results indicated that most patients receiving haemodialyses had poor diet quality. Therefore, this topic merits further investigation.
The intertwined evolution of sexual harassment victimization and emotional problems among young people
Authors: Skoog Therése , Kapetanovic Sabina
Published: June 2022

Associations between sexual‐harassment victimization and emotional problems are well‐established. Still, the nature of this association, including the temporal order of the construct as well as whether it plays out on the between‐ or within‐individual level is far from being understood. The aim of this study was to examine reciprocal links between sexual harassment victimization and emotional problems over time in early and mid‐adolescence by separating between‐individual from within‐individual effects and by testing the moderating effect of ethnicity and gender. In the study, we made use of three waves of data with 1515 Swedish adolescents (50.6% girls, age 12.59 years at T1). Cross‐lagged within‐individual analyses showed that sexual harassment and emotional problems were related in a transactional manner. Gender, but not ethnicity, moderated the associations. The associations differed in early and mid‐adolescence, perhaps because of normative school transitions. The findings have high theoretical value as it is on the within‐individual level that the causal processes between being sexually harassed and experiencing emotional problems unfold. The study makes a unique contribution to the literature on sexual harassment and mental health among young people by revealing transactional associations on the within‐individual level during a critical period for psychological and sexual development.
Diatom community composition on submerged macrophyte species from an Ontario (Canada) lake
Authors: Zilkey David R. , Moser Katrina A.
Published: June 2022

The introduction of invasive macrophyte species can affect submerged macrophyte community composition and abundance, which in turn can alter the functions of lake ecosystems. Knowing when and how invasive macrophytes arrive and spread can help disentangle the effects of invasive species from other stressors on lake ecosystems. This requires a long‐term (decades) perspective of macrophyte community composition, which is rarely available. An alternative is paleolimnological inferences of macrophyte community composition from fossil diatom assemblages, which requires knowledge of epiphytic diatom communities. Here, we investigated the epiphytic diatom community composition of three common submerged macrophyte species (Chara sp., Potamogeton robbinsii, and the invasive Myriophyllum spicatum) in a typical temperate, mixed forest lake, Chandos Lake, Ontario, Canada, to provide a basis for future paleolimnological research. Non‐parametric, multivariate analysis of variance indicated a statistically significant difference in the epiphytic diatom communities of different macrophyte species, despite principal components analysis showing some overlap among the diatom communities. Diatom community composition of all macrophytes had abundant Achnanthidium minutissimum and Cocconeis placentula. Generalized linear models and univariate analysis of variance identified six diatoms (Encyonopsis microcephala, Epithemia turgida, Gomphonema parvulius, Navicula gerloffi, Rhopalodia gibba, and Rossithidium anastasiae) that were significantly different among macrophyte species. Although it remains uncertain whether these differences are sufficient to infer historical macrophyte community composition from epiphytic diatom fossil assemblages, our results indicate the potential of such an approach and offer suggestions for future research.
Investigation of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the NR3C1a glucocorticoid receptor gene in Cocker Spaniels with primary immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Tayler Sarah , Hazuchova Katarina , Riddle Anna , Swann James W. , Glanemann Barbara
Published: June 2022

Background

In dogs, 6 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been described in the glucocorticoid receptor gene NR3C1a, 2 of which were nonsynonymous SNPs in exons 2 and 8. The clinical importance of these SNPs is unknown.

Objectives

To investigate whether SNPs in NR3C1a are associated with clinical outcome in Cocker Spaniels with primary immune thrombocytopenia (pITP).

Animals

Twenty‐four Cocker Spaniels with pITP presented to a referral center. Dogs were classified as slow (n = 11) or fast responders (n = 12) based on time required after initiating glucocorticoid treatment to achieve a platelet count >70 000/μL.

Methods

Deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from stored blood samples before amplification by PCR and sequencing of exons 2 and 8 of NR3C1a. Associations between genotype and clinical response variables were investigated.

Results

Neither previously identified nonsynonymous SNPs were identified. The synonymous SNP NR3C1a:c.798C>T in exon 2 was found at an increased prevalence compared to a previous report. No difference was found in prevalence of any genotype at NR3C1a:c.798C>T between fast and slow responders (P = .70).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

None of the previously reported nonsynonymous SNPs in exons 2 and 8 of the NR3C1a gene were detected in our cohort of Cocker Spaniels with pITP. The synonymous SNP NR3C1a:c.798C>T in exon 2 was reported at a higher frequency than previously, but was not associated with outcome measures that estimated responsiveness to glucocorticoids.
Single-step antibiotic-mediated synthesis of kanamycin-conjugated gold nanoparticles for broad-spectrum antibacterial applications
Authors: Patil T. , Khot V. , Pandey-Tiwari A.
Published: June 2022

Widespread and irrational use of antibiotics results in the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Thus, there is a need to develop novel antibacterial agents in order to replace conventional antibiotics and to increase the efficacy of already existing antibiotics by combining them with other materials. Herein, a single-step antibiotic-mediated synthesis of antibiotic-conjugated gold nanoparticles is reported. In this single-step method antibiotic Kanamycin, an aminoglycoside itself plays the role of reducing as well as capping agent by reducing gold salt into gold nanoparticles. The kanamycin-conjugated gold nanoparticles (Kan-AuNPs) were confirmed by UV–Visible spectroscopy and further physico-chemically characterized by various instrumental techniques. Synthesized Kan-AuNPs showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus as well as Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacterial strains. They are also found to be effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and pathogenic E. coli isolated from urinary tract infections (UTIs) patients, which are responsible to cause hospital-acquired infections like nosocomial, burn wound and UTIs. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Kan-AuNPs is 50 μg ml−1 for S. aureus and E. coli, 125 μg ml−1 for P. aeruginosa and 100 μg ml−1 for E. coli isolated from UTIs patients. It is also evident that the MIC of Kan-AuNPs for antibacterial activity is lower as compared to antibiotic kanamycin alone for all bacterial strains. Hence, the one-step strategy of synthesis for Kan-AuNPs is a suitable strategy for fighting infectious bacterial strains in hospitals, healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.
Prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Gao Xinbao , He Zhiyi , Jia Hui , Chen Min , Wang Xuan , Hong Liu , Cui Yuanyuan , Wan Jian
Published: June 2022

Background and Aim

Previous studies have established an association between primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). The disease burden of IBD in PSC patients was not well estimated. The study aimed to quantify the pooled prevalence of IBD in PSC and to investigate whether subtypes of PSC and sex influence the prevalence of IBD.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched through November 2021 for studies reporting data on IBD among PSC patients. The outcomes were the prevalence of IBD in patients with PSC, as well as the association (odds ratio [OR]) of IBD in PSC according to subtype and sex.

Results

Based on the analysis of 25 studies, the prevalence of IBD in patients with PSC was 71.1% (95% CI 68.2–75.1%), most commonly in UC (55.9%, 95% CI 52.5–59.3%). The pooled prevalence of IBD was 76.9% in Australia (95% CI 71.2–82.6%, 1 study), 75.9% (95% CI 69.5–82.3%, 4 studies) in North America, 70.9% (95% CI 65.8–76.0%, 17 studies) in Europe and 67.0% (95% CI 57.9–76.0%, 2 studies) in Asia. Male PSC patients had a higher prevalence of IBD (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.52–1.83) and UC (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.56–2.63) and a lower prevalence of CD (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.67–0.88) than female patients. Large duct PSC patients had a higher prevalence of IBD (OR 2.57, 95% CI 2.03–3.25) and UC (OR 4.51, 95% CI 1.22–16.71) than small duct PSC patients.

Conclusions

The study provided the first pooled estimates of the burden of IBD in patients with PSC and could be used as the basis for risk stratification of PSC patients.
The effects of target density, porosity, and friction on impact crater morphometry: Exploratory experimentation using various granular materials
Authors: Cline Christopher J. , Cintala Mark J.
Published: June 2022

The dimensions of relatively small‐scale impact craters are undoubtedly sensitive to the physical properties of the target. Studying gravity‐controlled crater formation at the laboratory scale often relies on cohesionless, granular materials, which, by their nature, make it difficult to separate the individual contributions to this process from all of the relevant target properties. Here, we conduct a suite of impact experiments to isolate and evaluate the effects of density, porosity, and internal friction on impact crater morphometry. Each made from one of four different granular materials, targets were impacted vertically with 4.76 mm aluminum projectiles at an average speed of ~1.55 km s−1. Two different methods were used to load these materials into the target bucket (pouring and sieving), resulting in targets that varied in bulk density and internal friction. The experimental results indicate that depth–diameter ratios of the craters are largely influenced by the loading method of the target material and are sensitive to the friction and porosity of the targets. Sieved targets (relatively higher density, lower porosity, and higher friction angle) produce craters that are markedly shallower, have notably smaller volumes, and exhibit a flat‐floored morphology, with some possessing small central mounds. Flat‐floored craters are typically attributed to a strength‐layered target; in these experiments, however, they were produced in cohesionless targets. This study demonstrates that a flat floor is not necessarily diagnostic of strength layering in a target and, in some instances, might be the consequence of greater shear strengths in granular materials with high coefficients of static friction.
Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato infection of tomato plants is mediated by GABA and l‐Pro chemoperception
Authors: Santamaría‐Hernando Saray , López‐Maroto Álvaro , Galvez‐Roldán Clara , Munar‐Palmer Martí , Monteagudo‐Cascales Elizabet , Rodríguez‐Herva José‐Juan , Krell Tino , López‐Solanilla Emilia
Published: June 2022

Foliar bacterial pathogens have to penetrate the plant tissue and access the interior of the apoplast in order to initiate the pathogenic phase. The entry process is driven by chemotaxis towards plant‐derived compounds in order to locate plant openings. However, information on plant signals recognized by bacterial chemoreceptors is scarce. Here, we show that the perception of GABA and l‐Pro, two abundant components of the tomato apoplast, through the PsPto‐PscC chemoreceptor drives the entry of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato into the tomato apoplast. The recognition of both compounds by PsPto‐PscC caused chemoattraction to both amino acids and participated in the regulation of GABA catabolism. Mutation of the PsPto‐PscC chemoreceptor caused a reduced chemotactic response towards these compounds which in turn impaired entry and reduced virulence in tomato plants. Interestingly, GABA and l‐Pro levels significantly increase in tomato plants upon pathogen infection and are involved in the regulation of the plant defence response. This is an example illustrating how bacteria respond to plant signals produced during the interaction as cues to access the plant apoplast and to ensure efficient infection.
In vitro activity of 23 antifungal drugs against 54 clinical and environmental Aspergillus oryzae isolates
Authors: Abastabar Mahdi , Zaedi Arezoo , Shabanzadeh Shafigheh , Nosratabadi Mohsen , Moazeni Maryam , Aghili Seyed Reza , Haghani Iman , Khojasteh Shaghayegh , Javidnia Javad , Nargesi Sanaz , Shokohi Tahereh , Hedayati Mohammad Taghi , Meis Jacques F. , Badali Hamid
Published: June 2022

The treatment of invasive aspergillosis caused by cryptic species remains a challenge due to the lack of randomised clinical trials and investigation of the efficacy and safety of different therapeutic strategies. We aimed to evaluate the in vitro activity of 23 conventional and new antifungal drugs against 54 clinical and environmental Aspergillus oryzae isolates by using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standard M38‐A3. The lowest geometric mean MIC values were found for luliconazole and lanoconazole (0.001 μg/ml), followed by anidulafungin (0.104 μg/ml), posaconazole (0.15 μg/ml), itraconazole (0.37 μg/ml), efinaconazole (0.5 μg/ml), voriconazole (0.51 μg/ml), tavaborole (0.72 μg/ml), and amphotericin B (0.79 μg/ml). In contrast, ketoconazole, terbinafine, econazole, tioconazole, ravuconazole, miconazole, nystatin, clotrimazole, griseofulvin, sertaconazole, natamycin, tolnaftate, and fluconazole had no or low activity. Further studies are required to determine how well this in vitro activity translates into in vivo efficacy.
Neuronal infection is a major pathogenetic mechanism and cause of fatalities in human acute Nipah virus encephalitis
Authors: Ong Kien Chai , Ng Khong Ying , Ng Chiu Wan , Tan Soon Hao , Teo Woon Li , Karim Norain , Kumar Shalini , Wong Kum Thong
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Acute Nipah (NiV) encephalitis is characterised by a dual pathogenetic mechanism of neuroglial infection and ischaemia–microinfarction associated with vasculitis‐induced thrombotic occlusion. We investigated the contributions of these two mechanisms in fatal cases.

Materials and methods

We analysed brain tissues (cerebrum, brainstem and cerebellum) from 15 autopsies using light microscopy, immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridisation and quantitative methods.

Results

Three types of discrete plaque‐like parenchymal lesions were identified: Type 1 with neuroglial IHC positivity for viral antigens and minimal or no necrosis; Type 2 with neuroglial immunopositivity and necrosis; and Type 3 with necrosis but no viral antigens. Most viral antigen/RNA‐positive cells were neurons. Cerebral glial immunopositivity was rare, suggesting that microinfarction played a more important role in white matter injury. Type 1 lesions were also detected in the brainstem and cerebellum, but the differences between cerebral cortex and these two regions were not statistically significant.

In the cerebral cortex, Type 1 lesions overwhelmingly predominated, and only 14% Type 1 vs 69% Type 2 lesions were associated with thrombosis. This suggests that neuronal infection as a mechanism of pathogenesis was more important than microinfarction, both in general and in Type 1 lesions in particular. Between the ‘early’ group (<8‐day fever) and the ‘late’ group (≥8‐day fever), there was a decrease of Type 1 and Type 2 lesions with a concomitant increase of Type 3 lesions, suggesting the latter possibly represented late‐stage microinfarction and/or neuronal infection.

Conclusion

Neuronal infection appears to play a more important role than vasculopathy‐induced microinfarction in acute NiV encephalitis.
Behavior, social and economic impact of COVID‐19 responses among healthcare professionals: Development and validation of COVID‐19 Responses Impact Questionnaire (COVRiQ)
Authors: Okpua Nelson Chidinma , Hami Rohayu , Edeogu Chidinma Oswald , Mohd Mujar Noor Mastura
Published: June 2022

As the world goes through the fourth wave and the continued emergence of new COVID‐19 variants, the general and work‐related risks of healthcare professionals are expected to rise. This has the capacity to adversely affect productivity and efficiency in the healthcare delivery system, particularly in this era of global shortage of trained healthcare professionals. We aimed to develop and validate a new instrument known as the COVID‐19 Responses Impact Questionnaire (COVRiQ) to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the healthcare professionals managing the COVID‐19 pandemic. This methodological study involved three steps: the formulation of the COVRiQ draft, content and face validation, and construct validity. A total of 61 questions were drafted with 3‐point Likert scale answers. From the list, 39 were rated valid by a panel of experts and subsequently tested on 301 participants. The results were analyzed and validated using exploratory factor analysis on SPSS. Components were extracted and questions with low factor loading were removed. The internal consistency was measured with Cronbach's alpha. Following analysis, three components were extracted and named as behavioral, social, and economic impacts. In general, 29 items were deleted leaving 32 out of 61 questions retained as the final validated COVRiQ. Internal consistency showed high reliability with Cronbach's alpha of 0.91. Participants scored a total cumulative mean of 118.74 marks. A subanalysis by occupation showed that medical assistants scored the lowest in the group with a score of 22.3% whereas medical specialists scored the highest at 77.7%. Higher score indicates higher impact of COVID‐19 responses among healthcare professionals. The new COVRiQ consisting of 32 items demonstrated to be user friendly with good psychometric properties and valid for assessing the impacts of COVID‐19 responses among healthcare professionals.
Curcumin nanoemulsions inhibit oral squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation by PI3K/Akt/mTOR suppression and miR‐199a upregulation: A preliminary study
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Jian , Zhang Chenping , Bao Zhexuan , Wu Lan
Published: June 2022

Background

Accumulating evidence indicates that curcumin (CUR) has anticancer properties in various cancers including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but CUR is greatly restricted in clinical studies and applications due to its low bioavailability. Interestingly, the bioavailability of CUR was found to be significantly improved using loaded lipid nanoemulsions (NEs).

Objectives

To investigate the effect of CUR‐NEs on cell proliferation of OSCC HSC‐3 cells in vitro, and explore the potential mechanism of this effect in a preliminary study.

Results

CUR‐NEs exhibited significantly cytotoxic effects on OSCC cells in a dose‐dependent manner, compared with the control. The percentage of cells in proliferative phases (S + G2/M) was gradually decreased in a dose‐ or time‐dependent manner caused by CUR‐NEs. Moreover, CUR‐NEs downregulated the protein expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and upregulated the expression of miR‐199a that targeted PI3K in a dose‐ or time‐dependent manner in OSCC cells. Importantly, CUR‐NEs cloud effectively counteract the influence on cell proliferation of OSCC cells and the proliferative phases of cell cycle caused by miR‐199a inhibitor a time‐dependent manner.

Conclusions

This in vitro preliminary study indicated that CUR‐NEs may be an effective therapeutic agent for OSCC. Such effects could be related to inhibition of OSCC cell proliferation by PI3K/Akt/mTOR suppression and miR‐199a upregulation.
The linguistic characterisation of Galdós’s characters in his last play, Santa Juana de Castilla
Authors: Perdomo‐Batista Miguel Á.
Published: June 2022

In this work I propose to examine the linguistic characterisation of the characters in Galdós’s last play, Santa Juana de Castilla (Saint Joanna of Castile, 1918). The analysis will show that in addition to the use of archaic language, the purpose of which may be to evoke the era, the linguistic style of the play is characterised by the use of colloquial forms or those that replicate spontaneous oral conversation. The oral and the colloquial contribute to the modernity of the work and also seem to be a kind of implicit criticism of the melodramatic elements of the drama. The linguistic style seen in the work is coherent with its interpretation as a reflection on the history of Spain and its future, and as a final synthesis of Galdosian thought. The analysis also reveals that Galdós upheld his intention to revitalise literary language through the spoken word until the very end.
Timing of reconstruction of the lower urinary tract in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: A CERTAIN multicenter analysis of current practice
Authors: Patry Christian , Höcker Britta , Dello Strologo Luca , Baumann Lukas , Grenda Ryszard , Peruzzi Licia , Oh Jun , Pape Lars , Weber Lutz T. , Weitz Marcus , Awan Atif , Carraro Andrea , Zirngibl Matthias , Hansen Matthias , Müller Dominik , Bald Martin , Pecqueux Carine , Krupka Kai , Fichtner Alexander , Tönshoff Burkhard , Nyarangi‐Dix Joanne
Published: June 2022

Background

Preexistent LUTD are considered a hostile environment, which might negatively impact KTx survival. In such cases, surgical reconstruction of the bladder is required. However, there is still disagreement on the optimal timing of the reconstruction procedure.

Methods

This is a multicenter analysis of data from the CERTAIN Registry. Included were 62 children aged 8.18 ± 4.90 years, with LUTD. Study endpoints were the duration of initial posttransplant hospitalization, febrile UTIs, and a composite failure endpoint comprising decline of eGFR, graft loss, or death up to 5 years posttransplant. Outcome was compared to matched controls without bladder dysfunction.

Results

Forty‐one patients (66.1%) underwent pretransplant and 14 patients (22.6%) posttransplant reconstruction. Bladder augmentation was performed more frequently in the pretransplant (61%) than in the posttransplant group (21%, p = .013). Outcome in the pre‐ and posttransplant groups and in the subgroups of patients on pretransplant PD with major bladder surgery either pre‐ (n = 14) or posttransplant (n = 7) was comparable. Outcomes of the main study cohort and the matched control cohort (n = 119) were comparable during the first 4 years posttransplant; at year 5, there were more events of transplant dysfunction in the study cohort with LUTD than in controls (p = .03).

Conclusions

This multicenter analysis of the current practice of LUTD reconstruction in pediatric KTx recipients shows that pre‐ or posttransplant surgical reconstruction of the lower urinary tract is associated with a comparable 5‐year outcome.
Creating safe relational space: Public health nurses work with mothering refugee women
Authors: Kassam Shahin , Marcellus Lenora
Published: June 2022

Objective

Exploring how public health nurses (PHNs) provide community‐based support to women who are refugees and mothering.

Design

A constructivist grounded theory (CGT) design was used where intersectionality as an analytical tool was applied. Varying data collection approaches including focus groups were used.

Sample

Twelve PHNs from four public health units in Western Canada participated in this study.

Results

Participants in this study described an overall process of creating safe relational space to address a basic social problem of establishing trust while managing structural forces. This overarching process was expressed through burning with passion, connecting while looking beyond, protecting from re‐traumatization, and fostering independence. Findings reveal strategies PHNs used to enhance health equity. This study extends critical caring theory to include sociopolitical and economic influences on public health nursing practice. Consequences of these influences on the mothering refugee women population are also revealed. Implications include structural integration of trauma‐and‐violence‐informed principles to support public health nursing practice.

Conclusions

This study adds to an emerging body of knowledge on PHNs work with complex populations. Innovative application of intersectionality is demonstrated as an effective approach to analyzing impacts of broad sociopolitical priorities on communities that are systemically marginalized.
Preliminary instrument development to measure implementing a population health approach in sexual health
Authors: Frost Linda , Valaitis Ruta , Butt Michelle , Akhtar‐Danesh Noori , Jack Susan M.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This study aims to describe the preliminary development and validation of an instrument to measure the extent that a population health approach was applied in sexual health by public health units in Ontario, Canada.

Design

Preliminary scale development and administration occurred in two phases that included item development and validity testing.

Measurement and Sample

Two phases of development included: (1) using literature and expert input (n = 6) to develop items; and (2) validation of items by content experts (n = 5) and pre‐testing (n = 3).

Results

The validated scale consisted of 69 items across the eight key elements of a population health approach. 15 out of 35 health units completed the survey, representing 43% of health units. Instrument administration revealed that Focus on the Health of Populations and Address the Determinants of Health and their Interactions were implemented more frequently compared to Collaborate Across Sectors and Levels and Employ Mechanisms for Public Involvement, which were infrequently implemented.

Conclusion

This preliminary scale is a way for sexual health programs to measure the extent that a population health approach is implemented by their organization. Further testing with a broader sample is needed to strengthen generalizability and address reliability.
Comparing the Impact of NIR, Visible and UV Light on ROS Upregulation via Photoacceptors of Mitochondrial Complexes in Normal, Immune and Cancer Cells
Authors: Golovynska Iuliia , Golovynskyi Sergii , Qu Junle
Published: June 2022

The effect of UV/visible/NIR light (380/450/530/650/808/1064 nm) on ROS generation, mitochondrial activity and viability is experimentally compared in human neuroblastoma cancer cells. The absorption of photons by mitochondrial photoacceptors in Complexes I, III and IV is in detail investigated by sequential blocking with selective pharmaceutical blockers. Complex I absorbs UV/blue light by heme P450, resulting in a very high rate (14 times) of ROS generation leading to cell death. Complex III absorbs green light, by cytochromes b, c1 and c, and possesses less ability for ROS production (seven times), so that only irradiation lower than 10 mW cm−2 causes an increase in cell viability. Complex IV is well‐known as the primary photoacceptor for red/NIR light. Light of 650/808 nm at 10–100 mW cm−2 generates a physiological ROS level about 20% of a basal concentration, which enhance mitochondrial activity and cell survival, while 1064 nm light does not show any distinguished effects. Further, ROS generation induced by low‐intensity red/NIR light is compared in neurons, immune and cancer cells. Red light seems to more rapidly stimulate ROS production, mitochondrial activity and cell survival than 808 nm. At the same time, different cell lines demonstrate slightly various rates of ROS generation, peculiar to their cellular physiology.
Epistemic advantage on the margin: A network standpoint Epistemology
Authors: Wu Jingyi
Published: June 2022

I use network models to simulate social learning situations in which the dominant group ignores or devalues testimony from the marginalized group. I find that the marginalized group ends up with several epistemic advantages due to testimonial ignoration and devaluation. The results provide one possible explanation for a key claim of standpoint epistemology, the inversion thesis, by casting it as a consequence of another key claim of the theory, the unidirectional failure of testimonial reciprocity. Moreover, the results complicate the understanding and application of previously discovered network epistemology effects, notably the Zollman effect (Zollman, 2007, 2010).
Trichinella spiralis nurse cell formation is regulated via CCR7+ dendritic cells
Authors: Park Mi‐Kyung , Kang Shin Ae , Cho Min‐Kyoung , Yu Hak Sun
Published: June 2022

The chemokine receptor CCR7 is a well‐established homing receptor for dendritic cells (DCs) and T‐cells. Interaction with the CCL19 and CCL21 ligands promotes priming of immune responses in lymphoid tissues; however, the mechanism underlying CCR7‐induced immune responses against helminth parasite infection remains unknown. Thus, we examined the role of CCR7 in generating protective immune responses against intracellular Trichinella spiralis infection. The results showed significantly increased CCR7, CCL19 and CCL21 expression in the muscle tissue compared to that in the intestinal tissue in T. spiralis‐infected mice. The CCR7‐expressing DC population increased in the mesenteric and peripheral lymph nodes (PLNs) during T. spiralis infection. Notably, the number of CCR7‐expressing cells in PLNs increased by more than 30% at 28 days post‐infection; however, this increase was significantly inhibited in CCR7‐blocked mice treated with CCR7‐specific antibodies. T helper 2 (Th2)‐and regulatory T (Treg)‐related cytokine levels were also reduced by CCR7‐specific antibody treatment. CCR7‐blocked mice lost their resistance to T. spiralis infection in the muscle phase but not in the intestinal phase. Furthermore, fewer eosinophils around the nurse cells and reduced total and T. spiralis‐specific IgE in the serum were observed in CCR7‐blocked mice compared to those infected with only T. spiralis. CCR7 blockade led to the T. spiralis infection‐induced suppression of Th2‐ and Treg‐related cytokine production in vitro. These results suggest that CCR7 in DCs might play an essential role in host defence mechanisms against T. spiralis infection, particularly in the muscle stage of the infection, by accelerating Th2 and Treg cell responses.