bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The species richness–productivity relationship varies among regions and productivity estimates, but not with spatial resolution
Authors: Lisner Aleš , Ottaviani Gianluigi , Klimešová Jitka , Mudrák Ondřej , Martínková Jana , Lepš Jan
Published: July 2021

The relationship between species richness and productivity (SRPR) has been a long‐studied and hotly debated topic in ecology. Different studies have reported different results with variable shapes (i.e. unimodal, linear) and directions (i.e. positive, negative) of SRPRs depending on spatial grain (i.e. size of sampling unit for species richness), productivity estimates and study extent. In this study, we quantified the effect of multiple estimates of productivity (aboveground, belowground and total biomass, and various measures of soil fertility) on species richness across three spatial grains (0.04, 1 and 25 m2) across temperate grasslands from two regions in central Europe. We analyzed SRPR in each of the two regional datasets separately, as well as the two datasets pooled together. Our results have revealed that differences caused by spatial grain were unexpectedly small, and the direction of the SRPR was consistent within each productivity estimate, but differed between regions. Productivity estimates (across all spatial scales) had different, sometimes contrasting effects on SRPR (together with predictive power) within a region, and this pattern was more pronounced when compared between regions. The combination of different datasets led to very different results than when these were analyzed separately. We did not find any evidence for a unimodal response. This study points to the necessity of careful assessing when combining datasets from different regions, even if the plant communities belong to the same vegetation type. The dataset combination may blur the role of different drivers, which likely determine the shape and strength of SRPR. We suggest that data and study comparability may be enhanced by consistently using the same productivity estimates, which would allow for more robust interpretation of possible ecological drivers underlying the SRPR.
Deriving health utility indices from a food allergy quality‐of‐life questionnaire
Authors: Chen Gang , DunnGalvin Audrey , Greenhawt Matthew , Shaker Marcus , Campbell Dianne E.
Published: July 2021

Background

The Food Allergy Quality‐of‐Life Questionnaire‐Parent Form (FAQLQ‐PF) is widely used to assess food allergy–specific health‐related quality of life (FAQL), but cannot be used directly in cost‐utility analyses, which require health state utility (HSU) scores. Currently, limited evidence is available regarding the HSU of food‐allergic children/adolescents. This study aimed to develop mapping algorithms from the FAQLQ‐PF onto HSU scores generated by generic, preference‐based, health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQL) instruments.

Methods

Caregivers of children aged 7 to 17 years with a clinician diagnosis of IgE‐mediated food allergy, recruited via Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, completed an online FAQLQ‐PF questionnaire and proxy generic preference‐based pediatric instruments (Assessment of Quality of Life [AQoL]‐6D and Child Health Utility 9D [CHU9D]). Optimal statistical methods were based on series of goodness‐of‐fit statistics.

Results

Mean FAQLQ‐PF total score, AQoL‐6D, and CHU9D utility scores of 238 food‐allergic children/adolescents were 3.49 (SD: 1.41), 0.78 (SD: 0.22), and 0.74 (SD: 0.22), respectively. The Spearman correlation coefficients of FAQLQ‐PF with AQoL‐6D and CHU9D were rho = −0.56 and rho = −0.45, respectively. Optimal mapping algorithms were generated from selected FAQLQ‐PF items, mapped onto AQoL‐6D or CHU9D utility scores, with AQoL‐6D demonstrating better performance.

Conclusions

This study generated mapping algorithms to help facilitate the use of FAQLQ‐PF for cost‐utility analyses, which are essential for health economic evaluation. External validation of the reported mapping algorithms is warranted.
Modelling of gene loss propensity in the pangenomes of three Brassica species suggests different mechanisms between polyploids and diploids
Authors: Bayer Philipp E. , Scheben Armin , Golicz Agnieszka A. , Yuan Yuxuan , Faure Sebastien , Lee HueyTyng , Chawla Harmeet Singh , Anderson Robyn , Bancroft Ian , Raman Harsh , Lim Yong Pyo , Robbens Steven , Jiang Lixi , Liu Shengyi , Barker Michael S. , Schranz M. Eric , Wang Xiaowu , King Graham J. , Pires J. Chris , Chalhoub Boulos , Snowdon Rod J. , Batley Jacqueline , Edwards David
Published: July 2021

Plant genomes demonstrate significant presence/absence variation (PAV) within a species; however, the factors that lead to this variation have not been studied systematically in Brassica across diploids and polyploids. Here, we developed pangenomes of polyploid Brassica napus and its two diploid progenitor genomes B. rapa and B. oleracea to infer how PAV may differ between diploids and polyploids. Modelling of gene loss suggests that loss propensity is primarily associated with transposable elements in the diploids while in B. napus, gene loss propensity is associated with homoeologous recombination. We use these results to gain insights into the different causes of gene loss, both in diploids and following polyploidization, and pave the way for the application of machine learning methods to understanding the underlying biological and physical causes of gene presence/absence.
RASGRF2 gene fusions identified in a variety of melanocytic lesions with distinct morphological features
Authors: Houlier Aurélie , Pissaloux Daniel , Tirode Franck , Lopez Ramirez Noémie , Plaschka Maud , Caramel Julie , Masse Ingrid , de la Fouchardiere Arnaud
Published: July 2021

The WHO classification identifies nine classes of melanocytic proliferations according to location, UV exposure, histological, and genetic features. Only a minority of lesions remain unclassified. We describe five cases that harbored either an ERBIN‐RASGRF2 or an ATP2B4‐RASGRF2 in‐frame fusion transcript. These lesions were collected from different studies, unified only by the lack of identifiable known mutations, with a highly variable phenotype. One case was a large abdominal congenital nevus, three were slowly growing pigmented nodules, and the last was an ulcerated nodule arising on the site of a preexisting small nevus, known since childhood. The latter was diagnosed as a 4 mm thick melanoma with loss of BAP1 expression. The four other cases were compound, melanocytic proliferations with an unusual deep pattern of small dense nests of bland melanocytes encased in a fibrous background. The RASGRF2 fusion was confirmed by a break‐apart FISH technique. Array CGH performed in three cases found non‐recurrent secondary copy number alterations. Follow‐up was uneventful. In silico analysis identified a single RASGRF2 fusion in the TCGA pan‐cancer database, whereas RASGRF2 variants were stochastically distributed in all cancer subtypes.
Influence of sex hormones on the immune response to leishmaniasis
Authors: de Araújo Albuquerque Layana Pachêco , da Silva Amanda Miranda , de Araújo Batista Francisca Miriane , de Souza Sene Ingridi , Costa Dorcas Lamounier , Costa Carlos Henrique Nery
Published: July 2021

The differences in morbidity and mortality patterns and life expectancy between the sexes are well established in different infectious and parasitic conditions, such as in leishmaniases, in which biological, genetic, sexual and hormonal variations can modulate the immune response indicating greater infectivity, prevalence and clinical severity in men. In this regard, in seeking the understanding of factors related to protection and susceptibility to infection, this review aimed to discuss the influence of sex hormones on the immune response to leishmaniases. In the literature, sex hormone variations promote differences in the innate, humoral and cell‐mediated immune response, leading to greater susceptibility, mortality and complications in males. Epidemiological estimates confirm these results, showing a predominance of the disease, in its different clinical forms, in men and suggesting that sexual variations influence immunomodulatory mechanisms since the prevalence of cases comprises the post‐puberty and adulthood period. In this perspective, the action of sex hormones has been investigated in different clinical models, highlighting the potential of testosterone in immunosuppression, given its association with greater susceptibility and poor control of parasite load and the induction of cell apoptosis and attenuation of pro‐inflammatory signalling pathways. Therefore, hormonal variations influence the immune response among males and females against leishmaniases, in which androgens may present immunosuppressive potential, while steroids present immunomodulatory characteristics.
A “Good” Country without Democracy: Can China's Outward FDI buy a Positive State Image Overseas?
Authors: Fong Ware , Sakib Nazmus
Published: July 2021

This study examines the effects of China's outward foreign direct investment (FDI) on buying its state image abroad. We argue that regime survival has motivated China to use FDI to improve its state image and induce the world to accept China as a “good” country without democracy. Our analysis shows that while world public opinion becomes more favorable to China when its FDI share increases, even democratic countries remain less favorable toward this growing power. However, when China's FDI share crosses a higher threshold, democratic countries' unfavorable view toward China is compromised and the significant difference in favorability between democratic and nondemocratic countries is diminishing. China's FDI share has no significant effect on improving its state image in the Asia Pacific region, in particular—probably due to the memory of past wars with China and China's aggressive geopolitical strategy that focuses more on hard power competition. Our empirical results are robust in terms of their consistency with the governments' UN voting similarity with China.

Related Articles

Åberg, John H. S., and Derick Becker. 2020. “China as Exemplar: Justin Lin, New Structural Economics, and the Unorthodox Orthodoxy of the China Model.” Politics & Policy 48 (5): 815‐835. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12376

Asongu, Simplice A. 2016. “Sino‐African Relations: A Review and Reconciliation of Dominant Schools of Thought.” Politics & Policy 44 (2): 351‐383. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12152

Davis, G. Doug. 2011. “Regional Trade Agreements and Foreign Direct Investment.” Politics & Policy 39 (3): 401‐419. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00296.x
Alpha‐ketoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase homolog 10B, an N6‐methyladenosine mRNA demethylase, plays a role in salt stress and abscisic acid responses in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Shoaib Yasira , Hu Jianzhong , Manduzio Stefano , Kang Hunseung
Published: July 2021

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant methylation mark in eukaryotic mRNAs. It is installed and removed by methyltransferases (“writers”) and demethylases (“erasers”), respectively. A recent study has demonstrated that alpha‐ketoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase homolog 10B (ALKBH10B) is an mRNA m6A eraser affecting floral transition in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, the roles of m6A eraser proteins, including ALKHB10B, in plant adaptation to abiotic stresses are largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of ALKBH10B in the response of A. thaliana to abiotic stresses and abscisic acid (ABA). The m6A level increased in response to salt stress, and m6A levels in alkbh10b mutants were higher than those in the wild‐type under both normal and salt stress conditions. Germination of alkbh10b mutant seeds was markedly delayed under salt stress but not under dehydration, cold, or ABA conditions. Seedling growth and survival rate of alkbh10b mutants were enhanced under salt stress. Notably, salt‐tolerant phenotypes of alkbh10b mutants were correlated with decreased levels of several m6A‐modified genes, including ATAF1, BGLU22, and MYB73, which are negative effectors of salt stress tolerance. In response to ABA, both seedling and root growth of alkbh10b mutants were inhibited via upregulating ABA signaling‐related genes, including ABI3 and ABI4. Collectively, these findings indicate that ALKBH10B‐mediated m6A demethylation affects the transcript levels of stress‐responsive genes, which are important for seed germination, seedling growth, and survival of Arabidopsis thaliana in response to salt stress or ABA.
Women’s progression through the maternal continuum of care in Guinea: Evidence from the 2018 Guinean Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Camara Bienvenu Salim , Benova Lenka , Delvaux Thérèse , Sidibé Sidikiba , El Ayadi Alison Marie , Grietens Koen Peeters , Delamou Alexandre
Published: July 2021

Objective

To examine women's progression through the antenatal, birth, and post‐partum maternal care in Guinea in 2018.

Methods

Using the Guinea Demographic and Health Survey of 2018, we analysed data on most recent live births in the 24 months preceding the survey among women aged 15–49 and the determinants (health system, quality of care, reproductive and sociodemographic factors) of women's progression through three steps of the continuum of care, using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

In the sample of 3,018 women, 87% reported at least one ANC visit (ANC1) with a health professional and 36% reported ANC4+, at least one of which was with a health professional. In the study, 26% of women reported ANC4+ plus birth in a health facility, and 20% reported ANC4+, birth in a health facility, plus post‐partum check‐up.

Predictors of woman's progression from ANC1 to ANC4+ visits included living in the administrative regions of Kindia (AOR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.23–3.14) and Nzérékoré (AOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.32–0.79) vs. Kankan, being aged 15 to 17 (AOR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.35–0.86) vs. aged 25 to 34, having primary or more education (AOR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.09–1.72), and being from a middle (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.18–1.96) or wealthier (AOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.67–3.39) household vs. a poor household. Living in the administrative regions of Nzérékoré (AOR: 6.27, 95% CI: 1.57–25.05) vs. Kankan, in a middle (AOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.05–2.57) or wealthier (AOR: 3.23, 95% CI: 1.98–5.29) household vs. a poor household, nulliparity (AOR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.03–2.97) vs. 2–4 previous births, the distance to health facility perceived as not being a problem (AOR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.23–2.50), and higher ANC content score (AOR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.10–1.52) remained independently associated with progression from ANC4+ to birth in a health facility. Predictors of progression from birth in the health facility to post‐partum check‐up included residing in the administrative regions of Labé (AOR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.09–0.51) or Faranah (AOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19–0.96) vs. Kankan, higher ANC content score (AOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.36–2.28), skin‐to‐skin contact after birth (AOR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.70–5.31), and being attended at birth by a health professional (AOR: 17.52, 95% CI: 4.68–65.54).

Conclusions

Removing financial barriers and improving quality of care appear to be important to increase the percentage of women receiving the full maternal continuum of care.
Multilocus phylogenetics of smooth clam shrimps (Branchiopoda, Laevicaudata)
Authors: Sigvardt Zandra M. S. , Olesen Jørgen , Rogers D. Christopher , Timms Brian , Mlambo Musa , Rabet Nicolas , Palero Ferran
Published: July 2021

Laevicaudatan branchiopods, also called ‘smooth clam shrimps’ or ’pea shrimps’, are rare crustaceans found exclusively in temporary, small freshwater bodies, which stay dry most of the year. Only 42 laevicaudatan species have been described so far, 90% of which belong to the genus Lynceus. The first multilocus phylogeny of the group is provided here, based on 15 Lynceus species from North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Caledonia and using nine molecular markers (two mitochondrial and seven nuclear genes, including newly designed primers). Genetic data suggest populations of Lynceus brachyurus from Europe and North America to represent a complex of cryptic species and sister group to all other laevicaudatans. Species from Thailand, Japan, Mongolia and China formed a distinct East Asian clade. A Southern Hemisphere (Gondwanaland) clade, composed of Chilean, Australian and New Caledonian taxa, was found weakly clustering with an African Lynceus species. Relaxed molecular clock analyses indicate a Pangean origin of Laevicaudata, with further diversification due to vicariance and the continued splitting of continents. Rostrum characters, which are particularly relevant for laevicaudatan systematics, were re‐evaluated and provide morphological evidence supporting molecular clades. Our worldwide overview of Laevicaudata evolution highlights that recent sampling from Africa and South America is scarce, and that further DNA efforts should focus on Paralimnetis and Lynceiopsis species.
Right-angled Artin groups as normal subgroups of mapping class groups
Authors: Clay Matt , Mangahas Johanna , Margalit Dan
Published: July 2021

We construct the first examples of normal subgroups of mapping class groups that are isomorphic to non-free right-angled Artin groups. Our construction also gives normal, non-free right-angled Artin subgroups of other groups, such as braid groups and pure braid groups, as well as many subgroups of the mapping class group, such as the Torelli subgroup. Our work recovers and generalizes the seminal result of Dahmani–Guirardel–Osin, which gives free, purely pseudo-Anosov normal subgroups of mapping class groups. We give two applications of our methods: (1) we produce an explicit proper normal subgroup of the mapping class group that is not contained in any level$m$congruence subgroup and (2) we produce an explicit example of a pseudo-Anosov mapping class with the property that all of its even powers have free normal closure and its odd powers normally generate the entire mapping class group. The technical theorem at the heart of our work is a new version of the windmill apparatus of Dahmani–Guirardel–Osin, which is tailored to the setting of group actions on the projection complexes of Bestvina–Bromberg–Fujiwara.
A Flexible Similarity-Based Algorithm for Tool Condition Monitoring
Authors: Stuhr Benjamin , Liu Rui
Published: July 2021

To realize smart manufacturing in various machining processes, tool condition monitoring (TCM) systems are employed to detect the state of the tool in optimizing tool conditions and preventing catastrophic failures. However, many developed TCM systems lack flexibility and require extensive setup. To address these issues, the proposed algorithm takes advantage of repetitive machining operations in mass production settings and adopts similarity analysis to realize TCM by comparing the signals collected from the tool with known conditions against the signals generated by the tool to be monitored. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed TCM system, a case study was performed in which the power signal was collected and used in the similarity analysis. According to this case study, it has been proved that the proposed TCM algorithm is able to accurately predict the state of the tool, i.e., tool wear, with a very simple and flexible solution. Furthermore, several tool condition-induced machining parameters have been evaluated to satisfy various monitoring requirements. Nearly all evaluated machining parameters validated the performance and flexibility of the TCM algorithm.
Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of Performance of a Variable Pitch Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Shah Owaisur Rahman , Jamal Muhammad Azfar , Khan Talha Irfan , Qazi Usama Waleed
Published: July 2021

The research work depicts the study of the comparison of a 1 kW fixed pitch vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) and a variable pitch VAWT via analytical, numerical, and experimental results. Being an emerging technology, wind turbine is becoming a source of attraction for the researchers. The VAWT in comparison to the horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) has shown numerous benefits. The fundamental purpose of this study is to maximize the output power and output torque of the wind turbine. For achieving an improved output, a novel and unique mechanism, termed as pitching mechanism, is employed that follows the variable pitch concept. The mathematical modeling was performed for the straight blade variable pitch VAWT and for the fixed rotor. The four-bar mechanism was developed to execute the variable pitch mechanism and implemented in the form of the computer-aided design, model. A scaled down three-dimensional (3D) model of the rotor was manufactured using the 3D printing technique. The aerodynamic forces such as lift and drag were measured upon the rotor as per the testing on the rotor in the wind tunnel. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were run for the fixed pitch and the variable pitch rotor. The transient analysis was performed for the azimuthal angle ranging from 0 to 360 deg and for a pitch angle varying from +25 to −25 deg in ansys software. The comparative study was undertaken, keeping in view the analytical, simulation, and experimental results. A worthy agreement was observed among analytical, software, and experimental results, and a promising increase in power and torque was observed due to the introduction of the variable pitch mechanism. The power produced by the variable pitch design showed a significant increase in the power production compared to the fixed pitch design. The numerical and experimental values of cp for the variable pitch design were quite comparable.
Experimental and Large Eddy Simulation Study for Visualizing Complex Flow Phenomena of Gas Turbine Internal Blade Cooling Channel With No Bend
Authors: Nourin Farah Nazifa , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: July 2021

In this study, the internal cooling channel was investigated without any bend. Smooth surfaces and dimpled surfaces were investigated using the different combinations of connecting circular and rectangular holes. The computations were performed using the large eddy simulation (LES) model for Reynolds (Re) numbers from 10,000 to 50,000. A total of six different connecting holes were investigated with a smooth and dimpled surface. A partial spherical dimple with two circular holes showed the highest heat transfer, but it has a higher pressure loss penalty. Even though the leaf dimpled surface with the rectangluar holes indicated a little low heat transfer, it represents the highest efficiency at higher Reynolds numbers because of the low-pressure drops.
Coniferous plants as potential reservoirs of phytoseiid mites (Parasitiformes: Phytoseiidae) in Poland
Authors: Puchalska Ewa Karolina , Kozak Marcin , Lewandowski Mariusz
Published: July 2021

Coniferous trees and shrubs growing in natural stands are important reservoirs of naturally-occurring predators belonging to the family Phytoseiidae (Mesostigmata: Phytoseioidea). The fauna of these mites on eight native coniferous species in Poland was surveyed and an exploratory statistical investigation was carried out into mite-conifer associations. The conifers were growing in forests, national parks and nature reserves throughout Poland. A total of 2,540 specimens of phytoseiids belonging to nine species was identified. Four species were new for the Polish fauna, i.e., Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) inopinatus (Wainstein), T. (A.) caucasicus (Abbasova), T. (A.) singularis Chant and Neoseiulus gracilentus (Hirschmann). Among the studied coniferous taxa, Picea abies (L.) H. Karst supported the greatest numbers of both species and individual mites. The highest biodiversity indexes for the phytoseiids were obtained for Taxus baccata L. and Juniperus communis L. Among the phytoseiid species found, T. (T.) tiliae Oudemans occurred on all eight host species surveyed. Typhlodromus (A.) bakeri (Garman) and T. (T.) tiliae were the most dominant species and occurred on conifers with high constancy. Amblyseius andersoni (Chant) co-dominated with them on J. communis and P. abies. New to the knowledge of Phytoseiidae-host plant records were T. (A.) singularis on P. abies, T. (T.) tiliae on Pinus mugo Turra, Pi. cembra L., J. communis and T. baccata, N. gracilentus on J. communis and Pi. mugo, and T. (A.) inopinatus on Abies alba Mill., Larix decidua Mill. and P. abies. Additionally, for Poland, new Phytoseiidae-host plant associations were T. (A.) inopinatus on Pinus sylvestris L., T. (A.) bakeri on J. communis and T. baccata, T. (A.) caucasicus on A. alba, T. baccata and P. abies, and T. (A.) singularis on L. decidua.
Masters Athletes’ Views on Sport Psychology for Performance Enhancement and Sport Lifestyle Adherence
Authors: Makepeace Tyler , Young Bradley W. , Rathwell Scott
Published: July 2021

This study explored the views of Canadian Masters athletes (MAs; Mage = 51, range 38–62; three men and five women) from 12 sports (10 individual and two team sports) on sport psychology for performance, experiential, and lifestyle enhancement. Using Braun and Clarke’s procedures for thematic analysis, the authors interpreted data from semistructured interviews deductively in relation to five strategic themes in which psychological skills are applied for performance enhancement. Deductive results demonstrated MAs used goal setting, imagery, arousal regulation, concentration, and self-confidence to enhance performance and obtain competitive advantages. The authors also analyzed data inductively to reveal themes related to experiential and lifestyle factors. Inductive results showed that MAs “placed priorities on sport,” which involved cognitively justifying the priority and framing sport as an outlet and as the embodiment of the authentic self. Social strategies associated with continued sport pursuit included cultivation of supportive social environments, social contracts/negotiations, social signaling, and social accountability. Strategies “to fit sport in” included integrating/twinning, scheduling, and managing commitment. Managing age-related concerns involved mindfulness and compensation strategies. Results show how MAs uniquely apply sport psychology to enhance their performance and to support sport adherence.
Dysregulation of the AP2M1 phosphorylation cycle by LRRK2 impairs endocytosis and leads to dopaminergic neurodegeneration
Authors: Liu Qinfang , Bautista-Gomez Judith , Higgins Daniel A. , Yu Jianzhong , Xiong Yulan
Published: July 2021

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis in neurons is sensitive to the abundance and activity of the kinase LRRK2.
Type II Fatty Acid Synthesis Pathway and Cyclopropane Ring Formation Are Dispensable during Enterococcus faecalis Systemic Infection
Authors: Hays Constantin , Lambert Clara , Brinster Sophie , Lamberet Gilles , du Merle Laurence , Gloux Karine , Gruss Alexandra , Poyart Claire , Fouet Agnes
Published: July 2021

Membrane lipid homeostasis is crucial for bacterial physiology, adaptation, and virulence. Fatty acids are constituents of the phospholipids that are essential membrane components.
Modulation of the Enzymatic Activity of the Flagellar Lytic Transglycosylase SltF by Rod Components and the Scaffolding Protein FlgJ in
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: García-Ramos Mariela , de la Mora Javier , Ballado Teresa , Camarena Laura , Dreyfus Georges
Published: July 2021

Several mechanisms participate in the assembly of cell-envelope-spanning macromolecular structures. The sequential expression of substrates to be exported, selective export, and a specific order of incorporation are some of the mechanisms that stand out to drive an efficient assembly process.
Murine Monoclonal Antibodies against the Receptor Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 Neutralize Authentic Wild-Type SARS-CoV-2 as Well as B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 Viruses and Protect
In Vivo
in a Mouse Model in a Neutralization-Dependent Manner
Authors: Amanat Fatima , Strohmeier Shirin , Lee Wen-Hsin , Bangaru Sandhya , Ward Andrew B. , Coughlan Lynda , Krammer Florian
Published: July 2021

Cross-neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants by RBD-targeting antibodies is still not well understood, and very little is known about the potential protective effect of nonneutralizing antibodies
in vivo
. Using a panel of mouse monoclonal antibodies, we investigate both of these points.
Role of Premycofactocin Synthase in Growth, Microaerophilic Adaptation, and Metabolism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Gopinath , Kaiser Peggy , Constant Patricia , Abu Abed Ulrike , Schmid Monika , Frese Christian K. , Brinkmann Volker , Daffé Mamadou , Kaufmann Stefan H. E.
Published: July 2021

Characterization of proteins with unknown functions is a critical research priority as the intracellular growth and metabolic state of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the causative agent of tuberculosis, remain poorly understood. Mycofactocin is a peptide-derived redox cofactor present in almost all mycobacterial species; however, its functional relevance in
M. tuberculosis
pathogenesis and host survival has never been studied experimentally.
Competitiveness for Nodule Colonization in Sinorhizobium meliloti: Combined
In Vitro
-Tagged Strain Competition and Genome-Wide Association Analysis
Authors: Bellabarba Agnese , Bacci Giovanni , Decorosi Francesca , Aun Erki , Azzarello Elisa , Remm Maido , Giovannetti Luciana , Viti Carlo , Mengoni Alessio , Pini Francesco
Published: July 2021

Decoding the competitive pattern that occurs in the rhizosphere is challenging in the study of bacterial social interaction strategies. To date, the single-gene approach has mainly been used to uncover the bases of nodulation, but there is still a knowledge gap regarding the main features that
a priori
characterize rhizobial strains able to outcompete indigenous rhizobia.
Teaching with Microbes: Lessons from Fermentation during a Pandemic
Authors: Carney Megan A.
Published: July 2021

As evidenced by classroom experiences in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, microbes are “good to teach with” not only within microbiology and related fields but across a variety of academic disciplines. Thinking with microbes is not a neutral process but one shaped by social, political, and economic processes.
Genome-Scale Analysis of Acetobacterium woodii Identifies Translational Regulation of Acetogenesis
Authors: Shin Jongoh , Song Yoseb , Kang Seulgi , Jin Sangrak , Lee Jung-Kul , Kim Dong Rip , Cho Suhyung , Müller Volker , Cho Byung-Kwan
Published: July 2021

Acetogens are capable of reducing CO
2
to multicarbon compounds (e.g., ethanol or 2,3-butanediol) via the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. Given that protein synthesis in bacteria is highly energy consuming, acetogens living at the thermodynamic limit of life are inevitably under translation control.
Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia of the thyroid: demonstrating the natural progression of a rare and misunderstood disease
Authors: Salem Joseph , Shamil Eamon , Ffolkes Lorrette , Ofo Enyinnaya
Published: July 2021

Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia of the thyroid in a 46-year-old woman.
Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis and metastatic lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Yi , Yee Yucai , Qin Yan
Published: July 2021

A 69-year-old Chinese man presented with exertional dyspnoea and subjective left upper limb weakness. Initial clinical impressions were community-acquired pneumonia and cerebrovascular accident. Further imaging studies revealed an incidental mitral valve vegetation and left lung upper lobe nodule likely a lung malignancy with possible lymphangitis carcinomatosis. Appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment for infective endocarditis was instituted early in admission, but multiple blood cultures were negative. The patient progressively developed worsening neurological dysfunction and subconjunctival haemorrhage from recurrent embolic complications despite empirical antimicrobial treatment. Histology finally revealed lung adenocarcinoma after delay in obtaining biopsy due to high procedural risk from recurrent stroke. Unfortunately, before the patient could undergo any systemic oncology treatment, he deteriorated with type I respiratory failure from obstructive pneumonia and eventually demised. Important lessons include the need to consider non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis as a differential in the appropriate clinical context followed by anticoagulation with systemic treatment as early as possible.
Rapid onset vancomycin-induced thrombocytopenia confirmed by vancomycin antibody test
Authors: Rattanasuwan Thakul , Marks Yael , Delaune Jess , Khoury Adonice P
Published: July 2021

We report a case of vancomycin-induced thrombocytopenia (VIT) with rapid onset after re-exposure to vancomycin. A 58-year-old man with cellulitis was initiated on vancomycin. Approximately 1 hour into the vancomycin infusion, the patient developed an infusion-related reaction. Vancomycin infusion was stopped. A complete blood count obtained 4 hours after discontinuation of the vancomycin infusion revealed a platelet count of 31 ×10­9/L. Investigations ruled out likely causes of thrombocytopenia. VIT was diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and confirmed with drug-dependent platelet antibody testing. Without complications, platelet counts recovered within 7 days after discontinuation of vancomycin. No correlation between vancomycin level and VIT was observed.
Prehospital management of a non-intubated inhalation injury patient using transcutaneous monitoring of carbon dioxide
Authors: Kikuta Shota , Ishihara Satoshi , Matsuyama Shigenari , Nakayama Shinichi
Published: July 2021

A 46-year-old man experienced facial burns due to a fire in his house. In the prehospital setting, suspecting inhalation injury and carbon monoxide poisoning, an emergency physician decided to bring him to the hospital for carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring without endotracheal intubation for approximately 20 min because of less severe respiratory distress. On the way to the hospital, the patient’s end-tidal CO2monitoring ranged from 19 to 30 mm Hg, and transcutaneous carbon dioxide (TcPCO2) remained between 50 and 55 mm Hg. On arrival at the hospital, PaCO2showed 51.6 mm Hg. Endotracheal intubation using a bronchoscope was performed in the emergency room, and inhalation injury was observed. He was extubated on day 5 and discharged on day 10. In the prehospital setting, TcPCO2monitoring is useful for initial management of non-intubated inhalation injury patients even with high concentration oxygen.
Beyond the metrics of health research performance in African countries
Authors: Mijumbi-Deve Rhona , Parkhurst Justin , Jones Catherine , Juma Pamela A , Sobngwi-Tambekou Joelle L , Wenham Clare
Published: July 2021

While it is important to be able to evaluate and measure a country’s performance in health research (HR), HR systems are complex and multifaceted in nature. As such, attempts at measurement can suffer several limitations which risk leading to inadequate indices or representations. In this study, we critically review common indicators of HR capacity and performance and explore their strengths and limitations. The paper is informed by review of data sources and documents, combined with interviews and peer-to-peer learning activities conducted with officials working in health and education ministries in a set of nine African countries. We find that many metrics that can assess HR performance have gaps in the conceptualisation or fail to address local contextual realities, which makes it a challenge to interpret them in relation to other theoretical constructs. Our study identified several concepts that are excluded from current definitions of indicators and systems of metrics for HR performance. These omissions may be particularly important for interpreting HR performance within the context and processes of HR in African countries, and thus challenging the relevance, utility, appropriateness and acceptability of universal measures of HR in the region. We discuss the challenges that scholars may find in conceptualising such a complex phenomenon—including the different and competing viewpoints of stakeholders, in setting objectives of HR measurement work, and in navigating the realities of empirical measurement where missing or partial data may necessitate that proxies or alternative indicators may be chosen. These findings are important to ensure that the global health community does not rely on over-simplistic evaluations of HR when analysing and planning for improvements in low-income and middle-income countries.
Experiences engaging in a group-based physiotherapist-led exercise programme for adults living with HIV and complex multimorbidity: a qualitative study
Authors: Homayouni Tina S. , Ruth Alex , Abbott-Tate Zoe , Burger Helen , Rahim Shaera , Murray Carolann , Wannamaker Ryan , Chan Carusone Soo , O'Brien Kelly K.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To explore experiences participating in a group-based physiotherapist (PT)-led exercise programme among people living with HIV and complex multimorbidity.

Design

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using semistructured interviews.

Recruitment and setting

We recruited community-dwelling adults living with HIV who engaged in a group-based PT-led exercise programme within an HIV-specialty hospital in Toronto, Canada. Interviews were conducted in-person or by telephone.

Participants

Eight men and two women with a median age of 58 years and median of six concurrent conditions in addition to HIV, who had attended ≥2 classes of the exercise programme.

Data collection

Interviews explored (1) reasons for engaging in the programme, (2) experiences with exercise prior to and after joining the programme, (3) facilitators and barriers to engagement and (4) perceived impacts of participation on health and disability. We administered the HIV Disability Questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire.

Results

Experiences spanned perspectives prior to, during and after the PT-led exercise programme. Reasons for engaging in the programme included addressing health-related goals. Participants identified accessibility, the flexible schedule, interprofessional staff and the HIV-specific, group-based environment as facilitators to engagement. Participants reported high attendance rates, but identified episodic health challenges and overcrowded space as potential barriers to attending exercise classes. Perceived impacts on health and disability outcomes included improved physical, mental, social and cognitive health, and activities of daily living. Anticipated or actual experiences transitioning to independent exercise included facilitators (supportive programme leaders) and barriers (challenges motivatiing self to exercise alone).

Conclusions

Features of the programme that facilitated engagement included the interprofessional, group-based environment that offered tailored exercise in an HIV-specific facility, whereby participants perceived benefits in domains of health and disability. However, challenges transitioning to independent exercise remain. Group-based PT-led exercise programmes may facilitate engagement in exercise among adults living with HIV and complex multimorbidity.
Vector control for malaria prevention during humanitarian emergencies: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Messenger Louisa Alexandra , Furnival-Adams Joanna , Pelloquin Bethanie , Rowland Mark
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Humanitarian emergencies, of either natural or anthropogenic origins, are equivalent to major disasters, which can lead to population displacement, food insecurity and health system disruptions. Almost two-thirds of people affected by humanitarian emergencies inhabit malaria endemic regions, particularly the WHO African Region, which currently accounts for 93% and 94% of malaria cases and deaths, respectively. As of late 2020, the United Nations Refugee Agency estimates that there are globally 79.5 million forcibly displaced people, including 45.7 million internally displaced people, 26 million refugees, 4.2 million asylum-seekers and 3.6 million Venezuelans displaced abroad.

Methods and analyses

A systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted to evaluate the impact of different vector control interventions on malaria disease burden during humanitarian emergencies. Published and grey literatures will be systematically retrieved from 10 electronic databases and 3 clinical trials registries. A systematic approach to screening, reviewing and data extraction will be applied based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Two review authors will independently assess full-text copies of potentially relevant articles based on inclusion criteria. Included studies will be assessed for risk of bias according to Cochrane and certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Eligible studies with reported or measurable risk ratios or ORs with 95% CIs will be included in a meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses, including per study design, emergency phase and primary mode of intervention, may be performed if substantial heterogeneity is encountered.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to perform secondary analyses of existing anonymous data. Study findings will be disseminated via open-access publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentations to stakeholders and international policy makers, and will contribute to the latest WHO guidelines for malaria control during humanitarian emergencies.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020214961.
Cohort profile: the Men and Parenting Pathways (MAPP) Study: a longitudinal Australian cohort study of men’s mental health and well-being at the normative age for first-time fatherhood
Authors: Macdonald Jacqui A , Francis Lauren M , Skouteris Helen , Youssef George J , Graeme Liam G , Williams Joanne , Fletcher Richard J , Knight Tess , Milgrom Jeannette , Di Manno Laura , Olsson Craig A , Greenwood Christopher J
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The Men and Parenting Pathways (MAPP) Study is a prospective investigation of men’s mental health and well-being across the normative age for transitioning to fatherhood. This includes trajectories and outcomes for men who do and do not become fathers across five annual waves of the study.

Participants

Australian resident, English-speaking men aged 28–32 years at baseline were eligible. Recruitment was over a 2-year period (2015–2017) via social and traditional media and through engagement with study partners. Eight hundred and eighteen eligible men consented to participate. Of these, 664 men completed the first online survey of whom 608 consented to ongoing participation. Of the ongoing sample, 83% have participated in at least two of the first three annual online surveys.

Findings to date

Three waves of data collection are complete. The first longitudinal analysis of MAPP data, published in 2020, identified five profiles that characterise men’s patterns of depressive symptom severity and presentations of anger. Profiles indicating pronounced anger and depressive symptoms were associated with fathers’ lack of perceived social support, and problems with coparenting and bonding with infants. In a second study, MAPP data were combined with three other Australian cohorts in a meta-analysis of associations between fathers’ self-reported sleep problems up to 3 years postpartum and symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Adjusted meta-analytic associations between paternal sleep and mental health risk ranged from 0.25 to 0.37.

Future plans

MAPP is an ongoing cohort study. Waves 4 and 5 data will be ready for analyses at the end of 2021. Future investigations will include crossed-lagged and trajectory analyses that assess inter-relatedness and changing social networks, mental health, work and family life. A nested study of COVID-19 pandemic-related mental health and coping will add two further waves of data collection in a subsample of MAPP participants.
SYMPERHEART: an intervention to support symptom perception in persons with heart failure and their informal caregiver: a feasibility quasi-experimental study protocol
Authors: Santos Gabrielle Cécile , Liljeroos Maria , Hullin Roger , Denhaerynck Kris , Wicht Justine , Jurgens Corrine Y , Schäfer-Keller Petra
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Symptom perception in heart failure (HF) has been identified as crucial for effective self-care, and is related to patient and health system outcomes. There is uncertainty regarding the feasibility and acceptability of symptom perception support and doubts regarding how to include informal caregivers. This study aims to test the feasibility, acceptability and outcome responsiveness of an intervention supporting symptom perception in persons with HF and their informal caregiver.

Methods and analysis

A feasibility study with a quasi-experimental pretest and post-test single group design is conducted. The convenience sample consists of 30 persons with HF, their informal caregivers and six nurses. SYMPERHEART is an evidence-informed intervention that targets symptom perception by educational and support components. Feasibility is measured by time-to-recruit; time-to-deliver; eligibility rate; intervention delivery fidelity rate. Acceptability is measured by rate of consent, retention rate, treatment acceptability and the engagement in the intervention components. Outcome responsiveness includes: HF self-care (via the Self-care of Heart Failure Index V.7.2); perception of HF symptom burden (via the Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale V.3); health status (via the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12); caregivers’ contribution to HF self-care (via the Caregiver Contribution to Self-Care of Heart Failure Index 2); caregivers’ burden (via the Zarit Burden Interview). Clinical outcomes include HF events, hospitalisation reason and length of hospital stay. Descriptive statistics will be used to report feasibility, acceptability, patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and clinical outcomes. PRO and caregiver-reported outcome responsiveness will be reported with mean absolute change and effect sizes.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki. The Human Research Ethics Committee of the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland, has approved the study. Written informed consent from persons with HF and informal caregivers are obtained. Results will be published via peer reviewed and professional journals, and further disseminated via congresses.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN18151041.
Clinicopathological significance of neutrophil-rich colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Rottmann Bruce G , Patel Natalie , Ahmed Muhammad , Deng Yanhong , Ciarleglio Maria , Vyas Monika , Jain Dhanpat , Zhang Xuchen
Published: July 2021

Aims

The importance of the interaction between tumour cells and neutrophils has recently begun to emerge. However, the significance of tumour-infiltrating neutrophil (TIN) in colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of TIN in CRCs.

Methods

CRCs were evaluated for TIN and were classified as neutrophil-rich (NR), neutrophil-intermediate (NI) and neutrophil-poor (NP) based on the presence of >15, 5–15 and <5 TIN per 100 tumour cells, respectively. Various clinicopathological parameters were recorded in each case including age, gender, histological grade, tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) stage, tumour location and DNA mismatch repair (MMR) status.

Results

Among the 348 CRC cases reviewed, 38 cases were NR, 43 cases were NI and 267 cases were NP. High TIN was associated with higher histological grade (p=0.0222), right-sided tumour location (p=0.0025), advanced TNM stage (p=0.0346) and higher rate of MMR-deficient CRCs (p=0.0027). Patients with NR CRCs had significantly poorer 5-year recurrence-free survival comparing to patients with NI or NP CRCs on Kaplan-Meier analysis (p=0.0001) and high TIN remained an independent risk factor with multivariate analysis (p=0.0137; HR: 1.930, 95% CI: 1.144 to 3.255). NR CRCs are more commonly seen in MMR-deficient than in MMR-proficient CRCs (p=0.0006). Patients with MMR-deficient NR CRCs showed similar 5-year recurrence-free survival compared with MMR-proficient NR CRCs.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that high TIN confers poorer patient prognosis in both MMR-proficient and MMR-deficient CRCs.