bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KAI2 regulates seedling development by mediating light‐induced remodelling of auxin transport
Authors: Hamon‐Josse Maxime , Villaécija‐Aguilar José Antonio , Ljung Karin , Leyser Ottoline , Gutjahr Caroline , Bennett Tom
Published: March 2022

Photomorphogenic remodelling of seedling growth is a key developmental transition in the plant life cycle. The α/β‐hydrolase signalling protein KARRIKIN‐INSENSITIVE2 (KAI2), a close homologue of the strigolactone receptor DWARF14 (D14), is involved in this process, but it is unclear how the effects of KAI2 on development are mediated.

Here, using a combination of physiological, pharmacological, genetic and imaging approaches in Arabidopsis thaliana (Heynh.) we show that kai2 phenotypes arise because of a failure to downregulate auxin transport from the seedling shoot apex towards the root system, rather than a failure to respond to light per se.

We demonstrate that KAI2 controls the light‐induced remodelling of the PIN‐mediated auxin transport system in seedlings, promoting a reduction in PIN7 abundance in older tissues, and an increase of PIN1/PIN2 abundance in the root meristem. We show that removing PIN3, PIN4 and PIN7 from kai2 mutants, or pharmacological inhibition of auxin transport and synthesis, is sufficient to suppress most kai2 seedling phenotypes.

We conclude that KAI2 regulates seedling morphogenesis by its effects on the auxin transport system. We propose that KAI2 is not required for the light‐mediated changes in PIN gene expression but is required for the appropriate changes in PIN protein abundance within cells.
Contemplating the spirituality of scholarship
Authors: Coghlan David
Published: March 2022

Contemplation has been defined as “taking a long loving look at the real.” In the realm of the scholarship of nursing and midwifery, the pulls and counterpulls between disease and illness and between patient and person, for example, require that scholars and practitioners develop an understanding of the way their minds work and of the way they come to know. This dialogue takes a (short) loving look at the foundations of spirituality and spiritual development in human consciousness and invites readers to contemplate and appreciate their lives as scholars and practitioners.
Resistance to RNA interference by plant‐derived double‐stranded RNAs but not plant‐derived short interfering RNAs in Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Fu Jinqiu , Xu Shijing , Lu Huan , Li Fanchi , Li Shengchun , Chang Ling , Heckel David G. , Bock Ralph , Zhang Jiang
Published: March 2022

Plant‐mediated RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a promising technology for pest control through expression of double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) targeted against essential insect genes. However, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms and whether long dsRNA or short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are the effective triggers of the RNAi response. Here we generated transplastomic and nuclear transgenic tobacco plants expressing dsRNA against the Helicoverpa armigera ATPaseH gene. We showed that expression of long dsRNA of HaATPaseH was at least three orders of magnitude higher in transplastomic plants than in transgenic plants. HaATPaseH‐derived siRNAs are absent from transplastomic plants, while they are abundant in transgenic plants. Feeding transgenic plants to H. armigera larvae reduced gene expression of HaATPaseH and delayed growth. Surprisingly, no effect of transplastomic plants on insect growth was observed, despite efficient dsRNA expression in plastids. Furthermore, we found that dsRNA ingested by H. armigera feeding on transplastomic plants was rapidly degraded in the intestinal fluid. In contrast, siRNAs are relatively stable in the digestive system. These results suggest that plant‐derived siRNAs may be more effective triggers of RNAi in Lepidoptera than dsRNAs, which will aid the optimization of the strategies for plant‐mediated RNAi to pest control.
Safety of 222 nm UVC Irradiation to the Surgical Site in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Fukui Tomoaki , Niikura Takahiro , Oda Takahiro , Kumabe Yohei , Nishiaki Aiko , Kaigome Rena , Ohashi Hiroyuki , Sasaki Masahiro , Igarashi Tatsushi , Oe Keisuke , Hamblin Michael R. , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: March 2022

For the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI), continuous disinfection could be helpful. Short wavelength ultraviolet radiation C (UVC) is highly bactericidal but shows cytotoxicity. Radiation of UVC with a wavelength of 222 nm to the skin is considered to be safe because it only reaches the stratum corneum. However, the safety of 222 nm irradiation to the surgical field not covered with skin is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the safety of 222 nm UVC irradiation on a surgical field in a rabbit model. Five types of tissue were surgically exposed and irradiated with 222 or 254 nm UVC. Immunohistological assessment against cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD), an index of DNA damage by UVC, was performed. The CPD‐positive cell rate was significantly higher in the 254 nm group than in the other groups in all tissues. A 222 nm group showed significantly more CPD than control in fat tissue, but no significant difference in all other tissues. In fat tissue collected 24 h after irradiation, the 254 nm group showed higher CPD than the other groups, while the 222 nm group had reduced to the control level. These data suggest that 222 nm UVC irradiation could be a new method to safely prevent SSI.
L‐Cysteine improves bovine oocyte developmental competence in vitro via activation of oocyte‐derived growth factors BMP‐15 and GDF‐9
Authors: Elgebaly Maha Mosad , Hazaa Abo Bakr Maher , Amer Hussein Ahmed , Mesalam Ayman
Published: March 2022

This study was designed to investigate the effect of different concentrations of L‐cysteine supplementation into the maturation medium on the oocyte nuclear maturation, cumulus cell expansion, ultrastructure of the oocytes and the expression of oocyte‐derived growth factors BMP‐15, GDF‐9 and CB‐1 genes. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from cow's ovaries obtained from abattoir and incubated at 38.5°C in maturation media supplemented with 0, 0.6, 0.8 or 1 mM L‐cysteine in 5% CO2 under humidified air for 24 hr. We found that a significantly higher percentage of oocytes progressed to metaphase II stage in the in vitro maturation (IVM) medium supplemented with L‐cysteine, particularly 0.8 mM group, compared with untreated control oocytes. Additionally, L‐cysteine treatment significantly increased the number of expanded COCs and the degree of expansion of individual COCs. Results of RT‐qPCR showed significant increase in expression levels of BMP‐15 and GDF‐9 in L‐cysteine‐treated groups compared with control one. Electron microgram showed improvement of cytoplasmic maturation regarding ultrastructure of the oocytes and oocyte–cumulus cell gap junction communication in all L‐cysteine‐treated groups especially 0.8 mM L‐cysteine‐treated one. In conclusion, supplementation of IVM medium with a potential anti‐oxidant, L‐cysteine can effectively improve in vitro oocytes cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation via activation of oocyte maturation related BMP‐15 and GDF‐9 genes in bovine oocytes, benefiting the extended researches about the potential applications of L‐cysteine in mammalian breeding technologies.
A Unique Bond: Twin Bereavement and Lifespan Associations of Identical and Fraternal Twins
Authors: van den Berg Gerard J. , Drepper Bettina
Published: March 2022

Analyses of twin mortality often use models with dependent unobserved frailty terms capturing genetic and childhood environmental determinants. This ignores that mortality rates can be co-dependent due to bereavement effects, that is, to a causal effect of the loss of the co-twin on the mortality rate of the surviving twin. We develop a novel approach based on a model incorporating both types of dependence. We prove identification and we estimate models with Danish register data on twin pairs. Among men, losing an identical co-twin at age 75 causally reduces the remaining lifetime on average by more than a year. This bereavement effect is less severe among non-identical twins. The results are relevant for the assessment of the economic component of bereavement effects in general. Furthermore, estimates of correlations between the frailty terms by zygosity and the ensuing relative importance of genetic determinants are highly dependent on whether bereavement effects are ignored.
Density-Based Clustering of Social Networks
Authors: Menardi Giovanna , De Stefano Domenico
Published: March 2022

The idea of the modal formulation of density-based clustering is to associate groups with the regions around the modes of the probability density function underlying the data. The correspondence between clusters and dense regions in the sample space is here exploited to discuss an extension of this approach to the analysis of social networks. Conceptually, the notion of high-density cluster fits well the one of community in a network, regarded to as a collection of individuals with dense local ties in its neighbourhood. The lack of a probabilistic notion of density in networks is turned into a strength of the proposed method, where node-wise measures that quantify the role of actors are used to derive different community configurations. The approach allows for the identification of a hierarchical structure of clusters, which may catch different degrees of resolution of the clustering structure. This feature well fits the nature of social networks, disentangling different involvements of individuals in aggregations.
Dynamic Modelling of Mortality Via Mixtures of Skewed Distribution Functions
Authors: Aliverti Emanuele , Mazzuco Stefano , Scarpa Bruno
Published: March 2022

There has been growing interest on forecasting mortality. In this article, we propose a novel dynamic Bayesian approach for modelling and forecasting the age-at-death distribution, focusing on a three-component mixture of a Dirac mass, a Gaussian distribution and a skew-normal distribution. According to the specified model, the age-at-death distribution is characterized via seven parameters corresponding to the main aspects of infant, adult and old-age mortality. The proposed approach focuses on coherent modelling of multiple countries, and following a Bayesian approach to inference we allow to borrow information across populations and to shrink parameters towards a common mean level, implicitly penalizing diverging scenarios. Dynamic modelling across years is induced through an hierarchical dynamic prior distribution that allows to characterize the temporal evolution of each mortality component and to forecast the age-at-death distribution. Empirical results on multiple countries indicate that the proposed approach outperforms popular methods for forecasting mortality, providing interpretable insights on its evolution.
Emotion regulation patterns: Capturing variability and flexibility in emotion regulation in an experience sampling study
Authors: Elkjær Emma , Mikkelsen Mai B. , O'Toole Mia Skytte
Published: March 2022

Variability and flexibility in emotion regulation (ER) are considered important ingredients in adaptive ER. Few attempts at operationalizing variability and flexibility in ER have been made. In two 10‐day experience sampling studies (N = 51 and 39), healthy participants rated their momentary emotions and their ER efforts in response to those emotions. We evaluated the association between ER (i.e., between and within ER strategy variability and ER flexibility, operationalized as putatively adaptive, putatively maladaptive and total strategies) and measures of well‐being (psychological distress, satisfaction with life) in general (person‐level) and in everyday life (day‐level). Higher within‐variability indicated that a strategy was used more at some occasions and less at others. Higher between‐variability indicated variation in the extent to which different strategies were engaged at the same time point. Overall, results were mixed, but in some instances, indicators of ER variability and ER flexibility were related to each other and measures of well‐being differently. Total within ER variability was negatively associated with well‐being at the person and day level. Putatively adaptive between and within ER variability were associated with less well‐being at the person level. At the day level, putatively adaptive and maladaptive between ER variability and maladaptive within ER variability were negatively associated with well‐being. Putatively adaptive ER flexibility was negatively associated with satisfaction with life. This study adds to the literature on indicators of variability and flexibility in ER and their potential adaptiveness. The results indicate that variability in ER could be a maladaptive property, but more research is needed to understand this in terms of putatively adaptive and maladaptive strategies. Future studies on the adaptiveness of these indicators should obtain more contextual information.
Robust optimal estimation of location from discretely sampled functional data
Authors: Kalogridis Ioannis , Van Aelst Stefan
Published: March 2022

Estimating location is a central problem in functional data analysis, yet most current estimation procedures either unrealistically assume completely observed trajectories or lack robustness with respect to the many kinds of anomalies one can encounter in the functional setting. To remedy these deficiencies we introduce the first class of optimal robust location estimators based on discretely sampled functional data. The proposed method is based on M‐type smoothing spline estimation with repeated measurements and is suitable for both commonly and independently observed trajectories that are subject to measurement error. We show that under suitable assumptions the proposed family of estimators is minimax rate optimal both for commonly and independently observed trajectories and we illustrate its highly competitive performance and practical usefulness in a Monte‐Carlo study and a real‐data example involving recent Covid‐19 data.
Low trap density of oxygen-rich HfO2/GaN interface for GaN MIS-HEMT applications
Authors: Cheng Wei-Chih , He Jiaqi , He Minghao , Qiao Zepeng , Jiang Yang , Du Fangzhou , Wang Xiang , Hong Haimin , Wang Qing , Yu Hongyu
Published: March 2022

The high-k nature of HfO2 makes it a competitive gate oxide for various GaN-based power devices, but the high trap densities at the HfO2/GaN interface have hindered the application. This work was specifically carried out to explore the interface between GaN and ozone-based atomic-layer-deposited HfO2 gate oxide. Furthermore, the GaN surface is preoxidized before gate oxide deposition to prepare an oxygen-rich HfO2/GaN interface. On the preoxidized GaN surface, a sharper HfO2/GaN interface and amorphous HfO2 bulk form during the subsequent deposition, translating to improved electric performance in metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) devices. The ozone-based HfO2 shows a high breakdown electric field (∼7 MV/cm) and a high dielectric constant (∼28). Furthermore, the MIS high electron mobility transistors' negligible VTH hysteresis and parallel conductance measurements reflect the ultralow trap densities of the HfO2/GaN interface (<1012 cm−2 eV−1). Therefore, the proposed HfO2 gate oxide scheme offers a promising solution for developing GaN MIS devices.
Atomistic simulation of shear flow of linear alkane and polyethylene liquids: A 50-year retrospective
Authors: Edwards Brian J. , Nafar Sefiddashti M. Hadi , Khomami Bamin
Published: March 2022

Atomistic simulations of alkanes and polyethylenes have grown in utility and application over a 50-year period beginning at the earliest days of molecular dynamics research. This retrospective covers this period of time, aiming to present a coherent history of the development and implementation of nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations to one rather limited but immensely practical subject area, that of shear flows of linear, monodisperse alkane and polyethylene liquids. The development of accurate potential models to describe the energetic interactions between methyl and methylene groups is discussed at length from a historical perspective, as pertaining to the evolution of realistic united-atom models used in contemporary simulations. Molecular dynamics methodology is presented as relevant to the limited subject matter of the Review. Most importantly, the results of simulations tracing back 50 years are summarized for relevant published works known to the authors, building over time a coherent history of the subject and delineating the major impacts of the combined body of work on the field of polymer rheology, 50 years after its inception.
RheoTack—An approach to investigate retraction rate dependent detaching behavior of pressure sensitive adhesives
Authors: Meurer Michael , Prescher Tim , Ramakers-van Dorp Esther , Möginger Bernhard , Hausnerova Berenika
Published: March 2022

Characterization methods of pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) originate from technical bonding and do not cover relevant data for the development and quality assurance of medical applications, where PSA with flexible backing layers are adopted to human skin. In this study, a new method called RheoTack is developed to determine (mechanically and optically) an adhesion and detaching behavior of flexible and transparent PSA based patches. Transdermal therapeutic systems (TTS) consisting of silicone-based PSAs on a flexible and transparent backing layer were tested on a rotational rheometer with an 8 mm plate as a probe rod at retraction speeds of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mm/s with respect to their adhesion and detaching behavior in terms of force-retraction displacement curves. The curves consist of a compression phase to affirm wetting; a tensile deformation phase intercepting stretching, cavity, and fibril formation; and a failure phase with detaching. Their analysis provides values for stiffness, force, and displacement of the beginning of fibril formation, force and displacement of the beginning of a failure due to fibril breakage and detaching, as well as corresponding activation energies. All these parameters exhibit the pronounced dependency on the retraction speed. The force-retraction displacement curves together with the simultaneous video recordings of the TTS deformation from three different angles (three cameras) provide deeper insight into the deformation processes and allow for interpreting the properties’ characteristics for PSA applications.
Coaches’ and Researchers’ Perceptions of the Factors That Influence Knowledge Translation for Coaching in Portugal and Brazil
Authors: Santos Fernando , Ferreira Marta , Holt Nicholas L.
Published: March 2022

The main objective of this study was to examine Portuguese and Brazilian coaches’ and researchers’ perceptions of the factors that influence the knowledge translation processes in sport. Data were collected via focus groups with 36 coaches and 25 researchers from both countries. Results of a reflexive thematic analysis were captured by the themes: knowledge creation, barriers, knowledge dissemination and knowledge implementation, and evaluation. In both contexts, there was a gap between researchers’ and coaches’ needs, which hindered the knowledge translation process. The lack of partnerships in place between these stakeholders also created difficulties in the process of knowledge translation. Moving forward, universities and polytechnic institutes should forge meaningful partnerships with coaches so they can implement evidence-based practices and use research as a tool for improving the quality of the coaching process.
How Do Coaches Operationalise Long-Term Technical Training in Elite Golf?
Authors: Orr Steven , Carson Howie J. , Cruickshank Andrew
Published: March 2022

Long-term training is a common approach within the applied setting for components of physiology and strength and conditioning, for example. However, less is known about the reality of training across similar timescales from a technical perspective. Taking the highly technical sport of golf, current research rarely considers coaching technique beyond a single session or with the aim to understand the reality for, or challenges faced by, coaches working at the elite level. Accordingly, this qualitative study explored the goals, structure, and methods of coaches’ long-term technical work with players at macro-, meso-, and microlevels. Findings revealed that (a) coaches attempted to undertake technical refinement with players but without a clear systematic process, (b) there is little coherence and consistency across the levels of work, (c) the process and timescales of technical work are considered unpredictable and uncertain, and (d) long-term planning is seen as subservient to meeting players’ immediate performance needs. These results highlight the complexity of long-term technical work at the elite level and the need for coaches to develop both a sound and clear rationale through a more comprehensive case conceptualisation process, as well as a greater alignment to the scientific literature, to advance future practice.
CRISPR Inhibition of Essential Peptidoglycan Biosynthesis Genes in Mycobacterium abscessus and Its Impact on β-Lactam Susceptibility
Authors: Kurepina Natalia , Chen Liang , Composto Kaelea , Rifat Dalin , Nuermberger Eric L. , Kreiswirth Barry N.
Published: March 2022

We utilized a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) assay to control the gene expressions of two predicted essential peptidoglycan biosynthesis genes,
pbpB
and
cwIM
, in
Mycobacterium abscessus
and to evaluate their contribution to β-lactam susceptibility. Our results showed that CRISPR inhibition of each gene led to a significant 3-log
10
reduction in CFU in the presence of imipenem but not for cefoxitin.
Temporally Selective Modification of the Tomato Rhizosphere and Root Microbiome by Volcanic Ash Fertilizer Containing Micronutrients
Authors: Mehlferber Elijah C. , McCue Kent F. , Ferrel Jon E. , Koskella Britt , Khanna Rajnish
Published: March 2022

Various types of soil fertilizers are used routinely to increase crop yields globally. The effects of these treatments are assessed mainly by the benefits they provide in increased crop productivity.
A Novel and Ubiquitous Marine Methylophage Provides Insights into Viral-Host Coevolution and Possible Host-Range Expansion in Streamlined Marine Heterotrophic Bacteria
Authors: Buchholz Holger H. , Bolaños Luis M. , Bell Ashley G. , Michelsen Michelle L. , Allen Michael J. , Temperton Ben
Published: March 2022

Isolation and cultivation of viruses are the foundations on which the mechanistic understanding of virus-host interactions and parameterization of bioinformatic tools for viral ecology are based. This study isolated and characterized the first myophage known to infect the OM43 clade, expanding our knowledge of this understudied group of microbes.
Tuberculosis Treatment Monitoring and Outcome Measures: New Interest and New Strategies
Authors: Heyckendorf Jan , Georghiou Sophia B. , Frahm Nicole , Heinrich Norbert , Kontsevaya Irina , Reimann Maja , Holtzman David , Imperial Marjorie , Cirillo Daniela M. , Gillespie Stephen H. , Ruhwald Morten ,   on behalf of the UNITE4TB Consortium
Published: March 2022

Despite the advent of new diagnostics, drugs and regimens, tuberculosis (TB) remains a global public health threat. A significant challenge for TB control efforts has been the monitoring of TB therapy and determination of TB treatment success.
Coronavirus Porcine Deltacoronavirus Upregulates MHC Class I Expression through RIG-I/IRF1-Mediated NLRC5 Induction
Authors: Liu Xiang , Yin Lingdan , Xue Mei , Chen Jianfei , Li Liang , Fu Fang , Feng Li , Liu Pinghuang
Published: March 2022

MHC-I molecules play a crucial role in antiviral immunity by presenting intracellular antigens to CD8+T lymphocytes and eliminating virus-infected cells by natural killer cells’ “missing-self recognition.” However, the manipulation of MHC molecules by coronaviruses remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that PDCoV, a zoonotic potential coronavirus efficiently infecting cells from broad species, greatly increased the expressions of porcine MHC-I (SLA-I) molecules and MHC-I antigen presentation associated genes but not porcine MHC-II (SLA-II) molecules bothin vitroandin vivo.
Presence of Natural Killer B Cells in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Colon That Have Properties and Functions Similar to Those of Natural Killer Cells and B Cells but Are a Distinct Cell Population
Authors: Cogswell Andrew , Jo Sungro , Ferguson Natasha , Gupta Kajal , Barker Edward
Published: March 2022

There is low-level but significant mucosal inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract secondary to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection that has long-term consequences for the infected host. This inflammation most likely originates from the immune response that appears as a consequence of HIV. Here, we show in an animal model of HIV that the chronically SIV-infected gut contains cytotoxic natural killer B cells that produce inflammatory cytokines and proliferate during infection.
ABCDs of the Relative Contributions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum Sensing Systems to Virulence in Diverse Nonvertebrate Hosts
Authors: Vasquez-Rifo Alejandro , Cook Jamie , McEwan Deborah L. , Shikara Dania , Ausubel Frederick M. , Di Cara Francesca , Cheng Zhenyu
Published: March 2022

In this study, we performed a systematic comparison of the virulence of WT
P. aeruginosa
and QS mutants in selected hosts and conditions. This work represents an important contribution to the long-term goal of unraveling the entangled roles of different branches of the
P. aeruginosa
QS network in different hosts and will serve as a valuable resource for the field of host-pathogen interactions.
Microbiomes of Hadal Fishes across Trench Habitats Contain Similar Taxa and Known Piezophiles
Authors: Blanton Jessica M. , Peoples Logan M. , Gerringer Mackenzie E. , Iacuaniello Caroline M. , Gallo Natalya D. , Linley Thomas D. , Jamieson Alan J. , Drazen Jeffrey C. , Bartlett Douglas H. , Allen Eric E.
Published: March 2022

Hadal trenches, characterized by high hydrostatic pressures and low temperatures, are one of the most extreme environments on our planet. By examining the microbiome of abyssal and hadal fishes, we provide insight into the diversity and distribution of host-associated life at great depth.
Plasmid-Mediated Stabilization of Prophages
Authors: Tuttle Matthew J. , May Frank S. , Basso Jonelle T. R. , Gann Eric R. , Xu Julie , Buchan Alison
Published: March 2022

The consequences of prophage induction on the physiology of microbial populations are varied and include enhanced biofilm formation, conferral of virulence, and increased opportunity for horizontal gene transfer. These traits lead to competitive advantages for lysogenized bacteria and influence bacterial lifestyles in a variety of niches.
Mapping Data to Deep Understanding: Making the Most of the Deluge of SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequences
Authors: Sokhansanj Bahrad A. , Rosen Gail L.
Published: March 2022

Next-generation sequencing has been essential to the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of January 2022, nearly 7 million severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequences are available to researchers in public databases.
Growth-Dependent Predation and Generalized Transduction of Antimicrobial Resistance by Bacteriophage
Authors: Leclerc Quentin J. , Wildfire Jacob , Gupta Arya , Lindsay Jodi A. , Knight Gwenan M.
Published: March 2022

Bacteriophage (phage), viruses that can infect and kill bacteria, are being investigated through phage therapy as a potential solution to the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In reality, however, phage are also natural drivers of bacterial evolution by transduction when they accidentally carry nonphage DNA between bacteria.
A Comprehensive Overview of the Genes and Functions Required for Lettuce Infection by the Hemibiotrophic Phytopathogen Xanthomonas hortorum pv.
vitians
Authors: Morinière Lucas , Mirabel Laurène , Gueguen Erwan , Bertolla Franck
Published: March 2022

Xanthomonas hortorum
was recently the subject of renewed interest, as several studies highlighted that its members were responsible for diseases in a wide range of plant species, including crops of agricultural relevance (e.g., tomato and carrot). Among
X. hortorum
variants,
X. hortorum
pv.
vitians
is a reemerging foliar hemibiotrophic phytopathogen responsible for severe outbreaks of bacterial leaf spot of lettuce all around the world.
The Proportion of Soil-Borne Fungal Pathogens Increases with Elevated Organic Carbon in Agricultural Soils
Authors: Du Shuai , Trivedi Pankaj , Wei Zhong , Feng Jiao , Hu Hang-Wei , Bi Li , Huang Qiaoyun , Liu Yu-Rong
Published: March 2022

Fungal phytopathogens are important threats to soil and crop health, but their community composition and environmental determinants remain unclear. We found that soil organic carbon is the key factor of the prevalence of fungal phytopathogens through a field survey, which is also supported by our long-term (6-year) experiment showing the applications of crop straw and fresh livestock manure significantly increased the proportion of fungal phytopathogens.
Coexistence of
tet
(X4),
mcr-1
, and
bla
NDM-5
in ST6775
Escherichia coli
Isolates of Animal Origin in China
Authors: Lu Xiaoyu , Du Yufeng , Peng Kai , Zhang Wenhui , Li Jingui , Wang Zhiqiang , Li Ruichao
Published: March 2022

Tigecycline and colistin are regarded as vital antimicrobials to treat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, such as that caused by carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
(CPE). Cooccurrence of mobile resistance genes conferring resistance to last-resort antimicrobials in
E. coli
remains unknown.
Ribitol-Containing Wall Teichoic Acid of Tetragenococcus halophilus Is Targeted by Bacteriophage phiWJ7 as a Binding Receptor
Authors: Wakinaka Takura , Matsutani Minenosuke , Watanabe Jun , Mogi Yoshinobu , Tokuoka Masafumi , Ohnishi Akihiro
Published: March 2022

Information about the mechanisms of host-phage interactions is required for the development of efficient strategies against bacteriophage infections. Here, we identified the ribitol-containing wall teichoic acid as a host receptor indispensable for bacteriophage infection.
Interactions and Stability of Gut Microbiota in Zebrafish Increase with Host Development
Authors: Xiao Fanshu , Zhu Wengen , Yu Yuhe , Huang Jie , Li Juan , He Zhili , Wang Jianjun , Yin Huaqun , Yu Huang , Liu Shengwei , Chen Pubo , Huang Zhijian , He Jianguo , Wang Cheng , Shu Longfei , Yan Qingyun
Published: March 2022

Understanding gut microbial stability and the underlying mechanisms is an important but largely ignored ecological issue in vertebrate fish. Here, using a zebrafish model and network analysis of the gut microbiota we found that microbial interactions and stability in the gut ecosystem increase with fish development.
Comparison of Isogenic Strains Shows No Evidence of Altered Nosocomial Transmission-Competency of Rough, GPL-Negative Mycobacterium abscessus Strains
Authors: Meir Michal , Foreman Mark , Bar-Oz Michal , Naor Noga , Rozenblit Anna , Barkan Daniel
Published: March 2022

Mycobacterium abscessus
is an emerging pathogen causing severe pulmonary infections. In the clinical setting,
M. abscsssus
undergoes molecular and genetic changes associated with increased virulence.
Simultaneous Hospital Outbreaks of New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing
Enterobacterales
Unraveled Using Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Lo Stéphane , Lolom Isabelle , Goldstein Valérie , Petitjean Marie , Rondinaud Emilie , Bunel-Gourdy Vincent , Tran Dinh Alexy , Wicky Paul-Henri , Ruppé Etienne , d’Humières Camille , Lucet Jean-Christophe , Armand-Lefèvre Laurence
Published: March 2022

Carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacterales
(CPE) can spread and cause outbreaks in health care facilities, resulting in increased lengths of stay and morbidity. Control of outbreaks requires epidemiological surveillance, usually based on microbiological screening and patient follow-up.
Inflammatory Endotype-Associated Airway Resistome in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Yi Xinzhu , Li Yanjun , Liu Haiyue , Liu Xiaomin , Yang Junhao , Gao Jingyuan , Yang Yuqiong , Liang Zhenyu , Wang Fengyan , Chen Dandan , Wang Lingwei , Shi Weijuan , Lam David C. L. , Stampfli Martin R. , Jones Paul W. , Chen Rongchang , Wang Zhang
Published: March 2022

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for both acute and long-term prophylactic treatment in chronic airway disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the rapid growth of antibiotic resistance is alarming globally. The airway harbors a diverse collection of microorganisms known as microbiota, which serve as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes or the resistome.
SARS-CoV-2 Lineage Tracking, and Evolving Trends Seen during Three Consecutive Peaks of Infection in Delhi, India: a Clinico-Genomic Study
Authors: Gautam Pramod , Paul Diptanu , Suroliya Varun , Garg Rahul , Agarwal Reshu , Das Santanu , Kaur Urvinder S. , Pandey Amit , Bhugra Arjun , Tarai Bansidhar , Bihari Chhagan , Sarin S. K. , Gupta Ekta
Published: March 2022

Genome surveillance of the Delhi data provides a more detailed picture of diverse circulating lineages. The added value that the current study provides by clinical details of the patients is of importance.
WKB Method for Nonlinear Equations of Emden–Fowler Type
Authors: Stepin S. A. , Shafarevich A. I.
Published: March 2022

A method of asymptotic integration based on application of a generalized Prüfer transformation is elaborated for a class of Emden–Fowler type equations, and a relationship with two-scale expansion method is established.
Adolescent experiences of mistreatment during childbirth in health facilities: secondary analysis of a community-based survey in four countries
Authors: Irinyenikan Theresa Azonima , Aderoba Adeniyi Kolade , Fawole Olufunmilayo , Adeyanju Olusoji , Mehrtash Hedieh , Adu-Bonsaffoh Kwame , Maung Thae Maung , Balde Mamadou Dioulde , Vogel Joshua P , Plesons Marina , Chandra-Mouli Venkatraman , Tunçalp Özge , Bohren Meghan A
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Pregnancy and childbearing among adolescents—especially younger adolescents—is associated with health complications and lost opportunities for education and personal development. In addition to established challenges adolescents and young women face in sexual and reproductive healthcare, evidence suggests that they also face mistreatment during childbirth.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of the WHO study ‘How women are treated during facility-based childbirth’ cross-sectional community survey in Ghana, Guinea, Myanmar and Nigeria. We used descriptive analysis to assess experiences of mistreatment among adolescents (15–19 years) and young women (20–24 years) and multivariable logistic regression models to assess the association between experiences of mistreatment and satisfaction with care during childbirth.

Results

862 participants are included (15–19 years: 287, 33.3%; 20–24 years: 575, 66.7%). The most common mistreatment was verbal abuse (15–19 years: 104/287, 36.2%; 20–24 years: 181/575, 31.5%). There were high levels of poor communication (15–19 years: 92/287, 32.1%; 20–24 years: 171/575, 29.7%), lack of supportive care (15–19 years: 22/287, 42.5%; 20–24 years: 195/575, 33.9%) and lack of privacy (15–19 years: 180/287, 62.7%; 20–24 years: 395/575, 68.7%). Women who were verbally abused were less likely to report satisfaction with care (adjusted OR (AOR): 0.19, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.31) and less likely to recommend the facility (AOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.38). There were similar reports among those who were physically abused, had long waiting time, did not mobilise and did not give consent for vaginal examinations.

Conclusion

Our study shows that adolescents and young women mistreatment during childbirth, contributing to low satisfaction with care. It is critical to recognise adolescents and young women’s unique needs in maternal healthcare and how their needs may intersect with social stigma around sex and pregnancy.
Measuring perception of mental well-being in patients under isolation precautions: a prospective comparative study
Authors: Vuichard-Gysin Danielle , Nueesch Reto , Fuerer Raffaela Laura , Dangel Marc , Widmer Andreas
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Isolation precautions (IP) are applied to prevent transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings. Potential negative health outcomes experienced by patients have been previously described but results remain conflicting. We aimed at evaluating the psychological impact of IP in adult patients in isolation using a novel psychological assessment tool.

Study design

Prospective matched cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care centre in Switzerland.

Participants

Hospitalised patients under IP and non-isolated patients were matched by ward, age and illness severity.

Outcome measures

We measured surrogates of mental and social well-being by using the Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) instrument once during hospitalisation. PRISM is a visual psychometric instrument that has been validated as a quantitative measure of suffering. Smaller distance in self-to-illness separation (SIS) signifies higher importance for a patient.

Results

156 patients agreed to participate of which 63 were under IP and 93 were matched controls. Median (IQR) duration of isolation was 5 days (2–10). The median SIS (IQR) for perceived inferior nurses’ care was 22.8 (18.5–24.3) and 23.8 (23.3–25.5) for isolated and non-isolated patients, respectively (p<0.001). Similarly, median SIS (IQR) was significantly smaller in isolated than non-isolated patients for avoidance by visitors with 17.5 (7.7–22.0) and 22.2 (21.8–22.6), for loneliness with 7.5 (3.6–16.0) and 18 (10.2–21.6) and for feeling impure with 19 (17.0–21.5) and 21.5 (18.9–22.1), respectively (all p values<0.05).

Conclusions

IP to prevent transmission of pathogens may negatively impact mental and social well-being. Measures to alleviate adverse effects of IP should be taken routinely.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of medicine use studies in Ethiopia using the WHO patient care indicators with an emphasis on the availability of prescribed medicines
Authors: Teni Fitsum Sebsibe , Wubishet Befikadu Legesse , Yimenu Dawit Kumilachew
Published: March 2022

Objective

To collate the findings of studies on patient care indicators in Ethiopia using the WHO/International Network for Rational Use of Drugs indicators with a focus on the availability of medicines to patients.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Embase, Global Index Medicus, Google Scholar, Medline (via PubMed) and Web of Science.

Eligibility criteria

Medicine use studies employing the WHO patient care indicators across health facilities in Ethiopia.

Data extraction and synthesis

Descriptive summary of the indicators and a random-effects meta-analysis were performed for quantitative synthesis of findings on the percentage of medicines actually dispensed. Meta-regression was performed to assess the moderator effects of different attributes of the studies.

Results

A total of 25 studies conducted in 155 health facilities with 11 703 patient exit interviews were included. The median value of average consultation time was 5.1 min (25th–75th: 4.2–6.6) and that of average dispensing time was 78 s (25th–75th: 54.9–120.0). The median percentage of medicines with adequate labelling was 22.4% (25th–75th: 5.6%–50.0%). A concerning trend of decreasing dispensing times and adequacy of labelling were observed in more recent studies. The median percentage of patients with adequate knowledge of dosage schedules of medicines was 70.0% (25th–75th: 52.5%–81.0%). In the meta-analysis, the pooled estimate of medicine availability was 85.9% (95% CI: 82.1% to 89.0%). The multivariable meta-regression showed that geographical area and quality of study were statistically significant predictors of medicine availability.

Conclusion

Short consultation and dispensing times, inadequate labelling, inadequate knowledge of patients on medicines and suboptimal availability of medicines were identified in health facilities of Ethiopia. Studies aimed at further exploration of the individual indicators like problems of inadequate labelling and patients’ knowledge of dispensed medicines are crucial to determine the specific reasons and improve medicine use.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020157274.
Developing an evaluation framework for assessing the impact of recovery colleges: protocol for a participatory stakeholder engagement process and cocreated scoping review
Authors: Lin Elizabeth , Harris Holly , Gruszecki Sam , Costa-Dookhan Kenya A , Rodak Terri , Sockalingam Sanjeev , Soklaridis Sophie
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Recovery colleges (RCs) are mental health centres aimed at equipping people with skills to live a meaningful life despite the presence of mental distress. Unique to them is the aspect of cocreation; RCs are designed collaboratively with people of lived experiences of mental health and addictions and care providers. Despite established benefits, there remains a lack of empirical evidence on how RCs work and on their impact.

Aims

We aim to address this gap by designing a cocreated evaluation framework for RCs. This will be accomplished by engaging RC student/facilitators to provide perspectives on RCs/RC evaluation and cocreate a scoping review identifying evaluation gaps in the literature. Themes identified through these processes will form the evaluation framework.

Methods and analysis

Two methodologies will be used to explore RC evaluation: student/facilitator engagement and a scoping review of current published and grey literature on RC evaluation. Engagement will be achieved using a participatory action research approach consisting of informant interviews of ~25 RC students/facilitators across Canada, which will be thematically analysed. The scoping review will follow methodology described by Arksey and O’Malley modified to support cocreation. Concurrent conducting of the engagement process and scoping review will allow RC students and peer facilitators the opportunity to shape RC evaluations, address gaps in the literature and codesign an evaluation framework focused on recovery-oriented processes and outcomes mattering most to RCs students/facilitators.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was received for the RC student/facilitator engagement component from the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health Research Ethics Board (#042–2020) and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (#20–013-B). Scoping review results will be copresented through national and international medical education conferences and published in open-access peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, a dissemination strategy on evaluation for the national RC community will be created.
Physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour and the development of functional disability in community-dwelling older adults in Tsuru, Japan: a prospective cohort study (the Tsuru Longitudinal Study)
Authors: Sato Shinichiro , Takeda Noriko , Yamada Takuya , Nakamura Mutsumi , Nemoto Yuta , Maruo Kazushi , Fukuda Yoshiharu , Sawada Susumu S , Kitabatake Yoshinori , Arao Takashi
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To clarify the association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and/or sedentary behaviour (SB) and the incidence of functional disability (FD) in older adults.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Local municipality of Tsuru, Yamanashi, Japan. We conducted a baseline survey in January 2016. Follow-up was commenced on 1 February 2016 and completed on 31 October 2018.

Participants

All individuals (6661 people) aged >65 years who were independently living in the community were eligible.

Methods and outcome measures

MVPA (min/week) and SB (min/day) were measured using self-administered questionnaires in 5311 independently living older adults who participated in this study. The follow-up period was 33 months, and the incidence of FD was objectively determined by experts. The participants were divided into three groups based on MVPA distribution (non-MVPA, 0 min; short-MVPA, 1–299 min and long-MVPA, ≥300 min/week) and into two groups based on the median value of SB (short-SB,<190 min; and long-SB, ≥190 min/day). The participants were also classified into six categories based on different combinations of MVPA and SB. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate the HR and 95% CI for FD development with MVPA, SB and a combination of these behaviours.

Results

Among the included participants, 2415 were male and 2896 were female. The mean ages (SD) of the male and female participants were 74.5 (6.8) and 74.9 (6.9) years, respectively. The total number of participants with chronic conditions was 3489 (65.7%). Using the non-MVPA group as the reference, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CI) was 0.68 (0.54 to 0.84) in the short-MVPA group and 0.53 (0.41 to 0.69) in the long-MVPA group. Regarding SB, the short-SB group had an HR of 0.86 (0.71 to 1.03) compared with the long-SB group. The combined behaviour showed the lowest HR in the long-MVPA and short-SB group 0.49 (0.34 to 0.72) and the long-MVPA and long-SB group 0.49 (0.34 to 0.68), respectively.

Conclusions

Long-MVPA had a robust association with FD development, whereas short-SB had a modest association. Moreover, a combination of these behaviours had a stronger association than individual behaviours. If the identified associations are assumed to be causal in nature, these findings suggest that encouraging older adults to engage in MVPA and reduce SB in their daily lives could be effective to prevent or delay FD development.
‘Bringing testing closer to you’: barriers and facilitators in implementing HIV self-testing among Filipino men-having-sex-with-men and transgender women in National Capital Region (NCR), Philippines – a qualitative study
Authors: Dinglasan Jeanno Lorenz G , Rosadiño John Danvic T , Pagtakhan Ronivin G , Cruz Denis P , Briñes Matthew T , Regencia Zypher Jude G , Baja Emmanuel S
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Our study identified barriers and facilitators in implementing HIV self-testing (HIVST), including the perceptions of men-having-sex-with-men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) on HIVST. Furthermore, we explored the current knowledge, practices and potential of HIVST among the MSM and TGW populations.

Design

Qualitative in-depth key informant interviews were administered using semistructured interviews administered in both English and Filipino. Thematic analysis of the findings was done after transcribing all audio recordings.

Setting

The study was done in the National Capital Region (NCR), Philippines using online video conferencing platforms due to mobility restrictions and lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants

All study participants were either MSM or TGW, 18–49 years old and residing/working in NCR. Exclusion criteria include biologically born female and/or currently on pre-exposure prophylaxis, antiretroviral therapy medications or an HIV-positive diagnosis.

Results

Twenty informants were interviewed, of which 75% were MSM, and most of them preferred the use of HIVST. Facilitators and barriers to the use of HIVST were grouped into three main themes: Acceptability, distribution and monitoring and tracking. Convenience and confidentiality, overcoming fears and normalisation of HIV testing services (HTS) in the country were the participants’ perceived facilitators of HIVST. In contrast, lack of privacy and maintenance of confidentiality during kit delivery were perceived as barriers in HIVST implementation. Moreover, social media was recognised as a powerful tool in promoting HIVST. The use of a welcoming tone and positive language should be taken into consideration due to the prevalent HIV stigma.

Conclusions

The identified facilitators and barriers from the study may be considered by the Philippine HTS programme implementers. The HIVST strategy may complement the current HTS. It will be very promising to involve the MSM and TGW communities and other key populations to know their HIV status by bringing testing closer to them.