bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacillus subtilismaintains antibiofilm activity againstStaphylococcus aureusfollowing adaptive laboratory evolution
Authors: Leistikow Kyle R. , Solis Elisabeth , Khaled Jehan , Marshall Christopher W. , Hristova Krassimira R.
Published: October 2023

Quorum sensing interference has been touted as an ideal mechanism for the development of new anti-virulence therapies. Recent work has establishedBacillus subtilis6D1, a Gram-positive spore forming bacterium with probiotic qualities, produces metabolites that inhibitStaphylococcus aureusvirulence and biofilm formation via quorum sensing interference. However, it remains unknown how long-term exposure to these molecules driveS. aureusadaptation and evolution.S. aureusplanktonic cells and biofilms were propagated in the presence ofB. subtilis6D1 cell free extracts (CFE) for ∼73 generations. Fitness, virulence, and antibiotic resistance assays of the ancestor and all evolved lineages revealed the emergence of treatment and lifestyle associated ecological traits. Compared to the ancestor and media-evolved lineages,S. aureuslineages evolved in the presence ofB. subtilis6D1 CFE were less competitive in a biofilm and exhibited increased phenotypic sensitivity to multiple antibiotics. Notably,B. subtilis6D1 CFE maintained its ability to inhibitS. aureusbiofilm growth and disassemble mature biofilm in all evolved lineages.S. aureuspopulations propagated in the presence of CFE acquired missense mutations in genes associated with plasmid-borne efflux systems and RNA polymerase. Furthermore, CFE-evolved lineages did not develop mutations in both competence and drug resistance pathways found in similarly evolved control lineages. Our data suggest long-term exposure to biofilm inhibitory molecules, like those produced byB. subtilis6D1, can reduceS. aureus’fitness in a biofilm and increase sensitivity to multiple antibiotics.

Importance

Quorum sensing interference (QSI) has been touted as an ideal mechanism to diminish bacterial virulence and improve antibiotic killing, however few studies investigate the genetic and phenotypic adaptations that occur after long-term exposure to QSI therapies. Recent studies revealedBacillus subtilisreduces biofilm formation and virulence via signaling interference with theS. aureusAgr QS system; however, it remains unclear how long-term exposure to these compounds drivesS. aureusadaptation and evolution. This study helps to address these gaps by investigating whether QSI strategies deployed by probiotic bacteria are viable approaches to increase antibiotic efficacy without increasing antibiotic resistance evolution.
DiGAS: Differential gene allele spectrum as descriptor in genetic studies
Authors: Aparo Antonino , Bonnici Vincenzo , Avesani Simone , Cascione Luciano , Giugno Rosalba
Published: October 2023

Diagnosing subjects in complex genetic diseases is a very challenging task. Computational methodologies exploit information at genotype level by taking into account single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). They leverage the result of genome-wide association studies analysis to assign a statistical significance to each SNP. Recent methodologies extend such an approach by aggregating SNP significance at genetic level in order to identify genes that are related to the condition under study. However, such methodologies still suffer from the initial single-SNP analysis. Here, we present DiGAS, a tool for diagnosing genetic conditions by computing significance, by means of SNP information, but directly at the gene level. Such an approach is based on a generalized notion of allele spectrum, which evaluates the complete genetic alterations of the SNP set composing a gene at population level. Statistical significance of a gene is then evaluated by means of a differential analysis between the healthy and ill portions of the population. Tests, performed on well-established data sets regarding Alzheimer’s disease, show that DiGAS outperforms the state-of-the-art in distinguishing between ill and healthy subjects.

Highlights

We introduce a new generalized version of allele frequency spectrum.

We propose a methodology, called DiGAS, based on the new defined genomic information and independent from GWAS analysis that out-performs existing methods in distinguish healthy/ill subjects with a speed up of 5x.

On a reference Alzheimer’s disease genomic datasets, ADNI, DiGAS reaches F1 score up to 0.92.

DiGAS methodology manages any type of genomic features, such as genes, exons, upstream/downstream regions.
Mapping total microbial communities and waterborne pathogens in household drinking water in China by citizen science and metabarcoding
Authors: Wen Xinyi , Fang Chutong , Huang Lihan , Miao Jiazheng , Lin Yajuan
Published: October 2023

Ensuring safe drinking water is one of the top priorities in public health as waterborne diseases remain a global challenge. In China, microbial contamination in drinking water is of particular concern and comprehensive survey/monitoring of the drinking water microbiome is necessary. However, traditional culture-based microbial monitoring methods have significant limitations, and nationwide tap water survey/monitoring in China would require significant resources. Here, a cost-effective and culture-independent citizen science approach was developed to sample the microbiome in household drinking water (n = 50) from 19 provinces in China from December 2020 to August 2021, including a few opportunistic samples collected in situ right after extreme weather events such as the 2021 Henan Floods and Typhoon In-Fa Landfall. Using a protocol optimized for low-biomass samples, 22 out of 50 tap water samples were tested positive for microbial DNA. 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding were conducted on pooled samples, yielding 7,635 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs), which revealed a diverse microbiome in household tap water. Alarmingly, pathogenic bacteria includingMycobacteriumspp.,Acinetobacterspp., andLegionellaspp. were detected in all PCR positive samples. Despite the limited number of samples, a significant number of pathogenic species (e.g.,Salmonella enterica) and/or toxin-producing cyanobacteria (e.g.,Microcystisspp.) were detected in local tap water samples from Zhengzhou and Changzhou following the 2021 Henan Floods and Typhoon In-Fa Landfall, respectively. Overall, this study underscores the utility of citizen science in enhancing microbial monitoring and informs future public health strategies for water safety.
Rapid propagation of Ca2+waves and electrical signals in a liverwortMarchantia polymorpha
Authors: Watanabe Kenshiro , Hashimoto Kenji , Hasegawa Kota , Shindo Hiroki , Tsuruda Yushin , Kupisz Kamila , Koselski Mateusz , Wasko Piotr , Trebacz Kazimierz , Kuchitsu Kazuyuki
Published: October 2023

In response to both biotic and abiotic stresses, vascular plants transmit long-distance Ca2+and electrical signals from localized stress sites to distant tissues through their vasculature. Various models have been proposed for the mechanisms underlying the long-distance signaling, primarily centered around the presence of vascular bundles. We here demonstrate that the non-vascular liverwort Marchantia polymorpha possesses a mechanism for propagating Ca2+waves and electrical signals in response to wounding. The propagation velocity of these signals was approximately 1-2 mm/s, equivalent to that observed in vascular plants. Both Ca2+waves and electrical signals were inhibited by La3+as well as tetraethylammonium chloride, suggesting crucial importance of both Ca2+channel(s) and K+channel(s) in wound-induced membrane depolarization as well as the subsequent long-distance signal propagation. Simultaneous recordings of Ca2+and electrical signals indicated a tight coupling between the dynamics of these two signaling modalities. Furthermore, molecular genetic studies revealed that a GLUTAMATE RECEPTOR-LIKE (GLR) channel plays a central role in the propagation of both Ca2+waves and electrical signals. Conversely, none of the three two-pore channels (TPCs) were implicated in either signal propagation. These findings shed light on the evolutionary conservation of rapid long-distance Ca2+wave and electrical signal propagation involving GLRs in land plants, even in the absence of vascular tissue.
Transertion and cell geometry organize theEscherichia colinucleoid during rapid growth
Authors: Spahn Christoph , Middlemiss Stuart , Gómez-de-Mariscal Estibaliz , Henriques Ricardo , Bode Helge B. , Holden Séamus , Heilemann Mike
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Bacterial chromosomes are spatiotemporally organized and sensitive to environmental changes. However, the mechanisms underlying chromosome configuration and reorganization are currently not fully understood. Using 3D single-molecule localization microscopy and live-cell imaging, we show that theEscherichia colinucleoid adopts a condensed, membrane-associated configuration during rapid growth. To study the influence of different biosynthetic processes on nucleoid morphology and positioning, we recorded multi-colour super-resolution images during drug treatment. After developing analysis routines for confocal and super-resolution images, we captured highly resolved snapshots which revealed the complete loss of the membrane-bound state of the nucleoid within 10 minutes of halting transcription and translation. This indicates an active role of transertion (coupled transcription, translation and membrane insertion) in nucleoid organization. In contrast, cell wall synthesis inhibition only affects nucleoid organization during morphological changes. Further, we provide evidence that theE. colinucleoid spatially correlates with MreB in unperturbedE. colicells, while this correlation diminishes in cells with changed cell geometry or upon inhibition of protein biosynthesis. Replication inhibition experiments, as well as multi-drug treatments highlight the role of entropic effects and transcription in nucleoid condensation and positioning. In summary, we provide experimental evidence for transertion as a principal organiser of the bacterial nucleoid, and show that an altered metabolic state and antibiotic treatment both lead to major changes in the degree of transertion and overall spatial organization of the nucleoid. Our high-resolution characterization reveals dynamics of antibiotic action and provides tools to quantify bacterial chromosome organization. This does not only provide valuable insights into the role of transertion, but can also be applied to study other cell-biological processes.
DSIF factor Spt5 coordinates transcription, maturation and exoribonucleolysis of RNA polymerase II transcripts
Authors: Kuś Krzysztof , Carrique Loic , Kecman Tea , Fournier Marjorie , Hassanein Sarah Sayed , Aydin Ebru , Kilchert Cornelia , Grimes Jonathan M. , Vasiljeva Lidia
Published: October 2023

The timely termination of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription is critical for polymerase recycling and preventing interference with the expression of the neighbouring genes. Termination of Pol II transcription involves exoribonucleolytic decay of the nascent RNA by 5’-3’ exonuclease Xrn2. Xrn2 attacks the 5’-PO4-end and executes degradation of the nascent RNA generated by the endonucleolytic cleavage at the poly(A) site which eventually leads to Pol II release from DNA. However, the molecular details of when and how during this process Xrn2 interacts with the Pol II elongation complex to mediate its dissociation from DNA is not understood. Here, we demonstrate that Xrn2 interacts with Pol II and Spt5, a conserved transcription factor that controls Pol II processivity and pausing. Importantly, Xrn2 activity is stimulated by Spt5in vitroand Spt5-depleted cells show defective transcription termination. Our results support a model where Xrn2 first forms a stable complex with the elongating Pol II to acquire its full activity in degrading nascent RNA. Spt5 also promotes premature termination attenuating the expression of non-coding transcripts. By contrast, Spt5 depletion leads to Pol II retention at promoters of protein-coding genes. Pol IIs that transcribe into a gene body in the absence of Spt5 exhibit severely reduced elongation rates and defective pre-mRNA processing. We propose that Spt5 plays a major role in the production of functional mRNA by directly stimulating the activity of the RNA enzymes and preventing entry of Pol II complexes not configured to support transcription and pre-mRNA processing into elongation.
Diffusion MRS tracks distinct trajectories of neuronal development in the cerebellum and thalamus of rat neonates
Authors: Ligneul Clémence , Qiu Lily , Clarke William T , Jbabdi Saad , Palombo Marco , Lerch Jason P.
Published: October 2023

It is currently impossible to non-invasively assess cerebellar cell structure during early development. Here we propose a novel approach to non-invasively and longitudinally track cell-specific development using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance spectroscopy in combination with microstructural modelling. Tracking metabolite diffusion allows us to probe cell-specific developmental trajectories in the cerebellum and thalamus of healthy rat neonates from post-natal day (P) 5 to P30. Additionally, by comparing different analytical and biophysical microstructural models we can follow the differential contribution of cell bodies and neurites during development. The thalamus serves as a control region to assess the sensitivity of our method to microstructural differences between the regions. We found significant differences between cerebellar and thalamic metabolites diffusion properties. For most metabolites, the signal attenuation is stronger in the thalamus, suggesting less restricted diffusion compared to the cerebellum. There is also a trend for lower signal attenuation and lower ADCs with increasing age, suggesting increasing restriction of metabolite diffusion. This is particularly striking for taurine in the thalamus. We use biophysical modelling to interpret these differences. We report a decreased sphere fraction (or an increased neurite fraction) with age for taurine and total creatine in the cerebellum, marking dendritic growth. Surprisingly, we also report a U-shape trend for segment length (the distance between two embranchments in a dendritic tree) in the cerebellum agreeing with age-matching morphometry of openly available 3D-Purkinje reconstructions. Results demonstrate that diffusion-weighted MRS probes early cerebellar neuronal development non-invasively.
Vitamin auxotrophies shape microbial community assembly in the ocean
Authors: Gregor Rachel , Vercelli Gabriel T. , Szabo Rachel E. , Gralka Matti , Reynolds Ryan C. , Qu Evan B. , Levine Naomi M. , Cordero Otto X.
Published: October 2023

Microbial community assembly is governed by trophic interactions that mediate the transfer of carbon sources and biomass building blocks between species. However, central metabolism corresponds to only a small fraction of the biosynthetic potential of microbes: metabolites such as antimicrobial compounds, signaling molecules, and co-factors are underexplored forces shaping microbial communities. Here, we focus on B vitamin exchange in coastal marine bacterial communities that degrade particulate organic matter and find that natural seawater communities are vitamin limited. While almost a third of bacterial isolates from these communities are B vitamin auxotrophs, the pioneering degraders that first arrive on particles are vitamin producers that likely support auxotrophs through cross-feeding. However, combining experiments and a resource-explicit model, we show that auxotroph growth is often not restored by coculture with vitamin producers, but rather requires lysis and subsequent vitamin recycling. Our results highlight the importance of vitamin auxotrophies and lysis-mediated cross-feeding as important factors controlling microbial community assembly and succession on marine particles.
Validation of measurement scales for undergraduate students' self-perceived employability and university commitment in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Shomotova Aizhan , Ibrahim Ali
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to validate the psychometric properties of the Self-Perceived Employability Scale in the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE-SPE) and to verify the model fit of the UAE-SPE and University Commitment Scale (UC) (Rothwell et al., 2008) for undergraduate students.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey study was carried out to collect the data using a web-based survey tool (Qualtrics) at a public university in the UAE. The sample was 646 undergraduate students.

Findings

As a result of the factor analysis, the study validated three factors of SPE for undergraduate students in the UAE that explain their perceptions of their university reputation, their field of study, the state of the UAE labour market and confidence in their skills. Confirmatory factor analysis verified good model fit indices of UAE-SPE and the UC scale. In addition, the study found a statistically significant positive relationship between the UC scale and the three factors of UAE-SPE.

Originality/value

Currently, there is a scarcity of published research on self-perceived employability amongst undergraduate students in higher education institutions in the UAE and the Arab region. This article not only contributes to research on this topic but also validates two scales, allowing cross-cultural comparisons of SPE and UC of undergraduate students in the Arab region and worldwide.
Thermal properties of multi-layered seamed fabrics under wet state
Authors: Garg Samridhi , Midha Vinay Kumar , Sikka Monica
Published: October 2023

Purpose

In experiments utilising sweat solution and distilled water, seamed ensembles performed less thermally efficiently than unseamed fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

Water may not accurately reflect perspiration when testing multi-layered clothes for thermal comfort in wet state. Most researchers used water or sodium chloride (NaCl) to measure wet state thermal comfort. However, human perspiration is an extremely complex mixture of aqueous chemicals, including minerals, salts, lipids, urea and lactic acid. This study compares the effects of simulated sweat solution to distilled water on the thermal behaviour of a multi-layered fabric assembly with different seam patterns.

Findings

Experiment results show that stitching decreases thermal resistance and thermal conductivity. Seam pattern of 10 cm diagonal spacing is more thermally resistant than 2.5 cm diagonal spacing. In comparison to that of simulated sweat, fabric that has been moistened with distilled water exhibits increased thermal conductivity. Hollow polyester wadding or micro polyester wadding as the intermediate layer exhibits greater thermal resistance than multi-layered construction with spacer fabric as middle layer.

Originality/value

This study considers human perspiration while designing protective clothing for wet thermal comfort.
The supportive side of organisational socialisation: how it boosts employee commitment
Authors: Awwad Mohammad Suleiman , Abuzaid Ahmad Nasser , Al-Okaily Manaf , Alqatamin Yazan Mohammad
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of organisational socialisation tactics, namely, context-based, content-based and social-based tactics, on affective commitment by the mediating role of perceived organisational support.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study was conducted using a judgmental sample of 119 newcomers with one-year experience or less in Jordanian small and medium-sized enterprises. The collected data were analysed using bootstrapped procedure by the partial least squares-structural equation modelling.

Findings

The empirical results show that perceived organisational support plays a crucial role in mediating the relationships between socialisation tactics and affective commitment. Specifically, both social-based tactics and content-based tactics have a significant indirect effect on affective commitment through perceived organisational support. However, context-based tactics do not directly or indirectly influence affective commitment or perceived organisational support significantly.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first studies in the Jordanian context that investigate the relationship between organisational socialisation and affective commitment by the mediating role of perceived organisational support, thus adding originality to the existing literature. Furthermore, this study contributes to the scholarly debate on the relationship between socialisation and outcomes.
Searching for Swedish LGBTQI fiction: the librarians' perspective
Authors: Golub Koraljka , Bergenmar Jenny , Humelsjö Siska
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This article aims to help ensure high-quality subject access to Swedish lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersexual (LGBTQI) fiction, and aims to identify challenges that librarians consider important to address, on behalf of themselves and end users.

Design/methodology/approach

A web-based questionnaire comprising 35 closed and open questions, 22 of which were required, was sent via online channels in January 2022. By the survey closing date, 20 March 2022, 82 responses had been received. The study was intended to complement an earlier study targeting end users.

Findings

Both this study of librarians and the previous study of end users have painted a dismal image of online search services when it comes to searching for LGBTQI fiction. The need to consult different channels (e.g. social media, library catalogues and friends), the inability to search more specifically than for the broad LGBTQI category and suboptimal search interfaces were among the commonly reported issues. The results of these studies are used to inform the development of a dedicated Swedish LGBTQI fiction database with an online search interface.

Originality/value

The subject searching of fiction via online services is usually limited to genre with facets for time and place, while users are often seeking characteristics such as pacing, characterization, storyline, frame/setting, tone and language/style. LGBTQI fiction is even more challenging to search because indexing practices are not really being standardized or disseminated worldwide. This study helps address this important gap, in both research and practical applications.
The effect of auditors’ work stress and client participation on audit quality in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Asnaashari Hamideh , Safarzadeh Mohammad Hossein , Kheirollahi Atousa , Hashemi Sadaf
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the relationship between auditors’ work stress and client participation with audit quality (AQ).

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a descriptive-survey type and the data were collected through a questionnaire distributed online. The statistical population consisted of auditors working in audit firms in Iran and the sample was selected using a random sampling method. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the negative relationship between auditors’ work stress and AQ. In addition, the results indicate that client participation in the audit process did not significantly impact AQ during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

Given the global and widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals’ lives and work settings, this study provides an opportunity to explore the challenges auditors face concerning health protocols and their well-being during the pandemic, specifically within the context of Iran. The unique circumstances of the pandemic have placed additional pressure on auditors to navigate and address the challenges arising from COVID-19 in their workplaces. Although research on the effects of the pandemic on accounting and auditing is ongoing, this study contributes to the literature by expanding our understanding of the specific implications and circumstances faced by auditors during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Can sharing social-media contents associated with politics influence knowledge management in organizations?
Authors: Kurniawan Achmad Wildan , Sumartias Suwandi , Priyatna Soeganda , Suryadi Karim , Sumarliah Eli
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study seeks to comprehend if political exposure containing disapproval and different values will affect implicit knowledge sharing (KS) amongst colleagues in the organization. This research examines participants' responses to a colleague's social-media political exposure and their readiness to perform implicit KS to their colleague.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection uses an online questionnaire and a vignette approach. Subsequently, data analysis for 316 finished surveys employs structural equation modelling-partial least squares (SEM-PLS).

Findings

The findings show that the perceived-value similarity of political posts of a colleague significantly and indirectly affects workers' readiness to do implicit KS. Besides, likes and trusts also significantly affect workers' readiness to perform implicit KS. While perceived-value similarity strongly shapes likes, likes significantly and positively affect trusts.

Originality/value

Sharing social-media postings associated with political exposure can hinder the implicit KS in organizations and is understudied in the field of knowledge management. Especially, unlike this study which focuses on private companies, previous studies have paid more attention to public enterprises. Besides, this paper's empirical verification is obtained from private organizations in Indonesia, which is also neglected by scholars.
Elastic properties of unconsolidated sandstones of interest for carbon storage
Authors: Sayers Colin M. , Dasgupta Sagnik
Published: October 2023

Unconsolidated sandstones are attractive targets for underground storage of carbon due to their high porosity and permeability. Monitoring of injection and movement of CO2 in such formations using elastic waves requires an understanding of the acoustic properties of the sandstone. Current approaches often use the so‐called soft‐sand model in which a Hertz–Mindlin model of the acoustic properties at high porosity is mixed with the acoustic properties of the mineral phase to predict the acoustic properties over the entire porosity range. Using well‐log data from two unconsolidated sand formations of interest for CO2 storage, we discuss the limitations of this model and provide an alternative approach in which the mechanical properties of grain contacts are obtained by inversion, and the properties of infill material lying within the pore space are estimated. The formations considered are the Paluxy Formation in Kemper County, Mississippi, and the Frio Formation near Houston, Texas. The ratio of the normal to shear compliance of the grain contacts is found to be significantly less than unity for both formations. This implies that the grain contacts are more compliant in shear than in compression. However, the grain contact compliance is higher and the ratio of the normal to shear compliance is lower for the Frio example than for the Paluxy case, and this may lead to sliding at grain contacts with low shear compliance and transport of grains during fluid flow, particularly if CO2 acts to weaken any cement that may be present at the grain contacts. Such transport was suggested by Al Hosni et al. in explaining why the magnitude of the time‐lapse effect due to the injection of CO2 at the Frio CO2 injection site is greater than predicted using conventional rock physics models. A simple model of the mechanical properties of infill material lying within the pore space suggests that the bulk and shear moduli of infill material in the Paluxy case are significantly higher than the Frio case, consistent with the lower grain contact compliance in the Paluxy case.
Assessing an innovative method to promote learning from patient narratives: Findings from a field experiment in ambulatory care
Authors: Shaller Dale , Nembhard Ingrid , Matta Sasmira , Grob Rachel , Lee Yuna , Warne Emily , Evans Richard , Dicello Daniel , Colon Maria , Polanco Annery , Schlesinger Mark
Published: October 2023

Objective

To assess whether an online interactive report designed to facilitate interpretation of patients' narrative feedback produces change in ambulatory staff learning, behavior at the individual staff and practice level, and patient experience survey scores.

Data Sources and Setting

We studied 22 ambulatory practice sites within an academic medical center using three primary data sources: 333 staff surveys; 20 in‐depth interviews with practice leaders and staff; and 9551 modified CG‐CAHPS patient experience surveys augmented by open‐ended narrative elicitation questions.

Study Design

We conducted a cluster quasi‐experimental study, comparing 12 intervention and 10 control sites. At control sites, narratives were delivered free‐form to site administrators via email; at intervention sites, narratives were delivered online with interactive tools for interpretation, accompanied by user training. We assessed control‐versus‐intervention site differences in learning, behavior, and patient experience scores.

Data Collection

Staff surveys and interviews were completed at intervention and control sites, 9 months after intervention launch. Patient surveys were collected beginning 4 months pre‐launch through 9 months post‐launch. We used control‐versus‐intervention and difference‐in‐difference analyses for survey data and thematic analysis for interview data.

Principal Findings

Interviews suggested that the interface facilitated narrative interpretation and use for improvement. Staff survey analyses indicated enhanced learning from narratives at intervention sites (29% over control sites' mean of 3.19 out of 5 across eight domains, p < 0.001) and greater behavior change at staff and practice levels (31% and 21% over control sites' means of 3.35 and 3.39, p < 0.001, respectively). Patient experience scores for interactions with office staff and wait time information increased significantly at intervention sites, compared to control sites (3.7% and 8.2%, respectively); however, provider listening scores declined 3.3%.

Conclusions

Patient narratives presented through structured feedback reporting methods can catalyze positive changes in staff learning, promote behavior change, and increase patient experience scores in domains of non‐clinical interaction.
Tezepelumab decreases airway epithelial IL‐33 and T2‐inflammation in response to viral stimulation in patients with asthma
Authors: Sverrild A. , Cerps S. , Nieto‐Fontarigo J. J. , Ramu S. , Hvidtfeldt M. , Menzel M. , Kearley J. , Griffiths J. M. , Parnes J. R. , Porsbjerg C. , Uller L.
Published: October 2023

Background

Respiratory virus infections are main triggers of asthma exacerbations. Tezepelumab, an anti‐TSLP mAb, reduces exacerbations in patients with asthma, but the effect of blocking TSLP on host epithelial resistance and tolerance to virus infection is not known.

Aim

To examine effects of blocking TSLP in patients with asthma on host resistance (IFNβ, IFNλ, and viral load) and on the airway epithelial inflammatory response to viral challenge.

Methods

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF, n = 39) and bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) were obtained from patients with uncontrolled asthma before and after 12 weeks of tezepelumab treatment (n = 13) or placebo (n = 13). BECs were cultured in vitro and exposed to the viral infection mimic poly(I:C) or infected by rhinovirus (RV). Alarmins, T2‐ and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, IFNβ IFNλ, and viral load were analyzed by RT‐qPCR and multiplex ELISA before and after stimulation.

Results

IL‐33 expression in unstimulated BECs and IL‐33 protein levels in BALF were reduced after 12 weeks of tezepelumab. Further, IL‐33 gene and protein levels decreased in BECs challenged with poly(I:C) after tezepelumab whereas TSLP gene expression remained unaffected. Poly(I:C)‐induced IL‐4, IL‐13, and IL‐17A release from BECs was also reduced with tezepelumab whereas IFNβ and IFNλ expression and viral load were unchanged.

Conclusion

Blocking TSLP with tezepelumab in vivo in asthma reduced the airway epithelial inflammatory response including IL‐33 and T2 cytokines to viral challenge without affecting anti‐viral host resistance. Our results suggest that blocking TSLP stabilizes the bronchial epithelial immune response to respiratory viruses.
Successful management following combined thoracic endovascular aortic repair and minimally invasive esophagectomy for primary aortoesophageal fistula: A case report
Authors: Yokoe Takeshi , Toiyama Yuji , Ichikawa Takashi , Uratani Ryo , Imaoka Hiroki , Yasuda Hiromi , Morimoto Yuki , Fujikawa Hiroyuki , Okugawa Yoshinaga , Okita Yoshiki , Yoshiyama Shigeyuki , Ohi Masaki
Published: October 2023

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but life‐threatening pathology. We report a case of a primary AEF that was successfully managed with temporary thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and esophagectomy with video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery. A 73‐year‐old man was transferred to the emergency department with a complaint of hematemesis. A computed tomography scan identified an AEF due to aortic aneurysm. We placed a stent using TEVAR for the purpose of hemodynamic stasis, and the operation was performed 23 h after admission. Right video‐assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy (VATS‐E) was chosen, and a cervical esophagostomy and a feeding gastrostomy tube was constructed. Infection had been effectively controlled postoperatively. Four months after the first operation, we performed esophageal reconstruction. At the 70‐month follow‐up examination, the patient had no signs of mediastinitis. VATS‐E immediately after hemostabilization by TEVAR is useful management for primary AEF.
From statistical inference to machine learning: A paradigm shift in contemporary cardiovascular pharmacotherapy
Authors: Pavlov Marin , Barić Domjan , Novak Andrej , Manola Šime , Jurin Ivana
Published: October 2023

Aims

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) poses significant challenges for clinicians and researchers, owing to its multifaceted aetiology and complex treatment regimens. In light of this, artificial intelligence methods offer an innovative approach to identifying relationships within complex clinical datasets. Our study aims to explore the potential for machine learning algorithms to provide deeper insights into datasets of HFrEF patients.

Methods

To this end, we analysed a cohort of 386 HFrEF patients who had been initiated on sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor treatment and had completed a minimum of a 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

In traditional frequentist statistical analyses, patients receiving the highest doses of beta‐blockers (BBs) (chi‐square test, P = .036) and those newly initiated on sacubitril‐valsartan (chi‐square test, P = .023) showed better outcomes. However, none of these pharmacological features stood out as independent predictors of improved outcomes in the Cox proportional hazards model. In contrast, when employing eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithms in conjunction with the data using Shapley additive explanations (SHAP), we identified several models with significant predictive power. The XGBoost algorithm inherently accommodates non‐linear distribution, multicollinearity and confounding. Within this framework, pharmacological categories like ‘newly initiated treatment with sacubitril/valsartan’ and ‘BB dose escalation’ emerged as strong predictors of long‐term outcomes.

Conclusions

In this manuscript, we not only emphasize the strengths of this machine learning approach but also discuss its potential limitations and the risk of identifying statistically significant yet clinically irrelevant predictors.
Emotion regulation flexibility and psychosis: A longitudinal study disentangling components of flexibility in psychosis‐proneness
Authors: Nardelli Carla , Bonanno George A. , Chen Shuquan , Bortolon Catherine
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Flexibility in self‐regulation has emerged as an important component of mental health. Previous findings found that deficits in two components of regulatory flexibility were linked cross‐sectionally to psychosis‐proneness. We aimed to replicate and extend these findings longitudinally.

Methods

We measured psychosis‐proneness and components of emotion regulation flexibility (i.e. context sensitivity, repertoire and feedback) at two time points with three months in between.

Results

Two flexibility components predicted psychotic‐like experiences. The ability to detect the absence of contextual cues was implicated in both positive and negative dimensions but through opposite pathways. Expressive suppression ability—a subcomponent of repertoire‐predicted positive symptoms. None of the flexibility components predicted distress related to the symptoms.

Conclusions

The current study provides further evidence on the implication of emotion regulation flexibility in the longer‐term maintenance of psychotic‐like experiences. Future studies can advance this work further by evaluating possible bidirectional relationships between psychotic‐like experiences and deficits in emotion regulation flexibility.
Sameness and Solidarity in the Supervisory Environment
Authors: Yerushalmi Hanoch
Published: October 2023

Supervisees who have experienced disturbing therapeutic incidents that undermined their professional self‐experiences need a supervisory environment of sameness and solidarity to process and learn from these lived experiences. To create such an environment, supervisors need to minimize the sense of safety asymmetry between themselves and their supervisees by awakening to the ‘dark,’ ominous truths of professional life. This process is facilitated by summoning memories of therapeutic experiences of failure, vulnerability and frustration at having insufficient time to achieve wished‐for therapeutic goals. Awakening to these truths inspires a dark experiential mode that helps the supervisor share the supervisee's destiny and existential anxiety. Despite the contradiction between the dark and the playful, experiential modes, both are essential for creatively understanding the supervisee's disturbing therapeutic experiences and learning from them. Moreover, when these modes are interwoven, they enrich and strengthen the supervisory process by diversifying the supervisory dyad's ways of perceiving the unfolding therapeutic interaction and of coping with supervisory challenges.
From mundane to classic: Sinomenine as a multi‐therapeutic agent
Authors: Li Dan , Zhong Zhangfeng , Ko Chung‐Nga , Tian Tiantian , Yang Chao
Published: October 2023

Sinomenine is an active substance extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Sinomenium acutum. Sinomenine has been shown to mediate a wide range of pharmacological actions and is known to possess good anti‐inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antitumor, neuroprotective, antiarrhythmic and other pharmacological effects. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and the association between the targets and the pharmaceutical effects on different diseases is crucial to the discovery and design of new treatment strategies. In this review, we aim to give a systematic and comprehensive overview of the research progress of sinomenine over the past 20 years. We first describe the metabolism of sinomenine in vivo and then summarize the pharmacological actions of sinomenine on different diseases. Furthermore, the potential binding properties of sinomenine and the potential of developing new sinomenine‐based drugs are also reviewed.
Safety outcomes of salbutamol: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ma Lan‐Hong , Jia Li , Bai Ling
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Salbutamol has been used to alleviate bronchospasm in airway disease for decades, while its potential risks have not been systematically investigated yet. The risk of any potential adverse events (AEs) in patients treated with salbutamol was assessed through systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was conducted, using EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane library, until 3 April 2023. Once the AE incidence was evaluated, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for review. The endpoints included the incidence of total AEs, severe AEs, treatment discontinuation and specific AEs. The pooled AEs incidence was analysed via random‐effects model in a single‐arm meta‐analysis. A subgroup study was carried out to examine whether the pooled incidence of AE differed by indications or formulations.

Results

Of the 8912 studies that were identified, 58 RCTs met the inclusion criteria and involved 12 961 participants. The analysis showed the pooled incidences of total AEs, severe AEs and treatment discontinuation in patients treated with salbutamol were 34%, 2% and 3%, respectively. Subgroup analysis indicated that premature labour users and intravenous salbutamol users were more likely associated with total AEs. The most frequently observed specific AEs were palpitations or tachycardia.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis indicated that salbutamol was associated with a very common risk of palpitations or tachycardia. Clinical vigilance and research efforts are needed to optimize the safe use of salbutamol.
1072. Breynia vitis‐idaea (Burm.f.) C.E.C.Fisch: Phyllanthaceae
Authors: Kawakita Atsushi , Miyashita Miho , Yamanaka Masumi
Published: October 2023

Breynia vitis‐idaea (Burm.f.) C.E.C.Fisch. is illustrated and its remarkable mutualism with a seed‐parasitic moth pollinator is described. The species is cultivated in the glasshouse of Koishikawa Botanical Garden together with its specific moth pollinator, which helps the plant to produce showy red fruits throughout the year.
Epidemiology of mature T/NK‐cell lymphomas in Germany – A representative cross‐sectional study based on SHI claims data
Authors: Assaf Chalid , Dobos Gabor , Zech Immo‐Maximilian , Doess Axel , May Melanie , Jadasz Janusz
Published: October 2023

Background

Primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCL) are rare skin tumors of lymphoproliferative neoplasms and belong to the heterogeneous group of non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas. PCL encompass a broad spectrum of clinical and histologic manifestations, with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) being the most common (73%). Due to the rarity of the diseases, population‐based studies of care and epidemiology are limited.

Patients and methods

Based on anonymized, age‐ and sex‐adjusted SHI (statutory health insurance) claims data of approximately five million SHI‐insured patients, a retrospective analysis was conducted over a six‐year period (2012–2017) to determine the prevalence, incidence, and lethality in patients with mature‐cell T/NK‐cell lymphoma in Germany.

Results

A total of 1,336 patients with T‐cell lymphoma were identified during the observation period. The six‐year prevalence ranged from 27.35 to 43.58 per 100,000. Patients were 65% male with a mean age of 66 years (SD 15). There were 246 patients (approx. 20%) who died within the 6 years, up to 7% per year. The calculated incidence in 153 identified patients in 2017 is 3.65 to 3.92 per 100,000.

Conclusions

For the first time, valid epidemiologic findings of patients with mature T‐cell and NK‐cell lymphomas were obtained using SHI claims data in Germany. Further analyses are needed to gain a deeper insight into the healthcare reality of patients with this rare disease.
S3 guideline „actinic keratosis and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma“– update 2023, part 1: treatment of actinic keratosis, actinic cheilitis, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen's disease), occupational disease and structures of care
Authors: Heppt Markus V. , Leiter Ulrike , Steeb Theresa , Alter Mareike , Amaral Teresa , Bauer Andrea , Bechara Falk G. , Becker Jürgen C. , Breitbart Eckhard W. , Breuninger Helmut , Diepgen Thomas , Dirschka Thomas , Eigentler Thomas , El Gammal A. K. Stephan , Felcht Moritz , Flaig Michael J. , Follmann Markus , Fritz Klaus , Grabbe Stephan , Greinert Rüdiger , Gutzmer Ralf , Hauschild Axel , Hillen Uwe , Ihrler Stephan , John Swen Malte , Kofler Lukas , Koelbl Oliver , Krause‐Bergmann Albrecht , Kraywinkel Klaus , Krohn Steffen , Langer Thomas , Loquai Carmen , Löser Christoph R. , Mohr Peter , Nashan Dorothée , Nothacker Monika , Pfannenberg Christina , Salavastru Carmen , Schmitz Lutz , Stockfleth Eggert , Szeimies Rolf‐Markus , Ulrich Claas , Voelter‐Mahlknecht Susanne , Vordermark Dirk , Weichenthal Michael , Welzel Julia , Wermker Kai , Wiegand Susanne , Garbe Claus , Berking Carola
Published: October 2023

Actinic keratosis (AK) are common lesions in light‐skinned individuals that can potentially progress to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Both conditions may be associated with significant morbidity and constitute a major disease burden, especially among the elderly. To establish an evidence‐based framework for clinical decision making, the guideline “actinic keratosis and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma” was updated and expanded by the topics cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen's disease) and actinic cheilitis. The guideline is aimed at dermatologists, general practitioners, ear nose and throat specialists, surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and radiation oncologists in hospitals and office‐based settings, as well as other medical specialties, policy makers and insurance funds involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with AK and cSCC. A separate guideline exists for patients and their relatives. In this part, we will address aspects relating to AK, actinic cheilitis, Bowen's disease, occupational disease and care structures.
The value of loss of protective pain sensation in predicting a first ulceration of the foot in people with diabetes
Authors: Trocha Anna , Gontscharuk Veronika , Icks Andrea , Jeffcoate William
Published: October 2023

Aim

To determine both the risk of first ever ulcer (FEU) and its time to onset in a population which had loss of protective sensation (LOPS) in the foot either with or without loss of protective pain (LOPP).

Methods

People with diabetes and LOPS without history of FEU presenting in a specialist clinic were included. LOPP was diagnosed by reduced vibration perception and pain perception by using a pinprick simulator. Participants were followed by routine foot checks, phone interview or by letter until the occurrence of a FEU, death or the end of observation period. Survival functions in LOPP strata were compared by log rank test. The hazard ratio (HR) of an FEU in people with compared to people without LOPP was estimated using Cox regression. Time to first ulcer was estimated using the framework of an accelerated failure time (AFT) model.

Results

One hundred and thirty participants were followed up for a median of 48.3 months. Pain perception was lost in 55.4%. Eighteen people with LOPP developed a FEU (25.0%) as opposed to six (10.3%) of those with no LOPP (p = 0.02). Age–sex‐adjusted HR for FEU was 3.0 (p = 0.02) for people with compared to people without LOPP. Age–sex‐adjusted time to FEU for people with LOPP was approximately half (p = 0.03) than people without LOPP.

Conclusions

It is suggested that estimation of LOPP is included in routine practice because of its high predictive value for a FEU.