bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in the promoter regions of RHD and RHCE genes in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Shao Lin‐Nan , Zheng Zi‐Wei , Zhou Shi‐Hang , Zhang Shu‐Ting , Song Wen‐Qian , Xia Yue‐Xin , Liang Xiao‐Hua
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

The Rh blood group system is the most polymorphic human blood group system. Previous studies have investigated variants in the RHD and RHCE promoter. The relevance of these variants to the Chinese Han population is further clarified in this study.

Materials and Methods

In total, 317 donors (223 Rh D‐positive [D+], including 20 Del and 94 Rh D‐negative [D−]) were randomly selected. The promoter regions and exon 1 of RHD and RHCE were amplified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) whose products were directly sequenced using forward and reverse primers.

Results

Expected PCR products of the RHD promoter and exon 1 were amplified in 223 D+ individuals, including 20 Del individuals, and were absent in 81 of 94 D− individuals. Expected PCR products of RHCE were observed in all donors. Two single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were observed in the RHD promoter region. Moreover, 11 SNVs were observed in the promoter and exon 1 of RHCE. rs4649082, rs2375313, rs2281179, rs2072933, rs2072932, rs2072931 and rs586178 with strong linkage disequilibria were significantly different between the D+ and D− groups. [A;C] was the most common haplotype in the RHD promoter (NC_000001.11:g.[−1033A>G;−831C>T]). [G;T;T;A;T;A;C;G;A;C;G] was the most predominant haplotype in both total and D− groups. In D+ individuals, [A;C;T;G;C;G;C;G;C;C;C] was the most frequent haplotype in the RHCE promoter (NC_000001.11:g.[−1080A>G;−958C>T;−390T>C;−378G>A;−369C>T;−296G>A;−144C>G;−132G>A;−122C>A;28C>T;48C>G]).

Conclusion

We speculate that the SNVs/haplotypes found in this article cannot significantly affect gene expression. The present study findings should help elucidate the molecular basis of the polymorphic expression of RHD and RHCE promoter regions.
Assessment of venous pressure by compression sonography of the internal jugular vein during 3 days of bed rest
Authors: Hearon Christopher M. , Peters Kirsten , Dias Katrin A. , Macnamara James P. , Marshall John E. T. , Campain Joseph , Martin David , Marshal‐Goebel Karina , Levine Benjamin D.
Published: October 2023

Compression sonography has been proposed as a method for non‐invasive measurement of venous pressures during spaceflight, but initial reports of venous pressure measured by compression ultrasound conflict with prior reports of invasively measured central venous pressure (CVP). The aim of this study is to determine the agreement of compression sonography of the internal jugular vein (IJVP) with invasive measures of CVP over a range of pressures relevant to microgravity exposure. Ten healthy volunteers (18–55 years, five female) completed two 3‐day sessions of supine bed rest to simulate microgravity. IJVP and CVP were measured in the seated position, and in the supine position throughout 3 days of bed rest. The range of CVP recorded was in line with previous reports of CVP during changes in posture on Earth and in microgravity. The correlation between IJVP and CVP was poor when measured during spontaneous breathing (r = 0.29; R2 = 0.09; P = 0.0002; standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 3.0 mmHg) or end‐expiration CVP (CVPEE; r = 0.19; R2 = 0.04; P = 0.121; SEE = 3.0 mmHg). There was a modest correlation between the change in CVP and the change in IJVP for both spontaneous ΔCVP (r = 0.49; R2 = 0.24; P < 0.0001) and ΔCVPEE (r = 0.58; R2 = 0.34; P < 0.0001). Bland–Altman analysis of IJVP revealed a large positive bias compared to spontaneous breathing CVP (3.6 mmHg; SD = 4.0; CV = 85%; P < 0.0001) and CVPEE (3.6 mmHg; SD = 4.2; CV = 84%; P < 0.0001). Assessment of absolute IJVP via compression sonography correlated poorly with direct measurements of CVP by invasive catheterization over a range of venous pressures that are physiologically relevant to spaceflight. However, compression sonography showed modest utility for tracking changes in venous pressure over time.
Physiological functions and pathological involvement of ion channel trafficking in the vasculature
Authors: Peixoto‐Neves Dieniffer , Jaggar Jonathan H.
Published: October 2023

A variety of ion channels regulate membrane potential and calcium influx in arterial smooth muscle and endothelial cells to modify vascular functions, including contractility. The current (I) generated by a population of ion channels is equally dependent upon their number (N), open probability (Po) and single channel current (i), such that I = N.PO.i. A conventional view had been that ion channels traffic to the plasma membrane in a passive manner, resulting in a static surface population. It was also considered that channels assemble with auxiliary subunits prior to anterograde trafficking of the multimeric complex to the plasma membrane. Recent studies have demonstrated that physiological stimuli can regulate the surface abundance (N) of several different ion channels in arterial smooth muscle and endothelial cells to control arterial contractility. Physiological stimuli can also regulate the number of auxiliary subunits present in the plasma membrane to modify the biophysical properties, regulatory mechanisms and physiological functions of some ion channels. Furthermore, ion channel trafficking becomes dysfunctional in the vasculature during hypertension, which negatively impacts the regulation of contractility. The temporal kinetics of ion channel and auxiliary subunit trafficking can also vary depending on the signalling mechanisms and proteins involved. This review will summarize recent work that has uncovered the mechanisms, functions and pathological modifications of ion channel trafficking in arterial smooth muscle and endothelial cells.

image
Modeling Heat Transfer Through Concentric Cylindrical Layers for Controlled Thermal Regulation of a Commercial Research Cryostat
Authors: Moran Bradley M. , Geissinger Peter , Woehl Jörg C.
Published: October 2023

The thermal characteristics of a variable temperature, flowing vapor cryostat are theoretically modeled, accounting for specific geometrical and material constraints, temperature-varying heat transfer coefficients, and thermal conductivities for conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer. The temperature within the cryostat is controlled by an internal heater and is monitored at both the heater and the sample stage. The system consists of multiple coaxial, cylindrical layers of stainless steel containing various fluids (light vacuum, helium gas, nitrogen gas; the liquid cryogen is nitrogen or helium). Calculated Prandtl and Grashof numbers for the fluid layers suggest that the Churchill-Chu form of the Nusselt equation be used in the analysis of this system. Formulating a model that predicts heat flows throughout the cryostat allows for appropriate articulation of the heater, so the sample quickly reaches the desired temperature without overshooting. Transient and steady-state models were investigated for predictive ability, with both methods reproducing the system's experimentally collected heating and cooling behavior. The established steady-state model replicates temperatures at the heater sensor to 2%, and the transient model replicates temperatures to an average of 1% of experimental values. Functions and values describing the temperature rise at the position of the heater sensor when the heater is turned on, the cooling at the heater sensor when the heater is turned off, the temporal lag of sample heating, the interfacial temperature values, and the heater control parameters have been determined. Methods for refining the explicit finite difference scheme used for solving the diffusion equation are specified.
Integrated Sustainable Product Design With Warranty and End-of-Use Considerations
Authors: Liu Xinyang , Wang Pingfeng
Published: October 2023

The concept of integrated sustainable product design has recently emerged, aiming to incorporate downstream life cycle performance into the initial product design to enhance sustainability. Various sustainable product design tools based on life cycle assessment or quality function deployment have been established while the impact of reliability on circular practices has received limited attention. Recognizing the critical role of product reliability in post-design performance, this paper develops a product design optimization model that considers the warranty performance and the effect of end-of-use options. The model takes into account the effect of uncertain operating conditions on product reliability. Two optimization goals including the minimization of expected unit life cycle cost and environmental impact are achieved by the model. To demonstrate the benefits of the integrated approach, the model is applied to an electric motor design problem. The results highlight that integrating end-of-use options in the early design phase leads to adjustments in component selection and reliability design. Moreover, the circular utilization of used products enables cost savings throughout the product’s life cycle and contributes to environmental impact reduction. Lastly, the study analyzes the effects of operating conditions, warranty policies, and take-back prices for used products on design decisions, providing valuable insights for product designers.
Do Sex and Age Influence Scapular and Thoracohumeral Kinematics During a Functional Task Protocol?
Authors: Waslen Alexander , Friesen Kenzie B. , Lang Angelica E.
Published: October 2023

There is mixed evidence on the role that biological sex plays in shoulder biomechanics despite known differences in musculoskeletal disorder prevalence between males and females. Additionally, advancing age may contribute to shoulder kinematic changes. The purpose of this study was to determine if sex and age influenced scapular and thoracohumeral kinematics during a range of functional tasks. Sixty healthy participants aged 19–63 years (30 males; 30 females) completed a functional task protocol while their upper limb motion was recorded. Scapular and humeral angles were calculated and compared with multiple linear regressions to assess the interaction effects of sex and age. Shoulder kinematics were not different between sex and age groups for many of the functional tasks. However, females had lower humeral external rotation in the overhead lift task (15°, P < .001), and less scapular anterior tilt angles in the forward transfer task (6°, P < .001) than males. Age was positively associated with humeral elevation (R2 = .330, P < .001) and scapular rotation (R2 = .299, P < .001) in the Wash Axilla task. There exist some kinematic differences between sex and with advancing age for select functional tasks, which should be considered for musculoskeletal disorder development.
Coherent ultrafast photoemission from a single quantized state of a one-dimensional emitter
Authors: Li Chi , Guan Mengxue , Hong Hao , Chen Ke , Wang Xiaowei , Ma He , Wang Aiwei , Li Zhenjun , Hu Hai , Xiao Jianfeng , Dai Jiayu , Wan Xiangang , Liu Kaihui , Meng Sheng , Dai Qing
Published: October 2023

Femtosecond laser–driven photoemission source provides an unprecedented femtosecond-resolved electron probe not only for atomic-scale ultrafast characterization but also for free-electron radiation sources. However, for conventional metallic electron source, intense lasers may induce a considerable broadening of emitting energy level, which results in large energy spread (>600 milli–electron volts) and thus limits the spatiotemporal resolution of electron probe. Here, we demonstrate the coherent ultrafast photoemission from a single quantized energy level of a carbon nanotube. Its one-dimensional body can provide a sharp quantized electronic excited state, while its zero-dimensional tip can provide a quantized energy level act as a narrow photoemission channel. Coherent resonant tunneling electron emission is evidenced by a negative differential resistance effect and a field-driven Stark splitting effect. The estimated energy spread is ~57 milli–electron volts, which suggests that the proposed carbon nanotube electron source may promote electron probe simultaneously with subangstrom spatial resolution and femtosecond temporal resolution.
A cellular resolution atlas of Broca’s area
Authors: Costantini Irene , Morgan Leah , Yang Jiarui , Balbastre Yael , Varadarajan Divya , Pesce Luca , Scardigli Marina , Mazzamuto Giacomo , Gavryusev Vladislav , Castelli Filippo Maria , Roffilli Matteo , Silvestri Ludovico , Laffey Jessie , Raia Sophia , Varghese Merina , Wicinski Bridget , Chang Shuaibin , Chen Ichun Anderson , Wang Hui , Cordero Devani , Vera Matthew , Nolan Jackson , Nestor Kimberly , Mora Jocelyn , Iglesias Juan Eugenio , Garcia Pallares Erendira , Evancic Kathryn , Augustinack Jean C. , Fogarty Morgan , Dalca Adrian V. , Frosch Matthew P. , Magnain Caroline , Frost Robert , van der Kouwe Andre , Chen Shih-Chi , Boas David A. , Pavone Francesco Saverio , Fischl Bruce , Hof Patrick R.
Published: October 2023

Brain cells are arranged in laminar, nuclear, or columnar structures, spanning a range of scales. Here, we construct a reliable cell census in the frontal lobe of human cerebral cortex at micrometer resolution in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–referenced system using innovative imaging and analysis methodologies. MRI establishes a macroscopic reference coordinate system of laminar and cytoarchitectural boundaries. Cell counting is obtained with a digital stereological approach on the 3D reconstruction at cellular resolution from a custom-made inverted confocal light-sheet fluorescence microscope (LSFM). Mesoscale optical coherence tomography enables the registration of the distorted histological cell typing obtained with LSFM to the MRI-based atlas coordinate system. The outcome is an integrated high-resolution cellular census of Broca’s area in a human postmortem specimen, within a whole-brain reference space atlas.
An ultrahigh-fidelity 3D holographic display using scattering to homogenize the angular spectrum
Authors: Yang Jiamiao , Li Lei S. , He Qiaozhi , Li Chengmingyue , Qu Yuan , Wang Lihong V.
Published: October 2023

A three-dimensional (3D) holographic display (3DHD) can preserve all the volumetric information about an object. However, the poor fidelity of 3DHD constrains its applications. Here, we present an ultrahigh-fidelity 3D holographic display that uses scattering for homogenization of angular spectrum. A scattering medium randomizes the incident photons and homogenizes the angular spectrum distribution. The redistributed field is recorded by a photopolymer film with numerous modulation modes and a half-wavelength scale pixel size. We have experimentally improved the contrast of a focal spot to 6 × 10
6
and tightened its spatial resolution to 0.5 micrometers, respectively ~300 and 4.4 times better than digital approaches. By exploiting the spatial multiplexing ability of the photopolymer and the transmission channel selection capability of the scattering medium, we have realized a dynamic holographic display of 3D spirals consisting of 20 foci across 1 millimeter × 1 millimeter × 26 millimeters with uniform intensity.
A quantum ruler for orbital magnetism in moiré quantum matter
Authors: Slot M. R. , Maximenko Y. , Haney P. M. , Kim S. , Walkup D. T. , Strelcov E. , Le Son T. , Shih E. M. , Yildiz D. , Blankenship S. R. , Watanabe K. , Taniguchi T. , Barlas Y. , Zhitenev N. B. , Ghahari F. , Stroscio J. A.
Published: October 2023

For almost a century, magnetic oscillations have been a powerful “quantum ruler” for measuring Fermi surface topology. In this study, we used Landau-level spectroscopy to unravel the energy-resolved valley-contrasting orbital magnetism and large orbital magnetic susceptibility that contribute to the energies of Landau levels of twisted double-bilayer graphene. These orbital magnetism effects led to substantial deviations from the standard Onsager relation, which manifested as a breakdown in scaling of Landau-level orbits. These substantial magnetic responses emerged from the nontrivial quantum geometry of the electronic structure and the large length scale of the moiré lattice potential. Going beyond traditional measurements, Landau-level spectroscopy performed with a scanning tunneling microscope offers a complete quantum ruler that resolves the full energy dependence of orbital magnetic properties in moiré quantum matter.
The ecology of whales in a changing climate
Authors: Read Andrew J.
Published: October 2023

Some whale populations are exhibiting unexpected cycles of boom and bust
An oscillating reaction to produce clean fuels
Authors: Niemantsverdriet Hans , Weststrate Kees-Jan
Published: October 2023

Understanding chemical reaction mechanisms could help synthesize sustainable fuels
Defining sustainable chemistry—an opportune exercise?
Authors: Zuin Zeidler Vânia G.
Published: October 2023

I lost my elephant some days ago. Actually, it was an elephant keychain. This was a special present given by a Thai student who attended the Summer School on Sustainable Chemistry for Sustainable Development in July 2023, at Leuphana University, Germany, supported by the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3). This event focused on the foundations and applications of sustainable chemistry in tackling the climate crisis, a top priority requiring responsible and coordinated transnational actions on many fronts, including through high-level scientific knowledge. The chemical industry is
fundamental for providing goods for other industries
such as construction, pharmaceuticals, agriculture–food processing, and electronics, with a global material production capacity of around 2.3 billion tonnes in 2020 and sales of chemicals projected at almost $11.3 trillion annually by 2030. Such growth reflects the importance of the science and industrial applications, leading to remarkable opportunities to promote a better life for all, considering the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, there are also challenges and risks stemming from the energy demands, greenhouse gas emissions, and toxicity of many chemicals and their transformation products, as well as the lack of proper chemical and waste management programs in various countries.
Second malaria vaccine gets WHO green light
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: October 2023

New shots could make malaria protection more plentiful, saving tens of thousands of lives
Award honors pair for mRNA work key to COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Offord Catherine , Cohen Jon
Published: October 2023

Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman overcame a major roadblock to a novel immunization approach
Comparison of contemporary invasive and non-invasive
Streptococcus pneumoniae
isolates reveals new insights into circulating anti-microbial resistance determinants
Authors: Higgs Charlie , Kumar Lamali Sadeesh , Stevens Kerrie , Strachan Janet , Korman Tony , Horan Kristy , Daniel Diane , Russell Madeline , McDevitt Christopher A. , Sherry Norelle L. , Stinear Timothy P. , Howden Benjamin P. , Gorrie Claire L.
Published: October 2023

Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a major human pathogen with a high burden of disease. Non-invasive isolates (those found in non-sterile sites) are thought to be a key source of invasive isolates (those found in sterile sites) and a reservoir of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) determinants. Despite this, pneumococcal surveillance has almost exclusively focused on invasive isolates. We aimed to compare contemporaneous invasive and non-invasive isolate populations to understand how they interact and identify differences in AMR gene distribution. We used a combination of whole-genome sequencing and phenotypic anti-microbial susceptibility testing and a data set of invasive (
n
= 1,288) and non-invasive (
n
= 186) pneumococcal isolates, collected in Victoria, Australia, between 2018 and 2022. The non-invasive population had increased levels of antibiotic resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics including beta-lactam antibiotics penicillin and ceftriaxone. We identified genomic intersections between the invasive and non-invasive populations and no distinct phylogenetic clustering of the two populations. However, this analysis revealed sub-populations overrepresented in each population. The sub-populations that had high levels of AMR were overrepresented in the non-invasive population. We determined that WamR-Pneumo was the most accurate
in silico
tool for predicting resistance to the antibiotics tested. This tool was then used to assess the allelic diversity of the penicillin-binding protein genes, which acquire mutations leading to beta-lactam antibiotic resistance, and found that they were highly conserved (≥80% shared) between the two populations. These findings show the potential of non-invasive isolates to serve as reservoirs of AMR determinants.
Biogeographic distribution and molecular epidemiology of
Clostridioides
(
Clostridium
)
difficile
in Western Australian soils
Authors: Cautivo-Reyes Karla , Knight Daniel R. , Bowie Deborah , Moreira-Grez Benjamin , Whiteley Andrew S. , Riley Thomas V.
Published: October 2023

Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile
is a leading cause of infectious diarrhea in humans and production animals and can be found in a variety of environmental sources. The prevalence and diversity of multi-locus sequence type clade 5 strains of
C. difficile
in Australian production animals suggest Australia might be the ancestral home of this lineage of One Health importance. To better understand the role of the environment in the colonization of humans and animals in Australia, it is important to investigate these endemic sources. This study describes the prevalence, molecular epidemiology, and biogeographic distribution of
C. difficile
in soils of Western Australia. A total of 321 soil samples from remote geographical locations across the eight health regions of Western Australia were screened for
C. difficile
and isolates characterized by PCR ribotyping and toxin gene profiling.
C. difficile
was isolated from 31.15% of samples, with the highest prevalence in the Perth Metropolitan Health Region (49.25%,
n
= 33/67). Overall, 52 different strains [PCR ribotypes (RTs)] were identified, with 14 being novel, and 38% (38/100) of isolates being toxigenic, the most common of which was RT014/020. Five unique novel isolates showed characteristics similar to
C. difficile
clade 5. This is the first study of
C. difficile
isolated from soils in Australia. The high prevalence and heterogeneity of
C. difficile
strains recovered suggest that soils play a role in the survival and environmental dissemination of this organism, and potentially its transmission among native wildlife and production animals, and in community and hospital settings.

IMPORTANCE

Clostridium difficile
is a pathogen of One Health importance. To better understand the role of the environment in human and animal colonization/infection, it is critical that autochthonous reservoirs/sources of
C. difficile
be investigated. This is the first study of
C. difficile
isolated from soils of Western Australia (WA). Here, the ecology of
C. difficile
in WA is described by examining the geographic distribution, molecular epidemiology, and diversity of
C. difficile
isolated from soils across WA.
Genetic dissection of regulation by a repressing and novel activating corrinoid riboswitch enables engineering of synthetic riboswitches
Authors: Procknow Rebecca R. , Kennedy Kristopher J. , Kluba Maxwell , Rodriguez Lesley J. , Taga Michiko E.
Published: October 2023

The ability to sense and respond to intracellular metabolite levels enables cells to adapt to environmental conditions. Many prokaryotes use riboswitches—structured RNA elements usually located in the 5′ untranslated region of mRNAs—to sense intracellular metabolites and respond by modulating gene expression. The corrinoid riboswitch class, which responds to adenosylcobalamin (coenzyme B
12
) and related metabolites, is among the most widespread in bacteria. The structural elements for corrinoid binding and the requirement for a kissing loop interaction between the aptamer and expression platform domains have been established for several corrinoid riboswitches. However, the conformational changes in the expression platform that modulate gene expression in response to corrinoid binding remain unknown. Here, we employ an
in vivo
GFP reporter system in
Bacillus subtilis
to define alternative secondary structures in the expression platform of a corrinoid riboswitch from
Priestia megaterium
by disrupting and restoring base-pairing interactions. Moreover, we report the discovery and characterization of the first riboswitch known to activate gene expression in response to corrinoids. In both cases, mutually exclusive RNA secondary structures are responsible for promoting or preventing the formation of an intrinsic transcription terminator in response to the corrinoid binding state of the aptamer domain. Knowledge of these regulatory mechanisms allowed us to develop synthetic corrinoid riboswitches that convert repressing riboswitches to riboswitches that robustly induce gene expression in response to corrinoids. Due to their high expression levels, low background, and over 100-fold level of induction, these synthetic riboswitches have potential use as biosensors or genetic tools.

IMPORTANCE

In addition to proteins, microbes can use structured RNAs such as riboswitches for the important task of regulating gene expression. Riboswitches control gene expression by changing their structure in response to binding a small molecule and are widespread among bacteria. Here we determine the mechanism of regulation in a riboswitch that responds to corrinoids—a family of coenzymes related to vitamin B
12
. We report the alternative RNA secondary structures that couple corrinoid sensing with response in a repressing and novel activating corrinoid riboswitch. We then applied this knowledge to flipping the regulatory sign by constructing synthetic riboswitches that activate expression to a higher level than the natural one. In the process, we observed patterns in which sequence, in addition to structure, impacts function in paired RNA regions. The synthetic riboswitches we describe here have potential applications as biosensors.
Experimental analysis of diverse actin-like proteins from various magnetotactic bacteria by functional expression in
Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense
Authors: Awal Ram Prasad , Müller Frank D. , Pfeiffer Daniel , Monteil Caroline L. , Perrière Guy , Lefèvre Christopher T. , Schüler Dirk
Published: October 2023

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) produce magnetosomes, which are sensory organelles consisting of nanocrystals of a magnetic iron mineral enclosed by membranes. In the well-characterized
Magnetospirillum
species of the
Alphaproteobacteria
, magnetosomes align and form highly ordered chains along filaments that consist of the bacterial actin homolog MamK. The MamK protein is part of a multi-component “magnetoskeleton” that controls the concatenation, positioning, and partitioning of the magnetosome chains (MCs) which serve as cellular compass for efficient navigation in the Earth’s magnetic field. MamK is highly conserved in all MTB; however, it is unknown whether its magnetoskeletal function is preserved, especially in those MTB which exhibit distinct and more complex architectures of MCs and often contain additional putative magnetoskeletal constituents such as the actin-like protein Mad28 with as yet-unknown functions. Here, we studied the ability of magnetosome-associated actins from a wide range of diverse MTB to rescue well-characterized magnetoskeleton mutants of the model
Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense
. We found that MamK orthologs from
Alpha-
,
Delta-
,
Candidatus Etaproteo-
, and
Nitrospirota
-MTB as well as a resurrected MamK LUCA version restored MC assembly to varying degrees and exhibited filamentous localization in
M. gryphiswaldense
and
E. coli
. We also identified a novel magnetosome-related protein from the magnetotactic alphaproteobacterium
Magnetovibrio blakemorei
that substitutes the function of the well-characterized MamJ protein as a molecular adaptor tethering magnetosomes to MamK filaments. Moreover, we demonstrate that Mad28 orthologs from
Thermodesulfobacteriota
and
Nitrospirota
are actin-like proteins that can functionally complement
mamK
mutants of
M. gryphiswaldense
and which form filamentous structures
in vivo and in vitro
.

IMPORTANCE

To efficiently navigate within the geomagnetic field, magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) align their magnetosome organelles into chains, which are organized by the actin-like MamK protein. Although MamK is the most highly conserved magnetosome protein common to all MTB, its analysis has been confined to a small subgroup owing to the inaccessibility of most MTB. Our study takes advantage of a genetically tractable host where expression of diverse MamK orthologs together with a resurrected MamK LUCA and uncharacterized actin-like Mad28 proteins from deep-branching MTB resulted in gradual restoration of magnetosome chains in various mutants. Our results further indicate the existence of species-specific MamK interactors and shed light on the evolutionary relationships of one of the key proteins associated with bacterial magnetotaxis.
Ultrasound guided lavage with corticosteroid injection versus sham lavage with and without corticosteroid injection for calcific tendinopathy of shoulder: randomised double blinded multi-arm study
Authors: Moosmayer Stefan , Ekeberg Ole Marius , Hallgren Hanna Björnsson , Heier Ingar , Kvalheim Synnøve , Juel Niels Gunnar , Blomquist Jesper , Pripp Are Hugo , Brox Jens Ivar
Published: October 2023

Objective

To compare treatment effects between ultrasound guided lavage with corticosteroid injection and sham lavage with and without corticosteroid injection in patients with calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder.

Design

Pragmatic, three arm, parallel group, double blinded, sham controlled, randomised, superiority trial with repeated measurements over 24 months.

Setting

Six hospitals in Norway and Sweden.

Participants

220 adults with calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder, persistent for at least three months.

Interventions

Ultrasound guided deposit lavage plus subacromial injection of 20 mg triamcinolone acetonide and 9 mL 1% lidocaine hydrochloride (lavage+steroid); sham lavage plus subacromial injection of 20 mg triamcinolone acetonide and 9 mL 1% lidocaine hydrochloride (sham lavage+steroid); or sham lavage plus subacromial injection of 10 mL 1% lidocaine hydrochloride (sham). All patients received a physiotherapeutic treatment regimen consisting of four home exercises.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was the result on the 48 point scale (0=worst; 48=best) of the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at four month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included measurements on the short form of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) and of pain intensity up to 24 months. The influence of the size of the deposit at baseline and of the persistence or disappearance of the deposit was investigated.

Results

Data from 218 (99%) participants were included in the primary analysis. Differences between groups on the OSS at four months were not significant: lavage+steroid versus sham 0.2 (95% confidence interval −2.3 to 2.8; P=1.0); sham lavage+steroid versus sham 2.0 (−0.5 to 4.6; P=0.35); lavage+steroid versus sham lavage+steroid −1.8 (−4.3 to 0.7; P=0.47). After four months, 143 patients with insufficient treatment effect received supplementary treatment. At 24 months, none of the study procedures was superior to sham. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

This study found no benefit for ultrasound guided lavage with a corticosteroid injection or for sham lavage with a corticosteroid injection compared with sham treatment in patients with calcific rotator cuff tendinopathy of the shoulder.

Trial registration

NCT02419040EudraCT 2015-002343-34; Ethical committee Norway 2015-002343-34; Ethical committee Sweden 2015/79-31; Clinicaltrials.gov
NCT02419040
.
Evaluating the impact on health outcomes of an event that resulted in a delay in contact tracing of COVID-19 cases in England, September 2020: an observational study
Authors: Findlater Lucy , Pierotti Livia , Turner Charlie , Wensley Adrian , Chen Cong , Seaman Shaun , Samartsidis Pantelis , Charlett Andre , Anderson Charlotte , Hughes Gareth , Hickman Matthew , Edeghere Obaghe , Oliver Isabel
Published: October 2023

Objective

In September 2020, 15 861 SARS-CoV-2 case records failed to upload from the Second Generation Surveillance System (SGSS) to the Contact Tracing Advisory Service (CTAS) tool, delaying the contact tracing of these cases. This study used CTAS data to determine the impact of this delay on population health outcomes: transmission events, hospitalisations and mortality. Previously, a modelling study suggested a substantial impact.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

England.

Population

Individuals testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 and their reported contacts.

Main outcome measures

Secondary attack rates (SARs), hospitalisations and deaths among primary and secondary contacts were calculated, compared with all other concurrent, unaffected cases. Affected SGSS records were matched to CTAS records. Successive contacts and cases were identified and matched to hospital episode and mortality outcomes.

Results

Initiation of contact tracing was delayed by 3 days on average in the primary cases in the delay group (6 days) compared with the control group (3 days). This was associated with lower completion of contact tracing: 80% (95% CI: 79% to 81%) in delay group and 83% (95% CI: 83% to 84%) in control group. There was some evidence to suggest increased transmission to non-household contacts among those affected by the delay. The SAR for non-household contacts was higher among secondary contacts in the delay group than the control group (delay group: 7.9%, 95% CI: 6.5% to 9.2%; control group: 5.9%, 95% CI: 5.3% to 6.6%). There did not appear to be a significant difference between the delay and control groups in the odds of hospitalisation (crude OR: 1.1 (95% CI: 0.9 to 1.2)) or death (crude OR: 0.7 (95% CI: 0.1 to 4.0)) among secondary contacts.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that the delay in contact tracing had a limited impact on population health outcomes; however, contact tracing was not completed for all individuals, so some transmission events might not be captured.
Cross-sectional analyses of online appointment booking and repeat prescription ordering user characteristics in general practices of England in the years 2018–2020
Authors: Alturkistani Abrar , Greenfield Geva , Beaney Thomas , Norton John , Costelloe Ceire E
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To explore the characteristics of the General Practice Patient Survey (GPPS) respondents using the different functionalities of the online services in the context of England’s National Health Service General Practices. We hypothesised that respondents who are older, with lower socioeconomic status and non-white ethnicity would be less likely to use online services, while long-term conditions might increase their usage.

Design

Cross-sectional study using respondent-level data from the GPPS in England of the years 2018, 2019 and 2020. We assessed the association between online services use and respondent characteristics using two-level mixed-effects logistic regression.

Participants

Survey respondents of the GPPS 2018–2020.

Primary outcome measures

Online appointment booking and online repeat prescription ordering.

Results

1 807 049 survey respondents were included in this study. 15% (n=263 938) used online appointment booking in the previous 12 months, and 19% (n=339 449) had ordered a repeat prescription in the previous 12 months. Respondents with a long-term condition, on regular multiple medications, who have deafness or hearing loss and who are from the lowest deprivation quintile were more likely to have used online services. Male respondents (compared with females) and respondents with black and other ethnicity compared with white ethnicity were less likely to use online services. Respondents over 85 years old were less likely to use online appointment booking and online repeat prescription ordering compared with the younger age groups.

Conclusions

Specific groups of respondents were more likely to use online services such as patients with long-term conditions or those with deafness or hearing loss. While online services could provide efficiency to patients and practices it is essential that alternatives continue to be provided to those that cannot use or choose not to use online services. Understanding the different patients’ needs could inform solutions to increase the uptake and use of the services.
Factors influencing choice of b/ts DMARDs in managing inflammatory arthritis from a patient perspective: a systematic review of global evidence and a patient-based survey from Hong Kong
Authors: Li Yihua , Lau Lauren K W , Peng Kuan , Zhang Dexing , Dong Dong , Wong Ian C K , Li Xue
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To investigate factors concerning patients regarding biological/target synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/ts DMARDs) in treating inflammatory arthritis (IA).

Design

This study consists of a systematic review and a cross-sectional survey in Hong Kong. A systematic review of literature following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane and Embase between 1 January 2000 and 1 January 2022. Content analysis was conducted to summarise factors grouped by four themes—social aspects (SA), clinical aspects (CA), medicine characteristics (MC) and financial aspects (FA) in the decision-making process. One cross-sectional survey among Hong Kong patients with IA was conducted to add to global evidence.

Setting

A systematic review of global evidence and a patient-based survey in Hong Kong to complement scarce evidence in Asia regions.

Results

The systematic review resulted in 34 studies. The four themes were presented in descending order consistently but varied with frequency throughout decision-making processes. During decision-making involving medication initiation, preference and discontinuation, MC (reported frequency: 83%, 86%, 78%), SA (56%, 43%, 78%) and FA (39%, 33%, 56%) were the three most frequently reported factors, whereas CA was less studied. Local survey also revealed that MC factors such as treatment efficacy and the probability of severe adverse events, and SA factors such as the availability of government or charity subsidy, influenced patients’ initiation and preference for b/ts DMARDs. Meanwhile, self-estimated improvement in disease conditions (SA), drug side effects (MC) and drug costs (FA) were associated with treatment discontinuation.

Conclusions

Global and local evidence consistently indicate that MC and SA are important considerations in patients’ decisions regarding novel DMARDs. Health policies that reduce patients’ financial burden and enhances healthcare professionals’ engagement in decision-making and treatment delivery should be in place with an efficient healthcare system for managing IA optimistically.
Province-level distribution and drivers of infant mortality in mainland China: a Geodetector-based analysis of data from 2020
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Tang Yuwen , Zhang Beibei , Zhang Yongjing , Dai Jifeng , Zhang Junhui
Published: October 2023

Objective

The present study investigated the province-level distribution and drivers of infant mortality rate (IMR) in mainland China.

Design

Ecological analysis based on publicly available data for all 31 provinces in mainland China.

Data sources

Data on province-level IMRs in 2020 were obtained from the official websites of the healthcare commissions within each province and from the China Health Statistics Yearbook 2021. Data on potential IMR drivers were retrieved from the China Statistical Yearbook 2021.

Data analysis

GeoDa V.1.12.1 and ArcMap V.10.2 software were used to examine province-level distribution of IMR. Global and local spatial autocorrelations were performed, and Getis-ord G* hotspots and coldspots were identified. Geodetector was used to analyse the individual and joint influence of drivers on IMR.

Results

IMRs in 2020 varied from 1.91 to 7.60 per 1000 live births across provinces. The following statistically significant drivers with q values >0.5 were identified: health literacy of the population (0.6673), male illiteracy rate (0.6433), proportion of the population older than >65 years (0.6369), per capita government health expenditure (0.6216), forest coverage rate (0.5820), per capita disposable income (0.5785), per capita number of hospitals (0.5592), per capita gross regional product (0.5410) and sulfur dioxide concentration in the atmosphere (0.5158). The following three interactions among these drivers emerged as strongest influences on province-level IMR: proportion of population >65 years ∩ per capita gross regional product (q=0.9653), forest coverage rate ∩ per capita gross regional product (0.9610) and per capita government health expenditure ∩ sulfur dioxide (0.9295).

Conclusion

IMR in mainland China varies substantially across the country, being generally high-west and low-east. Several factors, on their own and interacting together, contribute to IMR. Policies and programmes to reduce IMR should be formulated according to local conditions and should focus on western provinces of the country.
Did mpox knowledge, attitudes and beliefs affect intended behaviour in the general population and men who are gay, bisexual and who have sex with men? An online cross-sectional survey in the UK
Authors: Smith Louise E , Potts Henry WW , Brainard Julii , May Tom , Oliver Isabel , Amlôt Richard , Yardley Lucy , Rubin G James
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To investigate rates of mpox beliefs, knowledge and intended behaviours in the general population and in gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), and factors associated with intended behaviours. To test the impact of motivational messages (vs a factual control) on intended behaviours.

Design

Cross-sectional online survey including a nested randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Data collected from 5 September 2022 to 6 October 2022.

Participants

Participants were aged 18 years or over and lived in the UK (general population). In addition, GBMSM were male, and gay, bisexual or had sex with men. The general population sample was recruited through a market research company. GBMSM were recruited through a market research company, the dating app Grindr and targeted adverts on Meta (Facebook and Instagram).

Main outcome measures

Intention to self-isolate, seek medical help, stop all sexual contact, share details of recent sexual contacts and accept vaccination.

Results

Sociodemographic characteristics differed by sample. There was no effect of very brief motivational messaging on behavioural intentions. Respondents from Grindr and Meta were more likely to intend to seek help immediately, completely stop sexual behaviour and be vaccinated or intend to be vaccinated, but being less likely to intend to self-isolate (ps<0.001). In the general population sample, intending to carry out protective behaviours was generally associated with being female, older, having less financial hardship, greater worry, higher perceived risk to others and higher perceived susceptibility to and severity of mpox (ps<0.001). There were fewer associations with behaviours in the Grindr sample, possibly due to reduced power.

Conclusions

GBMSM were more likely to intend to enact protective behaviours, except for self-isolation. This may reflect targeted public health efforts and engagement with this group. Associations with socioeconomic factors suggest that providing financial support may encourage people to engage with protective behaviours.
Mental health status of individuals with diabetes in Korea before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison of data from the Korean national health and nutrition examination surveys of 2018–2019 and 2020–2021
Authors: Jung Hyejin
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the mental health status of patients with diabetes before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine the effect of COVID-19 on their mental health status. This study was the first to investigate the relationship between diabetes and mental health in the Korean population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

This retrospective cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of mental health problems before (2018–2019) and during (2020–2021) the COVID-19 pandemic in individuals with diabetes aged 40 years or older who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Mental health problems were assessed using self-reported experiences of depression diagnosis, stress perception and suicide ideation. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Clinically significant depression requiring treatment was determined using an optimal cut-off score of 10 out of a total of 27 points.

Participants

There were 824 men and 763 women in the 2018–2019 survey and 882 men and 887 women in 2020–2021.

Results

In the unadjusted analysis, women had a statistically significantly higher prevalence of suicide ideation in 2020–2021 (2.9, 95% CI: 1.5 to 4.2) than in 2018–2019 (1.0, 95% CI: 0.4 to 1.7, but p<0.0067). There was no statistically significant difference in both men and women in 2018–2019 after adjusting for age, education, economic activity, hypoglycaemic drug intake or insulin injection, current alcohol consumption, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia. A comparison of the results of the PHQ-9 survey conducted in 2018–2019 and 2020–2021 found no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of depressive disorder among both men and women.

Conclusions

Long-term, retrospective observations and studies on the effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of patients with diabetes should be conducted in the future.