bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of enhanced recovery after surgery on wound infection, complications, and postoperative hospital stay in patients undergoing colorectal surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Nianmei , Wei Shuju , Qi Yonghua , Wei Wenjng
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) on surgical site infections, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. A comprehensive search was conducted of PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data from database inception to April 2023 to identify relevant studies on the application of ERAS in colorectal surgery. Studies were screened, and data were extracted based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. A total of 22 studies, including 3702 patients (ERAS group: 1906; control group: 1796), were included in the final analysis. ERAS significantly reduced the incidence of surgical site infection (odds ratio [OR]: 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34–0.69, p < 0.001), postoperative complications (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.27–0.41, p < 0.001), and length of hospital stay (standardised mean difference: −1.22 days, 95% CI: −1.66 to −0.77 days, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that ERAS reduces the incidence of surgical site infections and postoperative complications and shortens the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Therefore, ERAS should be promoted and applied in clinical practice.
Crystal structures, chemical bond features, and Raman vibrations of Li2Co2Mo3O12 microwave dielectric ceramics with low sintering temperature
Authors: Qing Zhenjun , Zou Huapeng , Zhou Xin , Li Haiyan , Liu An , Duan Shumin , Li Yingxiang , Peng Sen
Published: August 2023

Li2Co2Mo3O12 (LCMO) ceramics were synthesized using the solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray diffraction analysis results indicated that the sole crystalline phase present in the ceramics was LCMO, which belongs to the orthorhombic structure of the Pnma space group. The sample, which was sintered at 850°C, demonstrated outstanding microwave dielectric properties, with an εr value of 8.95, a Q × f value of 43 200 GHz, and a τf value of –71.3 ppm/°C. It was found that while the main factor influencing εr was ionic polarizability, sintering density had a lesser effect on it. Furthermore, Q × f was primarily affected by relative density, and there was no significant relationship between packing fraction and this property. The higher the degree of distortion of the [Li/CoO6] octahedron is, the poorer the τf value of LCMO ceramics. Additionally, the microwave dielectric properties of LCMO ceramics were intrinsically linked to ionicity, lattice energy, bond energy, and thermal expansion coefficient of chemical bonds, with Mo–O bonds being the primary factor affecting these properties, as supported by analysis using chemical bonding theories. Mo–O bond vibration dominated the Raman spectra. Good chemical compatibility between silver and LCMO ceramics was demonstrated through our co‐firing experiment.
On the properties of NiO powders obtained by different wet chemical methods and calcination
Authors: Alastuey Patricio , Pais Ospina Daniel , Comedi David , Tirado Monica , Marin‐Ramirez Oscar
Published: August 2023

NiO powders were synthesized using coprecipitation, sol‐gel, and hydrothermal synthesis methods. The powders were subjected to calcination in atmospheric air, followed by recalcination in an O2‐rich atmosphere at 800°C for 2 h each. Characterization techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and microRaman spectroscopy, were utilized. The coprecipitation and hydrothermal methods resulted in disaggregated submicrometric particles. The average size of particles obtained by the coprecipitation method after calcination in atmospheric air and recalcination in an O2‐rich atmosphere was 360 ± 140 nm and 400 ± 130 nm, respectively. Regarding the particles obtained by the hydrothermal method, the average size was 190 ± 50 and 220 ± 80 nm for calcined in atmospheric air and recalcined in O2‐rich atmosphere, respectively. Conversely, the sol‐gel method produced particle aggregates with an average size of 430 ± 150 nm after calcination in atmospheric air and 500 ± 200 nm for calcination in an O2‐rich atmosphere. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that only the hydrothermal method yielded pure NiO without additional Ni‐related phases, irrespective of the calcination procedure. In contrast, the coprecipitation sample exhibited a Ni2O3 phase after calcination in atmospheric air, which disappeared after recalcination in an O2‐rich atmosphere. The sol‐gel‐derived sample maintained a Ni phase after both calcination processes. Analysis of the crystallite size demonstrated an increase after recalcination in an O2‐rich atmosphere for the hydrothermal and sol‐gel‐derived samples, while a decrease was observed for the coprecipitation‐derived sample. Raman spectra exhibited defect‐enabled first‐order forbidden phonon modes that were sensitive to the synthesis route. The two magnon phonon modes also demonstrated dependency on the route, indicating variations in defect structures. Photocatalytic evaluation using methylene blue degradation in aqueous solutions indicated better performance for the powders recalcined in an O2‐rich atmosphere.
Climate variability hypothesis is partially supported in thermal limits of juvenile Northwest Atlantic coastal fishes
Authors: Strader Ryan N. , Dowd Sally C. , Blawas Camryn , Mahoney Richard D. , Patetta Natalie C. , Leslie Jaelyn , Nye Janet A.
Published: August 2023

As ocean warming continues to impact marine species globally, there is a need to understand the mechanisms underlying shifts in abundance and distribution. There is growing evidence that upper and lower temperature tolerances rather than mean preferences explain range shifts, but the full thermal niche is unknown for many marine species and observational data are often ill‐suited to estimate the upper and lower thermal tolerances. We quantified critical thermal maximum (CTmax) and critical thermal minimum (CTmin) using standard methods to quantify temperature limits and thermal ranges of 14 economically and ecologically important juvenile fish species on the US Atlantic coast. We then tested the climate variability hypothesis (CVH), which states that higher‐latitude species should have a wider temperature tolerance due to higher climatic variability closer to the poles. Our findings generally support the CVH in the juvenile fishes that we evaluated. However, low‐latitude species were not uniformly stenothermal. Rather, species with median occurrences across a wide range of latitudes had wide temperature tolerances, but only the tropical species we tested had more narrow ranges. These findings suggest that quantifying temperature tolerances may be used to predict which low‐latitude species are most likely to shift in response to warming water and those that may be more sensitive to climate change in this region.
Gill structure and respiratory ability of Euchiloglanis kishinouyei (Osteichthyes: Siluriformes: Sisoridae)
Authors: Li Luojia , Deng Longjun , Li Jie , Li Tiancai , Chen Pengyu , Luo Wei , Du Zongjun
Published: August 2023

Glyptosternoid fishes are distributed in the torrent environment of alpine canyons, where they often leave the water to climb rocky cliffs. As one of the most primitive species of glyptosternoid fishes, Euchiloglanis kishinouyei was examined in the current study to analyse its gill microstructure and respiratory ability. We first found that the oxygen consumption rate was relatively high and negatively correlated with body mass and that the average oxygen consumption at night was higher than during the day. The asphyxiation point of E. kishinouyei (5.05 ± 0.22 g) was c. 1.93 mg/L. Subsequently, the surface morphology, gross gill tissue structure, and ultra‐microstructure of gill lamellae were investigated using optical microscopy and SEM. The gills showed an overall trend of regression, with five pairs of gill arches in each gill cavity. The adjacent gill filaments had large gaps, and the gill lamellae were thick. The gill filaments were closely arranged on the gill arches, their folded respiratory surface was highly vascularized with no tiny crest, and there were obvious tiny crests, grooves, pits, and pores on the nonrespiratory surface. The gill lamellae were closely embedded on both sides of gill filaments, which were composed of flat epithelial cells, basement membrane, pillar cells, and mucous cells. The gill total respiratory area correlated positively with body mass and length, whereas the gill relative respiratory area correlated negatively with body mass. We comprehensively analysed the gill microstructure and respiratory capacity of E. kishinouyei to provide fundamental data for the adaptive evolution of the gill structures of bimodally respiring fishes and offer insights into further study on the accessory air‐breathing function of skin.
The personality of violent Jihadists: Examining violent and nonviolent defense of Muslims
Authors: Obaidi Milan , Bergh Robin , Akrami Nazar , Dovidio John F.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Although violent extremism is often attributed to clinical (dysfunctional) dispositions, it is also possible that violent Jihadists might be clinically “normal” but bear certain personality signatures. This alternative view has yet to be tested.

Method

In six studies, employing hard‐to‐reach Muslim samples, including one study of former Mujahideen, we investigated the relationship between basic personality traits and violent extremism. We further used a known group paradigm to validate the personality signatures of violent extremism, comparing a sample of former Mujahideen with another sample from Afghanistan.

Results

These studies and an internal meta‐analysis revealed that Lower Openness to Experience, lower Emotionality, and lower Altruism were associated with more violent intentions to support Muslims. Higher Altruism was associated with higher levels of nonviolent intention to support Muslims. Supporting the validity of the nonviolent intention measure, similar associations were found in Study 3 with overt behavioral support of Muslims (donations). More important, compared to the nonMujahideen, the Mujahideen sample scored lower on average on, for instance, Openness, indicating that these results go beyond self‐reported, findings.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that personality predicts violent and nonviolent defense of Muslims among four general populations of Muslims living in the West and in Asia (including the Middle East), and a sample of Mujahideen in Afghanistan.
Red macroalgae in the genomic era
Authors: Borg Michael , Krueger‐Hadfield Stacy A. , Destombe Christophe , Collén Jonas , Lipinska Agnieszka , Coelho Susana M.
Published: August 2023

Rhodophyta (or red algae) are a diverse and species‐rich group that forms one of three major lineages in the Archaeplastida, a eukaryotic supergroup whose plastids arose from a single primary endosymbiosis. Red algae are united by several features, such as relatively small intron‐poor genomes and a lack of cytoskeletal structures associated with motility like flagella and centrioles, as well as a highly efficient photosynthetic capacity. Multicellular red algae (or macroalgae) are one of the earliest diverging eukaryotic lineages to have evolved complex multicellularity, yet despite their ecological, evolutionary, and commercial importance, they have remained a largely understudied group of organisms. Considering the increasing availability of red algal genome sequences, we present a broad overview of fundamental aspects of red macroalgal biology and posit on how this is expected to accelerate research in many domains of red algal biology in the coming years.
Intelligence among ear deformities and cleft lip and/or alveolus and/or cleft palate patients during 50 years in Israel
Authors: Tsur Nir , Beer Zivan , Rittblat Mor , Yaacobi Dafna , Elmograbi Aiman , Reuven Yonatan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

We evaluated hearing loss and general intelligence among persons with auricle anomalies and cleft lip and/or alveolus and/or cleft palate (CLAP).

Methods

A nationwide cross‐sectional study of data recorded during 1966–2019, as mandatory pre‐military recruitment of individuals.

Results

Of 3 182 892 adolescents, 548 were diagnosed with auricle anomalies and 2072 with CLAP. For the latter, the adjusted odds ratios for the low, low to medium and medium general intelligence categories compared to the highest category were 1.4 [95% CI 1.5–1.2], 1.2 [95% CI 1.4–1.1] and 1.1 [95% CI 1.2–0.9] respectively. The corresponding values for the auricle anomalies were not significant.

Conclusions

General intelligence was impaired among individuals with CLAP, but no significant correlation was found among individuals suffering from auricle anomalies.
Establishing a female intellectual identity in early modern Denmark
Authors: Ebbersmeyer Sabrina
Published: August 2023

This article explores Birgitte Thott's (1610–1662) intellectual identity by investigating the paratexts to her translation of Seneca's philosophical works (1658) in a European context. Written partly by Thott herself and partly by other scholars, these texts assisted in creating Thott's public persona and in establishing Thott as a female intellectual in early modern Denmark. As there was a certain tension for female intellectuals between participating in the public sphere and living up to the gender norms of their times, it was difficult for them to become recognised as public figures. While Thott is praised by others as an exception, Thott herself developed different strategies to address the tensions between traditional gender roles and her intellectual activities. In an unconventional way, Thott dedicated her work to women, aiming at a broad consent in society for female learning and encouraging other women to follow her example. She presented her own work as a serious contribution to the Christian tradition of engaging with Stoic philosophy. This article contributes to mapping the development of a female intellectual identity during the early modern period by focusing on a geographical region that is often overlooked in research about the topic.
Finding predictors for successful opioid response in cancer patients: An analysis of data from four randomized controlled trials
Authors: Imkamp Maike S. , Theunissen Maurice , van Kuijk Sander M. , Haumann Johan , Corli Oscar , Bosetti Cristina , Leppert Wojciech , Brunelli Cinzia , Zecca Ernesto , van den Beuken‐van Everdingen Marieke H.
Published: August 2023

Context

There is no consensus on which “strong” (or step 3 WHO analgesic ladder) opioid to prescribe to a particular patient with cancer‐related pain. A better understanding of opioid and patient characteristics on treatment response will contribute to a more personalized opioid treatment.

Objectives

Assessment of potential predictors for successful opioid treatment response in patients with cancer pain.

Methods

An international partnership between four cancer pain research groups resulted in a combined individual‐level database from four relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs; n = 881). Together, these RCTs investigated the short‐term (1 week) and medium‐term (4 or 5 weeks) treatment responses for morphine, buprenorphine, methadone, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Candidate predictors for treatment response were sex, age, pain type, pain duration, depression, anxiety, Karnofsky performance score, opioid type, and use of anti‐neuropathic drug.

Results

Opioid type and pain type were found statistically significant predictors of short‐term treatment success. Sex, age, pain type, anxiety, and opioid type were statistically, significantly associated with medium‐term treatment success. However, these models showed low discriminative power.

Conclusion

Fentanyl and methadone, and mixed pain were found to be statistically significant predictors of treatment success in patients with cancer‐related pain. With the predictors currently assessed our data did not allow for the creation of a clinical prediction model with good discriminative power. Additional – unrevealed – predictors are necessary to develop a future prediction model.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of different tissues of Solanum khasianum reveals candidate genes involved in steroidal glycoalkaloid biosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Shuaishuai , Shan Tingyu , Xu Jingyao , Zhao Liqiang , Wu Jiawen
Published: August 2023

Fruits and leaves of Solanum khasianum C. B. Clarke have long been used as a common Chinese herbal medicine. Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs), the main active ingredient in S. khasianum, exhibit various pharmacological effects. However, genes involved in the SGA biosynthetic pathway in S. khasianum have not yet been identified. Genes encoding potential key SGA biosynthesis enzymes were identified through comprehensive RNA sequencing analysis (RNA‐seq) of S. khasianum leaves, stems, and fruits. A total of 123,704 unigenes were obtained, of which 109,775 (88.74%) were annotated in seven public databases. Among these, 54 unigenes potentially involved in SGA biosynthesis were identified. Additionally, 23,636 differentially expressed genes were identified by comparing gene expression levels among the fruits, stems, and leaves of S. khasianum. The structural characteristics and phylogenetic relationship of cycloartenol synthase involved in SGA biosynthesis were further analyzed. Solasodine constituent was detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography. This is the first study to report the comparative transcriptome analysis of different tissues of S. khasianum that identifies valuable genes potentially involved in SGA biosynthesis in this species.
Bone reconstruction of extensive maxillomandibular defects in adults
Authors: Kämmerer Peer W. , Al‐Nawas Bilal
Published: August 2023

Reconstruction of significant maxillomandibular defects is a challenge that has been much discussed over the last few decades. Fundamental principles were developed decades ago (bone bed viability, graft immobilization). Clinical decision‐making criteria are highly relevant, including local/systemic factors and incision designs, the choice of material, grafting technique, and donor site morbidity. Stabilizing particulated grafts for defined defects—that is, via meshes or shells—might allow significant horizontal and vertical augmentation; the alternatives are onlay and inlay techniques. More significant defects might require extra orally harvested autologous bone blocks. The anterior iliac crest is often used for nonvascularized augmentation, whereas more extensive defects often require microvascular reconstruction. In those cases, the free fibula flap has become the standard of care. The development of alternatives is still ongoing (i.e., alloplastic reconstruction, zygomatic implants, obturators, distraction osteogenesis). Especially for these complex procedures, three‐dimensional planning tools enable facilitated planning and a surgical workflow.
Biaxial expansion due to compression experiments for measuring the failure strain of tubular samples
Authors: Bono M. , Zouari A. , Le Jolu T. , Le Boulch D. , Tabouret H. , Crépin J. , Besson J.
Published: August 2023

The failure strain of a tube is a function of the biaxial strain ratio (axial strain/hoop strain) to which it is subjected. The relationship between failure strain and the strain ratio can be determined experimentally using expansion due to compression tests with a tensile load (EDCT), in which a ductile pellet placed inside the tube is compressed axially so it expands in diameter and imposes a hoop strain on the tube. At the same time, a tensile load on the ends of the tube creates an axial strain. This study investigates the capabilities and limitations of EDCT tests using two devices that allow experiments to be performed on a standard tensile testing machine. The first device applies an axial force on the ends of the sample, and the second device applies an axial displacement. Tests on zirconium alloy tubes confirmed that the failure strain is dependent on the strain ratio and the metallurgical state of the material. EDCT tests can produce a range of strain ratios, but there is an upper limit on the strain ratio that can be obtained, and it is dependent on the plastic behaviour of the sample and the friction conditions between the components.
Low incidence of de novo HLA antibodies after COVID‐19 vaccination: A cohort study of patients awaiting kidney transplantation
Authors: Abu‐Khader Ahmad , Hu Qian , Kamar Fareed , Galaszkiewicz Iwona , Wang Wenjie , Khan Faisal , Berka Noureddine
Published: August 2023

Background

Antibodies against human leukocyte antigen (anti‐HLA Abs) are associated with an increased risk of allograft loss. Herein, we report the prospective follow‐up for anti‐HLA Abs formation in 103 patients with end‐stage kidney disease on the waiting list for transplantation who underwent COVID‐19 vaccination.

Patients and methods

Sera were tested before and after vaccination using Luminex technology. The cohort comprised of 62 males and 41 females with a mean age of 56 ± 14 years. The patients received BNT162b2 (80.4%), mRNA‐1273 (18.5%), AZD1222 (0.40%), or ChAdOx1‐S (0.80%) vaccine. Patients were tested before and within 119 ± 50, 95 ± 46 and 25 ± 26 days after the first, second, and third dose of the vaccine, respectively.

Results

No significant change in calculated panel reactive antibody (cPRA) after vaccination was seen. Although 98.1% of patients had no change in anti‐HLA Abs profile or cPRA after vaccination, two patients (1.9%) developed de novo anti‐HLA Abs against class I or II HLA antigens. In those two patients, the cPRA changed from 0% and 63% at baseline to 9% and 90% after vaccination, respectively. Both patients received the BNT162b2 mRNA‐based vaccine. The earliest detected anti‐HLA Abs was 18 days after the first dose.

Conclusion

In rare cases, new anti‐HLA antibodies were observed after COVID‐19 vaccination, with potential implications for transplantation. The low incidence of this phenomenon is outweighed by the clinical benefits of vaccination.

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Integrated metabolome, full‐length sequencing, and transcriptome analyses unveil the molecular mechanisms of color formation of the canary yellow and red bracts of Bougainvillea × buttiana ‘Chitra’
Authors: Kang Yuqian , Li Yuxin , Zhang Tingting , Wang Peng , Liu Wen , Zhang Zhao , Yu Wengang , Wang Jian , Wang Jian , Zhou Yang
Published: August 2023

Bougainvillea is a typical tropical flower of great ornamental value due to its colorful bracts. The molecular mechanism behind color formation is not well‐understood. Therefore, this research conducted metabolome analysis, transcriptome analysis, and multi‐flux full‐length sequencing in two color bracts of Bougainvillea × buttiana ‘Chitra’ to investigate the significantly different metabolites (SDMs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Overall, 261 SDMs, including 62 flavonoids and 26 alkaloids, were detected, and flavonols and betalains were significantly differentially accumulated among the two bracts. Furthermore, the complete‐length transcriptome of Bougainvillea × buttiana was also developed, which contained 512 493 non‐redundant isoforms. Among them, 341 210 (66.58%) displayed multiple annotations in the KOG, GO, NR, KEGG, Pfam, Swissprot, and NT databases. RNA‐seq findings revealed that 3610 DEGs were identified between two bracts. Co‐expression analysis demonstrated that the DEGs and SDMs involved in flavonol metabolism (such as CHS, CHI, F3H, FLS, CYP75B1, kaempferol, and quercetin) and betacyanin metabolism (DODA, betanidin, and betacyanins) were the main contributors for the canary yellow and red bract formation, respectively. Further investigation revealed that several putative transcription factors (TFs) might interact with the promoters of the genes mentioned above. The expression profiles of the putative TFs displayed that they may positively and negatively regulate the structural genes' expression profiles. The data revealed a potential regulatory network between important genes, putative TFs, and metabolites in the flavonol and betacyanin biosynthesis of Bougainvillea × buttiana ‘Chitra’ bracts. These findings will serve as a rich genetic resource for future studies that could create new color bracts.
Proposal for Technical Registry of Sanitation Networks through an open structure using SpatiaLite database
Authors: Silva Júnior Juarez Antônio da , Silva Júnior Ubiratan Joaquim da , França Thaisa Manoela Silva , Venancio Wallamys Alexandre Ramos
Published: August 2023

Investment in sanitation and infrastructure is essential to ensure quality of human life, so its absence or fragility can lead to a scenario of calamities. Among the elements that constitute the infrastructure of a sanitation system is the technical register responsible for gathering all the information inherent to the system from the implementation of the network to the final destination of the effluent, provided for in the stages of design, execution and continuity of operations. As a result, GIS have become fundamental tools for the registration of sanitation networks, as they provide the integration of descriptive and graphic data in the same base. In this context, the objective of this study was the implementation of a database in free software through the SpatiaLite extension, aggregated georeferenced spatial information of components of a sanitary sewage network, producing a proposal for a Technical Registry. Processing was developed in the software QGIS 3.16, in which the elements of “Inspection Box” were used in the model, being represented vectorially by geometry of “Point” and “Extension” represented by “Line” to form a spatial system on the structure and location by means of vectorization on screen. As a result, the implementation of the register through the SpatiaLite platform, ensured fast processing, positional accuracy, conformity of cartographic representation, topology between classes, format consistency and completeness. However, the database enabled to analyze together all the components interrelated with the sewage system, through technical information for the management and efficiency of basic sanitation services.
Stable or Fluid? An Investigation Into Female Student Athlete Basketball Players’ Well-Being
Authors: Columbus Allison , Mack Diane E. , Wilson Philip M. , Chimera Nicole J.
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in female student athlete basketball players’ well-being over time. Eleven female student athlete basketball players completed the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale—Short Form (WEMWBS-SF) every week for 22 consecutive weeks. Differences in well-being (p = .027; ) were found across time with the magnitude of weekly changes in WEMWBS-SF scores ranging between trivial and large. Magnitude-based differences highlighted individual variability, with five (45.45%) athletes very likely reporting increased well-being over time. It is evident that the well-being of female student athletes could be improved given the interpretation of aggregate scores, combined with joint consideration of the individual trajectories, reported in this study. Future work examining environmental factors with logical and practical links to well-being seems necessary to support female student athletes.
A machine-learning tool to predict substrate-adaptive conditions for Pd-catalyzed C–N couplings
Authors: Rinehart N. Ian , Saunthwal Rakesh K. , Wellauer Joël , Zahrt Andrew F. , Schlemper Lukas , Shved Alexander S. , Bigler Raphael , Fantasia Serena , Denmark Scott E.
Published: August 2023

Machine-learning methods have great potential to accelerate the identification of reaction conditions for chemical transformations. A tool that gives substrate-adaptive conditions for palladium (Pd)–catalyzed carbon-nitrogen (C–N) couplings is presented. The design and construction of this tool required the generation of an experimental dataset that explores a diverse network of reactant pairings across a set of reaction conditions. A large scope of C–N couplings was actively learned by neural network models by using a systematic process to design experiments. The models showed good performance in experimental validation: Ten products were isolated in more than 85% yield from a range of couplings with out-of-sample reactants designed to challenge the models. Importantly, the developed workflow continually improves the prediction capability of the tool as the corpus of data grows.
The future of ocean health
Authors: Richmond Robert , Buesseler Ken
Published: August 2023

Human and environmental health are inextricably linked. Yet ocean ecosystem health is declining because of anthropogenic pollution, overexploitation, and the effects of global climate change. These problems affect billions of people dependent on oceans for their lives, livelihoods, and cultural practices. The importance of ocean health is recognized by scientists, managers, policy-makers, nongovernmental organizations, and stakeholders including fishers, recreationalists, and cultural practitioners. So why are the oceans still degrading? Sustainable care of this vast resource needs a new approach if future generations are to inherit a legacy of vital marine ecosystems.
SepT, a novel protein specific to multicellular cyanobacteria, influences peptidoglycan growth and septal nanopore formation in
Anabaena
sp. PCC 7120
Authors: Velázquez-Suárez Cristina , Springstein Benjamin L. , Nieves-Morión Mercedes , Helbig Andreas O. , Kieninger Ann-Katrin , Maldener Iris , Nürnberg Dennis J. , Stucken Karina , Luque Ignacio , Dagan Tal , Herrero Antonia
Published: August 2023

Anabaena
sp. PCC 7120 grows by forming filaments of communicating cells and is considered a paradigm of bacterial multicellularity. Molecular exchanges between contiguous cells in the filament take place through multiprotein channels that traverse the septal peptidoglycan through nanopores connecting their cytoplasms. Besides, the septal-junction complexes contribute to strengthen the filament. In search for proteins with coiled-coil domains that could provide for cytoskeletal functions in
Anabaena
, we identified SepT (All2460). SepT is characteristic of the phylogenetic clade of filamentous cyanobacteria with the ability to undergo cell differentiation. SepT-GFP fusions indicate that the protein is located at the cell periphery and, conspicuously, in the intercellular septa. During cell division, the protein is found at midcell resembling the position of the divisome. The bacterial adenylate cyclase two-hybrid analysis shows SepT interactions with itself and putative elongasome (MreB, RodA), divisome (FtsW, SepF, ZipN), and septal-junction (SepJ)-related proteins. Thus, SepT appears to rely on the divisome for localization at mature intercellular septa to form part of intercellular protein complexes. Two independently obtained mutants lacking SepT showed alterations in cell size and impaired septal and peripheral peptidoglycan incorporation during cell growth and division. Notably, both mutants showed conspicuous alterations in the array of nanopores present in the intercellular peptidoglycan disks, including aberrant nanopore morphology, number, and distribution. SepT appears, therefore, to be involved in the control of peptidoglycan growth and the formation of cell-cell communication structures that are at the basis of the multicellular character of this group of cyanobacteria.

IMPORTANCE

Multicellular organization is a requirement for the development of complex organisms, and filamentous cyanobacteria such as
Anabaena
represent a paradigmatic case of bacterial multicellularity. The
Anabaena
filament can include hundreds of communicated cells that exchange nutrients and regulators and, depending on environmental conditions, can include different cell types specialized in distinct biological functions. Hence, the specific features of the
Anabaena
filament and how they are propagated during cell division represent outstanding biological issues. Here, we studied SepT, a novel coiled-coil-rich protein of
Anabaena
that is located in the intercellular septa and influences the formation of the septal specialized structures that allow communication between neighboring cells along the filament, a fundamental trait for the performance of
Anabaena
as a multicellular organism.
Mammals show distinct functional gut microbiome dynamics to identical series of environmental stressors
Authors: Koziol Adam , Odriozola Iñaki , Leonard Aoife , Eisenhofer Raphael , San José Carlos , Aizpurua Ostaizka , Alberdi Antton
Published: August 2023

The ability of the gut microbiome has been posited as an additional axis of animals’ phenotypic plasticity. However, whether and how such plasticity varies across hosts with different biological features remains unclear. We performed a captivity experiment to compare how the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional microbial dynamics varied across a series of temperature and dietary disturbances in two mammals: the insectivorous-specialist
Crocidura russula
and the omnivorous-generalist
Apodemus sylvaticus
. Combining genome-resolved metagenomics, metabolic pathway distillation and joint species distribution modeling, we observed that, although microbiome alpha diversity of both species remained stable,
C. russula
exhibited substantially higher variability and directionality of microbial responses than
A. sylvaticus
. Our results indicate that the intrinsic properties (e.g., diversity and functional redundancy) of microbial communities coupled with physiological attributes (e.g., thermal plasticity) of hosts shape the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional response of gut microbiomes to environmental stressors, which might influence their contribution to the acclimation and adaptation capacity of animal hosts.

IMPORTANCE

In our manuscript, we report the first interspecific comparative study about the plasticity of the gut microbiota. We conducted a captivity experiment that exposed wild-captured mammals to a series of environmental challenges over 45 days. We characterized their gut microbial communities using genome-resolved metagenomics and modeled how the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional microbial dynamics varied across a series of disturbances in both species. Our results indicate that the intrinsic properties (e.g., diversity and functional redundancy) of microbial communities coupled with physiological attributes (e.g., thermal plasticity) of hosts shape the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional response of gut microbiomes to environmental stressors, which might influence their contribution to the acclimation and adaptation capacity of animal hosts.
Complete genome sequence of
Blautia luti
JCM 17040
T
Authors: Fukuoka Hironori , Tourlousse Dieter M. , Hamajima Mayu , Koike Kazuyoshi , Endo Itaru , Sekiguchi Yuji
Published: August 2023

We generated a complete genome sequence of the type strain of
Blautia luti
(JCM 17040
T
= DSM 14534
T
) by Nanopore sequencing. The genome consists of a circular chromosome of 3,741,599 bp with a G + C content of 42.9% and was predicted to contain 3,431 protein-coding sequences.
SARS-CoV-2 omicron spike simulations: broad antibody escape, weakened ACE2 binding, and modest furin cleavage
Authors: Jawaid M. Zaki , Baidya A. , Mahboubi-Ardakani R. , Davis Richard L. , Cox Daniel L.
Published: August 2023

The recent emergence of the omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with large numbers of mutations has raised concern about a potential new surge in infections. Here we use molecular dynamics to study the biophysics of the interface of the BA1 and BA2 omicron spike protein binding to (i) the ACE2 receptor protein, (ii) antibodies from all known binding regions, and (iii) the furin binding domain. Our simulations suggest that while there is a significant reduction of antibody (Ab) binding strength corresponding to escape, the omicron spikes pay a cost in terms of weaker receptor binding as measured by interfacial hydrogen bonds (H-bond). The furin cleavage domain (FCD) is the same or weaker binding than the delta variant, suggesting lower fusogenicity resulting in less viral load and disease intensity than the delta variant.

IMPORTANCE

The BA1 and BA2 and closely related BA2.12.2 and BA.5 omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 dominate the current global infection landscape. Given the high number of mutations, particularly those which will lead to antibody escape, it is important to establish accurate methods that can guide developing health policy responses that identify at a fundamental level whether omicron and its variants are more threatening than its predecessors, especially delta. The importance of our work is to demonstrate that simple
in silico
simulations can predict biochemical binding details of the omicron spike protein that have epidemiological consequences, especially for binding to the cells and for fusing the viral membrane with the cells. In each case, we predicted weaker binding of the omicron spike, which agreed with subsequent experimental results. Future virology experiments will be needed to test these predictions further.
Evaluation of vitamin B6supplementation in Wilson’s disease patients treated with D-penicillamine
Authors: Mbala Justin , Belmalih Abdelouahed , Guillaud Olivier , Lachaux Alain , Couchonnal Bedoya Eduardo
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Wilson’s disease (WD) is a copper metabolism disorder characterised by a progressive accumulation of this metal mainly in the liver and the brain. Treatment is based on the removal of copper operated by the chelators, among which, D-penicillamine (DP) is prescribed as a first-line treatment in most situations. There is some evidence in linking the use of DP with a risk of vitamin B6; therefore, vitamin supplementation is sometimes recommended, although non-consensually. The objective of our study was to evaluate the level of vitamin B6in WD patients treated with DP with and without associated supplementation.

Methodology

All WD patients followed at the National Reference Centre for WD in Lyon between January 2019 and December 2020 treated with DP for more than 1 year were included and separated in two groups according to vitamin B6supplementation. The level of vitamin B6was measured by the determination of pyridoxal phosphate (PLP).

Results

A total of 37 patients were included. Average age of 23.3±14.8 years, 15 patients with <18 years. Median duration of treatment was 51 (55.8) months. 15 patients were under vitamin B6supplementation and 22 had interrupted it for more than 1 year. The median PLP level was significantly higher in the group with supplementation, 137.2 (86.7) nmol/L vs 64.9 (30.8) nmol/(p<0.01). No patient had a PLP level<35 nmol/L.

Conclusion

Long-term stable WD patients under DP treatment probably do not need vitamin B6supplementation.
Does ignoring transmission dynamics lead to underestimation of the impact of interventions against mosquito-borne disease?
Authors: Cavany Sean , Huber John H , Wieler Annaliese , Tran Quan Minh , Alkuzweny Manar , Elliott Margaret , España Guido , Moore Sean M , Perkins T Alex
Published: August 2023

New vector-control technologies to fight mosquito-borne diseases are urgently needed, the adoption of which depends on efficacy estimates from large-scale cluster-randomised trials (CRTs). The release ofWolbachia-infected mosquitoes is one promising strategy to curb dengue virus (DENV) transmission, and a recent CRT reported impressive reductions in dengue incidence following the release of these mosquitoes. Such trials can be affected by multiple sources of bias, however. We used mathematical models of DENV transmission during a CRT ofWolbachia-infected mosquitoes to explore three such biases: human movement, mosquito movement and coupled transmission dynamics between trial arms. We show that failure to account for each of these biases would lead to underestimated efficacy, and that the majority of this underestimation is due to a heretofore unrecognised bias caused by transmission coupling. Taken together, our findings suggest thatWolbachia-infected mosquitoes could be even more promising than the recent CRT suggested. By emphasising the importance of accounting for transmission coupling between arms, which requires a mathematical model, we highlight the key role that models can play in interpreting and extrapolating the results from trials of vector control interventions.
Public health engagement: new opportunities and challenges in 60 years of China’s health aid to Africa
Authors: Gao Liangmin , Xu Junfang
Published: August 2023

Along with China’s active engagement in global affairs over the past decade, China’s public health engagement (CPHE) has become an essential element of China’s 60th anniversary of health aid and cooperation with Africa. Through analysis, we found that CPHE in Africa reflects a new shift in the content and form of China’s foreign health aid. Compared with China’s medical teams which only involve bilateral cooperation, CPHE has a number of substantive characteristics, mainly including the construction of public health infrastructure, malaria control, participation in public health emergencies and the provision of global public goods. This complexity necessitates that CPHE be implemented in a different form from China’s medical teams, by adopting inclusive multiparty cooperation involving African and international partners. However, CPHE in Africa still faces a number of challenges in its practices. In particular, these challenges arise from the cross-cultural practice process, the African sociocultural context, the experience of public health and its participants. While the reasons for these challenges are diverse, this study argues that the main reason is the lack of multidisciplinary engagement in the Africanisation of the Chinese experience that corresponds to cross-cultural practice. On the Chinese side, a systematic strategy is needed to critically refine these challenges.
Expanding community pharmacists’ scope of practice in relation to contraceptive counselling and referral: a protocol for a pragmatic, stepped-wedge, cluster randomised trial (ALLIANCE)
Authors: Mazza Danielle , Assifi Anisa Rojanapenkul , Hussainy Safeera Yasmeen , Bateson Deborah , Johnston Stefanie , Tomnay Jane , Kasza Jessica , Church Jody , Grzeskowiak Luke E , Nissen Lisa , Cameron Sharon Tracey
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Improving access to effective contraception has the potential to reduce unintended pregnancy and abortion rates. Community pharmacists could play an expanded role in contraceptive counselling and referral to contraceptive prescribers particularly when women are already attending community pharmacy to obtain emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) or to have medical abortion (MA) medicines dispensed. The ALLIANCE trial aims to compare the subsequent uptake of effective contraception (hormonal or intrauterine) in women seeking ECP or MA medicines, who receive the ALLIANCE community pharmacy-based intervention with those who do not receive the intervention.

Methods and analysis

ALLIANCE is a stepped-wedge pragmatic cluster randomised trial in Australian community pharmacies. The ALLIANCE intervention involves community pharmacists delivering structured, patient-centred, effectiveness-based contraceptive counselling (and a referral to a contraceptive prescriber where appropriate) to women seeking either ECPs or to have MA medicines dispensed. Women participants will be recruited by participating pharmacists. A total of 37 pharmacies and 1554 participants will be recruited. Pharmacies commence in the control phase and are randomised to transition to the intervention phase at different time points (steps). The primary outcome is the self-reported use of effective contraception at 4 months; secondary outcomes include use of effective contraception and the rate of pregnancies or induced abortions at 12 months. A process and economic evaluation of the trial will also be undertaken.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (#34563). An explanatory statement will be provided and written consent will be obtained from all participants (pharmacy owner, pharmacist and women) before their commencement in the trial. Dissemination will occur through a knowledge exchange workshop, peer-reviewed journal publications, presentations, social media and conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12622001024730.
Basilar artery occlusion location and clinical outcome: data from the ATTENTION multicenter registry
Authors: Yu Shuai , Wang Xiaocui , Guo Zhiliang , Xu Pengfei , Tao Chunrong , Li Rui , Hu Wei , Xiao Guodong
Published: August 2023

Background

Acute basilar artery occlusion is a disabling and life-threatening condition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of occluded vessel location on the prognostic outcomes of patients who underwent endovascular treatment for acute basilar artery occlusion.

Methods

Patient data for this study were obtained from the ATTENTION registry. Baseline data of the patients were described and compared across different occlusion locations. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess the effect of occluded vessel location on associated prognostic outcomes.

Results

A total of 1672 patients were included in the analysis, with 583 having distal occlusion, 540 having middle occlusion, and 549 having proximal occlusion. Unlike distal occlusion, both proximal and middle occlusions were significantly and negatively associated with favorable clinical outcomes (for modified Rankin Scale score 0–3: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.634, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.493 to 0.816, P<0.001 in middle occlusion, and aOR 0.620, 95% CI 0.479 to 0.802, P<0.001 in proximal occlusion). Mortality was higher in patients with proximal and middle occlusions (aOR 1.461, 95% CI 1.123 to 1.902, P=0.005 in middle occlusion, and aOR 1.648, 95% CI 1.265 to 2.147, P<0.001 in proximal occlusion). The occluded vessel location was not associated with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Conclusions

Proximal and middle basilar artery occlusions were predominantly associated with poor clinical outcomes and increased risk of death following endovascular treatment.