bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small mammal associations with habitat composition, configuration, and management in tallgrass prairies: a review
Authors: Rowland‐Schaefer Erin G. , Koehn Olivia , Jones Holly P.
Published: December 2023

Tallgrass prairie is among the most threatened ecosystems but is often fragmented and surrounded by human‐modified landscapes. Small mammals are integral components of tallgrass prairies. However, little is known about how landscape composition, configuration, and management impact small mammals in tallgrass prairies.

We conducted a systematic literature review to identify species‐specific and community associations with three broad topics: landscape composition, landscape configuration, and management practices.

We identified 61 studies that assessed our variables of interest. We categorised the location, species assessed, variables monitored, and results by species and for the community.

The majority of studies (64%) were conducted in two states, Illinois and Kansas. Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), and white‐footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) showed specific associations with landscape variables, with deer mice preferring bare ground and recently burned plots, and prairie voles preferring thatch and negatively associated with prescribed fire. White‐footed mice were frequently associated with wooded areas.

Small mammal biodiversity was positively associated with patchy habitats containing greater diversity in vegetative composition and management regime. Management and land composition were both relatively well studied for several species; habitat configuration was understudied.

We identified significant gaps in our understanding of small mammal landscape ecology in tallgrass prairies. With tallgrass prairie restoration a growing trend in this region, a greater understanding of drivers of small mammal populations will be crucial to successful restoration efforts. Future research should focus on understudied areas and species, and examine how habitat heterogeneity impacts small mammal biodiversity.
The Pasinetti theorem in a task‐based model of automation
Authors: Jacobs Arthur
Published: December 2023

We integrate the notion of task‐based automation into a two‐class model and study the interaction between endogenous automation and the wealth distribution between capitalists and workers. We find that, as the economy becomes more automated, the possibility of a sustained capitalist class naturally arises. We show that capital‐augmenting technical progress induces automation and that it can generate a historical path from the dual equilibrium (where workers own all wealth), over the Pasinetti equilibrium (where capitalists own some wealth) to the anti‐dual outcome (where capitalists own all wealth). The model's implications are related to Piketty's account of rising wealth inequality.
Identifying diagnostic and prognostic factors in cerebral amyloid angiopathy‐related inflammation: A systematic analysis of published and seven new cases
Authors: Szalardy Levente , Fakan Bernadett , Maszlag‐Torok Rita , Ferencz Emil , Reisz Zita , Radics Bence L. , Csizmadia Sandor , Szpisjak Laszlo , Annus Adam , Zadori Denes , Kovacs Gabor G. , Klivenyi Peter
Published: December 2023

Aims

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)‐related inflammation (CAA‐RI) is a potentially reversible manifestation of CAA, histopathologically characterised by transmural and/or perivascular inflammatory infiltrates. We aimed to identify clinical, radiological and laboratory variables capable of improving or supporting the diagnosis of or predicting/influencing the prognosis of CAA‐RI and to retrospectively evaluate different therapeutic approaches.

Methods

We present clinical and neuroradiological observations in seven unpublished CAA‐RI cases, including neuropathological findings in two definite cases. These cases were included in a systematic analysis of probable/definite CAA‐RI cases published in the literature up to 31 December 2021. Descriptive and associative analyses were performed, including a set of clinical, radiological and laboratory variables to predict short‐term, 6‐month and 1‐year outcomes and mortality, first on definite and second on an expanded probable/definite CAA‐RI cohort.

Results

Data on 205 definite and 100 probable cases were analysed. CAA‐RI had a younger symptomatic onset than non‐inflammatory CAA, without sex preference. Transmural histology was more likely to be associated with the co‐localisation of microbleeds with confluent white matter hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Incorporating leptomeningeal enhancement and/or sulcal non‐nulling on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) enhanced the sensitivity of the criteria. Cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis was associated with a decreased probability of clinical improvement and longer term positive outcomes. Future lobar haemorrhage was associated with adverse outcomes, including mortality. Immunosuppression was associated with short‐term improvement, with less clear effects on long‐term outcomes. The superiority of high‐dose over low‐dose corticosteroids was not established.

Conclusions

This is the largest retrospective associative analysis of published CAA‐RI cases and the first to include an expanded probable/definite cohort to identify diagnostic/prognostic markers. We propose points for further crystallisation of the criteria and directions for future prospective studies.
Astragalus nordizensis (Fabacaea), a new species from Van province (Türkiye) belonging to section Hymenostegis
Authors: Fırat Mehmet
Published: December 2023

Astragalus nordizensis Fırat (sect. Hymenostegis Bunge), is described as a new species from Gürpınar district of Van province, Türkiye. From the morphological point of view, the new species appears to be most similar to Astragalus zohrabi Bunge and A. rubrostriatus Bunge, but it differs in several morphological characters including peduncle indumentum, inflorescence shape, leaf and flower, fruit and seed morphology, etc. A comprehensive description of this new species is provided, including detailed photographs, geographical distribution map, habitat and ecology, vernacular name and IUCN conservation status.
Wall‐associated kinase GhWAK13 mediates arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and Verticillium wilt resistance in cotton
Authors: Zhang Xiangyu , Jia Shuangjie , He Yiming , Wen Jingshang , Li Dongxiao , Yang Wan , Yue Ying , Li Huiling , Cheng Kai , Zhang Xiao
Published: December 2023

The cell wall is the major interface for arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis. However, the roles of cell wall proteins and cell wall synthesis in AM symbiosis remain unclear. We reported that a novel wall‐associated kinase 13 (GhWAK13) positively regulates AM symbiosis and negatively regulates Verticillium wilt resistance in cotton.

GhWAK13 transcription was induced by AM symbiosis and Verticillium dahliae (VD) infection. GhWAK13 is located in the plasma membrane and expressed in the arbuscule‐containing cortical cells of mycorrhizal cotton roots.

GhWAK13 silencing inhibited AM colonization and repressed gene expression of the mycorrhizal pathway. Moreover, GhWAK13 silencing improved Verticillium wilt resistance and triggered the expression of immunity genes. Therefore, GhWAK13 is considered an immune suppressor required for AM symbiosis and disease resistance. GhWAK7A, a positive regulator of Verticillium wilt resistance, was upregulated in GhWAK13‐silenced cotton plants. Silencing GhWAK7A improved AM symbiosis. Oligogalacturonides application also suppressed AM symbiosis. Finally, GhWAK13 negatively affected the cellulose content by regulating the transcription of cellulose synthase genes.

The results of this study suggest that immunity suppresses AM symbiosis in cotton. GhWAK13 affects AM symbiosis by suppressing immune responses.
MpTGA, together with MpNPR, regulates sexual reproduction and independently affects oil body formation in Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Gutsche Nora , Koczula Jens , Trupp Melanie , Holtmannspötter Michael , Appelfeller Melanie , Rupp Oliver , Busch Andrea , Zachgo Sabine
Published: December 2023

In angiosperms, basic leucine‐zipper (bZIP) TGACG‐motif‐binding (TGA) transcription factors (TFs) regulate developmental and stress‐related processes, the latter often involving NON EXPRESSOR OF PATHOGENESIS‐RELATED GENES (NPR) coregulator interactions. To gain insight into their functions in an early diverging land‐plant lineage, the single MpTGA and sole MpNPR genes were investigated in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha.

We generated Marchantia MpTGA and MpNPR knockout and overexpression mutants and conducted morphological, transcriptomic and expression studies. Furthermore, we investigated MpTGA interactions with wild‐type and mutagenized MpNPR and expanded our analyses including TGA TFs from two streptophyte algae.

Mptga mutants fail to induce the switch from vegetative to reproductive development and lack gametangiophore formation. MpTGA and MpNPR proteins interact and Mpnpr mutant analysis reveals a novel coregulatory NPR role in sexual reproduction. Additionally, MpTGA acts independently of MpNPR as a repressor of oil body (OB) formation and can thereby affect herbivory.

The single MpTGA TF exerts a dual role in sexual reproduction and OB formation in Marchantia. Common activities of MpTGA/MpNPR in sexual development suggest that coregulatory interactions were established after emergence of land‐plant‐specific NPR genes and contributed to the diversification of TGA TF functions during land‐plant evolution.
Essential amino acid requirements of fish and crustaceans, a meta‐analysis
Authors: Xing Shujuan , Liang Xiaofang , Zhang Xiaoran , Oliva‐Teles Aires , Peres Helena , Li Min , Wang Hao , Mai Kangsen , Kaushik Sadasivam J. , Xue Min
Published: December 2023

A meta‐analysis of literature data on essential amino acid (EAA) requirements of fish and crustaceans was performed to re‐estimate EAA requirements and provide ideal amino acid profiles. Large numbers of studies have been conducted on EAA requirements of fish and crustaceans over the past decades. However, estimated EAA requirements of different species showed a large variation due to differences in methodological approaches and regression models. An extensive search and inclusion of literature on EAA requirements were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines in this study, resulting in a dataset of 358 studies covering 77 species. The relative percentage of maximum weight gain was used as the outcome to evaluate the 10 EAA requirements. Forest plots analysis was employed for heterogeneity analysis, study weight allocation and re‐estimation of the requirements. Results showed that trophic level, water temperature and dietary EAA inclusion levels affected EAA requirements estimation. The meta‐analysis suggested that the estimated 10 EAA requirements (expressed as % crude protein, CP) of the fish were: arginine (Arg) 5.0 (±0.14), histidine (His) 2.0 (±0.11), isoleucine (Ile) 3.3 (±0.16), leucine (Leu) 4.9 (±0.24), valine (Val) 3.8 (±0.11), lysine (Lys) 5.2 (±0.12), sulfur amino acids (Met + Cys) 3.5 (±0.18), total aromatic amino acids (Phe + Tyr) 6.2 (±0.12), threonine (Thr) 3.5 (±0.18) and tryptophan (Trp) 0.9 (±0.08). Estimated EAA requirements (expressed as % CP) of crustaceans were Arg 5.1 (±0.31), His 2.5 (±0.15), Ile 4.3 (±0.97), Leu 5.7 (±0.08), Val 4.3 (±0.30), Lys 4.9 (±0.28), Met + Cys 3.2 (±0.18), Phe + Tyr 5.1 (±0.65), Thr 3.8 (±0.04) and Trp 0.8 (±0.15).
Hydrological changes in the drought‐prone region of Maharashtra (India): Implications for sustainable water use
Authors: Todmal Rahul S.
Published: December 2023

Recent climatic changes and anthropogenic activities considerably affect regional water resources, particularly in water‐scarce regions. The present study, therefore, aims to understand the changes in monsoon rainfall, potential evapotranspiration (PET), surface runoff, dam storage and groundwater in the drought‐prone region of Maharashtra. The analyses of trend and step‐change were carried out using standard parametric tests. The results were verified with the application of non‐parametric statistical techniques. Notably, monsoon rainfall and runoff were observed to be declining. Exceptionally, the Yerala Basin witnessed significant increase in rainfall along with heavy rainfall events. Contradictorily, Agrani and Man Basins registered a notable decline in rainfall and runoff. As vulnerability to hydrological disasters is high, these basins should be carefully monitored. Although surface water harvesting brought a positive change in post‐monsoon groundwater level, it was the main reason for a decline in runoff volume at downstream reaches, which led to intra‐basin water disparity. The study area witnessed significant increase in groundwater extraction. Unfortunately, the misuse of government‐subsidized schemes exacerbates groundwater exploitation and stockpiling of water resources. Moreover, the increasing rate of PET augments hydrological losses and amplifies water distress. Interestingly, almost all the hydrological changes were notably experienced during the post‐2000 period. To cope with present and future water scarcity problems, it is therefore necessary to restrict irrational use and allocation of available limited water resources. The findings that emerge from this investigation may help to formulate judicious water policies and plans which could be implemented by the government, agronomists, water resource managers and farmers.
Ultrasound‐guided thread lifting for the prevention of parotid gland and diagnosing parotid duct complications
Authors: Kim Ji Soo , Yang Eun‐Jung , Kim Woo‐Ram , Lee Won , Kim Hee‐Jin , Yi Kyu‐Ho
Published: December 2023

Background

Thread lifting is a common minimally invasive plastic surgery procedure. Parotid gland injury caused by thread lifting is a known complication; however, visual evidence of this complication is lacking.

Objectives

This study aimed to present cases of parotid gland injury by thread lifting shown using ultrasound and to discuss the importance of ultrasound detection of the location of the parotid gland before thread insertion.

Methods

This study included eight patients diagnosed with parotid gland perforation and one with parotid duct injury due to threads from November 2020 to October 2022.

Results

Six patients showed tenderness and swelling, three were asymptomatic, and one with duct injury showed severe swelling and pain. Although the severity and duration of symptoms have differed, we confirmed the progress of improvement with conservative treatment and confirmed ultrasound findings progressed.

Conclusions

Using ultrasound to detect the parotid gland's location before thread lifting might reduce the chance of parotid duct injury. Identifying immediate parotid duct or gland injury with ultrasound can help to act quickly for delayed pain or swelling and reduce the likelihood of additional complications.
Laparoscopic resection of pancreatic masses in 12 dogs
Authors: Poggi Edoardo , Lillo‐Araya Felipe J. , Garcia Rubio David , Pérez Duarte Francisco J. , Gutiérrez del Sol Jorge , Izzo Francesca , Cinti Filippo
Published: December 2023

Objective

To describe the surgical management and outcome of dogs undergoing laparoscopic pancreatic mass resection (LPMR).

Study design

Retrospective study.

Animals

Twelve client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Data collected from medical records of dogs that underwent LPMR between 2012 and 2023 included signalment, clinical signs, mass location within pancreas, preoperative diagnostic imaging, laparoscopic approach, number of portals and device type used for LPMR, operating time, complications and clinical outcome.

Results

Pancreatic tumors were located in the left lobe (7), in the right lobe (4) and in the body of the pancreas (1). A 3‐ or 4‐port technique was used in nine and three dogs, respectively. LPMR was performed with the Ligasure in nine dogs, a harmonic scalpel in two dogs and an endoscopic stapler in one dog. The procedure was performed successfully, with no conversion to open laparotomy, in all cases with a median operating time of 69 min. Postoperative complications occurred in four dogs, which resolved with medical treatments. All dogs survived the surgical procedure, were discharged from the hospital and alive a minimum of 90 days postoperatively. The final follow‐up time ranged between 105 and 245 days (median 147). Histopathological diagnosis included insulinoma (9) and pancreatic carcinoma (3).

Conclusion

LPMR was performed successfully using a 3‐ or 4‐port technique and was associated with a low complication rate and a good clinical outcome.

Clinical significance

LPMR may be considered as an alternative to open celiotomy in dogs, particularly for small tumors located in the distal aspect of the pancreatic lobes.
Relationships Between Students’ Emotional Experiences and Cognitive and Physical Achievement During a Middle School Hybrid Sport Education Tactical Model Season
Authors: Simonton Kelly L. , Wallhead Tristan , Kern Ben D.
Published: December 2023

Purpose: Despite evidence regarding emotions’ impact on learners, there remains a paucity of research examining the relationships between student emotions and achievement within contemporary instructional models. Grounded in the Control-Value Theory of Achievement Emotions, changes in middle school students’ motivational beliefs, emotions, and learning outcomes across one hybrid Sport Education Tactical Model season were examined. Methods: Middle school students (N = 72) completed pre–post surveys regarding their control-value beliefs and emotions. They also completed physical and cognitive tests, and daily physical activity tracking. Repeated measures of multivariate covariance and regression were tested. Results: Students’ perceived control improved, while their extrinsic value reduced. Emotions did not significantly change, while cognitive exam scores and game performance increased. Conclusion: Emotions varied and influenced intentions for play as opposed to learning and achievement. The study provides preliminary insights into the complexity of how student emotions connect to their motivation and learning within the hybrid Sport Education Tactical Model.
A Modified Delphi Research Study on Fundamental Movement Skill Complexity for Teaching and Learning Physical Literacy
Authors: Milajerdi Homa Rafiei , Thacker Anna , Najafabadi Mahboubeh Ghayour , Clephas Christoph , Katz Larry
Published: December 2023

Purpose: To establish a consensus on the complexity of 16 fundamental movement skills (FMS). Initially, complexity was defined as how difficult it would be to teach FMS to children and for the children to learn them. Method: The study was conducted using a modified Delphi method and a mobile application called Move Improve® to showcase video demonstrations of 16 FMS. Six experts discussed and rated the complexity of each FMS using a 5-point Likert scale until a 75% consensus was obtained during three rounds. Result: Dribble was rated as the most complex (average five) and run as the least (average one). The highest percentage of consensus at 100% was obtained for dribble, overhead throw, run, and skip during Round 3. Conclusion: Eye–hand or eye–foot coordination, laterality, and the environment were deemed as the most influential factors when rating the complexity of FMS.
Multifaceted SOX2-chromatin interaction underpins pluripotency progression in early embryos
Authors: Li Lijia , Lai Fangnong , Hu Xiaoyu , Liu Bofeng , Lu Xukun , Lin Zili , Liu Ling , Xiang Yunlong , Frum Tristan , Halbisen Michael A. , Chen Fengling , Fan Qiang , Ralston Amy , Xie Wei
Published: December 2023

Pioneer transcription factors (TFs), such as OCT4 and SOX2, play crucial roles in pluripotency regulation. However, the master TF-governed pluripotency regulatory circuitry was largely inferred from cultured cells. In this work, we investigated SOX2 binding from embryonic day 3.5 (E3.5) to E7.5 in the mouse. In E3.5 inner cell mass (ICM), SOX2 regulates the ICM-trophectoderm program but is dispensable for opening global enhancers. Instead, SOX2 occupies preaccessible enhancers in part opened by early-stage expressing TFs TFAP2C and NR5A2. SOX2 then widely redistributes when cells adopt naive and formative pluripotency by opening enhancers or poising them for rapid future activation. Hence, multifaceted pioneer TF–enhancer interaction underpins pluripotency progression in embryos, including a distinctive state in E3.5 ICM that bridges totipotency and pluripotency.
The drivers of massive star evolution
Authors: Sundqvist Jon , Sana Hugues
Published: December 2023

An elusive population of stripped binary stars is finally revealed
No room at the table
Authors: Radlinski Lauren C. , Bäumler Andreas J.
Published: December 2023

The gut microbiota prevents infection by crowding out pathogens
Complete genome sequence of
Heyndrickxia
(
Bacillus
)
coagulans
BC99 isolated from a fecal sample of a healthy infant
Authors: Zhu Mingming , Zhu Jianguo , Fang Shuguang , Zhao Bin
Published: December 2023

This study reports the complete genome sequence of
Heyndrickxia (Bacillus) coagulans
BC99, a promising human probiotic strain isolated from the fecal sample of a healthy infant in Hailaer Inner Mongolia. The genome sequence of BC99 contains a 3,655,496-bp circular chromosome with a GC content of 46.23%. Genome annotation predicted 3,273 protein-coding genes.
Draft genome sequences of five multidrug-resistant
Escherichia coli
strains isolated from vegetable samples in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Saiful , Pramanik Pritom Kumar , Rana Md. Liton , Ramasamy Srinivasan , Schreinemachers Pepijn , Oliva Ricardo , Rahman Md. Tanvir
Published: December 2023

Reports indicate that vegetables are becoming a source of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, including
Escherichia coli
. Here, we present genome sequences of five MDR
E. coli
strains to assist future genomic analysis of this bacterium. These
E. coli
strains were isolated from vegetable samples of different gardening systems in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Structure-based virtual screening and
in vitro
validation of inhibitors of cyclic dinucleotide phosphodiesterases ENPP1 and CdnP
Authors: Rohilla Akshay , Singh Alok Kumar , Koleske Benjamin , Srikrishna Geetha , Bishai William R.
Published: December 2023

Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) are intracellular mediators of innate immune responses to cytosolic pathogen-derived and host DNA. STING agonists designed to mimic the natural host STING ligand, 2′,3′-cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), are promising immunotherapeutic tools for infectious diseases and solid tumor immunotherapy. We previously characterized CdnP (Rv2837c), a specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) deployed by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
M.tb
), as an enzyme that blunts host immunity by directly cleaving bacterial-derived c-di-AMP and host-derived 2′,3′-cGAMP. We hypothesized that small molecule inhibitors of bacterial and host cyclic dinucleotide PDEs, namely CdnP and the endogenous host PDE, ENPP1, might potentiate the STING pathway and act as host-directed therapies (HDTs) for tuberculosis. To this end, we employed virtual screening of an NCI compound library customized for improved oral drug properties to identify potential inhibitors of CdnP and ENPP1. Compounds identified
in silico
were tested for their inhibitory activity against purified CdnP and ENPP1. Using biochemical and cell-based assays, we identified compounds with low IC
50
values against both PDEs. We validated increased cGAS-STING signaling in primary human macrophages exposed to 2′,3′-cGAMP in the presence of a lead ENPP1 inhibitor, E-3 (NCI-14465). Our studies provide a framework for novel HDTs that target the cGAS-STING pathway to promote
M.tb
containment and anti-tumor immunity.

IMPORTANCE

In this paper, we describe novel inhibitors of cyclic dinucleotide phosphodiesterase enzymes from
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
M.tb
) (CdnP) and mammals (ENPP1). The phosphodiesterase enzymes hydrolyze cyclic dinucleotides, such as 2′,3′-cyclic GMP-AMP and c-di-AMP, which are stimulator of interferon gene (STING) agonists. By blocking the hydrolysis of STING agonists, the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-STING-IRF3 pathway is potentiated. There is strong evidence in tuberculosis and in cancer biology that potentiation of the cGAS-STING-IRF3 pathway leads to improved
M.tb
clearance and also improved antitumor responses in cancer. In addition to the identification of novel inhibitors and their biochemical characterization, we provide proof-of-concept evidence that our E-3 inhibitor potentiates the cGAS-STING-IRF3 pathway in both macrophage cell lines and also in primary human monocyte-derived macrophages.
Evaluation of a minimal array of
Treponema pallidum
antigens as biomarkers for syphilis diagnosis, infection staging, and response to treatment
Authors: Haynes Austin M. , Konda Kelika A. , Romeis Emily , Siebert Janet , Vargas Silver K. , Reyes Diaz Michael , Phan Amber , Caceres Carlos F. , Giacani Lorenzo , Klausner Jeffrey D.
Published: December 2023

Syphilis is a multistage chronic sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochete
Treponema pallidum
subsp.
pallidum
(
T. pallidum
). Today, syphilis is still endemic in low- and middle-income nations and has become resurgent in many high-income countries. Infection can lead to severe sequelae in untreated patients, while vertical transmission of
T. pallidum
is associated with high stillbirth rates and neonatal death. The combination of non-treponemal and treponemal tests allows syphilis serodiagnosis and monitoring of treatment response, albeit not without limitations. In this work, we developed a minimal array for multiple parallel detection of antibodies specific to the immunodominant
T. pallidum
antigens Tp0435 and Tp0574 and 14 additional proteins known to be immunogenic during infection but only partially or not at all evaluated for their diagnostic potential. To assess whether reactivity to these antigens could improve early syphilis diagnosis, serve as biomarkers for disease staging, and monitor response to treatment, we tested the array using 217 serum specimens longitudinally collected pre- and post-treatment from 120 syphilis patients. Results showed significantly different reactivity to a subset of antigens in pre-treatment sera (baseline) when covariates such as syphilis stage, syphilis history, and HIV status were factored in. Furthermore, reactivity to several antigens significantly decreased in post-treatment sera compared to baseline. Although studies with larger sample panels will be needed to validate these findings, this study supports the screening of
T. pallidum
proteomic arrays to identify antigens that could serve as predictors of response and antigens that could help with early syphilis diagnosis.

IMPORTANCE

This manuscript explores the host humoral response to selected antigens of the syphilis agent during infection to evaluate their potential use as diagnostic tests and markers for treatment.
Expanding the microbiologist toolbox
via
new far-red-emitting dyes suitable for bacterial imaging
Authors: Lucidi Massimiliano , Capecchi Giulia , Visaggio Daniela , Gasperi Tecla , Parisi Miranda , Cincotti Gabriella , Rampioni Giordano , Visca Paolo , Kolmakov Kirill
Published: December 2023

Our understanding of bacteria is increasingly dependent on our ability to visualize cellular processes at the single-cell level with high spatial and temporal resolution. Advances in fluorescence microscopy are accompanied by an increasing demand for novel fluorophores that enable tagging specific bacterial components. In this context, new fluorescent probes emitting in the far-red (FR) are of particular interest as they reduce possible interference caused by sample autofluorescence and increase flexibility in multicolor imaging experiments. In this study, an extended set of previously reported and newly synthesized FR-emitting dyes has been characterized for their applicability in live single-cell imaging of the Gram-negative and Gram-positive prototype bacteria
Escherichia coli
and
Bacillus subtilis
. Toxicity tests demonstrated that these dyes do not interfere with the growth kinetics of both species, opening up the possibility of using them in live-cell imaging. Moreover, confocal laser-scanning microscopy imaging revealed that all the tested dyes can distinguish viable from dead bacterial cells. Among the newly synthesized fluorophores, the oxazine derivative KK 1905-NHS was particularly efficient in membrane staining and was effectively employed to monitor membrane biogenesis using a two-step labeling protocol on living cells. In addition, KK 1905-NHS was successfully used in super-resolution stimulated emission depletion microscopy. Overall, the new fluorophores presented in this study expand the microscopy toolbox, which is an asset for the investigation of fundamental bacterial processes.

IMPORTANCE

By harnessing the versatility of fluorescence microscopy and super-resolution imaging, bacteriologists explore critical aspects of bacterial physiology and resolve bacterial structures sized beyond the light diffraction limit. These techniques are based on fluorophores with profitable photochemical and tagging properties. The paucity of available far-red (FR)-emitting dyes for bacterial imaging strongly limits the multicolor choice of bacteriologists, hindering the possibility of labeling multiple structures in a single experiment. The set of FR fluorophores characterized in this study expands the palette of dyes useful for microbiologists, as they can be used for bacterial LIVE/DEAD staining and for tagging the membranes of viable
Escherichia coli
and
Bacillus subtilis
cells. The absence of toxicity makes these dyes suitable for live-cell imaging and allows monitoring of bacterial membrane biogenesis. Moreover, a newly synthesized FR-fluorophore can be employed for imaging bacterial membranes with stimulated emission depletion microscopy, a super-resolution technique capable of increasing the resolving power of conventional microscopes.
Projecting complete redaction of clinical trial protocols (RAPTURE): redacted cross sectional study
Authors: Balaban Nir , Mohyuddin Ghulam Rehman , Kashi Adi , Massarweh Amir , Markel Gal , Bomze David , Goldstein Daniel A , Meirson Tomer
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To characterise redactions in clinical trials and estimate a time when all protocols are fully removed (RAPTURE).

Design

Redacted cross sectional study.

Setting

Published phase 3 randomised controlled trials from 1 January 2010 to ██████████████.

Participants

New England Journal of Medicine
, █
█████████
, and
Journal of the American Medical Association
.

Main outcome measures

█████ ████████ ██████████████ ██████ ██████████ ████████ ████████ ██████████ ███████████ ████████████ ████████████ ████████████████████████ ██████████████████

Results

████████████████████ met the inclusion criteria, with 268 (56.7%) research protocols available and accessible. The rate of redactions in protocols has increased from 0 in 2010 to 60.8% in 2021 (P<0.001). The degree of data redaction has also increased, with the average cumulative redactions among industry funded trials rising from 0 in 2010 to 3.5 pages in 2021 (P<0.001). Modelling predicts that RAPTURE is expected to occur between 2073 and 2136. Redactions featured predominantly in ████████ sponsored trials and mostly occurred in the statistical design.

Conclusions

This study highlights the rise in protocol redactions and predicts that, ██████████████████████████████████████████ will be entirely redacted between 2073 and 2136. A legitimate rationale for the redactions could ███ be found. A multipronged strategy against protocol redactions is required to maintain the integrity of science.

Availability

This paper is partially redacted, but for the sake of ███████████, a version without any redactions can be found in the supplementary material.
Knowledge and practice of nurses with respect to perioperative hypothermia prevention in the Northwest Amhara Regional State Referral Hospitals, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Woretaw Ashenafi Worku , Yimer Mekonnen Bezenaw , Tsegaye Netsanet , Dellie Endalkachew
Published: December 2023

Objectives

It has been reported that maintaining a normal body temperature among surgical patients can reduce the length of hospitalisation by up to 40%, decrease the risk of surgical site infection by 64% and reduce mortality by fourfold. Nurses are primarily responsible for preventing the occurrence of hypothermia among surgical patients. This study assessed nurses’ knowledge and practices with respect to perioperative hypothermia prevention in Northwest Ethiopia, and investigated the factors associated with good knowledge and practice.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Northwest Amhara Regional State Referral Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 25 March–20 May 2021.

Participants

413 nurses working in the perioperative units of five referral hospitals.

Outcome measures

Perioperative hypothermia prevention knowledge and practice among nurses.

Results

Nearly three-fifths (59.1%; 95% CI: 54.7% to 63.7%) of respondents had good knowledge and about half (50.4%; 95% CI: 45.5% to 55.0%) had good practice with respect to perioperative hypothermia prevention. Factors associated with nurses’ knowledge of prevention of perioperative hypothermia included male sex (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.61, 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.53), having a bachelor’s degree (AOR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.25 to 5.00), having a master’s degree (AOR: 4.39, 95% CI: 1.45 to 13.20) and training participation (AOR: 3.68, 95% CI: 2.14 to 6.33). Factors associated with nurses’ practice of prevention of perioperative hypothermia included working in recovery (AOR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.08 to 7.58) and intensive care units (AOR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.09 to 5.22), training participation (AOR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.53 to 4.57), being satisfied with their job (AOR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.34 to 3.43) and having good knowledge (AOR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.63 to 4.27).

Conclusion

Nurses’ knowledge and practice of the prevention of perioperative hypothermia were inadequate. Hospital managers need to design and strengthen training programmes and work to enhance job satisfaction.
Effectiveness, safety and costs of the FreeStyle Libre glucose monitoring system for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in Spain: a prospective, uncontrolled, pre-post study
Authors: González-Pacheco Himar , Rivero-Santana Amado , Ramallo-Fariña Yolanda , Valcárcel-Nazco Cristina , Álvarez-Pérez Yolanda , García-Pérez Lidia , García-Bello Miguel Angel , Perestelo-Pérez Lilisbeth , Serrano-Aguilar Pedro
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, safety and costs of FreeStyle Libre (FSL) glucose monitoring system for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in Spain.

Design

Prospective, multicentre pre-post study.

Setting

Thirteen Spanish public hospitals recruited patients from January 2019 to March 2020, with a 12-month follow-up.

Participants

156 patients were included.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary: glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) change. Secondary: severe hypoglycaemic events (self-reported and clinical records), quality of life, diabetes treatment knowledge, treatment satisfaction, adverse events, adherence, sensor usage time and scans. Healthcare resource utilisation was assessed for cost analysis from the National Health System perspective, incorporating direct healthcare costs. Data analysis used mixed regression models with repeated measures. The intervention’s total cost was estimated by multiplying health resource usage with unit costs.

Results

In the whole sample, HbA1c increased significantly (0.32%; 95% CI 0.10% to 0.55%). In the subgroup with baseline HbA1c≥7.5% (n=88), there was a significant reduction at 3 months (−0.46%; 95% CI −0.69% to −0.23%), 6 months (−0.49%; 95% CI −0.73% to −0.25%) and 12 months (−0.43%; 95% CI −0.68% to –0.19%). Well-controlled patients had a significant 12-month worsening (0.32%; 95% CI 0.18% to 0.47%). Self-reported severe hypoglycaemia significantly decreased compared with the previous year for the whole sample (−0.37; 95% CI −0.62 to –0.11). Quality of life and diabetes treatment knowledge showed no significant differences, but satisfaction increased. Adolescents had lower sensor usage time and scans than children. Reduction in HbA1c was significantly associated with device adherence. No serious adverse effects were observed. Data suggest that use of FSL could reduce healthcare resource use (strips and lancets) and costs related to productivity loss.

Conclusions

The use of FSL in young patients with T1DM was associated with a significant reduction in severe hypoglycaemia, and improved HbA1c levels were seen in patients with poor baseline control. Findings suggest cost savings and productivity gains for caregivers. Causal evidence is limited due to the study design. Further research is needed to confirm results and assess risks, especially for patients with lower baseline HbA1c.
Observational and prospective study: evaluation of beliefs and representations of chronic treatments of polymedicated patients hospitalised in a vascular medicine and surgery department
Authors: Kotry Dounia , Saillard Justine , Bonsergent Marion , Volteau Christelle , Benichou Antoine , Prot-Labarthe Sonia , Huon Jean-François
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Today, the involvement of patients in their care is essential. As the population ages increases, the number of patients with chronic diseases is increasing. In the vascular medicine and surgery departments, patients are polymedicated and mostly suffer from several chronic diseases. Approximately 50% of patients with a chronic disease are not adherent. Among the factors that can influence therapeutic adherence are the beliefs and representations of patients.

To evaluate the beliefs and representations of chronic treatments in patients with multiple medications and hospitalised in a vascular medicine and surgery department, and to evaluate the medication adherence, the knowledge and the importance patients attach to their treatments.

Design

Observational, prospective and a single-centre study.

Setting

The study was conducted in a French tertiary hospital centre of around 3000 beds in 9 institutions.

Participants

Adult polymedicated (ie, minimum of five chronic treatments) patients hospitalised in a vascular medicine and surgery department were included after application of the exclusion criteria.

Methods

Patient interviews were carried out in the department and were based on three interviewer-administered questionnaires (a global questionnaire, the Belief Medical Questionnaire and the GIRERD questionnaire).

Results

Our study showed that patients perceived their treatments as beneficial rather than worrying. A correlation between medication adherence and beliefs was observed. ‘Non-adherent’patients had a more negative overall view of medication than ‘adherent’ patients. The level of compliance and knowledge of our patients was low. Only 11% of the patients were ‘good adherent’, 16% of the patients could perfectly name their treatment and 36% knew all the indications.

Conclusion

Knowledge of treatment representation and beliefs are central to understanding patient behaviour. Considering patients’ representations will allow the identification of levers, and the development of actions and educational tools adapted to improve their adherence, their knowledge and therefore their drug management.
‘Nothing About Us Without Us’: exploring benefits and challenges of peer support for people with disability in peer support organisations – protocol paper for a qualitative coproduction project
Authors: Duong Julie , Pryer Shaylie , Walsh Catherine , Fitzpatrick Arron , Magill Julie , Simmonds Sarah , Yang David , Baird-Peddie Owen , Rahman Farhana , Hayter Carrie , Tavener Meredith
Published: December 2023

Introduction

One in six people live with disability in Australia with higher levels of disability of people from diverse communities, such as those with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. In Australia, CALD refers to people from diverse ethnicity and cultures, nationalities, societal structures and religions that may or may not speak a language other than English. This study employs researchers with lived experience of disability and peer support to study the impact of peer support for people with disability, including people from CALD backgrounds, in two peer-led organisations in New South Wales (NSW) Australia.

Methods and analysis

This study uses participatory action research and inclusive research design with researchers with lived experience, having lived experience of disability and a peer in the disability community, leading the research.

Over three years, three different groups will be recruited through Community Disability Alliance Hunter (CDAH) and Diversity and Disability Alliance (DDAlliance): (1) peers with disability, (2) peer leaders with disability and (3) researchers with lived experience of disability and peer support. Data collection and creation methods include semistructured interviews, surveys and focus groups. Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis through the lens of the researchers with lived experience.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted by the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval No: H-2021-0088). Dissemination includes peer-reviewed publications, presentations at local, national and international conferences and written reports for user-led organisations, disability service providers, disability agencies and people with disability.
Psychosocial safety climate (PSC) and working conditions, predictors of mental health and antidepressant and opioid use in Australia: a study protocol for longitudinal data linkage
Authors: Crispin Cherie Natalie , Afsharian Ali , Loh May Young , Dollard Maureen F , Dormann Christian , Glozier Nick , Gill Tiffany , Taylor Anne W
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Work-related stress is a social determinant of global health that represents a huge cost to workers’ health and reduces work performance. In Australia, mental well-being is a pressing national issue—with one in five Australians experiencing mental disorders. Antidepressants are a first-line medication commonly used to treat mental disorders. Recently, Australia has seen a dramatic increase in the use of prescribed antidepressant medications to treat mental health related illnesses. Australia has also seen a dramatic increase in the use of prescribed opioid analgesics for non-cancer pain including opioid use for psychological distress and social stressors. It is plausible a rise in mental health problems and antidepressant and opioid medication use is partly attributable to the corporate climate for worker mental health (ie, the psychosocial safety climate, PSC). This research aims to identify how PSC and workplace conditions contribute to employee well-being and distress that culminate in antidepressant and opioid medication use.

Methods/analysis

Data will be collected through creative data linkage from the Australian Workplace Barometer (AWB), to medication data (via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, PBS). The participant sample will include 1372 working Australians from the AWB project from 2009 to 2021. Four waves of longitudinal data from 2009 to 2021 will be used to investigate the plausible link between Australia’s high levels of antidepressant and opioid use and distress at work. The project advances theory by probing the role corporate climate plays in work design, distress, mental health problems and antidepressant and opioid use. It will determine if antidepressant and opioid use has led to an underestimation of work stress effects. Proposed theoretical models will be analysed through linked data, using continuous time structural equation modelling, hierarchical linear modelling, logistic regression and cost estimation.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of South Australia (Ethics Protocol: 203003). Further, approval from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Ethics Committee was also granted for linkage of AWB data and PBS data (EthOS Application EO2022/1/1190).

Results of the study will be disseminated through worldwide keynotes, key international settings, high-impact peer-reviewed journals, industry conference presentations and media outlets to reach managers, workers, and industry partners. Further, UniSA requires publications from public projects to be held in an institutional repository which fulfils the Australian Research Council’s Open Access Policy.
The Oxford Needle Experience (ONE) scale: a UK-based and US-based online mixed-methods psychometric development and validation study of an instrument to assess needle fear, attitudes and expectations in the general public
Authors: Kantor Jonathan , Vanderslott Samantha , Morrison Michael , Pollard Andrew J , Carlisle Robert C
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To develop and validate the Oxford Needle Experience (ONE) scale, an instrument to assess needle fear, attitudes and expectations in the general population.

Design

Cross-sectional validation study.

Setting

Internet-based with participants in the UK and USA.

Participants

UK and US representative samples stratified by age, sex, and ethnicity using the Prolific Academic platform.

Main outcome measures

Exploratory factor analysis with categorical variables and a polychoric correlation matrix followed by promax oblique rotation on the UK sample for the ONE scale. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with a Satorra-Bentler scaled test statistic evaluating the root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA), standardised root mean squared residual (SRMR) and comparative fit index (CFI) on the US sample. Reliability as internal consistency using McDonald’s omega. Convergent validity using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Predictive and discriminant validity using logistic regression ORs of association (OR).

Results

The population included 1000 respondents, 500 in the UK and 500 in the USA. Minimum average partial correlation and a scree plot suggested four factors should be retained: injection hesitancy, blood-related hesitancy, recalled negative experiences and perceived benefits, yielding a 19-question scale. On CFA, the RMSEA was 0.070 (90% CI, 0.064 to 0.077), SRMR 0.053 and CFI 0.925. McDonald’s omega was 0.92 and 0.93 in the UK and US samples, respectively. Convergent validity with the four-item Oxford Coronavirus Explanations, Attitudes and Narratives Survey (OCEANS) needle fear scale demonstrated a strong correlation (r=0.83). Predictive validity with a single-question COVID-19 vaccination status question demonstrated a strong association, OR (95% CI) 0.97 (0.96 to 0.98), p<0.0001 in the US sample. Discriminant validity with a question regarding the importance of controlling what enters the body confirmed the ONE score does not predict this unrelated outcome, OR 1.00 (0.99, 1.01), p=0.996 in the US sample.

Conclusions

The ONE scale is a reliable and valid multidimensional scale that may be useful in predicting vaccine hesitancy, designing public health interventions to improve vaccine uptake and exploring alternatives to needles for medical procedures.