bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) application for coping with salinity and drought: a bibliometric network multi‐analysis
Authors: Lorenz C. , Vitale E. , Hay‐Mele B. , Arena C.
Published: June 2024

Rhizobacteria play a crucial role in plant growth and yield, stimulating primary production and improving stress resistance. Climate change has several consequences worldwide that affect arable land and agriculture. Studies on plant–soil–microorganism interactions to enhance plant productivity and/or resistance to abiotic stress may open new perspectives. This strategy aims to make agricultural‐relevant plant species able to complete their biological cycle in extreme soils with the help of inoculated or primed plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR).

We provide an overview of the evolution of interest in PGPR research in the last 30 years through: (i) a quantitative search on the Scopus database; (ii) keyword frequencies and clustering analysis, and (iii) a keyword network and time‐gradient analysis.

The review of scientific literature on PGPR highlighted an increase in publications in the last 15 years, and a specific time gradient on subtopics, such as abiotic stresses. The rise in PGPR as a keyword co‐occurring with salinity and drought stresses aligns with the growing number of papers from countries directly or partly affected by climate change.

The study of PGPR, its features, and related applications will be a key challenge in the next decades, considering climate change effects on agriculture. The increased interest in PGPR leads to deeper knowledge focused specifically on researching agriculturally sustainable solutions for soils affected by salinity and drought.
Bird perches and artificial bat roosts increase seed rain and seedling establishment in tropical bracken‐dominated deforested areas
Authors: Mayta Cesar , López Cecilia L. , Villegas Mariana , Aguirre Luis F. , Hensen Isabell , Gallegos Silvia C.
Published: June 2024

Tropical forests are being reduced by human activities. The use of fire for agricultural expansion generates areas dominated by the bracken fern Pteridium, where forest regeneration is slow. This may be caused by seed limitation, especially of animal‐dispersed seeds, due to the absence of seed dispersers from the forest in deforested areas, calling for restoration strategies to assist forest regeneration. We installed bird perches and artificial bat roosts to evaluate their effect on the density, species richness, and composition of animal‐dispersed seeds and seedlings of tree and non‐tree species in bracken‐dominated areas in the tropical montane forest of Bolivia. We found that perches and bat roosts increased the density and species richness of animal‐dispersed seeds and established seedlings. The seeds and seedlings dispersed by birds were clumped under the perches, while the seeds and seedlings dispersed by bats were distributed around the roosts. Perches had a higher density and species richness of seeds and seedlings compared to bat roosts, suggesting that the use of perches could be a better option as a restoration tool in bracken‐dominated areas. The increase in seed rain and seedling establishment of animal‐dispersed species in perches and bat roosts supports seed limitation, hindering forest succession in bracken‐dominated areas. The use of bird perches accompanying other restoration techniques is a promising restoration strategy to accelerate forest regeneration in tropical areas dominated by Pteridium, which are widely distributed.
Trilemma versus dilemma: Monetary autonomy and long‐term interest rate independence
Authors: Kim Kyunghun , Kim Soyoung
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the issue of trilemma versus dilemma in relation to monetary autonomy. We construct a long‐term interest rate independence index (LRI) apart from the conventional monetary policy independence evaluated on the basis of the short‐term interest rate independence index (SRI). LRI intends to capture the independence of domestic financial conditions and the monetary policy in a broad sense. Empirical results are as follows. On the basis of SRI, trilemma holds well, in which trade‐offs between SRI and international capital mobility and between SRI and exchange rate stability are found. This outcome is consistent with the findings of many past studies that support trilemma. However, on the basis of LRI, dilemma holds after the global financial crisis because only the trade‐off between LRI and international capital mobility exists. This result is consistent with the conclusion of Rey (2013), which emphasized the huge effects of the global financial cycle on the domestic financial condition owing to the integration of international financial markets. Empirical results settle the issue between trilemma and dilemma.
Dimensional model of socioemotional learning built on a large‐scale sample of Chilean students
Authors: Berger Christian , Angulo Gallo Lisandra
Published: June 2024

Even though Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a central domain in education, there is still a lack of clarity in the underlying conceptual models guiding educational efforts and insufficient empirical evidence supporting these models. The Chilean Agency for Quality in Education developed a socioemotional questionnaire as part of the Comprehensive Learning Diagnosis (DIA), administered in educational institutions nationwide. Its underlying conceptual model considers nine SEL competencies structured into three dimensions: Individual, Communal, and Civic, mapping onto the Chilean educational curriculum and learning goals relative to SEL. Even though this model was built based on a thorough revision of existing approaches to SEL and assessment tools, this dimensional structure has not been empirically tested. This study explores a dimensional model of SEL based on a large‐scale sample of Chilean students assessed through the DIA (882,553 7th–12th graders). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to determine the dimensional structure, also testing for invariance by educational level (basic vs. secondary education) and gender. EFA evidenced a three‐dimensional structure, with factors labeled as individual, relational, and socio‐moral based on their composition. CFA confirmed these dimensions with adequate fit indices. Factorial invariance of the identified model was found between basic and secondary school students, and between boys and girls. The study allowed for the construction of a theoretical model of SEL based on a large‐scale sample. The identification of a moral factor as a key dimension of SEL constitutes a novel and promising perspective, in line with recent research providing new insights into SEL. Further evidence regarding the reliability and validity of the instrument should be analyzed. Also, the proposed SEL model should be tested in different countries and populations to broaden our understanding of SEL and inform educational policies and practices.
Clause Typing in Main Polar Questions: Evidence from Italo‐Romance
Authors: Munaro Nicola
Published: June 2024

This article investigates the morpho‐syntactic marking of main polar questions, which is achieved across Italo‐Romance by crosslinguistically different strategies. I argue that the interpretation of main polar questions is related to the activation of a dedicated functional head that encodes the relevant formal feature within the left‐periphery. In particular, I explore the possibility that the process of clause typing in unembedded yes/no questions is linked in Italo‐Romance to the activation of a functional projection located in the right periphery of the CP‐layer, which I call Polarity Phrase. This hypothesis relies on the intuition that negation and affirmation can be reduced to a more abstract category encoding the open polarity of the sentence, which can be underspecified for either negative or positive value.
Comparison of selected cytomorphological features of canine pemphigus foliaceus and superficial pyoderma
Authors: Spriggs Tyler S. , Gedon Natalie K. Y. , Linder Keith E. , Bizikova Petra
Published: June 2024

Background

Cytological detection of acantholytic keratinocytes (acantholytic cells [AC]) helps to identify canine pemphigus foliaceus (cPF) yet AC also occurs in superficial pyoderma (SP), the main differential diagnosis.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare selected cytomorphological features of cPF and SP and to establish cytological diagnostic criteria that could differentiate cPF from SP.

Animals

40 and 51 client‐owned dogs with PF and SP, respectively.

Materials and Methods

Impression smears from cPF (64), impetigo (40) and exfoliative superficial pyoderma (ESP) (17) samples were stained with Romanowsky stain, randomised, blinded and evaluated by two investigators independently. The entire sample was screened (×500 or ×1000 magnification) for round (AC1), boat (AC2) and raft AC, eosinophils and bacteria. Interobserver agreements were calculated.

Results

The average number of the 10 highest ×500 fields for AC1 and AC2 was significantly higher in PF than SP (p < 0.0001; Kruskal–Wallis test). Rafts and eosinophils were more common in PF than SP (p < 0.0001; chi‐square test), while bacteria were rare in PF (5%; p < 0.0001; chi‐square test). Observations between the experienced and novice investigators were highly correlated. An ROC analysis identified five AC1/×500‐magnification field as a suitable cut‐off value for predicting PF diagnosis. This cut‐off value was tested by two additional investigators, who identified sensitivity of 84%–100%, specificity of 95%–97% and accuracy of 95%–96% for the diagnosis of cPF.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Criterion‐based impression smear cytological evaluation can provide strong evidence to support the clinical diagnosis. Acantholytic cell morphology varies in cPF and SP, and experience can improve accuracy in cytological differentiation.
The effect of systemic acetazolamide administration on intraocular pressure in healthy horses—A preliminary study
Authors: Shnaiderman‐Torban Anat , Pe'er Oren , Gustafsson Kajsa , Tatz Amos , Brizi Malka , Soback Stefan , Abu Ahmad Wiessam , Magen Ramon , Ofri Ron , Kelmer Gal
Published: June 2024

Objectives

In equine glaucoma, topical treatment with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) is recommended. Oral acetazolamide, a systemic CAI, is used in horses with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. Information regarding its effect on equine intraocular pressure (IOP) is scarce. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of oral acetazolamide treatment on IOP in horses, in a case–control study.

Animals

Ten healthy horses.

Procedures

Horses were treated with oral acetazolamide (4.4 mg/kg) BID for 1 week. Serum acetazolamide concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, and IOP were measured before treatment, daily during treatment, and at 48 and 72 h after treatment.

Results

Acetazolamide serum levels reached steady state at 72 h after the first oral dose. In a mixed effect model logistic regression, there was a significant decrease in IOP on the third treatment day, of 2.4 mmHg (p = .012) and 2.7 mmHg (p = .006) in the left (OS) and right eye (OD), respectively. On the seventh day, there was a decrease in 2.5 mmHg (p = .008) and 2.7 mmHg (p = .007) OS and OD, respectively. A significant increase occurred 48 h following treatment discontinuation (3.6 mmHg, p < .001 and 3.5 mmHg, p < .001 OS and OD, respectively). The area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC(0–10h)) was 1.1 ± 0.5 μg/mL*h, mean residence time 6.7 ± 4.3 h, peak plasma concentration (Cmax) 0.4 ± 0.4 μg/mL and time to reach Cmax 1.8 h. There was a significant increase in serum concentrations 1, 2, 48, 72, and 156 h following the first drug administration (p < .05).

Conclusions

Further studies are required to determine whether acetazolamide is a potential treatment for equine glaucoma.
Perception of language variation in the speech of Singaporean political leaders
Authors: Lim Sheryl W. X. , Ng Bee Chin
Published: June 2024

Though politicians consciously or unconsciously vary their speech style to create a more positive response from the voting public, we have little empirical evidence attesting to its effectiveness. This study investigates the attitudes of 254 Singaporeans (aged 21–70) towards the use of two English varieties, Standard Singapore English (SSE) and Colloquial Singapore English (CSE) by politicians using both a modified matched‐guise technique followed up with a semi‐structured interview. Participants listened to enacted recordings of political speeches in both English varieties and made personality trait ratings. The results reveal that SSE is rated significantly higher on trustworthiness, reliability and status and these are correlated with higher socioeconomic status. Age‐related patterns are found for the solidarity traits as the younger adults evaluate CSE significantly more favourably. This paper presents a nuanced analysis of English as a political language medium and the ideologies that contribute to resistance or support for the different English varieties.
Inclusive Campaign and Exclusive Workplace: A Comparative Study of Indian Companies’ Audio-Visual LGBTQ Advertising Campaigns and Their Workplace Equality
Authors: Jetubhai Khuman Bhagirath
Published: June 2024

A company's advertising campaign is generally considered the conduit through which it communicates its ethos and ideology to consumers. This paper aims to ascertain whether a company's marketing activities accurately reflect its business practices. Specifically, it investigates whether businesses with LGBTQ marketing initiatives actively advocate for and uphold workplace equality. The research compiles a list of companies, regardless of nationality but with offices in India, featuring at least one audio-visual LGBTQ marketing campaign that is broadcast on TV or the internet. The study consults workplace equality index reports, the company's website, or its available job descriptions to determine the extent to which these companies practice workplace equality. The research reveals that approximately half of the companies running LGBTQ advertisements do not actively promote workplace equality. Conversely, companies listed in workplace equality index reports do not incorporate LGBTQ advertisement campaigns. The findings demonstrate no discernible correlation between a company's advertising campaign and its workplace equality policy.
On the mechanisms of brain blood flow regulation during hypoxia
Authors: Mascarenhas Alexander , Braga Alice , Majernikova Sara Maria , Nizari Shereen , Marletta Debora , Theparambil Shefeeq M. , Aziz Qadeer , Marina Nephtali , Gourine Alexander V.
Published: June 2024

The brain requires an uninterrupted supply of oxygen and nutrients to support the high metabolic needs of billions of nerve cells processing information. In low oxygen conditions, increases in cerebral blood flow maintain brain oxygen delivery, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for dilation of cerebral blood vessels in response to hypoxia are not fully understood. This article presents a systematic review and analysis of data reported in studies of these mechanisms. Our primary outcome measure was the percent reduction of the cerebrovascular response to hypoxia in conditions of pharmacological or genetic blockade of specific signaling mechanisms studied in experimental animals or in humans. Selection criteria were met by 28 articles describing the results of animal studies and six articles describing the results of studies conducted in humans. Selected studies investigated the potential involvement of various neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, vasoactive molecules and ion channels. Of all the experimental conditions, blockade of adenosine‐mediated signaling and inhibition of ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channels had the most significant effect in reducing the cerebrovascular response to hypoxia (by 49% and 37%, respectively). Various degree reductions of the hypoxic response were also reported in studies which investigated the roles of nitric oxide, arachidonic acid derivates, catecholamines and hydrogen sulphide, amongst others. However, definitive conclusions about the importance of these signaling pathways cannot be drawn from the results of this analysis. In conclusion, there is significant evidence that one of the key mechanisms of hypoxic cerebral vasodilation (accounting for ∼50% of the response) involves the actions of adenosine and modulation of vascular KATP channels. However, recruitment of other vasodilatory signaling mechanisms is required for the full expression of the cerebrovascular response to hypoxia.

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Abundant hydrocarbons in the disk around a very-low-mass star
Authors: Arabhavi A. M. , Kamp I. , Henning Th. , van Dishoeck E. F. , Christiaens V. , Gasman D. , Perrin A. , Güdel M. , Tabone B. , Kanwar J. , Waters L. B. F. M. , Pascucci I. , Samland M. , Perotti G. , Bettoni G. , Grant S. L. , Lagage P. O. , Ray T. P. , Vandenbussche B. , Absil O. , Argyriou I. , Barrado D. , Boccaletti A. , Bouwman J. , Caratti o Garatti A. , Glauser A. M. , Lahuis F. , Mueller M. , Olofsson G. , Pantin E. , Scheithauer S. , Morales-Calderón M. , Franceschi R. , Jang H. , Pawellek N. , Rodgers-Lee D. , Schreiber J. , Schwarz K. , Temmink M. , Vlasblom M. , Wright G. , Colina L. , Östlin G.
Published: June 2024

Very-low-mass stars (those less than 0.3 solar masses) host orbiting terrestrial planets more frequently than other types of stars. The compositions of those planets are largely unknown but are expected to relate to the protoplanetary disk in which they form. We used James Webb Space Telescope mid-infrared spectroscopy to investigate the chemical composition of the planet-forming disk around ISO-ChaI 147, a 0.11-solar-mass star. The inner disk has a carbon-rich chemistry; we identified emission from 13 carbon-bearing molecules, including ethane and benzene. The high column densities of hydrocarbons indicate that the observations probe deep into the disk. The high carbon-to-oxygen ratio indicates radial transport of material within the disk, which we predict would affect the bulk composition of any planets forming in the disk.
Curved crease origami and topological singularities enable hyperextensibility of
L. olor
Authors: Flaum Eliott , Prakash Manu
Published: June 2024

Fundamental limits of cellular deformations, such as hyperextension of a living cell, remain poorly understood. Here, we describe how the single-celled protist
Lacrymaria olor
, a 40-micrometer cell, is capable of reversibly and repeatably extending its necklike protrusion up to 1200 micrometers in 30 seconds. We discovered a layered cortical cytoskeleton and membrane architecture that enables hyperextensions through the folding and unfolding of cellular-scale origami. Physical models of this curved crease origami display topological singularities, including traveling developable cones and cytoskeletal twisted domain walls, which provide geometric control of hyperextension. Our work unravels how cell geometry encodes behavior in single cells and provides inspiration for geometric control in microrobotics and deployable architectures.
Molecular mechanism of substrate recognition and cleavage by human γ-secretase
Authors: Guo Xuefei , Li Haotian , Yan Chuangye , Lei Jianlin , Zhou Rui , Shi Yigong
Published: June 2024

Successive cleavages of amyloid precursor protein C-terminal fragment with 99 residues (APP-C99) by γ-secretase result in amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides of varying lengths. Most cleavages have a step size of three residues. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we determined the atomic structures of human γ-secretase bound individually to APP-C99, Aβ49, Aβ46, and Aβ43. In all cases, the substrate displays the same structural features: a transmembrane α-helix, a three-residue linker, and a β-strand that forms a hybrid β-sheet with presenilin 1 (PS1). Proteolytic cleavage occurs just ahead of the substrate β-strand. Each cleavage is followed by unwinding and translocation of the substrate α-helix by one turn and the formation of a new β-strand. This mechanism is consistent with existing biochemical data and may explain the cleavages of other substrates by γ-secretase.
Peter Higgs (1929–2024)
Authors: Quigg Chris
Published: June 2024

Physicist who lent his name to the Higgs boson
Little-known virus is on the rise in South America
Authors: Moutinho Sofia
Published: June 2024

Deforestation and climate change may be helping Oropouche virus spread far beyond the Amazon Basin
‘Google for DNA’ indexes 10% of world’s known sequence data
Authors: Offord Catherine
Published: June 2024

Achievement demonstrates feasibility of making all of life’s code easily searchable, researchers say
Detection of naturally acquired, strain-transcending antibodies against rosetting
Plasmodium falciparum
strains in humans
Authors: McLean Florence E. , Azasi Yvonne , Sutherland Cameron , Toboh Emmanuel , Ansong Daniel , Agbenyega Tsiri , Awandare Gordon , Rowe J. Alexandra
Published: June 2024

Strain-transcending antibodies against virulence-associated subsets of
P. falciparum
-infected erythrocyte surface antigens could protect children from severe malaria. However, the evidence supporting the existence of such antibodies is incomplete and inconsistent. One subset of surface antigens associated with severe malaria, rosette-mediating
Plasmodium falciparum
Erythrocyte Membrane Protein one (PfEMP1) variants, cause infected erythrocytes to bind to uninfected erythrocytes to form clusters of cells (rosettes) that contribute to microvascular obstruction and pathology. Here, we tested plasma from 80 individuals living in malaria-endemic regions for IgG recognition of the surface of four
P. falciparum
rosetting strains using flow cytometry. Broadly reactive plasma samples were then used in antibody elution experiments in which intact IgG was eluted from the surface of infected erythrocytes and transferred to heterologous rosetting strains to look for strain-transcending antibodies. We found that seroprevalence (percentage of positive plasma samples) against allopatric rosetting strains was high in adults (63%–93%) but lower in children (13%–48%). Strain-transcending antibodies were present in nine out of eleven eluted antibody experiments, with six of these recognizing multiple heterologous rosetting parasite strains. One eluate had rosette-disrupting activity against heterologous strains, suggesting PfEMP1 as the likely target of the strain-transcending antibodies. Naturally acquired strain-transcending antibodies to rosetting
P. falciparum
strains in humans have not been directly demonstrated previously. Their existence suggests that such antibodies could play a role in clinical protection and raises the possibility that conserved epitopes recognized by strain-transcending antibodies could be targeted therapeutically by monoclonal antibodies or vaccines.
Siah2- and LRSAM1-mediated K63-linked ubiquitination of snakehead vesiculovirus nucleoprotein facilitates viral replication
Authors: Jiang Ningyan , Zhao Hongyan , Qin Xiangmou , Zhang Yong-An , Tu Jiagang
Published: June 2024

Nucleoprotein (N) is well known for its function in the encapsidation of the genomic RNAs of negative-strand RNA viruses, which leads to the formation of ribonucleoproteins that serve as templates for viral transcription and replication. However, the function of the N protein in other aspects during viral infection is far from clear. In this study, the N protein of snakehead vesiculovirus (SHVV), a kind of fish rhabdovirus, was proved to be ubiquitinated mainly via K63-linked ubiquitination. We identified nine host E3 ubiquitin ligases that interacted with SHVV N, among which seven E3 ubiquitin ligases facilitated ubiquitination of the N protein. Further investigation revealed that only two E3 ubiquitin ligases, Siah E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (Siah2) and leucine-rich repeat and sterile alpha motif containing 1 (LRSAM1), mediated K63-linked ubiquitination of the N protein. SHVV infection upregulated the expression of Siah2 and LRSAM1, which maintained the stability of SHVV N. Besides, overexpression of Siah2 or LRSAM1 promoted SHVV replication, while knockdown of Siah2 or LRSAM1 inhibited SHVV replication. Deletion of the ligase domain of Siah2 or LRSAM1 did not affect their interactions with SHVV N but reduced the K63-linked ubiquitination of SHVV N and SHVV replication. In summary, Siah2 and LRSAM1 mediate K63-linked ubiquitination of SHVV N to facilitate SHVV replication, which provides novel insights into the role of the N proteins of negative-strand RNA viruses.

IMPORTANCE

Ubiquitination of viral protein plays an important role in viral replication. However, the ubiquitination of the nucleoprotein (N) of negative-strand RNA viruses has rarely been investigated. This study aimed at investigating the ubiquitination of the N protein of a fish rhabdovirus SHVV (snakehead vesiculovirus), identifying the related host E3 ubiquitin ligases, and determining the role of SHVV N ubiquitination and host E3 ubiquitin ligases in viral replication. We found that SHVV N was ubiquitinated mainly via K63-linked ubiquitination, which was mediated by host E3 ubiquitin ligases Siah2 (Siah E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2) and LRSAM1 (leucine-rich repeat and sterile alpha motif containing 1). The data suggested that Siah2 and LRSAM1 were hijacked by SHVV to ubiquitinate the N protein for viral replication, which exhibited novel anti-SHVV targets for drug design.
Comparative genomic analysis of
Bradyrhizobium
strains with natural variability in the efficiency of nitrogen fixation, competitiveness, and adaptation to stressful edaphoclimatic conditions
Authors: Klepa Milena Serenato , diCenzo George Colin , Hungria Mariangela
Published: June 2024

Bradyrhizobium
is known for fixing atmospheric nitrogen in symbiosis with agronomically important crops. This study focused on two groups of strains, each containing eight natural variants of the parental strains,
Bradyrhizobium japonicum
SEMIA 586 (=CNPSo 17) or
Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens
SEMIA 566 (=CNPSo 10). CNPSo 17 and CNPSo 10 were used as commercial inoculants for soybean crops in Brazil at the beginning of the crop expansion in the southern region in the 1960s–1970s. Variants derived from these parental strains were obtained in the late 1980s through a strain selection program aimed at identifying elite strains adapted to a new cropping frontier in the central-western Cerrado region, with a higher capacity of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and competitiveness. Here, we aimed to detect genetic variations possibly related to BNF, competitiveness for nodule occupancy, and adaptation to the stressful conditions of the Brazilian Cerrado soils. High-quality genome assemblies were produced for all strains. The core genome phylogeny revealed that strains of each group are closely related, as confirmed by high average nucleotide identity values. However, variants accumulated divergences resulting from horizontal gene transfer, genomic rearrangements, and nucleotide polymorphisms. The
B. japonicum
group presented a larger pangenome and a higher number of nucleotide polymorphisms than the
B. diazoefficiens
group, possibly due to its longer adaptation time to the Cerrado soil. Interestingly, five strains of the
B. japonicum
group carry two plasmids. The genetic variability found in both groups is discussed considering the observed differences in their BNF capacity, competitiveness for nodule occupancy, and environmental adaptation.

IMPORTANCE

Today, Brazil is a global leader in the study and use of biological nitrogen fixation with soybean crops. As Brazilian soils are naturally void of soybean-compatible bradyrhizobia, strain selection programs were established, starting with foreign isolates. Selection searched for adaptation to the local edaphoclimatic conditions, higher efficiency of nitrogen fixation, and strong competitiveness for nodule occupancy. We analyzed the genomes of two parental strains of
Bradyrhizobium japonicum
and
Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens
and eight variant strains derived from each parental strain. We detected two plasmids in five strains and several genetic differences that might be related to adaptation to the stressful conditions of the soils of the Brazilian Cerrado biome. We also detected genetic variations in specific regions that may impact symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Our analysis contributes to new insights into the evolution of
Bradyrhizobium
, and some of the identified differences may be applied as genetic markers to assist strain selection programs.
Illness perceptions, experiences of stigma and engagement in functional neurological disorder (FND): exploring the role of multidisciplinary group education sessions
Authors: Bailey Cate , Agrawal Niruj , Cope Sarah , Proctor Barnaby , Mildon Bridget , Butler Matt , Holt Kate , Edwards Mark , Poole Norman , Nicholson Timothy R
Published: June 2024

Background

A critical first step in managing functional neurological disorder (FND) is a positive diagnosis and clear explanation using an understandable illness model. Multidisciplinary group education sessions are one way to achieve this, with some evidence they improve understanding, confidence in diagnosis and outcomes with further treatment. In many conditions, illness perceptions and stigma affect distress, functioning, quality of life and engagement. Exploring relationships between these factors could lead to deeper understanding of the impact of education.

Methods

Questionnaires assessing illness perceptions, quality of life, mood, anxiety, comorbidities, treatment engagement and stigma (both experienced and anticipated) were completed before, immediately and 1 month after a multidisciplinary online group education session for FND at a regional neurosciences centre. Free-text data on causal attributions and needs were also collected.

Results

166 patients attended online education sessions from January 2022 to July 2023; 61 (37%) completed presession surveys, 42 (25%) completed postsession and 35 (21%) completed 1 month postsession surveys. Patients reported multiple comorbidities, poor quality of life, functioning and high levels of stigma. Illness perception scores indicated FND as threatening, mysterious and unpredictable, with low personal or treatment control over symptoms. Illness coherence/understanding (mean difference 2.27, p<0.01, 95% CI 1.22 to 4.23) and engagement (mean difference 2.42, p<0.01, 95% CI 0.46 to 4.36) increased after the session. There were no significant changes in stigma, distress, sense of control or anticipated discrimination. Free-text analysis revealed stress and trauma as the most common causal attributions, followed by physical illnesses. Patients requested personalised formulations, practical disability advice, help with explaining the condition to others (eg, employers), peer support and treatment.

Conclusion

Multidisciplinary group FND education sessions potentially improve patient understanding and engagement. Clinicians should consider the possible benefits of personalised formulations and linking to practical and peer support. Further work assessing illness perceptions is needed, such as adapting measures for FND.
Reflections on the CODES trial for adults with dissociative seizures: what we found and considerations for future studies
Authors: Goldstein Laura H , Stone Jon , Reuber Markus , Landau Sabine , Robinson Emily J , Carson Alan , Medford Nick , Chalder Trudie
Published: June 2024

The COgnitive behavioural therapy versus standardised medical care for adults with Dissociative non-Epileptic Seizures multicentre randomised controlled trial is the largest, fully-powered study to test the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a psychotherapeutic intervention in this population. We also explored predictors or moderators of outcomes and investigated mechanisms of change in therapy. In this current review of findings, we discuss issues related to the design of the trial and consider the study’s nested qualitative studies which were undertaken not only to shed light on the original research questions but to provide insights and recommendations for other researchers in the field of functional neurological disorder. Finally, we consider issues relating to the possible clinical application of our study findings.
Heartbeat evoked potentials and autonomic arousal during dissociative seizures: insights from electrophysiology and neuroimaging
Authors: Flasbeck Vera , Jungilligens Johannes , Lemke Isabell , Beckers Jule , Öztürk Hilal , Wellmer Jörg , Seliger Corinna , Juckel Georg , Popkirov Stoyan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Dissociative seizures often occur in the context of dysregulated affective arousal and entail dissociative symptoms such as a disintegration of bodily awareness. However, the interplay between affective arousal and changes in interoceptive processing at the onset of dissociative seizures is not well understood.

Methods

Using retrospective routine data obtained from video-electroencephalography telemetry in a university hospital epilepsy monitoring unit, we investigate ictal changes in cardiac indices of autonomic arousal and heartbeat evoked potentials (HEPs) in 24 patients with dissociative seizures.

Results

Results show autonomic arousal during seizures with increased heart rate and a shift towards sympathetic activity. Compared with baseline, ictal HEP amplitudes over central and right prefrontal electrodes (F8, Fz) were significantly less pronounced during seizures, suggesting diminished cortical representation of interoceptive information. Significant correlations between heart rate variability measures and HEPs were observed at baseline, with more sympathetic and less parasympathetic activity related to less pronounced HEPs. Interestingly, these relationships weakened during seizures, suggesting a disintegration of autonomic arousal and interoceptive processing during dissociative seizures. In a subgroup of 16 patients, MRI-based cortical thickness analysis found a correlation with HEP amplitudes in the left somatosensory association cortex.

Conclusions

These findings possibly represent an electrophysiological hint of how autonomic arousal could negatively impact bodily awareness in dissociative seizures, and how these processes might be related to underlying brain structure.
Quality of life, functioning and participation of adult patients with an amputation following complex regional pain syndrome I or brachial plexus injury: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Domerchie Patrick , van Kammen Klaske , van Wijk Iris , Lange Maaike , Van der Sluis Corry K
Published: June 2024

Introduction

This planned scoping review aims to provide insight into current literature regarding perceived quality of life (QoL), functioning and participation of patients with upper limb amputations (ULA) because of therapy-resistant debilitating complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I) or brachial plexus injury (BPI). It is important to gain insight into these outcomes, so we can properly inform and select patients eligible for amputation.

Methods and analysis

Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews, Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Scoping Reviews guidelines and Arksey and O’Malley’s framework will be used. Studies regarding adult patients with either BPI or CRPS-I who underwent ULA will be considered for inclusion. Studies should include one or more of the following topics: QoL, functioning or participation and should be written in English, German or Dutch. Searches will be conducted in the Cochrane database, PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar. Search strings will be provided by a licenced librarian. All relevant literatures will be considered for inclusion, regardless of published date, in order to give a full scope of available literature. Studies will be selected first by title, then abstract and finally by full article by two reviewers who will discuss after every round. A third reviewer will make final decisions to reach consensus if needed. Data will be presented as brief summaries and in tables using a modified data extraction table.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required since no original data will be collected. Results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentations at (inter)national conferences.
Effectiveness of self-management programmes for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Iyngkaran Pupalan , Buhler Monika , de Courten Maximilian , Hanna Fahad
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Chronic disease self-management (CDSM) is a vital component of congestive heart failure (CHF) programmes. Recent CHF guidelines have downgraded CDSM programmes citing a lack of gold-standard evidence. This protocol describes the aims and methods of a systematic review to collate and synthesise the published research evidence to determine the effectiveness of CDSM programmes and interventions for patients treated for CHF.

Methods

Medline, PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, the Science Citation Index and registers of clinical trials will be searched from 1966 to 2024. In addition, the reference lists of shortlisted articles will be reviewed. Randomised controlled trials, with case management interventions of CDSM and CHF with reported major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), will be extracted and analysed. There is no restriction on language. Study protocol template developed from Cochrane Collaboration and Reporting adheres to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol guidelines for systematic review and meta-analyses 2020. Two independent authors will apply inclusions and exclusion criteria to limit article search and assess bias and certainty of evidence rating. Data extraction and study description of included studies will include quality appraisal of studies and quantitative synthesis of data will then be undertaken to ascertain evidence for the study aims. Subgroup analyses will be conducted for different CDSM programmes. The primary outcome will be a significant change in MACE parameters between intervention and control arms. Meta-analysis will be conducted using statistical software, if feasible.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not sought as the study is not collecting primary patient data. The results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific journals and also presented to audiences through meetings and scientific conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023431539.
Barriers to and facilitators of paediatric medical device innovation: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Kysh Lynn , Zapotoczny Grzegorz , Manzanete Lisa , Carey Megan , Shah Payal , Joseph Francesca , Kempf Haley , Sikder Abu Taher , Finkel Julia , Thekkedath Usha , Toman Kara , Koh Chester J , Eskandanian Kolaleh , Espinoza Juan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The development of paediatric medical devices continues to lag adult medical devices and contributes to issues of inequity, safety, quality and patient outcomes. New legislation and funding mechanisms have been introduced over the past two decades, but the gap remains. Clinical trials have been identified as a pain point, but components of effective clinical research infrastructure are poorly understood. As part of a multimodal research strategy, the Pediatric Device Consortia (PDC) will conduct a scoping review to better understand infrastructural barriers to and facilitators of paediatric medical device clinical research identified in the health sciences literature.

Methods and analysis

The following databases will be included for this review: Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science and IEEE Xplore. Additional grey literature will be sought out through Google Scholar and reviewing the citations of included studies. Included studies will discuss medical devices according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classification, focus on the paediatric population (ages 0–21 years) and involve human premarket or postmarket research. All study types that were published in 2007–present in English, Spanish, French or Italian will be included. Using Covidence web-based software, two independent reviewers will screen the resulting titles, abstracts and the full text of potential studies. Conflicts will be resolved by the primary investigator during both phases. REDCap will be used for quantitative and qualitative data charting, generating data tables and narrative synthesis.

Ethics and dissemination

This research did not require research ethics board consideration as it does not involve human participants and all data will be collected from published literature. We will share our findings through peer-reviewed manuscripts, clinical and research conference presentations and professional networks available to the PDC.

Study registration

Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/k72bn).
Acute postoperative pain and catastrophizing in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: a prospective, observational, single-center, cohort study
Authors: Springborg Anders Holten , Jensen Christian Bredgaard , Gromov Kirill , Troelsen Anders , Kehlet Henrik , Foss Nicolai Bang
Published: June 2024

Background and objectives

Pain catastrophizing is associated with acute pain after total knee arthroplasty. However, the association between pain catastrophizing and acute pain after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) remains unclear.

Methods

We investigated the incidence of predicted high-pain and low-pain responders, based on a preoperative Pain Catastrophizing Scale score >20 or ≤20, respectively, and the acute postoperative pain course in both groups. Patients undergoing UKA were consecutively included in this prospective observational cohort study. Pain at rest and during walking (5 m walk test) was evaluated preoperatively, at 24 hours postoperatively, and on days 2–7 using a pain diary.

Results

125 patients were included, with 101 completing the pain diary. The incidence of predicted high-pain responders was 31% (95% CI 23% to 40%). The incidence of moderate to severe pain during walking at 24 hours postoperatively was 69% (95% CI 52% to 83%) in predicted high-pain responders and 66% (95% CI 55% to 76%) in predicted low-pain responders; OR 1.3 (95% CI 0.5 to 3.1). The incidence of moderate to severe pain at rest 24 hours postoperatively was 49% (95% CI 32% to 65%) in predicted high-pain responders and 28% (95% CI 19% to 39%) in predicted low-pain responders; OR 2.6 (95% CI 1.1 to 6.1; p=0.03). Pain catastrophizing was not associated with increased cumulated pain during walking on days 2–7.

Conclusions

The incidence of predicted high-pain responders in UKA was slightly lower than reported in total knee arthroplasty. Additionally, preoperative pain catastrophizing was not associated with acute postoperative pain during walking.
Effect of an opioid-free anesthetic on postoperative opioid consumption after laparoscopic bariatric surgery: a prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Perez Josiah Joco , Strunk Joseph D , Preciado Octavio M , DeFaccio Rian J , Chang Lily C , Mallipeddi Mohan K , Deal Shanley B , Oryhan Christine L
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Opioid administration has the benefit of providing perioperative analgesia but is also associated with adverse effects. Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) may reduce postoperative opioid consumption and adverse effects after laparoscopic bariatric surgery. In this randomized controlled study, we hypothesized that an opioid-free anesthetic using lidocaine, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine would result in a clinically significant reduction in 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption when compared with an opioid-inclusive technique.

Methods

Subjects presenting for laparoscopic or robotic bariatric surgery were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either standard opioid-inclusive anesthesia (group A: control) or OFA (group B: OFA). The primary outcome was opioid consumption in the first 24 hours postoperatively in oral morphine equivalents (OMEs). Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores, patient-reported incidence of opioid-related adverse effects, hospital length of stay, patient satisfaction, and ongoing opioid use at 1 and 3 months after hospital discharge.

Results

181 subjects, 86 from the control group and 95 from the OFA group, completed the study per protocol. Analysis of the primary outcome showed no significant difference in total opioid consumption at 24 hours between the two treatment groups (control: 52 OMEs vs OFA: 55 OMEs, p=0.49). No secondary outcomes showed statistically significant differences between groups.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that an OFA protocol using dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and lidocaine for laparoscopic or robotic bariatric surgery was not associated with a reduction in 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption when compared with an opioid-inclusive technique using fentanyl.
Paediatric intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas: clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes and prognosis
Authors: Su Xin , Ma Yongjie , Song Zihao , Ye Ming , Zhang Hongqi , Zhang Peng
Published: June 2024

Background

Compared with dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) in adult, paediatric DAVFs are notable for distinct clinical manifestations, low cure rate and poor prognosis. However, due to the limitations of small sample sizes, the long-term prognosis and follow-up data have not been described.

Methods

Clinical data from 43 consecutive paediatric DAVFs were documented and analysed between 2002 and 2022 at the author’s institution. They were divided into infantile (Lasjaunias classification) and non-infantile (adult type and dural sinus malformation (DSM)) type DAVFs based on prognosis differences.

Results

Their mean age at first symptoms was 8.4±6.0 years. 29 boys and 14 girls presented between at birth and 18 years of age. 5 of 10 patients ≤1 year of age presented with asymptomatic cardiomegaly compared with 5/33 patients >1 year of age (p=0.022). 42 (88.4%) patients received endovascular treatment alone, while 9.3% underwent radiosurgery, burr hole embolisation or surgery. 28 (65.1%) patients experienced DAVF obliteration by the end of treatment. Among them, 26 cases underwent embolisation alone, one case had embolisation in conjunction with surgery, and one case underwent burr hole embolisation. The overall complication rate among patients was 9.3%, all resulting from endovascular treatment. According to the Lasjaunias Classification, there were 18 cases of adult type, 17 cases of infantile type and 8 cases of DSM. Compared with non-infantile-type DAVFs, infantile-type DAVFs showed more times of treatment, lower cure rate and worse prognosis (p<0.001, 0.003 and 0.021, respectively). The average follow-up duration was 41.4±36.2 months (3–228 months). 8 (22.9%) patients died.

Conclusions

Most adult-type DAVFs and DSMs can now be effectively treated with embolisation, resulting in good outcomes and prognosis. However, there are still challenges in treating infantile-type DAVFs, and the prognosis is frequently poor.