bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing inhaled colistin with inhaled fosfomycin/tobramycin as an adjunctive treatment for ventilator‐associated pneumonia: An open‐label randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hakamifard Atousa , Torfeh Esfahani Abbas Ali , Homayouni Alireza , Khorvash Farzin , Ataei Behrooz , Abbasi Saeed
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Although investigations are limited, adjunctive aerosolized antibiotics have been advised in the setting of gram‐negative ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP). This study aimed to compare the efficiency of inhaled colistin with inhaled fosfomycin/tobramycin in treating VAP due to extensively drug‐resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii.

Methods

This single center open‐label randomized controlled trial included 60 patients who developed XDR A. bumannii VAP. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to two groups (no. 30). Regardless of the assignment, all participants received meropenem (2 g as a 3‐h extended infusion every 8 h) plus intravenous colistin (a loading dose of 9 million IU and then 4.5 million IU every 12 h). The control group was given inhaled colistin (1 million IU every 8 h), and the case group received inhaled tobramycin/fosfomycin (300 mg every 12 h/80 mg every 12 h) as adjunctive therapy. The primary outcome was treatment duration, and the secondary outcomes were Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) trend and mortality rate in the groups. The decision to stop treatment was made by the treating physician.

Results

The mean treatment duration was 13.73 ± 3.22 days in the colistin group and 10.85 ± 2.84 days in the tobramycin/fosfomycin group; the mean treatment duration in the latter group was lower significantly (P = 0.001). CPIS was decreased in the groups significantly (P < 0.001), but the mean changes of CPIS were significantly different between the groups, and in the inhaled tobramycin/fosfomycin group, a greater reduction (P = 0.005) was observed. Two (6.67%) patients in the control group and three (10%) patients in the case group died.

Conclusion

The use of inhaled tobramycin/fosfomycin in cases with XDR A. bumannii VAP was associated with a shorter treatment duration in this open‐label trial.
Short‐term clinical outcomes and predicted cost savings of dd‐cfDNA‐led surveillance after pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Feingold Brian , Rose‐Felker Kirsten , West Shawn C. , Miller Susan A. , Zinn Matthew D.
Published: February 2023

Background

Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB)‐led surveillance is common after pediatric heart transplantation (HT), with some centers performing periodic surveillance EMBs indefinitely after HT. Donor derived cell‐free DNA (dd‐cfDNA)‐led surveillance offers an alternative, but knowledge about its clinical and economic outcomes, both key drivers of potential utilization, are lacking.

Methods

Using single‐center recipient and center‐level data, we describe clinical outcomes prior to and since transition from EMB‐led surveillance to dd‐cfDNA‐led surveillance of pediatric and young adult HT recipients. These data were then used to inform Markov models to compare costs between EMB‐led and dd‐cfDNA‐led surveillance strategies.

Results

Over 34.5 months, dd‐cfDNA‐led surveillance decreased the number of EMBs by 81.8% (95% CI 76.3%–86.5%) among 120 HT recipients (median age 13.3 years). There were no differences in the incidences of graft loss or death among all recipients followed at our center prior to and following implementation of dd‐cfDNA‐led surveillance (graft loss: 2.9 vs. 1.5 per 100 patient‐years;p= .17; mortality: 3.7 vs. 2.2 per 100 patient‐years;p= .23). Over 20 years from HT, dd‐cfDNA‐led surveillance is projected to cost $8545 less than EMB‐led surveillance. Model findings were robust in sensitivity and scenario analyses, with cost of EMB, cost of dd‐cfDNA testing, and probability of elevated dd‐cfDNA most influential on model findings.

Conclusions

dd‐cfDNA‐led surveillance shows promise as a less invasive and cost saving alternative to EMB‐led surveillance among pediatric and young adult HT recipients.
Multiple cases in case‐based learning: A qualitative description study
Authors: Perez Arnaldo , Howey Madison , Green Jacqueline L. , Nóbrega Marina Tavares Costa , Kebbe Maryam , Amin Maryam , von Bergmann HsingChi , Ganatra Seema
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Case‐based learning is widely used in health professions education to improve clinical learning, but little is known about how best to approach multiple cases in this active learning strategy. Our study explored dental student views of multiple case‐based learning in oral pathology.

Materials and methods

Qualitative description informed the study design. Data were collected through semi‐structured, individual interviews with twenty‐one third‐ and fourth‐year dental students who participated in multiple case‐based learning seminars. Data were analysed using inductive, manifest thematic analysis.

Results

Themes were identified at approach and case levels. Approach‐level themes included preparing students for clinical practice and board exams and maximising exposure (e.g., to lesions/conditions), knowledge application, and engagement within the time allotted for the learning session. Case‐level themes included using challenging but manageable cases, linking cases to lecture content, providing the necessary clinical information to solve the cases, and ensuring that cases were authentic and common with non‐typical presentations. Aspects of themes encompassed definitions of case characteristics, benefits, conditions of implementation, and recommendations for improvement.

Conclusion

Cases should be considered individually, collectively, purposefully, and contextually in multiple case‐based learning. Evaluations of learning and behavioural outcome are needed to further establish the effectiveness of approaches and case characteristics in multiple case‐based learning.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of respiratory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease
Authors: McMahon Laura , Blake Catherine , Lennon Olive
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Respiratory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) is common and associated with increased hospital admission and mortality rates. Central and peripheral mechanisms have been proposed in PD. To date no systematic review identifies the extent and type of respiratory impairments in PD compared with healthy controls.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Pedro, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and OpenGrey were searched from inception to December 2021 to identify case–control studies reporting respiratory measures in PD and matched controls.

Results

Thirty‐nine studies met inclusion criteria, the majority with low risk of bias across Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non‐randomized Studies (RoBANS) domains. Data permitted pooled analysis for 26 distinct respiratory measures. High‐to‐moderate certainty evidence of impairment in PD was identified for vital capacity (standardised mean difference [SMD] 0.75; 95% CI 0.45–1.05; p < 0.00001; I2 = 10%), total chest wall volume (SMD 0.38; 95% CI 0.09–0.68; p = 0.01; I2 = 0%), maximum inspiratory pressure (SMD 0.91; 95% CI 0.64–1.19; p < 0.00001; I2 = 43%) and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SMD 0.58; 95% CI 0.30–0.87; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%). Sensitivity analysis provided high‐moderate certainty evidence of impairment for forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s during medication ON phases and increased respiratory rate during OFF phases. Lower certainty evidence identified impairments in PD for maximum expiratory pressure, tidal volume, maximum voluntary ventilation and peak cough flow.

Conclusions

Strong evidence supports a restrictive pattern with inspiratory muscle weakness in PD compared with healthy controls. Limited data for central impairment were identified with inconclusive findings.
Pathophysiology of generalized pustular psoriasis
Authors: Young Kelly Z. , Sarkar Mrinal K. , Gudjonsson Johann E.
Published: February 2023

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune‐mediated skin disease that affects over 3% of adults in the United States. Psoriasis can present in several clinical forms. Of these, generalized pustular psoriasis is an acute, severe form, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Unlike the more common plaque psoriasis, which is thought to feature dysregulation of the adaptive immune system, generalized pustular psoriasis reflects heightened autoinflammatory responses. Recent advances in genetic and immunological studies highlight a key role of the IL‐36 immune axis in the pathogenesis of generalized pustular psoriasis. In this article, we review the psoriatic subtypes and discuss diagnostic criteria of generalized pustular psoriasis, discuss several newly identified genetic variants associated with pustular disease in the skin, and discuss how these mutations shed light on pustular disease mechanisms. Furthermore, we gather insights from recent transcriptomic studies that similarly implicate a pathogenic role of the IL‐36 immune axis in generalized pustular psoriasis.
A carbonate corrosion experiment at a marine methane seep: The role of aerobic methanotrophic bacteria
Authors: Cordova‐Gonzalez Alexmar , Birgel Daniel , Wisshak Max , Urich Tim , Brinkmann Florian , Marcon Yann , Bohrmann Gerhard , Peckmann Jörn
Published: February 2023

Methane seeps are typified by the formation of authigenic carbonates, many of which exhibit corrosion surfaces and secondary porosity believed to be caused by microbial carbonate dissolution. Aerobic methane oxidation and sulfur oxidation are two processes capable of inducing carbonate corrosion at methane seeps. Although the potential of aerobic methanotrophy to dissolve carbonate was confirmed in laboratory experiments, this process has not been studied in the environment to date. Here, we report on a carbonate corrosion experiment carried out in the REGAB Pockmark, Gabon‐Congo‐Angola passive margin, in which marble cubes were deployed for 2.5 years at two sites (CAB‐B and CAB‐C) with apparent active methane seepage and one site (CAB‐D) without methane seepage. Marble cubes exposed to active seepage (experiment CAB‐C) were found to be affected by a new type of microbioerosion. Based on 16S rRNA gene analysis, the biofilms adhering to the bioeroded marble mostly consisted of aerobic methanotrophic bacteria, predominantly belonging to the uncultured Hyd24‐01 clade. The presence of abundant 13C‐depleted lipid biomarkers including fatty acids (n‐C16:1ω8c, n‐C18:1ω8c, n‐C16:1ω5t), various 4‐mono‐ and 4,4‐dimethyl sterols, and diplopterol agrees with the dominance of aerobic methanotrophs in the CAB‐C biofilms. Among the lipids of aerobic methanotrophs, the uncommon 4α‐methylcholest‐8(14)‐en‐3β,25‐diol is interpreted to be a specific biomarker for the Hyd24‐01 clade. The combination of textural, genetic, and organic geochemical evidence suggests that aerobic methanotrophs are the main drivers of carbonate dissolution observed in the CAB‐C experiment at the REGAB pockmark.
Challenges and policies for promoting internationalization—The case of Iranian public universities
Authors: Moshtari Mohammad , Delbakhsh Sorour , Ghorbani Maryam
Published: February 2023

The global knowledge economy has turned higher education into a key player in societal development. Internationalization benefits higher education institutions in several aspects, such as improvement and visibility in international rankings, revenue generation via tuition fees and external funding, improvement of research and teaching quality, integration with academic communities and familiarization with scholarly attitudes. In this study, we provide insights into the challenges of internationalization faced by higher education institutions in Iran as a developing country. Several policies and practices have been adopted in Iran to improve internationalization efforts; however, these activities have had little impact on the quality of research and educational programs at Iran's universities. Understanding the challenges they face in a systematic way can help identify different factors and develop a set of suggestions to increase the quality and quantity of international cooperation. We formulate our suggestions based on the opportunities provided by the digitalization solutions in the aftermath of the COVID‐19 pandemic and the increasing importance of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals in both global and national environments. We interviewed 15 faculty members in Iranian higher education institutions and 14 managers in charge of international affairs at universities in Iran. In addition, data extracted from three forums on Iranian higher education internationalization are analysed. Using a grounded theory approach, we group the challenges into macro‐, institutional and individual levels and then suggest a number of practices and policies to increase the quantity and quality of internationalization efforts.
Pickering emulsion co‐stabilised by cellulose nanocrystals and astragalin/tangeretin: effect of environmental factors
Authors: Shi Yingping , Sun Hongnan , Mu Taihua , Sun Aidong , Zhu Lili
Published: February 2023

This study aims to reveal the stability of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and astragalin/tangeretin co‐stabilised Pickering emulsion under different environmental factors such as ionic strengths, pH values, thermal treatment, freeze–thaw treatment, sodium ascorbate, and storage condition. Results showed that the astragalin and CNCs co‐stabilised Pickering emulsion (AST‐CPE) could maintain a stable appearance, typical spherical morphology droplets, and steady physical stability under various conditions, including ionic strength at low 20 mm, pH values 2–8, thermal treatment (65, 85, and 135 °C), the addition of sodium ascorbate, and storage at 4 °C for 35 days. It is noteworthy that AST‐CPE showed higher emulsion physical stability at pH 2 (56.67%) and pH 8 (53.33%). The co‐stabilised Pickering emulsion structure has a firm and physically stable system. Moreover, it could effectively protect the bioactive substance by expanding its application in food delivery vehicles.
The long‐term experience of being a family caregiver of patients surgically treated for oesophageal cancer
Authors: Ringborg Cecilia H. , Wengström Yvonne , Schandl Anna , Lagergren Pernilla
Published: February 2023

Aim

This qualitative study aimed to explore the experience of being family caregivers of patients treated for oesophageal cancer 2 years after treatment. To better understand the family caregiver's situation, a conceptual model was used in the analysis. The results of the study can guide future interventions to support family caregivers of patients treated for oesophageal cancer.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study using semi‐structured telephone interviews. An abductive approach was used in the analysis to reach deeper knowledge about the family caregivers' experiences and to better understand deeper patterns.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted and included 13 family caregivers of patients surgically treated for oesophageal cancer in Sweden in 2018 who participated in a population‐based nationwide cohort study. Individual telephone interviews were held in 2020, 2 years after the patients' surgery. The analysis of the interviews started with an inductive approach using thematic analysis. Thereafter, a deductive approach was used to interpret the findings in relation to the conceptual model, The Cancer Family Caregiving Experience.

Results

The most essential/evident stress factors for the family caregivers were distress regarding the patients' nutrition, fear of tumour recurrence and worry about the future. In addition, a transition was experienced, going from a family member to a caregiver, and the many psychosocial aspects of this transition were highlighted during the disease trajectory.

Conclusion

Despite, the long‐term survival of the patient, family caregivers were still struggling with psychosocial consequences because of the patient's cancer diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, there is a need to improve supportive interventions for family caregivers during the whole disease trajectory.

Impact

The current study includes comprehensive information about the family caregivers' experiences when caring for a patient treated for oesophageal cancer. Family caregivers struggle with the psychosocial consequences of the patient's cancer and worry about tumour recurrence even 2 years after surgery. These findings can be useful in the development of supportive interventions, which may facilitate life for family caregivers.

Patient or Public Contribution

The study was discussed and planned together with our research partnership group including patients and family caregivers. In addition, the manuscript was reviewed by some of the members to cross‐check the results and discussed them to avoid misinterpretation.
The clinical decision‐making process involved in end of life care for people with dementia in primary care: A protocol paper
Authors: Smith Cathryn , Gill Paul , Baillie Jessica
Published: February 2023

Aim

This article is a report of a study protocol designed to explore what factors inform healthcare professionals' clinical decision‐making when providing end of life care for people with dementia in primary care.

Design

The proposed study will adopt a qualitative study design, utilizing an ethnographic approach.

Methods

A mixed sample group of registered healthcare professionals, including district nurses, specialist nurses and general practitioners, will be purposively sampled and recruited from one health board in Wales, which will cover three settings in primary care. A multi‐method approach will be utilized to provide rich data, including non‐participant observation, semi‐structured interviews, and review of key documents. Data will be managed using NVivo 12 and analysed thematically. Ethics approval was gained in April 2022.

Discussion

Little is known about the end of life care decision‐making process of healthcare professionals caring for people with dementia in primary care settings. This study will therefore address this pertinent gap. The study findings may also be transferable to healthcare professionals working in similar clinical settings across the UK.

Impact

It is anticipated that this study will inform the subsequent development of an intervention that can be used by healthcare professionals to support decision making and subsequently the provision of quality end of life care in primary care for people with dementia.
Does the microbiome play a role in the pathogenesis of colonic diverticular disease? A systematic review
Authors: Cameron Raquel , Duncanson Kerith , Hoedt Emily C , Eslick Guy D , Burns Grace L , Nieva Cheenie , Keely Simon , Walker Marjorie M , Talley Nicholas J
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

The role of the microbiota in diverticulosis and diverticular disease is underexplored. This systematic review aimed to assess all literature pertaining to the microbiota and metabolome associations in asymptomatic diverticulosis, symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD), and diverticulitis pathophysiology.

Methods

Seven databases were searched for relevant studies published up to September 28, 2022. Data were screened in Covidence and extracted to Excel. Critical appraisal was undertaken using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for case/control studies.

Results

Of the 413 papers screened by title and abstract, 48 full‐text papers were reviewed in detail with 12 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Overall, alpha and beta diversity were unchanged in diverticulosis; however, significant changes in alpha diversity were evident in diverticulitis. A similar Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio compared with controls was reported across studies. The genus‐level comparisons showed no relationship with diverticular disease. Butyrate‐producing microbial species were decreased in abundance, suggesting a possible contribution to the pathogenesis of diverticular disease. Comamonas species was significantly increased in asymptomatic diverticulosis patients who later developed diverticulitis. Metabolome analysis reported significant differences in diverticulosis and SUDD, with upregulated uracil being the most consistent outcome in both. No significant differences were reported in the mycobiome.

Conclusion

Overall, there is no convincing evidence of microbial dysbiosis in colonic diverticula to suggest that the microbiota contributes to the pathogenesis of asymptomatic diverticulosis, SUDD, or diverticular disease. Future research investigating microbiota involvement in colonic diverticula should consider an investigation of mucosa‐associated microbial changes within the colonic diverticulum itself.
“Why wait?”: Early marriage among Southern college students
Authors: Allison Rachel
Published: February 2023

Objective

The aim of this analysis is to understand why young adult students in the US South marry in college or shortly afterwards.

Background

While the median age at first marriage in the United States has risen and marriage delay has become culturally normative, a substantial minority of young adults marry in their late teens or early 20's, particularly in the US South. Young adult college students who marry negotiate conflicting imperatives of marriage and educational attainment, and how these are negotiated or resolved sheds light on the social, cultural, and economic forces that inform family formation.

Method

This study draws from in‐depth interviews conducted with 45 18–23‐year‐old engaged or married college students in Mississippi.

Results

Entering college, most participants had expected to marry close to median ages, with marriage perceived as a hindrance to educational achievement. This marriage timeline was negotiated downwards with the influence of four interrelated factors: personal orientation to marriage; a marriage‐oriented culture, being in the “right” relationship; and social and financial supports for marriage.

Conclusion

The norm of marriage delay that these young adults embraced became perceived as inapplicable given evidence that marriage would not compromise college completion or financial stability. There were also social and cultural pressures toward marriage. “Why wait?” captures participants' sense of few barriers but clear incentives to marriage. Incentives were sometimes financial but also social, as marriage enabled students to establish themselves as more mature than peers.
Rural communities face more than an opioid crisis: Reimagining funding assistance to address polysubstance use, associated health problems, and limited rural service capacity
Authors: Carpenedo Mun Carolyn , Schuler Heather , Baker Robin , Byrne Fraser , Bresani Elena , Meyers Kathleen
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Rural communities in the United States face unique challenges related to the opioid epidemic. This paper explores the substances and substance‐related health problems that pose the greatest concern to rural communities that received funding to address the opioid epidemic and examines their reported capacity to address these challenges.

Methods

This paper analyzed data collected as part of quarterly progress reporting from multisector consortiums across 2 cohorts of grantees funded to reduce the morbidity and mortality of opioids. Consortium project directors ranked the top 3 issues in their community in each of the following categories: (1) drugs of concern; (2) drugs with the least capacity to address; (3) related problem areas of concern (eg, neonatal abstinence syndrome [NAS]); and (4) related problem areas with the least capacity to address.

Findings

Methamphetamines, fentanyl, and alcohol were the substances rated as most problematic in rural communities funded to address the opioid epidemic across all reporting periods. Over 40% of respondents ranked methamphetamine as a top concern and the substance they had the least capacity to address. This was nearly double the percentage of the next highest‐ranked substance (fentanyl). Overdoses, NAS, and viral hepatitis constituted the top‐ranking related concerns, with limited capacity to address them.

Conclusions

Multiple drug and concomitant problems coalesced on rural communities during the opioid epidemic. Funding communities to address substance use disorders and related problems of concern, rather than targeting funding toward a specific type of drug, may result in better health outcomes throughout the entire community.
When to Preach About Poverty: How Location, Race, and Ideology Shape White Evangelical Sermons
Authors: Guhin Jeffrey , Holman Mirya , Coan Travis , Boussalis Constantine
Published: February 2023

Social scientists have long been interested in how intergroup contact or elite messaging can reduce or eliminate racial biases. To better understand the role of religious elites in these political questions, we show how a church location's income and racial characteristics interact with racial and economic ideologies to shape the political content of sermons. Testing our theories through both quantitative and qualitative analysis of an original data set of more than 102,000 sermons from more than 5200 pastors, we show that contact is only effective as a means of decreasing prejudice to the extent that actors—in our case, pastors—are ideologically capable of reconciling their potential role in economic inequality. White Evangelical pastors rarely preach about issues of poverty or racial justice overall, but the context of the preaching matters. We find that the greater the share of Black population there is in a church community, the less likely White Evangelical pastors are to mention issues of poverty or racial justice, and when they do mention it, they hold to ideological commitments that avoid blaming systems for racialized economic inequality.
Artificial intelligence as object of intellectual property in Indonesian law
Authors: Ramli Tasya S. , Ramli Ahmad M. , Mayana Ranti F. , Ramadayanti Ega , Fauzi Rizki
Published: February 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) has an important role in digital transformation worldwide, including in Indonesia. AI itself is a simulation of human intelligence that is modeled in machines and programmed to think like humans. At the time AI and the Internet of Things are connected, it can, in principle, act on data without the need for human intervention. AI was originally created by humans as a consequence of the massive digital revolution. Recently, AI has also developed rapidly to perform functions like humans and even produce works of intellectual property like humans, such as creating songs, making new inventions, making industrial designs, and so on. Thus, it is a question whether AI can be qualified as a legal subject of creator, inventor or designer and then register as intellectual property. This research answers this question from the perspective of Indonesian law based on Copyright Law, Patent Law, Industrial Design Law, as well as Trademark Law, and Geographical Indications as the existing Indonesian laws.
Standardised and referenced acoustic monitoring reliably estimates bat fatalities at wind turbines: comments on ‘Limitations of acoustic monitoring at wind turbines to evaluate fatality risk of bats’
Authors: Behr Oliver , Barré Kévin , Bontadina Fabio , Brinkmann Robert , Dietz Markus , Disca Thierry , Froidevaux Jérémy S. P. , Ghanem Simon , Huemer Senta , Hurst Johanna , Kaminsky Stefan K. , Kelm Volker , Korner‐Nievergelt Fränzi , Lauper Mirco , Lintott Paul , Newman Christian , Peterson Trevor , Proksch Jasmin , Roemer Charlotte , Schorcht Wigbert , Nagy Martina
Published: February 2023

Voigt et al. (2021) provide a thorough analysis of the restrictions inherent to the estimation of bat abundance from acoustic surveys, and conclude that limitations of acoustic monitoring impede the reliable evaluation of bat fatalities at wind turbines. We argue that acoustic data recorded at the nacelle of wind turbines have been experimentally validated as a useful and appropriate measure of bat collisions. Therefore, acoustic data can be used to estimate bat fatalities at wind turbines, provided a referenced and standardised protocol for data acquisition and analysis is used.
Smoothing out the misconceptions of the role of bark roughness in vascular epiphyte attachment
Authors: Tay Jessica Y. L. , Zotz Gerhard , Einzmann Helena J. R.
Published: February 2023

Vascular epiphytes represent c. 10% of all vascular plant species. In epiphytes, attachment is essential for survival throughout consecutive ontogenetic stages of their life, starting with: (1) initial propagule attachment to the host; followed by (2) the development of first root‐substrate connections; and (3) maintenance of this attachment despite increased size and mechanical disturbances by rain, wind, or crossing animals. Although structural dependence on a host is a defining characteristic of an epiphyte, the fundamental mechanism(s) of how these plants initially attach and remain attached to their hosts remain poorly understood. Bark characteristics such as stability and roughness have been highlighted as keys to an understanding of this connection. Here, we stress that the understanding of how an epiphyte attaches itself to the substrate is central for a meaningful quantification and interpretation of bark roughness. Without explicit information on the attachment mechanism or the relative sizes of the attaching structures, simply linking a haphazardly chosen index of bark roughness to epiphyte establishment is flawed. This review introduces a conceptual framework to explain the mechanistic link between epiphytes and host in different ontogenetic stages and should guide future work designed to improve our understanding of this vital part of epiphyte ecology.
Oral lesions with immunohistochemical evidence of Sars‐CoV‐2 in swab‐negative post‐COVID syndrome
Authors: Limongelli Luisa , Favia Gianfranco , Maiorano Eugenio , D'Amati Antonio , Pispero Alberto , Ingravallo Giuseppe , Barile Giuseppe , Tempesta Angela , Dell'Olio Fabio , Siciliani Rosaria Arianna , Capodiferro Saverio
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Growing evidence exists about post‐COVID condition/syndrome as sequelae of Sars‐CoV‐2 infection in healed patients, possibly involving the lungs, brain, kidney, cardiovascular and neuromuscular system, as well the persistency of taste dysfunction. Such symptoms develop during or after infection and continue for more than 12 weeks with pathogenesis related to virus persistency but variable by organs or systems.

Materials and Methods

We recently observed six patients recovered from COVID‐19 and with negative RT‐PCR testing, showing oral mucosa lesions (mainly ulcers) overlapping those occurring in the acute phase, persisting up to 20 days and thus needing a biopsy with histological investigation and spike protein evaluation by immunohistochemistry.

Results

We found epithelial ulceration, inflammatory infiltrate, vessels with increased diameter and flattened endothelium but no thrombi formation; also, we found a weak epithelial SARS‐CoV‐2 positivity limited to the basal/spinosum layers, progressively decreasing toward the periphery, and the intraepithelial lymphomonocytes, endothelium, and perivascular pericytes too.

Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence that SARS‐CoV‐2 can persist, as for other organs/systems, also in the oral epithelium/mucosa after the acute phase and can be responsible for lesions, although by a pathogenetic mechanism that should be better defined but certainly referable as the oral mucosa counterpart of post‐COVID syndrome.
Bacterial predation of a fungal wheat pathogen: Prelude to experimental evolution of enhanced biocontrol agents
Authors: Eisner Sabrina A. , Fiegna Francesca , McDonald Bruce A. , Velicer Gregory J.
Published: February 2023

Research to identify appropriate biological agents for controlling pathogens might exploit experimental evolution to select for enhanced antagonism against pathogens. We developed an experimental regime facilitating this approach, featuring the bacterial broad‐spectrum predator Myxococcus xanthus and the fungal wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. We demonstrate that Z. tritici, a major cause of crop loss and fungicide use worldwide, both fuels growth of and is killed by M. xanthus on wheat straw, a probable source of seedling infection. M. xanthus was found capable of growth on moistened straw alone, unaided by Z. tritici, in a manner dependent on both M. xanthus initial density and on how long straw was moistened before M. xanthus inoculation. Such growth of non‐cellulolytic myxobacteria on plant detritus may have implications for understanding their roles in nutrient cycling. However, straw with Z. tritici was found to fuel greater M. xanthus growth than straw alone under many conditions. After shorter moistening periods, growth by low‐density M. xanthus populations was found to be fully dependent on Z. tritici. Such pathogen‐dependent M. xanthus populations could be sustained with population replacement over five 1‐week growth cycles, indicating the feasibility of conducting long‐term experimental evolution with this system. Furthermore, M. xanthus was found to kill majorities of Z. tritici populations on both buffered agar and straw. Our results suggest that myxobacteria may serve as effective biocontrol agents of Z. tritici and are amenable to long‐term experimental selection for enhanced killing of this pathogen, an approach broadly applicable to many potential biocontrol agents and target pathogens.
Aducanumab for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review
Authors: Rahman Afroza , Hossen Md Anwar , Chowdhury Mirza Farhana Iqbal , Bari Sadia , Tamanna Nuzhat , Sultana Syeda Salima , Haque Sharar Naiarin , Al Masud Abdullah , Saif‐Ur‐Rahman K.M.
Published: February 2023

Aducanumab is a novel disease‐modifying anti‐amyloid‐beta (Aβ) human monoclonal antibody specifically targeted to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It was granted for treating AD in June 2021 by the United States Food and Drug Administration. We systematically analyzed available trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aducanumab treating AD. We followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis) guidelines. We conducted an extensive literature search using the electronic databases MEDLINE through PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus for suitable studies on aducanumab. We considered human clinical trials of aducanumab, assessing its efficacy and adverse effects in treating AD, excluding any experimental animal studies. We included three randomised controlled trials. Studies reported that aducanumab reduced brain amyloid‐beta plaques in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner (dose–response, P < 0.05) and a slowed decline in cognition (22% reduction) in the high‐dose treated group, difference of −0.39 versus placebo in Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum Boxes (95% CI, −0.69 to −0.09; P = 0.012) along with a reduced amyloid positron emission tomography standard uptake value ratio score (P < 0.001) and plasma p181‐tau (phosphorylated tau) level. Amyloid‐related imaging abnormality was reported as a serious adverse event and was profound in high‐dose treated group (425/1029 in 10 mg/kg). Aducanumab has been reported to affect two main pathophysiologic hallmarks (Aβ and tau) of AD. We suggest future studies addressing aducanumab's efficacy and safety to confirm that the benefit of this drug outweighs the risk.
Collaborative Recall and the Construction of Collective Memory Organization: The Impact of Group Structure
Authors: Greeley Garrett D. , Chan Vanessa , Choi Hae‐Yoon , Rajaram Suparna
Published: February 2023

Collaborative recall synchronizes downstream individual retrieval processes, giving rise to collective organization. However, little is known about whether particular stimulus features (e.g., semantic relatedness) are necessary for constructing collective organization and how group dynamics (e.g., reconfiguration) moderates it. We leveraged novel quantitative measures and a rich dataset reported in recent articles to address, (a) whether collective organization emerges even for semantically unrelated material and (b) how group reconfiguration—changing partners from one recall to the next—influences collective organization. Participants studied unrelated words and completed three consecutive recalls in one of three conditions: Always recalling individually (III), collaborating with the same partners twice before recalling alone (CCI), or collaborating with different group members during two initial recalls, before recalling alone (CRI). Collective organization increased significantly following any collaboration (CCI or CRI), relative to “groups” who never collaborated (III). Interestingly, collaborating repeatedly with the same partners (CCI) did not increase collective organization compared to reconfigured groups, irrespective of the reference group structure (from Recall 1 or 2). Individuals, however, did tend to base their final individual retrieval on the most recent group recall. We discuss how the fundamental processes that underlie dynamic social interactions align the cognitive processes of many, laying the foundation for other collective phenomena, including shared biases, attitudes, and beliefs.
Spanier–Whitehead duality for topological coHochschild homology
Authors: Bayindir Haldun Özgör , Péroux Maximilien
Published: February 2023

In this work, we compute the topological coHochschild homology (coTHH) of interesting coalgebras such as the Steenrod algebra spectrum. For this, we start by extending the Hess–Shipley definition of coTHH to ‐categories, following the Nikolaus–Scholze approach to topological Hochschild homology (THH). Furthermore, we prove that coTHH of what we call quasi‐proper coalgebras can be obtained from THH via Spanier–Whitehead duality which provides further insight into coTHH and its relationship to THH.
Rheology of non-Brownian particle suspensions in viscoelastic solutions. Part II: Effect of a shear thinning suspending fluid
Authors: Zhang Anni , Shaqfeh Eric S. G.
Published: February 2023

The shear rheology of particle suspensions in shear-thinning polymeric fluids is studied experimentally using parallel plate measurements and numerically using fully resolved, 3D finite volume simulations with the Giesekus fluid model. We show in our experiments that the steady shear viscosity and first normal stress difference coefficient of the suspension evolve from shear-thickening to substantially shear-thinning as the degree of shear-thinning of the suspending fluid increases. Moreover, in highly shear-thinning fluids, the suspension exhibits greater shear-thinning of the viscosity than the suspending fluid itself. Our dilute body-fitted simulations show that in the absence of hydrodynamic interactions, shear-thinning can arise from the particle-induced fluid stress (PIFS), which ceases to grow with increasing shear rate at low values of β (solvent viscosity ratio) and finite values of α (the Giesekus drag coefficient). In a Giesekus suspending fluid, the polymers surrounding the suspended particle are unable to stretch sufficiently at high Weissenberg numbers (Wi) and the reduced polymer stress results in a lower PIFS. When coupled with the shear-thinning stresslet, this effect creates an overall shear-thinning of the viscosity. We then explore the effects of particle-particle interactions on the suspension rheology using immersed boundary simulations. We show that multiparticle simulations are necessary to obtain the shear-thinning behavior of the per-particle viscosity of suspensions in shear-thinning fluids at moderate values of β. Particle-particle interactions lead to a substantial decrease in the PIFS and an enhancement of the shear-thinning of the stresslet compared to the single particle simulations. This combination leads to the shear-thinning of the per-particle viscosity seen in experiments. We also find that very low values of β and finite values of α have opposing effects on the per-particle viscosity that can lead to a nonmonotonic per-particle viscosity versus shear rate in a highly shear-thinning fluid. Overall, the addition of rigid particles to highly shear-thinning fluids, such as joint synovial fluid, leads to increased viscosity and also increased shear-thinning at high shear rates.
The Effect of Menstrual-Cycle Phase on Immune Responses to a 5-km Cycling Time Trial: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Hicks Kirsty M. , Orange Samuel T. , Dulson Deb , Ansdell Paul , Todryk Stephen , Gilbert Stephen , Saxton John M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Exercise has transient effects on the immune system that could influence infection risk and tissue recovery after exercise. Little is known about how the menstrual cycle interacts with the immune responses to acute exercise. This exploratory study sought to evaluate the effect of menstrual-cycle phase on peripheral blood mononuclear cell counts before and immediately after a bout of intense aerobic exercise. Methods: Seven naturally menstruating women (age: 27 [3] y) completed three 5-km cycling time trials coinciding with the early-follicular, late-follicular, and mid-luteal stage, confirmed by hormonal measurement. Venous blood samples were taken and examined for the presence of immune cell types using flow cytometry. Results: Reductions in circulating CCR7+CD45RA+ naïve CD4+ T cells, CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells, and CD56+CD57+ natural killer cells observed during the early-follicular phase were attenuated when exercise was performed during the late-follicular phase. Similarly, reductions in circulating CD56+CD57+ natural killer cells and CD14+TLR4+ monocytes following exercise in the early-follicular phase were abolished when exercise was performed in the midluteal phase. Conclusions: These preliminary findings indicate that the effect of acute high-intensity exercise on immune-cell mobilization and activation varies across the menstrual cycle, potentially impacting the anti-inflammatory effects of regulatory T cells and the cell-mediated effects of both natural killer CD57+ cells and monocytes expressing TLR4.
Alleviation of Carbon Catabolite Repression through
araR
and
xylR
Inactivation in Clostridium acetobutylicum DSM 792
Authors: Delarouzée Alexandre , Lopes Ferreira Nicolas , Wasels François
Published: February 2023

C. acetobutylicum
is a strong candidate to produce chemicals of interest such as C3 and C4 alcohols. Used for more than a century for its capacity to produce a mixture of acetone, butanol, and ethanol from first generation (1G) substrates, its natural ability to assimilate a wide variety of monoosides also predisposes it as an auspicious organism for the valorization of lignocellulose-derived sugar mixtures.
Single Particle Analysis of H3N2 Influenza Entry Differentiates the Impact of the Sialic Acids (Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc) on Virus Binding and Membrane Fusion
Authors: Chien Yu-An Annie , Alford Brynn K. , Wasik Brian R. , Weichert Wendy S. , Parrish Colin R. , Daniel Susan
Published: February 2023

Influenza A virus (IAV) infections continue to threaten human health, causing over 300,000 deaths yearly. IAV infection is initiated by the binding of influenza glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA) to host cell sialic acids (Sias) and the subsequent viral-host membrane fusion.
Deciphering Bacteriophage T5 Host Recognition Mechanism and Infection Trigger
Authors: Degroux Séraphine , Effantin Grégory , Linares Romain , Schoehn Guy , Breyton Cécile
Published: February 2023

Tailed bacteriophages specifically recognize their bacterial host by interaction of their receptor binding protein(s) (RBPs) with saccharides and/or proteins located at the surface of their prey. This crucial interaction commits the virus to infection, but the molecular details of this mechanism are unknown for the majority of bacteriophages.
Structure-Aided Identification of an Inhibitor Targets Mps1 for the Management of Plant-Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Kong Zhiwei , Zhang Xin , Zhou Feng , Tang Liu , Chen Yitong , Li Saijie , Zhang Xiaokang , Kuai Letian , Su Wenji , Cui Weiren , Cai Jiaxi , Wang Yuli , Yang Jun , Peng You-Liang , Wang Dongli , Liu Junfeng
Published: February 2023

M. oryzae
is the causal agent of rice blast, one of the most devastating diseases of cultivated rice. Chemical control is still the main strategy for its management, and the identification of novel fungicide targets is indispensable for overcoming existing problems such as drug resistance and food safety.
Whole Genome Sequences of Nine
Xanthomonas
Strains Responsible for Common Bacterial Blight of Bean
Authors: Gaudin Charlotte , Gihaut Christopher , Briand Martial , Marques Abi S. A. , Ferreira Marisa A. S. V. , Jacques Marie-Agnès , Chen Nicolas W. G.
Published: February 2023

We report the complete and circularized genome sequences of nine strains of
Xanthomonas phaseoli
pv. phaseoli and
Xanthomonas citri
pv. fuscans, which cause common bacterial blight of bean. These assemblies provide high-quality material for functional and evolutionary studies of these legume pathogens.
Aeromonas salmonicida isolates from Canada demonstrate wide distribution and clustering among mesophilic strains
Authors: Attéré Sabrina A. , Gagné-Thivierge Cynthia , Paquet Valérie E. , Leduc Gabrielle R. , Vincent Antony T. , Charette Steve J.
Published: February 2023

All the 36 known species to date of the genus Aeromonas are mesophilic except the species Aeromonas salmonicida, which includes both psychrophilic and mesophilic subspecies. For 20 years, more and more mesophilic A. salmonicida strains have been discovered. Only A. salmonicida subsp. pectinolytica has officially been classified as a mesophilic subspecies. Most mesophiles have been isolated in hot countries. We present, for the first time, the characterization of two new mesophilic isolates from Quebec (Canada). Phenotypic and genomic characterizations were carried out on these strains, isolated from dead fish from a fish farm. Isolates 19-K304 and 19-K308 are clearly mesophiles, virulent to the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, a surrogate host, and close to strain Y577, isolated in India. To our knowledge, this is the first time that mesophilic strains isolated from different countries are so similar. The major difference between the isolates is the presence of plasmid pY47-3, a cryptic plasmid that sometimes presents in mesophilic strains. More importantly, our extensive phylogenetic analysis reveals two well-defined clades of mesophilic strains with psychrophiles associated with one of these clades. This helps to have a better understanding of the evolution of this species and the apparition of psychrophilic subspecies.
DEPLOYMENT OF INNOVATION METHODOLOGIES AS SUPPORTING INSTRUMENTS FOR THE PRODUCT INNOVATION PROCESS IN THE PROCESS INDUSTRIES
Authors: LAGER THOMAS , FUNDIN ANDERS
Published: February 2023

Previous empirical research on the industrial use and usability of methodologies and tools for product innovation is often based on national samples, and generally focuses on a few select industry sectors and typically lacks a perspective on methodologies as supportive instruments for the product innovation work process. Moreover, even if some studies recognise the problems with low company methodology awareness and use, the underlying causes remain unexplained. In a survey mode of inquiry involving informants in 19 global manufacturing companies in six sectors of the process industries, this study explores use and usability of methodologies in the development of non-assembled products in the process industries. While the findings demonstrate a rather scarce use of innovation methodologies, when they are used case-company informants not only report a high degree of usability but also recommend that all introduced methodologies should be included in an enhanced product innovation work process. The discussion advocates that an overarching strategy for methodology use should be institutionalised by company R&D management, including a “methodology tool-box” of select methodologies, and further facilitated by trained methodology experts as “ambassadors”.