bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of phenotypic plasticity in the establishment of range margins
Authors: Eriksson Martin , Rafajlović Marina
Published: October 2021

It has been argued that adaptive phenotypic plasticity may facilitate range expansions over spatially and temporally variable environments. However, plasticity may induce fitness costs. This may hinder the evolution of plasticity. Earlier modelling studies examined the role of plasticity during range expansions of populations with fixed genetic variance. However, genetic variance evolves in natural populations. This may critically alter model outcomes. We ask: How does the capacity for plasticity in populations with evolving genetic variance alter range margins that populations without the capacity for plasticity are expected to attain? We answered this question using computer simulations and analytical approximations. We found a critical plasticity cost above which the capacity for plasticity has no impact on the expected range of the population. Below the critical cost, by contrast, plasticity facilitates range expansion, extending the range in comparison to that expected for populations without plasticity. We further found that populations may evolve plasticity to buffer temporal environmental fluctuations, but only when the plasticity cost is below the critical cost. Thus, the cost of plasticity is a key factor involved in range expansions of populations with the potential to express plastic response in the adaptive trait.
Boundary domain genes were recruited to suppress bract growth and promote branching in maize
Authors: Xiao Yuguo , Guo Jinyan , Dong Zhaobin , Richardson Annis , Patterson Erin , Mangrum Sidney , Bybee Seth , Bertolini Edoardo , Bartlett Madelaine , Chuck George , Eveland Andrea L. , Scanlon Michael J. , Whipple Clinton
Published: October 2021

Grass inflorescence development is diverse and complex and involves sophisticated but poorly understood interactions of genes regulating branch determinacy and leaf growth. Here, we use a combination of transcript profiling, genetic and phylogenetic analyses to investigate tasselsheath1 (tsh1) and tsh4, two maize genes that simultaneously suppress inflorescence leaf growth and inhibit branching. We identify a regulatory network of inflorescence leaf suppression that involves the phase change gene tsh4 upstream of tsh1 and the ligule identity gene liguleless2 (lg2). We also find that a series of duplications in the tsh1 gene lineage facilitated its shift from boundary domain in non-grasses to suppressed inflorescence leaves of grasses. Collectively, these results suggest that the boundary domain genes tsh1 and lg2 were recruited to inflorescence leaves where they suppress growth and regulate a non-autonomous signaling center that promotes inflorescence branching, an important component of yield in cereal grasses.
High accuracy offering attention mechanisms based deep learning approach using CNN/bi-LSTM for sentiment analysis
Authors: Kota Venkateswara Rao , Munisamy Shyamala Devi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Neural network (NN)-based deep learning (DL) approach is considered for sentiment analysis (SA) by incorporating convolutional neural network (CNN), bi-directional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) and attention methods. Unlike the conventional supervised machine learning natural language processing algorithms, the authors have used unsupervised deep learning algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

The method presented for sentiment analysis is designed using CNN, Bi-LSTM and the attention mechanism. Word2vec word embedding is used for natural language processing (NLP). The discussed approach is designed for sentence-level SA which consists of one embedding layer, two convolutional layers with max-pooling, one LSTM layer and two fully connected (FC) layers. Overall the system training time is 30 min.

Findings

The method performance is analyzed using metrics like precision, recall, F1 score, and accuracy. CNN is helped to reduce the complexity and Bi-LSTM is helped to process the long sequence input text.

Originality/value

The attention mechanism is adopted to decide the significance of every hidden state and give a weighted sum of all the features fed as input.
Documenting multiple temporalities
Authors: McKenzie Pamela J. , Davies Elisabeth
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This article explores the varied ways that individuals create and use calendars, planners and other cognitive artifacts to document the multiple temporalities that make up their everyday lives. It reveals the hidden documentary time work required to synchronize, coordinate or entrain their activities to those of others.

Design/methodology/approach

We interviewed 47 Canadian participants in their homes, workplaces or other locations and photographed their documents. We analyzed qualitatively; first thematically to identify mentions of times, and then relationally to reveal how documentary time work was situated within participants' broader contexts.

Findings

Participants' documents revealed a wide variety of temporalities, some embedded in the templates they used, and others added by document creators and users. Participants' documentary time work involved creating and using a variety of tools and strategies to reconcile and manage multiple temporalities and indexical time concepts that held multiple meanings. Their work employed both standard “off the shelf” and individualized “do-it-yourself” approaches.

Originality/value

This article combines several concepts of invisible work (document work, time work, articulation work) to show both how individuals engage in documentary time work and how that work is situated within broader social and temporal contexts and standards.
Service robots, agency and embarrassing service encounters
Authors: Pitardi Valentina , Wirtz Jochen , Paluch Stefanie , Kunz Werner H.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Extant research mainly focused on potentially negative customer responses to service robots. In contrast, this study is one of the first to explore a service context where service robots are likely to be the preferred service delivery mechanism over human frontline employees. Specifically, the authors examine how customers respond to service robots in the context of embarrassing service encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a mixed-method approach, whereby an in-depth qualitative study (study 1) is followed by two lab experiments (studies 2 and 3).

Findings

Results show that interactions with service robots attenuated customers' anticipated embarrassment. Study 1 identifies a number of factors that can reduce embarrassment. These include the perception that service robots have reduced agency (e.g. are not able to make moral or social judgements) and emotions (e.g. are not able to have feelings). Study 2 tests the base model and shows that people feel less embarrassed during a potentially embarrassing encounter when interacting with service robots compared to frontline employees. Finally, Study 3 confirms that perceived agency, but not emotion, fully mediates frontline counterparty (employee vs robot) effects on anticipated embarrassment.

Practical implications

Service robots can add value by reducing potential customer embarrassment because they are perceived to have less agency than service employees. This makes service robots the preferred service delivery mechanism for at least some customers in potentially embarrassing service encounters (e.g. in certain medical contexts).

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to examine a context where service robots are the preferred service delivery mechanism over human employees.
Behavioural generalism could facilitate coexistence of tropical and temperate fishes under climate change
Authors: Coni Ericka O. C. , Booth David J. , Ferreira Camilo M. , Nagelkerken Ivan
Published: October 2021

Coral‐reef fishes are shifting their distributions poleward in response to human‐mediated ocean warming; yet, the consequences for recipient temperate fish communities remain poorly understood. Behavioural modification is often the first response of species to environmental change, but we know little about how this might shape the ongoing colonisation by tropical fishes of temperate‐latitude ecosystems under climate change.

In a global hotspot of ocean warming (southeast Australia), we quantified 14 behavioural traits of invading tropical and local co‐occurring temperate fishes at 10 sites across a 730 km latitudinal gradient as a proxy of species behavioural niche space in different climate ranges (subtropical, warm‐temperate and cold‐temperate).

We found that tropical fishes (four species) modified their behavioural niches as well as increased their overall behavioural niche breadth in their novel temperate ranges where temperate species predominate, but maintained a moderate to high niche segregation with native temperate species across latitudinal range position. Temperate species (three co‐occurring species) also modified their niches, but in contrast to tropical species, experienced an increased niche breadth towards subtropical ranges. Alterations to feeding and shoaling behaviours contributed most to niche modifications in tropical and temperate species, while behaviours related to alertness and escape from potential threats contributed least.

We here show that at warmer and colder range edges where community structures are being reshuffled due to climate change, behavioural generalism and niche modification are potential mechanisms adopted by tropical range extenders and native temperate fishes to adjust to novel species interactions under climate change.
Interactions in clinical trials: Protocol and statistical analysis plan for an explorative study of four randomized ICU trials on use of pantoprazole, oxygenation targets, haloperidol and intravenous fluids
Authors: Schjørring Olav L. , Lange Theis , Krag Mette , Andersen‐Ranberg Nina Christine , Meyhoff Tine S. , Marker Søren , Klitgaard Thomas L. , Estrup Stine , Møller Morten Hylander , Rasmussen Bodil S. , Poulsen Lone M. , Perner Anders
Published: October 2021

Background

Intensive care unit (ICU) patients receive numerous interventions, but knowledge about potential interactions between these interventions is limited. Co‐enrolment in randomized clinical trials represents a unique opportunity to investigate any such interactions. We aim to assess interactions in four randomized clinical trials with overlap in inclusion periods and patient populations.

Methods

This protocol and statistical analysis plan describes a secondary explorative analysis of interactions in four international ICU trials on pantoprazole, oxygenations targets, haloperidol and intravenous fluids, respectively. The primary outcome will be 90‐day all‐cause mortality. The secondary outcome will be days alive and out of hospital in 90 days after randomization. All patients included in the intention‐to‐treat populations of the four trials will be included. Four co‐primary analyses will be conducted, one with each of the included trials as reference using a logistic regression model adjusted for the reference trial's stratification variables and for the co‐interventions with interactions terms. The primary analytical measure of interest will be the analyses’ tests of interaction. A p‐value below .05 will be considered statically significant. The stratification variable‐ and co‐intervention‐adjusted effect estimates will be reported with 95% confidence intervals without adjustments for multiplicity.

Conclusion

This exploratory analysis will investigate the presence of any interactions between pantoprazole, oxygenation targets, haloperidol and amount of intravenous fluids in four international ICU trials using co‐enrolment. Assessment of possible interactions represents valuable information to guide the design, statistical powering and conduct of future trials.
The utilisation of sentinel lymph node biopsy for endometrial cancer in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Foster Leon , Burling Michael , Brand Alison
Published: October 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify to what extent the sentinel lymph node (SLN) technique is utilised by gynaecological oncologists in Australia and New Zealand, identifying the techniques used, any barriers to uptake, and management of isolated tumour cells (ITCs) and micrometastases.

Materials and methods

We conducted an online survey of all practising gynaecological oncologists in Australia and New Zealand. They were asked whether they utilised SLN biopsy and in what circumstances, how they managed non‐mapping and how their multidisciplinary team managed small volume disease. Those who did not were asked to identify their concerns with the procedure, reasons for non‐uptake and their alternate technique.

Results

We surveyed 63 gynaecological oncologists of whom 59 were practising, and 48 (81%) responded. Six members (11%) do not utilise SLN biopsy, and 42 (89%) do. Areas where clinicians differ in practice are those areas that are most controversial and include the use of SLN biopsy in complex atypical hyperplasia, the management of ITCs and micrometastases and procedures on unilateral or bilateral non‐mapping. Those who do not utilise the technique cite concerns about the false‐negative rate, equipment and training issues.

Conclusions

The utilisation of SLN biopsy in endometrial cancer is well established in Australia and New Zealand, with similar practices and concerns to those of other international groups.
Evaluation of cytokine response to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Liu Tom , Amos Shayna H. , Ganga Anil L. , Bullins Charles M. , Jennings Cathy D. , Arnold W. Scott , Joseph Mark
Published: October 2021

Rationale

Increased cytokine response is common in patients receiving extracorporeal life support and is often a poor prognostic indicator. There is interest in using adjunctive cytokine adsorption technologies to reduce inflammatory burden, However, it is debated whether extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) itself provides therapeutic benefit beyond gas exchange. Thus, we sought to characterize the inflammatory profile of ECMO in the first 72–96 h of and quantify its effect on cytokine levels in a case series of patients undergoing ECMO.

Methods

Eight patients initiating ECMO were studied. Of these, we measured cytokines pre‐ and post‐oxygenator over 96 h. Comparisons of cytokine levels were made across the oxygenator and over time.

Results

The average age of patients was 64.3 years with 62% being male. Centrally cannulated patients had higher IL‐6 levels (820.43 vs. 6907.53 pg/ml, p < 0.03), whereas peripherally cannulated patients had higher IL‐12p70 levels (7.73 vs. 2.59 pg/ml, p < 0.05). Cytokine levels on day one included IL‐12p70 (4.17 ± 2.56), IL‐6 (4971.23 ± 8569.88), TNF (undetected), IL‐8 (346.68 ± 670.18), IL‐1B (undetected), and IL‐10 (72.27 ± 87.9). Cytokine levels increased over 96 h; however, no significant differences were appreciated despite blood product transfusion. On day 3, IL‐12p70 levels were significantly lower post‐oxygenator (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The inflammatory profile of ECMO does not change significantly over the early course of illness when accounting for transfusion. However, the decrease in IL‐12p70 specifically at day 3 of ECMO may indicate adsorption of specific inflammatory markers by the oxygenator although the clinical significance of this is still unknown. Further investigation of the oxygenator on cytokine response is warranted.
Dietary glucose oxidase and/or catalase supplementation alleviates intestinal oxidative stress induced by diquat in weaned piglets
Authors: Sun Xiaojiao , Piao Longguo , Jin Haifeng , Nogoy Kim Margarette C. , Zhang Junfang , Sun Bin , Jin Yi , Lee Dong Hoon , Choi Seongho , Li Xiangzi
Published: October 2021

This study investigated the effects of dietary exogenous glucose oxidase (GOD) and/or catalase (CAT) on the intestinal antioxidant capacity and barrier function in piglets under oxidative stress. Sixty pigs assigned randomly to five treatment groups—CON: basal diet; DIQ: basal diet; GOD: basal diet + 40‐U GOD/kg diet; CAT: basal diet + 50‐U CAT/kg diet; and GC: basal diet + 40‐U GOD/kg diet + 50‐U CAT/kg diet—were analyzed. On Day 14, the CON group was injected with saline, and the others were treated with diquat. The results showed that in diquat‐treated piglets, supplementation of dietary GOD and CAT elevated the superoxide dismutase and CAT activities and attenuated the malondialdehyde level in plasma and intestinal mucosa, enhanced the duodenal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio, upregulated ZO‐1 mRNA level, and attenuated the apoptosis of the epithelial cells and caspase‐3 mRNA level in the intestine. Additionally, the supplementation upregulated mRNA expression of the intestinal NF‐E2‐related factor 2‐regulated genes in diquat‐treated piglets. However, GOD combined with CAT could not alleviate oxidative damage better than supplementation of CAT or GOD alone under oxidative stress. Overall, the study provides a potential alternative that could relieve the weaning stress in piglets and help formulate antibiotic‐free diets.
Benefits of a nationwide population-based skin cancer screening programme – still a controversial debate
Authors: Eigentler T.
Published: October 2021

Linked Article:  Datzmann et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:69–77.
A national evaluation of the use and survival impact of adjuvant chemotherapy in Stage II colon cancer from the national cancer database
Authors: Reif de Paula Thais , Gorroochurn Prakash , Simon Hillary L. , Haas Eric M. , Keller Deborah S.
Published: October 2021

Aim

Stage II colon cancers are a heterogeneous category, with controversy over use of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). Patients with high‐risk features may benefit from AC to improve overall survival (OS). Current guidelines do not routinely recommend AC in low‐risk cases, but the actual use and benefit on OS in this cohort have not been fully examined on a national scale. We aimed to evaluate the use and impact of AC on OS in low‐risk Stage II colon cancer.

Methods

The national cancer database was reviewed for Stage II colon cancers undergoing curative resection (2010–2015). Cases with preoperative radio‐chemotherapy or high‐risk features were excluded. Cases were stratified into ‘AC’ and ‘no AC’ cohorts, and then propensity score matched. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysed OS. The main outcome measures were the incidence and impact of AC on OS in low‐risk Stage II colon cancer.

Results

Of 39 926 patients evaluated, 8.2% (n = 3275) received AC. Matching resulted in 3275 cases per cohort. AC significantly improved 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year OS versus no AC (P = 0.0017). The 5‐year absolute risk reduction was 2.6%, relative risk reduction 12%, with a number needed to treat of 38. In the Cox model, AC remained significantly associated with increased OS (hazard ratio 0.816; 95% CI 0.713–0.934; P < 0.003).

Conclusions

From this dataset, AC was associated with improved OS in low‐risk Stage II disease. These findings from a large‐scale sample question current guidelines and the need for better risk stratification. Further study with more robust variables is warranted to determine AC best practices.
Long‐term (64 years) annual burning lessened soil organic carbon and nitrogen content in a humid subtropical grassland
Authors: Abdalla Khatab , Chivenge Pauline , Ciais Philippe , Chaplot Vincent
Published: October 2021

Burning has commonly been used to increase forage production and nutrients cycling in grasslands. However, its long‐term effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) pools within the aggregates and the relation between aggregates‐associated SOC and soil CO2 emissions need further appraisal. This study evaluated the effects of 64 years of annual burning on SOC and N dynamics compared to annual mowing and undisturbed treatments in a grassland experiment established in 1950. Soils were sampled from four depths representing the upper 30 cm layer and fractionated into macroaggregates, microaggregates and silt + clay fractions. The macroaggregates were further fractionated into three occluded fractions. The SOC in the bulk soil and aggregates were correlated to soil CO2 effluxes measured under field conditions. Compared to the undisturbed treatment, annual burning decreased aggregates stability, SOC and N in the upper 30 cm layer by 8%, 5% and 12%, respectively. Grassland mowing induced greater aggregates stability than burning only in the upper 5 cm. Burning also decreased SOC in the large macroaggregates (e.g., 0–5 cm) compared to mowing and the undisturbed grasslands but proportionally increased the microaggregates and their associated SOC. Soil N associated with aggregates decreased largely following grassland burning, for example, by 8.8‐fold in the microaggregates within the large macroaggregates at 20–30 cm compared to the undisturbed grassland. Burning also increased soil CO2 emissions by 33 and 16% compared to undisturbed and mowing, respectively. The combustion of fresh C and soil organic matter by fire is likely responsible for the low soil aggregation, high SOC and N losses under burned grassland. These results suggested a direct link between grass burning and SOC losses, a key component for escalating climate change severity. Therefore, less frequent burning or a rotation of burning and mowing should be investigated for sustainable grasslands management.
A pilot‐scale evaluation of using gaseous chlorine dioxide for decontamination of foodborne pathogens on produce and low‐moisture foods
Authors: Tan Jing Ni , Hwang Cheng‐An , Huang Lihan , Wu Vivian C. H. , Hsiao Hsin‐I
Published: October 2021

Small‐scale studies have shown that chlorine dioxide gas, ClO2(g), was effective for decontamination of produce, nuts, and spices. This study conducted a pilot‐scale evaluation to identify effective ClO2(g) treatment parameters for commercial‐scale applications. The gas was produced by a generator utilizing sodium chlorite and chlorine gas for decontamination of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella inoculated on tomatoes, blueberries, baby‐cut carrots, almonds, and peppercorns. Inoculated samples and 45 kg tomatoes in a 1,246‐L treatment chamber were exposed to various ClO2(g) concentrations (mg/L) and times 9 (hr) at 70–95% RH to determine the treatment effects on the pathogen reductions. Results showed that the treatment caused higher reductions on produce. A ClO2(g) treatment of 1 mg/L‐3 hr at 70% RH reduced 4.9–6.8, 5.1–5.6, and 4.2–6.3 log CFU/g of STEC, L. monocytogenes, and Salmonella, respectively, on produce, with the highest reductions on baby‐cut carrots. For almonds and peppercorns, ClO2(g) treatments under higher RH caused higher reductions. The treatment of 2 mg/L‐9 hr or 3 mg/L‐4 hr at 95% RH reduced >4.0 log of STEC and Salmonella on almonds, and 1 mg/L‐5 hr at 85% RH achieved >5.0 log reductions on peppercorns. Applying moisture to the surfaces of almonds caused >4.0 log reductions using 1 mg/L‐5 hr at 95% RH. This study identified effective ClO2(g) treatment parameters for achieving >4.0 log reductions of common pathogens on tomatoes, blueberries, baby‐cut carrots, almonds, and peppercorns and showed that ClO2(g) generator is suitable for large‐scale decontamination. These findings can be used for pilot‐scale ClO2(g) decontamination of these products and for testing using ClO2(g) for commercial‐scale decontamination trials.
Perceptions of private practice dietitians regarding the collection and use of outcomes data in primary healthcare practices: A qualitative study
Authors: Clark Peter W. , Williams Lauren T. , Kirkegaard Amy , Brickley Bryce , Ball Lauren
Published: October 2021

Background

Dietitians working in private practices in primary settings provide nutrition care to support individuals with the prevention and management of chronic disease. A better understanding of the type and usage of data collected by dietitians in this setting may provide insights to optimise the effectiveness and impact of the workforce. The present study explored the perceptions of leading Australian private practice dietitians on the collection and usage of data in their practice.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study of Australian private practice dietitians, recruited by snowball sampling, was conducted on their perceptions and attitudes towards collecting and using data. Data were collected by semi‐structured interviews and all interview data were thematically analysed.

Results

Twenty‐three dietitians participated. Five themes emerged: (i) collecting data is challenging, nuanced, unclearly defined and therefore not routinely carried out; (ii) consistent data collection processes are impeded by the diversity of practise and practices; (iii) business‐related data collection is essential for sustainable dietetic services; (iv) clinical outcomes are fundamental to dietetic services; and (v) standardised, integrated systems are needed to enable routine data collection and synthesis.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the rudimentary role business acumen has in practice viability and provides evidence to potentially re‐shape the future of dietetic education in Australia. Private practice dietitians may benefit from tools and training that enable consistent collection of data about their services. Such data could enable benchmarking across the workforce and contribute to a broader understanding of dietetic impact on public health.
Similar heterotrophic communities but distinct interactions supported by red and green‐snow algae in the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Ji Mukan , Kong Weidong , Jia Hongzeng , Ding Chen , Anesio Alexandre M. , Wang Yanfen , Zhu Yong‐Guan
Published: October 2021

Snow algae are predicted to expand in polar regions due to climate warming, which can accelerate snowmelt by reducing albedo. Green snow frequently occurs near penguin colonies, and red snow distributes widely along ocean shores. However, the mechanisms underpinning the assemblage of algae and heterotrophs in colored snow remain poorly characterized.

We investigated algal, bacterial, and fungal communities and their interactions in red and green snows in the Antarctic Peninsula using a high‐throughput sequencing method.

We found distinct algal community structure in red and green snows, and the relative abundance of dominant taxa varied, potentially due to nutrient status differences. Contrastingly, red and green snows exhibited similar heterotrophic communities (bacteria and fungi), whereas the relative abundance of fungal pathogens was substantially higher in red snow by 3.8‐fold. Red snow exhibited a higher network complexity, indicated by a higher number of nodes and edges. Red snow exhibited a higher proportion of negative correlations among heterotrophs (62.2% vs 3.4%) and stronger network stability, suggesting the red‐snow network is more resistant to external disturbance.

Our study revealed that the red snow microbiome exhibits a more stable microbial network than the green snow microbiome.
A probabilistic analysis of cross‐examination using Bayesian networks
Authors: Di Bello Marcello
Published: October 2021

The legal scholar Henry Wigmore asserted that cross‐examination is ‘the greatest legal engine ever invented for the discovery of truth.’ Was Wigmore right? Instead of addressing this question upfront, this paper offers a conceptual ground clearing. It is difficult to say whether Wigmore was right or wrong without becoming clear about what we mean by cross‐examination; how it operates at trial; what it is intended to accomplish. Despite the growing importance of legal epistemology, there is virtually no philosophical work that discusses cross‐examination, its scope and function at trial. This paper makes a first attempt at clearing the ground by articulating an analysis of cross‐examination using probability theory and Bayesian networks. This analysis relies on the distinction between undercutting and rebutting evidence. A preliminary assessment of the truth‐seeking function of cross‐examination is offered at the end of the paper.
Mechanisms behind the Madness: How Do Zombie-Making Fungal Entomopathogens Affect Host Behavior To Increase Transmission?
Authors: de Bekker Charissa , Beckerson William C. , Elya Carolyn
Published: October 2021

Transmission is a crucial step in all pathogen life cycles. As such, certain species have evolved complex traits that increase their chances to find and invade new hosts.
Revisiting the Role of Toxoplasma gondii ERK7 in the Maintenance and Stability of the Apical Complex
Authors: Dos Santos Pacheco Nicolas , Tosetti Nicolò , Krishnan Aarti , Haase Romuald , Maco Bohumil , Suarez Catherine , Ren Bingjian , Soldati-Favre Dominique
Published: October 2021

The conoid is an enigmatic, dynamic organelle positioned at the apical tip of the coccidian subgroup of the Apicomplexa, close to the apical polar ring (APR) from which the subpellicular microtubules (SPMTs) emerge and through which the secretory organelles (micronemes and rhoptries) reach the plasma membrane for exocytosis. In
Toxoplasma gondii
, the conoid protrudes concomitantly with microneme secretion, during egress, motility, and invasion.
Chaperone Spy Protects Outer Membrane Proteins from Folding Stress via Dynamic Complex Formation
Authors: He Wei , Yu Gangjin , Li Tianpeng , Bai Ling , Yang Yuanyuan , Xue Zixiao , Pang Yonghao , Reichmann Dana , Hiller Sebastian , He Lichun , Liu Maili , Quan Shu
Published: October 2021

Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) play critical roles in bacterial pathogenicity and provide a new niche for antibiotic development. A comprehensive understanding of the OMP quality control network will strongly impact antimicrobial discovery.
Trehalose Phosphate Synthase Complex-Mediated Regulation of Trehalose 6-Phosphate Homeostasis Is Critical for Development and Pathogenesis in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Chen Xin , Abubakar Yakubu Saddeeq , Yang Chengdong , Wang Xiaxia , Miao Pengfei , Lin Mei , Wen Yuetong , Wu Qiuqiu , Zhong Haoming , Fan Yuping , Zhang Meiru , Wang Zonghua , Zhou Jie , Zheng Wenhui
Published: October 2021

M. oryzae
, the causative agent of the rice blast disease, threaten rice production worldwide. Our results revealed that T6P accumulation, caused by the disruption of MoTps2, has toxic effects on fugal development and pathogenesis in
M. oryzae
.
Supplemental Material: Recalibrating the Devonian time scale: A new method for integrating radioisotopic and astrochronologic ages in a Bayesian framework
Authors: Harrigan Claire O. , al. et
Published: October 2021

Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) methods and results, additional age-depth modeling methods, and description of modeling code; LA-ICP-MS data for Hercules I K-bentonite and age-depth model inputs and results; R script for executing age-depth modeling procedure; and R script for anchoring floating astrochronology durations.
Middle Permian (Late Murgabian) Fusulinids of the Jamal Formation, Tabas Area, Iran
Authors: Yarahmadzahi H. , Leven E. Ja.
Published: October 2021

Abstract—

Numerous fusulinids were found in the middle part of the Jamal Formation (Ney Eshkiny section) in the Tabas region of Central Iran. The assemblage includes 12 species of 12 genera (Zarodella, ?Grovesella,Pseudoendothyra,Nankinella,Schubertella,Dunbarula,Yangchienia,Chusenella,Verbeekina,Pseudodoliolina,Neoschwagerina, andSumatrina. This association characteristic of the upper part of the Murgabian Stage is found in many Permian sections in the Tethyan Realm.
Structural Investigations of RNA–Protein Complexes in Post-Ribosomal Era
Authors: Tishchenko S. V. , Mikhailina A. O. , Lekontseva N. V. , Stolboushkina E. A. , Nikonova E. Yu. , Nikonov O. S. , Nikulin A. D.
Published: October 2021

Structural studies of RNA–protein complexes are important for understanding many molecular mechanisms occurring in cells (e.g., regulation of protein synthesis and RNA-chaperone activity of proteins). Various objects investigated at the Institute of Protein Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences are considered. Based on the analysis of the structures of the complexes of the ribosomal protein L1 with specific regions on both mRNA and rRNA, the principles of regulation of the translation of the mRNA of its own operon are presented. The studies of the heterotrimeric translation initiation factor IF2 of archaea and eukaryotes are described, and the data on the interaction of glycyl-tRNA-synthetase with viral IRES are reported. The results of studying the interaction of RNA molecules with one of functionally important sites of the Hfq protein are presented, and the differences in the RNA-binding properties of the Hfq and archaeal Lsm proteins are revealed.
Six-year incidence of age-related macular degeneration and correlation to OCT-derived drusen volume measurements in a Chinese population
Authors: Tan Anna CS , Chee Miao Li , Fenner Beau J , Mitchell Paul , Tham Yih Chung , Rim Tyler , Teo Kelvin , Sim Shaun S , Cheng Ching Yu , Wong Tien Yin , Chakravarthy Usha , Cheung Chui Ming Gemmy
Published: October 2021

Aims

To report the 6-year incidence of optical coherence tomography (OCT)-derived age-related changes in drusen volume and related systemic and ocular associations.

Methods

Chinese adults aged 40 years and older were assessed at baseline and 6 years with colour fundus photography (CFP) and spectral domain (SD) OCT. CFPs were graded for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) features and drusen volume was generated using commercially available automated software.

Results

A total of 4172 eyes of 2580 participants (mean age 58.12±9.03 years; 51.12% women) had baseline and 6-year follow-up CFP for grading, of these, 2130 eyes of 1305 participants had gradable SD-OCT images, available for analysis. Based on CFP grading, 136 (3.39%) participants developed incident early AMD and 10 (0.25%) late AMD. Concurrently, retinal pigment epithelial-Bruch’s membrane (RPE-BrC) volumes decreased, remained stable and increased in 6.8%, 78.5% and 14.7%, respectively, over 6 years. In eyes where RPE-BrC volumes were >0 mm3at baseline, this was associated with two-fold higher prevalence rate of any AMD at baseline (p<0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that when compared with eyes where RPE-BrC volume was unchanged, volume decrease was significantly associated with older age (OR=1.30; p<0.001), smoking (OR=2.21; p=0.001) and chronic kidney disease (OR=3.4, p=0.008), while increase was associated with older age (OR=1.36; p<0.001) and hypertension (OR=1.43; p=0.016).

Conclusion

AMD incidence detected at 6 years on CFP and correlated OCT-derived drusen volume measurement change is low. Older age and some systemic risk factors are associated with drusen volume change, and our data provide new insights into relationship between systemic risk factors and outer retinal morphology in Asian eyes.
Anaesthetic protocol for paediatric glaucoma examinations: the prospective EyeBIS Study protocol
Authors: Pirlich Nina , Grehn Franz , Mohnke Katja , Maucher Konrad , Schuster Alexander , Wittenmeier Eva , Schmidtmann Irene , Hoffmann Esther M
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Neonates and young infants with diagnosed or highly suspected glaucoma require an examination under anaesthesia to achieve accurate intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, since crying or squinting of the eyes may increase IOP and lead to falsely high values. IOP considerably depends on perioperative variables such as haemodynamic factors, anaesthetics, depth of anaesthesia and airway management. The aim of this paper is to report the design and baseline characteristics of EyeBIS, which is a study to develop a standardised anaesthetic protocol for the measurement of IOP under anaesthesia in childhood glaucoma, by investigating the link between the magnitude of IOP and depth of anaesthesia.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-centre, prospective cohort study in 100 children with diagnosed or highly suspected glaucoma all undergoing ophthalmological examination under general anaesthesia. 20 children, who undergo general anaesthesia for other reasons, are included as controls. The primary outcome measure is the establishment of a standardised anaesthetic protocol for IOP measurement in childhood glaucoma by assessing the relationship between IOP and depth of anaesthesia (calculated as an electroencephalography variable, the bispectral index), with special emphasis on airway management and haemodynamic parameters. The dependence of IOP under anaesthesia on airway management and haemodynamic parameters will be described, using a mixed linear model. Restricting the model to patients with healthy eyes will allow to determine a 95% reference region, in which 95% of the measurement values of patients with healthy eyes can be expected.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the local ethics committee of the Medical Association of Rhineland-Palatine (Ethik-Kommisssion der Landesaerztekammer Rheinland-Pfalz), Germany (approval number: 2019-14207). This work will be disseminated by publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentation in abstract form at national and international scientific meetings and data sharing with other investigators.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03972852).
Oncology patients’ experiences in experimental medicine cancer trials: a qualitative study
Authors: Sawyer Chelsea , Preston Laurie , Taylor Sally , Davies Michelle , Carter Louise , Krebs Matthew , Cook Natalie , Graham Donna , Thistlethwaite Fiona , Yorke Janelle
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The study aimed to explore patients’ experiences of experimental cancer medicine (ECM) clinical trials.

Design

The study’s design was qualitative. Two focus groups with patients were undertaken followed by semistructured interviews, to explore patients’ experiences of ECM clinical trials. Interviews and focus groups were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

A regional cancer centre (tertiary care) in North-West England.

Participants

Twelve patients (aged 52–79) participated in one of the two focus groups and 22 patients (aged 42–83) participated in interviews.

Primary outcome measure

Patients’ experiences of an ECM trial.

Results

Four main themes were identified from the analysis: decision making, information needs, the experience of trial participation and impact of trial participation. Subthemes are presented in the manuscript.

Conclusion

To make fully informed decisions about trial participation, patients required the simplification of trial information and wanted more information about side effects, their response to trial treatment and the overall trial progress throughout the trial. Patients highlighted the need for improvement for the support provided to their family and friends.
Prevalence of chronic conditions and multimorbidity in Estonia: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Jürisson Mikk , Pisarev Heti , Uusküla Anneli , Lang Katrin , Oona M , Kalda Ruth
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Prevalence estimates for specific chronic conditions and multimorbidity (MM) in eastern Europe are scarce. This national study estimates the prevalence of MM by age group and sex in Estonia.

Design

A population-based cross-sectional study, using administrative data.

Setting

Data were collected on 55 chronic conditions from the Estonian Health Insurance Fund from 2015 to 2017. MM was defined as the coexistence of two or more conditions.

Participants

The Estonian Health Insurance Fund includes data for approximately 95% of the Estonian population receiving public health insurance.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Prevalence and 95% CIs for MM stratified by age group and sex.

Results

Nearly half (49.1%) of the individuals (95% CI 49.0 to 49.3) had at least 1 chronic condition, and 30.1% (95% CI 30.0 to 30.2) had MM (2 or more chronic conditions). The number of conditions and the prevalence of MM increased with age, ranging from an MM prevalence of 3.5% (3.5%–3.6%) in the youngest (0–24 years) to as high as 80.4% (79.4%–81.3%) in the oldest (≥85 years) age group. Half of all individuals had MM by 60 years of age, and 75% of the population had MM by 75 years of age. Women had a higher prevalence of MM (34.9%, 95% CI 34.7 to 35.0) than men (24.4%, 95% CI 24.3 to 24.5). Hypertension was the most frequent chronic condition (24.5%), followed by chronic pain (12.4%) and arthritis (7.7%).

Conclusions

Hypertension is an important chronic condition amenable to treatment with lifestyle and therapeutic interventions. Given the established correlation between uncontrolled hypertension and exacerbation of other cardiovascular conditions as well as acute illnesses, this most common condition within the context of MM may be suitable for targeted public health interventions.
How is family health history discussed in routine primary healthcare? A qualitative study of archived family doctor consultations
Authors: Filoche Sara , Stubbe Maria H , Grainger Rebecca , Robson Bridget , Paringatai Karyn , Wilcox Phil , Jefferies Regina , Dowell Anthony
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Family health history underpins genetic medicine. Our study aimed to explore language and patterns of communication relating to family health history observed in interactions between general practitioners (GPs) and their patients within routine primary care consultations.

Design

Secondary analysis of patient and GP routine consultation data (n=252).

Participants

Consultations that included ‘family health history’ were eligible for inclusion (n=58).

Primary outcomes

A qualitative inductive analysis of the interactions from consultation transcripts.

Results

46/58 conversations about family health history were initiated by the GP. Most discussions around family history lasted for between approximately 1 to 2 min. Patients were invited to share family health history through one of two ways: non-specific enquiry (eg, by asking the patient about ‘anything that runs in the family’); or specific enquiry where they were asked if they had a ‘strong family history’in relation to a particular condition, for example, breast cancer. Patients often responded to either approach with a simple no, but fuller negative responses also occurred regularly and typically included an account of some kind (eg, explaining family relationships/dynamics which impeded or prevented the accessibility of information).

Conclusions

Family health history is regarded as a genetic test and is embedded in the sociocultural norms of the patient from whom information is being sought. Our findings highlight that it is more complex than asking simply if ‘anything’ runs in the family. As the collection of family health history is expected to be more routine, it will be important to also consider it from sociocultural perspectives in order to help mitigate any inequities in how family history is collected, and therefore used (or not) in a person’s healthcare. Orientating an enquiry away from ‘anything’ and asking more specific details about particular conditions may help facilitate the dialogue.
Representative estimates of COVID-19 infection fatality rates from four locations in India: cross-sectional study
Authors: Cai Rebecca , Novosad Paul , Tandel Vaidehi , Asher Sam , Malani Anup
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To estimate age-specific and sex-specific mortality risk among all SARS-CoV-2 infections in four settings in India, a major lower-middle-income country and to compare age trends in mortality with similar estimates in high-income countries.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

India, multiple regions representing combined population >150 million.

Participants

Aggregate infection counts were drawn from four large population-representative prevalence/seroprevalence surveys. Data on corresponding number of deaths were drawn from official government reports of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 deaths.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was age-specific and sex-specific infection fatality rate (IFR), estimated as the number of confirmed deaths per infection. The secondary outcome was the slope of the IFR-by-age function, representing increased risk associated with age.

Results

Among males aged 50–89, measured IFR was 0.12% in Karnataka (95% CI 0.09% to 0.15%), 0.42% in Tamil Nadu (95% CI 0.39% to 0.45%), 0.53% in Mumbai (95% CI 0.52% to 0.54%) and an imprecise 5.64% (95% CI 0% to 11.16%) among migrants returning to Bihar. Estimated IFR was approximately twice as high for males as for females, heterogeneous across contexts and rose less dramatically at older ages compared with similar studies in high-income countries.

Conclusions

Estimated age-specific IFRs during the first wave varied substantially across India. While estimated IFRs in Mumbai, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were considerably lower than comparable estimates from high-income countries, adjustment for under-reporting based on crude estimates of excess mortality puts them almost exactly equal with higher-income country benchmarks. In a marginalised migrant population, estimated IFRs were much higher than in other contexts around the world. Estimated IFRs suggest that the elderly in India are at an advantage relative to peers in high-income countries. Our findings suggest that the standard estimation approach may substantially underestimate IFR in low-income settings due to under-reporting of COVID-19 deaths, and that COVID-19 IFRs may be similar in low-income and high-income settings.
Efficacy of hand-arm bimanual intensive therapy including lower extremities (HABIT-ILE) in young children with bilateral cerebral palsy (GMFCS III-IV) in a low and middle-income country: protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sogbossi Emmanuel Segnon , Sotindjo Adon Solange , Adjagodo Leontine , Dossou Solange , Dakè Hyppolite , Ebner-Karestinos Daniela , Araneda Rodrigo , Saussez Geoffroy , Paradis Julie , Kpadonou Toussaint G , Bleyenheuft Yannick
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Cerebral palsy (CP) is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, where clinically-based studies have shown a considerable over-representation of the severe bilateral subtype. However, children’s access to rehabilitation care is limited by many local factors, notably the lacking of rehabilitation services, insufficient knowledge of caregivers and financial constraints. In such a context there is an urgent need for studies of the evidence-based rehabilitation approach. Here, we describe the protocol of a randomised controlled study to investigate the efficacy of Hand-Arm Bimanual Intensive Therapy Including the Lower Extremities (HABIT-ILE) in young children with bilateral CP in Benin Republic, a representative low and middle-income country of western Africa.

Methods and analysis

Forty children with bilateral CP aged between 24 and 59 months and with level III-IV in the gross motor function classification will be randomised to either a high intensity conventional therapy or HABIT-ILE therapy. Both therapies will be delivered as a day-camp model over 2 weeks to a total of 50 hours (5 hours per day). The assessor-blinded primary outcomes will include the gross motor function measure and both hands assessment. Secondary outcomes will be the adapted version of the ACTIVLIM-CP questionnaire, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and a perception of CP interview form. Children will be assessed at baseline, after intervention and at 6-week follow-up. A 2 (group)×3 (test sessions) repeated analysis of variance will evaluate changes after the interventions.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the ethics committee of the rehabilitation department of the National Teaching Hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga of Cotonou, Benin (approval decision: N°01–2019/MS/CNHU-HKM/CEI/CUMPR). All participants’ parents/caregivers will provide their written informed consent. Data will be managed with confidentiality.

Trial registration number

PACTR201911894444879.