bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and self‐rated health and depression of family members affected by addictive disorders: results of a nation‐wide cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bischof Gallus , Bischof Anja , Velleman Richard , Orford Jim , Kuhnert Ronny , Allen Jennifer , Borgward Stefan , Rumpf Hans‐Jürgen
Published: May 2022

Aims

To estimate the prevalence of family members affected by addictive disorders (FMA) with regard to various types of addictive disorders, and self‐rated health and depression in the general population.

Design

Cross‐sectional general population survey.

Setting

The German Health Update study (GEDA) 2014/2015, a nationally representative panel of German residents aged 15 years or older.

Participants

A total of 24 824 residents aged 15 years or older.

Measurements

Participants were asked if they had a family member with current or past addictive disorder, the type of addiction and the relationship status. In addition, self‐rated health and depression were assessed using standardized questionnaires.

Findings

Of the respondents, 9.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 9.0–10.0] reported being affected by a current addictive disorder of a relative (cFMA), with a further 4.5% (95% CI = 4.2–4.9) reported having been affected by the addictive disorders of a relative in the past but not within the last 12 months (pFMA). Most FMAs reported having been affected by disorders due to alcohol, followed by cannabis and other drugs. Compared with life‐time non‐FMAs, FMAs reported significantly (P < 0.001) higher odds ratios for depression (cFM = 2.437; 95% CI = 2.082–2.853; pFMA = 1.850; 95% CI = 1.519–2.253) and ill‐health (cFMA = 1.574; 95% CI = 1.374–1.805; pFMA = 1.297; 95% CI = 1.082–1.555).

Conclusions

In Germany, family members affected by addictive disorder are a substantial group within the general population. This group is characterized by ill‐health and has not yet been adequately addressed by the addiction treatment system.
DNA methylation profiling of central nervous system hemangioblastomas identifies two distinct subgroups
Authors: Woltering Niklas , Albers Anne , Müther Michael , Stummer Walter , Paulus Werner , Hasselblatt Martin , Holling Markus , Thomas Christian
Published: May 2022

Hemangioblastomas (HBs) of the central nervous system are highly vascular neoplasms that occur sporadically or as a manifestation of von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease. Despite their benign nature, HBs are clinically heterogeneous and can be associated with significant morbidity due to mass effects of peritumoral cysts or tumor progression. Underlying molecular factors involved in HB tumor biology remain elusive. We investigated genome‐wide DNA methylation profiles and clinical and histopathological features in a series of 47 HBs from 42 patients, including 28 individuals with VHL disease. Thirty tumors occurred in the cerebellum, 8 in the brainstem and 8 HBs were of spinal location, while 1 HB was located in the cerebrum. Histologically, 12 HBs (26%) belonged to the cellular subtype and exclusively occurred in the cerebellum, whereas 35 HBs were reticular (74%). Unsupervised clustering and dimensionality reduction of DNA methylation profiles revealed two distinct subgroups. Methylation cluster 1 comprised 30 HBs of mainly cerebellar location (29/30, 97%), whereas methylation cluster 2 contained 17 HBs predominantly located in non‐cerebellar compartments (16/17, 94%). The sum of chromosomal regions being affected by copy‐number alterations was significantly higher in methylation cluster 1 compared to cluster 2 (mean 262 vs. 109 Mb, p = 0.001). Of note, loss of chromosome 6 occurred in 9/30 tumors (30%) of methylation cluster 1 and was not observed in cluster 2 tumors (p = 0.01). No relevant methylation differences between sporadic and VHL‐related HBs or cystic and non‐cystic HBs could be detected. Deconvolution of the bulk DNA methylation profiles revealed four methylation components that were associated with the two methylation clusters suggesting cluster‐specific cell‐type compositions. In conclusion, methylation profiling of HBs reveals 2 distinct subgroups that mainly associate with anatomical location, cytogenetic profiles and differences in cell type composition, potentially reflecting different cells of origin.
‘Even though you hate everything that's going on, you know they are safer at home’: The role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in methamphetamine use harm reduction and their own support needs
Authors: Gendera Sandra , Treloar Carla , Reilly Rachel , Conigrave Katherine M. , Butt Julia , Roe Yvette , Ward James
Published: May 2022

Introduction

First Nations people who use methamphetamine are overrepresented in regional and remote Australia and more likely to turn to family for support. This can place strain on families. The support needs of family members of individuals using methamphetamine are poorly understood.

Methods

We conducted 19 focus groups and seven interviews with mostly First Nations community, family members and service providers. In total, 147 participants across six sites participated as part of a larger study investigating First Nations perspectives of how to address methamphetamine use and associated harms. We applied a social and emotional wellbeing framework to examine support needs and role of family in mitigating methamphetamine harms.

Results

Findings highlighted the importance of families in providing support to people using methamphetamine and in reducing associated harms, often without external support. The support provided encompassed practical, social, emotional, financial, access to services and maintaining cultural connection. Providing support took a toll on family and negatively impacted their own social and emotional wellbeing.

Discussion and Conclusions

First Nations families play an important and under‐recognised role in reducing methamphetamine‐related harms and greater efforts are required to support them. Professional resources are needed to deal with impacts of methamphetamine on families; these should be pragmatic, accessible, targeted and culturally appropriate. Support for families and communities should be developed using the social and emotional wellbeing framework that recognises wellbeing and healing as intrinsically connected to holistic health, kinship, community, culture and ancestry, and socioeconomic and historical influences on peoples' lives.
High‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus among African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Agoons Dayawa D. , Musani Solomon K. , Correa Adolfo , Golden Sherita H. , Bertoni Alain G. , Echouffo‐Tcheugui Justin B.
Published: May 2022

Aims

Accruing evidence suggests an association between high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and incident diabetes. However, there is a paucity of data on the link between HDL‐C and diabetes, especially among African Americans (AAs). We aimed to assess the association of HDL‐C and its fractions with incident type 2 diabetes among AAs.

Methods

We included Jackson Heart Study participants who attended visit 1 (2001–2004), were free from diabetes and were not treated with lipid‐modifying medications. Incident diabetes was assessed at two subsequent‐yearly visits (2 and 3). We cross‐sectionally assessed the association of HDL‐C and insulin resistance (IR) using multivariable linear models. We prospectively assessed the association of HDL‐C and its fractions with incident diabetes using multivariable Cox regression models.

Results

Among 2829 participants (mean age: 51.9 ± 12.4 years, 63.9% female), 487 participants (17%) developed new‐onset diabetes, over a median follow‐up of 8 years. In adjusted models, a higher HDL‐C concentration was associated with a lower odds of IR (odds ratio [OR] per standard deviation [SD] increment: OR 0.56 [95% confidence interval, CI 0.50–0.63], p < 0.001). In adjusted models, a higher HDL‐C concentration was associated with a lower risk of diabetes (HR per SD increment: 0.78 [95% CI 0.71, 0.87], p < 0.001; HR for highest vs. the lowest tertile of HDL‐C was 0.56 [95% CI: 0.44, 0.71], p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In a sample of African‐American adults not on any lipid‐modifying therapy, high HDL‐C concentrations were inversely associated with the risk of new‐onset diabetes. These findings suggest a strong link between HDL‐C metabolism and glucose regulation.
Dual‐hormone artificial pancreas for glucose control in type 1 diabetes: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zeng Baoqi , Jia Hao , Gao Le , Yang Qingqing , Yu Kai , Sun Feng
Published: May 2022

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a dual‐hormone artificial pancreas (DH) in type 1 diabetes.

Material and Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for studies published up to February 16, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials that compared DH with single­hormone artificial pancreas (SH), continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) or sensor‐augmented pumps (SAP), and predictive low glucose suspend systems (PLGS) in type 1 diabetes. The primary outcome was percent time in target (3.9‐10 mmol/L [70‐180 mg/dL]). Data were summarized as mean differences (MDs) or risk differences (RDs).

Results

A total of 17 randomized crossover trials (438 participants) were included. There were nine trials of DH versus SH, 13 trials of DH versus SAP/CSII, and two trials of DH versus PLGS. For time in target, DH showed no significant difference in time in target compared with SH (MD 2.69%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.38 to 5.76) but resulted in 16.05% (95% CI 12.06 to 20.05) and 6.89% (95% CI 2.63 to 11.14) more time in target range compared with SAP/CSII and PLGS, respectively. DH slightly reduced time in hypoglycaemia (MD −1.20%, 95% CI −1.85 to −0.56) but increased the risk of gastrointestinal symptoms (RD 0.18, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.27) compared with SH.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that DH has a comparable effect on time in target compared with SH, but is associated with a longer time in target range compared with SAP/CSII and PLGS. The DH slightly reduced time in hypoglycaemia but may increase the risk of gastrointestinal symptoms compared with the SH.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022314015.
Glycaemic measures for 8914 adult FreeStyle Libre users during routine care, segmented by age group and observed changes during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Choudhary Pratik , Kao Kalvin , Dunn Timothy C. , Brandner Laura , Rayman Gerry , Wilmot Emma G.
Published: May 2022

Aim

To evaluate the impact of the stay‐at‐home policy on different glucose metrics for time in range (%TIR 3.9‐10 mmol/L), time below range (%TBR < 3.9 mmol/L) and time above range (%TAR > 10 mmol/L) for UK adult FreeStyle Libre (FSL) users within four defined age groups and on observed changes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Methods

Data were extracted from 8914 LibreView de‐identified user accounts for adult users aged 18 years or older with 5 or more days of sensor readings in each month from January to June 2020. Age‐group categories were based on self‐reported age on LibreView accounts (18‐25, 26‐49, 50‐64 and ≥65 years).

Results

In January, prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic, the 65 years or older age group had the highest %TIR (57.9%), while the 18‐25 years age group had the lowest (51.2%) (P < .001). Within each age group, TIR increased during the analysed months, by 1.7% (26‐49 years) to 3.1% (≥65 years) (P < .001 in all cases). %TBR was significantly reduced only in the 26‐49 years age group, whereas %TAR was reduced by 1.5% (26‐49 years) to 3.0% (≥65 years) (P < .001 in both cases). The proportion of adults achieving both of the more than 70% TIR and less than 4% TBR targets increased from 11.7% to 15.9% for those aged 65 years or older (P < .001) and from 6.0% to 9.1% for those aged 18‐25 years (P < .05). Mean daily glucose‐sensor scan rates were at least 12 per day and remained stable across the analysis period.

Conclusions

Our data show the baseline glucose metrics for FSL users in the UK across different age groups under usual care. During lockdown in the UK, the proportion of adults achieving TIR consensus targets increased among FSL users.
Optimal unemployment insurance in a directed search model
Authors: Gervais Martin , Warren Lawrence , Boostani Reza
Published: May 2022

Over recent decades, several economies have experienced changes in the level of aggregate and idiosyncratic volatility. This paper investigates the appropriate labor market policy response to such changes. We introduce unemployment benefits financed by a proportional earnings tax within a model of directed search on the job. The optimal benefit level is hump‐shaped as a function of the level of idiosyncratic risk, and the welfare costs of deviating from the optimum are substantial. In contrast, while the optimal generosity of unemployment insurance—which is pro‐cyclical—declines with the amount of aggregate risk, the welfare costs of deviating are small.
Pursuing sustainability development goals through adopting gender equality: Women representation in leadership positions of emerging market multinationals
Authors: Saeed Abubakr , Riaz Hammad , Baloch Muhammad Saad
Published: May 2022

This study examines the competitive disadvantages rationale behind the pursuing of Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) by emerging market multinational corporations (EM‐MNCs) in foreign markets. We argue that EM‐MNCs may pursue gender equality goal in host markets as a legitimation strategy to offset their strategic disadvantages inherited from the home markets. Based on a sample of foreign subsidiaries from 10 major emerging countries from 2010 to 2020, this study finds strong evidence demonstrating that the institutional quality of home markets exerts a positive effect on the representation of women in leadership positions of EM‐MNCs. Additional analyses demonstrate that international experience and institutional ownership further magnify this effect.
Predictors of organizational commitment among Chinese nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Su Lyuna , Wichaikhum Orn‐Anong , Abhicharttibutra Kulwadee
Published: May 2022

Aim

To investigate organizational commitment among Chinese nurses and analyze factors influencing organizational commitment during COVID‐19.

Background

Organizational commitment is the most important link between nurses and the organization because it is effective in work retention and the motivation of nurses, especially when addressing the COVID‐19 crisis. However, there has been no empirical study conducted to predict organizational commitment in the field of nursing by combining work values with professional practice environments.

Methods

A cross‐sectional predictive study was done with 362 nurses recruited from two tertiary hospitals in China. The Organizational Commitment Questionnaire, the Work Values Scale, and the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index were used to collect data. Two factors related to the organizational commitment of nurses were investigated by using binary logistic regression analyses.

Results

Increased work values and a professional practice environment were associated with an increased likelihood of higher organizational commitment.

Discussion

The COVID‐19 crisis became the utmost challenge to global healthcare systems and professional organizational commitment. Nurses’ organizational commitment was directly influenced by the professional practice environment and work values, especially intrinsic work values, in which the spirit of collectivism was consequential.

Conclusion and implications for the field of nursing and health policy

Study results provide information for global hospital administrators to promote these organizational commitment predictive factors, including work values and a professional practice environment in nursing practice. This helped foster a stronger organizational commitment among nurses to reduce nurse resource flow during COVID‐19.
Flexible multi‐state nonvolatile antiferroelectric memory
Authors: Liu Lisha , Cai Yuanyuan , Chen Xin , Liu Zhen , Yuan Guoliang , Wang Yaojin
Published: May 2022

A rapid surge on the research of nonvolatile memory is occurring with the explosion of information data. However, the realization of multi‐state memory with enhanced storage capability remains a challenge, especially toward the bio‐integrated/wearable electronics. In this work, we propose an unprecedented flexible multi‐state data storage strategy based on antiferroelectric film (i.e., PbZrO3) with the assistance of unique mica substrates. These flexible PbZrO3 films exhibit remarkable durability and flexibility, that is, as high as 106 times bending with radii as small as 5 mm is achieved, the best activity reported so far for flexible antiferroelectric films. Most importantly, the memory endures 108 electrical write/read cycles and works properly reaching 390 K. These findings can provide new pathways for the development of the next‐generation multi‐state memory in smart wearable devices or flexible display screens.
Selling Silence: The Morality of Sexual Harassment NDAs
Authors: Altman Scott
Published: May 2022

This article argues against enforcing sexual harassment nondisclosure agreements (NDAs). Although NDAs guard privacy, facilitate settlement, and compensate victims, they also help repeat perpetrators avoid detection and punishment, endangering future victims and undermining efforts to combat sexual harassment. Advocates argue that victims have no duty to prevent these harms, given the risks and trauma of reporting. I offer three responses. First, although most victims have no duty to speak, some victims might come to have such a duty. The state should not help them commit to violating a future duty. Second, some initially reticent victims may later want to disclose. The state should not enforce promises not to do supererogatory acts. Third, NDAs make victims complicit with the perpetrator's future harassment and wrongful efforts to avoid social punishment. If perpetrators refuse to compensate victims adequately without NDAs, we should increase victim compensation rather than enforce NDAs. Accused harassers might claim they need NDAs to guard against wrongful or excessive social punishment. For guilty perpetrators, NDAs resemble felony expungement statutes. However, arguments for expungement do not apply to NDAs. Although falsely accused people have legitimate privacy interests, NDAs are an excessively broad way to protect this interest.
Development and validation of the Fat Attitudes Assessment Toolkit (FAAT): A multidimensional nonstigmatizing measure of contemporary attitudes toward fatness and fat people
Authors: Cain Patricia , Donaghue Ngaire , Ditchburn Graeme
Published: May 2022

Many instruments recommended for measuring attitudes toward fatness and “obesity” were developed in the 1990s, a time when the “obesity epidemic” was gaining momentum and anti‐fat rhetoric was normative. Consequently, these instruments have tended to focus on assessing negative appraisals of fatness and fat people and reinforce weight stigma. As fat discourse has matured and expanded to incorporate fat positive attitudes, a nonstigmatizing way of measuring contemporary fat attitudes and beliefs in quantitative research is required. To address this need, we developed the Fat Attitudes Assessment Toolkit (FAAT). In this article, we describe the development of the FAAT and provide initial evidence for the scale's validity and psychometric properties across three studies. Study 1 included a systematic process for developing the extensive item pool that was reviewed by subject matter experts and a community panel. We explored and identified an initial multidimensional structure for the FAAT. Study 2 expanded and confirmed the factor structure with additional analyses in an independent sample and provided evidence for the overall reliability of the subscale scores and reliability as a function of gender and identification as fat. Construct and criterion validity of the subscale scores were also demonstrated. Study 3 provided evidence for the test‐retest reliability of the FAAT subscales scores over time. The FAAT includes nine robust scales: Empathy, Activism Orientation, Size Acceptance, Attractiveness, Critical Health, General Complexity, Socioeconomic Complexity, Responsibility, and Body Acceptance. Specific subscales can be combined to form two composite measures: Fat Acceptance and Attribution Complexity. The scales that comprise the FAAT measure specific elements of attitudes towards fat people that are frequently targeted in weight stigma reduction research and activism; the FAAT thus offers a powerful and precise method for evaluating weight stigma reduction interventions that allows for an assessment of shifts toward more positive attitudes.
The associations of cognitive distortions with internet addiction and internet activities in adolescents: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Özparlak Arif , Karakaya Dudu
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study examined difference in the levels of internet addiction across internet activities, and the associations of cognitive distortions with internet addiction and internet activities.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study involving 638 adolescents. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Internet Addiction Scale and The Children's Negative Cognitive Error Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSSv23 and descriptive methods, independent samples t‐test, linear regression, logistic regression were performed.

Findings

The prevalence of internet addiction in adolescents was found to be 16.9%. The internet addiction scores of adolescents who use the internet for online gaming, visiting pornographic sites, using and chatting on social media, and aimless browsing are higher. Catastrophizing, personalization, and selective abstraction cognitive distortions explain internet addiction variance at a level of 17.5%. Selective abstraction predicts online gaming and aimless browsing, personalization predicts pornographic site visiting, and catastrophization predicts doing homework on the internet.

Conclusion

Online gaming, visiting pornographic sites, using and chatting on social media and internet aimless browsing are distinctive of internet addiction. Internet addiction and various internet activities are associated with cognitive distortions. Mental health nurses should help adolescents to become aware of their cognitive distortions and to produce more functional thoughts.
SQLE facilitates the pancreatic cancer progression via the lncRNA‐TTN‐AS1/miR‐133b/SQLE axis
Authors: Wang Shuhui , Dong Lei , Ma Lin , Yang Suzhen , Zheng Ying , Zhang Jing , Wu Chuanghong , Zhao Yidi , Hou Yangfan , Li Hong , Wang Ting
Published: May 2022

Studies have shown that SQLE is highly expressed in a variety of tumours and promotes tumour progression. However, the role of SQLE in pancreatic cancer (PC) has not been reported. Here, we aim to study the role and molecular mechanism of SQLE in PC. Immunohistochemistry and functional experiments showed that SQLE was highly expressed in PC tissues and promoted the proliferation and invasion of PC cells. Terbinafine, an inhibitor of SQLE, inhibited this effect. In order to further study the upstream mechanism that regulates SQLE, we used bioinformatics technology to lock miR‐133b and lncRNA‐TTN‐AS. In situ hybridization was used to detect the expression of miR‐133b and lncRNA‐TTN‐AS1 in PC tissues. The luciferase reporter gene experiment was used to confirm the binding of miR‐133b and lncRNA‐TTN‐AS1. The results showed that miR‐133b was down‐regulated in PC tissues and negatively correlated with the expression of SQLE. LncRNA‐TTN‐AS1 was upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and positively correlated with the expression of SQLE. Luciferase gene reporter gene analysis confirmed lncRNA‐TTN‐AS1 directly binded to miR‐133b. Therefore, we propose that targeting the lncRNA‐TTN‐AS1/miR‐133b/SQLE axis is expected to provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of PC patients.
Anti‐elitism in the European Radical Right in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Vaughan Michael , Heft Annett
Published: May 2022

To better understand the communication of anti‐elitism in contemporary politics, this study conceptually differentiates between specific anti‐elitism geared toward specific, materially powerful elites (‘Angela Merkel’) and general anti‐elitism referencing broader discursive constructs (‘the elite’). The study analyses the online communications of radical right parties in the 2019 European Parliament elections from six countries (Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Poland and Sweden). This more fine‐grained analysis of anti‐elitism highlights some areas of transnational convergence, such as a tendency to focus on specific political elites, rather than other sectors such as the media or discursive constructs. The findings also reveal stratification according to parties' position in national power structures: opposition parties tend to target national‐level elites while governing parties focus on the European level. The findings highlight that anti‐elitism is used in a highly instrumental way, and help us to better understand the intersection between anti‐elitism and the multilevel politics of EP elections.
Usefulness of the pancreas as a prime target for histopathological diagnosis of Tilapia parvovirus (TiPV) infection in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Dong Ha Thanh , Sangpo Pattiya , Dien Le Thanh , Mai Thao Thu , Linh Nguyen Vu , del‐Pozo Jorge , Salin Krishna R. , Senapin Saengchan
Published: May 2022

Tilapia parvovirus (TiPV) is an emerging virus reportedly associated with disease and mortality in farmed tilapia. Although previous descriptions of histopathological changes are available, the lesions reported in these are not pathognomonic. Here, we report Cowdry type A inclusion bodies (CAIB) in the pancreas as a diagnostic histopathological feature found in adult Nile tilapia naturally infected with TiPV. This type of inclusion body has been well‐known as a histopathological landmark for the diagnosis of other parvoviral infections in shrimp and terrestrial species. Interestingly, this lesion could be exclusively observed in pancreatic acinar cells, both in the hepatopancreas and pancreatic tissue along the intestine. In situ hybridization (ISH) using a TiPV‐specific probe revealed the intranuclear presence of TiPV DNA in multiple tissues, including the liver, pancreas, kidney, spleen, gills and the membrane of oocytes in the ovary. These findings suggest that although TiPV can replicate in several tissue types, CAIB manifest exclusively in pancreatic tissues. In addition to TiPV, most diseased fish were co‐infected with Streptococcus agalactiae, and presented with multifocal granulomas secondary to this bacterial infection. Partial genome amplification of TiPV was successful and revealed high nucleotide identity (>99%) to previously reported isolates. In summary, this study highlights the usefulness of pancreatic tissue as a prime target for histopathological diagnosis of TiPV in diseased Nile tilapia. This pattern may be critical when determining the presence of TiPV infection in new geographic areas, where ancillary testing may not be available. TiPV pathogenesis in this landmark organ warrants further investigation.
Machine‐learning‐based virtual screening to repurpose drugs for treatment of Candida albicans infection
Authors: Gao Andrew , Kouznetsova Valentina L. , Tsigelny Igor F.
Published: May 2022

Background

Approximately 30% of Candida genus isolates are resistant to all currently available antifungal drugs and it is highly important to develop new treatments. Additionally, many current drugs are toxic and cause unwanted side effects. 1,3‐beta‐glucan synthase is an essential enzyme that builds the cell walls of Candida.

Objectives

Targeting CaFKS1, a subunit of the synthase, could be used to fight Candida.

Methods

In the present study, a machine‐learning model based on chemical descriptors was trained to recognise drugs that inhibit CaFKS1. The model attained 96.72% accuracy for classifying between active and inactive drug compounds. Descriptors for FDA‐approved and other drugs were calculated, and the model was used to predict the potential activity of these drugs against CaFKS1.

Results

Several drugs, including goserelin and icatibant, were detected as active with high confidence. Many of the drugs, interestingly, were gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists or agonists. A literature search found that five of the predicted drugs inhibit Candida experimentally.

Conclusions

This study yields promising drugs to be repurposed to combat Candida albicans infection. Future steps include testing the drugs on fungal cells in vitro.
Greater chemical signaling in root exudates enhances soil mutualistic associations in invasive plants compared to natives
Authors: Yu Hongwei , He Yingying , Zhang Wen , Chen Li , Zhang Junli , Zhang Xuebin , Dawson Wayne , Ding Jianqing
Published: May 2022

Invasive plants can change soil properties resulting in improved growth. Although invaders are known to alter soil chemistry, it remains unclear if chemicals secreted by roots facilitate invasive plant–soil mutualisms.

With up to 19 confamilial pairs of invasive and native plants, and most of which were congeners, we explored the root exudate‐induced changes in plant–arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal mutualisms.

We found that, relative to natives, invaders had greater AM colonization, greater biomass and their root exudates contained higher concentrations of two common chemical signals – quercetin and strigolactones – which are known to stimulate AM fungal growth and root colonization. An exudate exchange experiment showed that root exudates from invaders increased AM colonization more than exudates from natives. However, application of activated carbon led to greater reduction in AM colonization and plant biomass for invaders than natives, suggesting stronger effects of chemical signals in root exudates from invaders.

We show that nonnative plants promote interactions with soil mutualists via enhancing root exudate chemicals, which could have important implications for invasion success.
Ethylene activates poplar defense against Dothiorella gregaria Sacc by regulating reactive oxygen species accumulation
Authors: Liu Hengjing , Zhang Hao , Yang Fei , Chai Shuli , Wang Lijun , de Dios Víctor Resco , Tan Wenrong , Yao Yinan
Published: May 2022

Populus canker is a widespread disease that seriously threatens the survival of trees. Phytohormones are considered as effective chemical molecules improving plant resistance to various diseases. Ethylene is an important phytohormone that is extensively involved in the regulation of plant growth, development, and stress responses, but how ethylene and ethylene signaling regulates defense responses in woody plants is still unclear. Here, we showed that ethylene positively regulates the responses of poplar to canker caused by the hemibiotrophic fungus Dothiorella gregaria. Treatment of Populus tomentosa with 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC, the biosynthetic precursor of ethylene) significantly enhanced disease resistance, accompanied by the induction of pathogen‐related protein (PR) gene expression and H2O2 accumulation. Blocking ethylene biosynthesis using aminoethoxyvinyl glycine (AVG, a specific inhibitor of ethylene biosynthesis) repressed the disease resistance. Overexpression of the ethylene biosynthesis gene PtoACO7 in Populus tomentosa promoted defense responses and disease resistance. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the ethylene‐induced defense response is independent of the salicylic acid pathway, but needs ROS signaling. ACC or PtoACO7 overexpression induced expressions of PtoRbohD/RbohF, which encode NADPH oxidases, and elevated H2O2 levels in poplar. Inhibition of the NADPH oxidase compromised ethylene‐induced disease resistance and PR gene expressions, while H2O2 application could completely rescue the AVG‐caused disease hypersensitivity. Therefore, the involvement of ethylene in disease resistance is done by activation of PR gene expressions and ROS production. Our results also showed that modifying ethylene biosynthesis or its signaling pathway has a great potential for improving disease resistance in woody plants.
The microfoundations of open innovation: CEO overconfidence and innovation choices
Authors: Xia Qinghua , Tan Manqing , Cao Qinwei , Li Luyao
Published: May 2022

How to successfully drive open innovation (OI) has been an important issue. However, the existing literature on the determinants of OI mainly focuses on organizational and contingent factors, and the “human side” of it is still not well understood, which also motivates us to explore it more deeply. This paper attempts to link upper echelon theory with OI research using data from a large sample of Chinese listed companies to investigate how the overconfident tendency of the CEO affects his or her preference for different OI modes. At the same time, what role do other top management team (TMT) members play in this process. The results show that overconfident CEOs favor market and organization‐oriented OI over technology‐oriented OI, and TMT governance can moderate such relationship, that is, as the level of TMT governance increases, the preference of overconfident CEOs for market and organization‐oriented OI will be weakened, avoiding the negative effect of excessive adoption of such activities on firm performance. By focusing on the human side of OI, this paper adds to the literature on the impact of strategic leadership, namely the influence of key individual CEO and other executives within the organization on OI management, which is also a response to the emphasis that more attention should be paid to the microfoundations of OI in the future.
The effects of wearing a face mask and of subsequent moisturizer use on the characteristics of sensitive skin
Authors: Yoo Mi Ae , Kim Song Hee , Han Hyo Sun , Byun Ji Won , Park Keun Hyung
Published: May 2022

Background

COVID‐19 is a serious respiratory disease, and wearing masks has become essential in daily life. Nevertheless, the number of people complaining of skin problems caused by wearing masks is increasing. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics of changes in sensitive skin caused by wearing a mask.

Materials and methods

Twenty healthy Korean women with sensitive skin participated in this study. To determine any skin‐related changes caused by mask‐wearing, we evaluated redness, hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and moisture at 2.5 mm below the surface before and 4 h after wearing a Korea Filter 94 mask. In addition, we tested whether applying a moisturizer for 30 min after mask removal could reverse any mask‐induced changes.

Results

Skin redness and TEWL were significantly increased at 4 h after wearing a mask (p < 0.05), otherwise skin hydration and the 2.5 mm moisture were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). After applying the moisturizer, skin redness and TEWL were significantly decreased compared to their values 4 h after wearing masks (p < 0.05), whereas skin hydration and the 2.5 mm moisture were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Moreover, after applying the moisturizer, skin redness and TEWL were significantly reduced compared to the pre‐masking baseline (p < 0.05), whereas skin hydration was significantly increased (p < 0.05); the 2.5 mm moisture showed no significant change.

Conclusion

We observed that wearing masks causes physiological changes in sensitive skin, whereas applying a moisturizer after removing the mask improved skin conditions.
Investigating quality of life instrument measurement properties for adults with active venous leg ulcers: A systematic review
Authors: Liu Shiwen , Team Victoria , Qiu Yunjing , Weller Carolina D.
Published: May 2022

The primary objective of this systematic review was to identify which quality of life instruments have been applied in published studies of patients with active venous leg ulcers. Our secondary objective was to map the measurement properties of each identified quality of life instrument and to inform future recommendations for clinical practice and research. We searched CINAHL, Ovid Medline, Ovid Emcare and ProQuest to identify studies published from 1 January 2000 to 31 July 2021. Eleven studies that utilised quality of life instruments in adults with active venous leg ulcers met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen quality of life instruments were identified as some studies utilised both generic and condition‐specific quality of life instruments. Six out of nine (6/9) instruments were rated ‘very good’ of methodological quality on internal consistency; 1/7 studies rated ‘adequate’ on reliability; 2/4 rated ‘adequate’ on content validity; 3/6 studies rated ‘adequate’ on structural validity; 5/6 rated ‘adequate’ on hypotheses testing for construct and 2/6 studies rated ‘adequate’ on responsiveness. There is limited evidence of measurement properties of quality of life instruments for people with active venous leg ulcers. The Venous Leg Ulcer Quality of Life Questionnaire (VLU‐QoL) could be provisionally recommended for use although from our review it is clear further studies to assess VLU‐QoL measurement properties are needed to inform future recommendations for clinical practice and research.
Epidural electrical stimulation of the cervical spinal cord opposes opioid‐induced respiratory depression
Authors: Huang Ruyi , Worrell Jason , Garner Eric , Wang Stephanie , Homsey Tali , Xu Bo , Galer Erika L. , Zhou Yan , Tavakol Sherwin , Daneshvar Meelod , Le Timothy , Vinters Harry V. , Salamon Noriko , McArthur David L. , Nuwer Marc R. , Wu Irene , Leiter James C. , Lu Daniel C.
Published: May 2022

Opioid overdose suppresses brainstem respiratory circuits, causes apnoea and may result in death. Epidural electrical stimulation (EES) at the cervical spinal cord facilitated motor activity in rodents and humans, and we hypothesized that EES of the cervical spinal cord could antagonize opioid‐induced respiratory depression in humans. Eighteen patients requiring surgical access to the dorsal surface of the spinal cord between C2 and C7 received EES or sham stimulation for up to 90 s at 5 or 30 Hz during complete (OFF‐State) or partial suppression (ON‐State) of respiration induced by remifentanil. During the ON‐State, 30 Hz EES at C4 and 5 Hz EES at C3/4 increased tidal volume and decreased the end‐tidal carbon dioxide level compared to pre‐stimulation control levels. EES of 5 Hz at C5 and C7 increased respiratory frequency compared to pre‐stimulation control levels. In the OFF‐State, 30 Hz cervical EES at C3/4 terminated apnoea and induced rhythmic breathing. In cadaveric tissue obtained from a brain bank, more neurons expressed both the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) and somatostatin (SST) in the cervical spinal levels responsive to EES (C3/4, C6 and C7) compared to a region non‐responsive to EES (C2). Thus, the capacity of cervical EES to oppose opioid depression of respiration may be mediated by NK1R+/SST+ neurons in the dorsal cervical spinal cord. This study provides proof of principle that cervical EES may provide a novel therapeutic approach to augment respiratory activity when the neural function of the central respiratory circuits is compromised by opioids or other pathological conditions.

Key points

Epidural electrical stimulation (EES) using an implanted spinal cord stimulator (SCS) is an FDA‐approved method to manage chronic pain.

We tested the hypothesis that cervical EES facilitates respiration during administration of opioids in 18 human subjects who were treated with low‐dose remifentanil that suppressed respiration (ON‐State) or high‐dose remifentanil that completely inhibited breathing (OFF‐State) during the course of cervical surgery.

Dorsal cervical EES of the spinal cord augmented the respiratory tidal volume or increased the respiratory frequency, and the response to EES varied as a function of the stimulation frequency (5 or 30 Hz) and the cervical level stimulated (C2–C7).

Short, continuous cervical EES restored a cyclic breathing pattern (eupnoea) in the OFF‐State, suggesting that cervical EES reversed the opioid‐induced respiratory depression.

These findings add to our understanding of respiratory pattern modulation and suggest a novel mechanism to oppose the respiratory depression caused by opioids.
Quantum thermodynamics under continuous monitoring: A general framework
Authors: Manzano Gonzalo , Zambrini Roberta
Published: May 2022

The thermodynamics of quantum systems driven out of equilibrium has attracted increasing attention in the last decade, in connection with quantum information and statistical physics, and with a focus on non-classical signatures. While a first approach can deal with average thermodynamics quantities over ensembles, in order to establish the impact of quantum and environmental fluctuations during the evolution, a continuous quantum measurement of the open system is required. Here, we provide an introduction to the general theoretical framework to establish and interpret the thermodynamics for quantum systems whose nonequilibrium evolution is continuously monitored. We review the formalism of quantum trajectories and its consistent application to the thermodynamic scenario, where primary quantities such as work, heat, and entropy production can be defined at the stochastic level. The connection to irreversibility and fluctuation theorems is also discussed together with some recent developments, and we provide some simple examples to illustrate the general theoretical framework.
T405, a New Penem, Exhibits
In Vivo
Efficacy against M. abscessus and Synergy with β-Lactams Imipenem and Cefditoren
Authors: Rimal Binayak , Batchelder Hunter R. , Story-Roller Elizabeth , Panthi Chandra M. , Tabor Chavis , Nuermberger Eric L. , Townsend Craig A. , Lamichhane Gyanu
Published: May 2022

Mycobacteroides abscessus
(
Mab
) is an emerging environmental microbe that causes chronic lung disease in patients with compromised lung function such as cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. It is intrinsically resistant to most antibiotics, therefore there are only few antibiotics that can be repurposed to treat
Mab
disease.
Subinhibitory Cefotaxime and Levofloxacin Concentrations Contribute to Selection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Coculture with Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Zhao Kelei , Li Jing , Yang Xiting , Zeng Qianglin , Liu Wei , Wu Yi , Zhou Hui , Prithiviraj Balakrishnan , Wang Xinrong , Zhou Xikun , Chu Yiwen
Published: May 2022

Increasing evidence has demonstrated the polymicrobial characteristics of most chronic infections, and the frequent communications among bacterial pathogens result in many difficulties for clinical therapy. Exploring bacterial interspecific interaction during antibiotic treatment is an emerging endeavor that may facilitate the understanding of polymicrobial infections and the optimization of clinical therapies.
Conservation and Evolution of the Sporulation Gene Set in Diverse Members of the
Firmicutes
Authors: Galperin Michael Y. , Yutin Natalya , Wolf Yuri I. , Vera Alvarez Roberto , Koonin Eugene V.
Published: May 2022

Many members of the phylum
Firmicutes
(
Bacillota
) are capable of producing endospores, which enhance the survival of important Gram-positive pathogens that cause such diseases as anthrax, botulism, colitis, gas gangrene, and tetanus. We show that the core set of sporulation genes, defined previously through genome comparisons of several bacilli and clostridia, is conserved in a wide variety of sporeformers from several distinct lineages of
Firmicutes
.
Impact of Fungal Hyphae on Growth and Dispersal of Obligate Anaerobic Bacteria in Aerated Habitats
Authors: Xiong Bi-Jing , Kleinsteuber Sabine , Sträuber Heike , Dusny Christian , Harms Hauke , Wick Lukas Y.
Published: May 2022

Although a few studies have reported on the presence of anoxic microniches in fungal biofilms, knowledge of the effects of fungal oxygen consumption on bacterial-fungal interactions is limited. Here, we demonstrate the existence and persistence of oxygen-free zones in air-exposed mycelia enabling spore germination, growth, fermentative activity, and dispersal of the obligate anaerobe.
Modern Biophysics Redefines Our Understanding of Fungal Cell Wall Structure, Complexity, and Dynamics
Authors: Latgé Jean-Paul , Wang Tuo
Published: May 2022

Even though the cell wall has been recognized as a crucial protective organelle for fungi, essential for its virulence and a unique emblem of this kingdom, biosynthesis of this organelle remains poorly understood. Our knowledge was based mainly in the past on the chemical analysis of cell wall mutants and on the biochemical study of a few synthases and transglycosidases.
Interactions between Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and Gut Commensals at the Interface of Human Colonoids
Authors: Martins Fernando H. , Rajan Anubama , Carter Hannah E. , Baniasadi Hamid R. , Maresso Anthony W. , Sperandio Vanessa
Published: May 2022

Enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
(EHEC) is a natural human pathogen that poorly colonizes mice. Hence, the use of murine models to understand features of EHEC infection is a challenge.
Genome Sequencing of Omicron Variants of SARS-CoV-2 Circulating in Bangladesh during the Third Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jahan Munira , Nasif M. Abdullah Omar , Rahmat Raad , Islam SM Rashed Ul , Munshi Saif Ullah , Ahmed M. Sharfuddin
Published: May 2022

The coding-complete genome sequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was obtained from 39 nasopharyngeal swab samples collected in January 2022 from Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the 3rd wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, using Illumina MiniSeq sequencing technology. Sequence analysis showed that all of them belonged to the WHO-designated variant of concern (VOC) Omicron.
Evolutionary Significance of Fungal Hypermutators: Lessons Learned from Clinical Strains and Implications for Fungal Plant Pathogens
Authors: Gambhir Nikita , Harris Steven D. , Everhart Sydney E.
Published: May 2022

Rapid evolution of fungal pathogens poses a serious threat to medicine and agriculture. The mutation rate determines the pace of evolution of a fungal pathogen.
Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2α Kinases Regulate Virulence Functions, Stage Conversion, and the Stress Response in Entamoeba invadens
Authors: Walters Heather A. , Welter Brenda H. , Moss Harrison C. , Villano Martha A. , Orobio-Hurtado Ronny , Sullivan William J. , Temesvari Lesly A.
Published: May 2022

Entamoeba histolytica
is a human pathogen that causes dysentery and affects millions of people worldwide. This parasite possesses a two-stage life cycle: an environmentally stable cyst and the pathogenic trophozoite.
Genome Evolution of Invasive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the Americas
Authors: Smith Joshua T. , Eckhardt Elissa M. , Hansel Nicole B. , Rahmani Eliato Tahmineh , Martin Isabella W. , Andam Cheryl P.
Published: May 2022

Bloodstream infections due to
S. aureus
cause significant patient morbidity and mortality worldwide, exacerbated by the emergence and spread of methicillin resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA). This study provides important insights on the evolution and long-distance geographic expansion of two distinct MRSA lineages that predominate in bloodstream infections in the past 5 decades.
Detection of Salmonella Typhi in Bile by Quantitative Real-Time PCR
Authors: Higginson Ellen E. , Nkeze Joseph , Permala-Booth Jasnehta , Kasumba Irene N. , Lagos Rosanna , Hormazabal Juan Carlos , Byrne Alexander , Frankel Gad , Levine Myron M. , Tennant Sharon M.
Published: May 2022

New
Salmonella
Typhi conjugate vaccines have been deployed, which will potentially lead to a fall in incidence rates of typhoid fever in endemic areas. Identification of chronic carriers of
S.
Typhi will be important as these individuals can be a potential source of transmission to susceptible persons.