bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient satisfaction with primary health care services and primary health care providers
Authors: Alburmawi Ruba Ahmad , Hamdan Khaldoun , Shaheen Abeer , Albqoor Maha Alkaid
Published: March 2024

Aim

To evaluate patients' satisfaction levels with primary healthcare services and providers in Jordan and assess differences in patients' satisfaction in relation to sociodemographic factors and accessibility to primary healthcare.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional design was used in this study.

Sampling

A convenient sampling technique was utilized.

Measures

A 34‐item survey instrument was adopted and distributed to patients in nine primary healthcare centers in Amman in the period between October and December 2022.

Results

A total of 225 patients completed the survey. The mean total score for patient satisfaction with primary healthcare services was 25.22 (SD = 4.13). There were significant differences in satisfaction with services in terms of educational level, visitation reason, mode of transportation, availability of parking, and suitably designed for patients with disabilities. Furthermore, the mean total score for patient satisfaction with primary healthcare providers was 22.85 (SD = 5.86). There were significant differences in relation to visitation reason, mode of transportation, and parking space availability.

Conclusion

It is important to improve patient satisfaction in primary healthcare facilities, and the Ministry of Health should implement policies for improving the quality of services provided by primary healthcare.
A scoping review of Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca: Mapping the health concerns and proposed solutions
Authors: Wicaksana Anggi Lukman , Hertanti Nuzul Sri
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To map the current evidence about the health concerns and the potential solutions related to the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.

Design

A scoping review was applied. Papers published in English between 2012 and 2023 were included but non‐human research and sources without any related data were excluded. Data charting and extraction were used to map the current evidence.

Results

The total of 36 papers were included with the total number of pilgrims of 17,075,887. The majority of studies were published in the Asia Pacific region (36.11%) as original articles (88.89%). The health concerns were grouped into five main aspects. There were 7603 deaths recorded or about 44 incidences of deaths per 100,000 pilgrims during the pilgrimage. There were recorded 11,018; 6178; 3393; and 17,810 cases for communicable diseases; non‐communicable diseases; injuries and trauma; and health services (i.e., cardiac catheterization) and vaccination, respectively.

Conclusion

Relating to the five health concerns, this study identified the top seven issues in each category (i.e., hypertension, influenza vaccination), except for the death record. Moreover, there were three solutions (for general health, non‐ and communicable‐diseases) presented. Stakeholders could use this evidence to improve healthcare quality particularly related to the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
Experiences and psychosocial challenges of volunteer nurses in Turkey devastating earthquake zones: Lessons to be learnt for prevention of health system problems in disasters: A qualitative study
Authors: Yanik Derya , Ediz Çiçek
Published: March 2024

Objective

This research aimed to investigate the experiences and psychosocial challenges encountered by volunteer nurses who provided care in the zones affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey in 2023.

Methods

This qualitative study involved semistructured, in‐depth interviews with 15 volunteer nurses who were actively working in earthquake‐affected regions. The study was conducted between June 2023 and July 2023. Participants were selected from diverse provinces (Hatay, Gaziantep, Adıyaman, Kahramanmaraş, and Malatya) affected by the earthquake, ensuring maximum variability. Individual online interviews were conducted using Google Meet, with data collection continuing until saturation was achieved. The study adhered to the COREQ checklist for reporting qualitative research.

Results

Three main themes and eight subthemes were developed: (1) Management and Coordination (failure to meet basic needs, bureaucracy, duty, and authority issues, problems with supplies and equipment); (2) Professional Experiences (working conditions, education, perspective on the profession); and Psychosocial Problems and (3) Coping Methods (psychological problems, methods of coping with problems).

Conclusions

The study showed that volunteer nurses encountered management and organizational obstacles, were profoundly impacted by the disaster's psychosocial aspects, and often struggled with inadequacies in handling psychological challenges. Despite these challenges, the nurses reported a sense of competence in delivering care services. The insights derived from this study hold valuable lessons for future disaster response strategies. For this reason, it is recommended to plan the necessary training and initiatives to professionally strengthen the field of disaster nursing.
Signalling responses in the bark and foliage of canker‐susceptible and ‐resistant cypress clones inoculated with Seiridium cardinale
Authors: Scimone Giulia , Pisuttu Claudia , Cotrozzi Lorenzo , Danti Roberto , Nali Cristina , Pellegrini Elisa , Tonelli Mariagrazia , Della Rocca Gianni
Published: March 2024

The necrotrophic fungus Seiridium cardinale is the main responsible for Cypress Canker Disease (CCD), a pandemic affecting many Cupressaceae worldwide. The present study aims to elucidate the signalling of the early responses in the bark and foliage of CCD‐susceptible and ‐resistant C. sempervirens clones to S. cardinale inoculation (SI and RI, respectively). In the bark of SI, a peaking production of ethylene (Et) and jasmonic acid (JA) occurred at 3 and 4 days post inoculation (dpi), respectively, suggesting an attempted plant response to the pathogen. A response that, however, was ineffective, as confirmed by the severe accumulation of malondialdehyde by‐products at 13 dpi (i.e., lipid peroxidation). Differently, Et emission peaked in RI bark at 3 and 13 dpi, whereas abscisic acid (ABA) accumulated at 1, 4 and 13 dpi, resulting in a lower MDA accumulation (and unchanged levels of antioxidant capacity). In the foliage of SI, Et was produced at 1 and 9 dpi, whereas JA and salicylic acid (SA) accumulated at 1 and 3 dpi. Conversely, an increase of ABA and SA occurred at 1 dpi in the RI foliage. This outcome indicates that some of the observed metabolic alterations, mainly occurring as local defence mechanisms, might be able to gradually shift to a systemic resistance, although an accumulation of MDA was observed in both SI and RI foliage (but with an increased antioxidant capacity reported only in the resistant clone). We believe that the results reported here will be useful for the selection of clones able to limit the spread and damage of CCD.
Gender effect in affective processing: Alpha EEG source analysis on emotional slides and film‐clips
Authors: Romeo Zaira , Angrilli Alessandro , Spironelli Chiara
Published: March 2024

Past research on gender‐related brain asymmetries in emotions was limited and not univocal. The present study analyzed EEG alpha activity (indexing cortical de‐activation) from 64 scalp sites in 20 women and 20 men during a counterbalanced block presentation of emotional slides and short video‐clips. Stimuli consisted of 45 brief clips of 13 s, divided into 15 erotic (pleasant), 15 neutral and 15 fear (unpleasant) contents. Slides consisted in 45 photo shots (presented for 13 s each) extracted from the videos. As expected, women perceived fear stimuli as more arousing and more unpleasant compared to men. Alpha EEG source analysis revealed gender effects depending on stimulus. Emotional film‐clips elicited in both groups a pattern of greater right than left occipital activation. Instead, emotional pictures activated opposite occipital regions, as women showed greater activation in the left, men in the right hemisphere. Men also showed greater activation to Erotic compared to Fear stimuli (i.e., pictures/clips) in the posterior parietal complex. Results point to the relevance of emotional stimulus type to reveal gender effects: clips are ecological, dynamic and engaging, and forced a unified pattern of emotional responses that reset individual differences. Emotional pictures, less engaging, allowed individual differences to emerge and interact with the stimulus category.
Wealth Inequality in the South: Multi‐Source Evidence from Uruguay
Authors: De Rosa Mauricio
Published: March 2024

While wealth accumulation and its distribution are arguably two of the key drivers of overall economic inequality, as well as being of major importance in their own right, very little is known about them in the developing world. I contribute to filling this gap by providing a micro–macro consistent series of aggregate wealth and its distribution in Uruguay. The country's balance sheet, which is not estimated by official institutions, is constructed for the first time by combining a wide array of data sources, leading to a book‐value wealth‐to‐income ratio of 450–500 percent. Private wealth distribution is then estimated based on the capitalization method, taking stock of combined survey‐tax‐national accounts micro‐data, resulting in a top 1 percent wealth share of 37–40 percent. Estimates are systematically compared with results based on the estate multiplier method, real estate wealth tax, household wealth survey, and Forbes billionaires list.
Ophthalmic findings associated with Australian tick paralysis (holocyclotoxicity) in hospitalized domestic dogs and cats
Authors: Reynolds B. D. , Nagel H. G. , Perry E. , Whittaker C. J. , Caruso K. A. , Annear M. J. , Irving W. M. , McCarthy P. M. , Dion A. , Yi J. M. S. , Hall E. , Smith J. S.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To describe ophthalmic findings in hospitalized canine and feline patients with tick paralysis (TP) and investigate possible predisposing factors.

Animals Studied

Forty‐seven dogs and 28 cats hospitalized with TP assessed with an ophthalmic examination performed by an ABVO resident.

Methods

Dogs and cats were hospitalized with TP from October 2021 to January 2022 and had an ophthalmic examination performed by an ABVO resident. Patient signalment data, information regarding tick number and location, hospitalization duration, medications used, and patient paralysis grades were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate findings.

Results

Corneal ulcers developed in up to 34.8% of dogs and up to 42.9% of cats hospitalized with TP. An absent palpebral reflex ipsilaterally increased the odds of a concurrent corneal ulcer being present by 14.7× in dogs and 20.1× in cats (p < .0001). Palpebral reflexes were absent in 38.3% of dogs and 35.7% of cats hospitalized with TP and were correlated with more severe gait paralysis (p = .01) and respiratory paralysis (p = .005) in dogs, and respiratory paralysis in cats (p = .041). STT‐1 findings <10 mm/min were present in 27.7% of dogs and 57.1% of cats examined and were associated with increasing gait paralysis (p = .017) and respiratory paralysis (p = .007) in dogs, and increasing gait paralysis in cats (p = .017).

Conclusions

Simple corneal ulcers, loss of a complete palpebral reflex, and reduced STT‐1 scores frequently occurred in dogs and cats hospitalized for TP. The frequency of these findings increased as the degree of patient paralysis increased.
Weed seedbank as influenced by tillage and herbicide in direct seeded rice‐mustard cropping sequence in lateritic soil of eastern India
Authors: Jaiswal Deepak Kumar , Duary Buddhadeb , Kumar Ravi Ranjan , Nath Chaitanya P.
Published: March 2024

The above‐ground community dynamics of weeds represent the soil weed seedbank in an agro‐ecosystem. Hence, understanding the seedbank will offer an idea for future weed management tactics. We aimed to determine the density of weed seedbank and emergence of major weeds in direct seeded rice (DSR) (Oryza sativa L.)—mustard (Brassica campestris L. var. yellow sarson) cropping sequence under varied tillage and herbicide combinations. The present study on weed seedbank was conducted using seedling emergence method after collecting the soils at the harvest of mustard at the completion of 2 years field experimentation. The experiment was conducted in split‐plot design with two tillage practices [zero tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT)] in main plot and eight weed management practices in DSR [oxadiargyl followed by (fb) bispyribac‐sodium, penoxsulam + cyhalofop‐butyl, oxadiargyl fb penoxsulam + cyhalofop‐butyl, fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl + ethoxysulfuron, oxadiargyl fb fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl + ethoxysulfuron, pendimethalin fb bispyribac‐sodium, unweeded control, and weed free check] as subplot. The carry‐over effect of tillage and weed management practices were recorded in mustard crop. Seed emergence study revealed that ZT reduced the emergence of grassy weeds (by 13.7%) and total weed emergence (19.5%) in comparison to the CT (p < 0.05). However, emergence of broadleaf weeds was 24.5% higher in ZT than in CT. The higher infestation was recorded for Ludwigia parviflora (Jacq.) Raven under penoxsulam + cyhalofop‐butyl, fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl + ethoxysulfuron, Cyperus iria (L.) under fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl + ethoxysulfuron, and Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. under pendimethalin fb bispyribac‐sodium, oxadiargyl fb bispyribac‐sodium. Sole application of post‐emergence (POE) herbicide decreased the total weed emergence by 22.2%–28.1% than unweeded control (p < 0.05). Whereas, sequential application of PRE + POE herbicides decreased the total weed emergence by 32.8%–36.9% than unweeded control (p < 0.05). Notably, sedge weeds such as Cyperus iria (L.) and Fimbristylis miliacea (L.) Vahl were lower in ZT than in CT under herbicide treated plots (by 66.6%–84.3%) than unweeded control. Thus, ZT with oxadiargyl 90 g a.i. ha−1 fb fenoxaprop‐p‐ethyl + ethoxysulfuron (90 + 15 g a.i. ha−1) as tank‐mix can be effectively used to lower the weed seedbank density vis‐à‐vis managing complex weed flora in DSR and rice‐mustard cropping sequence.
Data Center Environmental Burden Reduction Through On-Site Renewable Power Generation
Authors: McMullen M. , Wemhoff A. P.
Published: March 2024

The energy demands from data centers contribute greatly to water scarcity footprint and carbon emissions. Understanding the use of on-site renewable power generation is an important step to gain insight into making data centers more sustainable. This novel study examines the impact of on-site solar or wind energy on data center water scarcity usage effectiveness (WSUE) and carbon usage effectiveness (CUE) at a U.S. county scale for a given data center size, water consumption level, and energy efficiency. The analysis uncovers combinations of specific metrics associated with grid-based carbon emissions and water scarcity footprint that enable predictions of the improvements anticipated when implementing on-site solar or wind energy. The implementation of on-site renewables has the most benefit in reducing carbon footprint in areas with high existing grid-based emissions such as the western side of the Appalachian Mountains (e.g., central and eastern Kentucky). The largest benefit in reducing water scarcity footprint is generally seen in counties with low water scarcity compared to adjacent areas (e.g., northern California).
Robust ultrablack film deposited on large-curvature magnesium alloy by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Jin Jianfei , Lv Lin , Yan Lu , Li Ying , Cao Yunzhen
Published: March 2024

A broadband absorber composed of a TiAlC/SiO2 film stack prepared by atomic layer deposition was presented, which could be uniformly coated on magnesium alloys with large curvature, achieving an average absorption as high as 99.4% within the wavelength range from 400 to 1000 nm. An Al2O3/TiO2 interlayer was deposited on magnesium alloys prior to the deposition of ultrablack films, which effectively prevented corrosion of magnesium caused by Al3+ and Cl− by-products in the TiAlC film. With the presence of this interlayer, the ultrablack film on the surface of the magnesium alloy exhibited good adhesion and abrasion resistance. Furthermore, after undergoing damp heat and thermal cycling tests, the absorptions of the ultrablack film-coated magnesium alloys remained at 99.1% and 99.0%, respectively, which indicated that the film is promising for application in precision optics under harsh environmental conditions.
Optimizing Health-Related Outcomes Following Musculoskeletal Injury Through the Integration of Self-Efficacy Theory and the Fear Avoidance Model
Authors: Walsh Bridget M. , Porter Ke’La H. , Hoch Matthew C.
Published: March 2024

A primary goal of rehabilitation is to produce optimal health-related quality of life outcomes, which includes returning patients to their desired level of activity. Injury-related fear, kinesiophobia, and fear-avoidance beliefs are psychological factors that negatively impact health-related quality of life and are associated with decreased levels of physical activity. Conversely, increased levels of self-efficacy have been linked to favorable rehabilitation outcomes. To promote full recovery and optimal health-related quality of life, the rehabilitation process should consider addressing self-efficacy and injury-related fear (e.g., kinesiophobia, fear-avoidance beliefs). Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to introduce a theoretical framework which integrates self-efficacy theory and the Fear-Avoidance Model to mitigate injury-related fear and optimize patient outcomes following musculoskeletal injury. The intention of this theoretical framework is to provide clinicians with psychosocial interventions to improve self-efficacy and prevent the progression of injury-related fear at varying times throughout the rehabilitation process.
Young Danish Esports Players Physical Health, and Their Opportunities and Wishes for Physical Activity From Their Esports Club: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gaasedal Julie , Thøgersen Mia Ricaplaza , Straszek Christian Lund , Guldager Julie Dalgaard
Published: March 2024

Electronic sports (esports) refer to competitive video gaming at professional and amateur levels. The increasing popularity of esports may lead to an increased tendency toward inactivity and sedentary behavior among players. Currently, 150 min of physical activity (PA) of moderate to high intensity per week is recommended to main a healthy lifestyle. The aim of this study was to investigate whether young esports players are offered to participate in PA and what type of PA they would like to participate in. The level of PA, bodily pain, and sleeping habits were also investigated through a self-reported questionnaire. The median score for PA was 2,850 metabolic equivalent of task minutes per week. One in every five esports players was offered PA by their esports association, and most of them have used this offer. For participants who were not offered PA, the most often called-for type of PA was resistance training, ballgames, and cardiovascular training.
The Lifetime Fitness Program: Structured Physical Activity for Older Adults and Meaningful Experiential Learning for Kinesiology Students
Authors: Sebastião Emerson , Morgan Ashley M. , Pawelczyk Kaitlyn P. , Senefeld Jonathon W.
Published: March 2024

Physical activity is associated with improvements in both health and longevity and is highly recommended for older adults. Public health and nonprofit organizations have invested considerable efforts to promote physical activity among this population. The present manuscript describes the specifics of the first university-based adult fitness program (Lifetime Fitness Program) and how this program promotes healthy aging through physical activity while serving as an important venue for experiential learning among students. Thus, the goal of this paper is to provide a “road map” to guide strategies and methods to promote physical activity and healthy aging in an academic setting and provide students with meaningful experiential learning opportunities.
ACE2 acts as a novel regulator of TMPRSS2-catalyzed proteolytic activation of influenza A virus in airway cells
Authors: Heindl Miriam Ruth , Rupp Anna-Lena , Schwerdtner Marie , Bestle Dorothea , Harbig Anne , De Rocher Amy , Schmacke Luna C. , Staker Bart , Steinmetzer Torsten , Stein David A. , Moulton Hong M. , Böttcher-Friebertshäuser Eva
Published: March 2024

The transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) activates the outer structural proteins of a number of respiratory viruses including influenza A virus (IAV), parainfluenza viruses, and various coronaviruses for membrane fusion. Previous studies showed that TMPRSS2 interacts with the carboxypeptidase angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a cell surface protein that serves as an entry receptor for some coronaviruses. Here, by using protease activity assays, we determine that ACE2 increases the enzymatic activity of TMPRSS2 in a non-catalytic manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ACE2 knockdown inhibits TMPRSS2-mediated cleavage of IAV hemagglutinin (HA) in Calu-3 human airway cells and suppresses virus titers 100- to 1.000-fold. Transient expression of ACE2 in ACE2-deficient cells increased TMPRSS2-mediated HA cleavage and IAV replication. ACE2 knockdown also reduced titers of MERS-CoV and prevented S cleavage by TMPRSS2 in Calu-3 cells. By contrast, proteolytic activation and multicycle replication of IAV with multibasic HA cleavage site typically cleaved by furin were not affected by ACE2 knockdown. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that ACE2-TMPRSS2 interaction requires the enzymatic activity of TMPRSS2 and the carboxypeptidase domain of ACE2. Together, our data identify ACE2 as a new co-factor or stabilizer of TMPRSS2 activity and as a novel host cell factor involved in proteolytic activation and spread of IAV in human airway cells. Furthermore, our data indicate that ACE2 is involved in the TMPRSS2-catalyzed activation of additional respiratory viruses including MERS-CoV.

IMPORTANCE

Proteolytic cleavage of viral envelope proteins by host cell proteases is essential for the infectivity of many viruses and relevant proteases provide promising drug targets. The transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) has been identified as a major activating protease of several respiratory viruses, including influenza A virus. TMPRSS2 was previously shown to interact with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Here, we report the mechanistic details of this interaction. We demonstrate that ACE2 increases or stabilizes the enzymatic activity of TMPRSS2. Furthermore, we describe ACE2 involvement in TMPRSS2-catalyzed cleavage of the influenza A virus hemagglutinin and MERS-CoV spike protein in human airway cells. These findings expand our knowledge of the activation of respiratory viruses by TMPRSS2 and the host cell factors involved. In addition, our results could help to elucidate a physiological role for TMPRSS2.
The recruitment of TRiC chaperonin in rotavirus viroplasms correlates with virus replication
Authors: Vetter Janine , Papa Guido , Tobler Kurt , Rodriguez Javier M. , Kley Manuel , Myers Michael , Wiesendanger Mahesa , Schraner Elisabeth M. , Luque Daniel , Burrone Oscar R. , Fraefel Cornel , Eichwald Catherine
Published: March 2024

Rotavirus (RV) replication takes place in the viroplasms, cytosolic inclusions that allow the synthesis of virus genome segments and their encapsidation in the core shell, followed by the addition of the second layer of the virion. The viroplasms are composed of several viral proteins, including NSP5, which serves as the main building block. Microtubules, lipid droplets, and miRNA-7 are among the host components recruited in viroplasms. We investigated the interaction between RV proteins and host components of the viroplasms by performing a pull-down assay of lysates from RV-infected cells expressing NSP5-BiolD2. Subsequent tandem mass spectrometry identified all eight subunits of the tailless complex polypeptide I ring complex (TRiC), a cellular chaperonin responsible for folding at least 10% of the cytosolic proteins. Our confirmed findings reveal that TRiC is brought into viroplasms and wraps around newly formed double-layered particles. Chemical inhibition of TRiC and silencing of its subunits drastically reduced virus progeny production. Through direct RNA sequencing, we show that TRiC is critical for RV replication by controlling dsRNA genome segment synthesis, particularly negative-sense single-stranded RNA. Importantly, cryo-electron microscopy analysis shows that TRiC inhibition results in defective virus particles lacking genome segments and polymerase complex (VP1/VP3). Moreover, TRiC associates with VP2 and NSP5 but not with VP1. Also, VP2 is shown to be essential for recruiting TRiC in viroplasms and preserving their globular morphology. This study highlights the essential role of TRiC in viroplasm formation and in facilitating virion assembly during the RV life cycle.

IMPORTANCE

The replication of rotavirus takes place in cytosolic inclusions termed viroplasms. In these inclusions, the distinct 11 double-stranded RNA genome segments are co-packaged to complete a genome in newly generated virus particles. In this study, we show for the first time that the tailless complex polypeptide I ring complex (TRiC), a cellular chaperonin responsible for the folding of at least 10% of the cytosolic proteins, is a component of viroplasms and is required for the synthesis of the viral negative-sense single-stranded RNA. Specifically, TRiC associates with NSP5 and VP2, the cofactor involved in RNA replication. Our study adds a new component to the current model of rotavirus replication, where TRiC is recruited to viroplasms to assist replication.
Tetramerization is essential for the enzymatic function of the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
virulence factor UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase
Authors: Dirr Larissa , Cleeves Sven , Ramón Roth Isabel , Li Linghui , Fiebig Timm , Ve Thomas , Häussler Susanne , Braun Armin , von Itzstein Mark , Führing Jana I.
Published: March 2024

Multidrug-resistant bacteria such as the opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, which causes life-threatening infections especially in immunocompromised individuals and cystic fibrosis patients, pose an increasing threat to public health. In the search for new treatment options,
P. aeruginosa
uridine diphosphate-glucose pyrophosphorylase (PaUGP) has been proposed as a novel drug target because it is required for the biosynthesis of important virulence factors and linked to pathogenicity in animal models. Here, we show that UGP-deficient
P. aeruginosa
exhibits severely reduced virulence against human lung tissue and cells, emphasizing the enzyme’s suitability as a drug target. To establish a basis for the development of selective PaUGP inhibitors, we solved the product-bound crystal structure of tetrameric PaUGP and conducted a comprehensive structure-function analysis, identifying key residues at two different molecular interfaces that are essential for tetramer integrity and catalytic activity and demonstrating that tetramerization is pivotal for PaUGP function. Importantly, we show that part of the PaUGP oligomerization interface is uniquely conserved across bacterial UGPs but does not exist in the human enzyme, therefore representing an allosteric site that may be targeted to selectively inhibit bacterial UGPs.

IMPORTANCE

Infections with the opportunistic bacterial pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to multidrug resistance. Here, we show that the enzyme uridine diphosphate-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGP) is involved in
P. aeruginosa
virulence toward human lung tissue and cells, making it a potential target for the development of new antibacterial drugs. Our exploration of
P. aeruginosa
(Pa)UGP structure-function relationships reveals that the activity of PaUGP depends on the formation of a tetrameric enzyme complex. We found that a molecular interface involved in tetramer formation is conserved in all bacterial UGPs but not in the human enzyme, and therefore hypothesize that it provides an ideal point of attack to selectively inhibit bacterial UGPs and exploit them as drug targets.
Alternative substitutions of N332 in HIV-1
AD8
gp120 differentially affect envelope glycoprotein function and viral sensitivity to broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting the V3-glycan
Authors: Jeffy Jeffy , Parthasarathy Durgadevi , Ahmed Shamim , Cervera-Benet Héctor , Xiong Ulahn , Harris Miranda , Mazurov Dmitriy , Pickthorn Stephanie , Herschhorn Alon
Published: March 2024

The envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer on the surface of human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) mediates viral entry into host CD4
+
T cells and is the sole target of neutralizing antibodies. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) that target gp120 V3-glycan of HIV-1 Env trimer are potent and block the entry of diverse HIV-1 strains. Most V3-glycan bnAbs interact, to a different extent, with a glycan attached to N332, but Asn at this position is not absolutely conserved or required for HIV-1 entry based on the prevalence of N332 in different circulating HIV-1 strains from diverse clades. Here, we studied the effects of amino acid changes at position 332 of HIV-1
AD8
Envs on HIV-1 sensitivity to antibodies, cold exposure, and soluble CD4. We further investigated how these changes affect Env function and HIV-1 infectivity
in vitro
. Our results suggest robust tolerability of HIV-1
AD8
Env N332 to changes, with specific changes that resulted in extended exposure of gp120 V3 loop, which is typically concealed in most primary HIV-1 isolates. Viral evolution leading to Asn at position 332 of HIV
AD8
Envs is supported by the selection advantage of high levels of cell–cell fusion, transmission, and infectivity with high levels of cell surface expression and slightly higher gp120 shedding than most N332 variants. Thus, tolerance of HIV-1
AD8
Envs to different amino acids at position 332 provides increased flexibility to respond to changing conditions/environments and evade the immune system. Modeling studies of the distance between N332 glycan and specific bnAbs were in agreement with N332 glycan dependency on bnAb neutralization. Overall, our studies provide insights into the contribution of specific amino acids at position 332 to Env antigenicity, stability on ice, and conformational states.

IMPORTANCE

Glycan attached to amino acid asparagine at position 332 of HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins is a main target of a subset of broadly neutralizing antibodies that block HIV-1 infection. Here, we defined the contribution of different amino acids at this position to Env antigenicity, stability on ice, and conformational states.
Root microbiota analysis of
Oryza rufipogon
and
Oryza sativa
reveals an orientation selection during the domestication process
Authors: Jiang Liqun , Ke Da , Sun Bingrui , Zhang Jing , Lyu Shuwei , Yu Hang , Chen Pingli , Mao Xingxue , Liu Qing , Chen Wenfeng , Fan Zhilan , Huang Li , Yin Sanjun , Deng Yizhen , Li Chen
Published: March 2024

The root-associated microbiota has a close relation to the life activities of plants, and its composition is affected by the rhizospheric environment and plant genotypes. Rice (
Oryza sativa
) was domesticated from the ancestor species
Oryza rufipogon
. Many important agricultural traits and adversity resistance of rice have changed during a long time of natural domestication and artificial selection. However, the influence of rice genotypes on root microbiota in important agricultural traits remains to be explained. In this study, we performed 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene amplicon sequencing to generate bacterial and fungal community profiles of
O. rufipogon
and
O. sativa
, both of which were planted in a farm in Guangzhou and had reached the reproductive stage. We compared their root microbiota in detail by alpha diversity, beta diversity, different species, core microbiota, and correlation analyses. We found that the relative abundance of bacteria was significantly higher in the cultivated rice than in the common wild rice, while the relative abundance of fungi was the opposite. Significant differences in agricultural traits between
O. rufipogon
and
O. sativa
showed a high correlation with core microorganisms in the two
Oryza
species, which only existed in either or had obviously different abundance in both two species, indicating that rice genotype/phenotype had a strong influence on recruiting specific microorganisms. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the in-depth understanding of rice root microbiota and the improvement of rice breeding from the perspective of the interaction between root microorganisms and plants.

IMPORTANCE

Plant root microorganisms play a vital role not only in plant growth and development but also in responding the biotic and abiotic stresses.
Oryza sativa
is domesticated from
Oryza rufipogon
which has many excellent agricultural traits especially containing resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. To improve the yield and resistance of cultivated rice, it is particularly important to deeply research on differences between
O. sativa
and
O. rufipogon
and find beneficial microorganisms to remodel the root microbiome of
O. sativa
.
Enteric-coated Mycophenolate Sodium therApy versus cyclophosphamide for induction of Remission in Microscopic PolyAngiitis (EMSAR-MPA trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Li Sijia , Yao Shulei , Tie Xuan , Shi Xiaojing , Feng Rongrong , Su Xiaole , Wang Lihua
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Several studies have demonstrated that mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) may be an excellent alternative to cyclophosphamide (CYC) or rituximab for the induction of remission in non-life-threatening anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies associated vasculitis because of its strong immunosuppressive potency and low toxicity profile. Enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) was introduced to reduce gastrointestinal adverse reactions of MMF. This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of EC-MPS combined with glucocorticoid in patients with active and non-life-threatening microscopic polyangiitis (MPA).

Methods and analysis

This study is a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled, non-inferiority trial. A total of 110 patients with active and non-life-threatening MPA from 11 hospitals in Shanxi Province of China will be recruited and randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either EC-MPS or CYC. All patients will receive the same glucocorticoid plan. We will compare oral EC-MPS (720–1440 mg/day) with intravenous pulsed CYC (7.5–15 mg/kg) administered for 3–6 months. All patients will be switched from their assigned treatment (EC-MPS or CYC) to oral azathioprine (2 mg/kg/day) after remission has been achieved, between 3 and 6 months. Azathioprine will be continued until the study ends at 18 months. The primary end point of efficacy is the remission rate at 6 months. Follow-up will continue for 18 months in order to detect an influence of induction regimen on subsequent relapse rates.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received approval from the Ethics Committee of the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (2022YX-026). All participants are required to provide written informed consent and no study-related procedures will be performed until consent is obtained. The results of this trial will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200063823.
Psychological experience of university students during prolonged quarantine in China: a qualitative study
Authors: Yao Anling , Zhu Mingling , Li Ling
Published: March 2024

Objective

To explore the psychological experiences of university students in prolonged quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study based on semistructured interviews; data were analysed using a thematic topic analysis approach.

Setting

Interviews were conducted via WeChat video.

Participants

20 full-time undergraduate students from seven districts in Shanghai Province who experienced prolonged quarantine were interviewed from June to August 2022.

Results

The data analysis revealed three themes with corresponding subthemes related to the psychological experiences of university students during prolonged quarantine: (1) dynamic and complex psychological experiences, encompassing the feelings of relief, confusion, anxiety, insecurity, loneliness, craving for catharsis and emotional numbness; (2) desire for diverse support; and (3) self-reflection and growth, mainly including learning to be grateful, self-efficacy enhancement, reconsideration of the meaning of life and restructuring of future planning.

Conclusion

This study explored the psychological experiences of university students in prolonged quarantine through qualitative interviews, which contributed to our understanding of their emotions, needs and conceptual changes during quarantine. Combined with the experiences of university students in quarantine, they reported complex emotional changes and diverse needs, as well as the impact of prolonged quarantine on their outlook on life. These findings can serve as a reference and basis for the development of future psychological intervention measures in line with national conditions.
Interventions to improve latent and active tuberculosis treatment completion rates in underserved groups in low incidence countries: a scoping review
Authors: Dretzke Janine , Hobart Carla , Basu Anamika , Ahyow Lauren , Nagasivam Ahimza , Moore David J , Gajraj Roger , Roy Anjana
Published: March 2024

Background

People in underserved groups have higher rates of tuberculosis (TB) and poorer treatment outcomes compared with people with no social risk factors.

Objectives

This scoping review aimed to identify interventions that improve TB treatment adherence or completion rates.

Eligibility criteria

Studies of any design focusing on interventions to improve adherence or completion of TB treatment in underserved populations in low incidence countries.

Sources of evidence

MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched (January 2015 to December 2023).

Charting methods

Piloted data extraction forms were used. Findings were tabulated and reported narratively. Formal risk of bias assessment or synthesis was not undertaken.

Results

47 studies were identified. There was substantial heterogeneity in study design, population, intervention components, usual care and definition of completion rates. Most studies were in migrants or refugees, with fewer in populations with other risk factors (eg, homelessness, imprisonment or substance abuse). Based on controlled studies, there was limited evidence to suggest that shorter treatment regimens, video-observed therapy (compared with directly observed therapy), directly observed therapy (compared with self-administered treatment) and approaches that include tailored health or social support beyond TB treatment may lead to improved outcomes. This evidence is mostly observational and subject to confounding. There were no studies in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller populations, or individuals with mental health disorders and only one in sex workers. Barriers to treatment adherence included a lack of knowledge around TB, lack of general health or social support and side effects. Facilitators included health education, trusted relationships between patients and healthcare staff, social support and reduced treatment duration.

Conclusions

The evidence base is limited, and few controlled studies exist. Further high-quality research in well-defined underserved populations is needed to confirm the limited findings and inform policy and practice in TB management. Further qualitative research should include more people from underserved groups.
Optimising triage of urgent referrals for suspected IBD: results from the Birmingham IBD inception study
Authors: Rimmer Peter , Cheesbrough Jonathan , Harris Jane , Love Melanie , Tull Samantha , Iqbal Asif , Regan-Komito Daniel , Cooney Rachel , Hazel Karl , Sharma Naveen , Dietrich Thomas , Chapple Iain , Quraishi Mohammad Nabil , Iqbal Tariq H
Published: March 2024

Objective

Diagnostic delays in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) result in adverse outcomes. We report a bespoke diagnostic pathway to assess how best to combine clinical history and faecal calprotectin (FCP) for early diagnosis and efficient resource utilisation.

Methods

A rapid-access pathway was implemented for suspected IBD patients referred outside urgent ‘two-week wait’ criteria. Patients were triaged using symptoms and FCP. A 13-point symptom history was taken prediagnosis and clinical indices, including repeat FCP, collected prospectively.

Results

Of 767 patients (January 2021–August 2023), 423 were diagnosed with IBD (208 Crohn’s disease (CD), 215 ulcerative colitis (UC)). Most common symptoms in CD were abdominal pain (84%), looser stools (84%) and fatigue (79%) and in UC per-rectal bleeding (94%), urgency (82%) and looser stools (81%). Strongest IBD predictors were blood mixed with stools (CD OR 4.38; 95% CI 2.40–7.98, UC OR 33.68; 15.47–73.33) and weight loss (CD OR 3.39; 2.14–5.38, UC OR 2.33; 1.37–4.00). Repeat FCP testing showed reduction from baseline in non-IBD. Both measurements >100 µg/g (area under the curve (AUC) 0.800) and >200 µg/g (AUC 0.834) collectively predicted IBD. However, a second value ≥220 µg/g considered alone, regardless of the first result, was more accurate (Youden’s index 0.735, AUC 0.923). Modelling symptoms with FCP increased AUC to 0.947.

Conclusion

Serial FCP measurement prevents unnecessary colonoscopy. Two FCPs >200 µg/g could stream patients direct to colonoscopy, with two >100 µg/g prompting clinic review. A second result ≥220 µg/g was more accurate than dual-result thresholds. Coupling home FCP testing with key symptoms may form the basis of effective self-referral pathways.
Chinese version of the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire: psychometric properties and clinical applications
Authors: Cai Xin-Lu , Ye Qingying , Ni Ke , Zhu Lin , Zhang Qian , Yin Minmin , Zhang Zhe , Wei Wei , Preece David A. , Li Bao-Ming
Published: March 2024

Background

The alexithymia trait is of high clinical interest. The Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ) was recently developed to enable detailed facet-level and valence-specific assessments of alexithymia.

Aims

In this paper, we introduce the first Chinese version of the PAQ and examine its psychometric properties and clinical applications.

Methods

In Study 1, the PAQ was administered to 990 Chinese participants. We examined its factor structure, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, as well as convergent, concurrent and discriminant validity. In Study 2, four groups, including a major depressive disorder (MDD) group (n=50), a matched healthy control group for MDD (n=50), a subclinical depression group (n=50) and a matched healthy control group for subclinical depression (n=50), were recruited. Group comparisons were conducted to assess the clinical relevance of the PAQ.

Results

In Study 1, the intended five-factor structure of the PAQ was found to fit the data well. The PAQ showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability, as well as good convergent, concurrent and discriminant validity. In Study 2, the PAQ was able to successfully distinguish the MDD group and the subclinical depression group from their matched healthy controls.

Conclusions

The Chinese version of the PAQ is a valid and reliable instrument for comprehensively assessing alexithymia in the general population and adults with clinical/subclinical depression.
Clinical relevance of intracranial hemorrhage after thrombectomy versus medical management for large core infarct: a secondary analysis of the SELECT2 randomized trial
Authors: Chen Michael , Joshi Krishna C , Kolb Bradley , Sitton Clark W , Pujara Deep Kiritbhai , Abraham Michael G , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Kasner Scott E , Hussain Shazam M , Churilov Leonid , Blackburn Spiros , Sundararajan Sophia , Hu Yin C , Herial Nabeel , Arenillas Juan F , Tsai Jenny P , Budzik Ronald F , Hicks William , Kozak Osman , Yan Bernard , Cordato Dennis , Manning Nathan W , Parsons Mark , Hanel Ricardo A , Aghaebrahim Amin , Wu Teddy , Cardona Portela Pere , Gandhi Chirag D , Al-Mufti Fawaz , Perez de la Ossa Natalia , Schaafsma Joanna , Blasco Jordi , Sangha Navdeep , Warach Steven , Kleinig Timothy J , Johns Hannah , Shaker Faris , Abdulrazzak Mohammad A , Ray Abhishek , Sunshine Jeffery , Opaskar Amanda , Duncan Kelsey R , Xiong Wei , Al-Shaibi Faisal K , Samaniego Edgar A , Nguyen Thanh N , Fifi Johanna T , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula I , Jabbour Pascal , Mendes Pereira Vitor , Lansberg Maarten G , Sila Cathy , Bambakidis Nicholas C , Davis Stephen , Wechsler Lawrence , Albers Gregory W , Grotta James C , Ribo Marc , Hassan Ameer E , Campbell Bruce , Hill Michael D , Sarraj Amrou
Published: March 2024

Background

The incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and its effect on the outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for patients with large core infarcts have not been well-characterized.

Methods

SELECT2 trial follow-up imaging was evaluated using the Heidelberg Bleeding Classification (HBC) to define hemorrhage grade. The association of ICH with clinical outcomes and treatment effect was examined.

Results

Of 351 included patients, 194 (55%) and 189 (54%) demonstrated intracranial and intracerebral hemorrhage, respectively, with a higher incidence in EVT (134 (75%) and 130 (73%)) versus medical management (MM) (60 (35%) and 59 (34%), both P<0.001). Hemorrhagic infarction type 1 (HBC=1a) and type 2 (HBC=1b) accounted for 93% of all hemorrhages. Parenchymal hematoma (PH) type 1 (HBC=1c) and type 2 (HBC=2) were observed in 1 (0.6%) EVT-treated and 4 (2.2%) MM patients. Symptomatic ICH (sICH) (SITS-MOST definition) was seen in 0.6% EVT patients and 1.2% MM patients. No trend for ICH with core volumes (P=0.10) or Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) (P=0.74) was observed. Among EVT patients, the presence of any ICH did not worsen clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days: 4 (3–6) vs 4 (3–6); adjusted generalized OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.47, P>0.99) or modify EVT treatment effect (Pinteraction=0.77).

Conclusions

ICH was present in 75% of the EVT population, but PH or sICH were infrequent. The presence of any ICH did not worsen functional outcomes or modify EVT treatment effect at 90-day follow-up. The high rate of hemorrhages overall still represents an opportunity for adjunctive therapies in EVT patients with a large ischemic core.