bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A high cholesterol diet aggravates experimental colitis through SREBP2‐modulated endocytosis and degradation of occludin and Zo‐1 proteins
Authors: Yang Qin , Li Yongjia , Wang Xingxing , Ding Qiuying , Tao Yi , Li Pan , Lian Xuemei , Chen Yaxi , Zhao Lei
Published: September 2024

Disrupted cholesterol homeostasis plays a critical role in the development of multiple diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, the role of cholesterol in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated whether and how high levels of cholesterol in the diet affect experimental colitis in mice. A normal diet supplemented with 1.25% cholesterol (high cholesterol diet) caused more severe colitis and aggravated the disruption of intestinal tight junction structure, accompanied by higher colonic tissue total cholesterol (TC) levels in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced experimental colitis mouse model. Cholesterol aggravated DSS‐induced intestinal epithelial barrier impairment and nuclear sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 2 (nSREBP2) inhibition both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, nSREBP2 overexpression ameliorated cholesterol‐induced intestinal epithelial barrier disruption in Caco2 cells. Interestingly, inhibition of SREBP2 disrupted intestinal epithelial barrier in the absence of cholesterol. Furthermore, SREBP2 regulated the protein expression of tight junction proteins (occludin/Zo‐1) via modulating caveolin‐1‐mediated endocytosis and lysosomal degradation. Analysis of UK Biobank data indicated that, in fully adjusted models, higher serum TC concentrations were an independent protective factor for IBD incidence. The sterol regulatory element‐binding factor 2 (SREBF2) gene rs2228313 (G/C) genetic variant was associated with the incidence of IBD and the CC genotype of SREBF2 rs2228313 was associated with higher serum TC levels and decreased the risk of IBD. In summary, a high cholesterol diet aggravates DSS‐induced colitis in mice by down‐regulating nSREBP2 expression, thereby promoting the endocytic degradation of tight junction proteins. In humans, SREBF2 gene single nucleotide polymorphism rs2228313 and serum TC levels are associated with IBD incidence.
Change in leaf C:N:P stoichiometry and its correlations with soil available nutrients and dry matter yield in common vetch/oat intercropping under N fertilization
Authors: Zhang Junyu , Wu Xiaojuan , Mu Le , Su Kaiqi , Yang Huimin
Published: September 2024

C, N, and P concentrations and stoichiometric ratios of the leaf are important for adaptive plant growth and nutrient utilization. However, our knowledge of how these traits change with N fertilization in intercropping systems remains limited. Hence, a 2‐year experiment was conducted with four cropping patterns, including two‐row common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) intercropping with one‐row oat (Avena sativa L.), one‐row common vetch intercropping with two‐row oat as well as sole oat and common vetch cropping with 0, 50, and 100 kg N/ha fertilization. Leaf total nitrogen (LTN) and phosphorus (LTP) concentrations and C:N:P stoichiometric ratios were measured and their linkages with soil nutrient availability were analysed. N fertilization significantly increased LTN, N:P, and C:P, while significantly decreasing LTP and C:N. Intercropping affected leaf nutrient concentrations and stoichiometric ratios, which were affected by N fertilization, basic soil fertility, and crop species. Intercropping and N fertilization affected soil nitrate nitrogen (SNN), available phosphorus (SAP) content, and dry matter (DM) yield. There were strong correlations between the leaf nutritional traits of oats and SNN, SAP, and DM, but few correlations were observed with common vetch. In conclusion, intercropping led to contrasting changes in leaf nutrient concentrations and stoichiometric ratios, which varied with N fertilization and crop species. We failed to reveal solid and direct effects of intercropping ratio on leaf nutritional traits. These findings contribute to a better understanding of crop nutritional traits and the link between leaves and soil in response to intercropping and N fertilization.
Accelerated BDNF expression in visceral white adipose tissues following high‐fat diet feeding in mice
Authors: Sakata Kurumi , Fukuchi Mamoru
Published: September 2024

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is expressed in the white adipose tissues (WATs), and the expression increases during high‐fat diet (HFD) feeding, implicating its role in obesity. Here, we focused on BDNF expression in epididymal WAT (eWAT), a visceral adipose tissue, in mice. During 2 weeks of HFD feeding, Bdnf mRNA expression in eWAT slightly increased, but a robust increase was observed after 8 weeks of HFD feeding. This upregulation of Bdnf mRNA was correlated with significant induction of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (Hif1α) and platelet‐derived growth factor subunit B (Pdgfb) mRNA in eWAT following 8 weeks of HFD feeding. Furthermore, the increased expression of the M1 macrophage markers was strongly correlated with the elevation of Bdnf mRNA in the eWAT. Notably, 8 weeks of HFD feeding significantly elevated Tnfα mRNA expression in eWAT, while no such induction was observed in inguinal WAT (iWAT). In contrast, the expression of Adipoq (adiponectin), implicated in improved insulin sensitivity and anti‐inflammatory effects, was significantly upregulated in iWAT, but not in eWAT. Thus, our study may show the role of BDNF in eWAT in obesity models, potentially contributing to the pathological state of visceral adipose tissues.
New complex cell junctions in and around the intervertebral discs discovered using autoantibodies from patients affected by endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America
Authors: Abreu Velez Ana Maria , Hashimoto Takashi , Arango Jorge Mario Vélez , Upegui‐Zapata Yulieth Alexandra , Upegui‐Quiceño Eduardo , Aponte Adriana Milena Olarte , Howard Michael S.
Published: September 2024

Background

Traditionally, the intervertebral disks' (IVD) nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) are considered to have few cellular components and cell junctions. Patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia, experience back pain in the spinal areas of the lower and upper back. Here, we investigate the reactivity of the patient's autoantibodies to structures in and around the IVDs at the cellular level.

Methods

We first administered a questionnaire and performed a medical examination. We then tested for autoreactivity against IVDs by indirect immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and reflectance confocal microscopy using bovine and human tissues as antigen sources. We tested 45 sera from patients affected by the disease and 45 control sera from the endemic area matched by age, gender, demographics, and work activity.

Results

Most of the patient sera revealed polyclonal antibodies against newly discovered cell junctions in the NP and AF, including their translamellar cross‐bridges. Additional reactivities were detected against cell junctions in the spinal cord neurons, paraspinal nerves, blood vessels, anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, and paraspinal skeletal muscles. The reactivities of the patient's autoantibodies co‐localized with those of commercially available antibodies to desmoplakins I–II, armadillo repeat gene deleted in velo‐cardio‐facial syndrome, plakophilin‐4, and myocardium‐enriched zonula occludens‐1‐associated protein (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We discovered novel complex cell junctions in the IVDs using patients' autoantibodies. These discoveries open a new chapter in the knowledge of IVD, representing a breakthrough pertinent to many diseases.
How Do People Who Undergo Ketamine Treatment for a Psychiatric Problem Subjectively Experience This Intervention? A Meta‐Synthesis of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Trimmel Melanie , Renner Antonia , Kaltenboeck Alexander
Published: September 2024

Ketamine treatment has shown promising effects for different mental disorders. Yet, little is known on how people who receive ketamine for a psychiatric problem subjectively experience undergoing this intervention. We conducted a systematic literature search to identify relevant qualitative research on the first‐person experience of undergoing ketamine treatment in a psychiatric context. 24 eligible studies were identified and analysed using a thematic meta‐synthesis approach. Three main themes were identified. First, ‘The Ketamine treatment experience can be understood as a three‐stage journey with unique clinical features at each stage’. Second, ‘The subjective experience of acute ketamine treatment is multifaceted and complex’. Third, ‘Ketamine treatment can have different positive effects—but what happens if it does not work?’. In summary, the subjective experience of receiving ketamine treatment for a psychiatric problem can be understood as a journey whereby patients move towards, then undergo, and eventually depart from ketamine. Before treatment, the experiential focus lies on expectations, hopes, and feelings towards the drug. During treatment, the drug's multifaceted psychotropic effects and how they are emotionally appraised become central to experience. Once treatment is finished, the focus is on the presence or absence of clinically relevant effects. The conceptual framework we propose can guide further qualitative research on this topic and aid mental health professionals to better understand the experience of patients who undergo ketamine treatment for a psychiatric problem.
Masticatory function in growing individuals with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia: A longitudinal study
Authors: Ding Meili , Kang Yanfeng , Qin Man , Zhu Junxia
Published: September 2024

Background

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a hereditary disorder with agenesis of ectodermal derivatives, causing oligodontia or anodontia. Dentures are needed to improve the patients' mastication.

Aim

This study aimed at preliminarily evaluating the masticatory function changes in Chinese individuals with HED after prosthetic rehabilitation from childhood to adolescence.

Design

This longitudinal study enrolled 10 HED patients. Data were collected during childhood and adolescence, respectively. The healthy children and adolescents were recruited as the control group. The surface electromyography (EMG) of masseter (MM) and anterior temporalis (TA) muscles during clenching and chewing were recorded. The EMG activity, asymmetry index (As), activity index (Ac), and chewing cycle were analyzed. The masticatory efficiency was measured by spectrophotometry with subjective masticatory ability assessed by a questionnaire.

Results

The EMG activities and masticatory efficiency of HED patients during childhood and adolescence were mostly lower with a higher As (p < .05). The chewing process enhanced the TA activity and balanced the As of HED adolescents (p > .05). The HED adolescents showed a more prevalent TA activity (p < .05).

Conclusion

The masticatory function of the growing HED patients was functionally inferior to the dentate individuals with a narrowed gap from childhood to adolescence.
Impact of the I‐DECIDED Tool to Improve Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Care in Paediatrics: Interrupted Time‐Series Study
Authors: Silva Thiago Lopes , Ray‐Barruel Gillian , Ullman Amanda , Takashima Mari , Kusahara Denise Miyuki , de Souza Sabrina , da Silva Moura Jefferson Wildes , de Souza Bitencourt Aline , Rocha Patrícia Kuerten
Published: September 2024

Aim

To determine whether the I‐DECIDED assessment and decision tool enhances peripheral intravenous catheter assessment, care and decision‐making in paediatrics.

Design

Quasi‐experimental, interrupted time‐series study.

Methods

An interrupted time‐series study was conducted in a paediatric inpatient unit at a public teaching hospital in Brazil. The participants were patients aged less than 15 years old with a peripheral intravenous catheter, and their parents or guardians. Data were collected between January and July 2023, encompassing six time points, three pre‐intervention and three post‐intervention. Evaluation data were based on the I‐DECIDED tool, including idle devices, dressings, complications, patient/family awareness, hand hygiene, disinfection and documentation.

Results

We conducted 585 peripheral intravenous catheter observations, with 289 in the pre‐intervention phase and 296 in the post‐intervention phase, inserted in 65 hospitalised children, 30 in the pre‐intervention phase and 35 in the post‐intervention phase. After the intervention, reductions were observed in the number of idle catheters, substandard dressings and complications. Patients and family members reported an increase in device assessment, hand hygiene and peripheral intravenous catheter disinfection. Additionally, there was an increase in documentation of decision‐making performed by nurses and nursing technicians/assistants.

Conclusion

Implementation of the I‐DECIDED assessment and decision tool in a paediatric unit significantly improved the assessment, care and decision‐making regarding peripheral intravenous catheters.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Opportunity to enhance practice standards, elevate the quality of care provided to paediatric patients, contribute to improved patient outcomes, advance evidence‐based practice in vascular access management and enhance patient experience through increased involvement in care.

Impact

To influence clinical practice and healthcare policies aimed at improving peripheral intravenous catheter care and patient safety in paediatric settings.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution to the design of this study.
Is the diel cycle of routine metabolic rate in mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) affected by near‐infrared lighting used for visualizing behavior of fishes at night?
Authors: Trembley Annie M. , Rowsey Lauren E. , Speers‐Roesch Ben
Published: September 2024

The metabolic rate of a freely moving fish (routine metabolic rate) is tightly coupled with volitional movement (spontaneous activity), both of which commonly show strong daily cycles linked to the species‐specific diel activity pattern. Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus), an important estuarine fish in the north western Atlantic Ocean, are historically reported as diurnal (i.e., more active during daylight). Our recent laboratory studies on a Bay of Fundy population, however, showed a free‐running (i.e., similarly active daytime and night‐time) or even nocturnal (i.e., more active at night‐time) diel activity pattern. In the laboratory, near‐infrared (NIR) illumination is commonly used with a NIR‐sensitive camera to visualize fish activity across the light–dark periods of the day. Because NIR light is close to the visible light spectrum and certain fishes show sensitivity to NIR, the use of NIR with mummichog possibly could disturb the animals and obscure the identification of their true diel activity pattern. We aimed to determine if NIR illumination (940 nm wavelength) influences the diel activity pattern of mummichog. We used measurements of routine metabolic rate (oxygen consumption rate, MO2) as a proxy for activity, as evaluating the effect of NIR requires treatments where NIR lights are off, which precludes visualization and direct assessment of fish activity at night‐time. We measured routine MO2 of mummichogs over 6 days, exposed to either NIR off–on–off (2 days for each off or on period) or the opposite sequence of NIR on–off–on (to control for time‐dependent effects). NIR lights did not influence the diel cycle of routine MO2, and activity by proxy, in mummichog. Thus, NIR illumination is a suitable method to visualize mummichog during light–dark diel cycles. Routine MO2, and presumably activity, was similar or higher during night‐time periods compared to daytime periods, confirming a free‐running or nocturnal activity pattern for at least certain populations of mummichog.
Droplet digital PCR for fish pathogen detection and quantification: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sumon Md Afsar Ahmed , Meregildo‐Rodriguez Edinson Dante , Lee Po‐Tsang , Dinh‐Hung Nguyen , Larson Earl T. , Permpoonpattana Patima , Van Doan Hien , Jung Won‐Kyo , Linh Nguyen Vu
Published: September 2024

This study provides a comprehensive summary of the findings regarding the application and diagnostic efficacy of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in detecting viral and bacterial pathogens in aquaculture. Utilizing a systematic search of four databases up to 6 November 2023, we identified studies where ddPCR was deployed for pathogen detection in aquaculture settings, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy guidelines. From the collected data, 16 studies retrieved, seven were included in a meta‐analysis, encompassing 1121 biological samples from various fish species. The detection limits reported ranged markedly from 0.07 to 34 copies/μL. A direct comparison of the diagnostic performance between ddPCR with quantitative PCR (qPCR) proved challenging due to limited data, thus only a pooled sensitivity analysis was feasible. The results showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.750 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.487–0.944) for ddPCR, compared to 0.461 (95% CI: 0.294–0.632) for qPCR, with no statistically significant difference in sensitivity between the two methods (p = .5884). Notably, significant heterogeneity was observed among the studies (I2 = 93%–97%, p < .01), with the year of publication significantly influencing this heterogeneity (p < .001), but not the country of origin (p = .49). No publication bias was detected, and the studies generally exhibited a low risk of bias according to QUADAS‐C criteria. While ddPCR and qPCR showed comparable sensitivities in pathogen detection, ddPCR's capability to precisely quantify pathogens without the need for standard curves highlights its potential utility. This characteristic could significantly enhance the accuracy and reliability of pathogen detection in aquaculture.
Grazing exclusion effects on vegetation structure and soil organic matter in savannas of Río de la Plata grasslands
Authors: Abrigo Micaela , Lezama Felipe , Grela Iván , Piñeiro Gervasio
Published: September 2024

Questions

Herbivores change plant communities and biogeochemical cycles by changing species composition and soil organic matter contents through different mechanisms. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of livestock removal on plant species composition and soil organic matter stocks in savannas of the Río de la Plata grasslands.

Locations

A subtropical savanna in Río Negro, Uruguay.

Methods

The experiment consisted of a paired grazing exclusion randomized block design with five sites, where livestock was excluded for 29 years. We recorded differences in plant species composition in different strata and extracted soil cores to analyze soil carbon and nitrogen stocks, and δ13 carbon contents in two different soil organic matter fractions.

Results

Long‐term livestock removal reduced plant species richness and diversity, altered the floristic composition and facilitated native‐shrub encroachment. Grazing exclusion modified the relative frequency of plant functional types and reduced summer‐growing grasses. We recorded 45 species common to both grazing and exclosure treatments, while 19 were present only in exclosure sites and 39 only in grazed sites. Livestock exclusion had a differential effect on soil organic matter formation, increased soil organic carbon and nitrogen stocks in the mineral‐associated organic matter (MAOM) but tended to slightly reduce them in the particulate organic matter fraction (POM). Grazing removal modified the C3/C4 species cover and these differences were reflected in the δ13C contents of both POM and MAOM fractions.

Conclusions

Removal of domestic herbivores increased shrub abundance, decreased plant species richness and diversity but increased total carbon and nitrogen contents in soil organic matter. Our results suggest that grazed and exclosure areas should be combined mosaically in the landscape to maximize plant species diversity and soil organic carbon sequestration.
Deployment of tethered gene drive for confined suppression in continuous space requires avoiding drive wave interference
Authors: Feng Ruobing , Champer Jackson
Published: September 2024

Gene drives have great potential for suppression of pest populations and removal of exotic invasive species. CRISPR homing suppression drive is a powerful but unconfined drive, posing risks of uncontrolled spread. Thus, developing methods for confining a gene drive is of great significance. Tethered drive combines a confined system such as Toxin‐Antidote Recessive Embryo drive with a strong drive such as a homing suppression drive. It can prevent the homing drive from spreading beyond the confined drive and can be constructed readily, giving it good prospects for future development. However, we have found that care must be taken when deploying tethered drive systems in some scenarios. Simulations of tethered drive in a panmictic population model reveal that successful deployment requires a proper release ratio between the two components, tailored to prevent the suppression drive from eliminating the confined system before it has the chance to spread. Spatial models where the population moves over a one‐dimensional landscape display a more serious phenomenon of drive wave interference between the two tethered drive components. If the faster suppression drive wave catches up to the confined drive wave, success is still possible, but it is dependent on drive performance and ecological parameters. Two‐dimensional simulations further restrict the parameter range for drive success. Thus, careful consideration must be given to drive performance and ecological conditions, as well as specific release proposals for potential application of tethered drive systems.
Genetic rescue often leads to higher fitness as a result of increased heterozygosity across animal taxa
Authors: Clarke Julia G. , Smith Adam C. , Cullingham Catherine I.
Published: September 2024

Biodiversity loss has reached critical levels partly due to anthropogenic habitat loss and degradation. These landscape changes are damaging as they can fragment species distributions into small, isolated populations, resulting in limited gene flow, population declines and reduced adaptive potential. Genetic rescue, the translocation of individuals to increase genetic diversity and ultimately fitness, has produced promising results for fragmented populations but remains underutilized due to a lack of long‐term data and monitoring. To promote a better understanding of genetic rescue and its potential risks and benefits over the short‐term, we reviewed and analysed published genetic rescue attempts to identify whether genetic diversity increases following translocation, and if this change is associated with increased fitness. Our review identified 19 studies that provided genetic and fitness data from before and after the translocation; the majority of these were on mammals, and included experimental, natural and conservation‐motivated translocations. Using a Bayesian meta‐analytical approach, we found that on average, genetic diversity and fitness increased in populations post translocations, although there were some exceptions to this trend. Overall, genetic diversity was a positive predictor of population fitness, and in some cases this relationship extended three generations post‐rescue. These data suggest a single translocation can have lasting fitness benefits, and support translocation as another tool to facilitate conservation success. Given the limited number of studies with long‐term data, we echo the need for genetic monitoring of populations post‐translocation to understand whether genetic rescue can also limit the loss of adaptive potential in the long‐term.
Microfluctuations in Capillary Lumens Independent of Pericyte Lining Density in the Anesthetized Mouse Cortex
Authors: Suzuki Hiroki , Murata Juri , Unekawa Miyuki , Kanno Iwao , Izawa Yoshikane , Tomita Yutaka , Tanaka Kenji F. , Nakahara Jin , Masamoto Kazuto
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aimed to examine the spatiotemporal coherence of capillary lumen fluctuations in relation to spatial variations in the pericyte lining in the cortex of anesthetized mice.

Methods

Two‐photon microscopic angiography data (previously published) were reanalyzed, and spatial variations in capillary diameter fluctuations at rest and in capillary lining with vascular mural cells were measured along capillary centerlines.

Results

Relatively large diameters of the capillaries (5.5 μm) coincided with a dense pericyte lining, while small capillaries (4.3 μm) had a sparse pericyte lining. Temporal variations had a frequency of about 0.1 Hz with an amplitude of 0.5 μm, which were negatively correlated with pericyte lining density. Spatial frequency analysis further revealed a common pattern of spatial variations in capillary diameter and pericyte lining, but temporal variations differed. The temporal variations in capillary lumens were locally distinct from those in neighboring locations, suggesting intrinsic fluctuations independent of the pericyte lining.

Conclusions

Capillary lumens in the brain exhibit slow microfluctuations that are independent of pericyte lining. These microfluctuations could affect the distribution of flowing blood cells and may be important for homogenizing their distribution in capillary networks.
Assessing the effects of three anthropogenic activities on the mosquito, Anopheles gambiae s.l. species composition and pyrethroid resistance mechanisms in Abidjan city, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Kacou Alain K. Y. , Edi Constant , Fodjo Behi K. , Yokoly Firmain N. , Zahouli Julien B. Z. , Kouamé Ives J. K. , Malone David , Koudou Benjamin G.
Published: September 2024

Pyrethroid resistance and mechanisms for resistance for Anopheles gambiae sensus lato (s.l.) (Diptera: Culicidae) Giles, were assessed in three urban areas (vegetable farming, industrial and residential) of Abidjan. Susceptibility to pyrethroids (deltamethrin, permethrin and alphacypermethrin), with and without piperonyl butoxide (PBO) pre‐exposure was evaluated. Anopheles gambiae complex members were identified using Short Interspersed Nuclear Elements PCR (SINE PCR), and resistance mechanisms (kdr‐west, kdr‐east and ace‐1) and metabolic gene expression (CYP6P5, CYP6M2, CYP6P3, CYP6P4) were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). High resistance to deltamethrin, permethrin and alphacypermethrin was observed in Port‐Bouet (vegetable farming) and Treichville (industrial site), whereas moderate resistance to deltamethrin and high resistance to alphacypermethrin and permethrin were found in Abobo (residential site). Pre‐exposure to PBO with pyrethroid increased mortalities in all sites. In Treichville, pre‐exposure to PBO restored susceptibility to deltamethrin, but not in Port‐Bouet or Abobo. In Treichville, An. gambiae Giles sensu stricto (s.s.) was predominant (92.9%), whereas in Abobo and Port‐Bouet, An. coluzzii Giles was predominant (73.6% and 66.4%, respectively). The highest kdr‐west mutation frequency was in An. gambiae s.s. (42.8%) from Abobo, followed by An. gambiae s.s. (40%) from Port‐Bouet and An. gambiae s.s. (35.6%) from Treichville. In An. coluzzii, the highest kdr‐west mutation frequency was in Port‐Bouet (48.2%), followed by Abobo (28.00%) and Treichville (21.4%). Mutation frequencies of kdr‐east were lower in An. gambiae s.s. from Treichville (4.1%) and Port‐Bouet (2.1%) and absent in An. gambiae from Abobo. In industrial and vegetable farming areas, CYP6P3 and CYP6M2 were overexpressed compared with Kisumu. The study suggests An. gambiae s.l. distribution and pyrethroid resistance are influenced by human activities. Treichville's industrial area favoured An. gambiae s.s., whereas Abobo's residential and Port‐Bouet's vegetable farming areas were dominated by An. coluzzii. Resistance in Treichville and Port‐Bouet was associated with kdr (west and east) genes and metabolic genes, whereas in residential areas, only kdr‐west genes were observed. These data suggest that PBO + deltamethrin impregnated nets could aid malaria control, benefiting industrial areas of Côte d'Ivoire and other African cities.
From self‐reflection to shared recognition: Reconceptualising mental health nursing as an intersubjective phenomenon
Authors: Haslam Michael
Published: September 2024

Existing challenges to the legitimacy of mental health nursing in the United Kingdom and beyond have stimulated a critical self‐reflection and discourse around the mental health nursing role, forcing the profession to question its identity and critically re‐evaluate its position within the wider healthcare arena. In this discussion paper, I suggest that the current difficulties in conceptualising mental health nurse identity arise from our role being inherently interwoven with distinctive challenges and unique needs of our service users. Emerging from this idea is that the ‘being’ (and the ‘doing’) of mental health nursing is firmly situated within the sphere of intersubjective relations. Drawing upon Hegel's ideas of reciprocal recognitive relations, to support the notion that our profession's role and purpose are better understood when defined in relation to the work that we do with our service users, I argue that it is in the understanding (and even embracing) of intersubjectivity as a core principle of mental health nursing, where we might not just better understand ourselves but also know how to shift asymmetric relations with our service users towards those which are more commensurate and mutually beneficial.
Integrative Analysis of Small RNA and Gene Expression Uncovers a Novel Long‐Noncoding MicroRNA Targeting a UDP‐Transferase in Camellia chekiangoleosa
Authors: Chu Xian , Li Sijia , Huang Hu , Wang Yupeng , Yan Chao , Li Jiyuan , Wang Minyan , Yin Hengfu
Published: September 2024

Biosynthesis of specific secondary metabolites in plants involves fine regulation of gene expression. Camellia chekiangoleosa has important economic value: the seeds contain high‐quality unsaturated fatty acids and the pericarp is rich in tea saponins. As an important posttranscriptional regulator, the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in controlling secondary metabolism in C. chekiangoleosa is not fully studied. Here, we investigated the role of miRNAs and their targets in the secondary metabolic regulatory network by comprehensively analyzing small RNAs, transcriptomes, and degradomes from different tissues. We identified 168 known miRNAs and 74 novel miRNAs in the C. chekiangoleosa genome and revealed 15 tandem clusters containing 35 miRNAs. By establishing a gene regulatory network containing miRNAs, target genes, and transcription factors, we unravelled the multiplicity of miRNA tissue‐specific regulation of gene expression, which may be tightly linked to the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Furthermore, we characterized a novel long‐noncoding miRNA gene (cch‐miR3633) that targeted a UDP‐transferase gene (CchUGT94E5). We showed that, ectopic expression of CchUGT94E5 caused outgrowth of shoot branching and changes in cytokinin contents in Arabidopsis, indicating a potential role of regulating secondary metabolism. This work provides valuable information for the study of miRNA regulation of secondary metabolism.
Political intolerance in comprehensive welfare states: Evidence from Sweden
Authors: Persson Thomas , Widmalm Sten
Published: September 2024

Previous research has shown that comprehensive welfare states are effective at bridging ethnic divisions and promoting political tolerance of marginalized groups. Do these results hold up in the face of the great influx of migrants into European welfare states following the 2015–16 refugee crisis? In this case study of Sweden, we map the general level of political tolerance and test various individual‐level explanations for it. Based on a survey of about 3500 citizens, our results show that the level of ethnic antipathy in Sweden is low. Other groups, however—such as supporters of the Sweden Democrats, a radical‐right party—are widely disliked, as are abortion opponents and anti‐vaccinationists. The individual‐level explanations we have tested—in connection with threat perceptions, civic and political engagement, and socio‐economic factors—turn up mixed results. Our conclusion is that the results we have found reflect something of a liberal‐democratic backlash, whereupon a certain kind of political intolerance has become widespread.
Sweetpotato sucrose transporter IbSUT1 alters storage roots formation by regulating sucrose transport and lignin biosynthesis
Authors: Wang Dandan , Li Chengyang , Liu Hongjuan , Song Weihan , Shi Chunyu , Li Qiang
Published: September 2024

The formation and development of storage roots is the most important physiological process in sweetpotato production. Sucrose transporters (SUTs) regulate sucrose transport from source to sink organs and play important roles in growth and development of plants. However, whether SUTs involved in sweetpotato storage roots formation is so far unknown. In this study, we show that IbSUT1, a SUT, is localized to the plasma membrane. Overexpression of IbSUT1 in sweetpotato promotes the sucrose efflux rate from leaves, leading to increased sucrose levels in roots, thus induces lignin deposition in the stele, which inhibits the storage roots formation and compromises the yield. Heterologous expression of IbSUT1 in Arabidopsis significantly increases the sucrose accumulation and promotes lignification in the inflorescence stems. RNA‐seq and biochemical analysis further demonstrated that IbMYB1 negatively regulates the expression of IbSUT1. Overexpression of IbMYB1 in Arabidopsis reduces the sucrose accumulation and lignification degree in the inflorescence stems. Moreover, co‐overexpression of IbMYB1 and IbSUT1 restores the phenotype of lignin over‐deposition in Arabidopsis. Collectively, our results reveal that IbSUT1 regulates source‐sink sucrose transport and participates in the formation of sweetpotato storage roots and highlight the potential application of IbSUT1 in improving sweetpotato yield in the future.
Challenges in reliable preoperative blood ordering: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Yang Phillip , Zijlstra Emma P. , Hall Bruce L. , Gregory Stephen H. , Jackups Ronald , Li Jing , Abraham Joanna , Lou Sunny S.
Published: September 2024

Background

Presurgical blood orders are important for patient safety during surgery, but excess orders can be costly to patients and the healthcare system. We aimed to assess clinician perceptions on the presurgical blood ordering process and perceived barriers to reliable decision‐making.

Methods

This descriptive qualitative study was conducted at a single large academic medical center. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners working in preoperative assessment clinics, and transfusion medicine physicians to assess perceptions of current blood ordering processes. Interview responses were analyzed using an inductive open coding approach followed by thematic analysis.

Results

Twenty‐three clinicians were interviewed. Clinicians felt that the current blood ordering process was frequently inconsistent. One contributor was a lack of information on surgical transfusion risk, related to lack of experience in ordering clinicians, insufficient communication between stakeholders, high turnover in academic settings, and lack of awareness of the maximum surgical blood ordering schedule. Other contributors included differing opinions about the benefits and harms of over‐ and under‐preparing blood products, leading to variation in transfusion risk thresholds between clinicians, and disagreement about the safety of emergency‐release blood.

Conclusion

Several barriers to reliable decision‐making for presurgical blood orders exist. Future efforts to improve ordering consistency may benefit from improved information sharing between stakeholders and education on safe transfusion practices.
Effectiveness of peer support interventions in improving mothers' psychosocial well‐being during the perinatal period: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shah Lubna , Chua Joelle Yan Xin , Goh Yong Shian , Chee Cornelia Ying Ing , Chong Shang Chee , Mathews Jancy , Lim Lina Hsiu Kim , Chan Yiong Huak , Mörelius Evalotte , Shorey Shefaly
Published: September 2024

Background

Many mothers experience poor psychological outcomes during their perinatal period. The presence of depression and anxiety has a significant adverse impact on the mother's health and the infant's development.

Aim

This review aimed to examine the effectiveness of peer support interventions in improving depression, anxiety, and perceived social support among mothers during the perinatal period.

Methods

This study was a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. The reporting of this review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) 2020. Cochrane's Risk of Bias Tool for randomized controlled trials was used to examine the methodological quality of the included studies. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A comprehensive search was conducted from inception till May 2024 across seven databases: Pubmed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest, PsycINFO, and Embase.

Results

The results of the meta‐analysis of the 12 included studies showed that peer support interventions could reduce depression and anxiety levels but not perceived social support levels. Sub‐group analyses based on the mode of intervention delivery showed significant reductions on depression levels in online and face‐to‐face groups but not telephone call groups. Follow‐up data analyses showed that peer support interventions could improve depression, anxiety, and perceived social support across a duration of 1–6 months post‐intervention.

Linking Evidence to Action

This review provides a deeper understanding of the effect of peer support interventions on mothers in the perinatal period. This can have a positive impact on current knowledge aimed at improving the well‐being of mothers and thus, their infants, partners, and entire family unit. Findings showed that peer support interventions can positively improve psychological well‐being of mothers in the perinatal period in the short and long term. Peer support can ultimately be considered as a standardized part of perinatal care. Future recommendations include implementing a combination of face‐to‐face and online approaches to peer support interventions delivered with both individual and group components.
ПОИСК ШТАММОВ С ЭСТЕРАЗНОЙ АКТИВНОСТЬЮ
Authors: Астраханов М.Р. , Мусахметов А.С. , Кирибаева А.К. , Силаев Д.В. , Хасенов Б.Б.
Published: September 2024

Одним из основ развития современных технологий является использование различных синтетических материалов, из которых полиэтилентерефталат является одним из самых популярных и востребованных материалов, используемых в различных областях человеческой деятельности. Однако, высокая химическая устойчивость и механическая прочность полиэтилентерефталата вызывают трудности при его утилизации и/или повторного использования. Ранее считалось, что синтетические полимеры не подвергаются микробиологическому разрушению, однако, недавние исследования показали, что ряд микроорганизмов продуцируют эстеразы, позволяющие им разрушать или модифицировать полиэтилентерефталат. Эстеразы представляют собой ферменты класса гидролаз, катализирующих реакции расщепления эфирной связи в органических соединениях. К ферментам с эстеразной активностью относят липазы, кутиназы, фосфатазы, сульфатазы, нуклеазы, которые различаются между собой субстратной специфичностью. Целью работы является поиск штаммов с выраженной эстеразной активностью для использования в технологиях микробной деградации синтетических полимеров.
Из мест скопления твердых бытовых отходов ТОО «Экополигон» города Астаны с использованием селективных сред было выделено 10 штаммов, скрининг которых подтвердил эстеразную активность. Методами протеомного анализа и секвенированием фрагмента 16S рРНК штаммы были идентифицированы как: Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus simplex, Bacillus licheniformis, Aeromonas veronii, Serratia liquefaciens. Результаты количественного анализа на основе гидролиза 4-нитрофенил октаноата и 4-нитрофенил ацетата показали, что наибольшей эстеразной активностью обладает штамм Aeromonas veronii Tw8.1. Культивированием Aeromonas veronii Tw8.1 на питательной среде Леннокс бульон с добавлением 1% трибутирина достигнута максимальное накопление эстеразы в культуральной жидкости после 120 часов ферментации при температуре 37°С. Биохимические исследования показали, что эстераза из Aeromonas veronii Tw8.1 активна в щелочном значении рН 8,0-12,0 с максимумом при рН 11,0. Наибольшую активность эстераза проявляет при температуре 50°С, и сохраняет более 70% активности в диапазоне температур 40-60°С. Полученные результаты позволяют предположить, что штамм Aeromonas veronii Tw8.1 с эстеразной активностью является перспективным кандидатом для микробной деградации синтетических полимеров, скапливающихся на свалках и полигонах.
ВЫСОКОЧУВСТВИТЕЛЬНАЯ ИММУНОХРОМАТОГРАФИЧЕСКАЯ СИСТЕМА ДЛЯ ОПРЕДЛЕНИЯ ПЕСТИЦИДОВ В ПИЩЕВОЙ ПРОДУКЦИИ
Authors: Баршевская Л.В. , Зверева Е.А. , Еремин С.А. , Жердев А.В. , Дзантиев Б.Б.
Published: September 2024

Иммунохроматографический анализ (ИХА) – перспективный метод определения аналитов различной природы, который отличается экспрессностью и простотой проведения. Одним из основных недостатков ИХА являются высокие показатели предела обнаружения (ПрО), которые могут не соответствовать нормативам о контролируемых предельно допустимых уровнях содержания того или иного соединения. Соответственно, востребованы разработки высокочувствительных тест-систем.
В представленной работе для определения низкомолекулярных аналитов – пестицидов 2,4-дихлорфеноксиуксусной кисоты (2,4-Д) и имидаклоприда – разработаны системы конкурентного ИХА с непрямым мечением антител. Использование данного подхода позволяет независимо варьировать концентрации специфических антител в пробе и используемого коллоидного маркера, тем самым одновременно обеспечивая эффективную конкуренцию и высокий уровень регистрируемого окрашивания.
В ходе разработки тест-систем были синтезированы наночастицы золота и получены их конъюгаты с антивидовыми антителами. Проведена характеристика полученных препаратов методом просвечивающей электронной микроскопии (среднее значение размера наночастиц – 20,83 ± 5,05 нм, минимальное значение – 10,43 нм, максимальное значение – 27,67 нм, степень эллиптичности 1,12 ± 0,08). Исследованы зависимости аналитических характеристик тест-систем (ПрО, интенсивность сигнала в аналитической зоне) от таких показателей, как концентрация используемого маркера (ОП от 1,0 до 2,0), концентрация свободных специфических антител (от 20 до 200 нг/мл), концентрация иммобилизуемого в аналитической зоне конъюгата гаптен-белок (от 0,5 до 2 мг/мл). В выбранных условиях проведена сравнительная характеристика стандартной конкурентной схемы ИХА и предложенного подхода. Показано, что схема с непрямым мечением антител обеспечивает более чувствительное выявление целевых аналитов (снижение ПрО до 20 раз). Таким образом, разработанный подход может найти применение в иммунохроматографических тест-системах для своевременного и эффективного контроля пищевой продукции на содержание пестицидов.             
Исследование выполнено при финансовой поддержке Российского научного фонда, грант № 24-43-00196.
STUDY THE POTENTIAL OF CYANOBACTERIA - ANABAENA VARIABILIS A-1 IN BIOHYDROGEN PRODUCTION
Authors: Zharmagambetova A.B. , Kakimova A.
Published: September 2024

The production of biohydrogen by phototrophic microorganisms is a promising and complex biotechnology that can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, achieving successful biohydrogen production requires identifying active strains with the required characteristics and selecting suitable strategies for improving strains for photobiotechnological hydrogen production. In this study, our aim was to identify promising hydrogen producers among cyanobacteria and understand the mechanisms of this process and the conditions for increasing hydrogen production.
We obtained five new strains of cyanobacteria from different ecosystems and evaluated their potential for hydrogen production. Based on our screening, we identified the cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis A-1 as having the highest growth rate and biomass yield, which determined its high productivity. We subsequently genetically identified and studied the physiological and biochemical properties of this strain to determine its potential for hydrogen production.
Our results showed that Anabaena variabilis A-1 was characterized by high productivity, nitrogenase enzyme activity, and hydrogen release, producing 8.67 μmol H2/mg chl/h of hydrogen in the dark. We also found that this strain released hydrogen 3.7 times more in the dark than in the light, and hydrogen production was observed in the first day after anaerobic cultivation. Addition of 50 mmol NaHCO3 + 25 mmol HEPES to this strain increased hydrogen release by 1.1 times.
In conclusion, our study identified Anabaena variabilis A-1 as a promising cyanobacteria strain for biohydrogen production. Its high productivity, nitrogenase enzyme activity, and genetic manipulability make it a suitable model organism for studying various physiological processes and metabolic pathways in photosynthetic cells. We recommend further studies to explore the full potential of this strain for future biohydrogen production.