bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tail Fan Necrosis syndrome in decapod crustaceans: A review
Authors: Jones John Brian , Brosnahan Cara L. , Pande Anjali
Published: January 2024

Lobsters and crayfish in Australasia can develop a condition known as Tail Fan Necrosis (TFN syndrome). Many attempts have been made to find a primary pathogen or link the syndrome to commercial activities, but a solution remains elusive. TFN syndrome is a ‘wicked problem’, a problem difficult or impossible to solve because of incomplete and contradictory information forming a matrix of potential outcomes with no simple solution. Reviewing the literature shows TFN syndrome is sometimes reported to develop in association with sterile blisters on the telson and uropods which may rupture permitting invasion by environmental fungal and/or bacterial flora. Whether blisters form prior to, or because of, infection is unknown. TFN syndrome sometimes develops in captivity, sometimes requires a previous insult to the telson and uropods, and prevalence is patchy in the wild. The literature shows the cause of blisters associated with TFN syndrome remains an enigma, for which we suggest several possible initiating factors. We strongly urge that researchers not ‘jump to conclusions’ as to the aetiology of TFN syndrome. It cannot be explained without carefully exploring alternative aetiologies whilst being cognisant of the age‐old lesson that ‘correlation does not equal causation’.
Assessing performance of Geriatric Surgery Verification Program preoperative communication standards in spine surgery
Authors: Agaronnik Nicole D. , Streid Jocelyn L. , Kwok Anne , Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Cooper Zara , Lindvall Charlotta
Published: January 2024

Background

To assess performance of the American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program preoperative communication standards in older patients undergoing high risk spine surgery.

Methods

We performed an external validation of a natural language processing (NLP) method for identifying documentation meeting GSV communication standards. We then applied this method to a retrospective cohort of patients aged 65 and older who underwent spinal fusion procedures between January 2018–December 2020 in a large healthcare system in Massachusetts. Our primary outcome of interest was fulfillment of GSV communication domains: overall health goals, treatment goals, and patient‐centered outcomes. Factors associated with the fulfillment of at least one domain were assessed using Poisson regression to adjust for confounding.

Results

External validation of the NLP method had a sensitivity of 88.6% and specificity of 99.0%. Our study population included 1294 patients, of whom only 0.8% (n = 10) patients contained documentation of all three GSV domains, and 33.7% (n = 436) had documentation fulfilling at least one GSV domain. The GSV domain with lowest frequency of documentation was overall health goals, with only 35 (2.7%) of patients meeting this requirement. Adjusted analysis suggested that patients with a Charlson comorbidity score of one or more had higher fulfillment of GSV criteria (CCI 1–3: prevalence rate ratio (PRR) 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5–2.1; CCI >3: PRR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.9).

Conclusion

A paucity of geriatric patients undergoing spine surgery had preoperative documentation consistent with GSV standards. Given that spine surgery is one of the highest risk surgeries in older adults and GSV standards are relevant to all surgical specialties, wider promulgation of these standards is warranted.
Effect of water type and proofing method on the perceived taste/mouthfeel properties of distilled spirits
Authors: Wang Zhuzhu , Cadwallader Keith R.
Published: January 2024

Water is a key ingredient used in proofing of distilled spirits; however, its impact on the sensory perception of distilled spirits after proofing is scarcely reported. In this study, we diluted both aged and unaged spirits from high proof (>55%, alcohol by volume, ABV) down to 40% ABV and used a trained panel to determine if the choice of water type (spring water, distilled water, or limestone water) and proofing method (fast‐ vs. slow‐proofing) affected the perceived taste/mouthfeel characteristics of the final diluted spirits. Results showed that water type and proofing method did not have a significant effect on aged spirits. However, proofing method but not water type had a significant effect on the sensory perception of unaged spirits. Further characterization on the dynamic sensory profiles of fast‐ vs slow‐proofed unaged spirits showed that the slow‐proofed unaged spirits were characterized as sweeter at the beginning, with less burn throughout the entire evaluation period.

Practical Application

To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of using A‐Not A test method to determine whether a perceived difference exists between two confusable high alcohol containing beverages. Our findings are of particularly relevance to producers of unaged spirits (i.e., vodkas), as it illustrates the importance of proofing strategies and how they can help to reduce the ethanol related burn sensation in unaged spirits when no other influential congeners are present.
Exploring the potential of the Vanilla species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest: Sensory description and consumer acceptance
Authors: Franco Juliana Lacôrte , Ayres Ellen Mayra Menezes , de Oliveira Denize , Martins Inayara Beatriz Araujo , Macedo Andrea Furtado , Deliza Rosires , Koblitz Maria Gabriela Bello
Published: January 2024

The present work aimed to explore, for the first time, the sensory potential of three native species of Vanilla collected in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (V. bahiana, V. chamissonis, V. cribbiana). Ethanolic extracts of vanilla species were obtained from the ripe, enzymatically cured pods, and added to lactose‐free milk making vanilla flavored milk samples. Threshold estimation differences of “vanilla flavor,” and hedonic and sensory consumer perception of samples were evaluated. A 9‐point hedonic scale and the Rate‐All That‐Apply methodology were used for comparison to the commercial species (V. planifolia) and an artificial essence. All native species showed lower average threshold concentrations than the commercial species extract. There was no significant difference in the perception of “vanilla aroma” between V. cribbiana and the commercial species, and neither V. cribbiana nor V. chamissonis showed significant difference to the artificial essence or V. planifolia extract for “sweet taste.” Among the evaluated species, V. cribbiana seemed to show the greatest potential for market success.

Practical Applications

The species of Vanilla sp. explored in this work have already been chemically evaluated and presented the components related to the vanilla flavor. However, the mere presence of chemical compounds does not guarantee aroma perception. Their relative concentrations, among other factors that are difficult to determine chemically, are indispensable for generating an agreeable flavor. The only reliable way to determine the acceptability of the flavor is through sensory analysis, applied in this work to prove the commercial potential of native species. Vanilla species native to the Atlantic Forest showed the sensory potential to be used as substitutes for commercial species and to be applied in the genetic improvement of varieties. These native species may be introduced to “gourmet” consumers as vanilla flavors with different nuances. Their production may favor the areas where they are cultivated, bringing economic development to the population, and helping to maintain the forest areas.
The evolving phenotype of autoimmune hepatitis across the millennium: The 40‐year experience of a referral centre in Italy
Authors: Ferronato Marco , Lalanne Claudine , Quarneti Chiara , Panico Maria Luisa , Guidi Marcello , Lenzi Marco , Muratori Luigi
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

During recent years, there have been major insight into the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). We aim to evaluate modifications of the clinical‐epidemiological phenotype of AIH patients from 1980 to our days.

Methods

Single‐centre, tertiary care retrospective study on 507 consecutive Italian patients with AIH. Patients were divided into four subgroups according to the decade of diagnosis: 1981–1990, 1991–2000, 2001–2010 and 2011–2020. We assessed clinical, laboratory and histological features at diagnosis, response to treatment and clinical outcomes. Acute presentation is defined as transaminase levels >10‐fold the upper limit and/or bilirubin >5 mg/dL. Complete response is defined as the normalization of transaminases and IgG after 12 months. Clinical progression is defined as the development of cirrhosis in non‐cirrhotic patients and hepatic decompensation/hepatocellular carcinoma development in compensated cirrhosis.

Results

Median age at diagnosis increased across decades (24, 31, 39, 52 years, p < .001). Acute onset became more common (39.6%, 44.4%, 47.7%, 59.5%, p = .019), while cirrhosis at diagnosis became less frequent (36.5%, 16.3%, 10.8%, 8.7%, p < .001). Complete response rates rose (11.1%, 49.4%, 72.7% 76.2%, p < .001) and clinical progression during follow‐up decreased (54.3%, 29.9%, 16.9%, 11.2%, p < .001). Anti‐nuclear antibodies positivity increased (40.7%, 52.0%, 73.7%, 79.3%, p < .001), while IgG levels/upper limit progressively decreased (1.546, 1.515, 1.252, 1.120, p < .001). Liver‐related death and liver transplantation reduced from 17.1% to 2.1% (p < .001).

Conclusions

In the new millennium, the typical AIH patient in Italy is older at diagnosis, more often presents with acute hepatitis, cirrhosis is less frequent and response to treatment is more favourable.
Molecular distribution and 13C isotope composition of volatile organic compounds in the Murchison and Sutter's Mill carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Aponte José C. , Séguin Frédéric , Siguelnitzky Ariel J. , Dworkin Jason P. , Elsila Jamie E. , Glavin Daniel P. , Connolly Harold C. , Lauretta Dante S.
Published: January 2024

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon‐containing chemicals that may evaporate rapidly at room temperature and standard pressure. Such organic compounds can be preserved inside carbonaceous chondrite matrices. However, unlike meteoritic soluble organic matter (SOM) and insoluble organic matter (IOM), VOCs are typically lost (at least in part) during sample processing (meteorite crushing) and exposure to terrestrial atmosphere and/or solvents. Like SOM and IOM, VOCs can provide valuable insights into the chemical inventory of the meteorite parent body and even the presolar cloud from which our solar system formed, as well as the composition and processes that occurred during the early formation of our solar system and the asteroidal stage. Thus, in this work, we designed and built an instrument that allowed us to access the VOCs present in samples of the carbonaceous chondrites Murchison and Sutter's Mill after mineral disaggregation by means of freeze–thaw cycling. We simultaneously evaluated the abundances and compound‐specific 13C‐distributions of the volatiles evolving after meteorite powdering at ~20, 60, and 100°C. Carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4) were released from these meteorites as the most abundant VOCs. They were combusted together for analysis and showed positive δ13C values, indicative of their extraterrestrial origins. Carbon dioxide (CO2) was also an abundant VOC in both meteorites, and its isotopic values suggest that it was mainly formed from dissolved carbonates in the samples. We also detected aldehydes, ketones, and aromatic compounds in low amounts. Contrary to Murchison, which mostly yielded VOCs with positive δ13C values, Sutter's Mill yielded VOCs with negative δ13C values. The less enriched 13C isotope composition of the VOCs detected in Sutter's Mill suggest that they are either terrestrial contaminants, such as VOCs in compressed gas dusters and common laboratory solvents, or compounds disconnected from interstellar sources and/or formed through parent body processing. Understanding the relative abundances and determining the molecular distributions and isotopic compositions of free meteoritic VOCs are key in assessing their extraterrestrial origins and those of chondritic SOM and IOM. Our newly developed technique will be valuable in the study of the samples brought to the Earth from carbonaceous asteroid Bennu by NASA's OSIRIS‐REx mission.
Focused‐beam X‐ray fluorescence and diffraction microtomographies for mineralogical and chemical characterization of unsectioned extraterrestrial samples
Authors: Lanzirotti Antonio , Sutton Stephen R. , Newville Matthew , Brearley Adrian , Tschauner Oliver
Published: January 2024

This study describes the application of new synchrotron X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and diffraction (XRD) microtomographies for the 3‐D visualization of chemical and mineralogical variations in unsectioned extraterrestrial samples. These improved methods have been applied to three compositionally diverse chondritic meteorite samples that were between 300 and 400 μm in diameter, including samples prepared from fragments of the CR2 chondrite LaPaz Icefield (LAP) 02342, H5 chondrite MacAlpine Hills (MAC) 88203, and the CM2 chondrite Murchison. The synchrotron‐based XRF and XRD tomographies used are focused‐beam techniques that measure the intensities of fluorescent and diffracted X‐rays in a sample simultaneously during irradiation by a high‐energy microfocused incident X‐ray beam. Measured sinograms of the emitted and diffracted intensities were then tomographically reconstructed to generate 2‐D slices of XRF and XRD intensity through the sample, with reconstructed pixel resolution of 1–2 μm, defined by the resolution of the focused incident X‐ray beam. For sample LAP 02342, primary mineral phases that were visualized in reconstructed slices using these techniques included isolated grains of α‐Fe, orthopyroxene, and olivine. For our sample of MAC 88203, XRF/XRD tomography allowed visualization of forsteritic olivine as a primary mineral phase, a vitrified fusion crust at the sample surface, identification of localized Cr‐rich spinels at spatial resolutions of several micrometers, and imaging of a plagioclase‐rich glassy matrix. In the sample of Murchison, major identifiable phases include clinoenstatite‐ and olivine‐rich chondrules, variable serpentine matrix minerals and small Cr‐rich spinels. Most notable in the tomographic analysis of Murchison is the ability to quantitatively distinguish and visualize the complex mixture of serpentine‐group minerals and associated tochilinite–cronstedtite intergrowths. These methods provide new opportunities for spatially resolved characterization of sample texture, mineralogy, crystal structure, and chemical state in unsectioned samples. This provides researchers an ability to characterize such samples internally with minimal disruption of sample micro‐structures and chemistry, possibly without the need for sample extraction from some types of sampling and capture media.
Impact of the Metacognitive Educational Program Cogni'Scol on the Academic Success of Middle School Students
Authors: Allix Pauline , Lubin Amélie , Lanoë Céline , Mortier Arnaud , Rossi Sandrine
Published: January 2024

What can be done to promote the academic success of learners? More than a question, it is a major challenge of our time. In this perspective, metacognition seems to be a way to empower learners to take ownership of their academic success. Considering the recommendations established in the literature, we co‐constructed with teachers a metacognitive educational program, called Cogni'Scol, based on brain functioning in learning. Its benefits were determined through a longitudinal study focusing on the academic success of French students. We followed sixth grade students over a two‐year period who either benefited or not from a weekly session of the Cogni'Scol program. Results showed a significant effect on students' knowledge and representations of brain functioning but not on the students' academic performances mediated by improvements in their metacognition. We conclude with pragmatic reflections for researchers and educational professionals interested in the implementation of educational programs based on brain functioning in learning.
Modelling and forecasting India's electricity consumption using artificial neural networks
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arunava , Sarkar Bishal Dey , Hossain Md. Emran , Rej Soumen , Mallick Mohidul Alam
Published: January 2024

Precise electricity forecasting is a pertinent challenge in effectively controlling the supply and demand of power. This is due to the inherent volatility of electricity, which cannot be stored and must be utilised promptly. Thus, this study develops a framework integrating canonical cointegrating regressions (CCR), time series artificial neural network (ANN) and a multilayer perceptron ANN model for analysing and projecting India's gross electricity consumption to 2030. Annual data for the years 1961–2020 have been collected for variables like gross domestic product (GDP), population, inflation GDP deflator (annual %), annual average temperature and electricity consumption. The study was conducted in three phases. In the first phase of the study, the CCR method was used to check the significance of the selected variables. In the second phase, the projected values of independent variables (GDP, population, inflation GDP deflator [annual %] and annual average temperature) were predicted using the time series ANN model. Finally, a multilayer perceptron ANN model with independent variables was used to forecast the gross electricity consumption in India by 2030. The result shows that the electricity consumption in India will increase by around 50% in the next 10 years, reaching over 1800 TWh in 2030. The proposed approach can be utilised to effectively implement energy policies, as an accurate prediction of energy consumption can help capture future demand.
The effect of marsupialization of large cystic lesions of the jaws on pulp vitality
Authors: Fidele Nyimi Bushabu , Zinio Mabanza Julia , Titinchi Fadi , Zhi‐Jun  , Inganya Ekofo Edize , Bing Liu
Published: January 2024

Introduction

There is a paucity of studies evaluating the preservation and recovery vitality of teeth associated with cystic lesions in the jaws.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether the use of the marsupialization treatment method in the large cystic lesions of the jaws associated within involved teeth would save the pulp vitality.

Materials and methods

It was a cohort study of patients treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from April 2019 to April 2023. Patients with primary cystic lesions associated teeth, with a cyst diameter of >3.4 cm, along with dental root resorption of less than half the root length, and treated by marsupialization were included. Patient age, gender, location, associated teeth, size, management, dental pulp vitality before and after marsupialization, and the duration of treatment were evaluated. Pulp vitality of involved teeth was assessed with electrical pulp tester.

Predictor Variable

It was the treatment method.

Main Outcome Variable(s)

The primary outcome variable was the recovery or preservation of pulp vitality.

Covariates

The study variables were demographic, clinical features of the cysts, clinical features of associated teeth, and treatment method.

Analyses

Categorical data were presented in mean with standard deviation, and set the level of statistical significance at p < 0.05.

Results

The sample included 73 patients with large cystic lesions; 47 (64.4%) were male and 26 (35.6%) were female. The age range was 9 to 68 years (mean ± standard deviation, 22.4 ± 4). The 73 patients had 305 teeth associated with large cystic lesions. Of these dentitions, 85.9% of teeth had normal pulp vitality and 14.1% were negative before marsupialization. Following marsupialization, preservation of pulp vitality was noted in 61.3% and 18.0% of teeth lost their vitality. Of those without normal dental pulp vitality, 70.9% of teeth recovered their vitality of which 46.5% had recovered their vitality 9 to 12 months following marsupialization.

Conclusion

Marsupialization followed by second surgery maybe a treatment option for preserving and recovering the pulp vitality of teeth associated with large cystic jaw lesions.
Novel synthetic inducible promoters controlling gene expression during water‐deficit stress with green tissue specificity in transgenic poplar
Authors: Yang Yongil , Chaffin Timothy A. , Shao Yuanhua , Balasubramanian Vimal K. , Markillie Meng , Mitchell Hugh , Rubio‐Wilhelmi Maria M. , Ahkami Amir H. , Blumwald Eduardo , Neal Stewart C.
Published: January 2024

Synthetic promoters may be designed using short cis‐regulatory elements (CREs) and core promoter sequences for specific purposes. We identified novel conserved DNA motifs from the promoter sequences of leaf palisade and vascular cell type‐specific expressed genes in water‐deficit stressed poplar (Populus tremula × Populus alba), collected through low‐input RNA‐seq analysis using laser capture microdissection. Hexamerized sequences of four conserved 20‐base motifs were inserted into each synthetic promoter construct. Two of these synthetic promoters (Syn2 and Syn3) induced GFP in transformed poplar mesophyll protoplasts incubated in 0.5 M mannitol solution. To identify effect of length and sequence from a valuable 20 base motif, 5′ and 3′ regions from a basic sequence (GTTAACTTCAGGGCCTGTGG) of Syn3 were hexamerized to generate two shorter synthetic promoters, Syn3‐10b‐1 (5′: GTTAACTTCA) and Syn3‐10b‐2 (3′: GGGCCTGTGG). These promoters' activities were compared with Syn3 in plants. Syn3 and Syn3‐10b‐1 were specifically induced in transient agroinfiltrated Nicotiana benthamiana leaves in water cessation for 3 days. In stable transgenic poplar, Syn3 presented as a constitutive promoter but had the highest activity in leaves. Syn3‐10b‐1 had stronger induction in green tissues under water‐deficit stress conditions than mock control. Therefore, a synthetic promoter containing the 5′ sequence of Syn3 endowed both tissue‐specificity and water‐deficit inducibility in transgenic poplar, whereas the 3′ sequence did not. Consequently, we have added two new synthetic promoters to the poplar engineering toolkit: Syn3‐10b‐1, a green tissue‐specific and water‐deficit stress‐induced promoter, and Syn3, a green tissue‐preferential constitutive promoter.
Physiological and transcriptomic analysis provides novel insight into growth in Kam sweet rice under different nitrogen supplies
Authors: Amin Bakht , Luo Jun , Shi Jian , Huang Weiting , Fang Zhongming
Published: January 2024

Kam Sweet Rice (KSR) is a rice cultivar cultivated for thousands of years in China. Proper and balanced use of nitrogen sources is essential for achieving optimal growth and yield in KSR. This study was carried out to find the most effective hydroponic nutrient solution for cultivating and promoting the growth of KSR. Different nitrogen treatments were applied to KSR cultivars GouDan (GD), GouHa (GH), HongHe (HH), LeiLongGang (LG), and ZaiBianXiaoXiangHe (ZH), resulting in noticeable changes in both growth and physiological traits. Our findings revealed that D3 treatment [1.2 mM NH4Cl + 2.4 mM NaNO3+ neutral amino acids (0.1 mM Ser + 0.2 mM Thr + 0.2 mM Gly + 0.2 mM Pro +0.3 mM Ala)] had a notable positive impact on the growth of GH and ZH which showed the best performance in terms of plant height, root length and fresh weight when compared to the control (CK). Through transcriptome analysis, we discovered that these treatments altered the expression levels of genes associated with carbon metabolism, photosynthesis, and nitrogen pathways within 40 days. Interestingly, by altering the growth and tillering in rice transgenic plants, we validated the role of amino acid transporter OsAAP13 identified in transcriptome profiling, underscoring its significance. Our results are helpful for large‐scale production of KSR with the key methods for controlling the growth of KSR. It is a valuable asset for future investigations aimed at unravelling the intricate mechanisms governing plant growth in the context of different nitrogen supplies.
The president and the vice president: Different types of partnerships for a unique power couple
Authors: Prémont Karine
Published: January 2024

As the vice presidency evolves over time, the way we assess vice presidents' activities and influence also needs to change. We must consider the type of partnership that the president and the vice president develop together, which determines not only the latter's involvement in the decision‐making process but also the scope of his or her influence. Since partnerships can change from one term to another and according to the issues, they can help explain the fluctuations of vice presidents' influence within and between administrations, but they also enhance our comprehension of the evolution of executive power by emphasizing the dynamics of the connection between its principal components—the presidency and the vice presidency. This article introduces a new typology accounting for four different partnerships: communication, coordination, cooperation, and collaboration. This typology distinguishes between weak and strong partnerships, depending on the level of influence they allow the vice presidents to exert. Partnerships are defined by a series of criteria related to the selection of the running mate, the tasks of the vice president within the administration, and the quality of his or her relationship with the president.
How to make calibration less painful—A proposition for an automatic, reliable and time‐efficient procedure
Authors: Świder Karolina , Moratti Stephan , Bruña Ricardo
Published: January 2024

In behavioral and neurophysiological pain studies, multiple types of calibration methods are used to quantify the individual pain sensation stimuli. Often, studies lack a detailed calibration procedure description, data linearity, and quality quantification and omit required control for sex pain differences. This hampers study repetition and interexperimental comparisons. Moreover, typical calibration procedures require a high number of stimulations, which may cause discomfort and stimuli habituation among participants. To overcome those shortcomings, we present an automatic calibration procedure with a novel stimuli estimation method for intraepidermal stimulation. We provide an in‐depth data analysis of the collected self‐reports from 70 healthy volunteers (37 males) and propose a method based on a dynamic truncated linear regression model (tLRM). We compare its estimates for the sensation (t) and pain (T) thresholds and mid‐pain stimulation (MP), with those calculated using traditional estimation methods and standard linear regression models. Compared to the other methods, tLRM exhibits higher R2 and requires 36% fewer stimuli applications and has significantly higher t intensity and lower T and MP intensities. Regarding sex differences, t and T were found to be lower for females compared to males, regardless of the estimation method. The proposed tLRM method quantifies the calibration procedure quality, minimizes its duration and invasiveness, and provides validation of linearity between stimuli intensity and subjective scores, making it an enabling technique for further studies. Moreover, our results highlight the importance of control for sex in pain studies.
Agency in waiting: innovation and repetition in a novel Turkish Cypriot nationalist commemoration
Authors: Bahceci Sergen
Published: January 2024

This paper focuses on the Dawn Watch commemoration in northern Cyprus that has been organised since 2010 to mark the anniversary of Turkey's military operation/invasion on 20 July 1974. I argue that the Dawn Watch utilises the innovative ritual practice of ‘keeping watch' to subjectivise participating Turkish Cypriots as the ‘guards/watchmen' who have made Turkey's military presence in Cyprus possible. This novel commemoration seeks to address growing disinterest in Turkish nationalist narratives and commemorations in northern Cyprus, which conventionally reduce Turkish Cypriots to historically unimportant figures who were merely ‘liberated' by Turkey. By adopting the innovative ritual practice of ‘keeping watch', the Dawn Watch provides participants with a new way of participating in an old nationalist narrative.
Home safety hazards associated with unintentional poisoning among children aged 0–5 years in Mongolia: A case–control study
Authors: Sambuu Tsetsegee , Bayanbat Bat‐Amgalan , Naidan Oyunbileg , Badarch Tumen Ulzii , Mukhtar Yerkyebulan , Ichikawa Masao
Published: January 2024

Objective

To examine the association between home safety hazards and unintentional poisoning in children in Mongolia.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study using structured questionnaires to investigate safety behaviours, safety equipment use, and home hazards in households with or without children aged 0–5 years who had suffered from poisoning at home (i.e., cases and controls). We recruited 190 cases (105 medicinal and 84 non‐medicinal poisonings, and one each) at the National Center for Maternal and Child Health and 379 controls in the communities between 1 March and 30 October 2021.

Results

There were large differences between cases' and controls' households in safety behaviours and home hazards: the failure to store all medicines out of reach of children (68% of cases vs. 25% of controls), the failure to store all medicines safely (out of reach, locked or non‐existent) (61% vs. 22%), the failure to put all medicines away immediately after use (77% vs. 43%), the presence of things that a child could climb on to reach high surfaces (82% vs. 67%), the presence of medicines transferred into different containers (28% vs. 9%) and the presence of household products transferred into different containers (28% vs. 16%). These home safety hazards were strongly associated with poisoning after controlling for confounders.

Conclusion

Children's risk of unintentional poisoning was strongly associated with the unsafe storage of potentially poisonous agents by caregivers and home hazards. Since unsafe storage is widespread, a fail‐safe approach such as child‐resistant closure of medicines and household products should be considered.
The CsAP2‐09‐CsWRKY25‐CsRBOH2 cascade confers resistance against citrus bacterial canker by regulating ROS homeostasis
Authors: Li Qiang , Xian Baohang , Yu Qiyuan , Jia Ruirui , Zhang Chenxi , Zhong Xin , Zhang Miao , Fu Yongyao , Liu Yiqi , He Houzheng , Li Man , Chen Shanchun , He Yongrui
Published: January 2024

Citrus bacterial canker (CBC) is a serious bacterial disease caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) that adversely impacts the global citrus industry. In a previous study, we demonstrated that overexpression of an Xcc‐inducible apetala 2/ethylene response factor encoded by Citrus sinensis, CsAP2‐09, enhances CBC resistance. The mechanism responsible for this effect, however, is not known. In the present study, we showed that CsAP2‐09 targeted the promoter of the Xcc‐inducible WRKY transcription factor coding gene CsWRKY25 directly, activating its transcription. CsWRKY25 was found to localize to the nucleus and to activate transcriptional activity. Plants overexpressing CsWRKY25 were more resistant to CBC and showed higher expression of the respiratory burst oxidase homolog (RBOH) CsRBOH2, in addition to exhibiting increased RBOH activity. Transient overexpression assays in citrus confirmed that CsWRKY25 and CsRBOH2 participated in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) bursts, which were able to restore the ROS degradation caused by CsAP2‐09 knockdown. Moreover, CsWRKY25 was found to bind directly to W‐box elements within the CsRBOH2 promoter. Notably, CsRBOH2 knockdown had been reported previously to reduce the CBC resistance, while demonstrated in this study, CsRBOH2 transient overexpression can enhance the CBC resistance. Overall, our results outline a pathway through which CsAP2‐09‐CsWRKY25 transcriptionally reprograms CsRBOH2‐mediated ROS homeostasis in a manner conducive to CBC resistance. These data offer new insight into the mechanisms and regulatory pathways through which CsAP2‐09 regulates CBC resistance, highlighting its potential utility as a target for the breeding of CBC‐resistant citrus varieties.
Endoglin mutants retained in the endoplasmic reticulum exacerbate loss of function in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 1 (HHT1) by exerting dominant negative effects on the wild type allele
Authors: Gariballa Nesrin , Badawi Sally , Ali Bassam R.
Published: January 2024

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disorder affecting 1 in 5000–8000 individuals. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 1 (HHT1) is the most common HHT and manifests as diverse vascular malformations ranging from mild symptoms such as epistaxis and mucosal and cutaneous telangiectases to severe arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the lungs, brain or liver. HHT1 is caused by heterozygous mutations in the ENG gene, which encodes endoglin, the TGFβ homodimeric co‐receptor. It was previously shown that some endoglin HHT1‐causing variants failed to traffic to the plasma membrane due to their retention in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and consequent degradation by ER‐associated degradation (ERAD). Endoglin is a homodimer formed in the ER, and we therefore hypothesized that mixed heterodimers might form between ER‐retained variants and WT protein, thus hampering its maturation and trafficking to the plasma membrane causing dominant negative effects. Indeed, HA‐tagged ER‐retained mutants formed heterodimers with Myc‐tagged WT endoglin. Moreover, variants L32R, V105D, P165L, I271N and C363Y adversely affected the trafficking of WT endoglin by reducing its maturation and plasma membrane localization. These results strongly suggest dominant negative effects exerted by these ER‐retained variants aggravating endoglin loss of function in patients expressing them in the heterozygous state with the WT allele. Moreover, this study may help explain some of the variability observed among HHT1 patients due to the additional loss of function exerted by the dominant negative effects in addition to that due to haploinsufficiency. These findings might also have implications for some of the many conditions impacted by ERAD.
Collapsing Pressures of Bessemer Steel Lap-Welded Tubes, Three to Ten Inches in Diameter
Authors: Stewart Reid T.
Published: January 2024

This research was undertaken for the purpose of supplying an urgent demand for reliable information on the behavior of modern wrought tubes when subjected to fluid collapsing pressure. Every means known to engineering science that could aid in the accomplishment of this undertaking has been used, and every possible effort made to get at the truth and have the research yield trustworthy data. It was planned and executed under the immediate direction of the author, at the McKeesport works of the National Tube Company, and has occupied for its completion, during a period of four years, the time of from one to six men.
Differentiation of hypervirulent and classical
Klebsiella pneumoniae
with acquired drug resistance
Authors: Russo Thomas A. , Alvarado Cassandra L. , Davies Connor J. , Drayer Zachary J. , Carlino-MacDonald Ulrike , Hutson Alan , Luo Ting L. , Martin Melissa J. , Corey Brendan W. , Moser Kara A. , Rasheed J. Kamile , Halpin Alison L. , McGann Patrick T. , Lebreton Francois
Published: January 2024

Hypervirulent
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(hvKp) is a concerning pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections in otherwise healthy individuals. Importantly, although strains of hvKp have been acquiring antimicrobial resistance, the effect on virulence is unclear. Therefore, it is of critical importance to determine whether a given antimicrobial resistant
K. pneumoniae
isolate is hypervirulent. This report determined which combination of genotypic and phenotypic markers could most accurately identify hvKp strains with acquired resistance. Both logistic regression and a machine-learning prediction model demonstrated that biomarker count alone was the strongest predictor. The presence of all five of the biomarkers
iucA, iroB, peg-344, rmpA,
and
rmpA2
was most accurate (94%); the presence of ≥4 of these biomarkers was most sensitive (100%). Accurately identifying hvKp is vital for surveillance and research, and the availability of biomarker data could alert the clinician that hvKp is a consideration, which, in turn, would assist in optimizing patient care.
Metabolic model predictions enable targeted microbiome manipulation through precision prebiotics
Authors: Marinos Georgios , Hamerich Inga K. , Debray Reena , Obeng Nancy , Petersen Carola , Taubenheim Jan , Zimmermann Johannes , Blackburn Dana , Samuel Buck S. , Dierking Katja , Franke Andre , Laudes Matthias , Waschina Silvio , Schulenburg Hinrich , Kaleta Christoph
Published: January 2024

While numerous health-beneficial interactions between host and microbiota have been identified, there is still a lack of targeted approaches for modulating these interactions. Thus, we here identify precision prebiotics that specifically modulate the abundance of a microbiome member species of interest. In the first step, we show that defining precision prebiotics by compounds that are only taken up by the target species but no other species in a community is usually not possible due to overlapping metabolic niches. Subsequently, we use metabolic modeling to identify precision prebiotics for a two-member
Caenorhabditis elegans
microbiome community comprising the immune-protective target species
Pseudomonas lurida
MYb11 and the persistent colonizer
Ochrobactrum vermis
MYb71. We experimentally confirm four of the predicted precision prebiotics, L-serine, L-threonine, D-mannitol, and γ-aminobutyric acid, to specifically increase the abundance of MYb11. L-serine was further assessed
in vivo
, leading to an increase in MYb11 abundance also in the worm host. Overall, our findings demonstrate that metabolic modeling is an effective tool for the design of precision prebiotics as an important cornerstone for future microbiome-targeted therapies.

IMPORTANCE

While various mechanisms through which the microbiome influences disease processes in the host have been identified, there are still only few approaches that allow for targeted manipulation of microbiome composition as a first step toward microbiome-based therapies. Here, we propose the concept of precision prebiotics that allow to boost the abundance of already resident health-beneficial microbial species in a microbiome. We present a constraint-based modeling pipeline to predict precision prebiotics for a minimal microbial community in the worm
Caenorhabditis elegans
comprising the host-beneficial
Pseudomonas lurida
MYb11 and the persistent colonizer
Ochrobactrum vermis
MYb71 with the aim to boost the growth of MYb11. Experimentally testing four of the predicted precision prebiotics, we confirm that they are specifically able to increase the abundance of MYb11
in vitro
and
in vivo
. These results demonstrate that constraint-based modeling could be an important tool for the development of targeted microbiome-based therapies against human diseases.
The first report of the mobile colistin resistance gene,
mcr-10.1
, in Kenya and a novel mutation in the
phoQ
gene (S244T) in a colistin-resistant
Enterobacter cloacae
clinical isolate
Authors: Kigen Collins , Muraya Angela , Wachira James , Musila Lillian
Published: January 2024

This study describes the identification of the
mcr-10.1
gene in a clinical isolate of an ST1
Enterobacter cloacae
isolate cultured in 2015 in Kenya. The isolate was multidrug resistant, phenotypically non-susceptible to various antibiotics, including colistin. Whole genome sequence analyses indicated carriage of chromosomally encoded antimicrobial resistance genes and the colistin-resistant gene
mcr-10.1
located on a 72-kb plasmid designated pECC011b with an IncFIA(HI1) replicon directly adjacent to tyrosine recombinase gene,
xerC
, and downstream of an IS
KPn26
insertion sequence. Studies have shown that expression of
mcr-10.1
may not be sufficient to confer colistin resistance, but a novel non-synonymous mutation (S244T) was identified in the
phoQ
gene known to influence colistin resistance within lipid modification pathways, which could have complemented the
mcr-10.1
resistance mechanism.
In silico
analysis of the mutant
phoQ
protein shows the location of the mutation to be at the Histidine kinases, Adenyl cyclases, Methyl-accepting proteins and Phosphatases (HAMP) region, which plays a crucial role in the protein’s activity. This study and our previous report of
mcr-8
in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
indicate the presence of mobile
mcr
genes in the
Enterobacterales
order of bacteria in Kenya. The study points to the importance of regulation of colistin in the animal industry and enhancing surveillance in both human and animal health to curb the spread of
mcr
genes and accurately assess the risks posed by these mobile genetic elements in both sectors.

IMPORTANCE

This paper reports the detection of new colistin resistance mechanisms in Kenya in a clinical isolate of
Enterobacter cloacae
in a patient with a healthcare-associated infection. The plasmid-mediated resistance gene,
mcr-10.1
, and a novel amino acid mutation S244T in the
phoQ
gene, located in a region of the protein involved in membrane cationic stability contributing to colistin resistance, were detected. Colistin is a critical last-line drug for multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative human infections and is used for treatment and growth promotion in the animal industry. The emergence of the resistance mechanisms points to the potential overuse of colistin in the animal sector in Kenya, which enhances resistance, threatens the utility of colistin, and limits treatment options for MDR infections. This study highlights the need to enhance surveillance of colistin resistance across sectors and strengthen One Health policies that ensure antimicrobial stewardship and implementation of strategies to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Diversification of gene content in the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex is determined by phylogenetic and ecological signatures
Authors: Silva-Pereira Taiana Tainá , Soler-Camargo Naila Cristina , Guimarães Ana Marcia Sá
Published: January 2024

We analyzed the pan-genome and gene content modulation of the most diverse genome data set of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) gathered to date. The closed pan-genome of the MTBC was characterized by reduced accessory and strain-specific genomes, compatible with its clonal nature. However, significantly fewer gene families were shared between MTBC genomes as their phylogenetic distance increased. This effect was only observed in inter-species comparisons, not within-species, which suggests that species-specific ecological characteristics are associated with changes in gene content. Gene loss, resulting from genomic deletions and pseudogenization, was found to drive the variation in gene content. This gene erosion differed among MTBC species and lineages, even within
M. tuberculosis
, where L2 showed more gene loss than L4. We also show that phylogenetic proximity is not always a good proxy for gene content relatedness in the MTBC, as the gene repertoire of
Mycobacterium africanum
L6 deviated from its expected phylogenetic niche conservatism. Gene disruptions of virulence factors, represented by pseudogene annotations, are mostly not conserved, being poor predictors of MTBC ecotypes. Each MTBC ecotype carries its own accessory genome, likely influenced by distinct selective pressures such as host and geography. It is important to investigate how gene loss confer new adaptive traits to MTBC strains; the detected heterogeneous gene loss poses a significant challenge in elucidating genetic factors responsible for the diverse phenotypes observed in the MTBC. By detailing specific gene losses, our study serves as a resource for researchers studying the MTBC phenotypes and their immune evasion strategies.

IMPORTANCE

In this study, we analyzed the gene content of different ecotypes of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC), the pathogens of tuberculosis. We found that changes in their gene content are associated with their ecological features, such as host preference. Gene loss was identified as the primary driver of these changes, which can vary even among different strains of the same ecotype. Our study also revealed that the gene content relatedness of these bacteria does not always mirror their evolutionary relationships. In addition, some genes of virulence can be variably lost among strains of the same MTBC ecotype, likely helping them to evade the immune system. Overall, our study highlights the importance of understanding how gene loss can lead to new adaptations in these bacteria and how different selective pressures may influence their genetic makeup.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis unveils a negative effect of glutathione metabolism on laccase activity in
Cerrena unicolor
87613
Authors: Zhang Long-Bin , Qiu Ting-Ting , Qiu Xiu-Gen , Yang Wu-Wei-Jie , Ye Xiu-Yun , Meng Chun
Published: January 2024

The white rot fungus
Cerrena unicolor
87613 has been previously shown to be a promising resource in laccase production, an enzyme with significant biotechnological applications. Conventional methods face technical challenges in improving laccase activity. Attempts are still being made to develop novel approaches for further enhancing laccase activity. This study aimed to understand the regulation of laccase activity in
C. unicolor
87613 for a better exploration of the novel approach. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to identify key genes and metabolites involved in extracellular laccase activity. The findings indicated a strong correlation between the glutathione metabolism pathway and laccase activity. Subsequently, experimental verifications were conducted by manipulating the pathway using chemical approaches. The additive reduced glutathione (GSH) dose-dependently repressed laccase activity, while the GSH inhibitors (APR-246) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) inducer (H
2
O
2
) enhanced laccase activity. Changes in GSH levels could determine the intracellular redox homeostasis in interaction with ROS and partially affect the expression level of laccase genes in
C. unicolor
87613 in turn. In addition, GSH synthetase was found to mediate GSH abundance in a feedback loop. This study suggests that laccase activity is negatively influenced by GSH metabolism and provides a theoretical basis for a novel strategy to enhance laccase activity by reprogramming glutathione metabolism at a specific cultivation stage.

IMPORTANCE

The production of laccase activity is limited by various conventional approaches, such as heterologous expression, strain screening, and optimization of incubation conditions. There is an urgent need for a new strategy to meet industrial requirements more effectively. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome of
Cerrena unicolor
87613. For the first time, we discovered a negative role played by reduced glutathione (GSH) and its metabolic pathway in influencing extracellular laccase activity. Furthermore, we identified a feedback loop involving GSH, GSH synthetase gene, and GSH synthetase within this metabolic pathway. These deductions were confirmed through experimental investigations. These findings not only advanced our understanding of laccase activity regulation in its natural producer but also provide a theoretical foundation for a strategy to enhance laccase activity by reprogramming glutathione metabolism at a specific cultivation stage.