bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraspecific chemical variation of Tanacetum vulgare affects plant growth and reproductive traits in field plant communities
Authors: Ojeda‐Prieto L. , Medina‐van Berkum P. , Unsicker S. B. , Heinen R. , Weisser W. W.
Published: April 2024

The study investigated the impact of intraspecific plant chemodiversity on plant growth and reproductive traits at both the plant and plot levels. It also aimed to understand how chemodiversity at stand level affects ecosystem functioning and plant–plant interactions.

We describe a biodiversity experiment in which we manipulated intraspecific plant chemodiversity at the plot level using six different chemotypes of common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L., Asteraceae). We tested the effects of chemotype identity and plot‐level chemotype richness on plant growth and reproductive traits and plot‐level headspace emissions.

The study found that plant chemotypes differed in growth and reproductive traits and that traits were affected by the chemotype richness of the plots. Although morphological differences among chemotypes became less pronounced over time, reproductive phenology patterns persisted. Plot‐level trait means were also affected by the presence or absence of certain chemotypes in a plot, and the direction of the effect depended on the specific chemotype. However, chemotype richness did not lead to overyielding effects. Lastly, chemotype blends released from plant communities were neither richer nor more diverse with increasing plot‐level chemotype richness, but became more dissimilar as they became more dissimilar in their leaf terpenoid profiles.

We found that intraspecific plant chemodiversity is crucial in plant–plant interactions. We also found that the effects of chemodiversity on plant growth and reproductive traits were complex and varied depending on the chemotype richness of the plots. This long‐term field experiment will allow further investigation into plant–insect interactions and insect community assembly in response to intraspecific chemodiversity.
Exploring oxidative stress, immunological and metabolic biomarkers in dairy cows with postpartum pyometra
Authors: El‐Deeb Wael , Abdelghani Mohammed A. , Alhaider Abdulrahman , Al‐Hammadi Mohammed , Gomaa Naglaa , Venugopala Katharigatta , Fayez Mahmoud
Published: April 2024

Pyometra is a prevalent and severe infectious disease that affects the reproductive systems of cattle worldwide. This study's main goal was to investigate the biomarkers for oxidative stress (OS), adiponectin, leptin and neopterin (NPT) in cows suffering from postpartum pyometra. The study also aimed to determine which bacteria were most commonly implicated in the development of the disease. A total of 74 cows with pyometra were examined and compared to a control group of healthy cows (n = 20). In comparison to the healthy control and post‐treatment groups, the pyometra group showed higher mean values of leptin, adiponectin and malondialdehyde (MDA). In contrast, the glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) mean values were lower in the pyometra group as compared to the post‐treatment and control groups. NPT levels in the post‐treatment groups were lower than those in cows with pyometra but comparable to the healthy control group (p > .05). When compared to the other biomarkers, NPT, leptin and adiponectin showed higher sensitivity and specificity in identifying pyometra cases (AUC ≥0.99). The predominant bacterial isolates from the ptomtra‐affected cows consisted of Escherichia coli (N = 29; 39.2%), Arcanobacterium pyogenes (N = 27; 36.5%) and Fusobacterium necrophorum (N = 13; 17.6%). Mixed infection was determined in nine samples (12.2%). Conclusively, OS, adiponectin, leptin and NPT play crucial roles in comprehending the development of postpartum pyometra in cows and have the potential to serve as biomarkers for the disease.
The synergy effect of multi‐country policy actions announced in reaction to global risk: A network structure perspective
Authors: Wei Jiuchang , Ji Junkai , Li Yi‐Na
Published: April 2024

The policy actions of countries reflect adaptive responses of local components within the system to the dynamic global risk landscape. These responses can generate interactions and synergy effects on alleviating the evolution of global risks. Adopting a network perspective, the study proposes a theoretical framework that connects three structural characteristics of policy synergy, namely, synergy scale, alignment intensity, and timing synchronization. Focusing on the Covid‐19 pandemic as a typical global risk context, the study finds that policy synergy with a larger scale, stronger alignment intensity, and more synchronized timing has a positive impact on mitigating global risks. The effect of alignment intensity is particularly pronounced when polycentric governance involves 20 countries facing severe risks, whereas the effect of timing synchronization is more significant when the multicenter group comprises more countries. Building upon the concept of an efficient scale of polycentric governance in various dimensions, this study develops a policy synergy index model. Through multiple empirical analyses, this study validates the causal relationship between policy synergy and the future evolution of global pandemic risk. Policymakers can leverage the dynamic changes in the policy synergy to predict future risk situations and implement well‐rounded and appropriate policy actions, thereby enhancing the efficacy of the synergy effect of multi‐country policy actions for risk governance.
Psychometric properties and cut‐off scores for the Swedish version of the Negative Acts Questionnaire: The full scale and short version
Authors: Rosander Michael , Blomberg Stefan , Einarsen Ståle Valvatne
Published: April 2024

The present study investigates the psychometric properties and cut‐off scores of a Swedish version of the Negative Acts Questionnaire, the most frequently used instrument to measure exposure to workplace bullying. Based on a probability sample of the Swedish workforce (n = 1853), we investigate the validity of both the full version (NAQ–R) and the short version (SNAQ). We suggest optimal cut‐offs for the NAQ–R and SNAQ, and for the subscales measuring work‐ and person‐related bullying. Based on the cut‐off scores we provide estimates of prevalence in a Swedish context. The factor structure and psychometric properties are comparable to the Norwegian original and the English versions of the instrument. We also tested the criterion validity using 11 outcome and antecedent variables to bullying, and all provided support for its validity. The identified cut‐off scores differentiate clearly when tested against the 11 variables used to test criterion validity in the study. The results showed that the Swedish version of the NAQ–R, including the SNAQ, is a valid measure of workplace bullying. To our knowledge, this study is the first study presenting statistical cut‐offs for the NAQ‐R subscales as well as investigating both the NAQ‐R and the SNAQ simultaneously. The present study also provides some criticism against and suggestions for improving the NAQ–R, aiming to capture even more of the overall experience of exposure, ability to defend oneself, overall duration, and on‐ and offline exposure.
Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson reproduction system: Implications for distribution and management strategies
Authors: Borgato Ednaldo A. , Ohadi Sara , Brunharo Caio A. C. G. , Patterson Eric L. , Matzrafi Maor
Published: April 2024

Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson is one of the most troublesome weed species worldwide, and is considered one of the most devastating weeds in agricultural fields in the United States. Recently, A. palmeri populations have spread beyond their native range, into the Mediterranean region, and have been reported in several European countries. Resistance to 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS) and acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors have been found in European populations, exacerbating the management problems with this species in the Mediterranean region. While the biology, ecology, herbicide resistance mechanisms, and agricultural significance of A. palmeri have been studied, there remains a need to discuss how A. palmeri's unique reproductive traits influence its ability to adapt to various environments, especially as an invasive species spreading into new habitats. We review how the genetic and genomic characteristics of A. palmeri interact with aspects of its reproductive biology, including its breeding system, and alter its ability to hybridize and develop herbicide resistance. Finally, we discuss the breeding system of A. palmeri in the context of weed management, and explore different approaches such as irradiated pollens, genetic manipulations, and RNA interference (RNAi).
Navigating the ‘grey zone’: academic collaboration and research on/in Russia during geopolitical crisis
Authors: Kaisto Virpi , Nielsen Henrik Dorf
Published: April 2024

Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and attack on Ukraine in 2022 have led to widespread sanctions being placed on Russia by the European Union, including sanctions related to academic cooperation. National governments, supranational bodies, science academies and research institutions as well as publishers have likewise formed policies suspending and restricting collaboration regarding Russia-related research. These policies are, however, not straight forward and there are many practical and ethical questions that individual researchers must ask themselves. At Finnish Geography Days 2023 in Joensuu, a panel was dedicated to discussing some of these questions. This article summarizes main themes discussed during the panel and sheds light on the multiple ways researchers experience and navigate the ‘grey zone’ of academic collaboration and research on/in Russia in the current geopolitical context. The article emphasizes the necessity of further discussing the effectiveness and impact of the sanctions and restrictions: Are they reasonable? Who benefits from them, and who suffers?
Vías de atención a pacientes con un primer episodio de psicosis: Un estudio multicéntrico y multiétnico
Authors: Caqueo-Urízar Alejandra , Irarrázaval Matías , Cuadra-Peralta Alejandro , Urzúa Alfonso
Published: April 2024

El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las vías de atención para pacientes con una aparición reciente de psicosis y determinar si éstas se ven afectadas significativamente por el origen étnico y las creencias causales del trastorno. Participaron 252 pacientes con esquizofrenia en tratamiento ambulatorio (116 Aymara y 136 No Aymara) con un promedio de edad de 35.6 años (DE = 12.5) de centros públicos de salud mental de Arica, Chile (33.6 %), Tacna, Perú (33.6 %) y La Paz, Bolivia (32.8 %) y el cuidador principal. Se entrevistó respecto a sus contactos de búsqueda de ayuda utilizando un cuestionario semiestructurado. El 64.7 % de los pacientes contactó inicialmente a un médico general para solicitar ayuda, mientras que sólo el 14 % consultó a un psicólogo y el 12 % se refirió a Yatiri (curanderos). Los principales factores asociados al hecho de evitar una vía distinta fueron la presencia de un familiar o amigo de apoyo y la presencia de un médico general. Se concluye que la principal vía de acceso a los servicios psiquiátricos para pacientes con una reciente aparición de psicosis entre las minorías étnicas andinas es a través de un médico general, mientras que una pequeña parte de esta población depende de los curanderos de la comunidad.
Toxic Leadership and Followers’ Work Motivation: An Angolan Study
Authors: Rocha Ana Maria , Dos Santos Nuno Rebelo , Pais Leonor
Published: April 2024

Toxic leadership has detrimental effects on subordinates and has been associated with several negative outcomes in organizations. This research aims to study the effects of toxic leadership dimensions (abusive supervision, authoritarianism, narcissism, self-promotion and unpredictability) on followers’ work motivation by using Self-Determination Theory to approach work motivation. Angola faces significant social development challenges that are dependent upon the quality of leadership. Two hundred and nineteen people, aged 30 and 65 years, participated in this research from Angolan organizations in different industry sectors. The Toxic Leadership Scale and Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale were used. Correlation and regression analyses were performed. The narcissism dimension of toxic leadership and the identified regulation of work motivation had the highest scores. Leaders’ narcissism was positively correlated with external material and introjected motivation; self-promotion with introjected and intrinsic motivation. All dimensions of toxic leadership were positively correlated with amotivation. Finally, abusive supervision negatively predicts introjected regulation, and narcissism predicts positively material regulation of work motivation. These relationships were interpreted as the effect of toxic leadership dimensions on work motivation dimensions. Leadership development programs should focus on preventing toxic leadership in order to positively impact the followers’ autonomous regulation.
Wet and dry etching of ultrawide bandgap LiGa5O8 and LiGaO2
Authors: Thirupakuzi Vangipuram Vijay Gopal , Zhang Kaitian , Zhao Hongping
Published: April 2024

Crystalline thin films of LiGa5O8 have recently been realized through epitaxial growth via mist-chemical vapor deposition. The single crystal, spinel cubic LiGa5O8 films show promising fundamental material properties and, therefore, make LiGa5O8 a potential enabling material for power electronics. In this work, chemical resistance and etch susceptibility were investigated for the first time on crystalline LiGa5O8 thin films with various wet chemistries. It was found that LiGa5O8 is very chemically resistive to acid solutions, with no apparent etching effects observed when placed in concentrated acid solutions of HCl, H2SO4, HF, or H3PO4 at room temperature. In contrast, orthorhombic (010) LiGaO2 shows effective etching in HCl solutions at varying dilution concentrations, with etch rates measured between 8.6 [1000:1 (DI water: HCl concentration)] and 6092 nm/min (37 wt. % HCl). The inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE) of LiGa5O8 using BCl3/Ar and CF4/Ar/O2 gas chemistries was investigated. The etching rate and surface morphology of etched surfaces were examined as a function of RIE and ICP power. Using a CF4/Ar/O2 gas chemistry with an RIE power of 75 W and an ICP power of 300 W resulted in smooth etched planar surfaces while maintaining an etch rate of ∼24.6 nm/min. Similar dry etching studies were performed for LiGaO2. It was found that the BCl3/Ar gas chemistry was better suited for LiGaO2 etching, with similar surface morphology quality being obtained after etching as prior etching when a RIE power of 15 W and an ICP power of 400 W is utilized.
The Relationship of Open- and Closed-Kinetic-Chain Rate of Force Development With Jump Performance Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Graham Megan C. , Reeves Kelsey A. , Janatova Tereza , Noehren Brian
Published: April 2024

Purpose: To determine between-limbs differences in isometric rate of force development (RFD) measured during open- (OKC) and closed-kinetic-chain (CKC) strength testing and establish which method had the strongest relationship to single-leg vertical-jump performance and knee mechanics after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods: Subjects (n = 19) 1 to 5 years from ACL reconstruction performed isometric knee extensions (OKC), unilateral isometric midthigh pulls (CKC), and single-leg vertical jumps on the ACL-involved and -noninvolved limbs. Between-limbs differences were assessed using paired t tests, and the relationship between RFD, jump performance, and knee mechanics was assessed using correlation coefficients (r; P ≤ .05). Results: There were significant between-limbs differences in OKC RFD (P = .008, d = −0.69) but not CKC RFD. OKC RFD in the ACL-involved limb had a strong association with jump height (r = .64, P = .003), knee-joint power (r = .72, P < .001), and peak knee-flexion angle (r = .72, P = .001). CKC RFD in the ACL-involved limb had a strong association with jump height (r = .65, P = .004) and knee-joint power (r = .67, P = .002) but not peak knee-flexion angle (r = .40, P = .09). Conclusions: While both OKC and CKC RFD were strongly related to jump performance and knee-joint power, OKC RFD was able to detect between-limbs RFD asymmetries and was strongly related to knee-joint kinematics. These findings indicate that isometric knee extension may be optimal for assessing RFD after ACL reconstruction.
The virtue of training: extending phage host spectra against vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
strains using the Appelmans method
Authors: Lossouarn Julien , Beurrier Elsa , Bouteau Astrid , Moncaut Elisabeth , Sir Silmane Maria , Portalier Heïdi , Zouari Asma , Cattoir Vincent , Serror Pascale , Petit Marie-Agnès
Published: April 2024

Phage therapy has (re)emerged as a serious possibility for combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, including those caused by vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
strains. These opportunistic pathogens belong to a specific clonal complex 17, against which relatively few phages have been screened. We isolated a collection of 21 virulent phages growing on these vancomycin-resistant isolates. Each of these phages harbored a typical narrow plaquing host range, lysing at most 5 strains and covering together 10 strains of our panel of 14 clinical isolates. To enlarge the host spectrum of our phages, the Appelmans protocol was used. We mixed four out of our most complementary phages in a cocktail that we iteratively grew on eight naive strains from our panel, of which six were initially refractory to at least three of the combined phages. Fifteen successive passages permitted to significantly improve the lytic activity of the cocktail, from which phages with extended host ranges within the
E. faecium
species could be isolated. A single evolved phage able to kill up to 10 of the 14 initial
E. faecium
strains was obtained, and it barely infected nearby species. All evolved phages had acquired point mutations or a recombination event in the tail fiber genetic region, suggesting these genes might have driven phage evolution by contributing to their extended host spectra.
Progress toward a vaccine for extraintestinal pathogenic
E. coli
(ExPEC) II: efficacy of a toxin-autotransporter dual antigen approach
Authors: Xing Yikun , Clark Justin R. , Chang James D. , Zulk Jacob J. , Chirman Dylan M. , Piedra Felipe-Andres , Vaughan Ellen E. , Hernandez Santos Haroldo J. , Patras Kathryn A. , Maresso Anthony W.
Published: April 2024

Extraintestinal pathogenic
Escherichia coli
(ExPEC) is a leading cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality, the top cause of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections, and the most frequent cause of life-threatening sepsis and urinary tract infections (UTI) in adults. The development of an effective and universal vaccine is complicated by this pathogen’s pan-genome, its ability to mix and match virulence factors and AMR genes via horizontal gene transfer, an inability to decipher commensal from pathogens, and its intimate association and co-evolution with mammals. Using a pan virulome analysis of >20,000 sequenced
E. coli
strains, we identified the secreted cytolysin α-hemolysin (HlyA) as a high priority target for vaccine exploration studies. We demonstrate that a catalytically inactive pure form of HlyA, expressed in an autologous host using its own secretion system, is highly immunogenic in a murine host, protects against several forms of ExPEC infection (including lethal bacteremia), and significantly lowers bacterial burdens in multiple organ systems. Interestingly, the combination of a previously reported autotransporter (SinH) with HlyA was notably effective, inducing near complete protection against lethal challenge, including commonly used infection strains ST73 (CFT073) and ST95 (UTI89), as well as a mixture of 10 of the most highly virulent sequence types and strains from our clinical collection. Both HlyA and HlyA-SinH combinations also afforded some protection against UTI89 colonization in a murine UTI model. These findings suggest recombinant, inactive hemolysin and/or its combination with SinH warrant investigation in the development of an
E. coli
vaccine against invasive disease.
A nucleoid-associated protein is involved in the emergence of antibiotic resistance by promoting the frequent exchange of the replicative DNA polymerase in
Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Ng Wei L. , Rego E. Hesper
Published: April 2024

Antibiotic resistance in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
exclusively originates from chromosomal mutations, either during normal DNA replication or under stress, when the expression of error-prone DNA polymerases increases to repair damaged DNA. To bypass DNA lesions and catalyze error-prone DNA synthesis, translesion polymerases must be able to access the DNA, temporarily replacing the high-fidelity replicative polymerase. The mechanisms that govern polymerase exchange are not well understood, especially in mycobacteria. Here, using a suite of quantitative fluorescence imaging techniques, we discover that in
Mycobacterium smegmatis
, as in other bacterial species, the replicative polymerase, DnaE1, exchanges at a timescale much faster than that of DNA replication. Interestingly, this fast exchange rate depends on an actinobacteria-specific nucleoid-associated protein (NAP), Lsr2. In cells missing
lsr2
, DnaE1 exchanges less frequently, and the chromosome is replicated more faithfully. Additionally, in conditions that damage DNA, cells lacking
lsr2
load the complex needed to bypass DNA lesions less effectively and, consistently, replicate with higher fidelity but exhibit growth defects. Together, our results show that Lsr2 promotes dynamic flexibility of the mycobacterial replisome, which is critical for robust cell growth and lesion repair in conditions that damage DNA.

IMPORTANCE

Unlike many other pathogens,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
has limited ability for horizontal gene transfer, a major mechanism for developing antibiotic resistance. Thus, the mechanisms that facilitate chromosomal mutagenesis are of particular importance in mycobacteria. Here, we show that Lsr2, a nucleoid-associated protein, has a novel role in DNA replication and mutagenesis in the model mycobacterium
Mycobacterium smegmatis
. We find that Lsr2 promotes the fast exchange rate of the replicative DNA polymerase, DnaE1, at the replication fork and is important for the effective loading of the DnaE2-ImuA′-ImuB translesion complex. Without
lsr2
,
M. smegmatis
replicates its chromosome more faithfully and acquires resistance to rifampin at a lower rate, but at the cost of impaired survival to DNA damaging agents. Together, our work establishes Lsr2 as a potential factor in the emergence of mycobacterial antibiotic resistance.
Con7 is a key transcription regulator for conidiogenesis in the plant pathogenic fungus
Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Shin Soobin , Park Jiyeun , Yang Lin , Kim Hun , Choi Gyung Ja , Lee Yin-Won , Kim Jung-Eun , Son Hokyoung
Published: April 2024

The mycelium of the plant pathogenic fungus
Fusarium graminearum
exhibits distinct structures for vegetative growth, asexual sporulation, sexual development, virulence, and chlamydospore formation. These structures are vital for the survival and pathogenicity of the fungus, necessitating precise regulation based on environmental cues. Initially identified in
Magnaporthe oryzae
, the transcription factor Con7p regulates conidiation and infection-related morphogenesis, but not vegetative growth. We characterized the Con7p ortholog
Fg
Con7, and deletion of
FgCON7
resulted in severe defects in conidium production, virulence, sexual development, and vegetative growth. The mycelia of the deletion mutant transformed into chlamydospore-like structures with high chitin level accumulation. Notably, boosting
FgABAA
expression partially alleviated developmental issues in the
FgCON7
deletion mutant. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)–quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis confirmed a direct genetic link between
FgABAA
and
FgCON7
. Furthermore, the chitin synthase gene
Fg6550
(FGSG_06550) showed significant upregulation in the
FgCON7
deletion mutant, and altering
FgCON7
expression affected cell wall integrity. Further research will focus on understanding the behavior of the chitin synthase gene and its regulation by
Fg
Con7 in
F. graminearum
. This study contributes significantly to our understanding of the genetic pathways that regulate hyphal differentiation and conidiation in this plant pathogenic fungus.

IMPORTANCE

The ascomycete fungus
Fusarium graminearum
is the primary cause of head blight disease in wheat and barley, as well as ear and stalk rot in maize. Given the importance of conidia and ascospores in the disease cycle of
F. graminearum
, precise spatiotemporal regulation of these biological processes is crucial. In this study, we characterized the
Magnaporthe oryzae
Con7p ortholog and discovered that
Fg
Con7 significantly influences various crucial aspects of fungal development and pathogenicity. Notably, overexpression of
FgABAA
partially restored developmental defects in the
FgCON7
deletion mutant. ChIP-qPCR analysis confirmed a direct genetic link between
FgABAA
and
FgCON7
. Furthermore, our research revealed a clear correlation between
Fg
Con7 and chitin accumulation and the expression of chitin synthase genes. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms regulating conidiation and the significance of mycelial differentiation in this plant pathogenic fungus.
Proteomic and transcriptomic analysis of selenium utilization in
Methanococcus maripaludis
Authors: Funkner Katrina , Poehlein Anja , Jehmlich Nico , Egelkamp Richard , Daniel Rolf , von Bergen Martin , Rother Michael
Published: April 2024

Methanococcus maripaludis
utilizes selenocysteine- (Sec-) containing proteins (selenoproteins), mostly active in the organism’s primary energy metabolism, methanogenesis. During selenium depletion,
M. maripaludis
employs a set of enzymes containing cysteine (Cys) instead of Sec. The genes coding for these Sec-/Cys-containing isoforms were the only genes known of which expression is influenced by the selenium status of the cell. Using proteomics and transcriptomics, approx. 7% and 12%, respectively, of all genes/proteins were found differentially expressed/synthesized in response to the selenium supply. Some of the genes identified involve methanogenesis, nitrogenase functions, and putative transporters. An increase of transcript abundance for putative transporters under selenium depletion indicated the organism’s effort to tap into alternative sources of selenium.
M. maripaludis
is known to utilize selenite and dimethylselenide as selenium sources. To expand this list, a selenium-responsive reporter strain was assessed with nine other, environmentally relevant selenium species. While the effect of some was very similar to that of selenite, others were effectively utilized at lower concentrations. Conversely, selenate and seleno
-
amino acids were only utilized at unphysiologically high concentrations and two compounds were not utilized at all. To address the role of the selenium-regulated putative transporters,
M. maripaludis
mutant strains lacking one or two of the putative transporters were tested for the capability to utilize the different selenium species. Of the five putative transporters analyzed by loss-of-function mutagenesis, none appeared to be absolutely required for utilizing any of the selenium species tested, indicating they have redundant and/or overlapping specificities or are not dedicated selenium transporters.

IMPORTANCE

While selenium metabolism in microorganisms has been studied intensively in the past, global gene expression approaches have not been employed so far. Furthermore, the use of different selenium sources, widely environmentally interconvertible via biotic and abiotic processes, was also not extensively studied before.
Methanococcus maripaludis
JJ is ideally suited for such analyses, thanks to its known selenium usage and available genetic tools. Thus, an overall view on the selenium regulon of
M. maripaludis
was obtained via transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, which inspired further experimentation. This led to demonstrating the use of selenium sources
M. maripaludis
was previously not known to employ. Also, an attempt—although so far unsuccessful—was made to pinpoint potential selenium transporter genes, in order to deepen our understanding of trace element utilization in this important model organism.
Caregiving experiences of family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in a community: a qualitative study in Beijing
Authors: Pan Zhaolu , Li Ting , Jin Guanghui , Lu Xiaoqin
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study aims to understand the caregiving experiences of family caregivers of people with schizophrenia in a community.

Design

A qualitative study based on phenomenological analysis was conducted through in-depth interviews.

Setting

This study was carried out from May to June 2023 in two community health service centres in urban Beijing, China.

Participants

We selected 16 family caregivers for interviews using purposive sampling method.

Results

Four themes and 10 subthemes were identified: (1) psychosocial distress of family caregivers (feeling unprepared and helpless at the beginning, confronting negative emotions in long-term care and straying away from social life); (2) adverse impacts on the whole family (poor cooperation within the family, insufficient family involvement in professional care); (3) coping with family caregiving (accepting the reality of the patients’ illness, struggling with family life balance and having realistic expectations); (4) concerns about future care (daily living support, physical health management).

Conclusion

Family caregivers experienced psychosocial distress and family stress in the process of caregiving. They had to cope with caregiving stress and were concerned about the long-term care of people with schizophrenia. These findings provide implications for intervention programmes to strengthen social support, family involvement, and active coping for caregivers and develop long-term care mechanisms for people with schizophrenia.
Combination of diuretics for acute heart failure: a protocol for a systematic review of randomised clinical trials with network meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Nahiz Nihal , Lukoschewitz Jasmin Dam , Seven Ekim , Olsen El Caidi Nora , Hove Jens Dahlgaard , Jakobsen Janus , Grand Johannes
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Acute heart failure (AHF) is a critical, costly condition with high mortality rates, affecting millions annually. Despite advances in cardiovascular care, AHF treatment lacks robust evidence. AHF commonly manifests with sudden heart failure symptoms such as pulmonary congestion, and the pathophysiology involves fluid overload. Initial treatment is based on intravenous diuretics typically, but the optimal combination of drugs remains uncertain.

Methods and analysis

We will systematically review randomised controlled trials enrolling patients with AHF and volume overload undergoing in-hospital diuretic treatment. We aim to investigate any diuretic intervention. Our search strategy includes the following databases: Embase, Medline, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes are serious adverse events, hospital readmission and kidney failure. Study results reported at the most extended follow-up will be used for all outcomes. If appropriate, we will conduct meta-analysis, trial sequential analysis and network meta-analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethics approval is required for this study. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal in this field.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023463979.
Solving poverty or tackling healthcare inequalities? Qualitative study exploring local interpretations of national policy on health inequalities under new NHS reforms in England
Authors: Alderwick Hugh , Hutchings Andrew , Mays Nicholas
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Major reforms to the organisation of the National Health Service (NHS) in England established 42 integrated care systems (ICSs) to plan and coordinate local services. The changes are based on the idea that cross-sector collaboration is needed to improve health and reduce health inequalities—and similar policy changes are happening elsewhere in the UK and internationally. We explored local interpretations of national policy objectives on reducing health inequalities among senior leaders working in three ICSs.

Design

We carried out qualitative research based on semistructured interviews with NHS, public health, social care and other leaders in three ICSs in England.

Setting and participants

We selected three ICSs with varied characteristics all experiencing high levels of socioeconomic deprivation. We conducted 32 in-depth interviews with senior leaders of NHS, local government and other organisations involved in the ICS’s work on health inequalities. Our interviewees comprised 17 leaders from NHS organisations and 15 leaders from other sectors.

Results

Local interpretations of national policy objectives on health inequalities varied, and local leaders had contrasting—sometimes conflicting—perceptions of the boundaries of ICS action on reducing health inequalities. Translating national objectives into local priorities was often a challenge, and clarity from national policy-makers was frequently perceived as limited or lacking. Across the three ICSs, local leaders worried that objectives on tackling health inequalities were being crowded out by other short-term policy priorities, such as reducing pressures on NHS hospitals. The behaviour of national policy-makers appeared to undermine their stated priorities to reduce health inequalities.

Conclusions

Varied and vague interpretations of NHS policy on health inequalities are not new, but lack of clarity among local health leaders brings major risks—including interventions being poorly targeted or inadvertently widening inequalities. Greater conceptual clarity is likely needed to guide ICS action in future.
Impact of pandemic-related movement restriction on public access defibrillation in Japan: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Omatsu Kentaro , Yamashita Akira , Inaba Hideo
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To analyse monthly changes in public access defibrillation (PAD) incidence and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) during the 2020–2021 COVID-19 pandemic compared with those during the 2016–2019 prepandemic period with consideration of pandemic-related movement restriction.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

An extended database was created by combining and reconciling the nationwide Utstein-style OHCA and the emergency medical service (EMS) transportation databases in Japan.

Participants

We analysed 226 182 EMS-witnessed, non-newborn and out-of-home OHCA cases in Japan.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcomes were the PAD incidence and neurologically favourable 1-month survival rate. The secondary outcomes were bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provision and dispatcher-assisted CPR attempts.

Results

The proportion of out-of-home OHCA cases slightly decreased during the pandemic (from 33.7% to 31.9%). Although the pandemic was associated with a decreased PAD incidence, 2-year trend analyses by an interaction test showed that the PAD incidence was lower during the first nationwide declaration of a state of emergency (p<0.001) and in the pandemic’s second year (p<0.01). Regardless of location, delays in basic life support (BLS) actions and EMS contact with patients were more common and the rate of PAD-induced return of spontaneous circulation was lower during the pandemic. PAD incidence reduction was significant only in locations with a recommendation of automated external defibrillator placement (p<0.001). In other locations, a pronounced delay in BLS was found during the pandemic. The neurologically favourable survival rate was reduced in parallel with the reduced PAD incidence during the pandemic (r=0.612, p=0.002).

Conclusions

Prolonged and repeated movement restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the OHCA outcomes concurrently with disturbed BLS actions, including the reduced PAD incidence in out-of-home settings. Maintaining BLS training, re-arranging automated external defibrillator placement and establishing a local alert system for recruiting well-trained citizens to the scene are essential.
Role of patient characteristics in adherence to first-line treatment guidelines in breast, lung and prostate cancer: insights from the Nordic healthcare system
Authors: Sandström Niclas , Leppälä Emilia , Jekunen Antti , Johansson Mikael , Andersén Heidi
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study investigates the influence of socioeconomic status, health literacy, and numeracy on treatment decisions and the occurrence of adverse events in patients with breast, lung, and prostate cancer within a Nordic healthcare setting.

Design

A follow-up to a cross-sectional, mixed-methods, single-centre study.

Setting

A Nordic, tertiary cancer clinic.

Participants

A total of 244 participants with breast, lung and prostate cancer were initially identified, of which 138 first-line treatment participants were eligible for this study. First-line treatment participants (n=138) surpassed the expected cases (n=108).

Interventions

Not applicable as this was an observational study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The study’s primary endpoint was the rate of guideline adherence. The secondary endpoint involved assessing treatment toxicity in the form of adverse events.

Results

Guideline-adherent treatment was observed in 114 (82.6%) cases. First-line treatment selection appeared uninfluenced by participants’ education, occupation, income or self-reported health literacy. A minority (3.6%) experienced difficulties following treatment instructions, primarily with oral cancer medications.

Conclusions

The findings indicated lesser cancer health disparities regarding guideline adherence and treatment toxicity within the Nordic healthcare framework. A causal connection may not be established; however, the findings contribute to discourse on equitable cancer health provision.
'An eye for an eye' therapeutic strategy for cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula: a single-center experience
Authors: Xu Liang , Zheng Jingwei , Ling Chenhan , Chen Xianyi , Fang Bing , Qian Cong , Xu Jing , Yu Jun
Published: April 2024

Background

In cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CS-DAVF), ophthalmological symptoms are usually the main clinical presentation, caused by abnormal drainage of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV). Early opacification of the SOV during cerebral angiography inevitably signifies the fistula’s shunt point at the confluence of the SOV and CS. We aimed to leverage this anatomical feature to achieve precise embolization, thereby enhancing the embolization success rate and preventing CS-related symptoms and complications resulting from overpacking.

Methods

This single-center, case series study was conducted between May 2017 and September 2023, and included the largest sample of CS-DAVF patients treated via the transfemoral vein-SOV approach. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 32 CS-DAVF patients with inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) occlusion.

Results

The study demonstrated an excellent immediate postoperative complete embolization rate (31/32, 97%). Only three patients (3/32, 9%) developed temporary endovascular treatment-related complications. The average operation time was 131.6±61.6 min, with an average of 1.2±1.1 coils and 1.8±1.2 mL Onyx glue used per patient. CS-DAVF-associated ophthalmological symptoms resolved in all patients. We also identified a rare anatomical variation, where 77% of the patients had a facial vein draining into the external jugular vein.

Conclusions

Transfemoral vein-SOV embolization should be considered a crucial alternative approach in CS-DAVF patients with occluded IPS and predominantly SOV drainage. This approach showed an excellent immediate postoperative complete embolization rate and satisfactory long-term outcomes along with clinical safety. We therefore strongly advocate for this ‘an eye for an eye’ treatment strategy.
Geodynamic setting of Proterozoic massif-type anorthosites in the Eastern Canadian Shield
Authors: Corrigan David
Published: April 2024

Massif-type anorthosites occur worldwide and were predominantly formed during the Paleo- to Mesoproterozoic Era, with an exceptionally large number emplaced in southeastern Laurentia, both within the Grenville Province and in the foreland of the Southeastern Churchill Province and North Atlantic Craton (Nain Province). Their secular nature infers that physical and chemical conditions necessary for their formation were optimized during that time period. A review of geochronological and ambient tectonic regimes that were operating during their emplacement suggests that they formed during four periods, ca. 1.65 Ga, ca. 1.45–1.30 Ga, ca. 1.16–1.14 Ga, and 1.08–1.01 Ga. The first two pulses overlap with continent–ocean convergence and subduction beneath the SE Laurentian margin. The last two pulses correlate with continent–continent collisional tectonics. We argue that higher mantle temperatures during the Proterozoic, as inferred in published models, were not sufficient, by themselves, to produce the necessary volume of basaltic underplate—a key factor in the generation of massif-type anorthosites—and that mantle re-fertilization through metasomatism and/or lateral accretion of oceanic lithosphere might have played a key role. High geothermal gradients acquired during the 2.0–1.2 Ga accretionary and continental arc phase may have helped sustain abnormally high temperatures during the 1.2–1.0 Ga collisional phase of the Grenville Province.
Comparative analysis of the diversity of trinucleotide repeats in bacterial genomes
Authors: Paul Bobby , Siddaramappa Shivakumara
Published: April 2024

The human gut is the most favorable niche for microbial populations, and few studies have explored the possibilities of horizontal gene transfer between host and pathogen. Trinucleotide repeat (TNR) expansion in humans can cause more than 40 neurodegenerative diseases. Further, TNRs are a type of microsatellite that resides on coding regions can contribute to the synthesis of homopolymeric amino acids. Hence, the present study aims to estimate the occurrence and diversity of TNRs in bacterial genomes available in the NCBI Genome database. Genome-wide analyses revealed that several bacterial genomes contain different types of uninterrupted TNRs. It was found that TNRs are abundant in the genomes of Alcaligenes faecalis, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma genitalium, Sorangium cellulosum, and Thermus thermophilus. Interestingly, the genome of Bacillus thuringiensis strain YBT-1518 contained 169 uninterrupted ATT repeats. The genome of Leclercia adecarboxylata had 46 uninterrupted CAG repeats, which potentially translate into polyglutamine. In some instances, the TNRs were present in genes that potentially encode essential functions. Similar occurrences in human genes are known to cause genetic disorders. Further analysis of the occurrence of TNRs in bacterial genomes is likely to provide a better understanding of mismatch repair, genetic disorders, host-pathogen interaction, and homopolymeric amino acids.
Particle detectors based on glass: toward the Multigap Resistive Plate Chambers
Authors: De Gruttola Daniele
Published: April 2024

Glass found a large application in particle physics, and it can be considered as a key turning point in the technology of gaseous detectors, in particular in the development that lead from parallel plate chambers to resistive plate chambers and multigap resistive plate chambers (MRPCs). One of the crucial parameters to take into account when building such a detector is the resistivity of the material used to collect the signal produced by a particle crossing the detector. In this paper a (not comprehensive) history of the gaseous detectors will be presented, in order to describe the use of glass in the MRPC, including a few examples of experiments making use of this technology.
A Poroviscoelastic Model at Finite Strains for a Viscous Compressible Solid Skeleton
Authors: Tang Xiong , Zheng Pei , Zhong Liangwei , Zhang Keming
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we propose a constitutive model for describing the poroviscoelastic behavior of fluid-saturated porous solids at finite strains. Rather than a viscous incompressible solid skeleton as assumed in previous works, a viscous compressible solid skeleton is considered in this research. To show the poroviscoelastic effect, we apply the model to the study of the classical Terzaghi’s one-dimensional consolidation problem and compare the numerical results with those from poroelasticity. From the numerical results, the secondary consolidation behavior induced by the creep of the porous solid can be observed. Besides, it is shown that the creep of the solid skeleton causes the delay of pore pressure diffusion.
2-Distance coloring of planar graphs with maximum degree 5
Authors: Chen Ming , Jiang Lu , Wang Min , Zhou Shan
Published: April 2024

A 2-distance coloring of a graph is a proper [Formula: see text]-coloring in which any two vertices with distance at most two get different colors. The 2-distance number is the smallest number [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] has a 2-distance [Formula: see text]-coloring, denoted as [Formula: see text]. In 1977, Wegner conjectured that for each planar graph [Formula: see text] with maximum degree [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] if [Formula: see text]. In 2001, Thomassen supported the conjecture by proving the case [Formula: see text]. The conjecture is still open even for [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we show that [Formula: see text] for the case [Formula: see text] which improves the upper bound 18 recently obtained by Hou et al.
The modular (r,s)-Stirling numbers of the first kind
Authors: Abdelghafour Bazeniar , Ahmia Moussa
Published: April 2024

We propose a new generalization of the [Formula: see text]-Stirling numbers of the first kind and their analogs. These numbers appear as specialization of a new class of symmetric function, and they can be seen as a natural generalizations of the [Formula: see text]-Stirling numbers of the first kind and their analogs. We also give a combinatorial interpretations of the classical numbers in terms of [Formula: see text]-tuples of permutations of [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] cycles where the first [Formula: see text] elements of each permutation are in distinct cycles, and using the inversion statistics on the cycles in the cases of the analogs numbers. Moreover, using the hyperharmonic numbers and the [Formula: see text]-Stirling numbers of the first kind new formulas and useful properties are established.