bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of different catheter pathways on wounds after minimally invasive radical prostatectomy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Tao , Ji Shiben , Zhang Ci , Xiang Yang , Yin Guohong
Published: October 2023

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in men. With the rapidly increasing surgical rate of minimally invasive radical prostatectomy, there is still controversy about how to use a urinary catheter post‐operatively. Thus, we attempted to compare the post‐operative wound‐related outcomes through a meta‐analysis of urethral catheterisation (UC) versus suprapubic catheterisation (SPC) after minimally invasive radical prostatectomy. As of August 2023, the authors conducted systematic searches in databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. The authors reviewed the relevant literature separately to determine comparisons between SPC and UC treatment after radical prostatectomy. A total of 395 subjects were enrolled in the five trials, met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta‐analysis. Data collection and analysis revealed significant differences in catheter bother to patients for surgical trauma (MD, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.48, 1.48 p = 0.0001), with SPC causing less catheter bother to patients post‐operatively; post‐operative catheter‐related problems (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 0.03, 326.1 p = 0.61), the POD1 of the post‐operative period (MD, − 0.09; 95% CI, −0.75, 0.94 p = 0.83) and the POD3 of the post‐operative period (MD, −0.49; 95% CI, −0.99, 0.01 p = 0.06); there was no statistically significant difference in wound pain. Compared with UC, SPC patients had less post‐operative catheter distress. Thus, SPC is more beneficial in reducing post‐operative wound discomfort in patients. The validity of the results remains to be tested in more and better studies.
Two Cases of Linear Focal Elastosis (Elastotic Striae)
Authors: Chang Sung Eun , Park Il Jung , Moon Kee Chan , Koh Jai Kyoung
Published: October 2023

Linear focal elastosis (LFE) or elastotic striae was first described by Burket in 1989 in three elderly men. They presented with striae‐like yellow palpable bands on their backs. Burket described many fine wavy bundles of elastic fibers separating the collagen in the middle to reticular dermis under microscopic examination. Until recently, there have been about 14 reported cases of LFE; elderly males are predominant. We encountered two Korean teen‐aged males with linear, reddish, palpable bands and some atrophic bands across their backs. Histopathological examination revealed that elastosis was not as prominent as in previously reported cases. Our cases might represent early‐evolving LFE.
Production and properties of a raw‐starch‐degrading amylase from the thermophilic and alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. TS‐23
Authors: Lin Long‐Liu , Chyau Charng‐Cherng , Hsu Wen‐Hwei
Published: October 2023

The optimum temperature and initial medium pH for amylase production by Bacillus sp. TS‐23 were 55 °C and 8.5 respectively. Maximum amylase activity was obtained in a medium containing peptone and soluble starch as nitrogen and carbon sources. Activity staining revealed that two amylases with molecular masses of 150 and 42 kDa were produced when maltose, soluble starch or amylose was used as carbon source for growth, whereas only the 150 kDa protein was detected in the medium containing water‐ insoluble carbon sources. A raw‐starch‐degrading amylase was purified from culture supernatant of Bacillus sp. TS‐23. The molecular mass of the purified amylase was estimated at 42 kDa by electrophoresis. The enzyme had a pI of 4.2. The optimal pH and temperature for activity were 9.0 and 70 °C respectively. The thermoactivity of the purified enzyme was enhanced in the presence of 5 mM Ca2+; under this condition, enzyme activity could be measured at a temperature of 90 °C. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by Hg2+, Pb2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ and EDTA, but less affected by Ni2+ and Cd2+. The enzyme preferentially hydrolysed high‐molecular‐mass substrates with an α‐1,4‐glucosidic bond except glycogen. The raw starches were partly degraded by the purified amylase to yield predominantly oligosaccharides with degrees of polymerization 3, 4 and 5.
Serum amine oxidase can specifically recognize and oxidize aminohexyl (AH) chains on AH‐Sepharose support: single‐step affinity immobilization1
Authors: Befani Olivia , Graziani Maria Teresa , Agostinelli Enzo , Grippa Eleonora , Mondovì Bruno , Mateescu Mircea‐Alexandru
Published: October 2023

Preparative affinity chromatography of bovine serum amine oxidase (SAO) on aminohexyl (AH)–Sepharose was often associated with an unexpected irreversible SAO retention on the support. This particular enzyme immobilization, occurring without coupling reagents, was supposed to be due to a SAO ability to: (i) recognize alkylamine groups of the support as macro‐molecularized substrate; (ii) catalyse their oxidation to the corresponding aldehydes, with release of NH3 and H2O2; and (iii) be immobilized on the activated support by a coupling between the nascent aldehyde groups and SAO free amine groups. This affinity immobilization procedure, with the self‐activation of the support, being mild, allows by simple incubation for 24 h, the enzyme immobilization with the retention of 80% from original specific activity of free SAO. Immobilized SAO on AH–Sepharose microcolumns, viewed as a continuous flow‐system reactor, was able to catalyse benzylamine oxidation for several weeks.
Glycosylation of Pichia pastoris ‐derived proteins
Authors: Bretthauer Roger K. , Castellino Francis J.
Published: October 2023

The Pichia pastoris system for expression of heterologous recombinant proteins is being used increasingly because of the large yields of properly folded proteins that result and the ease of scaling preparations into large‐biomass fermentors. Another advantage of this system centres on the type of glycosylation that results, generally yielding protein‐bound oligosaccharides that are of much shorter chain length than found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae . This review is a summary of the current state of knowledge of glycosylation of proteins in this methylotrophic yeast.
Physical and biochemical stability of Optison®, an injectable ultrasound contrast agent
Authors: Podell Sheila , Burrascano Cindy , Gaal Marc , Golec Brent , Maniquis Jack , Mehlhaff Paige
Published: October 2023

Optison® is an ultrasound contrast agent, consisting of gas‐filled microspheres surrounded by a solid shell of heat‐denatured human albumin. Size‐distribution measurements of these microspheres are a critical stability indicating factor, because loss of encapsulated gas eliminates ultrasound contrast activity. Composition of the encapsulated gas is also critical, because air‐filled microspheres do not persist nearly as long in vivo as microspheres filled with less soluble gases. Optison® stability has been tested during exposure to chemical substances expected to dissolve microsphere shells. In addition, size‐distribution and gas‐composition measurements were used to evaluate the effects of external gas composition, elevated temperature, mixing, needle shear and pressure on product stability. Optison® microsphere shells dissolve only when exposed to relatively extreme chemical conditions, such as low pH (<4.0), detergents or chaotropic salts. The shells are highly gas‐permeable, and microspheres lose encapsulated gas rapidly and irreversibly when exposed to gas‐deficient liquids. Pressure, impact stress, and the application of ultrasound energy all cause liquids to become gas‐deficient, and also cause irreversible gas loss. Pressure sensitivity differs dramatically between mixed and unmixed microspheres, further supporting the conclusion that gas diffusion is the major cause of Optison® instability. To preserve the efficacy of Optison® as an ultrasound contrast agent, it is necessary to devote special attention to minimizing opportunities for gas exchange, mixing and exposure to gas‐deficient liquids, so that the size distribution and gas composition of the original product are maintained during handling.
SERIAL ISSUE EVIDENCE FOR THE RELATION BETWEEN THE RISK STRUCTURE AND MATURITY: A DECOMPOSITION METHODOLOGY
Authors: Robinson R. M. , Robinson M. A.
Published: October 2023

The risk structure of the interest rates literature shows that coupon effects can cause changes in yield spreads as maturity lengthens. These effects make it difficult to empirically isolate the default risk component of the spread for coupon‐paying bonds. Attempts to calculate zero‐coupon risk structures suffer from the relative scarcity of zero‐coupon corporate bonds. We show that yield spreads for coupon‐paying bonds that are identical except for default risk decompose into a relative duration component, a premium discount coupon component, and a default component. We present closed‐form solutions for measuring the first two components so that the default risk portions can be isolated as residuals. We further present an empirical application of the decomposition metrics for sixteen exchange‐traded serial issues and nonparametrically examine the relation between the default premia and maturity. We find various maturity relations.
CHANGES IN THE STOCK PRICE REACTION OF SMALL FIRMS TO COMMON INFORMATION
Authors: Fargher Neil L. , Weigand Robert A.
Published: October 2023

We hypothesize that changes in the technological and regulatory environment result in a more rapid response to marketwide information by small firms. We find that the correlations between small‐firm returns and lagged large‐firm returns decline over time, which suggests an increase in the efficiency of capital markets. Similar lead‐lag patterns are found in the returns of portfolios sorted by dollar trading volume. The price response of low‐volume stocks improves over time in much the same way as that of small‐capitalization stocks.
THE EFFECT OF THE SEC'S ORDER‐HANDLING RULES ON NASDAQ
Authors: McInish Thomas H. , Van Ness Bonnie F. , Van Ness Robert A.
Published: October 2023

We study the effect of the implementation of new Securities and Exchange Commission order‐handling rules—the Limit Order Display Rule, the Quote Rule, and the Actual Size Rule—on NASDAQ's quoting and trading behavior. We find that the number of reported quotes increases and the bid‐ask spread decreases following the implementation of the new rules. The decreased quoted depth associated with placement of individual investors' limit orders—the Limit Order Display Rule—outweighs the increased quoted depth associated with displaying institutional quotes—the Quote Rule. Further, the number of trade executions increases while the average trade size decreases. The volatility of trade‐to‐trade and midpoint returns decreases for the initial group of stocks subject to the rules, but not for the two subsequent groups.
A COMPARISON OF INDEXING AND BETA AMONG PENSION AND NONPENSION ASSETS
Authors: Horan Stephen M.
Published: October 2023

In this article I contrast the investment behavior of institutional portfolios having pension assets with portfolios having nonpension assets. Differences in incentive compensation plans and regulation give pension executives unique incentives to track benchmark indices. Accordingly, pension assets are more likely than nonpension assets to be allocated to index funds. Also, portfolios composed of pension assets are more likely than other portfolios to (i) have low tracking error in absolute value, (ii) be index funds, and (iii) have market betas close to one. Portfolios with relatively large pension asset market share exhibit similar characteristics and the tendency to index increases with asset class risk. Actively managed pension assets are also more likely to be invested in lower risk asset classes than actively managed nonpension assets.
“TO CIVILITY AND TO MAN'S USE”: HISTORY, CULTURE, AND NATURE*
Authors: SIMMONS I. G.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT. An attempt is made to give a 10,000‐year perspective on the relations of history, culture, and the nonhuman world called nature. A Holocene narrative of processes separates human societies and their cultures: things that individuate and pull apart to the point of fragmentation versus those that are binding. These tendencies toward convergence may coalesce, as with the natural sciences or global electronic technology. Equally, they may involve centrifugal processes, as in the creative arts or in forms of representation accessible only to certain groups or cultures. The environment resonates in a series of segmented channels, considerably complicated by a binary Western culture, often with 1 as acceptable and o as the Other. Is a purposeful path laid down by someone else and followed to its predetermined end in Utopia, or do we cherish something more open and contingent?
FANTASY, GEOGRAPHY, WAGNER, AND OPERA*
Authors: Sternberg Rolf
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT. Wilhelm Richard Wagner fused fantasy based on epic and lore with seamless scores, using landscapes and urban images to forge spatial order on stage. As a footloose composer‐conductor, Wagner was considered a globetrotter for his time, and from trans‐European tours he drew inspiration for numerous stagings. Nine of his operas have rustic pastoral settings, with actors silhouetted against geological formations, forests, vistas of undulating terrain for pilgrimages, or raging seas, all visually believable scenery. Rienzi and Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg are urban in setting, whereas Die Feen and Das Liebesverbot are set in a castle‐like format.
Gender and the Cultural Construction of Good and Bad Suicides
Authors: Andriolo Karin R.
Published: October 2023

Some cultures distinguish two or more types of suicide which are evaluated differently. The more acceptable or esteemed ones are often not equally accessible to everyone within the same society. This article focuses on gender differences in the cultural construction of suicide options, and on the exclusion of women from superior options. The analysis is based on ethnographic and historical data from Native Americans of the Great Plains, Muslim societies in Southeast Asia, and tribal societies in the Amazon area of South America.
Reasons for Living versus Reasons for Dying: Examining the Internal Debate of Suicide
Authors: Jobes David A. , Mann Rachel E.
Published: October 2023

The Reasons for Living vs. Reasons for Dying (RFL/RFD) Assessment was used to obtain suicidal outpatients' top five reasons for living and for dying, respectively. Forty‐nine suicidal university counseling center patients provided 173 RFL and 145 RFD responses. These responses were organized into eight RFL coding categories and nine RFD coding categories. Two coders trained in the RFL/RFD coding system showed high levels of inter‐rater reliability (KRFL = .81; KRFD = .80). Chi‐square results for RFL and RFD coding categories showed that the coding categories were not equally salient to these suicidal patients.
The impact of visiting restrictions in intensive care units for families during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An integrative review
Authors: Mailer Jackie , Ward Kim , Aspinall Cathleen
Published: October 2023

Aim

To synthesize current evidence about the impact visiting restrictions in adult intensive care units have on family members during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

Integrative literature review.

Methods

A total of 104 articles were retrieved. Screening yielded a total of 23 articles which were appraised for quality. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to synthesize findings and extract themes.

Data Sources

CINAHL Plus, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed and ProQuest databases were searched for articles between January 2020 and November 2022.

Results

The findings were grouped into two main themes with six subthemes. Theme 1: not being present at the bedside, and Theme 2: altered communication added to family members' distress. Findings indicate that visiting restrictions imposed during the COVID‐19 pandemic had negative consequences for family members.

Conclusion

The patient and their family are inherently connected, prioritizing family presence with the return of flexible, open visitation policies in ICU must be a priority to mitigate further harm and adverse outcomes for all.

Reporting Method

The review complies with the PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews.

Implications for Profession

Nursing leaders must be included in the development of future pandemic policies that advocate family‐centred care.

No Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution was included in this review.
Clinical outcomes and predictors of delayed echocardiographic response to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Tsurumi Naoki , Inden Yasuya , Yanagisawa Satoshi , Hiramatsu Kei , Yamauchi Ryota , Watanabe Ryo , Suzuki Noriyuki , Shimojo Masafumi , Suga Kazumasa , Tsuji Yukiomi , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The clinical outcomes and mechanisms of delayed responses to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the differences in outcomes and gain insight into the mechanisms of early and delayed responses to CRT.

Methods

This retrospective study included 110 patients who underwent CRT implantation. Positive response to CRT was defined as ≥15% reduction of left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic volume on echocardiography at 1 year (early phase) and 3 years (delayed phase) after implantation. The latest mechanical activation site (LMAS) of the LV was identified using two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking radial strain analysis.

Results

Seventy‐eight (71%) patients exhibited an early response 1 year after CRT implantation. Of 32 non‐responders in the early phase, 12 (38%) demonstrated a delayed response, and 20 (62%) were classified as non‐responders after 3 years. During the follow‐up time of 10.3 ± 0.5 years, the delayed and early responders had a similar prognosis of mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization. In contrast, non‐responders had a worse prognosis. Multivariate analysis revealed that a longer duration (months) between initial HF hospitalization and CRT (odds ratio [OR]: 1.126; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.036–1.222; p = .005), non‐exact concordance of LV lead location with LMAS (OR: 32.744; 95% CI: 1.101–973.518; p = .044), and pre‐QRS duration (OR: 0.901; 95% CI: 0.827–0.981; p = .016) were independent predictors of delayed response to CRT compared with early response.

Conclusion

The prognoses were similar regardless of the response time after CRT. A longer history of HF, suboptimal LV lead position, and shorter pre‐QRS duration were related to delayed response than early response.
Geographical distribution and molecular characterization of tomato leaf curl and its vector across the Himalayan foothills in Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Rakhonde Gaurav , Singh K. P. , Aravind T. , Surbhi Kumari , Jeena Himani , Bhatt Pooja
Published: October 2023

Tomato leaf curl disease is a serious constraint to tomato cultivation across the globe. The disease is characterized by leaf curling, crinkling, stunting and puckering with the drastic reduction in plant growth and yield. During two‐year survey in major tomato‐growing belt of Tarai region located in foothills of Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India, the mean incidence and per cent disease index of the disease were found to be 68.76% and 67.19%, respectively. In the morphological analysis using electron microscopy, pathogen contains twin geminate particles measuring 30 × 20 nm. The PCR amplification using RUGEMF1 and RUGEMR1 primers and sequencing of the amplicons, revealed more than 97% similarity to Tomato leaf curl New Delhi Virus (ToLCNDV). Thus, based on the sequence similarity, morphology and whitefly transmission, begomovirus isolate was recognized as a Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus and designated as ToLCNDV_[Pant]. Amplification and sequencing of the Bemisia tabaci partial mtCOI gene from the Tarai region revealed the prevalence of Asia‐II‐1 cryptic species in the region. The overall mean pairwise distance across the 10 sequences studied was 0.0139, whereas the reference Asia‐II‐1 distance ranged from 0.0031 to 0.0332. The current investigation will aid in the development of an integrated strategy to ToLCD management.
Resveratrol modulates the inflammatory response in hPDLSCs via the NRF2/HO‐1 and NF‐κB pathways and promotes osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Ma Yifan , Qian Yi , Chen Yuteng , Ruan Xiaoxu , Peng Xiaoya , Sun Yi , Zhang Jue , Luo Jingjing , Zhou Songlin , Deng Chao
Published: October 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate resveratrol's specific role as an anti‐inflammatory and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs in periodontitis and to reveal the mechanisms involved.

Background

Numerous studies have shown that inhibiting the inflammatory response of periodontal tissues and promoting the regeneration of alveolar bone are crucial treatments for periodontitis. Resveratrol has been found to have certain anti‐inflammatory property. However, the anti‐inflammatory mechanism and osteogenic effect of resveratrol in periodontitis are poorly understood.

Materials and Methods

We constructed an in vitro periodontitis model by LPS stimulation of hPDLSCs and performed WB, RT‐qPCR, and immunofluorescence to analyze inflammatory factors and related pathways. In addition, we explored the osteogenic ability of resveratrol in in vitro models.

Results

In vitro, resveratrol ameliorated the inflammatory response associated with activation of the NF‐κB pathway through activation of the NRF2/HO‐1 pathway, characterized by inhibition of p65/p50 nuclear translocation and the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β levels. Resveratrol also has a positive effect on osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusions

Observations suggest that resveratrol modulates the inflammatory response in hPDLSCs via the NRF2/HO‐1 and NF‐κB pathways and promotes osteogenic differentiation.
Complex dynamics of coral gene expression responses to low pH across species
Authors: Radice Veronica Z. , Martinez Ana , Paytan Adina , Potts Donald C. , Barshis Daniel J.
Published: October 2023

Coral capacity to tolerate low pH affects coral community composition and, ultimately, reef ecosystem function. Low pH submarine discharges (‘Ojo’; Yucatán, México) represent a natural laboratory to study plasticity and acclimatization to low pH in relation to ocean acidification. A previous >2‐year coral transplant experiment to ambient and low pH common garden sites revealed differential survivorship across species and sites, providing a framework to compare mechanistic responses to differential pH exposures. Here, we examined gene expression responses of transplants of three species of reef‐building corals (Porites astreoides, Porites porites and Siderastrea siderea) and their algal endosymbiont communities (Symbiodiniaceae) originating from low pH (Ojo) and ambient pH native origins (Lagoon or Reef). Transplant pH environment had the greatest effect on gene expression of Porites astreoides hosts and symbionts and P. porites hosts. Host P. astreoides Ojo natives transplanted to ambient pH showed a similar gene expression profile to Lagoon natives remaining in ambient pH, providing evidence of plasticity in response to ambient pH conditions. Although origin had a larger effect on host S. siderea gene expression due to differences in symbiont genera within Reef and Lagoon/Ojo natives, subtle effects of low pH on all origins demonstrated acclimatization potential. All corals responded to low pH by differentially expressing genes related to pH regulation, ion transport, calcification, cell adhesion and stress/immune response. This study demonstrates that the magnitude of coral gene expression responses to pH varies considerably among populations, species and holobionts, which could differentially affect acclimatization to and impacts of ocean acidification.
Neurophysiological responses to emotional faces predict dynamic fluctuations in affect in adolescents
Authors: Letkiewicz Allison M. , Funkhouser Carter J. , Umemoto Akina , Trivedi Esha , Sritharan Aishwarya , Zhang Emily , Buchanan Savannah N. , Helgren Fiona , Allison Grace O. , Kayser Jürgen , Shankman Stewart A. , Auerbach Randy P.
Published: October 2023

The ability to accurately identify and interpret others' emotions is critical for social and emotional functioning during adolescence. Indeed, previous research has identified that laboratory‐based indices of facial emotion recognition and engagement with emotional faces predict adolescent mood states. Whether socioemotional information processing relates to real‐world affective dynamics using an ecologically sensitive approach, however, has rarely been assessed. In the present study, adolescents (N = 62; ages 13–18) completed a Facial Recognition Task, including happy, angry, and sad stimuli, while EEG data were acquired. Participants also provided ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data probing their current level of happiness, anger, and sadness for 1‐week, resulting in indices of emotion (mean‐level, inertia, instability). Analyses focused on relations between (1) accuracy for and (2) prolonged engagement with (LPP) emotional faces and EMA‐reported emotions. Greater prolonged engagement with happy faces was related to less resistance to changes in happiness (i.e., less happiness inertia), whereas greater prolonged engagement with angry faces associated with more resistance to changes in anger (i.e., greater anger inertia). Results suggest that socioemotional processes captured by laboratory measures have real‐world implications for adolescent affective states and highlight potentially actionable targets for novel treatment approaches (e.g., just‐in‐time interventions). Future studies should continue to assess relations among socioemotional informational processes and dynamic fluctuations in adolescent affective states.
Pre‐transplant anti‐fibrotics for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Are we seeing a new role for the anti‐fibrotics?
Authors: Prasad Jyotika D. , Snell Gregory I.
Published: October 2023

See related article
DOK3 promotes atopic dermatitis by enabling the phosphatase PP4C to inhibit the T cell signaling mediator CARD11
Authors: Loh Jia Tong , Teo Joey Kay Hui , Kannan Srinivasaraghavan , Verma Chandra S. , Andiappan Anand Kumar , Lim Hong-Hwa , Lam Kong-Peng
Published: October 2023

The scaffolding protein CARD11 is a critical mediator of antigen receptor signaling in lymphocytes. Hypomorphic (partial loss-of-function) mutations in CARD11 are associated with the development of severe atopic dermatitis, in which T cell receptor signaling is reduced and helper T cell differentiation is skewed to an allergy-associated type 2 phenotype. Here, we found that the docking protein DOK3 plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis by suppressing CARD11 activity. DOK3 interacted with CARD11 and decreased its phosphorylation in T cells by recruiting the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 4, thereby dampening downstream signaling. Knocking out
Dok3
enhanced the production of the cytokine IFN-γ by T cells, which conferred protection against experimental atopic dermatitis–like skin inflammation in mice. The expression of
DOK3
was increased in T cells isolated from patients with atopic dermatitis and inversely correlated with
IFNG
expression. A subset of hypomorphic CARD11 variants found in patients with atopic dermatitis bound more strongly than wild-type CARD11 to DOK3. Our findings suggest that the strength of the interaction of DOK3 with CARD11 may predispose individuals to developing atopic dermatitis.
Exoribonuclease RNase R protects Antarctic
Pseudomonas syringae
Lz4W from DNA damage and oxidative stress
Authors: Mittal Pragya , Sipani Rashmi , Pandiyan Apuratha , Sulthana Shaheen , Sinha Anurag K. , Hussain Ashaq , Ray Malay K. , Pavankumar Theetha L.
Published: October 2023

RNase R is a highly processive, 3′–5′ exoribonuclease involved in RNA degradation, maturation, and processing in bacteria. In
Pseudomonas syringae
Lz4W, RNase R interacts with RNase E to form the RNA degradosome complex and is essential for growth at low temperature. RNase R is also implicated in general stress response in many bacteria. We show here that the deletion mutant of
rnr
gene (encoding RNase R) of
P. syringae
is highly sensitive to various DNA damaging agents and oxidative stress. RNase R is a multidomain protein comprised of cold shock domain, RNB, and S1 domains. We investigated the role of each domain of RNase R and its exoribonuclease activity in nucleic acid damage and oxidative stress response. Our results revealed that the RNB domain alone without its exoribonuclease activity is sufficient to protect against DNA damage and oxidative stress. We also show that the association of RNase R with the degradosome complex is not required for this function. Our study has discovered for the first time a hitherto unknown role of RNase R in protecting
P. syringae
Lz4W against DNA damage and oxidative stress.

IMPORTANCE

Bacterial exoribonucleases play a crucial role in RNA maturation, degradation, quality control, and turnover. In this study, we have uncovered a previously unknown role of 3′–5′ exoribonuclease RNase R of
Pseudomonas syringae
Lz4W in DNA damage and oxidative stress response. Here, we show that neither the exoribonuclease function of RNase R nor its association with the RNA degradosome complex is essential for this function. Interestingly, in
P. syringae
Lz4W, hydrolytic RNase R exhibits physiological roles similar to phosphorolytic 3′–5′ exoribonuclease PNPase of
E. coli
. Our data suggest that during the course of evolution, mesophilic
E. coli
and psychrotrophic
P. syringae
have apparently swapped these exoribonucleases to adapt to their respective environmental growth conditions.
Complete genome sequence of
Paramuribaculum intestinale
DSM 100749
T
, isolated from feces of C57BL/6 laboratory mice
Authors: Low Adrian , Koh Xiu Qi , Ding Yichen , Seedorf Henning
Published: October 2023

Here, the complete genome of
Paramuribaculum intestinale
type strain DSM 100749
T
(=JCM 33114
T
) is presented.
P. intestinale
is a recently described species of
Muribaculaceae
and was isolated from the gut of C57BL/6 laboratory mice. The genome can serve as an important resource for comparative genomics approaches.
mSphere of Influence: Hooray for HaloTag! A novel tool to study autophagy in mammalian cells
Authors: Cheney Laura
Published: October 2023

Laura Cheney works at the crossroads of HIV and autophagy, a critical biological process for cellular homeostasis, to understand more completely the pathogenesis of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how “A pulse-chasable reporter processing assay for mammalian autophagic flux with HaloTag” by Willa Wen-You Yim, Hayashi Yamamoto, and Noboru Mizushima (eLife 11:e78923, 2022,
https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.78923
) expands the tools for studying autophagy and inspired her to use this technology to develop a reporter to study autophagy of mitochondria, termed mitophagy, to further her own research goals.
Synergistic effects of polymyxin and vancomycin combinations on carbapenem- and polymyxin-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and their molecular characteristics
Authors: Nwabor Ozioma Forstinus , Chukamnerd Arnon , Terbtothakun Pawarisa , Nwabor Lois Chinwe , Surachat Komwit , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Voravuthikunchai Supayang Piyawan , Chusri Sarunyou
Published: October 2023

The emergence and spread of polymyxin resistance, especially among
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates, threaten the effective management of infections. This study profiled for polymyxin resistance mechanisms and investigated the activity of polymyxins plus vancomycin against carbapenem- and polymyxin-resistant
K. pneumoniae
. The entire genome sequences of seven isolates were profiled for resistance and virulence determinants. The effects of combination therapy were evaluated using the checkerboard technique, time-kill assay, and population profile analysis. Protein profiles of the isolates treated with monotherapy were compared to that of combination therapy. The whole-genome sequencing data revealed that the isolates harbored β-lactams, carbapenems, aminoglycoside, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, and tetracycline resistance genes, with several virulence-associated genes. The plasmids including the
bla
OXA-232
-bearing ColKP3 plasmid were also identified in our isolates. Profiling for polymyxin resistance mechanism revealed a missense mutation in the
crrB
gene that resulted in a Q180L variant that conferred a deleterious effect on protein function. The combination assay indicated fractional inhibitory concentration index ranging from 0.31 to 1.13, whereas the time-kill assay demonstrated synergistic log reduction in colony-forming units per milliliter. Furthermore, population analysis profiling using dual antibiotics indicated enhancement in bacterial log reduction at lower antibiotics concentrations, compared to higher concentrations of single polymyxins. For protein profiling, 796 proteins were identified, and 56 and 94 of them were increased and decreased in the combined drug treatment groups, respectively, while other differentially produced proteins were detected in all treatment groups, except for the control group. The results demonstrated that the vancomycin combination might benefit the antimicrobial activities of polymyxins.

IMPORTANCE

This study provides insights into the mechanisms of polymyxin resistance in
K. pneumoniae
clinical isolates and demonstrates potential strategies of polymyxin and vancomycin combinations for combating this resistance. We also identified possible mechanisms that might be associated with the treatment of these combinations against carbapenem- and polymyxin-resistant
K. pneumoniae
clinical isolates. The findings have significant implications for the development of alternative therapies and the effective management of infections caused by these pathogens.
2% chlorhexidine gluconate aqueous versus 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol for skin disinfection prior to percutaneous central venous catheterisation: the ARCTIC randomised controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Clarke Paul , Soe Aung , Nichols Amy , Harizaj Helen , Webber Mark A , Linsell Louise , Bell Jennifer L , Tremlett Catherine , Muthukumar Priyadarsini , Pattnayak Santosh , Partlett Christopher , King Andrew , Juszczak Ed , Heath Paul T
Published: October 2023

Objective

Catheter-related sepsis (CRS) is a major complication with significant morbidity and mortality. Evidence is lacking regarding the most appropriate antiseptic for skin disinfection before percutaneous central venous catheter (PCVC) insertion in preterm neonates. To inform the feasibility and design of a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) of two antiseptic formulations, we conducted the Antiseptic Randomised Controlled Trial for Insertion of Catheters (ARCTIC) feasibility study to assess catheter colonisation, sepsis, and skin morbidity.

Design

Feasibility RCT.

Setting

Two UK tertiary-level neonatal intensive care units.

Patients

Preterm infants born <34 weeks’ gestation scheduled to undergo PCVC insertion.

Interventions

Skin disinfection with either 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)-aqueous or 2% CHG-70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) before PCVC insertion and at removal.

Primary outcome

Proportion in the 2% CHG-70% IPA arm with a colonised catheter at removal.

Main feasibility outcomes

Rates of: (1) CRS, catheter-associated sepsis (CAS), and CRS/CAS per 1,000 PCVC days; (2) recruitment and retention; (3) data completeness.

Safety outcomes

Daily skin morbidity scores recorded from catheter insertion until 48 hours post-removal.

Results

116 babies were randomised. Primary outcome incidence was 4.1% (95% confidence interval: 0.9% to 11.5%). Overall catheter colonisation rate was 5.2% (5/97); CRS 2.3/1000 catheter days; CAS 14.8/1000 catheter days. Recruitment, retention and data completeness were good. No major antiseptic-related skin injury was reported.

Conclusions

A definitive comparative efficacy trial is feasible, but the very low catheter colonisation rate would make a large-scale RCT challenging due to the very large sample size required. ARCTIC provides preliminary reassurance supporting potential safe use of 2% CHG-70% IPA and 2% CHG-aqueous in preterm neonates.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN82571474.
Inverse androgenic alopecia
Authors: Hu Li , Zhang Xiaojiao , Luo Fuling , Zhao Hengguang
Published: October 2023

A man in his 50s presented to our clinic with obvious progressive hair thinning in the occipital area below the creeping alopecia crown vertex accompanied by the typical Hamilton-Norwood pattern of male androgenetic alopecia (MAGA) hair loss. Based on his clinical features, trichoscopy findings and histological features, as well as his good response to conventional anti-MAGA therapeutic drugs, such as finasteride and minoxidil, a novel isotype of MAGA, named inverse-MAGA, was first identified, and this isotype should be widely evaluated in future studies.
Measurements of in vivo skeletal muscle oxidative capacity are lower following sustained isometric compared with dynamic contractions
Authors: Bartlett Miles F. , Fitzgerald Liam F. , Nagarajan Rajakumar , Kent Jane A.
Published: October 2023

Human skeletal muscle oxidative capacity can be quantified non-invasively using 31-phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) to measure the rate constant of phosphocreatine (PCr) recovery ( kPCr) following contractions. In the quadricep muscles, several studies have quantified kPCr following 24–30 s of sustained maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). This approach has the advantage of simplicity but is potentially problematic because sustained MVICs inhibit perfusion, which may limit muscle oxygen availability or increase the intracellular metabolic perturbation, and thus affect kPCr. Alternatively, dynamic contractions allow reperfusion between contractions, which may avoid limitations in oxygen delivery. To determine whether dynamic contraction protocols elicit greater kPCr than sustained MVIC protocols, we used a cross-sectional design to compare quadriceps kPCr in 22 young and 11 older healthy adults following 24 s of maximal voluntary: (1) sustained MVIC and (2) dynamic (MVDC; 120°·s−1, 1 every 2 s) contractions. Muscle kPCr was ∼20% lower following the MVIC protocol compared with the MVDC protocol ( p ≤ 0.001), though this was less evident in older adults ( p = 0.073). Changes in skeletal muscle pH ( p ≤ 0.001) and PME accumulation ( p ≤ 0.001) were greater following the sustained MVIC protocol, and pH ( p ≤ 0.001) and PME ( p ≤ 0.001) recovery were slower. These results demonstrate that (i) a brief, sustained MVIC yields a lower value for skeletal muscle oxidative capacity than an MVDC protocol of similar duration and (ii) this difference may not be consistent across populations (e.g., young vs. old). Thus, the potential effect of contraction protocol on comparisons of kPCr in different study groups requires careful consideration in the future.
Multiple electron pumping
Authors: Blumenthal Mark D. , Mahony Declan , Ahmad Salahuddeen , Gouveia Dominique , Howe Hume , Beere Harvey E. , Mitchel Thomas , Ritchie Dave A. , Pepper Michael
Published: October 2023

The need to pump single electrons with a high degree of accuracy and fidelity has led to the development of a range of different pump and turnstile designs. Previous pumping mechanisms have all demonstrated that pumping more than one electron per cycle degrades the quantisation of the measured current. This unreliable delivery of multiple electrons per cycle has limited the use of on-demand single electron sources in electron quantum optic experiments. We present highly quantised current with multiple electrons pumped per cycle. We experimentally demonstrate that in our pumps an increase in electron throughput per cycle does not lead to an appreciable degradation in the accuracy of the produced current.

Our pump is realised in an aluminium gallium arsenide two-dimensional electron gas, where electrons are pumped through a one-dimensional split-gate confinement potential under the influence of an applied source-drain voltage $V_{\text{SD}}$

V
SD

, and where the pump is driven by a trapezoidal arbitrary waveform. This combination of a split-gate potential, $V_{\text{SD}}$

V
SD

bias and trapezoidal wave form has led to the observation of robust quantised plateaus where not just a single electron, but a multiple integer number of electrons are pumped per cycle with a high degree of robustness and without the need of a magnetic field. For seven electrons per cycle, we report an increase of over two orders of magnitude in pumping accuracy from $2.72 \times 10^{-2}$
2.72
×

10

−
2

in devices operating in the conventional pumping regime, to $1.64 \times 10^{-4}$
1.64
×

10

−
4

in pumps operating in what we call the long plateau regime, a regime accessed under a change in a split-gate pumps applied $V_{\text{SD}}$

V
SD

voltage. This pump will find direct use in quantum transport measurements where the metrological accuracy of single electrons pumped per cycle is not required and the low throughput per cycle of electrons is limiting.
A Comprehensive Review on the Chemical Composition, Pharmacology and Clinical Applications of Ganoderma
Authors: Liu Chenwang , Song Xiaomei , Li Yuze , Ding Chao , Li Xin , Dan Linwei , Xu Haonan , Zhang Dongdong
Published: October 2023

Ganoderma is the dried fruiting bodiy of Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss.ex Fr.) Karst. or Ganoderma sinense Zhao, Xu et Zhang, belonging to the family Polyporaceae, which grows mainly in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Ganoderma has been used in China for more than 2000 years because of its medicinal properties, such as relieving cough and asthma, providing nourishment, and strengthening. Currently, more than 470 natural compounds have been obtained from the fungus, mainly including terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, phenols, and other types of compounds. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Ganoderma has antitumor, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and immunomodulatory effects. It is mainly used in clinical practice for the treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy and malignant tumors, with few side effects and high safety. This paper reviews the progress of research on its chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications, with the goal of providing a basis for the better development and utilization of Ganoderma.
Determination of Tsallis parameters for K∗(892)± mesons in inelastic pp, pPb and PbPb collisions
Authors: Ul Abidin Zain , Tabassam Uzma , Ali Muhammad
Published: October 2023

Doubly differential transverse momentum spectra of strange mesons [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] within rapidity interval of [Formula: see text] are studied by using Monte Carlo event generators in pp, pPb and PbPb collisions at different center-of-mass energies. The predictions of simulations are compared to the ALICE data. The fitting of doubly differential transverse momentum spectra of ALICE data is performed by using Tsallis distribution function. To check the quality of the fitting, chemical potential is also set to zero value. The extracted values of the non-extensive parameter ([Formula: see text]), a chemical potential [Formula: see text] and effective Tsallis temperature [Formula: see text] for different particle species have been obtained from the thermodynamically consistent Tsallis distribution function. It is observed that the effective Tsallis temperature increases at different center-of-mass energies. The predictions of the MC event generators, i.e. PYTHIA8 CR and HIJING 2.0 are compared to the ALICE data, deviations are observed which may be due to the reshuffling of parton colors and string fragmentation.
Dielectric and ferroelectric photovoltaic properties of epitaxial BiFeO3 film with La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 bottom electrode
Authors: Wang Y. M. , Zhang X. G. , Zeng H. Y. , Ji S. Y. , Fan X. Y. , Li H. Y. , Yin Y. L. , Yi Z. R. , Li G. , Song J. M.
Published: October 2023

In order to deeply investigate the dielectric and ferroelectric photovoltaic properties of BiFeO3 (BFO) thin films, the Pt/BFO/La[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text]CoO3 (LSCO) heterostructure ferroelectric capacitor grown on (001) SrTiO3 (STO) substrate is successfully fabricated by off-axis magnetron sputtering. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Phi scanning results show that the STO-based BFO and LSCO films are both (001) epitaxial structure. Although the BFO ferroelectric film exhibits an obvious dielectric dispersion phenomenon, a remarkable ferroelectric photovoltaic performance is obtained with open circuit voltage ([Formula: see text]) of 0.38[Formula: see text]V and short-circuit current ([Formula: see text]) of 0.23[Formula: see text]mA/cm2, respectively. With increasing test temperatures, [Formula: see text] decreases slowly and then rapidly, while [Formula: see text] increases rapidly and then decreases. At a critical temperature of 80∘C, the BFO ferroelectric film exhibits a faster photovoltaic response, in which the values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are about 0.19[Formula: see text]V and 0.28[Formula: see text]mA/cm2, respectively. Moreover, the energy band analysis indicates that a large work function difference ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]eV) between LSCO and Pt leads to a strong built-in electric field in the BFO film, which is beneficial to separate the photo-generated carriers and improve ferroelectric photovoltaic effect. In all, this study not only shows that BFO is an excellent and environmentally friendly photovoltaic candidate material, but also provides a practical strategy for improving the performance of BFO ferroelectric photovoltaic devices.
Window code parameters of spatially-coupled LDPC codes
Authors: McMillon Emily , Kelley Christine A.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we define a window code to be the portion of a Spatially-coupled low-density parity check (SC-LDPC) code seen by a single iteration of a windowed decoder. We consider the design of SC-LDPC codes for windowed decoding via optimization of the window code. In particular, because iterative decoding is optimal on codes with cycle-free graph representations, we ask fundamental questions about the construction and parameters of cycle-free window codes. We show that it is possible to have an SC-LDPC code with cycles and with cycle-free window codes. We consider the relationship between the distance of the window code and the distance of the SC-LDPC code. Further, we show that SC-LDPC codes with MDS window codes exist, and all such codes are asymptotically bad. This work gives insight into the tradeoffs between window code parameters and performance of the SC-LDPC code.
Influence of Childhood Adversity on Students’ Delinquent Activities: Interplay with Neighborhood Context and Delinquent Peer Association
Authors: Khan Md. Bashir Uddin , Tang Yanwen
Published: October 2023

Juvenile delinquency is often linked with various proximal family and environmental factors during a child’s upbringing. Richard Jessor’s problem behavior theory (PBT) emphasizes that a combined interplay of these factors may explain this phenomenon appropriately. This study employed the PBT framework to investigate the impact of family on students’ delinquency, considering the influence of neighborhood and delinquent peer association. A model was developed for analyzing the variables by structural equation modeling (SEM). Data were collected through interviews with 1026 students aged between 12 and 18 years from a child development center and eight educational institutes in Bangladesh. The findings revealed that family-level factors (adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and family deprivation) can significantly predict students’ delinquency directly and through the moderation effect of neighborhood-level variables (neighborhood social capital and neighborhood disorganization). Delinquent peer association exhibited a significant mediating role in the model. It could directly predict delinquency as well. The research has notable theoretical and practical implications for understanding the complex dynamics of family, neighborhood, and delinquent peer association in explaining students’ delinquency.