bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What are the motives underlying Brazilians' food choices? An analysis of the Food Choice Questionnaire and its relationship with different sample characteristics
Authors: da Silva Wanderson Roberto , Marôco João , Alvarenga Marle dos Santos , Campos Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini
Published: July 2022

The first aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ)—using the original model—in a sample of 1480 Brazilian adults (69.5% female). The second aim was to rank the reasons underlying the participants' food choices using average FCQ scores and 95% confidence interval. The third aim was to evaluate the relationship between food choice motives and sample characteristics using multiple logistic regression and odds ratios. The validity, the invariance across different groups, and the reliability of the FCQ were confirmed for the sample. Sensory appeal and price emerged as the most important reasons, while ethical concern was the least valued. The factors associated with greater odds of choosing food for specific reasons were being older, female, and a student; practicing physical activity; dieting frequently; self‐rating eating quality as good; having a higher body mass index; and having low income.

Practical Applications

Assessing food choice is a complex task, as it encompasses several factors, such as sensory characteristics, health status, income, culture, lifestyle, and cognitive‐affective issues; therefore, the use of appropriate tools should be encouraged. The set analyses followed confirmed that the FCQ was an adequate instrument to evaluate the reasons for food choice of the participants who valued strongly the sensory aspects of the foods and presented specific characteristics (e.g., diet practice) that may influence their decisions. These findings may guide future research and clinical interventions aimed at producing food choices that are more oriented to health and well‐being.
Income distribution, banks and managers: A linear joint‐production model with financial assets
Authors: Betancourt Gómez Michel Eduardo
Published: July 2022

The aim of this paper is to elaborate a Sraffian production model with banks, corporations, shareholders and managers to argue that the expansion of the financial sector contributes to the decrease of the wage‐share. The model introduces joint production to take into account fixed capital and corporate firms and provides rigorous foundations for the description of an economy characterised by unbalanced growth with the financial sector growing at the highest rates. Besides demonstrating that the analysis generates non‐negative solutions for prices and quantities, the paper concludes that, if workers' debt grows faster than the rest of the economy, the wage share diminishes and that the greater the size of the dividends that corporate companies decide to distribute, the larger the reductions in the wage share.
Real‐world effectiveness of antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole as the primary agent in patients with haematological malignancies
Authors: Strand Andrew M. , Alexander Barbara D. , Sarpong Eric , Wong Jessica Retuerto , Engemann Ashley , Rizzieri David , Wu Yuan , Johnson Melissa D.
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives

Patients undergoing induction/reinduction chemotherapy for haematologic malignancies (HM) are at risk for invasive fungal infections (IFIs). In 2015, Duke University Hospital (DUH) implemented a new standardised fungal prophylaxis protocol for adult patients undergoing induction chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukaemia, acute myelocytic leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. This study assessed the impact of protocol implementation on (1) use of antifungal prophylaxis, throughout the at‐risk period and (2) patient outcomes such as IFI and mortality.

Methods

Retrospective, observational study of adult HM patients admitted to DUH for induction/reinduction chemotherapy pre‐ (7/1/2013–12/31/2014) and post‐ (1/1/2015–10/31/2016) implementation of standardised antifungal prophylaxis protocol (which recommended posaconazole as the first‐line agent). Patients were followed for up to 100 days after initiation of induction chemotherapy to evaluate use of antifungal prophylaxis and patient outcomes.

Results

218 patients with haematologic malignancies were included (90 pre, 128 post). Use of antifungal prophylaxis increased from 81.1% (pre) to 97.7% (post) (p < .0001). Overall, 71% received posaconazole as initial antifungal prophylaxis (64.4% pre, 75.7% post). Approximately one‐fourth of patients (25.6%, pre vs 26.6%, post) developed an IFI (proven/probable or possible using modified EORTC definitions) (p = .868); 100‐day mortality remained stable (18.9% pre vs 18.8% post, respectively, p = .979). Lack of antifungal prophylaxis and older age (≥60 years) were associated with higher risk of IFI.

Conclusion

Implementation of a standardised protocol with posaconazole as the primary agent was associated with increased use of antifungal prophylaxis among patients undergoing induction/reinduction chemotherapy for haematologic malignancies in our hospital. Lack of antifungal prophylaxis was an independent predictor of IFIs, underscoring the importance of prophylaxis in this at‐risk population.
An autopsy case of progressive supranuclear palsy. Pallido‐nigro‐luysian type with argyrophilic grains clinically presenting with personality and behavioral changes
Authors: Suzuki Yuki , Adachi Tadashi , Sakuwa Mayuko , Sakata Ryoichi , Takigawa Hiroshi , Hasegawa Masato , Hanajima Ritsuko
Published: July 2022

Pallido‐nigro‐luysian atrophy (PNLA) is a variant of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Patients with PSP sometimes show psychiatric signs, but there are few reports about such signs being associated with PSP‐PNLA. Here, we report a case of PSP‐PNLA with argyrophilic grains (AGs) in a patient clinically diagnosed as having PSP‐frontotemporal dementia (PSP‐F). A 74‐year‐old man described as “kind” presented with impaired memory, irritability, and apathy. He showed levodopa‐resistant parkinsonism and postural instability. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed mild atrophy of the midbrain and right‐side‐dominant atrophy of the hippocampus and temporal lobe. The patient was diagnosed as having PSP with frontal lobe cognitive or behavioral presentations (PSP‐F). He died of aspiration pneumonia at age 81. At autopsy, macroscopic examination revealed depigmentation of the substantia nigra and grayish discoloration of the dentate nucleus, globus pallidus, and subthalamic nucleus. Severe gliosis was observed in the same regions. There were many phosphorylated tau‐immunoreactive equivocal tufted astrocytes in the globus pallidus. Many neurofibrillary tangles and neuropil threads were observed in the substantia nigra and subthalamic nucleus, and few tau aggregates were observed in the frontal cortex. In contrast, AGs were abundant in the amygdala, entorhinal cortex, and anterior cingulate gyrus, with an asymmetric distribution. The pathological observations led us to change the diagnosis to PSP‐PNLA with AGs. Although most cases of PSP‐F derive from tau pathology in the frontal cortex, this patient did not have phosphorylated tau‐immunoreactive aggregates in that location. Our observations suggest that the psychiatric signs of PSP‐F should be considered as being due to the presence of limbic AGs, not frontal tau pathology.
Development of a scale to measure the psychological resources of grit in adults
Authors: Schimschal Sarah E. , Visentin Denis , Kornhaber Rachel , Barnett Tony , Cleary Michelle
Published: July 2022

Grit, a personality trait characterized by  having passion and perseverance for long‐term goals, has been linked to increased performance, retention, and well‐being in various fields. In the 15 years since the original grit scale was published, many studies have investigated factors that promote grit. However, a scale has not yet been developed measuring characteristics that can contribute to higher levels of grit. This study aimed to develop a novel scale to measure the psychological resources of grit. The Delphi technique was used to obtain consensus from a national and international panel of academics and practitioners who are experts in grit and related constructs. A total of 30 participants rated 100 scale items over three rounds of online surveys. Experts agreed that items selected for the final scale (n = 20) were essential, with 85% rating them as important or very important. The scale, called the Grit Psychological Resources Scale, has promise as a helpful tool for practitioners involved in staff development and building capabilities that contribute to goal achievement.
The Meaning of Health in Rural South Africa: Gender, the Life Course, and the Socioepidemiological Context
Authors: Mojola Sanyu A. , Ice Erin , Schatz Enid , Angotti Nicole , Houle Brian , Gómez‐Olivé F. Xavier
Published: July 2022

This article examines the meaning of health among middle‐aged and older adults in a rural South African setting, where 72 percent of adults aged 40 and over are living with a major chronic condition, and 81 percent report good or very good health. We draw on a unique mixed‐methods dataset that includes a population‐based survey with disease biomarkers (hypertension, diabetes, HIV), self‐assessments of health including self‐rated health, functional ability and medication use, as well as nested qualitative life history interviews with survey participants including questions about lived experiences of health. We conduct survey trend analysis and ordinal logistic regression, as well as inductive and deductive coding of qualitative interviews, and triangulate findings across data sources. Overall, we find that self‐rated health and functional ability are not associated with biometric disease indicators; however, we find that gendered familial expectations, life course stage, and the socioepidemiological context work together to regulate the salience of illness as people age. The study highlights the utility of research with multiple measures of health in illuminating the challenges of aging amidst the complex epidemiological transitions that increasingly characterize low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Virology and immune dynamics reveal high household transmission of ancestral SARS‐CoV‐2 strain
Authors: Tosif Shidan , Haycroft Ebene R. , Sarkar Sohinee , Toh Zheng Quan , Do Lien Anh Ha , Donato Celeste M. , Selva Kevin J. , Hoq Monsurul , Overmars Isabella , Nguyen Jill , Lee Lai‐Yang , Clifford Vanessa , Daley Andrew , Mordant Francesa L. , McVernon Jodie , Mulholland Kim , Marcato Adrian J. , Smith Miranda Z. , Curtis Nigel , McNab Sarah , Saffery Richard , Kedzierska Katherine , Subarrao Kanta , Burgner David , Steer Andrew , Bines Julie E. , Sutton Philip , Licciardi Paul V. , Chung Amy W. , Neeland Melanie R. , Crawford Nigel W.
Published: July 2022

Background

Household studies are crucial for understanding the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, which may be underestimated from PCR testing of respiratory samples alone. We aim to combine the assessment of household mitigation measures; nasopharyngeal, saliva, and stool PCR testing; along with mucosal and systemic SARS‐CoV‐2–specific antibodies, to comprehensively characterize SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and transmission in households.

Methods

Between March and September 2020, we obtained samples from 92 participants in 26 households in Melbourne, Australia, in a 4‐week period following the onset of infection with ancestral SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.

Results

The secondary attack rate was 36% (24/66) when using nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) PCR positivity alone. However, when respiratory and nonrespiratory samples were combined with antibody responses in blood and saliva, the secondary attack rate was 76% (50/66). SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load of the index case and household isolation measures were key factors that determine secondary transmission. In 27% (7/26) of households, all family members tested positive by NPS for SARS‐CoV‐2 and were characterized by lower respiratory Ct values than low transmission families (Median 22.62 vs. 32.91; IQR 17.06–28.67 vs. 30.37–34.24). High transmission families were associated with enhanced plasma antibody responses to multiple SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens and the presence of neutralizing antibodies. Three distinguishing saliva SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody features were identified according to age (IgA1 to Spike 1, IgA1 to nucleocapsid protein (NP)), suggesting that adults and children generate distinct mucosal antibody responses during the acute phase of infection.

Conclusion

Utilizing respiratory and nonrespiratory PCR testing, along with the measurement of SARS‐CoV‐2–specific local and systemic antibodies, provides a more accurate assessment of infection within households and highlights some of the immunological differences in response between children and adults.
Der p 23‐specific IgE response throughout childhood and its association with allergic disease: A birth cohort study
Authors: Forchert Leandra , Potapova Ekaterina , Panetta Valentina , Dramburg Stephanie , Perna Serena , Posa Daniela , Resch‐Marat Yvonne , Lupinek Christian , Rohrbach Alexander , Grabenhenrich Linus , Icke Katja , Bauer Carl‐Peter , Hoffman Ute , Forster Johannes , Zepp Fred , Schuster Antje , Wahn Ulrich , Keil Thomas , Lau Susanne , Vrtala Susanne , Valenta Rudolf , Matricardi Paolo Maria
Published: July 2022

Background

The Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus molecule Der p 23 is a major allergen whose clinical relevance has been shown in cross‐sectional studies. We longitudinally analysed the trajectory of Der p 23‐specific IgE antibody (sIgE) levels throughout childhood and youth, their early‐life determinants and their clinical relevance for allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Methods

We obtained sera and clinical data of 191 participants of the German Multicentre Allergy Study, a prospective birth cohort. Serum samples from birth to 20 years of age with sIgE reactivity to Der p 23 in a customised semiquantitative microarray were newly analysed with a singleplex quantitative assay. Early mite exposure was assessed by measuring the average content of Der p 1 in house dust at 6 and 18 months.

Results

Der p 23‐sIgE levels were detected at least once in 97/191 participants (51%). Prevalence of Der p 23 sensitisation and mean sIgE levels increased until age 10 years, plateaued until age 13 years and were lowest at age 20 years. Asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR) and atopic dermatitis (AD) were more prevalent in Der p 23‐sensitised children, including those with monomolecular but persistent sensitisation (11/97, 11%). A higher exposure to mites in infancy and occurrence of AD before 5 years of age preceded the onset of Der p 23 sensitisation, which in turn preceded a higher incidence of asthma.

Conclusions

Der p 23 sensitisation peaks in late childhood and then decreases. It is preceded by early mite exposure and AD. Asthma and AR can occur in patients persistently sensitised to Der p 23 as the only mite allergen, suggesting the inclusion of molecular testing of Der p 23‐sIgE for subjects with clinical suspicion of HDM allergy but without sIgE to other major D.pt. allergens.
Wheat yield potential can be maximized by increasing red to far‐red light conditions at critical developmental stages
Authors: Dreccer Maria Fernanda , Zwart Alec B. , Schmidt Ralf‐Christian , Condon Anthony G. , Awasi Mary A. , Grant Terry J. , Galle Alexander , Bourot Stephane , Frohberg Claus
Published: July 2022

Sensing of neighbours via the Red to Far‐Red light ratio (R:FR) may exert a cap to yield potential in wheat. The effects of an increased R:FR inside the canopy were studied in dense wheat mini canopies grown in controlled environments by lowering FR. To distinguish between effects exerted by light sensing and assimilate supply, the treatments were complemented with elevated CO2, applied between different developmental timepoints to specifically impact tillering, spike growth, floret fertility and grain filling, in different combinations. The yield response to high R:FR was strongly dependent on the developmental stage in all three cultivars and pivoted between positive if applied after the start of stem elongation, and negative or null if applied before. Yield gains of up to 70% and 120% were observed, respectively, in two cultivars, associated with a higher number of tiller spikes and grains per spike in the main shoot. The response to the combination of high R:FR and elevated CO2 or CO2 alone were cultivar dependent. Taken together, our results suggest that R:FR exerts a significant control on yield potential in wheat and achieving a high R:FR from stem elongation to maturity is a promising lever towards a significant increase in grain yield.
The power of seaweeds as plant biostimulants to boost crop production under abiotic stress
Authors: Deolu‐Ajayi Ayodeji O. , van der Meer Ingrid M. , van der Werf Adrie , Karlova Rumyana
Published: July 2022

Abiotic stresses like drought and salinity are major factors resulting in crop yield losses and soil degradation worldwide. To meet increasing food demands, we must improve crop productivity, especially under increasing abiotic stresses due to climate change. Recent studies suggest that seaweed‐based biostimulants could be a solution to this problem. Here, we summarize the current findings of using these biostimulants and highlight current knowledge gaps. Seaweed extracts were shown to enhance nutrient uptake and improve growth performance in crops under stressed and normal conditions. Seaweed extracts contain several active compounds, for example, polysaccharides, polyphenols and phytohormones. Although some of these compounds have growth‐promoting properties on plants, the molecular mechanisms that underly seaweed extract action remain understudied. In this paper, we review the role of these extracts and their bioactive compounds as plant biostimulants. The targeted application of seaweed extract to improve crop performance and protein accumulation is also discussed.
N7‐SSPP fusion gene improves salt stress tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis and soybean through ROS scavenging
Authors: You Xiang , Nasrullah  , Wang Dan , Mei Yuanyuan , Bi Juanjuan , Liu Sheng , Xu Wei , Wang Ning Ning
Published: July 2022

Considerable signal crosstalk exists in the regulatory network of senescence and stress response. Numerous senescence‐associated genes are also involved in plant stress tolerance. However, the underlying mechanisms and application potential of these genes in stress‐tolerant crop breeding remain poorly explored. We found that overexpression of SENESCENCE‐SUPPRESSED PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE (SSPP), a negative regulator of leaf senescence, significantly improved plant salt tolerance by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging in both Arabidopsis and soybean. However, overexpression of SSPP severely suppressed normal plant growth, limiting its direct use in agriculture. We previously revealed that the N‐terminal 1–14 residues of ACS7 (termed ‘N7’) negatively regulated its protein stability through the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway, and the N7‐mediated protein degradation was suppressed by environmental and senescence signals. To avoid the adverse effects of SSPP, the N7 element was fused to the N‐terminus of SSPP. We demonstrated that N7‐SSPP fusion gene effectively rescued SSPP‐induced growth suppression but maintained enhanced salt tolerance in Arabidopsis and soybean. Particularly, N7‐SSPP enhanced tolerance to long‐term salt stress and increased seed yield in soybean. These results suggest that N7‐SSPP overcomes the disadvantages of SSPP on plant growth inhibition and effectively improves salt tolerance through enhanced ROS scavenging, providing an effective strategy of using posttranslational regulatory element for salt‐tolerant crop breeding.
NR2F1 regulates a Schwann cell precursor‐vs‐melanocyte cell fate switch in a mouse model of Waardenburg syndrome type IV
Authors: Bonnamour Grégoire , Charrier Baptiste , Sallis Sephora , Leduc Elizabeth , Pilon Nicolas
Published: July 2022

Waardenburg syndrome type 4 (WS4) combines abnormal development of neural crest cell (NCC)‐derived melanocytes (causing depigmentation and inner ear dysfunction) and enteric nervous system (causing aganglionic megacolon). The full spectrum of WS4 phenotype is present in Spot mice, in which an insertional mutation close to a silencer element leads to NCC‐specific upregulation of the transcription factor‐coding gene Nr2f1. These mice were previously found to develop aganglionic megacolon because of NR2F1‐induced premature differentiation of enteric neural progenitors into enteric glia. Intriguingly, this prior work also showed that inner ear dysfunction in Spot mutants specifically affects balance but not hearing, consistent with the absence of melanocytes in the vestibule only. Here, we report an analysis of the effect of Nr2f1 upregulation on the development of both inner ear and skin melanocytes, also taking in consideration their origin relative to the dorsolateral and ventral NCC migration pathways. In the trunk, we found that NR2F1 overabundance in Spot NCCs forces dorso‐laterally migrating melanoblasts to abnormally adopt a Schwann cell precursor (SCP) fate and conversely prevents ventrally migrating SCPs to normally adopt a melanoblast fate. In the head, Nr2f1 upregulation appears not to be uniform, which might explain why SCP‐derived melanocytes do colonize the cochlea while non‐SCP‐derived melanocytes cannot reach the vestibule. Collectively, these data point to a key role for NR2F1 in the control of SCP‐vs‐melanocyte fate choice and unveil a new pathogenic mechanism for WS4. Moreover, our data argue against the proposed existence of a transit‐amplifying compartment of melanocyte precursors in hair follicles.
AP‐3 complex subunit delta gene, ap3d1, regulates melanogenesis and melanophore survival via autophagy in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Neuffer Sam J. , Beltran‐Cardona David , Jimenez‐Perez Kevin , Clancey Lauren F. , Brown Alexander , New Leslie , Cooper Cynthia D.
Published: July 2022

Zebrafish are an emerging model organism to study the syndromic albinism disorder, Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome (HPS), due to visible pigment development at 24 hours postfertilization, and conserved melanogenesis mechanisms. We describe crasher, a novel HPS type 10 (HPS10) zebrafish model, with a mutation in AP‐3 complex subunit delta gene, ap3d1. Exon 14 of ap3d1 is overexpressed in crasher mutants, while the expression of ap3d1 as a whole is reduced. ap3d1 knockout in *AB zebrafish recapitulates the mutant crasher phenotype. We show ap3d1 loss‐of‐function mutations cause significant expression changes in the melanogenesis genes, dopachrome tautomerase (dct) and tyrosinase‐related protein 1b (tyrp1b), but not tyrosinase (tyr). Last, Generally Applicable Gene‐set Enrichment (GAGE) analysis suggests autophagy pathway genes are upregulated together in crasher. Treatment with autophagy‐inhibitor, bafilomycin A1, significantly decreases melanophore number in crasher, suggesting ap3d1 promotes melanophore survival by limiting excessive autophagy. crasher is a valuable model to explore the regulation of melanogenesis gene expression and pigmentation disease.
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using chloro‐aluminum phthalocyanine for treating advanced stage‐III periodontitis in smoking patients
Authors: Al‐Kheraif Abdulaziz A. , Alshahrani Obaid Abdullah , Al‐Shehri Abdullah M. , Khan Aftab Ahmed
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the bacterial, clinical, and cytokine profile of adjunctive photodynamic therapy using chloro‐aluminum phthalocyanine (CAP/aPDT) with root surface debridement (RSD) versus RSD alone in cigarette smokers (CS) and never‐smokers (NS) during the period of 6 months.

Methods

Twenty‐nine patients [CS – 14 and NS – 15] were recruited for the trial having stage‐III periodontitis. All candidates from the study groups were subjected to a split‐mouth treatment technique receiving CAP/aPDT + RSD and RSD alone. Periodontal parameters including plaque levels (PL), bleeding on probing (BP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and marginal bone loss (MBL) were assessed. Polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was used to analyze the copy numbers of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Tannerella forsythia (Tf). Levels of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) interleukin (IL)‐6 in the crevicular fluid were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

CAP/aPDT+RSD decreased BP in smokers after 6 months (p < .05). Probing depth and CAL reported statistically significant reductions within both CAP/aPDT+RSD and RSD groups and also within the NS and CS (p < .05). Pg and Tf stayed elevated in smokers at the 6‐month evaluation period (p < .01). Only CAP/aPDT+RSD significantly decreased Pg and Tf at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up in smokers (p < .05). CAP/aPDT+RSD showed decreased IL‐6 levels in the NS during the 6‐month follow‐up (p < .01). TNF‐α levels were significantly reduced in the CS group with CAP/aPDT+RSD and RSD alone until 6 months (p < .01).

Conclusion

CAP‐mediated aPDT along with nonsurgical periodontal therapy helped to improve the bacteriological outcomes among smokers and never‐smokers with stage‐III CP patients.
Genomic regions associate with major axes of variation driven by gas exchange and leaf construction traits in cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Earley Ashley M. , Temme Andries A. , Cotter Christopher R. , Burke John M.
Published: July 2022

Stomata and leaf veins play an essential role in transpiration and the movement of water throughout leaves. These traits are thus thought to play a key role in the adaptation of plants to drought and a better understanding of the genetic basis of their variation and coordination could inform efforts to improve drought tolerance. Here, we explore patterns of variation and covariation in leaf anatomical traits and analyze their genetic architecture via genome‐wide association (GWA) analyses in cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Traits related to stomatal density and morphology as well as lower‐order veins were manually measured from digital images while the density of minor veins was estimated using a novel deep learning approach. Leaf, stomatal, and vein traits exhibited numerous significant correlations that generally followed expectations based on functional relationships. Correlated suites of traits could further be separated along three major principal component (PC) axes that were heavily influenced by variation in traits related to gas exchange, leaf hydraulics, and leaf construction. While there was limited evidence of colocalization when individual traits were subjected to GWA analyses, major multivariate PC axes that were most strongly influenced by several traits related to gas exchange or leaf construction did exhibit significant genomic associations. These results provide insight into the genetic basis of leaf trait covariation and showcase potential targets for future efforts aimed at modifying leaf anatomical traits in sunflower.
Orthology‐based analysis helps map evolutionary diversification and predict substrate class use of BAHD acyltransferases
Authors: Kruse Lars H. , Weigle Austin T. , Irfan Mohammad , Martínez‐Gómez Jesús , Chobirko Jason D. , Schaffer Jason E. , Bennett Alexandra A. , Specht Chelsea D. , Jez Joseph M. , Shukla Diwakar , Moghe Gaurav D.
Published: July 2022

Large enzyme families catalyze metabolic diversification by virtue of their ability to use diverse chemical scaffolds. How enzyme families attain such functional diversity is not clear. Furthermore, duplication and promiscuity in such enzyme families limits their functional prediction, which has produced a burgeoning set of incompletely annotated genes in plant genomes. Here, we address these challenges using BAHD acyltransferases as a model. This fast‐evolving family expanded drastically in land plants, increasing from one to five copies in algae to approximately 100 copies in diploid angiosperm genomes. Compilation of >160 published activities helped visualize the chemical space occupied by this family and define eight different classes based on structural similarities between acceptor substrates. Using orthologous groups (OGs) across 52 sequenced plant genomes, we developed a method to predict BAHD acceptor substrate class utilization as well as origins of individual BAHD OGs in plant evolution. This method was validated using six novel and 28 previously characterized enzymes and helped improve putative substrate class predictions for BAHDs in the tomato genome. Our results also revealed that while cuticular wax and lignin biosynthetic activities were more ancient, anthocyanin acylation activity was fixed in BAHDs later near the origin of angiosperms. The OG‐based analysis enabled identification of signature motifs in anthocyanin‐acylating BAHDs, whose importance was validated via molecular dynamic simulations, site‐directed mutagenesis and kinetic assays. Our results not only describe how BAHDs contributed to evolution of multiple chemical phenotypes in the plant world but also propose a biocuration‐enabled approach for improved functional annotation of plant enzyme families.
The efficacy of a novel topical spray composed of sodium benzoate, alcohol and botanical oils for the treatment of Malassezia dermatitis in dogs – a split body, randomised, blinded study
Authors: Hoes Nicole P. M. , van den Broek Jan , Vroom Margreet W.
Published: July 2022

Background

Treatment of Malassezia pachydermatis dermatitis can be performed by systemic or topical route. As M. pachydermatis is located on the stratum corneum, topical therapy alone may be sufficient to resolve the infection. Owing to systemic antifungal resistance and adverse effects, topical treatment alone may improve treatment outcome.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of a topical spray composed of sodium benzoate, alcohol and botanical oils, compared to a shampoo containing 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 2% miconazole nitrate for the treatment of Malassezia pachydermaitis dermatitis in dogs.

Animals

Sixteen client owned dogs diagnosed with symmetrical interdigital lesions as a result of secondary Malassezia dermatitis.

Methods

The study design was prospective, randomised and single‐blinded, using a split body protocol. Malassezia yeasts were determined by cytology at the inclusion day (day0) and after treatment (day14). All dogs were treated during 14 days with both shampoo at one paw and spray on the other paw.

Results

At day 14 a reduction of Malassezia dermatitis was shown at both paws. No statistical difference was demonstrated between treatment with shampoo or spray.

Conclusions and clinical importance

We could not show a difference in efficacy between application of the test spray once daily and the topical use of 2%miconazole/2%chlorhexidine shampoo every other day. No adverse effects were reported.
Feasibility of a finite-difference time-domain model in large-scale acoustic simulations
Authors: Fratoni Giulia , Hamilton Brian , D'Orazio Dario
Published: July 2022

Wave-based techniques for room acoustics simulations are commonly applied to low frequency analysis and small-sized simplified environments. The constraints are generally the inherent computational cost and the challenging implementation of proper complex boundary conditions. Nevertheless, the application field of wave-based simulation methods has been extended in the latest research decades. With the aim of testing this potential, this work investigates the feasibility of a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) code simulating large non-trivial geometries in wide frequency ranges. A representative sample of large coupled-volume opera houses allowed demonstration of the capability of the selected FDTD model to tackle such composite geometries up to 4 kHz. For such a demanding task, efficient calculation schemes and frequency-dependent boundary admittances are implemented in the simulation framework. The results of in situ acoustic measurements were used as benchmarks during the calibration process of three-dimensional virtual models. In parallel, acoustic simulations performed on the same halls through standard ray-tracing techniques enabled a systematic comparison between the two numerical approaches highlighting significant differences in terms of input data. The ability of the FDTD code to detect the typical acoustic scenarios occurring in coupled-volume halls is confirmed through multi-slope decay analysis and impulse responses' spectral content.
An unsupervised clustering-based scale-lag receiver design approach for the doubly selective underwater acoustic channel
Authors: Bhadouria Vijay Singh , Agrawal Monika , Kumar Ritesh
Published: July 2022

This paper details the architecture of a novel scale-lag rake receiver for the doubly selective underwater acoustic (UWA) channel. The shallow UWA channel is known to have a large Doppler spread. The cause of this is primarily due to the large spread of the angle of arrival of the received signal's paths. The Doppler scale value is dependent on the angle of arrival of the received signal. The Doppler spread is significant, and multiple Doppler scales are present in the UWA channel. Therefore, the receivers operating with only a single Doppler scale compensation perform sub-optimally. The optimal receiver should incorporate all possible Doppler scales for better performance. The receiver needs to have multiple sampling rates to incorporate all Doppler scales. It is usually done by having multiple receive channels, one for each sampling rate. It requires tremendous resources as its complexity increases exuberantly. This paper shows that these Doppler scales are clustered and that an optimal receiver is implemented using fewer receiver channels, each corresponding to one such cluster. It reduces the receiver's complexity. The simulation results demonstrate that using the Doppler scale value associated with the path of the highest magnitude per cluster yields the best performance.
Concurrent Validity and Reliability of Sprinting Force–Velocity Profile Assessed With GPS Devices in Elite Athletes
Authors: Clavel Pauline , Leduc Cedric , Morin Jean-Benoît , Owen Cameron , Samozino Pierre , Peeters Alexis , Buchheit Martin , Lacome Mathieu
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The aims of this study were to (1) assess the concurrent validity of global positioning systems (GPSs) against a radar device to measure sprinting force–velocity (F–v) profiles and (2) evaluate the interunit reliability of 10-Hz GPS devices (Vector S7, Catapult Innovations). Methods: Sixteen male elite U18 rugby union players (178.3 [7.6] cm; 78.3 [13.2] kg) participated. Two 50-m sprints interspersed with at least 5 minutes of recovery were completed to obtain input (maximal sprint speed and acceleration time constant τ) and output (theoretical maximal horizontal force, sprinting speed, and horizontal power) F–v profile variables. Sprint running speed was concurrently measured with a radar and 2 GPS units placed on the upper back of each player. Concurrent validity and interunit reliability analyses were performed. Results: Moderate to nearly perfect correlations were observed between radar and GPS-derived F–v variables, with small to large typical errors. Trivial to small coefficients of variation were found regarding the GPS interunit reliability. Conclusion: The GPS devices tested in this study represent a valid and reliable alternative to a radar device when assessing sprint acceleration F–v profiles in team-sport players.
Tissue Distribution of [
14
C]-Lefamulin into the Urogenital Tract in Rats
Authors: Wicha Wolfgang W. , Henson Claire , Webbley Kathryn , Gelone Steven P.
Published: July 2022

Lefamulin, a semisynthetic pleuromutilin antibiotic approved in the United States, Canada, and Europe for intravenous and oral treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, is highly active
in vitro
against bacterial pathogens that cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including multidrug-resistant strains of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
,
Chlamydia trachomatis
, and
Mycoplasma genitalium
. This nonclinical study used quantitative whole-body autoradiography (QWBA) and qualitative tape-transfer microautoradiography (MARG) to investigate lefamulin distribution into urogenital tract tissues down to a cellular level in male and female rats.
Activity of Exebacase (CF-301) against Biofilms Formed by Staphylococcus epidermidis Strains Isolated from Prosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Souche Aubin , Kolenda Camille , Teoli Jordan , Schuch Raymond , Ferry Tristan , Laurent Frédéric , Josse Jérôme
Published: July 2022

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is one of the main pathogens responsible for bone and joint infections, especially those involving prosthetic materials, due to its ability to form biofilms. In these cases, biofilm formation, combined with increased antimicrobial resistance, often results in therapeutic failures.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Compared to Streptococcus pneumoniae Avoids Induction of Proinflammatory Epithelial Cell Responses despite Robustly Inducing TLR2 Signaling
Authors: de Groot R. C. A. , Zhu H. , Hoogenboezem T. , de Bruijn A. C. J. M. , Eenjes E. , ’t Jong A. E. J. , Belo A. I. , Estevão S. C. , Bajramovic J. J. , Rottier R. J. , Kool M. , van Rossum A. M. C. , Unger W. W. J.
Published: July 2022

Mycoplasma pneumoniaeandStreptococcus pneumoniaeare the most common bacterial causes of pneumonia in children. The clinical characteristics of pneumonia differ significantly between the two bacteria. We aimed to elucidate the differences in pathogenesis betweenM. pneumoniaeandS. pneumoniaeby characterizing the respiratory epithelial cell immune response to both pathogens.
Regulation of Staphylococcal Capsule by SarZ is SigA-Dependent
Authors: Lei Mei G. , Lee Chia Y.
Published: July 2022

Expression of virulence genes in
Staphylococcus aureus
is affected by environmental cues and is regulated by a surprisingly large number of regulators. Much is still unknown about how virulence factors are regulated by environment cues at the molecular level.
Comprehensive Analyses of Intraviral Epstein-Barr Virus Protein–Protein Interactions Hint Central Role of BLRF2 in the Tegument Network
Authors: Hara Yuya , Watanabe Takahiro , Yoshida Masahiro , Masud H. M. Abdullah Al , Kato Hiromichi , Kondo Tomohiro , Suzuki Reiji , Kurose Shutaro , Uddin Md. Kamal , Arata Masataka , Miyagi Shouhei , Yanagi Yusuke , Sato Yoshitaka , Kimura Hiroshi , Murata Takayuki
Published: July 2022

EBV remains a significant public health challenge, causing infectious mononucleosis and several cancer types. Therefore, the better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying EBV replication is of high clinical importance.
Human Cytomegalovirus Manipulates Syntaxin 6 for Successful Trafficking and Subsequent Infection of Monocytes
Authors: Mosher Bailey S. , Fulkerson Heather L. , Boyle Tori , Chesnokova Liudmila S. , Cieply Stephen J. , Yurochko Andrew D.
Published: July 2022

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection causes severe and often fatal disease in the immunocompromised. It is one of the leading infectious causes of birth defects and causes severe complications in transplant recipients. By uncovering the unique pathways used by the virus to infect key cells, such as monocytes, responsible for dissemination and persistence, we provide new potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Complete Genome Sequences of Mycobacteriophages SynergyX, Abinghost, Bananafish, and Delton
Authors: London Laricca Y. , Ayuk Mary A. , Black Amia C. , Cheung Laraine , Robinson Delandra M. , Thomas D’nai N. , Warner Marcie H. , Allen Adrian D. , Ghosh Somiranjan , Gugssa Ayele , Ullah Hemayet , Bassey Glory B. , Fernando Lourds M. , Moore Madison M. , Oliver Jerome J. , Irabor Esohe G. , Roy Swagota D. , Quagraine Benedict K. , Smith Michael ,   Howard University SEA-PHAGES Students, Anderson Winston A. , Robinson Courtney J.
Published: July 2022

Four lytic mycobacteriophages, namely, SynergyX, Abinghost, Bananafish, and Delton, were isolated from soil in Washington, DC, using the bacterial host
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155. Analysis of the genomes revealed that they belong to two subclusters of actinobacteriophage cluster B (subclusters B2 and B3) and subcluster D1 of cluster D.
N
2
Fixation in
Trichodesmium
Does Not Require Spatial Segregation from Photosynthesis
Authors: Luo Weicheng , Inomura Keisuke , Zhang Han , Luo Ya-Wei
Published: July 2022

The filamentous
Trichodesmium
is a globally prominent marine nitrogen fixer. A long-standing paradox is that the nitrogen-fixing enzyme nitrogenase is sensitive to oxygen, but
Trichodesmium
conducts both nitrogen fixation and oxygen-evolving photosynthesis during the daytime.
In-Depth Characterization of Zika Virus Inhibitors Using Cell-Based Electrical Impedance
Authors: Oeyen Merel , Meyen Eef , Doijen Jordi , Schols Dominique
Published: July 2022

Zika virus can cause serious disease in humans. Unfortunately, no antiviral drugs are available to treat infection.
A Fluorometric Assay for the
In Vitro
Evaluation of Activity against Naegleria fowleri Cysts
Authors: Arberas-Jiménez Iñigo , Rizo-Liendo Aitor , Sifaoui Ines , Chao-Pellicer Javier , Piñero José E. , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob
Published: July 2022

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a lethal and rapid infection that affects the central nervous system and is caused by the free-living amoeba
Naegleria fowleri
.
Development and application of LAMP assays for the detection of enteric adenoviruses in feces
Authors: Shuryaeva Anna K. , Malova Tatyana V. , Tolokonceva Anna A. , Karceka Sofia A. , Gordukova Maria A. , Davydova Ekaterina E. , Shipulin German A.
Published: July 2022

In April 2022, several cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin were reported in children from 12 countries. In many cases, enteric adenovirus or SARS-CoV-2 and adenovirus coinfection were detected.
A Single Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Genome Reactivates from Individual Cells
Authors: Rafael Dor , Tomer Enosh , Kobiler Oren
Published: July 2022

Herpesviruses are highly prevalent and cause significant morbidity in the human and animal populations. Most individuals who are infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), a common human pathogen, will become lifelong carriers of the virus, as HSV-1 establishes latent (quiescent) infections in the host cells.
Effects of Pyroligneous Acid on Diversity and Dynamics of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Alfalfa Silage
Authors: Zhang Qing , Zou Xuan , Wu Shuo , Wu Nier , Chen Xiaoyang , Zhou Wei
Published: July 2022

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are considered environmental pollutants posing a potential human health risk. Silage is an important and traditional feed, mainly for ruminants.
Plant Growth-Promoting Activity of Bacteria Isolated from Asian Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Depends on Rice Genotype
Authors: Maghboli Balasjin Nasim , Maki James S. , Schläppi Michael R. , Marshall Christopher W.
Published: July 2022

In this study, endophytic bacterial isolates from roots and shoots of two distantly related rice accessions were characterized phenotypically and genotypically. From the isolated bacterial species, five of the most promising plant growth-promoting bacteria were selected to test their abilities to enhance growth of the four rice accessions.
Duplex kinematics reduces both frontal advance and seismic moment deficit in the Himalaya
Authors: Hu Wan-Lin , Stevens Victoria L.
Published: July 2022

Duplexing plays important roles in the evolution of fold-and-thrust belts and accretionary wedges, and causes internal shortening of the system, which then impacts both rates of frontal advance and seismic-moment deficit. Nevertheless, the significance of this internal shortening has not yet been highlighted in previous studies in the Himalaya or elsewhere. We invoke geometric solutions to constrain the ratio of transferred slip (R; i.e., the ratio of updip slip to downdip slip) for the midcrustal ramp—the most active ramp within the midcrustal duplex—in the Himalayan wedge. We find that R is ~0.9, and then used this ratio to calculate the accumulating seismic moment. The reduction in seismic-moment accumulation over the past 1000 yr along the entire Himalayan arc (~2200 km) is equivalent to at least one ~Mw 8.72 earthquake, and potentially reduces the seismic moment deficit by ~23%–54%, which may reconcile the long-term unbalanced seismic moment in the Himalaya.
Laryngeal histoplasmosis: masquerading malignancy
Authors: Gupta Devendra Kumar , Tanwar Deepika , Patel Bhaumik , Singh Vikram
Published: July 2022

Laryngeal histoplasmosis is a very rare cause of laryngitis which is encountered usually in the immunosuppressed states but can also occur in immunologically intact status. We report a rare case of laryngeal histoplasmosis in a man in his 60s, a chronic smoker who presented with a history of progressive hoarseness for 3 months. The glottic growth was biopsied. The rarity of diagnosis was aided by histopathological examination of the tissue, which revealed histoplasmosis. Management was done with intravenous liposomal amphotericin B and oral itraconazole with complete resolution of symptoms.
Severe myopathy complicating multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) in a young man
Authors: Costa Alessandro E. , Bernasconi Nadine S. , Trendelenburg Marten , Schunemann Max J.
Published: July 2022

We report the case of a man in his early 30s who presented with high fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, maculopapular rash and considerably elevated inflammatory markers. Further evaluations revealed cardiomyopathy and renal failure. During hospitalisation he developed profound generalised muscle weakness caused by diffuse myopathy without elevated creatine kinase. He was eventually diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) after it was established that he had been suffering from COVID-19 5 weeks prior to presentation. He was started on intravenous immunoglobulins and high-dose corticosteroids, after which symptoms resolved rapidly. MIS-A is a rare but severe complication of COVID-19, whose pathogenesis is insufficiently understood. This case provides further insight into this new disease entity by describing a previously unreported disease progression with severe inflammatory myopathy without elevated creatine kinase.
Unusual complication of Herpes simplex encephalitis: complete Klüver-Bucy syndrome
Authors: Hernandez-Vega Melissa , Badial-Ochoa Sandra , Rivas-Ruvalcaba Francisco Javier , Rodriguez-Leyva Ildefonso
Published: July 2022

Klüver-Bucy syndrome is a rare neurobehavioral disorder caused by a bilateral temporal lobe lesion affecting the hippocampus and amygdala; clinically characterised by hyperorality, hypermetamorphosis, placidity, altered sexual behaviour, eating, disorders and visual impairment, agnosia and amnesia. However, the complete syndrome is rarely seen, and diagnosis does not require all the symptoms to be manifested simultaneously.

We describe a patient who developed a complete Klüver-Bucy syndrome secondary to bilateral temporal involvement due to herpetic encephalitis.
People of all ages benefit from drugs to lower blood pressure
Authors: Saul Helen , Gursul Deniz , Cassidy Samantha , Rahimi Kazem
Published: July 2022

The study

The Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment Trialists’ Collaboration. Age-stratified and blood-pressure-stratified effects of blood-pressure-lowering pharmacotherapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and death: an individual participant-level data meta-analysis.
Lancet
2021;398:1053-64.

To read the full NIHR Alert, go to:
https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/people-of-all-ages-benefit-from-drugs-to-lower-blood-pressure/