bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting global ECD top‐down and bottom‐up
Authors: Oppong Seth
Published: June 2023

Early childhood science and intervention (ECSI) or simply early childhood development (ECD) is now a multi‐billion‐dollar industry that seeks to export one form of family model, parenting practices, and perspective of child development to the rest of the world. This practice occurs through the efforts of agencies such as the World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund, the World Bank Group, and the LEGO Foundation. As a result, Gabriel Scheidecker and colleagues (2023) are justified to characterize ECSI as global ECD that seeks to improve the brains of children in the majority world to break the vicious cycle of poverty. I complement Scheidecker et al.’s (2023) arguments by highlighting a key link that sustains global ECD—the academics and practitioners from the majority world who, knowingly or unknowingly, perpetuate this practice. In this commentary, I discuss why and how such academics and practitioners contribute to the practice of global ECD.
Exploring preferences of older adults for dental services: A pilot multi‐national discrete choice experiment
Authors: Chebib Najla , Holmes Emily , Maniewicz Sabrina , Abou‐Ayash Samir , Srinivasan Murali , McKenna Gerald , Kossioni Anastasia , Schimmel Martin , Müller Frauke , Brocklehurst Paul
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To pilot an exploration of older adults' future preferences using discrete choice experiments to understand who should provide dental examinations and treatment, where these services should be provided, and participants' willingness to pay and willingness to travel.

Background

The proportion of older adults in the general population is increasing and is recognised as a pressing public health challenge.

Materials and Methods

Older people aged 65 years and over were recruited into this study from the UK, Switzerland and Greece. Drawing on earlier stakeholder engagement, a set of choice experiments are developed to explore the future preferences of older people for dental examinations and dental treatment, as they anticipated losing their independence. These were presented to the participants using a range of platforms, because of the COVID pandemic. Data were analysed in STATA using a random‐effects logit model.

Results

Two hundred and forty‐six participants (median age 70 years) completed the pilot study. There was a strong preference across all countries for a dentist to undertake a dental examination (Greece: β = 0.944, Switzerland: β = 0.260, UK β = 0.791), rather than a medical doctor (Greece: β = −0.556, Switzerland: β = −0.4690, UK: β = −0.468). Participants in Switzerland and the UK preferred these examinations to be undertaken in a dental practice (Switzerland: β = 0.220, UK: β = 0.580) while participants in Greece preferred the dental examination to be undertaken in their homes (β = 1.172). Greek participants preferred dental treatment to be undertaken by a specialist (β = 0.365) in their home (β = 0.862), while participants from the UK and Switzerland preferred to avoid any dental treatment at home (Switzerland: β = −0.387; UK: β = −0.444). Willingness to pay analyses highlighted that participants in Switzerland and the UK were willing to pay more to ensure the continuity of future service provision at a family dental practice (Switzerland: β = 0.454, UK: β = 0.695).

Conclusion

Discrete choice experiments are valuable for exploring older people's preferences for dental service provision in different countries. Future larger studies should be conducted to further explore the potential of this approach, given the pressing need to design services that are fit for purpose for older people. Continuity of dental service provision is considered as important by most older people, as they anticipate losing their dependence.
Mechanical properties of hot‐pressed transparent platelet alumina
Authors: Schlup Andrew P. , Costakis William J. , Youngblood Jeffrey P. , Trice Rodney W.
Published: June 2023

The mechanical properties of transparent alumina densified by hot‐pressing platelet‐morphology powder were characterized and compared to samples using equiaxed (E) powder. The platelet alumina was prepared in two different starting orientations prior to hot‐pressing. In the first, the platelets were poured into the die in a non‐pre‐aligned (NPA) state. In the second, the platelets were pre‐aligned (PA) via a separate processing step. The characteristic strength of the NPA, PA, and E samples is 179, 206, and 207 MPA, respectively. The Weibull modulus of the NPA samples is m = 24, which is among the highest Weibull modulus reported for alumina. The Weibull modulus of the NPA samples is higher than the PA and E samples (m = 7 and m = 4, respectively) and is explained by a tighter grain size distribution. The Vickers hardness of the NPA, PA, and E samples were measured both parallel and perpendicular to the hot‐pressing direction, with values on the order of 17 GPa, and minimal differences among different samples types. However, the pre‐aligned samples exhibited hardness values nearly identical to sapphire in the corresponding crystallographic directions. This is due to the pre‐alignment procedure resulting in significant crystallographic orientation in the final sintered parts.
Evaluating collaborative scenarios for short food supply chains: a case study on high‐level processing technology
Authors: Van Parys Esther , Tran Duc , Sampers Imca , Benezech Thierry , Loveniers Pieter‐Jan , Devlieghere Frank , De Steur Hans , Gellynck Xavier , Schouteten Joachim J.
Published: June 2023

This study examined three collaborative scenarios for the implementation of a high‐level aseptic filling machine in small‐scale food processing for improved food safety in short food supply chains. A two‐stage research design was implemented, based on an exploration and evaluation phase. Two workshops were organised to conceptualise the following scenarios: mobile packaging, cooperative and individual ownership. A novel approach to the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats‐analytical hierarchy process methodology was used to compare stakeholder perceptions and preferences for different scenarios within one case study. Financial benefits played a key role in each collaborative scenario. The most suitable scenario was found to be the mobile packaging, offering flexibility and no initial investment cost while enabling collaborations. The cooperative scenario has the potential for centralised logistics and marketing while being conscious of its organisational structure. Individual ownership should also focus on centralised logistics and marketing while considering food safety and flexibility limitations.
Usage of online food delivery in food waste generation in China during the crisis of COVID‐19
Authors: Wei Liuchun , Prabhakar Guru , Duong Linh N. K.
Published: June 2023

This study connects food waste (FW) with online food delivery (OFD) service and aims to explore the impacts of the usage of OFD service on FW generation in China during the COVID‐19 lockdown period. Through responses from 123 consumers of OFD service in China, results show that the usage of OFD service did not accelerate FW generation in China during the COVID‐19 lockdown period. We found that consumers tended to order excessive food when using OFD services for some economic reasons before the pandemic, which was a significant driver behind FW generation in the OFD segment. However, most consumers admitted that they tended to stockpile food at the beginning of the lockdown period. Because of the impacts of COVID‐19 on consumer appetite and portion size, there was an overall decrease in FW generation during the COVID‐19 lockdown period in China. Therefore, it is suggested that restaurants provide adjusted portions of ordered food based on the scientific investigation or provide more pre‐packaged food for a long shelf‐life. Consequently, these measures will lead to less FW generation in the OFD service segment in China.
First identification and histopathological analysis of Lactococcus garvieae infection in whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei cultured in low salinity water
Authors: Ballantyne Rolissa , Lee Jai‐Wei , Liu Chun‐Hung
Published: June 2023

The isolation and characterization of bacterial species Lactococcus garvieae, previously unreported in whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, has now been identified in the species. The pathogen was recovered from an affected shrimp farm in southern Taiwan. Bacterial characterization first identified the isolate as Gram‐positive cocci, and biochemical profiles demonstrated that the causative agent of mortality was 97% L. garvieae. The bacterial cell DNA resulted in amplification of 1522 bp with 99.6% confirmation by PCR analysis. The phylogenetic tree revealed 100% evolutionary similarity among previously isolated strains. Experimental infection further confirmed higher susceptibility of whiteleg shrimp to L. garvieae in waters of lower salinity, particularly 5 ppt, than in higher salinity. Histopathological analysis showed severely damaged hepatopancreas with necrotized, elongated, collapsed tubules, dislodged membranes and granuloma formation in infected shrimp. Transmission electron microscopy observation indicated a hyaluronic acid capsular layer surrounding bacterial cell which is a virulence factor of L. garvieae and likely responsible for immunosuppression and higher mortality of shrimp cultured in lower salinity. Collectively, these findings report the first isolation of L. garvieae from whiteleg shrimp and shed new light on the disease that threatens the highly valuable species and accentuates the need for finding a solution.
In vitro phenotypic evidence for the utilization of iron from different sources and siderophores production in the fish pathogen Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi
Authors: Avendaño‐Herrera Ruben , Saldarriaga‐Córdoba Mónica , Echeverría‐Bugueño Macarena , Irgang Rute
Published: June 2023

Iron uptake during infection is an essential pathogenicity factor of several bacteria, including Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi, an emerging pathogen for salmonid and red conger eel (Genypterus chilensis) farms in Chile. Iron‐related protein families were recently found in eight T. dicentrarchi genomes, but biological studies have not yet confirmed functions. The investigation reported herein clearly demonstrated for the first time that T. dicentrarchi possesses different systems for iron acquisition—one involving the synthesis of siderophores and another allowing for the utilization of heme groups. Using 38 isolates of T. dicentrarchi and the type strain CECT 7612T, all strains grew in the presence of the chelating agent 2.2′‐dipyridyl (from 50 to 150 μM) and produced siderophores on chrome azurol S plates. Furthermore, 37 of the 38 T. dicentrarchi isolates used at least four of the five iron sources (i.e. ammonium iron citrate, ferrous sulfate, iron chloride hexahydrate, haemoglobin and/or hemin) when added to iron‐deficient media, although the cell yield was less when using hemin. Twelve isolates grew in the presence of hemin, and 10 of them used only 100 μM. Under iron‐supplemented or iron‐restricted conditions, whole cells of three isolates and the type strain showed at least one membrane protein induced in iron‐limiting conditions (c.a. 37.9 kDa), regardless of the isolation host. All phenotypic results were confirmed by in‐silico genomic T. dicentrarchi analysis. Future studies will aim to establish a relationship between iron uptake ability and virulence in T. dicentrarchi through in vivo assays.
Nodular gill disease in Northeastern Italy: An investigation on the prevalence of the disease and the risks of introduction in rainbow trout farms
Authors: Cocco Alessia , Toson Marica , Perolo Alberto , Casarotto Claudia , Franzago Eleonora , Brocca Ginevra , Verin Ranieri , Quaglio Francesco , Dalla Pozza Manuela , Bille Laura
Published: June 2023

Nodular Gill Disease (NGD) is an emerging pathogenic condition that causes gill damage and mainly affects farmed freshwater fish, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in particular, and this inevitably generates noticeable economic losses for the industry. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of NGD in the Autonomous Province of Trento, a highly productive area located in Northeastern Italy, traditionally suited to rainbow trout production, and to identify possible risk factors for the introduction of this disease in trout farms. The necessary data were obtained through a questionnaire and the collection of fish samples. According to the data analysis, 42% of the investigated farms tested positive for NGD. The two possible risk factors identified for its introduction in farms are the presence of other diseases in the same farm (OR = 17.5; 95% CI = 2.7; 111.5) and having farms located 5 km upstream (OR = 24.8; 95% CI = 2.9; 211.1). These results highlight (i) a possible impairment of the immune system caused by other diseases as a predisposing factor to the manifestation of the pathology and (ii) the role of water in spreading pathogens.
METTL14 is decreased and regulates m6A modification of α‐synuclein in Parkinson's disease
Authors: He Honghu , Zhang Qinxin , Liao Jiajia , Lei Jiang , Luo Man , Huang Jianyi , Chen Meiling , Shen Yuefei , Wang Jin , Xu Pingyi , Xiao Yousheng
Published: June 2023

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A), an emerging modification of messenger RNA, has been implicated in many biological processes. However, its role in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of m6A modification and its underlying mechanism in PD. First, 86 individuals with PD and 86 healthy controls were recruited from a pilot multicenter cohort. Levels of m6A and its modulators in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with PD and controls were measured using an m6A RNA methylation quantification kit and quantitative real‐time PCR. The underlying mechanism of m6A modification in PD was investigated in vitro through RNA immunoprecipitation assay, RNA stability assay, gene silencing or overexpression, western blot, and confocal immunoassay. The results show that mRNA levels of m6A, METTL3, METTL14, and YTHDF2 in patients with PD were significantly lower than in healthy controls, and METTL14 was the main factor involved in abnormal m6A modification. Area under the curve (AUC) analysis suggests METTL14 may provide excellent diagnostic capability for PD, especially when combined with plasma α‐synuclein (α‐syn). Spearman correlation analysis identified that METTL14 was moderately negatively correlated with plasma α‐syn and the motor function of PD. Mechanistic experiments demonstrated that Mettl14 targets and regulates the expression of the α‐syn gene using its methylation function. Overexpression of Mettl14 dramatically increased m6A modification of α‐syn mRNA and weakened its stability. Further results suggest that α‐syn mRNA was modified by Mettl14 binding of an m6A motif in the coding region of α‐syn mRNA, while the reading protein Ythdf2 was involved in recognizing m6A‐modified α‐syn mRNA. Taken together, our results reveal the potential of METTL14 as a novel diagnostic biomarker for PD and identify modification of pathogenic α‐syn protein by METTL14 via an m6A‐YTHDF2‐dependent mechanism.

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Combinatorial drug‐loaded quality by design adapted transliposome gel formulation for dermal delivery: In vitro and dermatokinetic study
Authors: Qadir Abdul , Ullah Shehla Nasar Mir Najib , Gupta Dipak Kumar , Khan Nausheen , Warsi Musarrat Husain , Kamal Mehnaz
Published: June 2023

Background

Ursolic acid is a powerful drug that possesses many therapeutic properties, such as hepatoprotection, immunomodulation, anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, antiulcer, and anticancer activity. Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (Umbelliferae) contains a triterpene called asiatic acid, which has been used effectively in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine system for centuries. Anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties are only some of the many pharmacological actions previously attributed to asiatic acid .

Aim

The present work developed an optimized combinatorial drug‐loaded nano‐formulation by Quality by design approach.

Materials and Methods

The optimize transliposome for accentuated dermal delivery of dual drug. The optimization of drug‐loaded transliposome was done using the “Box–Behnken design.” The optimized formulation was characterized for vesicles size, entrapment efficiency (%), and in vitro drug release. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and dermatokinetic study were performed for further evaluation of drug‐loaded optimized transliposome formulation.

Results

The optimized combinatorial drug‐loaded transliposome formulation showed a particle size of 86.36 ± 2.54 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) 0.230 ± 0.008, and an entrapment efficiency of 87.43 ± 2.66% which depicted good entrapment efficiency. In vitro drug release of ursolic acid and asiatic acid transliposomes was found to be 85.12 ± 2.54% and 80.23 ± 3.23%, respectively, as compared to optimized ursolic acid and asiatic acid transliposome gel drug release that was 67.18 ± 2.85% and 60.28 ± 4.12%, respectively. The skin permeation study of ursolic and asiatic acid conventional formulation was only 32.48 ± 2.42%, compared with optimized combinatorial drug‐loaded transliposome gel (79.83 ± 4.52%) at 12 h. After applying combinatorial drug‐loaded transliposome gel, rhodamine was able to more easily cross rat skin, as observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy, in comparison with when the rhodamine control solution was used.

Discussion

The UA_AA‐TL gel formulation absorbed more ursolic acid and asiatic acid than the UA_AA‐CF gel formulation, as per dermatokinetic study. Even after being incorporated into transliposome vesicles, the antioxidant effects of ursolic and asiatic acid were still detectable. In most cases, transliposomes vesicular systems generate depots in the skin's deeper layers and gradually release the medicine over time, allowing for fewer applications.

Conclusion

In overall our studies, it may be concluded that developed dual drug‐loaded transliposomal formulation has great potential for effective topical drug delivery for skin cancer.
Fractional picosecond laser for atrophic acne scars: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Jing , Duan Fangfang , Kuang Jie
Published: June 2023

Background

Conventional fractional lasers (FLs) are well‐established treatments for acne scars with some inevitable adverse events. Fractional picosecond laser (FPL) is increasingly used for acne scars.

Aims

To compare the efficacy and safety of FPL with non‐picosecond FLs for acne scars.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched. We also searched ClinicalTrials, WHO ICTRP, and ISRCTN websites. A meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the clinical improvement and adverse events after FPL compared with other FLs.

Results

Overall, seven eligible studies were included. Three physician evaluation systems showed no difference between FPL and other FLs in clinical improvement of atrophic acne scars (MD = 0.64, 95% CI:−9.67 to 10.94; MD = −0.14, 95% CI:‐0.71 to 0.43; RR = 0.81, 95% CI:0.32 to 2.01). Patient‐assessed effectiveness was also not significantly different between FPL and other FLs (RR = 1.00, 95% CI:0.69 to 1.46). Although temporary pinpoint bleeding was more common after FPL (RR = 30.33, 95% CI:6.14 to 149.8), the incidence of post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and pain level were lower for FPL (RR = 0.16, 95% CI:0.06 to 0.45; MD = −1.99, 95% CI:−3.36 to −0.62). Additionally, edema severity after treatment did not differ between the two groups (MD = −0.35, 95% CI:−0.72 to 0.02). As for the duration of erythema, no difference between FPL and nonablative FL groups (MD = −1.88, 95% CI:−6.28 to 2.51).

Conclusions

FPL seems similar to other FLs regarding clinical improvement of atrophic acne scars. With lower PIH risk and pain scores, FPL is more suitable for acne scar patients prone to PIH or sensitive to pain.
The impact of safety culture, quality of care, missed care and nurse staffing on patient falls: A multisource association study
Authors: Alanazi Faisal Khalaf , Lapkin Samuel , Molloy Luke , Sim Jenny
Published: June 2023

Aims

To examine the association between nursing unit safety culture, quality of care, missed care and nurse staffing levels, and inpatient falls using two data sources: incidence of falls and nurses' perceptions of fall frequency in their units. The study explores the association between the two sources of patient falls and identifies if nurses' perceptions of patient fall frequency reflect the actual patient falls recorded in the incident management system.

Background

Inpatient falls are associated with severe complications that result in extended hospitalisation and increased financial consequences for patients and healthcare services.

Design

A multi‐source cross‐sectional study guided by the STROBE guidelines.

Methods

A purposive sample of 33 nursing units (619 nurses) from five hospitals completed an online survey from August to November 2021. The survey measured safety culture, quality of care, missed care, nurse staffing levels and nurses' perceptions of patient fall frequency. In addition, secondary data on falls from participating units between 2018 and 2021 were also collected. Generalised linear models were fitted to examine the association between study variables.

Results

Nursing units with strong safety climate and working conditions and lower missed care were associated with lower rates of falls using both data sources. Nurses' perceptions of the frequency of falls in their units were reflective of the actual incidence rate of falls, but the association was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Nursing units with a strong safety climate and better collaborations between nurses and other professionals, including physicians and pharmacists, were associated with lower incidents of patient falls.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study provided evidence for healthcare services and hospital managers to minimise patient falls.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients who had experienced a fall, which was reported in the incident management system, from the included units in the five hospitals were part of this study.
The Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum effector RipE1 is recognized at the plasma membrane by NbPtr1, the Nicotiana benthamiana homologue of Pseudomonas tomato race 1
Authors: Kim Boyoung , Kim Injae , Yu Wenjia , Li Meng , Kim Haseong , Ahn Ye Jin , Sohn Kee Hoon , Macho Alberto P. , Segonzac Cécile
Published: June 2023

The bacterial wilt disease caused by soilborne bacteria of the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) threatens important crops worldwide. Only a few immune receptors conferring resistance to this devastating disease are known so far. Individual RSSC strains deliver around 70 different type III secretion system effectors into host cells to manipulate the plant physiology. RipE1 is an effector conserved across the RSSC and triggers immune responses in the model solanaceous plant Nicotiana benthamiana. Here, we used multiplexed virus‐induced gene silencing of the nucleotide‐binding and leucine‐rich repeat receptor family to identify the genetic basis of RipE1 recognition. Specific silencing of the N. benthamiana homologue of Solanum lycopersicoides Ptr1 (confers resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato race 1) gene (NbPtr1) completely abolished RipE1‐induced hypersensitive response and immunity to Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum. The expression of the native NbPtr1 coding sequence was sufficient to restore RipE1 recognition in Nb‐ptr1 knockout plants. Interestingly, RipE1 association with the host cell plasma membrane was necessary for NbPtr1‐dependent recognition. Furthermore, NbPtr1‐dependent recognition of RipE1 natural variants is polymorphic, providing additional evidence for the indirect mode of activation of NbPtr1. Altogether, this work supports NbPtr1 relevance for resistance to bacterial wilt disease in Solanaceae.
Conventional and contemporary approaches for drought tolerance rice breeding: Progress and prospects
Authors: Anilkumar C , Sah Rameswar Prasad , Beena Radha , Azharudheen TP Muhammed , Kumar Awadesh , Behera Sasmita , Sunitha NC , Pradhan SK , Reshmi Raj KR , C Parameswaran , Marndi BC , Singh Anil Kumar
Published: June 2023

Drought is becoming a major threat to rice farming across the globe owing to the depletion of water tables in rice‐growing belts. Drought affects rice plants at multiple stages, causing damage at morphological and physio‐biochemical levels, leading to severe losses that exceed losses from all other stresses. The amalgamation of conventional breeding methods with modern molecular biology tools and biometrical methods could help accelerate the genetic gain for drought tolerance in rice. Many drought‐tolerance traits with genetic determinants have been identified and exploited for tolerance rice variety breeding. The integration of genome‐wide association study and genomic selection tools with speed breeding shortened the breeding cycle and aided in rapid improvement of genetic gain. In this review, we emphasized the progress made through classical breeding as well as the limitations and usefulness of current genomic methods in improving drought tolerance. We briefly addressed methods for identifying genetic determinants for drought tolerance and deploying them through genomics‐assisted breeding programmes to develop high‐yielding drought‐tolerant rice cultivars.
Genetic control underlying the flowering‐drought tolerance trade‐off in the Antarctic plant Colobanthus quitensis
Authors: Galleguillos Carolina , Acuña‐Rodríguez Ian S. , Torres‐Díaz Cristian , Gundel Pedro E. , Molina‐Montenegro Marco A.
Published: June 2023

Plants inhabiting environments with stressful conditions often exhibit a low number of flowers, which can be attributed to the energetic cost associated with reproduction. One of the most stressful environments for plants is the Antarctic continent, characterized by limited soil water availability and low temperatures. Induction of dehydrins like those from the COR gene family and auxin transcriptional response repressor genes (IAAs), which are involved in floral repression, has been described in response to water stress. Here, we investigated the relationship between the water deficit‐induced stress response and the number of flowers in Colobanthus quitensis plants collected from populations along a latitudinal gradient. The expression levels of COR47 and IAA12 genes in response to water deficit were found to be associated with the number of flowers. The relationship was observed both in the field and growth chambers. Watering the plants in the growth chambers alleviated the stress and stimualted flowering, thereby eliminating the trade‐off observed in the field. Our study provides a mechanistic understanding of the ecological constraints on plant reproduction along a water availability gradient. However, further experiments are needed to elucidate the primary role of water availability in regulating resource allocation to reproduction in plants inhibiting extreme environments.
Songwashing: Russian Popular Music, Distraction, and Putin’s Fourth Term
Authors: Biasioli Marco
Published: June 2023

This article investigates how the Russian state apparatus, in its diverse, loose, and undercoordinated points of affiliation, used contemporary popular music to its own advantage during Vladimir Putin’s fourth term and before the full‐scale war in Ukraine. I propose that the different state branches’ efforts at appropriating music in order to distract audiences can be grouped into a single, novel framework of “songwashing.” This entails the state utilization of the allure of music to cover up domestic political issues, such as problems with legitimation, civic discontent, and minority rights, while promoting a different, positive image abroad. Following two case studies—the 2019 summer festivals Shashlik Live and Meat & Beat in Moscow, and Tajik‐born singer Manizha’s participation in the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest—the article also assesses how songwashing mechanisms are exposed and resisted.
Obedience to authorities is not unconditional: Differential effects of COVID‐19 threat on three facets of RWA in Poland and Germany
Authors: Bilewicz Michał , Bulska Dominika , Winiewski Mikołaj , Fritsche Immo
Published: June 2023

Collective authoritarian responses to threat might differ depending on whether people trust collective authorities in reducing threat. Thus, we tested the differential effects of epidemic threat on three facets of right‐wing authoritarianism, in Germany (a country with high authorities' efficacy in responses to COVID‐19) and Poland (low authorities' efficacy context). Two representative sample longitudinal studies performed in Poland (N = 892) and Germany (N = 883) showed that in Germany feelings of COVID‐19 threat explained increases in authoritarian submission and (to a lesser extent) authoritarian aggression, whereas in Poland such feelings of threat explained changes in authoritarian aggression and conventionalism after the pandemic, but did not alter authoritarian submission. These findings suggest that specific authoritarian reactions to threat (submissive vs. conventionalist) might depend on the general trust in authorities' ability to respond to crises.
Exploring plant cis‐regulatory elements at single‐cell resolution: overcoming biological and computational challenges to advance plant research
Authors: Mendieta John Pablo , Sangra Ankush , Yan Haidong , Minow Mark A. A. , Schmitz Robert J.
Published: June 2023

Cis‐regulatory elements (CREs) are important sequences for gene expression and for plant biological processes such as development, evolution, domestication, and stress response. However, studying CREs in plant genomes has been challenging. The totipotent nature of plant cells, coupled with the inability to maintain plant cell types in culture and the inherent technical challenges posed by the cell wall has limited our understanding of how plant cell types acquire and maintain their identities and respond to the environment via CRE usage. Advances in single‐cell epigenomics have revolutionized the field of identifying cell‐type‐specific CREs. These new technologies have the potential to significantly advance our understanding of plant CRE biology, and shed light on how the regulatory genome gives rise to diverse plant phenomena. However, there are significant biological and computational challenges associated with analyzing single‐cell epigenomic datasets. In this review, we discuss the historical and foundational underpinnings of plant single‐cell research, challenges, and common pitfalls in the analysis of plant single‐cell epigenomic data, and highlight biological challenges unique to plants. Additionally, we discuss how the application of single‐cell epigenomic data in various contexts stands to transform our understanding of the importance of CREs in plant genomes.
Long‐term outcome of autologous fascia lata grafting with conjunctival flap overlay in horses with ulcerative keratitis and keratomalacia
Authors: Hoerdemann Mona , Yarbrough Thomas
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To describe the technique, postoperative complications, and outcome after autologous fascia lata grafting with conjunctival flap overlay in horses with ulcerative keratitis and keratomalacia.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Eleven horses with ulcerative keratitis and keratomalacia.

Methods

Horses included had undergone fascia lata grafting with conjunctival flap overlay due to impending or recent corneal perforation. Preceding therapy, lesion characteristics, postoperative complications, and short‐ and long‐term outcomes were recorded.

Results

Postoperative complications included complete (1/11) or partial (2/11) dehiscence of the conjunctival flap and fascia lata graft, postoperative pneumonia (1/11), intermittent hypercreatinemia (2/11) and mild uveitis after trimming of the conjunctival flap (9/10). The donor sites healed without complications (11/11). A satisfactory short‐term outcome (at cessation of medical therapy) was achieved in all horses (11/11).

Long‐term follow‐up (median 29 months, range 7–127 months) was available for 10/11 horses. A comfortable eye with functional vision was achieved in 9/10 horses with long‐term follow‐up, including 3/4 horses with prior corneal perforation and 1/11 horses in which the fascia lata graft completely dehisced 15 days after surgery. Enucleation was required in a single horse (1/10) after phthisis bulbi developed 7 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

Fascia lata grafting with conjunctival flap overlay appears to be a viable solution for globe preservation in horses with ulcerative keratitis and keratomalacia. Long‐term ocular comfort with functional visual outcomes can be achieved in most cases with limited concerns for donor site morbidity while bypassing acquisition, storage or lesion‐size limitations related to other biomaterials.
Modulation of the substrate specificity of the kinase PDK1 by distinct conformations of the full-length protein
Authors: Sacerdoti Mariana , Gross Lissy Z. F. , Riley Andrew M. , Zehnder Karin , Ghode Abhijeet , Klinke Sebastián , Anand Ganesh Srinivasan , Paris Kristina , Winkel Angelika , Herbrand Amanda K. , Godage H. Yasmin , Cozier Gyles E. , Süß Evelyn , Schulze Jörg O. , Pastor-Flores Daniel , Bollini Mariela , Cappellari María Victoria , Svergun Dmitri , Gräwert Melissa A. , Aramendia Pedro F. , Leroux Alejandro E. , Potter Barry V. L. , Camacho Carlos J. , Biondi Ricardo M.
Published: June 2023

The activation of at least 23 different mammalian kinases requires the phosphorylation of their hydrophobic motifs by the kinase PDK1. A linker connects the phosphoinositide-binding PH domain to the catalytic domain, which contains a docking site for substrates called the PIF pocket. Here, we used a chemical biology approach to show that PDK1 existed in equilibrium between at least three distinct conformations with differing substrate specificities. The inositol polyphosphate derivative HYG8 bound to the PH domain and disrupted PDK1 dimerization by stabilizing a monomeric conformation in which the PH domain associated with the catalytic domain and the PIF pocket was accessible. In the absence of lipids, HYG8 potently inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt (also termed PKB) but did not affect the intrinsic activity of PDK1 or the phosphorylation of SGK, which requires docking to the PIF pocket. In contrast, the small-molecule valsartan bound to the PIF pocket and stabilized a second distinct monomeric conformation. Our study reveals dynamic conformations of full-length PDK1 in which the location of the linker and the PH domain relative to the catalytic domain determines the selective phosphorylation of PDK1 substrates. The study further suggests new approaches for the design of drugs to selectively modulate signaling downstream of PDK1.
In Vitro
Susceptibility of
Achromobacter
Species Isolated from Cystic Fibrosis Patients: a 6-Year Survey
Authors: Olbrecht Margo , Echahidi Fedoua , Piérard Denis , Peeters Charlotte , Vandamme Peter , Wybo Ingrid , Demuyser Thomas
Published: June 2023

We conducted
in vitro
antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 267
Achromobacter
isolates for 16 antibiotics from 2017 to 2022. The highest susceptibility was found for piperacillin-tazobactam (70%) and ceftazidime-avibactam (62%).
Biological and Structural Analyses of New Potent Allosteric Inhibitors of HIV-1 Integrase
Authors: Bonnard Damien , Le Rouzic Erwann , Singer Matthew R. , Yu Zhe , Le Strat Frédéric , Batisse Claire , Batisse Julien , Amadori Céline , Chasset Sophie , Pye Valerie E. , Emiliani Stéphane , Ledoussal Benoit , Ruff Marc , Moreau François , Cherepanov Peter , Benarous Richard
Published: June 2023

HIV-1 integrase-LEDGF allosteric inhibitors (INLAIs) share the binding site on the viral protein with the host factor LEDGF/p75. These small molecules act as molecular glues promoting hyper-multimerization of HIV-1 IN protein to severely perturb maturation of viral particles.
Prevalence and Load of the Campylobacter Genus in Infants and Associated Household Contacts in Rural Eastern Ethiopia: a Longitudinal Study from the Campylobacter Genomics and Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (CAGED) Project
Authors: Deblais Loïc , Ojeda Amanda , Brhane Mussie , Mummed Bahar , Hassen Kedir A. , Ahmedo Belisa Usmael , Weldesenbet Yenenesh Demisie , Amin Jafer Kedir , Ahmed Ibsa Abdusemed , Usmane Ibsa Aliyi , Yusuf Efrah Ali , Seran Abadir Jemal , Abrahim Fayo I. , Game Halengo T. , Mummed Ballo A. , Usmail Meri M. , Umer Kunuza Adem , Dawid Mawardi M. , Gebreyes Wondwossen , French Nigel , Hassen Jemal Yousuf , Roba Kedir Teji , Mohammed Abdulmuen , Yimer Getnet , Saleem Cyrus , Chen Dehao , Singh Nitya , Manary Mark J. , McKune Sarah L. , Havelaar Arie H. , Rajashekara Gireesh
Published: June 2023

A high
Campylobacter
prevalence during early childhood has been associated with environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) and stunting, especially in low-resource settings. Our previous study demonstrated that
Campylobacter
was frequently found (88%) in children from eastern Ethiopia; however, little is known about potential
Campylobacter
reservoirs and transmission pathways leading to infection of infants by
Campylobacter
during early growth.
Complete Genome Sequence of Anaerostipes hadrus JCM 17467
T
Authors: Koike Kazuyoshi , Tourlousse Dieter M. , Hamajima Mayu , Sekiguchi Yuji
Published: June 2023

We report a complete genome sequence of
Anaerostipes hadrus
JCM 17467
T
. The genome consists of a circular chromosome of 2,804,089 bp, with a G+C content of 37.3%. The genome was predicted to contain 21 rRNA genes, 65 tRNA genes, and 2,675 protein-coding sequences.
Clinically relevant antibiotic resistance in
Escherichia coli
from black kites in southwestern Siberia: a genetic and phenotypic investigation
Authors: Tarabai Hassan , Krejci Simon , Karyakin Igor , Bitar Ibrahim , Literak Ivan , Dolejska Monika
Published: June 2023

Wild birds including raptors can act as vectors of clinically relevant bacteria with antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant
Escherichia coli
in black kites (
Milvus migrans
) inhabiting localities in proximity to human-influenced environments in southwestern Siberia and investigate their virulence and plasmid contents. A total of 51
E. coli
isolates mostly with multidrug resistance (MDR) profiles were obtained from cloacal swabs of 35 (64%,
n
= 55) kites. Genomic analyses of 36 whole genome sequenced
E. coli
isolates showed: (i) high prevalence and diversity of their antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and common association with ESBL/AmpC production (27/36, 75%), (ii) carriage of
mcr-1
for colistin resistance on IncI2 plasmids in kites residing in proximity of two large cities, (iii) frequent association with class one integrase (IntI1, 22/36, 61%), and (iv) presence of sequence types (STs) linked to avian-pathogenic (APEC) and extra-intestinal pathogenic
E. coli
(ExPEC). Notably, numerous isolates had significant virulence content. One
E. coli
with APEC-associated ST354 carried
qnrE1
encoding fluoroquinolone resistance on IncHI2-ST3 plasmid, the first detection of such a gene in
E. coli
from wildlife. Our results implicate black kites in southwestern Siberia as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant
E. coli
. It also highlights the existing link between proximity of wildlife to human activities and their carriage of MDR bacteria including pathogenic STs with significant and clinically relevant antibiotic resistance determinants.

IMPORTANCE

Migratory birds have the potential to acquire and disperse clinically relevant antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and their associated antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through vast geographical regions. The opportunistic feeding behavior associated with some raptors including black kites and the growing anthropogenic influence on their natural habitats increase the transmission risk of multidrug resistance (MDR) and pathogenic bacteria from human and agricultural sources into the environment and wildlife. Thus, monitoring studies investigating antibiotic resistance in raptors may provide essential data that facilitate understanding the fate and evolution of ARB and ARGs in the environment and possible health risks for humans and animals associated with the acquisition of these resistance determinants by wildlife.
Effects of Bedaquiline Combined with Fluoroquinolone and/or Clofazimine on QT Interval in Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Rong , Ma Jin-Bao , Yang Hong , Yang Han , Yang Xin-Jun , Wu Yan-Qin , Ren Fei
Published: June 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. The emergence of MDR-TB is caused by an organism that is resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin and is currently considered the major challenge for the global control of TB.
Causal associations between type 1 diabetes and COVID-19 infection and prognosis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ma Xin-Ling , Shi Qi-Yun , Zhao Qi-Gang , Xu Qian , Yan Shan-Shan , Han Bai-Xue , Fang Chen , Zhang Lei , Pei Yu-Fang
Published: June 2023

Introduction

It has been suggested that type 1 diabetes was associated with increased COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. However, their causal relationship is still unclear. Herein, we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal effect of type 1 diabetes on COVID-19 infection and prognosis.

Research design and methods

The summary statistics of type 1 diabetes were obtained from two published genome-wide association studies of European population, one as a discovery sample including 15 573 cases and 158 408 controls, and the other data as a replication sample consisting of 5913 cases and 8828 controls. We first performed a two-sample MR analysis to evaluate the causal effect of type 1 diabetes on COVID-19 infection and prognosis. Then, reverse MR analysis was conducted to determine whether reverse causality exists.

Results

MR analysis results showed that the genetically predicted type 1 diabetes was associated with higher risk of severe COVID-19 (OR=1.073, 95% CI: 1.034 to 1.114, pFDR=1.15×10−3) and COVID-19 death (OR=1.075, 95% CI: 1.033 to 1.119, pFDR=1.15×10−3). Analysis of replication dataset showed similar results, namely a positive association between type 1 diabetes and severe COVID-19 (OR=1.055, 95% CI: 1.029 to 1.081, pFDR=1.59×10−4), and a positively correlated association with COVID-19 death (OR=1.053, 95% CI: 1.026 to 1.081, pFDR=3.50×10−4). No causal association was observed between type 1 diabetes and COVID-19 positive, hospitalized COVID-19, the time to the end of COVID-19 symptoms in the colchicine treatment group and placebo treatment group. Reverse MR analysis showed no reverse causality.

Conclusions

Type 1 diabetes had a causal effect on severe COVID-19 and death after COVID-19 infection. Further mechanistic studies are needed to explore the relationship between type 1 diabetes and COVID-19 infection and prognosis.
Cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring to predict periventricular-intraventricular haemorrhage and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yao , Liu Dengjun , Mao Yanxia , Gao Qian , Xiong Tao
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Periventricular-intraventricular haemorrhage (PV-IVH) is one of the major cause of mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental sequela in preterm infants born at less than 32 weeks of gestation. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring can detect brain tissue oxygen saturation changes before the occurrence of PV-IVH in the early postnatal period. However, the time window for NIRS monitoring, the absolute value or change value of brain tissue oxygen saturation, and the accuracy of NIRS in predicting PV-IVH and its neurodevelopmental outcomes has not been systematically reviewed. In this review, we will investigate the diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity and accuracy) of NIRS in predicting PV-IVH, its severity and outcomes.

Methods and analysis

Literature will be searched in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases without limitation of region or time of publication. All published literature without language restrictions, including randomised/quasicontrolled trials and observational studies, will be considered. Studies providing index test values (the absolute value or change value of oxygen saturation using NIRS) will be included. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies (DTA) process will be followed for writing. The risk of bias will be assessed according to the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. The outcomes will be the diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity and accuracy) of NIRS in predicting PV-IVH, long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes and infant mortality. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool will be used to evaluate the quality of the evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

In this systematic review, data will be collected from published articles for collation and analysis, without a separate ethical review.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022316080.
Cross-country skiers often experience respiratory symptoms during and after exercise but have a low prevalence of prolonged cough
Authors: Mäki-Heikkilä Rikhard , Koskela Heikki , Karjalainen Jussi , Parkkari Jari , Huhtala Heini , Valtonen Maarit , Lehtimäki Lauri
Published: June 2023

Background

Cross-country skiers train and compete during the winter for long periods of time in subfreezing conditions, which strains the airways and provokes respiratory symptoms. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of exercise-related symptoms and prolonged cough in competitive cross-country skiers versus the general population and to investigate the association between these symptoms and asthma.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to Finnish cross-country skiers (n=1282) and a random sample of the general population (n=1754), with response rates of 26.9% and 19.0%, respectively.

Results

Both groups were mostly asymptomatic at rest, but symptoms were increased in both groups during and after exercise. Cough was more prevalent after exercise in skiers and phlegm production was more common during and after exercise in skiers. Asthma did not provoke specific symptoms, but symptom prevalence was higher in asthmatic individuals. Skiers had a higher prevalence of cough after exercise (60.6% vs 22.8%, p<0.001) compared with controls, but controls had a higher prevalence of prolonged cough (4.1% vs 9.6%, p=0.004). In participants without asthma, cold air triggered symptoms more often in skiers than controls, while strong odours triggered symptoms more often in asthmatic controls than skiers. Chronic cough lasting more than 8 weeks was rare, reported by 4.8% of controls and 2.0% of skiers.

Conclusion

Cross-country skiers, especially those with asthma, experience a higher burden of exercise-related respiratory symptoms compared with controls. However, repeated exposure to cold air does not appear to result in long-term hypersensitivity of the cough reflex arc.