bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DJ‐1 regulates astrocyte activation through miR‐155/SHP‐1 signaling in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Xue Ying , Wang Yuan , Chen Tianyi , Peng Li , Wang Chenglong , Xue Guijun , Yu Shanshan
Published: September 2024

Reactive astrocyte activation in the context of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury gives rise to two distinct subtypes: the neurotoxic A1 type and the neuroprotective A2 type. DJ‐1 (Parkinson disease protein 7, PARK7), originally identified as a Parkinson's disease‐associated protein, is a multifunctional anti‐oxidative stress protein with molecular chaperone and signaling functions. SHP‐1 (Src homology 2 domain‐containing phosphatase‐1) is a protein tyrosine phosphatase closely associated with cellular signal transduction. miR‐155 is a microRNA that participates in cellular functions by regulating gene expression. Recent studies have uncovered the relationship between DJ‐1 and astrocyte‐mediated neuroprotection, which may be related to its antioxidant properties and regulation of signaling molecules such as SHP‐1. Furthermore, miR‐155 may exert its effects by influencing SHP‐1, providing a potential perspective for understanding the molecular mechanisms of stroke. A middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model and an oxygen–glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model were established to simulate focal cerebral I/R injury in vivo and in vitro, respectively. The in vivo interaction between DJ‐1 and SHP‐1 has been experimentally validated through immunoprecipitation. Overexpression of DJ‐1 attenuates I/R injury and suppresses miR‐155 expression. In addition, inhibition of miR‐155 upregulates SHP‐1 expression and modulates astrocyte activation phenotype. These findings suggest that DJ‐1 mediates astrocyte activation via the miR‐155/SHP‐1 pathway, playing a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury. Our results provide a potential way for exploring the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke and present promising targets for pharmacological intervention.

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Oncological outcomes and risk factors for recurrence of mucinous borderline ovarian tumors: A 15‐year experience at a tertiary center
Authors: Poonyakanok Vitcha , Warnnissorn Malee , Chaopotong Pattama
Published: September 2024

Background

The most common subtype of borderline ovarian tumors in Asia is mucinous borderline ovarian tumors (mBOTs). Intraoperative distinction from mucinous carcinoma can be difficult. Despite the indolent behavior of mBOTs, recurrence or metastases may occur. The objectives of this study were to determine the oncological outcomes of mBOTs and the risk factors for their recurrence.

Results

This retrospective study enrolled patients with mBOTs treated or referred to our institution between January 2005 and December 2019. Histological reviews of the recurrent cases (primary and recurrent or metastatic tumors) were performed. Patients with other tumor subtypes, pseudomyxoma peritonei, or no in‐house operation were excluded. Two hundred thirty‐two patients were diagnosed with mBOTs. The median follow‐up was 52 months. Six patients (2.58%) had tumor recurrence or metastasis. The risk factors for recurrence were a ruptured tumor, residual tumor after an operation, high serum CA19‐9 level, and stage of the disease. The recurrence rates of fertility‐sparing and radical surgery were not significantly different. Detailed surgical staging, intraepithelial carcinoma, and microinvasion were also not associated with disease recurrence.

Conclusions

mBOTs have an excellent prognosis. Currently, fertility‐sparing surgery is the standard treatment, showing no significant difference in oncological outcomes compared to radical surgery. Patients with risk factors should be closely monitored.
Effects of hot desert weathering on highly siderophile elements in ordinary chondrites
Authors: Almas Kiran Shahood , Ash Richard D. , Walker Richard J.
Published: September 2024

Over 20,000 meteorites have been recovered from hot deserts. The effects of hot desert weathering upon highly siderophile elements (HSE) have been little studied. We have investigated the effects of neutral to mildly acidic leaching of three L6‐type ordinary chondrites of different weathering grades on HSE concentrations and Re‐Os isotopic systematics. We have characterized the bulk sample HSE patterns of these meteorites and conducted leaching experiments with progressively longer leaching times to determine the possible effects of long‐term residence in a desert. The most weathered sample (NWA 14239) displayed greater HSE concentration homogeneity than the other samples and released lower quantities of HSEs during leaching. Water leaching was milder than acetic acid and did not significantly modify the Re‐Os isotopic systematics of the residue relative to the bulk sample of NWA 869. Short‐term leachates of the less weathered samples (Viñales and NWA 869) were characterized by low 187Os/188Os ratios, indicating the preferential dissolution of early solar system–formed phases such as non‐magnetic chondrules and matrix with low Re/Os that are no longer intact in the most weathered sample. Of the HSE, Pd is most resistant to both water and acetic acid leaching, with a maximum removal of ~5% Pd, while Re, Os, and Ir are most mobile with up to 40% removal.
Chromatic acclimation in cyanobacteria renders robust photosynthesis and fitness in dynamic light environment: Recent advances and future perspectives
Authors: Mondal Soumila , Pandey Deepa , Singh Shailendra P.
Published: September 2024

Cyanobacteria are photoautotrophic organisms that use light and water as a source of energy and electrons, respectively, to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide and release oxygen as a by‐product during photosynthesis. However, photosynthesis and fitness of organisms are challenged by seasonal and diurnal fluctuations in light environments. Also, the distribution of cyanobacteria in a water column is subject to changes in the light regime. The quality and quantity of light change significantly in low and bright light environments that either limit photochemistry or result in photoinhibition due to an excess amount of light reaching reaction centers. Therefore, cyanobacteria have to adjust their light‐harvesting machinery and cell morphology for the optimal harvesting of light. This adjustment of light‐harvesting involves remodeling of the light‐harvesting complex called phycobilisome or incorporation of chlorophyll molecules such as chlorophyll d and f into their light‐harvesting machinery. Thus, photoacclimation responses of cyanobacteria at the level of pigment composition and cell morphology maximize their photosynthetic ability and fitness under a dynamic light environment. Cyanobacteria exhibit different types of photoacclimation responses that are commonly known as chromatic acclimation (CA). In this work, we discuss different types of CA reported in cyanobacteria and present a molecular mechanism of well‐known type 3 CA where phycoerythrin and phycocyanin of phycobilisome changes according to light signals. We also include other aspects of type 3 CA that have been recently studied at a molecular level and highlight the importance of morphogenes, cytoskeleton, and carboxysome proteins. In summary, CA gives a unique competitive benefit to cyanobacteria by increasing their resource utilization ability and fitness.
Exploring sex differences in cardiac interoceptive accuracy using the phase adjustment task
Authors: Spooner Ria , Bird Jonathan M. , Irigoras Izagirre Nerea , Clemente Rhea , Fernandez Fueyo Elisa , Budworth Gemma , Cocirla Dorina , Todd Jennifer , Aspell Jane , Leganes Mateo , Watling Dawn , Plans David , Brewer Rebecca , Murphy Jennifer
Published: September 2024

Previous evidence suggests males and females differ with respect to interoception—the processing of internal bodily signals—with males typically outperforming females on tasks of interoceptive accuracy. However, interpretation of existing evidence in the cardiac domain is hindered by the limitations of existing tools. In this investigation, we pooled data from several samples to examine sex differences in cardiac interoceptive accuracy on the phase adjustment task, a new measure that overcomes several limitations of the existing tools. In a sample of 266 individuals, we observed that females outperformed males, indicative of better cardiac interoceptive accuracy, but had lower confidence than males. These results held after controlling for sex differences in demographic, physiological and engagement factors. Importantly, these results were specific to the measure of cardiac interoceptive accuracy. No sex differences were observed for individuals who completed the structurally identical screener task, although a similar pattern of results was observed in relation to confidence. These surprising data suggest the presence of a female advantage for cardiac interoceptive accuracy and potential differences in interoceptive awareness (metacognition). Possible reasons for mixed results in the literature, as well as implications for theory and future research, are discussed.
‘A child who implores your clemency from his mother's womb’: emotion, inclusion and the unborn Condé child (1656)
Authors: Coons Jim
Published: September 2024

In the Fronde's aftermath, the treason and flight of the ‘Grand’ Prince of Condé Louis II de Bourbon raised pointed questions about belonging and community in Louis XIV's France, and news of his wife's 1656 pregnancy while in exile in Flanders further complicated those issues. The ambiguities surrounding the child's subjecthood, nobility and royalty were instantly apparent. Was it possible to preserve the status of a child of cadet royalty, conceived outside France by a father found guilty of lèse‐majesté and banished from the kingdom, presently leading Spanish armies? If it were a son, could the putative prince of royal blood claim a place in the line of succession? In the months of uncertainty before the child's birth, the Condé faction schemed to address vexing questions of inheritance, succession and fundamental terms of belonging. The issues they raised and the pathos‐laden tactics they pursued reveal key features of France's cultural, legal and affective landscape in the tumultuous years between the Fronde and the Sun King's ‘personal reign’, when modern notions of citizenship and nationality had just begun to take shape.
Kenelm Digby's logic of common and natural notions
Authors: Lærke Mogens
Published: September 2024

In this article, I take a fresh look at the logic of common and natural notions contained in the Two Treatises published in 1644 by Kenelm Digby (1603–1665). Digby's doctrine of common notions was an attempt to retrofit Aristotelianism in order to bring it out of the shadows of scholasticism and into the age of the new experimental and collaborative natural philosophy. To achieve that, he argued that natural philosophy began in the world of experience expressed in common language and was structured according to the basic principles he calls common notions. Taking my point of departure in his correspondence with Hobbes and Mersenne, I explore the Epicurean roots of this theory.
Voter attitudes and politicians with health conditions and disabilities
Authors: Magni Gabriele , Reynolds Andrew
Published: September 2024

Background

Millions of Americans live with chronic health conditions and disabilities. While disability and disabling conditions are common in the United States, the number of politicians and candidates with disclosed disabilities or chronic health conditions remains extremely low.

Objectives

This study examines what drives the lack of descriptive representation of individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions. In particular, it examines whether disability bias, or more specifically ableism, drives voter bias against politicians with health challenges and disabilities.

Methods

The analysis relies on two original surveys with samples of American respondents that match Census quotas on key indicators. The first survey was administered to more than 1800 U.S. respondents in 2018. The second survey was administered to 6345 U.S. respondents in 2020. The approach combines observational and experimental data, as well as quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Results

The findings reveal that voters are significantly less likely to support candidates with disclosed disabilities or health conditions. Mental illness and HIV face the strongest discrimination, while physical challenges due to birth conditions like wheelchair usage and dwarfism are the least penalized. A combination of prejudice, negative character assessment, and electability concerns drive voter bias.

Conclusion

Understanding the barriers to the election of politicians with disabilities and chronic health conditions is crucial to improve the representation of marginalized communities, as descriptive representation improves public policy outcomes for marginalized communities.
Geometry of Selberg's bisectors in the symmetric space SL(n,R)/SO(n,R)$SL(n,\mathbb {R})/SO(n,\mathbb {R})$
Authors: Du Yukun
Published: September 2024

I study several problems about the symmetric space associated with the Lie group . These problems are connected to an algorithm based on Poincaré's Fundamental Polyhedron Theorem, designed to determine generalized geometric finiteness properties for subgroups of . The algorithm is analogous to the original one in hyperbolic spaces, while the Riemannian distance is replaced by an ‐invariant premetric. The main results of this paper are twofold. In the first part, I focus on questions that occurred in generalizing Poincaré's Algorithm to my symmetric space. I describe and implement an algorithm that computes the face‐poset structure of finitely sided polyhedra, and construct an angle‐like function between hyperplanes. In the second part, I study further questions related to hyperplanes and Dirichlet–Selberg domains in my symmetric space. I establish several criteria for the disjointness of hyperplanes and classify particular Abelian subgroups of based on whether their Dirichlet–Selberg domains are finitely sided or not.
ХОРОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ СТРУКТУРА РОДА CAREX L. КАЗАХСТАНСКОГО АЛТАЯ
Authors: Сатеков Е.Я.
Published: September 2024

Род Carex L. (Cyperaceae Juss.) – один из самых многочисленных и сложных в систематическом отношении родов. По современным данным он насчитывает в своем составе более 2000 таксонов. Осоки произрастают в пустынях, степях и лесах, на равнинах и в горах.
В естественно-историческом отношении Казахстанский Алтай представляет собой хорошо выраженную географическую единицу со сложной геологической историей. Это своеобразный климатический, геоморфологический и ботанико-географический район, отличающийся своим развитием от сопредельных природных областей, характеризуется огромным разнообразием природных условий: от горных тундр до опустыненных предгорных степей Южного Алтая. Казахстанский Алтай, расположенный в центре Азиатского континента, испытывает влияние климатических условий Центральноазиатских пустынь, степных просторов Казахстана и юга Западной Сибири. В связи с чем, Казахстанский Алтай обладает огромным разнообразием видов растений и растительных сообществ. Флора высших сосудистых растений Казахстанского Алтая по последним данным насчитывает 2434 вида, в том числе осок – 71 вид (2,9%).
Ареал рода Carex L. охватывает территорию всех континентов, за исключением Антарктиды и принадлежит к небольшому числу родов цветковых растений, являющихся космополитами.
В результате распределения по группам ареалов, проведенного на основе имеющихся данных о современном распространении рода Carex L. на территории Казахстанского Алтая нами выявлено 10 групп ареалов. Главенствующее место в спектре видов осок Казахстанского Алтая занимает голарктическая группа ареалов –включает виды, ареал которых распространяется на территории Азии, Европы и Северной Америки в пределах Голарктического царства. Таких видов 27 (38,0%).
На втором месте евразийский тип ареала – он объединяет виды, распространенные в азиатской части и в европейских провинциях Голарктического царства. Таких видов 23 (32,4%), среди них преобладают собственно евразийские – 20 видов (28,2%), евро-западноазиатский геоэлементы – 2 вида (2,8%), евро-сибирский – объединяющий виды, встречающиеся на территории Западной и Восточной Европы и на территории Сибири – 1 вид (1,4%).
Азиатская группа ареалов имеет следующую структуру: собственно азиатских – объединяющих виды, распространенные в пределах азиатской части Голарктики – 8 (11,3%), западноазиатских –охватывает Западную Сибирь, где проходит восточная граница ареала, Казахстан, Среднюю Азию – 3 вида (4,2%). Доля североазиатских (сибирских), а также представителей восточноазиатских и центральноазиатских – незначительна – по 2 вида (2,8%).
Мультиригиональный ареал имеют 4 вида (5,6%).
Таким образом, хорологическую структуру рода Carex L. на территории Казахстанского Алтая определяют виды с голарктическим (38,0%) и евразийским (32,4%) типами ареалов, а также при участии азиатских (11,3%) и мультиригиональных (5,6%) видов.
THE DSRNA BASED GREEN PESTICIDES FOR THE CONTROL OF COLORADO POTATO BEETLE, LEPTINOTARSA DECEMLINEATA SAY (CHRYSOMELIDAE: COLEOPTERA)
Authors: Tariq H. , Gökçe A. , Naqqash M. , Bakhsh A.
Published: September 2024

Potato is strongly believed as a strategic crop from a food security point of view worldwide. However, the crop is constantly exposed to the threat of insect pests and diseases. Among these pests, Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is notorious pest, larvae and aphid incur significant yield losses and even result in zero economic yield in certain circumstances. Furthermore, CPB has developed resistance against chemical insecticides that are widely adopted worldwide. There is a dire need to develop an alternate approach to control CPB. RNA interference (RNAi) serves as a versatile genetic tool capable of selectively inhibiting the expression of specific genes, providing a promising avenue for preventing crops from being infested by insect pests and diseases. In our recent projects, we employed RNAi against Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) and achieved excellent results. The double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) were synthesized using L4440 vector in Escherichia coli HT115 strain to silence the L. decemlineata Vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase), Ultra spiracle protein (USP), Ecdysone receptor (EcR), Cuticle protein, GSS and p450 mRNAs which are essential for a range of physiological and developmental processes. The results revealed that RNAi increased mortality rates, significant effects on larval weight gain, reduced foliage consumption, and suppression of egg-laying behavior in L. decemlineata. The targeted downregulation of gene expression, as evidenced by reduced mRNA levels, confirmed the efficacy of RNAi. Additionally, combining dsUSP and dsEcR showed a synergistic effect, demonstrating the greatest mortality rate recorded at 90% in larvae, with 88% reduction in the number of laid eggs compared to their individual applications in feeding bioassays. This study shows that employing RNAi technology has the potential to effectively control this devastating potato pest by providing a targeted approach to suppress its population.
ПРАКТИЧЕСКИЙ ОПЫТ СЕКВЕНИРОВАНИЯ ХЛОРОПЛАСТНЫХ ГЕНОМОВ КОРОТКИМИ РИДАМИ
Authors: Шевцов А.Б. , Ержанова Н.С. , Амиргазин А.О. , Тұрсұнбай Н.Е.
Published: September 2024

Хлоропласты (пластиды) представляют собой растительные органеллы с автономной кольцевой молекулой ДНК размером от 72 до 217 тысяч пар нуклеотидов,  кодирующей около 130 генов вовлеченных в фотосинтез. Хотя геномы хлоропластов содержат высококонсервативные гены, необходимые для роста и развития растений, они также содержат вариабельные области, т.е. межгенные области и структурные вариации внутри генов, что отражает важную эволюционную информацию растений. Полные последовательности генома хлоропластов могут быть использованы для эволюционных исследований внутри и между различными группами растений.
Для полногеномного секвенирования хлоропластных геномов (хпДНК) применяется две стратегии: амплификация всего генома хлоропластов из тотальной ДНК с использованием длинной полимеразной цепной реакции (ПЦР) и прямое выделение хпДНК из свежего растительного материала с последующим секвенированием с использованием высокопропускных секвенаторов. В последнем случае качество и чистота выделенной хлоропластной ДНК напрямую влияет на полученный результат. Предложен ряд методов для отделения хлоропластов и выделения ДНК. Некоторые методы, такие как центрифугирование хлоропластов в градиенте с сахарозой требуют наличия дорогостоящего оборудования, а методы основанные на применение ДНКаз не всегда эффективны. На наш взгляд, осаждение хлоропластов в растворах с повышенной ионной силой позволяет получить достаточно очищенные препараты хлоропластной ДНК пригодные для секвенирвоания на NGS платформах. Детальный протокол описан в работе Shi C. с соавторами (2012).
За период 2023 года сотрудниками Национального центра биотехнологии было проведено выделение хпДНК из листьев 71 одного вида растений. Концентрация ДНК в 1 мкл раствора варьировала от 2,4 до 32,1 нг, что достаточно для секвенирвоания на MiSeq (Illumina).
Секвенирование 14 образцов позволило получить от 1,2 до 2 млн. ридов на образец. Картирование ридов на собранный хлоропластный геном показывает целевое секвенирвоание на уровне 50-86%.
Применяемая технология может быть использована для изучения и подтверждения таксономического статуса высших сосудистых растений Казахстана.
Nationalism and Anti-LGBTQ+: Exploring the Role of Nationalism in Soccer Fans’ Protests Against LGBTQ+ Equal Rights
Authors: Grodecki Mateusz , Szczepańska Dagmara , Pasamonik Barbara
Published: September 2024

This paper examines the role of nationalism in Polish soccer fans’ protests in resistance to LGBTQ+ equal rights. Drawing on data from semistructured interviews with 22 nationalist activists, namely ideological leaders of hard-core soccer supporters’ community, who shape the ultras’ nationalist discourse, the study explores their rationalizations behind anti-LGBTQ+ demonstrations. By recognizing nationalism as an ideological background, our study goes beyond theories of masculinity, a dominating way of explaining discrimination against sexual minorities in sports (fandom) to date, and it identifies a wider set of rationalizations, conceptualized in two broader models: (1) naturalist rationalizations, and (2) the counter-counterhegemonic rationalizations, which include three more specific themes—(2a) anti-antihegemonic masculinity (2b) anti-Western and (2c) anti-leftist.
Prefrontal synaptic regulation of homeostatic sleep pressure revealed through synaptic chemogenetics
Authors: Sawada Takeshi , Iino Yusuke , Yoshida Kensuke , Okazaki Hitoshi , Nomura Shinnosuke , Shimizu Chika , Arima Tomoki , Juichi Motoki , Zhou Siqi , Kurabayashi Nobuhiro , Sakurai Takeshi , Yagishita Sho , Yanagisawa Masashi , Toyoizumi Taro , Kasai Haruo , Shi Shoi
Published: September 2024

Sleep is regulated by homeostatic processes, yet the biological basis of sleep pressure that accumulates during wakefulness, triggers sleep, and dissipates during sleep remains elusive. We explored a causal relationship between cellular synaptic strength and electroencephalography delta power indicating macro-level sleep pressure by developing a theoretical framework and a molecular tool to manipulate synaptic strength. The mathematical model predicted that increased synaptic strength promotes the neuronal “down state” and raises the delta power. Our molecular tool (synapse-targeted chemically induced translocation of Kalirin-7, SYNCit-K), which induces dendritic spine enlargement and synaptic potentiation through chemically induced translocation of protein Kalirin-7, demonstrated that synaptic potentiation of excitatory neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) increases nonrapid eye movement sleep amounts and delta power. Thus, synaptic strength of PFC excitatory neurons dictates sleep pressure in mammals.
Gut microbe may ward off altitude sickness
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: September 2024

Finding adds to evidence that one set of gut bacteria has diverse benefits
Increased intracellular H
2
S levels enhance iron uptake in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Nonoyama Shouta , Maeno Shintaro , Gotoh Yasuhiro , Sugimoto Ryota , Tanaka Kan , Hayashi Tetsuya , Masuda Shinji
Published: September 2024

We investigated the impact of intracellular hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S) hyperaccumulation on the transcriptome of
Escherichia coli
. The wild-type (WT) strain overexpressing
mstA
, encoding 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase, produced significantly higher H
2
S levels than the control WT strain. The
mstA
-overexpressing strain exhibited increased resistance to antibiotics, supporting the prior hypothesis that intracellular H
2
S contributes to oxidative stress responses and antibiotic resistance. RNA-seq analysis revealed that over 1,000 genes were significantly upregulated or downregulated upon
mstA
overexpression. The upregulated genes encompassed those associated with iron uptake, including siderophore synthesis and iron import transporters. The
mstA
-overexpressing strain showed increased levels of intracellular iron content, indicating that H
2
S hyperaccumulation affects iron availability within cells. We found that the H
2
S-/supersulfide-responsive transcription factor YgaV is required for the upregulated expression of iron uptake genes in the
mstA
-overexpression conditions. These findings indicate that the expression of iron uptake genes is regulated by intracellular H
2
S, which is crucial for oxidative stress responses and antibiotic resistance in
E. coli
.

IMPORTANCE

H
2
S is recognized as a second messenger in bacteria, playing a vital role in diverse intracellular and extracellular activities, including oxidative stress responses and antibiotic resistance. Both H
2
S and iron serve as essential signaling molecules for gut bacteria. However, the intricate intracellular coordination between them, governing bacterial physiology, remains poorly understood. This study unveils a close relationship between intracellular H
2
S accumulation and iron uptake activity, a relationship critical for antibiotic resistance. We present additional evidence expanding the role of intracellular H
2
S synthesis in bacterial physiology.
Gill-associated ammonia oxidizers are widespread in teleost fish
Authors: Mes Wouter , Lücker Sebastian , Jetten Mike S.M. , Siepel Henk , Gorissen Marnix , van Kessel Maartje A.H.J.
Published: September 2024

Recent advances in sequencing methods have greatly expanded the knowledge of teleost-associated microorganisms. While fish-gut microbiomes are comparatively well studied, less attention has gone toward other, external organ-microbiome associations. Gills are particularly interesting to investigate due to their functions in gas exchange, osmoregulation, and nitrogen excretion. We recently discovered a branchial symbiosis between nitrogen-cycling bacteria and teleosts (zebrafish and carp), in which ammonia-oxidizing
Nitrosomonas
and denitrifying bacteria together convert toxic ammonia excreted by the fish into harmless dinitrogen (N
2
) gas. This symbiosis can function as a “natural biofilter” in fish gills and can potentially occur in all ammonotelic fish species, but it remains unknown how widespread this symbiosis is. In this study, we analyzed all publicly available gill microbiome data sets and checked for the presence of
Nitrosomonas
. We discovered that more than half of the described fish gill microbiomes contain 16S rRNA gene sequences of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). The presence of gill-specific AOB was shown in both wild and aquacultured fish, as well as in marine and freshwater fish species. Based on these findings, we propose that ammonia oxidizers are widespread in teleost fish gills. These gill-associated AOB can significantly affect fish nitrogen excretion, and the widespread nature of this association suggests that the gill-associated AOB can have similar impacts on more fish species. Future research should address the contribution of these microorganisms to fish nitrogen metabolism and the fundamental characteristics of this novel symbiosis.

IMPORTANCE

Recent advances in sequencing have increased our knowledge of teleost-associated microbiota, but the gill microbiome has received comparatively little attention. We recently discovered a consortium of nitrogen-cycling bacteria in the gills of common carp and zebrafish, which are able to convert (toxic) ammonia into harmless dinitrogen gas. These microorganisms thus function as a natural nitrogen biofilter. We analyzed all available gill microbiome data sets to determine how widespread gill-associated ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) are. More than half of the data sets contained AOB, representing both aquacultured and wild fish from freshwater and marine habitats. In total, 182 amplicon sequencing variants were obtained, of which 115 were found specifically in the gills and not the environmental microbiomes. As gill-associated AOB are apparently widespread in teleost fish, it is important to study their impact on host nitrogen excretion and the potential to reduce ammonia accumulation in (recirculating) aquaculture of relevant fish species.
Irreversible neurological manifestations in undiagnosed disseminated gonococcal infection
Authors: Lin Andrea , Julien Justine , Mauney Sarah , Grogan James
Published: September 2024

Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes a common sexually transmitted infection with manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to urethritis and pelvic inflammatory disease to disseminated infections including septic arthritis. Serious complications may arise in unrecognised or inappropriately treated infections.

We report a young, healthy woman who developed fever and joint pain and was diagnosed with an inflammatory arthritis. After starting immune suppressing treatments, she experienced right wrist drop and progressive muscle atrophy, joint contractures and sensory loss. Electrodiagnostic studies showed patchy, mixed neurogenic and myopathic features. Areas of muscle oedema on extremity MRI led to a right brachioradialis biopsy, which showed only nonspecific changes. Other testing, including lumbar puncture and MRI of the brain/spine was noncontributory. Additional history revealed unprotected intercourse with a new partner prior to symptom onset. Urine gonorrhoeae PCR was positive, and right shoulder arthrocentesis confirmed septic arthritis. After intravenous antibiotic treatment with ceftriaxone, she demonstrated slow, incomplete symptomatic improvement.
Familial catamenial coronary spasms
Authors: de Groot Elisabeth A A , van Heerebeek Loek , Vink Maarten A , Kuipers Remko S
Published: September 2024

Coronary artery spasms represent important causes of myocardial ischaemia and infarction in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease. They are notably seen in younger people and occur almost equally in men and women. Besides traditional risk factors (ie, smoking), female hormones might also play a role.

We report of two young sisters who presented with myocardial infarction caused by catamenial coronary spasms (CS), that is, during menstruation. In one of these women, this resulted in heart failure with a severely reduced ejection fraction and ultimately a heart transplant because of intractable ventricular arrhythmias.

CS might result from changing hormone levels (especially oestrogen) during menstruation. Increased awareness of the occurrence of catamenial CS is essential for diagnosis and consequent treatment with coronary vasodilators and/or specific oestrogen/progesterone regimens.
Extravascular lipoma over the subclavian vein
Authors: Thariq Ajmal Imran , Thiyagarajan Amrithraj , Anand Felix , Muralidhar Venkiteswaran
Published: September 2024

A rare instance of extravascular lipomas located over the subclavian vein in a woman in her early 60s presented unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their close proximity to critical structures. Lipomas, which are the most commonly occurring benign soft tissue tumours, are typically composed of mature adipocytes. Although lipomas can develop in any region of the body, they are most commonly found in the subcutaneous tissues of the trunk and proximal limbs. Extravascular lipomas, especially those near major blood vessels like the subclavian vein, are extremely uncommon.

In this particular case, the tumour was extensively in contact with the right subclavian vein, though there was no intravascular involvement. The lipomatous tumour was successfully excised during surgery, with the subclavian vein and surrounding structures being preserved. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a benign lipoma. This case highlights the significance of early diagnosis, meticulous surgical planning and multidisciplinary collaboration to achieve the best possible outcomes.
RidStress 2 randomised controlled trial protocol: an Australian phase III clinical trial of intrapartum sildenafil citrate or placebo to reduce emergency caesarean birth for fetal distress in women with small or suboptimally grown infants at term (≥37 weeks)
Authors: Triggs Tegan , Badawi Nadia , Crawford Kylie , Liley Helen , Lehner Christoph , Nugent Rachael , Kristensen Karl , da Silva Costa Fabrício , Tarnow-Mordi William , Kumar Sailesh
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Small for gestational age (SGA) infants are at increased risk of fetal distress in labour requiring emergency operative birth (by caesarean section (CS), vacuum or forceps). We have previously shown that maternal oral sildenafil citrate (SC) in labour halves the need for operative birth for suspected fetal distress in women with appropriately grown term infants.

Methods and analysis

RidStress 2 is a phase III randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of 660 women with an SGA or suboptimally grown fetus (estimated fetal weight or abdominal circumference<10th centile for gestational age) planning a vaginal birth at term. The trial will determine whether oral intrapartum SC (50 mg eight hourly) reduces the relative risk of emergency CS for fetal distress compared with placebo. The primary outcome is CS for fetal distress, and the secondary outcomes are any operative birth for fetal distress, cost-effectiveness of SC treatment and 2-year childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes. To detect a 33% reduction in the primary outcome from 30% to 20% for an alpha of 0.05 and power of 80% with 10% dropout, requires approximately 660 women (330 in each arm). This sample size will also yield >90% power to detect a similar reduction for the secondary outcome of any operative birth (CS or instrumental vaginal birth) for fetal distress.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was granted by the Mater Misericordiae Limited Human Research Ethics Committee (EC00332) on 11 September 2020. We plan to disseminate the results of this randomised controlled trial through presentations at scientific meetings and peer-reviewed journals, adhering to all relevant reporting guidelines.

Trial registration number

RidStress 2 is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000354886, 29/03/2021) and the Therapeutic Goods Association of Australia (date registered: 16 March 2021).
Developmental characteristics and control effects of myopia and eye diseases in children and adolescents: a school-based retrospective cohort study in Southwest China
Authors: Tang Wenyi , Tan Tao , Lin Jiang , Wang Xin , Ye Bo , Zhou Lina , Zhao Danni , Liu Ling , Zou Lingyun
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To characterise the prevalence of myopia and eye diseases among school adolescents and children in Southwest China, and to evaluate the effectiveness of myopia control tools.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Across 95 basic education institutions in Southwest China.

Participants

96 146 children aged 3–17 years from a school-based survey conducted between 2019 and 2021.

Primary outcome measures

The data of vision assessment and eye disease examination of school students were analysed, including a total of four surveys once per semester. The prevalence of myopia categorised as low (−0.5D to −3.0D), moderate (−3.0D to −6.0D) and high (≥−6.0D), along with the prevalence of significant ocular diseases, was assessed. Stratified analyses were conducted to investigate the impact of correction time on visual acuity (VA) and biological parameters. Subsequently, the subjects across the groups were matched using the nearest neighbour method, followed by multidimensional statistical analysis.

Results

The prevalence of myopia among the surveyed students was 38.39%. After controlling for confounding variables, the statistical analysis revealed a 0.1 increase in mean VA within the orthokeratology group and a 0.1 decrease in VA within the spectacle group (p<0.001), with statistically significant differences in corneal radius, corneal curvature and equivalent spherical lens (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated a statistically significant reduction in VA in the ophthalmopathy group compared with the control group (p=0.031). Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the risk of eye disease during vision correction was greater among older students than their younger counterparts (OR>1), and that female students exhibited a higher risk than male students (OR=1.5).

Conclusions

The current high prevalence of myopia and eye diseases among Southwest China’s school youths demands public health attention. Minors wearing orthokeratology lenses at night, especially in primary school, exhibit significantly improved naked-eye vision. However, vigilant eye healthcare during the correction period is crucial, especially for girls.
Enhancing patient participation in discharge medication communication: a feasibility pilot trial
Authors: Tobiano Georgia , Manias Elizabeth , Chaboyer Wendy , Latimer Sharon L , Teasdale Trudy , Wren Kellie , Jenkinson Kim , Marshall Andrea P
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To pilot test a co-designed intervention that enhances patient participation in hospital discharge medication communication.

Design

Pilot randomised controlled trial.

Setting

One tertiary hospital.

Participants

Patients who were ≥45 years of age; ≥1 chronic illness and ≥1 regularly prescribed medication that they manage at home were recruited between October 2022 and May 2023. Healthcare professionals on participating units completed surveys.

Intervention

The co-designed intervention included three websites: a medication search engine, a medication question builder and tools to facilitate medication management at home. Inpatient posters contained QR codes to provide access to these websites.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcomes were the feasibility of study processes and intervention acceptability. Feasibility of study processes was measured in terms of recruitment, fidelity, retention, missing data and contamination. Patients in the intervention group and healthcare professionals on the wards self-reported intervention acceptability. Secondary outcomes were medication understanding, use, self-efficacy and healthcare utilisation.

Results

60 patients were recruited and randomised; half in each study group. The intervention was largely delivered as intended, and 99.7% of data collected was complete. In total, 16/59 (27.1%) patients were lost to follow-up 28 days after hospital discharge, and 3 patients in the usual care group reported that they saw the intervention poster prior to hospital discharge. 21 of 24 intervention group patients (87.5%) deemed the intervention acceptable, while half of the healthcare professionals (n=5, 50%) thought it was acceptable.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that in a future definitive trial, intervention fidelity would be high with little missing data, and patients would likely find the intervention acceptable. Thus, a larger trial may be warranted, as the intervention is implementable and approved by patients. However, additional strategies to increase recruitment and retention of eligible participants are needed. Healthcare professionals may require more preparation for the intervention to enhance their perceptions of intervention acceptability.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12622001028796.
Healthcare service utilisation among adults with coronary artery disease in rural Aluva, South India: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Mohandas Neeraj Vinod , Vijayakumar Krishnapillai , Sreedevi Aswathy , George Neethu , Menon Jaideep , Dinesh Avani , Mohandas Vinod
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To assess the pattern and determinants of healthcare service utilisation among adults with coronary artery disease (CAD) in a rural setting in Kerala, India.

Design

A community-based cross-sectional analysis conducted within a study cohort.

Setting

The study was conducted from January 2022 to March 2022 within the ENDIRA Cohort (Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases In Rural Areas) in the rural part of Aluva municipality of Ernakulam district, Kerala, India, which comprises five adjacent panchayats with a population of approximately 100, 000 individuals.

Participants

Patients with CAD aged 35–80 years from the ENDIRA cohort with a history of at least one event of myocardial infarction in the past decade.

Outcome measures

The main outcome measured was the inadequacy of healthcare service utilisation among patients with CAD. The factors evaluated included age, gender, socioeconomic status, insurance, out of pocket expenses, choice of health care facility for follow up, distance from health centre as well as reported alcohol use, tobacco use and healthcare satisfaction

Results

The study encompassed 623 participants with a mean age of 65.12 (±8.55) years, of whom 71% were males. The prevalence of inadequate utilisation of health services was 58.7%. The independent predictors of underutilisation included reported alcohol consumption (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.36; 95% CI 1.41 to 3.95), living more than 20 km from healthcare facilities (AOR 1.96; 95% CI 1.14 to 3.37) as well as the preferences for specific doctors and adequate services at healthcare facilities (AOR 3.43; 95% CI 1.46 to 8.04). The patients with monthly CAD medication expenses exceeding Rs4000 had 0.26 times lesser odds to underuse healthcare services (AOR 0.26; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.65).

Conclusion

The study reveals a suboptimal pattern of healthcare service utilisation among patients with CAD. Ensuring community access to standardised, high-quality follow-up care is crucial for enhancing healthcare utilisation following CAD.
Cohort profile: the ADAPT study, a prospective study of pregnancy preferences, pregnancy, and health and well-being in the southwestern USA
Authors: Rocca Corinne H , Gould Heather , Gonzalez Elizabeth , Foster Diana G , Muñoz Isabel , Parra Miriam , Ralph Lauren J
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Significant methodological shortcomings limit the validity of prior research on pregnancy decision-making and the effects of ‘unintended’ pregnancies on people’s health and well-being. The Attitudes and Decisions After Pregnancy Testing (ADAPT) study investigates the consequences for individuals unable to attain their pregnancy and childbearing preferences using an innovative nested prospective cohort design and novel conceptualisation and measurement of pregnancy preferences.

Participants

This paper describes the characteristics of the ADAPT Study Cohort, comprised of 2015 individuals aged 15–34 years, assigned female at birth, recruited between 2019 and 2022 from 23 health facilities in the southwestern USA.

Findings to date

The cohort was on average 25 years old. About 59% identified as Hispanic/Latine, 21% as white, and 8% as black, 13% multiracial or another race. Over half (56%) were nulliparous. About 32% lived in a household with income <100% of the federal poverty level. A significant minority (37%) reported a history of a depressive, anxiety or other mental health disorder diagnosis, and 30% reported currently experiencing moderate or severe depressive symptoms. Over one-quarter (27%) had ever experienced physical intimate partner violence, and almost half (49%) had ever experienced emotional abuse. About half (49%) had been diagnosed with a chronic health condition, and 37% rated their physical health as fair or poor. The 335 (17%) participants who experienced incident pregnancy over 1 year were similar to selected non-pregnant matched comparison participants in terms of age, racial and ethnic identity, and parity but were more likely to live with a main partner than comparison participants.

Future plans

We will continue to follow participants who experienced incident pregnancy and non-pregnant comparison participants until 2026. Analyses will examine pregnancy decision-making and investigate differences in health and well-being by prepregnancy pregnancy desires and feelings after the discovery of pregnancy, offering new insights into the consequences of not attaining one’s reproductive preferences.

Trial registration number

NCT03888404
.
Physicians’ training and patient education initiative to improve quality of care decision communication at the emergency department
Authors: Briedé Saskia , van Charldorp Tessa C , Peerden Joppe P , Kaasjager Karin AH
Published: September 2024

Background

Discussions about care decisions, including code status documentation and advance care planning, are crucial components of patient-centred care. However, due to numerous barriers, these discussions are often avoided by both physicians and patients. As a result, these discussions often take place at the emergency department (ED). We aimed to improve the quality of care decision conversations in the internal medicine ED.

Methods

This pre–post intervention study was conducted at the internal medicine ED of a tertiary hospital in the Netherlands. Two interventions were implemented simultaneously: physician training and patient education. Physician training included an e-learning module and simulated patient sessions. Patients received a leaflet providing information about care decisions. Primary outcome was patient satisfaction with the care decision discussions, assessed using the Quality of Communication questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included the percentage of patients recalling a care decision discussion, initiator of the discussion, leaflet recall, leaflet evaluation, prior care decision discussions and perceived appropriate timing for discussions.

Results

333 patients participated, 149 before and 184 after the interventions. Postintervention, there were significant improvements in patient-reported quality of care decision communication (p<0.001) and more patients recalled having care decision discussions (63.7% vs 45.9%, p=0.001). However, only 12% of patients recalled receiving the leaflet.

Conclusions

Implementation of physician training and patient education significantly improved the quality of care decision conversations in our internal medicine ED. Despite low leaflet recall, the interventions demonstrated a notable impact on patient satisfaction with care decision discussions. Future research could explore alternative patient education methods and involve other healthcare professionals in initiating discussions. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance communication in healthcare settings, particularly in emergency care.