bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identity and well‐being in the skilled crafts and trades
Authors: Binder Martin , Blankenberg Ann‐Kathrin
Published: March 2022

We analyze the extent to which occupational identity is conducive to worker well‐being. Using a unique survey data set of individuals working in the German skilled crafts and trades (2017–2018, n = 757), we use a novel occupational identity measure that captures identity more broadly than just referring to organizational identification and social group membership, but rather comprises personal and relational elements inherent in one's work. The latter are linked to significant social interactions a worker has in their job and the former to specific work characteristics of the work conducted itself. We find that higher job satisfaction is related to a stronger sense of occupational identity in our sample. This relationship is quite sizable and robust across model specifications, whereas income is not associated with job satisfaction in most models. Occupational identity is positively associated with a number of work characteristics, viz. task significance, task and skill variety, as well as social support, and our analysis shows that identity mediates the influence of these characteristics with regard to job satisfaction.
Automated image localization to support rapid building reconnaissance in a large‐scale area
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Dyke Shirley J. , Lenjani Ali , Bilionis Ilias , Zhang Xin , Choi Jongseong
Published: March 2022

Collecting massive amounts of image data is a common way to record the postevent condition of buildings, to be used by engineers and researchers to learn from that event. Key information needed to interpret the image data collected during these reconnaissance missions is the location within the building where each image was taken. However, image localization is difficult in an indoor environment, as GPS is not generally available because of weak or broken signals. To support rapid, seamless data collection during a reconnaissance mission, we develop and validate a fully automated technique to provide robust indoor localization while requiring no prior information about the condition or spatial layout of an indoor environment. The technique is meant for large‐scale data collection across multiple floors within multiple buildings. A systematic method is designed to separate the reconnaissance data into individual buildings and individual floors. Then, for data within each floor, an optimization problem is formulated to automatically overlay the path onto the structural drawings providing robust results, and subsequently, yielding the image locations. The end‐to‐end technique only requires the data collector to wear an additional inexpensive motion camera, thus, it does not add time or effort to the current rapid reconnaissance protocol. As no prior information about the condition or spatial layout of the indoor environment is needed, this technique can be adapted to a large variety of building environments and does not require any type of preparation in the postevent settings. This technique is validated using data collected from several real buildings.
A case of restless legs syndrome after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Ito Hisashi , Kuroki Takahiro , Horiuchi Shigeto , Shinya Yuichi
Published: March 2022

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) can be secondary to several disorders. We present an 87‐year‐old woman who developed RLS 2 days after the first injection of BNT162b2 mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine. The symptoms of RLS tended to improve and eventually resolved with the administration of gabapentin.
Petrocosmea purpureomaculata sp. nov. and P. wui sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from Yunnan, China with additions to P. coerulea and P. parryorum
Authors: Han Meng‐Qi , Ya Ji‐Dong , Li Chao‐Qun , Cai Jie
Published: March 2022

Two new species of Petrocosmea (Gesneriaceae), P. purpureomaculata M.Q. Han, J. Cai & J. D. Ya from Jinping County and P. wui M.Q. Han, J. Cai & J. D. Ya from Eshan County, Yunnan Province, China, are described and illustrated. Petrocosmea wui was previously misidentified as P. coerulea due to its shield‐shaped leaf base, but can be distinguished by several salient characters. Petrocosmea purpureomaculata is most similar to but distinguishable from P. parryorum. Additions and revisions of previously published descriptions of P. coerulea and P. parryorum, are also provided.
Modern mannan: a hemicellulose's journey
Authors: Voiniciuc Cătălin
Published: March 2022

Hemicellulosic polysaccharides built of β‐1,4‐linked mannose units have been found throughout the plant kingdom and have numerous industrial applications. Here, I review recent advances in the biosynthesis and modification of plant β‐mannans. These matrix polymers can associate with cellulose bundles to impact the mechanical properties of plant fibers or biocomposites. In certain algae, mannan microfibrils even replace cellulose as the dominant structural component of the cell wall. Conversely, patterned galactoglucomannan found in Arabidopsis thaliana seed mucilage significantly modulates cell wall architecture and abiotic stress tolerance despite its relatively low content. I also discuss the subcellular requirements for β‐mannan biosynthesis, the increasing number of carbohydrate‐active enzymes involved in this process, and the players that continue to be puzzling. I discuss how cellulose synthase‐like enzymes elongate (gluco)mannans in orthogonal hosts and highlight the discoveries of plant enzymes that add specific galactosyl or acetyl decorations. Hydrolytic enzymes such as endo‐β‐1,4‐mannanases have recently been involved in a wide range of biological contexts including seed germination, wood formation, heavy metal tolerance, and defense responses. Synthetic biology tools now provide faster tracks to modulate the increasingly‐relevant mannan structures for improved plant traits and bioproducts.
Plant‐specific small peptide AtZSP1 interacts with ROCK1 to regulate organ size in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zeng Yuejuan , Tang Yu , Shen Simin , Zhang Man , Chen Liqun , Ye De , Zhang Xueqin
Published: March 2022

Organ size is an important agronomic trait. Small peptides function in various stages of plant growth, but their regulatory mechanisms in organ growth remain poorly understood.

Here, we characterize a novel small peptide, AtZSP1, which positively regulates organ size in Arabidopsis. Loss‐of‐function mutant atzsp1‐1 exhibited small organs, whereas AtZSP1 overexpression plants (p35S:AtZSP1#1) produced larger organs. Differentially expressed genes in the shoots of atzsp1‐1 and p35S:AtZSP1#1 were enriched in the cytokinin pathway. Further analysis on shoots of atzsp1‐1 showed that endogenous cytokinin levels were significantly reduced, consistent with reduced expression of the cytokinin response genes ARR5/6/7 and a decrease in pARR5:GUS activity. By contrast, cytokinin levels were elevated in p35S:AtZSP1#1. These results indicate that AtZSP1 affects shoot size via changes in cytokinin levels.

AtZSP1 is ubiquitously expressed and encodes a 57‐amino acid endomembrane‐associated protein that is highly conserved among plant species. AtZSP1 interacts with ROCK1 at the endomembrane. Genetic analysis confirmed that the small organs and low cytokinin levels in atzsp1‐1 shoots are partially suppressed by the rock1‐4 mutation, suggesting that AtZSP1 may function in a common pathway with ROCK1 to antagonistically regulate organ growth.

Our study identified an unknown small peptide, AtZSP1, and defined its function in regulating organ size in Arabidopsis.
Prognostic significance of CircRNAs expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Linfeng , Wang Mingfei , Ren Wenhao , Li Shaoming , Zhi Keqian , Gao Ling , Zheng Jingjing
Published: March 2022

This systematic review was aimed to comprehensively evaluate the clinicopathological and prognostic value of dysregulated expression of circRNAs in OSCC. The research was carried out by searching mainstream electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, and Cochrane Library to collect relevant studies on prognostic role of circRNAs in OSCC. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between circRNAs expression, overall survival (OS), disease/recurrence/progression survival (DFS/RFS/PFS), and clinical parameters. This research included 1813 patients from 26 selected articles. The pooled HR values (95% CIs) in OS were 2.38 (1.92–2.93) for oncogenic circRNAs and 0.43 (0.28–0.66) for tumor‐suppressor circRNAs, respectively, in DFS/RFS/PFS were 2.34 (1.73–3.17). The meta‐analysis on clinicopathology features showed higher level of oncogenic circRNAs is related to advanced TNM stage, tumor stage, worse histological differentiation, positive lymph node and distant metastasis, while enforced expression of tumor‐suppressor circRNAs is related to inferior TNM stage, tumor stage and lymphatic metastasis. In conclusion, our meta‐analysis implies that circRNAs may be candidate biomarkers for the prognosis and clinicopathology of OSCC.
Assembly history modulates vertical root distribution in a grassland experiment
Authors: Alonso‐Crespo Inés M. , Weidlich Emanuela W. A. , Temperton Vicky M. , Delory Benjamin M.
Published: March 2022

The order of arrival of plant species during assembly can affect the structure and functioning of grassland communities. These so‐called priority effects have been extensively studied aboveground, but we still do not know how they affect the vertical distribution of roots in the soil and the rooting depth of plant communities.

To test this hypothesis, we manipulated the order of arrival of three plant functional groups (forbs, grasses and legumes) in a rhizobox experiment. Priority effects were created by sowing one functional group 10 days before the other two. Rhizoboxes in which all functional groups were sown simultaneously were used as controls. During the experiment, the total visible root length and the mean and maximum rooting depth of plant communities were monitored using image analysis and a new methodological approach using deep learning (RootPainter) for root segmentation. At harvest, we measured aboveground (community and species level) and belowground (community level) biomass, and assessed the vertical distribution of the root biomass in different soil layers.

At the community level, all scenarios where one functional group was sown before the other two had similar shoot and root productivity. At the species level, two forbs (Achillea millefolium and Centaurea jacea) benefited from arriving early, and one legume (Trifolium pratense) had a disadvantage when it was sown after the grasses. Priority effect treatments also affected the vertical distribution of roots. When grasses were sown first, plant communities rooted more shallowly (lower mean and maximum rooting depth) than when forbs or legumes were sown first. In addition, roots moved down the soil profile more slowly in grasses‐first communities.

Our results highlight that plant functional group order of arrival in grassland communities can affect the vertical distribution of roots in the soil and this may have implications for species coexistence.
Cutaneous manifestations of obesity in Turkish children: A comparative study
Authors: Güven Münevver , Anık Ahmet , Ünüvar Tolga , İlgün Gürel Deniz , Şendur Neslihan
Published: March 2022

Background

Cutaneous changes in obese adults have been investigated in numerous studies, but this issue has not been adequately investigated in children.

Objectives

We aimed to determine the prevalence of skin manifestations in children with obesity by comparing them to normal‐weight children.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted between June 2017 and January 2019 in which 82 children with obesity and 86 normal‐weight healthy control children were enrolled. Study participants had detailed full‐body skin examinations performed by the same dermatologist; mycological and Wood's lamp examinations were performed when necessary. Sociodemographic and anthropometric measurements of the participants were recorded.

Results

Striae distensae were the most common skin manifestation in children with obesity; striae were significantly higher in the obese than in the control group (72% vs. 26.7%, p < .001). The anatomical distribution of the striae distensae in the groups differed significantly. Striae distensae were most commonly observed on the buttocks in the control group, while the thighs were the most common site in the obese group. Acanthosis nigricans (63.4% vs. 3.5%, p < .001), acrochordons (17.1% vs. 1.2%, p < .001), keratosis pilaris (32.9% vs. 17.4%, p = .021), intertrigo (11% vs. 0%, p = .001), folliculitis (31.7% vs. 5.8%, p < .001), seborrheic dermatitis (12.2% vs. 3.5%, p = .035) and facial erythema (7.3% vs. 0%, p = .012) were found to be statistically significantly more common in the obese group compared to the control group.

Conclusions

Obesity in children is associated with numerous cutaneous manifestations. Further study is needed to identify whether weight loss can reduce skin manifestations in obese children.
Death and existential value: In defence of Epicurus
Authors: Willaschek Marcus
Published: March 2022

This paper offers a partial defence of the Epicurean claim that death is not bad for the one who dies. Unlike Epicurus and his present‐day advocates, this defence relies not on a hedonistic or empiricist conception of value but on the concept of ‘existential’ value. Existential value is agent‐relative value for which it is constitutive that it can be truly self‐ascribed in the first person and present tense. From this definition, it follows that death (post‐mortem non‐existence), while perhaps bad in some respects, cannot be an existential harm for the one who dies. This paper argues that existential goods are central to any explanation of why life appears good to us from a self‐interested perspective, which means that death is not bad in the very respect in which life is most saliently good (from that perspective). A corresponding error theory shows why this truth is easily overlooked and explains why we tend to think that death is significantly worse than it really is.
Association between psychosocial interventions and aberrant salience in adolescents with early psychosis: A follow‐up study
Authors: Poletti Michele , Pelizza Lorenzo , Azzali Silvia , Scazza Ilaria , Paterlini Federica , Garlassi Sara , Chiri Luigi Rocco , Pupo Simona , Raballo Andrea
Published: March 2022

Although aberrant salience (AS) is a putative vulnerability factor in schizophrenia, empirical research on AS in early stages of psychosis is currently relatively scarce (especially as regards on its longitudinal course and treatment response in adolescence). The aim of the present study was to longitudinally monitor the stability of AS along a 1‐year follow‐up period in an Italian population of community help‐seeking adolescents with First Episode Psychosis (FEP) or at Ultra‐High Risk (UHR) of psychosis and to examine any relevant association of AS with specific treatment components of a specialized “Early Intervention in Psychosis” (EIP) program across the 1 year of follow‐up.

Participants (38 FEP, 42 UHR), aged 13–18 years, completed the Comprehensive Assessment of At‐Risk Mental States (CAARMS) and the Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI) both at baseline and at the end of the follow‐up period. Spearman's correlations between AS scores and specific EIP treatment components were performed.

After the 1 year of follow‐up, both FEP and UHR adolescents showed a statistically significant reduction in AS levels. In FEP patients, this was correlated to the number of psychoeducational sessions provided to their family members. In the UHR subgroup, this AS decrease was associated with the number of individual Cognitive‐Behavioral Therapy (CBT) sessions directly offered to help‐seeking adolescents.

AS is relevant both in FEP and UHR adolescents already at the enrollment in specialized EIP programs. However, its longitudinal levels decrease over time, together with the delivery of specific psychosocial EIP interventions.
Equivalence theorems for c and DA‐optimality for linear mixed effects models with applications to multitreatment group assignments in health care
Authors: Liu Xin , Yue Rong‐Xian , Kee Wong Weng
Published: March 2022

We construct and ‐optimal approximate designs for linear mixed models with group‐specific treatment for estimating parameters or contrasts in the population parameters. We establish equivalence theorems to confirm optimality of these designs under a linear mixed model and provide illustrative application to find , and ‐optimal designs for polynomial and fractional polynomial models with multitreatment group assignments. For more complex models, we briefly review metaheuristics and their potential applications to find various optimal designs, including optimal designs for problems considered here and their extensions.
Collectives and Epistemic Rationality
Authors: Hahn Ulrike
Published: March 2022

Consideration of collectives raises important questions about human rationality. This has long been known for questions about preferences, but it holds also with respect to beliefs. For one, there are contexts (such as voting) where we might care as much, or more, about the rationality of a collective than the rationality of the individuals it comprises. Here, a given standard may yield competing assessments at the individual and the collective level, thus giving rise to important normative questions. At the same time, seemingly rational strategies of individuals may have surprising consequences, or even fail, when exercised by individuals within collectives. This paper will illustrate these considerations with examples, provide an overview of different formal frameworks for understanding and assessing the beliefs of collectives, and it will illustrate how such frameworks can combine with simulations in order to elucidate epistemic norms.
Curvature Singularity of Space Curves and Its Relationship to Computational Mechanics
Authors: Shabana Ahmed A.
Published: March 2022

Curve geometry plays a fundamental role in many aspects of analytical and computational mechanics, particularly in developing new data-driven science (DDS) approaches. Furthermore, curvature and torsion of space curves serve as deformation measures that need to be properly interpreted, shedding light on the significance of relationship between differential-geometry curve framing methods and computational-mechanics motion description. Alternate space-curve framing methods were proposed to address the existence of Frenet frame at isolated zero-curvature points. In this paper, both mechanics and differential-geometry approaches are used to establish Frenet-frame continuity and the existence of Serret-Frenet equations at curvature-vanishing points for curves with arbitrary parameterization. Frenet–Euler angles, referred to for brevity as Frenet angles, are used to define curve geometry, with particular attention given to the definition of Frenet bank angle used to prove the existence of curve normal and binormal vectors at curvature-vanishing points. Solving curvature-singularity problem and using mechanics description based on Frenet angles contributes to successful development and computer implementation of new DDS approaches based on analysis of recorded motion trajectories (RMT). Centrifugal-inertia force is always in direction of curve normal vector, and in most applications, this force is continuous and approaches zero value as curve curvature approaches zero. Discontinuity in definition of Frenet frame can negatively impact the quality of numerical results that define RMT curves. The study also demonstrates that Frenet-frame curvature singularity can be solved without need for integrating curve torsion, which is not, in general, an exact differential.
Performance Enhancement of Tubular Solar Still With Various Rotating Wicked Materials—An Experimental Approach
Authors: Saravanan A. , Murugan M. , Sreenivasa Reddy M. , Kumar Pramod , Elumalai P. V.
Published: March 2022

The need for freshwater grows by the day, yet the amount of freshwater accessible worldwide is insufficient to fulfil it. The distillation of saltwater could be a way to meet the demand for freshwater. The current study investigates the experimental performance enhancement of a tubular solar still (TSS) with various rotating wick materials. A rotating drum consisting of multiple wick materials (black bamboo cotton fabric, jute cloth, terry cotton, and polyester) was placed within the tube to increase the evaporation rate. The basin water depth was set at 2 cm to increase the productivity of distillate water. The black bamboo cotton fabric wick outperformed the jute cloth wick, terry cotton wick, polyester wick, and conventional tubular solar still (CTSS) by 5.7%, 12.44%, 19.94%, and 48%, respectively, while maintaining the wicked drum speed around 1 rpm. Because of its moisture-wicking nature, the efficiency of a TSS with a rotating wick made of black bamboo cotton fabric is 50.65% greater than that of a CTSS. Compared with other wick materials, it had a high absorption and evaporation rate. Furthermore, the performance of TSS was investigated, using a black bamboo cotton fabric wicked drum at 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 rpm. The studies indicated that a wicked drum speed of 0.5 rpm improves the productivity of approximately 7.474 kg/m2. Furthermore, the average TSS efficiency was increased by 70.8% compared with the CTSS.
Simulation of the Regulation Law of Buildings With Unbalanced Heating by Using the Method of Partition Intermittent Heating
Authors: Jia Yong-Ying , Li Hong-Guang , Cui Xue , Wang Zhong-Hua
Published: March 2022

Central continuous heating is widely used in China. Due to the large heating area, the indoor temperatures of the buildings with the same heat source are quite different, which affects comfort and wastes energy. This paper proposes a subsection intermittent heating method, that is, an intermittent heating method is used for overheated buildings. During the period, when the overheated buildings stop heating, the hot water originally supplied to the overheated buildings is supplied to the underheated buildings. We investigated the indoor temperatures of some actual buildings in Daqing city. Accordingly, a comfortable indoor temperature range was determined. The indoor temperature and heating energy consumption of overheated and underheated buildings with zoned intermittent heating were simulated using EnergyPlus. The results show that the interval time has important effects on the indoor temperature and energy consumption of overheated buildings. The most ideal partitioned intermittent heating regulation method is to stop heating (at 5 o’clock) for 3 h and then resume heating for 5 h. When the area ratios of overheated buildings and underheated buildings are 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1, the average indoor temperatures of underheated buildings can be increased from 16 °C to 17.65 °C, 19.05 °C, and 21.02 °C, respectively. The hot water temperature and insulation thickness have significant effects on the indoor temperature of underheated buildings.
New records and a new species of Agistemus Summers (Raphignathoidea: Stigmaeidae) from Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Bizarro Gabriel L. , Melo Elisângela A. S. F , Oliveira Aníbal R. , Johann Liana
Published: March 2022

Fifteen species of Agistemus Summers were previously reported from Brazil. Herein, Agistemus bahiensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated from specimens collected on Annona muricata L. (Annonaceae), Euterpe oleracea Mart. and Polyandrococos caudescens (Mart.) Barb. Rodr. (Arecaceae) at the Southern Coastal Region of the state of Bahia, Brazil, between April 2007 and August 2017. The new species mainly differs from all other similar species by having a pattern of longitudinal striae as a band of dashes on the hysterosomal shield. It can also be distinguished by the dorsal setae measurements and the distances between them, being all dorsal setae of equal size in the new species (22–29), except for ve, which exceeds 30 (29–35), with none of them reaching the bases of the subsequent setae. Dorsal setae are always greater than 30 and ve is always greater than 55 (56–80) in the other five similar species. A key to Brazilian species of the genus is provided.
A case of integrative taxonomy based on traditional morphology, molecular systematics and geometric morphometrics in the taxonomy of Torrenticolidae (Acari, Hydrachnidiae)
Authors: Gu Xinyao , Zheng Yulin , Li Haitao , Guo Jianjun
Published: March 2022

An integrative taxonomy based on traditional morphological method, molecular systematics and geometric morphometrics was tested to identify two species of torrenticolid mites, which are similar in morphology. A new species of the water mite genus Torrenticola from China, T. nipponicella Gu & Guo sp. nov., was described and illustrated in this paper. The descriptions included morphological features, molecular data, geometric morphometric data, and a discussion of their taxonomic status and integrative taxonomy. Meanwhile, some potential taxonomic characters of those species were analyzed by canonical variate analysis and principal component analysis. Those analyses of two landmark configurations revealed important taxonomical characters in dorsal (dorsoglandularia 1–3) and ventral shields (coxoglandularia 2, 4, ventroglandularia 3).
Estimating vocal tract geometry from acoustic impedance using deep neural network
Authors: B T Balamurali , Kapoor Saumitra , Chen Jer-Ming
Published: March 2022

A data-driven approach using artificial neural networks is proposed to address the classic inverse area function problem, i.e., to determine the vocal tract geometry (modelled as a tube of nonuniform cylindrical cross-sections) from the vocal tract acoustic impedance spectrum. The predicted cylindrical radii and the actual radii were found to have high correlation in the three- and four-cylinder model (Pearson coefficient (ρ) and Lin concordance coefficient (ρc) exceeded 95%); however, for the six-cylinder model, the correlation was low (ρ around 75% and ρc around 69%). Upon standardizing the impedance value, the correlation improved significantly for all cases (ρ and ρc exceeded 90%).
Can Increased Locomotor Task Difficulty Differentiate Knee Muscle Forces After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?
Authors: Schroeder Megan J. , Acuña Samuel A. , Krishnan Chandramouli , Dhaher Yasin Y.
Published: March 2022

Changes in knee mechanics following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are known to be magnified during more difficult locomotor tasks, such as when descending stairs. However, it is unclear if increased task difficulty could distinguish differences in forces generated by the muscles surrounding the knee. This study examined how knee muscle forces differ between individuals with ACL reconstruction with different graft types (hamstring tendon and patellar tendon autograft) and “healthy” controls when performing tasks with increasing difficulty. Dynamic simulations were used to identify knee muscle forces in 15 participants when walking overground and descending stairs. The analysis was restricted to the stance phase (foot contact through toe-off), yielding 162 separate simulations of locomotion in increasing difficulty: overground walking, step-to-floor stair descent, and step-to-step stair descent. Results indicated that knee muscle forces were significantly reduced after ACL reconstruction, and stair descent tasks better discriminated changes in the quadriceps and gastrocnemii muscle forces in the reconstructed knees. Changes in quadriceps forces after a patellar tendon graft and changes in gastrocnemii forces after a hamstring tendon graft were only revealed during stair descent. These results emphasize the importance of incorporating sufficiently difficult tasks to detect residual deficits in muscle forces after ACL reconstruction.
Achievement Emotions, Intention to Be Physically Active, and Academic Achievement in Physical Education: Gender Differences
Authors: Fierro-Suero Sebastián , Sáenz-López Pedro , Carmona-Márquez José , Almagro Bartolomé J.
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationships among the achievement emotions experienced during physical education classes, the intention to be physically active, and academic achievement. Methods: The sample consisted of 764 Spanish secondary education students (348 boys and 416 girls). Results: Pride, enjoyment, and hopelessness were the main emotions to explain the intention to be physically active, whereas enjoyment and boredom were the most important emotions to explain academic achievement. Given that boys had a better emotional experience than girls, the effect of gender in the prediction was studied. It highlights the significant moderating effect of gender for enjoyment and pride in the intention to be physically active. Discussion/Conclusion: These results show the need to apply strategies focused on each emotion, taking into account the students’ gender, for those that help to improve their emotional experience during physical education classes.
Mosaic Evolution of Beta-Barrel-Porin-Encoding Genes in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Chen Xiongbin , Cai Xuxia , Chen Zewei , Wu Jinjin , Hao Gaofeng , Luo Quan , Liu Shuhong , Zhang Junya , Hu Yueming , Zhu Guoqiang , Koester Wolfgang , White Aaron P. , Cai Yi , Wang Yejun
Published: March 2022

Microevolution studies can disclose more elaborate evolutionary mechanisms of genes, appearing especially important for genes with multifaceted function such as those encoding outer membrane proteins. However, in most cases, the gene is considered as a whole unit, and the evolutionary patterns are disclosed.
Intrahabitat Differences in Bacterial Communities Associated withCorbicula flumineain the Large Shallow Eutrophic Lake Taihu
Authors: Zhao Zifan , Mao Zhendu , Xing Peng , Tao Ye , Wu Qinglong
Published: March 2022

The Asian clamCorbicula flumineais an important benthic clam in freshwater ecosystems due to its high population densities and high filtering efficiency for particulate organic matter. While the associated microbiota is believed to be vital for host living, our knowledge about the compositions, sources, and potential functions is still lacking.
Variable Inhibition of Nitrous Oxide Reduction in Denitrifying Bacteria by Different Forms of Methanobactin
Authors: Chang Jin , Peng Peng , DiSpirito Alan A. , Semrau Jeremy D.
Published: March 2022

Herein, it was demonstrated that the different forms of methanobactin differentially enhance N
2
O emissions from
Pseudomonas stutzeri
strain DCP-Ps1 (harboring clade I nitrous oxide reductase) and
Dechloromonas aromatica
strain RCB (harboring clade II nitrous oxide reductase). This work contributes to our understanding of how aerobic methanotrophs compete with denitrifiers for the copper uptake and also suggests how MBs prevent copper collection by denitrifiers, thus downregulating expression of nitrous oxide reductase.
Determination of15N/14N of Ammonium, Nitrite, Nitrate, Hydroxylamine, and Hydrazine Using Colorimetric Reagents and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)
Authors: Oshiki Mamoru , Nagai Komei , Ishii Satoshi , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Saito Nobuo , Yamaguchi Takashi , Araki Nobuo , Okabe Satoshi
Published: March 2022

15N/14N analysis for aqueous N species is a powerful tool for obtaining insights into the global N cycle, but the procedure is cumbersome and laborious. The combined use of colorimetric reagents and MALDI-TOF MS, designated color MALDI-TOF MS, enabled us to determine the15N atom% of common aqueous N species without laborious sample preparation and chromatographic separation steps; for instance, the15N atom% of NO2−can be determined from >1,000 liquid samples daily at <$1 (U.S.) per 384 samples for routine analysis.
Priority Effects in the Apple Flower Determine If the Siderophore Desferrioxamine Is a Virulence Factor for Erwinia amylovora CFBP1430
Authors: Müller Laurin , Müller Denise C. , Kammerecker Sandrine , Fluri Marco , Neutsch Lukas , Remus Emsermann Mitja , Pelludat Cosima
Published: March 2022

Desferrioxamine is a siderophore produced by the fire blight pathogen
E. amylovora
under iron-limited conditions. In the present study, no or only weak induction of an iron-regulated promoter-GFP reporter was observed on semisterile apple flowers, and siderophore synthesis or uptake (receptor) mutants exhibited colonization of the flower and necrosis induction at parental levels.
Required Gene Set for Autotrophic Growth of
Clostridium autoethanogenum
Authors: Woods Craig , Humphreys Christopher M. , Tomi-Andrino Claudio , Henstra Anne M. , Köpke Michael , Simpson Sean D. , Winzer Klaus , Minton Nigel P.
Published: March 2022

Although microbial genome sequences are relatively easily determined, assigning gene function remains a bottleneck. Consequently, relatively few genes are well characterized, leaving the function of many as either hypothetical or entirely unknown.
A Metagenomic Approach for Characterizing Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Specific Bacterial Populations: Demonstration with Escherichia coli in Cattle Manure
Authors: Li Bo , Li Xu , Wang Bing , Yan Tao
Published: March 2022

Bacterial antibiotic resistance genes in the environment are ubiquitous and can pose different levels of human health risks due to their bacterial host association and subsequent mobility. This study introduced a population metagenomic approach to study ARGs and their mobility in specific bacterial populations through a combination of selective cultivation followed by next generation sequencing and bioinformatic analysis of the combined metagenome of isolates.
Multicenter Evaluation of the Simplexa VZV Direct Assay for Detection of Varicella-Zoster Virus in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Lesion-Swab Specimens
Authors: Pancholi P. , Relich R. F. , Chandrasekaran S. , Dunn J. J. , Granato P. A. , Harrington A. T. , Hansen G. T. , Ledeboer N. A. , Li Q. , Sims M. D. , Uphoff T. S. , Greene W. , Young S. , Dhiman N.
Published: March 2022

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the etiologic agent of varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles) infections commonly involving skin, mucous membranes, and less frequently the central nervous system. Traditional methods for the laboratory diagnosis of these infections are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often insensitive.
Improving Student Attitudes and Academic Performance in Introductory Biology Using a Project-Based Learning Community
Authors: Burks Tyesha N.
Published: March 2022

Students majoring in non-STEM fields often identify introductory biology courses as irrelevant and overly rigorous. Resistance to enroll in a required general education science course, coupled with negative attitudes toward the subject, can adversely affect the academic performance of students; this can especially be present in students from under-represented minority groups.
Regulator of Actin-Based Motility (RoaM) Downregulates Actin Tail Formation by Rickettsia rickettsii and Is Negatively Selected in Mammalian Cell Culture
Authors: Nock Adam M. , Clark Tina R. , Hackstadt Ted
Published: March 2022

The mechanism of actin-based motility of spotted fever group
Rickettsia
has been studied extensively, but here, we provide genetic evidence that motility is a regulated process in
R. rickettsii
. The findings also suggest that serial passage of rickettsial strains in cell culture may cause the bacteria to lose essential genes that are no longer conserved under natural selective pressure.
Aberrant Cellular Glycosylation May Increase the Ability of Influenza Viruses to Escape Host Immune Responses through Modification of the Viral Glycome
Authors: Alymova Irina V. , Cipollo John F. , Parsons Lisa M. , Music Nedzad , Kamal Ram P. , Tzeng Wen-Pin , Goldsmith Cynthia S. , Contessa Joseph N. , Hartshorn Kevan L. , Wilson Jason R. , Zeng Hui , Gansebom Shane , York Ian A.
Published: March 2022

People with disorders such as cancer, autoimmune disease, diabetes, or obesity often have metabolic dysregulation of cellular glycosylation and also have more severe influenza disease, a reduced immune response to the virus, and reduced vaccine efficacy. Since influenza viruses that infect such people do not show consistent genomic variations, it is generally assumed that the altered biology is mainly related to host factors.
Draft Genome Sequence of Novel Staphylococcus epidermidis Strain EVL2000, Exhibiting Pathogenicity against Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Do Nathan , Ackley Brian D. , Lansdon Patrick
Published: March 2022

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is a frequent cause of nosocomial infections occurring after the insertion of indwelling medical devices. Here, we report the 2.5-Mb draft genome of
S. epidermidis
strain EVL2000, which was identified during an examination of nematode susceptibility to microbial pathogens.
Evolution, the Immune System, and the Health Consequences of Socioeconomic Inequality
Authors: Rook Graham A. W.
Published: March 2022

Healthy development and function of essentially all physiological systems and organs, including the brain, require exposure to the microbiota of our mothers and of the natural environment, especially in early life. We also know that some infections, if we survive them, modulate the immune system in relevant ways.
Dietary Plant and Animal Protein Sources Oppositely Modulate Fecal
Bilophila
and
Lachnoclostridium
in Vegetarians and Omnivores
Authors: Wu Ya-Ting , Shen Shou-Ju , Liao Kuan-Fu , Huang Ching-Ying
Published: March 2022

Dietary pattern and food choice are associated with expansion of gut pathobionts and risk for metabolic and colonic disease. However, the effects of dietary interventions on intestinal microbiota remain unclear.
Multiple Introductions of Reassorted Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5Nx Viruses Clade 2.3.4.4b Causing Outbreaks in Wild Birds and Poultry in The Netherlands, 2020-2021
Authors: Engelsma Marc , Heutink Rene , Harders Frank , Germeraad Evelien A. , Beerens Nancy
Published: March 2022

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses are spread by migratory wild birds. Viruses causing outbreaks in wild birds and poultry in the Netherlands in 2020–2021 were genetically analyzed, which suggested that multiple virus incursions occurred.
Preterm birth and infant diurnal cortisol regulation
Authors: Stoye David Q , Boardman James P , Osmond Clive , Sullivan Gemma , Lamb Gillian , Black Gill S , Homer Natalie ZM , Nelson Nina , Theodorsson Elvar , Reynolds Rebecca M , Mörelius Evalotte
Published: March 2022

Background

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis adaptation is a potential mechanism linking early life exposures with later adverse health. This study tested the hypothesis that preterm birth is associated with adaptation of diurnal cortisol regulation across infancy.

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted of saliva cortisol measured morning, midday and evening, monthly, across infancy, as part of a birth cohort conducted in Linköping, Sweden. Diurnal cortisol regulation of infants born extremely preterm (n=24), very preterm (n=27) and at term (n=130) were compared across infancy through random coefficients regression models.

Results

Compared with infants born at term, infants born extremely preterm (−17.2%, 95% CI: −30.7 to −1.2), but not very preterm (1.7%, 95% CI: −14.1 to 20.4), had a flattened diurnal slope across infancy.

Conclusions

Extremely preterm birth is associated with a flattened diurnal slope in infancy. This pattern of cortisol regulation could contribute to adverse metabolic and neurodevelopmental phenotypes observed in this population.
Dexmedetomidine affects cerebral activity in preterm infants
Authors: Cortes-Ledesma Cristina , Arruza Luis , Sainz-Villamayor Angela , Martínez-Orgado José
Published: March 2022

The use of dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been extended in preterm newborns, but the effects on cerebral activity and their relationship with haemodynamic changes has not been studied.

We retrospectively studied the effects of DEX administered to 10 preterm newborns, assessing amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) parameters, brain regional SO2(brSO2), heart rate, non-invasive mean blood pressure (MBP), transcutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2), venous pCO2 and haemoglobin (Hb) values, in two 6-hour periods: one starting 6 hours before the beginning of DEX perfusion and the other 6 hours afterwards.

DEX infusion led to brSO2decrease not associated to heart rate, MBP, SpO2, Hb or pCO2 variation, which suggests that brSO2decrease could be related to local vasoconstriction. DEX infusion led to prolongation of interburst interval and reduction of cycling. Such effects, not been described so far, should be considered in the assessment of aEEG traces after DEX administration to avoid misinterpretations regarding patient’s prognosis. More studies are needed to assess the safety of DEX use in the newborn.
Management of a recurrent encapsulated bleb with a cost-effective non-valved glaucoma drainage device
Authors: Puthuran George Varghese , Wijesinghe Hiruni Kaushalya , Jain Mayank , Palmberg Paul
Published: March 2022

Despite the advancements in the surgical management of glaucoma, childhood glaucoma remains a challenging surgical disease worldwide. An early adolescent boy with primary congenital glaucoma, status after glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation, on maximum medical therapy, was presented with a swelling in the superotemporal orbital region. The patient had undergone an uneventful GDD implantation 2 years prior to presentation. A similar swelling, which was diagnosed to be a Tenon’s cyst, had been excised on three earlier occasions. Given that the repeat capsular excision would also have the same likelihood of failure, and poor intraocular pressure control, a non-valved, cost-effective Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI, Aurolab, Madurai, India) implantation was done inferonasally. In this patient, AADI proved to be a safe and effective alternative for the known GDDs.
Clenbuterol-induced myocarditis in a young man desiring to lose weight
Authors: Lopes Pedro M , Albuquerque Francisco , Ferreira António M , Trabulo Marisa
Published: March 2022

A young man in his late 20s was presented with acute chest pain, concave ST elevation in lateral and inferior leads on ECG and elevated cardiac troponin. A thorough clinical history was notable for clenbuterol abuse. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a small area of hypokinesia in the inferior wall and cardiac magnetic resonance supported the diagnosis of acute myocarditis revealing signs of myocardial oedema and subepicardial delayed enhancement. The patient was managed conservatively and had an uneventful clinical course. Awareness of the possibility of clenbuterol myocardial toxicity in young men admitted due to chest pain is essential to prompt diagnosis and management of this condition.
Pressure injury prevention practice and associated factors among nurses at Wolaita Sodo University Teaching and Referral Hospital, South Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Awoke Nefsu , Tekalign Tiwabwork , Arba Aseb , Lenjebo Tsegaye Lolaso
Published: March 2022

Objective

The prevention of pressure injury is of great importance in providing quality care to patients, as it has been reported that approximately 95% of all pressure injury are preventable. Nurses working in clinical settings play a key role in identifying patients at risk and administering preventative care. Therefore, this study examines pressure injury prevention practices among nurses.

Design

Cross-sectional study design.

Setting

Wolaita Sodo University Teaching and Referral Hospital, Ethiopia.

Participants

240 nurses.

Main outcome measures

Pressure injury prevention practices among nurses.

Result

Among nurses, 37.9% had good pressure injury prevention practices. The factors associated with pressure injury prevention practices included having a bachelor’s degree or higher (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.18; 95% CI 1.12 to 4.25), having more than 10 years of nursing experience (AOR=3.44; 95% CI 1.41 to 8.37), lacking subject knowledge (AOR=0.49; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.91) and being over the age of 40 (AOR=0.55; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.35).

Conclusion

The majority of nurses reported having a limited level of pressure injury prevention practice. Since pressure ulcer prevention practice is majorly the role of nurses. Upgrading the educational level of the nurses through continuous professional development opportunities can improve the preventive practice of pressure ulcer injury by increasing the knowledge and skill gained during the vocational training.
Development of type 2 diabetes in women with comorbid gestational diabetes and common mental disorders in the Born in Bradford cohort
Authors: Wilson Claire A , Santorelli Gillian , Reynolds Rebecca M , Simonoff Emily , Howard Louise M , Ismail Khalida
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To compare, in a population of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the time to diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes in those with and without common mental disorder (CMD) (depression and/or anxiety) during pregnancy.

Design and setting

prospective study of the Born in Bradford cohort in Bradford, UK.

Participants

909 women diagnosed with GDM between 2007 and 2010, with linkage to their primary care records until 2017. The exposed population were women with an indicator of CMD during pregnancy in primary care records. The unexposed were those without an indicator.

Outcome measures

Time to diagnosis of type 2 diabetes as indicated by a diagnosis in primary care records.

Analysis

time to event analysis using Cox regression was employed. Multiple imputation by chained equations was implemented to handle missing data. Models were adjusted for maternal age, ethnicity, education, preconception CMD and tobacco smoking during pregnancy.

Results

165 women (18%) were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes over a follow-up period of around 10 years. There was no evidence of an effect of antenatal CMD on the development of type 2 diabetes following GDM (adjusted HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.57 to 1.57).

Conclusions

Women with CMD were not at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes following GDM. This is reassuring for women with these co-morbidities but requires replication in other study populations.
Barriers to implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) by a multidisciplinary team in China: a multicentre qualitative study
Authors: Wang Dan , Liu Zhenmi , Zhou Jing , Yang Jie , Chen Xinrong , Chang Chengting , Liu Changqing , Li Ka , Hu Jiankun
Published: March 2022

Objective

To explore the attitudes and barriers encountered in the implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in China from the perspective of multidisciplinary team members.

Design

Based on Donabedian’s structure–process–outcome (SPO) model, a multicentre qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted.

Setting

From September 2020 to December 2020, the participants of this study were interviewed from six tertiary hospitals in Sichuan province (n=3), Jiangsu province (n=2) and Guangxi province (n=1) in China.

Participants

A total of 42 members, including surgeons (n=11), anaesthesiologists (n=10), surgical nurses (n=14) and dietitians(n=7) were interviewed.

Results

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) members still face many barriers during the process of implementing ERAS. Eight main themes are described around the barriers in the implementation of ERAS. Themes in the structure dimension are: (1) shortage of medical resources, (2) lack of policy support and (3) outdated concepts. Themes in the process dimension are: (1) poor doctor–patient collaboration, (2) poor communication and collaboration among MDT members and (3) lack of individualised management. Themes in the outcome dimension are: (1) low compliance and (2) high medical costs. The current implementation of ERAS is still based on ideas more than reality.

Conclusions

In general, barriers to ERAS implementation are broad. Identifying key elements of problems in the application and promotion of ERAS from the perspective of the MDT would provide a starting point for future quality improvement of ERAS, enhance the clinical effect of ERAS and increase formalised ERAS utilisation in China.