bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in diet of frugivorous bats in fragments of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest associated with vegetation density
Authors: Oelbaum Phillip J , Teixeira Tiago S M , Clare Elizabeth L , Broders Hugh G
Published: February 2022

Species distribution and persistence have long been known to vary with landscape structure; however, continued human activities in altered landscapes raise many questions as to how habitat fragmentation impacts the biology of persistent animal populations. Using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis, we examined interspecific variation in the diet of frugivorous bats among remnant habitat patches of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. We hypothesized that the diet of individuals captured in habitat patches would be different than those captured in contiguous habitats. We predicted that bats would alter their realized dietary niche breadth, taking food items (i.e., fruits or insects) according to landscape structure. However, more mobile species should be less impacted by small-scale landscape changes. We predicted that (1) a wide-ranging species (Artibeus lituratus), which move through open areas, will be less affected by small-scale landscape attributes, patch size, composition, and isolation; while (2) two narrow-ranging species (Carollia perspicillata and Sturnira lilium) will have more variation between populations in niche breadth and isotopic ratio ranges dependant on the local environment. Using Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) to rank a priori selected candidate models to explain variation, we found that fragment composition, largely involving vegetation density rather than spatial aspects of landscape structure (i.e., patch area, isolation) best explained diet variation in frugivorous bats. Additionally, there was evidence that wide-ranging A. lituratus were less impacted by differences in the landscape than narrow-ranging species. This supports the prediction that bats resident to fragments have altered feeding behavior, in response to environmental perturbation.
How lions move at night when they hunt?
Authors: Yiu Sze-Wing , Owen-Smith Norman , Cain James W
Published: February 2022

Movement patterns of lions (Panthera leo) reveal how they hunt large herbivores in heterogeneous landscapes such as the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Large herbivores are distributed differently on the landscape and therefore have different vulnerabilities as prey for lions. For instance, blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) occupy small grazing lawns at night but are difficult for lions to capture because open areas lack cover for stalking. African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) aggregate in large herds but are less available because these herds only intermittently enter the home ranges of individual lion prides. Unlike large herds of wildebeest and buffalo, plains zebra (Equus quagga) move widely in small herds while browsing greater kudus (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) generally occur in lower densities. We used spatial data derived from GPS collars to investigate several hypotheses regarding the movements of three lion prides in response to their prey. We found that lions were most active and moved longer distances during nighttime than during daytime. Lions remained within their core home ranges on 87% of nights and wandered to the outlying areas of the home ranges every second night. Lions visited grazing lawns, that is, area of short grass, where wildebeest herds resided every second night, and moved toward the direction of buffalo herds within 2 km of vicinity. Lions spent more time near riverbanks that provided dense woody cover at night than expected but concentrated only weakly near sites with surface water where herbivores drank in the dry season. Our study contributes to understanding how lions vary their movements in response to the spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the relative availability and vulnerability of multiple prey species.
A case of recurrent gallstone ileus within 1 week post enterolithotomy
Authors: Doole Emily
Published: February 2022

Gallstone ileus (GSI) is a rare pathology, affecting 0.3–0.5% of people with cholelithiasis and accounting for 0.1% of mechanical bowel obstructions. It carries a high mortality of 12–27%. The rate of recurrence following a first episode of GSI is relatively high at 5–20%. Very early recurrence, within the first week, poses several challenges in both diagnosis and management. This case describes an 84-year-old woman who presented with a mechanical bowel obstruction secondary to gallstone impacted in the distal jejunum. This was managed operatively and the patient progressed well. The patient developed an early recurrent gallstone ileus, confirmed on computed tomography (CT) on Day 7 postoperatively. This was initially mistaken for a postoperative ileus. Early recurrent gallstone ileus can easily be mistaken for more common postoperative complications. Given its high mortality, consideration should be given to early investigation with CT to rule out recurrent GSI.
Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura After BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccine: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Hammami Emna , Lamarque Mathilde , Aujoulat Olivier , Debliquis Agathe , Drénou Bernard , Harzallah Inès
Published: February 2022

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy that is deadly if not treated promptly. The treatment of choice in patients presenting with TTP is plasma exchanges. However, immunosuppressive therapy and caplacizumab have significantly improved outcomes in TTP. This microangiopathy is classically divided into 2 entities: hereditary and acquired TTP (aTTP), caused by an autoantibody against ADAMTS 13. We present a case study of a patient wth TTP occurring after a second dose of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 vaccine along with a review of the literature. A 55-year-old patient presented with gastrointestinal symptoms, anemia, and severe thrombocytopenia. The blood film revealed the presence of schistocytes. A diagnosis of aTTP was established because the patient had severe ADAMTS 13 deficiency and autoantibodies against ADAMTS 13 were positive. This episode occurred 10 days after the patient received the COVID-19 vaccine. The patient received plasma exchanges, prednisone, rituximab, and caplacizumab and achieved complete remission. Ten patients with aTTP induced by the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported in the literature. Most of these situations occurred after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 7 patients were noted to have received the BNT162b2 vaccine. Caplacizumab was used in 6 patients, and complete remission was achieved in 8 patients.
Rhenium–guanidine complex as photosensitizer: trigger HeLa cell apoptosis through death receptor-mediated, mitochondria-mediated, and cell cycle arrest pathways
Authors: He Shu-Fen , Liao Jia-Xin , Huang Min-Ying , Zhang Yu-Qing , Zou Yi-Min , Wu Ci-Ling , Lin Wen-Yuan , Chen Jia-Xi , Sun Jing
Published: February 2022

The growing evidence over the past few decades has indicated that the photodynamic antitumor activity of transition metal complexes, and Re(I) compounds are potential candidates for photodynamic therapy. This study reports the synthesis, characterization, and anti-tumor activity of three new Re(I)–guadinium complexes. Cytotoxicity tests reveal that complex Re1 increased cytotoxicity by 145-fold from IC50 > 180 μM in the dark to 1.3 ± 0.7 μM following 10 min of light irradiation (425 nm) in HeLa cells. Further, the mechanism by which Re1 induces apoptosis in the presence or absence of light irradiation was investigated, and results indicate that cell death was caused through different pathways. Upon irradiation, Re1 first accumulates on the cell membrane and interacts with death receptors to activate the extrinsic death receptor-mediated signaling pathway, and then is transported into the cell cytoplasm. Most of the intracellular Re1 locates within mitochondria, improving the reactive oxygen species level, and decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels, and inducing the activation of caspase-9 and, thus, apoptosis. Subsequently, the residual Re1 can translocate into the cell nucleus, and activates the p53 pathway, causing cell cycle arrest and eventually cell death.
The response of Naegleria gruberi to oxidative stress
Authors: Malych Ronald , Füssy Zoltán , Ženíšková Kateřina , Arbon Dominik , Hampl Vladimír , Hrdý Ivan , Sutak Robert
Published: February 2022

Aerobic organisms require oxygen for respiration but must simultaneously cope with oxidative damages inherently linked with this molecule. Unicellular amoeboflagellates of the genus Naegleria, containing both free-living species and opportunistic parasites, thrive in aerobic environments. However, they are also known to maintain typical features of anaerobic organisms. Here, we describe the mechanisms of oxidative damage mitigation in Naegleria gruberi and focus on the molecular characteristics of three noncanonical proteins interacting with oxygen and its derived reactive forms. We show that this protist expresses hemerythrin, protoglobin, and an aerobic-type rubrerythrin, with spectral properties characteristic of the cofactors they bind. We provide evidence that protoglobin and hemerythrin interact with oxygen in vitro and confirm the mitochondrial localization of rubrerythrin by immunolabeling. Our proteomic analysis and immunoblotting following heavy metal treatment revealed upregulation of hemerythrin, while rotenone treatment resulted in an increase in rubrerythrin protein levels together with a vast upregulation of alternative oxidase. Our study provided new insights into the mechanisms employed by N. gruberi to cope with different types of oxidative stress and allowed us to propose specific roles for three unique and understudied proteins: hemerythrin, protoglobin, and rubrerythrin.
Ferroptosis, as the most enriched programmed cell death process in glioma, induces immunosuppression and immunotherapy resistance
Authors: Liu Tianqi , Zhu Chen , Chen Xin , Guan Gefei , Zou Cunyi , Shen Shuai , Wu Jianqi , Wang Yuhang , Lin Zhiguo , Chen Ling , Cheng Peng , Cheng Wen , Wu Anhua
Published: February 2022

Background

Immunosuppressive microenvironment is a major cause of immunotherapeutic resistance in glioma. In addition to secreting compounds, tumor cells under programmed cell death (PCD) processes release abundant mediators to modify the neighboring microenvironment. However, the complex relationship among PCD status, immunosuppressive microenvironment, and immunotherapy is still poorly understood.

Methods

Four independent glioma cohorts comprising 1,750 patients were enrolled for analysis. The relationships among PCD status, microenvironment cellular components, and biological phenotypes were fully explored. Tissues from our hospital and experiments in vitro and in vivo were used to confirm the role of ferroptosis in glioma.

Results

Analyses to determine enriched PCD processes showed that ferroptosis was the main type of PCD in glioma. Enriched ferroptosis correlated with progressive malignancy, poor outcomes, and aggravated immunosuppression in glioblastoma (GBM) patients. Enhanced ferroptosis was shown to induce activation and infiltration of immune cells but attenuated antitumor cytotoxic killing. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were found to participate in ferroptosis-mediated immunosuppression. Preclinically, ferroptosis inhibition combined with Programmed Cell Death 1 (PD-1) and Programmed Cell Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) blockade generated a synergistic therapeutic outcome in GBM murine models.

Conclusions

This work provides a molecular, clinical, and biological landscape of ferroptosis, suggesting a role of ferroptosis in glioma malignancy and a novel synergic immunotherapeutic strategy that combines immune checkpoint blockade treatment with ferroptosis inhibition.
Mobile Chat Messaging for Preventing Smoking Relapse Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Luk Tzu Tsun , Cheung Yee Tak Derek , Chan Helen Ching-han , Fok Patrick Wai-yin , Ho Kin Sang , Sze Chu Dik , Lam Tai Hing , Wang Man Ping
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic had reduced access to traditional, in-person smoking cessation treatment. We examined the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of mobile chat messaging in preventing smoking relapse in smokers who have recently quit smoking.

Methods

In this assessor-blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial in five cessation clinics, we recruited adult daily smokers who had been receiving cessation treatments and abstained for 3 to 30 days. The intervention group received real-time, personalized chat messaging on relapse prevention via WhatsApp for 3 months. The control group received generic text messaging on the harms of smoking and benefits of quitting for 3 months. The primary outcome was carbon monoxide–validated abstinence at 6 months post-treatment initiation. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04409496).

Results

From June to July 2020, 108 of 130 (83%) eligible subjects were randomized to the intervention (N = 54) or control (N = 54) groups. The retention rate was 93% at 3 months (end of treatment) and 85% at 6 months. In the intervention group, 80% of participants responded to the chat messages at least once; 43% continuously engaged with the intervention over the 3-month intervention period. By intention-to-treat, validated abstinence at 6 months was higher in the intervention than control group (31% vs. 22%), with a relative risk of 1.72 (95% CI = 0.91% to 3.23%; p = .09) after adjusting for pre-quit nicotine dependence, duration of abstinence, and cessation treatment at baseline.

Conclusions

This pilot trial showed the feasibility and acceptability of mobile chat messaging for relapse prevention with preliminary evidence on its effectiveness in increasing validated abstinence.

Implications

Smoking relapse is the most likely outcome of smoking cessation attempts and an undertreated problem. This pilot trial showed the feasibility and acceptability of personalized chat messaging via WhatsApp for relapse prevention in recent abstainers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The higher carbon monoxide–validated abstinence rate in participants who received chat messaging than controls showed preliminary evidence on the effectiveness of the intervention. Fully powered trials are warranted to test the intervention.
Rapid growth of the Swainson’s Hawk population in California since 2005
Authors: Furnas Brett J , Wright David H , Tennant Erin N , O’Leary Reagen M , Kuehn Michael J , Bloom Peter H , Battistone Carie L
Published: February 2022

By 1979 Swainson’s Hawks (Buteo swainsoni) had declined to as low as 375 breeding pairs throughout their summer range in California. Shortly thereafter the species was listed as threatened in the state. To evaluate the hawk’s population trend since then, we analyzed data from 1,038 locations surveyed throughout California in either 2005, 2006, 2016, or 2018. We estimated a total statewide population of 18,810 breeding pairs (95% CI: 11,353–37,228) in 2018, and found that alfalfa (Medicago sativa, lucerne) cultivation, agricultural crop diversity, and the occurrence of non-agricultural trees for nesting were positively associated with hawk density. We also concluded that California’s Swainson’s Hawk summering population grew rapidly between 2005 and 2018 at a rate of 13.9% per year (95% CI: 7.8–19.2%). Despite strong evidence that the species has rebounded overall in California, Swainson’s Hawks remain largely extirpated from Southern California where they were historically common. Further, we note that the increase in Swainson’s Hawks has been coincident with expanded orchard and vineyard cultivation which is not considered suitable for nesting. Therefore, we recommend more frequent, improved surveys to monitor the stability of the species’ potential recovery and to better understand the causes. Our results are consistent with increasing raptor populations in North America and Europe that contrast with overall global declines especially in the tropics.
Thirty years of resistance: Zig-zag through the plant immune system
Authors: Ngou Bruno Pok Man , Ding Pingtao , Jones Jonathan D G
Published: February 2022

Understanding the plant immune system is crucial for using genetics to protect crops from diseases. Plants resist pathogens via a two-tiered innate immune detection-and-response system. The first plant Resistance (R) gene was cloned in 1992 . Since then, many cell-surface pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) have been identified, and R genes that encode intracellular nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptors (NLRs) have been cloned. Here, we provide a list of characterized PRRs and NLRs. In addition to immune receptors, many components of immune signaling networks were discovered over the last 30 years. We review the signaling pathways, physiological responses, and molecular regulation of both PRR- and NLR-mediated immunity. Recent studies have reinforced the importance of interactions between the two immune systems. We provide an overview of interactions between PRR- and NLR-mediated immunity, highlighting challenges and perspectives for future research.
Monolignol export by diffusion down a polymerization-induced concentration gradient
Authors: Perkins Mendel L , Schuetz Mathias , Unda Faride , Chen Kent T , Bally Marcel B , Kulkarni Jayesh A , Yan Yifan , Pico Joana , Castellarin Simone D , Mansfield Shawn D , Samuels A Lacey
Published: February 2022

Lignin, the second most abundant biopolymer, is a promising renewable energy source and chemical feedstock. A key element of lignin biosynthesis is unknown: how do lignin precursors (monolignols) get from inside the cell out to the cell wall where they are polymerized? Modeling indicates that monolignols can passively diffuse through lipid bilayers, but this has not been tested experimentally. We demonstrate significant monolignol diffusion occurs when laccases, which consume monolignols, are present on one side of the membrane. We hypothesize that lignin polymerization could deplete monomers in the wall, creating a concentration gradient driving monolignol diffusion. We developed a two-photon microscopy approach to visualize lignifying Arabidopsis thaliana root cells. Laccase mutants with reduced ability to form lignin polymer in the wall accumulated monolignols inside cells. In contrast, active transport inhibitors did not decrease lignin in the wall and scant intracellular phenolics were observed. Synthetic liposomes were engineered to encapsulate laccases, and monolignols crossed these pure lipid bilayers to form polymer within. A sink-driven diffusion mechanism explains why it has been difficult to identify genes encoding monolignol transporters and why the export of varied phenylpropanoids occurs without specificity. It also highlights an important role for cell wall oxidative enzymes in monolignol export.
Understanding the excess COVID-19 burden among immigrants in Norway
Authors: Kjøllesdal M K R , Juarez S P , Aradhya S , Indseth T
Published: February 2022

Background

We aim to use intermarriage as a measure to disentangle the role of exposure to virus, susceptibility and care in differences in burden of COVID-19, by comparing rates of COVID-19 infections between immigrants married to a native and to another immigrant.

Methods

Using data from the Norwegian emergency preparedness, register participants (N=2 312 836) were linked with their registered partner and categorized based on own and partner’s country of birth. From logistic regressions, odds ratios (OR) of COVID-19 infection (15 June 2020–01 June 2021) and related hospitalization were calculated adjusted for age, sex, municipality, medical risk, occupation, household income, education and crowded housing.

Results

Immigrants were at increased risk of COVID-19 and related hospitalization regardless of their partners being immigrant or not, but immigrants married to a Norwegian-born had lower risk than other immigrants. Compared with intramarried Norwegian-born, odds of COVID-19 infection was higher among persons in couples with one Norwegian-born and one immigrant from Europe/USA/Canada/Oceania (OR 1.42–1.46) or Africa/Asia/Latin-America (OR 1.91–2.01). Odds of infection among intramarried immigrants from Africa/Asia/Latin-America was 4.92. For hospitalization, the corresponding odds were slightly higher.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the excess burden of COVID-19 among immigrants is explained by differences in exposure and care rather than susceptibility.
TRANSFER OF CESIUM AND IODINE FROM THE SURFACE TO THE INTERIOR OF APPLE FRUIT
Authors: Kawabata Hitoshi , Yanai Masumi , Takaku Yuichi , Hisamatsu Shun’ichi
Published: February 2022

We investigated the transfer of stable Cs + and I− applied as droplets directly on the fruit surface of 3-y-old plumleaf crab apple trees to the fruit interior at different developmental stages. The proportions of Cs and I transferred to the fruit flesh by harvest time were 21–66% and 41–53%, respectively, with decreasing trends as the developmental stage progressed. Most of the Cs+ was gradually transferred from the surface to the skin and flesh, while I− rapidly penetrated the fruit in the days after the application, followed by slow transfer of small proportions. For both elements, prompt penetration of the flesh occurred 1–2 d after application. A compartment model for simulating each element’s behavior was constructed using all the data obtained. The Cs transfer model to the flesh can simulate the measured values well. For the model of I, prompt distribution to the skin is also necessary.
A Prospective Observational Pilot Study of Young Women Undergoing Initial Breast Cancer Treatment and Their Biopsychosocial Profile
Authors: Grusdat Niklas Paul , Stäuber Alexander , Tolkmitt Marion , Schnabel Jens , Schubotz Birgit , Wright Peter Richard , Schulz Henry
Published: February 2022

Background:

Breast cancer in young women can be a major challenge for those affected. To offer support, the establishment of a biopsychosocial profile may be beneficial.

Methods:

For this prospective observational pilot study, we collected data of 19 women with a mean age of 42.8 ± 5.4 years (30.0-49.0 year) before (T0) and after (T1) initial breast cancer treatment. The handgrip strength (HGS), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and bioimpedance analysis for the detection of phase angle (PhA) and bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) were used. Assessments included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F).

Results:

Women (age <50 years) with breast cancer showed impaired functional status (HGS, 6MWT, and PhA), abnormal physiologic findings (BIVA), decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and cancer-related fatigue (CRF) after breast cancer diagnosis prior to the onset of cancer treatment with significant deterioration following cancer treatment. This was accompanied by a potentially higher risk of mortality and impaired function due to the prevalence of values below a critical threshold (PhA: T0 = 11%, T1 = 42%; HGS: T0 = 21%, T1 = 32%). In addition, there was evidence of anxiety (47%) and depression (32%) at T0.

Conclusion:

Routine assessment of biomarkers of physical function, mental health, HRQoL, and CRF may lead to individual risk stratification and multidisciplinary intervention in young patients with breast cancer, which could help to personalize and optimize survivorship care plans.
Durable Clearance Rate of Photodynamic Therapy for Bowen Disease and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yongpisarn Tanat , Rigo Rachel , Minkis Kira
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

Although surgery is the treatment of choice for Bowen disease (BD) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), nonsurgical treatments such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be preferred for select tumors. Previous meta-analysis have failed to gather strong evidence to recommend PDT.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the effectiveness of PDT in the treatment of cSCC and BD for clearance rate (CR) after 1 year.

METHODS

A literature search of studies of biopsy-proven BD and cSCC treated with PDT was performed. Pooled CRs were estimated. Subgroup analyses were performed based on follow-up, treatment regimen, lesion size, and site.

RESULTS

Forty-three studies were included, enrolling 1943 BD lesions and 282 SCC lesions. Pooled CRs for BD and SCC were 76% (95% CI: 71%–80%; I2 = 78.9%) and 51% (95% CI: 35%–66%; I2 = 85.7%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the selective use of PDT for BD; however, patients should be advised of potential for recurrence. Although PDT can be used for certain cases of cSCC, the high rate of treatment failure necessitates close surveillance for residual or recurrent disease. Further studies are needed to justify the usage of PDT in the treatment of BD and cSCC.
Role of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy as an Adjuvant in Treatment of Melasma
Authors: Bikash Chingshubam , Sarkar Rashmi , Relhan Vineet , Singh Sarika
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

The management of melasma is an ongoing challenge. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been reported to be beneficial, but there is paucity of studies on PRP therapy in melasma.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of PRP therapy and hydroquinone versus hydroquinone alone in melasma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty patients were randomized to receive PRP microinjections on one side and normal saline on the other in a total of 3 sittings. Patients were concurrently advised 4% hydroquinone (HQ) cream application on both sides of the face. Efficacy was evaluated with hemi-modified Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) scoring and a 4-scale patient satisfaction grading.

RESULTS

Majority of the subjects (53.3%) in PRP + HQ group and 76.7% in HQ group had 25% to 50% improvement in their MASI scores. However, 40% in the PRP + HQ group and only 3.3% in the HQ group had 51% to 75% improvement. The difference in the percentage improvement was statistically significant. There was a greater percentage of subjects reporting a good response among the HQ + PRP group (53.3%) as compared with the HQ group (27%).

CONCLUSION

Microinjections of PRP combined with topical HQ has better efficacy than topical HQ alone.
Trauma-Informed Approaches to Medicolegal Death Investigation: A Forensic Nursing Perspective
Authors: Drake Stacy A. , Burton Candace
Published: February 2022

Forensic nurses engaged in medicolegal death investigations experience trauma-induced responses in responding to, investigating, and documenting sudden unexpected deaths. The trauma of these repeated experiences often results in diminished performance, job dissatisfaction, and burnout. The principles of trauma-informed care are not new but have not been incorporated into death investigation practices. When coupled with medicolegal death investigation procedures, application of these principles can help to alleviate distress for forensic nurses, colleagues, and decedents of concerned families. This case series illustrates how the principles of trauma-informed care can be implemented to enhance communication, deescalate emotional or threatening situations, and prevent retraumatization in the context of medicolegal death investigations.
Cost-Effectiveness and Return-on-Investment of a Participatory Ergonomics Intervention Among Childcare Workers
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , van Dongen Johanna M. , Holtermann Andreas , van der Beek Allard J. , Stevens Matthew Leigh , Nørregaard Rasmussen Charlotte Diana
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and return-on-investment (ROI) of 20-week ergonomic intervention to reduce physical exertion at work compared with usual-practice among childcare workers.

Methods

One hundred ninety workers from 16 institutions were cluster-(institute)-randomized to intervention (n = 96) and usual-practice (n = 94) group. The intervention group participated in three workshops to develop/implement action plans improving ergonomic conditions. The rating of physical exertion (RPE) was measured at baseline and 20-weeks. Employer-perspective-based costs of intervention, absenteeism, and presenteeism were estimated.

Results

Although statistically non-significant, one-unit reduction in RPE was associated with saving of 592 EUR/worker. Per-EUR invested by the employer was associated with 1.6 EUR (95% CI: –3.1; 6.5) return in the intervention compared with usual practice.

Conclusion

The intervention tended to gain monetary benefit for the employer. The results should be replicated in larger populations for improved precision of economic evaluation estimates.

Trial registration: ISRCTN10928313
Ageing, cellular senescence and chronic kidney disease: experimental evidence
Authors: Tan Huishi , Xu Jie , Liu Youhua
Published: February 2022

Purpose of review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often viewed as an accelerated and premature ageing of the kidney, as they share common pathological features characterized by cellular senescence. In this review, we summarize the experimental evidence linking cellular senescence to the pathobiology of kidney ageing and CKD, and discuss the strategies for targeting senescent cells in developing therapeutics for ageing-related kidney disorders.

Recent findings

Kidney ageing and CKD are featured with increased cellular senescence, an irreversible state of cell cycle arrest and the cessation of cell division. Senescent cells secrete a diverse array of proinflammatory and profibrotic factors known as senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Secondary senescence can be induced by primary senescent cells via a mechanism involving direct contact or the SASP. Various senolytic therapies aiming to selectively remove senescent cells in vivo have been developed. Senostatic approaches to suppress senescence or inhibit SASP, as well as nutrient signalling regulators are also validated in animal models of ageing.

These recent studies provide experimental evidence supporting the notion that accumulation of senescent cells and their associated SASP is a main driver leading to structural and functional organ degeneration in CKD and other ageing-related disorder.
Memes and Poetry
Authors: Reynolds Staci S. , Sova Christopher
Published: February 2022

Background:

Health care workers (HCWs) face high levels of burnout, which can lead to workforce turnover and poor patient outcomes. Health care leaders should identify strategies to improve staff resilience.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to describe HCWs' perspective on using creative arts therapy to reduce burnout and improve resiliency.

Methods:

During Infection Prevention week, staff were encouraged to submit and vote on educational memes and haikus. Staff were asked their perspectives on how this activity could be used to reduce burnout and improve resiliency using a 4-point Likert scale.

Results:

Twenty-two staff members submitted 26 memes and 27 haikus. Staff felt this activity could be an effective strategy to help reduce burnout and improve resiliency.

Conclusions:

Further research is warranted to better understand the correlation between this form of art therapy and burnout and resiliency; however, health care leaders may consider using this as a tool for staff well-being.
Diagnostic Performance of 18F-FDG PET/CT for Lymph Node Staging in Penile Cancer
Authors: Lee Sang Woo , Kim Seong-Jang
Published: February 2022

Objective

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracies of 18F-FDG PET/CT for detection of lymph node (LN) metastasis in penile cancer (PeCA) patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Patients and Methods

The PubMed, Cochrane database, and Embase database, from the earliest available date of indexing through August 31, 2021, were searched for studies evaluating diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET/CT for detection of metastatic LN in PeCA patients. We determined the sensitivities and specificities across studies, calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−, respectively), and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

Across 12 studies (479 patients), the pooled sensitivity of 18F-FDG PET/CT was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79–0.92) and the pooled specificity was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.79–0.93). Likelihood ratio syntheses gave an overall LR+ of 7.2 (95% CI, 3.9–13.1) and LR− of 0.15 (95% CI, 0.1–0.24). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 47 (95% CI, 19–116). In meta-regression analysis, no variable was the source of the study heterogeneity.

Conclusions

18F-FDG PET/CT showed a good diagnostic performances for detection of metastatic LN in PeCA patients. Also, 18F-FDG PET/CT revealed similar diagnostic accuracy for detection of inguinal and pelvic LN metastasis in PeCA patients.
Analysis of the Lamina Papyracea Dehiscence Based on Computed Tomography Findings
Authors: Xu Jing , Qin Le , Wang Daohe
Published: February 2022

Objectives:

Aim to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of nontraumatic dehiscence of the lamina papyracea (LP) via computed tomography (CT).

Methods:

The authors retrospectively studied 893 patients' history and paranasal sinus CT from February to September 2020. The datum of incidence and the characteristics of LP dehiscence were collected and analyzed.

Results:

The LP dehiscence was identified in 23 of 893 patients (2.58%). Lamina papyracea anatomical variations were categorized into Grade I, II, and III, which account 69.56%, 21.74%, and 8.70% of the entire dehiscence group. The average depth of LP ingression was 5.5 ± 0.7 mm. There was no statistical difference between bilateral incidence. The medial rectus muscle was involved in 3 lesions. In all CT reports, this anatomic variation was misdiagnosed as ethmoid sinusitis in 8 cases.

Conclusions:

Preoperative cognition of the anatomic variation of LP via CT is conducive to decrease misdiagnosis and postoperative complications.
Genomic analysis reveals high intra-species diversity of Shewanella algae
Authors: Huang Zhenzhou , Yu Keyi , Fu Songzhe , Xiao Yue , Wei Qiang , Wang Duochun
Published: February 2022

Shewanella algae

is widely distributed in marine and freshwater habitats, and has been proved to be an emerging marine zoonotic and human pathogen. However, the genomic characteristics and pathogenicity of

Shewanella algae

are unclear. Here, the whole-genome features of 55 

S

.

algae

strains isolated from different sources were described. Pan-genome analysis yielded 2863 (19.4 %) genes shared among all strains. Functional annotation of the core genome showed that the main functions are focused on basic lifestyle such as metabolism and energy production. Meanwhile, the phylogenetic tree of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of core genome divided the 55 strains into three clades, with the majority of strains from China falling into the first two clades. As for the accessory genome, 167 genomic islands (GIs) and 65 phage-related elements were detected. The CRISPR-Cas system with a high degree of confidence was predicted in 23 strains. The GIs carried a suite of virulence genes and mobile genetic elements, while prophages contained several transposases and integrases. Horizontal genes transfer based on homology analysis indicated that these GIs and prophages were parts of major drivers for the evolution and the environmental adaptation of

S. algae

. In addition, a rich putative virulence-associated gene pool was found. Eight classes of antibiotic-associated resistance genes were detected, and the carriage rate of β-lactam resistance genes was 100 %. In conclusion,

S. algae

exhibits a high intra-species diversity in the aspects of population structure, virulence-associated genes and potential drug resistance, which is helpful for its evolution in pathogenesis and environmental adaptability.
Phylotyping, Pathotyping and Phenotypic Characteristics of Escherichia coli Isolated from Various Street Foods in Bangladesh
Authors: Bhowmik Anindita , Goswami Sharmistha , Sirajee Ahmad Salman , Ahsan Sunjukta
Published: February 2022

The burden of street food contamination remains significantly higher among developing countries, making its consumers’ health compromised. This study aimed at identifying Escherichia coli in local street foods, track their sources and characterize their virulence properties, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and incidence of recent fecal contamination. Twelve E. coli isolates isolated from 28 types of street foods sold at different locations of Dhaka metropolitan city were confirmed by both culture-based and molecular methods. Phylogroup B1 of environment origin was the most predominant (58%, n=12) among the isolates, followed by commensal phylogroup A (16%), phylogroup C (8%), D (8%), and E (8%). Alarmingly, 8% of the isolates were confirmed to be Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), harboring hlyA gene, and 41% were due to recent fecal contamination cases confirmed by the presence of the eae gene. Isolates showed the highest resistance to ampicillin, followed by chloramphenicol. However, resistance could not be correlated to the presence of class 1 integron as isolates sensitive to these antibiotics also harbored this mobile genetic element. The findings of this study demonstrated the presence of antibiotic-resistant, potentially pathogenic E. coli in street food which emphasizes the health hazard associated with consumption of such foods.
Enviromic prediction is useful to define the limits of climate adaptation: A case study of common beans in Brazil
Authors: Heinemann Alexandre Bryan , da Matta David Henriques , Fernandes Igor Kuivjogi , Fritsche-Neto Roberto , Costa-Neto Germano
Published: February 2022

Future environmental shifts foster plant research aiming to develop climate-smart cultivars but the past and current impacts on the environment are also a key to unraveling a major part of the phenotypic adaptation of crops. These studies may determine the most relevant environmental components of yield stability and adaptability within a breeding framework. Here, as a proof-concept study, we quantified the impacts of climate drivers in adapting common bean across Brazilian regions and seasons. We developed an ‘enviromic prediction’ approach based on Generalized Additive Models (GAM), large-scale environmental covariate data (EC), and grain yield (GY) of 18 years of a common bean breeding program. Then, we predicted the optimum limits for ECs for each production scenario. We verified the ability of GAM-based models to explain the climate driver GY variation and performed accurate predictions for diverse production scenarios (four regions, three seasons, and two grain types). Our results indicates that air temperature (maximum and minimum), accumulated solar radiation, and rainfalls are mostly associated as the main drivers of GY variation in most regions. We also observed a huge variability of the climate drivers impact for the same germplasm cultivated across different seasons for each region. Furthermore, this climate influence in common beans adaptation is more evident during the vegetative for some seasons, while more impressive for reproductive stages for other seasons. Consequently, it demands higher efforts from breeding programs in developing region- or season-specific ideotype cultivars. Enviromics prediction with GAM was useful to identify the effect of climate on critical crop stages, which indirectly might help breeders in developing climate-smart varieties. We envisage its use with research field trial data (e.g., advanced yield testing) and historical farm field yield aimed at understanding breeding gaps in developing adapted cultivars for growing scenarios.

Highlights

We developed an ‘enviromic prediction’ approach based on Generalized Additive Models (GAM) for a large-scale environmental covariate data and grain yield

We verified the ability of GAM-based models to explain the climate driver grain yield variation and performed accurate predictions for diverse production scenarios (four regions, three seasons, and two grain types)

Climatic limitations for cropping commun beans were identified across seasons and regions.

“Optimum” values for climate variables in different common bean regions productions were obtained .
Whole-genome sequencing of Bantu-speakers from Angola and Mozambique reveals complex dispersal patterns and interactions throughout sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Tallman Sam , das Dores Sungo Maria , Saranga Sílvio , Beleza Sandra
Published: February 2022

As the continent of origin for our species, Africa harbours the highest levels of diversity anywhere on Earth. This trove of diversity provides rich opportunities to discover unknown genomic variation and explore how human populations have moved and interacted on the continent over thousands of years. However, many regions of Africa remain under-sampled. Here we present the first collection of whole-genomes from Angola and Mozambique, enabling the construction of a high-quality reference variation catalogue including three million novel SNPs. Leveraging the power and flexibility of whole-genome sequencing data, we model the development and continuity of Bantu-population structure through time, widespread admixture involving source populations from these regions across sub-Saharan Africa, and the heterogeneous population histories of Western and Eastern Bantu-speakers. In contrast to depictions of the Bantu expansion as a single, continuous macro-event, we recover evidence of admixture among distinct Bantu-speaking groups in South-Eastern Africa and bring together concordant patterns from linguistics and archaeology to paint a more complex picture of Iron Age migrations into the region. Moreover, we generate reference panels that better represents the complete diversity of African populations involved in the Atlantic slave trade, improving imputation accuracy in African Americans and Brazilians over the 1000 Genomes Project. This study fills important gaps in the current record of global genetic diversity and informs on the most significant demographic events in the recent history of Africa. We anticipate that our collection of genomes will form the foundation for future genomic healthcare initiatives involving under-represented communities in Angola and Mozambique.
Eradicating Citrus Greening By Dual Action Targeting of Liberibacter asiaticus and Diaphorina citri
Authors: Farrell Catherine , Triplett Eric W. , Theise Neil D. , Lowell Cadance A. , Arment Anthony R.
Published: February 2022

Huanglongbing (citrus greening) is caused by the unculturable, gram negative bacterium Liberibacter asiaticus and transmitted by the Asian Citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri). Prior research demonstrated that the rifampicin-derivative TPR-1 as well as Palisades Therapeutic (PT) compounds PT159 and PT160 were effective at inhibiting growth of the L. cresens, the only culturable model for Las, showing 100% inhibition at 0.5 μg mL−1, and 80% inhibition at 0.05 μg mL−1.

Research with the PT glucocorticoid antagonist compounds demonstrated an inhibition of bacterial growth in L crescens as well, possibly a synergistic addition to TPR-1. A search of the L. asiaticus genome revealed the presence of 3 putative glucocorticoid response elements (GRE). Putative GRE are present in all organisms and may be involved in organism signaling as well as host-pathogen crosstalk.

In Drosophila, the estrogen-related receptor (ERR) transcription factor is a master regulator of larval and pupal maturation. ERR binds to GRE promoter elements in the genome to regulate the transcription of pathways involved in glucose metabolism. Null mutations of ERR fail to leave pupation and demonstrate elevated glucose levels when compared to wild-type. Treatment of Drosophila larvae with PT compounds demonstrated developmental delay disruptions in pupation, including premature pupation and increased lethality. Pupae that had been fed PT compounds as larvae showed elevated glucose levels when compared to controls. Sequences identified in Drosophila ERR showed high homology to 2 proteins in D. citri (ERR-like 1 and ERR-like 2), leading us to hypothesize that a glucocorticoid antagonist may disrupt psyllid development. Because these genes and signaling pathways are highly conserved between these taxa, we propose that Drosophila serves as a good model for screening potential compounds for the control of psyllid populations.

Collectively, we hypothesize that the dual action of these compounds offers a solution to HLB that can salvage the dying citrus industry in Florida and provide the first effective treatment. By simultaneous targeting of both Las and D. citri, it may be possible to both cure infected trees and block psyllid development in adults feeding on those same trees. Disruption of the psyllid’s ability to carry Las or cure Las from the psyllid gut are also both substantial possibilities.
Neurobeachin controls the asymmetric subcellular distribution of electrical synapse proteins
Authors: Martin E. Anne , Michel Jennifer Carlisle , Kissinger Jane S. , Echeverry Fabio A. , Lin Ya-Ping , O’Brien John , Pereda Alberto E. , Miller Adam C.
Published: February 2022

The subcellular positioning of synapses and their specialized molecular compositions form the fundamental basis of neural circuits. Like chemical synapses, electrical synapses are constructed from an assortment of adhesion, scaffolding, and regulatory molecules, yet little is known about how these molecules localize at specified subcellular neuronal compartments. Here we investigated the relationship between the autism- and epilepsy-associated gene Neurobeachin, neuronal gap junction channelforming Connexins, and the scaffold ZO1. Using the zebrafish Mauthner circuit we found Neurobeachin localizes to the electrical synapse independent of ZO1 and Connexins. By contrast, we show Neurobeachin is required postsynaptically for the robust localization of ZO1 and Connexins. We demonstrate Neurobeachin binds ZO1 but not Connexins. Finally, we find Neurobeachin is required to restrict postsynaptic electrical synapse proteins to dendrites. These findings reveal a mechanism for the asymmetric synaptic localization of electrical synapse components providing a basis for the subcellular specialization of neuronal gap junctions.