bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Th17/Treg cell balance: crosstalk among the immune system, bone and microbes in periodontitis
Authors: Deng Jianwen , Lu Chunting , Zhao Qingtong , Chen Kexiao , Ma Shuyuan , Li Zejian
Published: December 2021

Periodontopathic bacteria constantly stimulate the host, which causes an immune response, leading to host‐induced periodontal tissue damage. The complex interaction and imbalance between Th17 and Treg cells may be critical in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Furthermore, the RANKL/RANK/OPG system plays a significant role in periodontitis bone metabolism, and its relationship with the Th17/Treg cell imbalance may be a bridge between periodontal bone metabolism and the immune system. This article reviews the literature related to the Th17/Treg cell imbalance mediated by pathogenic periodontal microbes, and its mechanism involving RANKL/RANK/OPG in periodontitis bone metabolism, in an effort to provide new ideas for the study of the immunopathological mechanism of periodontitis.
Prenatal psychosocial stress and children’s sleep problems: Evidence from the ELSPAC‐CZ study
Authors: Ksinan Jiskrova Gabriela , Pikhart Hynek , Bobák Martin , Klanova Jana , Stepanikova Irena
Published: December 2021

Prenatal exposure to maternal stress may increase the risk of developing sleep problems in childhood. This study examined the association between prenatal stressful life events (PSLE) and children’s sleep problems, taking into consideration their trajectory over time. Data were obtained from the Czech portion of the European Longitudinal Cohort Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ELSPAC‐CZ; N = 4,371 children). Mothers reported PSLE using an inventory of 42 life events and child sleep problems at five time‐points (child age of 1.5, 3, 5, 7, and 11 years). The association was tested by a Poisson latent growth model, controlling for maternal and family demographics, birth characteristics, maternal depression, and alcohol use in pregnancy. The average rate of sleep problems was 2.06 (p < 0.001) at the age of 1.5 years and the rate of sleep problems decreased in a linear fashion over time (estimate = −0.118; p < 0.001). A higher number of PSLE was associated with a higher rate of sleep problems at the age of 1.5 years (incidence rate ratio [IRR] per interquartile range = 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.12, p < 0.001) and with a reduced rate of decrease in sleep problems between the ages of 1.5 and 11 years (p < 0.001). Thus, PSLE were associated with chronicity of sleep problems in addition to their amount during early childhood. Prenatal exposure to stress may predispose individuals to the development of sleep problems in later life.
Airway remodeling in horses with mild and moderate asthma
Authors: Bessonnat Amandine , Hélie Pierre , Grimes Carolyn , Lavoie Jean‐Pierre
Published: December 2021

Background

There is a remodeling of the central airways in horses with severe asthma but whether a similar process occurs in horses with the mild or moderate asthma (MMA) is unknown.

Objectives

To evaluate lesions affecting the central airways of horses with MMA.

Animals

Twelve horses with MMA and 8 control horses.

Methods

Case‐control retrospective study of horses classified as MMA affected or controls based on history and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology. Endobronchial biopsies were analyzed using histomorphometry and a semiquantitative histologic scoring system.

Results

Histomorphometry identified epithelial hyperplasia (47 μm2/μm [34‐57 μm2/μm];P = .02), a thickened lamina propria (166 μm [73‐336 μm];P = .04), and smooth muscle fibrosis (42% [33%‐78%];P = .04) in horses with MMA when compared to controls horses (24 μm2/μm [21‐80 μm2/μm]; 76 μm [36‐176 μm]; and 33% [26%‐52%], respectively). The semiquantitative score results indicated, in horses with MMA, the presence of epithelial hyperplasia (7 of the 12 horses with MMA and only 1 of the 8 control horses had a score of 1/1), and submucosal inflammatory leucocytes in the central airway (11 of the 12 horses with MMA and only 4 of the 8 control horses had a score ≥ 1/2).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Tissue remodeling of the bronchial lamina propria, epithelium, and smooth muscle was present in horses with MMA.
Invading rain forest pioneers initiate positive fire suppression feedbacks that reinforce shifts from open to closed forest in eastern Australia
Authors: Baker Andrew G. , Catterall Claudia , Benkendorff Kirsten
Published: December 2021

Question

Suppression of Aboriginal burning and wildfire from forests in which fires were historically frequent may trigger environmental changes that further suppress fire frequency and intensity. In high‐rainfall regions of eastern Australia, long‐unburnt open forests are frequently invaded by rain forest pioneer trees, which in turn modify open‐forest understorey structure and composition. We examine altered understorey fuel properties as potential fire suppression feedback mechanisms reinforcing switches from fire‐dependent eucalypt open forest to fire‐resistant closed forest.

Location

Northeastern New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

We characterized forest understorey leaf traits, plant crown architecture and vegetation structure to test for differences in flammability across a mosaic of contrasting times since fire (recently burnt — 4 years; long unburnt — 16 years) and midstorey composition (open, sclerophyll, rain forest) in subtropical shrubby dry sclerophyll eucalypt forest.

Results

Drivers of flammability were lower in long‐unburnt open forest with a rain forest pioneer midstorey at multiple scales (leaf, foliage clump, crown and stratum) than either long‐unburnt open forests with a sclerophyll midstorey or recently burnt open forest with an open midstorey. Grassy (graminoid) and sclerophyllous shrub fuels declined sharply beneath a rain forest pioneer midstorey, consistent with the fire suppression feedbacks regulating tropical savanna to closed forest transitions. Rain forest pioneers also reduced understorey flammability drivers through floristic compositional changes that increased leaf and foliage clump separation in shrub and midstorey fuel strata, and increased leaf moisture in the shrub stratum.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that rain forest pioneers are ecosystem engineers that modify open‐forest fuel properties, initiating a positive fire suppression feedback that facilitates their persistence and continued transition to a fire‐resistant closed forest. The fire suppression feedbacks we identify may help explain paleoecological and modern observations of rain forest expansion under high CO2 atmospheres, despite increased temperatures and seasonal drought severity.
Gene flow influences the genomic architecture of local adaptation in six riverine fish species
Authors: Shi Yue , Bouska Kristen L. , McKinney Garrett J. , Dokai William , Bartels Andrew , McPhee Megan V. , Larson Wesley A.
Published: December 2021

Understanding how gene flow influences adaptive divergence is important for predicting adaptive responses. Theoretical studies suggest that when gene flow is high, clustering of adaptive genes in fewer genomic regions would protect adaptive alleles from recombination and thus be selected for, but few studies have tested it with empirical data. Here, we used restriction site‐associated sequencing to generate genomic data for six fish species with contrasting life histories from six reaches of the Upper Mississippi River System, USA. We used four differentiation‐based outlier tests and three genotype–environment association analyses to define neutral single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and outlier SNPs that were putatively under selection. We then examined the distribution of outlier SNPs along the genome and investigated whether these SNPs were found in genomic islands of differentiation and inversions. We found that gene flow varied among species, and outlier SNPs were clustered more tightly in species with higher gene flow. The two species with the highest overall FST (0.0303–0.0720) and therefore lowest gene flow showed little evidence of clusters of outlier SNPs, with outlier SNPs in these species spreading uniformly across the genome. In contrast, nearly all outlier SNPs in the species with the lowest FST (0.0003) were found in a single large putative inversion. Two other species with intermediate gene flow (FST ~ 0.0025–0.0050) also showed clustered genomic architectures, with most islands of differentiation clustered on a few chromosomes. Our results provide important empirical evidence to support the hypothesis that increasingly clustered architecture of local adaptation is associated with high gene flow.
Permafrost thaw with warming reduces microbial metabolic capacities in subsurface soils
Authors: Wu Linwei , Yang Felix , Feng Jiajie , Tao Xuanyu , Qi Qi , Wang Cong , Schuur Edward A. G. , Bracho Rosvel , Huang Yi , Cole James R. , Tiedje James M. , Zhou Jizhong
Published: December 2021

Microorganisms are major constituents of the total biomass in permafrost regions, whose underlain soils are frozen for at least two consecutive years. To understand potential microbial responses to climate change, here we examined microbial community compositions and functional capacities across four soil depths in an Alaska tundra site. We showed that a 5‐year warming treatment increased soil thaw depth by 25.7% (p = .011) within the deep organic layer (15–25 cm). Concurrently, warming reduced 37% of bacterial abundance and 64% of fungal abundances in the deep organic layer, while it did not affect microbial abundance in other soil layers (i.e., 0–5, 5–15, and 45–55 cm). Warming treatment altered fungal community composition and microbial functional structure (p < .050), but not bacterial community composition. Using a functional gene array, we found that the relative abundances of a variety of carbon (C)‐decomposing, iron‐reducing, and sulphate‐reducing genes in the deep organic layer were decreased, which was not observed by the shotgun sequencing‐based metagenomics analysis of those samples. To explain the reduced metabolic capacities, we found that warming treatment elicited higher deterministic environmental filtering, which could be linked to water‐saturated time, soil moisture, and soil thaw duration. In contrast, plant factors showed little influence on microbial communities in subsurface soils below 15 cm, despite a 25.2% higher (p < .05) aboveground plant biomass by warming treatment. Collectively, we demonstrate that microbial metabolic capacities in subsurface soils are reduced, probably arising from enhanced thaw by warming.
Adding wisdom to computation: The task of philosophy today
Authors: Chiodo Simona
Published: December 2021

From climate change to potentially disruptive technologies to the COVID‐19 pandemic, our era is characterised by unprecedented complexity and uncertainty. Philosophy has always been a promising tool for facing puzzling scenarios. Yet, contemporary philosophy may not be able to successfully face our era’s unprecedented complexity and uncertainty. On the one hand, contemporary philosophy results from a kind of hypertrophisation of logos restricting the forms of rationality legitimately usable. On the other hand, our era’s unprecedented complexity and uncertainty seem to require not only restricted forms of rationality, such as logic and computation, but also other forms of rationality underdeveloped in our philosophical tradition, such as wisdom. This paper proposes reasons why increasing our focus on wisdom may help us face our unprecedentedly complex and uncertain era in four respects as philosophers: when educating our students; when publishing our work; when talking to civil society; and when acting in our technological era.
N‐acetylglucosamine transporter, Ngt1, undergoes sugar‐responsive endosomal trafficking inCandida albicans
Authors: Hanumantha Rao Kongara , Roy Kasturi , Paul Soumita , Ghosh Swagata
Published: December 2021

N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), an important amino sugar at the infection sites of the fungal pathogenCandida albicans, triggers multiple cellular processes. GlcNAc import at the cell surface is mediated by GlcNAc transporter, Ngt1 which seems to play a critical role during GlcNAc signaling. We have investigated the Ngt1 dynamics that provide a platform for further studies aimed at understanding the mechanistic insights of regulating process(es) inC. albicans. The expression of this transporter is prolific and highly sensitive to even very low levels (˂2 µM) of GlcNAc. Under these conditions, Ngt1 undergoes phosphorylation‐associated ubiquitylation as a code for internalization. This ubiquitylation process involves the triggering proteins like protein kinase Snf1, arrestin‐related trafficking adaptors (ART) protein Rod1, and yeast ubiquitin ligase Rsp5. Interestingly, analysis of∆snf1and∆rsp5mutants revealed that while Rsp5 is promoting the endosomal trafficking of Ngt1‐GFPɤ, Snf1 hinders the process. Furthermore, colocalization experiments of Ngt1 with Vps17 (an endosomal marker), Sec7 (a trans‐Golgi marker), and a vacuolar marker revealed the fate of Ngt1 during sugar‐responsive endosomal trafficking.∆ras1and∆ubi4mutants showed decreased ubiquitylation and delayed endocytosis of Ngt1. According to our knowledge, this is the first report which illustrates the mechanistic insights that are responsible for endosomal trafficking of a GlcNAc transporter in an eukaryotic organism.
Marchantia polymorpha model reveals conserved infection mechanisms in the vascular wilt fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Redkar Amey , Gimenez Ibanez Selena , Sabale Mugdha , Zechmann Bernd , Solano Roberto , Di Pietro Antonio
Published: December 2021

Root‐infecting vascular fungi cause wilt diseases and provoke devastating losses in hundreds of crops. It is currently unknown how these pathogens evolved and whether they can also infect nonvascular plants, which diverged from vascular plants over 450 million years ago.

We established a pathosystem between the nonvascular plant Marchantia polymorpha (Mp) and the root‐infecting vascular wilt fungus Fusarium oxysporum (Fo). On angiosperms, Fo exhibits exquisite adaptation to the plant xylem niche as well as host‐specific pathogenicity, both of which are conferred by effectors encoded on lineage‐specific chromosomes.

Fo isolates displaying contrasting lifestyles on angiosperms – pathogenic vs endophytic – are able to infect Mp and cause tissue maceration and host cell killing. Using isogenic fungal mutants we define a set of conserved fungal pathogenicity factors, including mitogen activated protein kinases, transcriptional regulators and cell wall remodelling enzymes, that are required for infection of both vascular and nonvascular plants. Markedly, two host‐specific effectors and a morphogenetic regulator, which contribute to vascular colonisation and virulence on tomato plants are dispensable on Mp.

Collectively, these findings suggest that vascular wilt fungi employ conserved infection strategies on nonvascular and vascular plant lineages but also have specific mechanisms to access the vascular niche of angiosperms.
A new solution to an old riddle: elongate dinosaur tracks explained as deep penetration of the foot, not plantigrade locomotion
Authors: Lallensack Jens N. , Farlow James O. , Falkingham Peter L.
Published: December 2021

The dinosaur track record features numerous examples of trackways with elongated metatarsal marks. Such ‘elongate tracks’ are often highly variable and characterized by indistinct outlines and abbreviated or missing digit impressions. Elongate dinosaur tracks are well‐known from the Paluxy River bed of Texas, where some have been interpreted as ‘man tracks’ by creationists due to their superficially human‐like appearance. The horizontal orientation of the metatarsal marks led to the now widely accepted idea of a facultative plantigrade, or ‘flat‐footed’, mode of locomotion in a variety of dinosaurian trackmakers small to large. This hypothesis, however, is at odds with the observation that elongate tracks do not indicate reduced locomotion speeds and increased pace angulation values, but instead are correlated with low anatomical fidelity. We here interpret elongate tracks as deep penetrations of the foot in soft sediment. Sediment may collapse above parts of the descending foot, leaving a shallow surface track that preserves a metatarsal mark. The length of a metatarsal mark is determined by multiple factors and is not necessarily correlated with the length of the metatarsus. Other types of posterior marks in dinosaur footprints, such as drag and slip marks, are reviewed.
Healthcare needs and experiences of foreign residents in Japan by language fluency
Authors: Okamoto Miyoko , Matsuda Yui , Foronda Cynthia L.
Published: December 2021

Objective

Two percent of the Japanese population is comprised of foreign residents with further increase expected due to immigration policy revisions. The purpose of this paper is to examine the healthcare needs and difficulties experienced by foreign residents in Japan by level of their Japanese language fluency.

Design

A quantitative, descriptive design was used.

Sample

We surveyed foreign residents in the greater Tokyo area (N = 209).

Measurements

The research team created the survey questions and the contents of the survey include foreign residents’ experiences during their visits or stays at medical and public health facilities in Japan.

Results

More than 90% of the participants or their families visited medical facilities in Japan regardless of Japanese language fluency; however, those with less Japanese language fluency experienced statistically significant uneasiness or inconvenience concerning communication compared to those with native Japanese language fluency (p = .000).

Conclusions

Nurses in Japan may benefit from additional training related to use of interpreters as well as education about diversity and cultural humility. Through better understanding of the specific communication barriers of foreign residents, nurses will be able to better anticipate difficulties and address them.
Interactive effects of hydrogen sulphide and silicon enhance drought and heat tolerance by modulating hormones, antioxidant defence enzymes and redox status in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Naz R. , Gul F. , Zahoor S. , Nosheen A. , Yasmin H. , Keyani R. , Shahid M. , Hassan M. N. , Siddiqui M. H. , Batool S. , Anwar Z. , Ali N. , Roberts T. H.
Published: December 2021

Recent changes in climate have reduced crop productivity throughout much of the world. Drought and heat stress, particularly in arid and semi‐arid regions, have seriously affected barley production.

This study explored the separate and interactive effects of silicon (Si) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) on plant growth and mitigation of the adverse effects of heat stress (DS) and drought stress (HS) in a barley pot experiment.

The impacts of simultaneous DS + HS were more severe than individual stresses due to increased ROS production, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and higher electrolyte leakage (EL), thereby leading to reduced water, protein and photosynthetic pigment content. Exogenously applied Si and H2S alleviated the DS‐, HS‐ and DS + HS‐induced effects on barley by reducing ROS production, MDA and EL. A single application of H2S or Si + H2S increased plant biomass under all stress conditions, which can be ascribed to higher Si accumulation in barley shoots. A single application of Si or H2S significantly increased plant biomass. However, Si + H2S was the most effective treatment for metabolite accumulation and elevating activity of antioxidant enzymes to prevent toxicity from oxidative stress. This treatment also modulated osmolyte content, enhanced antioxidant activity and regulated the stress signalling‐related endogenous hormones, abscisic acid (ABA) and indole acetic acid (IAA).

Exogenous treatments regulated endogenous H2S and Si and resulted in higher tolerance to individual and combined drought and heat stress in barley.
Crop minimum support price versus cost subsidy: Farmer and consumer welfare
Authors: Chintapalli Prashant , Tang Christopher S.
Published: December 2021

Besides using earmark budget to support farmer cost subsidies, governments in many developing countries use minimum support price (MSP) as an alternative subsidy scheme to (i) safeguard farmers' incomes against vagaries in crop price and (ii) ensure sufficient crop production. Among different MSP schemes, we focus on the credit‐based MSP scheme under which a government will not take any possession of a crop; instead, it will credit farmers if the prevailing market price is below the prespecified MSP. In this paper, we consider a market consisting of infinitesimally small, rational, and strategic farmers (with heterogeneous production costs) who face market and yield uncertainties. Our equilibrium analysis reveals that (i) although both cost subsidy and MSP induce more production, cost subsidy leads to a higher crop production than MSP; (ii) MSP improves farmer's and consumer's surpluses; however, cost subsidy improves consumer's surplus but it can decrease farmer's surplus, which is unexpected; (iii) although both programs achieve the same optimal net value (i.e., sum of farmer's and consumer's surpluses minus shortage cost and expenditure), MSP always offers higher farmer's surplus than cost subsidy; and (iv) it is beneficial to invest only in cost subsidy, in both cost subsidy and MSP, and only in MSP, when the budget availability is low, moderate, and high, respectively, so that the net surplus (i.e., sum of farmer's and consumer's surpluses less the shortage cost) is also maximized along with the net value generated being maximized.
Respiratory harms from vaping: Questions for debate and discussion
Authors: Mendelsohn Colin Paul , Morjaria Jaymin Bhagwanji , Polosa Riccardo
Published: December 2021

See related Reply
Invasive procedures in the oral cavity of individuals with Bernard–Soulier syndrome: An integrative review
Authors: Tieghi Neto Victor , Viola Vivian Palata , Júnior Luiz Alberto Valente Soares , Santos Paulo Sergio da Silva
Published: December 2021

Aim

Bernard–Soulier syndrome (BSS) is an inherited bleeding disorder characterized by macroplatelets and thrombocytopenia, prolonged bleeding time, and a prevalence of less than 1 in 1,000,000. In view of the recognition of the risk of bleeding and the management of daily surgical practice in these patients, adequate strategies are necessary to provide the safest care. This article aims to perform an integrative review of the literature on the management of invasive procedures in the oral cavity of individuals with BSS.

Method

The PubMed/Medline and LILACS databases were searched using Boolean operators related to BSS, bleeding disorders, and oral care.

Results

As a result, only five articles with the main theme were included: one letter to the editor and four case reports, described chronologically as to date of publication, classification of the article, and medical/odontological measures taken.

Conclusion

We conclude with this review the need for adequate knowledge of surgeons regarding coagulation disorders and the need to discuss and plan procedures with the hematology team, as well as the importance of the notion of management of possible complications resulting from invasive treatments in the oral cavity of patients with BSS.
Explaining World‐Wide Variation in Navigation Ability from Millions of People: Citizen Science Project Sea Hero Quest
Authors: Spiers Hugo J. , Coutrot Antoine , Hornberger Michael
Published: December 2021

Navigation ability varies widely across humans. Prior studies have reported that being younger and a male has an advantage for navigation ability. However, these studies have generally involved small numbers of participants from a handful of western countries. Here, we review findings from our project Sea Hero Quest, which used a video game for mobile and tablet devices to test 3.9 million people on their navigation ability, sampling across every nation‐state and from 18 to 99 years of age. Results revealed that the task has good ecological validity and across all countries sufficiently sampled (N = 63), age is linked to a near‐linear decline in navigation ability from the early 20s. All countries showed a male advantage, but this varied considerably and could be partly predicted by gender inequality. We found that those who reported growing up in a city were on average worse at navigating than those who grew up outside cities and that navigation performance helped identify those at greater genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease. We discuss the advantages and challenges of using a mobile app to study cognition and the future avenues for understanding individual differences in navigation ability arising from this research.
Application of Dynamic Input Shaping for a Dual-Mirror System
Authors: Dautt-Silva Alicia , de Callafon Raymond A.
Published: December 2021

The task of trajectory planning for a dual-mirror optical pointing system greatly benefits from carefully designed dynamic input signals. This paper summarizes the application of multivariable input shaping (IS) for a dual-mirror system, starting from initial open-loop step-response data. The optical pointing system presented consists of two fast steering mirrors (FSM) for which dynamically coupled input signals are designed, while adhering to mechanical and input signal constraints. For the solution, the planned trajectories for the dual-mirrors are determined via (inverse) kinematic analysis. A linear program (LP) problem is used to compute the dynamic input signal for each of the FSMs, with one of the mirrors acting as an image motion compensation device that guarantees tracking of a planned trajectory within a specified accuracy and the operating constraints of the FSMs.
Sequential structured volumetric ultrasound holography for self-positioning using monaural recording
Authors: Mukai Honoka , Hasegawa Keisuke , Nara Takaaki
Published: December 2021

In this article, a structured acoustic holography technique in the self-positioning method of a single microphone from the monaurally recorded signals is proposed. A series of three-dimensional ultrasonic holograms, designed for positioning in a workspace, are sequentially projected. As a result, the microphone receives a position-dependent sequence of amplitude signals encoded with information on the observation position. Subsequently, the microphone position is determined by obtaining the peak position of the cross-correlation function between the received signal and the reference signal. Experiments were conducted using a custom-made phased array of 40-kHz ultrasound transducers to evaluate the positioning accuracy. It is demonstrated that when applied to a 100×100×50 mm3 workspace, the measurement error was less than 1 mm at all observation points in the numerical experiment, which was maintained for more than 96% of the points in the real-environment experiments. The proposed method is advantageous in that it does not use the phase information of the recorded signals, thus requiring no multiple synchronized recordings as the microphone-array-based methods. In addition, this scheme does not directly use the absolute value of the received amplitude as a positioning clue, which means that no amplitude-to-voltage calibration is required.
Diurnal metabolic control in cyanobacteria requires perception of second messenger signaling molecule c-di-AMP by the carbon control protein SbtB
Authors: Selim Khaled A. , Haffner Michael , Burkhardt Markus , Mantovani Oliver , Neumann Niels , Albrecht Reinhard , Seifert Roland , Krüger Larissa , Stülke Jörg , Hartmann Marcus D. , Hagemann Martin , Forchhammer Karl
Published: December 2021

The carbon sensor SbtB perceives diurnal oscillation of c-di-AMP to control glycogen synthesis and nighttime survival.
Structures of neurokinin 1 receptor in complex with G
q
and G
s
proteins reveal substance P binding mode and unique activation features
Authors: Thom Cristian , Ehrenmann Janosch , Vacca Santiago , Waltenspühl Yann , Schöppe Jendrik , Medalia Ohad , Plückthun Andreas
Published: December 2021

Neuropeptide-bound NK
1
R:G protein complex structures explain mechanisms ranging from insurmountable antagonism to activation.
Wafer-scale freestanding vanadium dioxide film
Authors: Ma He , Xiao Xiao , Wang Yu , Sun Yufei , Wang Bolun , Gao Xinyu , Wang Enze , Jiang Kaili , Liu Kai , Zhang Xinping
Published: December 2021

Wafer-scale freestanding VO
2
films with high quality obtained in 6 min facilitate device integration.
A unique flavoenzyme operates in ubiquinone biosynthesis in photosynthesis-related eukaryotes
Authors: Xu Jing-Jing , Zhang Xiao-Fan , Jiang Yan , Fan Hang , Li Jian-Xu , Li Chen-Yi , Zhao Qing , Yang Lei , Hu Yong-Hong , Martin Cathie , Chen Xiao-Ya
Published: December 2021

The CoQ biosynthetic enzyme CoqF distinguishes plants from animals and fungi and has spread via gene transfer and loss.
Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 antagonizes atherosclerosis by blocking NLRP3 inflammasome–dependent interleukin-1β production
Authors: Gu Ping , Hui Xiaoyan , Zheng Qiantao , Gao Yuan , Jin Leigang , Jiang Weimin , Zhou Changsheng , Liu Tianxia , Huang Yu , Liu Qing , Nie Tao , Wang Yanfang , Wang Yu , Zhao Jianguo , Xu Aimin
Published: December 2021

The mitochondrial protein UCP1 has potent therapeutic effects on vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Causal effects of inflammatory protein biomarkers on inflammatory diseases
Authors: Ek Weronica E. , Karlsson Torgny , Höglund Julia , Rask-Andersen Mathias , Johansson Åsa
Published: December 2021

Many disease-associated protein biomarkers protect against disease development.
Mitochondrial–cell cycle cross-talk drives endoreplication in heart disease
Authors: Bischof Corinne , Mirtschink Peter , Yuan Ting , Wu Meiqian , Zhu Chaonan , Kaur Jaskiran , Pham Minh Duc , Gonzalez-Gonoggia Suam , Hammer Marie , Rogg Eva-Maria , Sharma Rahul , Bottermann Katharina , Gercken Bettina , Hagag Eman , Berthonneche Corinne , Sossalla Samuel , Stehr Sebastian N. , Maxeiner Joachim , Duda Maria Anna , Latreille Mathieu , Zamboni Nicola , Martelli Fabio , Pedrazzini Thierry , Dimmeler Stefanie , Krishnan Jaya
Published: December 2021

Cardiac endoreplication drives disease anabolic processes to support pathologic cardiac growth.
Decomposition of Growth Curves into Growth Rate and Acceleration: a Novel Procedure To Monitor Bacterial Growth and the Time-Dependent Effect of Antimicrobials
Authors: Navarro-Pérez M. Luisa , Fernández-Calderón M. Coronada , Vadillo-Rodríguez Virginia
Published: December 2021

The new and simple numerical procedure presented in this paper to analyze bacterial growth will possibly allow the identification of true differences in efficacy among antimicrobial drugs for their applications in human health, food security, and the environment, among others. It further provides insight into predictive microbiology, likely helping in the development of proper mathematical models to predict the course of bacterial growth under diverse circumstances.
The Pathway of Sulfide Oxidation to Octasulfur Globules in the Cytoplasm of Aerobic Bacteria
Authors: Wang Tianqi , Ran Mingxue , Li Xiaoju , Liu Yequn , Xin Yufeng , Liu Honglei , Liu Huaiwei , Xia Yongzhen , Xun Luying
Published: December 2021

Our results support a process of H
2
S oxidation to produce octasulfur globules via sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (SQR) catalysis and spontaneous reactions in the bacterial cytoplasm. Since the process is an important event in geochemical cycling, a better understanding facilitates further studies and provides theoretical support for using heterotrophic bacteria with SQR to oxidize toxic H
2
S into sulfur globules for recovery.
Current and Emerging Tools of Computational Biology To Improve the Detoxification of Mycotoxins
Authors: Sandlin Natalie , Russell Kish Darius , Kim John , Zaccaria Marco , Momeni Babak
Published: December 2021

Biological organisms carry a rich potential for removing toxins from our environment, but identifying suitable candidates and improving them remain challenging. We explore the use of computational tools to discover strains and enzymes that detoxify harmful compounds.
Epstein-Barr Virus miR-BHRF1-3 Targets the BZLF1 3’UTR and Regulates the Lytic Cycle
Authors: Fachko Devin N. , Chen Yan , Skalsky Rebecca L.
Published: December 2021

Epstein-Barr virus infection is predominantly latent in healthy individuals, while periodic cycles of reactivation are thought to facilitate persistent lifelong infection. Lytic infection has been linked to development of certain EBV-associated diseases. Here, we demonstrate that EBV miR-BHRF1-3 can suppress lytic replication by directly inhibiting Zta expression. Moreover, we identify nucleotide variants that impact the function of miR-BHRF1-3, which may contribute to specific EBV pathologies.
Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVgsn-99CM71 Vpu Employs Different Amino Acids To Antagonize Human and Greater Spot-Nosed Monkey BST-2
Authors: Yao Weitong , Strebel Klaus , Yamaoka Shoji , Yoshida Takeshi
Published: December 2021

Genes related to survival against life-threating pathogens are important determinants of natural selection in animal evolution. For instance, BST-2, a protein showing broad-spectrum antiviral activity, shows polymorphisms entailing different phenotypes even among primate species, suggesting that the
bst-2
gene of primates has been subject to strong selective pressure during evolution.
Reduction of Chronic Wasting Disease Prion Seeding Activity following Digestion by Mountain Lions
Authors: Baune Chase , Wolfe Lisa L. , Schott Kristen C. , Griffin Karen A. , Hughson Andrew G. , Miller Michael W. , Race Brent
Published: December 2021

CWD prions appear to spread naturally among susceptible cervid species in captivity and in the wild. A better understanding of all the ways these prions move, persist, and subsequently infect target species through the environment is critical to developing comprehensive disease control strategies.
Host Lung Environment Limits Aspergillus fumigatus Germination through an SskA-Dependent Signaling Response
Authors: Kirkland Marina E. , Stannard McKenzie , Kowalski Caitlin H. , Mould Dallas , Caffrey-Carr Alayna , Temple Rachel M. , Ross Brandon S. , Lofgren Lotus A. , Stajich Jason E. , Cramer Robert A. , Obar Joshua J.
Published: December 2021

Aspergillus fumigatus
is an important human fungal pathogen particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Initiation of growth by
A. fumigatus
in the lung is important for its pathogenicity in murine models.
Amino Acid Metabolism is Significantly Altered at the Time of Admission in Hospital for Severe COVID-19 Patients: Findings from Longitudinal Targeted Metabolomics Analysis
Authors: Ansone Laura , Briviba Monta , Silamikelis Ivars , Terentjeva Anna , Perkons Ingus , Birzniece Liga , Rovite Vita , Rozentale Baiba , Viksna Ludmila , Kolesova Oksana , Klavins Kristaps , Klovins Janis
Published: December 2021

Although the host defense mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2 infection are still poorly described, they are of central importance in shaping the course of the disease and the possible outcome. Metabolomic profiling may complement the lacking knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of COVID-19.
Prevalence and Molecular Characteristics of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli in “No Antibiotics Ever” Broiler Farms
Authors: Fancher Courtney A. , Thames Hudson T. , Colvin Mary Gates , Smith Mercedes , Easterling Alyssa , Nuthalapati Nikhil , Zhang Li , Kiess Aaron , Dinh Thu T. N. , Theradiyil Sukumaran Anuraj
Published: December 2021

Avian pathogenic
Escherichia coli
causes one of the most detrimental bacterial diseases to the United States poultry industry, colibacillosis. Colibacillosis leads to decreased performance, early mortality, and subsequent production loss.
The Second Chromosome Promotes the Adaptation of the Genus
Flammeovirga
to Complex Environments
Authors: Feng Zewei , Zhang Zheng , Liu Yu , Gu Jingyan , Cheng Yuanyuan , Hu Wei , Li Yuezhong , Han Wenjun
Published: December 2021

For decades, the typical bacterial genome has been thought to contain a single chromosome and a few small plasmids carrying nonessential genes. However, an increasing number of secondary chromosomes have been identified in various bacteria (e.g., plant symbiotic bacteria and human pathogens).
Serotypes and Clonal Composition of Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates Causing IPD in Children and Adults in Catalonia before 2013 to 2015 and after 2017 to 2019 Systematic Introduction of PCV13
Authors: Redin A. , Ciruela P. , de Sevilla M. F. , Gomez-Bertomeu F. , Gonzalez-Peris S. , Benitez M. A. , Trujillo G. , Diaz A. , Jou E. , Izquierdo C. , Perez-Moreno M. O. , Moraga-Llop F. , Olsina M. , Vinado B. , Sanfeliu E. , Garcia A. , Gonzalez-di Lauro S. , Garcia-Garcia J. J. , Dominguez A. , Sa-Leao R. , Muñoz-Almagro C.
Published: December 2021

We found that with the incorporation of the PCV13 vaccine, the numbers of IPD cases caused by serotypes included in this vaccine decreased in all of the age groups. Still, there was an unforeseen increase of the serotypes not included in this vaccine causing IPD, especially in the >65-year-old group.
Lipopeptide Interplay Mediates Molecular Interactions between Soil Bacilli and Pseudomonads
Authors: Andrić Sofija , Meyer Thibault , Rigolet Augustin , Prigent-Combaret Claire , Höfte Monica , Balleux Guillaume , Steels Sébastien , Hoff Grégory , De Mot René , McCann Andrea , De Pauw Edwin , Argüelles Arias Anthony , Ongena Marc
Published: December 2021

Plant-associated
Bacillus velezensis
and
Pseudomonas
spp. represent excellent model species as strong producers of bioactive metabolites involved in phytopathogen inhibition and the elicitation of plant immunity. However, the ecological role of these metabolites during microbial interspecies interactions and the way their expression may be modulated under naturally competitive soil conditions has been poorly investigated.
Microbial Degradation of Plastics and Approaches to Make it More Efficient
Authors: Kotova I. B. , Taktarova Yu. V. , Tsavkelova E. A. , Egorova M. A. , Bubnov I. A. , Malakhova D. V. , Shirinkina L. I. , Sokolova T. G. , Bonch-Osmolovskaya E. A.
Published: December 2021

Abstract—

The growing worldwide production of synthetic plastics leads to increased amounts of plastic pollution. Even though microbial degradation of plastics is known to be a very slow process, this capacity has been found in many bacteria, including invertebrate symbionts, and microscopic fungi. Research in this field has been mostly focused on microbial degradation of polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Quite an arsenal of different methods is available today for detecting processes of plastic degradation and measuring their rates. Given the lack of generally accepted protocols, it is difficult to compare results presented by different authors. PET degradation by recombinant hydrolases from thermophilic actinobacteria happens to be the most efficient among the currently known plastic degradation processes. Various approaches to accelerating microbial plastic degradation are also discussed.
Does the implementation of UHC reforms foster greater equality in health spending? Evidence from a benefit incidence analysis in Burkina Faso
Authors: De Allegri Manuela , Rudasingwa Martin , Yeboah Edmund , Bonnet Emmanuel , Somé Paul André , Ridde Valéry
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Burkina Faso is one among many countries in sub-Saharan Africa having invested in Universal Health Coverage (UHC) policies, with a number of studies have evaluated their impacts and equity impacts. Still, no evidence exists on how the distributional incidence of health spending has changed in relation to their implementation. Our study assesses changes in the distributional incidence of public and overall health spending in Burkina Faso in relation to the implementation of UHC policies.

Methods

We combined National Health Accounts data and household survey data to conduct a series of Benefit Incidence Analyses. We captured the distribution of public and overall health spending at three time points. We conducted separate analyses for maternal and curative services and estimated the distribution of health spending separately for different care levels.

Results

Inequalities in the distribution of both public and overall spending decreased significantly over time, following the implementation of UHC policies. Pooling data on curative services across all care levels, the concentration index (CI) for public spending decreased from 0.119 (SE 0.013) in 2009 to −0.024 (SE 0.014) in 2017, while the CI for overall spending decreased from 0.222 (SE 0.032) in 2009 to 0.105 (SE 0.025) in 2017. Pooling data on institutional deliveries across all care levels, the CI for public spending decreased from 0.199 (SE 0.029) in 2003 to 0.013 (SE 0.002) in 2017, while the CI for overall spending decreased from 0.242 (SE 0.032) in 2003 to 0.062 (SE 0.016) in 2017. Persistent inequalities were greater at higher care levels for both curative and institutional delivery services.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the implementation of UHC in Burkina Faso has favoured a more equitable distribution of health spending. Nonetheless, additional action is urgently needed to overcome remaining barriers to access, especially among the very poor, further enhancing equality.
Gender inequality in the global mental health research workforce: a research authorship scoping review and qualitative study in Nepal
Authors: Gurung Dristy , Sangraula Manaswi , Subba Prasansa , Poudyal Anubhuti , Mishra Shelly , Kohrt Brandon A
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Although women’s health is prioritised in global research, few studies have identified structural barriers and strategies to promote female leadership and gender equality in the global health research workforce, especially in low-income and middle-income countries.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods study to evaluate gender equality in the mental health research workforce in Nepal. The scoping review assessed gender disparities in authorship of journal publications for Nepal mental health research, using databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, NepJol, NepMed) for 5 years. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 Nepali researchers to identify structural barriers limiting women’s leadership.

Results

Of 337 articles identified, 61% were by Nepali first authors. Among Nepali first authors, 38.3% were women. Nepali women had half the odds of being first authors compared with men, when referenced against non-Nepali authors (OR 0.50, 95% CI 1.30 to 3.16). When limiting publications to those based on funded research, the odds were worse for first authorship among Nepali women (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.71). The qualitative analysis supported the scoping review and identified a lack of gender-friendly organisational policies, difficulties in communication and mobility, and limited opportunities for networking as barriers to women’s leadership in global health research.

Conclusion

Efforts are needed for greater representation of Nepali women in global mental health research, which will require transformative organisational policies to foster female leadership. Those in leadership need to recognise gender inequalities and take necessary steps to address them. Funding agencies should prioritise supporting organisations with gender equality task forces, policies and indicators.
Pursuing health systems strengthening through disease-specific programme grants: experiences in Tanzania and Sierra Leone
Authors: Hemingway Charlotte Devon , Bella Jalloh Mohamed , Silumbe Richard , Wurie Haja , Mtumbuka Esther , Nhiga Samuel , Lusasi Abdallah , Pulford Justin
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Disease-specific ‘vertical’ programmes and health system strengthening (HSS) ‘horizontal’ programmes are not mutually exclusive; programmes may be implemented with the dual objectives of achieving both disease-specific and broader HSS outcomes. However, there remains an ongoing need for research into how dual objective programmes are operationalised for optimum results.

Methods

A qualitative study encompassing four grantee programmes from two partner countries, Tanzania and Sierra Leone, in the Comic Relief and GlaxoSmithKline ‘Fighting Malaria, Improving Health’ partnership. Purposive sampling maximised variation in terms of geographical location, programme aims and activities, grantee type and operational sector. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was informed by a general inductive approach.

Results

51 interviews were conducted across the four grantees. Grantee organisations structured and operated their respective projects in a manner generally supportive of HSS objectives. This was revealed through commonalities identified across the four grantee organisations in terms of their respective approach to achieving their HSS objectives, and experienced tensions in pursuit of these objectives. Commonalities included: (1) using short-term funding for long-term initiatives; (2) benefits of being embedded in the local health system; (3) donor flexibility to enable grantee responsiveness; (4) the need for modest expectations; and (5) the importance of micro-innovation.

Conclusion

Health systems strengthening may be pursued through disease-specific programme grants; however, the respective practice of both the funder and grantee organisation appears to be a key influence on whether HSS will be realised as well as the overall extent of HSS possible.
Performance of risk scores for coronary artery disease: a retrospective cohort study of patients with chest pain in urgent primary care
Authors: Kleton Michelle , Manten Amy , Smits Iris , Rietveld Remco , Lucassen Wim A M , Harskamp Ralf E
Published: December 2021

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Marburg Heart Score (MHS), INTERCHEST, Gencer rule, Bruins Slot rule and compare these with unaided clinical judgement in patients with chest pain in urgent primary care.

Design

Retrospective, cohort study.

Setting

Regional primary care facility responsible for out-of-hours primary care for a quarter-million people in the Netherlands.

Participants

Consecutive patients aged ≥18 years who were evaluated for chest pain.

Main outcome measures

Discriminatory ability (C-statistic), sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV/NPV). The reference standard involved a composite endpoint of the occurrence of death, acute coronary syndrome or coronary revascularisation (=major adverse cardiac events; MACE) up to 6 weeks after initial contact.

Results

A total of 664 patients were included, of whom 4.8% (n=32) had a MACE event. C-statistics for MHS, INTERCHEST, Gencer and Bruins Slot rule were: 0.77 (95% CI 0.69 to 0.84), 0.85 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.92), 0.72 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.81) and 0.72 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.81), respectively. Optimal diagnostic accuracy was found for MHS ≥2 (sensitivity=81.3%, specificity=67.1%, PPV=11.1%, NPV=98.6%), INTERCHEST ≥2 (sensitivity=87.5%, specificity=78.8%, PPV=17.3%, NPV=99.1%), Gencer ≥2 (sensitivity=84.4%, specificity=37.8%, PPV=6.4%, NPV=98.0%) and Bruins Slot≥2 (sensitivity=90.6%, specificity=40.8%, PPV=7.2%, NPV=98.9%). Physicians referred 157 patients (23.6%) and missed 6 out of 32 MACEs (sensitivity=81.3%, specificity=79.3%, PPV=16.6%, NPV=98.8%). Using INTERCHEST with a referral threshold of ≥2 points, 4 MACEs would have been missed and 162 patients (24.4%) referred. The other risk scores resulted in far higher referral rates.

Conclusion

While available risk scores have reasonable to good discriminatory properties, they do not outperform unaided clinical judgment for evaluating chest pain in urgent primary care. Only the INTERCHEST score may slightly improve risk stratification.