bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis score as an early diagnostic tool for necrotizing fasciitis: a prospective observational study
Authors: Adhil Ibrahim , Dahal Suman , Gyawali Sushil , Neupane Prashansha , Kharel Ashok , Neupane Priyanka , Pachhai Prarthana , Khadka Rabi , Khatiwada Raj D. , Shrestha Jayan M.
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

From its historical identification to modern times with advancements in management modalities globally, the mortality of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is high ranging from 19 to 30% for all affected sites. Although many diagnostic adjuncts have been developed to assist with the prompt and accurate diagnosis of NF, the primary diagnosis is still based on high clinical suspicion. The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score was developed as a tool for distinguishing NF from other soft tissue infections. The main objective of this study is to evaluate LRINEC as a tool for early diagnosis of NF and differentiating it from other soft tissue infections like cellulitis.

Methods:

This is a single-centered, prospective observational study. Patients presenting with soft tissue infections of the limbs to the emergency department from November 2020 to October 2021 were included in this study. The clinical findings and blood parameters for the LRINEC score were collected and the score was calculated. Based on clinical suspicion of NF, patients underwent debridement and had a tissue biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 24 and MS Excel. The AUC curve was used to calculate a cutoff, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values for the LRINEC score based on our study.

Results:

Forty-five patients with 28 males and 17 females were included. The average age was 53.667 years within a range of 19–79 years. Among them 44.4% of the patients had NF and 66.6% had other minor forms of soft tissue infections. The ROC curve obtained a cutoff value of greater than or equal to 6, with an AUC of 0.751. At this cut of value study showed a sensitivity of 85% with a specificity of 52%. Similarly, positive predictive value was found to be 58.62%, negative predictive values of 81.25%, and overall accuracy of 66.67% in early diagnosis of NF.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our study showed that the LRINEC score can be a reliable tool for the early diagnosis of NF in an ED setting. This scoring system is best to be used to rule out NF.
Mechanisms and intervention strategies of emotional dysregulation in individuals with nonsuicidal self-injury
Authors: Li Mengyuan , Li Qiuhong , Wu Chao
Published: November 2023

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a deliberate, direct, socially unacceptable, and nonsuicidal form of self-hurt, with a high incidence rate among adolescents. NSSI harms people’s bodies and minds, dampening their social function and increasing the risk of suicide. The Benefit and Barrier Model of NSSI proposes that the core benefit of NSSI is emotional gain, in other words, the emotion regulation effect of the NSSI behaviors. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between NSSI and emotional dysregulation (ED), analyze the possible behavioral and neural mechanisms underlying ED in NSSI, and summarize the application of emotion regulation strategies in the intervention for NSSI. This review provides evidence and implications for further research on the mechanisms and interventions related to ED in people with NSSI.
Cutibacterium equinum sp. nov., isolated from horse faeces
Authors: Yun Jeong Ui , Jung Hye Su , Jung Mi-Ja , Song Hye Seon , Kim Yeon Bee , Kim Yujin , Kim Joon-Gyu , Roh Seong Woon , Lee Se Hee , Lee Jun Sik , Whon Tae Woong
Published: November 2023

Strain CBA3108T is a Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, obligately anaerobic bacterium isolated from horse faecal samples obtained in Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. The cells of CBA3108T are non-motile short rods that have been assessed as catalase-positive and oxidase-negative. Growth of the strain occurs under the following conditions: 25–45 °C (optimum, 35 °C); pH 6–9 (optimum, pH 6); and in the presence of 0–6 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2%). Major fatty acids in the strain include C15 : 0 iso and C15 : 0 iso DMA, while major polar lipids include phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine. Based on phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain CBA3108T forms a phyletic lineage distinct from other closely related species within the genus

Cutibacterium

. It was found to be most closely related to

Cutibacterium avidum

ATCC 25577T (98.27 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and other strains within the genus (≤98.0 %). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain CBA3108T was 63.2 mol%. The in silico DNA–DNA hybridization values of strain CBA3108T with

C. avidum

ATCC 25577T,

C. porci

WCA-380-WT-3AT and

C. acnes

subsp.

acnes

DSM 1897T were 33.6, 21.7 and 22.7 %, respectively. Its phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties support the hypothesis that strain CBA3108T represents a novel species in the genus

Cutibacterium

, for which we propose the name Cutibacterium equinum sp. nov. The type strain is CBA3108T (=KACC 22889T=JCM 35966T).
Evaluation of anti-biofilm effect of antimicrobial sonodynamic therapy-based periodontal ligament stem cell-derived exosome-loaded kojic acid on Enterococcus faecalis biofilm
Authors: Pourhajibagher Maryam , Azimi Mohammadabadi Maryam , Ghafari Hassan-Ali , Hodjat Mahshid , Bahador Abbas
Published: November 2023

Introduction. Antimicrobial sonodynamic therapy (aSDT) is an approach that uses ultrasound waves (UWs) and a sonosensitizer to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to damage microbial cells in biofilms. Using nano-carriers, such as exosomes (Exos), to deliver the sonosensitizer can potentially enhance the effectiveness of aSDT.

Hypothesis/Gap Statement. aSDT can downregulate the expression of gelE and sprE genes, increasing the production of endogenous ROS and degradation of pre-formed

Enterococcus faecalis

biofilms.

Aim. This study investigated the anti-biofilm effect of aSDT-based periodontal ligament stem cell-derived exosome-loaded kojic acid (KA@PDL-Exo) on pre-formed

E. faecalis

biofilms in root canals.

Methodology. Following the isolation and characterization of PDL-Exo, KA@PDL-Exo was prepared and confirmed. The minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of KA, PDL-Exo, KA@PDL-Exo and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was determined, and their anti-biofilm effects were assessed with and without UWs. The binding affinity of KA with GelE and SprE proteins was evaluated using in silico molecular docking. Additionally, the study measured the generation of endogenous ROS and evaluated changes in the gene expression levels of gelE and sprE.

Results. The results revealed a dose-dependent decrease in the viability of

E. faecalis

cells within biofilms. KA@PDL-Exo was the most effective, with an MBIC of 62.5 µg ml−1, while NaOCl, KA and PDL-Exo had MBIC values of 125, 250 and 500 µg ml−1, respectively. The use of KA@PDL-Exo-mediated aSDT resulted in a significant reduction of the

E. faecalis

biofilm (3.22±0.36 log10 c.f.u. ml−1; P<0.05). The molecular docking analysis revealed docking scores of −5.3 and −5.2 kcal mol−1 for GelE-KA an SprE-KA, respectively. The findings observed the most significant reduction in gene expression of gelE and sprE in the KA@PDL-Exo group, with a decrease of 7.9- and 9.3-fold, respectively, compared to the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion. The KA@PDL-Exo-mediated aSDT was able to significantly reduce the

E. faecalis

load in pre-formed biofilms, decrease the expression of gelE and srpE mRNA, and increase the generation of endogenous ROS. These findings imply that KA@PDL-Exo-mediated aSDT could be a promising anti-biofilm strategy that requires additional in vitro and in vivo investigations.
Under conditions closely mimicking vaginal fluid, Lactobacillus jensenii strain 62B produces a bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance that targets and eliminates Gardnerella species
Authors: Navarro Stephany , Abla Habib , Colmer-Hamood Jane A. , Ventolini Gary , Hamood Abdul N.
Published: November 2023

Within the vaginal ecosystem, lactobacilli and

Gardnerella

spp. likely interact and influence each other’s growth, yet the details of this interaction are not clearly defined. Using medium simulating vaginal fluid and a two-chamber co-culturing system to prevent cell-to-cell contact between the bacteria, we examined the possibility that

Lactobacillus jensenii

62B (Lj 62B) and/or

G. piotii

(Gp) JCP8151B produce extracellular factors through which they influence each other’s viability. By 24 h post-inoculation (hpi) in the co-culture system and under conditions similar to the vaginal environment – pH 5.0, 37 °C, and 5% CO2, Lj 62B viability was not affected but Gp JCP8151B had been eliminated. Cell-free supernatant harvested from Lj 62B cultures (Lj-CFS) at 20 hpi, but not 16 hpi, also eliminated Gp JCP8151B growth. Neither lactic acid nor H2O2 production by Lj 62B was responsible for this effect. The Lj-CFS did not affect viability of three species of lactobacilli or eight species of Gram-positive and Gram-negative uropathogens but eliminated viability of eight different strains of

Gardnerella

spp. Activity of the inhibitory factor within Lj-CFS was abolished by protease treatment and reduced by heat treatment suggesting it is most likely a bacteriocin-like protein; fractionation revealed that the factor has a molecular weight within the 10–30 kDa range. These results suggest that, in medium mimicking vaginal fluid and growth conditions similar to the vaginal environment, Lj 62B produces a potential bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (Lj-BLIS) that clearly targets

Gardnerella

spp. strains. Once fully characterized, Lj-BLIS may be a potential treatment for Gardnerella-related BV that does not alter the vaginal microflora.
SecDATA: Secure Data Access and de novo Transcript Assembly protocol - To meet the challenge of reliable NGS data analysis
Authors: Mondal Sudip , Bhattacharya Namrata , Das Troyee , Ghosh Zhumur , Khatua Sunirmal
Published: November 2023

Recent developments in sequencing technologies have created new opportunities to generate high-throughput biological data at an affordable price. Such high-throughput data needs immense computational resources for performing transcript assembly. Further, a high-end storage facility is needed to store the analyzed data and raw data. Here comes the need for centralized repositories to store such mountains of raw and analyzed data. Hence, it is of utmost importance to ensure data privacy for storing the data while performing transcript assembly. In this paper, we have developed a protocol namedSecDATAwhich performs de novo transcript assembly ensuring data security. It consists of two modules. The first module deals with a framework for secured access and storage of data. The novelty of the first module lies in the employment of distributed ledger technology for data storage that ensures the privacy of the data. The second module deals with the development of an optimized graph-based method for de novo transcript assembly. We have compared our results with the state-of-art method de Bruijn graph and the popular pipeline Trinity, for transcript reconstruction, and our protocol outperforms them.
Soquelitinib, A Selective Inhibitor of Interleukin-2-Inducible T Cell Kinase (ITK), is Active in Several Murine Models of T Cell-Mediated Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Hsu Lih-Yun , Rosenbaum James T. , Lindner Sarah , Allanore Yannick , Cauvet Anne , Pawar Rahul D. , Li Dan , Van Den Brink Marcel , Miller Richard A.
Published: November 2023

Interleukin-2-inducible T cell kinase (or ITK) is a tyrosine kinase predominantly expressed by T lymphocytes. It plays a major role in T cell activation, differentiation, and receptor signaling. Studies in mouse models have established that the absence or inhibition of ITK reduces the secretion of Th2 and Th17 cytokines, while favoring the production of Th1 cytokines and the differentiation of T cells to regulatory T cells (T regs). We recently characterized the activity of soquelitinib (SQL), a selective, covalent inhibitor of ITKin vitrousing mouse or human T cells andin vivoin murine models of cancer. We hypothesized that selective pharmacologic blockade of ITK could attenuate a variety of T cell-mediated inflammatory diseases including murine models that resemble asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, systemic sclerosis, psoriasis, and acute graft versus host disease. In each model, SQL demonstrated substantial ability to ameliorate the disease process along with effects on cytokines and/or T cell subsets consistent with the reported function of ITK. Our studies demonstrate that selective inhibition of ITK by SQL is potentially a novel therapeutic approach for several forms of T cell-mediated, inflammatory diseases.
Cryo-EM Heterogeneity Analysis using Regularized Covariance Estimation and Kernel Regression
Authors: Gilles Marc Aurèle , Singer Amit
Published: November 2023

Proteins and the complexes they form are central to nearly all cellular processes. Their flexibility, expressed through a continuum of states, provides a window into their biological functions. Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is an ideal tool to study these dynamic states as it captures specimens in non-crystalline conditions and enables high-resolution reconstructions. However, analyzing the heterogeneous distributions of conformations from cryo-EM data is challenging. We present RECOVAR, a method for analyzing these distributions based on principal component analysis (PCA) computed using a REgularized COVARiance estimator. RECOVAR is fast, robust, interpretable, expressive, and competitive with the state-of-art neural network methods on heterogeneous cryo-EM datasets. The regularized covariance method efficiently computes a large number of high-resolution principal components that can encode rich heterogeneous distributions of conformations and does so robustly thanks to an automatic regularization scheme. The novel reconstruction method based on adaptive kernel regression resolves conformational states to a higher resolution than all other tested methods on extensive independent benchmarks while remaining highly interpretable. Additionally, we exploit favorable properties of the PCA embedding to estimate the conformational density accurately. This density allows for better interpretability of the latent space by identifying stable states and low free-energy motions. Finally, we present a scheme to navigate the high-dimensional latent space by automatically identifying these low free-energy trajectories. We make the code freely available athttps://github.com/ma-gilles/recovar.
B cell-stromal cell cross talk drives mesenteric lymph node eosinophilia during intestinal helminth infection
Authors: Bessell Emily , Finlay Rachel , James Louisa K. , Ludewig Burkhard , Harris Nicola L. , Hepworth Matthew R. , Dubey Lalit Kumar
Published: November 2023

Eosinophils are involved in host protection against multicellular organisms including helminths and often participate in regulating long-lasting humoral responses. However, their recruitment to the gut-draining mesenteric lymph node (mLN), where they support the development of the adaptive immune response is still elusive. Here, we demonstrate the mechanism underlying the recruitment of eosinophils to the murine mLN post gastrointestinal helminth infection. We found that mLN eosinophils accumulated at immune interactive sites such as the interfollicular and paracortical regions in an IL-4Rα-dependent manner and was directly associated with the reduced availability of stromal derived eosinophil chemoattractants. Using multiplex imaging we confirmed that eosinophils associate within a stromal niche containing Lyve1+lymphatic vessels, ER-TR7+Pdpn+FRCs, and extrafollicular CD138+plasma cells. Experiments utilising complete and mixed bone marrow chimeras demonstrated that mice lacking IL-4Rα expression or LTβ expression selectively on B cells had diminished eosinophilia and reduced extrafollicular plasma cell numbers within the mLN. When co-cultured with LTβR activated FRCs, eosinophils gained an active phenotype with enhancedIl1rl1(ST2) receptor expression. LTβR ligation on FRCs resulted in enhanced IL-33 expression along with enrichment of distinct reactomes. Additionally, deletion of LTβR in FRCs reduced the homing capability of eosinophils to the mLN, confirming the significance of lymphotoxin signalling in granulocyte recruitment. Overall, these results highlight the previously unknown role of B cell-stromal cell crosstalk in driving mLN eosinophilia and their potential role in regulating the quality and magnitude of the humoral immune response generated within the mLN.
Spatial trajectories of coffee harvesting in large-scale plantations: ecological and management drivers and implications
Authors: Van Cauwelaert Emilio Mora , Boyer Denis , Jiménez-Soto Estelí , González Cecilia González , Benítez Mariana
Published: November 2023

CONTEXT

Coffee is produced under different management systems and scales of production categorized as Syndromes of Production. The “Capitalist Syndrome” is characterized by the high use of capital and labor inputs to increase agricultural outputs. This syndrome results in practices like high planting densities that may promote the development and dispersal of plant pathogens like coffee leaf rust. The spatial arrangement of coffee trees drives the spatial movement of the harvesters, who can bear and disperse pathogens across and within plantations. In most capitalist coffee plantations, harvesters work multiple hours to maximize the daily harvest, which might increase their dispersal potential. However, their spatial movement has not yet been described, nor its relationship with the scale or management of the plantation, and even less its ecological implications for pathogens dispersal.

OBJECTIVE

We describe and analyze the daily spatial movement of coffee harvesters in two large-scale capitalist plantations: an organic and a conventional plantation.

METHODS

Using state-space models, we recorded and analyzed the spatial movements of harvesters. We then constructed a driver tree for harvest dynamics, which incorporated qualitative variables related to climate, coffee plants, and management aspects reported by the harvesters.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Our model differentiated two kinds of movements: 1) when trees have berries, harvesters remain in the coffee rows or areas nearby (Collect state; 94-98% of the steps); 2) when not, harvesters make longer steps within the harvesting location or move to another area (Search state; 2-6% of the steps). In the organic plantation, the Search state had a longer-tailed step-length distribution than in the conventional plantation, resulting in a significantly higher visited area per worker (p<0.05). This might be related to a) a lower fruit load or percentage of trees with ripe fruits when we took the data or b) smaller harvesting locations (“pantes”) per number of harvesters. Harvesting movements that explore a wider area, either by visiting more plants or by changing locations on the same day, could create more foci of CLR infection across the plantation.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results highlight practices that can reduce the possible impact of human dispersal of pathogens like shorter harvesting trajectories by working fewer hours a day or avoiding harvesting at the end of the maturation season when few trees have berries and harvesters have to travel longer distances. This calls for organic coffee management that could prevent diseases, increase diversity, and guarantee just and safe conditions for workers.
piRNAs are regulators of metabolic reprogramming in stem cells
Authors: Rojas-Ríos Patricia , Chartier Aymeric , Enjolras Camille , Cremaschi Julie , Garret Céline , Boughlita Adel , Ramat Anne , Simonelig Martine
Published: November 2023

Stem cells preferentially use glycolysis instead of oxidative phosphorylation and this metabolic rewiring plays an instructive role in their fate; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and PIWI proteins have essential functions in a range of adult stem cells across species. Here, we show that piRNAs and the PIWI protein Aubergine (Aub) are instrumental in activating glycolysis inDrosophilagermline stem cells (GSCs). High glycolysis is required for GSC self-renewal andaubloss-of-function induces a metabolic switch in GSCs leading to their differentiation. Aub directly binds glycolytic mRNAs andEnolasemRNA regulation by Aub depends on its 5’UTR. Furthermore, deletion of a piRNA target site inEnolase5’UTR leads to GSC loss. These data reveal an Aub/piRNA function in translational activation of glycolytic mRNAs in GSCs, and pinpoint a new mode of regulation of metabolic reprogramming in stem cells based on small RNAs.
Key Features and Considerations for Using Automated Long-Term Monitoring of Heat-Seeking Behavior of Mosquitoes
Authors: Sakuma Chisako , Maekawa Emi , Kanuka Hirotaka
Published: November 2023

Mosquitoes are vectors of various deadly infectious diseases, including malaria and dengue fever. Because these pathogens are transmitted by mosquito blood-feeding behavior, it is important to understand how mosquitoes are attracted to their hosts and how they feed on blood. The simplest method is to observe their behavior with the naked eye or video recording. Furthermore, various devices have been invented to assay mosquito behavior, such as olfactometers. Although each method has distinctive advantages, all have disadvantages, such as limitations in the number of individuals that can be assayed at one time and in observable durations, objective quantification methods, and others. To solve these problems, we have developed an automated device to quantify the carbon dioxide–activated heat-seeking behavior ofAnopheles stephensiandAedes aegyptiwith continuous monitoring for up to 1 week. This device, which is detailed in an accompanying protocol, can be applied to search for substances and molecules that affect heat-seeking behavior. It may also be applicable to other hematophagous insects.
Ab initio crystal structures and relative phase stabilities for the aleksite series, Pb
n
Bi4Te4S
n+2
Authors: Yao Jie , Ciobanu Cristiana L. , Cook Nigel J. , Ehrig Kathy
Published: November 2023

Density functional theory methods are applied to crystal structures and stabilities of phases from the aleksite homologous series, Pb
n
Bi4Te4S
n+2 (n = homologue number). The seven phases investigated correspond to n = 0 (tetradymite), 2 (aleksite-21R and -42R), 4 (saddlebackite-9H and -18H), 6 (unnamed Pb6Bi4Te4S8), 8 (unnamed Pb8Bi4Te4S10), 10 (hitachiite) and 12 (unnamed Pb12Bi4Te4S14). These seven phases correspond to nine single- or double-module structures, each comprising an odd number of atom layers, 5, 7, (5.9), 9, (7.11), 11, 13, 15 and 17, expressed by the formula: S(M

p

X

p+1)·L(M

p+1
X

p+2), where M = Pb, Bi and X = Te, S, p ≥ 2, and S and L = number of short and long modules, respectively. Relaxed structures show a and c values within 1.5% of experimental data; a and the interlayer distance d
sub decrease with increasing PbS content. Variable Pb—S bond lengths contrast with constant Pb—S bond lengths in galena. All phases are n-fold superstructures of a rhombohedral subcell with c/3 = d
sub*. Electron diffraction patterns show two brightest reflections at the centre of d
sub*, described by the modulation vector q

F
= (i/N) · d
sub*, i = S + L. A second modulation vector, q = γ · c
sub*, shows a decrease in γ, from 1.8 to 1.588, across the n = 0 to n = 12 interval. The linear relationship between γ and d
sub allows the prediction of any theoretical phases beyond the studied compositional range. The upper PbS-rich limit of the series is postulated as n = 398 (Pb398Bi4Te4S400), a phase with d
sub (1.726 Å) identical to that of trigonal PbS within experimental error. The aleksite series is a prime example of mixed layer compounds built with accretional homology principles.
Meta-analysis of community-based interventions on fruits and vegetables consumption in adults
Authors: Jabbari Masoumeh , Namazi Nazli , Irandoost Pardis , Rezazadeh Leila , Ramezani-Jolfaie Nahid , Babashahi Mina , Pourmoradian Samira , Barati Meisam
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Despite the well-known positive effects of fruits and vegetables, their consumption in many countries is lower than those recommended. This study aims to systematically examine the effects of community-based interventions on fruits and vegetables consumption in adults.

Design/methodology/approach

To collect relevant publications, the authors searched electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science from January 2000 to July 2021. Considering random models, this study analyzed the data using weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Findings

Among 1,621 retrieved publications, 21 articles met the inclusion criteria. The overall effect size demonstrated that, at the end of the trials, the educational interventions increased the consumption of aggregated fruits and vegetables (WMD: 0.55 serving/day, 95%CI: 0.34, 0.77), and vegetables (WMD: 0.15, 95%CI: 0.09, 0.21, I2: 33.2%; p = 0.103) in the intervention groups, compared to the control groups.

Practical implications

The subgroup analyses that were based on the type of interventions (face-to-face education compared to online interventions), location (home-based compared to the other types of interventions) and duration (24 weeks and higher) of interventions, and accompanied financial support reduced between-group heterogeneity. An efficient interventional program on increasing fruits and vegetables consumption should be part of a multi-component project.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no systematic review and meta-analysis has provided a summary of the effects of community-based interventions on fruits and vegetables consumption in adult populations, and there is no fixed conclusion that could be drawn in this regard.
A compromising mindset? How citizens evaluate the trade‐offs in coalition politics
Authors: GREEN‐PEDERSEN CHRISTOFFER , HJERMITSLEV IDA B.
Published: November 2023

Coalition building depends on citizens having a ‘compromising mindset’: they must accept that parties need to compromise in order to gain influence and that this entails deviating from the original policy positions. In this study, we show that European citizens understand that compromise is essential for democratic governance and that they, holding everything else constant, prefer political parties that express a willingness to compromise. This finding appears to be independent from specific forms of coalition politics and to be widespread across different levels of political interest, formal education and even ideological extremity. Our analysis compares observational data from the Austrian National Election Survey (AUTNES) 2020 and an original survey from Denmark in 2021. We also present results from a conjoint experiment fielded in Denmark, which evaluates the effect of willingness to compromise on vote choice. Our finding is good news for European democracies where coalition politics and thus compromise is a necessity for governance. Yet, for vote‐seeking politics, the situation is complex as citizens might sometimes punish parties for compromising, but sometimes also punish them for not compromising.
Implications of mosquito metabolism on vector competence
Authors: Gao Li , Yang Wenxu , Wang Jingwen
Published: November 2023

Mosquito‐borne diseases (MBDs) annually kill nearly half a million people. Due to the lack of effective vaccines and drugs on most MBDs, disease prevention relies primarily on controlling mosquitoes. Despite huge efforts having been put into mosquito control, eco‐friendly and sustainable mosquito‐control strategies are still lacking and urgently demanded. Most mosquito‐transmitted pathogens have lost the capacity of de novo nutrition biosynthesis, and rely on their vertebrate and invertebrate hosts for sustenance during the long‐term obligate parasitism process. Therefore, a better understanding of the metabolic interactions between mosquitoes and pathogens will contribute to the discovery of novel metabolic targets or regulators that lead to reduced mosquito populations or vector competence. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the effects of mosquito metabolism on the transmission of multiple pathogens. We also discuss that research in this area remains to be explored to develop multiple biological prevention and control strategies for MBDs.
Rounding off our Global View series
Authors: Hokland Peter
Published: November 2023

In this issue, we publish the last instalment in our series ‘Global View’ within the ‘Wider Perspective’ umbrella. In it we query experts from a variety of countries—deliberately trying to encompass both those with strained economies as well as more affluent ones—as to how patients are handled within such widely varying health systems.

Commentary on: Hokland et al. AML in the elderly—A global view. Br J Haematol 2023;203:760–773.
Peer‐based discrimination and adolescent emotional and sleep health: A daily examination of direct and buffering associations
Authors: Chen Shanting , Benner Aprile , Kim Su Yeong
Published: November 2023

Using 10‐day daily diary data collected in 2019 from 10th grade students in southern U.S. (N = 161, 57% Latina/x/o, 21% Biracial, 10% Asian, 9% White, 4% Black; 55% female, Mage = 15.51), this study examined various forms of peer‐based discrimination in adolescents’ everyday lives. Results showed that personally experienced discrimination, peer racial teasing, and vicarious discrimination were frequent and impactful events. Results also provided strong evidence for the protective role of psychological resilience and some evidence for the protective‐reactive roles of peer support and school climate in moderating the link between peer‐based discrimination and daily well‐being. The findings highlight the necessity to eliminate peer‐based discrimination and shed light on interventions to reduce the harmful effects of peer‐based discrimination on adolescents’ daily well‐being.
Support for policies restricting alcohol exposure in films: Does feeding back the amount of alcohol in films increase support?
Authors: Patsouras Maree , Riordan Benjamin C. , Room Robin , Kuntsche Emmanuel
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Alcohol exposure is common in popular films, and research has demonstrated a link between alcohol exposure and use. The likelihood of implementing specific policies to reduce the amount of film exposure is dependent on the level of public support; however, evidence is currently lacking. This study investigated how supportive people are of film‐related alcohol policies and whether providing information about the amount of film exposure increased support.

Methods

Australian adults (N = 252) first provided estimates of how much alcohol they thought were in popular films and then were randomised to either see an infographic about the amount of alcohol in films or not. All participants rated how supportive they were of eight policies.

Results

The items ‘alcoholic beverages and consumption should not be shown in G or PG rated films’ (M = 3.54) and ‘alcohol should not be glorified in films’ (M = 3.49) were rated significantly higher than the scale's midpoint of 3 (p < 0.001). Participants who were older, female or reported lower alcohol use were more supportive of the policies. Only one policy item, ‘information about alcohol sponsorship should be provided’ received higher support from those who received the infographic compared to those who did not (M = 3.53 vs. M = 3.05; t(250) = −3.09, p = 0.002).

Discussion and Conclusion

Participants were relatively supportive of film alcohol policies. However, providing information about the amount of alcohol in films did not make a difference on the level of support for most film alcohol policies.
Effect of propranolol on temporomandibular joint pain in repeatedly stressed rats
Authors: Zanelatto Fernanda Barchesi , Vieira Willians Fernando , Nishijima Catarine Massucato , Zanotto Tamires Marques , Magalhães Silviane Fernandes de , Sartori César Renato , Parada Carlos Amilcar , Tambeli Claudia Herrera
Published: November 2023

Stress substantially increases the risk of developing painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) by influencing the release of endogenous catecholamines. Propranolol, an antagonist of β‐adrenergic receptors, has shown potential in alleviating TMD‐associated pain, particularly when the level of catecholamines is elevated. The aim of this study was to explore whether intra‐articular propranolol administration is effective in diminishing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain during repeated stress situations. Additionally, we investigated the effect of repeated stress on the expression of genes encoding β‐adrenoceptors in the trigeminal ganglion. In the present study, rats were exposed to a stress protocol induced by sound, then to the administration of formalin in the TMJ (to elicit a nociceptive response), followed immediately afterward by different doses of propranolol, after which the analgesic response to propranolol was evaluated. We also assessed the levels of beta‐1 and beta‐2 adrenergic receptor mRNAs (Adrb1 and Adrb2, respectively) using reverse transcription–quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR). Our findings revealed that propranolol administration reduces formalin‐induced TMJ nociception more effectively in stressed rats than in non‐stressed rats. Furthermore, repeated stress decreases the expression of the Adrb2 gene within the trigeminal ganglion. The findings of this study are noteworthy as they suggest that individuals with a chronic stress history might find potential benefits from β‐blockers in TMD treatment.
A genome‐wide CRISPR screen identifies USP1 as a novel regulator of the mammalian circadian clock
Authors: Hu Ying , Li Xin , Zhang Jing , Liu Dengfeng , Lu Renbin , Li Jia‐Da
Published: November 2023

The circadian clock is generated by a molecular timekeeping mechanism coordinating daily oscillations of physiology and behaviors in mammals. In the mammalian circadian clockwork, basic helix–loop–helix ARNT‐like protein 1 (BMAL1) is a core circadian component whose defects lead to circadian disruption and elicit behavioral arrhythmicity. To identify previously unknown regulators for circadian clocks, we searched for genes influencing BMAL1 protein level by using a CRISPR/Cas9‐based genome‐wide knockout library. As a result, we found that the deubiquitinase ubiquitin carboxyl‐terminal hydrolase 1 (USP1) positively affects BMAL1 protein abundance. Overexpression of wild‐type USP1, but not a deubiquitinase‐inactive mutant USP1, upregulated BMAL1 protein level, whereas genetic ablation of USP1 downregulated BMAL1 protein level in U2OS cells. Furthermore, treatment with USP1 inhibitors led to significant downregulation of BMAL1 protein in U2OS cells as well as mouse tissues. Subsequently, genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of USP1 resulted in reduced mRNA levels of a panel of clock genes and disrupted circadian rhythms in U2OS cells. Mechanistically, USP1 was able to de‐ubiquitinate BMAL1 and inhibit the proteasomal degradation of BMAL1. Interestingly, the expression of Usp1 was much higher than the other two deubiquitinases of BMAL1 (Usp2 and Usp9X) in the mouse heart, implying a tissue‐specific function of USP1 in the regulation of BMAL1 stability. Our work thus identifies deubiquitinase USP1 as a previously unknown regulator of the mammalian circadian clock and highlights the potential of genome‐wide CRISPR screens in the identification of regulators for the circadian clock.
Identification of autophagy‐related genes in diabetic foot ulcer based on bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Li Dong‐Ling , Ding Xin‐Yi , Long Juan , He Qiao‐Ling , Zeng Qing‐Xiang , Lu Na , Zou Meng‐Chen
Published: November 2023

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) complications involve autophagy dysregulation. This study aimed to identify autophagy‐related bioindicators in DFU. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between DFU and healthy samples were analysed from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, GSE7014 and GSE29221. The roles of autophagy‐related DEGs were investigated using protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Immune cell infiltration's correlation with these DEGs was also assessed. From the Human Autophagy Database (HADB), 232 autophagy‐related genes (ARGs) were identified, with an intersection of 17 key DEGs between GSE7014 and GSE29221. These genes are involved in pathways like autophagy–animal, NOD‐like receptor signalling, and apoptosis. In the protein network, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) showed significant interactions with ARGs. Survival analysis indicated the prognostic importance of calpain 2 (CAPN2), integrin subunit beta 1 (ITGB1), and vesicle‐associated membrane protein 3 (VAMP3). Lower immune scores were observed in the type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) group than in controls. Autophagy and ARGs significantly influence DFU pathophysiology.
Tailored engineering of zinc carbide triggered by N‐enriched carbon nanotubes for prospective water splitting
Authors: Shaaban Ibrahim A. , Jabbour Karam , Nisa Mehar Un , Abid Abdul Ghafoor , Bibi Nasreen , Ansari Mohammad Numair , Rashid Abdul Rasheed , Manzoor Sumaira , Abdullah Muhammad , Ashiq Muhammad Naeem
Published: November 2023

For practical H2 generation, it is currently difficult to create modules for electrochemical water splitting that are efficient and inexpensive over a broad pH range. In this study, a novel ZnC8@NCNT electrocatalyst is fabricated via simple pyrolysis of melamine with zinc chloride and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The self‐assembled hybrid material was examined to catalyze the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an alkaline pH range, and the ZnC8@NCNT responds with a lower OER overpotential of 245 mV, and smaller Tafel slope of 50.0 mV dec−1 with the turnover frequency (TOF) of 0.67 s−1 due to its unique structure. The HER response of the generated material is quite satisfactory with an overpotential of 223 mV and a Tafel value of 107 mV dec−1. The fabricated material supported by conductive CNTs increases the catalytic reactivity due to the synergistic manner, which is superior in performance as a cutting‐edge catalyst for water electrolysis in an electrolytic cell. Furthermore, ZnC8@NCNT establishes as a cost‐effective alternative to expensive Ir, Pt, Pd, and Ru‐based catalysts.
Calibration for determination of compressive stress in glass‐to‐metal seals via photoluminescence spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Zheng , Cai Yangyang , Gong Keqian , Zhou Weisong , Chen Fengen , Zhang Yong
Published: November 2023

Compressive stress in glass‐to‐metal seals is crucial to ensure sealing quality and service reliability. Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PS), which relies on the piezospectroscopic effect of Cr‐doped α‐Al2O3, shows promise for stress detection owing to its rapid detection, non‐destruction, and high resolution. The premise of the PS technique is to fill a glass matrix with alumina particles and detect signals from the alumina. In this study, the interaction between alumina particles and the glass matrix was analyzed to calibrate the measured stresses and investigate the stress state in the glass. Test results for glass‐to‐metal seals are believed to consist of simultaneous internal residual stress and external applied stress. The internal residual stress is formed due to the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between glass and alumina and is assumed to transfer by radial compression. In the experiment, it was detected by the PS technique and verified by X‐ray diffraction using an unstressed sample without metal housing. The external applied stress is formed due to metal housing compaction and possibly transferred by the shear effect. The stress distribution within the pre‐stressed sample containing metal housing was also measured by the PS technique. Then, calibrations were conducted on the measured stresses based on the deduced stress transfer relationships. Finally, finite element models were established to simulate the internal residual stress and external applied stress respectively to prove the validity of the calibration method, and mutually anastomotic results were obtained within the target margin of error.
Annual Research Review: Health anxiety in children and adolescents—developmental aspects and cross‐generational influences
Authors: Rask Charlotte Ulrikka , Duholm Charlotte Steen , Poulsen Cecilie Müller , Rimvall Martin Køster , Wright Kristi D.
Published: November 2023

Health anxiety involves excessive worries about one's health along with beliefs one has an illness or may contract a serious disease. Concerning evidence suggests that health anxiety is on the rise in society, possibly further fueled by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Recent classification systems acknowledge that impairing health‐related worries and beliefs can emerge in early childhood with significant levels of symptoms persisting throughout childhood, and possibly continuous with diagnostic considerations in adulthood. This narrative review summarizes recent research advances in health anxiety in children and adolescents, focusing on various developmental aspects of health anxiety and related concepts in youths. Findings suggest that health anxiety symptoms in young age groups are associated with impairment, distress, and increased healthcare use, as well as substantial comorbidity with mainly other emotional problems and disorders. Furthermore, longitudinal studies suggest that childhood health anxiety can persist across adolescence, perhaps with links to chronic courses in adulthood. The growing literature was further reviewed, thus extending our understanding of early risk factors, including the potential role of exposure to serious illness and transgenerational transmission of health anxiety. Learning more about developmental trajectories will be highly relevant to inform strategies for early detection and prevention. While modified cognitive behavioral therapies in adults are successful in treating health anxiety, specific interventions have not yet been tested in youths. Given substantial overlaps with other psychopathology, it could be important to develop and explore more transdiagnostic and scalable approaches that take advantage of common factors in psychotherapy, while also including a wider perspective on potential familiar maladaptive illness cognitions and behaviors.
Global warming is projected to lead to increased freshwater growth potential and changes in pace of life in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar
Authors: Rinaldo Adrian , de Eyto Elvira , Reed Thomas , Gjelland Karl Øystein , McGinnity Philip
Published: November 2023

Global warming has been implicated in widespread demographic changes in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar populations, but projections of life‐history responses to future climate change are lacking. Here, we first exploit multiple decades of climate and biological data from the Burrishoole catchment in the west of Ireland to model statistical relationships between atmospheric variables, water temperature, and freshwater growth of juvenile Atlantic salmon. We then use this information to project potential changes in juvenile growth and life‐history scheduling under three shared socioeconomic pathway and representative concentration pathway scenarios from 1961 to 2100, based on an ensemble of five climate models. Historical water temperatures were well predicted with a recurrent neural network, using observation‐based atmospheric forcing data. Length‐at‐age was in turn also well predicted by cumulative growing degree days calculated from these water temperatures. Most juveniles in the Burrishoole population migrated to sea as 2‐year‐old smolts, but our future projections indicate that the system should start producing a greater proportion of 1‐year‐old smolts, as increasingly more juveniles cross a size‐based threshold in their first summer for smoltification the following spring. Those failing to cross the size‐based threshold will instead become 2‐year‐old smolts, but at a larger length relative to 2‐year‐old smolts observed currently, owing to greater overall freshwater growth opportunity. These changes in age‐ and size‐at‐seaward migration could have cascading effects on age‐ and size‐at‐maturity and reproductive output. Consequently, the seemingly small changes that our results demonstrate have the potential to cause significant shifts in population dynamics over the full life cycle. This workflow is highly applicable across the range of the Atlantic salmon, as well as to other anadromous species, as it uses openly accessible climate data and a length‐at‐age model with minimal input requirements, fostering improved general understanding of phenotypic and demographic responses to climate change and management implications.
Fostering successful ageing at work: The role of cognitive job crafting, work certainty and perceived remaining time at work
Authors: Taneva Stanimira K. , Peng Yisheng
Published: November 2023

This research emphasizes the role of employees in managing their experiences of successful ageing at work. Following a lifespan developmental framework, we propose a new model in which employees, who proactively engage in cognitive job crafting and work uncertainty regulation, are more effective in altering their perceptions of remaining time at work. This, in turn, enhances their experiences of successful ageing in the workplace (i.e. the likelihood to sustain longer, healthier and more productive working lives). We test the conceptual model in two consecutive studies with workers from the United States of America (Study 1) and China (Study 2). The results replicate across the two studies, confirming the indirect positive effect of cognitive crafting on successful ageing at work through perceived remaining time at work. In addition, in Study 2, we find that the effect of cognitive crafting on perceived remaining time at work is stronger for employees with higher (vs. lower) levels of work certainty. Finally, work predictability indirectly moderates the relationship between cognitive crafting and perceived remaining time at work via work certainty. These findings offer important theoretical insights into the fields of work and ageing, job design and uncertainty regulation and provide the evidence base for building capacity, improving organizational practice and policymaking on active ageing at work and beyond.