bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transvaginal ultrasonography for trigonitis diagnosis in women
Authors: Ribeiro‐Filho Leopoldo Alves , Braz Natalia Doratioto Serrano Faria , Suartz Caio Vinicius , Balsimelli Amaury Padilha , Hirasaki Felipe , Miranda Eduardo , Siqueira Matheus , Mitre Anuar Ibrahim , Gomes Cristiano Mendes , Nahas William Carlos
Published: February 2023

Objective

Chronic trigonitis (CT) is usually diagnosed through cystoscopy which is invasive and expensive. Thus, an accurate non‐invasive diagnostic method is necessary. The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of transvaginal bladder ultrasound (TBU) for CT diagnosis.

Methods

Between 2012 and 2021, 114 women (17–76 years old) with recurrent urinary tract infection (RUTI) and history of antibiotic resistance were evaluated with TBU by a single ultrasonographer. As a control group, TBU was performed in 25 age‐matched women with no previous history of UTI, urological or gynecological conditions. All patients with RUTI had undergone a cystoscopy with biopsy for diagnostic confirmation at the time of trigone cauterization.

Results

Thickening of trigone mucosa (>3 mm) was detected in all patients with RUTI and represented the most relevant criteria for trigonitis diagnosis on TBU. Other TBU findings in CT are: irregular and interrupted mucosa lining (96.4%), free debris in the urine (85.9%), increased blood flow at doppler (81.5%), mucosa shedding and tissue flaps. Biopsy showed CT with erosive pattern (58%) or non‐keratinizing metaplasia (42%). Diagnostic agreement index between TBU and cystoscopy was 100%. In the control group, normal trigone mucosa is ultrasonographically regular, continuous, with thickness ≤3 mm and there is no debris in the urine.

Conclusions

TBU proved to be an efficient, inexpensive and minimally invasive method to diagnose CT. To our knowledge, this is the first article that reports the use of transvaginal ultrasound as an alternative method for diagnosing trigonitis.
Effect of carbon doping on the structure and superconductivity in AlB2‐type (Mo0.96Ti0.04)0.8${(\text{Mo}_{0.96}\text{Ti}_{0.04})}_{0.8}$B2
Authors: Yang Wuzhang , Xiao Guorui , Zhu Qinqing , Song Shijie , Cao Guang‐Han , Ren Zhi
Published: February 2023

We report the effect of carbon doping in Ti‐stabilized nonstoichiometric molybdenum diboride B2, which exhibits bulk superconductivity below Tc = 7.0 K. It is found that maintains the AlB2‐type phase with a uniform elemental distribution for x = 0.12 and 0.16. The substitution of carbon for boron leads to a slight increase in a‐axis, a remarkable reduction in c‐axis, the formation of planar defects along the (100) crystallographic planes, and a shift of the B 1s peaks toward higher binding energies. Contrary to B2, however, no superconductivity is observed down to 1.8 K for the C‐doped samples, which is ascribed to the electron filling of boron π bands resulting from the carbon doping.
Genetic differentiation between two subspecies of Emberiza schoeniclus and open forest bunting's evolution inferred from mitogenomes
Authors: Alambiaga Iván , González Roberto , Vera Pablo , Monrós Juan S. , Palero Ferran
Published: February 2023

The reed bunting, Emberiza schoeniclus (Linnaeus 1758), is the only member of the genus adapted to Mediterranean wetlands, where some subspecies are critically endangered. The first complete mitogenome of the eastern Iberian reed bunting (E. s. witherbyi) is presented here and compared with an unpublished mitogenome obtained in northeast Asia (most likely E. s. pyrrhulina). Genetic distance analyses are consistent with the new reed bunting data corresponding to two distinct lineages of E. schoeniclus. A new fossil‐calibrated phylogeny suggests that open forest buntings have suffered two rapid speciation events from Late Miocene to Pleistocene, that seem to be correlated with major climatic changes and habitat shifts. Adaptation to a new ecological niche (i.e. wetlands) could have favoured the reed bunting expansion across the Palearctic. The high intraspecific variation observed today could result from the establishment of resident populations within small areas, potentially acting as a climatic refuge.
Genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analysis of Oldenlandia corymbosa reveals the biosynthesis and mode of action of anti‐cancer metabolites
Authors: Julca Irene , Mutwil‐Anderwald Daniela , Manoj Vaishnervi , Khan Zahra , Lai Soak Kuan , Yang Lay K. , Beh Ing T. , Dziekan Jerzy , Lim Yoon P. , Lim Shen K. , Low Yee W. , Lam Yuen I. , Tjia Seth , Mu Yuguang , Tan Qiao W. , Nuc Przemyslaw , Choo Le M. , Khew Gillian , Shining Loo , Kam Antony , Tam James P. , Bozdech Zbynek , Schmidt Maximilian , Usadel Bjoern , Kanagasundaram Yoganathan , Alseekh Saleh , Fernie Alisdair , Li Hoi Y. , Mutwil Marek
Published: February 2023

Plants accumulate a vast array of secondary metabolites, which constitute a natural resource for pharmaceuticals. Oldenlandia corymbosa belongs to the Rubiaceae family, and has been used in traditional medicine to treat different diseases, including cancer. However, the active metabolites of the plant, their biosynthetic pathway and mode of action in cancer are unknown. To fill these gaps, we exposed this plant to eight different stress conditions and combined different omics data capturing gene expression, metabolic profiles, and anti‐cancer activity. Our results show that O. corymbosa extracts are active against breast cancer cell lines and that ursolic acid is responsible for this activity. Moreover, we assembled a high‐quality genome and uncovered two genes involved in the biosynthesis of ursolic acid. Finally, we also revealed that ursolic acid causes mitotic catastrophe in cancer cells and identified three high‐confidence protein binding targets by Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) and reverse docking. Altogether, these results constitute a valuable resource to further characterize the biosynthesis of active metabolites in the Oldenlandia group, while the mode of action of ursolic acid will allow us to further develop this valuable compound.
Understanding the gender gap in financial literacy: The role of culture
Authors: Preston Alison , Qiu Lili , Wright Robert E.
Published: February 2023

Using data from the 2015 China Household Financial Survey (CHFS) this paper examines the effect of culture on the gender gap in financial literacy. We exploit geographical differences in culture in China, comparing outcomes between rural and urban areas and between areas in the east and west (Shanghai and Chongqing). Using the Blinder‐Oaxaca decomposition we show that, nationally, the gender gap in financial literacy is entirely the product of differences in the way men and women acquire financial literacy. It is a result consistent with cultural effects. When considering just women in Shanghai and Chongqing we observe a raw financial literacy differential of 13% (favoring Shanghai). This gap is also the product of differences in the way financial literacy is acquired. It provides additional evidence as to the importance of culture when it comes to understanding financial literacy.
Thyrotropin inhibits osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Zeng Yang , Deng Ji‐Jun , Jiang Qi‐Lan , Wang Chun‐Lian , Zhang Li , Li Tao , Jiang Jun
Published: February 2023

Background and Objective

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are derived from the periodontal ligament and have the characteristics of pluripotent differentiation, including osteogenesis, and are one of the important seed cells in oral tissue engineering. Thyrotropin (TSH) has been shown to regulate bone metabolism independently of thyroid hormone, including the fate of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, but whether it affects osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs is unknown.

Materials and Methods

PDLSCs were isolated and cultured from human periodontal ligament and grown in osteogenic medium (containing sodium β‐glycerophosphate, ascorbic acid, and dexamethasone). Recombinant human TSH was added to the culture medium. Osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs was assessed after 14 days by staining with alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red and by detection of osteogenic differentiation genes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PDLSCs under TSH were detected by high‐throughput sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyzed the biological functions and signaling pathways involved in DEGs.

Results

We found that osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs was significantly inhibited in the presence of TSH: including decreased calcium nodule formation, decreased alkaline phosphatase levels, and decreased collagen synthesis. Using high‐throughput sequencing, we found changes in the expression of some osteogenesis‐related genes, which may be the reason that TSH inhibits osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs.

Conclusion

Unless TSH is ≥10 mU/L, patients with subclinical hypothyroidism usually do not undergo thyroxine supplementation therapy. However, in this work, we found that elevated TSH inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. Therefore, correction of TSH levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism may be beneficial to improve orthodontic, implant, and periodontitis outcomes in these patients.
Retrospective analysis of immunosuppressive and anti‐thrombotic protocols in nonassociative immune mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs
Authors: Weng Jennifer , Levy Nyssa A. , Abbott Haley Y. , Mix Jose A. , Wills Robert W. , Mackin Andrew J. , Thomason John M. , Cridge Harry
Published: February 2023

Background

Evidence supporting the effectiveness of therapeutic protocols for nonassociative immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (na‐IMHA) is weak.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Investigate the efficacy of various drugs in na‐IMHA.

Animals

Two hundred forty‐two dogs.

Methods

Multi‐institutional retrospective study (2015‐2020). Immunosuppressive effectiveness was determined by time to packed cell volume (PCV) stabilization and duration of hospitalization through analysis by mixed model linear regression. Occurrence of disease relapse, death, and antithrombotic effectiveness, were analyzed using mixed model logistic regression.

Results

Use of corticosteroids vs a multi‐agent protocol had no effect on time to PCV stabilization (P = .55), duration of hospitalization (P = .13), or case fatality (P = .06). A higher rate of relapse (P = .04; odds ratio: 3.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06‐14.8) was detected in dogs receiving corticosteroids (11.3%) during follow‐up (median: 28.5 days, range: 0‐1631 days) compared to multiple agents (3.1%) during follow up (median: 47.0 days, range: 0‐1992 days). When comparing drug protocols, there was no effect on time to PCV stabilization (P = .31), relapse (P = .44), or case fatality (P = .08). Duration of hospitalization was longer, by 1.8 days (95% CI: 0.39‐3.28 days), for the corticosteroid with mycophenolate mofetil group (P = .01) compared to corticosteroids alone. Use of clopidogrel vs multiple agents had no effect on development of thromboses (P ≥ .36).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Addition of a second immunosuppressive agent did not alter immediate outcome measures but might be associated with a reduction in relapse. Use of multiple antithrombotic agents did not reduce incidence of thrombosis.
History perceptions and national identity among Latvian youth: Entrapped between narratives of Latvia and Russia?
Authors: Bērziņa Ieva , Krūmiņš Gatis , Šiliņš Jānis , Andžāns Māris
Published: February 2023

This article examines the extent to which history forms national identity among Latvian youth. Being a multiethnic country, Latvia provides a unique opportunity to study the role of history in nation‐building among dominant and minority ethnic groups. The majority of Latvia's ethnic minorities are Russian‐speaking; therefore, a peculiarity of the Latvian case is the influence of the historical narratives promoted by Russia. The research problem of the paper is the formation of national identity when a foreign country promotes distorted historical narratives to discredit a state. The empirical findings are based on 30 in‐depth interviews with young people. The main conclusion is that history plays a rather limited direct role in forming national identity among youth in Latvia. The influence of Russia's historical narratives is observable but not as strong as expected in the context of Russia's influence activities.
DNA hypomethylation of the host tree impairs interaction with mutualistic ectomycorrhizal fungus
Authors: Vigneaud Julien , Kohler Annegret , Sow Mamadou Dia , Delaunay Alain , Fauchery Laure , Guinet Frederic , Daviaud Christian , Barry Kerrie W. , Keymanesh Keykhosrow , Johnson Jenifer , Singan Vasanth , Grigoriev Igor , Fichot Régis , Conde Daniel , Perales Mariano , Tost Jörg , Martin Francis M. , Allona Isabel , Strauss Steven H. , Veneault‐Fourrey Claire , Maury Stéphane
Published: February 2023

Ectomycorrhizas are an intrinsic component of tree nutrition and responses to environmental variations. How epigenetic mechanisms might regulate these mutualistic interactions is unknown.

By manipulating the level of expression of the chromatin remodeler DECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION 1 (DDM1) and two demethylases DEMETER‐LIKE (DML) in Populus tremula × Populus alba lines, we examined how host DNA methylation modulates multiple parameters of the responses to root colonization with the mutualistic fungus Laccaria bicolor. We compared the ectomycorrhizas formed between transgenic and wild‐type (WT) trees and analyzed their methylomes and transcriptomes.

The poplar lines displaying lower mycorrhiza formation rate corresponded to hypomethylated overexpressing DML or RNAi‐ddm1 lines. We found 86 genes and 288 transposable elements (TEs) differentially methylated between WT and hypomethylated lines (common to both OX‐dml and RNAi‐ddm1) and 120 genes/1441 TEs in the fungal genome suggesting a host‐induced remodeling of the fungal methylome. Hypomethylated poplar lines displayed 205 differentially expressed genes (cis and trans effects) in common with 17 being differentially methylated (cis).

Our findings suggest a central role of host and fungal DNA methylation in the ability to form ectomycorrhizas including not only poplar genes involved in root initiation, ethylene and jasmonate‐mediated pathways, and immune response but also terpenoid metabolism.
The consistency of question‐order bias in a changing political context
Authors: Van Dooren Wouter , Hjortskov Morten , De Vadder Steven F. , Verhoest Koen
Published: February 2023

Question‐order bias is a well‐known weakness of surveys commonly used in public administration research. However, most research on question‐order bias uses question‐order experiments that are relatively small, performed in one context, and rarely replicated. We carry out six question‐order experiments in six large‐scale Belgian surveys conducted during the COVID‐19 pandemic. All experiments vary whether the respondents see questions regarding the effectiveness of pandemic governance or trust in different actors first. Results show that question‐order effects are real and reasonably consistent across the high‐powered replications, despite the changing political context of the pandemic. However, the direction of the effects largely changes when we flip the order of the trust outcome questions in the last three experiments, which sheds light on an underappreciated point: question‐order bias also seems to exist within batteries of seemingly similar outcome questions.
Intellectual capital‐driven innovation: the influence of servitization degree
Authors: Buenechea‐Elberdin Marta , Sáenz Josune , Kianto Aino
Published: February 2023

While intellectual capital's (IC) impact on innovation has been well‐established, increasing understanding of related contingencies would yield great benefits to both research on and the practice of innovation and IC management. With the rise of the service economy, servitization degree – i.e., the degree of relevance of service provision compared with the delivery of manufactured goods – represents an important contingency, with significant potential to shed more light on and improve the understanding of the IC‐performance relationship in the context of research and development. This paper examines how servitization moderates IC's impact on innovation performance by testing related hypotheses on a sample of 180 Spanish companies through a statistical analysis conducted through structural equation modeling based on partial least squares. The results indicate that servitization moderates the relationship between internal and external relational capital and innovation in different ways: The moderation effect is negative for internal relational capital, but positive for external relational capital, i.e., more service‐oriented companies benefit from internal collaboration and coordination to a lesser extent in their innovation endeavors, while external stakeholder communication and networks are crucial for achieving a high rate of innovation performance. The findings help develop a more fine‐grained understanding of IC's role in innovation and related firm‐ and industry‐level contingencies, as well as increase the understanding of R&D ecosystem agents.
Piperacillin‐tazobactam dosing in anuric acute kidney injury patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Rungkitwattanakul Dhakrit , Charoensareerat Taniya , Chaichoke Ekanong , Rakamthong Thanakorn , Srisang Pitchaya , Pattharachayakul Sutthiporn , Srisawat Nattachai , Chaijamorn Weerachai
Published: February 2023

Introduction: To determine appropriate dosing of piperacillin‐tazobactam in critically ill patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

Methods: The databases of PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect were searched. We used the Medical Subject Headings of “piperacillin‐tazobactam,” “CRRT,” and “pharmacokinetics” or related terms or synonym to identify the studies for reviews. A one‐compartment pharmacokinetic model was conducted to predict piperacillin levels for the initial 48 h of therapy. The pharmacodynamic target was 50% of free drug level above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and 4 times of the MIC. The dose that achieved at least 90% of the probability of target attainment was defined as an optimal dose.

Results: Our simulation study reveals that the dosing regimen of piperacillin‐tazobactam 12 g/day is appropriate for treating Pseudomonal infection with KDIGO recommended effluent rate of 25–35 mL/kg/h. The MIC values of each setting were an important factor to design piperacillin‐tazobactam dosing regimens.

Conclusion: The Monte Carlo simulation can be a useful tool to evaluate drug dosing in critically ill acute kidney injury patients receiving CRRT when limited pharmacokinetic data are a concern. Clinical validation of these results is needed.
From austerity‐conditionality towards a new investment‐led growth strategy: Social Europe after the Recovery and Resilience Facility
Authors: Corti Francesco , Vesan Patrik
Published: February 2023

By providing financial resources, conditional to the implementation of the (social) recommendations in the Semester and the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) has opened new political and institutional opportunity windows for the multi‐level co‐production of social policies. The article first dives into how the RRF has been translated into national social policies choices, by assessing the alignment of reforms and investments with the Semester social recommendations and their capacity to address the social vulnerabilities identified in the Pillar's Social Scoreboard. Second, it sheds light on the interaction between the European Commission, in charge of assessing and monitoring the RRF, and the national governments, the key actors in setting‐up and implementing the plans. Comparing six case studies (Italy, Germany, Spain, Croatia, Belgium and Austria), the article shows that the RRF has only partially contributed to reinforcing member states' compliance with social Country Specific Recommendations and the role of the Social Pillar in the drafting of National Recovery and Resilience Plans has been very limited. This notwithstanding, the RRF has contributed to fasten‐forward the implementation of welfare reforms and initiatives which would have been remained on the paper, especially for whose countries with limited fiscal capacity. Furthermore, it provides empirical evidence of the collaborative approach between the Commission and the national government, substantiating the claim of the emergence of a new mode of coordinative Europeanization.
Acute coronary syndromes in pregnancy: a literature review
Authors: Freeman Amy , Squire Gareth , Herrey Anna , Hogrefe Kai , Allen Rebecca
Published: February 2023

Key content

Maternal mortality from cardiovascular disease has not improved in almost 20 years; this contrasts to significant sustained improvement in cardiovascular outcomes in the nonpregnant population, particularly regarding acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Many of the women who died in recent MBRRACE‐UK reports presented with cardiac symptoms and signs, but this was not always recognised upon clinical review.

The incidence of ACS is increasing alongside advancing maternal age, with an accompanying increased prevalence of typical and pregnancy‐specific cardiac risk factors.

Early involvement of senior clinicians and a multidisciplinary approach is crucial for improving maternal outcomes.

Counselling women on long term prognosis and implications for future pregnancy is vital.

Learning objectives

To be aware of the latest data for ACS in pregnancy, including the changing trends in prevalence of this condition and the suggested reasoning behind this.

To understand the various presentations of ACS in pregnancy and its differential diagnosis.

To understand the possible investigation and management of ACS in pregnancy in a multidisciplinary setting.
Differences in flowering phenology and seed production of four morning glory (Ipomoea) species in Japan
Authors: Asami Hidenori , Ishioka Gen , Tachibana Masaaki , Homma Koki
Published: February 2023

The spread of morning glory (Ipomoea spp.) in soybean fields in Japan has severely decreased soybean yield. Yet, current control measures do not control the proliferation of Ipomoea spp. As little is known about the flowering period and seed production among the different invading Ipomoea spp., it is challenging to create targeted control measures based on ecological characteristics. This study aimed to reveal the characteristics of the flowering phenology and seed production of four morning glory species, namely, Ipomoea coccinea L. (red morning glory), Ipomoea lacunosa L. (pitted morning glory), Ipomoea hederacea L. Jacq. var. integriuscula A. Gray (entireleaf morning glory), and Ipomoea triloba L. (three‐lobe morning glory). Between 2017 and 2019, the four selected study species were grown under similar conditions of soil quality, irrigation, and environmental influences and their flowering phenology and seed data were recorded. The flowering period ranged from 36 to 40 days, and the initial flowering of I. triloba was approximately 2 weeks later than the others. I. coccinea had the highest flowering number and seed production, followed by I. lacunosa, I. triloba, and I. hederacea var. integriuscula. The fruit setting rate of I. triloba decreased later in the reproductive stage but tended to increase as the daily mean temperature increased on each flowering day. Thus, we report that the flowering phenology and seed production differed greatly among the Ipomoea spp. These findings can provide crucial insights into designing targeted species‐specific control measures against the spread of Ipomoea spp. in Japan.
The effect of exercise in a fasted state on plasma low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in males and females
Authors: Bradshaw Louise , Koumanov Francoise , Berry Sarah , Betts James A. , Gonzalez Javier
Published: February 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Physical activity interventions improve almost all modifiable CVD risk factors, but the effect of physical activity on low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) is uncertain. This may be due to lack of research on the feeding status in which the physical activity is performed. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of fasted versus fed exercise on LDL‐C concentrations in males and females. One hundred healthy participants, equal males and females, aged between 25 and 60 years will be recruited and will undergo a home‐based 12‐week exercise intervention. After baseline testing, participants will be randomized to a fasted exercise (exercise after an 8‐h fast) or fed exercise (exercise 90–180 min after ingestion of 1 g kg−1 CHO) group and will perform 50 min of moderate intensity exercise (e.g., 95% heart rate of lactate threshold 1) three times a week either before or after a high carbohydrate (1 g kg−1) meal. Participants will visit the laboratory again at week 4 and week 12 and measurements will be taken for body composition, resting blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipid profiles and systemic inflammation, lactate threshold, and 14‐day blood glucose control.
Poroelastic Response of a Semi-Permeable Borehole Subjected to Non-Hydrostatic In Situ Stresses
Authors: Fan Zhiqiang , Jin Z.-H.
Published: February 2023

In the existing models of wellbore stability, the borehole wall is idealized as either a fully permeable or a completely impermeable surface. However, the widely observed fact that a shale borehole is permeable to solvent molecules but impermeable to solutes suggests that the borehole wall should be considered as a non-ideal semi-permeable medium. When the wellbore is exposed to the drilling fluid, the dynamic modification of pore pressure on the borehole surface is required to account for fluid entering the formation. In this paper, we present an analytical solution for a semi-permeable borehole subjected to a non-hydrostatic stress in a poroelastic medium, where a Robin boundary condition for pore pressure is adopted, with the fluid flux into the rock matrix being proportional to the pore pressure difference across the borehole wall. Integral transform and load decomposition techniques are employed to assist in the derivation of analytical solutions. The results reveal that, compared to the permeable and impermeable borehole models, the semi-permeable model predicts a sharp difference in the stress and pore pressure fields.
Results From Spain’s 2022 Para Report Cards on Physical Activity of Children and Adolescents With Disabilities
Authors: López-Gil José Francisco , Aznar Susana , Roman-Viñas Blanca , Brazo-Sayavera Javier , Izquierdo-Gómez Rocío , Barrios-Fernández Sabina , Rodríguez Ferrán Olga , Aubert Salome
Published: February 2023

This report aims to provide a better understanding of physical activity (PA) and related factors among Spanish children and adolescents living with disabilities. The 10 indicators used for the Global Matrix on Para Report Cards of children and adolescents living with disabilities were evaluated based on the best available data in Spain. An analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats based on data provision was drafted by three experts and critically reviewed by the authorship team to provide a national perspective for each evaluated indicator. Government was the indicator with the highest grade (C+), followed by Sedentary Behaviors (C−), School (D), Overall PA (D−), and Community & Environment (F). The remaining indicators received an incomplete grade. There were low levels of PA in Spanish children and adolescents living with disabilities. Yet, opportunities to improve the current surveillance of PA among this population exist.
Dopamine suppresses ILC2s
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: February 2023

Dopamine reduces the allergen-induced responses of group 2 innate lymphoid cells to alleviate airway inflammation in mice.
Synergistic Effect of SOS Response and GATC Methylome Suppression on Antibiotic Stress Survival in Escherichia coli
Authors: Diaz-Diaz S. , Recacha E. , Pulido Marina R. , Romero-Muñoz María , de Gregorio-Iaria B. , Docobo-Pérez F. , Pascual A. , Rodríguez-Martínez J. M.
Published: February 2023

The suppression of the SOS response has been shown to enhance the
in vitro
activity of quinolones. Furthermore, Dam-dependent base methylation has an impact on susceptibility to other antimicrobials affecting DNA synthesis.
Treatment with Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Reduces Viral Titers in the Brains of West Nile Virus-Infected Mice and Improves Survival
Authors: Stonedahl Sarah , Leser J. Smith , Clarke Penny , Potter Huntington , Boyd Timothy D. , Tyler Kenneth L.
Published: February 2023

Although rare, WNV encephalitis poses a devastating health concern, with few treatment options and frequent long-term neurological sequelae. Currently, there are no human vaccines or specific antivirals against WNV infections, so further research into potential new therapeutic agents is critical.
Dual-Uptake Mode of the Antibiotic Phazolicin Prevents Resistance Acquisition by Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Travin Dmitrii Y. , Jouan Romain , Vigouroux Armelle , Inaba-Inoue Satomi , Lachat Joy , Haq Fazal , Timchenko Tatiana , Sutormin Dmitry , Dubiley Svetlana , Beis Konstantinos , Moréra Solange , Severinov Konstantin , Mergaert Peter
Published: February 2023

Many bacteria produce antimicrobial peptides to eliminate competitors and create an exclusive niche. These peptides act either by membrane disruption or by inhibiting essential intracellular processes.
Stress Response in Entamoeba histolytica Is Associated with Robust Processing of tRNA to tRNA Halves
Authors: Sharma Manu , Zhang Hanbang , Ehrenkaufer Gretchen , Singh Upinder
Published: February 2023

In the present study, we report for the first time the presence of tRNA-derived fragments in
Entamoeba
. tRNA-derived fragments were identified by bioinformatics analyses of small-RNA sequencing data sets from the parasites and also confirmed experimentally. We found that tRNA halves accumulated in parasites exposed to environmental stress or during the developmental process of encystation.
Shift of Feeding Strategies from Grazing to Different Forage Feeds Reshapes the Rumen Microbiota To Improve the Ability of Tibetan Sheep (Ovis aries) To Adapt to the Cold Season
Authors: Cui Xiongxiong , Wang Zhaofeng , Guo Penghui , Li Fuhou , Chang Shenghua , Yan Tianhai , Zheng Huiru , Hou Fujiang
Published: February 2023

During the cold season, like other high-altitude mammals, Tibetan sheep have to adapt their physiological and nutritional strategies, as well as the structure and function of their rumen microbial community, to the seasonal variation of lower food availability and quality. This study focused on the changes and adaptability in the rumen microbiota of Tibetan sheep when they adapted from grazing to a high-efficiency feeding strategy during the cold season by analyzing the rumen microbiota of Tibetan sheep raised under the different management systems, and it shows the linkages among the rumen core and pan-bacteriomes, nutrient utilization, and rumen short-chain fatty acids.
Trajectory of Humoral Responses to Two Doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccination in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Ling Tsai-Chieh , Chen Po-Lin , Li Nan-Yao , Ko Wen-Chien , Sun Chien-Yao , Chao Jo-Yen , Shieh Chi-Chang , Shen Ching-Fen , Wu Jia-Ling , Huang Teng-Ching , Chao Chiao-Hsuan , Wang Jen-Ren , Chang Yu-Tzu
Published: February 2023

Patients with kidney failure have worse immune response following vaccination compared to general population, but few clinical studies have investigated immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccination in hemodialysis patients. Here, we showed two doses of AZD1222 vaccines lead to high seroconversion rate of anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) antibodies, and more than 80% patients acquired neutralizing antibodies against ancestral virus and delta variant.
Rare Recombinant GI.5[P4] Norovirus That Caused a Large Foodborne Outbreak of Gastroenteritis in a Hotel in Spain in 2021
Authors: Alarcón-Linares María Ester , Moreno-Docón Antonio , Pérez-Serna Lorena , Camacho Juan , Rodriguez Diego Sánchez , Gutiérrez-Martín María Luisa , Broncano-Lavado Antonio , Echevarria Juan-Emilio , Cabrerizo María , Fernández-García María D.
Published: February 2023

Due to the large genetic diversity of noroviruses, it is important to enhance the discriminatory power of typing techniques to differentiate strains when investigating outbreaks and elucidating transmission chains. This study highlights the importance of (i) using whole-genome sequencing to ensure genetic differentiation of GI noroviruses to track chains of transmission during outbreak investigations and (ii) the adherence of symptomatic food handlers to work exclusion rules and strict hand hygiene practices.
Analytical Performance and Potential Clinical Utility of EUCAST Rapid Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing in Blood Cultures after Four Hours of Incubation
Authors: Ekwall-Larson Anna , Fröding Inga , Mert Berivan , Åkerlund Anna , Özenci Volkan
Published: February 2023

Early effective antimicrobial treatment has been shown to be crucial for improving the outcome of bloodstream infections (BSI) and sepsis. In combination with the rise of antibiotic resistance, this calls for accelerated methods for antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) for effective treatment of BSI.
Cobalt–Samarium Oxide Composite as a Novel High-Performance Catalyst for Partial Oxidation and Dry Reforming of Methane into Synthesis Gas
Authors: Loktev A. S. , Arkhipova V. A. , Bykov M. A. , Sadovnikov A. A. , Dedov A. G.
Published: February 2023

The paper describes a novel high-performance catalyst that was developed for partial oxidation of methane (POM) and dry reforming of methane (DRM) into synthesis gas. The catalyst is based on samarium cobaltite dispersed in a samarium oxide matrix. Unlike its known counterparts based on samarium cobaltate, the novel catalyst is resistant to carbonization and contains active sites that exhibit higher syngas productivity.
Inferior vena cava and renal vein thrombosis: a rare cause of acute kidney injury in tuberculosis
Authors: Anweri Aishwarya Veeresh , Kaniyoor Nagri Shivashankara , Karanth Shubhada
Published: February 2023

Recent studies show active tuberculosis induces a prothrombotic state and increases the risk of venous thromboembolism. We report a recently diagnosed case of tuberculosis who presented to our hospital with painful bilateral lower limb swelling and several episodes of vomiting with abdominal pain for 2 weeks. Investigations by a hospital elsewhere 2 weeks ago showed abnormal renal function, misdiagnosed as antitubercular therapy-induced acute kidney injury. D-dimer levels were increased on admission with us, with still deranged renal function. Imaging revealed thrombus at the origin of left renal vein, inferior vena cava and bilateral lower limbs. We started treatment with anticoagulants, which gradually improved kidney function. This case highlights that early diagnosis of renal vein thrombosis and prompt treatment are associated with good clinical outcomes. It also highlights the importance of further studies for risk assessment, prevention strategies and reduction of the burden of venous thromboembolism in patients with tuberculosis.
Hypertension therapy using fixed-dose polypills that contain at least three medications
Authors: O'Hagan Edel T , McIntyre Daniel , Nguyen Tu , Chow Clara K
Published: February 2023

Fixed-dose combination (FDC) therapy may provide a solution to treatment gaps by overcoming reasons for therapeutic inertia. To synthesise and report on available evidence on standard or low-dose combination medicines that combine at least three antihypertensive medicines. A literature search was conducted via Scopus, Embase, PubMed and the Cochrane clinical trials database. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were randomised clinical trials that included adults (>18 years) and examined the impact of at least three antihypertensive medications on blood pressure (BP). A total of 18 trials (n=14 307) were identified that examined combinations of three or four antihypertensive medicines. Ten trials investigated the effect of a standard dose triple combination polypill, four the effect of a low-dose triple and four the effect of a low-dose quadruple combination polypill. The mean difference (MD) in systolic BP ranged from −10.6 to −41.4 for the standard dose triple combination polypill in comparison with 2.1 to −34.5 for dual combination; −9.8 to −20.6 for a low-dose combination polypill in comparison with a MD of −0.9 to −5.2 for placebo; −9.0 to −29.3 for a low-dose combination polypill compared with −2.0 to −20.6 for monotherapy or usual care. All trials reported similar rates of adverse events. Ten studies reported medication adherence, six reported >95% adherence. Triple and quadruple combination antihypertensive medications are effective. Studies of low-dose triple and quadruple combinations involving treatment naïve populations suggest initiating such combinations are safe and effective as first-line therapy for stage 2 hypertension (BP >140/90 mm Hg).
Structural features, intrinsic disorder, and modularity of a pyriform spidroin 1 core repetitive domain
Authors: Simmons Jeffrey R. , Gasmi-Seabrook Geneviève , Rainey Jan K.
Published: February 2023

Orb-weaving spiders produce up to seven silk types, each with distinct biological roles, protein compositions, and mechanics. Pyriform (or piriform) silk is composed of pyriform spidroin 1 (PySp1) and is the fibrillar component of attachment discs that attach webs to substrates and to each other. Here, we characterize the 234-residue repeat unit (the “Py unit”) from the core repetitive domain of Argiope argentata PySp1. Solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based backbone chemical shift and dynamics analysis demonstrate a structured core flanked by disordered tails, structuring that is maintained in a tandem protein of two connected Py units, indicative of structural modularity of the Py unit in the context of the repetitive domain. Notably, AlphaFold2 predicts the Py unit structure with low confidence, echoing low confidence and poor agreement to the NMR-derived structure for the Argiope trifasciata aciniform spidroin (AcSp1) repeat unit. Rational truncation, validated through NMR spectroscopy, provided a 144-residue construct retaining the Py unit core fold, enabling near-complete backbone and side chain 1H, 13C, and 15N resonance assignment. A six α-helix globular core is inferred, flanked by regions of intrinsic disorder that would link helical bundles in tandem repeat proteins in a beads-on-a-string architecture.
Celebrating dinosaurs: their behaviour, evolution, growth, and physiology
Authors: Currie Philip J.
Published: February 2023

Dinosaurs have attracted varying degrees of scientific and public interest since their initial description in 1824. Interest has steadily increased, however, since the late 1960s when the Dinosaur Renaissance began, and when the Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences started to publish. Since then, there has been a feedback system (international in scope) promoting increased scientific activity and ever-increasing public attention. This has led to ever more dinosaur discoveries internationally; increased numbers of museums and parks displaying dinosaurs; more publications, blogs, and other media on dinosaurs; and (most importantly) increased numbers of people and institutions doing research on dinosaurs. About 30 new species of dinosaurs are now being described every year, adding to the more than 1000 species already known. Furthermore, it is now acknowledged by most biologists and palaeontologists that modern birds are the direct descendants of dinosaurs, and that they are classified as part of the Dinosauria. Recognizing that there are more than 11 000 species of living dinosaurs has given us a better understanding of many aspects of the biology of nonavian dinosaurs. Along with technological improvements, this has revealed new—and often surprising—facts about their anatomy (bones, soft tissues, and even colours), interrelationships, biomechanics, growth and variation, ecology, physiology, behaviour, and extinction. In spite of the intensity of research over the last six decades, there is no indication that the discovery of new species and new facts about their biology is slowing down. It is quite clear that there is still a lot to be learned!
Utopian Thinking or Business as Usual: Pondering Next Steps for SIGCAS
Authors: Schuler Douglas
Published: February 2023

With the advent of a new year and the impending end of my term as SIGCAS Chair it seems just about the right time to share some thoughts on SIGCAS, its mission and where we all stand in relation to it. I'd love to hear your thoughts and reactions to this, either directly via email, or on the SIGCAS-Talk distribution list or our Discord server.
Privacy Focused Companies, How Focused Are They?
Authors: Krupp Brian , Gersey Julia
Published: February 2023

Consumers can use a variety of products and services at zero monetary cost. These services can include email, photo storage, social networking, searching the world wide web, and much more. While these services provide real value without requiring a monetary payment, many consumers give up privacy that allows these services to be funded through targeted advertising. As consumers have become more aware of how invasive these practices can be, there have been more privacy focused alternatives created. For example, instead of using Google, consumers can use privacy focused alternatives such as DuckDuckGo, Brave Search, and Ecosia. Similarly, instead of using Gmail, users can instead use ProtonMail where they claim that "privacy and freedom come first". But, how do we ensure these companies intentions match their actions? If their actions do not match their intentions, what effect can this have on consumers that choose to use these alternatives from mainstream services with a goal to protect their privacy? Recently, there have been issues raised with these services that may cause concern for consumers and a lack of trust in these alternatives.
"A Fork In The Road" Who Do We Want To Work For, and Why?
Authors: Blumenthal Richard
Published: February 2023

Recently, I've been thinking about the question,
Who do We want to work for and why?
, where 'we' refers to the computing community. Apparently, I'm not the only one reflecting on this question.
Computing Must Pay Attention to Outcomes to Achieve Equity
Authors: Trim Michelle
Published: February 2023

There is a push right now across ACM that is gathering momentum. This push is for increased attention to cultural competency [16] in the training of computing professionals. In fact, the CS202X: ACM / IEEE-CS / AAAI Computer Science Curricula Taskforce [5] has a knowledge area subcommittee devoted to SEP or Society, Ethics, and Professionalism [6]. This subcommittee is currently proposing a new set of student learning outcomes under the heading of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. These new learning foci include the identification of underlying assumptions and values built into system designs and the recognition and description of the impact of diversity and under-representation of identities in the computing profession. The emphasis on underlying values and on describing impacts is not accidental. As many have come to recognize, computing has a legacy of compartmentalizing social concerns [3] (and social costs), and this segregation of intellectual concerns is often facilitated by the distance between those who design [10] and those who experience the impacts of those designs. This new curricular push within ACM and IEEE is about equipping future computer science graduates with the cultural competencies that they need to connect the values informing local design practices to the public impacts of those designs.
Using Technology to Unite Us: Can Disagreement be a Catalyst for Consensus Building?
Authors: De Liddo Anna
Published: February 2023

Technology has made it easier to communicate across distances than ever before. However, today it is often blamed for sowing social division. It doesn't have to be this way. We are creating intuitive online tools to help people come together, build consensus, and find common ground to act, even when they disagree.
Short-chain fatty acids improve inflamm-aging and acute lung injury in old mice
Authors: Hildebrand Christina B. , Lichatz Rita , Pich Andreas , Mühlfeld Christian , Woltemate Sabrina , Vital Marius , Brandenberger Christina
Published: February 2023

A chronic proinflammatory milieu (inflamm-aging) is observed in the elderly and associated with poorer prognosis in acute lung injury (ALI). Gut microbiome-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are known to have immunomodulatory capabilities, but their function in the gut-lung axis in aging is poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the gut microbiome and its impact on inflammatory signaling in the aging lung and tested the effects of SCFAs in young (3 mo) and old (18 mo) mice that received either drinking water with a mixture of each 50 mM acetate, butyrate, and propionate for 2 wk or water alone. ALI was induced by intranasal lipopolysaccharide (LPS; n = 12/group) administration. Controls ( n = 8/group) received saline. Fecal pellets were sampled for gut microbiome analysis before and after LPS/saline treatment. The left lung lobe was collected for stereology and right lung lobes for cytokine and gene expression analysis, inflammatory cell activation, and proteomics. Different gut microbial taxa, such as Bifidobacterium, Faecalibaculum, and Lactobacillus correlated positively with pulmonary inflammation in aging, suggesting an impact on inflamm-aging in the gut-lung axis. The supplementation of SCFAs reduced inflamm-aging, oxidative stress, metabolic alteration, and enhanced activation of myeloid cells in the lungs of old mice. The enhanced inflammatory signaling in ALI of old mice was also reduced by SCFA treatment. In summary, the study provides new evidence that SCFAs play a beneficial role in the gut-lung axis of the aging organism by reducing pulmonary inflamm-aging and ameliorating enhanced severity of ALI in old mice.
Levels of Anxiety and Fear among Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Morgado-Toscano Cristina , Gómez-Salgado Juan , García-Iglesias Juan Jesús , Fagundo-Rivera Javier , López-López Daniel , Allande-Cussó Regina
Published: February 2023

Aim. The aim of this review is to find out what levels of anxiety and fear have been shown by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background. Health security crises affect not only physical health but also the mental health and wellbeing of healthcare professionals due to a higher level of exposure. Evaluation. A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA statement. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. The literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) electronic databases based on the keywords that the research question yielded following the PECOT strategy. For the selection of articles, original articles, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, short communication articles, and case reports were included. Then, a series of inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, screening the results to obtain a total of 18 articles, which were used to elaborate the study. Key Issues. Fear and anxiety levels were described in a total of 18 selected studies. The main fear-related concerns of the nurses were associated with the fear of infecting their family or friends and the fear of the death of a family member or friend. Conclusions. The main psychological impact on nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic was related to fear, anxiety, stress, and depression. Fear of infecting family members or of being infected were the main impacts perceived by nurses. Implications for Nursing Management. In general, high scores were found for levels of fear and anxiety, although the figures varied by country and time of data collection. Resilience was considered the main tool for coping with the loss and trauma experienced by nurses.