bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The diffusible signal factor synthase, RpfF, in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is required for the maintenance of membrane integrity and virulence
Authors: Singh Prashantee , Verma Raj Kumar , Chatterjee Subhadeep 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe Xanthomonas group of phytopathogens communicate with a fatty acid‐like cell–cell signalling molecule, cis‐11‐2‐methyl‐dodecenoic acid, also known as diffusible signal factor (DSF). In the pathogen of rice, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, DSF is involved in the regulation of several virulence‐associated functions, including production and secretion of several cell wall hydrolysing type II secretion effectors. To understand the role of DSF in the secretion of type II effectors, we characterized DSF synthase‐deficient (rpfF) and DSF‐deficient, type II secretion (xpsE) double mutants. Mutant analysis by expression analysis, secretion assay, fatty acid analysis, and physiological studies indicated that rpfF mutants exhibit hypersecretion of several type II effectors due to a perturbed membrane and DSF is required for maintaining membrane integrity. The rpfF mutants exhibited significantly higher uptake of 1‐N‐phenylnapthylamine and ethidium bromide, and up‐regulation of rpoE (σE). Increasing the osmolarity of the medium could rescue the hypersecretion phenotype of the rpfF mutant. The rpfF mutant exhibited highly reduced virulence. We report for the first time that in X. oryzae pv. oryzae RpfF is involved in the maintenance of membrane integrity by playing a regulatory role in the fatty acid synthesis pathway.
Two decades of chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) research: Existing evidence and persistent gaps from epidemiological studies in Sri Lanka
Authors: Pett Jennifer , Mohamed Fahim , Knight John , Linhart Christine , Osborne Nicholas J. , Taylor Richard 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundChronic Kidney Disease of unknown origin (CKDu) excludes known primary renal conditions or systemic disease (such as diabetes mellitus or hypertension). Prominence of CKDu has been noted for some decades in Sri Lanka, especially among men in particular rural areas, prompting many studies directed towards environmental causation. This article critically reviews relevant primary studies.MethodsArticles for this literature review (n = 86) were found by searching Medline, Embase, Global Health and ProQuest databases over 2000–2020 utilizing a standard algorithm. Articles were critiqued according to criteria for diagnosis of CKDu, aetiological agents investigated, analytic methods employed and findings.ResultsCriteria for diagnosis of CKDu varied significantly, including pre‐selection by proteinuria, eGFR and biopsy proven interstitial nephritis. Prevalence studies have been largely conducted in the North Central Province, with recent studies demonstrating the presence of CKDu in other regions. Aetiological factors investigated in primary studies included water source, use of agrochemicals, agricultural work, heavy metals, snake bites, ayurvedic medication, heat stress, infectious diseases and usage of tobacco and betel leaf. There is no conclusive evidence for any one aetiological agent despite consistent evidence of distal factors such as male sex, rural residence and farming.ConclusionsThe current body of evidence for any aetiological agent as the cause of CKDu in Sri Lanka is limited. Further research with stronger study designs is necessary to increase knowledge of aetiology of CKDu in Sri Lanka to identify and eliminate exposure to possible causative agent(s) prior to concluding that the disease is multifactorial.
What does the distribution of fitness effects of new mutations reflect? Insights from plants
Authors: Chen Jun , Bataillon Thomas , Glémin Sylvain , Lascoux Martin 
Published: October 2021

SummaryThe distribution of fitness effects (DFE) of new mutations plays a central role in molecular evolution. It is therefore crucial to be able to estimate it accurately from genomic data and to understand the factors that shape it. After a rapid overview of available methods to characterize the fitness effects of mutations, we review what is known on the factors affecting them in plants. Available data indicate that life history traits (e.g. mating system and longevity) have a major effect on the DFE. By contrast, the impact of demography within species appears to be more limited. These results remain to be confirmed, and methods to estimate the joint evolution of demography, life history traits, and the DFE need to be developed.
Corruption in social relations: Bribe‐taking, corruptibility, and corruption risks
Authors: Su Su , Ni Xing 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis inquiry aims to investigate how the relational dynamics are imprinted on two critical dimensions of bribe‐taking: corruptibility and corruption risks. Two treatments were randomly administered to 1400 subjects: single versus repeated interactions and strangers versus weak ties. The findings suggest that repeated interactions induce bigger bribe sizes, but also increase risks from whistleblowing and internal auditing. Weak ties mitigate bribe‐taking willingness. Nevertheless, when coupled with repeated interactions, weak ties suppress the risks from whistleblowing, testifying the bifurcated effects. The tensions between corruptibility and corruption risks suggest that bribe‐taking decisions are fraught with internal tensions, with the overall effects likely being a priori determined only in specific contexts. Such tensions are more intensified among true bureaucrats as they tend to claim bigger bribes and report more risks from internal auditing.
Citrus heat shock transcription factor CitHsfA7‐mediated citric acid degradation in response to heat stress
Authors: Li Shao‐jia , Liu Sheng‐chao , Lin Xia‐hui , Grierson Donald , Yin Xue‐ren , Chen Kun‐song 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHeat stress is a major abiotic stress for plants, which can generate a range of biochemical and genetic responses. In ‘Ponkan’ mandarin fruit, hot air treatment (HAT) accelerates the degradation of citric acid. However, the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of citrate degradation in response to HAT remain to be elucidated. Here, 17 heat shock transcription factor sequences were isolated, and dual‐luciferase assays were employed to investigate whether the encoded proteins that could trans‐activate the promoters of key genes in the GABA shunt, involved in citrate metabolism. We identified four heat shock transcription factors (CitHsfA7, CitHsfA3, CitHsfA4b and CitHsfA8) that showed trans‐activation effects on CitAco3, CitIDH3 and CitGAD4, respectively. Transient expression of the CitHsfs in citrus fruits indicated that CitHsfA7 was the only factor that resulted in a significant lowering of the citric acid content, and these results were confirmed by a virus‐induced gene silencing system (VIGS). Sub‐cellar localization showed that CitHsfA7 is located in the nucleus and is capable of binding directly to a putative HSE in the CitAco3 promoter and enhance its expression. We proposed that the induction of CitHsfA7 transcript level contributes to citric acid degradation in citrus fruit, via modulation of CitAco3 in response to HAT.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the mental health symptoms during the Covid‐19 pandemic in Southeast Asia
Authors: Pappa Sofia , Chen Jiyao , Barnett Joshua , Chang Anabel , Dong Rebecca Kechen , Xu Wen , Yin Allen , Chen Bryan Z. , Delios Andrew Yilong , Chen Richard Z. , Miller Saylor , Wan Xue , Zhang Stephen X. 
Published: October 2021

AimsThe Covid‐19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the mental health of the general public and high‐risk groups worldwide. Due to its proximity and close links to China, Southeast Asia was one of the first regions to be affected by the outbreak. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety, depression and insomnia in the general adult population and healthcare workers (HCWs) in Southeast Asia during the course of the first year of the pandemic.MethodsSeveral literature databases were systemically searched for articles published up to February 2021 and two reviewers independently evaluated all relevant studies using pre‐determined criteria. The prevalence rates of mental health symptoms were calculated using a random‐effect meta‐analysis model.ResultsIn total, 32 samples from 25 studies with 20 352 participants were included. Anxiety was assessed in all 25 studies and depression in 15 studies with pooled prevalence rates of 22% and 16%, respectively. Only two studies assessed insomnia, which was estimated at 19%. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was similar among frontline HCWs (18%), general HCWs (17%), and students (20%) while being noticeably higher in the general population (27%).ConclusionsThis is the first systematic review to investigate the mental health impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic in Southeast Asia. A considerable proportion of the general population and HCWs reported mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression; the pooled prevalence rater, however, remain significantly lower than those reported in other areas such as China and Europe.
Characteristics and etiology of infection in febrile infants aged ≤90 days
Authors: Tanaka Yuhei , Miyata Ippei , Nakamura Yoshitaka , Kondo Eisuke , Gotoh Kenji , Oishi Tomohiro , Nakano Takashi , Ouchi Kazunobu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundInfants ≤90 days old can exhibit non‐specific signs of infection, even in cases of serious bacterial infection (SBI).MethodsThis prospective study included infants aged ≤90 days hospitalized for fever from June 2017 to August 2019. Nasopharyngeal swabs were tested using multiplex real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and 16S ribosomal RNA analysis of whole blood to determine causative microorganisms. Data pertaining to inflammatory markers, maximum body temperature (BT), and respiratory symptoms of infants and their cohabiting families were collected at admission.ResultsA total of 110 infants were enrolled (age range, 9–90 days), 17 (15.5%) of whom presented with SBIs. White blood cell (WBC) count and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) were significantly higher in patients with SBIs than in those without, although maximum BT did not significantly differ between the SBI and non‐SBI groups (n = 93). One or more viruses were detected in 82 infants (74.5%). Viruses were detected more frequently in infants with respiratory symptoms than in those without respiratory symptoms (P = 0.038), and patients with SBIs experienced significantly less respiratory symptoms than those without SBIs (P = 0.049). Moreover, viruses were more often detected in infants from cohabiting families with respiratory symptoms than in those whose family members did not exhibit respiratory symptoms (P = 0.0018).ConclusionWhite blood cell count, and ANC were significantly higher, and respiratory symptoms were less in infants ≤90 days old with SBIs than in those without SBIs. Microorganisms from nasopharyngeal by multiplex real‐time PCR swabs could not be judged as SBI or non‐SBI.
Latent profile analysis of self‐perceptions of ageing among Chinese community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Yao Gui‐Ying , Luo Yan‐Yan , Zhu Bo , Wu Hui‐Min , Liu Kai‐Li 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐perceptions of ageing (SPA) is an important predictor for physical and mental health of older adults in successful ageing. SPA is mainly studied from negative or positive perspectives using variable‐centred methodologies. The aim of the current study was to explore distinct profiles of SPA among Chinese community‐dwelling older adults using a person‐centred method and validate the SPA profiles by examining associations with psychological outcomes.MethodsParticipants aged 65 and over were randomly divided into test and validation samples (n = 451, respectively). SPA was measured by the Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire using latent profile analysis.ResultsThree SPA profiles were identified. One adaptive subgroup was designated as ‘Low ageing awareness and high positive control’ (LAPC, 84.7% and 75% in both samples, respectively). Two maladaptive SPA subgroups were designated as ‘Low positive consequences and control’ (LPCC, 3.9% and 8.2% in both samples, respectively), and ‘High ageing awareness and negative control’ (HANC, 11.4% and 16.8% in both samples, respectively). Similar to negative/positive SPA, the HANC and LAPC subgroups showed the highest and lowest levels of depressive symptoms and cognitive decline. Low cognitive function was found in the LPCC subgroup.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the heterogeneity of older adults' SPA. SPA profiles may aid community healthcare providers in China to identify individuals with high risk of maladaptive SPA and to tailor targeted interventions for psychological health in later life. Distinct SPA profiles require different interventions targeting negative or positive control or both aspects. More positive control strategies might be beneficial for cognitive functioning in older adults from the LPCC subgroup.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms and cerebrovascular risk in non‐demented elders: cross‐sectional study using the mild behavioural impairment checklist (MBI‐C)
Authors: Stella Florindo , Pais Marcos V. , Loureiro Júlia C. , Radanovic Marcia , Forlenza Orestes V. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundNeuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) may represent early clinical manifestations of evolving brain diseases. Studies underpin the occurrence of NPS in the context of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and prodromal Alzheimer's disease, where symptoms referred to as ‘mild behavioural impairment’ (MBI) have been shown to predict conversion to dementia and to hasten cognitive/functional decline. However, the association between NPS and cerebrovascular risk factors has been poorly investigated, despite the high prevalence of the latter among individuals with MCI. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between MBI and cerebrovascular risk in a clinical sample of non‐demented elders.MethodsSixty‐five MCI and 15 cognitively unimpaired older adults were cross‐sectionally assessed with the Mild Behavioural Impairment Checklist (MBI‐C), using the cut‐off score > 6.5 to define positive screening. Participants were submitted to the Hachinski Ischaemic Score (HIS) to account for cerebrovascular symptoms, vascular risk, and related comorbidities. Neuroimaging scans (magnetic resonance imaging and/or 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography) and apolipoprotein E genotype were obtained.ResultsPositive associations were found between total MBI‐C scores and increasing number of comorbidities present (0–2 comorbidities), but not with three comorbidities. Two domains of the MBI‐C—impulse dyscontrol and social inappropriateness—followed the same trend of the MBI‐C total score, with higher scores with the increasing numbers of comorbidities. No significant associations were found between MBI symptoms and HIS or cerebrovascular burden in neuroimaging assessment.ConclusionWe found weak associations between MBI‐C total score and the presence of comorbidities with cerebrovascular risk, but not with structural or functional neuroimaging abnormalities or HIS. This finding may represent that the presence of comorbidities adds limited risk to the occurrence of MBI in this sample of non‐demented elders.
Risk‐based Decision Making Definition: A Scoping Review of Food, Agricultural, Environmental, and Medical Literature
Authors: Morgan Kara M. , Crawford Ashley , Kowalcyk Barbara B. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRisk‐based decision making (RBDM) is a term that is used frequently as an aspirational goal in many fields, including health, engineering, environmental science, regulatory and, more recently, food safety. When RBDM is used in the literature, many different types of criteria are used to characterize a decision process as being “risk‐based.” Like the parable about the blind men and the elephant, everyone is confident they know what RBDM means even though there is no universal definition. The use of RBDM is gaining wide acceptance and implies a level of rigor and focus that many decisionmakers and stakeholders are interested in adopting. However, without one clear definition, there are questions about what a RBDM approach really means. This study summarizes peer‐reviewed and gray literature that uses the term “RBDM” from the last 50 years in the agricultural, environmental, and medical areas. The criteria discussed were identified and organized into themes. A foundational definition is proposed to represent the most fundamental use of RBDM in the literature, and three themes covering the additional concepts presented in some of the literature were identified and added as themes within the definition. Results from this research will inform practitioners interested in following the principles of RBDM, and will help guide researchers who are interested in advancing this approach. The most immediate use will be to guide the development of a roadmap for a risk‐based food safety system for low‐ and middle‐income countries and to aid the global food safety community in moving toward RBDM.
A computable general equilibrium model as a banking sector regulatory tool in South Africa
Authors: Beyers Frederik J.C. , De Freitas Allan , Essel‐Mensah Kojo A. , Seymore Reyno , Tsomocos Dimitrios P. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA computable general equilibrium (CGE) model is used as a regulatory tool for the banking sector in South Africa. The model is used to determine the effects of regulatory penalties, capital adequacy requirements (CAR) and the monetary policy on the economy. Our results indicate that there is a trade‐off between the default and the CAR regulation. For example, when reducing the default penalty, the banks' profits increase, whereas reducing the CAR violation penalty, banks' profits decrease. Changes to the default penalty have a stronger impact than changes in the CAR violation penalty (i.e. when both penalties are reduced, the banks' profits increase). Moreover, regulatory policies that are targeted at different banks produce asymmetric results, as well capitalised banks with richer portfolios swiftly readjust their balance sheet and transfer the default externality to the more constrained banks and/or the private sector agents.
The unified transform for evolution equations on the half‐line with time‐periodic boundary conditions*
Authors: Fokas A. S. , van der Weele M. C. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper elaborates on a new approach for solving the generalized Dirichlet‐to‐Neumann map, in the large time limit, for linear evolution PDEs formulated on the half‐line with time‐periodic boundary conditions. First, by employing the unified transform (also known as the Fokas method) it can be shown that the solution becomes time‐periodic for large . Second, it is shown that the coefficients of the Fourier series of the unknown boundary values can be determined explicitly in terms of the coefficients of the Fourier series of the given boundary data in a very simple, algebraic way. This approach is illustrated for second‐order linear evolution equations and also for linear evolution equations containing spatial derivatives of arbitrary order. The simple and explicit determination of the unknown boundary values is based on the “‐equation”, which for the linearized nonlinear Schrödinger equation is the linear limit of the quadratic ‐equation introduced by Lenells and Fokas [Proc. R. Soc. A, 471, 2015]. Regarding the latter equation, it is also shown here that it provides a very simple, algebraic way for rederiving the remarkable results of Boutet de Monvel, Kotlyarov, and Shepelsky [Int. Math. Res. Not. issue 3, 2009] for the particular boundary condition of a single exponential.
Acid–base balance and cerebrovascular regulation
Authors: Caldwell Hannah G. , Carr Jay M. J. R. , Minhas Jatinder S. , Swenson Erik R. , Ainslie Philip N. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe regulation and defence of intracellular pH is essential for homeostasis. Indeed, alterations in cerebrovascular acid–base balance directly affect cerebral blood flow (CBF) which has implications for human health and disease. For example, changes in CBF regulation during acid–base disturbances are evident in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetic ketoacidosis. The classic experimental studies from the past 75+ years are utilized to describe the integrative relationships between CBF, carbon dioxide tension (PCO2), bicarbonate (HCO3–) and pH. These factors interact to influence (1) the time course of acid–base compensatory changes and the respective cerebrovascular responses (due to rapid exchange kinetics between arterial blood, extracellular fluid and intracellular brain tissue). We propose that alterations in arterial [HCO3–] during acute respiratory acidosis/alkalosis contribute to cerebrovascular acid–base regulation; and (2) the regulation of CBF by direct changes in arterial vs. extravascular/interstitial PCO2 and pH – the latter recognized as the proximal compartment which alters vascular smooth muscle cell regulation of CBF. Taken together, these results substantiate two key ideas: first, that the regulation of CBF is affected by the severity of metabolic/respiratory disturbances, including the extent of partial/full acid–base compensation; and second, that the regulation of CBF is independent of arterial pH and that diffusion of CO2 across the blood–brain barrier is integral to altering perivascular extracellular pH. Overall, by realizing the integrative relationships between CBF, PCO2, HCO3– and pH, experimental studies may provide insights to improve CBF regulation in clinical practice with treatment of systemic acid–base disorders.
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Physiological mechanisms of unexplained (functional) gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Burns Grace L. , Hoedt Emily C. , Walker Marjorie M. , Talley Nicholas J. , Keely Simon 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFunctional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) encompass a range of complex conditions with similar clinical characteristics and no overt pathology. Recent recognition of sub‐clinical pathologies in FGIDs, in conjunction with physiological and biochemical abnormalities including increased intestinal permeability, microbial profile alterations, differences in metabolites and extra‐intestinal manifestations of disease, call into question the designation of these conditions as ‘functional’. This is despite significant heterogeneity in both symptom profile and specifics of reported physiological abnormalities hampering efforts to determine defined mechanisms that drive onset and chronicity of symptoms. Instead, the literature demonstrates these conditions are disorders of homeostatic imbalance, with disruptions in both host and microbial function and metabolism. This imbalance is also associated with extraintestinal abnormalities including psychological comorbidities and fatigue that may be a consequence of gastrointestinal disruption. Given the exploitation of such abnormalities will be crucial for improved therapeutic selection, an enhanced understanding of the relationship between alterations in function of the gastrointestinal tract and the response of the immune system is of interest in identifying mechanisms that drive FGID onset and chronicity. Considerations for future research should include the role of sex hormones in regulating physiological functions and treatment responses in patients, as well as the importance of high‐level phenotyping of clinical, immune, microbial and physiological parameters in study cohorts. There is opportunity to examine the functional contribution of the microbiota and associated metabolites as a source of mechanistic insight and targets for therapeutic modulation.
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