bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of substituted piperazines able to reverse MDR inEscherichia colistrains overexpressing resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) efflux pumps
Authors: Casalone Enrico , Vignolini Tiziano , Braconi Laura , Gardini Lucia , Capitanio Marco , Pavone Francesco S. , Giovannelli Lisa , Dei Silvia , Teodori Elisabetta 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundMDR in bacteria is threatening to public health. Overexpression of efflux pumps is an important cause of MDR. The co-administration of antimicrobial drugs and efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) is a promising approach to address the problem of MDR.ObjectivesTo identify new putative EPIs and to characterize their mechanisms of action.MethodsThe effects of four selected piperazine derivatives on resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) pumps was evaluated in Escherichia coli strains overexpressing or not expressing RND pumps by assays aimed at evaluating antibiotic potentiation, membrane functionality, ethidium bromide accumulation and AcrB expression. The cytotoxicity of selected piperazines towards primary cultures of human dermal fibroblasts was also investigated.ResultsFour molecules enhanced levofloxacin activity against strains overexpressing RND efflux pumps (AcrAB-TolC and AcrEF-TolC), but not against RND pump-deficient strains. They had little effects on membrane potential. Molecule 4 decreased, whereas the other three increased, membrane permeability compared with untreated control cells. The four molecules showed differences in the specificity of interaction with RND efflux pumps, by inactivating the transport of one or more antibiotics, and in the levels of ethidium bromide accumulation and of acrB expression inhibition.ConclusionsPiperazine derivatives are good candidates as inhibitors of RND efflux pumps. They decreased the activity of RND pumps by mixed mechanisms of action. Small structural differences among the molecules can be critical in defining their behaviour.
Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Netting Affects Reproductive Output and Mating Behavior in Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Trogoderma variabile (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)
Authors: Gerken Alison R , Campbell James F , Abts Shelby R , Arthur Frank , Morrison William R , Scheff Deanna S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Preventing insect infestations is a critical component for establishing a pest management plan for stored-product insects. Long-lasting insecticide-treated netting (LLIN) is a potential tool to reduce insect movement by providing a chemical barrier, where insects may be able to physically pass through but ultimately die after exposure to the netting. Sublethal effects, such as reduced movement immediately after exposure and reduced ability to colonize, have been reported. Here we examine the sublethal effects of exposure to LLIN on two beetle species, Trogoderma variabile Ballion, warehouse beetle, and Tribolium castaneum Herbst, red flour beetle. We found that both female and male T. castaneum exposed to LLIN produced significantly less adult progeny than those exposed to untreated netting. Adult progeny output did not differ for T. variabile, but survivorship increased in T. variabile females exposed to LLIN. Importantly, the overall net reproductive rate was significantly decreased for both T. variabile and T. castaneum. The number of copulation attempts did not differ between males or females exposed to LLIN compared to untreated netting, but males exposed to LLIN showed increased durations of attempted and successful copulation events. This research demonstrates that the implications of LLIN exposure extend past direct mortality, with sublethal effects on reproductive output potentially increasing the effectiveness of this tool for preventing insect infestations.
In vivo dosimetry for testicular and scalp shielding in total skin electron therapy using a radiophotoluminescence glass dosimeter
Authors: Okamoto Hiroyuki , Okuma Kae , Nakayama Hiroki , Nakamura Satoshi , Iijima Kotaro , Chiba Takahito , Takemori Mihiro , Fujii Kyohei , Mikasa Shohei , Nakaichi Tetsu , Aikawa Ako , Katsuta Shouichi , Igaki Hiroshi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a common, low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of skin-homing T lymphocytes that can be treated via skin-directed radiotherapy. Our institution has implemented total skin electron therapy (TSET) with a 4.3 m source-to-surface distance (SSD) and 6 MeV electron beams with a beam spoiler. A 35-year-old male undergoing TSET desired to avoid radiotherapy-induced hair loss and temporary infertility; therefore, leakage dose to scalp and testicles was reduced with a special radiation shield composed of stacked lead sheets. The shields for the scalp and scrotal were of 3 mm and 6 mm, respectively. To assess leakage doses, a radiophotoluminescence glass dosimeter (RPLD) was placed at every fraction. The difference dose between the measured and prescribed dose at the calibration point was 2%. The top of the head and scrotal surface exhibited 18 cGy and 10 cGy, respectively. Thus, the dose to the scrotal surface was not beyond the testicular tolerance dose of 20 cGy. Results of semen analysis two months postradiotherapy were normal. There was no hair loss during or after radiation therapy. Therefore, the RPLD is a useful in vivo dosimeter that provides technical information on radiation shielding to allow for completion of TSET without hair loss or temporary infertility.
Non-circular flows in HIghMass galaxies in a test of the late accretion hypothesis
Authors: Bisaria Dhruv , Spekkens Kristine , Huang Shan , Hallenbeck Gregory , Haynes Martha P 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
We present H α velocity maps for the HIghMass galaxies UGC 7899, UGC 8475, UGC 9037, and UGC 9334, obtained with the SITELLE Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer on the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope, to search for kinematic signatures of late gas accretion to explain their large atomic gas reservoirs. The maps for UGC 7899, UGC 9037, and UGC 9334 are amenable to disc-wide radial flow searches with the DiskFit algorithm, and those for UGC 7899 and UGC 9037 are also amenable to inner-disc kinematic analyses. We find no evidence for outer disc radial flows down to $\bar{V}_{\mathrm r} \sim 20 \ \mathrm{km\, s}^{-1}$ in UGC 9037 and UGC 9334, but hints of such flows in UGC 7899. Conversely, we find clear signatures of inner (r ≲ 5 kpc) non-circularities in UGC 7899 and UGC 9037 that can be modelled as either bisymmetric (which could be produced by a bar) or radial flows. Comparing these models to the structure implied by photometric disc–bulge–bar decompositions, we favour inner radial flows in UGC 7899 and an inner bar in UGC 9037. With hints of outer disc radial flows and an outer disc warp, UGC 7899 is the best candidate for late accretion among the galaxies examined, but additional modelling is required to disentangle potential degeneracies between these signatures in H i and H α velocity maps. Our search provides only weak constraints on hot-mode accretion models that could explain the unusually high H i content of HIghMass galaxies.
Understanding the X-ray spectral curvature of Mkn 421 using broad-band AstroSat observations
Authors: Hota Jyotishree , Shah Zahir , Khatoon Rukaiya , Misra Ranjeev , Pradhan Ananta C , Gogoi Rupjyoti 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACT
We present a time-resolved X-ray spectral study of the high energy peaked blazar Mkn 421 using simultaneous broad-band observations from the LAXPC and SXT instruments on-board AstroSat. The ∼400 ksec long observation taken during 2017 January 3–8 was divided into segments of 10 ksecs. Each segment was fitted using synchrotron emission from particles whose energy distribution was represented by a log-parabola model. We also considered particle energy distribution models where (i) the radiative cooling leads to a maximum energy (ξmax model), (ii) the system has energy-dependent diffusion (EDD) and (iii) has energy-dependent acceleration (EDA). We found that all these models describe the spectra, although the EDD and EDA models were marginally better. Time-resolved spectral analysis allowed for studying the correlation between the spectral parameters for different models. In the simplest and direct approach, the observed correlations are not compatible with the predictions of the ξmax model. While the EDD and EDA models do predict the correlations, the values of the inferred physical parameters are not compatible with the model assumptions. Thus, we show that spectrally degenerate models, can be distinguished based on spectral parameter correlations (especially those between the model normalization and spectral shape ones) making time-resolved spectroscopy a powerful tool to probe the nature of these systems.
Rapid Gene Evolution in an Ancient Post-transcriptional and Translational Regulatory System Compensates for Meiotic X Chromosomal Inactivation
Authors: Xia Shengqian , Ventura Iuri M , Blaha Andreas , Sgromo Annamaria , Han Shuaibo , Izaurralde Elisa , Long Manyuan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
It is conventionally assumed that conserved pathways evolve slowly with little participation of gene evolution. Nevertheless, it has been recently observed that young genes can take over fundamental functions in essential biological processes, for example, development and reproduction. It is unclear how newly duplicated genes are integrated into ancestral networks and reshape the conserved pathways of important functions. Here, we investigated origination and function of two autosomal genes that evolved recently in Drosophila: Poseidon and Zeus, which were created by RNA-based duplications from the X-linked CAF40, a subunit of the conserved CCR4–NOT deadenylase complex involved in posttranscriptional and translational regulation. Knockdown and knockout assays show that the two genes quickly evolved critically important functions in viability and male fertility. Moreover, our transcriptome analysis demonstrates that the three genes have a broad and distinct effect in the expression of hundreds of genes, with almost half of the differentially expressed genes being perturbed exclusively by one paralog, but not the others. Co-immunoprecipitation and tethering assays show that the CAF40 paralog Poseidon maintains the ability to interact with the CCR4–NOT deadenylase complex and might act in posttranscriptional mRNA regulation. The rapid gene evolution in the ancient posttranscriptional and translational regulatory system may be driven by evolution of sex chromosomes to compensate for the meiotic X chromosomal inactivation (MXCI) in Drosophila.
Multifaceted impact of a nucleoside monophosphate kinase on 5′-end-dependent mRNA degradation in bacteria
Authors: Hui Monica P , Belasco Joel G 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
A key pathway for mRNA degradation in bacterial cells begins with conversion of the initial 5′-terminal triphosphate to a monophosphate, a modification that renders transcripts more vulnerable to attack by ribonucleases whose affinity for monophosphorylated 5′ ends potentiates their catalytic efficacy. In Escherichia coli, the only proteins known to be important for controlling degradation via this pathway are the RNA pyrophosphohydrolase RppH, its heteromeric partner DapF, and the 5′-monophosphate-assisted endonucleases RNase E and RNase G. We have now identified the metabolic enzyme cytidylate kinase as another protein that affects rates of 5′-end-dependent mRNA degradation in E. coli. It does so by utilizing two distinct mechanisms to influence the 5′-terminal phosphorylation state of RNA, each dependent on the catalytic activity of cytidylate kinase and not its mere presence in cells. First, this enzyme acts in conjunction with DapF to stimulate the conversion of 5′ triphosphates to monophosphates by RppH. In addition, it suppresses the direct synthesis of monophosphorylated transcripts that begin with cytidine by reducing the cellular concentration of cytidine monophosphate, thereby disfavoring the 5′-terminal incorporation of this nucleotide by RNA polymerase during transcription initiation. Together, these findings suggest dual signaling pathways by which nucleotide metabolism can impact mRNA degradation in bacteria.
Tattoo artists and dental workers have similar musculoskeletal pain patterns
Authors: Weisman A , Yona T , Gottlieb U , Ingel R , Masharawi Y 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Tattoo artists are an understudied population with regards to musculoskeletal (MSK) pain.

Aims
To explore the characteristics of MSK pain among Israeli tattoo artists and determine whether they are similar to those of dental workers.

Methods
An online survey including demographics and the Hebrew version of the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was disseminated via Israeli social media groups. We directly compared tattoo artists, dental workers and office workers as a reference group.

Results
Altogether, 114 tattoo artists, 161 dental workers and 296 office workers responded. The most prevalent pain sites were lower back (56%), neck (47%) and hand (36%) among office workers; neck (67%), lower back (62%) and upper back (42%) among the dental workers; and lower back (72%), neck (66%) and hand (55%) among tattoo artists. Contrast analysis suggested office workers were less likely to report pain in the previous 12 months compared with dental workers and tattoo artists (adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: ORs [95% CIs] for upper limb pain: 1.13 [1.01–1.28], neck pain: 1.3 [1.15–1.47], upper back pain: 1.27 [1.12–1.43] and low back pain: 1.15 [1.02–1.3]). No significant differences were observed between dental workers and tattoo artists (upper limb pain: 1.18 [0.9–1.54], neck pain: 1.06 [0.81–1.4], upper back pain: 1.22 [0.94–1.58] and low back pain: 1.24 [0.95–1.64]).

Conclusions
Tattoo artists and dental workers have similar MSK pain characteristics and are different from those of office workers. These characteristics are seemingly a direct result of the physical demands associated with their line of work.
The External Oblique Intercostal Block: Anatomic Evaluation and Case Series
Authors: Elsharkawy Hesham , Kolli Sree , Soliman Loran Mounir , Seif John , Drake Richard L , Mariano Edward R , El-Boghdadly Kariem 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Study Objective
We report a modified block technique aimed at obtaining upper midline and lateral abdominal wall analgesia: the external oblique intercostal (EOI) block.

Design
A cadaveric study and retrospective cohort study assessing the potential analgesic effect of the EOI block.

Setting
Cadaver lab and operating room.

Patients
Two unembalmed cadavers and 22 patients.

Interventions
Bilateral ultrasound-guided EOI blocks on cadavers with 29 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% with 1 mL of India ink; single-injection or continuous EOI blocks in patients.

Measurements
Dye spread in cadavers and loss of cutaneous sensation in patients.

Main Results
In the cadaveric specimens, we identified consistent staining of both lateral and anterior branches of intercostal nerves from T7 to T10. We also found consistent dermatomal sensory blockade of T6–T10 at the anterior axillary line and T6–T9 at the midline in patients receiving the EOI block.

Conclusions
We demonstrate the potential mechanism of this technique with a cadaveric study that shows consistent staining of both lateral and anterior branches of intercostal nerves T7–T10. Patients who received this block exhibited consistent dermatomal sensory blockade of T6–T10 at the anterior axillary line and T6–T9 at the midline. This block can be used in multiple clinical settings for upper abdominal wall analgesia.
When Governance Theory Meets Democratic Theory: The Potential Contribution of Cocreation to Democratic Governance
Authors: Ansell Christopher , Sørensen Eva , Torfing Jacob 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Building on recent public administration research on service coproduction and cocreation, this article draws out the democratic potential of new forms of collaborative governance between the democratic state and civil society. Within democratic theory, cocreation has many similarities with the concept of deliberative mini-publics, but it goes beyond a “talk-centric” view to emphasize the active role of civil society in creative problem-solving and public innovation. The article argues that combining insights and perspectives from both democratic theory and governance theory can provide stronger foundations for a participatory democracy that complements rather than replaces representative democracy. The article concludes with an exploration of some of the legitimation challenges that democratic cocreation might face in practice.
A public health approach to estimating the need for long COVID services
Authors: Pye Alison , Roberts Susan R , Blennerhassett Anna , Iqbal Hasan , Beenstock Jane , Iqbal Zafar 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe term ‘long COVID’ describes ongoing symptoms and conditions experienced by people infected with SARS-CoV-2. This paper illustrates how a public health approach was used to influence and inform the development of post-COVID services across two Integrated Care Systems (ICSs).MethodsA literature review was conducted between October and December 2020 to identify prevalence estimates for long COVID. The prevalence estimates were applied to locally available data on the susceptible population to estimate the number of people with long COVID. They were also used to develop a dashboard to predict fluctuations in the number of people experiencing persistent symptoms over time.ResultsA substantial number of people in each ICS may have experienced persistent symptoms or complications as a result of COVID-19. In Lancashire and South Cumbria, it is estimated that 33 000 people may have experienced post-COVID-19 syndrome since the beginning of the pandemic, which will include respiratory or cardiovascular complications.ConclusionsThe findings have been valuable in informing early service developments, engaging with managers and clinicians, and supporting applications for funding at a local level. Continued attention to emergent evidence on this topic will be vital in refining estimates and supporting service planning in the longer term.
O038 Lower mean oxygen saturation in sleep is associated with worse cognitive performance in subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Atkins L , Zahnleiter A , Georgeson T , Szollosi I , Coulson E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and has been associated with deficits in executive function, attention, and memory. Potential mechanisms of harm include sleep disruption and intermittent hypoxaemia. Our aim was to investigate whether the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI), arousal index (AI) and mean oxyhemoglobin saturation in sleep (mean SpO2) - conventional polysomnography (PSG) measures of respiratory disturbance, sleep fragmentation and nocturnal hypoxaemia respectively - were associated with worse cognitive performance in OSA subjects.

Methods
In this cross-sectional analysis, 75 subjects with PSG-confirmed OSA (age: 66.1yrs ± 7.1yrs, male: 51%) were recruited from a hospital sleep clinic and had their cognitive profile screened via the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination – Revised (ACE-R). Linear regression was used to determine whether AHI, AI and mean SpO2 were associated with total ACE-R scores. Binary logistic regressions were then performed to determine whether increased severity of OSA (AHI ≥ 30 events/hour), sleep fragmentation (AI ≥ 30 events/hour), and hypoxaemia (mean SpO2 ≤ 92%) increased the likelihood that participants would have worse cognition (ACE-R score ≤ 88).

Results
There was a modest positive association with mean SpO2 and ACE-R score (r² = 10.4%, p &lt; 0.01). Similarly, logistic regression found only increased hypoxaemia (mean SpO2 ≤ 92%) to be associated with increased odds of worsened cognition (OR 3.00, 95% CI (1.090–8.254), p &lt; 0.05).

Discussion
OSA-induced hypoxaemia, and not sleep fragmentation or respiratory disturbance, was found to be most strongly associated with deficits in cognitive performance.
P007 Eating in alignment with the circadian clock: A strategy to reduce the metabolic impact of nightwork
Authors: Centofanti S , Heilbronn L , Wittert G , Coates A , Dorrian J , Kennaway D , Gupta C , Stepien J , Catcheside P , Noakes M , Yates C , Matthews R , Banks S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Nightwork disrupts circadian rhythms and impairs glucose metabolism, increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes. We investigated eliminating or reducing the amount of food consumed during simulated nightwork as a countermeasure to reduce the impact of circadian disruption on glucose metabolism. N=52 healthy, non-shiftworking participants (24.4±4.9 years; 26 Females; BMI 23.8±2.5kg/m2) underwent a 7-day laboratory protocol with an 8h TIB baseline sleep, followed by 4 simulated nightshifts with 7h TIB daytime sleep and an 8h TIB recovery sleep in groups of 4 participants. Each group was randomly assigned to a meal-at-midnight (n=17, 30% energy requirements), snack-at-midnight (n=16, 10% energy requirements) or no-eating-at-midnight (n=19) condition. Total 24h energy and macronutrient intake were constant across conditions. Standard oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were conducted on day2 (baseline), and day7 (recovery). Plasma was sampled at -15, 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 mins, assayed for glucose and insulin. Area under the curve (AUC) was the calculated. Mixed model analyses of glucose AUC found a condition-by-day interaction (p&lt;0.001). Glucose responses to OGTT did not change with nightwork in the no-eating-at-midnight condition (p=0.219) but worsened in the meal-at-midnight (p&lt;0.001) and snack-at-midnight (p=0.022) conditions. Insulin AUC was different by condition (p=0.047). Insulin was highest after nightwork in the no-eating-at-midnight compared to meal-at-midnight (p=0.014) but not snack-at-midnight (p=0.345). Glucose tolerance was impaired by eating-at-midnight, associated with a lower than expected insulin response. Further work is required to determine the effect of meal or snack composition as a strategy to mitigate adverse metabolic effects of nightwork.
P027 The clinical role and outcomes of non-invasive ventilation in motor neuron disease: An Australian tertiary hospital experience
Authors: Cruickshank A , Curtin D 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
In motor neuron disease (MND), non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in patients who develop respiratory muscle weakness improves both quality of life and survival. This study aimed to evaluate the current practice and outcomes of NIV use in MND patients in an Australian tertiary hospital.

Methods
The medical records of all MND patients who attended a specialist multidisciplinary clinic requiring NIV treatment between January 2015 and January 2020 were retrospectively analysed.
Progress to date: Forty-five patients have been analysed with a mean age at time of NIV commencement of 61±10(SD) years, 67% were male, 33% were current or past smokers and 7% had OSA with previous CPAP use. MND onset was limb in 58%, bulbar in 36% and respiratory muscle in 7%. Riluzole was prescribed in 47% and PEG/RIG insertion performed in 47%.
At time of NIV commencement, 82% were symptomatic and 47% hypercapnic. No patient was commenced based on functional testing alone.
NIV adherence (usage ≥4hours/night) was observed in 80%. NIV non-adherence was associated with bulbar subtype (p=0.02) and empirical NIV initiation (p&lt;0.01) on univariate analysis.
Average survival from NIV commencement was 17±22(SD)months. Average survival on NIV in adherent patients was 19±24(SD)months and non-adherent patients was 2±2(SD)months, although this did not reach statistical significance (p=0.1).

Intended outcome & impact
Overall clinical practice and outcomes of NIV use in this study is comparable to literature. The factors influencing NIV tolerance and adherence require further study to optimise outcomes in MND patients with respiratory muscle weakness.