bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus availability increases pathobiome abundance and invasion of rhizosphere microbial networks by Ralstonia
Authors: Li Pengfa , Liu Ming , Li Guilong , Liu Kai , Liu Tianshun , Wu Meng , Saleem Muhammad , Li Zhongpei 
Published: August 2021

SummarySoil disease‐suppressiveness depends on complex interactions among pathogens, native microbiota, and physicochemical properties, while these interactions remain understudied. Comparing field and microcosm experiments, we investigated the significance of these interactions in disease emergence or suppression using structural equation modelling (SEM) and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses. We observed significant differences in the relative abundance of pathogenic and beneficial microbes, alpha and beta diversity indices between disease‐conducive and ‐suppressive rhizosphere soils. The pathogenic (Ralstonia) and beneficial (Bacillus) taxa dominated disease‐conducive and ‐suppressive rhizosphere soils, respectively. Moreover, the co‐occurrences of Ralstonia with native microorganisms were positive and negative in the disease‐conducive and ‐suppressive soils, respectively. These results suggest the supportive (Rudaea) and suppressive (Enterobacter, Bacillus) role of indigenous microbes in the invasion of soil and plant systems by Ralstonia. The SEM and ROC analysis predicted that Ralstonia invaded rhizospheric microbial networks and caused peanut wilt under high than low soil phosphorus conditions. Our results suggest the importance of soil phosphorus availability in altering the microbial interactions, thus leading to soil invasion by Ralstonia. Thus, we conclude by saying that feeding soil with high amounts of available phosphorus could deplete plant‐beneficial microbes and increase the pathobiome abundance that may compromise plant health.
The NDR kinase–MOB complex FgCot1‐Mob2 regulates polarity and lipid metabolism in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Liu Na , Wang Jing , Yun Yingzi , Wang Jinli , Xu Chaoyun , Wu Siqi , Xu Luona , Li Baohua , Kolodkin‐Gal Ilana , Dawood Dawood H. , Zhao Youfu , Ma Zhonghua , Chen Yun 
Published: August 2021

SummaryMembers of the NDR (nuclear Dbf2‐related) protein‐kinase family are essential for cell differentiation and polarized morphogenesis. However, their functions in plant pathogenic fungi are not well understood. Here, we characterized the NDR kinase FgCot1 and its activator FgMob2 in Fusarium graminearum, a major pathogen causing Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat. FgCot1 and FgMob2 formed a NDR kinase–MOB protein complex. Localization assays using FgCot1‐GFP or FgMob2‐RFP constructs showed diverse subcellular localizations, including cytoplasm, septum, nucleus and hyphal tip. ΔFgcot1 and ΔFgmob2 exhibited serious defects in hyphal growth, polarity, fungal development and cell wall integrity as well as reduced virulence in planta. In contrast, lipid droplet accumulation was significantly increased in these two mutants. Phosphorylation of FgCot1 at two highly conserved residues (S462 and T630) as well as five new sites synergistically contributed its role in various cellular processes. In addition, non‐synonymous mutations in two MAPK (mitogen‐activated protein kinase) proteins, FgSte11 and FgGpmk1, partially rescued the growth defect of ΔFgmob2, indicating a functional link between the FgCot1–Mob2 complex and the FgGpmk1 signalling pathway in regulating filamentous fungal growth. These results indicated that the FgCot1–Mob2 complex is critical for polarity, fungal development, cell wall organization, lipid metabolism and virulence in F. graminearum.
The bacterium Pseudomonas protegens antagonizes the microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using a blend of toxins
Authors: Rose Magdalena M. , Scheer Daniel , Hou Yu , Hotter Vivien S. , Komor Anna J. , Aiyar Prasad , Scherlach Kirstin , Vergara Fredd , Yan Qing , Loper Joyce E. , Jakob Torsten , van Dam Nicole M. , Hertweck Christian , Mittag Maria , Sasso Severin 
Published: August 2021

SummaryThe unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the bacterium Pseudomonas protegens serve as a model to study the interactions between photosynthetic and heterotrophic microorganisms. P. protegens secretes the cyclic lipopeptide orfamide A that interferes with cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis in C. reinhardtii resulting in deflagellation of the algal cells. Here, we studied the roles of additional secondary metabolites secreted by P. protegens using individual compounds and co‐cultivation of algae with bacterial mutants. Rhizoxin S2, pyrrolnitrin, pyoluteorin, 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) and orfamide A all induce changes in cell morphology and inhibit the growth of C. reinhardtii. Rhizoxin S2 exerts the strongest growth inhibition, and its action depends on the spatial structure of the environment (agar versus liquid culture). Algal motility is unaffected by rhizoxin S2 and is most potently inhibited by orfamide A (IC50 = 4.1 μM). Pyrrolnitrin and pyoluteorin both interfere with algal cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis and motility whereas high concentrations of DAPG immobilize C. reinhardtii without deflagellation or disturbance of Ca2+ homeostasis. Co‐cultivation with a regulatory mutant of bacterial secondary metabolism (ΔgacA) promotes algal growth under spatially structured conditions. Our results reveal how a single soil bacterium uses an arsenal of secreted antialgal compounds with complementary and partially overlapping activities.
Historical forest disturbance mediates soil microbial community responses to drought
Authors: Osburn Ernest D. , Badgley Brian D. , Aylward Frank O. , Barrett J. E. 
Published: August 2021

SummaryDespite the abundance of studies demonstrating the effects of drought on soil microbial communities, the role of land use legacies in mediating these drought effects is unclear. To assess historical land use influences on microbial drought responses, we conducted a drought‐rewetting experiment in soils from two adjacent and currently forested watersheds with distinct land use histories: an undisturbed ‘reference’ site and a ‘disturbed’ site that was clear‐cut and converted to agriculture ~60 years prior. We incubated intact soil cores at either constant moisture or under a drought‐rewet treatment and characterized bacterial and fungal communities using amplicon sequencing throughout the experiment. Bacterial alpha diversity decreased following drought‐rewetting while fungal diversity increased. Bacterial beta diversity also changed markedly following drought‐rewetting, especially in historically disturbed soils, while fungal beta diversity exhibited little response. Additionally, bacterial beta diversity in disturbed soils recovered less from drought‐rewetting compared with reference soils. Disturbed soil communities also exhibited notable reductions in nitrifying taxa, increases in putative r‐selected bacteria, and reductions in network connectivity following drought‐rewetting. Overall, our study reveals historical land use to be important in mediating responses of soil bacterial communities to drought, which will influence the ecosystem‐scale trajectories of these environments under ongoing and future climate change.
From overkill to beheading: A case report of a schizophrenic matricide
Authors: Petroni Giulia , Mandarelli Gabriele , Marasco Maurizio , Catanesi Roberto , Tavone Alessandro Mauro , Potenza Saverio , Marsella Luigi Tonino , Marella Gian Luca 
Published: August 2021

AbstractInitial evidence exists on a subtype of matricide committed by subjects suffering from severe mental disorders. Matricide perpetrators often undergo a forensic psychiatric evaluation during the subsequent criminal trial because of supposed legal insanity. The few studies on matricide by mentally disordered perpetrators suggested a possible association between such extreme form of violence and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, especially in case of active delusions or hallucinations. Methods: we analyze a case of a young male with a recent diagnosis of psychotic disorder who committed matricide by inflicting multiple injuries and beheading. Data emerging from the forensic pathological analysis of the victim, as well as the forensic psychiatric analysis of the matricide perpetrator are discussed within an interdisciplinary perspective. Results: the autopsy revealed multiple stab wounds in the regions of the upper limbs, abdomen, chest, and neck, the latter determining beheading. The forensic psychiatric evaluation yielded a diagnosis of schizophrenia and clarified the causal role in the homicidal behavioral of active psychotic symptoms. Conclusion: the specific type of delusional content, and perpetrator‐victim relationship might contribute explaining a subtype of extremely violent homicide in recent onset schizophrenia.
PIWI‐interacting RNAs are aberrantly expressed and may serve as novel biomarkers for diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Juan , Wang Nan , Zhang Fang , Jin Shan , Dong Yaqi , Dong Xiangjun , Chen Yuqing , Kong Xue , Tong Yao , Mi Qi , Zhao Yinghui , Zhang Yi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundLung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the main subtype of primary lung cancer and is a leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. PIWI‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a type of small non‐coding RNAs that may play crucial roles in cancer progression and serve as biomarkers for tumor detection. This study aimed to explore the expression profiles and diagnostic values of piRNAs in LUAD.MethodsSmall RNA sequencing was performed to investigate tissue piRNA profiles of LUAD. The expression of selected upregulated piRNAs were detected in tissues and serum exosome samples by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Serum exosomes were identified by transmission electron microscope, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and western blot analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was adopted to quantify the diagnostic potentials of piRNAs in LUAD. Finally, a piRNA panel was developed by multivariate logistic regression model.ResultsWe identified that 76 piRNAs were overexpressed and 9 piRNAs were underexpressed in LUAD tissues compared with adjacent non‐tumor tissues. Among the top 10 overexpressed piRNAs, 4 piRNAs (piR‐hsa‐26925, piR‐hsa‐5444, piR‐hsa‐30636, and piR‐hsa‐8757) were verified by qRT‐PCR to be significantly upregulated in LUAD tissues. Moreover, piR‐hsa‐26925 and piR‐hsa‐5444 had a significantly higher level in serum exosome samples of LUAD patients than those of healthy controls. We finally established a 2‐piRNA panel composed of piR‐hsa‐26925 and piR‐hsa‐5444, which showed higher diagnostic performance for LUAD with an AUC of 0.833.ConclusionsOur finding revealed the abnormally expressed piRNAs in LUAD, and serum exosomal piR‐hsa‐26925 and piR‐hsa‐5444 could serve as potential biomarkers for LUAD diagnosis.
Firm innovation and local bank efficiency in Italy: Does the type of bank matter?
Authors: Barra Cristian , Ruggiero Nazzareno 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this study, we use a conventional Probit model to investigate the effects of banks’ cost efficiency on innovation in Italy. In particular, we assess whether the efficiency–innovation relation depends on the type of banking institutions, as we partition them according to whether they are cooperatives or non‐cooperatives. When we examine the two types of financial intermediaries simultaneously, the higher efficiency among cooperative banks has a positive and significant effect on R&D collaborations with firms and consultants and process innovation, while higher efficiency among non‐cooperative banks has a positive and significant effect on product innovation. When we consider each individually, the effect holds for cooperatives, but the opposite holds for non‐cooperatives, as the positive and significant effect on product innovation vanishes. To deal with the likely endogeneity of bank efficiency, we also propose the application of an Instrumental Variable Probit (IV Probit) model. When we again jointly examine cooperative and non‐cooperative banks, our evidence indicates that higher efficiency among non‐cooperative banks enhances in‐house R&D and both product and process innovations, while we find a non‐significant effect for cooperative banks. However, when we individually examine the efficiency of each intermediary, we find evidence of a positive and significant effect on the process innovation for cooperative banks and of a positive relation between non‐cooperative banks’ efficiency, in‐house R&D and product and process innovations.
Needs‐driven talent and competency development for the next generation of regulatory scientists in Africa
Authors: Semete‐Makokotlela Boitumelo , Mahlangu Gugu N. , Mukanga David , Darko Delese Mimi , Stonier Peter , Gwaza Luther , Nkambule Portia , Matsoso Precious , Lehnert Regine , Rosenkranz Bernd , Pillai Goonaseelan (Colin) 
Published: August 2021

Capacity building programmes for African regulators should link education, training and research with career development in an approach that combines an academic base and experiential learning aligned within a competency framework. A regulatory ecosystem that engages with a broad range of stakeholders will mean that expertise in the ever‐expanding field of regulatory science filters into teaching and research in a symbiotic way. In this way capacity development interventions will be a collaborative approach between the learning context (academic and training institutions) and the performance context (regulatory agencies and industry), which will ultimately best serve the patients. Monitoring and evaluation of capacity development interventions will be essential to show value of investments and ultimately guide continued funding and sustainability.This paper reviews the skills and human capacity gaps, reports on regulatory assessment pathways used in Ghana, South Africa and Zimbabwe and outlines a staged tactical approach for Africa that builds on previous efforts to strengthen African regulatory ecosystems.
Development of the Oral Health Literacy Profile (OHLP)—Psychometric properties of the oral health and dental health system knowledge scales
Authors: Spinler Kristin , Valdez Richelle , Aarabi Ghazal , Dingoyan Demet , Reissmann Daniel Ralph , Heydecke Guido , von dem Knesebeck Olaf , Kofahl Christopher 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectivesCurrent oral health literacy (OHL) instruments vary in focus, methodology, administration time and burden. The widely used word recognition tests fail to encompass important OHL domains, while others exceed time frames for use in practical settings, require an interviewer or mainly measure self‐assessments. This paper describes the development of the Oral Health Literacy Profile (OHLP), introduces its components and evaluates the psychometric properties of its two core modules, the knowledge tests.MethodsA preliminary version of the questionnaire was developed and assessed for content validity, relevance and redundancy by an expert panel. It was tested in a convenience sample (n = 95) leading to the creation of a 28‐item questionnaire, which was afterwards tested in a second convenience sample (n = 193). Item difficulty, discrimination, internal reliability and construct validity were assessed for the oral health knowledge (OHK) and dental health system knowledge (DHSK) modules.ResultsThe items showed acceptable range of difficulty (ideal: 7 items; easy: 5 items; and difficult: 3 items) and good to very good discriminatory power (the point‐biserial index (PBI) > 0.30: all items). Construct validity was considered to be fulfilled when 75% of the hypotheses of expected group differences were met. Satisfactory internal reliability was observed.ConclusionWith all its components, the OHLP is a suitable short instrument to assess the most relevant dimensions of the multifaceted construct of OHL.Practice implicationThe OHLP can be widely used in research, especially suitable in practical settings, and thereby identify patients who may benefit from oral health education.
Computer‐based multimodal training module facilitates standardization of complete mesocolic excision technique for right‐sided colon cancer: Long‐term oncological outcomes
Authors: Kutlu Burak , Benlice Cigdem , Kocaay Firat , Gungor Yigit , Ismail Erkin , Akyol Cihangir , Yilmaz Mehmet , Ozdemir Mehtap , Acar Halil Ibrahim , Elhan Atilla Halil , Kuzu Mehmet Ayhan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimThe aim of this study is to demonstrate our video training tool developed to teach and standardize complete mesocolic excision (CME) for right‐sided colon cancer and also to present our long‐term oncological outcomes.MethodEducational narrative videos were produced to demonstrate the technical steps of CME. First, a three‐dimensional animation video was prepared. Then cadaveric dissections were recorded in a step‐by‐step fashion, following the sequences of open and minimally invasive surgery. These were followed by videos of real‐life demonstrations of surgical procedures, enhanced by superimposed animations of key anatomical structures. In order to demonstrate the impact of this training module on outcomes of patients undergoing CME, we retrospectively queried data from before (2005–2010) and after (2011–2019) implementation of standardized CME in our practice.ResultsA total of 180 consecutive patients underwent right hemicolectomy between 2005 and 2019. Fifty‐four patients underwent surgery before and 126 patients after CME principles were elaborated and standardized. Of those patients who had surgery after the training module, 58 (46%) underwent open surgery and 68 (54%) underwent laparoscopic colectomy. Demographics, perioperative parameters and morbidity were comparable between the groups. The 5‐year overall and disease‐free survival rates were significantly improved after implementation of CME training (p = 0.059 and p = 0.041, respectively). Also, 5‐year overall and disease‐free survival rates for all patients were considerably better than our reported national outcomes.ConclusionOur comprehensive step‐by‐step training video module for the CME technique demonstrates surgical anatomical planes and important vascular structures and variations. The video also helps standardization of the CME technique and should contribute to improved histopathological and oncological outcomes.
A phase I clinical trial of human embryonic stem cell‐derived retinal pigment epithelial cells for early‐stage Stargardt macular degeneration: 5‐years' follow‐up
Authors: Li Shi‐Ying , Liu Yong , Wang Lei , Wang Fang , Zhao Tong‐Tao , Li Qi‐You , Xu Hai‐Wei , Meng Xiao‐Hong , Hao Jie , Zhou Qi , Wang Liu , Yin Zheng‐Qin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the long‐term biosafety and efficacy of transplantation of human embryonic stem cells‐derived retinal pigment epithelial (hESC‐RPE) cells in early‐stage of Stargardt macular degeneration (STGD1).Materials and methodsSeven patients participated in this prospective clinical study, where they underwent a single subretinal transplantation of 1 × 105 hESC‐RPE cells in one eye, whereas the fellow eye served as control. These patients were reassessed for a 60‐month follow‐up through systemic and ophthalmic examinations.ResultsNone of the patients experienced adverse reactions systemically or locally, except for two who had transiently high intraocular pressure post‐operation. Functional assessments demonstrated that all of the seven operated eyes had transiently increased or stable visual function 1‐4 months after transplantation. At the last follow‐up visit, two of the seven eyes showed visual function loss than the baseline; however, one of them showed a stable visual acuity when compared with the change of fellow eye. Obvious small high reflective foci in the RPE layer were displayed after the transplantation, and maintained until the last visit. Interestingly, three categories of patients who were classified based on autofluorescence, exhibited distinctive patterns of morphological and functional change.ConclusionsSubretinal transplantation of hESC‐RPE in early‐stage STGD1 is safe and tolerated in the long term. Further investigation is needed for choosing proper subjects according to the multi‐model image and function assessments.
Uptake of slow‐release oral morphine as opioid agonist treatment among hospitalised patients with opioid use disorder
Authors: Brothers Thomas D. , Fraser John , MacAdam Emily , Morgan Brendan , Webster Duncan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionBuprenorphine and methadone are highly effective first‐line medications for opioid agonist treatment (OAT) but are not acceptable to all patients. We aimed to assess the uptake of slow‐release oral morphine (SROM) as second‐line OAT among medically ill, hospitalised patients with opioid use disorder who declined buprenorphine and methadone.MethodsThis study included consecutive hospitalised patients with untreated moderate‐to‐severe opioid use disorder referred to an inpatient addiction medicine consultation service, between June 2018 and September 2019, in Nova Scotia, Canada. We assessed the proportion of patients initiating first‐line OAT (buprenorphine or methadone) in‐hospital, and the proportion initiating SROM after declining first‐line OAT. We compared rates of outpatient OAT continuation (i.e., filling outpatient OAT prescription or attending first outpatient OAT clinic visit) by medication type, and compared OAT selection between patients with and without chronic pain, using χ2 tests.ResultsThirty‐four patients were offered OAT initiation in‐hospital; six patients (18%) also had chronic pain. Twenty‐one patients (62%) initiated first‐line OAT with buprenorphine or methadone. Of the 13 patients who declined first‐line OAT, seven (54%) initiated second‐line OAT with SROM in‐hospital. Rates of outpatient OAT continuation after hospital discharge were high (>80%) and did not differ between medications (P = 0.4). Patients with co‐existing chronic pain were more likely to choose SROM over buprenorphine or methadone (P = 0.005).Discussion and ConclusionsThe ability to offer SROM (in addition to buprenorphine or methadone) increased rates of OAT initiation among hospitalised patients. Increasing access to SROM would help narrow the opioid use disorder treatment gap of unmet need.
Causality and initiation of alcohol control policy. A response to Allamani
Authors: Rehm Jürgen , Purshouse Robin C. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn a recent commentary, Allamani asked how one can establish causality in epidemiological research, and specifically about causality as it relates to alcohol control policy. Epidemiology customarily uses a sufficient‐component cause model, where a sufficient cause for an outcome is determined by a set of minimal conditions and events that inevitably produce the stated outcome. While this model is theoretically clear, its operationalisation often involves probabilistic elements. Recent advances in agent‐based modelling may improve operationalisation. The implications for alcohol control policy from this model are straightforward: the so‐called alcohol‐attributable fraction denotes the cases of morbidity or mortality which would not have happened in the absence of alcohol use.