bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ESCAPE Trial for Older People With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Feasibility Study of a Clinical Trial of Group-Based Exercise in Primary Health Care
Authors: Silva Hytalo de Jesus , Miranda Júlio Pascoal de , Melo Camila Silva de , Fonseca Leticia Soares , Mascarenhas Rodrigo de Oliveira , Veloso Nathalia Soares , Silva Whesley Tanor , Bastone Alessandra de Carvalho , Oliveira Vinícius Cunha 
Published: September 2024

Low back pain is a highly disabling health condition that generates high costs for patients and healthcare systems. For this reason, it is considered a serious public health problem worldwide. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of a future randomized controlled trial (RCT) by evaluating adherence to treatment, contamination between groups, satisfaction with treatment, and understanding of the exercise instructions provided by the physiotherapist. Additionally, we sought to identify and implement necessary modifications to the exercise protocol for better suitability in older people. We conducted a prospective, registered pilot RCT comparing an 8-week group-based exercise program with a waiting list in older people (≥60 years old) with chronic low back pain. Sixty participants were recruited through social media, pamphlets, and invitations at community referral centers. The study demonstrated the feasibility of a full RCT. Participants reported high satisfaction with the treatment (i.e., 100% indicated willingness to return for future services) and a high understanding of the exercise instructions (i.e., 81.8% reported “very easy” comprehension). Adherence to the exercise program exceeded the average reported for group exercise interventions in older adults (i.e., 82.58%). Dropout was associated solely with preexisting physical activity levels. The exercise protocol was successfully adapted to better suit the needs of the older adult population. This pilot RCT demonstrates the feasibility of a full-scale RCT to evaluate the effectiveness of group exercise in improving pain intensity and disability in older adults with chronic low back pain. The implemented adjustments to the exercise protocol and overall study approach strengthen the methodological foundation and expected accuracy of the future RCT.
Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Italian Version of the Shoulder Instability—Return to Sport After Injury (SI-RSI) Scale
Authors: Segat Francesco , Buscemi Claudia Benedetta , Guido Federico , Hardy Alexandre , Pellicciari Leonardo , Brindisino Fabrizio , Vascellari Alberto , Visonà Enrico , Poser Antonio , Venturin Davide 
Published: September 2024

Objective: To culturally adapt and validate the Italian version of the Shoulder Instability—Return to Sport after Injury (SI-RSI-I) scale. Methods: The SI-RSI-I was developed by adapting the Anterior Cruciate Ligament—Return to Sport Index—Italian version and replacing the term “knee” with “shoulder.” Subsequently, it underwent validation following COSMIN recommendations. The study involved athletic participants who experienced SI. They completed the SI-RSI-I together with other measurement instruments: Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic Score, EuroQol-5D-5L, and Numeric Pain Rating Scale. The following psychometric properties were investigated: structural validity, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, measurement error, and construct validity. Results: The study included 101 participants (age mean [SD] 28.5 [7.4] y; 83 males, 18 females). The SI-RSI-I showed a single-factor structure, excellent internal consistency (α = .935), and excellent test–retest reliability (ICC = .926; 95% CI, .853–.964). The standard error of measurement was 6.1 points, and the minimal detectable change was 17.0 points. Furthermore, SI-RSI-I demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with all reference scales, confirming 8 out of 9 (88.0%) hypotheses, thus establishing satisfactory construct validity. Conclusion: The SI-RSI-I has demonstrated robust internal consistency, reliability, validity, and feasibility as a valuable scale for assessing psychological readiness to return to sport in Italian athletes with SI.
Downregulation of APN1 and
ABCC2
mutation in Bt Cry1Ac-resistant
Trichoplusia ni
are genetically independent
Authors: Cotto-Rivera Rey O. , Joya Noelia , Hernández-Martínez Patricia , Ferré Juan , Wang Ping 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

The resistance to the insecticidal protein Cry1Ac from the bacterium
Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt) in the cabbage looper,
Trichoplusia ni
, has previously been identified to be associated with a frameshift mutation in the ABC transporter ABCC2 gene and with altered expression of the aminopeptidase N (APN) genes
APN1
and
APN6
, shown as missing of the 110-kDa APN1 (phenotype APN1¯) in larval midgut brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV). In this study, genetic linkage analysis identified that the APN1¯ phenotype and the
ABCC2
mutation in Cry1Ac-resistant
T. ni
segregated independently, although they were always associated under Cry1Ac selection. The
ABCC2
mutation and APN1¯ phenotype were separated into two
T. ni
strains respectively. Bioassays of the
T. ni
strains with Cry1Ac determined that the
T. ni
with the APN1¯ phenotype showed a low level resistance to Cry1Ac (3.5-fold), and the associated resistance is incompletely dominant in the background of the
ABCC2
mutation. Whereas the
ABCC2
mutation-associated resistance to Cry1Ac is at a moderate level, and the resistance is incompletely recessive in the genetic background of downregulated APN1. Analysis of Cry1Ac binding to larval midgut BBMV indicated that the midgut in larvae with the APN1¯ phenotype had reduced binding affinity for Cry1Ac, but the number of binding sites remained unchanged, and the midgut in larvae with the
ABCC2
mutation had both reduced binding affinity and reduced number of binding sites for Cry1Ac. The reduced Cry1Ac binding to BBMV from larvae with the
ABCC2
mutation or APN1¯ phenotype correlated with the lower levels of resistance.

IMPORTANCE

The soil bacterium
Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt) is an important insect pathogen used as a bioinsecticide for pest control. Bt genes coding for insecticidal proteins are the primary transgenes engineered into transgenic crops (Bt crops) to confer insect resistance. However, the evolution of resistance to Bt proteins in insect populations in response to exposure to Bt threatens the sustainable application of Bt biotechnology. Cry1Ac is a major insecticidal toxin utilized for insect control. Genetic mechanisms of insect resistance to Cry1Ac are complex and require to be better understood. The resistance to Cry1Ac in
Trichoplusia ni
is associated with a mutation in the
ABCC2
gene and also associated with the APN expression phenotype APN1¯. This study identified the genetic independence of the APN1¯ phenotype from the
ABCC2
mutation and isolated and analyzed the
ABCC2
mutation-associated and APN1¯ phenotype-associated resistance traits in
T. ni
to provide new insights into the genetic mechanisms of Cry1Ac resistance in insects.
A strong priority effect in the assembly of a specialized insect-microbe symbiosis
Authors: Chen Jason Z. , Junker Anthony , Zheng Iris , Gerardo Nicole M. , Vega Nic M. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Specialized host-microbe symbioses are ecological communities, whose composition is shaped by various processes. Microbial community assembly in these symbioses is determined in part by interactions between taxa that colonize ecological niches available within habitat patches. The outcomes of these interactions, and by extension the trajectory of community assembly, can display priority effects—dependency on the order in which taxa first occupy these niches. The underlying mechanisms of these phenomena vary from system to system and are often not well resolved. Here, we characterize priority effects in colonization of the squash bug (
Anasa tristis
) by bacterial symbionts from the genus
Caballeronia
, using pairs of strains that are known to strongly compete during host colonization, as well as strains that are isogenic and thus functionally identical. By introducing symbiont strains into individual bugs in a sequential manner, we show that within-host populations established by the first colonist are extremely resistant to invasion, regardless of strain identity and competitive interactions. By knocking down the population of an initial colonist with antibiotics, we further show that colonization success by the second symbiont is still diminished even when space in the symbiotic organ is available and ostensibly accessible for colonization. We speculate that resident symbionts exclude subsequent infections by manipulating the host environment, partially but not exclusively by eliciting tissue remodeling of the symbiont organ.

IMPORTANCE

Host-associated microbial communities underpin critical ecosystem processes and human health, and their ability to do so is determined in turn by the various processes that shape their composition. While selection deterministically acts on competing genotypes and species during community assembly, the manner by which selection determines the trajectory of community assembly can differ depending on the sequence by which taxa are established within that community. We document this phenomenon, known as a priority effect, during experimental colonization of a North American insect pest, the squash bug
Anasa tristis
, by its betaproteobacterial symbionts in the genus Caballeronia. Our study demonstrates how stark, strain-level variation can emerge in specialized host-microbe symbioses simply through differences in the order by which strains colonize the host. Understanding the mechanistic drivers of community structure in host-associated microbiomes can highlight both pitfalls and opportunities for the engineering of these communities and their constituent taxa for societal benefit.
Unraveling the mystery of Tacaribe virus
Authors: Schountz Tony 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Tacaribe virus (TCRV) was first isolated in the mid-1950s from several
Artibeus
species bats in and around Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Since that time, debate has persisted whether artibeus bats serve as reservoir hosts of the virus or whether infection of the bats was an incidental spillover event from another, unidentified reservoir host. Complicating the issue is that the only TCRV isolate routinely used, TRVL-11573, had been passaged in suckling mice and likely accumulated mutations that altered its biology. Recent fieldwork has now identified two distinct genomes of TCRV in apparently healthy artibeus bats sampled in Brazil and the Dominican Republic (C. Fischer, M. H. A. Cassiano, W. R. Thomas, L. M. Dávalos, et al., mSphere e00520-24, 2024,
https://doi.org/10.1128/msphere.00520-24
). Together, these works suggest that artibeus bats are natural reservoirs of TCRV and that the virus has a wide geographic distribution in the Americas.
Changes in growth, lanthanide binding, and gene expression in
Pseudomonas alloputida
KT2440 in response to light and heavy lanthanides
Authors: Gorniak Linda , Bucka Sarah Luise , Nasr Bayan , Cao Jialan , Hellmann Steffen , Schäfer Thorsten , Westermann Martin , Bechwar Julia , Wegner Carl-Eric 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas alloputida
KT2440 is a ubiquitous, soil-dwelling bacterium that metabolizes recalcitrant and volatile carbon sources. The latter is utilized by two redundant, Ca- and lanthanide (Ln)-dependent, pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent alcohol dehydrogenases (PQQ ADH), PedE and PedH, whose expression is regulated by Ln availability.
P. alloputida
KT2440 is the best-studied non-methylotroph in the context of Ln-utilization. Combined with microfluidic cultivation and single-cell elemental analysis, we studied the impact of light and heavy Ln on transcriptome-wide gene expression when growing
P. alloputida
KT2440 with 2-phenylethanol as the carbon and energy source. Light Ln (La, Ce, and Nd) and a mixture of light and heavy Ln (La, Ce, Nd, Dy, Ho, Er, and Yb) had a positive effect on growth, whereas supplementation with heavy Ln (Dy, Ho, Er, and Yb) exerted fitness costs. These were likely a consequence of mismetallation and non-utilizable Ln interfering with Ln sensing and signaling. The measured amounts of cell-associated Ln varied between elements. Gene expression analysis suggested that the Ln sensing and signaling machinery, the two-component system PedS2R2 and PedH, responds differently to (non-)utilizable Ln. We expanded our understanding of the lanthanide (Ln) switch in
P. alloputida
KT2440, demonstrating that it adjusts the levels of
pedE
and
pedH
transcripts based on the availability of Ln. We propose that the usability of Ln influences the bacterium’s response to different Ln elements.

IMPORTANCE

The Ln switch, the inverse regulation of Ca- and Ln-dependent PQQ ADH in response to Ln availability in organisms featuring both, is central to our understanding of Ln utilization. Although the preference of bacteria for light Ln is well known, the effect of different Ln, light and heavy, on growth and gene expression has rarely been studied. We provide evidence for a fine-tuning mechanism of Ca- and Ln-dependent PQQ ADH in
P. alloputida
KT2440 on the transcriptome level. The response to (non-)utilizable Ln differs depending on the element. Ln commonly co-occur in nature. Our findings underline that Ln-utilizing microbes must be able to discriminate between Ln to use them effectively. Considering the prevalence of Ln-dependent proteins in many microbial taxa, more work addressing Ln sensing and signaling is needed. Ln availability likely necessitates different adaptations regarding Ln utilization.
Proteomic insights into extracellular matrix dynamics in the intestine of
Labeo rohita
during
Aeromonas hydrophila
infection
Authors: Nissa Mehar Un , Pinto Nevil , Ghosh Biplab , Banerjee Anwesha , Singh Urvi , Goswami Mukunda , Srivastava Sanjeeva 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

In the aquaculture sector, one of the challenges includes disease outbreaks such as bacterial infections, particularly from
Aeromonas hydrophila
(
Ah
), impacting both wild and farmed fish. In this study, we conducted a proteomic analysis of the intestinal tissue in
Labeo rohita
following
Ah
infection to elucidate the protein alterations and its implications for immune response. Our findings indicate significant dysregulation in extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated proteins during
Ah
infection, with increased abundance of elastin and collagen alpha-3(VI). Pathway and enrichment analysis of differentially expressed proteins highlights the involvement of ECM-related pathways, including focal adhesions, integrin cell surface interactions, and actin cytoskeleton organization. Focal adhesions, crucial for connecting intracellular actin bundles to the ECM, play a pivotal role in immune response during infections. Increased abundance of integrin alpha 1, integrin beta 1, and tetraspanin suggests their involvement in the host’s response to
Ah
infection. Proteins associated with actin cytoskeleton reorganization, such as myosin, tropomyosin, and phosphoglucomutase, exhibit increased abundance, influencing changes in cell behavior. Additionally, upregulated proteins like LTBP1 and fibrillin-2 contribute to TGF-β signaling and focal adhesion, indicating their potential role in immune regulation. The study also identifies elevated levels of laminin, galectin 3, and tenascin-C, which interact with integrins and other ECM components, potentially influencing immune cell migration and function. These proteins, along with decorin and lumican, may act as immunomodulators, coordinating pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. ECM fragments released during pathogen invasion could serve as “danger signals,” initiating pathogen clearance and tissue repair through Toll-like receptor signaling.

IMPORTANCE

The study underscores the critical role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its associated proteins in the immune response of aquatic organisms during bacterial infections like
Aeromonas hydrophila
. Understanding the intricate interplay between ECM alterations and immune response pathways provides crucial insights for developing effective disease control strategies in aquaculture. By identifying key proteins and pathways involved in host defense mechanisms, this research lays the groundwork for targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of bacterial infections on fish health and aquaculture production.
Effects of antibiotic and disinfectant exposure on the mouse gut microbiome and immune function
Authors: Xu Wen-Bo , Wang Yun-Fan , Meng Si-Yu , Zhang Xiao-Tong , Wang Yi-Rong , Liu Zhao-Ying 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

This study explores the effects of disinfectant and antibiotic exposure on gut health, focusing on gut microbiota balance and gut immune function. Our analysis indicates that disinfectants increase the proportion of Gram-positive bacteria, particularly increasing
Staphylococcus
levels, while antibiotics increase the proportion of Gram-negative bacteria, especially
Bacteroides
levels. These changes disrupt microbial harmony and affect the gut microbiome’s functional capacity. Additionally, our research reveals that both disinfectants and antibiotics reduce colon length and cause mucosal damage. A significant finding is the downregulation of
NLRC4
, a key immune system regulator in the gut, accompanied by changes in immune factor expression. This interaction between chemical exposure and immune system dysfunction increases susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease and other gut conditions. Given the importance of disinfectants in disease prevention, this study advocates for a balanced approach to their use, aiming to protect public health while minimizing adverse effects on the gut microbiome and immune function.

IMPORTANCE
Disinfectants are extensively employed across various sectors, such as the food sector. Disinfectants are widely used in various sectors, including the food processing industry, animal husbandry, households, and pharmaceuticals. Their extensive application risks environmental contamination, impacting water and soil quality. However, the effect of disinfectant exposure on the gut microbiome and the immune function of animals remains a significant, unresolved issue with profound public health implications. This highlights the need for increased scrutiny and more regulated use of disinfectants to mitigate unintended consequences on gut health and maintain immune system integrity.
A bacteriophage cocktail targeting
Yersinia pestis
provides strong post-exposure protection in a rat pneumonic plague model
Authors: Kilgore Paul B. , Sha Jian , Hendrix Emily K. , Neil Blake H. , Lawrence William S. , Peel Jennifer E. , Hittle Lauren , Woolston Joelle , Sulakvelidze Alexander , Schwartz Jennifer A. , Chopra Ashok K. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Yersinia pestis,
one of the deadliest bacterial pathogens ever known, is responsible for three plague pandemics and several epidemics, with over 200 million deaths during recorded history. Due to high genomic plasticity,
Y. pestis
is amenable to genetic mutations as well as genetic engineering that can lead to the emergence or intentional development of pan-drug-resistant strains. Indeed, antibiotic-resistant strains (e.g., strains carrying multidrug-resistant or MDR plasmids) have been isolated in various countries and endemic areas. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel, safe, and effective treatment approaches for managing
Y. pestis
infections. This includes infections by antigenically distinct strains for which vaccines (none FDA approved yet) may not be effective and those that cannot be managed by currently available antibiotics. Lytic bacteriophages provide one such alternative approach. In this study, we examined post-exposure efficacy of a bacteriophage cocktail, YPP-401, to combat pneumonic plague caused by
Y. pestis
CO92. YPP-401 is a four-phage preparation effective against a panel of at least 68 genetically diverse
Y. pestis
strains. Using a pneumonic plague aerosol challenge model in gender-balanced Brown Norway rats, YPP-401 demonstrated ~88% protection when delivered 18 h post-exposure for each of two administration routes (i.e., intraperitoneal and intranasal) in a dose-dependent manner. Our studies provide proof-of-concept that YPP-401 could be an innovative, safe, and effective approach for managing
Y. pestis
infections, including those caused by naturally occurring or intentionally developed multidrug-resistant strains.

IMPORTANCE

Currently, there are no FDA-approved plague vaccines. Since antibiotic-resistant strains of
Y. pestis
have emerged or are being intentionally developed to be used as a biothreat agent, new treatment modalities are direly needed. Phage therapy provides a viable option against potentially antibiotic-resistant strains. Additionally, phages are nontoxic and have been approved by the FDA for use in the food industry. Our study provides the first evidence of the protective effect of a cocktail of four phages against pneumonic plague, the most severe form of disease. When treatment was initiated 18 h post infection by either the intranasal or intraperitoneal route in Brown Norway rats, up to 87.5% protection was observed. The phage cocktail had a minimal impact on a representative human microbiome panel, unlike antibiotics. This study provides strong proof-of-concept data for the further development of phage-based therapy to treat plague.
Management dilemma: managing bipolar affective disorder in a patient with hereditary angioedema
Authors: Wimalasiri Isuri Upeksha , Jain Nikhil , Jayaram Mahesh 
Published: September 2024

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by the deficiency or dysfunction of C1 esterase inhibitors. We present a case of a female in her 50s with HAE and bipolar affective disorder (BPAD). She has experienced severe depressive and manic episodes with significant disruption to her life. She has also had potentially life-threatening episodes of recurrent angioedema with severe facial and body swelling and post-pharyngeal symptoms.She presented to us with a depressive episode with suicidal ideation. Her angioedema was flared by both psychological stressors and psychotropic medications. Choosing the correct mood stabiliser without triggering angioedema was a major challenge in her treatment. Also, psychosocial interventions and frequent liaison with her immunology team were necessary to provide her with optimum care in the community. Here, we discuss the challenges we faced and how we overcame them in managing this rare presentation of coexisting BPAD and HAE.
Coccidiomycosis septic arthritis presenting as ankle monoarthritis in a patient with presumed psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Tancer Stephanie , Ressler Adam , Miceli Marisa H , Wallace Beth I 
Published: September 2024

A man in his 50s with a history of psoriasis was evaluated for acute on chronic left ankle pain. His symptoms were attributed to psoriatic arthritis, and he tried several immunosuppressive regimens without improvement. Further diagnostic workup confirmedCoccidioides immitis/posadasiiseptic monarthritis thought secondary to a known remote history of Valley fever while residing in Arizona and subsequent reactivation in the setting of immunosuppression. The patient ultimately required prolonged anti-fungal therapy and multiple surgical debridements.Although psoriatic arthritis can present as monarthritis, it is uncommon, with more likely differential considerations including crystal arthropathies, trauma and both typical and atypical infections. Acute monarthritis should always prompt concern for a septic joint, even in a patient with autoimmune disease. The specific history elicited from the patient, including residence in an endemic region, and known priorCoccidioidesinfection, increased suspicion forCoccidioidesand led to the correct diagnosis and management.