bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatic prediction of proteins relevant to functions of the bacterial OLE ribonucleoprotein complex
Authors: Fernando Chrishan M. , Breaker Ronald R. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

OLE (ornate, large, extremophilic) RNAs are members of a noncoding RNA class present in many Gram-positive, extremophilic bacteria. The large size, complex structure, and extensive sequence conservation of OLE RNAs are characteristics consistent with the hypothesis that they likely function as ribozymes. The OLE RNA representative from
Halalkalibacterium halodurans
is known to localize to the phospholipid membrane and requires at least three essential protein partners: OapA, OapB, and OapC. However, the precise biochemical functions of this unusual ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex remain unknown. Genetic disruption of OLE RNA or its partners revealed that the complex is beneficial under diverse stress conditions. To search for additional links between OLE RNA and other cellular components, we used phylogenetic profiling to identify proteins that are either correlated or anticorrelated with the presence of OLE RNA in various bacterial species. This analysis revealed strong correlations between the essential protein-binding partners of OLE RNA and organisms that carry the
ole
gene. Similarly, proteins involved in sporulation are correlated, suggesting a potential role for the OLE RNP complex in spore formation. Intriguingly, the Mg
2+
transporter MpfA is strongly anticorrelated with OLE RNA. Evidence indicates that MpfA is structurally related to OapA and therefore MpfA may serve as a functional replacement for some contributions otherwise performed by the OLE RNP complex in species that lack this device. Indeed, OLE RNAs might represent an ancient RNA class that enabled primitive organisms to sense and respond to major cellular stresses.

IMPORTANCE

OLE (ornate, large, extremophilic) RNAs were first reported nearly 20 years ago, and they represent one of the largest and most intricately folded noncoding RNA classes whose biochemical function remains to be established. Other RNAs with similar size, structural complexity, and extent of sequence conservation have proven to catalyze chemical transformations. Therefore, we speculate that OLE RNAs likewise operate as ribozymes and that they might catalyze a fundamental reaction that has persisted since the RNA World era—a time before the emergence of proteins in evolution. To seek additional clues regarding the function of OLE RNA, we undertook a computational effort to identify potential protein components of the OLE ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex or other proteins that have functional links to this device. This analysis revealed known protein partners and several additional proteins that might be physically or functionally linked to the OLE RNP complex. Finally, we identified a Mg
2+
transporter protein, MpfA, that strongly anticorrelates with the OLE RNP complex. This latter result suggests that MpfA might perform at least some functions that are like those carried out by the OLE RNP complex.
Population structure and history of
Mycobacterium bovis
European 3 clonal complex reveal transmission across ecological corridors of unrecognized importance in Portugal
Authors: Pereira André C. , Lourenço José , Themudo Gonçalo , Botelho Ana , Cunha Mónica V. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium bovis
causes animal tuberculosis in livestock and wildlife, with an impact on animal health and production, wildlife management, and public health. In this work, we sampled a multi-host tuberculosis community from the official hotspot risk area of Portugal over 16 years, generating the largest available data set in the country. Using phylogenetic and ecological modeling, we aimed to reconstruct the history of circulating lineages across the livestock-wildlife interface to inform intervention and the implementation of genomic surveillance within the official eradication plan. We find evidence for the co-circulation of
M. bovis
European 1 (Eu1), Eu2, and Eu3 clonal complexes, with Eu3 providing sufficient temporal signal for further phylogenetic investigation. The Eu3 most recent common ancestor (bovine) was dated in the 1990s, subsequently transitioning to wildlife (red deer and wild boar). Isolate clustering based on sample metadata was used to inform phylogenetic inference, unravelng frequent transmission between two clusters that represent an ecological corridor of previously unrecognized importance in Portugal. The latter was associated with transmission at the livestock-wildlife interface toward locations with higher temperature and precipitation, lower agriculture and road density, and lower host densities. This is the first analysis of
M. bovis
Eu3 complex in Iberia, shedding light on background ecological factors underlying long-term transmission and informing where efforts could be focused within the larger hotspot risk area of Portugal.

IMPORTANCE

Efforts to strengthen surveillance and control of animal tuberculosis (TB) are ongoing worlwide. Here, we developed an eco-phylodynamic framework based on discrete phylogenetic approaches informed by
M. bovis
whole-genome sequence data representing a multi-host transmission system at the livestock-wildlife interface, within a rich ecological landscape in Portugal, to understand transmission processes and translate this knowledge into disease management benefits. We find evidence for the co-circulation of several
M. bovis
clades, with frequent transmission of the Eu3 lineage among cattle and wildlife populations. Most transition events between different ecological settings took place toward host, climate and land use gradients, underscoring animal TB expansion and a potential corridor of unrecognized importance for
M. bovis
maintenance. Results stress that animal TB is an established wildlife disease without ecological barriers, showing that control measures in place are insufficient to prevent long-distance transmission and spillover across multi-host communities, demanding new interventions targeting livestock-wildlife interactions.
U-Pb calcite ages date oblique rifting of the Arctic–North Atlantic gateway
Authors: Haaland L.C. , Slagstad T. , Osmundsen P.T. , Redfield T. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Miocene breakup of Svalbard from Greenland formed a deep oceanic gateway that enabled circulation between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, significantly changing the global climate. However, the timing of events remains unclear. An excellent opportunity to constrain this timing is found onshore western Svalbard, where the Sarsbukta fault forms the eastern margin of the Eocene–Oligocene Forlandsundet basin. Here, we present new results from U-Pb dating of calcite precipitated in fault-related veins to constrain the timing of Sarsbukta fault deformation and the evolution of the basin. Our oldest calcite age is Permo-Triassic, suggesting long-lived deformation along the fault. A cluster of ages between 41 and 33 Ma overlaps with fossil-based depositional ages from parts of the Forlandsundet basin. These data indicate that onshore transtension partly pre-dated the well-established Chron 13 (magnetic polarity time scale; 35.5–33.7 Ma) reorganization of spreading ridges in the North Atlantic. Our youngest age of 13 Ma indicates that faulting persisted long after the preserved basin fill was deposited. If seafloor spreading marked the end of extension of continental crust, Molloy Ridge spreading during Chron 5 (19.6–9.8 Ma) may have initiated after 13 Ma.
Mortality and adverse events associated with statin use in primary care patients with depression: a real-world, population-based cohort study
Authors: De Giorgi Riccardo , De Crescenzo Franco , Ostinelli Edoardo Giuseppe , Cowen Philip J , Harmer Catherine J , Fazel Seena , Cipriani Andrea 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundNew National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance endorses the prescription of statins in larger population groups for the prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality, especially in people with severe mental illness. However, the evidence base for their safety and risk/benefit balance in depression is not established.ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the real-world mortality and adverse events of statins in depressive disorders.MethodsPopulation-based, nationwide (England), between-subject, cohort study. We used electronic health records (QResearch database) of people aged 18–100 years with first-episode depression, registered with English primary care practices over January 1998–August 2020 for 12(+) months, divided into statin users versus non-users.Primary safety outcomes included all-cause mortality and any adverse event measured at 2, 6 and 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to control for several potential confounders and calculate adjusted ORs (aORs) with 99% CIs.FindingsFrom over 1 050 105 patients with depression (42.64% males, mean age 43.23±18.32 years), 21 384 (2.04%) died, while 707 111 (67.34%) experienced at least one adverse event during the 12-month follow-up. Statin use was associated with lower mortality over 12 months (range aOR2–12months0.66–0.67, range 99% CI 0.60 to 0.73) and with lower adverse events over 6 months (range aOR2–6months0.90–0.96, range 99% CI 0.91 to 0.99), but not at 1 year (aOR12months0.99, 99% CI 0.96 to 1.03). No association with any other individual outcome measure (ie, any other neuropsychiatric symptoms) was identified.ConclusionsWe found no evidence that statin use among people with depression increases mortality or other adverse events.Clinical implicationsOur findings support the safety of updated NICE guidelines for prescribing statins in people with depressive disorders.
Study protocol for a scoping review of Lyme disease prediction methodologies
Authors: Szaroz Daniel , Kulkarni Manisha , Robayo González Claudia Ximena , Zinszer Kate 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionIn the temperate world, Lyme disease (LD) is the most common vector-borne disease affecting humans. In North America, LD surveillance and research have revealed an increasing territorial expansion of hosts, bacteria and vectors that has accompanied an increasing incidence of the disease in humans. To better understand the factors driving disease spread, predictive models can use current and historical data to predict disease occurrence in populations across time and space. Various prediction methods have been used, including approaches to evaluate prediction accuracy and/or performance and a range of predictors in LD risk prediction research. With this scoping review, we aim to document the different modelling approaches including types of forecasting and/or prediction methods, predictors and approaches to evaluating model performance (eg, accuracy).Methods and analysisThis scoping review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Review guidelines. Electronic databases will be searched via keywords and subject headings (eg, Medical Subject Heading terms). The search will be performed in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CAB Abstracts, Global Health and SCOPUS. Studies reported in English or French investigating the risk of LD in humans through spatial prediction and temporal forecasting methodologies will be identified and screened. Eligibility criteria will be applied to the list of articles to identify which to retain. Two reviewers will screen titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text screening of the articles’ content. Data will be extracted and charted into a standard form, synthesised and interpreted.Ethics and disseminationThis scoping review is based on published literature and does not require ethics approval. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences.
Health and well-being needs of Indigenous adolescents: a protocol for a scoping review of qualitative studies
Authors: Sise Andrew , Azzopardi Peter , Brown Alex , Tewhaiti-Smith Jordan , Westhead Seth , Kurji Jaameeta , McDonough Daniel , Reilly Rachel , Bingham Brittany , Brown Ngiare , Cassidy-Matthews Chenoa , Clark Terryann C , Elliott Salenna , Finlay Summer May , Hansen Ketil Lenert , Harwood Matire , Knapp Jonill Margrethe Fjellheim , Kvernmo Siv , Lee Crystal , Watts Ricky-Lee , Nadeau Melanie , Pearson Odette , Reading Jeff , Saewyc Elizabeth , Seljenes Amalie , Stoor Jon Petter A , Aubrey Paula , Crengle Sue 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionImproving the health of Indigenous adolescents is central to addressing the health inequities faced by Indigenous peoples. To achieve this, it is critical to understand what is needed from the perspectives of Indigenous adolescents themselves. There have been many qualitative studies that capture the perspectives of Indigenous young people, but synthesis of these has been limited to date.Methods and analysisThis scoping review seeks to understand the specific health needs and priorities of Indigenous adolescents aged 10–24 years captured via qualitative studies conducted across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Canada, the USA, Greenland and Sami populations (Norway and Sweden). A team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers from these nations will systematically search PubMed (including the MEDLINE, PubMed Central and Bookshelf databases), CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, the Informit Indigenous and Health Collections, Google Scholar, Arctic Health, the Circumpolar Health Bibliographic Database, Native Health Database, iPortal and NZresearch.org, as well as specific websites and clearinghouses within each nation for qualitative studies. We will limit our search to articles published in any language during the preceding 5 years given that needs may have changed significantly over time. Two independent reviewers will identify relevant articles using a two-step process, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer and the wider research group. Data will then be extracted from included articles using a standardised form, with descriptive synthesis focussing on key needs and priorities. This scoping review will be conducted and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was not required for this review. Findings will be disseminated via a peer-reviewed journal article and will inform a broader international collaboration for Indigenous adolescent health to develop evidence-based actions and solutions.
Trends in clinical management of lactational mastitis among women attending Australian general practice: a national longitudinal study using MedicineInsight, 2011–2022
Authors: Grzeskowiak Luke E , Kunnel Aline , Crawford Sharinne B , Cullinane Meabh , Amir Lisa Helen 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo examine longitudinal trends in clinical management of lactational mastitis in women attending general practice.DesignOpen cohort study.SettingAustralian general practice using data from MedicineInsight.ParticipantsWomen aged 18 to 44 years with one or more clinical encounters for lactational mastitis between January 2011 and July 2022.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was the proportion of prescribed oral antibiotics based on the antibiotic type. Secondary outcome measures were the proportion of women prescribed other medications (eg, antifungals, lactation suppressants) or ordered selected clinical investigations including breast ultrasound, blood test, breast milk culture, nipple swab culture or breast aspirate. Outcomes were examined based on the calendar year and individual- or clinical practice-level characteristics.ResultsAmong 25 002 women who had one or more clinical encounters related to mastitis, 90.9% were prescribed oral antibiotics. While the proportion of women prescribed an oral antibiotic remained consistent from 2011 to 2022 (91.1% vs 92.5%), there were changes in the proportion receiving prescriptions for di/flucloxacillin (46.1% vs 60.4%) and cefalexin (38.6% vs 26.5%). Fewer than 12% of women were clinically investigated for their mastitis encounter, most commonly a breast ultrasound (7.1%), followed by a selected blood test (3.8%). Requests for breast milk cultures, nipple swab cultures or breast aspirates occurred in less than 1.1% of individuals. Significant increases were evident with respect to ordering of all clinical investigations, with rates at least doubling between 2011 and 2022 (6.6% vs 14.7%). Large variability in clinical management was evident according to both individual- (eg, concessional status) and clinical practice-level characteristics (eg, remoteness).ConclusionsAustralian general practitioners commonly prescribe oral antibiotics to women with mastitis and largely in line with clinical guidelines. Their use of clinical investigations as part of mastitis management has increased over the last decade.
Rhetoric of research: a call for renaming the clinical research partnership
Authors: Foxwell Anessa M , LaRochelle Lillie M , Ulrich Connie M 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveResearch cannot advance without the voluntary participation of human participants.Summary of argumentsFull participation of research participants is often restrained by the traditional research framework, which relegates them to a predefined participant role and allows them only quasi-scripted opportunities to contribute to research processes and outcomes. Terms commonly used to refer to research participants do not reflect their significant role or send a clear message about their value. The authors propose a shift from ‘patient participant’ to ‘participant partner.’ Recognition of the true partnership between the participant and the research team, from the consent process to the trial’s end, will encourage and enable fuller participation.ConclusionChanging the rhetoric of research in the labelling of research participants will require dialogue. ‘Respect for persons’ demands it, and the research process will be better for it.
Barriers to accessing hepatitis B medication: a qualitative study from the USA and Canada
Authors: Jackson Michaela , Ibrahim Yasmin , Freeland Catherine , Jacob Sophie , Zovich Beatrice , Cohen Chari 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesTo collect and document the numerous barriers that people living with hepatitis B (PLHB) encounter when trying to access their hepatitis B virus (HBV) medications.DesignResearchers collected qualitative data through 24 online interviews. The semistructured interview questions focused on the impact that HBV has on different aspects of daily life (physical, emotional and social), personal experiences managing their infection, HBV treatment experiences and interactions with healthcare providers.SettingAll interviews occurred over Zoom.ParticipantsThe participant cohort consisted of 12 males and 12 females. 63% of all participants represented communities of colour (37% white, 17% black/African/African American and 46% Asian/Asian American). Most of the participants were on antiviral treatment at the time of the study (62%). Participants were PLHB (self-reported), ≥18 years old, living in the USA or Canada and spoke English.ResultsParticipants reported several barriers to accessing medicine among PLHB including financial barriers, health insurance and pharmacy preauthorisation process and other intangible barriers like lack of access to reliable patient-friendly information and stigma. The identified barriers to accessing HBV medication impacted patients’ continuity of care.ConclusionsAccess to medicine is essential to improving health outcomes. PLHB experience significant barriers to accessing HBV antivirals at different levels. Patient-related, physician-related and healthcare system barriers were identified as themes contributing to antiviral access challenges. More research is needed to identify strategies to improve access to HBV medications.
Impact of primary care system interventions on healthcare worker satisfaction and intention to stay in the Philippines: a follow-up study
Authors: Tan-Lim Carol Stephanie Chua , Javelosa Mark Anthony U , Sanchez Josephine T , Dans Leonila F , Rey Mia P , Elepano Anton G , De Mesa Regine Ynez H , Dans Antonio L 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe Philippines has a shortage and uneven distribution of healthcare workers (HCWs). Job satisfaction is an important element to HCW retention and attracting new HCWs into the health system.ObjectiveThis study measured HCWs’ intent to stay and HCWs’ satisfaction after implementation of multiple interventions intended to strengthen the primary care system, and determine factors significantly associated with HCWs’ intent to stay.MethodologyThis is a serial cross-sectional study in urban, rural and remote primary care sites in the Philippines. All physicians, nurses, midwives, dentists, community health workers and support staff were invited to participate. Baseline HCWs’ intent to stay and satisfaction were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire prior to implementation of interventions. The same survey was again conducted in the years 2021 and 2022, corresponding to 5 and 6 years after initial implementation for the urban site, and 2 and 3 years for the rural and remote sites. We used multiple logistic regression to determine factors associated with intent to stay.ResultsThere were 430 survey respondents (89.4% response rate) for year 2021, and 417 survey respondents (97.4% response rate) for year 2022. The urban and rural sites had significant increase in several HCW satisfaction domains, while the remote site had significant decrease in several HCW satisfaction domains. There was no significant difference in the intent to stay in the three sites. Factors that decreased intent to stay included length of employment, job involvement and employment as a nurse, while factors that increased intent to stay included job satisfaction, enjoyment and working in the urban site.ConclusionHCW satisfaction improved in the urban site and rural site, while HCW satisfaction declined in the remote site. Intention to stay of primary care HCWs did not significantly change.
Exploring associations of financial well-being with health behaviours and physical and mental health: a cross-sectional study among US adults
Authors: Mercado Carla , Bullard Kai McKeever , Bolduc Michele L F , Banks Desmond , Andrews Courtni , Freggens Zoe R F , Njai Rashid 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundHealth disparities exist across socioeconomic status levels, yet empirical evidence between financial well-being (FWB) and health are limited.MethodsThis cross-sectional study combined data from 25 370 adults aged ≥18 years in the 2019 National Health Interview Survey with estimated household FWB scores from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s 2016 National Financial Well-being Survey. FWB associations with health service visits, biometric screenings, smoking status, body mass index and physical and mental conditions were tested using age-adjusted, sex-adjusted and health insurance coverage-adjusted linear regression analysis.ResultsIn 2019, the mean FWB for US adults was 56.1 (range 14 (worse) to 95 (best)). With increasing time since the last health service visit or screening, FWB was increasingly lower compared with adults with visits or screenings <1 year (≥10 years or ‘never’, FWB ranged from −1 (blood sugar check) to −6.5 (dental examination/cleaning) points). FWB was lower with declining general health status (excellent (reference), very good (−0.5 points), good (−3.4 points) and fair/poor (−6.6 points)). Adults with physical health conditions had FWB lower than adults without (range −0.4 (high cholesterol) to −4.6 (disability) points). FWB were lower in adults who have ever been diagnosed with anxiety disorder (−1.8 points) or depression (−2 points). Adults managing their anxiety or depression (no/minimal symptoms currently) had greater FWB (anxiety: 3 points and depression: 4.1 points) than those with symptoms.ConclusionGiven the observed associations between FWB and health-related measures, it is crucial to consider FWB in primary and secondary health prevention efforts, recognising the relationship between economics, health and wellness.