bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metagenomic insights into the dynamic degradation of brown algal polysaccharides by kelp-associated microbiota
Authors: Zhang Yi-Shuo , Zhang Yu-Qi , Zhao Xiang-Ming , Liu Xiao-Lei , Qin Qi-Long , Liu Ning-Hua , Xu Fei , Chen Xiu-Lan , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Li Ping-Yi 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Marine bacteria play important roles in the degradation and cycling of algal polysaccharides. However, the dynamics of epiphytic bacterial communities and their roles in algal polysaccharide degradation during kelp decay are still unclear. Here, we performed metagenomic analyses to investigate the identities and predicted metabolic abilities of epiphytic bacterial communities during the early and late decay stages of the kelp
Saccharina japonica
. During kelp decay, the dominant epiphytic bacterial communities shifted from Gammaproteobacteria to Verrucomicrobia and Bacteroidetes. In the early decay stage of
S. japonica
, epiphytic bacteria primarily targeted kelp-derived labile alginate for degradation, among which the gammaproteobacterial
Vibrionaceae
(particularly
Vibrio
) and
Psychromonadaceae
(particularly
Psychromonas
), abundant in alginate lyases belonging to the polysaccharide lyase (PL) families PL6, PL7, and PL17, were key alginate degraders. More complex fucoidan was preferred to be degraded in the late decay stage of
S. japonica
by epiphytic bacteria, predominantly from Verrucomicrobia (particularly
Lentimonas
),
Pirellulaceae
of Planctomycetes (particularly
Rhodopirellula
),
Pontiellaceae
of Kiritimatiellota, and
Flavobacteriaceae
of Bacteroidetes, which depended on using glycoside hydrolases (GHs) from the GH29, GH95, and GH141 families and sulfatases from the S1_15, S1_16, S1_17, and S1_25 families to depolymerize fucoidan. The pathways for algal polysaccharide degradation in dominant epiphytic bacterial groups were reconstructed based on analyses of metagenome-assembled genomes. This study sheds light on the roles of different epiphytic bacteria in the degradation of brown algal polysaccharides.

IMPORTANCE

Kelps are important primary producers in coastal marine ecosystems. Polysaccharides, as major components of brown algal biomass, constitute a large fraction of organic carbon in the ocean. However, knowledge of the identities and pathways of epiphytic bacteria involved in the degradation process of brown algal polysaccharides during kelp decay is still elusive. Here, based on metagenomic analyses, the succession of epiphytic bacterial communities and their metabolic potential were investigated during the early and late decay stages of
Saccharina japonica
. Our study revealed a transition in algal polysaccharide-degrading bacteria during kelp decay, shifting from alginate-degrading Gammaproteobacteria to fucoidan-degrading Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes, Kiritimatiellota, and Bacteroidetes. A model for the dynamic degradation of algal cell wall polysaccharides, a complex organic carbon, by epiphytic microbiota during kelp decay was proposed. This study deepens our understanding of the role of epiphytic bacteria in marine algal carbon cycling as well as pathogen control in algal culture.
Depositional history of Devonian to lower Carboniferous (Tournaisian) strata, northern Wyoming and southern Montana, USA
Authors: Hu Mingxi , Myrow Paul M. , Fike David A. , di Pasquo Mercedes , Zatoń Michał , Fischer Woodward W. , Coates Michael 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe lower Frasnian (Upper Devonian) Maywood Formation records incision of valleys into lower Paleozoic bedrock in fluvial to estuarine settings in northern Wyoming and deposition in estuarine to marine environments in southern Montana (USA). A distinctive fossil assemblage of microconchids, plant compression fossils, fish fossils, and microspores represent fauna and flora that lived in, and adjacent to, salinity-stressed ecological niches in the upper reaches of the Maywood valleys. A similar fossil assemblage is recorded in older Devonian valley-fill deposits of the Lower Devonian Beartooth Butte Formation, indicating that valley incision and subsequent transgression, occurred repeatedly over a span of nearly 30 million years with organisms tracking the marine incursions into the valleys. The fossil charcoal in the Maywood Formation captures a record of fire in adjacent terrestrial ecosystems. The amount of dioxygen (O2) was thus above the fire window level (16% by volume) and might have been near modern levels in the earliest Late Devonian atmosphere.The nearshore deposits of the Maywood Formation are overlain by extensive shallow carbonate shelf strata of the Jefferson Formation, likely resulting from a global transgression in the earliest Frasnian. A paired positive and negative δ13Ccarbonate [carb] isotopic excursion in the Jefferson with a range of &gt;6‰ is a signal of the globally recognized “punctata” Event. The unconformably overlying Madison Limestone is lower Carboniferous, except for a thin basal Upper Devonian unit with marine palynomorphs. The Madison regionally records eastward transgression and establishment of widespread marine deposition. It also contains two positive δ13Ccarb excursions (up to ~7.5‰) that make up the mid-Tournaisian (= Kinderhookian–Osagean boundary) carbon isotope excursion (TICE/KOBE). These isotope data provide a framework for regional and global correlation of northern Rocky Mountain strata and an archive of environmental and evolutionary change during the middle–late Paleozoic transition.
Early educational attainment in children with major congenital anomaly in the UK
Authors: Wands Zoë E , Cave Daniel G W , Cromie Kirsten , Hough Amy , Johnson Kathryn , Mon-Williams Mark , Feltbower Richard G , Glaser Adam W 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo describe early educational attainment and special educational needs (SEN) provision in children with major congenital anomaly (CA) compared with peers.DesignAnalysis of educational data linked to the ongoing Born in Bradford cohort study. Confounders were identified via causal inference methods and multivariable logistic regression performed.SettingChildren born in Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI), West Yorkshire.PatientsAll women planning to give birth at BRI and attending antenatal clinic from March 2007 to December 2010 were eligible. 12 453 women with 13 776 pregnancies (>80% of those attending) were recruited. Records of 555 children with major CA and 11 188 without were linked to primary education records.OutcomesKey Stage 1 (KS1) attainment at age 6–7 years in Maths, Reading, Writing and Science. SEN provision from age 4 to 7 years.Results41% of children with major CA received SEN provision (compared with 14% without), and 48% performed below expected standards in at least one KS1 domain (compared with 29% without). The adjusted odds of children with CA receiving SEN provision and failing to achieve the expected standard at KS1 were, respectively, 4.30 (95% CI 3.49 to 5.31) and 3.06 (95% CI 2.47 to 3.79) times greater than their peers. Those with genetic, heart, neurological, urinary, gastrointestinal and limb anomalies had significantly poorer academic achievement.ConclusionsThese novel results demonstrate that poor educational attainment extends to children with urinary, limb and gastrointestinal CAs. We demonstrate the need for collaboration between health and education services to assess and support children with major CA, so every CA survivor can maximise their potential.
Defining the concept of mental dysregulation in patients requiring ambulance and/or emergency department care: protocol for a Delphi consensus study
Authors: Van de Glind Geurt , Crilly Julia , Galenkamp Niek , Schut Bart , Werner Lente , Chan Eric , Hilton Emily , Schoonhoven Lisette , Scheepers Floortje E , Muir Rachel , Baden David , van Veen Mark , Ham Wietske H W 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionFrom the patient and staff perspective, care delivery for patients experiencing a mental health problem in ambulance and emergency department (ED) settings is challenging. There is no uniform and internationally accepted concept to reflect people with a mental health problem who require emergency care, be it for, or as a result of, a mental health or physical health problem. On initial presentation to the emergency service provider (ambulance or ED), the cause of their healthcare condition/s (mental health and/or physical health) is often initially unknown. Due to this (1) the prevalence and range of underlying causes (mental and/or physical) of the patients presenting condition is unknown; (2) misattribution of physical symptoms to a mental health problem can occur and (3) diagnosis and treatment of the initial somatic complaint and cause(s) of the mental/physical health problem may be hindered.This study will name and define a new concept: ‘mental dysregulation’ in the context of ambulance and ED settings.Methods and analysisA Delphi study, informed by a rapid literature review, will be undertaken. For the literature review, a steering group (ie, persons with lived experience, ED and mental health clinicians, academics) will systematically search the literature to provide a working definition of the concept: mental dysregulation. Based on this review, statements will be generated regarding (1) the definition of the concept; (2) possible causes of mental dysregulation and (3) observable behaviours associated with mental dysregulation. These statements will be rated in three Delphi rounds to achieve consensus by an international expert panel (comprising persons with lived experience, clinicians and academics).Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht (reference number: 258-000-2023_Geurt van der Glind). Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journal publication(s), scientific conference(s) and to key stakeholders.
Randomised controlled trial of early magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy for the prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients at high bleeding risk scheduled for percutaneous coronary intervention: MACE-GPS study protocol
Authors: Li Minghui , Liu Rong , Wu Yongjian 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionLimited data are available regarding the decision-making process for preventing gastrointestinal bleeding in patients at high risk of bleeding scheduled for percutaneous coronary intervention (HBPCI), especially due to the lack of a simple, accurate and sensitive methods for gastrointestinal injury detection. This randomised trial aims to assess the effects of early magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy (MCE) in patients with HBPCI for the prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding compared with conventional management.Methods and analysisThe Magnetic-Assisted Capsule Endoscopy Gastrointestinal bleeding Protection Strategy (MACE-GPS) is a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial. Patients admitted for HBPCI will be randomised and placed into two study groups. In the early MCE group, 1228 patients will undergo MCE following admission to the hospital. If necessary, these patients may further undergo a multidisciplinary approach to determine treatment based on the MCE findings. A total of 1228 patients in the control group will undergo conventional treatment based on the attending cardiologist’s interpretation of their clinical presentations. The primary end point is the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding within 12 months of enrolment.Ethics and disseminationThe MACE-GPS trial has been approved by the ethics committees of all participating sites. Participant recruitment began in April 2023 and will be completed in April 2025, and the 1-year follow-up will be completed in April 2026. The study results will be disseminated through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.Trial registration numberChiCTR2300070025.
Health-related quality of life in epilepsy and its associated factors among adult patients with epilepsy attending Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yesuf Wudu , Hiko Desta , Alemayehu Eshetu , Kusheta Samuel , Shita Abel , Beyene Melkamu 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo determine the mean score of health-related quality of life in epilepsy and its associated factors among adult patients with epilepsy.DesignInstitution-based cross-sectional study based on random case selection was conducted.SettingThe study was carried out at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital located in Southwest Ethiopia.ParticipantsA total of 346 patients with epilepsy who visited the psychiatric clinic for follow-up for at least 3 months and who were 18 years or older were included in the study.Main outcome measureHealth-related quality of life in epilepsy measured using quality-of-life in epilepsy (QOLIE)-31 health survey evaluated as a dependent variable with simple and multivariable linear regressions.ResultsThe overall weighted mean score of health-related quality of life was 55.6 (SD=20.9). Only 50.3% of patients scored above a total score of 50. Age (β=−0.35, 95% CI−0.46 to –0.23), anxiety (β=−6.79, 95% CI −9.26 to –4.32), depression (β=−7.36, 95% CI −10.16 to –4.55), low self-esteem (β=−5.29, 95% CI −8.07 to –2.51), perceived stigma (β=−3.62, 95% CI −6.30 to –0.94), taking medication two times or more times per day (β=−2.4, 95% CI −4.58 to –0.27), being illiterate (β=−4.1, 95% CI −6.87 to –1.31) and having more than two seizures for a year (β=−4.18, 95% CI −6.97 to –1.39) were negatively affecting health-related quality of life while income of >1000 birr per month (β=4.5, 95% CI 2.00 to 6.99), social support (β=0.34, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.40) and being free of seizure for a year (β=6.5, 95% CI 3.66 to 9.33) were positively affecting health-related quality of life.ConclusionsOnly half of the patients with epilepsy in the study area are leading a better quality of life and the overall mean health-related quality of life score is lower than the global mean score. Health-related quality of life was inversely associated with age, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, perceived stigma, taking medication two times a day or more, being illiterate and experiencing more than two seizures in a year. Besides controlling seizures, public educational campaigns should be conducted to raise public awareness regarding the need for social support.
Association of carotid intima–media thickness and dyslipidaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mashaba Reneilwe Given , Phoswa Wendy , Maimela Eric , Mokgalaboni Kabelo 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionPatients with diabetes mellitus (DM) often present with comorbidities such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, obesity and hyperglycaemia, which increases their risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)-related mortality. Carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT), a biomarker for subclinical atherosclerosis, has been associated with overall CVD, especially in type 2 DM (T2DM). Hence, this protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis aims to review existing literature on the association of CIMT and dyslipidaemia in patients with T2DM.Methods and analysisThe proposed systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted according to an updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols guideline. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed studies on Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct and Web of Sciences databases will be conducted up to 30 June 2023. A meta-analysis of data extracted from selected studies will be performed to explore the association between dyslipidaemia and CIMT in patients with diabetes. The effect estimates will be reported as standardised mean differences/Cohen’s d and 95% CIs. A random effect model will be used in case of high heterogeneity whereas fixed-effect model will be used in the absence of heterogeneity. All statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS V.29.0 software. In cases of high heterogeneity, subgroup analysis will be performed based on study design, countries of publication and body mass index to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias will be assessed graphically via funnel plots and statistically using Egger’s regression test. Sensitivity analysis will also be performed to evaluate the stability of the overall effect size and the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation will be used to grade the quality of analysed evidence.Ethics and disseminationAs the proposed study will use secondary published data, approval will not be sought from the ethics committee.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023451731.
Upskilling programmes for unregulated care providers to provide diabetic foot screening for systematically marginalised populations: how, why and in what contexts do they work? A realist review
Authors: Hassan Samah , Rac Valeria E , Hodges Brian , Leake Patti , Cobbing Saul , Gray Catharine Marie , Bartley Nicola , Etherington Andrea , Abdulwasi Munira , Cheung Hei-Ching Kristy , Anderson Melanie , Woods Nicole N 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveWe aimed to understand how, why and in what context upskilling programmes for unregulated care providers (UCPs) to provide foot screening for systematically marginalised groups living with diabetes were implemented.DesignWe used realist synthesis based on Realist And Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards guidance.Data sourcesWe searched the Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus databases and the grey literature (Google Scholar, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses) up to November 2022.Eligibility criteriaWe included experimental and non-experimental articles in English that either described mechanisms or discussed expected outcomes for educational interventions for patients and family caregivers or healthcare providers, both regulated and unregulated. We also included articles that evaluated the impact of foot care programmes if the UCPs’ training was described.Data extraction and synthesisThe lead author extracted, annotated and coded uploaded relevant data to identify contexts, mechanisms and outcome configurations using MAXQDA (a qualitative data analysis software). We used deductive and inductive coding to structure the process. Our team members double-reviewed and appraised a random sample of 20% of articles at all stages to ensure consistency.ResultsOur search identified 52 articles. Evidence suggested the necessity of developing upskilling foot screening programmes within the context of preventive care programmes that also provide education in diabetes, and early referrals for appropriate interventions. Multidisciplinary programmes created an ideal context facilitating coordination between UCPs and their regulated counterparts. Engaging patients and community partners, using a competency-based model, and incorporating cultural competencies were determinants of success for these programmes.ConclusionThis review provides a realistic programme theory for the mechanisms used, the context in which these programmes were developed, and the expected outcomes to train UCPs to provide preventive foot care for systematically marginalised populations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022369208.
NKG2A+CD8+T cells infiltration determines immunosuppressive contexture and inferior response to immunotherapy in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Qiu Youqi , Liu Li , Jiang Wenbin , Xu Ziyang , Wang Jiahao , Dai Siyuan , Guo Jianming , Xu Jiejie 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundImmunotherapy is gaining momentum, but current treatments have limitations in terms of beneficiaries. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) harbors the highest expression of human leukocyte antigen E (HLA-E), ligand of NKG2A, among all solid tumors. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of NKG2A+CD8+T cells in tumor microenvironment and its potential as a novel target in ccRCC.MethodsThis study included four independent cohorts, including 234 patients from Zhongshan cohort (ZSHC) who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy at Zhongshan Hospital, and 117 metastatic patients from metastatic Zhongshan cohort (ZSHC-metastatic renal cell carcinoma) who were treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor or tyrosine kinase inhibitor alone. We also incorporated a cohort of 530 patients diagnosed with ccRCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (referred to as TCGA-kidney renal clear cell carcinoma) and 311 patients from CheckMate cohort for bioinformatics exploration and hypothesis validation. Fresh surgical specimens from 15 patients who underwent ccRCC surgery at Zhongshan Hospital were collected for flow cytometry analysis. Another 10 fresh surgical specimens were used to investigate the therapeutic potential of NKG2A blockade after in vitro intervention. The infiltration of NKG2A+CD8+T cells was assessed using immunohistochemical staining, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining in ZSHC cohort.ResultsPatients with higher infiltration of NKG2A+CD8+T cells in ccRCC exhibited shorter overall survival and resistance to immunotherapy. NKG2A+CD8+T cells expressed upregulated checkpoint molecules and displayed impaired effector functions, along with tissue-residency characteristics. Combination of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) blockade and NKG2A blockade demonstrated an enhanced capability in reactivating CD8+T cells effector functions.ConclusionIntense infiltration of NKG2A+CD8+T cells were associated with poorer prognosis and response to immunotherapy. NKG2A blockade combined with current immunotherapy exhibited a robust ability to reactivate CD8+T cells effector functions.
Dynamic study of new soliton solutions of time-fractional longitudinal wave equation using an analytical approach
Authors: Naz Shumaila , Rani Attia , Ul Hassan Qazi Mahmood , Ahmad Jamshad , -Rehman Shafqat-Ur , Shakeel Muhammad 
Published: January 2024

In this study, the modified exponential approach is used to investigate the fractional order longitudinal wave equation in a magneto-elastic circular rod, which represents the nonlinear interplay between dispersion and longitudinal wave velocity depending on the rod’s material and geometry. The time-fractional order is used in the standpoint of conformable derivative. Comprehensive and descriptive waveform solutions, including kink-shaped, bell-shaped, and bright bell-shaped solitons, are obtained. The produced soliton solutions are advanced, unique, developed, and crucial. To demonstrate the physical appearance of the obtained solutions, 2D, 3D, and contour graphs of some of the obtained solutions are plotted. The extracted solutions demonstrate the physical significance of the model and express the pressure and electrostatic potential for the longitudinal wave equation and can be used to elucidate more complicated nonlinear models of classical and fractional order. The obtained results are helpful in finding the amplitude of tsunami waves which is of great interest to researchers in the field of ocean engineering. If a tsunami extends across a large area, it becomes a manifestation of solitons. The comparison of the obtained solutions is also given in the form of remarks 1 and 2 which shows the novelty of our work.