bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The hierarchy of sugar catabolization in
Lactococcus cremoris
Authors: Douwenga Sieze , van Olst Berdien , Boeren Sjef , Luo Yanzhang , Lai Xin , Teusink Bas , Vervoort Jacques , Kleerebezem Michiel , Bachmann Herwig 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Bacteria adapt to nutrient availability by regulating the synthesis of enzymes. Transcriptome- and multi-sugar growth studies suggest that
Lactococcus cremoris
represses genes involved in the catabolization of lower growth rate-supporting (lower quality) sugars in a hierarchical order. Furthermore,
L. cremoris
appears to always express genes involved in the catabolization of higher growth rate-supporting sugars (higher quality) relative to the sugar it is growing on. Here, we unraveled the sugar catabolization hierarchy by determining the sugar catabolizing capacity and the proteome of cells exponentially growing on glucose (µ
max
= 0.72 h
−1
), lactose (µ
max
= 0.6 h
−1
), galactose (µ
max
= 0.44 h
−1
), or maltose (µ
max
= 0.43 h
−1
). We found that
L. cremoris
can grow on 14 of the 96 sugars in a Biolog plate, with µ
max
ranging from 0.32 to 0.72 h
−1
. Proteome and catabolization rate measurements show that
L. cremoris
consistently prepares for the catabolization of higher-quality sugars, except trehalose. While cells were not prepared for the catabolization of most lower-quality sugars, some proteins related to fructose and lactose consumption were always present. Moreover, reducing the growth rate of glucose through salt stress had only a minor influence on the sugars that
L. cremoris
could catabolize. These findings demonstrate that the catabolization hierarchy is not strictly linked to absolute growth rate or sugar quality. Cells instantly catabolizing a higher-quality sugar require enhanced expression of ribosomal and nucleotide metabolism functions for growth rate maximization, whereas transitioning to lower-quality sugars requires enhanced synthesis of proteins related to arginine catabolism and mixed acid fermentation, besides sugar-specific catabolic proteins.

IMPORTANCE

The availability of nutrients to microorganisms varies considerably between different environments, and changes can occur rapidly. As a general rule, a fast growth rate—typically growth on glucose—is associated with the repression of other carbohydrate utilization genes, but it is not clear to what extent catabolite repression is exerted by other sugars. We investigated the hierarchy of sugar utilization after substrate transitions in
Lactococcus cremoris
. For this, we determined the proteome and carbohydrate utilization capacity after growth on different sugars. The results show that the preparedness of cells for the utilization of “slower” sugars is not strictly determined by the growth rate. The data point to individual proteins relevant for various sugar transitions and suggest that the evolutionary history of the organism might be responsible for deviations from a strictly growth rate-related sugar catabolization hierarchy.
White-nose syndrome restructures bat skin microbiomes
Authors: Ange-Stark Meghan , Parise Katy L. , Cheng Tina L. , Hoyt Joseph R. , Langwig Kate E. , Frick Winifred F. , Kilpatrick A. Marm , Gillece John , MacManes Matthew D. , Foster Jeffrey T. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

The skin microbiome is an essential line of host defense against pathogens, yet our understanding of microbial communities and how they change when hosts become infected is limited. We investigated skin microbial composition in three North American bat species (
Myotis lucifugus
,
Eptesicus fuscus
, and
Perimyotis subflavus
) that have been impacted by the infectious disease, white-nose syndrome, caused by an invasive fungal pathogen,
Pseudogymnoascus destructans
. We compared bacterial and fungal composition from 154 skin swab samples and 70 environmental samples using a targeted 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer amplicon approach. We found that for
M. lucifugus
, a species that experiences high mortality from white-nose syndrome, bacterial microbiome diversity was dramatically lower when
P. destructans
was present. Key bacterial families—including those potentially involved in pathogen defense—significantly differed in abundance in bats infected with
P. destructans
compared to uninfected bats. However, skin bacterial diversity was not lower in
E. fuscus
or
P. subflavus
when
P. destructans
was present despite populations of the latter species declining sharply from white-nose syndrome. The fungal species present on bats substantially overlapped with the fungal taxa present in the environment at the site where the bat was sampled, but fungal community composition was unaffected by the presence of
P. destructans
for any of the three bat species. This species-specific alteration in bat skin bacterial microbiomes after pathogen invasion may suggest a mechanism for the severity of white-nose syndrome in
M. lucifugus
but not for other bat species impacted by the disease.

IMPORTANCE

Inherent complexities in the composition of microbiomes can often preclude investigations of microbe-associated diseases. Instead of single organisms being associated with disease, community characteristics may be more relevant. Longitudinal microbiome studies of the same individual bats as pathogens arrive and infect a population are the ideal experiment but remain logistically challenging; therefore, investigations like our approach that are able to correlate invasive pathogens to alterations within a microbiome may be the next best alternative. The results of this study potentially suggest that microbiome-host interactions may determine the likelihood of infection. However, the contrasting relationship between Pd and the bacterial microbiomes of
Myotis lucifugus
and
Perimyotis subflavus
indicate that we are just beginning to understand how the bat microbiome interacts with a fungal invader such as Pd.
Quantitative content analysis of Freedom of Information requests examining the extent and variations of tools and training for conducting suicide risk assessments in NHS Trusts across England
Authors: Fedorowicz Sophia , Dempsey Robert C , Ellis Naomi J , Mulvey Olivia , Gidlow Christopher J 
Published: October 2023

ObjectivesDetermining the risk for suicide is a difficult endeavour. Clinical guidance in the UK explicitly advises against using risk assessment tools and scales to determine suicide risk. Based on Freedom of Information (FoI) requests made to NHS Trusts in England, this study provides an overview of suicide risk assessment tools in use, training provided in how to use such assessments, and explores implementation of suicide risk assessment guidance in practice in English NHS Trusts.DesignA cross-sectional survey of suicide risk assessment tools and training gathered via FoI requests and subjected to a content analysis.SettingFoI requests were submitted to NHS Trusts across England.ResultsA wide variety of suicide risk assessments tools were identified as being used in practice, with several trusts reported using more than one tool to determine suicide risk. Forty-one trusts reported using locally developed, unvalidated, tools to assess risk of suicide and 18 stated they do not use a tool. Ten trusts stated they do not train their staff in suicide risk assessment while 13 reported use of specific suicide risk assessment training. Sixty-two trusts stated they do not centrally record the number of assessments conducted or how many individuals are identified as at risk. Content analysis indicated the frequent wider assessment of risk not restricted to suicide risk.ConclusionsThere is wide variation in suicide risk assessment tools being used in practice and some lack of specific training for healthcare staff in determining suicide risk. Few trusts routinely record the number of assessments being conducted or the number of individuals identified at high risk. Implementation of specific training is necessary for the suicide risk assessment process to identify patient needs and develop therapeutic engagement. Routinely recording how many assessments are conducted is a crucial step in improving suicide prevention.
Clinical emergencies in inpatient hospice: simulation-based training to improve nursing confidence
Authors: Thompson Amy Jane , Boswell Amy Charlotte , Evans Tricia , Clarke Beverley 
Published: October 2023

ObjectivesThis study aims to assess whether a simulation-based training programme focusing on palliative care emergencies conducted in a hospice setting could improve the self-reported confidence and competence of nursing staff.MethodsA training programme was developed to enable nursing professionals to practice clinical skills necessary for recognising and managing palliative care emergencies including opioid induced respiratory depression, catastrophic haemorrhage, anaphylaxis, seizure and acute airway obstruction. Eight sessions were conducted. A prequestionnaire and postquestionnaire design was employed to collect data. Participants self-reported their confidence and perceived competence in responding to the relevant scenario before and immediately after simulation training and provided free text feedback. Paired t-tests were applied to assess for a change in competence and confidence scores, while free text responses were analysed thematically.ResultsFindings demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the mean scores for both confidence and competence when comparing pretraining and post-training. Participants valued the opportunity to develop emergency response skills and recognised the value of simulation as an educational tool. Debrief was perceived to be important for maximising learning and facilitating self-reflection.ConclusionParticipation in simulation-based training focused on palliative care emergencies in a hospice setting improved both confidence and perceived competence of nursing professionals.
Minimally deformed anisotropic stars in dark matter halos under EGB-action
Authors: Maurya S. K. , Errehymy Abdelghani , Singh Ksh. Newton , Al-Harbi Nuha , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Abdel-Aty Abdel-Haleem 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce an anisotropic model using a dark matter (DM) density profile in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet (EGB) gravity using a gravitational decoupling method introduced by Ovalle (Phys Rev D 95:104019, 2017), which has provided an innovative approach for obtaining solutions to the EGB field equations for the spherically symmetric structure of stellar bodies. The Tolman and Finch–Skea (TFS) solutions of two metric potentials, $$g_{tt}$$

g

tt

and $$g_{rr}$$

g

rr

, have been used to construct the seed solution. Additionally, the presence of DM in DM halos distorts spacetime, causing perturbations in the $$g_{rr}$$

g

rr

metric potential, where the quantity of DM is determined by the decoupling parameter $$\beta $$
β
. The physical validity of the solution, along with stability and equilibrium analysis, has also been performed. Along with stability and equilibrium analysis, the solution’s physical validity has also been examined. Additionally, we have shown how both constants affect the physical characteristics of the solution. Using a $$M{-}R$$

M
-
R

diagram, it has been described how the DM component and the GB constant affect the maximum permissible masses and their corresponding radii for various compact objects. Our model predicts the masses beyond the $$2~M_{\odot }$$

2

M
⊙

and maximum radii $$11.92^{+0.02}_{-0.01}$$

11
.

92

-
0.01

+
0.02

and $$12.83^{+0.01}_{-0.02}$$

12
.

83

-
0.02

+
0.01

for larger value of $$\alpha $$
α
under density order $$10^{15}~\text {g}/\text {cm}^3$$

10
15

g
/

cm
3

and $$10^{14}~\text {g}/\text {cm}^3$$

10
14

g
/

cm
3

, respectively, while the radii become $$11.96^{+0.01}_{-0.01}$$

11
.

96

-
0.01

+
0.01

and $$12.81^{+0.01}_{-0.02}$$

12
.

81

-
0.02

+
0.01

for larger value of $$\beta $$
β
.
Temperature impact on the economic growth effect: method development and model performance evaluation with subnational data in China
Authors: Song Yu , Pan Zhihua , Lun Fei , Long Buju , Liu Siyu , Han Guolin , Wang Jialin , Huang Na , Zhang Ziyuan , Ma Shangqian , Sun Guofeng , Liu Cong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractTemperature-economic growth relationships are computed to quantify the impact of climate change on the economy. However, model performance and differences of predictions among research complicate the use of climate econometric estimation. Machine learning methods provide an alternative that might improve the predictive effects. However, time series and extrapolation issues constrain methods such as random forests. We apply a simple thought experiment with national marginal GDP growth by aggregating subnational climate impact to alleviate the shortcomings in random forests. This paper uses random forests, multivariate cubic regression, and linear spline regression to examine the direct impacts of temperature on economic development and conducts a performance comparison of the methods. The model results indicate an optimal temperature of 15°C, 15°C or 21°C for each model. Furthermore, a thought experiment indicates that the marginal predictions of national GDP changes by approximately 1%, −3%, or −6% for models with 1°C warming. The performance comparison suggests that random forests have stable model performance and better prediction performance in bootstrapping. However, the extrapolation problem in random forests causes underestimation of climate impact in 5% of cells under 6°C warming. Overall, our results suggest that temperature should be considered in economic projections under climate change scenarios. We also suggest the use of more machine learning methods in climate impact assessment.
PKCδ Regulates Chromatin Remodeling and DNA Repair through SIRT6
Authors: Affandi Trisiani , Haas Ami , Ohm Angela M. , Wright Gregory M. , Black Joshua C. , Reyland Mary E. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Irradiation (IR) is a highly effective cancer therapy; however, IR damage to tumor-adjacent healthy tissues can result in significant comorbidities and potentially limit the course of therapy. We have previously shown that protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) is required for IR-induced apoptosis and that inhibition of PKCδ activity provides radioprotection in vivo. Here we show that PKCδ regulates histone modification, chromatin accessibility, and double-stranded break (DSB) repair through a mechanism that requires Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6). Overexpression of PKCδ promotes genomic instability and increases DNA damage and apoptosis. Conversely, depletion of PKCδ increases DNA repair via nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR) as evidenced by increased formation of DNA damage foci, increased expression of DNA repair proteins, and increased repair of NHEJ and HR fluorescent reporter constructs. Nuclease sensitivity indicates that PKCδ depletion is associated with more open chromatin, while overexpression of PKCδ reduces chromatin accessibility. Epiproteome analysis reveals increased chromatin associated H3K36me2 in PKCδ-depleted cells which is accompanied by chromatin disassociation of KDM2A. We identify SIRT6 as a downstream mediator of PKCδ. PKCδ-depleted cells have increased SIRT6 expression, and depletion of SIRT6 reverses changes in chromatin accessibility, histone modification and DSB repair in PKCδ-depleted cells. Furthermore, depletion of SIRT6 reverses radioprotection in PKCδ-depleted cells. Our studies describe a novel pathway whereby PKCδ orchestrates SIRT6-dependent changes in chromatin accessibility to regulate DNA repair, and define a mechanism for regulation of radiation-induced apoptosis by PKCδ.

Implications:
PKCδ controls sensitivity to irradiation by regulating DNA repair.
Inhibition of GPR30 sensitized gefitinib to NSCLC cells via regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Yang Xiaomin , Jiang Hongyan , Ning Jiang , Zhang Shufen , Cai Ying , Wang Liang , Yang Jinsong , Xu Guodong , Chen Wei , Wang Jianfei 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: G-protein coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) is associated with cell metastasis and drug resistance in many different cancer cells. The present study aimed to reveal the sensitivity of GPR30 to gefitinib in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Methods: Cell viability and proliferation were detected using cell counting kit 8 and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assays, respectively. Western blotting and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR were used to detect GPR30 or epithelial-mesenchyme transition (EMT)-related mRNA and protein expression. Results: The results showed that GPR30 expression is associated with gefitinib sensitivity. G15, as a GPR30 antagonist, reduced GPR30 expression. We chose the maximum concentration of G15 with minimal cytotoxicity to detect cell viability after combined treatment with gefitinib in NSCLC cells, which indicated that G15 could increase sensitivity to gefitinib. However, the effect of G15 on gefitinib sensitivity disappeared after treatment with a small interfering RNA targeting GPR30. Further research showed that G15 or GPR30 siRNA treatment could upregulate E-cadherin and downregulate vimentin levels. Conclusion: Taken together, these data suggested that G15 could enhance NSCLC sensitivity to gefitinib by inhibition of GPR30 and EMT.
Shift or Pivot? Market Entry and Exit With Linear Supply and Demand Curves
Authors: Eisenhauer Joseph G. 
Published: October 2023

Textbooks commonly misrepresent the effects of market entry and exit by consumers and producers as parallel shifts of linear market demand and supply curves. Such portrayals are inconsistent with the underlying premise that a market-level curve is the horizontal summation of individual-level curves. A more accurate depiction is a pivot: entry flattens (and exit steepens) a market-level curve. Reconceiving the effects of entry and exit as pivoting, rather than shifting, the curve has important implications for own-price elasticities, consumer surplus, producer surplus, the incidence of taxation, and the competitive market adjustment to a long run equilibrium. JEL codes: A22, B40, D01
Trust in healthcare professionals of people with chronic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Čáp Juraj , Miertová Michaela , Bóriková Ivana , Žiaková Katarína , Tomagová Martina , Gurková Elena 
Published: October 2023

Background Trust is an essential phenomenon of relationship between patients and healthcare professionals and can be described as an accepted vulnerability to the power of another person over something that one cares about in virtue of goodwill toward the trustor. This characterization of interpersonal trust appears to be adequate for patients suffering from chronic illness. Trust is especially important in the context of chronic cardiovascular diseases as one of the main global health problems. Research Aim The purpose of the qualitative study was to gain a deeper understanding of how people with chronic cardiovascular disease experience and make sense of trust in healthcare professionals. Research Design Eleven semi-structured interviews with participants analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore in detail their lived experience of trust as a relational phenomenon. Participants and Research Context Participants with chronic cardiovascular disease were purposively recruited from inpatients on the cardiology ward of the university hospital located in central Slovakia. Ethical Considerations The study was approved by the faculty ethics committee. Participants gave their written informed consent. Findings Four Interrelated Group Experiential Themes Sense of co-existence; Belief in competence; Will to help; Ontological security with eight subthemes were identified. The findings describe the participants' experience with trust in healthcare professionals as a phenomenon of close co-existence, which is rooted in the participants’ vulnerability and dependence on the goodwill and competence of health professionals to help with the consequence of (re)establishing a sense of ontological security in the situation of chronic illness. Conclusion Findings will contribute to an in-depth understanding of trust as an existential dimension of human co-existence and an ethical requirement of healthcare practice, inspire patient empowerment interventions, support adherence to treatment, and person-centred care.
Influence of Joint Line Level on Clinical Outcomes and Range of Motion in Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Palma Joaquin , Shaffrey Isabel , Kim Jaeyoung , Cororaton Agnes , Henry Jensen , Ellis Scott J. , Demetracopoulos Constantine A. 
Published: October 2023

Background: Ankle arthritis leads to an elevated joint line compared to the nonarthritic ankle, as measured by the “joint line height ratio” (JLHR). Previous work has shown that the JLHR may remain elevated after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). However, the clinical impact of this has yet to be determined. This study assessed the correlation between postoperative JLHR, post-TAA range of motion (ROM), and 1-year Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores. Methods: A retrospective review of 150 patients who underwent primary TAA was performed. Preoperative and postoperative JLHR, as well as postoperative dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, and total ROM, was calculated on weightbearing radiographs at a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Correlation between JLHR, post-TAA ROM, and 1-year PROMIS scores was investigated using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression models. Interobserver reliability for the JLHR was also calculated. Results: Interobserver reliability for the JLHR was excellent ( r = 0.98). Mean (SD) JLHR changed from 1.66 (0.45) to 1.55 (0.26) after TAA ( P < .001), indicating that the joint line was lowered after TAA. An elevated joint line was correlated with decreased post-TAA dorsiflexion ( r = −0.26, P < .001), total ROM ( r = −0.18, P = .025), and worse 1-year PROMIS physical function ( r = −0.22, P = .046), pain intensity ( r = 0.22, P = .042), and pain interference ( r = 0.29, P = .007). There was no correlation between the JLHR and post-TAA plantarflexion ( r = −0.025, P = .76). Regression analysis identified a 0.5-degree reduction in post-TAA dorsiflexion with each 0.1-unit increase in JLHR (Coeff. = −5.13, P = .005). Conclusion: In this patient cohort, we found that an elevated joint line modestly correlated with decreased postoperative dorsiflexion, total ROM, and worse 1-year PROMIS scores. These data suggest that effort likely should be made toward restoring the native joint line at the time of TAA. In addition, future studies investigating the clinical outcomes after TAA may consider including a measure of joint line height, such as the JLHR, because we found it was associated with patient-reported outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective review of prospectively collected data.