bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sharps Injuries Among Healthcare Workers in Liberia and Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Ridge Laura Jean , Arko-Mensah John , Lambert Josh , Aziato Lydia , Zeantoe G Clinton , Duah Henry , McCullagh Marjorie 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveThere is little data on sharps injuries among healthcare workers in West Africa, despite the region’s high rate of Hepatitis B and HIV. The purpose of this study is to investigate healthcare workers’ history of sharps injury in Liberia and Ghana.DesignAn electronic cross-sectional survey disseminated by local nursing, midwifery, physician assistant, and physician associations.SettingHealthcare workers in Liberia and Ghana from February to June 2022.ParticipantsParticipant were registered nurses, physician assistants, physicians, or midwives, and had been working in a patient care role for at least nine of the previous twelve months.MethodsA link to the survey was texted to participants through their professional association membership lists, including nursing, midwifery, and physician assistant organizations in both Liberia and Ghana and a physician organization in Ghana only.Results509 participants reported an average of 1.8 injuries per year in Liberia and 1.1 in Ghana (p=<0.01). 15.1% of healthcare workers reported three or more injuries in the past year. Liberia had a higher proportion of frequently injured workers (p=<0.01). Frequently injured workers were evenly distributed across worker types.ConclusionsWorkers in this region are vulnerable to sharps injuries. A frequently injured subset of workers likely has distinctive risk factors and would benefit from further investigation and intervention.
Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Ig seroprevalence in Northern Ireland
Authors: Greene Michelle K , Smyth Peter , English Andrew , McLaughlin Joseph , Bucholc Magda , Bailie Janice , McCarroll Julie , McDonnell Margaret , Watt Alison , Barnes George , Lynch Mark , Duffin Kevan , Duffy Gerard , Lewis Claire , James Jacqueline A , Ford Tom , O’Kane Maurice , Rai Taranjit Singh , Bjourson Anthony J , Cardwell Christopher , Elborn J Stuart , Gibson David S , Scott Christopher J 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundWith the impact of SARS-CoV-2 upon public health directly and socioeconomically, further information was required to inform policy decisions designed to limit virus spread. This study sought to contribute to serosurveillance work within Northern Ireland to track SARS-CoV-2 progression and guide health strategy.MethodsSera/plasma samples from clinical biochemistry laboratories were analysed for anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulins (Ig). Samples were assessed using an Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 or anti-SARS-CoV-2 S ECLIA (Roche) on an automated Cobas-e-analyser. Samples were also assessed via ELISA (Euroimmun). A subset of samples assessed via Roche Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay were subsequently analysed in an ACE2 pseudoneutralisation assay using a V-PLEX SARS-CoV-2 Panel 7 for IgG and ACE2 by MesoScale Diagnostics Inc.ResultsAcross three testing rounds (June-July 2020, November-December 2020 and June-July 2021 (rounds 1-3 respectively)), 4844 residual sera/plasma specimens were assayed for SARS-CoV-2 Ig. Seropositivity rates increased across the study, peaking at 11.6% during round 3. Varying trends in SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity were noted based on demographic factors. For instance, highest rates of seropositivity shifted from older to younger demographics across the study period. In round 3, alpha (B.1.1.7) variant neutralising antibodies were most frequently detected across age groups, with median concentration of anti-spike protein antibodies elevated in 50-69 year olds and anti-S1 RBD antibodies elevated in over 70s, relative to other age groups.ConclusionsWith seropositivity rates of <15% across the assessment period, it can be concluded that the significant proportion of the Northern Ireland population had not yet naturally contracted the virus by mid-2021.
Trends in Hepatitis C Virus Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors among MSM in Pakistan: Insights from a Community-Based Study
Authors: Tirmizi Raza , Munir Rimsha , Zaidi Nousheen 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis community-based cross-sectional study investigates the seroprevalence of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and its associated demographic and behavioral risk factors among the men who have sex with men (MSM) in Pakistan. The study reveals an HCV seroprevalence of 14.86%, significantly higher than global averages for the MSM population. Notably, HCV seroprevalence was associated with age, education level, self-identified sexual orientation, and self-reported HIV status. Furthermore, the study identified several risk factors positively associated with HCV seroprevalence, including sharing personal items such as razors and toothbrushes, histories of surgery, blood transfusion, dental procedures, intravenous drug use, and therapeutic injection histories. Interestingly, a lower HCV positivity rate was observed among self-reported HIV-positive individuals, contradicting previous research. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive, targeted prevention strategies tailored to the MSM population in Pakistan. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and to understand better the complex interplay of factors contributing to HCV seroprevalence in this high-risk population.
The nuclear PIWI-interacting protein Gtsf1 controls the selective degradation of small RNAs inParamecium
Authors: Charmant Olivia , Gruchota Julita , Arnaiz Olivier , Zangarelli Coralie , Bétermier Mireille , Nowak Katarzyna , Legros Véronique , Chevreux Guillaume , Nowak Jacek , Duharcourt Sandra 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCiliates undergo developmentally programmed genome elimination, in which small RNAs direct the removal of target DNA segments, including transposable elements. At each sexual generation, the development of the macronucleus (MAC) requires massive and reproducible elimination of a large proportion of the germline micronuclear (MIC) genome, leading to a highly streamlined somatic MAC genome. 25-nt long scnRNAs are produced from the entire germline MIC genome during meiosis, and this initial complex small RNA population is then transported to the maternal MAC, where selection of scnRNAs corresponding to germline (MIC)-specific sequences is thought to take place. Selected scnRNAs, loaded onto the PIWI protein Ptiwi09, guide the deposition of histone H3 post-translational modifications (H3K9me3 and H3K27me3) onto transposable elements in the developing macronucleus, ultimately triggering their specific elimination. How germline-specific MIC scnRNAs are selected remains to be determined. Here, we provide important mechanistic insights into the scnRNA selection pathway by identifying aParameciumhomolog of Gametocyte specific factor 1 (Gtsf1) as essential for the selective degradation of scnRNAs corresponding to retained somatic MAC sequences. Consistently, we also show that Gtsf1 is exclusively localized in the maternal macronucleus and associates with the scnRNA-binding protein Ptiwi09. Furthermore, Gtsf1 is necessary for DNA elimination and correct H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 localization in the new developing macronucleus, demonstrating that the scnRNA selection process is important for genome elimination. We propose that Gtsf1 is required for the coordinated degradation of Ptiwi09-scnRNA complexes that pair with nascent RNA transcribed from the maternal MAC genome, similarly to the mechanism suggested for microRNA target-directed degradation in metazoans.
High-resolution mapping ofRyd4Hb, a major resistance gene toBarley yellow dwarf virusfromHordeum bulbosum
Authors: Pidon Hélène , Ruge-Wehling Brigitte , Will Torsten , Habekuß Antje , Wendler Neele , Oldach Klaus , Maasberg-Prelle Anja , Korzun Viktor , Stein Nils 
Published: September 2023

AbstractVirus diseases are causing high yield losses in crops worldwide. TheBarley yellow dwarf virus(BYDV) complex is responsible for one of the most widespread and economically important viral diseases of cereals. While no complete resistance gene has been uncovered in the primary genepool of barley, sources of resistance were identified in the wild relativeHordeum bulbosum, representing the secondary genepool of barley. One such locus,Ryd4Hb, has been previously introgressed into barley, and was allocated to chromosome 3H, but is tightly linked to a sublethality factor that prevents the incorporation and utilization ofRyd4Hbin barley varieties. To solve this problem, we fine-mappedRyd4Hband separated it from this negative factor. We narrowed theRyd4Hblocus to a 66.5 kbp physical interval in the barley ‘Morex’ reference genome. The region comprises one complete and one partial gene from the nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat immune receptor family, typical of dominant virus resistance genes. The closest homolog to these twoRyd4Hbcandidate genes is the wheatSr35stem rust resistance gene. In addition to the fine mapping, we reduced the sublethality factor interval to 600 kbp in barley. Aphid feeding experiments demonstrated thatRyd4Hbprovides a direct resistance to BYDV rather than a resistance to its vector. The presented results, including the high-throughput molecular markers, will permit a more targeted selection of the resistance in breeding, enabling the use ofRyd4Hbin barley varieties.Key messageWe mappedRyd4Hbin a 66.5 kpb interval in barley and dissociated it from a sublethality factor. These results will enable a targeted selection of the resistance in barley breeding.
PURA Syndrome-causing mutations impair PUR-domain integrity and affect P-body association
Authors: Proske Marcel , Janowski Robert , Bacher Sabrina , Kang Hyun-Seo , Monecke Thomas , Köhler Tony , Hutten Saskia , Tretter Jana , Crois Anna , Molitor Lena , Varela-Rial Alejandro , Fino Roberto , Donati Elisa , Fabritiis Gianni De , Dormann Dorothee , Sattler Michael , Niessing Dierk 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMutations in the humanPURAgene cause the neuro-developmental PURA syndrome. In contrast to several other mono-genetic disorders, almost all reported mutations in this nucleic acid binding protein result in the full disease penetrance. In this study, we observed that patient mutations across PURA impair its previously reported co-localization with processing bodies. These mutations either destroyed the folding integrity, RNA binding or dimerization of PURA. We also solved the crystal structures of the N- and C-terminal PUR domains of human PURA and combined them with molecular dynamics simulations and NMR measurements. The observed unusually high dynamics and structural promiscuity of PURA indicated that this protein is particularly susceptible to mutations impairing its structural integrity. It offers an explanation why even conservative mutations across PURA result in the full penetrance of symptoms in patients with PURA syndrome.
Collateral sensitivity increases the efficacy of a rationally designed bacteriophage combination to controlSalmonella enterica
Authors: Acton Luke , Pye Hannah , Thilliez Gaëtan , Kolenda Rafał , Matthews Michaela , Turner A. Keith , Yasir Muhammad , Holden Emma , Al-Khanaq Haider , Webber Mark , Adriaenssens Evelien M , Kingsley Robert A 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe ability of virulent bacteriophages to lyse bacteria influences bacterial evolution, fitness, and population structure. Knowledge of both host susceptibility and resistance factors is crucial for the successful application of bacteriophages as biological control agents in clinical therapy, food processing and agriculture. In this study, we isolated twelve bacteriophages termed SPLA phage which infect the foodborne pathogenSalmonella enterica. To determine phage host range, a diverse collection ofEnterobacteriaceaeandSalmonella entericawere used and genes involved in infection by six SPLA phages were identified usingSalmonellaTyphimurium strain ST4/74. Candidate host receptors included lipopolysaccharide, cellulose and BtuB. Lipopolysaccharide was identified as susceptibility factor for phage SPLA1a and mutations in LPS biosynthesis genes spontaneously emerged during culture withS. Typhimurium. Conversely, LPS was a resistance factor for phage SPLA5b that suggested that emergence of LPS mutations in culture with SPLA1a may represent a case of collateral sensitivity to SPLA5b. We show that combination therapy with SPLA1a and SPLA5b was more successful in limiting the emergence of phage resistance compared to monotherapy. Identification of host susceptibility and resistance genes and understanding infection dynamics is critical step in rationale design of phage cocktails against specific bacterial pathogens.
Uridine Bisphosphonates Differentiate Phosphoglycosyl Transferase Superfamilies
Authors: Seebald Leah M. , Haratipour Pouya , Jacobs Michaela R. , Bernstein Hannah M. , Kashemirov Boris A. , McKenna Charles E. , Imperiali Barbara 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTComplex bacterial glycoconjugates are essential for bacterial survival, and drive interactions between pathogens and symbionts, and their human hosts. Glycoconjugate biosynthesis is initiated at the membrane interface by phosphoglycosyl transferases (PGTs), which catalyze the transfer of a phosphosugar from a soluble uridine diphospho-sugar (UDP-sugar) substrate to a membrane-bound polyprenol-phosphate (Pren-P). Two distinct superfamilies of PGT enzymes, denoted as polytopic and monotopic, carry out this reaction but show striking differences in structure and mechanism. With the goal of creating non-hydrolyzable mimics (UBP-sugars) of the UDP-sugar substrates as chemical probes to interrogate critical aspects of these essential enzymes, we designed and synthesized a series of uridine bisphosphonates (UBPs), wherein the diphosphate bridging oxygen of the UDP and UDP-sugar is replaced by a substituted methylene group (CXY; X/Y = F/F, Cl/Cl, (S)-H/F, (R)-H/F, H/H, CH3/CH3). These compounds, which incorporated as the conjugating sugar anN-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) substituent at the β-phosphonate, were evaluated as inhibitors of a representative polytopic PGT (WecA fromThermotoga maritima) and a monotopic PGT (PglC fromCampylobacter jejuni). Although CHF-BP most closely mimics pyrophosphate with respect to its acid/base properties, the less basic CF2-BP conjugate most strongly inhibited PglC, whereas the more basic CH2-BP analogue was the strongest inhibitor of WecA. These surprising differences indicate different modes of ligand binding for the different PGT superfamilies implicating a modified P–O−interaction with the structural Mg2+, consistent with their catalytic divergence. Furthermore, at least for the monoPGT superfamily example, this was not the sole determinant of ligand binding: the two diastereomeric CHF-BP conjugates, which feature a chiral center at the Pα-CHF-Pβcarbon, exhibited strikingly different binding affinities and the inclusion of GlcNAc with the native α-anomer configuration significantly improved binding affinity. UBP-sugars are a valuable tool for elucidating the structures and mechanisms of the distinct PGT superfamilies and offer a promising scaffold to develop novel antibiotic agents for the exclusively prokaryotic monoPGT superfamily.TABLE OF CONTENTS GRAPHIC
Extracellular Vesicles fromPneumocystis carinii-Infected Rats Impair Fungal Viability but are Dispensable for Macrophage Functions
Authors: Sayson Steven G. , Ashbaugh Alan , Cushion Melanie T. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPneumocystisspp. are host obligate fungal pathogens that can cause severe pneumonia in mammals and rely heavily on their host for essential nutrients. The lack of a sustainablein vitroculture system poses challenges in understanding their metabolism and the acquisition of essential nutrients from host lungs remains unexplored.Transmission electron micrographs show Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are found nearPneumocystisspp. within the lung. We hypothesized that EVs transport essential nutrients to the fungi during infection. To investigate this, EVs fromP. cariniiandP. murinainfected rodents were biochemically and functionally characterized. These EVs contained host proteins involved in cellular, metabolic, and immune processes as well as proteins with homologs found in other fungal EV proteomes, indicatingPneumocystismay release EVs. Notably, EV uptake byP. cariniiindicated their potential involvement in nutrient acquisition and indicate a possibility for using engineered EVs for efficient therapeutic delivery. However, EVs added toP. carinii in vitro, did not show increased growth or viability, implying that additional nutrients or factors are necessary to support their metabolic requirements. Exposure of macrophages to EVs increased proinflammatory cytokine levels, but did not affect macrophages’ ability to kill or phagocytoseP. carinii. These findings provide vital insights intoP. cariniiand host EV interactions, yet the mechanisms underlyingP. carinii’s survival in the lung remain uncertain. These studies are the first to isolate, characterize, and functionally assess EVs fromPneumocystis-infected rodents, promising to enhance our understanding of host-pathogen dynamics and therapeutic potential.
Alternative splicing regulation in plants by effectors of symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Betz Ruben , Heidt Sven , Figueira-Galán David , Langner Thorsten , Requena Natalia 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMost plants in natural ecosystems live in association with AM (arbuscular mycorrhizal) fungi to survive under poor nutrient conditions and to cope with other abiotic and biotic stresses. To engage in symbiosis, AM fungi secrete effector molecules that, similar to pathogenic effectors, reprogram plant cells. Despite numerous effectors being predicted in the genome of AM fungi, only a few have been functionally characterized. Here we show that the SP7-like family, a Glomeromycotina-specific effector family, impacts on the alternative splicing program of their hosts. SP7-like effectors localize at nuclear condensates and interact with the plant mRNA processing machinery, most prominently with the splicing factor SR45 and the core splicing proteins U170K and U2AF35. Ectopic expression of two of these effectors in the crop plant potato changed the alternative splicing pattern of a specific subset of genes. Unravelling the communication mechanisms between symbiotic fungi and their host plants will help to identify targets to improve plant nutrition.
Creating good knowledge together: heartful-communal storytelling at the intersection of caregiving and academia
Authors: Winham Nina , Williams Kristin S. , Jamjoom Liela A. , Watson Kerry , Weigand Heidi , Deal Nicholous M. 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore a novel storytelling approach that investigates lived experience at the intersection of motherhood/caregiving and Ph.D. pursuits. The paper contributes to the feminist tradition of writing differently through the process of care that emerges from shared stories.Design/methodology/approachUsing a process called heartful-communal storytelling, the authors evoke personal and embodied stories and transgressive narratives. The authors present a composite process drawing on heartful-autoethnography, dialogic writing and communal storytelling.FindingsThe paper makes two key contributions: (1) the paper illustrates a novel feminist process in action and (2) the paper contributes six discrete stories of lived experience at the intersection of parenthood and Ph.D. studies. The paper also contributes to the development of the feminist tradition of writing differently. Three themes emerged through the storytelling experience, and these include (1) creating boundaries and transgressing boundaries, (2) giving and receiving care and (3) neoliberal conformity and resistance. These themes, like the stories, also became entangled.Originality/valueThe paper demonstrates how heartful-communal storytelling can lead to individual and collective meaning making. While the Ph.D. is a solitary path, the authors' heartful-communal storytelling experience teaches that holding it separate from other relationships can impoverish what is learnt and constrain the production of good knowledge; the epistemic properties of care became self-evident.
Analyzing critical success factors for the implementation of air-taxi services for public transportation
Authors: Sah Bhawesh , Titiyal Rohit 
Published: September 2023

PurposeCompanies are adopting innovative methods for responsiveness and efficiency in the public transport sector. The implementation of air-taxi services (ATS) in the transport sector is a move in this direction. Air taxis have a two-pronged advantage as they can reduce travel times by avoiding traffic congestion and have the potential to reduce carbon footprint compared to traditional modes of public transportation. Many companies worldwide are developing and testing ATS for practical applications. However, many factors may play a significant role in adopting ATS in the transport sector. This paper attempts to unearth such critical success factors (CSFs) and establish the interrelationships between these factors.Design/methodology/approachFifteen CSFs were identified by systematically reviewing the literature and taking experts' input. An integrated multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique, Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory-Analytic Network Process (DEMATEL-ANP [DANP]) was used to envisage the causal relationships between the identified CSF.FindingsThe results reveal that Govt Regulations (GOR), Skilled Workforce (SKF) and Conductive Research Environment (CRE) are the most influential factors that impact the adoption of ATS in the transport sector.Practical implicationsThe research implications of these findings will help practitioners and policymakers effectively implement ATS in the public transportation sector.Originality/valueThis is the first kind of study that identifies and explores the different CSFs for ATS implementation in public transportation. The CSFs are evaluated with the help of a framework built with inputs from logistics experts. The study recognizes the CSFs for ATS implementation and provides a foundation for future research and smooth adoption of ATS.