bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of protozoan grazing on magnetotactic bacteria on intracellular and extracellular iron content
Authors: Seki Yusuke , Eguchi Yukako , Taoka Azuma 
Published: February 2023

AbstractMagnetotactic bacteria (MTB) ubiquitously inhabit the oxic–anoxic interface or anaerobic areas of aquatic environments. MTB biomineralize magnetite or greigite crystals and synthesize an organelle known as magnetosome. This intrinsic ability of MTB allows them to accumulate iron to levels 100–1000 times higher than those in non‐magnetotactic bacteria (non‐MTB). Therefore, MTB considerably contributes to the global iron cycle as primary iron suppliers in the aquatic environmental food chain. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports describing the effects of trophic interactions between MTB and their protist grazers on the iron distributions in MTB grazers and the extracellular milieu. Herein, we evaluated the effects of MTB grazing using a model species of protist (Tetrahymena pyriformis) and a model species of MTB (Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB‐1). MTB‐fed T. pyriformis exhibited a magnetic response and contained magnetite crystals in their vacuoles. Fluorescence imaging using a ferrous ion‐specific fluorescent dye revealed that the cellular ferrous ion content was five times higher in MTB‐fed T. pyriformis than in non‐MTB grazers. Moreover, soluble iron concentrations in the spent media increased with time during MTB predation. This study provides experimental evidence to delineate the importance of trophic interactions of MTB on iron distributions.
Individual level microbial communities in the digestive system of the freshwater isopod Asellus aquaticus: Complex, robust and prospective
Authors: Liao Aijuan , Hartikainen Hanna , Buser Claudia C. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe freshwater isopod Asellus aquaticus is an important decomposer of leaf detritus, and its diverse gut microbiome has been depicted as key contributors in lignocellulose degradation as of terrestrial isopods. However, it is not clear whether the individual‐level microbiome profiles in the isopod digestive system across different habitats match the implied robust digestion function of the microbiome. Here, we described the bacterial diversity and abundance in the digestive system (hindgut and caeca) of multiple A. aquaticus individuals from two contrasting freshwater habitats. Individuals from a lake and a stream harboured distinct microbiomes, indicating a strong link between the host‐associated microbiome and microbes inhabiting the environments. While faeces likely reflected the variations in environmental microbial communities included in the diet, the microbial communities also substantially differed in the hindgut and caeca. Microbes closely related to lignocellulose degradation are found consistently more enriched in the hindgut in each individual. Caeca often associated with taxa implicated in endosymbiotic/parasitic roles (Mycoplasmatales and Rickettsiales), highlighting a complex host–parasite–microbiome interaction. The results highlight the lability of the A. aquaticus microbiome supporting the different functions of the two digestive organs, which may confer particular advantages in freshwater environments characterized by seasonally fluctuating and spatially disparate resource availability.
Anaerobic methane‐oxidizing activity in a deep underground borehole dominantly colonized by Ca. Methanoperedenaceae
Authors: Nishimura Hiroki , Kouduka Mariko , Fukuda Akari , Ishimura Toyoho , Amano Yuki , Beppu Hikari , Miyakawa Kazuya , Suzuki Yohey 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe family Ca. Methanoperedenaceae archaea mediates the anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) in different terrestrial environments. Using a newly developed high‐pressure laboratory incubation system, we investigated 214‐ and 249‐m deep groundwater samples at Horonobe Underground Research Laboratory, Japan, where the high and low abundances of Ca. Methanoperedenaceae archaea have been shown by genome‐resolved metagenomics, respectively. The groundwater samples amended with 13C‐labelled methane and amorphous Fe(III) were incubated at a pressure of 1.6 MPa. After 3–7 days of incubation, the AOM rate was 45.8 ± 19.8 nM/day in 214‐m groundwater. However, almost no activity was detected from 249‐m groundwater. Based on the results from 16S rRNA gene analysis, the abundance of Ca. Methanoperedenaceae archaea was high in the 214‐m deep groundwater sample, whereas Ca. Methanoperedenaceae archaea was undetected in the 249‐m deep groundwater sample. These results support the in situ AOM activity of Ca. Methanoperedenaceae archaea in the 214‐m deep subsurface borehole interval. Although the presence of Fe‐bearing phyllosilicates was demonstrated in the 214‐m deep groundwater, it needs to be determined whether Ca. Methanoperedenaceae archaea use the Fe‐bearing phyllosilicates as in situ electron acceptors by high‐pressure incubation amended with the Fe‐bearing phyllosilicates.
Optimizing insect metabarcoding using replicated mock communities
Authors: Iwaszkiewicz‐Eggebrecht Elzbieta , Granqvist Emma , Buczek Mateusz , Prus Monika , Kudlicka Jan , Roslin Tomas , Tack Ayco J. M. , Andersson Anders F. , Miraldo Andreia , Ronquist Fredrik , Łukasik Piotr 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Metabarcoding (high‐throughput sequencing of marker gene amplicons) has emerged as a promising and cost‐effective method for characterizing insect community samples. Yet, the methodology varies greatly among studies and its performance has not been systematically evaluated to date. In particular, it is unclear how accurately metabarcoding can resolve species communities in terms of presence‐absence, abundance and biomass.

Here we use mock community experiments and a simple probabilistic model to evaluate the effect of different DNA extraction protocols on metabarcoding performance. Specifically, we ask four questions: (Q1) How consistent are the recovered community profiles across replicate mock communities?; (Q2) How does the choice of lysis buffer affect the recovery of the original community?; (Q3) How are community estimates affected by differing lysis times and homogenization? and (Q4) Is it possible to obtain adequate species abundance estimates through the use of biological spike‐ins?

We show that estimates are quite variable across community replicates. In general, a mild lysis protocol is better at reconstructing species lists and approximate counts, while homogenization is better at retrieving biomass composition. Small insects are more likely to be detected in lysates, while some tough species require homogenization to be detected. Results are less consistent across biological replicates for lysates than for homogenates. Some species are associated with strong PCR amplification bias, which complicates the reconstruction of species counts. Yet, with adequate spike‐in data, species abundance can be determined with roughly 40% standard error for homogenates, and with roughly 50% standard error for lysates, under ideal conditions. In the latter case, however, this often requires species‐specific reference data, while spike‐in data generalize better across species for homogenates.

We conclude that a non‐destructive, mild lysis approach shows the highest promise for the presence/absence description of the community, while also allowing future morphological or molecular work on the material. However, homogenization protocols perform better for characterizing community composition, in particular in terms of biomass.
Research and policy recommendations from the SOTA XVI: State of the Art Conference on VA Emergency Medicine
Authors: Ward Michael J. , Hwang Ula , Hastings S. Nicole , Timko Christine , Chen Jason I. , Vashi Anita A. , Mattocks Kristin , Abel Erica A. , Bravata Dawn M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTo better understand and prioritize research on emergency care for Veterans, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Health Services Research and Development convened the 16th State of the Art Conference on VA Emergency Medicine (SAVE) in Winter 2022 with emergency clinicians, researchers, operational leaders, and additional stakeholders in attendance. Three specific areas of focus were identified including older Veterans, Veterans with mental health needs, and emergency care in the community (non‐VA) settings. Among older Veterans, identified priorities included examination of variation in care and its impact on patient outcomes, utilization, and costs; quality of emergency department (ED) care transitions and strategies to improve them; impact of geriatric ED care improvement initiatives; and use of geriatric assessment tools in the ED. For Veterans with mental health needs, priorities included enhancing the reach of effective, multicomponent suicide prevention interventions; development and evaluation of interventions to manage substance use disorders; and identifying and examining safety and effective acute psychosis practices. Community (non‐VA) emergency care priorities included examining changes in patterns of use and costs in VA and the community care settings as a result of recent policy and coverage changes (with an emphasis on modifiable factors); understanding quality, safety, and Veteran experience differences between VA and community settings; and better understanding follow‐up needs among Veterans who received emergency care (or urgent care) and how well those needs are being coordinated, communicated, and met. Beyond these three groups, cross‐cutting themes included the use of telehealth and implementation science to refine multicomponent interventions, care coordination, and data needs from both VA and non‐VA sources. Findings from this conference will be disseminated through multiple mechanisms and contribute to future funding applications focused on improving Veteran health.
How Can Local Policy Uncertainty Encourage Firm Innovation: A Competitive Advantage Channel*
Authors: Ni Xiaoran 
Published: February 2023

AbstractExploring the turnover of city heads in China, I find that state‐owned enterprises (SOEs), which possess competitive advantages (especially resource‐based) due to innate government connections, significantly increase innovation compared with non‐SOEs when local policy uncertainty heightens. In particular, when the turnover of city heads occurs, SOEs are able to obtain a larger amount of external financing at lower costs than non‐SOEs. Additionally, SOEs that file invention patents at the height of local policy uncertainty have better product market performances. My findings indicate that heightened local policy uncertainty enables firms with innate government connections to explore first‐mover advantages through innovation activities.
Immunohistochemical detection of double‐stranded RNA in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue
Authors: Thomsen Christian , Røge Rasmus , Fred Åsa , Wanders Alkwin 
Published: February 2023

Double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) is produced during most viral infections, and immunohistochemical detection of dsRNA has been proposed as a potential screening marker for viral replication. The anti‐dsRNA monoclonal antibody clone 9D5 is more sensitive than the established clone J2 but has not been validated in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue. This study aimed to test and compare the performance of the anti‐dsRNA monoclonal antibodies, 9D5 and J2, in FFPE tissue using an automated staining platform. Archived clinical tissue samples with viral infections (n = 34) and uninfected controls (n = 30) were examined. Immunohistochemical staining for dsRNA (9D5 and J2) and virus‐specific epitopes was performed. 9D5 provided a similar staining pattern but a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio than J2. The following proportions of virus‐infected tissue samples were dsRNA‐positive: SARS‐CoV‐2 (5/5), HPV (6/6), MCV (5/5), CMV (5/6), HSV (4/6), and EBV (0/6). Also, 18 of 30 uninfected samples were dsRNA positive, and an association between fixation time and intensity was observed. However, signals in all samples were markedly reduced by pretreatment with dsRNA‐specific RNAse‐III, indicating a specific reaction. In conclusion, dsRNA can be demonstrated in most viral infections with immunohistochemistry in FFPE tissue but with low clinical specificity. The antibody clone 9D5 performs better than clone J2.
Adjunctive lumateperone (ITI‐007) in the treatment of bipolar depression: Results from a randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Suppes Trisha , Durgam Suresh , Kozauer Susan G. , Chen Richard , Lakkis Hassan D. , Davis Robert E. , Satlin Andrew , Vanover Kimberly E. , Mates Sharon , McIntyre Roger S. , Tohen Mauricio 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis phase 3, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study (NCT02600507) evaluated the efficacy and safety of lumateperone adjunctive therapy to lithium or valproate in patients with bipolar depression.MethodsPatients (18–75 years) with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder experiencing a major depressive episode (MDE), with inadequate therapeutic response to lithium or valproate, were randomized 1:1:1 to 6 weeks adjunctive therapy with lumateperone 28 mg (n = 176), lumateperone 42 mg (n = 177), or placebo (n = 176). The primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints were change from baseline to Day 43 in Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) Total score and the Clinical Global Impression Scale‐Bipolar Version‐Severity Scale (CGI‐BP‐S) depression subscore. Safety assessments included adverse events, laboratory evaluations, vital signs, extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), and suicidality.ResultsPatients treated with adjunctive lumateperone 42 mg showed significantly greater improvement compared with adjunctive placebo in MADRS Total score (LS mean difference vs placebo [LSMD], −2.4; p = 0.02) and CGI‐BP‐S depression subscore (LSMD, −0.3; p = 0.01), while adjunctive lumateperone 28 mg showed numerical improvement in MADRS Total score (LSMD, −1.7; p = 0.10) and improvement in the CGI‐BP‐S depression subscore (LSMD, −0.3; p = 0.04). Adjunctive lumateperone treatment was well tolerated; treatment‐emergent adverse events reported at rates >5% and twice placebo for lumateperone 42 mg were somnolence (11.3%), dizziness (10.7%), and nausea (8.5%), with minimal risk of EPS, metabolic abnormalities, or increased prolactin.ConclusionsLumateperone 42‐mg treatment adjunctive to lithium or valproate significantly improved depression symptoms and was generally well tolerated in patients with MDEs associated with either bipolar I or bipolar II disorder.
Procreative Justice and genetic selection for skin colour
Authors: Marway Herjeet Kaur 
Published: February 2023

AbstractShould nonprejudiced reproducers genetically select embryos for light skin under background conditions of racism and colourism, given that darker skin will be disadvantageous for their child? Many intuit that there are strong moral reasons not to select light skin in these contexts. I argue that existing procreative principles cannot adequately account for this judgement. Instead, I argue that a more compelling rationale for this intuition is that such selection completes an instance of race or colour injustice. Given this, I propose a new, complementary principle—Procreative Justice—which holds that reproducers have strong pro tanto moral reasons to avoid completing race and colour injustices via their selection choices. While these reasons may be overridden by competing considerations, they nonetheless continue to exert normative force.
The importance of perceived quality of instruction, achievement motivation and difficulties in self‐regulation for students who drop out of university
Authors: Wild Steffen , Grassinger Robert 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackground: Starting a study programme at an university, students are confronted with rising requirements regulating their learning processes and motivation. Both difficulties due to this regulation and the quality of instruction are associated with students dropping out from a study programme in the research.Aims: The purpose of this research is to analyse the interplay and effect of difficulties in self‐regulated learning, achievement motivation (i.e. academic self‐concept, subject interest), and perceived quality of instruction in dropping out from an university study programme.Sample: We sampled 2301 cooperative students in their first academic year. The average age was M = 22.12 (SD = 3.02), and 1167 were male (50.7%).Method: This cross‐sectional study used structural equation models for hypothesis analysis. Three years after the survey, dropout information from the university administration was matched to the survey data.Results: The results indicate associations between academic self‐concept, subject interest and difficulties in regulating one's motivation with dropout. An indirect effect was found between perceived quality of instruction and dropout via academic self‐concept, subject interest and difficulties in regulating one's motivation.Conclusions: The relevance of perceived quality of instruction, self‐concept, subject interest and difficulties in motivational regulation and consequences for dropout is illustrated.
Development of a long‐acting relaxin analogue, LY3540378, for treatment of chronic heart failure
Authors: Verdino Petra , Lee Stacey L. , Cooper Fariba N. , Cottle Steven R. , Grealish Patrick F. , Hu Charlie C. , Meyer Catalina M. , Lin Joanne , Copeland Victoria , Porter Gina , Schroeder Richard L. , Thompson Tyran D. , Porras Leah L. , Dey Asim , Zhang Hong Y. , Beebe Emily C. , Matkovich Scot J. , Coskun Tamer , Balciunas Aldona M. , Ferrante Andrea , Siegel Robert , Malherbe Laurent , Bivi Nicoletta , Paavola Chad D. , Hansen Ryan J. , Abernathy Matthew M. , Nwosu Sylvia O. , Carr Molly C. , Heuer Josef G. , Wang Xiaojun 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackground and PurposeChronic heart failure, a progressive disease with limited treatment options currently available, especially in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), represents an unmet medical need as well as an economic burden. The development of a novel therapeutic to slow or reverse disease progression would be highly impactful to patients and society. Relaxin‐2 (relaxin) is a human hormone regulating cardiovascular, renal, and pulmonary adaptations during pregnancy. A short‐acting recombinant relaxin, Serelaxin, demonstrated short‐term heart failure symptom relief and biomarker improvement in acute heart failure trials. Here, we present the development of a long‐acting relaxin analogue to be tested in the treatment of chronic heart failure.Experimental ApproachLY3540378 is a long‐acting protein therapeutic composed of a human relaxin analogue and a serum albumin‐binding VHH domain.Key ResultsLY3540378 is a potent agonist of the relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) and maintains selectivity against RXFP2/3/4 comparable to native relaxin. The half‐life of LY3540378 in preclinical species is extended through high affinity binding of the albumin‐binding VHH domain to serum albumin. When tested in a single dose administration, LY3540378 elicited relaxin‐mediated pharmacodynamic responses, such as reduced serum osmolality and increased renal blood flow in rats. In an isoproterenol‐induced cardiac hypertrophy mouse model, treatment with LY3540378 significantly reduced cardiac hypertrophy and improved isovolumetric relaxation time. In a monkey cardiovascular safety study, there were no adverse observations from administration of LY3540378.Conclusion and ImplicationsLY3540378 demonstrated to be a suitable clinical development candidate, and is progressing in clinical trials.
Forest structure predicts species richness and functional diversity in Amazonian mixed‐species bird flocks
Authors: Coddington Charles P. J. , Cooper W. Justin , Mokross Karl , Luther David A. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSecondary forest has the potential to act as an important habitat for biodiversity and restoring ecological benefits. Functional diversity, which includes morphological and behavioral traits that mediate species interactions with the surrounding environment, relates to the resilience of ecosystems. To assess the relationship between habitat structural differences in primary and secondary forest and the resultant differences in functional diversity of avian species, we followed 11 mixed‐species flocks at the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project, near Manaus, Brazil. We used remote sensing LiDAR to assess which three‐dimensional forest structural features are most closely associated with variation in species richness and functional diversity in secondary and primary tropical forest flocks. The species richness of flocks in primary forest increased in areas with higher elevation and higher leaf area density in the understory and subcanopy but was not correlated with habitat structure in secondary forest. Functional diversity increased at lower elevations and with a denser subcanopy in both primary forest and secondary forest but only increased with greater understory leaf area density in primary forest. Together, these results indicate that a dense subcanopy and understory can be important for mixed‐species flocks and that flock richness and functional diversity can be predicted by vegetation structure.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Medication management strategies by family caregivers of children with special healthcare needs
Authors: Min Elissa E. , Wheeler Holly , Hennessy Christine , Abebe Ephrem 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the strategies utilized by family caregivers managing medications for their children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN), those who require higher than normal care due to their multifaceted healthcare needs. Medication management strategies are a set of methods or techniques developed or adapted by caregivers to overcome medication‐related barriers and ensure successful therapeutic outcomes. An in‐depth understanding of such strategies is a requisite first step toward developing interventions that support caregiver‐mediated medication management.MethodsWe conducted semi‐structured qualitative interviews with 20 family caregivers of CSHCN who were recruited as part of a community engaged research between Purdue University College of Pharmacy and Indiana Family to Family. Interviews were conducted through zoom and audio recorded. Each participant was provided with a $50 honorarium. Interviews were professionally transcribed and content analyzed to generate categories of medication management strategies.ResultsFive overarching categories of medication management strategies were identified. These included (1) medications, supplies and equipment inventory management; (2) organizing and tracking medications, supplies and equipment; (3) medication‐related communication, coordination and engagement; (4) medication administration and (5) researching and learning about medications. Within each category, caregivers developed or adapted specific strategies to overcome barriers in diverse care contexts (e.g., when interacting with healthcare systems, school staff or other members of their household).ConclusionThese findings can inform current clinical practice through improved awareness of different strategies employed by caregivers and lay a foundation to develop interventions designed to support caregiver mediated medication management.