bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of habitat management on newly found populations of the endangered weed, Mummenhoffia alliacea (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Bak Henrietta , Fekete Réka , Török Péter , Süveges Kristóf , Attila Molnár V. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractGarlic pennycress (Mummenhoffia alliacea) is a rare weed of the Brassicaceae family, protected in Hungary. In 2021, three new sites of the species were discovered. In addition to these previously unknown occurrences, a detailed study of a roadside occurrence known for a longer time but not yet published was carried out. Main aim of our study was to find out how habitat management practices, such as mowing and winter‐deicing effects seed mass and germination. Seeds collected earlier had significantly lower mass than those from later collections, suggesting that late‐spring mowing would be optimal for the reproduction of M. alliacea. The type of mowing (chopping the stem into small pieces or cutting the stem at one point at few centimetres above ground) had no significant effect on seed germination but did have a significant effect on the seed mass. Seed mass deriving from whole individuals was significantly higher than seed mass of chopped individuals, suggesting, that traditional mowing methods are better than the use of modern lawnmowers for the survival of the species. The highest NaCl (used for winter‐deicing) concentration where germination was observed was 0.75 m/m% (mass percentage), which is comparable with strongly saline soils in nature. The newly discovered sites were all disturbed, one of which was located on roadsides (paved and dirt roads) and two on embankments, suggesting that anthropogenic habitats could be optimal for the species, but the long‐term survival depends on the management of these habitats.
Growth of
Enterococcus faecalis
∆
plsX
strains is restored by increased saturated fatty acid synthesis
Authors: Zou Qi , Dong Huijuan , Cronan John E. 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

The
Enterococcus faecalis
acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) phosphate acyltransferase PlsX plays an important role in phospholipid synthesis and exogenous fatty acid incorporation. Loss of
plsX
almost completely blocks growth by decreasing
de novo
phospholipid synthesis, which leads to abnormally long-chain acyl chains in the cell membrane phospholipids. The ∆
plsX
strain failed to grow without supplementation with an appropriate exogenous fatty acid. Introduction of a ∆
fabT
mutation into the ∆
plsX
strain to increase fatty acid synthesis allowed very weak growth. The ∆
plsX
strain accumulated suppressor mutants. One of these encoded a truncated β-ketoacyl-ACP synthase II (FabO) which restored normal growth and restored
de novo
phospholipid acyl chain synthesis by increasing saturated acyl-ACP synthesis. Saturated acyl-ACPs are cleaved by a thioesterase to provide free fatty acids for conversion to acyl-phosphates by the FakAB system. The acyl-phosphates are incorporated into position
sn
1 of the phospholipids by PlsY. We report the
tesE
gene encodes a thioesterase that can provide free fatty acids. However, we were unable to delete the chromosomal
tesE
gene to confirm that it is the responsible enzyme. TesE readily cleaves unsaturated acyl-ACPs, whereas saturated acyl-ACPs are cleaved much more slowly. Overexpression of an
E. faecalis
enoyl-ACP reductase either FabK or FabI which results in high levels of saturated fatty acid synthesis also restored the growth of the ∆
plsX
strain. The ∆
plsX
strain grew faster in the presence of palmitic acid than in the presence of oleic acid with improvement in phospholipid acyl chain synthesis. Positional analysis of the acyl chain distribution in the phospholipids showed that saturated acyl chains dominate the
sn
1-position indicating a preference for saturated fatty acids at this position. High-level production of saturated acyl-ACPs is required to offset the marked preference of the TesE thioesterase for unsaturated acyl-ACPs and allow the initiation of phospholipid synthesis.
Low salinity activates a virulence program in the generalist marine pathogen
Photobacterium damselae
subsp.
damselae
Authors: Barca Alba V. , Vences Ana , Terceti Mateus S. , do Vale Ana , Osorio Carlos R. 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT

Facultative marine bacterial pathogens sense environmental signals so that the expression of virulence factors is upregulated on entry into hosts and downregulated during the free-living lifestyle in the environment. In this study, we utilized transcriptome sequencing to compare the transcriptional profiles of
Photobacterium damselae
subsp.
damselae
, a generalist pathogen that causes disease in diverse marine animals and fatal infections in humans at NaCl concentrations that mimic the free-living lifestyle or host internal milieu, respectively. We here show that NaCl concentration constitutes a major regulatory signal that shapes the transcriptome and uncover 1,808 differentially expressed genes (888 upregulated and 920 downregulated in response to low-salt conditions). Growth at 3% NaCl, a salinity that mimics the free-living lifestyle, upregulated genes involved in energy production, nitrogen metabolism, transport of compatible solutes, utilization of trehalose and fructose, and carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism with strong upregulation of the arginine deiminase system (ADS). In addition, we observed a marked increase in resistance to antibiotics at 3% NaCl. On the contrary, the low salinity conditions (1% NaCl) that mimic those encountered in the host triggered a virulence gene expression profile that maximized the production of the type 2 secretion system (T2SS)-dependent cytotoxins damselysin, phobalysin P, and a putative PirAB-like toxin, observations that were corroborated by the analysis of the secretome. Low salinity also upregulated the expression of iron-acquisition systems, efflux pumps, and other functions related to stress response and virulence. The results of this study greatly expand our knowledge of the salinity-responsive adaptations of a generalist and versatile marine pathogen.

IMPORTANCE

Pathogenic
Vibrionaceae
species experience continuous shifts of NaCl concentration in their life cycles. However, the impact of salinity changes in gene regulation has been studied in a small number of
Vibrio
species. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptional response of
Photobacterium damselae
subsp.
damselae
(
Pdd
), a generalist and facultative pathogen, to changes in salinity, and demonstrate that growth at 1% NaCl in comparison to 3% NaCl triggers a virulence program of gene expression, with a major impact in the T2SS-dependent secretome. The decrease in NaCl concentration encountered by bacteria on entry into a host is proposed to constitute a regulatory signal that upregulates a genetic program involved in host invasion and tissue damage, nutrient scavenging (notably iron), and stress responses. This study will surely inspire new research on
Pdd
pathobiology, as well as on other important pathogens of the family
Vibrionaceae
and related taxa whose salinity regulons still await investigation.
One-year survival and outcomes of infants born at 22 and 23 weeks of gestation in Sweden 2004–2007, 2014–2016 and 2017–2019
Authors: Farooqi Aijaz , Hakansson Stellan , Serenius Fredrik , Kallen Karin , Björklund Lars , Normann Erik , Domellöf Magnus , Ådén Ulrika , Abrahamsson Thomas , Elfvin Anders , Sävman Karin , Bergström Petra Um , Stephansson Olof , Ley David , Hellstrom-Westas Lena , Norman Mikael 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveTo explore associations between perinatal activity and survival in infants born at 22 and 23 weeks of gestation in Sweden.Design/SettingData on all births at 22 and 23 weeks’ gestational age (GA) were prospectively collected in 2004–2007 (T1) or obtained from national registers in 2014–2016 (T2) and 2017–2019 (T3). Infants were assigned perinatal activity scores based on 3 key obstetric and 4 neonatal interventions.Main outcomeOne-year survival and survival without major neonatal morbidities (MNM): intraventricular haemorrhage grade 3–4, cystic periventricular leucomalacia, surgical necrotising enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity stage 3–5 or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The association of GA-specific perinatal activity score and 1-year survival was also determined.Results977 infants (567 live births and 410 stillbirths) were included: 323 born in T1, 347 in T2 and 307 in T3. Among live-born infants, survival at 22 weeks was 5/49 (10%) in T1 and rose significantly to 29/74 (39%) in T2 and 31/80 (39%) in T3. Survival was not significantly different between epochs at 23 weeks (53%, 61% and 67%). Among survivors, the proportions without MNM in T1, T2 and T3 were 20%, 17% and 19% for 22 weeks and 17%, 25% and 25% for 23 weeks’ infants (p>0.05 for all comparisons). Each 5-point increment in GA-specific perinatal activity score increased the odds for survival in first 12 hours of life (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.4; 95% CI 1.3 to 1.6) in addition to 1-year survival (aOR 1.2; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.3), and among live-born infants it was associated with increased survival without MNM (aOR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.4).ConclusionIncreased perinatal activity was associated with reduced mortality and increased chances of survival without MNM in infants born at 22 and 23 weeks of GA.
Visual function after ultrathin Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty or Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty combined with cataract surgery: a randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Madsen Morten Brok Molbech , Ivarsen Anders , Hjortdal Jesper 
Published: June 2023

AimsTo compare best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity and endothelial cell density (ECD) after ultrathin Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) and Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).MethodsA randomised, single-blinded, single-centre design was used. 72 patients with Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy and cataract were randomised to UT-DSAEK or DMEK combined with phacoemulsification and lens implantation. 27 patients with cataract were included in a control group and treated with phacoemulsification and lens implantation. The primary outcome was BCVA at 12 months.ResultsCompared with UT-DSAEK, DMEK resulted in better BCVA with mean differences of 6.1 early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) (p=0.001) after 3 months, 7.4 ETDRS (p<0.001) after 6 months and 5.7 ETDRS (p<0.001) after 12 months. The control group obtained significantly better BCVA with a mean difference of 5.2 ETDRS (p<0.001) compared with DMEK 12 months postoperatively. Compared with UT-DSAEK, contrast sensitivity was significantly better 3 months after DMEK with a mean difference of 0.10 LogCS (p=0.03). However, our study found no effect after 12 months (p=0.08). ECD was significantly lower after UT-DSAEK compared with DMEK with mean differences of 332 cells/mm2(p<0.01) after 3 months, 296 cells/mm2(p<0.01) after 6 months and 227 cells/mm2(p=0.03) after 12 months.ConclusionsCompared with UT-DSAEK, DMEK resulted in better BCVA 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Twelve months postoperatively, DMEK had a higher ECD than UT-DSAEK; however, no difference in contrast sensitivity was found.Trial registration numberNCT04417959
Associations between antipsychotics and the risk of incident cardiovascular diseases in individuals with schizophrenia: a nested case–control study
Authors: Peng Peng , Li Jiqing , Chen Yujiao , Li Mingzhuo , Ma Feifei , Ji Shuang , Sun Shihua , Tang Fang 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundThe association between antipsychotics and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remains significant yet unestablished, especially in Chinese populations.ObjectiveTo investigate the risk of CVDs associated with antipsychotics among Chinese individuals with schizophrenia.MethodsWe conducted a nested case–control study on individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia in Shandong, China. The case group included individuals diagnosed with incident CVDs between 2012 and 2020. Each case was randomly matched with up to three controls. We used weighted logistic regression models to assess the risk of CVDs associated with antipsychotics and restricted cubic spline analysis to explore the dose–response relationship.FindingsIn total, 2493 cases and 7478 matched controls were included in the analysis. Compared with non-users, any antipsychotics use was associated with higher risk of any CVDs (weighted OR=1.54, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.79), with the risk mainly driven by ischaemic heart diseases (weighted OR=2.26, 95% CI 1.71 to 2.99). Treatments with haloperidol, aripiprazole, quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone, sulpiride and chlorpromazine were associated with increased risk of CVDs. A non-linear dose–response relationship between dosage of antipsychotics and risk of CVDs was observed, with a sharp increase in risk in the beginning and then flattening out with higher doses.ConclusionsUse of antipsychotics was associated with increased risk of incident CVDs among individuals with schizophrenia, and the risk varied substantially among different antipsychotics and specific CVDs.Clinical implicationsClinicians should consider the cardiovascular risk of antipsychotics and choose the appropriate type and dose of drugs in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Is proactive telephone-based breastfeeding peer support a cost-effective intervention? A within-trial cost-effectiveness analysis of the ‘Ringing Up about Breastfeeding earlY’ (RUBY) randomised controlled trial
Authors: McLardie-Hore Fiona E , Forster Della A , McLachlan H L , Shafiei Touran , Amir Lisa H , Davey Mary-Ann , Grimes Heather , Gold Lisa 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveThe ‘Ringing Up about Breastfeeding earlY’ (RUBY) randomised controlled trial showed increased breastfeeding at 6 months in participants who received the proactive telephone-based peer support breastfeeding intervention compared with participants allocated to receive standard care and supports. The present study aimed to evaluate if the intervention was cost-effective.DesignA within-trial cost-effectiveness analysis.SettingThree metropolitan maternity services in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.ParticipantsFirst time mothers intending to breastfeed their infant (1152) and peer volunteers (246).InterventionThe intervention comprised proactive telephone-based support from a peer volunteer from early postpartum up to 6 months. Participants were allocated to usual care (n=578) or the intervention (n=574).Main outcome measuresCosts during a 6-month follow-up period including individual healthcare, breastfeeding support and intervention costs in all participants, and an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio.ResultsCosts per mother supported were valued at $263.75 (or $90.33 excluding costs of donated volunteer time). There was no difference between the two arms in costs for infant and mothers in healthcare and breastfeeding support costs. These figures result in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $4146 ($1393 if volunteer time excluded) per additional mother breast feeding at 6 months.ConclusionConsidering the significant improvement in breastfeeding outcomes, this intervention is potentially cost-effective. These findings, along with the high value placed on the intervention by women and peer volunteers provides robust evidence to upscale the implementation of this intervention.Trial registration numberACTRN12612001024831.
Long-term impacts of an urban sanitation intervention on enteric pathogens in children in Maputo city, Mozambique: study protocol for a cross-sectional follow-up to the Maputo Sanitation (MapSan) trial 5 years postintervention
Authors: Holcomb David A , Monteiro Vanessa , Capone Drew , António Virgílio , Chiluvane Márcia , Cumbane Victória , Ismael Nália , Knee Jackie , Kowalsky Erin , Lai Amanda , Linden Yarrow , Mataveia Elly , Nala Rassul , Rao Gouthami , Ribeiro Jorge , Cumming Oliver , Viegas Edna , Brown Joe 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionWe previously assessed the effect of an onsite sanitation intervention in informal neighbourhoods of urban Maputo, Mozambique on enteric pathogen detection in children after 2 years of follow-up (Maputo Sanitation (MapSan) trial, ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT02362932). We found significant reductions inShigellaandTrichurisprevalence but only among children born after the intervention was delivered. In this study, we assess the health impacts of the sanitation intervention after 5 years among children born into study households postintervention.Methods and analysisWe are conducting a cross-sectional household study of enteric pathogen detection in child stool and the environment at compounds (household clusters sharing sanitation and outdoor living space) that received the pour-flush toilet and septic tank intervention at least 5 years prior or meet the original criteria for trial control sites. We are enrolling at least 400 children (ages 29 days to 60 months) in each treatment arm. Our primary outcome is the prevalence of 22 bacterial, protozoan, and soil transmitted helminth enteric pathogens in child stool using the pooled prevalence ratio across the outcome set to assess the overall intervention effect. Secondary outcomes include the individual pathogen detection prevalence and gene copy density of 27 enteric pathogens (including viruses); mean height-for-age, weight-for-age, and weight-for-height z-scores; prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting; and the 7-day period prevalence of caregiver-reported diarrhoea. All analyses are adjusted for prespecified covariates and examined for effect measure modification by age. Environmental samples from study households and the public domain are assessed for pathogens and faecal indicators to explore environmental exposures and monitor disease transmission.Ethics and disseminationStudy protocols have been reviewed and approved by human subjects review boards at the Ministry of Health, Republic of Mozambique and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Deidentified study data will be deposited athttps://osf.io/e7pvk/.Trial registration numberISRCTN86084138.
Cohort profile: the BABY1000 pilot prospective longitudinal birth cohort study based in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Grech Allison Marie , Kizirian Nathalie , Lal Ravin , Zankl Angelika , Birkner Karin , Nasir Reeja , Muirhead Roslyn , Sau-Harvey Rachelle , Haghighi Marjan Mosalman , Collins Clare , Holmes Andrew , Skilton Michael , Simpson Stephen , Gordon Adrienne 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThe health of parents prior to conception, a woman’s health during pregnancy and the infant’s environment across their first months and years collectively have profound effects on the child’s health across the lifespan. Since there are very few cohort studies in early pregnancy, gaps remain in our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning these relationships, and how health may be optimised. ‘BABY1000’, a pilot prospective longitudinal birth cohort study, aims to (1) identify factors before and during pregnancy and early life that impact longer-term health and (2) assess the feasibility and acceptability of study design to inform future research.ParticipantsParticipants were based in Sydney, Australia. Women were recruited at preconception or 12 weeks’ gestation, and data were collected from them throughout pregnancy and postpartum, their children until the age of 2 years, and dietary information from a partner (if able) at the last study visit. The pilot aimed to recruit 250 women. However, recruitment ceased earlier than planned secondary to limitations from the COVID-19 pandemic and the final number of subjects was 225.Findings to dateBiosamples, clinical measurements and sociodemographic/psychosocial measures were collected using validated tools and questionnaires. Data analysis and 24-month follow-up assessments for children are ongoing. Key early findings presented include participant demographics and dietary adequacy during pregnancy. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health and research restrictions affected recruitment of participants, follow-up assessments and data completeness.Future plansThe BABY1000 study will provide further insight into the developmental origins of health and disease and inform design and implementation of future cohort and intervention studies in the field. Since the BABY1000 pilot was conducted across the COVID-19 pandemic, it also provides unique insight into the early impacts of the pandemic on families, which may have effects on health across the lifespan.
Impact of fatigue as the primary determinant of functional limitations among patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Walker Sarah , Goodfellow Henry , Pookarnjanamorakot Patra , Murray Elizabeth , Bindman Julia , Blandford Ann , Bradbury Katherine , Cooper Belinda , Hamilton Fiona L , Hurst John R , Hylton Hannah , Linke Stuart , Pfeffer Paul , Ricketts William , Robson Chris , Stevenson Fiona A , Sunkersing David , Wang Jiunn , Gomes Manuel , Henley William , Collaboration Living With Covid Recovery 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesTo describe self-reported characteristics and symptoms of treatment-seeking patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). To assess the impact of symptoms on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and patients’ ability to work and undertake activities of daily living.DesignCross-sectional single-arm service evaluation of real-time user data.Setting31 post-COVID-19 clinics in the UK.Participants3754 adults diagnosed with PCS in primary or secondary care deemed suitable for rehabilitation.InterventionPatients using the Living With Covid Recovery digital health intervention registered between 30 November 2020 and 23 March 2022.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was the baseline Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). WSAS measures the functional limitations of the patient; scores of ≥20 indicate moderately severe limitations. Other symptoms explored included fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire–Eight Item Depression Scale), anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale, Seven-Item), breathlessness (Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale and Dyspnoea-12), cognitive impairment (Perceived Deficits Questionnaire, Five-Item Version) and HRQoL (EQ-5D). Symptoms and demographic characteristics associated with more severe functional limitations were identified using logistic regression analysis.Results3541 (94%) patients were of working age (18-65); mean age (SD) 48 (12) years; 1282 (71%) were female and 89% were white. 51% reported losing ≥1 days from work in the previous 4 weeks; 20% reported being unable to work at all. Mean WSAS score at baseline was 21 (SD 10) with 53% scoring ≥20. Factors associated with WSAS scores of ≥20 were high levels of fatigue, depression and cognitive impairment. Fatigue was found to be the main symptom contributing to a high WSAS score.ConclusionA high proportion of this PCS treatment-seeking population was of working age with over half reporting moderately severe or worse functional limitation. There were substantial impacts on ability to work and activities of daily living in people with PCS. Clinical care and rehabilitation should address the management of fatigue as the dominant symptom explaining variation in functionality.