bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FTY‐720 alleviates diabetes‐induced liver injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Ye Huijing , Sun Mengyao , Jin Zijie , Yuan Yan , Weng Hongbo
Published: April 2023

We aimed to investigate the protective effect of FTY‐720 on liver injury and explore its potential mechanism in diabetic mice. The diabetic mouse model was induced with streptozotocin and FTY‐720 was administered for 12 weeks. We assayed biocharacters and liver function and used histopathology staining to evaluate the protective effects of FTY‐720 against diabetic liver injury. Levels of oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver were observed. mRNA and protein levels of essential enzymes for glucose metabolism were quantified in the liver and the protein expression of TLR4, HIF1α and NF‐κB was determined. In vivo results revealed that FTY‐720 significantly lowered blood glucose and lipids and improved liver function and alleviated liver fibrosis in diabetic mice. FTY‐720 reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, with the increased catalase activity and reduced levels of malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, TGF‐β, and MCP1. Furthermore, FTY‐720 modulated glucose metabolism in liver and elevated the ATP production, showing the promotion of glycogenesis and glycolysis and inhibition of gluconeogenesis. Moreover, FTY‐720 inhibited the expression of TLR4 and HIF1α, contributing to restoration of liver function. In conclusion, FTY‐720 ameliorates diabetes‐induced liver injury and improves glucose homeostasis by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation and may be a promise drug for treatment of liver disease.
Advances in the phytochemical screening and biological potential of propolis
Authors: de Almeida‐Junior Silvio , Ferraz Matheus Vitor Ferreira , de Oliveira Alex Roberto , Maniglia Fabíola Pansani , Bastos Jairo Kenupp , Furtado Ricardo Andrade
Published: April 2023

Propolis is a natural resinous product collected from different parts of plants by bees and mixed with their salivary secretions. The occurrence of more than 180 different chemotypes has flavonoids, phenolic acids, esters, and phenolic aldehydes, as well as balsamic resins, beeswax, pollen, and essential and aromatic oils, among others. Its biological potential documented throughout the world justifies the need, from time to time, to organize reviews on the subject, with the intention of gathering and informing about the update on propolis. In this review (CRD42020212971), phytochemical advances, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical biological assays of pharmacological interest are showcased. The focus of this work is to present propolis clinical safety assays, antitumor, analgesic, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. This literature review highlights propolis' promising biological activity, as it also suggests that studies associating propolis with nanotechnology should be further explored for enhanced bioprocessing applications.
Global variations and controlling factors of anammox rates
Authors: Yao Yanzhong , Han Bingbing , Liu Bin , Wang Yini , Su Xiaoxuan , Ma Lihua , Zhang Tong , Niu Shuli , Chen Xinping , Li Zhaolei
Published: April 2023

Soil anammox is an environmentally friendly way to eliminate reactive nitrogen (N) without generating nitrous oxide. Nevertheless, the current earth system models have not incorporated the anammox due to the lack of parameters in anammox rates on a global scale, limiting the accurate projection for N cycling. A global synthesis with 1212 observations from 89 peer‐reviewed papers showed that the average anammox rate was 1.60 ± 0.17 nmol N g−1 h−1 in terrestrial ecosystems, with significant variations across different ecosystems. Wetlands exhibited the highest rate (2.17 ± 0.31 nmol N g−1 h−1), followed by croplands at 1.02 ± 0.09 nmol N g−1 h−1. The lowest anammox rates were observed in forests and grasslands. The anammox rates were positively correlated with the mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation, soil moisture, organic carbon (C), total N, as well as nitrite and ammonium concentrations, but negatively with the soil C:N ratio. Structural equation models revealed that the geographical variations in anammox rates were primarily influenced by the N contents (such as nitrite and ammonium) and abundance of anammox bacteria, which collectively accounted for 42% of the observed variance. Furthermore, the abundance of anammox bacteria was well simulated by the mean annual precipitation, soil moisture, and ammonium concentrations, and 51% variance of the anammox bacteria was accounted for. The key controlling factors for soil anammox rates differed from ecosystem type, for example, organic C, total N, and ammonium contents in croplands, versus soil C:N ratio and nitrite concentrations in wetlands. The controlling factors in soil anammox rate identified by this study are useful to construct an accurate anammox module for N cycling in earth system models.
The significance of feminist infrastructure: #MeToo in the construction industry and the green industry in Sweden
Authors: Hansson Karin , Ganetz Hillevi , Sveningsson Malin
Published: April 2023

To better understand the interplay between digital activism and feminist infrastructure, this study investigates #MeToo activism in the Swedish construction industry and green industry. Both are industries in transition characterized by a dissonance between formal incentives, that encourage women and others to work in environments previously dominated by white men, and the informal power structures hosting a toxic masculinity. Based on media texts and interviews with key persons from the industries, the article situates #MeToo in a local context and shows how it was embedded in a supportive social, cultural, and technical infrastructure. In both industries, at the time of #MeToo this feminist infrastructure was already in place consisting of: an awareness of the problem of sexual harassment and abuse, knowledge of feminist explanatory models, established feminist online networks, and a supportive feminist culture, which together with widespread digital and feminist literacy became instrumental in the organization of the movement. Social media connected activists and created a critical mass by supporting the uniting of conflicting identity positions around shared differences. The established feminist infrastructure meant that the #MeToo activism, by articulating a widespread affective dissonance, pushed open doors that were already half open and forced them wide. This can explain some of the movement's success in Sweden.
Determinants of using online mode of teaching: Evidence from higher educational institutions
Authors: Bag Sudin , Sinha Abhijit , Aich Payel
Published: April 2023

The investigation looks at the intention of teachers in higher educational institutions towards online teaching–learning methods using the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. In the aftermath of Covid‐19, the education sector was in shambles, and it was impossible to continue with the traditional offline form, which forced a sudden transition to the online mode of teaching and learning. Thus, it is immensely important to identify the various factors that determine the intention to use the online teaching method by the facilitators of higher education. The present contributions have failed to provide a complete framework towards technological adaptation in higher learning. The approach taken by the researchers is a holistic one as it considers concrete aspects not considered in the previous literature. For this purpose, responses are collected from 240 faculty members of higher education institutions using the online survey method with the help of a structured research questionnaire. The scale of the items was adopted from the existing literature and modified to fit the research objectives. After testing for the outliers and reliability, 231 samples are finally considered. The partial least square structural equation modelling method is employed to test and validate the proposed model. Results of the study show that performance expectation, self‐efficacy, social influence and facilitating conditions have a significant influence on the teachers’ intention towards the use of the online teaching–learning method, which leads to the actual use of this ICT‐based teaching–learning method. In addition, the study highlights that the age of teachers has a negative but significant influence on the intention to use, and discipline has a positive effect. Nevertheless, the institutional level has a negative and significant influence on teachers’ actual use of online teaching–learning methods. The findings can help to design strategies for teaching–learning in recent times.
RETRACTED: Knee and hip arthroplasty joint surgical site wound infection in end‐stage renal disease subjects who underwent dialysis or a kidney transplant: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Luo Yankun , Gong Junfeng , Yang Shuyuan
Published: April 2023

A meta‐analysis study to assess the knee and hip arthroplasty joint surgical site wound infection (SSWI) in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) subjects who underwent dialysis or a kidney transplant (KT). A comprehensive literature examination till February 2023 was implemented and 1046 linked studies were appraised. The picked studies contained 5 471 898 subjects with total joint arthroplasty (TJA) at the baseline, 13 049 of them were haemodialysis or renal transplant, and 5 458 849 were control. Odds ratio (OR) in addition to 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to calculate the consequence of knee and hip arthroplasty SSWI in ESRD subjects who underwent dialysis or a KT by the dichotomous and continuous styles and a fixed or random model. Haemodialysis or renal transplant had a significantly higher postoperative SSWI (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.73–2.62, P < .001) compared with control in TJA subjects. However, no significant difference was observed between haemodialysis and renal transplant in postoperative SSWI (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.16–5.54, P = .94) and between haemodialysis or renal transplant and control in prosthetic joint infection (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.25–4.55, P = .93) in TJA subjects. Haemodialysis had a significantly higher prosthetic joint infection (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.21–3.03, P = .005) compared with renal transplant in TJA subjects. Haemodialysis or renal transplant had a significantly higher postoperative SSWI in TJA subjects. Also, haemodialysis had a significantly higher prosthetic joint infection compared with renal transplant in TJA subjects. Although precautions should be taken when commerce with the consequences because a low number of selected studies was picked for certain comparisons in this meta‐analysis.
Traumatically Induced Axonal Injury: Pathogenesis and Pathobiological Implications
Authors: Povlishock John T.
Published: April 2023

This work reviews the pathobiology of traumatically induced axonal injury. Drawing upon literature gleaned from the experimental and clinical setting, this review attempts to emphasize that, other than the most destructive insults, traumatic brain injury does not typically cause direct mechanical disruption of the axon. Rather, this review documents that with traumatic injury focal, subtle axonal change occurs, and that over time, such change leads to impaired axoplasmic transport, continued axonal swelling, and ultimate disconnection. The initial intra‐axonal events that trigger the above described sequence of reactive axonal change are considered with focus on the possibility of either traumatically altered axolemmal permeability, direct cytoskeletal damage/perturbation, or more overt metabolic/functional disturbances. Not only does this review focus on the sequence of traumatically induced axonal change, but also, it considers its attendant consequences in terms of Wallerian degeneration and subsequent deafferentation. The concept that traumatically induced diffuse axonal injury leads to diffuse deafferentation is emphasized together with its pathobiological implications for morbidity and recovery. The potential for either adaptive or maladaptive neuroplasticity subsequent to such diffuse deafferentation is considered in the context of mild, moderate and severe traumatic brain injury.
Retrovirus‐Mediated Oncogene Transfer into Neural Transplants
Authors: Wiestler Otmar D. , Brüstle Oliver , Eibl Robert H. , Radner Herbert , Aguzzi Adriano , Kleihues Paul
Published: April 2023

A gene transfer model was developed which allows for the identification of transformation pathways in the developing nervous system. Transforming genes were introduced into fetal brain transplants using embryonic CNS as donor tissue and replication‐defective retroviral vectors as genetic vehicles. This technique relies on the extraordinary organotypic differentiation capacity of neural grafts and the expression of retrovirally transmitted genes in various cell types of CNS transplants. In contrast to transgenic animals but analogous to sporadic tumor formation, target cells for the retroviral vector develop in an environment of unmodified neural tissue. We have introduced a number of neurotropic oncogenes into fetal brain transplants including genes with an associated tyrosine kinase activity (polyoma medium T, v‐src), a novel member of the fibroblast growth factor (fgf) gene family and the SV40 large T antigen. These experiments have demonstrated a significant transformation potential of oncogenes in specific target cells of the brain, provided evidence for a dominant complementary transforming effect of simultaneously expressed ras and myc genes in neural precursor cells and have yielded intriguing model systems for human CNS neoplasms such as the cerebellar medullo‐blastoma. This review describes the transplantation model, demonstrates several striking phenotypes induced by oncogene expression in neural grafts and elaborates on future prospects of this experimental approach.
Instrumental learning and behavioral persistence in children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity‐disorder: does reinforcement frequency matter?
Authors: Hulsbosch An‐Katrien , Beckers Tom , De Meyer Hasse , Danckaerts Marina , Van Liefferinge Dagmar , Tripp Gail , Van der Oord Saskia
Published: April 2023

Background

Prominent theoretical accounts of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity‐disorder (ADHD) hypothesize that reinforcement learning deficits underlie symptoms of ADHD. The Dynamic Developmental Theory and the Dopamine Transfer Deficit hypothesis assume impairments in both the acquisition and extinction of behavior, especially when learning occurs under partial (non‐continuous) reinforcement, and subsequently the Partial Reinforcement Extinction Effect (PREE). Few studies have evaluated instrumental learning in ADHD and the results are inconsistent. The current study investigates instrumental learning under partial and continuous reinforcement schedules and subsequent behavioral persistence when reinforcement is withheld (extinction) in children with and without ADHD.

Methods

Large well‐defined samples of children with ADHD (n = 93) and typically developing (TD) children (n = 73) completed a simple instrumental learning task. The children completed acquisition under continuous (100%) or partial (20%) reinforcement, followed by a 4‐min extinction phase. Two‐way (diagnosis by condition) ANOVAs evaluated responses needed to reach the learning criterion during acquisition, and target and total responses during extinction.

Results

Children with ADHD required more trials to reach criterion compared to TD children under both continuous and partial reinforcement. After partial reinforcement, children with ADHD executed fewer target responses during extinction than TD children. Children with ADHD executed more responses than TD children during extinction, irrespective of learning condition.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate general difficulties in instrumental learning in ADHD, that is, slower learning irrespective of reinforcement schedule. They also show faster extinction following learning under partial reinforcement in those with ADHD, that is, a diminished PREE. Children with ADHD executed more responses during extinction. Results are theoretically important, with clinical implications for understanding and managing learning difficulties in those with ADHD, as they suggest poorer reinforcement learning and lower behavioral persistence.
Independent risk factors of rapid glomerular filtration rate decline in patients with type 2 diabetes with preserved kidney function and normoalbuminuria: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Hirano Daishi , Unoki‐Kubota Hiroyuki , Imasawa Toshiyuki , Yamamoto‐Honda Ritsuko , Kajio Hiroshi , Yamashita Shigeo , Fukazawa Yuka , Seki Naoto , Noda Mitsuhiko , Kaburagi Yasushi
Published: April 2023

Aims/Introduction

Research on the incidence and underlying mechanisms of rapid renal function decline in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with preserved renal function and normoalbuminuria is limited. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of hemoglobin level as a risk factor for rapid decliners among patients with type 2 diabetes with preserved renal function and normoalbuminuria.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of 242 patients with type 2 diabetes with a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and normoalbuminuria (<30 mg/gCr), followed up for >1 year. The annual rate of estimated glomerular filtration rate decline during the follow‐up period was calculated using least square regression analysis; rapid decliners defined at ≥3.3%/year. Risk factors associated with rapid decliners were identified using a logistic regression analysis of variables previously identified as risk factors of rapid decliners.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 6.7 years, and 34 patients showed rapid decliners. On multivariate analysis, lower baseline hemoglobin level was a risk factor of rapid decliners (odds ratio 0.69, 95% confidence interval 0.47–0.99; P = 0.045). Furthermore, the baseline hemoglobin levels were correlated positively with iron and ferritin levels, implying that an impaired iron metabolism might cause lower hemoglobin levels in rapid decliners.

Conclusions

In patients with type 2 diabetes with preserved renal function and normoalbuminuria, lower hemoglobin levels were a risk factor for rapid decliners, where disturbed iron metabolism might precede the development of diabetic kidney disease.
Molecular identification and first morphological description of theColoradosnapperLutjanus colorado(Perciformes: Lutjanidae) larvae
Authors: Domínguez‐Contreras José Francisco , Jiménez‐Rosenberg Sylvia Patricia Adelheid , Reguera‐Rouzaud Nicole , Sánchez‐Velasco Laura , Díaz‐Viloria Noé
Published: April 2023

This research study obtained the first morphological description of the Colorado snapper (Lutjanus colorado) larvae assisted by DNA barcoding as a molecular identification tool. Sixteen Lutjanidae larvae were separated from zooplankton samples and selected for this study. A fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) of 658 bp was used in the analyses of intra‐ and interspecific genetic divergences; a neighbour‐joining tree (NJ) of K2P distances was performed with reference sequences of 15 Lutjanidae species from the Northeastern Tropical Pacific. Genetic divergences and the NJ tree identified 16 larvae asL. colorado. Morphological investigations of larvae at different developmental stages were performed; similarities and differences are discussed in comparison to four species described previously for the Northeastern Pacific. Pigmentation patterns were the best diagnostic features, particularly the caudal melanophores, at least up to 12.4 mm body length.
A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Prenatal Oral Hygiene Education in Pregnancy‐Associated Gingivitis
Authors: Geurs Nicolaas C. , Jeffcoat Marjorie K. , Tanna Nipul , Geisinger Maria L. , Parry Samuel , Biggio Joseph R. , Doyle Matthew J. , Grender Julie M. , Gerlach Robert W. , Reddy Michael S.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Research shows there is a significant increase in gingival inflammation during pregnancy. This study was conducted to determine if an oral health intervention (OHI), including oral hygiene education delivered by nurse‐led staff and an advanced over‐the‐counter (OTC) oral home care regimen, improved gingival inflammation in pregnant women with moderate‐to‐severe gingivitis compared with a standard oral hygiene control group.

Methods

This was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, single‐masked, parallel group clinical trial conducted in obstetrics clinics of 2 medical centers. A total of 750 pregnant women between 8 and 24 weeks of pregnancy with at least 20 natural teeth and moderate‐to‐severe gingivitis (>30 intraoral bleeding sites) were enrolled. Participants were randomized to either the OHI group, which included oral hygiene instructions supplemented with an educational video and advanced OTC antibacterial/mechanical oral hygiene products, or the control group receiving oral hygiene instructions and standard products. Both groups received oral hygiene instructions from nurse‐led staff. Experienced, masked examiners measured whole mouth gingival index (GI) and periodontal probing depths (PDs) at baseline and months 1, 2, and 3.

Results

Participants enrolled in this study presented with moderate‐to‐severe gingivitis at baseline. Both the OHI and control groups exhibited significant reductions in GI (P < .001) and PD (P < .03) from baseline that persisted throughout the study period. The OHI group exhibited modest, yet statistically greater, reductions in GI (P ≤ .044) compared with the control at all time points. The reduction in PD directionally favored the OHI group, but between‐group differences were small (<0.03 mm) and not statistically significant (P > .18).

Discussion

Significant gingivitis was prevalent among participants in this study and identifies an opportunity to improve gingival health during pregnancy by providing oral health education during the course of prenatal care when coupled with an advanced OTC oral hygiene regimen.
Dynamic changes in microglia in the mouse hippocampus during administration and withdrawal of the CSF1R inhibitor PLX3397
Authors: Wang Qirun , Wang Yi‐Yan , Pu Wen‐Jun , Ma Xiaohong , Ni Rong‐Jun
Published: April 2023

Pexidartinib (PLX3397), a colony‐stimulating factor‐1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitor, is currently in phase 1–3 clinical trials as a treatment for a variety of tumours. CSF1R signalling regulates the development, survival and maintenance of microglia, the resident brain innate immune cells. In this study, we examined the effects of PLX3397 in the drinking water of mice on microglia in the hippocampus using ionized calcium‐binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1, a microglial marker) immunocytochemistry. A high concentration of PLX3397 (1 mg/mL) significantly decreased the density of Iba1‐immunoreactive cells after 7 days of exposure, but a low concentration of PLX3397 (0.5 mg/mL) did not. In addition, both low and high concentrations of PLX3397 significantly increased the intersection number, total length and maximum length of microglial processes in male mice. PLX3397 administered for 21 days eliminated microglia with 78% efficiency in males and 84% efficiency in females. Significant increases in microglial processes were found after both seven and 21 days of PLX3397 exposure in males, whereas decreases in microglial processes were observed after both 14 and 21 days of exposure in females. After PLX3397 withdrawal following its administration for 14 days in males, the soma size quickly returned to normal levels within a week. However, the microglial density, intersection number and total length of microglial processes after 3 days of recovery stabilized to untreated levels. In summary, these findings provide detailed insight into the dynamic changes in microglial number and morphology in the hippocampus in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner after PLX3397 treatment and withdrawal.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated capillary leak syndrome: A systematic review and a worldwide pharmacovigilance study
Authors: Wong So Jonathan , Bouibede Fatma , Jonville‐Béra Annie‐Pierre , Maillot François , Barbier François , Largeau Bérenger
Published: April 2023

Background

Although a few case reports have shown that immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are potential inducers of capillary leak syndrome (CLS), an incidental finding cannot be ruled out. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of ICI‐induced CLS through a systematic review and to assess a potential safety signal.

Methods

Medline/PubMed, Embase, and Reactions Weekly were screened, and a global disproportionality study was performed using the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database through January 15, 2023. A signal of disproportionate reporting was defined as a Bayesian information component (IC) with a 95% credibility interval (CrI) lower boundary that exceeds 0.

Results

A total of 47 cases of ICI‐associated CLS were included, 14 from the systematic review (of 61 screened articles) and 33 from VigiBase (of 34,058,481 reports of adverse drug reactions). The median time to CLS onset from the start of ICI was 12 weeks (interquartile range 8–49, n = 24). A total of 57% (8/14) of patients experienced an immune‐related adverse event (irAE) before CLS. A fatal outcome was reported in 23% (7/31) of patients. A significant overreporting of CLS was found with ICIs compared with all other drugs (IC 2.4, 95% CrI from 1.8 to 2.8).

Conclusion

This study showed a significant signal of disproportionality reporting for ICI‐induced CLS, characterized by a long time to onset, and compared with the idiopathic form of the disease with a less abrupt onset and a less consistent hemoconcentration pattern.
Diagnostic predictivity of transtubular potassium gradient for primary hypoadrenocorticism in hyperkalemic dogs: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Petini M. , Drigo M. , Caldin M. , Zoia A.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Transtubular potassium gradient has never been evaluated in the diagnosis of primary hypoadrenocorticism in dogs. The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic utility of transtubular potassium gradient for the diagnosis of primary hypoadrenocorticism in dogs with serum K+ > 5.5 mol/L.

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional study including dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism and dogs with other disease. Differences in signalment and laboratory parameters between groups were assessed by binary logistic regression modelling. Variables significantly associated with primary hypoadrenocorticism were evaluated for their diagnostic accuracy of this condition by receiver operator characteristic curve analysis and by multivariable logistic regression analysis, respectively.

Results

Dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism (n=39) were significantly younger than hyperkalemic dogs without primary hypoadrenocorticism (n=41). Moreover they had higher serum and urinary concentrations of Na+and Na+:K+, but lower transtubular potassium gradient than hyperkalemic dogs without hypoadrenocorticism. Serum Na+(sNa+) had the highest diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.87, 95% confidence interval, 0.78 to 0.96), followed by the transtubular potassium gradient (AUC: 0.81, 0.72 to 0.91), however the accuracy of the two AUCs was not statistically different. The transtubular potassium gradient‐sNa+additive index (i.e.transtubular potassium gradient+sNa+/10) had a greater accuracy (AUC: 0.88, 0.79 to 0.94) than transtubular potassium gradient or sNa+, although it was not statistically superior to the latter. The multivariable logistic regression model showed that transtubular potassium gradient (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.51, 0.3 to 0.84), sNa+(aOR: 0.86, 0.78 to 0.95) and spayed female (aOR: 24.96, 2.32 to 267.66) were associated with primary hypoadrenocorticism.

Clinical Significance

Transtubular potassium gradient‐sNa+additive index can contribute to decision‐making on diagnosis of primary hypoadrenocorticism in dogs presenting with hyperkalaemia.
Effect of sample volume and time on rumen juice analysis in cattle
Authors: Clergue Suzanne A. C. , Depenbrock Sarah M. , Chigerwe Munashe
Published: April 2023

Background

Rumen juice analysis (RJA) involves analysis of a 10mL sample within minutes after sampling. However, it can be challenging to collect 10 mL of rumen juice (RJ) from some ruminants, and clinical circumstances can delay RJA.

Objectives

Quantify the effect of sample volume (2, 5, 10, 50, and 100 mL), and time‐to‐analysis (0, 30, and 60 minutes) on RJA.

Animals

Cannulated cow.

Methods

Observational experimental study. Two liters of RJ were collected at 26 separate times. The samples were subdivided into 2 duplicates of each sample volume at each sampling time; and analyzed at 0, 30, and 60 minutes after collection. Rumen juice analysis included pH measurement, methylene blue reduction time (MBRT), and protozoal motility.

Results

The pH of 2 and 5 mL samples was significantly (P = .01) higher than the pH of 50 and 100 mL samples at all time points. The MBRT was significantly lower (faster bacterial reduction) for 100 mL samples compared to all other samples at 0 minute and to 2, 5, and 50 mL samples at 30 min. The pH and MBRT at 60 minutes were significantly higher than at 0 minute for all volumes (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively). For large protozoa, small sample volumes (2 and 5 mL) had significantly lower protozoal motility (scores of 5 and 4.5, respectively) compared to 100 mL samples at 60 minutes (score of 4; P < .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Interpretation of RJA could be affected by small sample volumes and delays to analysis. Sample volumes of ≥10 mL analyzed within 30 minutes after collection are recommended.
Apoptosis‐inducing factor‐like protein‐mediated stress and metronidazole‐responsive programmed cell death pathway in Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Anwesha , Ghosh Sudip Kumar
Published: April 2023

Apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) is the major component of the caspase‐independent cell death pathway that is considered to be evolutionarily ancient. Apoptosis is generally evolved with multicellularity as a prerequisite for the elimination of aged, stressed, or infected cells promoting the survival of the organism. Our study reports the presence of a putative AIF‐like protein in Entamoeba histolytica, a caspase‐deficient primitive protozoan, strengthening the concept of occurrence of apoptosis in unicellular organisms as well. The putative cytoplasmic EhAIF migrates to the nucleus on receiving stresses that precede its binding with DNA, following chromatin degradation and chromatin condensation as evident from both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Down‐regulating the EhAIF expression attenuates the apoptotic features of insulted cells and increases the survival potency in terms of cell viability and vitality of the trophozoites, whereas over‐expression of the EhAIF effectively enhances the phenomena. Interestingly, metronidazole, the most widely used drug for amoebiasis treatment, is also potent to elicit similar AIF‐mediated cell death responses like other stresses indicating the AIF‐mediated cell death could be the probable mechanism of trophozoite‐death by metronidazole treatment. The occurrence of apoptosis in a unicellular organism is an interesting phenomenon that might signify the altruistic death that overall improves the population health.
The broad host range pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum produces multiple effector proteins that induce host cell death intracellularly
Authors: Newman Toby E. , Kim Haseong , Khentry Yuphin , Sohn Kee Hoon , Derbyshire Mark C. , Kamphuis Lars G.
Published: April 2023

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a broad host range necrotrophic fungal pathogen, which causes disease on many economically important crop species. S. sclerotiorum has been shown to secrete small effector proteins to kill host cells and acquire nutrients. We set out to discover novel necrosis‐inducing effectors and characterize their activity using transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Five intracellular necrosis‐inducing effectors were identified with differing host subcellular localization patterns, which were named intracellular necrosis‐inducing effector 1–5 (SsINE1–5). We show for the first time a broad host range pathogen effector, SsINE1, that uses an RxLR‐like motif to enter host cells. Furthermore, we provide preliminary evidence that SsINE5 induces necrosis via an NLR protein. All five of the identified effectors are highly conserved in globally sourced S. sclerotiorum isolates. Taken together, these results advance our understanding of the virulence mechanisms employed by S. sclerotiorum and reveal potential avenues for enhancing genetic resistance to this damaging fungal pathogen.
Cotton leafroll dwarf disease: An enigmatic viral disease in cotton
Authors: Edula Surendra R. , Bag Sudeep , Milner Hayley , Kumar Manish , Suassuna Nelson D. , Chee Peng W. , Kemerait Robert C. , Hand Lavesta C. , Snider John L. , Srinivasan Rajagopalbabu , Roberts Phillip M.
Published: April 2023

Taxonomy: Cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) is a member of the genus Polerovirus, family Solemoviridae.

Geographical Distribution: CLRDV is present in most cotton‐producing regions worldwide, prominently in North and South America.

Physical Properties: The virion is a nonenveloped icosahedron with T = 3 icosahedral lattice symmetry that has a diameter of 26–34 nm and comprises 180 molecules of the capsid protein. The CsCl buoyant density of the virion is 1.39–1.42 g/cm3 and S20w is 115–127S.

Genome: CLRDV shares genomic features with other poleroviruses; its genome consists of monopartite, single‐stranded, positive‐sense RNA, is approximately 5.7–5.8 kb in length, and is composed of seven open reading frames (ORFs) with an intergenic region between ORF2 and ORF3a.

Transmission: CLRDV is transmitted efficiently by the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover) in a circulative and nonpropagative manner.

Host: CLRDV has a limited host range. Cotton is the primary host, and it has also been detected in different weeds in and around commercial cotton fields in Georgia, USA.

Symptoms: Cotton plants infected early in the growth stage exhibit reddening or bronzing of foliage, maroon stems and petioles, and drooping. Plants infected in later growth stages exhibit intense green foliage with leaf rugosity, moderate to severe stunting, shortened internodes, and increased boll shedding/abortion, resulting in poor boll retention. These symptoms are variable and are probably influenced by the time of infection, plant growth stage, varieties, soil health, and geographical location. CLRDV is also often detected in symptomless plants.

Control: Vector management with the application of chemical insecticides is ineffective. Some host plant varieties grown in South America are resistant, but all varieties grown in the United States are susceptible. Integrated disease management strategies, including weed management and removal of volunteer stalks, could reduce the abundance of virus inoculum in the field.
Against Representational Levels
Authors: Jones Nicholas K.
Published: April 2023

Some views articulate reality's hierarchical structure using relations from the fundamental to representations of reality. Other views instead use relations from the fundamental to constituents of non‐representational reality. This paper argues against the first kind of view.
Risk assessment of infectious disease epidemic based on fuzzy Bayesian network
Authors: Fu Lingmei , Yang Qing , Liu Xingxing , He Ling
Published: April 2023

The prevention and control of infectious disease epidemic (IDE) is an important task for every country and region. Risk assessment is significant for the prevention and control of IDE. Fuzzy Bayesian networks (FBN) can capture complex causality and uncertainty. The study developed a novel FBN model, integrating grounded theory, interpretive structural model, and expert weight determination algorithm for the risk assessment of IDE. The algorithm is proposed by the authors for expert weighting in fuzzy environment. The proposed FBN model comprehensively takes into account the risk factors and the interaction among them, and quantifies the uncertainty of IDE risk assessment, so as to make the assessment results more reliable. Taking the epidemic situation of COVID‐19 in Wuhan as a case, the application of the proposed model is illustrated. And sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the important risk factors of IDE. Moreover, the effectiveness of the model is checked by the three‐criterion‐based quantitative validation method including variation connection, consistent effect, and cumulative limitation. Results show that the probability of the outbreak of COVID‐19 in Wuhan is as high as 82.26%, which is well‐matched with the actual situation. “Information transfer mechanism,” “coordination and cooperation among various personnel,” “population flow,” and “ability of quarantine” are key risk factors. The constructed model meets the above three criteria. The application potential and effectiveness of the developed FBN model are demonstrated. The study provides decision support for preventing and controlling IDE.
Comments on Divergence vs. Decision P‐values: A Distinction Worth Making in Theory and Keeping in Practice – or, How Divergence P‐values Measure Evidence Even When Decision P‐values Do Not by Greenland in Scandinavian Journal of Statistics, 2023
Authors: Lavine Michael
Published: April 2023

Greenland (2023) distinguishes between P‐values used for data description and P‐values used for declaring significance. That's a useful distinction and Greenland has advanced our field by making it. That distinction comes with the idea that describing data with statistical models is often a useful task for statisticians. Again, we agree. Along the way, Greenland also says (i) there is such a thing as a “measure …of evidence [from data] against a statistical hypothesis or model” without regard to alternatives; (ii) “a discrepancy P‐value is an ordinal description …”; (iii) descriptive “P‐values can be derived to provide coherent measures of refutational evidence”; and a few other things that deserve comment and discussion.
A modular equality for m$m$‐ovoids of elliptic quadrics
Authors: Gavrilyuk Alexander L. , Metsch Klaus , Pavese Francesco
Published: April 2023

An ‐ovoid of a finite polar space is a set of points such that every maximal subspace of contains exactly points of . In the case when is an elliptic quadric of rank in , we prove that an ‐ovoid exists only if satisfies a certain modular equality, which depends on and . This condition rules out many of the possible values of . Previously, only a lower bound on was known, which we slightly improve as a byproduct of our method. We also obtain a characterization of the ‐ovoids of for and .
Compost Waste Heat to Power Organic Rankine Cycle Design and Analysis
Authors: Mitri Frederick B. , Ponce Genesis , Anderson Kevin R.
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a feasibility study of a hybrid compost waste heat to power/Concentrating Solar Panel (CSP) green energy Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). The power plant is baselined to operate with a duty of 24/7 on compost waste heat and utilize solar thermal energy to boost power output during the day. This paper discusses the design of the power plant, the design of a compost driven heat exchanger/boiler, compost pile thermal analysis, CSP analysis, and simulated power plant output analysis The selection of isobutane as ORC working fluid is justified herein. A Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) analysis was performed to ensure that the energy produced by this hybrid power plant would come at a reasonable and competitive cost. The results herein show that the hybrid power plant affords an LCOE of 4 ¢/kWh for compost operation alone and an LCOE of 10.7 ¢/kWh for compost and CSP solar energy operation. The hybrid compost/ORC power plant presented herein affords an average energy conversion efficiency of 4.3%. Centric to the operation of the compost waste heat to power plant presented herein is the correct design and selection of the heat exchanger which interfaces the compost waste heat stream to the isobutane ORC. The design and analysis of this heat exchanger as well as commercially off-the-shelf hardware to meet the specifications is given in detail herein
Effect of substrate rotation speed on AlGaN nanowire deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Vafadar Mohammad Fazel , Arif Rezoana Bente , Zhang Qihua , Zhao Songrui
Published: April 2023

Aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) nanowires by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) have become an emerging platform for semiconductor deep ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Despite of the progress, much less attention has been paid to the effect of substrate rotation speed on the device performance. Herein, we investigate the effect of the substrate rotation speed on the nanowire height and diameter uniformity, as well as the electrical and optical performance of MBE-grown AlGaN nanowire deep UV LED structures with low and high substrate rotation speeds. It is found that by increasing the substrate rotation speed from 4 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 15 rpm, the statistical variation of the nanowire height and diameter is reduced significantly. Increasing the substrate rotation speed also improves the device electrical performance, with a factor of 4 reduction on the device series resistance. This improved electrical performance further transfers to the improved optical performance. The underlying mechanisms for these improvements are also discussed.
HSP90 inhibition in the mouse spinal cord enhances opioid signaling by suppressing an AMPK-mediated negative feedback loop
Authors: Gabriel Katherin A. , Streicher John M.
Published: April 2023

Opioids and other agonists of the μ-opioid receptor are effective at managing acute pain, but their chronic use can lead to tolerance that limits their efficacy. We previously reported that inhibiting the chaperone protein HSP90 in the spinal cords of mice promotes the antinociceptive effects of opioids in a manner that involved increased activation of the kinase ERK. Here, we found that the underlying mechanism involves the relief of a negative feedback loop mediated by the kinase AMPK. Intrathecal treatment of male and female mice with the HSP90 inhibitor 17-AAG decreased the abundance of the β1 subunit of AMPK in the spinal cord. The antinociceptive effects of 17-AAG with morphine were suppressed by intrathecal administration of AMPK activators and enhanced by an AMPK inhibitor. Opioid treatment increased the abundance of phosphorylated AMPK in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, where it colocalized with a neuronal marker and the neuropeptide CGRP. Knocking down AMPK in CGRP-positive neurons enhanced the antinociceptive effects of morphine and demonstrated that AMPK mediated the signal transduction between HSP90 inhibition and ERK activation. These data suggest that AMPK mediates an opioid-induced negative feedback loop in CGRP neurons of the spinal cord and that this loop can be disabled by HSP90 inhibition to enhance the efficacy of opioids.
HicA Toxin-Based Counterselection Marker for Allelic Exchange Mutations in Fusobacterium nucleatum
Authors: GC Bibek , Zhou Peng , Wu Chenggang
Published: April 2023

Fusobacterium nucleatum
is an indole-producing human oral anaerobe associated with periodontal diseases, preterm birth, and several cancers. Little is known about the mechanisms of fusobacterial pathogenesis and associated factors, mainly due to the lack of robust genetic tools for this organism.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Unique Alterations in the Immune Panorama and Treg Subpopulations in Mice during the Late Stages of Echinococcus granulosus Infection
Authors: Wu Jianwen , Xiao Jing , Bai Min , Shi Chunli , Xin Yunzhuo , Zhao Wei , Gao Xiaoping , Yin Mei , Zhao Jiaqing
Published: April 2023

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a common zoonotic parasitic disease that seriously impacts public health. However, the full spectrum of immune cell changes in
Echinococcus granulosus
infection, especially the negative immune regulation of subpopulations of regulatory T (Treg) cells, are not yet well understood.
The Papain-Like Protease of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Impedes STING Translocation from the Endoplasmic Reticulum to the Golgi Apparatus by Deubiquitinating STIM1
Authors: Diao Feifei , Bai Juan , Jiang Chenlong , Sun Yangyang , Gao Yanni , Nauwynck Hans , Jiang Ping , Liu Xing
Published: April 2023

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), a member of the family
Arteriviridae
, is responsible for reproductive disorders in pregnant sows and respiratory problems in piglets, resulting in huge losses in the swine industry worldwide. Of note, PRRSV infection causes immunosuppression, of which the mechanism is not completely understood.
Cell-Intrinsic CD38 Expression Sustains Exhausted CD8
+
T Cells by Regulating Their Survival and Metabolism during Chronic Viral Infection
Authors: DeRogatis Julia M. , Neubert Emily N. , Viramontes Karla M. , Henriquez Monique L. , Nicholas Dequina A. , Tinoco Roberto
Published: April 2023

Our study shows how CD38 expression is regulated on CD8
+
T cells responding during acute and chronic viral infection. We observed higher CD38 levels on CD8
+
T cells during chronic viral infection compared to levels during acute viral infection.
Intracellular Phage Tail-Like Nanostructures Affect Susceptibility of Streptomyces lividans to Osmotic Stress
Authors: Nagakubo Toshiki , Asamizu Shumpei , Yamamoto Tatsuya , Kato Manami , Nishiyama Tatsuya , Toyofuku Masanori , Nomura Nobuhiko , Onaka Hiroyasu
Published: April 2023

Recent bioinformatic analyses have revealed that CIS-related gene clusters are highly conserved in Gram-positive actinomycetes, especially members of the genus
Streptomyces
known for their ability to produce therapeutic antibiotics. While typical CISs are released from the cells and can act as protein translocation systems that inject effector proteins into the target cells, our results indicate the unique intracellular localization of SLPs, CIS-related nanostructures produced by
S. lividans
. In addition, the direct and indirect interactions of SLPs with cytoplasmic proteins and SLP localization within specific regions of mycelia suggest that the biological significance of SLPs is related to intracellular processes.
Comparison of a Rapid Multiplex Gastrointestinal Panel with Standard Laboratory Testing in the Management of Children with Hematochezia in a Pediatric Emergency Department: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Xie Jianling , Kim Kelly , Berenger Byron M. , Chui Linda , Vanderkooi Otto G. , Grisaru Silviu , Freedman Stephen B.
Published: April 2023

Advances in diagnostic microbiology now allow for the faster and more accurate detection of an increasing number of pathogens. We determined, however, that in children with acute bloody diarrhea, these advances did not necessarily translate into improved clinical outcomes.
Escherichia coli Aggregates Mediated by Native or Synthetic Adhesins Exhibit Both Core and Adhesin-Specific Transcriptional Responses
Authors: Chekli Yankel , Stevick Rebecca J. , Kornobis Etienne , Briolat Valérie , Ghigo Jean-Marc , Beloin Christophe
Published: April 2023

The formation of bacterial aggregates has an important role in both clinical and ecological contexts. Although these structures have been previously shown to be more resistant to stressful conditions, the genetic basis of this stress tolerance associated with the aggregate lifestyle is poorly understood.
Afu-Emi1 Contributes to Stress Adaptation and Voriconazole Susceptibility in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Tan Jufang , Zhang Heng , Sun Yi , Gao Lujuan
Published: April 2023

Voriconazole is the first-line choice for IA, a life-threatening disease. Therefore, voriconazole resistance has become particularly problematic.