bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leishmania species: A narrative review on surface proteins with structural aspects involved in host–pathogen interaction
Authors: Kaushal Radhey Shyam , Naik Nidhi , Prajapati Maitri , Rane Shruti , Raulji Himali , Afu NGO Festus , Upadhyay Tarun Kumar , Saeed Mohd
Published: March 2023

In tropical and subtropical regions of the world, leishmaniasis is endemic and causes a range of clinical symptoms in people, from severe tegumentary forms (such as cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and diffuse leishmaniasis) to lethal visceral forms. The protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania causes leishmaniasis, which is still a significant public health issue, according to the World Health Organization 2022. The public's worry about the neglected tropical disease is growing as new foci of the illness arise, which are exacerbated by alterations in behavior, changes in the environment, and an enlarged range of sand fly vectors. Leishmania research has advanced significantly during the past three decades in a few different avenues. Despite several studies on Leishmania, many issues, such as illness control, parasite resistance, parasite clearance, etc., remain unresolved. The key virulence variables that play a role in the pathogenicity‐host‐pathogen relationship of the parasite are comprehensively discussed in this paper. The important Leishmania virulence factors, such as Kinetoplastid Membrane Protein–11 (KMP‐11), Leishmanolysin (GP63), Proteophosphoglycan (PPG), Lipophosphoglycan (LPG), Glycosylinositol Phospholipids (GIPL), and others, have an impact on the pathophysiology of the disease and enable the parasite to spread the infection. Leishmania infection may arise from virulence factors; they are treatable with medications or vaccinations more promptly and might greatly shorten the duration of treatment. Additionally, our research sought to present a modeled structure of a few putative virulence factors that might aid in the development of new chemotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The predicted virulence protein's structure is utilized to design novel drugs, therapeutic targets, and immunizations for considerable advantage from a higher understanding of the host immune response.
Being disliked and bullied: A case revealing interplay between peer status and bullying
Authors: Vorlíček Radek , Kollerová Lenka
Published: March 2023

To better understand chronic bullying, this school ethnographical case study mapped peer rejection processes that fuel bullying. The study focused on a case of a victimized 13‐year‐old girl and analysed observations of the classroom social interactions, interviews with teachers and students' essays. Thematic analysis elucidated how students, together with the class teacher, constructed the girl as having annoying personal characteristics, being a misfit to the group, and as being on the bottom of the classroom hierarchy. Next, it suggested how these processes made her more vulnerable to being bullied and not defended by teachers or classmates. The study showed that interventions in chronic bullying need to not only stop bullying, but also target the social processes underlying peer rejection.
Epigenetic regulation of chemokine (CC‐motif) ligand 2 in inflammatory diseases
Authors: Chen Yingyi , Liu Siyan , Wu Lili , Liu Yitong , Du Juan , Luo Zhenhua , Xu Junji , Guo Lijia , Liu Yi
Published: March 2023

Appropriate responses to inflammation are conducive to pathogen elimination and tissue repair, while uncontrolled inflammatory reactions are likely to result in the damage of tissues. Chemokine (CC‐motif) Ligand 2 (CCL2) is the main chemokine and activator of monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils. CCL2 played a key role in amplifying and accelerating the inflammatory cascade and is closely related to chronic non‐controllable inflammation (cirrhosis, neuropathic pain, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, deforming arthritis, ischemic injury, cancer, etc.). The crucial regulatory roles of CCL2 may provide potential targets for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we presented a review of the regulatory mechanisms of CCL2. Gene expression is largely affected by the state of chromatin. Different epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, post‐translational modification of histones, histone variants, ATP‐dependent chromatin remodelling, and non‐coding RNA, could affect the ‘open’ or ‘closed’ state of DNA, and then significantly affect the expression of target genes. Since most epigenetic modifications are proven to be reversible, targeting the epigenetic mechanisms of CCL2 is expected to be a promising therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases. This review focuses on the epigenetic regulation of CCL2 in inflammatory diseases.
Efficacy and safety of enavogliflozin, a novel SGLT2 inhibitor, in Korean people with type 2 diabetes: A 24‐week, multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase III trial
Authors: Kwak Soo Heon , Han Kyung Ah , Kim Kyung‐Soo , Yu Jae Myung , Kim EunSook , Won Jong Chul , Kang Jun Goo , Chung Choon Hee , Oh Seungjoon , Choi Sung Hee , Won Kyu Chang , Kim Sin Gon , Cho Seung Ah , Cho Bo Young , Park Kyong Soo
Published: March 2023

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, enavogliflozin 0.3 mg monotherapy, in Korean people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled with diet and exercise.

Materials and Methods

This study was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial conducted in 23 hospitals. Individuals with haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 7.0%‐10.0% after at least 8 weeks of diet and exercise modification were randomized to receive enavogliflozin 0.3 mg (n = 83) or placebo (n = 84) for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was a change in HbA1c at week 24 from baseline. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of participants achieving HbA1c <7.0%, change in fasting glucose, body weight and lipid levels. Adverse events were investigated throughout the study.

Results

At week 24, the placebo‐adjusted mean change in HbA1c from baseline in the enavogliflozin group was −0.99% (95% confidence interval −1.24%, −0.74%). The proportions of patients achieving HbA1c <7.0% (71% vs. 24%) at week 24 was significantly higher in the enavogliflozin group (p < .0001). Placebo‐adjusted mean changes in fasting plasma glucose (−40.1 mg/dl) and body weight (−2.5 kg) at week 24 were statistically significant (p < .0001). In addition, a significant decrease in blood pressure, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were observed, along with a significant increase in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. No significant increase in treatment‐related adverse events was observed for enavogliflozin.

Conclusions

Monotherapy with enavogliflozin 0.3 mg improved glycaemic control in people with T2DM. Enavogliflozin therapy also exerted beneficial effects on body weight, blood pressure and lipid profile.
Comparing electrical stimulation functional mapping with subdural electrodes and stereoelectroencephalography
Authors: Aungaroon Gewalin , Vedala Kishore , Byars Anna W. , Ervin Brian , Rozhkov Leonid , Horn Paul S. , Ihnen S. K. Z. , Holland Katherine D. , Tenney Jeffrey R. , Kremer Kelly , Fong Susan L. , Lin Nan , Liu Wei , Arthur Todd M. , Fujiwara Hisako , Skoch Jesse , Leach James L. , Mangano Francesco T. , Greiner Hansel M. , Arya Ravindra
Published: March 2023

Objective

Electrical stimulation mapping (ESM) is the clinical standard for functional localization with subdural electrodes (SDE). As stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) has emerged as an alternative option, we compared functional responses, afterdischarges (ADs), and unwanted ESM‐induced seizures (EISs) between the two electrode types.

Methods

Incidence and current thresholds for functional responses (sensory, motor, speech/language), ADs, and EISs were compared between SDE and SEEG using mixed models incorporating relevant covariates.

Results

We identified 67 SEEG ESM and 106 SDE ESM patients (7207 and 4980 stimulated contacts, respectively). We found similar incidence of language and motor responses between electrode types; however, more SEEG patients reported sensory responses. ADs and EISs occurred less commonly with SEEG than SDE. Current thresholds for language, face motor, and upper extremity (UE) motor responses and EIS significantly decreased with age. However, they were not affected by electrode type, premedication, or dominant hemispheric stimulation. AD thresholds were higher with SEEG than with SDE. For SEEG ESM, language thresholds remained below AD thresholds up to 26 years of age, whereas this relationship was inverse for SDE. Also, face and UE motor thresholds fell below AD thresholds at earlier ages for SEEG than SDE. AD and EIS thresholds were not affected by premedication.

Significance

SEEG and SDE have clinically relevant differences for functional brain mapping with electrical stimulation. Although evaluation of language and motor regions is comparable between SEEG and SDE, SEEG offers a higher likelihood of identifying sensory areas. A lower incidence of ADs and EISs, and a favorable relationship between functional and AD thresholds suggest superior safety and neurophysiologic validity for SEEG ESM than SDE ESM.
Insuring reproductive assistance: The need for a federal mandate requiring insurance companies to pay for fertility treatments
Authors: Hecker Nicole
Published: March 2023

In the United States, one in nine women of reproductive age struggles with fertility. Luckily, due to advancements in reproductive technology, there are various options to combat this problem such as in vitro fertilization and cryopreservation. However, these treatments are not guaranteed to work and can be very expensive, leaving low‐income families at a disadvantage. In fact, 31 states do not require insurance companies to pay these costs. A federal mandate directing states to require that insurance companies cover fertility treatments is necessary to allow struggling infertile families an opportunity to reproduce.
Therapeutic applications of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology for the treatment of ocular diseases
Authors: Sundaresan Yogapriya , Yacoub Sam , Kodati Bindu , Amankwa Charles E. , Raola Akash , Zode Gulab
Published: March 2023

Ocular diseases are a highly heterogeneous group of phenotypes, caused by a spectrum of genetic variants and environmental factors that exhibit diverse clinical symptoms. As a result of its anatomical location, structure and immune privilege, the eye is an ideal system to assess and validate novel genetic therapies. Advances in genome editing have revolutionized the field of biomedical science, enabling researchers to understand the biology behind disease mechanisms and allow the treatment of several health conditions, including ocular pathologies. The advent of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐based gene editing facilitates efficient and specific genetic modifications in the nucleic acid sequence, resulting in permanent changes at the genomic level. This approach has advantages over other treatment strategies and is promising for the treatment of various genetic and non‐genetic ocular conditions. This review provides an overview of the CRISPR/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) system and summarizes recent advances in the therapeutic application of CRISPR/Cas9 for the treatment of various ocular pathologies, as well as future challenges.
Bondline thickness effect on fracture and cohesive zone model of sintered nano silver adhesive joints under end notched flexure tests
Authors: Dai Yanwei , Li Yanning , Zan Zhi , Qin Fei
Published: March 2023

Bondline thickness effect on fracture behaviors and cohesive zone model (CZM) is an important topic for adhesive joints. In this paper, the fracture and CZM of sintered nano silver adhesive joints are investigated based on end notched flexure (ENF) test. Results show that load versus displacement curves of sintered silver adhesive joints is sensitive to the bondline thickness. With compliance‐based beam method (CBBM), the shearing fracture toughness of sintered silver bonded joints heightens with the increase of bondline thickness, which indicates that shearing fracture toughness is highly dependent on bondline thickness. R curves increase steeply for short equivalent crack length and become plateau for long equivalent crack length. The cracking morphology shows that the cracking paths are mainly interfacial and interlayer types. The bilinear CZM is also presented. The bondline thickness effect on CZM parameter is presented and discussed. The CZM given in this paper can be adopted for reliability analysis in power devices.
Land use/land cover on the South Downs, England in the 1870s: A case study mapping and applying landscape metrics to the Ordnance Survey Parish Books of Reference
Authors: Walford Nigel
Published: March 2023

Land use/land cover sits alongside other basic types of information about a country, such as its population and economy. However, in contrast with population data, which have been supplied by the decennial British Population Census since 1801 (apart from 1941), the routine and periodic collection of land‐use/land‐cover data has proved more challenging. Notable exceptions include the First and Second Land Utilisation surveys of the 1930s and 1960s, and the Countryside Surveys using a stratified sample of 1‐km grid squares undertaken periodically since 1984. The focus here is on the land‐use/land‐cover data collected by the Ordnance Survey from the 1850s to 1880s as part of the cadastral mapping of the country at 1:2500 scale. This information was published in Parish Books of Reference. These documents for parishes covering the South Downs, a National Character Area and National Park, in East and West Sussex provide the attribute data for the land parcels that have been joined to digitised polygons in order map land use/land cover across this area for the mid‐1870s. Classification of these data into 20 land‐use/land‐cover types enabled visual assessment and quantitative analysis using statistical techniques and spatial indices to explore the complexity of the landscape. Having shown the feasibility of mapping land‐use/land‐cover data for the South Downs, the paper concludes by considering issues involved in extending this work to other counties for which the Books of Reference were published.
Mixtures of grasses: An alternative to traditional pasture monocultures in the tropics
Authors: Medeiros‐Neto Cauby , Barbosa Rodrigo Amorim , Schmitt Daniel , Miqueloto Tiago , da Silva Sila Carneiro , Sbrissia André Fischer
Published: March 2023

A two‐year experiment assessed herbage production and above‐ and below‐ground characteristics of a highly productive monoculture (‘BRS Zuri’ guineagrass [Panicum maximum Jacq.]) and two mixtures of three grasses (Mixture 1: ‘BRS Zuri’ guineagrass, ‘BRS Xaraés’ palisadegrass [Brachiaria brizantha Stapf.], and ‘Basilisk’ signalgrass [Brachiaria decumbens Stapf.]; Mixture 2: ‘BRS Quênia’ guineagrass [Panicum maximum Jacq.], ‘Marandu’ palisadegrass [Brachiaria brizantha Stapf.], and ‘BRS Paiaguás’ palisadegrass [Brachiaria brizantha Stapf.]), cultivated in the Brazilian tropical savanna. Mixtures 1 and 2 were subjected to two grazing intensities (removal of 40 or 60% of pre‐grazing height) and ‘BRS Zuri’ guineagrass monoculture was defoliated to a single grazing intensity of 50%. Treatments were randomly assigned to fifteen 0.25‐ha plots and managed under intermittent stocking by cattle. Herbage accumulation rate was similar among pastures and years (p > .1). The root mass in the tussocks did not differ (p > .1), with mean values ranging between 0.62 to 1.81 kg DM m−2. Root density in the tussock interspaces was greater in the mixtures (p < .001), regardless of seasons (p = .405) and years (p = .292). The mixtures were dominated by guineagrass (70%) and palisadegrass (30%) at the end of the experiment, with the population of ‘Basilisk’ and ‘BRS Paiaguás’ being completely suppressed throughout the experimental period. Mixing guineagrass and brachiariagrasses can be an alternative to the traditional pastoral systems in the tropics, as it does not compromise herbage production and presents a capacity to produce more roots than a very productive monoculture of ‘BRS Zuri’ guineagrass.
Faith without Dogmatism: Karl Jaspers’ Critique of Bultmann's and Barth's Dogmatic Theologies
Authors: Adsett Daniel
Published: March 2023

In his mature philosophical writings, Karl Jaspers juxtaposes his own theory of reason with what he considers irrational and dogmatising tendencies in the works of Rudolf Bultmann and Karl Barth. On Jaspers's view, both Bultmann and Barth construct theologies that serve as a priori frameworks through which to understand all the contingencies of existence. In opposition to such dogmatisms, Jaspers advances a hermeneutics that forbids, in advance, any permanent conclusions by proposing that we understand religious, artistic, and other approaches to transcendence as ciphers. Such ciphers, Jaspers holds, offer no fixed and final interpretation of transcendence but offer a way to remain non‐dogmatically open to a wide range of possible understandings of it. As opening up a non‐dogmatic form of communication, cipher‐reading is guided by reason's will to openness and communication. However, as I ultimately point out, Jaspers's own effort to develop a non‐dogmatic hermeneutics is beset by some of the very difficulties he identifies in the theologies of Barth and Bultmann.
Comparing physico‐chemical characteristics, antioxidant properties, glycemic response, and volatile profiles of eleven banana varieties
Authors: Kumar Paramasivam Suresh , Thayumanavan Shuprajhaa , Pushpavalli Subramaniyan , Saraswathi Marimuthu Somasundaram , Backiyarani Suthanthiram , Mohanasundaram Arumugam , Uma Subbaraya
Published: March 2023

Banana with different genomic groups has a greater varietal diversity. New varieties are also developed which have unique tastes, and tolerance to biotic or abiotic stresses. Eleven varieties belonging to different genomic groups are evaluated for their nutrients, secondary metabolites, techno‐functional characteristics, antioxidant activities, glycemic indices, and shelf life. Bioactive profiling was also carried out using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS). Results revealed that plantain and cooking bananas recorded higher fruit weight than dessert bananas. Pulp to peel ratio was higher in the dessert variety Ney Poovan and dual‐purpose variety Popoulu compared to cooking varieties indicating the presence of a thicker skin. Higher resistant starch (39% dry weight) and lower glycemic index (45%–50%) were observed in Kaveri Saba and Monthan. Total phenolics in ripe bananas were significantly higher than in unripe stages. GCMS results showed the predominance of esters and hydrocarbons among banana varieties and the presence of unique volatiles like linoelaidic acid, 9,12‐octadecadienoic acid in Kaveri Sugantham. PCA and cluster analysis indicated that the biochemical parameters also varied with the genomic groups. The study creates new business opportunities for varieties beyond cv. Grand Naine both in the domestic and export markets.
The coexistence of carboxymethylcellulose and transglutaminase modified the physicochemical properties and structure of whey protein concentrate films
Authors: Cong Xiao , Lin Xudong , Li Siyi , Wu Xiaomeng , Mu Guangqing , Jiang Shujuan
Published: March 2023

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were abundant in nature and biodegradable raw materials, which have a wide range of prospects for developing bioactive food packaging. In order to exploit the complementary functional properties, in this study CMC was incorporated into WPC films and modified by transglutaminase (TG). The physicochemical properties and structure characteristics of the composite films were investigated. Results showed that CMC as a filler of the protein network significantly improved the properties of WPC films, while TG contributed to the mechanical properties. The composite (1:1) film containing 10 U/gprotein of TG possessed a maximum tensile strength of 13.34 MPa compared to the WPC film. The addition of CMC and TG effectively improved the structure of the film, reducing the pore diameterr, so the composite film with TG at 10 U/gprotein showing a dense structure, with improved light transmission (37.42%) and water vapour transmission (5.06). FT‐IR and SEM results reflected that TG induced covalent cross‐linking between proteins and WPC and CMC had good compatibility. These suggest that the coexistence of CMC and TG has positive effect on the formation of composite films prepared by TG cross‐linking WPC and CMC blends, which provided a promising alternative method for the development of good edible films or coatings for food packaging in the future.
Flow cell sorting followed by PCR‐based clonality testing may assist in questionable diagnosis and monitoring of acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Semchenkova Alexandra , Zhogov Vladimir , Zakharova Elena , Mikhailova Ekaterina , Illarionova Olga , Larin Sergey , Novichkova Galina , Karachunskiy Alexander , Maschan Michael , Popov Alexander
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Multicolor flow cytometry (MFC) has highly reliable and flexible algorithms for diagnosis and monitoring of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, MFC analysis can be affected by poor sample quality or novel therapeutic options (e.g., targeted therapies and immunotherapy). Therefore, an additional confirmation of MFC data may be needed. We propose a simple approach for validation of MFC findings in ALL by sorting questionable cells and analyzing immunoglobulin/T‐cell receptor (IG/TR) gene rearrangements via EuroClonality‐based multiplex PCR.

Patients and Methods

We obtained questionable MFC results for 38 biological samples from 37 patients. In total, 42 cell populations were isolated by flow cell sorting for downstream multiplex PCR. Most of the patients (n = 29) had B‐cell precursor ALL and were investigated for measurable residual disease (MRD); 79% of them received CD19‐directed therapy (blinatumomab or CAR‐T).

Results

We established the clonal nature of 40 cell populations (95.2%). By using this technique, we confirmed very low MRD levels (<0.01% MFC‐MRD). We also applied it to several ambiguous findings for diagnostic samples, including those with mixed‐phenotype acute leukemia, and the results obtained impacted the final diagnosis.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated possibilities of a combined approach (cell sorting and PCR‐based clonality assessment) to validate MFC findings in ALL. The technique is easy to implement in diagnostic and monitoring workflows, as it does not require isolation of a large number of cells and knowledge of individual clonal rearrangements. We believe it provides important information for further treatment.
Job seekers' attitudes toward cybervetting in China: Platform comparisons and relationships with social media posting habits and individual differences
Authors: Roulin Nicolas , Liu Zhixin
Published: March 2023

Cybervetting, or reviewing applicants' social media profiles, has become a central part of the hiring process for many organizations. Yet, extant cybervetting research is largely limited to Western platforms and samples. The present study examines the three core elements of attitudes toward cybervetting (ATC—perceived justice, privacy invasion, and face validity) using a sample of 200 Chinese job seekers providing their views on three popular platforms in China (WeChat, QQ, and Weibo). Attitudes were negative across all platforms, although slightly more positive for WeChat. ATC were associated with job seekers' social media posting habits (e.g., posting positive content more frequently) and individual differences (i.e., gender and extraversion). Organizations should be mindful that cybervetting might impede the recruitment of talents.
Functional outcomes of patients with ischaemic stroke with known atrial fibrillation not on therapeutic anticoagulation
Authors: Nagaratnam Sai A. , Edwards Leon , Blair Christopher , Evans James , O'Brien William
Published: March 2023

Background

Anticoagulation significantly reduces the risk of ischaemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). There are a proportion of patients with known AF who remain off anticoagulation.

Aims

This study aims to retrospectively compare the baseline characteristics, treatments and functional outcomes between patients with ischaemic stroke and known AF based on their anticoagulation status.

Methods

A single‐centre, retrospective review of consecutive patients with an ischaemic stroke and a known history of AF was conducted.

Results

Two hundred four patients with an ischaemic stroke had documented AF prior to the index admission, of which 126 were anticoagulated. Median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was lower for anticoagulated patients, though not statistically significant (5.1 vs 7.0, P = 0.09). Median baseline modified Rankin score (mRS) did not significantly differ. Nonanticoagulated patients were more likely to have large vessel occlusions (37.2% vs 23.8%, P = 0.04) and more likely to receive intravenous thrombolysis (15.4% vs 1.6%, P < 0.01). There was no difference in rates of endovascular clot retrieval between groups (P > 0.05). Unfavourable functional outcome at 90 days (mRS ≥ 3) did not significantly differ between groups (P = 0.51). A total of 38.5% of nonanticoagulated patients had no documented reason for this. Of the patients who survived the index admission, 81.5% of patients who were not anticoagulated on admission received anticoagulation.

Conclusions

Baseline anticoagulation was associated with milder stroke severity in ischaemic stroke patients with known AF. There was no significant difference in functional outcomes at 90 days between groups. Larger observational studies are required to further assess this cohort.
Distinct ecological mechanisms drive the spatial scaling of abundant and rare microbial taxa in a coastal sediment
Authors: Liu Xia , Li Hongjun , Song Wen , Tu Qichao
Published: March 2023

Aim

Revealing the ecological mechanisms driving the diversity patterns of microbial communities across space and through time is an essential issue in microbial biogeography. This study links microbial spatial scaling with ecological mechanisms, aiming to provide novel mechanistic insights into the biogeographic patterns followed by different types of microbes.

Location

Beibu Gulf, a semi‐enclosed oceanic bay located on the southern coast of China.

Taxon

Bacteria, which were further classified as abundant and rare taxa.

Methods

By employing high throughput sequencing, two typical spatial scaling models, diversity‐area (DAR) and distance‐decay relationships (DDR), were investigated for the abundant and rare microbial communities in a coastal sediment ecosystem. Both alpha‐ and beta‐diversity indices were extended to Hill numbers to verify the contribution of abundant and rare taxa to DAR and DDR. The iCAMP approach was used to quantify the contribution of different ecological processes in structuring microbial communities.

Results

Strong spatial scaling patterns were observed for the whole communities and the rare subcommunities but only weak patterns for the abundant subcommunities. Rare subcommunities were mainly responsible for the observed spatial scaling patterns, as confirmed by extending spatial scaling diversity metrics to Hill numbers. Both environmental heterogeneity and local community assembly mechanisms drove the spatial scaling of microbial communities. Strong ecological drift and dispersal limitation underlay the spatial scaling of rare subcommunities, whereas high homogeneous selection weakened the spatial scaling of abundant subcommunities.

Main Conclusions

Rare taxa were mainly responsible for the biogeographic patterns followed by sediment microbial communities in the Beibu Gulf. Distinct ecological mechanisms underlay the different biogeographic patterns followed by abundant and rare subcommunities.
Dealing with the elder abuse epidemic: Disparities in interventions against elder abuse in trauma centers
Authors: El‐Qawaqzeh Khaled , Hosseinpour Hamidreza , Gries Lynn , Magnotti Louis J. , Bhogadi Sai Krishna , Anand Tanya , Ditillo Michael , Stewart Collin , Cooper Zara , Joseph Bellal
Published: March 2023

Background

Elder abuse is a major cause of injury, morbidity, and death. We aimed to identify the factors associated with interventions against suspected physical abuse in older adults.

Methods

Analysis of the 2017–2018 ACS TQIP. All trauma patients ≥60 years with an abuse report for suspected physical abuse were included. Patients with missing information on abuse interventions were excluded. Outcomes were rates of abuse investigation initiation following an abuse report and change of caregiver at discharge among survivors with an abuse investigation initiated. Multivariable regression analyses were performed.

Results

Of 727,975 patients, 1405 (0.2%) had an abuse report. Patients with an abuse report were younger (mean, 72 vs 75, p < 0.001), and more likely to be females (57% vs 53%, p = 0.007), Hispanic (11% vs 6%, p < 0.001), Black (15% vs 7%, p < 0.001), suffer from dementia (18% vs 11%, p < 0.001), functional disability (19% vs 15%, p < 0.001), have a positive admission drug screen (9% vs 5%, p < 0.001) and had a higher ISS (median [IQR], 9 [4–16] vs 6 [3–10], p < 0.001). Perpetrators were members of the immediate/step/extended family in 91% of cases. Among patients with an abuse report, 1060 (75%) had abuse investigations initiated. Of these, 227 (23%) resulted in a change of caregiver at discharge. On multivariate analysis for abuse investigation initiation, male gender, private insurance, and management at non‐level I trauma centers were associated with lower adjusted odds (p < 0.05), while Hispanic ethnicity, positive admission drug screen, and penetrating injury were associated with higher adjusted odds (p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis for change of caregiver, male gender, and private insurance were associated with lower adjusted odds (p < 0.05), while functional disability and dementia were associated with higher adjusted odds (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Significant gender, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities exist in the management of physical abuse of older adults. Further studies are warranted to expand on and address the contributing factors underlying these disparities.

Level of Evidence

III.

Study Type

Therapeutic/Care Management.
Sarcoidosis: Epidemiology and clinical insights
Authors: Rossides Marios , Darlington Pernilla , Kullberg Susanna , Arkema Elizabeth V.
Published: March 2023

Sarcoidosis is characterized by noncaseating granulomas which form in almost any part of the body, primarily in the lungs and/or thoracic lymph nodes. Environmental exposures in genetically susceptible individuals are believed to cause sarcoidosis. There is variation in incidence and prevalence by region and race. Males and females are almost equally affected, although disease peaks at a later age in females than in males.

The heterogeneity of presentation and disease course can make diagnosis and treatment challenging. Diagnosis is suggestive in a patient if one or more of the following is present: radiologic signs of sarcoidosis, evidence of systemic involvement, histologically confirmed noncaseating granulomas, sarcoidosis signs in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and low probability or exclusion of other causes of granulomatous inflammation. No sensitive or specific biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis exist, but there are several that can be used to support clinical decisions, such as serum angiotensin‐converting enzyme levels, human leukocyte antigen types, and CD4 Vα2.3+ T cells in BALF. Corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic patients with severely affected or declining organ function. Sarcoidosis is associated with a range of adverse long‐term outcomes and complications, and with great variation in prognosis between populations.

New data and technologies have moved sarcoidosis research forward, increasing our understanding of the disease. However, there is still much left to be discovered. The pervading challenge is how to account for patient variability. Future studies should focus on how to optimize current tools and develop new approaches so that treatment and follow‐up can be targeted to individuals with more precision.
Pharmacokinetics of intramuscular maropitant in pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus)
Authors: Smith Joe S. , Gebert Jessica E. , Ebner Lisa S. , Bennett Kailee O. , Collins Rebecca J. , Hampton Chiara E. , Kleine Stephanie A. , Mulon Pierre‐Yves , Smith Christopher K. , Seddighi Reza , Bussieres Genevieve , Mochel Jonathan P. , Knych Heather K.
Published: March 2023

Pigs are at risk of vomiting from medical conditions as well as the emetic side effects of drugs administered for peri‐operative manipulations, but there is a lack of pharmacokinetic data for potential anti‐emetic therapies, such as maropitant, in this species. The main objective of this study was to estimate plasma pharmacokinetic parameters for maropitant in pigs after a single intramuscular (IM) administration dosed at 1.0 mg/kg. A secondary objective was to estimate pilot pharmacokinetic parameters in pigs after oral (PO) administration at 2.0 mg/kg. Maropitant was administered to six commercial pigs at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg IM. Plasma samples were collected over 72 h. After a 7‐day washout period, two pigs were administered maropitant at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg PO. Maropitant concentrations were measured via liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). A non‐compartmental analysis was used to derive pharmacokinetics parameters. No adverse events were noted in any of the study pigs after administration. Following single IM administration, maximum plasma concentration was estimated at 412.7 ± 132.0 ng/mL and time to maximum concentration ranged from 0.083 to 1.0 h. Elimination half‐life was estimated at 6.7 ± 1.28 h, and mean residence time was 6.1 ± 1.2 h. Volume of distribution after IM administration was 15.9 L/kg. Area under the curve was 1336 ± 132.0 h*ng/mL. The relative bioavailability of PO administration was noted to be 15.5% and 27.2% in the two pilot pigs. The maximum systemic concentration observed in the study pigs after IM administration was higher than what was observed after subcutaneous administration in dogs, cats, or rabbits. The achieved maximum concentration exceeded the concentrations for anti‐emetic purposes in dogs and cats; however, a specific anti‐emetic concentration is currently not known for pigs. Further research is needed into the pharmacodynamics of maropitant in pigs to determine specific therapeutic strategies for this drug.
Negative Theology: Some Misunderstandings
Authors: Williams Rowan
Published: March 2023

Much discussion of ‘negative theology’ seems to assume that it is simply a policy of not making strong truth‐claims about God, even of refusing the positive content of revelation. This essay proposes a typology of negative theologies—grammatical, qualificatory, metaphysical and descriptive—looking at the various points from which negation may arise as an appropriate strategy for adequate or truthful speech about the divine, and seeks to locate these varieties within a spiritual and ecclesial practice, at the heart of which is a commitment to ‘the acceptance of a future’, the recognition of the unfinished nature of language. This is compared with the understanding of language presupposed in creative linguistic work, to suggest that negative theology is best understood not as the expression of a ‘fear of closure’ but as a kind of ‘poetics’ that seeks to do full justice to the act of worship.
A novel protein elicitor (PeSy1) from Saccharothrix yanglingensis induces plant resistance and interacts with a receptor‐like cytoplasmic kinase in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Wang Jianxun , Liu Shang , Ren Peng , Jia Fengguo , Kang Feng , Wang Ruolin , Xue Renzheng , Yan Xia , Huang Lili
Published: March 2023

Previously, we reported a rare actinomycete Saccharothrix yanglingensis Hhs.015 with strong biocontrol ability, which can colonize plant tissues and induce resistance, but the key elicitor and immune mechanisms were unclear. In this study, a novel protein elicitor screened from the genome of Hhs.015, PeSy1 (protein elicitor of S. yanglingensis 1), could induce a strong hypersensitive response (HR) and resistance in plants. The PeSy1 gene encodes an 11 kDa protein with 109 amino acids that is conserved in Saccharothrix species. PeSy1‐His recombinant protein induced early defence events such as a cellular reactive oxygen species burst, callose deposition, and the activation of defence hormone signalling pathways, which enhanced Nicotiana benthamiana resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Phytophthora capsici, and Solanum lycopersicum resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Through pull‐down and mass spectrometry, candidate proteins that interacted with PeSy1 were obtained from N. benthamiana. We confirmed the interaction between receptor‐like cytoplasmic kinase RSy1 (Response to PeSy1) and PeSy1 using co‐immunoprecipitation, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and microscale thermophoresis. PeSy1 treatment promoted up‐regulation of marker genes in pattern‐triggered immunity. The cell death it elicited was dependent on the co‐receptors NbBAK1 and NbSOBIR1, suggesting that PeSy1 acts as a microbe‐associated molecular pattern from Hhs.015. Additionally, RSy1 positively regulated PeSy1‐induced plants resistant to S. sclerotiorum. In conclusion, our results demonstrated a novel receptor‐like cytoplasmic kinase in the plant perception of microbe‐associated molecular patterns, and the potential of PeSy1 in induced resistance provided a new strategy for biological control of actinomycetes in agricultural diseases.
Teasing and alcohol drinking among African American adolescents in Chicago's Southside: Implications for nursing practice
Authors: Hong Jun Sung , Kim Jinwon , Cleeland Leah R. , Hicks Megan R. , Voisin Dexter R.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Guided by the routine activity theory, the current study proposes and tests pathways by which an absence of a capable guardian can contribute to interactions with motivated offenders and suitable targets, increasing the likelihood of teasing others and using alcohol.

Sample

The study participants consisted of 612 African American adolescents in four low‐income neighborhoods in Chicago's Southside.

Measures

Measures include alcohol use, absence of a capable guardian, the presence of a motivated offender, target suitability, and teasing. Covariates include age, biological sex, and government assistance. Analyses included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling.

Results

The absence of a capable guardian variable positively correlated with the presence of a motivated offender. The presence of a motivated offender variable was positively associated with target suitability, which was positively related to teasing and alcohol use. The presence of a motivated offender and target suitability variables were positively associated with teasing and alcohol use.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the importance of capable guardians and potentially have implications for nursing practice.
The selective advantage of representing correctly
Authors: Nanay Bence
Published: March 2023

Here is a widespread but controversial idea: those animals who represent correctly are likely to be selected over those who misrepresent. While various versions of this claim have been traditionally endorsed by the vast majority of philosophers of mind, recently, it has been argued that this is just plainly wrong. My aim in this paper is to argue for an intermediate position: that the correctness of some but not all representations is indeed selectively advantageous. It is selectively advantageous to have correct representations that are directly involved in bringing about and guiding the organism's action. I start with the standard objection to the claim that it is selectively advantageous to represent correctly, the ‘better safe than sorry’ argument gand then generalize it with the help of Peter Godfrey Smith's distinction between Cartesian and Jamesian reliability and the trade‐off between them. This generalized argument rules out a positive answer to our question at least as far as the vast majority of our representational apparatus is concerned. But this argument fails to apply in the case of the correctness of a special kind of representation, one that is directly involved in bringing about, and in guiding, actions. We can still maintain that it is selectively advantageous to have a reliable mechanism for producing representations of this kind.
Minimal invasive prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with Down syndrome: A case report
Authors: Pustina Krasniqi Teuta A. , Xhajanka Edit Ll. , Lila Krasniqi Zana D. , Dula Linda J.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Down syndrome (DS), an easily recognized congenital disease, is associated with a high prevalence of dental anomalies. Therefore, special dental care is required.

Case presentation

This case report described the minimally invasive prosthetic rehabilitation of a 31‐year‐old female patient with DS. Prompt diagnosis, consultation with physicians and family, and accurate medical history were needed, and relevant dental, medical, mental, and behavioral factors were considered. A minimally invasive treatment plan was decided after clinical examination, orthopantomography (OPG), and study model analysis. For the upper jaw, an over denture was constructed. For the lower jaw, a simple metal‐frame partial denture was made. This treatment plan was decided after considering the difficulty in dentist‐patient collaboration and a small maxilla with poor positioning of teeth and negative overbite and over jet.

Conclusion

Considering different patient factors including patient cooperation, as well as the medical and dental conditions associated with DS, a minimally invasive prosthodontic treatment option was recommended.
Renal replacement therapy via popliteal vein for exhausted vascular access in emergency: A case report
Authors: Alptekın Gulen Sezer
Published: March 2023

A 59 year‐old man was admitted as his left antecubital arterio‐venous fistula was thrombosed, and hemodialysis could not be succeeded for the last two sessions. It was a brachio‐basilic fistula without transposition, which also required thrombectomy 8 months ago, and had been created 18 months before. He had multiple catheter insertions during the period of 6 years. Following the failed catheter insertions from both jugular and femoral veins, an ultrasound‐guided venography via the left popliteal vein demonstrated the intact left popliteal and femoral vein with well‐developed collaterals at the level of occluded left iliac vein. A temporary hemodialysis catheter was placed through the popliteal vein with an antegrade manner under ultrasound guidance in prone position, which effectively worked during hemodialysis sessions afterwards. Transposition of basilic vein was performed. Following the wound recovery, arterialized basilic vein has started to be used effectively for hemodialysis, and the popliteal catheter was displaced.
Pathogenic NKT cells attenuate urogenital chlamydial clearance and enhance infertility
Authors: Armitage Charles W. , Carey Alison J. , Bryan Emily R. , Kollipara Avinash , Trim Logan K. , Beagley Kenneth W.
Published: March 2023

Urogenital chlamydial infections continue to increase with over 127 million people affected annually, causing significant economic and public health pressures. While the role of traditional MHCI and II peptide presentation is well defined in chlamydial infections, the role of lipid antigens in immunity remains unclear. Natural killer (NK) T cells are important effector cells that recognize and respond to lipid antigens during infections. Chlamydial infection of antigen‐presenting cells facilitates presentation of lipid on the MHCI‐like protein, CD1d, which stimulates NKT cells to respond. During urogenital chlamydial infection, wild‐type (WT) female mice had significantly greater chlamydial burden than CD1d−/− (NKT‐deficient) mice, and had significantly greater incidence and severity of immunopathology in both primary and secondary infections. WT mice had similar vaginal lymphocytic infiltrate, but 59% more oviduct occlusion compared to CD1d−/− mice. Transcriptional array analysis of oviducts day 6 post‐infection revealed WT mice had elevated levels of Ifnγ (6‐fold), Tnfα (38‐fold), Il6 (2.5‐fold), Il1β (3‐fold) and Il17a (6‐fold) mRNA compared to CD1d−/− mice. In infected females, oviduct tissues had an elevated infiltration of CD4+‐invariant NKT (iNKT) cells, however, iNKT‐deficient Jα18−/− mice had no significant differences in hydrosalpinx severity or incidence compared to WT controls. Lipid mass spectrometry of surface‐cleaved CD1d in infected macrophages revealed an enhancement of presented lipids and cellular sequestration of sphingomyelin. Taken together, these data suggest an immunopathogenic role for non‐invariant NKT cells in urogenital chlamydial infections, facilitated by lipid presentation via CD1d via infected antigen‐presenting cells.
Transepidermal water loss and stratum corneum hydration in forearm versus hand palm
Authors: Mayrovitz Harvey N.
Published: March 2023

Background

Skin measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) reflect different aspects of skin physiology. Since epidermal water loss depends on epidermal‐to‐air water vapor gradients, a possible quantitative relationship between TEWL and SCH may exist. This investigation's purpose was to test the possible TEWL‐SCH relationship.

Materials and Methods

SCH and TEWL were measured noninvasively on forearm and palmer thenar eminence (hand) in 40 young adults (20 males) along with total body fat percentage (FAT) via bioimpedance.

Results

A significant positive nonlinear correlation (p < 0.001) was detected between SCH and TEWL in hands of the male cohort that occurred when SCH exceeded a threshold level. This threshold level was not exceeded in male or female forearms and forearms did not display a SCH‐TEWL correlation. There was a weak inverse dependence of TEWL on FAT on both forearm and hand (p < 0.05), but no SCH‐FAT relationship was observed. TEWL values on the forearm and hand were moderately correlated with each other (p = 0.002) but SCH values were not.

Conclusion

The findings clarify the relationship between forearm and palmer hydration and TEWL values, and their relationship to total body fat percentages in young healthy adults. The significant correlation between palmer stratum corneum hydration and palmer TEWL that was discovered in the male but not the female cohort suggests a threshold hydration level for which TEWL depends both on skin barrier function and stratum corneum hydration. This implies that conditions with increased SCH may in part account for elevated TEWL values.
Estimating spatiotemporal aggregation scales by revisiting the spatiotemporal L‐function
Authors: Yan Xiaorui , Pei Tao , Song Ci , Liu Xiaohan
Published: March 2023

As an important statistical tool for spatial data, the L‐function is widely used in the estimation of the spatial aggregation scale. However, for heterogeneous spatiotemporal points, the formulation of the existing spatiotemporal L‐function makes it liable to produce poor estimates of spatiotemporal aggregation scales, which is essential in revealing process evolutions, such as spatiotemporal scopes of seismic sequence and spatiotemporal spread extents of an epidemic. This technical note analyzes the mechanism whereby the existing L‐function incorrectly estimates the spatiotemporal aggregation scales, and presents a modified spatiotemporal L‐function that overcomes these issues. Moreover, a local version of the improved L‐function is developed to identify aggregations for validation. The results of simulation experiments and a seismic case study demonstrate that our method estimates the spatiotemporal aggregation scales accurately, which verify the veracity of our corrections to the existing spatiotemporal L‐function.