bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genomic landscape of short tandem repeats in cattle
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Sheng Xin , Xia Xiaoting , Wang Fuwen , Li Ruizhe , Ahmed Zulfiqar , Chen Ningbo , Lei Chuzhao , Ma Zhijie
Published: December 2024

Short tandem repeats (STRs) are abundant and have high mutation rates across cattle genomes; however, comprehensive exploration of cattle STRs is needed. Here, we constructed a comprehensive map of 467 553 polymorphic STRs (pSTRs) constructed from 423 cattle genomes representing 59 breeds worldwide. We observed that pSTRs in coding sequences and 5′UTRs (Untranslated Regions) were under strong selective constraints and exhibited a relatively low level of diversity. Furthermore, we found that these pSTRs underwent more contraction than expansion. Population analysis showed a strong positive correlation (R = 1) between pSTR diversity and single nucleotide polymorphic heterozygosity. We also investigated STR differences between taurine and indicine cattle and detected 2301 highly divergent STRs, which might relate to immune, endocrine and neurodevelopmental pathways. In summary, our large‐scale study characterizes the spectrum of STRs in cattle, expands the scale of known cattle STR variation and provides novel insights into differences among various cattle subspecies.
Short‐ versus standard‐course antimicrobial therapy for children with urinary tract infection: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Mueller Grace D. , Conway Shannon J. , Gibeau Asumi , Shaikh Nader
Published: December 2024

Aim

To determine if short‐ (2–5 days) course antimicrobials are as effective as standard‐ (6–14 days) course antimicrobials in the treatment of symptomatic UTI in children.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from their origin to January 2024. We only considered randomised controlled trials in children <18 years of age. The main outcomes of interest were UTI or bacteriuria at the end of therapy.

Results

Nine studies were included. Compared to children treated with a standard course of antimicrobials, those treated with shortened courses of antimicrobials did not have significantly different risks of UTI at the end of therapy (risk difference 2.2%, CI: 0.0–4.3). Risk of bacteriuria at end of therapy (RD = 8.7%, CI: 5.3–12.2) was slightly higher in children treated with shorter courses. In children with fever at baseline (two studies), there was no significant difference in risk between short and standard duration treatment (RD = 0.4%, CI: −2.8 to 3.6).

Conclusion

In children without fever at the time of presentation, treatment with shorter courses of antimicrobials appears reasonable. More studies of febrile children are needed before shorter courses could be recommended for febrile children.
The stratigraphic biography of an archaeological site. Timing depositional events
Authors: Andreaki Vasiliki , Barceló Juan Antonio
Published: December 2024

The stratigraphic sequence of an archaeological site constitutes its biography, which details what was deposited, when it was deposited, and how the deposition occurred. However, many current methods of recording archaeological stratigraphy do not allow for a full reconstruction of a site's biography. This paper introduces a theoretical framework for analysing a site's formation and deformation processes, emphasizing the integration of different temporal, spatial, geological, and archaeological information elements. This approach offers a way to study change and dynamics by deciphering successive episodes, depositional events, their temporal and causal ordering, and, when possible, the speed and rhythm of such depositions. The integration of micromorphological data and absolute dating can increase the chronological resolution of a site's biography by formally defining the temporal boundaries of depositional events. Additionally, the use of multidimensional geometric analysis of occupational floors and sedimentary volumes enhances the understanding of the complex relationships between stratigraphic depth and temporality. These tools enable archaeologists to create multidimensional visualizations, make inferences, and enhance interpretations of archaeological sites.
Comparative Effectiveness of Regenerative Endodontic Treatment Versus Apexification for Necrotic Immature Permanent Teeth With or Without Apical Periodontitis: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Tewari Nitesh , Devi Pavithra , Sampath Svetha , Mathur Vijay Prakash , Tsilingaridis Georgios , Wikström Alina , Rahul Morankar , Bansal Kalpana
Published: December 2024

Background/Aim

The evidence related to the superiority of the recommended treatment protocols for necrotic immature permanent teeth is unclear. We aimed to compare the clinical, radiographic, and overall success rates of apexification and regenerative endodontic treatment (RET), assess the methodological quality, and assess the strength of evidence for outcomes.

Methods

A search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The titles, abstracts and full texts of systematic reviews (SRs) comparing RET and apexification were screened. The quality and strength of evidence were analyzed via AMSTAR‐2, ROBIS, and modified Kohler's criteria.

Results

Twelve SRs were included, with nine having meta‐analytic outcomes. The quality of only one study was high, and the risk of bias was low in two studies. Comparable success and survival rates for RET and apexification, with no superiority of any treatment, were reported. RET was superior in stimulating root thickness and lengthening. Weak evidence was noted for a higher clinical and radiographic success rate of the apical plug technique and for root lengthening and an increase in root thickness in RET.

Conclusion

RET and apexification exhibited comparable success rates of > 85% across all domains. Most comparisons did not reveal significant differences in clinical, radiographic, or overall success. However, the quality of evidence was weak (class IV) for both outcomes, and the majority of systematic reviews exhibited low or critically low quality and high risk of bias.
Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membrane vesicles increase vascular permeability by inducing stress fiber formation and degrading vascular endothelial‐cadherin in endothelial cells
Authors: Mekata Mana , Yoshida Kaya , Takai Ayu , Hiroshima Yuka , Ikuta Ayu , Seyama Mariko , Yoshida Kayo , Ozaki Kazumi
Published: December 2024

Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is a keystone bacterium associated with systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) released from Pg have been implicated in systemic diseases by delivering Pg virulence factors to host cells in distant organs and inducing cellular dysfunction. Pg OMVs also have the potential to enter distant organs via the bloodstream. However, the effects of Pg OMVs on the vascular function are poorly understood. Here, we showed that Pg OMVs increase vascular permeability by promoting stress fiber formation and lysosome/endosome‐mediated vascular endothelial‐cadherin (VEc) degradation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs). F‐actin, visualized via fluorescein isothiocyanate‐phalloidin, became thicker and longer, leading to the formation of radical stress fibers in response to Pg OMVs in HUVECs and HPMECs. Western blotting and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that Pg OMVs decreased VEc protein levels in a gene‐independent manner. Pg OMVs enhanced vesicular VEc accumulation in the cytoplasm around lysosome‐associated membrane protein 1‐positive structures during pretreatment with the lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine. This suggests that Pg OMVs decrease VEc protein levels by accelerating their internalization and degradation via lysosomes and endosomes. A27632 inhibition of Rho kinases impaired the Pg OMV‐induced stress fiber formation and VEc degradation, resulting in the recovery of hyperpermeability. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of systemic diseases that are associated with periodontal diseases.
Experimental tests challenge the evidence of a healthy human blood microbiome
Authors: Di Gloria Leandro , Baldi Simone , Curini Lavinia , Bertorello Sara , Nannini Giulia , Cei Francesco , Niccolai Elena , Ramazzotti Matteo , Amedei Amedeo
Published: December 2024

The advent of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has made it possible to investigate microbial communities in various environments, including different sites within the human body. Therefore, the previously established belief of the sterile nature of several body sites, including human blood, has now been challenged. However, metagenomics investigation of areas with an anticipated low microbial biomass may be susceptible to misinterpretation. Here, we critically evaluate the results of 16S targeted amplicon sequencing performed on total DNA collected from healthy donors' blood samples while incorporating specific negative controls aimed at addressing potential bias to supplement and strengthen the research in this area. We prepared negative controls by increasing the initial DNA quantity through sequences that can be recognized and subsequently discarded. We found that only three organisms were sporadically present among the samples, and this was mostly attributable to bacteria ubiquitously present in laboratory reagents. Despite not fully confirming or denying the existence of healthy blood microbiota, our results suggest that living bacteria, or at least their residual DNA sequences, are not a common feature of human blood in healthy people. Finally, our study poses relevant questions on the design of controls in this research area that must be considered in order to avoid misinterpreted results that appear to contaminate current high‐throughput research.
Effect of Peening Media Type on the High‐Cycle Tensile–Tensile Fatigue Properties of Ti‐6Al‐4V Alloy by Ultrasonic Shot Peening
Authors: Si Chaorun , Song Zelin , Cao Yi
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the effect of ultrasonic shot peening (USP) on Ti‐6Al‐4V samples using cast steel and zirconia ceramic shots at the same intensity. The surface integrity of the samples before and after treatment was characterized, and tensile–tensile fatigue tests were conducted under various stress amplitudes to compare the improvements in fatigue performance. The mechanisms underlying the enhancement of fatigue properties were analyzed by examining microstructural changes and fracture morphologies. The results show that, compared to steel shot, zirconia ceramic shot leads to lower surface roughness, finer surface grains, and more significant work hardening and plastic deformation. These factors contribute to a more pronounced improvement in the fatigue performance under tension–tension loading of Ti‐6Al‐4V under USP treatment. The superior performance of ceramic shot can be attributed to low density combined with high hardness of the ceramic shot.
Fire frequency shapes diversity in multi‐guild communities through direct and indirect pathways
Authors: Tavella Julia , Carbone Lucas , Salvo Adriana , Bernaschini María Laura , Cagnolo Luciano
Published: December 2024

Human‐induced changes in fire regimes worldwide are leading to changes in the diversity and composition of plant and insect communities through alterations in vegetation and habitat characteristics. As species interact in complex networks, environmental disturbances, such as an increase in fire frequency, can affect species directly and indirectly through cascading effects across trophic levels.

This study examines the effects of fire frequency on multi‐guild communities in the Chaco region in Argentina, aiming to disentangle the direct and indirect pathways of influence between five different species groups: plants, phytophagous insects, ants, predators, and parasitoids.

We assess cross‐taxon congruence by analysing α and β diversity indices and performing a structural equation model and Procrustes tests, respectively, trying to elucidate the pathways of influence between fire frequency and the different guilds.

Multi‐guild communities responded to environmental changes produced by fire frequency via direct and indirect effects. Fire has both negative and positive, but weak indirect effects on predator richness through a bottom‐up cascading effect from plant richness across phytophagous insects and ants. However, when species relative abundances were considered, no effects have been observed on Shannon and Simpson diversity indices. A positive correlation between species composition of different guilds and fire frequency indicated congruence between connected guilds suggesting that changes in beta diversity propagate across all trophic chains.

Given an increase in fire frequency, changes posed to vegetation translated in weak changes via species richness but through pronounced effects on species composition across different trophic levels. Our findings emphasise the importance of a multi‐guild approach to understanding biodiversity responses to environmental changes, highlighting the complexity and intricate dynamics of ecological communities in fire‐prone ecosystems.
Second‐victim distress, organizational support, and interprofessional collaboration and posttraumatic growth in nurses
Authors: Shin Hyerine , Kim Ji‐Su , Chung Yoongi
Published: December 2024

Aim

To examine the prevalence of second‐victim distress among nurses and the association of second‐victim distress, organizational support, and interprofessional collaboration with posttraumatic growth.

Background

Medical errors are unavoidable in healthcare; however, when acknowledged and shared, they offer healthcare professionals an opportunity to learn and grow. Second‐victim distress arises from learning from mistakes but can be stressful for nurses, prompting some to leave the profession. Furthermore, poor management may foster a culture of reluctance to admit errors. Therefore, addressing nurses’ distress is crucial for posttraumatic growth and, ultimately, patient safety.

Methods

The participants were 435 nurses working in general or tertiary hospitals who completed an online survey. This cross‐sectional study followed the guidelines of the STROBE checklist. The collected data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis to determine significant factors influencing posttraumatic growth.

Results

Physical distress, interprofessional collaboration, colleague support, institutional support, nonwork‐related support, professional self‐efficacy, and the position of charge nurse significantly influenced posttraumatic growth. The regression model explained 32.2% of posttraumatic growth with isolation emerging as the most influential factor.

Conclusion

Encouraging cooperation among healthcare professionals, mitigating physical distress, and providing organizational support are necessary to galvanize posttraumatic growth. Interprofessional medical collaboration and prevention of nurse isolation may be crucial for converting second‐victim distress into posttraumatic growth.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Careful consideration of factors influencing posttraumatic growth is necessary to develop interventions that can enable nurses to overcome second‐victim distress and achieve higher‐level growth. If nurses can successfully transform second‐victim distress into posttraumatic growth, it will ultimately have a positive impact on patient safety and the quality of nursing care.
Why nurses discontinue practice in hospitals? Insights from a qualitative study
Authors: Bottega Michela , De Faveri Antonio Pio , Simeoni Marco , Danielis Matteo
Published: December 2024

Aim

To explore why registered nurses in Italy choose to resign from their positions in hospitals.

Background

In recent years, the work environment within hospitals has worsened, with increasing rates of burnout, stress, depression, compassion fatigue, and even suicide among nurses. This has prompted many nurses to either leave their current positions or exit the profession entirely. Previous research has indicated that nurse turnover, especially in hospital settings, poses a significant challenge for society and global healthcare, with insufficient nurse staffing associated with negative patient outcomes.

Methods

The study used a descriptive phenomenology design, conducting 30 semi‐structured interviews with nurses. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research have been followed in reporting the methods and findings.

Results

The average age of the participants was 32.8 years, the average length of hospital work experience was 5.7 years, and the majority of the participants were female (n = 22). Thematic analysis revealed two main themes: individual factors, encompassing “quality‐of‐life threats” and “personal drive and ambitions”, and organizational factors, including “unsustainable working conditions” and “lack of support from employers.”

Implication for health policy

There is an urgent need for an evidence‐based approach to quality improvement to increase nurses' well‐being in the workplace. Organizations aiming to retain nursing staff should prioritize strategies such as promoting work flexibility and addressing concerns related to work–life balance. Effective management engagement and implementation of flexible working arrangements are essential, along with the promotion of organizational values aligned with professionalism to combat negative perceptions of the nursing profession.
Unveiling and mapping polymorphs in fluorite Y2TiO5 using 4D‐STEM and unsupervised machine learning
Authors: Hershkovitz Eitan , Yoo Timothy , Pu Xiaofei , Bawane Kaustubh , Nakayama Tadachika , Suematsu Hisayuki , He Lingfeng , Kim Honggyu
Published: December 2024

Y2TiO5 belongs to the Ln2TiO5 (Ln = lanthanide or Y) family of ceramic materials and exhibits a range of desirable material properties such as radiation tolerance, frustrated magnetism, and large dielectric constant. However, understanding the complex crystal structure of Y2TiO5 remains elusive, given that Y2TiO5 can adopt multiple polymorphs such as cubic, orthorhombic, and hexagonal phases within the lattice. In this work, we report a detailed structural analysis of Y2TiO5 using four‐dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy coupled with unsupervised machine learning. The pyrochlore nanodomains, characterized by the ordered arrangement of yttrium cations on the A site of their A2BO5 structure, are present within the matrix of a predominantly fluorite‐structured Y2TiO5 along with a third polymorph, the hexagonal phase. The pyrochlore phase is found to form 2 nm boundary regions around hexagonal phase stacking faults, highlighting the potential influence of the hexagonal phase on the occurrence and distribution of the pyrochlore phase. Lastly, we identify a unique pyrochlore phase with asymmetric arrangement of cation ordering along a single planar direction. Our findings provide invaluable insights into the possible mechanisms stabilizing pyrochlore nanodomains within the fluorite lattice of Y2TiO5.
A Novel Wave‐speed Mapping Method for Visualizing Accessory Pathways in Wolff–Parkinson–White Syndrome
Authors: Sudo Koji , Kuroki Kenji , Asakawa Tetsuya , Nakagawa Kazuya , Asahina Chisa , Tanaka Yuya , Hasegawa Tomoaki , Aonuma Kazutaka , Sato Akira
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Catheter ablation (CA) is the first‐line treatment with a high success rate for patients with symptomatic Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, while three‐dimensional (3D) mapping systems enable the identification of accessory pathways (APs). We aimed to develop a novel mapping method using wave‐speed mapping (WSM) to determine AP locations and CA outcomes.

Methods and Results

This study included 19 patients diagnosed with atrioventricular (AV) reciprocating tachycardia. We compared local activation time (LAT) mapping and WSM, and analyzed the relationship between the “high‐speed islets” in WSM and successful ablation sites. Sixteen APs were located on the left, three on the septum, and one on the right side. The median number of mapping points and mapping time were 1451 points and 14.6 min, respectively. All 20 APs in the 19 patients were eliminated using “high‐speed islets” in WSM. Eleven APs (55%) were eliminated after the first ablation application. One patient with an anteroseptal AP close to the AV node underwent cryoablation to avoid an AV block. The AP width in the 3D mapping system was significantly narrower in WSM than in LAT mapping (5.8 ± 4.0 mm vs. 10.4 ± 3.2 mm, p < .001). One patient experienced an AP recurrence, successfully eliminated using WSM‐guided CA in a repeat procedure. During 13.1 ± 8.3 months of follow‐up, all patients remained free of any supraventricular tachycardias.

Conclusion

WSM is a novel mapping method for visualizing APs as “high‐speed islets” and guides a more precise ablation site than LAT mapping.
Does interest rate liberalization affect corporate debt structure?
Authors: Rehman Obaid Ur , Zhang Linghao , Wu Kai
Published: December 2024

This study examines how interest rate deregulation affects debt structure of Chinese listed firms through two quasi‐natural experiments: the cap removal (2002–2006) and floor removal (2011–2015). Following deregulation, risky firms increase short‐term debt while decreasing long‐term and total debt, whereas non‐risky firms exhibit opposite patterns. These changes are influenced by collateral requirements, industry cluster proximity, bank relationships, and ownership structure. The divergent outcomes reflect increased borrowing costs for risky firms and reduced costs for non‐risky firms due to enhanced banking competition. Post‐liberalization, risky firms face reduced risk exposure but increased asset‐liability mismatches, while experiencing declining growth prospects. Conversely, non‐risky firms demonstrate improved growth prospects and higher profitability with increased long‐term debt. These findings illuminate how banking sector liberalization shapes corporate financial strategies.
Unplanned Cesarean for Abnormal or Indeterminate Fetal Heart Tracing Varies Significantly by Race and Ethnicity
Authors: Langen Elizabeth , Bourdeau Althea , Ems Jessi , Wilson‐Powers Eliza , Low Lisa Kane
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The US maternity care system achieves worse outcomes for birthing people identifying as Black versus White. Assessment of fetal well‐being in labor is an area of perinatal care subject to significant interobserver variability and therefore may be at particular risk of medical racism influencing care.

Methods

Statewide collaborative quality initiative data, focused on decreasing the nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) cesarean birth rate, were used to conduct a retrospective cohort study to assess differences in cesarean birth for nonreassuring fetal status between birthing people identifying as Black compared with White. Generalized linear mixed modeling with hospital as a random intercept was used for multivariate analyses accounting for birthing people clustering within hospitals.

Results

Between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, 69,622 births were identified, 8291 (11.9%) of which were an unplanned cesarean with a primary indication of nonreassuring fetal heart tracing (cesarean for FHT). Race and ethnicity were significantly associated with a higher risk, after controlling for covariates: compared with White birthing people, birthing people of unknown race or ethnicity had 1.23 (95% CI 1.13‐1.35) and Asian Pacific Islander birthing people had 1.55 times the odds (95% CI 1.37‐1.76), whereas Black birthing people had 1.71 times the odds (95% CI 1.59‐1.83) of birthing via unplanned cesarean for FHT. In adjusted analysis, prepregnancy diabetes, positive COVID‐19 status at admission, elevated body mass index, and birthing in the Detroit Metro area were associated with cesarean for FHT. In an unplanned subgroup analysis of births within the Detroit Metro region, Black individuals remained significantly more likely to have an unplanned cesarean for FHT (aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.48‐1.79).

Discussion

After controlling for individual and hospital‐level factors, cesarean for FHT was more common among non‐Hispanic Black vs non‐Hispanic White birthing people in this statewide cohort of NTSV births.
Governing Transnational Commons: How International Treaties and Multi‐Stakeholder Organizations Shape Cooperation and Conflict
Authors: Joshi Amol M. , Antons David , Piening Erk P. , Dienhart Christina , Salge Torsten‐Oliver
Published: December 2024

When common‐pool resources such as freshwater, clean air, and fisheries span national borders, the collective action problems encountered are particularly severe. This study explores the role of polycentric governance systems in overcoming these pressing problems, which frequently underlie global grand challenges. Integrating political economy and management research, we hypothesize about how two governance mechanisms – international treaties and multi‐stakeholder organizations – shape the likelihood of cooperation and conflict between countries. Leveraging unique, longitudinal data capturing interactions of countries bordering international river basins, our empirical analysis reveals two main findings. First, we find that the specification of multi‐stakeholder organizations enhances water‐related cooperation and reduces water conflict among countries, while the specification of international treaties enhances cooperation but does not affect conflict. Second, we find that leaving one of these governance mechanisms less specified than the other actually improves, rather than harms, relationships between countries. Our findings point to a superior governance configuration that simultaneously enhances cooperation and constrains conflict. This configuration combines: (1) treaties that establish property rights but leave procedural rules and uncertainty management provisions less established with (2) multi‐stakeholder organizations that define processes for making decisions, sharing information, engaging the public, and resolving disputes.
Norms and Efficiency in a Multi‐Group Society: An Online Experiment
Authors: Catola Marco , D'Alessandro Simone , Guarnieri Pietro , Pizziol Veronica
Published: December 2024

In this study, we measure personal normative beliefs, empirical expectations, and normative expectations in a multilevel public goods game, where two local public goods are nested in a global one. We use these measures as indexes of subjective personal and social norms to pursue a twofold objective. On the one hand, we aim to understand whether and to what extent contribution decisions are driven by personal or social norms. On the other hand, we aim to investigate whether changes in the relative efficiency of the two public goods affect norms and norm compliance. In our online experiment, personal norms emerge as the main driver of contribution decisions especially when the efficiency of the related public good increases. However, compliance to empirical expectations signals that social norms still play a role in both positively affecting the contribution to the relative public good and negatively the contribution to the other one.
In Planta Inoculation of Trichoderma viridarium Reduces Seed Transmission of the Fungal Pathogen Alternaria brassicicola
Authors: Lerenard Thomas , Aligon Sophie , Poupard Pascal , Le Corff Josiane
Published: December 2024

Biological control by beneficial microorganisms is considered as one of the best alternatives to decrease the use of chemical fungicides. However, reliable and efficient solutions to manage crop diseases are still limited, and this is particularly true for seedborne fungal pathogens. As a first step towards identification of potential biological control agents (BCAs), a new methodological approach in planta was developed to control Alternaria brassicicola, a problematic fungal disease of Brassica crops. The method was used to evaluate the antagonistic activity of Trichoderma viridarium on transmission of the pathogen to seeds of Capsella bursa‐pastoris (sheperd's purse). In vitro, inhibition of A. brassicicola and overgrowth by T. viridarium suggested mycoparasitism, which was confirmed by microscopical observations. In planta, siliques of C. bursa pastoris were co‐inoculated with T. viridarium and A. brassicicola and seed transmission of each fungal species was evaluated. Pre‐inoculation of T. viridarium 24 h before A. brassicicola significantly reduced the transmission of the pathogen to the seeds by almost 70%, compared with inoculation of A. brassicicola alone. The capacity of T. viridarium to reduce A. brassicicola seed transmission offers a promising alternative to conventional fungicides. However, in order to develop reliable biocontrol strategies, future research should focus on the underlying mechanisms involved in the interactions between T. viridarium, A. brassicicola and the host plant.
Investigation of the Relationship Between ACTN3 rs1815739 Polymorphism and Openbite Cases: A Prospective Study
Authors: Yaylacı Elif Aslıhan , Onem Ozbilen Elvan , Aslan Beste Tacal , Polat Tolga
Published: December 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine whether ACTN3 rs1815739 polymorphism, which causes the deficiency of the alpha‐actinin‐3 muscle protein, is related to the formation of open bite malocclusion.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐eight participants (18.5 ± 3.6 years old) with anterior open bite (n = 29) and normal overbite (n = 29) who presented to Marmara University, Department of Orthodontics for treatment were included in the study. Initial cephalometric radiographs were used for the diagnosis of malocclusion. The case group was divided into three subgroups according to degree of open bite. For DNA isolation, oral epithelial cells were collected with buccal swabs (Van Allen Way, Carlsbad, USA), and the real‐time PCR method was used for the genotyping of all polymorphisms. The results were statistically analysed, and the threshold for statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The frequencies of RR, RX and XX genotypes of ACTN3 rs1815739 polymorphism were found as 6 (20.7%), 14 (48.3%) and 9 (31.0%) in the control group and 8 (8%), 9 (31.0%) and 12 (41.4%) in the case group, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the presence of the examined polymorphism (p > 0.05). However, the intra‐group evaluation of case group revealed a significant difference in the prevalence of XX genotype (83.3%) for the subgroup with an open bite of −5 mm or above.

Conclusion

Although no significant difference was observed between the case and control groups, a possible association was identified between ACTN3 rs1815739 polymorphism and an increased severity of open bite malocclusion.
Dual Chamber Aveir Retrievable Leadless Pacemaker Implant via the Right Internal Jugular Vein in a 13‐Year‐Old With Congenital Complete Heart Block
Authors: Cortez Daniel
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Congenital complete heart block is a condition where there is a risk of Stokes Adam's attacks and sudden death may occur. Once the escape rate is too low, or other high‐risk factors occur, these patients ultimately need pacemakers placed. Epicardial or transvenous pacemakers have typically been in employed dependent on size of the patient and other circumstances. We describe the first case of an implant via internal jugular vein (right) of a dual chamber leadless pacemaker implant in a symptomatic pediatric patient with congenital complete heart block.

Methods

The study was approved by the University of California and consent was waived due to retrospective nature of this case report.

Case

A 13‐year‐old presented with presyncope at rest after years of being followed for her congenital complete heart block. Her average rate on Holter monitoring was below 50 bpm, which coincided with her recent symptoms. After discussion with family, and our own cardiology/surgical team, she had a dual chamber leadless pacemaker implanted. Stable 3‐month atrial parameters included an impedance of 340 Ω, sensing of 3.2 mV, and threshold of 0.25 V at 0.2 ms, while ventricular parameters showed an impedance of 780 Ω, sensing of 14.2  mV, and threshold of 0.5 V at 0.2 ms.

Conclusion

Dual chamber leadless pacemaker implant is feasible via right internal jugular vein access and in a pediatric patient.
SmHSFA8 Enhances the Heat Tolerance of Eggplant by Regulating the SmEGY3‐SmCSD1 Module and Promoting SmF3H‐mediated Flavonoid Biosynthesis
Authors: Liu Renjian , Wang Yuyuan , Shu Bingbing , Xin Jinyang , Yu Bingwei , Gan Yuwei , Liang Yonggui , Qiu Zhengkun , Yan Shuangshuang , Cao Bihao
Published: December 2024

High temperature (HT) is a major environmental factor that restrains eggplant growth and production. Heat shock factors (HSFs) play a vital role in the response of plants to high‐temperature stress (HTS). However, the molecular mechanism by which HSFs regulate heat tolerance in eggplants remains unclear. Previously, we reported that SmEGY3 enhanced the heat tolerance of eggplant. Herein, SmHSFA8 activated SmEGY3 expression and interacted with SmEGY3 protein to enhance the activation function of SmEGY3 on SmCSD1. Virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) and overexpression assays suggested that SmHSFA8 positively regulated heat tolerance in plants. SmHSFA8 enhanced the heat tolerance of tomato plants by promoting SlEGY3 expression, H2O2 production and H2O2‐mediated retrograde signalling pathway. DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP‐seq) analysis revealed that SmHSPs (SmHSP70, SmHSP70B and SmHSP21) and SmF3H were candidate downstream target genes of SmHSFA8. SmHSFA8 regulated the expression of HSPs and F3H and flavonoid content in plants. The silencing of SmF3H by VIGS reduced the flavonoid content and heat tolerance of eggplant. In addition, exogenous flavonoid treatment alleviated the HTS damage to eggplants. These results indicated that SmHSFA8 enhanced the heat tolerance of eggplant by activating SmHSPs exprerssion, mediating the SmEGY3‐SmCSD1 module, and promoting SmF3H‐mediated flavonoid biosynthesis.
Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist improves survival, and its early application accelerates weaning in preterm infants
Authors: Lee Yeongseok , Lee Juyoung
Published: December 2024

Background

Evidence to show that neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) improves clinical outcomes is lacking. We aimed to analyze whether NAVA improves respiratory outcomes in preterm infants who require invasive mechanical ventilation.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 122 very low birthweight infants who required invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 24 h at one tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in Korea from January 2016 to June 2023. Subjects were divided into three groups: early NAVA for those supported with NAVA before the seventh day of life (n = 18), late NAVA for those supported with NAVA later than the seventh day (n = 18), and conventional for those supported with conventional ventilation modes other than NAVA (n = 86).

Results

There was no difference in the composite outcome of bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death among the three groups. Neonates who had been supported with NAVA at some point had lower odds of mortality than those who had not (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.09, 95% CI 0.01–0.90, p = 0.040 for the early NAVA group; aOR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03–0.81, p = 0.027 for the late NAVA group). The adjusted hazard ratio for invasive mechanical ventilation weaning was higher in neonates supported with NAVA within the first week of life than in those supported with other ventilation modes (aHR 2.02, 95% CI 1.14–3.57, p = 0.015).

Conclusions

Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist application was associated with lower odds of mortality, and its early application from the first few days of life helped preterm infants wean from invasive mechanical ventilation sooner.
Plant nutrition challenges for a sustainable agriculture of the future
Authors: Hernandez Luis E. , Ruiz Juan M. , Espinosa Francisco , Alvarez‐Fernandez Ana , Carvajal Micaela
Published: December 2024

This article offers a comprehensive review of sustainable plant nutrition concepts, examining a multitude of cutting‐edge techniques that are revolutionizing the modern area. The review copes with the crucial role of biostimulants as products that stimulate plant nutrition processes, including their potential for biofertilization, followed by an exploration of the significance of micronutrients in plant health and growth. We then delve into strategies for enhancing plants' tolerance to mineral nutrient contaminants and the promising realm of biofortification to increase the essential nutrients necessary for human health. Furthermore, this work also provides a concise overview of the burgeoning field of nanotechnologies in fertilization, while the integration of circular economy principles underscores the importance of sustainable resource management. Then, with examined the interrelation between micronutrients. We conclude with the future challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the pursuit of more sustainable and resilient plant systems.
Variable‐Coefficient Evolution Problems via the Fokas Method Part I: Dissipative Case
Authors: Deconinck Bernard , Farkas Matthew
Published: December 2024

We derive explicit solution representations for linear, dissipative, second‐order initial‐boundary value problems (IBVPs) with coefficients that are spatially varying, with linear, constant‐coefficient, two‐point boundary conditions. We accomplish this by considering the variable‐coefficient problem as the limit of a constant‐coefficient interface problem, previously solved using the unified transform method of Fokas. Our method produces an explicit representation of the solution, allowing us to determine properties of the solution directly. As explicit examples, we demonstrate the solution procedure for different IBVPs of variations of the heat equation, and the linearized complex Ginzburg‐Landau (CGL) equation (periodic boundary conditions). We can use this to find the eigenvalues of dissipative second‐order linear operators (including non–self‐adjoint ones) as roots of a transcendental function, and we can write their eigenfunctions explicitly in terms of the eigenvalues.
Fe‐Mn oxide, microbe and biochar composite for remediation of Cd and As co‐contaminated water and soil
Authors: Lian Bin , Wu Jizi , Bolan Nanthi , Jeyakumar Paramsothy , Wang Hailong , Yuan Jing , Wu Qiuchan , Chen Yao , Wang Jiahao , Yuan Feng , Ye Zhengqian , Fu Weijun , Zhao Keli
Published: December 2024

The novel Fe‐Mn oxide, microbe and biochar composite (FM‐DB) synthesized by mixing Fe‐Mn oxide, Cd(II)‐resistant microbe inoculated biochar, was to simultaneously remediate the co‐contamination of Cd and As. The adsorption behaviour and mechanism of Cd(II) and As(III) were studied by using adsorption experiments: the effects of the initial pH of solution, initial concentration of heavy metal, and addition order of Cd(II) and As(III) solutes on adsorption of FM‐DB. The adsorption capacity for Cd and As was 59.27 and 84.73 mg·kg−1, respectively. The results showed both antagonism and synergistic interaction behaviour of Cd(II) and As(III) adsorption. Synergistic effects was primarily governed by electrostatic interaction, biochemistry/specific adsorption and Cd‐As co‐precipitation. To investigate the FM‐DB stabilization ability of heavy metal in two paddy soils, a 60‐days soil incubation experiment was carried out. The pH of SY was significantly increased by 0.39–1.21 units with FM‐DB addition, and the pH of FS remained relatively stable throughout the incubation periods. FM‐DB significantly increased the DOC of the two soils by 40.57% and 18.16%, respectively. The BCR extraction was employed in this study to assess the transformation of unstable Cd and As into residual fractions. FM‐DB significantly decreased the concentration of available Cd and As by 6.7%–20.4% and 8.7%–24.3%, respectively in SY, and by 4%–8% and 5.4%–25.2%, respectively in FS (p < .05). Thus, it is feasible to apply FM‐DB to alleviate the Cd and As pollution in the environment.
High prevalence of Trypanosoma infection in Iberian green frogs (Pelophylax perezi) and evidence of a negative relationship between blood parasites and two indices of frog body condition
Authors: Megía-Palma Rodrigo , Sánchez-Montes Gregorio , Netherlands Edward , Palomar Gemma , Martínez-Solano Iñigo
Published: December 2024

Trypanosoma commonly parasitizes anuran hosts but very few studies have investigated ecological relationships in multiparasitized amphibians. We analysed a sample of 29 adult Iberian green frogs (Pelophylax perezi) from a monitored population in central Spain and found that 28 of these individuals (96.5%) were infected with blood parasites. The protozoa genera Lankesterella (Apicomplexa: Eimeriorina) (72.4%) and Trypanosoma (Euglenozoa: Trypanosomatida) (69%) had the highest prevalence, followed by an intraerythrocytic bacteria of the genus Aegyptianella (Pseudomonadota: Rickettsiales) (31.0%). We also report an infection by hematic microfilariae (Nematoda: Spirurida) (6.8%), which to our knowledge represents the first documented case in Iberian amphibians. Infections with more than one parasite type occurred in 62.1% of the frogs. A multimodel inference approach indicated that the infection intensities of Trypanosoma and Aegyptianella were the most important predictors, both negatively affecting the body condition of the frogs. Furthermore, the number of leeches that frogs had when captured showed a strong positive association with Trypanosoma infection intensity. This suggests that leeches act as primary vectors for Trypanosoma. Our results revealed a high taxonomic diversity of blood parasites in green frogs, thus contributing to expand our knowledge of the biodiversity of Mediterranean wetlands and highlighted the potential negative effects of certain infections on the fitness of these amphibian hosts.
Inferring context-dependent computations through linear approximations of prefrontal cortex dynamics
Authors: Soldado-Magraner Joana , Mante Valerio , Sahani Maneesh
Published: December 2024

The complex neural activity of prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a hallmark of cognitive processes. How these rich dynamics emerge and support neural computations is largely unknown. Here, we infer mechanisms underlying the context-dependent integration of sensory inputs by fitting dynamical models to PFC population responses of behaving monkeys. A class of models implementing linear dynamics driven by external inputs accurately captured PFC responses within contexts and revealed equally performing mechanisms. One model implemented context-dependent recurrent dynamics and relied on transient input amplification; the other relied on subtle contextual modulations of the inputs, providing constraints on the attentional effects in sensory areas required to explain flexible PFC responses and behavior. Both models revealed properties of inputs and recurrent dynamics that were not apparent from qualitative descriptions of PFC responses. By revealing mechanisms that are quantitatively consistent with complex cortical dynamics, our modeling approach provides a principled and general framework to link neural population activity and computation.
Meeting metformin again for the first time
Authors: Green Douglas R.
Published: December 2024

New evidence convincingly shows that metformin, a drug that reduces circulating glucose, acts by inhibiting mitochondrial complex I.
Metabolomic analysis reveals an important role of sphingosine 1-phosphate in the development of HFMD due to EV-A71 infection
Authors: Ji Wangquan , Dang Dejian , Zhou Guangyuan , Tao Ling , Sun Tiantian , Li Dong , Cheng Cheng , Feng Huifen , Long Jinzhao , Chen Shuaiyin , Yang Haiyan , Duan Guangcai , Jin Yuefei
Published: December 2024

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a serious pediatric infectious disease that causes immeasurable physical and mental health burdens. Currently, there is a lack of information on the mechanisms of HFMD severity and early diagnosis. We performed metabolomic profiling of sera from 84 Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) infections and 45 control individuals. Targeted metabolomics assays were employed to further validate some of the differential metabolic molecules. We identified significant molecular changes in the sera of HFMD patients compared to healthy controls (HCs). A total of 54, 60, 35, and 62 differential metabolites were screened between mild cases and HCs, severe cases and HCs, severe cases and mild cases, and among the three groups, respectively. These differential metabolites implicated dysregulation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, and valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis. The diagnostic panel based on some overlapped differential metabolites could effectively discriminate severe cases from mild cases with an AUC of 0.912 (95% CI: 0.85–0.97) using the logistic regression model. Next, we found the elevation of serum sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) level in EV-A71 infection mice, which was similar to clinical observation. Importantly, after blocking the release of S1P by MK571, the clinical symptoms and survival of mice were significantly improved, involving the reduction of leukocyte infiltration in infected brain tissues. Collectively, our data provided a landscape view of metabolic alterations in EV-A71 infected children and revealed regulating S1P metabolism was an exploitable therapeutic target against EV-A71 infection.
TAC1b
mutation in
Candida auris
decreases manogepix susceptibility owing to increased
CDR1
expression
Authors: Hirayama Tatsuro , Miyazaki Taiga , Tanaka Rina , Kitahori Natsume , Yoshida Masataka , Takeda Kazuaki , Ide Shotaro , Iwanaga Naoki , Tashiro Masato , Takazono Takahiro , Izumikawa Koichi , Yanagihara Katsunori , Makimura Koichi , Tsukamoto Kazuhiro , Mukae Hiroshi
Published: December 2024

Candida auris
is an emerging pathogenic fungus that is highly resistant to existing antifungal drugs. Manogepix is a novel antifungal agent that exerts antifungal activity by inhibiting glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor biosynthesis. Although the mechanisms of resistance of
Candida
species to manogepix have been reported previously, those of
C. auris
are yet to be studied. To investigate the resistance mechanisms of
C. auris
, we exposed a clinical isolate (clade I) to manogepix
in vitro
and generated strains with reduced susceptibility to manogepix. A search for gain-of-function mutations that upregulate efflux pump expression confirmed the presence of the D865N amino acid mutation in
TAC1b
. We used the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas9 system to create a recovery strain (N865D) in which only this single nucleotide mutation was returned to the wild-type sequence. We generated a mutant strain by introducing only the D865N mutation into the parent strain and a different clade strain (clade III). The D865N mutant strains were clearly less susceptible to manogepix than the parental strains and exhibited high
CDR1
expression. Moreover, we generated a strain deficient in
CDR1
and confirmed that this strain had significantly increased susceptibility to manogepix. Thus, the present study demonstrated that the
TAC1b
mutation in
C. auris
upregulates
CDR1
expression and decreases its susceptibility to manogepix.