bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The global human day
Authors: Fajzel William , Galbraith Eric D. , Barrington-Leigh Christopher , Charmes Jacques , Frie Elena , Hatton Ian , Le Mézo Priscilla , Milo Ron , Minor Kelton , Wan Xinbei , Xia Veronica , Xu Shirley
Published: June 2023

The daily activities of ≈8 billion people occupy exactly 24 h per day, placing a strict physical limit on what changes can be achieved in the world. These activities form the basis of human behavior, and because of the global integration of societies and economies, many of these activities interact across national borders. Yet, there is no comprehensive overview of how the finite resource of time is allocated at the global scale. Here, we estimate how all humans spend their time using a generalized, physical outcome–based categorization that facilitates the integration of data from hundreds of diverse datasets. Our compilation shows that most waking hours are spent on activities intended to achieve direct outcomes for human minds and bodies (9.4 h/d), while 3.4 h/d are spent modifying our inhabited environments and the world beyond. The remaining 2.1 h/d are devoted to organizing social processes and transportation. We distinguish activities that vary strongly with GDP per capita, including the time allocated to food provision and infrastructure, vs. those that do not vary consistently, such as meals and transportation time. Globally, the time spent directly extracting materials and energy from the Earth system is small, on the order of 5 min per average human day, while the time directly dealing with waste is on the order of 1 min per day, suggesting a large potential scope to modify the allocation of time to these activities. Our results provide a baseline quantification of the temporal composition of global human life that can be expanded and applied to multiple fields of research.
Unraveling female communication through scent marks in the Norway rat
Authors: Gómez-Baena Guadalupe , Pounder Kieran C. , Halstead Josiah O. , Roberts Sarah A. , Davidson Amanda J. , Prescott Mark , Beynon Robert J. , Hurst Jane L.
Published: June 2023

Chemical communication by females remains poorly understood, with most attention focused on female advertisement of sexual receptivity to males or mother–offspring communication. However, in social species, scents are likely to be important for mediating competition and cooperation between females determining individual reproductive success. Here, we explore chemical signaling by female laboratory rats (
Rattus norvegicus
) to test i) whether females target their deployment of scent information differentially according to their sexual receptivity and the genetic identity of both female and male conspecifics signaling in the local environment and ii) whether females are attracted to gain the same or different information from female scents compared to males. Consistent with targeting of scent information to colony members of similar genetic background, female rats increased scent marking in response to scents from females of the same strain. Females also suppressed scent marking in response to male scent from a genetically foreign strain while sexually receptive. Proteomic analysis of female scent deposits revealed a complex protein profile, contributed from several sources but dominated by clitoral gland secretion. In particular, female scent marks contained a series of clitoral-derived hydrolases and proteolytically truncated major urinary proteins (MUPs). Manipulated blends of clitoral secretion and urine from estrus females were strongly attractive to both sexes, while voided urine alone stimulated no interest. Our study reveals that information about female receptive status is shared between females as well as with males, while clitoral secretions containing a complex set of truncated MUPs and other proteins play a key role in female communication.
McrD binds asymmetrically to methyl-coenzyme M reductase improving active-site accessibility during assembly
Authors: Chadwick Grayson L. , Joiner Aaron M. N. , Ramesh Sangeetha , Mitchell Douglas A. , Nayak Dipti D.
Published: June 2023

Methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR) catalyzes the formation of methane, and its activity accounts for nearly all biologically produced methane released into the atmosphere. The assembly of MCR is an intricate process involving the installation of a complex set of posttranslational modifications and the unique Ni-containing tetrapyrrole called coenzyme F
430
. Despite decades of research, details of MCR assembly remain largely unresolved. Here, we report the structural characterization of MCR in two intermediate states of assembly. These intermediate states lack one or both F
430
cofactors and form complexes with the previously uncharacterized McrD protein. McrD is found to bind asymmetrically to MCR, displacing large regions of the alpha subunit and increasing active-site accessibility for the installation of F
430
—shedding light on the assembly of MCR and the role of McrD therein. This work offers crucial information for the expression of MCR in a heterologous host and provides targets for the design of MCR inhibitors.
Study of plasma meniscus including surface produce negative ions by using PIC-MCC simulation
Authors: Miyamoto K. , Hayashi K. , Hoshino K. , Hatayama A.
Published: June 2023

In general, a quality of negative ion beam optics is determined by the shape of the plasma
meniscus, which is an ion emitting surface. In this study, the key parameters to control the
plasma meniscus and relevant physical structure in the electronegative plasma including the
surface produced H- ions is investigated by using PIC-MCC simulation. The region
from the source plasma up to the accelerator is modeled for a single aperture, and thus, the
plasma meniscus can be obtained self-consistently. Parameter survey for the net flux of surface
produced H- ion is conducted by varing the numbers of the surface produced
H- ion super-particles per timestep in order to investigate the effcet of the
electronegativity, that is, the ratio of the negative ion density to the electron density. It is
shown that the effective distance d
eff, between the
plasma meniscus and the extraction grid depends on the electronegativity as well as the plasma
density. Especially, the effective distance d
eff,
decreases with the increase of the electronegativity under the constant plasma density, which
means that the shape of the plasma meniscus becomes flat or convex rather than concave. Moreover,
it is also verified that the electronegativity affects the H- ion
trajectories extracted from

near the
edge of plasma meniscus through the shape of
plasma meniscus.
scHiMe: predicting single-cell DNA methylation levels based on single-cell Hi-C data
Authors: Zhu Hao , Liu Tong , Wang Zheng
Published: June 2023

Recently a biochemistry experiment named methyl-3C was developed to simultaneously capture the chromosomal conformations and DNA methylation levels on individual single cells. However, the number of data sets generated from this experiment is still small in the scientific community compared with the greater amount of single-cell Hi-C data generated from separate single cells. Therefore, a computational tool to predict single-cell methylation levels based on single-cell Hi-C data on the same individual cells is needed. We developed a graph transformer named scHiMe to accurately predict the base-pair-specific (bp-specific) methylation levels based on both single-cell Hi-C data and DNA nucleotide sequences. We benchmarked scHiMe for predicting the bp-specific methylation levels on all of the promoters of the human genome, all of the promoter regions together with the corresponding first exon and intron regions, and random regions on the whole genome. Our evaluation showed a high consistency between the predicted and methyl-3C-detected methylation levels. Moreover, the predicted DNA methylation levels resulted in accurate classifications of cells into different cell types, which indicated that our algorithm successfully captured the cell-to-cell variability in the single-cell Hi-C data. scHiMe is freely available at http://dna.cs.miami.edu/scHiMe/.
The Abu Dhabi Global Market and Its Transplant of English Private Law
Authors: Bantekas Ilias
Published: June 2023

A grand experiment took place in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). This relatively new special economic zone adopted English law as its operational law through a decision by which such a transplant would become instantly applicable. While such instant transplants have generally not fared well in the past, in the present instance, the ADGM experiment seems to have produced tangible outcomes. This is largely due to the fact that the introduction of English law was accompanied by the establishment of a court composed of judges with vast experience in the application of statutory and common law. In addition, both the court and its various stakeholders are in ‘dialogue’ with the courts and institutions of England, in the sense that English precedent is generally followed subject to the exigence of the ADGM. This species of transplant is viewed by the author as a successful model, albeit one suitable for a jurisdiction with significant financial resources.
Energetic costs increase with faster heating in an aquatic ectotherm
Authors: Harding Lucy , Jackson Andrew L , Payne Nicholas
Published: June 2023

The thermal sensitivity of metabolism is widely studied due to its perceived importance for organismal fitness and resilience to future climate change. Almost all such studies estimate metabolism at a variety of constant temperatures, with very little work exploring how metabolism varies during temperature change. However, temperature in nature is rarely static, so our existing understanding from experiments may not reflect how temperature influences metabolism in natural systems. Using closed-chamber respirometry, we estimated the aerobic metabolic rate of an aquatic ectotherm, the Atlantic ditch shrimp Palaemonetes varians, under varying thermal conditions. We continuously measured oxygen consumption of shrimp during heating, cooling and constant temperatures, starting trials at a range of acclimation temperatures and exposing shrimp to a variety of rates of temperature change. In a broad sense, cumulative oxygen consumption estimated from static temperature exposures corresponded to estimates derived from ramping experiments. However, further analyses showed that oxygen consumption increases for both faster heating and faster cooling, with rapid heating driving higher metabolic rates than if shrimp were warmed slowly. These results suggest a systematic influence of heating rate on the thermal sensitivity of metabolism. With influential concepts such as the metabolic theory of ecology founded in data from constant temperature experiments, our results encourage further exploration of how variable temperature impacts organism energetics, and to test the generality of our findings across species. This is especially important given climate forecasts of heat waves that are characterised by both increased temperatures and faster rates of change.
Releasing and tracking the distribution of adventive Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) in Virginia
Authors: Bergh J Christopher , Talamas Elijah J , Brandt Samuel N , Edwards Ashley , MacRae Lucinda , Monger Grace , Bowen Jason , Lawrence Katherine , Reed Kathleen , Pottorff Steve
Published: June 2023

Adventive populations of Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead), an egg parasitoid of the invasive agricultural pest, brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), have been detected in the United States since 2014. Given its importance as an H. halys biocontrol agent, efforts to redistribute T. japonicus began within some US states. Our surveillance for T. japonicus in northwestern Virginia in 2016–2017 yielded annual detections only in 1 county. Thus, to promote its broader establishment, releases of H. halys egg masses parasitized by T. japonicus from Virginia occurred in 2018 (2 releases) and 2020 (1 release) at 9 sites throughout Virginia’s tree fruit production regions. Monitoring of T. japonicus and H. halys, using yellow sticky cards deployed in H. halys host trees and pheromone-baited sticky traps, respectively, was conducted from 2018 to 2022. Annual captures of H. halys adults and nymphs appeared to reflect adequate populations to support T. japonicus establishment across most or all sites. Prerelease monitoring yielded a single T. japonicus at 1 site. By 2022, T. japonicus was detected at or near 7 of the remaining 8 release sites, with first detections varying between 1 and 2 yr from the releases in 2018 and 2020. Captures at most sites were very low, but establishment at several locations was indicated by detections in 2–4 seasons. In 2022, T. japonicus surveillance at 11 additional sites in northwestern Virginia yielded detections at all locations, including those at which it had not been detected in 2016–2017, providing evidence for its range expansion.
Prolonged adrenocortical blockade following discontinuation of Osilodrostat
Authors: Poirier Jonathan , Bonnet-Serrano Fidéline , Thomeret Louis , Bouys Lucas , Bertherat Jérôme
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Osilodrostat is the newest approved steroidogenic inhibitor drug for the treatment of hypercortisolism. In this article, we describe 3 patients who experienced a previously undescribed adverse event: a prolonged adrenocortical blockade following treatment cessation.

Methods

Patient records showing a history of successful hypercortisolism control with Osilodrostat followed by at least 4 weeks of treatment interruption were reviewed. Patient characteristics and hormonal dosage were analyzed.

Results

Persistence of adrenocortical blockade was found in 3 patients and lasted from 6 weeks to 9 months depending on patients. This phenomenon manifested in patients regardless of lower or higher daily Osilodrostat doses (2-10 mg) and total treatment duration did not seem to predict the severity of the blockade.

Conclusion

The finding of this previously undescribed side effect highlights the importance of continuing adrenal function monitoring after Osilodrostat interruption to prevent adrenal crisis in patients at risk.
East is east … or is it? Racialization of Asian, Middle Eastern, and Pacific Islander persons
Authors: Gee Gilbert C , Chien Jessie , Sharif Mienah Z , Penaia Corina , Tran Emma
Published: June 2023

The conventional use of racial categories in health research naturalizes “race” in problematic ways that ignore how racial categories function in service of a White-dominated racial hierarchy. In many respects, racial labels are based on geographic designations. For instance, “Asians” are from Asia. Yet, this is not always a tenable proposition. For example, Afghanistan resides in South Asia, and shares a border with China and Pakistan. Yet, people from Afghanistan are not considered Asian, but Middle Eastern, by the US Census. Furthermore, people on the west side of the Island of New Guinea are considered Asian, whereas those on the eastern side are considered Pacific Islander. In this article, we discuss the complexity of the racial labels related to people originating from Oceania and Asia, and, more specifically, those groups commonly referred to as Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and Asian. We begin with considerations of the aggregation fallacy. Just as the ecological fallacy refers to erroneous inferences about individuals from group data, the aggregation fallacy refers to erroneous inferences about subgroups (eg, Hmong) from group data (ie, all Asian Americans), and how these inferences can contribute to stereotypes such as the “model minority.” We also examine how group averages can be influenced merely by the composition of the subgroups, and how these, in turn, can be influenced by social policies. We provide a historical overview of some of the issues facing Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, and Asian communities, and conclude with directions for future research.
European review of agricultural economics—50th anniversary retrospective
Authors: Di Falco Salvatore , Lagerkvist Carl-Johan , Nauges Céline , Richards Timothy J
Published: June 2023

In this article, we celebrate the first 50 years of the European Review of Agricultural Economics. We intend to convey some understanding of how the interests of European Review of Agricultural Economics (ERAE) readers change over time as a reflection of how shifting interests show up in our research. To document how the issues, methods, and content of the ERAE evolve over time, we summarise the content of the top-cited articles by decade. We conclude with a summary, and our thoughts as to where applied economics research in the Review may go over the next 50 years.
Work-limiting musculoskeletal pain and its association with loss of paid employment among senior workers: prospective cohort study with register follow-up
Authors: Skovlund Sebastian Venge , Vinstrup Jonas , Sundstrup Emil , Andersen Lars Louis
Published: June 2023

Background

A growing population of elderly necessitates a sharpened focus on sustainable employment through aging. Physically demanding work can be challenging, especially for senior workers. Establishing determinants of labor market participation could guide policy development and preventive efforts at the workplaces aiming at keeping senior workers longer in the labor market.

Methods

We used data from SeniorWorkingLife, a comprehensive questionnaire survey among a representative sample of Danish +50-year workers, and investigated the prospective association between self-reported work limitations due to musculoskeletal pain (‘work-limiting pain’) in 2018 and register-based loss of paid employment before state pension age at 2-year follow-up among +50-year Danish workers with physically demanding work (n = 3050).

Results

Results showed that work-limiting pain increased the risk of loss of paid employment before the state pension age in a progressive manner, i.e. the higher degree of work-limiting pain, the higher risk of loss of paid employment (P < 0.001). Experiencing a low degree of work-limiting pain was associated with an 18% increased risk of loss of paid employment [risk ratio (RR): 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14–1.21], whereas experiencing a very high degree of work-limiting pain increased the risk of loss of paid employment by 155% (RR: 2.55, 95% CI: 2.43–2.69) compared to no work-limiting pain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, work-limiting pain constitutes an important risk factor for loss of paid employment among senior workers with physically demanding work, and effective preventive efforts at both policy and workplace levels should be documented and implemented.
Socioeconomic, lifestyle and biological determinants of cervical screening coverage: Lolland–Falster Health Study, Denmark
Authors: Tabatabai Milad K , Lophaven Søren , Lauenborg Jeannet , Holmager Therese , Jepsen Randi , Lynge Elsebeth
Published: June 2023

Background

Cervical cancer is preventable. Screening is important for early detection. However, even in high-income countries, coverage is sub-optimal. We identified socioeconomic, lifestyle and biological determinants of cervical screening coverage.

Methods

In Denmark, women aged 23–64 are free of charge personally invited to screening. All cervical cell samples are registered centrally in the Patobank. We linked data from the Lolland–Falster Health Study (LOFUS) with Patobank data. LOFUS was a population-based health survey undertaken in 2016–2020. With logistic regression, coverage defined as ≥1 cervical sample registered within a 6-year period from 2015 to 2020 was compared across levels of risk factors expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Among 13 406 women of screening aged 23–64 and invited to LOFUS, 72% had ≥1 cervical sample registered. Non-participation in LOFUS was a strong predictor of low coverage; aOR 0.32; 95% CI 0.31–0.36. Among LOFUS participants, education was a strong predictor of coverage in univariate analysis, OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.48–0.71, but this association disappeared in multi-variate analysis, aOR 0.86; 95% CI 0.66–1.10. In multi-variate analysis, predictors of low coverage were high age, living without a partner, retired, current smoker, poor self-rated health, elevated blood pressure and elevated glycated haemoglobin.

Conclusions

Women with low cervical screening coverage had limited contact to healthcare, exemplified by non-participation in LOFUS, and pertinent health and social problems, exemplified by elevated blood pressure and glycated haemoglobin, poor self-rated health, and retirement already in screening age. Structural changes in screening are needed to reach non-screened women.
Comparison of microbial colonization between natural and plastic substrata in a polluted watershed
Authors: Laffet Lucie , Joly Muriel , Carles Louis , Donnadieu-Bernard Florence , Romani Anna M , Artigas Joan
Published: June 2023

Plastic pollution represents a threat for biological communities and the ecological functions they provide in river ecosystems. In this study, we compared the microbial colonization of two plastics (biodegradable and non-biodegradable) and three natural substrata (leaves, sediment, and rocks) in two study sites of an urbanized watershed differing in their plastic-contamination degree (upstream and downstream). The density and diversity of bacterial, fungal, and algal communities, as well as the extracellular enzymatic activities β-glucosidase (GLU), N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG), and phosphatase (PHO), were analysed in each substrata and site over a 4-week colonization experiment. Results showed higher microbial densities and enzymatic activities in leaves and sediment compared to plastics and rocks, probably due to the greater availability of organic carbon and nutrients in the former substrata. However, the microbial colonization of the two plastics was only different in the downstream site, where bacterial density and enzymatic activities were higher in the biodegradable plastic compared to the non-biodegradable plastic. Accordingly, the presence of biodegradable plastics would enhance the heterotrophic metabolism in plastic-polluted rivers.
Function of a hydrophobin in growth and development, nitrogen regulation, and abiotic stress resistance of Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Qiao Jinjin , Liu He , Xue Peng , Hong Mengting , Guo Xiaoyu , Xing Zhenzhen , Zhao Mingwen , Zhu Jing
Published: June 2023

Fungal hydrophobins have many important physiological functions, such as maintaining hydrophobicity and affecting virulence, growth, and development. In Ganoderma lucidum, the molecular regulation mechanisms of hydrophobins in mushroom are unclear. In this study, we investigated a hydrophobin protein 1 (Hyd1) in G. lucidum, which belongs to the fungal Class I hydrophobins. The hyd1 gene was highly expressed during the formation of primordia, and expression was the lowest in fruiting bodies. Through the construction of hyd1 silenced strains, we found that primordia formation was not initiated in these strains. This finding indicated that Hyd1 played an important role in the development of G. lucidum. Second, AreA, a key transcription factor in nitrogen metabolism, negatively regulated the expression of hyd1. In an areA-silenced strain, the expression of hyd1 increased by ∼14-fold compared with that of the wild-type (WT) strain. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) indicated binding of AreA to the promoter of hyd1. Additionally, expression of hyd1 was determined in the presence of different nitrogen sources. Compared with that in the ammonia nitrogen source, the expression of hyd1 in nitrate nitrogen source significantly increased. Finally, we found that hyd1 plays important roles not only in nitrogen regulation but also in the resistance to other abiotic stresses. After silencing of hyd1, the resistance to heat, cell wall, and salt stresses decreased. Our findings reveal the important roles of Hyd1 in the development and resistance to abiotic stresses in G. lucidum and provide insights into the nitrogen regulation mechanism of hydrophobins in higher basidiomycetes.
Substrate space analysis of the bacterial proton-coupled oligopeptide transporter YdgR by cheminformatics
Authors: Sajid Salvia , Nielsen Marcus M K , Khalil Ruqaiya , Hansen Paul R , Franzyk Henrik , Jørgensen Mikkel Girke , Christensen Lars P , Mirza Osman , Prabhala Bala Krishna
Published: June 2023

Proton-dependent oligopeptide transporters (POTs) are recognized for their substrate promiscuity due to their ability to transport a wide range of substrates. POTs are conserved in all forms of life ranging from bacteria to humans. A dipeptide-fluorophore conjugate, H-(β-Ala)-Lys(AMCA)-OH, is a well-known substrate of the transporter YdgR that is commonly used as a fluorescent reporter. In order to understand the substrate space of YdgR, we used this dipeptide as a bait reference, when screening an ensemble of compounds (previously tested in PEPT/PTR/NPF space) via a cheminformatic analysis based on the Tanimoto similarity index. Eight compounds (sinalbin, abscisic acid, carnosine, jasmonic acid, N-acetyl-aspartate, N-acetyl-lysine, aspartame, and N-acetyl-aspartylglutamate), covering a wide range on the Tanimoto scale, were tested for YdgR-mediated transport. Carnosine was the only compound observed to be a YdgR substrate based on cell-based transport assays and molecular docking. The other compounds tested were neither inhibitors nor substrates. Thus, we found that neither the Tanimoto similarity index nor ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) properties appear useful for the identification of substrates (e.g., dipeptides) in YdgR-mediated drug transport.
Microbiological quality, antibiotic resistant bacteria and relevant resistance genes in ready-to-eat Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas)
Authors: Guedes Bárbara , Godinho Ofélia , Lage Olga Maria , Quinteira Sandra
Published: June 2023

Oysters are a highly valued seafood but can endanger public health, if they are eaten raw or barely cooked. We evaluated the microbiological quality of Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) by international standard methods in four groups (each with four to five animals) acquired from supermarkets and directly from a farm producer. Most of the groups presented satisfactory microbiological quality. In two groups of oysters, ‘questionable’ or ‘unsatisfactory’ quality was observed for the coagulase-positive Staphylococcus parameter. Culture-based methods did not detect Salmonella spp. or enteropathogenic Vibrio spp., but Vibrio alginolyticus, a potential foodborne pathogen, was identified by molecular analysis. Fifty strains, belonging to 19 species, were isolated in antibiotic-supplemented media, and their antibiotic susceptibility profile was evaluated. Genes coding for β-lactamases were searched by PCR in bacteria showing resistance phenotype. Decreased susceptibility or resistance to distinct antibiotics were observed for bacteria from depurated and non-depurated oysters. The blaTEM gene was identified in Escherichia fergusonii and Shigella dysenteriae strains, which showed multidrug-resistant phenotypes. The possibility that oysters might be a source of antibiotic-resistant bacteria/antibiotic resistance genes is of great concern and highlights the need for stricter controls and preventative measures to mitigate and counteract the dissemination of antibiotic resistance across the food chain.
5mC DNA methylation modification-mediated regulation in tissue functional differentiation and important flavor substance synthesis of tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.)
Authors: Kong Weilong , Zhu Qiufang , Zhang Qing , Zhu Yiwang , Yang Jingjing , Chai Kun , Lei Wenlong , Jiang Mengwei , Zhang Shengcheng , Lin Jinke , Zhang Xingtan
Published: June 2023

In plants, 5mC DNA methylation is an important and conserved epistatic mark involving genomic stability, gene transcriptional regulation, developmental regulation, abiotic stress response, metabolite synthesis, etc. However, the roles of 5mC DNA methylation modification (5mC methylation) in tea plant growth and development (in pre-harvest processing) and flavor substance synthesis in pre- and post-harvest processing are unknown. We therefore conducted a comprehensive methylation analysis of four key pre-harvest tissues (root, leaf, flower, and fruit) and two processed leaves during oolong tea post-harvest processing. We found that differential 5mC methylation among four key tissues is closely related to tissue functional differentiation and that genes expressed tissue-specifically, responsible for tissue-specific functions, maintain relatively low 5mC methylation levels relative to non-tissue-specifically expressed genes. Importantly, hypomethylation modifications of CsAlaDC and TS/GS genes in roots provided the molecular basis for the dominant synthesis of theanine in roots. In addition, integration of 5mC DNA methylationomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics of post-harvest leaves revealed that content changes in flavor metabolites during oolong tea processing were closely associated with transcription level changes in corresponding metabolite synthesis genes, and changes in transcript levels of these important synthesis genes were strictly regulated by 5mC methylation. We further report that some key genes during processing are regulated by 5mC methylation, which can effectively explain the content changes of important aroma metabolites, including α-farnesene, nerolidol, lipids, and taste substances such as catechins. Our results not only highlight the key roles of 5mC methylation in important flavor substance synthesis in pre- and post-harvest processing, but also provide epimutation-related gene targets for future improvement of tea quality or breeding of whole-tissue high-theanine varieties.
Health Care Disparities, Social Determinants of Health, and Emotional Impacts in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: Results from a Global Ulcerative Colitis Narrative Patient Survey
Authors: Odufalu Florence-Damilola , Dubinsky Marla C , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Ylänne Karoliina , Sipes Allyson , Cappelleri Joseph C , Russo Leo J , Segovia Michelle , Gardiner Sean , Johnson Edward P , Mulvey Amy , Panaccione Remo
Published: June 2023

Background

The Ulcerative Colitis (UC) Narrative global survey assessed aspects of living with UC. This analysis aimed to identify health care disparities, social determinants of health, and emotional impacts related to UC disease management, patient experience, and quality of life.

Methods

The survey was conducted by The Harris Poll from August 2017 to February 2018 among adults with UC. Responses from 1000 patients in the United States, Canada, Japan, France, and Finland were analyzed based on patient income, employment status, educational level, age, sex, and psychological comorbidities. Odds ratios (ORs) with significant P values (P < .05) from multivariate logistic regression models are reported.

Results

Low-income vs high-income patients were less likely to have participated in a peer mentoring (OR, 0.30) or UC education program (OR, 0.51). Patients not employed were less likely to report being in “good/excellent” health (OR, 0.58) than patients employed full time. Patients with low vs high educational levels were less likely to have reached out to patient associations/organizations (OR, 0.59). Patients aged younger than 50 years vs those aged 50 years and older were less likely to have visited an office within an inflammatory bowel disease center/clinic in the past 12 months (OR, 0.53). Males were less likely to be currently seeing their gastroenterologist than females (OR, 0.66). Patients with vs without depression were less likely to agree that UC had made them more resilient (OR, 0.51).

Conclusions

Substantial differences in disease management and health care experience were identified, based on categories pertaining to patient demographics and psychological comorbidities, which may help health care providers better understand and advance health equity to improve patient care.
Infection responsive coatings to reduce biofilm formation and encrustation of urinary catheters
Authors: Slate Anthony J , Clarke Ocean E , Kerio Mina , Nzakizwanayo Jonathan , Patel Bhavik Anil , Jones Brian V
Published: June 2023

Aims

The care of patients undergoing long-term urethral catheterization is frequently complicated by Proteus mirabilis infection. This organism forms dense, crystalline biofilms, which block catheters leading to serious clinical conditions. However, there are currently no truly effective approaches to control this problem. Here, we describe the development of a novel theranostic catheter coating, to simultaneously provide early warning of blockage, and actively delay crystalline biofilm formation.

Methods and Results

The coating comprises of a pH sensitive upper polymer layer (poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid); Eudragit S 100®) and a hydrogel base layer of poly(vinyl alcohol), which is loaded with therapeutic agents (acetohydroxamic acid or ciprofloxacin hydrochloride) and a fluorescent dye, 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (CF). The elevation of urinary pH due to P. mirabilis urease activity results in the dissolution of the upper layer and release of cargo agents contained in the base layer. Experiments using in vitro models, which were representative of P. mirabilis catheter-associated urinary tract infections, demonstrated that these coatings significantly delay time taken for catheters to block. Coatings containing both CF dye and ciprofloxacin HCl were able to provide an average of ca. 79 h advanced warning of blockage and extend catheter lifespan ca. 3.40-fold.

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated the potential for theranostic, infection-responsive coatings to form a promising approach to combat catheter encrustation and actively delay blockage.
Late gestational nutrient restriction in primiparous beef females: nutrient partitioning among the dam, fetus, and colostrum during gestation
Authors: Redifer Colby A , Wichman Lindsey G , Rathert-Williams Abigail R , Freetly Harvey C , Meyer Allison M
Published: June 2023

Fall-calving primiparous crossbred beef females [body weight (BW): 451 ± 28 (SD) kg; body condition score (BCS): 5.4 ± 0.7] were allocated by fetal sex and expected calving date to receive either 100% (control; CON; n = 13) or 70% (nutrient restricted; NR; n = 13) of metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from day 160 of gestation to calving. Heifers were individually-fed chopped poor quality hay and supplemented to meet targeted nutritional planes based on estimated hay intakes. Dam BW, BCS, backfat, and metabolic status were determined pre-treatment, every 21 d (BW and metabolic status) or 42 d (BCS and backfat) during gestation, and post-calving. At birth, calf BW and size were measured, and total colostrum from the most full rear quarter was collected pre-suckling. Data were analyzed with nutritional plane, treatment initiation date, and calf sex (when P < 0.25) as fixed effects. Gestational metabolites included day and nutritional plane × day as repeated measures. During late gestation, CON dams gained (P < 0.01) maternal (non-gravid) BW and maintained (P ≥ 0.17) BCS and backfat, while NR dams lost (P < 0.01) maternal BW, BCS, and backfat. Circulating glucose, urea N, and triglycerides were less (P ≤ 0.05) in NR dams than CON at most late gestational timepoints after treatment initiation. Circulating non-esterified fatty acids were greater (P < 0.01) in NR dams than CON. Post-calving, NR dams weighed 63.6 kg less (P < 0.01) and were 2.0 BCS less (P < 0.01) than CON. At 1 h post-calving, NR dams had less (P = 0.01) plasma glucose and tended to have less (P = 0.08) plasma triglycerides than CON. Nutrient restriction did not affect (P ≥ 0.27) gestation length, calf birth weight, or calf size at birth. Colostrum yield was 40% less (P = 0.04) in NR dams than CON. Protein and immunoglobulin concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.04), but free glucose and urea N concentrations were less (P ≤ 0.03), in colostrum of NR dams than CON. Colostrum total lactose, free glucose, and urea N were less (P ≤ 0.03) in NR dams than CON, but total protein, triglycerides, and immunoglobulins were not affected (P ≥ 0.55). In summary, beef heifers experiencing late gestational nutrient restriction prioritized partitioning nutrients to fetal growth and colostrum production over maternal growth. During undernutrition, fetal and colostral nutrient demands were largely compensated for by catabolism of maternal tissue stores.
A case of massive subcutaneous emphysema and transient ischemic attack due to argon plasma coagulation following endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment
Authors: Parente Giovanni , Di Mitri Marco , Thomas Eduje , Cravano Sara Maria , D’Antonio Simone , Gargano Tommaso , Libri Michele , Lima Mario
Published: June 2023

Pilonidal sinus is a small hole affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissue, which usually contains hair and skin debris, resulting in the creation of the so-called pilonidal cyst. The endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (EPSiT) is a minimally invasive procedure consisting of the removal of hairs and cauterization of the cavity under direct endoscopic vision. In our institution, we used to end this procedure with argon plasma coagulation (APC). Here, we discuss a case of 22-year-old man affected by pilonidal disease, who developed a massive subcutaneous emphysema and suspected transient ischemic attack secondary to gas reabsorption after an EPSiT in which APC was used for the coagulation.
Robotic surgery: extending the minimally invasive approach in patients with splenomegaly. A case report
Authors: Baz Carolina , Pozza Gioia , Di Pangrazio Marco , Toti Francesco , Dreifuss Nicolas H , Cubisino Antonio , Aguiluz Gabriela , Mangano Alberto , Rondón Jesús , Giulianotti Pier Cristoforo
Published: June 2023

Splenomegaly represents a challenge during splenectomy. Despite the laparoscopic approach becoming the gold standard for spleen removal, it remains controversial in this condition since the limited working space and increased risk of bleeding portray the leading causes of conversion, preventing patients from experiencing the benefits of minimally invasive surgery. The robotic platform was used to perform a splenectomy on a 55-year-old female with severe thrombocytopenia due to a relapsed large B cell lymphoma with splenomegaly. The advantages of this approach, favoring less blood loss and precise movements in a small surgical field, may allow MIS to become the first choice in this unfavorable setting, even in hematologic malignancies, which are associated with higher complication rates.
Non-operative management of gallstone sigmoid ileus in a patient with a prostatic cancer
Authors: AlMuhsin Ahmed M , Bazuhair Abdulaziz , AlKhlaiwy Omar , Abu Hajar Rami O , Alotaibi Thabit
Published: June 2023

Gallstone ileus is an uncommon complication of calculus cholecystitis through the formation of a biliary enteric fistula. The risk of mechanical obstruction caused by gallstones is increased with its size, in addition to chronic constipation, neoplasm and diverticulitis, to name a few. Here, we present a case of an 89-year-old male patient who presented with signs of bowel obstruction, which was found to be a gallstone impacted in the sigmoid colon. Considering the patient’s stable condition and his comorbidities, a conservative approach was opted including IV fluids, fleet enema and bowel rest. Colonoscopy was performed and confirmed the passage of the stone. With no consensus regarding the management, the literature emphasizes a tailored approach to each case considering all possible operative and non-operative approaches. Some reports show promising results with non operative management. Gallstone ileus remains a challenging case, and further studies for the best treatment modalities are needed.
Major complications of sigmoid vaginoplasty: a case series
Authors: Meece Matthew S , Weber Lee E , Hernandez Alexandra E , Danker Sara J , Paluvoi Nivedh V
Published: June 2023

This case series explores the major complications following sigmoid vaginoplasty in two transgender female patients. Both patients experienced significant post-operative complications, including stenosis and abscess formation, leading to sigmoid conduit ischemia and necrosis. These complications required major surgical interventions and multidisciplinary care, highlighting the complexity of these procedures and their potential morbidity. Our analysis suggests that the initial stenotic insult led to obstruction and vascular insult to the sigmoid conduit, necessitating resection of the affected bowel. The outcomes underscore the need for collaboration across specialties for optimal post-operative monitoring and management. This study advocates for future management guidelines promoting multidisciplinary collaboration to reduce morbidity and resource burdens associated with complications. Despite the complications, sigmoid vaginoplasty remains a viable gender affirmation surgery, providing an effective analogue to vaginal mucosa and offering improved neovaginal depth.
Minimally invasive removal of apocrine glands: a study of 100 cases using three maneuvers with blunt scissors
Authors: Ho Wen-Tsao
Published: June 2023

A case series study describes a minimally invasive surgical technique for removing axillary apocrine glands using blunt scissors. The technique involved making two small incisions, removing the glands using three maneuvers, and evaluating patient satisfaction and post-surgery complications. Of 100 patients, 92% reported being satisfied with the results, with no reported complications. The study suggests this technique is safe and effective, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery with fewer negative cosmetic outcomes. However, further research is needed to assess its long-term efficacy and safety.
Recurrent intraparotid dermoid cyst in an adult male: a case report
Authors: George Savya K , Sandeep R , Ramji K V V , Kuchana Sai K , Suvvari Tarun K , Thomas Vimal
Published: June 2023

Dermoid cysts of the head and neck region are very rare, with about 7% occurrence and parotid being an extremely rare location. In this case report, we presented a case of a 23-year-old man with a recurrent parotid dermoid cyst and the clinical presentation and diagnostic difficulties are discussed.
Reduction in genital sexual arousal varies by type of oral contraceptive pill
Authors: Handy Ariel B , McMahon Leah N , Goldstein Irwin , Meston Cindy M
Published: June 2023

Background

Although oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) have been associated with decrements in self-reported genital arousal and vaginal lubrication, 1,2 little is known about how these outcomes vary across types of OCPs.

Aim

The present study examined differences in physiological lubrication and vaginal blood flow, as well as rates of self-reported vulvovaginal atrophy and female sexual arousal disorder, among women using OCPs with varying androgenic properties.

Methods

Participants in this study were 130 women: 59 naturally cycling control women, 50 women taking androgenic OCPs, and 21 women taking antiandrogenic OCPs. Participants watched sexual films while their sexual arousal responses were measured, completed questionnaires, and participated in a clinical interview.

Outcomes

Vaginal blood flow, vaginal lubrication, self-reported vulvovaginal atrophy, and female sexual arousal disorder were assessed.

Results

Results indicated deficits in vaginal pulse amplitude and lubrication for women taking either form of OCP, with marked inhibitory effects found in women taking antiandrogenic OCPs. Rates of self-reported vulvovaginal atrophy and female sexual arousal disorder were also significantly greater in the antiandrogenic group compared with the control group.

Clinical Implications

It is recommended that prescribing clinicians consult patients on such physiological effects of OCPs.

Strengths and Limitations

To our knowledge, this was the first study to compare multiple measures of physiological sexual arousal across groups of women taking OCPs with varying hormonal profiles. Because all OCPs included in this study contained low doses of ethinylestradiol, we were able to identify the specific effects of the androgenic properties on women’s sexual arousal responses. However, the self-administered lubrication test strip was subject to user error. Additionally, the generalizability of findings is limited by the largely heterosexual and college-aged sample.

Conclusion

Compared with naturally cycling women, women taking OCPs that contain antiandrogenic progestins experienced decreased vaginal blood flow and lubrication as well as higher rates of self-reported vaginal bleeding and female sexual arousal disorder.
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 in older persons: multi-organ complications and mortality
Authors: Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Zhang Ran , Mathur Sukriti , Yan Vincent Ka Chun , Lai Francisco Tsz Tsun , Chui Celine Sze Ling , Li Xue , Wong Carlos King Ho , Chan Esther Wai Yin , Lau Chak Sing , Wong Ian Chi Kei
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Evidence on long-term associations between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and risks of multi-organ complications and mortality in older population is limited. This study evaluates these associations.

Research design and methods

The cohorts included patients aged ≥60 year diagnosed with COVID-19 infection (cases), between 16 March 2020 and 31 May 2021 from the UK Biobank; and between 01 April 2020 and 31 May 2022 from the electronic health records in Hong Kong. Each patient was randomly matched with individuals without COVID-19 infection based on year of birth and sex and were followed for up to 18 months until 31 August 2021 for UKB, and up to 28 months until 15 August 2022 for HK cohort. Patients with COVID-19 infection over 6 months after the date of last dose of vaccination and their corresponding controls were excluded from our study. Characteristics between cohorts were further adjusted with Inverse Probability Treatment Weighting. For evaluating long-term association of COVID-19 with multi-organ disease complications and mortality after 21-days of diagnosis, Cox regression was employed.

Result

10,759 (UKB) and 165,259 (HK) older adults with COVID-19 infection with matched 291,077 (UKB) and 1,100,394 (HK) non-COVID-19-diagnosed older adults were recruited. Older adults with COVID-19 were associated with a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular outcomes [major cardiovascular disease (stroke, heart failure and coronary heart disease): hazard ratio(UKB): 1.4 (95% Confidence interval: 1.1,1.6), HK:1.2 (95% CI: 1.1,1.3)]; myocardial infarction: HR(UKB): 1.8 (95% CI: 1.3,2.4), HK:1.2 (95% CI: 1.0,1.4)]; respiratory outcomes [interstitial lung disease: HR(UKB: 3.4 (95% CI: 2.5,4.5), HK: 4.0 (95% CI: 1.3,12.8); chronic pulmonary disease: HR(UKB): 1.7 (95% CI: 1.3,2.2), HK:1.6 (95% CI: 1.3,2.1)]; neuropsychiatric outcomes [seizure: HR(UKB): 2.6 (95% CI: 1.7,4.1), HK: 1.6 (95% CI: 1.2,2.1)]; and renal outcomes [acute kidney disease: HR(UKB): 1.4 (95% CI: 1.1,1.6), HK:1.6 (95% CI: 1.3,2.1)]; and all-cause mortality [HR(UKB): 4.9 (95% CI: 4.4,5.4), HK:2.5 (95% CI: 2.5,2.6)].

Conclusion

COVID-19 is associated with long-term risks of multi-organ complications in older adults (aged ≥ 60). Infected patients in this age-group may benefit from appropriate monitoring of signs/symptoms for developing these complications.