bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological aspects of being a parent of an individual with Rett syndrome: A scoping review
Authors: Larsen Jane Lunding , Hansson Helena , Bisgaard Anne‐Marie , Stahlhut Michelle
Published: January 2024

Background

Rett syndrome (RTT) causes multiple disabilities with a lifelong need for substantial care, placing a tremendous lifelong responsibility on the parents. Parenting an individual with RTT can therefore be challenging. Research on the psychological aspects of parenting individuals with RTT is limited and unclear. We aimed to identify and map the existing literature on this subject.

Method

A scoping review was conducted with systematic searches in PubMed, PsycINFO and CINAHL.

Results

Eighteen studies were included. Negative and positive psychological aspects were described with the majority focusing on the negative. Three factors seemed to especially affect the parents: severity of the diagnosis, time (increasing age of parents or individual with RTT; years of caretaking), work‐status of the mother.

Conclusions

Seemingly, parents are highly affected; however, the literature is scarce and has several gaps. Future research should include older parents, fathers, parents of individuals living in group homes, and positive aspects.
Pharmacist‐led rapid medication titration for hypertension management by telehealth: A quality improvement initiative
Authors: Ishak Anthony M. , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Wood Julia M. , Vyavahare Medha , Cluett Jennifer L. , Juraschek Stephen P.
Published: January 2024

Hypertension guidelines recommend team‐based care for the treatment of high blood pressure (BP). Clinical pharmacists can help patients get to goal BP with rapid medication titration in conjunction with telehealth visits. We conducted a pharmacist‐led home BP monitoring pilot program from June 2020 to September 2021. Forty‐two patients with a SBP ≥140 despite using ≤2 antihypertensive medications were referred for pharmacist telehealth with expedited medication titration to achieve a BP goal <130/80. The mean enrollment SBP/DBP was 155.2 (SD, 15.8)/89.7 (SD, 11.5) mm Hg, and the mean completion SBP/DBP was 132.1 (SD, 10.9)/77.6 (SD, 10). The number of hypertension medications prescribed increased from 1.3 to 1.6 with no instances of falls or hypotension. At completion, 31% of patients had an automated office blood pressure (AOBP) with SBP <130 mm Hg and DBP <80 mm Hg. A pharmacist‐led, home BP monitoring telehealth pilot program helped patients safely achieve BP goals.
Hemodynamic changes in progressive cerebral infarction: An observational study based on blood pressure monitoring
Authors: Li Ling , Wu Bin , Dong Jiaoxuan , He Songbin , Xu Jie , Tse Gary , Dai Fangyu , Liu Haipeng
Published: January 2024

Progressive cerebral infarction (PCI) is a common complication in patients with ischemic stroke that leads to poor prognosis. Blood pressure (BP) can indicate post‐stroke hemodynamic changes which play a key role in the development of PCI. The authors aim to investigate the association between BP‐derived hemodynamic parameters and PCI. Clinical data and BP recordings were collected from 80 patients with cerebral infarction, including 40 patients with PCI and 40 patients with non‐progressive cerebral infarction (NPCI). Hemodynamic parameters were calculated from the BP recordings of the first 7 days after admission, including systolic and diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure (PP), with the mean values of each group calculated and compared between daytime and nighttime, and between different days. Hemodynamic parameters and circadian BP rhythm patterns  were compared between PCI and NPCI groups using t‐test or non‐parametric equivalent for continuous variables, Chi‐squared test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and binary logistic regression analysis for potential risk factors. In PCI and NPCI groups, significant decrease of daytime systolic BP appeared on the second and sixth days, respectively. Systolic BP and fibrinogen at admission, daytime systolic BP of the first day, nighttime systolic BP of the third day, PP, and the ratio of abnormal BP circadian rhythms were all higher in the PCI group. PCI and NPCI groups were significantly different in BP circadian rhythm pattern. PCI is associated with higher systolic BP, PP and more abnormal circadian rhythms of BP.
Phytophthora infestans RXLR effector Pi23014 targets host RNA‐binding protein NbRBP3a to suppress plant immunity
Authors: Li Wanyue , Liu Zeming , Huang Yuli , Zheng Jie , Yang Yang , Cao Yimeng , Ding Liwen , Meng Yuling , Shan Weixing
Published: January 2024

Phytophthora infestans is a destructive oomycete that causes the late blight of potato and tomato worldwide. It secretes numerous small proteins called effectors in order to manipulate host cell components and suppress plant immunity. Identifying the targets of these effectors is crucial for understanding P. infestans pathogenesis and host plant immunity. In this study, we show that the virulence RXLR effector Pi23014 of P. infestans targets the host nucleus and chloroplasts. By using a liquid chromatogrpahy‐tandem mass spectrometry assay and co‐immunoprecipitation assasys, we show that it interacts with NbRBP3a, a putative glycine‐rich RNA‐binding protein. We confirmed the co‐localization of Pi23014 and NbRBP3a within the nucleus, by using bimolecular fluorescence complementation. Reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR assays showed that the expression of NbRBP3a was induced in Nicotiana benthamiana during P. infestans infection and the expression of marker genes for multiple defence pathways were significantly down‐regulated in NbRBP3‐silenced plants compared with GFP‐silenced plants. Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transient overexpression of NbRBP3a significantly enhanced plant resistance to P. infestans. Mutations in the N‐terminus RNA recognition motif (RRM) of NbRBP3a abolished its interaction with Pi23014 and eliminated its capability to enhance plant resistance to leaf colonization by P. infestans. We further showed that silencing NbRBP3 reduced photosystem II activity, reduced host photosynthetic efficiency, attenuated Pi23014‐mediated suppression of cell death triggered by P. infestans pathogen‐associated molecular pattern elicitor INF1, and suppressed plant immunity.
Should left‐ and right‐sided unilateral cleft lip and palate patients be grouped together when reporting the outcomes?
Authors: Al‐Hassani Manar , Fowler Peter , Wren Yvonne , Leary Sam , Davies Amy
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Investigate associations between cleft laterality in patients with non‐syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and oral‐health, dental‐arch, speech, audiological, psychological and nasolabial‐aesthetic outcomes.

Methods

Secondary data analysis of the outcomes of 5‐year‐old children with non‐syndromic complete UCLP identified from three studies: Cleft Collective (n = 155), Cleft Care UK (CCUK) (n = 266) and Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG) study (n = 238). Outcome measures included occlusal assessment using the 5‐year‐old's index score, speech intelligibility rating using the CAPS‐A Audit tool, audiological assessment using pure tone audiometry, nasolabial aesthetic assessment using the Asher‐McDade tool, oral‐health assessment using decayed, missing, filled teeth scores and parent‐reported outcomes. Logistic regression with adjustment for age, sex and index‐of‐multiple‐deprivation scores were performed.

Results

No differences were found in patient‐reported outcomes between the left and right clefts in the Cleft Collective study. From the CCUK study, right clefts had poorer speech (n = 236; 95% CI 1.09, 3.42; and P = .03) and hearing outcomes (n = 211; 95% CI 1.03, 3.43; P = .04). In the CSAG study, patients with left clefts were more likely to be teased (n = 213; 95% CI 0.26, 0.85; and P = .01).

Conclusion

Weak associations between cleft laterality, speech, hearing and psychological outcomes were found, however the findings were inconsistent across the studies. This study contributes to evidence of associations between laterality and outcomes in children born with UCLP.
Assessing the rebound phenomenon in different myopia control treatments: A systematic review
Authors: Sánchez‐Tena Miguel Ángel , Ballesteros‐Sánchez Antonio , Martinez‐Perez Clara , Alvarez‐Peregrina Cristina , De‐Hita‐Cantalejo Concepción , Sánchez‐González María Carmen , Sánchez‐González José‐María
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To review the rebound effect after cessation of different myopia control treatments.

Methods

A systematic review that included full‐length randomised controlled studies (RCTs), as well as post‐hoc analyses of RCTs reporting new findings on myopia control treatments rebound effect in two databases, PubMed and Web of Science, was performed according to the PRISMA statement. The search period was between 15 June 2023 and 30 June 2023. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to analyse the quality of the selected studies.

Results

A total of 11 studies were included in this systematic review. Unifying the rebound effects of all myopia control treatments, the mean rebound effect for axial length (AL) and spherical equivalent refraction (SER) were 0.10 ± 0.07 mm [−0.02 to 0.22] and −0.27 ± 0.2 D [−0.71 to −0.03] after 10.2 ± 7.4 months of washout, respectively. In addition, spectacles with highly aspherical lenslets or defocus incorporated multiple segments technology, soft multifocal contact lenses and orthokeratology showed lower rebound effects compared with atropine and low‐level light therapy, with a mean rebound effect for AL and SER of 0.04 ± 0.04 mm [0 to 0.08] and −0.13 ± 0.07 D [−0.05 to −0.2], respectively.

Conclusions

It appears that the different treatments for myopia control produce a rebound effect after their cessation. Specifically, optical treatments seem to produce less rebound effect than pharmacological or light therapies. However, more studies are required to confirm these results.
Health‐related Quality of Life (HRQOL) Outcomes of Selective/Nonselective Thoracic Fusion for Lenke 1C Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) Patients with a Minimum 4‐year Follow‐up
Authors: Luo Chuan , Deng Zhipeng , Li Junhu , Li Zhuhai , Wang Lihang , Ran Liyu , Song Yueming , Huang Shishu , Wang Lei , Ma Litai
Published: January 2024

Objective

Both the selective thoracic fusion (STF) and nonselective thoracic fusion (NSTF) are treatments for Lenke 1C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). To date, the impacts of the two surgical strategies on patients' long‐term quality of life remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the long‐term effects of STF/NSTF on the quality of life in Lenke 1C AIS patients through a 4–10‐year follow‐up.

Methods

From January 2011 to April 2018, according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a retrospective single‐center study of 75 surgical patients with Lenke 1C curves was performed (n = 75). They all underwent posterior fusion, and patients were divided into the selective thoracic fusion (STF) group (n = 42) and the nonselective thoracic fusion (NSTF) group (n = 33) based on their surgical approach. All participants received the survey of the visual analogue scale (VAS), SRS30, SF12, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scales. Patients' gender, age, body mass index (BMI), surgical approach (STF/NSTF), surgical segments (UIV and LIV), follow‐up time, complications, preoperative, postoperative, and last follow‐up Cobb angles, and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes were collected, and analyzed through the Shapiro‐Wilks test, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, t‐test, and χ2 test.

Results

The mean follow‐up of the entire cohort was 73 ± 5.6 months. The lumbar Cobb angle in the STF group improved from 31.8 ± 6.5° to 11.5 ± 5.1° after the operation and 10.3 ± 6.9° at the last follow‐up. The postoperative correction rate of the lumbar curve was 63.8%, which increased to 67.7% at the last follow‐up. In the NSTF group, the lumbar Cobb angle improved from 34.3 ± 11.3° to 4.3 ± 3.7° after the operation, and was 5.1 ± 3.1° at the last follow‐up. The postoperative correction rate of the lumbar curve was 87.4%, and 85.1% at the last follow‐up. At the last follow‐up, the STF group had higher overall HRQOL scores than the NSTF group, and there were statistically differences between the different groups (STF/NSTF) in SRS‐30‐Mental health (p = 0.03), SRS‐30‐Satisfaction with management (p = 0.02), SRS‐30‐Pain (p = 0.03), ODI (p = 0.01), SF‐12 PCS (p = 0.03), VAS back pain (p = 0.005) and VAS leg pain (p = 0.001). No statistically differences were found in SF12 MCS, SRS‐30‐Self‐image/Appearance and SRS‐30 Function/activity.

Conclusion

After 4–10 years of follow‐up, we found that the STF group achieved satisfactory correction results, and compared with the NSTF group, their overall HRQOL scores were higher, especially in terms of pain and satisfaction, where the STF group shows a significant advantage.
(Mis)Understanding Correlativity in Contractual Relations
Authors: Sakharova Irina
Published: January 2024

This article challenges the orthodox explanation of the normative connection between contracting parties: The promisee is regarded as having a superior position vis‐à‐vis the promisor, a position manifesting itself in the promisee's authority or control over the promisor's performance, and supported, in particular, by the promisee's supposed power, or at least some sort of ability falling short of a normative power, to “waive” the promisor's duty of performance. The article demonstrates that this explanation is rooted in a one‐sided, and ultimately wrong, understanding of correlativity in contractual relations and suggests a better understanding, one truly capable of accounting for contractual bilaterality.
Decomposition of the impact of government and private transfers on income inequality in China
Authors: Liu Jingqi , Wang Chen , Wang Jinxian , Yang Chen
Published: January 2024

This article investigates the redistributive effects of government and private transfers on income inequality in China, based on data from China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) during 2012–2020. The results indicate that, first, both government and private programs have inequality‐reducing effects and the effect from the government is much larger. More specifically, old‐age pensions have the largest inequality‐reducing effect, followed by government subsidies, private transfers, and charity donations. In urban areas, old‐age pensions have larger redistributive effects, while in rural areas, government subsidies, private transfers, and charity donations contribute to lower inequality. However, compensation for land expropriation and housing demolishment is inequality‐increasing. Moreover, the redistributive effects of the transfers are highly driven by their budget size rather than their targeting.
Characterization of three novel HLA class I alleles, HLA‐A*31:01:02:56, HLA‐B*35:588 and HLA‐B*57:153
Authors: Ulrich Silvia , Meitz Sandra , Posch Ursula , Schlenke Peter
Published: January 2024

Characterization of three novel HLA class I alleles by next generation sequencing.
Validation of the Sysmex XN analyser and Blood Bank mode for the quality and safety of donor blood and transfusion products
Authors: Valina Ondrej , Vankova Ida , Mintzas Konstantinos , Knappova Klara , Gasova Zdenka
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Our objective was to compare the measurement of residual white blood cell (rWBC) and residual red blood cell (rRBC) counts in blood products using the XN Blood Bank mode and the laboratory standard operating procedures for manual counts. In addition, to compare the whole blood complete blood count (CBC) values of blood donors and the quality of blood products using the Sysmex XN analyser versus the XS‐1000i analyser.

Materials and Methods

For blood donors, 190 samples from blood or apheresis donors were analysed on both the Sysmex XS‐1000i and XN‐1000 analysers and the mean values of six CBC parameters were compared: the white blood cell count (WBC), the red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), the platelet count (PLT). For blood products, 164 samples were collected: 13 Plasma products – whole blood, 9 Plasma products – apheresis, 36 RBC concentrates – whole blood, 30 PLT concentrates – buffy coats, 36 PLT concentrates – buffy coats – pooled and 55 PLT concentrates – apheresis.

Results

All CBC parameters of the blood donors tested showed similar performance, with excellent correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.821 to 0.995. The majority of the blood products did not have a quantifiable number of residual cells, meaning the number of rWBC and rRBC, if present, was below the limit of quantitation (LoQ) of the different methods. rWBC were detected by Blood Bank mode in Plasma products – whole blood with a mean rWBC of 0.012 × 109/L and in PLT concentrates – buffy coats with a mean rWBC of 0.19 × 109/L. The correlation coefficient in both analysers for all three parameters (HGB, HCT, RBC) in RBC concentrates – whole blood was excellent, ranging from 0.95 to 0.99. For platelet count, r ranged from 0.98 to 0.99.

Conclusion

The XN‐Series analyser, equipped with a Blood Bank mode, demonstrated reliable performance when used for blood donor evaluation, rWBC enumeration and measurement of end blood products.
Retrospective evaluation of surgical outcomes in canine patients with primary and secondary glaucoma following diode endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation
Authors: Sosnowik Shayna , Webb Terah , Bras Dineli , Hartrum Bianca J. , Micceri Danielle
Published: January 2024

Objective

To evaluate the long‐term outcome of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) for the treatment of primary and secondary glaucoma in dogs.

Animals Studied

Retrospective review of dogs that underwent ECP at two referral centers from 2004 to 2023.

Procedures

Medical records of 389 eyes (301 dogs) following ECP were reviewed. Outcomes evaluated included follow‐up time, intraocular pressure (IOP), vision status, additional ECP procedures performed, number of medications, and complications. Patient and surgical variables and their association with IOP control and vision maintenance were evaluated.

Results

Median follow‐up time was 18 months. IOP remained controlled in 90% and 95% of patients at 1 and 2 years, respectively, following ECP. IOP was controlled long‐term (2 years) in cases with primary (88%) and secondary (99%) glaucoma. Post‐operative vision was maintained in 63% and 49% of eyes at approximately 1 and 2 years, respectively. Median time to vision loss was 6.5 months. Repeat ECP was required in 15.4% of eyes at a median of 19 days post‐operatively. Eyes that underwent more than one ECP surgery had a significantly longer median time to blindness (13.8 months) than those that underwent a single ECP procedure (3.6 months; p = .0003). The median number of anti‐glaucoma medications decreased from three pre‐operatively to one at 1‐ and 2‐year post‐operatively. Complications included corneal ulceration (28%), blinding hypotony (11%), retinal detachment (11%), and hyphema (10%).

Conclusion

Endolaser cyclophotocoagulation is an effective surgery for maintaining long‐term IOP control and extending vision in canine patients with glaucoma refractory to medical management.
Computed tomographic characteristics of confirmed and presumed noncutaneous pythiosis in 25 dogs
Authors: Hamlin Alessandra N. , Locker Seth , Huguet Elodie , Berry Clifford R. , Cole Robert , IV John F. Griffin , Gremillion Christine , Hecht Silke , Vilaplana Grosso Federico R.
Published: January 2024

Pythium insidiosum is an aquatic oomycete that causes granulomatous infection in dogs, most commonly cutaneous and gastrointestinal. Ultrasonographic characteristics of gastrointestinal pythiosis have been described; occasionally, CT is utilized in the clinical setting, and CT features of pythiosis have not been published. The purpose of this retrospective, multicenter, descriptive study is to describe CT characteristics of noncutaneous canine pythiosis. The following CT parameters were recorded: lesion anatomic location, number, shape, margination, size, attenuation pre‐ and postcontrast, enhancement pattern, lymph nodes affected, other lesions identified, and presence of peritoneal effusion or steatitis. Descriptive statistics demonstrating the frequency of lesion appearances were performed. Twenty‐five dogs with noncutaneous pythiosis lesions that underwent CT were included; 19 had primarily gastrointestinal infections, four primarily arterial infections, one intrathoracic and intra‐abdominal infection, and one primary pulmonary infection. In dogs with primary gastrointestinal infection, lesions were most common at the ileocolic junction and were most frequently focal, well‐defined, moderate to marked circumferential wall thickening that was homogeneous and smoothly marginated precontrast, with moderate heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Most dogs had involvement of multiple gastrointestinal regions. Of four dogs with primary arterial involvement, three had large aneurysmal dilatations of the cranial mesenteric artery with severe mural thickening. All dogs had regional lymphadenopathy, which was variable but generally mild. Nine dogs had peritoneal effusion; six dogs had steatitis. CT features of pythiosis can overlap with neoplasia, but pythiosis should be considered as a differential, especially in young dogs. Findings supported using CT as an adjunct imaging test for increasing clinical suspicion of noncutaneous pythiosis.
A high‐fat diet supplemented with medium‐chain triglycerides ameliorates hepatic steatosis by reducing ceramide and diacylglycerol accumulation in mice
Authors: Mourad Stephanie , Abdualkader Abdualrahman Mohammed , Li Xiaobei , Jani Shailee , Ceddia Rolando B. , Al Batran Rami
Published: January 2024

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is projected to be the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and is closely linked to obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Currently, no pharmacological treatments are available to treat NAFLD, and lifestyle modification, including dietary interventions, is the only remedy. Therefore, we conducted a study to determine whether supplementation with medium‐chain triglycerides (MCTs), containing a mixture of C8 and C10 (60/40), attenuates NAFLD in obese and insulin‐resistant mice. To achieve that, we fed C57BL/6 male mice a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks to induce obesity and hepatic steatosis, after which obese mice were assigned randomly either to remain on the HFD or to transition to an HFD supplemented with MCTs (HFD + MCTs) or a low‐fat diet (LFD) for 6 weeks as another dietary intervention model. Another group of mice was kept on an LFD throughout the study and used as a lean control group. Obese mice that transitioned to HFD + MCTs exhibited improvement in glucose and insulin tolerance tests, and the latter improvement was independent of changes in adiposity when compared with HFD‐fed mice. Additionally, supplementation with MCTs significantly reduced hepatic steatosis, improved liver enzymes and decreased hepatic expression of inflammation‐related genes to levels similar to those observed in obese mice transitioned to an LFD. Importantly, HFD + MCTs markedly lowered hepatic ceramide and diacylglycerol content and prevented protein kinase C‐ε translocation to the plasma membrane. Our study demonstrated that supplementation with MCTs formulated mainly from C8 and C10 effectively ameliorated NAFLD in obese mice.
Modification of the Acoustic Mismatch Model and Diffuse Mismatch Model for Accurate Prediction of Interface Thermal Conductance at Low Temperatures
Authors: Barakat Nourhan , Hassan Fouad El Haj , Kazan Michel
Published: January 2024

Houston's method for summing phonon modes in the Brillouin zone is applied to exclude specular transmission of phonon modes of specific symmetries, thus, modifying the Acoustic Mismatch Model when phonon heat flux is incident from a heavier to a lighter medium. The Houston method is also used to impose conservation of the number of phonons in each direction of high-symmetry, thus modifying the detailed balance theorem and the Diffuse Mismatch Model. Based on the assumption that phonons are in equilibrium at the interface and are transmitted specularly or diffusely by two-phonon elastic processes, interpolation between the modified Acoustic Mismatch Model and the modified Diffuse Mismatch Model has led to a general analytical formalism for low-temperature interface thermal conductance. The Debye temperature, the only parameter in the derived formalism, is expressed as a function of temperature by assimilating numerically obtained specific heat values to the Debye expression for specific heat. Previous measurements of the low-temperature thermal conductance of smooth and rough interfaces between dissimilar materials could be reproduced numerically without adjustment of model parameters, demonstrating the importance of modifications to the Acoustic Mismatch Model and the Diffuse Mismatch Model and supporting the hypothesis that anharmonic processes play a minimal role in heat transport across the interfaces studied below room temperature. The formalism developed is used to study the thermal conductance of the interface between silicon and germanium because of the potential of silicon-germanium nanocomposites for thermoelectric applications.
A Hybrid Heavy Duty Diesel Power System for Off-Road Applications—Concept Validation
Authors: Koci Chad , Ivanov Radoslav , Steffen Jay , Adams Jeremy , Kruiswyk Rich , Bazyn Tim , Duvall Lauren , McDavid Robert , Montgomery Marc , Keim Jason , Waldron Tom
Published: January 2024

A multiyear power system R&D program was completed with the objective of developing an off-road hybrid heavy duty diesel engine with front end accessory drive-integrated energy storage. This system was validated to deliver 10.5–25.6% reduction in fuel consumption over current Tier 4 Final-based 18L diesel engines, over various off-road machine application cycles. The power system consisted of a downsized heavy-duty diesel 13L engine containing advanced combustion technologies, capable of elevated peak cylinder pressures and thermal efficiencies, thermal barrier coatings, exhaust waste heat recovery via SuperTurbo™ turbocompounding, and hybrid energy assisting and recovery through both mechanical and electrical systems. Following the concept definition, design, and analysis phases of the program, the final phase focused on building and validating the performance and efficiency in laboratory tests. While aspects of the system such as start/stop and reduced off-road cooling package energy losses were only analytically evaluated, the main 13L concept engine with full hybrid system was successfully built and tested in steady-state and in transient certification and real-world application cycles. Extensive simulations in Caterpillar's DYNASTY™ software environment utilized the validation test data to assess performance more fully and confidently over varied cycles and strategies. An average fuel consumption reduction of 17.9% was realized, and the majority (∼13%) of the benefit stemmed from the core concept 13L engine. To conclude, a total cost of ownership analysis provides context to commercial viability and where adoption focus should be placed.
Mucosal correlates of protection after influenza viral challenge of vaccinated and unvaccinated healthy volunteers
Authors: Bean Rachel , Giurgea Luca T. , Han Alison , Czajkowski Lindsay , Cervantes-Medina Adriana , Gouzoulis Monica , Mateja Allyson , Hunsberger Sally , Reed Susan , Athota Rani , Baus Holly Ann , Kash John C. , Park Jaekeun , Taubenberger Jeffery K. , Memoli Matthew J.
Published: January 2024

The devastating potential of influenza has been well known for over 100 years. Despite the development of vaccines since the middle of the 20th century, influenza continues to be responsible for substantial global morbidity and mortality. To develop next-generation vaccines with enhanced effectiveness, we must synthesize our understanding of the complex immune mechanisms culminating in protection. Our study outlines the differences in immune responses to influenza vaccine and influenza infection, identifying potential gaps in vaccine-induced immunity, particularly at the level of the nasal mucosa. Furthermore, this research underscores the need to refine our imperfect models while recognizing potential pitfalls in past and future attempts to identify and measure correlates of protection.
A novel partitivirus conferring hypovirulence by affecting vesicle transport in the fungus
Colletotrichum
Authors: Zhu Jun Zi , Qiu Ze Lan , Gao Bi Da , Li Xiao Gang , Zhong Jie
Published: January 2024

Colletotrichum
is a kind of economically important phytopathogenic fungi that cause anthracnose disease in a variety of plant species worldwide. We found a novel mycovirus of the
Gammapartitiviru
s genus and
Partitiviridae
family from the phytopathogenic fungus
Colletotrichum alienum
and named it CaPV1. This study revealed that CaPV1 infection significantly decreased host virulence and fitness by affecting mycelial growth, appressorial development, and appressorium turgor. In addition, CaPV1 could also infect other
Colletotrichum
species, including
C. fructicola
,
C. spaethianum
, and
C. gloeosporioides
, by viral particle transfection and resulting in hypovirulence of these
Colletotrichum
species. Transcriptomic analysis showed that CaPV1 caused significant transcriptional rewiring of the host fungus
C. alienum
, especially the genes involved in vesicle transport. Moreover, endocytosis and gene knockout assays demonstrated that the mechanism underlying CaPV1-induced hypovirulence is, at least in part, caused by affecting the vesicle transport of the host fungus. This study provided insights into the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of
Colletotrichum
species and mycovirus-fungus interactions, linking the role of mycovirus and fungus vesicle transport systems in shaping fungal pathogenicity.
The oral administration of
Lacticaseibacillus casei
Shirota alleviates acetaminophen-induced liver injury through accelerated acetaminophen metabolism via the liver-gut axis in mice
Authors: Lv Longxian , Ren Siqi , Jiang Huiyong , Yan Ren , Chen Wenyi , Yan Ruiyi , Dong Jinming , Shao Li , Yu Ying
Published: January 2024

Acetaminophen is a widely used antipyretic and analgesic drug, and its overdose is the leading cause of drug-induced acute liver failure. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of
Lacticaseibacillus casei
Shirota (LcS), an extensively used and highly studied probiotic, on acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury. C57BL/6 mice were gavaged with LcS suspension or saline once daily for 7 days before acute liver injury was induced via intraperitoneal injection of 300 mg/kg acetaminophen. The results showed that LcS significantly decreased acetaminophen-induced liver and ileum injury, as demonstrated by reductions in the increases in aspartate aminotransferase, total bile acids, total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, and hepatic cell necrosis. Moreover, LcS alleviated acetaminophen-induced intestinal mucosal permeability, decreased serum IL-1α and lipopolysaccharide levels, and elevated serum eosinophil chemokine (eotaxin) and hepatic glutathione levels. Furthermore, analysis of the gut microbiota and metabolome showed that LcS reduced the acetaminophen-enriched levels of
Cyanobacteria
,
Oxyphotobacteria
, long-chain fatty acids, cholesterol, and sugars in the gut. Additionally, the transcriptomic and proteomic results showed that LcS mitigated the decrease in metabolic and immune pathways as well as glutathione formation during acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury. This is the first study showing that pretreatment with LcS alleviates acetaminophen-enriched acute liver injury, and it provides a reference for the application of LcS.

IMPORTANCE

Acetaminophen is the most frequently used antipyretic analgesic worldwide. As a result, overdoses easily occur and lead to drug-induced acute liver injury, which quickly progresses to liver failure with a mortality of 60%–80% if not corrected in time. The current emergency treatment for overused acetaminophen needs to be administered within 8 hours to avoid liver injury or even liver failure. Therefore, developing preventive strategies for liver injury during planned acetaminophen medication is particularly important, preferably nonpharmacological methods.
Lacticaseibacillus casei
Shirota (LcS) is a famous probiotic that has been used for many years. Our study found that LcS significantly alleviated acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury, especially acetaminophen-induced liver injury toward fulminant hepatic failure. Here, we elucidated the function and potential mechanisms of LcS in alleviating acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury, hoping it will provide preventive strategies to people during acetaminophen treatment.
A multi-omic assessment of the mechanisms of intestinal microbes used to treat diarrhea in early-weaned lambs
Authors: Guo Hongran , Cui Jiuzeng , Li Qian , Liang Xuhui , Li Junda , Yang Bohua , Kalds Peter , Chen Yulin , Yang Yuxin
Published: January 2024

Before weaning, the digestive system of lambs is not well developed; hence, its resistance to infectious diseases is weak. Under intensive feeding systems, lambs can easily be stressed and the risk of bacterial infection is high, which causes diarrhea, which in turn may cause mortality and significant economic losses to the livestock industry. With the elimination of antibiotics in animal feed, the incidence of mortality due to intestinal illnesses in lambs has gradually increased. There are several types of probiotics routinely used in young animals, but the effects and processes of their usage have only been assessed in monogastric animals. The lack of data on ruminants, particularly sheep, has severely hampered the process of efficient and healthy sheep breeding. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify effective and safe functional supplements for lambs.
Rapid nanopore sequencing and predictive susceptibility testing of positive blood cultures from intensive care patients with sepsis
Authors: Harris Patrick N. A. , Bauer Michelle J. , Lüftinger Lukas , Beisken Stephan , Forde Brian M. , Balch Ross , Cotta Menino , Schlapbach Luregn , Raman Sainath , Shekar Kiran , Kruger Peter , Lipman Jeff , Bialasiewicz Seweryn , Coin Lachlan , Roberts Jason A. , Paterson David L. , Irwin Adam D.
Published: January 2024

We aimed to evaluate the performance of Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing from positive blood culture (BC) broths for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility prediction. Patients with suspected sepsis in four intensive care units were prospectively enrolled. Human-depleted DNA was extracted from positive BC broths and sequenced using ONT (MinION). Species abundance was estimated using Kraken2, and a cloud-based system (AREScloud) provided
in silico
predictive antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) from assembled contigs. Results were compared to conventional identification and phenotypic AST. Species-level agreement between conventional methods and AST predicted from sequencing was 94.2% (49/52), increasing to 100% in monomicrobial infections. In 262 high-quality AREScloud AST predictions across 24 samples, categorical agreement (CA) was 89.3%, with major error (ME) and very major error (VME) rates of 10.5% and 12.1%, respectively. Over 90% CA was achieved for some taxa (e.g.,
Staphylococcus aureus
) but was suboptimal for
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. In 470 AST predictions across 42 samples, with both high quality and exploratory-only predictions, overall CA, ME, and VME rates were 87.7%, 8.3%, and 28.4%. VME rates were inflated by false susceptibility calls in a small number of species/antibiotic combinations with few representative resistant isolates. Time to reporting from sequencing could be achieved within 8–16 h from BC positivity. Direct sequencing from positive BC broths is feasible and can provide accurate predictive AST for some species. ONT-based approaches may be faster but significant improvements in accuracy are required before it can be considered for clinical use.

IMPORTANCE

Sepsis and bloodstream infections carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Rapid identification and susceptibility prediction of causative pathogens, using Nanopore sequencing direct from blood cultures, may offer clinical benefit. We assessed this approach in comparison to conventional phenotypic methods and determined the accuracy of species identification and susceptibility prediction from genomic data. While this workflow holds promise, and performed well for some common bacterial species, improvements in sequencing accuracy and more robust predictive algorithms across a diverse range of organisms are required before this can be considered for clinical use. However, results could be achieved in timeframes that are faster than conventional phenotypic methods.
Temporal development and potential interactions between the gut microbiome and resistome in early childhood
Authors: Zhao Lanlan , Yang Xiao , Liang Yijia , Zhang Ziyi , Ding Yanwen , Wang Yihui , Chen Bin , Wu Jiacheng , Jin Chuandi , Zhao Guoping , Li Ziyun , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2024

Antimicrobial resistance-associated infections have become a major threat to global health. The gut microbiome serves as a major reservoir of bacteria with antibiotic resistance genes; whereas, the temporal development of gut resistome during early childhood and the factors influencing it remain unclear. Moreover, the potential interactions between gut microbiome and resistome still need to be further explored. In this study, we found that antibiotic treatment led to destabilization of the gut microbiome and resistome structural communities, exhibiting a greater impact on the resistome than on the microbiome. The composition of the gut resistome at various developmental stages was influenced by the abundance and richness of different core microbes. First exposure to antibiotics led to a dramatic increase in the number of opportunistic pathogens carrying multidrug efflux pump encoding genes. Multiple factors could influence the gut microbiome and resistome formation. The data may provide new insights into early-life research.

IMPORTANCE

In recent years, the irrational or inappropriate use of antibiotics, an important life-saving medical intervention, has led to the emergence and increase of drug-resistant and even multidrug-resistant bacteria. It remains unclear how antibiotic exposure affects various developmental stages of early childhood and how gut core microbes under antibiotic exposure affect the structural composition of the gut resistome. In this study, we focused on early antibiotic exposure and analyzed these questions in detail using samples from infants at various developmental stages. The significance of our research is to elucidate the impact of early antibiotic exposure on the dynamic patterns of the gut resistome in children and to provide new insights for early-life studies.
Before hitting the slopes: athlete and staff perspectives on warm-up and activation in high-performance snowsports
Authors: Beck Lisa , Bekker Sheree , Verhagen Evert , Bolling Caroline , Spörri Jörg
Published: January 2024

To explore warm-up and activation (W&A) practices in high-performance snowsports to describe their importance, application and potential improvements based on the perspectives of elite-level athletes and staff members. Qualitative study consisting of semistructured interviews with 13 international elite-level athletes, on-snow coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, sports physiotherapists and sports psychologists from different snowsports and subdisciplines: alpine skiing, freestyle skiing (park and pipe, aerials, moguls) and snowboarding (park and pipe, snowboard cross). The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed based on the principles of grounded theory. The main themes raised by the participants were (1) the importance of readiness for sports participation as the motive for W&A, (2) how readiness is reached with a structured W&A routine and (3) the different athlete-specific, task-specific and environmental-specific factors for optimal W&A. Athletes and staff members considered W&A an essential measure to get physically and mentally ready for sports participation. Being ready was described as a key factor for performance and injury prevention. For these athletes, adherence to W&A was the result of a process of experiencing the beneficial effects of W&A and learning from sustaining one or more injuries. Broad implementation of basic physical and mental W&A at the youth level was considered an important measure to increase the overall adoption of W&A as an inherent part of training and competition. At the elite level, W&A is performed to reach athletes’ mental and physical readiness for performance enhancement and injury prevention. W&A is acknowledged as a complex and dynamic programme and is typically adapted to sport-specific demands, injury risks, environmental circumstances and individual needs and preferences. Overall, this study provides valuable contextual insights into the complexity of W&A and the factors that need to be considered to make sport-specific recommendations.
Exact analysis of chemical reaction and thermal radiation effects on MHD Cu–water nanofluid flow past an infinite oscillatory vertical plate
Authors: Saikia Dibya Jyoti , Bordoloi Rajdeep , Ahmed Nazibuddin
Published: January 2024

The goal of this probing is to scrutinize the impact of chemical reaction and radiation on the flow behavior of a nanofluid, made up of copper nanoparticles suspended in water, as it moves through a vertically oscillating plate in a magnetohydrodynamic free, unsteady convective system. We tackled the problem with a mathematical model incorporating nanoparticle volume fraction and used a closed-form Laplace transformation method to resolve the governing equations for momentum, energy, and concentration field. The results were also depicted graphically with heat transport rate, mass transport rate, and skin friction illustrations. The study shows that increasing the volume fraction of Cu–water-based nanoparticles decreases primary and secondary velocities, while the temperature field grows. Moreover, a higher chemical reaction parameter leads to a drop in the fluid concentration. Furthermore, a graphic representation of the upshots of variant dimensionless parameters on the nanofluid velocity, temperature, and species concentration is provided. The subject of this paper explores an extension that involves the inclusion of Cu–water-based nanofluid. This nanofluid exhibits significantly higher thermal conductivity compared to typical fluids. Consequently, it can be considered a superior alternative to conventional fluids, proving to be valuable in enhancing heat transfer in diverse engineering and industrial processes. This study is significantly relevant to various industrial and machine-building applications.
Improving morphological and functional properties of enteric neuronal networks in vitro using a novel upside-down culture approach
Authors: Schulte Steven , Decker Dominique , Nowduri Bharat , Gries Manuela , Christmann Anne , Meyszner Antoine , Rabe Holger , Saumer Monika , Schäfer Karl-Herbert
Published: January 2024

In this study, we devised a novel approach for culturing and electrophysiological recording of the enteric nervous system using custom-made glass substrates with spacers. This allows to turn cultures of isolated myenteric plexus upside down, enhancing the use of the microelectrode array technique by allowing recording of multiple cultures consecutively using only one chip. In addition, upside-down culture led to significant improvements in the culture conditions, resulting in a more in vivo-like growth.
Recent Applications and Evaluation of Metal Nanoparticle–Polymer Hybrids as Chronic Wound Dressings
Authors: Aminzai Mohammad Tahir , Patan Abubaker
Published: January 2024

Chronic wounds, which include venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and pressure ulcers, are a global health issue that affects between 1% and 2% of the developed world’s population. Chronic wound healing necessitates extensive medical intervention at costly healthcare expenses. Wound care management is mainly dependent on the discovery of new and appropriate chronic wound dressing materials, and it remains a focus of research in chronic wound care. Biocompatible metallic nanoparticle-loaded wound dressing offers a novel opportunity for effectively overcoming the inherent drawbacks of traditional wound dressing materials, particularly in overcoming nonhealing chronic wounds due to their clinical complexity, for example, wound infections, chronic irritation, and trauma, persistence of foreign body or bacterial proteins, and ischemia. In this review, we will primarily focus on the advancements in nanoparticle-based antibacterial and antioxidant wound dressing materials (e.g., hydrogels, electrospun scaffolds, sponges, and films) for the treatment of chronic wounds, which overcome the limitations of traditional dressings.
A Rare Case Report of Extraosseous Ameloblastic Carcinoma and Review Article on Diagnosis and Treatment Dilemma
Authors: Themkumkwun Sukkarn , Lapthanasupkul Puangwan , Arunakul Kanin
Published: January 2024

Peripheral ameloblastic carcinoma is an extremely rare odontogenic carcinoma. Its histopathological feature is identical to the intraosseous type. This case report details a case of peripheral ameloblastic carcinoma at the right posterior maxilla region in a 60‐year‐old Thai male. The patient underwent a definitive treatment by partial maxillectomy and reconstruction with buccal fat pad. After 1‐year follow‐up, no recurrence of the lesion was found.
Biting Flies and Associated Pathogens in Camels in Amibara District of Afar Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Chalchisa Adugna , Kumsa Bersissa , Gutema Wegi Fekadu
Published: January 2024

Biting flies and associated pathogens are the major health constraints on camel production and productivity and are implicated in causing significant economic losses in the pastoralist community in Ethiopia. A cross‐sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of biting flies and their associated pathogens in relation to different risk factors in camels in the Amibara district, from October 2019 to April 2020. A total of 480 camels were examined for biting flies and associated pathogens. The study revealed that overall, 87% (418/480) and 18% (87/480) of camels were infested by one or more biting flies and infected with Trypanosoma evansi during the study period, respectively. The collected biting flies were identified into a total of 3 genera: Hippobosca, Stomoxys, and Tabanus under the stereomicroscope. In the present study, Hippobosca (40.4%) was the most prevalent biting fly, followed by Stomoxys (31%) and Tabanus (28.6%), which affected camels in the study area. Among camels infected with Trypanosoma evansi, 7.3% and 16% were positive for parasitological and serological tests, respectively. Age, body condition score, and season appeared to have a significant effect (p ≤ 0.005) on the prevalence of biting flies and T. evansi on dromedaries. According to the findings of this study, biting flies and Trypanosoma evansi were the most common limitations on camel health, production, and productivity in the study area. As a result of the possible threat of biting flies’ infestation and Trypanosoma evansi on camels, all‐around attention is required in terms of strategic acaricide application, proper antiprotozoal drug use, and raising knowledge about acaricide use to prevent and control biting flies’ infestation.
Supplementary Table 3 from Incident Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Older Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Hashibe Mia , Wei Mei , Lee Catherine J. , Tao Randa , Koric Alzina , Wang Jing , Daud Anees , Tay Djin , Shen Jincheng , Lee Yuan-chin A. , Chang Chun-Pin E.
Published: January 2024

This table shows the clinical characteristics of the breast cancer patients for ANHPI subgroups and NHW.