bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the transition experiences of young adults with cerebral palsy
Authors: Clough Isabelle , Culnane Evelyn , Loftus Hayley
Published: October 2023

Background

It is important that young adults with a chronic health condition or developmental disability, such as cerebral palsy, receive adequate healthcare transition preparation and support to optimise the transition period and transfer from paediatric to adult health services. Understanding the healthcare experiences of young adults during and after the transition period will provide valuable insights into what enables a positive healthcare experience for young adults in the adult health setting.

Methods

Eleven young adults with cerebral palsy who had their last appointment at the Royal Children's Hospital between 2016 and 2018 were purposively recruited for this study. Ten participants completed one‐on‐one telephone interviews, and one participant provided written responses to interview questions. Five participated via parent proxy. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using the Braun and Clarke six‐step thematic analysis to create an interpretive description of participants' transition experiences.

Results

Three themes were generated: (1) “preparedness of the young adult and parent,” which discussed the preparation for adult healthcare, with subthemes (a) expectations of adult care and (b) development of self‐management skills during transition; (2) “coordination of transfer process and continuity of care,” which illustrated the impact of transfer coordination on continuity of care; and (3) “adjusting to adult services,” which highlighted experiences of care in the adult setting, with subthemes (a) differences between paediatric and adult services, (b) availability and accessibility of adult and community services to meet needs, and (c) autonomy and agency.

Conclusion

Dedicated transition support for young adults and their parents during transition from paediatric to adult healthcare plays an important role in ensuring a supportive and well‐coordinated transition and transfer of care. Experience of care in the adult setting is influenced by a combination of both transition experience and the capacity of adult services to cater for young adults' needs.
RIPOR2: A new gene of non‐syndromic cochleovestibular dysfunction, discrepancy between human pathology and animal models
Authors: Morel Godelieve , Ernest Sylvain , Serey‐Gaut Margaux , Jonard Laurence , Balogoun Abeke Ralyath , Parodi Marine , Loundon Natalie , Achard Sophie , Marlin Sandrine
Published: October 2023

Cochleovestibular dysfunctions are rare conditions misrecognized. A homozygous pathogenic variation c.1561C > T (p.Arg521*) in RIPOR2 (RHO family interacting cell polarization regulator 2) has been identified by WES in Tunisian siblings suffering from congenital bilateral profound hearing and vestibular dysfunctions. In contrast to the vestibular areflexia observed in our patients, deaf Ripor2 KO mouse model and our zebrafish model have normal vestibular function.
Dental implant treatment in patients with cancer on high‐dose antiresorptive medication: A prospective feasibility study with 2 years follow‐up
Authors: Hjortholt C. O. , Andersen S. W. M. , Jensen S. S. , Kofod T. , Gotfredsen K.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Dental implant treatment is considered contraindicated in patients with cancer on high‐dose antiresorptive medication (HDAR). The aim of this prospective, feasibility study was to evaluate implant treatment in patients with cancer on HDAR, in terms of implant survival, implant success, and oral health‐related quality of life (OHLQoL) after 2 years of loading.

Materials and Methods

Implants were inserted in three groups of HDAR patients: (1) Previous tooth extraction, no medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), (2) Previous MRONJ, now healed, (3) Existing MRONJ, planned surgical resection. Implants were placed without adjunctive bone or soft tissue augmentation. [Correction added on 01 February 2024, after first online publication: The spelling has been corrected from “argumentation” to “augmentation” in this latest version of the article.] Abutment operation was performed after ≥12 weeks. Prosthetic treatment was initiated ≥14 weeks. Survival and success rate were determined, and OHLQoL was analyzed with OHIP‐49 and QLQ‐H&N35 questionnaires. Patients were seen for 6 months, 1‐ and 2 years follow‐up.

Results

Twenty‐two patients, 39 implants, completed the implant‐based prosthetic treatment. Implant‐supported crowns and overdentures were fabricated. Thirteen patients (59%) with 23 implants (59%) completed 2 years follow‐up. Overall implant survival and success rate after 2 years of loading were 100% and 97.4%, respectively. OHLQoL for the patients increased in all groups after the treatment, a substantial increase was seen in group 3. Two patients developed MRONJ, but not related to the implant treatment.

Conclusion

Dental implant treatment, with high survival and success rate and increased post‐treatment OHLQoL, is feasible in HDAR patients after 2 years of loading. Caution with general recommendations should be exercised.
Nicotine suppresses crystalline silica‐induced astrocyte activation and neuronal death by inhibiting NF‐κB in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Cao Hangbing , Li Bing , Mu Min , Li Shanshan , Chen Haoming , Tao Huihui , Wang Wenyang , Zou Yuanjie , Zhao Yehong , Liu Yang , Tao Xinrong
Published: October 2023

Aims

Exposure to crystalline silica (CS) in occupational settings induces chronic inflammation in the respiratory system and, potentially, the brain. Some workers are frequently concurrently exposed to both CS and nicotine. Here, we explored the impact of nicotine on CS‐induced neuroinflammation in the mouse hippocampus.

Methods

In this study, we established double‐exposed models of CS and nicotine in C57BL/6 mice. To assess depression‐like behavior, experiments were conducted at 3, 6, and 9 weeks. Serum inflammatory factors were analyzed by ELISA. Hippocampus was collected for RNA sequencing analysis and examining the gene expression patterns linked to inflammation and cell death. Microglia and astrocyte activation and hippocampal neuronal death were assessed using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. Western blotting was used to analyze the NF‐κB expression level.

Results

Mice exposed to CS for 3 weeks showed signs of depression. This was accompanied by elevated IL‐6 in blood, destruction of the blood–brain barrier, and activation of astrocytes caused by an increased NF‐κB expression in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. The elevated levels of astrocyte‐derived Lcn2 and upregulated genes related to inflammation led to higher neuronal mortality. Moreover, nicotine mitigated the NF‐κB expression, astrocyte activation, and neuronal death, thereby ameliorating the associated symptoms.

Conclusion

Silica exposure induces neuroinflammation and neuronal death in the mouse hippocampal CA1 region and depressive behavior. However, nicotine inhibits CS‐induced neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis, alleviating depressive‐like behaviors in mice.
The value of gadolinium‐enhanced MRI in predicting the development of sudden hearing loss into Ménière's disease
Authors: Cai Huimin , Xiao Heng , Lin Jianwei , Lin Chenxin , Guo Xiaojing , Huang Gengliang , Ye Shengnan
Published: October 2023

Objective

To compare the clinical features of sudden hearing loss (SHL) in patients with and without endolymphatic hydrops (EH), and to investigate the association between SHL with EH and Ménière's disease (MD).

Methods

The clinical data of 63 SHL patients with first symptoms were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were separated into two groups based on the results of gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: EH and non‐EH groups. Independent sample t‐test and U‐test were used to compare groups for continuous variables, and the chi‐squared test, corrected chi‐squared test and Bonferroni correction test were used to compare groups for binary and ordinal variables. The binary logistic regression model was utilised for univariate and multivariate analysis of follow‐up patient prognosis.

Results

The EH and non‐EH groups contained 32 and 31 patients, respectively. The EH group had a higher prevalence of low‐tone descending hearing loss. Fifty‐one patients were followed for more than 2 years. In the EH group, 11 and 15 patients were diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and MD, respectively, while in the non‐EH group, 24 patients were diagnosed with SSNHL and only one with MD. EH, low‐tone descending hearing loss and vertigo were risk factors for the diagnosis of MD in a subgroup univariate regression analysis of patients experiencing SHL. EH was found to be a risk factor for the progression of SHL into MD in a multifactor regression analysis.

Conclusions

Patients with SHL who have EH are more likely to present with low‐tone descending hearing loss. EH is a risk factor for the subsequent development of MD.
Top‐Down Number Reading: Language Affects the Visual Identification of Digit Strings
Authors: Dotan Dror
Published: October 2023

Reading numbers aloud involves visual processes that analyze the digit string and verbal processes that produce the number words. Cognitive models of number reading assume that information flows from the visual input to the verbal production processes—a feed‐forward processing mode in which the verbal production depends on the visual input but not vice versa. Here, I show that information flows also in the opposite direction, from verbal production to the visual input processes. Participants read aloud briefly presented multi‐digit strings in Hebrew, in which the order of words is congruent with the order of digits (21 = twenty‐and‐one), and in Arabic, in which the ones word precedes the tens word (one‐and‐twenty). The error‐by‐digit‐position curve was affected by language: relative to Hebrew, in Arabic the error rate was slightly lower for the unit digit and slightly higher for the decade digit, indicating that in Arabic the unit digit was processed earlier and the decade digit later, in accord with the Arabic word order. This language‐dependent processing order originated in the visual level and was not a verbal confound, because it persisted even when I controlled for the serial position of the decade/unit word in the verbal number by using numbers with 0 (two hundred three/two hundred thirty). I conclude that the visual analyzer's digit scanning order, decade‐first or unit‐first, is not fixed but affected by the language in which the number is produced—a top‐down, verbal‐to‐visual information flow.
PML‐mediated nuclear loosening permits immunomodulation of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells under inflammatory conditions
Authors: Chu Yunpeng , Jiang Zishan , Gong Zheng , Ji Xiaocao , Zhu Mengting , Shang Qianwen , Gong Pixia , Cao Lijuan , Chen Yongjing , Li Peishan , Shao Changshun , Shi Yufang
Published: October 2023

Nuclear configuration plays a critical role in the compartmentalization of euchromatin and heterochromatin and the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Under stimulation by inflammatory cytokines IFN‐γ and TNF‐α, human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) acquire a potent immunomodulatory function enabled by drastic induction of various effector genes, with some upregulated several magnitudes. However, whether the transcriptional upregulation of the immunomodulatory genes in hMSCs exposed to inflammatory cytokines is associated with genome‐wide nuclear reconfiguration has not been explored. Here, we demonstrate that hMSCs undergo remarkable nuclear reconfiguration characterized by an enlargement of the nucleus, downregulation of LMNB1 and LMNA/C, decondensation of heterochromatin, and derepression of repetitive DNA. Interestingly, promyelocytic leukaemia‐nuclear bodies (PML‐NBs) were found to mediate the nuclear reconfiguration of hMSCs triggered by the inflammatory cytokines. Significantly, when PML was depleted, the immunomodulatory function of hMSCs conferred by cytokines was compromised, as reflected by the attenuated expression of effector molecules in hMSCs and their failure to block infiltration of immune cells to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced acute lung injury. Our results indicate that the immunomodulatory function of hMSCs conferred by inflammatory cytokines requires PML‐mediated chromatin loosening.
Comparison between interventional versus medical therapy in patients with rheumatic mitral valve stenosis in Tanzania
Authors: Mutagaywa Reuben K. , Kifai Engerasiya , Elinisa Mercy , Mayala Henry , Kisenge Peter , Shemu Tulizo , Nyawawa Evarist , Kunambi Peter P. , Boniface Respicious , Barongo Aileen , Kwesigabo Gideon , Kamuhabwa Appolinary , Chamuleau Steven , Cramer Maarten J. , Chillo Pilly
Published: October 2023

Background

Rheumatic heart disease remains the most common cardiovascular disease in children and young adults. The outcome of interventional versus medical therapy on the long term is not fully elucidated yet. This study provides contemporary data on the clinical profile, treatment and follow up of patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) in Tanzania.

Methods

Patients' medical information, investigations and treatment data were recorded in this prospective cohort study. They were followed up for 6–24 months to determine the long‐term outcome. Interventional therapy was defined as a combination of surgery and percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards model were used in analyses. p‐Value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

We enrolled 290 consecutive patients. Interventions were done in half of the patients. Median follow up was 23.5 months. Mortality was higher in the medical than interventional treatment (10.4% vs. 4%, log‐rank p = 0.001). Median age was 36 years, females (68.3%) and low income (55.5%). Multivalvular disease was found in 116 (40%) patients, atrial fibrillation (31.4%), stroke/transient ischaemic attack (18.9%) and heart failure class III–IV (44.1%). Median (IQR) duration of disease was 3 (4) years, secondary prophylaxis (27.7%) and oral anticoagulants use (62.3%). In multivariable analysis, the risk of death among patients on medical was 3.07 times higher than those on interventional treatment (crude HR 3.07, 95% CI 1.43–6.56, p = 0.004), 2.44 times higher among patients with arrhythmias versus without arrhythmias (crude HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.19–4.49, p = 0.015) and 2.13 times higher among patients with multivalvular than single valve disease (crude HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.09–4.16, p = 0.026).

Conclusions

Intervention is carrying low mortality compared to medical treatment. Arrhythmias and multivalvular disease are associated with a high mortality. Rheumatic MS is more prevalent in young people, females and individuals with low income. There is a late hospital presentation and a low use of both secondary prophylactic antibiotics and anticoagulants.
Patterns of Dothistroma septosporum conidial dispersal in Colombian Pinus tecunumanii plantations
Authors: Granados G. M. , Rodas C. A. , Vivas M. , Wingfield M. J. , Barnes I.
Published: October 2023

Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) caused by Dothistroma septosporum is one of the most important needle diseases of Pinus spp., especially in Southern Hemisphere plantations. In Colombia, the pathogen has caused severe outbreaks in plantations of Pinus tecunumanii of the low elevation population (LE). Currently, management strategies suffer from a lack of knowledge regarding the epidemiology of D. septosporum under tropical climatic conditions. In this study we determined the patterns of conidial dispersal and considered how climatic conditions in Colombia influence them. The study was conducted over 15 consecutive months between October 2010 and December 2011 using glass slide‐based spore traps. Conidia were found on the traps throughout the year, with the peak abundance during November to January (2010) and November to December (2011). During peak conidial production, relative humidity and temperature had the greatest influence on conidial dispersal. Favourable weather conditions in Colombia, particularly rainfall, have contributed to continuous conidial production throughout the year, leading to D. septosporum infections all year round. This high reproductive rate as a consequence of high precipitation is in contrast to other Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere countries with more specific periods of rainfall and infection.
A guide to the expanding field of extracellular vesicles and their release in regulated cell death programs
Authors: Cappe Benjamin , Vandenabeele Peter , Riquet Franck B.
Published: October 2023

Homeostasis disruption is visible at the molecular and cellular levels and may often lead to cell death. This vital process allows us to maintain the more extensive system's integrity by keeping the different features (genetic, metabolic, physiologic, and individual) intact. Interestingly, while cells can die in different manners, dying cells still communicate with their environment. This communication was, for a long time, perceived as only driven by the release of soluble factors. However, it has now been reconsidered with the increasing interest in extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are discovered to be released during different regulated cell death programs, with the observation of specific effects. EVs are game changers in the paradigm of cell–cell communication with tremendous implications in fundamental research with regard to noncell autonomous functions, as well as in biomarkers research, all of which are geared toward diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This review is composed of two main parts. The first is a comprehensive presentation of the state of the art of the EV field at large. In the second part, we focus on EVs discovered to be released during different regulated cell death programs, also known as cell death EVs (cdEVs), and EV‐associated specific effects on recipient cells in the context of cell death and inflammation/inflammatory responses.
One ring closer to a closure: the crystal structure of the ES3 hydroxymethylbilane synthase intermediate
Authors: Bustad Helene J. , Christie Marthe S. , Laitaoja Mikko , Aarsand Aasne K. , Martinez Aurora , Jänis Janne , Kallio Juha P.
Published: October 2023

Hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS), involved in haem biosynthesis, catalyses the head‐to‐tail coupling of four porphobilinogens (PBGs) via a dipyrromethane (DPM) cofactor. DPM is composed of two PBGs, and a hexapyrrole is built before the tetrapyrrolic 1‐hydroxymethylbilane product is released. During this elongation, stable enzyme (E) intermediates are formed from the holoenzyme, with additional PBG substrates (S): ES, ES2, ES3 and ES4. Native PAGE and mass spectrometry of the acute intermittent porphyria (AIP)‐associated HMBS variant p.Arg167Gln demonstrated an increased amount of ES3. Kinetic parameters indicated catalytic dysfunction, however, the product release was not entirely prevented. Isolation and crystal structure analysis of the ES3 intermediate (PDB: 8PND) showed that a pentapyrrole was fully retained within the active site, revealing that polypyrrole elongation proceeds within the active site via a third interaction site, intermediate pyrrole site 3 (IPS3). The AIP‐associated HMBS variant p.Arg195Cys, located on the opposite side to p.Arg167Gln in the active site, accumulated the ES4 intermediate in the presence of excess PBG, implying that product hydrolysis was obstructed. Arg167 is thus involved in all elongation steps and is a determinant for the rate of enzyme catalysis, whereas Arg195 is important for releasing the product. Moreover, by substituting residues in the vicinity of IPS3, our results indicate that a fully retained hexapyrrole could be hydrolysed in a novel site in proximity of the IPS3.
Thermal biology of aquatic insects in alpine lakes: Insights from diving beetles
Authors: Carbonell J. A. , Pallarés S. , Velasco J. , Millán A. , Picazo F. , Abellán P.
Published: October 2023

High mountain areas are especially vulnerable to global warming, as they experience faster temperature changes than lowlands in a climate change context. Notably, increased temperatures and frequency of extreme flooding and droughts, and the consequent decrease in ice cover and water availability fluctuations, will induce important physical changes in alpine freshwater systems. Thus, assessing thermal limits and exploring overwintering strategies of aquatic alpine insects is pivotal to understanding how aquatic communities of high‐mountain fresh waters will respond to climate change. However, knowledge on these topics is still scarce for aquatic alpine insects.

Here, the thermal biology of adults of five diving beetle species from alpine lakes located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range (southern Iberia) was studied. Cold tolerance was measured estimating the supercooling point (SCP), lower lethal temperature (LLT), tolerance to ice enclosure and to submersion, whereas heat tolerance was assessed from the heat coma temperature and upper lethal temperature.

All of the species survived ice enclosure for 3 h. Furthermore, three of the studied species had SCPs higher than their LLTs, suggesting that they could be freeze‐tolerant. All species except Agabus nevadensis also were tolerant to submersion, which could be a key adaptation for overwintering underwater below the ice cover as adults, reducing risk from freezing conditions in the air. The species did not differ significantly in their upper thermal limits, which were similar to those of other dytiscids from lower altitudes.

Overall, our results suggest that increasing temperatures is not expected to be the most important threat for the water beetle populations in Sierra Nevada, but rather the colonisation of alpine lakes by lowland dytiscids in a warmer climate scenario.
Microbial traits dictate soil necromass accumulation coefficient: A global synthesis
Authors: Han Bingbing , Yao Yanzhong , Wang Yini , Su Xiaoxuan , Ma Lihua , Chen Xinping , Li Zhaolei
Published: October 2023

Aim

The accumulation of microbial necromass carbon has gained increasing attention due to its slow decomposition. However, it remains unclear what induces the accumulation of microbial necromass carbon via reiterated community turnover on large spatial scales. This study explores the characteristics of soil necromass carbon accumulation in terrestrial ecosystems.

Location

Global.

Time Period

Contemporary (1999–2022).

Major Taxa Studied

Soil microorganisms.

Methods

A dataset was compiled using 993 observations from 82 peer‐reviewed papers on the effects of coefficients of microbial necromass accumulation (hereafter NAC) in equilibrium. Linear mixed‐effect models and structural equation models were used to ascertain the controlling factors of the NAC.

Results

The average NAC was higher in croplands (28.2) and forests (26.8) than in grasslands (21.1). Edaphic factors seemingly affected the NAC, which was lower in soils with high pH and clay content on a global scale. Biotic factors, particularly those related to living microorganism abundance and microbial biomass nitrogen content, were the pivotal drivers of NAC and accounted for approximately 43.6% of its geographic variability. More organic carbon was likely to be preserved in soil with a higher NAC, regardless of ecosystem type.

Conclusions

Novel findings regarding the overriding controls for the living microorganism abundance and microbial biomass nitrogen that drive the NAC highlight an urgent need for viable strategies to manipulate microbial attributes for enhancing carbon sequestration.
Possibilities of skin coat color‐dependent risks and risk factors of squamous cell carcinoma and deafness of domestic cats inferred via RNA‐seq data
Authors: Awazu Akinori , Takemoto Daigo , Watanabe Kaichi , Sakamoto Naoaki
Published: October 2023

The transcriptome data of skin cells from domestic cats with brown, orange, and white coats were analyzed using a public database to investigate the possible relationship between coat color‐related gene expression and squamous cell carcinoma risk, as well as the mechanism of deafness in white cats. We found that the ratio of the expression level of genes suppressing squamous cell carcinoma to that of genes promoting squamous cell carcinoma might be considerably lower than the theoretical estimation in skin cells with orange and white coats in white‐spotted cat. We also found the possibility of the frequent production of KIT lacking the first exon (d1KIT) in skin cells with white coats, and d1KIT production exhibited a substantial negative correlation with the expression of SOX10, which is essential for melanocyte formation and adjustment of hearing function. Additionally, the production of d1KIT was expected to be due to the insulating activity of the feline endogenous retrovirus 1 (FERV1) LTR in the first intron of KIT by its CTCF binding sequence repeat. These results contribute to basic veterinary research to understand the relationship between cat skin coat and disease risk, as well as the underlying mechanism.
Evaluating therapeutic benefits of ubrogepant via latent class models: A post hoc exploratory analysis of the ACHIEVE I and ACHIEVE II trials
Authors: Iaconangelo Charlie J. , Serrano Daniel , Adams Aubrey Manack , Trugman Joel M. , Lipton Richard B.
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate an alternative method of defining acute treatment success in migraine by combining multiple indicators into a single dichotomous measure of success.

Background

Migraine is characterized by a symptom complex; combining these features as a single endpoint may improve the measurement of treatment effects and better predict patient satisfaction with treatment.

Methods

We used a confirmatory latent class model (LCM) with two latent classes interpreted as treatment success and treatment failure. Pooled data for placebo and ubrogepant 50 mg from the ACHIEVE I and ACHIEVE II trials and data for ubrogepant 100 mg from ACHIEVE I were used. LCM inputs included pre‐dose and 2‐h post‐dose measures of pain severity (0–3), the presence/absence of associated symptoms (nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia [0 or 1]), and functional disability (0–3). All definitions were validated against satisfaction with study medication (SWSM) at 24 h post‐dose; results were compared with 2‐hour pain freedom (2hPF).

Results

This pooled analysis included 2247 participants. At 2 h post‐dose in the ubrogepant 50 and 100 mg dose groups, 53.2% (472/887) and 54.9% (246/448) of participants, respectively, were classified as achieving treatment success using the LCM‐based approach, compared to 39.0% (356/912) of participants in the placebo group. The results for treatment success using the 2hPF endpoint were 20.7% (184/887) and 21.5% (96/447) in the ubrogepant 50 and 100 mg dose groups, respectively, compared to 12.7% (116/912) for placebo. Using 24‐h SWSM as an external validator, the LCM approach sensitivity and correct classification rates were higher than for 2hPF.

Conclusion

The LCM approach led to higher rates of treatment success and greater separation between ubrogepant and placebo and was a more sensitive predictor of treatment satisfaction than the regulatory endpoint of 2hPF.
InternationalAIDSsociety conference 2023 summary
Authors: Waters Laura , Hassan Wada Yusuf , Barber Tristan J.
Published: October 2023

Aim

This article summarizes key research presented at the International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference in Brisbane, held in July 2023.

Co‐morbidities

The REPRIEVE Trial as a conference highlight, demonstrating significantly fewer major cardiovascular events amongst people with HIV who were randomized to pitavastatin compared to placebo. Key data on weight, hypertension and incident diabetes are also summarized.

Antiretroviral therapy

Novel data on doravirine and islatravir are described as are trials demonstrating efficacy dolutegravir/lamivudine first‐line in people without baseline resistance testing and in suppressed switch amongst people with historic lamivudine resistance.

HIV Cure

The sixth case of HIV cure secondary to stem cell transplantation is summarized, as are new insights into the central nervous system as an HIV reservoir.
Effects of different edible oils on in vitro starch digestibility and physical properties of rice starch and rice flour
Authors: Pinyo Jukkrapong , Wongsagonsup Rungtiwa , Panthong Natrapee , Kantiwong Pimploy , Huang Qiang , Tangsrianugul Nuttinee , Suphantharika Manop
Published: October 2023

Amylose has the ability to form inclusion complexes with lipids and is resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis. This research aimed to explore the impacts of different healthy edible oils, i.e., coconut oil (CO), rice bran oil (RO), palm oil (PO), and soybean oil (SO) on the in vitro starch digestibility and physical properties of rice starch and rice flour. Each edible oil (10% w/w) was transferred to rice starch and rice flour and cooked at 95 °C for 8 min. The contents of rapidly digestible starch and resistant starch in both cooked rice starch and rice flour were reduced and increased, respectively, by the addition of all edible oils, especially the CO and PO. The cooked rice starch and rice flour with added CO and PO had higher melting temperatures and dissociation enthalpies of the amylose‐lipid complex (ALC) and V‐type crystalline order than those with RO and SO inclusion. The results suggest that the high amounts of saturated fatty acids in CO and PO favour the formation of stable ALC, which limits the starch digestibility of cooked rice starch and rice flour. ALC products could be used as an alternative functional food ingredient to improve our health.
Incidental central pulmonary emboli in outpatients with deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Troupis Christopher J. , Berman Jordan S. , Hammerschlag Gary , Upton Anthony J. , Rhodes Alexander N.
Published: October 2023

Background

While it has been demonstrated that large asymptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) can occur, many studies have assessed inpatients or patients with known risk factors for venous thromboembolism (such as malignancy). There are few data regarding incidental PE in outpatients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or assessing whether these emboli occur centrally or peripherally in the pulmonary arteries.

Aims

To determine the rates of incidental central and peripheral PE in outpatients with proximal and distal DVT.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross‐sectional study of 120 patients attending our community imaging clinic between January 2015 and March 2020, with ultrasound‐confirmed lower limb DVT, and subsequent computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) within 24 h. Exclusion criteria were symptoms indicative of PE. Imaging reports were retrospectively reviewed to record the proximity of DVT and the location of any PE as either central (pulmonary trunk or main pulmonary arteries) or peripheral (lobar, segmental or subsegmental pulmonary arteries).

Results

Incidental PE occurred in 71 patients (59.2%), with a rate of 77.5% in proximal and 50.0% in distal DVT. Sixteen patients had central PE (13.3% of all patients with DVT; 22.5% of all patients with PE). Two patients (both with proximal DVT) had PE in the pulmonary trunk.

Conclusions

Incidental PE occur frequently in outpatients with lower limb DVT, including the possibility of asymptomatic central emboli. Further studies with larger patient cohorts would be useful to assess the utility of baseline chest imaging in outpatients with DVT.
Significant use of non‐evidence‐based therapeutics in a cohort of Australian fibromyalgia patients
Authors: Warren Zachary , Guymer Emma , Mezhov Veronica , Littlejohn Geoffrey
Published: October 2023

Background

Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterised by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain and central sensitivity features. Appropriate management requires a multidisciplinary approach prioritising non‐pharmacological strategies. Evidence‐based fibromyalgia medications are not always easily available, effective or tolerated.

Aim

To characterise actual medication usage in Australian fibromyalgia patients.

Methods

Demographic and clinical data, including medication use information, were gathered by chart review from patients attending the Monash Fibromyalgia Clinic between January 2019 and June 2022. Eligible patients were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire between June and August 2022 to assess current therapeutic use. The questionnaire assessed fibromyalgia clinical features by using the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and the 2016 modified American College of Rheumatology Fibromyalgia criteria.

Results

The chart review included 474 patients, and 108 participants completed the questionnaire. Most chart review (78.7%) and questionnaire participants (85.2%) reported using at least one medication for their fibromyalgia. 48.5% of chart review patients and 58.3% of questionnaire participants reported using at least one evidence‐based medication, usually amitriptyline, duloxetine or pregabalin. However, the most common individual medications for questionnaire participants were non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (48.2%), paracetamol (59.3%) and opioids (34.3%), with most opioids being typical opioids. Among questionnaire participants, 14.8% reported using cannabinoids, and 70.4% reported using at least one supplement, vitamin or herbal/naturopathic preparation. Not all medication or substance use was recorded during clinic appointments.

Conclusion

Fibromyalgia patients engage in various pharmacotherapeutic strategies that are not always evidence‐based or disclosed to their treating clinicians.
Patient‐reported outcomes and their predictors 2 years after burn injury: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Yan qiong , Wu Zhi hui , Chen Xiao juan , Ma Hong
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to describe patient‐reported outcomes 2 years after burn injury and to comprehensively elucidate predictors that may influence these outcomes. This cross‐sectional, prospective study included 352 patients who were admitted to the Department of Burn Surgery at a tertiary teaching hospital between January 2017 and December 2020. We collected demographic and disease‐related data and instructed participants to complete the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) and the Burn Specific Health Scale‐Brief (BSHS‐B) questionnaire. The overall score of patient‐reported outcomes 2 years after burn injury was 126.55 ± 33.32 points, and the dimensions with the lowest scores were “hand function” (13.96 ± 5.75), “heat sensitivity” (14.84 ± 4.90), “treatment regimens” (13.41 ± 6.77) and “work” (11.30 ± 4.97). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that less postburn pruritus, better readiness for hospital discharge, less total body surface area (TBSA), better social participation, white‐collar jobs, older age, better sleep quality and burns not caused by electricity were associated with better outcomes. Patients experienced poor patient‐reported outcomes 2 years after burn injury. Integrated rehabilitative care is necessary to address patients' unique needs and improve long‐term patient‐reported outcomes.
Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies Against Porcine Mitochondrial Aspartate Aminotransferase: Their Inhibition Modes and Application to Enzyme Immunoassay
Authors: Suzuki T. , Kishi Y. , Totani M. , Kagamiyama H. , Murachi T.
Published: October 2023

Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against porcine mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase (m‐AST) were prepared in order to study their effect on the kinetics of the enzyme and their possible use as diagnostic reagents. The most stable hybridoma clone, designated MH‐1, was selected and cultured for mass production of the monoclonal antibody MA‐1. MA‐1 was purified by affinity chromatography with m‐AST as a ligand. The m‐AST activity was inhibited uncompetitively by preincubation with MA‐1, but preincubation with the polyclonal antibody uncompetitively by preincubation with MA‐1, but preincubation with the polyclonal antibody raised in a rabbit resulted in noncompetitive inhibition of the enzyme. These results suggest the usefulness of a monoclonal antibody for studying the mechanism of catalysis. Sandwich enzyme immunoassay methods for m‐AST using both polyclonal and monoclonal antibody‐coated polystyrene balls were established and permitted the determination of porcine m‐AST on the order of 10(‐11) and 10(‐10)M, respectively.
Low‐Molecular‐Weight Trypsin Inhibitors of Microbial Origin
Authors: Ulezlo IV , Kuropatkina NA , Shulgina MV , Bezborodov AM
Published: October 2023

Three hundred actinomyces cultures newly isolated from the soil of different regions of the Soviet Union were tested for their ability to produce inhibitors of trypsin‐like proteases. Seven previously not known to produce trypsin inhibitors (Streptomyces bikiniensis 17‐5, S. sporoclivatus 28‐1, S. filamentosus 32‐11, S. diastatochromogenes 20‐4, S. lavendulae 29‐4, S. violacens 52‐8, and Streptoverticillium cinnamoneum 36‐8) were found to possess high antitrypsin activity. The morphological and cultural properties of the strains and the dynamics of inhibitor production were investigated. S. bikiniensis 17‐5 was studied in greatest detail. Its culture filtrate contained several inhibitors for trypsin and one for chymotrypsin. A mixture of oligopeptides with Mr of 300–500 was obtained by the described procedure which included the adsorption of the culture fluid filtrate on charcoal followed by ion‐exchange chromatography on CM‐cellulose. Four trypsin inhibitors (Sb‐IT1, Sb‐IT2, Sb‐IT3, and Sb‐IT4) were isolated from the mixture in a highly purified state by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Sb‐IT2 has been recognized as formylhistidylvaline with an Mr of 282. No trypsin inhibitor of this structure has been described previously.
Thermally Modified Azocasein–A New Insoluble Substrate for the Determination of Proteolytic Activity
Authors: Safarik I.
Published: October 2023

An insoluble chromogenic substrate for the determination of proteolytic activity was prepared by heating azocasein in a thin layer at 200 degrees C for 4 h in a hot‐air thermostat. The activity of an extracellular bacterial proteinase produced by Bacillus sp. was determined with this new substrate.
htpR‐like gene controls cell division and proteolysis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Kiselev VI
Published: October 2023

As shown in hybridization experiments, the genome of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells contains a htpR‐like gene which controls the expression of heat shock genes in cells of Escherichia coli. By means of specially constructed plasmids, the synthesis of htpR antisense RNA has been found to disturb cell division and proteolytic processes in P. aeruginosa, suggesting the functional relationship of htpR genes in E. coli and Pseudomonas bacteria.
The use of aqueous two‐phase systems to concentrate and purify bovine leukemia virus outer envelope protein gp51
Authors: Hammar L. , Merza M. , Malm K. , Eriksson S. , Morein B.
Published: October 2023

Enzootic bovine leucosis is a chronic lymphoproliferative disease of cattle. The causative agent, bovine leukemia virus (BLV), is related to the human retroviruses HTLV‐I and ‐II. The external env‐protein of BLV, a glycoprotein of 51 kDa, carries neutralizing epitopes and should be an essential component in a vaccine against the virus. Problems have been encountered with the concentration and purification of intact virions of BLV and other retroviruses. During centrifugation procedures the external env‐proteins are to a great extent detached and consequently poorly recovered with the virion particles. Therefore, other methods are sought to obtain a high yield of the external glycoproteins. The use of two‐phase systems based on water soluble polymers is described for the extraction of BLV‐gp51 from culture medium. Several polymer systems were tested and the results showed that some were attractive for large scale application. The classical combination dextran‐polyethylene glycol gave promising results; a partition coefficient of about 0.02 was obtained for the distribution of the gp51 between the top and combined inter‐ and bottom phases. In a single extraction step it was possible to obtain 45% of the glycoprotein in a small volume bottom phase and at the same time about 15‐fold purified. That should be compared with a recovery of less than 20% with the conventional centrifugation procedures. It is concluded that extraction in phase systems based on water soluble polymers is a methodology well suited for the concentration and purification of BLV‐gp51.
Expression of Repetitive Human Calcitonin Genes in Escherichia Coli
Authors: Gigova L. , Wishart P. , Uscheva A. , Ivanova M. , Bardarov S. , Jay E. , Ivanov I.
Published: October 2023

In order to stabilize recombinant human calcitonin (rhCT) against Escherichia coli proteases a series of concatemeric hCT genes with varying degrees of repetition were synthesized and expressed in E. coli under the control of a constitutive synthetic phage promoter. The series of expression vectors thus constructed was used as a model to study the effect of gene repetition on the efficiency of expression (both transcription and translation), stability of mRNA, proteolytic stability of recombinant protein, genetic stability of expression plasmids, etc. The oligomerization of the hCT gene resulted in stabilization of the mRNA increasing its half‐life from 60–70 s (as in the hCT monomer, dimer, and trimer genes) to 100–120 s (for the hCT tetramer gene). This effect held true as well for the proteins coded by the corresponding repetitive hCT genes. The genetic stability (segregation and recombination) of the expression plasmids containing hCT oligomeric genes also depended on the number of hCT gene repeats. The expression plasmid containing the hCT tetramer gene segregated from one of the best producers of rhCT (E. coli LE392) up to 100% after 100 cell generations in nonselective media (free of antibiotics). One of the plasmids most sensitive to recombination events was that containing the hCT pentamer gene. The series of expression plasmids bearing hCT oligomeric genes was used for transformation of various E. coli strains in order to find the optimal host for production of rhCT. The highest yield (44–100 mg rhCT per 1 liter of bacterial culture) was obtained with the strains LE392, JM107, and DH1.
Purification of human serum amyloid P component (SAP) by calcium affinity chromatography
Authors: Mantovaara T. , Pertoft H. , Porath J.
Published: October 2023

Serum amyloid P component (SAP) has been purified from human serum by means of immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC). It was selectively concentrated on carboxymethylated aspartic acid agarose (CM‐Asp‐agarose) loaded with calcium and, employing very mild conditions, purified to electrophoretical and immunological homogeneity in a single step amounting to about 1900‐fold purification. As a purification method our procedure thus compares well with bio‐specific affinity chromatography.
Lipid hydroperoxide‐resistance gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: utilization as a selectable marker gene for yeast transformation
Authors: Inoue Y. , Kobayashi S. , Yoshikawa K. , Tran LT , Kimura A.
Published: October 2023

Two kinds of DNA fragments concerned with resistance against lipid hydroperoxide were cloned from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. When the recombinant plasmid carrying the DNA fragment was introduced into the cells of S. cerevisiae which do not have an appropriate auxotrophic marker, the transformants could be selected by their resistance to t‐butyl hydroperoxide. By Southern hybridization analysis, such transformants were found to contain the recombinant plasmid, suggesting that the DNA fragment could be used as a selection marker for the transformation of S. cerevisiae.
One‐step isolation of a chitinase by affinity chromatography of the chitinolytic enzyme complex produced by Streptomyces kurssanovii
Authors: AV Ilyina , VP Varlamov , VE Tikhonov , IA Yamskov , VA Davankov
Published: October 2023

One of the four chitinases with a molecular mass of 42 kDa existing in the chitinolytic enzyme complex produced by Streptomyces kurssanovii was separated in homogeneous form using one‐step affinity chromatography on cross‐linked and phosphorylated chitin‐type sorbents. Three other chitinases were not selectively bound by the sorbents and were not obtained in homogeneous form. The affinity sorbents were shown to be stable over the time of separation and could be used repeatedly.
Intestinal absorption of serrapeptase (TSP) in rats
Authors: Moriya N. , Nakata M. , Nakamura M. , Takaoka M. , Iwasa S. , Kato K. , Kakinuma A.
Published: October 2023

A sensitive sandwich enzyme immunoassay (e.i.a.) for serrapeptase (TSP), an orally available anti‐inflammatory proteinase, was established using affinity‐purified anti‐TSP rabbit IgG and its Fab' fragment conjugated with horseradish peroxidase as the first and the second antibodies respectively. TSP in the plasma was determined by the e.i.a. after its oral administration (100 mg/kg) to rats. The peak concentration was observed between 30 min and 2 h after administration. TSP in the plasma samples was trapped on a microtitre plate coated with the affinity‐purified anti‐TSP rabbit IgG, and the hydrolysis of a synthetic fluorogenic substrate, butoxycarbonyl‐Glu(benzyloxy)‐Ala‐Arg‐4‐methylcoumaryl‐7‐amide, by the trapped TSP was fluorometrically measured (proteinase assay). The values obtained by the e.i.a. and those obtained by the proteinase assay correlated well for various plasma samples. These results indicate that orally administered TSP was absorbed from the intestinal tract and transferred into the circulation in an enzymically active form.
Narcissistic Crises of Aging and Suicidal Despair
Authors: Clark David C.
Published: October 2023

After reviewing some of the dangers inherent in oversimplifying the nature of suicide for public education purposes, a model (the “wedding‐cake model”) of elderly suicide is outlined. This model is derived from a community‐based psychological autopsy study. It is hypothesized that elderly persons who die by suicide have a lifelong character fault that remains invisible until aging life‐changes force the issue into the open.
Stronger latitudinal phylogenetic patterns in woody angiosperm assemblages with higher dispersal abilities in China
Authors: Jin Lu , Liu Jia‐Jia , Li Qiao‐Ming , Lin Lu‐Xiang , Shao Xiao‐Na , Xiao Tian‐Wen , Li Bu‐Hang , Mi Xiang‐Cheng , Ren Hai‐Bao , Zhu Yan , Qiao Xiu‐Juan , Lian Ju‐Yu , Wang Xu‐Gao , Du Hu , Jin Guang‐Ze , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Hao Gang , Ge Xue‐Jun
Published: October 2023

Aim

The equator‐to‐poles decline in the number of species, namely the latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG), is the most conspicuous pattern in biology, yet the underlying mechanisms of this pattern remain controversial. Species dispersal could have strong effects on large‐scale species distributions but has rarely been considered in understanding the LDG. Here we sought to examine how dispersal ability may influence the latitudinal phylogenetic patterns of woody angiosperm assemblages.

Location

China.

Taxon

Woody angiosperms.

Methods

Based on a highly supported mega‐phylogeny constructed from plastid genomes, we assessed the patterns of phylogenetic relatedness and dissimilarity of 1184 trees with three different seed dispersal modes (i.e. zoochory, anemochory and autochory) in 12 permanent forest dynamic plots covering tropical, subtropical and temperate zones in China.

Results

We found that, compared with zoochorous and anemochorous species, the less vagile autochorous trees exhibited a much weaker latitudinal pattern in phylogenetic relatedness and higher phylogenetic dissimilarity among plots. The phylogenetic dissimilarity pattern of autochorous trees was explained more by geographic distance than environmental factors, consistent with a dominant role for dispersal limitation.

Main Conclusions

Our study, for the first time, demonstrates that seed dispersal mode strongly influences the latitudinal phylogenetic patterns of woody angiosperm assemblages in China and highlights the importance of interaction between dispersal limitation and environmental filtering in determining the large‐scale distribution of forest biodiversity.