bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Botrytis disease management in tomato plants: insights from a Pseudomonas putida strain with biocontrol activity
Authors: Ampntelnour Litsa , Poulaki Eirini G , Dimitrakas Vasilis , Mavrommati Maria , Amourgis Grigorios G , Tjamos Sotiris E
Published: April 2024

Aims

This study explores the biocontrol potential of Pseudomonas putida Z13 against Botrytis cinerea in tomato plants, addressing challenges posed by the pathogen’s fungicide resistance. The aims of the study were to investigate the in vitro and in silico biocontrol traits of Z13, identify its plant-colonizing efficacy, evaluate the efficacy of different application strategies against B. cinerea in planta, and assess the capacity of Z13 to trigger induced systemic resistance (ISR) in plants.

Methods and results

The in vitro experiments revealed that Z13 inhibits the growth of B. cinerea, produces siderophores, and exhibits swimming and swarming activity. Additionally, the Z13 genome harbors genes that encode compounds triggering ISR, such as pyoverdine and pyrroloquinoline quinone. The in planta experiments demonstrated Z13’s efficacy in effectively colonizing the rhizosphere and leaves of tomato plants. Therefore, three application strategies of Z13 were evaluated against B. cinerea: root drenching, foliar spray, and the combination of root drenching and foliar spray. It was demonstrated that the most effective treatment of Z13 against B. cinerea was the combination of root drenching and foliar spray. Transcriptomic analysis showed that Z13 upregulates the expression of the plant defense-related genes PR1 and PIN2 upon B. cinerea inoculation.

Conclusion

The results of the study demonstrated that Z13 possesses significant biocontrol traits, such as the production of siderophores, resulting in significant plant protection against B. cinerea when applied as a single treatment to the rhizosphere or in combination with leaf spraying. Additionally, it was shown that Z13 root colonization primes plant defenses against the pathogen.
International applicability of education and migration aspirations
Authors: Kulka Amrita , Nikolka Till , Poutvaara Panu , Uebelmesser Silke
Published: April 2024

We analyze perceptions of international applicability of one’s education and migration aspirations and intentions among university students in Czechia, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Spain. Students in law perceive their education as least internationally applicable. Perceived international applicability strongly predicts migration aspirations and intentions even after controlling for study fields, individual characteristics, family or friends abroad, and university fixed effects. The association with migration aspirations is strong for both genders, while the association with plans to migrate is driven to a large extent by women who would ideally like to work full time. Our findings are consistent with predictions from a model in which students invest in their education before learning their mobility status.
DG-based joint transmission-reflection traveltime tomography and its application of borehole seismic data
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhu Zhaolin , Cao Danping
Published: April 2024

The limitations of the coverage range and density of transmission wave often result in less-than-ideal results in traveltime tomography. By contrast, joint transmission-reflection traveltime tomography can not only recover deep structures that transmission tomography cannot detect, but also optimize its inversion results. In this article, we perform joint tomography on borehole seismic (vertical seismic profile, reverse vertical seismic profile, and crosswell seismic) data to obtain near-wellbore structures. In the first part, we solve the factored eikonal equation by the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method to calculate the transmission/reflection traveltime. Owing to the large wavefront curvature near the source point, the traveltime errors generated by the numerical simulation will propagate from the source to all the calculation domains. According to the factorization principle, the equation solution is decomposed into two parts to solve the point-source singularity. To further improve the accuracy of solving traveltime, we use the DG method to solve the factored eikonal equation with additive factors (the factored DG method), obtaining second-order accuracy solution. The adjoint-state method is employed in the inversion section to calculate the gradient of the misfit function. We use the traveltime difference observed inside the model to define the misfit function, which is more suitable for borehole seismic and avoids the influence of surface normal vectors on gradients. Numerical tests applied on models indicate that the joint tomography method has the potential to accurately inverse the seismic structure information near the well and recover the deep underground structure.
Remini-Sing RCT: Therapeutic Choir Participation for Community-Dwelling People with Dementia and Their Primary Caregivers
Authors: Tamplin Jeanette , Thompson Zara , Clark Imogen N , Teggelove Kate , Baker Felicity A
Published: April 2024

Dementia negatively affects the wellbeing of both caregivers and care recipients. Community-based therapeutic choir singing offers opportunities for music participation and social engagement that are accessible and mutually enjoyable for people with dementia and their family caregivers and promotes shared and meaningful musical interactions, which may support relationship quality. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Remini-Sing therapeutic choir intervention on relationship quality, quality of life, depression, and social connectedness for dyads, as well as caregiver burden and care recipient anxiety. A randomized-controlled trial design was used with a target sample of 180 dyads. Due to recruitment difficulties, 34 participant dyads were recruited and randomly assigned to a 20-week group singing condition (n = 16) or a waitlisted control group (n = 18). Participant dyads consisted of people with dementia and their family caregivers who resided at home in the community. The Remini-Sing therapeutic choirs were held in community settings. Assessments were conducted by masked assessors at baseline, 11 weeks, and 21 weeks. Twenty-one dyads completed assessments at the primary timepoint (Week 11). Issues with recruitment and retention resulted in an unpowered study with no statistically significant findings. Mean decreases in anxiety and depression for choir participants with dementia were supported by medium to large effect sizes, indicating a potential intervention effect to be explored in future powered studies. Key learnings related to study design are discussed regarding recruitment, retention, participant burden, and sustainability, with recommendations made for future dementia research.
Prevalence and associated factors of sexual, psychological, and physical violence among physical therapists in their clinical role in Spain: a national web-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Boo-Mallo Tania , Oviedo-de-la-Fuente Manuel , Martínez-Rodríguez Alicia
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

To determine the extent of career-long and 12-month exposure to sexual, physical, and psychological/verbal violence committed by patients or their companions among physical therapists in Spain. Additionally, to identify the factors associated with such exposure.

Methods:

This study employed an observational cross-sectional approach. Initially, a questionnaire was developed and validated using a convenience sample. Subsequently, it was distributed via email to all physical therapists registered in Spain in the first quarter of 2022. Individual risk models were created for each type of violence experienced within the past 12 months.

Results:

The prevalence of violence encountered by physical therapists throughout their careers was 47.9% for sexual violence, 42.7% for psychological/verbal abuse, and 17.6% for physical abuse. Lower values were observed within the last 12 months (13.4%, 15.8%, and 5.2%, respectively). Statistical risk modeling for each type of violence experienced in the past 12 months indicated that the common precipitating factor for all forms of violence was working with patients with cognitive impairment. Working part-time appeared to be a protective factor. Other factors, such as the practitioners’ gender, practice setting, or clinic location showed variations among the diverse types of violence.

Conclusions:

The exposure to type II workplace violence within the last 12 months among physical therapists in Spain (Europe) is not so high as in some other world regions. Various individual, clinical, and professional/organizational risk factors have been identified in connection with type II workplace violence. Further research is warranted to compare the violence experienced once the COVID pandemic has subsided.
Proton beam reirradiation for locally recurrent rectal cancer patients with prior pelvic irradiation
Authors: Takagawa Yoshiaki , Suzuki Motohisa , Seto Ichiro , Azami Yusuke , Machida Masanori , Takayama Kanako , Sulaiman Nor Shazrina , Nakasato Tatsuhiko , Kikuchi Yasuhiro , Murakami Masao , Honda Michitaka , Teranishi Yasushi , Kono Koji
Published: April 2024

The aim of the present study was to report the feasibility of proton beam reirradiation for patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) with prior pelvic irradiation. The study population included patients who were treated with proton beam therapy (PBT) for LRRC between 2008 and December 2019 in our institution. Those who had a history of distant metastases of LRRC, with or without treatment, before reirradiation, were excluded. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and local control (LC) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Ten patients were included in the present study. The median follow-up period was 28.7 months, and the median total dose of prior radiotherapy (RT) was 50 Gy (range, 30 Gy–74.8 Gy). The median time from prior RT to reirradiation was 31.5 months (range, 8.1–96.6 months), and the median reirradiation dose was 72 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) (range, 56–77 Gy). The 1-year/2-year OS, PFS and LC rates were 100%/60.0%, 20.0%/10.0% and 70.0%/58.3%, respectively, with a median survival time of 26.0 months. Seven patients developed a Grade 1 acute radiation dermatitis, and no Grade ≥ 2 acute toxicity was recorded. Grade ≥ 3 late toxicity was recorded in only one patient, who had developed a colostomy due to radiation-related intestinal bleeding. Reirradiation using PBT for LRRC patients who had previously undergone pelvic irradiation was feasible. However, the indications for PBT reirradiation for LRRC patients need to be considered carefully due to the risk of severe late GI toxicity.
Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in rural vs urban settings among patients with erectile dysfunction: a propensity-weighted retrospective cohort study of 430 621 men
Authors: Mann Uday , Bal Dhiraj S , Panchendrabose Kapilan , Brar Ranveer , Patel Premal
Published: April 2024

Background

The relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular (CV) events has been postulated, with ED being characterized as a potential harbinger of CV disease. Location of residence is another important consideration, as the impact of rural residence has been associated with worse health outcomes.

Aim

To investigate whether men from rural settings with ED are associated with a higher risk of major adverse CV events (MACEs).

Methods

A propensity-weighted retrospective cohort study was conducted with provincial health administrative databases. ED was defined as having at least 2 ED prescriptions filled within 1 year. MACE was defined as the first hospitalization for an episode of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, or stroke that resulted in a hospital visit >24 hours. We classified study groups into ED urban, ED rural, no ED urban, and no ED rural. A multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the propensity score. Stabilized inverse propensity treatment weighting was then applied to the propensity score.

Outcomes

A Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine our primary outcome of time to a MACE.

Results

The median time to a MACE was 2731, 2635, 2441, and 2508 days for ED urban (n = 32 341), ED rural (n = 18 025), no ED rural (n = 146 358), and no ED urban (n = 233 897), respectively. The cohort with ED had a higher proportion of a MACE at 8.94% (n = 4503), as opposed to 4.58% (n = 17 416) for the group without ED. As compared with no ED urban, no ED rural was associated with higher risks of a MACE in stabilized time-varying comodels based on inverse probability treatment weighting (hazard ratio, 1.06-1.08). ED rural was associated with significantly higher risks of a MACE vs no ED rural, with the strength of the effect estimates increasing over time (hazard ratio, 1.10-1.74).

Clinical Implications

Findings highlight the need for physicians treating patients with ED to address CV risk factors for primary and secondary prevention of CV diseases.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the most extensive retrospective study demonstrating that ED is an independent risk factor for MACE. Due to limitations in data, we were unable to assess certain comorbidities, including obesity and smoking.

Conclusions

Our study confirms that ED is an independent risk factor for MACE. Rural men had a higher risk of MACE, with an even higher risk among those who reside rurally and are diagnosed with ED.
Genetic factors acting prior to dormancy in sour cherry influence bloom time the following spring
Authors: Goeckeritz Charity Z , Grabb Chloe , Grumet Rebecca , Iezzoni Amy F , Hollender Courtney A
Published: April 2024

Understanding the process of Prunus species floral development is crucial for developing strategies to manipulate bloom time and prevent crop loss due to climate change. Here, we present a detailed examination of flower development from initiation until bloom for early- and late-blooming sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) from a population segregating for a major bloom time QTL on chromosome 4. Using a new staging system, we show floral buds from early-blooming trees were persistently more advanced than those from late-blooming siblings. A genomic DNA coverage analysis revealed the late-blooming haplotype of this QTL, k, is located on a subgenome originating from the late-blooming P. fruticosa progenitor. Transcriptome analyses identified many genes within this QTL as differentially expressed between early- and late-blooming trees during the vegetative-to-floral transition. From these, we identified candidate genes for the late bloom phenotype, including multiple transcription factors homologous to Reproductive Meristem B3 domain-containing proteins. Additionally, we determined that the basis of k in sour cherry is likely separate from candidate genes found in sweet cherry—suggesting several major regulators of bloom time are located on Prunus chromosome 4.
A Chandra search for periodic X-ray sources in the bulge of M31
Authors: Zhang Jiachang , Bao Tong , Li Zhiyuan
Published: April 2024

We present a systematic search for periodic X-ray sources in the bulge of M31, using ∼2 Ms of archival Chandra observations spanning a temporal baseline of 16 yr. Utilizing the Gregory–Loredo algorithm that is designed for photon-counting, phase-folded light curves, we detect seven periodic X-ray sources, among which four are newly discovered. Three of these sources are novae, the identified periods of which range between 1.3 and 2.0 h and are most likely the orbital period. The other four sources are low-mass X-ray binaries, the identified periods of which range between 0.13 and 19.3 h and are also likely orbital due to a clear eclipsing/dipping behaviour in the light curve. We address implications on the X-ray binaries population of the M31 bulge. Our study demonstrates the potential of using archival X-ray observations to systematically identify periodic X-ray sources in external galaxies, which would provide valuable information about the underlying exotic stellar populations.
Fatima’s inheritance: Law, Islam, and gendered archive-making in India’s early modern global connections
Authors: Fei Du
Published: April 2024

Sometime around the first half of the seventeenth century, a Muslim woman known by the name Fatima brought her slaves to court over an inheritance dispute in the Indian port city of Surat. Tracing Fatima’s lawsuit and its many afterlives through the study of the transmission of its sole surviving record, this article charts the genealogies of the gendered (re)interpretations of the meaning of law and Islam from the courtroom of Surat to a Mughal official’s anthology and to a French Orientalist’s library. Along the way, Fatima’s invocation of divine legal authority in protecting her right of inheritance became abstracted by the Mughal official into a Persianate scribal articulation of ideal social order that saw the masculine as the default gender of law. This scribal vision of order then converged with the Orientalist’s universalist narrative of natural law that struggled to comprehend simultaneously the legal, economic and bodily agency of Muslim women. These layered processes of archive-making ultimately invite us to rethink not just Fatima’s story itself but also our current efforts to write gender into global history.
A typology of urban knowledge sharing: from a systematic literature review to an integrated model
Authors: Bakker Jet , Scholten Peter , Fransen Jan , Minkman Ellen
Published: April 2024

This paper provides insight into how the conceptualization of urban knowledge sharing has developed. Based on a structured review and categorization of the literature, we identify three forms of knowledge sharing in and between cities that are distinctly different: knowledge transfer, knowledge exchange, and knowledge co-creation. We find that the three forms have different boosts and barriers, whereby the complexities of knowledge sharing and hence the capacities required of the actors are lowest for knowledge transfer and highest for knowledge co-creation. We would therefore like to qualify the recent emphasis given in literature to co-creation; with its complexities and required capacities, it is not to be considered a panacea for solving all urban problems. We propose a model within which knowledge transfer and exchange are more suitable for less wicked problems and may sometimes fruitfully reduce complexities.
The effects of fasting compared to eating a meal or snack during simulated night shift on changes in metabolism associated with circadian misalignment: a protocol and methods paper
Authors: Yates Crystal L , Centofanti Stephanie , Heilbronn Leonie , Kennaway David , Coates Alison M , Dorrian Jillian , Wittert Gary , Gupta Charlotte C , Stepien Jacqueline M , Catcheside Peter , Banks Siobhan
Published: April 2024

Study Objectives

This protocol paper outlines the methods that will be used to examine the impact of altering meal timing on metabolism, cognitive performance, and mood during the simulated night shift.

Methods

Participants (male and female) will be recruited according to an a priori selected sample size to complete a 7-day within and between participant’s laboratory protocol. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the three conditions: meal at night or snack at night or no meal at night. This protocol includes an 8-hour nighttime baseline sleep, followed by 4 consecutive nights of simulated nightshift (7 hours day sleep; 10:00–17:00 hours), and an 8-hour nighttime sleep (return to dayshift). During the simulated night shift, meals will be provided at ~06:30, 09:30, 14:10, and 19:00 hours (no eating at night); ~06:30, 19:00, and 00:30 hours (meal at night); or ~06:30, 14:10, 19:00, and 00:30 hours (snack at night). Meal composition will be strictly controlled throughout the study (45%–65% carbohydrates, 15%–25% protein, and 20%–35% fat per day) with daily energy provided to meet individual needs using the Harris-Benedict equation (light/sedentary activity). The primary outcome measures are serum concentrations of blood glucose, insulin, and free fatty acids area under the curve in response to the oral glucose tolerance test. Mixed-effect ANOVAs will be conducted.

Conclusions

This protocol paper describes a methodology to describe an innovative approach to reduce the metabolic disease impact associated with shift work.
Thyroid diseases and female sexual dysfunctions
Authors: Barbagallo Federica , Cannarella Rossella , Condorelli Rosita A , Cucinella Laura , La Vignera Sandro , Nappi Rossella E , Calogero Aldo E
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Female sexual dysfunctions (FSDs) have received little attention in the context of thyroid diseases, despite the high prevalence of both conditions.

Objectives

This review aims to update and summarize the state of knowledge on the association between thyroid diseases and FSDs and to investigate the complex mechanisms through which thyroid hormone imbalance can impact female sexual health in the context of the biopsychosocial model.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed through the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases, using the following keywords: “female sexual function,” “sexual dysfunction,” “hypoactive sexual desire disorder,” “thyroid disease,” “thyroiditis,” “hypothyroidism,” and “hyperthyroidism.”

Results

To date, well-designed studies that describe the relationship between FSDs and thyroid disorders are lacking. However, despite the limitations on available studies, current data indicate that sexual alterations are frequently associated with thyroid diseases in women. A complex interplay of direct and indirect hormonal and nonhormonal mechanisms has been hypothesized, including hormonal changes, neurotransmitter imbalance, reduced nitric oxide release, mood disorders, and other systemic consequences of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormone receptors have also been identified in the genitourinary system.

Conclusions

In a clinical setting, physicians should investigate the sexuality of patients consulting for thyroid disease. At the same time, an evaluation of thyroid function should be performed in patients presenting with FSD, especially after menopause, when the risk of thyroid diseases and FSDs increases strongly.
Predicting fat cover in beef cattle to make on-farm management decisions: a review of assessing fat and of modeling fat deposition
Authors: McPhee Malcolm J
Published: April 2024

Demands of domestic and foreign market specifications of carcass weight and fat cover, of beef cattle, have led to the development of cattle growth models that predict fat cover to assist on-farm managers make management decisions. The objectives of this paper are 4-fold: 1) conduct a brief review of the biological basis of adipose tissue accretion, 2) briefly review live and carcass assessments of beef cattle, and carcass grading systems used to develop quantitative compositional and quality indices, 3) review fat deposition models: Davis growth model (DGM), French National Institute for Agricultural Research growth model (IGM), Cornell Value Discovery System (CVDS), and BeefSpecs drafting tool (BeefSpecsDT), and 4) appraise the process of translating science and practical skills into research/decision support tools that assist the Beef industry improve profitability. The r2 for live and carcass animal assessments, using several techniques across a range of species and traits, ranged from 0.61 to 0.99 and from 0.52 to 0.99, respectively. Model evaluations of DGM and IGM were conducted using Salers heifers (n = 24) and Angus-Hereford steers (n = 15) from an existing publication and model evaluations of CVDS and BeefSpecsDT were conducted using Angus steers (n = 33) from a research trial where steers were grain finished for 101 d in a commercial feedlot. Evaluating the observed and predicted fat mass (FM) is the focus of this review. The FM mean bias for Salers heifers were 7.5 and 1.3 kg and the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) were 31.2 and 27.8 kg and for Angus-Hereford steers the mean bias were −4.0 and −10.5 kg and the RMSEP were 9.14 and 21.5 kg for DGM and IGM, respectively. The FM mean bias for Angus steers were −5.61 and −2.93 kg and the RMSEP were 12.3 and 13.4 kg for CVDS and BeefSpecsDT, respectively. The decomposition for bias, slope, and deviance were 21%, 12%, and 68% and 5%, 4%, and 91% for CVDS and BeefSpecsDT, respectively. The modeling efficiencies were 0.38 and 0.27 and the models were within a 20 kg level of tolerance 91% and 88% for CVDS and BeefSpecsDT, respectively. Fat deposition models reported in this review have the potential to assist the beef industry make on-farm management decisions on live cattle before slaughter and improve profitability. Modelers need to continually assess and improve their models but with a caveat of 1) striving to minimize inputs, and 2) choosing on-farm inputs that are readily available.
Production and use of dry-rolled hybrid rye grain as a replacement for barley grain on growth performance and carcass quality of feedlot steers
Authors: Zhang Fuquan , Carey Rachel E , Brattain Rebecca S , Wehrle Herman , Penner Gregory B
Published: April 2024

The objectives were to compare cereal grain and straw yield between barley and hybrid rye (HR) and to evaluate whether the inclusion of dry-rolled HR grain as a replacement for barley grain affected feed intake and growth for growing cattle, and feed intake, growth, and carcass characteristics for finishing cattle. Crop yield was measured by directly weighing harvested grain and straw bales (n = 3 plots/grain type). Three-hundred sixty steers with an initial body weight (BW) of 348 ± 40 kg were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of the 24 pens during the growing phase (n = 8; 65 d). The control diet (BCON) included 60.22% barley grain with HR included by replacing 50 (BMID) or 100% (BHIGH) of the barley grain on a dry matter (DM) basis. Steers were re-randomized for the finishing phase (n = 6; 118 d) and treatments included a control diet containing 88.60% barley grain (FCON) with HR replacing 33 (FLOW), 67 (FMED), or 100% (FHIGH) of the barley grain (DM basis). The grain yield was greater (P = 0.04) and straw yield tended (P = 0.06) to be less for HR than barley. There were no effects of HR inclusion on DM intake (DMI) or G:F during the growing phase, but average daily gain (ADG) responded quadratically (P = 0.02) with cattle fed 50% HR having the greatest gain. During finishing, DMI decreased linearly as HR grain inclusion increased (P < 0.01). ADG initially increased from FCON to FLOW followed by a decrease with increasing HR inclusion (quadratic, P < 0.01), but G:F was not affected. Hot carcass weight was greatest for FCON with the magnitude of difference between FCON and the HR treatments increasing with increasing inclusion of HR (quadratic, P = 0.02). There was a linear increase in dressing percentage (P = 0.02) and a linear reduction in back fat thickness (P = 0.04) with increasing inclusion of HR. Increasing the inclusion of HR during finishing cubically (P < 0.01) affected the proportion of minor and severe liver abscesses with an average of 34.60% severely abscessed livers when HR was included compared to 11.11% for BCON. HR may have greater grain yield than barley, and partial replacement of barley grain with HR may improve ADG without affecting DMI or G:F during the growing phase. However, replacing barley grain in finishing diets with HR decreases DMI, and increases the risk of minor and severe liver abscesses, but does not affect feed conversion, suggesting HR should not replace more than 33% of the barley grain to maintain ADG.
Dexmedetomidine improves lung injury after one-lung ventilation in esophageal cancer patients by inhibiting inflammatory response and oxidative stress
Authors: Liu Zhen , Xiong Yingfen , Min Jia , Zhu Yunsheng
Published: April 2024

Aim

To explore the effect of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) on lung injury in patients undergoing One-lung ventilation (OLV).

Methods

Esophageal cancer patients undergoing general anesthesia with OLV were randomly divided into the DEX group and control group, with 30 cases in each group. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), and arterial partial pressure of nitrogen dioxide (PCO2) were recorded at the time points after anesthesia induction and before OLV (T1), OLV 30 min (T2), OLV 60 min (T3), OLV 120 min (T4), OLV end before (T5) and before leaving the room (T6) in both groups. Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was applied to detect the levels of CC16 mRNA. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum CC16 protein levels. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum was determined by thio barbituric acid (TBA) method. ELISA was used to measure the concentrations of TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-alpha)/and IL-6 (interleukin 6).

Results

DEX treatment slowed down HR at time points T1-T6 and increased PO2 and PCO2 at time points T2-T5 compared with the control group. Moreover, at time points T2-T6, DEX treatment reduced the levels of club cell secretory protein-16 (CC16) mRNA and serum CC16 protein levels. Furthermore, DEX treatment caused the reduction of MDA, TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations in serum of patients.

Conclusion

During the OLV process, DEX could reduce serum CC16 protein levels, inhibit inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress, and improve oxygenation index, indicating a protective effect on lung injury during OLV.
An environmentally relevant mixture of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) impacts proliferation, steroid hormone synthesis, and gene transcription in primary human granulosa cells
Authors: Clark Kendra L , Shukla Mamta , George Jitu W , Gustin Stephanie , Rowley M Jordan , Davis John S
Published: April 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that are resistant to biodegradation and are environmentally persistent. PFAS are found in many consumer products and are a major source of water and soil contamination. This study investigated the effects of an environmentally relevant PFAS mixture (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorooctanesulfonic acid [PFOS], perfluorohexanesulfonic acid [PFHxS]) on the transcriptome and function of human granulosa cells (hGCs). Primary hGCs were harvested from follicular aspirates of healthy, reproductive-age women who were undergoing oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization. Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) was performed to identify PFAS compounds in pure follicular fluid. Cells were cultured with vehicle control or a PFAS mixture (2 nM PFHxS, 7 nM PFOA, 10 nM PFOS) for 96 h. Analyses of cell proliferation/apoptosis, steroidogenesis, and gene expression were measured via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays/immunofluorescence, ELISA/western blotting, and RNA sequencing/bioinformatics, respectively. PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS were detected in 100% of follicle fluid samples. Increased cell proliferation was observed in hGCs treated with the PFAS mixture with no impacts on cellular apoptosis. The PFAS mixture also altered steroid hormone synthesis, increasing both follicle-stimulating hormone-stimulated and basal progesterone secretion and concomitant upregulation of STAR protein. RNA sequencing revealed inherent differences in transcriptomic profiles in hGCs after PFAS exposure. This study demonstrates functional and transcriptomic changes in hGCs after exposure to a PFAS mixture, improving our knowledge about the impacts of PFAS exposures and female reproductive health. These findings suggest that PFAS compounds can disrupt normal granulosa cell function with possible long-term consequences on overall reproductive health.
House dust-derived mixtures of organophosphate esters alter the phenotype, function, transcriptome, and lipidome of KGN human ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Rowan-Carroll Andrea , Meier Matthew J , Yauk Carole L , Wade Michael G , Robaire Bernard , Hales Barbara F
Published: April 2024

Organophosphate esters (OPEs), used as flame retardants and plasticizers, are present ubiquitously in the environment. Previous studies suggest that exposure to OPEs is detrimental to female fertility in humans. However, no experimental information is available on the effects of OPE mixtures on ovarian granulosa cells, which play essential roles in female reproduction. We used high-content imaging to investigate the effects of environmentally relevant OPE mixtures on KGN human granulosa cell phenotypes. Perturbations to steroidogenesis were assessed using ELISA and qRT-PCR. A high-throughput transcriptomic approach, TempO-Seq, was used to identify transcriptional changes in a targeted panel of genes. Effects on lipid homeostasis were explored using a cholesterol assay and global lipidomic profiling. OPE mixtures altered multiple phenotypic features of KGN cells, with triaryl OPEs in the mixture showing higher potencies than other mixture components. The mixtures increased basal production of steroid hormones; this was mediated by significant changes in the expression of critical transcripts involved in steroidogenesis. Further, the total-OPE mixture disrupted cholesterol homeostasis and the composition of intracellular lipid droplets. Exposure to complex mixtures of OPEs, similar to those found in house dust, may adversely affect female reproductive health by altering a multitude of phenotypic and functional endpoints in granulosa cells. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of actions underlying the toxicity induced by OPEs and highlights the need to examine the effects of human relevant chemical mixtures.
Beyond the glow: proving the unity of pheromones and bioluminescent signals in glow-worm firefly courtship
Authors: Novák Martin , Jakubec Pavel
Published: April 2024

Sexual communication in nocturnal fireflies has been presumed to be facilitated exclusively by bioluminescence, which has replaced the pheromones used by diurnal species. Although some fireflies are suspected of using combined signalling, this view has so far not been supported by empirical evidence, and these species have been viewed more as outliers. In this study, we have investigated the visual and olfactory capability of sexual communication of a night-active glow-worm firefly Lamprohiza splendidula (Linnaeus, 1767). We recorded and categorized the behaviour of searching males in reaction to four different experimental treatments, in which the females could be located based solely on visual or olfactory cues or a combination of the two. The pheromone-only treatment attracted significantly more males than the control, thus confirming pheromone utilization in sexual communication of this species. This work represents the first direct evidence of combined pheromone and bioluminescence use in fireflies and refutes the hypothesis of exclusive use of light in courtship of the nocturnal species. We theorize that this life strategy is likely to be inherent in the whole genus and possibly common in all glow-worm firefly species.
Assessment of Nurse Educator Leadership: Instrument Development and Psychometric Analysis
Authors: Krouse Anne M. , Patterson Barbara J. , Morin Karen H.
Published: April 2024

AIM

Study purposes were to 1) establish the relevance and clarity of a new instrument, the Leadership in Nursing Education (LNE©) for nurse educators, and 2) provide evidence to support the reliability and validity of the LNE.

BACKGROUND

The future of nursing education is dependent upon the leadership of nurse faculty. Competency development requires self-assessment to engage in meaningful pathways for leadership development.

METHOD

A Delphi study was conducted with 50 nurse faculty leaders to determine the content validity of the LNE. The final instrument was then sent to nurse faculty across the United States to assess its psychometric properties.

RESULTS

The LNE was determined to be a reliable instrument for the population tested. Three distinct subscales emerged from the exploratory factor analysis: strategic, relational, and authentic.

CONCLUSION

The LNE fills a gap in nurse educator leadership assessment and provides evidence to support the instrument’s reliability and validity.
Addressing the Shortage of Academic Nurse Educators: Recommendations for Educational Institutions Based on Nominal Group Technique Research
Authors: Vardaman Shellye A. , Logan Laura , Davis Suja P. , Sciarra Erica , Doria Jenneth B. , Baker Jordan , Feeney Sheryl , Pajarillo Edmund J. Y. , Seibold-Simpson Susan , Bajwa Maria
Published: April 2024

AIM

The purpose of this qualitative study was twofold: 1) explore factors contributing to the shortage of academic nurse educators (ANEs) and 2) identify opportunities to address these factors from the perspectives of nursing education institutions.

BACKGROUND

The nurse faculty shortage is a major national concern, with inadequate recruitment and retention. Addressing the nursing faculty shortage is important to maintain a sustained nursing workforce.

METHOD

Using a nominal group technique (NGT), a group of 45 diverse nurse educators from across the United States formed a virtual workgroup.

RESULTS

Findings led to an action plan formulated to guide educational institutions with ways to decrease the ANE shortage through recruitment and retention.

CONCLUSION

The evidence demonstrates the need for educational institutions to concentrate efforts on recruiting and retaining ANEs to combat the nursing shortage. The analysis offers recommendations to institutions to increase the number of qualified ANEs.
Consciousness and the Dying Brain
Authors: Mashour George A. , Lee UnCheol , Pal Dinesh , Li Duan
Published: April 2024

The near-death experience has been reported since antiquity and is often characterized by the perception of light, interactions with other entities, and life recall. Near-death experiences can occur in a variety of situations, but they have been studied systematically after in-hospital cardiac arrest, with an incidence of 10 to 20%. Long attributed to metaphysical or supernatural causes, there have been recent advances in understanding the neurophysiologic basis of this unique category of conscious experience. This article reviews the epidemiology and neurobiology of near-death experiences, with a focus on clinical and laboratory evidence for a surge of neurophysiologic gamma oscillations and cortical connectivity after cardiac and respiratory arrest.
Electroacupuncture reduced airway inflammation by activating somatosensory–sympathetic pathways in allergic asthmatic rats
Authors: Ma Hongli , Liu Xiaowen , Cai Huamei , Yan Yun , Li Weixia , Zhao Jing
Published: April 2024

Background:

Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment is efficacious in patients with respiratory disorders, although the mechanisms of its action in lung-function protection are poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the neuroanatomical mechanisms of EA stimulation at the BL13 acupoint (Feishu, EA-BL13) improvement in asthma.

Methods:

Allergic asthma was induced by intranasal 2.0% ovalbumin (OVA) instillation combined with intraperitoneal injection of the 10.0% OVA. The levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-schiff stain were used to evaluate inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus secretion. Cellular oncogene fos induction in neurons after EA stimulation was detected by immunofluorescent staining. The mRNA expression levels of adrenergic receptors were quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

EA improved airway inflammation and mucus secretion mainly by activating somatosensory–sympathetic pathways (P <0.001). Briefly, the intermediolateral (IML) nuclei of the spinal cord received signals from somatic EA stimulation and then delivered the information via the sympathetic trunk to the lung. Excited sympathetic nerve endings in lung tissue released large amounts of catecholamines that specifically activated the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) on T cells (P <0.01) and further decreased the levels of IL-4 and IL-5 (P <0.001) through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A signaling pathway.

Conclusion:

This study provided a new explanation and clinical basis for the use of EA-BL13 as a treatment for allergic asthma in both the attack and remission stages and other respiratory disorders related to airway inflammation.
Role of submucosal injection in radiofrequency ablation of gastric low-grade dysplasia: Effects on symptoms and outcomes
Authors: Niu Xiaotong , Wang Nanjun , Wang Yan , Feng Jia , Li Longsong , Han Ke , Chai Ningli , Linghu Enqiang
Published: April 2024

Background:

To date, there is still a lack of standardized management strategies for gastric low-grade dysplasia (LGD), which is a direct neoplastic precancerous lesion and requires specifically superficial destruction. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is expected to be an effective method for gastric LGD, but post-RFA pain may affect patients’ satisfaction and compliance. The current study aimed to evaluate the value of a submucosal injection prior to RFA (SI-RFA) for postoperative pain and treatment outcomes.

Methods:

Between October 2014 and July 2021, gastric LGDs without risk factors (size >2 cm, unclear boundary, and abnormal microsurface and microvascularity) undergoing regular RFA and SI-RFA were retrospectively analyzed. Postoperative pain scores, wound healing, and clinical efficacy were compared. Propensity score matching, stratified analysis, and multivariable logistic regression were performed to control the confounding variables.

Results:

One hundred and ninety-seven gastric LGDs in 151 patients received regular RFA. Forty-nine gastric LGDs in 36 patients received SI-RFA. Thirty-six pairs of patients were selected for the assessment of postoperative pain by propensity score matching. Compared to regular RFA, SI-RFA significantly decreased the degree and duration of postoperative pain (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.13–0.84; P = 0.020), improved wound healing rate (80.0% [36/45] vs. 58.9% [89/151], P = 0.012), increased the complete ablation rate (91.8% [45/49] vs. 86.3% [170/197], χ

2
= 1.094, P = 0.295), but correlated with higher rates of local recurrence and progression (25.6% [10/39] vs. 13.2% [18/136], χ

2
= 3.471, P = 0.062; 8.3% [3/36] vs. 0.9% [1/116], P = 0.042). The multivariable logistic regression model confirmed that submucosal injection was associated with local recurrence (OR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.13–7.58; P = 0.027).

Conclusions:

Submucosal injections prior to RFA may reduce postoperative pain and scar formation while ensuring complete ablation of gastric LGD. However, local recurrence and progression should be considered seriously.
Mobile Stroke Units in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 5 “T Letter” Domains
Authors: Hagrass Abdulrahman Ibrahim , Elsayed Sarah Makram , Doheim Mohamed Fahmy , Mostafa Mohamed Abdelhady , Elfil Mohamed , Al-Kafarna Mohammed , Almaghary Bashar Khaled , Fayoud Aya Mamdouh , Hamdallah Aboalmagd , Hasan Mohammed Tarek , Ragab Khaled Mohamed , Nourelden Anas Zakarya , Zaazouee Mohamed Sayed , Medicherla Chaitanya , Lerario Mackenzie , Czap Alexandra L. , Chong Ji , Nour May , Al-Mufti Fawaz
Published: April 2024

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) may be administered to stroke patients requiring immediate treatment more quickly than emergency medical services if certain conditions are met. These conditions include the presence of mobile stroke units (MSUs) with on-site treatment teams and a computed tomography scanner. We compared clinical outcomes of MSU conventional therapy by emergency medical services through a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched key electronic databases from inception till September 2021. The primary outcomes were mortality at 7 and 90 days. The secondary outcomes included the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days, alarm to IVT or intra-arterial recanalization, and time from symptom onset or last known well to thrombolysis. We included 19 controlled trials and cohort studies to conduct our final analysis. Our comparison revealed that 90-day mortality significantly decreased in the MSU group compared with the conventional care group [risk ratio = 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.71–0.95], while there was no significant difference at 7 days (risk ratio = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.69–1.15). MSU achieved greater functional independence (modified Rankin Scale = 0–2) at 90 days (risk ratio = 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01–1.16). MSU was associated with shorter alarm to IVT or intra-arterial recanalization time (mean difference = −29.69; 95% CI, −34.46 to −24.92), treating patients in an earlier time window, as shown through symptom onset or last known well to thrombolysis (mean difference = −36.79; 95% CI, −47.48 to −26.10). MSU-treated patients had a lower rate of 90-day mortality and better 90-day functional outcomes by earlier initiation of IVT compared with conventional care.
Prostate cancer, its implications and awareness in the South Asian population: a retrospective cross-sectional cohort analysis
Authors: Shakil Saad , Akhtar Sareema E. , Ali Akhtar , Kotak Priya , Niaz Muhammad A. , Rana Farhan , Halabi Mouhammad O. , Kivalur Ganeshanath Akashnath , K. Alsubai Abdulla , Almesri Abdulla , Khayyat Hani , Malik Uzair
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

The second most frequent form of cancer in males and the main reason for cancer-related deaths worldwide is prostate cancer (PC). Despite being less common than in Western nations, PC incidence and death rates have been rising throughout South Asia. This study intends to evaluate how well-informed and knowledgeable the South Asian public is about PC, its symptoms, and screening procedures among men and women.

Methods:

From August to September of 2022, a cross-sectional survey was carried out throughout South Asia. Participants in the research had to be at least 24 years old, and it used a practical sampling approach. A self-created questionnaire with both closed- and open-ended questions was used to gather the data. SPSS was used to conduct statistical analysis, including χ
2 tests for relationships.

Results:

A total of 378 individuals, comprising 57.6% men and 41.8% women, were involved in the study. Only 45.0% of participants were aware of prostate specific antigen testing for early PC diagnosis, however, 81.7% of people recognized what the prostate gland was. Approximately 87% of individuals had never received a screening for PC. Compared to males, women showed a stronger understanding of PC and its screening techniques. Notably, 94.7% believed the likelihood of effective therapy was increased by early identification.

Conclusion:

While women demonstrated better levels of knowledge, the study’s findings show that the general population in South Asia suffers from a serious shortage of reliable knowledge concerning PC. To promote early identification, lower morbidity, and enhance treatment success, awareness-raising and educational initiatives are essential, with a focus on both sexes. This study establishes the foundation for future research and emphasizes the necessity for targeted educational programmes in the area.