bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential development and survival of Blattella asahinai and Blattella germanica (Blattodea: Ectobiidae) at six constant temperatures
Authors: Peterson Madison K , Hu Xing Ping , Appel Arthur G
Published: July 2023

The Asian cockroach, Blattella asahinai Mizukubo, is a peridomestic nuisance pest in the southeastern United States. Blattella asahinai is the closest relative to Blattella germanica (L.), the German cockroach, one of the most prolific and widespread domestic pests. Because these two species live in different habitats, they are expected to have differential development patterns reflecting environmental adaptations. Development of B. asahinai and B. germanica cockroach nymphs were observed at six constant temperatures ranging from 10 to 35 °C. At 10 °C and 15 °C, all nymphs died in the first instar, but B. germanica nymphs survived longer (10 °C: 12.9 d; 15 °C: 42.9 d) than B. asahinai nymphs (10 °C 8.2 d; 15 °C 18.4 d) at both temperatures. At 20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C, B. asahinai consistently had more instars and longer stadia than B. germanica. At 35 °C, only B. germanica was able to complete nymphal development; cannibalism among B. asahinai nymphs during molting was often observed at this temperature. The results for B. asahinai corroborated previously estimated growth patterns. The lower nymphal development threshold was 14.1 °C for B. germanica and 13.7 °C for B. asahinai. Comparing the development of B. germanica directly with its closest relative reveals specific physiological adaptations that B. germanica has developed for the indoor biome.
Burkholderia spp.-based biopesticide controls wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in potatoes
Authors: Pagani Mika K , Johnson Timothy B , Doughty Hélène B , McIntyre Kelly C , Kuhar Thomas P
Published: July 2023

Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are economically significant pests of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), damaging the marketable portion of the crop by feeding and tunneling into tubers. While conventional potato growers use the few registered synthetic insecticides to control wireworms, certified organic growers are left with less options due to the limited effectiveness of the available insecticides. Biologically derived pesticides provide an additional alternative for both systems. Certain gram-negative proteobacteria, such as Burkholderia spp., possess insecticidal compounds. However, very little is known about their efficacy on wireworms. From 2018 to 2021, we conducted experiments in Virginia to assess the efficacy of a Burkholderia spp.-based commercial pesticide, Majestene, as a wireworm control in potatoes. In a lab experiment, soil drench application of this insecticide at a rate of 66 g a.i. per 1 liter resulted in 30% wireworm mortality and significantly reduced wireworm feeding damage on potato tubers. In the field, in-furrow applications of Burkholderia spp. at a rate of 17.66 kg a.i. per ha significantly reduced wireworm damage to tubers in 2 of 7 field experiments conducted. By comparison, the commercial standard insecticide, bifenthrin, significantly reduced tuber damage in 3 of the 7 field experiments. Our study demonstrates the prospect for proteobacteria-derived insecticides for control of wireworms and potentially other soil-dwelling insects. In conclusion, findings present growers with another option to combat wireworm pressure, especially in organic systems.
Methanol and acetone extracts from the leaves of selected aromatic plants affect survival of field collectedAnopheles arabiensis(Diptera: Culicidae) from Kisumu, Kenya
Authors: Wangrawa Dimitri Wendgida , Yaméogo Félix , Sombié Aboubacar , Esalimba Edward , Ochomo Eric , Borovsky Dov , Badolo Athanase , Sanon Antoine
Published: July 2023

The massive and inappropriate use of synthetic insecticides is causing significant and increasing environmental disruption. Therefore, developing effective natural mosquitocidal compounds could be an alternative tool for malarial vector control. The present study investigates the larvicidal and adulticidal effect of methanol and acetone extracts of leaves from Lippia chevalieri, Lippia multiflora, Cymbopogon schoenanthus, and Lantana camara against Anopheles arabiensis, to control the most widespread vector transmitting malaria in sub-Saharan. Africa. Extracts were evaluated following WHO modified test procedure against third- to fourth-instar larvae and, non-blood-fed females from 3- to 5-day-old field populations of An. arabiensis under laboratory conditions using WHO larval and CDC bottle bioassays, respectively. Mortality was recorded after 24-h exposure and several compounds were identified in the extracts. The methanolic and acetonic extracts of L. camara were effective against larvae showing lethal concentrations to 50% (LC50) of the population, at 89.48 and 58.72 ppm, respectively. The acetonic extracts of C. schoenanthus and L. chevalieri showed higher toxicities LC50s of 0.16% and 0.22% against female adults, respectively. The methanolic extracts of L. multiflora and L. chevalieri LC50s were effective at 0.17% and 0.27%, respectively, against female adults. These results indicate that the plant extracts tested may represent effective means to control An. arabiensis when used to treat the surface of the marshes.
StHAB1, a negative regulatory factor in abscisic acid signaling, plays crucial roles in potato drought tolerance and shoot branching
Authors: Liu Tengfei , Dong Liepeng , Wang Enshuang , Liu Shengxuan , Cheng Yunxia , Zhao Ji , Xu Shijing , Liang Zhen , Ma Hui , Nie Bihua , Song Botao
Published: July 2023

Abscisic acid (ABA) is critical in drought tolerance and plant growth. Group A protein type 2C phosphatases (PP2Cs) are negative regulators of ABA signaling and plant adaptation to stress. Knowledge about the functions of potato group A PP2Cs is limited. Here, we report that the potato group A PP2C StHAB1 is broadly expressed in potato plants and strongly induced by ABA and drought. Suppression of StHAB1 enhanced potato ABA sensitivity and drought tolerance, whereas overexpression of the dominant mutant StHAB1G276D compromised ABA sensitivity and drought tolerance. StHAB1 interacts with almost all ABA receptors and the Snf1-Related Kinase OST1. Suppressing StHAB1 and overexpressing StHAB1G276D alter potato growth morphology; notably, overexpression of StHAB1G276D causes excessive shoot branching. RNA-sequencing analyses identified that the auxin efflux carrier genes StPIN3, StPIN5, and StPIN8 were up-regulated in StHAB1G276D-overexpressing axillary buds. Correspondingly, the auxin concentration was reduced in StHAB1G276D-overexpressing axillary buds, consistent with the role of auxin in repressing lateral branch outgrowth. The expression of BRANCHED1s (StBRC1a and StBRC1b) was unchanged in StHAB1G276D-overexpressing axillary buds, suggesting that StHAB1G276D overexpression does not cause axillary bud outgrowth via regulation of BRC1 expression. Our findings demonstrate that StHAB1 is vital in potato drought tolerance and shoot branching.
Cancer risk in information technology workers: a UK Biobank study
Authors: Lalloo D , Lewsey J , Katikireddi S V , Macdonald E B , Demou E
Published: July 2023

Background

The information technology (IT) workforce has been growing more rapidly than others, with occupational health (OH) risks of sedentary behaviour, physical inactivity and poor diet, yet studies of their non-communicable disease risk, notably cancer, are lacking.

Aims

To investigate cancer risk in IT workers compared to others in employment and the nine major Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) groups.

Methods

We evaluated incident diagnosed cancers in the UK Biobank cohort through national cancer registry linkage. Cox proportional hazard regression models, with 15-year follow-up, were used to compare incident cancer risk among IT workers with all other employed participants and with the nine major SOC groups.

Results

Overall, 10 517 (4%) employed participants were IT workers. Adjusting for confounders, IT workers had a slightly lower cancer incidence compared to all other employed participants (Model 2: hazard ratio = 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83–1.01). Compared to the nine major SOC groups, they had a similar (Major Groups 2, 5 and 8) or lower (Major Groups 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9) cancer incidence.

Conclusions

Despite their occupational risks of sedentary behaviour, poor diet and physical inactivity, IT workers do not have an increased cancer incidence compared to all other employed participants and the nine major SOC groups. This study paves the way for large, longitudinal health outcome studies of this under-researched and rapidly growing occupational group.
Pan-genome analysis sheds light on structural variation-based dissection of agronomic traits in melon crops
Authors: Lyu Xiaolong , Xia Yuelin , Wang Chenhao , Zhang Kejia , Deng Guancong , Shen Qinghui , Gao Wei , Zhang Mengyi , Liao Nanqiao , Ling Jian , Bo Yongming , Hu Zhongyuan , Yang Jinghua , Zhang Mingfang
Published: July 2023

Sweetness and appearance of fresh fruits are key palatable and preference attributes for consumers and are often controlled by multiple genes. However, fine-mapping the key loci or genes of interest by single genome-based genetic analysis is challenging. Herein, we present the chromosome-level genome assembly of 1 landrace melon accession (Cucumis melo ssp. agrestis) with wild morphologic features and thus construct a melon pan-genome atlas via integrating sequenced melon genome datasets. Our comparative genomic analysis reveals a total of 3.4 million genetic variations, of which the presence/absence variations (PAVs) are mainly involved in regulating the function of genes for sucrose metabolism during melon domestication and improvement. We further resolved several loci that are accountable for sucrose contents, flesh color, rind stripe, and suture using a structural variation (SV)-based genome-wide association study. Furthermore, via bulked segregation analysis (BSA)-seq and map-based cloning, we uncovered that a single gene, (CmPIRL6), determines the edible or inedible characteristics of melon fruit exocarp. These findings provide important melon pan-genome information and provide a powerful toolkit for future pan-genome-informed cultivar breeding of melon.
Overcoming a legacy of racial discrimination: competing policy goals in South African academia
Authors: Cowan Robin , Müller Moritz , Kirman Alan , Barnard Helena
Published: July 2023

Because discrimination is systemic, efforts to counter it must also be systemic. The South African case is instructive because it is extreme: Apartheid deliberately excluded the majority of the population, Black South Africans, from fully participating in society, but post-Apartheid efforts to achieve transformation have had limited success. This article examines the university system, where transformation involves increasing the size of the system; improving scientific quality and changing the racial composition. This will require more Black South Africans to do PhDs, to select academic careers and to be selected into the top universities. Policy interventions can be developed for each of these elements, but will they be complementary or contradictory? We simulate a calibrated model to address this question. Results reveal direct trade-offs, with different combinations resulting in different benefits. By highlighting the differential gains of different policy combinations, this article can support informed policy-making about a highly complex issue.
miRNA 511_5p is a potential biomarker for ocular toxoplasmosis
Authors: de Faria Júnior Geraldo Magela , Kumano Laurie Sayuri , Bronchtein Gomes Isabela , Camargos Gláucio Silva , Meira-Strejevitch Cristina da Silva , Castiglioni Lilian , Previato Mariana , Pereira-Chioccola Vera Lucia , Brandão Cinara Cássia , de Mattos Luiz Carlos
Published: July 2023

Background

Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is a frequent clinical manifestation due to infection by Toxoplasma gondii. It is characterized by an inflammatory process involving macrophages activated by pro-inflammatory cytokines. The expression of microRNAs takes place during the inflammatory process and, among them, miRNA 511 regulates the activation of macrophages. This study evaluated the expression of miRNA 511_5p in patients with OT and healthy controls.

Methods

A total of 361 patients from the Hospital de Base of Fundação Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto were enrolled and divided into four groups: G1–patients with active ocular lesions and reagent serology for T. gondii; G2–patients with scars and reagent serology for T. gondii; G3–patients without ocular lesions or scars and reagent serology for T. gondii; G4–patients without ocular lesions or scars and non-reagent serology for T. gondii. All patients underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation to confirm the diagnosis of OT. Serology tests, RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were performed.

Results

The miRNA 511_5p levels were compared among the groups. The G1 group showed a high blood plasma concentration of miRNA 511_5p (mean 22.34) compared with the G2 (4.65), G3 (8.91) and G4 (3.52) groups (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

These data suggest that miRNA 511_5p has significant potential as a biomarker for OT.
Association Between a Medical School Applicant’s Community College Attendance and the Likelihood of Application Acceptance: An Investigation of Select Medical School Characteristics
Authors: Grbic Douglas , Gunter Brianna , Poll-Hunter Norma , Youngclaus James A. , Shader Michelle , Addams Amy N. , Young Geoffrey H. , Szenas Philip L.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

One-third of medical school applicants attend a community college (CC), and they represent a diverse group of applicants. However, they have a lower likelihood of being accepted to medical school. Using application-level data, this study examines how an applicant’s CC attendance impacts the likelihood of application acceptance and how 3 medical school characteristics moderate this association.

Method

Data examined were from 2,179,483 applications submitted to at least one of 146 U.S. Liaison Committee on Medical Education–accredited medical schools by 124,862 applicants between 2018 and 2020. The outcome was application acceptance. The main measures were applicants’ CC attendance (no, lower [> 0%–19% of college course hours], or higher [≥ 20%]) and 3 medical school characteristics: geographic region, private versus public control, and admissions policy regarding CC coursework. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated the association between CC attendance and the likelihood of application acceptance and how this association was moderated by school characteristics.

Results

Among applicants, 23.8% (29,704/124,862) had lower CC attendance and 10.3% (12,819/124,862) had higher CC attendance. Regression results showed that, relative to no CC attendance, applications with lower (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = .96; 95% confidence internal [CI], .94–.97) and higher (AOR = .78; 95% CI, .76–.81) CC attendance had significantly decreased odds of acceptance when the 3 school characteristics were included. Each of the 3 medical school characteristics significantly moderated the association between an applicant’s CC attendance and the likelihood of application acceptance.

Conclusions

The negative association between CC attendance and medical school application acceptance varies by medical school characteristics. Professional development for admissions officers focused on understanding the CC pathway and potential biases related to CC attendance would likely be beneficial in terms of trying to attract and select a diverse cohort of medical students in a holistic and equitable manner.
Strategies to Create a More Gender Identity Inclusive Learning Environment in Preclinical and Clinical Medical Education
Authors: Baecher-Lind Laura , Sutton Jill M. , Bhargava Rashmi , Chen Katherine T. , Fleming Angela , Morgan Helen Kang , Morosky Christopher M. , Schaffir Jonathan , Sonn Tammy , Royce Celeste S. , Stephenson-Famy Alyssa , Madani Sims Shireen ,   on behalf of the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics Undergraduate Medical Education Committee
Published: July 2023

Recognition of the spectrum of gender identities has been a recent phenomenon in the medical profession. Over the past 20 years, medical literature related to gender identity diversity has increased several-fold, yet it more commonly addresses clinical care rather than aspects related to medical education. Medical educators continue to struggle with appropriate language and inclusive approaches when discussing gender-based aspects of medical education. Reproductive health education, including obstetrics and gynecology clerkships, is particularly vulnerable to missteps and anachronisms regarding gender identity.

This article aims to provide preclinical and clinical medical educators with strategies to identify and predict situations where missteps related to gender identity inclusivity may occur in their curriculum or learning environment, and to develop approaches to improve gender identity inclusivity within medical education. The authors explore 3 areas that commonly pose challenges for medical educators: inclusive language and terminology, anatomy education, and reproductive genetics and genetic counseling. They hope the tools and strategies provided here will be useful to reproductive health medical educators across specialties to enable the realization of a more inclusive learning environment in reproductive health.
Explantation of a light-adjustable intraocular lens: case report with laboratorial analyses
Authors: Hawn Vivian S. , Bundogji Nour , Sahler Ruth , Mifflin Mark , Monson Bryan , Mamalis Nick , Werner Liliana
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

A case in which a light-adjustable lens (LAL) underwent explantation and extensive laboratory analyses is reported.

Patient and Clinical Findings:

A 61-year-old man underwent uneventful cataract surgery with in-the-bag implantation of a first-generation LAL in the right eye. Examination on the second postoperative day revealed limbus-to-limbus corneal edema, moderate anterior chamber cells, and a mid-dilated, minimally responsive pupil, suggesting toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS).

Diagnosis, Intervention, and Outcomes:

Endothelial keratoplasty was performed 2 months after LAL implantation. The patient reported noncompliance with required UV-protective eyewear, and an attempted light adjustment confirmed macromer reserve depletion, likely secondary to ambient UV contamination. Gross and microscopic examinations of the explanted LAL showed a decentered round elevation on the optic. The light transmittance (%T) curve was normal, with 95.9%T on average in the visible spectrum. Optical coherence tomography revealed irregular curvatures of the anterior and posterior optic surfaces. Wavefront analysis displayed aberrations and large power variations, which corresponded to decreased focus and contrast through the optic.

Conclusions:

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of LAL implantation complicated by TASS, leading to a prolonged clinical course and nonadherence to proprietary UV-protective spectacles. Extensive laboratory analyses of the explanted LAL demonstrated findings that can be expected with uncontrolled polymerization of the LAL.
Design and Implementation of the Diabetes Impact Project: A Multisector Partnership to Reduce Diabetes Burden in Indianapolis Communities
Authors: Staten Lisa K. , Weathers Tess D. , Nicholas Celeste , Grain Tedd , Haut Dawn P. , Duckett-Brown Patrice , Halverson Paul K. , Caine Virginia
Published: July 2023

Context:

Community-level health disparities have not arisen suddenly but are the result of long-term systemic inequities. This article describes the design and implementation of a community-engaged multisector partnership to address health disparities by reducing the diabetes burden in 3 Indianapolis communities through the implementation of evidence-based strategies across the prevention continuum.

Program:

The project has 5 foundational design principles: engage partners from multiple sectors to address community health, focus on geographic communities most affected by the health disparity, practice authentic community engagement, commit for the long term, and utilize a holistic approach spanning the prevention continuum.

Implementation:

The design principles are incorporated into the following project components in each community: (1) health system community health workers (hCHWs), (2) neighborhood CHWs (nCHWs), (3) community health promotion initiatives, and (4) resident steering committees, as well as a backbone organization responsible for overall coordination, project communication, evaluation, and partnership coordination.

Evaluation:

This complex multilevel intervention is being evaluated using data sources and methodologies suited to each project component and its purpose overall. Each component is being evaluated independently and included holistically to measure the impact of the project on the health and culture of health in the communities. Key Performance Indicators were established upon project initiation as our common metrics for the partnership. Because complex interventions aiming at population-level change take time, we evaluate Diabetes Impact Project—Indianapolis Neighborhoods (DIP-IN), assuming its impact will take many years to achieve.

Discussion:

Health disparities such as the diabetes prevalence in project communities have not arisen suddenly but are the result of long-term systemic inequities. This complex issue requires a complex holistic solution with long-term commitment, trusted partnerships, and investment from diverse sectors as seen in this project. Implications for policy and practice include the need to identify stable funding mechanisms to support these types of holistic approaches.
The Yoga for Seniors “Continuum of Practice”
Authors: Krucoff Carol , Carson Kimberly
Published: July 2023

Yoga enthusiasts are typically pictured as young, fit, and flexible; yet the reality is that more than a third of Americans who practice yoga are 50 years and older. Health benefits are a main reason why seniors practice yoga, as a growing body of evidence suggests yoga can enhance health and reduce the risk of numerous age-related disorders. Yet, like any therapeutic intervention that offers benefits, yoga practice also carries potential risks, which may be heightened in vulnerable populations such as older adults. This article outlines essential safety considerations developed in the Integrative Yoga for Seniors Professional Training offered at Duke Integrative Medicine, and details the Continuum of Practice, which is a tool we created to help yoga teachers and yoga therapists skillfully translate evidence-based movement considerations into safe, effective, and enjoyable variations of classic yoga postures.
Relationship Between Handgrip Strength and Pulmonary Function, Respiratory Muscle Strength, and Cardiopulmonary Fitness in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Li Chi , Hsu Miao-Ju
Published: July 2023

Background:

This study explored the relationship between handgrip strength (HGS) and pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and cardiopulmonary endurance in older adults.

Methods:

We recruited 128 community-dwelling older adults. Correlations between HGS, pulmonary function parameters, respiratory muscle strength, and cardiopulmonary endurance were analyzed.

Results:

Forced vital capacity (r = 0.180, P < .05), maximum voluntary ventilation (r = 0.180, P < .05), and 2-minute step test (r = 0.204, P < .05) were weakly correlated with HGS. Maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) had moderate correlations with HGS (r = 0.431 for MIP, 0.492 for MEP, P < .001).

Conclusion:

HGS was correlated with pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory endurance.
Validity, Reliability, and Responsiveness of the Dubousset Functional Test in Older Adults
Authors: Abit Kocaman Ayşe , Sertel Meral , Aydoğan Arslan Saniye
Published: July 2023

Objective:

The aim of our study was to examine the test-retest reliability and validity of the Dubousset Functional Test (DFT) in older adults.

Methods:

The DFT, 3-m Backward Walk Test (3MBWT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) were administered to 80 older adults.

Results:

Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were between 0.819 and 0.965 (excellent agreement). A correlation was found between DFT parameters and the TUG test, 3MBWT, and POMA scores. A low correlation was found between the TUG test and 3MBWT with the dual-task test; no correlation was determined between the POMA scores with the dual-task test.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that the DFT is a valid and reliable test for older adults.
Antibacterial activity of epsilon-poly-l-lysine produced by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia HS4 and Paenibacillus polymyxa HS5, alone and in combination with bacteriophages
Authors: Hagh Ranjbar Hamidreza , Hosseini-Abari Afrouzossadat , Ghasemi Seyed Mahdi , Hafezi Birgani Zahra
Published: July 2023

Over the past decades, antibiotic resistance has become a major clinical problem, and searching for new therapeutic strategies seems to be necessary. Using novel natural compounds, antimicrobial peptides, and bacteriophages is the most promising solution. In this study, various cationic metabolite-producer bacteria were isolated from different soil samples. Two isolates were identified as

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

HS4 (accession number: MW791428) and

Paenibacillus polymyxa

HS5 (accession number: MW791430) based on biochemical characteristics and phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences. The cationic compound in the fermentation broth was precipitated and purified with sodium tetraphenylborate salt. The purified cationic peptide was confirmed to be epsilon-poly-l-lysine by structural and molecular analysis using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Sodium dodecyl-sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The antibacterial activity of epsilon-poly-l-lysine was evaluated against

Staphylococcus aureus

ATCC 25923,

Escherichia coli

ATCC 25922,

Enterococcus faecalis

ATCC 29212,

Serratia marcescens

ATCC 13880, and

Klebsiella pneumoniae

ATCC 13883 by microdilution method. Furthermore, the antibacterial effects of purified epsilon-poly-l-lysine in combination with two long non-contractile tail bacteriophages against vancomycin-resistant

Enterococcus faecalis

and colistin-resistant

Klebsiella pneumoniae

were investigated. The results indicated great antibacterial activity of epsilon-poly-l-lysine which was produced by two novel bacteria. The epsilon-poly-l-lysine as a potent cationic antimicrobial peptide is demonstrated to possess great antimicrobial activity against pathogenic and also antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Antecedents of yacht tourism participants’ satisfaction and word-of-mouth intention
Authors: Fotiadis Anestis , Rice John , Hiyasat Rund
Published: July 2023

Purpose

As a contribution to current knowledge of luxury yachting, this study applies a theoretical discussion to explain how gratification, social motives, financial risk and status quo interact to predict satisfaction and word-of-mouth intentions among luxury yachting travelers. Additionally, gender moderating effects on antecedent factors of satisfaction were examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was distributed in the United Arab Emirates, and 228 valid questionnaires were received which were analyzed with AMOS structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results of this study were analyzed using structural equation modeling. According to the results, factors such as gratification, social motives, and the status quo are significantly associated with satisfaction. The degree of satisfaction is directly related to the likelihood of spreading word of mouth. Result differences between males and females can be explained by moderating effects.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies that examine the antecedents of luxury yachting to satisfaction and word of mouth impact.
Modulation of the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and nitrosative stress biomarkers by aspirin triggered lipoxins: A possible mechanism of action of aspirin in the antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Granada‐Gómez Manuel , Velásquez‐Berrío Manuela , Molina Carolina Rúa , Martín Sebastián San , Escudero Carlos , Alvarez Angela M. , Cadavid Angela P.
Published: July 2023

Problem

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by the clinical manifestation of vascular thrombosis (VT) or pregnancy morbidity (PM) and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) that can modify the nitric oxide production. Low‐dose aspirin is used in the prevention and treatment of diverse alterations of pregnancy. One of the mechanisms of action of aspirin is to induce the production of aspirin‐triggered‐lipoxins (ATL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the modulatory effect of ATL over the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and nitrosative stress biomarkers induced by aPL.

Methods

We used polyclonal IgG and sera from women with aPL and PM/VT or VT only, and from women with PM only and positive for non‐criteria aPL (SN‐OAPS). In these sera, biomarkers of nitrosative stress (nitrites and nitrotyrosine) were measured. The protein expression of nitrotyrosine and the phosphorylation of eNOS (at Ser1177) were estimated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated with polyclonal IgG with or without ATL.

Results

Women with SN‐OAPS showed increased circulating levels of nitrites and nitrotyrosine. Likewise, polyclonal IgG from either SN‐OAPS or VT patients stimulated nitrotyrosine expression in HUVECs. ATL decreased the nitrotyrosine expression induced by polyclonal IgG from the SN‐OAPS group. ATL also recovered the reduced eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177 in HUVECs stimulated with polyclonal IgG from women with PM/VT or SN‐OAPS.

Conclusions

Increased nitrosative stress present in serum of women with SN‐OAPS is associated with IgG‐mediated impaired endothelial NO synthesis in endothelial cells. ATL prevent these cellular changes.
Predicting outcomes following short‐term ventricular assist device implant with the MELD‐XI score
Authors: Pidborochynski Tara , Bozso Sabin J. , Buchholz Holger , Freed Darren H. , MacArthur Roderick , Conway Jennifer
Published: July 2023

Background

Short‐term continuous flow (STCF) ventricular assist devices (VADs) are utilized in adults with cardiogenic shock; however, mortality remains high. Previous studies have found that high pre‐operative MELD‐XI scores in durable VAD patients are associated with mortality. The use of the MELD‐XI score to predict outcomes in STCF‐VAD patients has not been explored. We sought to determine the relationship between MELD‐XI and outcomes in adults with STCF‐VADs.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of adults implanted with STCF‐VADs between 2009 and 2019. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to predict outcomes and Kaplan–Meier analysis was done to assess survival.

Results

Seventy‐nine patients were included with a median MELD‐XI score of 21.2 (IQR 13.5, 27.0). Patients with an unsuccessful wean from support (p < 0.001) or major post‐operative bleeding (p = 0.03) had significantly higher pre‐implant MELD‐XI scores. The optimal MELD‐XI cut‐point for mortality was 24.9 with 27.8 for major bleeding. Survival was worse among patients in the high‐risk MELD‐XI group, however, not statistically significant (p = 0.09). Prior ECMO support, but not MELD‐XI, was an independent predictor of unsuccessful wean (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Pre‐operative MELD‐XI score was a moderate predictor of unsuccessful wean with limited utility in predicting bleeding in patients on STCF‐VAD support. This scoring system may be useful in the clinical setting for pre‐implant risk stratification and counseling among patients and outcomes.
Regulation of the ATP‐binding cassette transporters ABCB1, ABCG2 and ABCC5 by nuclear receptors in porcine blood–brain barrier endothelial cells
Authors: Ho Yu Siong , Torres‐Vergara Pablo , Penny Jeffrey
Published: July 2023

Background and Purpose

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) ABCB1, ABCG2 and ABCC5 transporters influence central therapeutic drug distribution. Transporter expression is regulated by the NR3C1, NR1I3 and NR1I2 nuclear receptors, but their precise roles in brain are poorly understood. We investigated the effects of selective ligand‐based activation of NR3C1, NR1I3, NR1I2 and NR2B1 in porcine brain endothelial cells (PBECs).

Experimental Approach

Primary cultures of PBECs were exposed to NR3C1, NR1I3 and NR1I2 ligands and ABCB1, ABCG2 and ABCC5 transporter activities determined by measuring intracellular accumulation of fluorescent probes. Western blotting was used to determine the effects of receptor ligands on expression of ABCB1, ABCG2, ABCC5, NR1I2, NR1I3, NR3C1 and NR2B1. Fluorescent immunocytochemistry was employed to assess the effects of receptor ligands on the cellular localisation of NR1I2 and NR1I3.

Key Results

The NR1I2 agonist rifampicin significantly up‐regulated ABCG2 activity, which is counteracted by co‐treatment with NR1I2 antagonist l‐sulforaphane. The NR1I3 agonist 6‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazole‐5‐carbaldehyde and inverse agonist meclizine significantly down‐regulated ABCB1, ABCG2 and ABCC5 activity. NR3C1 agonist dexamethasone significantly increased ABCB1, ABCG2 and ABCC5 activity and ABCG2 and ABCC5 protein expression, which was counteracted by co‐treatment with the NR3C1 antagonist mifepristone. This first study demonstrates that NR1I3 and NR3C1 regulate ABCC5 activity and protein expression in BBB endothelial cells.

Conclusions and Implications

In PBECs, expression of key ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters and nuclear receptors is differentially regulated by NR1I3, NR1I2, NR3C1 and NR2B1. This will help to better understand the response of the BBB to physiological and pharmacological activation of nuclear receptors.
Maxillary sinus membrane elevation and coagulum compared with maxillary sinus floor augmentation and a composite graft: A 1‐year single‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Starch‐Jensen Thomas , Bruun Niels Henrik , Spin‐Neto Rubens
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim was to evaluate the 1‐year implant outcome and patient‐related outcome measures (PROMs) after maxillary sinus membrane elevation and coagulum (test) compared with maxillary sinus floor augmentation and a 1:1 ratio of autogenous bone graft from the buccal antrostomy and deproteinised porcine bone mineral (DPBM) (control).

Materials and methods

Forty patients (30 female, 10 male) with a mean age of 50 years (range 25–71 years) and an alveolar ridge height between 4 and 7 mm were randomly allocated to test or control. Outcome measures included survival of suprastructures and implants, implant stability quotient, health status of the peri‐implant tissue, peri‐implant marginal bone loss, frequency of complications and PROMs using Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 combined with questionnaires assessing patient's perception of the peri‐implant soft tissue, implant crown, function of the implant, and total implant treatment outcome using visual analogue scale. Mean differences were expressed with standard deviation and 95% confidence interval. Level of significance was 0.05.

Results

All suprastructures and implants were well‐functioning after 1‐year of functional implant loading. No significant difference in any of the applied outcome measures was observed between test and control. Both treatments revealed high patient satisfaction scores and significant improvement in oral health‐related quality of life.

Conclusion

There were no significant differences in implant outcome and PROMs between test and control, after 1‐year of functional implant loading. Neither of the treatments can therefore be considered better than the other. Thus, long‐term randomized controlled trials are needed before definitive conclusions can be provided about the two treatment modalities.
Impulsivity as key bridge symptoms in cross‐sectional and longitudinal networks of ADHD and ODD
Authors: Bansal Pevitr S. , Goh Patrick K. , Southward Matthew W. , Sizemore Yancey J. , Martel Michelle M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Impulsivity is viewed as key to attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and disruptive behavior disorders (DBD). Yet, to date, no work has provided an item‐level analysis in longitudinal samples across the critical developmental period from childhood into adolescence, despite prior work suggesting items exhibit differential relevance with respect to various types of impairment. The current study conducted a novel longitudinal network analysis of ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms between childhood and adolescence, with the important applied prediction of social skills in adolescence.

Methods

Participants were 310 children over‐recruited for clinical ADHD issues followed longitudinally for six years in total with gold standard diagnostic procedures and parent and teacher ratings of symptoms and social outcomes.

Results

Findings from baseline, Year 3, and Year 6 suggested Difficulty waiting turn, Blurts, and Interrupts/intrudes were key bridge items across cross‐sectional and longitudinal parent‐reported DBD networks. Furthermore, shortened symptom lists incorporating these symptoms were stronger predictors of teacher‐rated social skills 5 years later compared to total DBD scores.

Conclusions

Such findings are consistent with the trait impulsivity theory of DBD and ADHD and may inform useful screening tools and personalized intervention targets for children at risk for DBD during adolescence.
Oxynoemacheilus marmaraensis, a new species from the Susurluk River, Türkiye (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: Turan Davut , Bayçelebi Esra , Kalaycı Gökhan
Published: July 2023

Oxynoemacheilus marmaraensis, new species, is restricted to the Susurluk River. It is distinguished from all the named species of Oxynoemacheilus in the northwestern Anatolian by the flank with a vermiculate pattern and the presence of a suborbital groove in males, and no axillary lobe at the base of the pelvic fin. It also differs from the closest species, Oxynoemacheilus kentritensis, by having 58 nucleotide substitution sites. The genetic distance is 10.49% between O. marmaraensis and O. kentritensis. Phylogenetic analyses and species delimitation tests (Poisson tree processes and assemble species by automatic partitioning) support the validity of O. marmaraensis as a distinct species.
Development of a Fitness Surveillance System to Track and Evaluate Obesity in North Idaho
Authors: Egan Cate A. , Mercia Christopher B. , Bond Laura , Vella Chantal A. , Paul David R.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Internationally 18% of youth are obese. Fitness testing can be used to establish fitness surveillance, which can inform policy and targeted interventions aimed at addressing obesity. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and low fitness in Idaho school‐aged youth through a pilot study.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 13 teachers from 11 north Idaho rural schools collected FitnessGram fitness data: body composition (body mass index [BMI]), aerobic capacity (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run [PACER] test), muscular endurance (curl up), strength (pushup), and flexibility (sit and reach).

RESULTS

A total of 761 students (aged 9‐18 years) from grades 3&5, 7, and 9 to 12 participated in the study. Approximately 24% of 3&5 and 22% of 7th, and 12% of 9 to 12th‐grade students were categorized as Needs Improvement/Health Risk by FitnessGram standards for BMI. Similarly, approximately 25% of 3&5, and 22% of 7 and 9 to 12th‐grade students were considered Needs Improvement/Health Risk for PACER.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY

Results from fitness testing can provide school and public health representatives with a “needs assessment” of student health that can be used to help develop policies and practices to improve student health and wellbeing.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a model for statewide annual fitness testing surveillance and reporting within K‐12 public school physical education classrooms.
Angiopoietin‐2 Promotes Mechanical Stress‐induced Extracellular Matrix Degradation in Annulus Fibrosus Via the HIF‐1α/NF‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ao Xiang , Li Yuan , Jiang Tao , Li Chenglong , Lian Zhengnan , Wang Liang , Zhang Zhongmin , Huang Minjun
Published: July 2023

Objective

Mechanical stress is an important risk factor for intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Angiopoietin‐2 (ANG‐2) is regulated by mechanical stress and is widely involved in the regulation of extracellular matrix metabolism. In addition, the signaling cascade between HIF‐1α and NF‐κB is critical in matrix degradation. This study aims to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of ANG‐2 in regulating the degeneration of annulus fibrosus (AF) through the HIF‐1α/NF‐κB signaling pathway.

Methods

The bipedal standing mice IVDD model was constructed, and histological experiments were used to evaluate the degree of IVDD and the expression of ANG‐2 in the AF. Mouse primary AF cells were extracted in vitro and subjected to mechanical stretching experiments. Western blot assay was used to detect the effect of mechanical stress on ANG‐2, and the role of the ANG‐2‐mediated HIF‐1α/NF‐κB pathway in matrix degradation. In addition, the effect of inhibiting ANG‐2 expression by siRNA or monoclonal antibody on delaying IVDD was investigated at in vitro and in vivo levels. One‐way ANOVA with the least significant difference method was used for pairwise comparison of the groups with homogeneous variance, and Dunnett's method was used to compare the groups with heterogeneous variance.

Results

In IVDD, the expressions of catabolic biomarkers (mmp‐13, ADAMTS‐4) and ANG‐2 were significantly increased in AF. In addition, p65 expression was increased while HIF‐1α expression was significantly decreased. The results of western blot assay showed mechanical stress significantly up‐regulated the expression of ANG‐2 in AF cells, and promoted matrix degradation by regulating the activity of HIF‐1α/NF‐κB pathway. Exogenous addition of Bay117082 and CoCl2 inhibited matrix degradation caused by mechanical stress. Moreover, injection of neutralizing antibody or treatment with siRNA to inhibit the expression of ANG‐2 improved the matrix metabolism of AF and inhibited IVDD progression by regulating the HIF‐1α/NF‐κB signaling pathway.

Conclusion

In IVDD, mechanical stress could regulate the HIF‐1α/NF‐κB signaling pathway and matrix degradation by mediating ANG‐2 expression in AF degeneration.
Mutagenicity assessment of high‐power 1.6‐THz pulse laser radiation
Authors: Shirato Midori , Takida Yuma , Kanno Taro , Matsuura Hiroshi , Niwano Yoshimi , Minamide Hiroaki , Nakamura Keisuke
Published: July 2023

The effect of terahertz (THz) radiation has been studied in medicine. However, there is a lack of scientific information regarding its possible mutagenicity. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the mutagenicity of 1.6 THz laser irradiation. The Ames test was conducted using five bacterial tester strains. The bacteria were subjected to (i) 1.6 THz laser irradiation at 3.8 mW/cm2 for 60 min using a tabletop THz pulse laser system, (ii) ultraviolet irradiation, (iii) treatment with positive control chemicals (positive control) or (iv) treatment with the solvent used in the positive control (negative control). After treatment, the bacterial suspensions were cultured on minimal glucose agar to determine the number of revertant colonies. In addition, the comet assay was performed using fibroblasts (V79) to assess possible DNA damage caused by the THz laser irradiation. The Ames test demonstrated that the THz laser irradiation did not increase the number of revertant colonies compared to that in the negative control group, whereas the ultraviolet irradiation and positive control treatment increased the number of revertant colonies. Thus, 1.6 THz laser irradiation is unlikely to be mutagenic. The comet assay additionally suggests that the THz laser irradiation unlikely induce cellular DNA damage.
Two kinds of curiosity
Authors: Dover Daniela
Published: July 2023

Leading philosophical models of curiosity represent it as a desiderative attitude whose content is a question, and which is satisfied by knowledge of the answer to that question. I argue that these models do not capture the distinctive character of a form of curiosity that I call 'erotic curiosity'. Erotic curiosity addresses itself not to a question but to an object whose significance for the inquirer is affective as well as epistemic. This form of curiosity is best understood by analogy to erotic love as theorized by Plato in the Symposium.
A pilot of a veteran suicide prevention learning collaborative among community organizations: Initial results and outcomes
Authors: DeBeer Bryann , Mignogna Joseph , Borah Elisa , Bryan Craig , Monteith Lindsey L. , Russell Patricia , Williams Marjory , Bongiovanni Kathryn , Villarreal Edgar , Hoffmire Claire , Peterson Alan , Heise Jenna , Mohatt Nathaniel , Baack Sylvia , Weinberg Kimberly , Polk Marcy , Alverio Tabitha , Keene Robin , Mealer Meredith , Benzer Justin
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Veteran suicide remains an ongoing public health concern in need of fresh, community‐based initiatives. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has built an enterprise‐wide integrated behavioral health system that has pioneered numerous suicide prevention methods. However, most Veterans receive healthcare outside the VA, from organizations that may not be equipped to address Veteran suicide risk. One solution is implementing a VA/community suicide prevention learning collaborative to support organizations in implementing suicide prevention best practices for Veterans. Although learning collaboratives have a history of supporting improved patient safety in healthcare systems, to our knowledge, none have focused on Veteran suicide prevention.

Method

The current quality improvement project sought to pilot a VA/community suicide prevention learning collaborative in the broader Denver and Colorado Springs areas with 13 organizations that served, interacted with, or employed Veterans.

Results

The collaborative had a large footprint in the region, with organizations interacting with over 24,000 community members and over 5000 Veterans. Organizations implemented 92 Veteran suicide prevention program components within a 16‐month period. Overall, the learning collaborative made significant strides in Veteran suicide prevention.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that this method facilitates rapid implementation of Veteran suicide prevention practices and may be promising for accelerating uptake within communities.