bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hesperetin attenuates UVA‐induced photodamage in human dermal fibroblast cells
Authors: Lu Zhiyu , Xia Qingyue , Cheng Yuxin , Lu Qian , Li Yueyue , Zeng Ni , Luan Xingbao , Li Yuan , Fan Lipan , Luo Dan
Published: July 2022

Background

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation causes skin damage. Recently, natural compounds have become an interest to protect skin from UV‐induced photodamages.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the protective effects of hesperetin, a citrus flavonoid, on UVA‐induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and photoaging.

Results

Our results showed that hesperetin increased the cell viability, suppressed the intracellular ROS levels, and decreased the expression of MMPs including MMP‐1 and MMP‐3, pro‐inflammatory cytokines including IL‐6 and COX‐2 in UVA‐irradiated HDFs. Besides, hesperetin exerted an anti‐apoptotic effect by increasing expression of anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2 and decreasing expression of pro‐apoptotic protein Bax. Moreover, these anti‐photodamage effects were mediated by inhibition of ERK, p38/AP‐1, and NF‐κb/p65 phosphorylation.

Conclusion

Therefore, hesperetin may be useful in the prevention of UVA‐induced skin damage.
The effect of Medicago sativa extract and light on skin hypopigmentation disorders in C57/BL6 mice
Authors: Ubaydee Azal Hussein Najm , Issa Reem , Hajleh Maha N. Abu , Ghanim Bayan Y. , Al‐Akayleh Faisal , Qinna Nidal A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Vitiligo is a common depigmentation skin disease that affects the quality of life in many patients.

Aims

This study aims to investigate the effect of Medicago sativa methanol extract on the treatment of skin hypopigmentation disorders.

Methods

Antioxidant activity and phytochemical constituents of the extract were determined using DDPH assay, Folin–Ciocalteu, AlCl3, and HPLC‐MS/MS analysis. Oil in water (o/w) creams were prepared to contain the methanolic extract, and applied to hydroquinone‐induced depigmentation in vivo model and further challenged in combination with UVA light exposure. Skin and hair colors were visually scored and evaluated at different time intervals, and histopathological examinations of skin layers and hair follicles were performed.

Results

A total phenolic content of 187.70 mg/g, equivalent to gallic acid, and total flavonoid content of 21.97 mg/g, equivalent to quercetin, were recorded. Extract showed 71% antioxidant activity. Moreover, the HPLC‐MS/MS detection revealed the presence of 18 compounds including P‐coumaric acid and antioxidants flavonoids, of those are seven compounds not previously detected in this species. The in vivo study showed a remarkable skin and hair pigmentation effect on plant extract‐treated groups, compared to the reference, placebo, and control groups. Histopathological examinations showed the growth of colored hair follicles in the dermis and epidermis layers of the extract‐treated mice.

Conclusion

The study suggests the use of M. sativa extract in enhancing the pigmentation process in hypopigmented skin and hair if combined with UVA light. Therefore, M. sativa extract can be considered a potential treatment for vitiligo.
Ultrasound characteristics of carotid web
Authors: Fontaine Louis , Guidolin Brigitte , Viguier Alain , Gollion Cedric , Barbieux Marianne , Larrue Vincent
Published: July 2022

Background and Purpose

Carotid web (CaW) is a cause of recurrent ischemic stroke that remains underdiagnosed using Duplex ultrasound (DUS). Improved methods and description of its ultrasound's features could allow better detection of CaW. Ultrasound microflow imaging (MFI) is a blood flow imaging technique sensitive to slow flow that could increase CaW detection. This study aimed to describe ultrasound features of CaW using B‐mode imaging and MFI.

Methods

In a retrospective monocentric study, patients with CaW on CT angiography who underwent DUS examination of carotid arteries were included. DUS was performed by two nonblinded experienced neurosonologists. The specificity of CaW ultrasound features was evaluated using a group of patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque (AP).

Results

Twenty‐four patients with CaW were included. Mean age (standard deviation) was 48 years (11). Seventeen (71%) were females. Fifteen (63%) CaWs were symptomatic. MFI was available for 22 patients. B‐mode imaging demonstrated the characteristic CaW appearance in 19/24 (79%) patients as a protruding triangular iso‐hypoechoic lesion on longitudinal view. CaW were detected on axial view in only 9/24 (38%) patients. MFI displayed slow blood flow above CaW during systole and allowed it delineation, appearing as a thin triangular endoluminal defect in 18/22 (82%) cases. Based on MFI and B‐mode, 21/22 (95%) CaWs were visible, including three CaWs only with MFI. These ultrasound features were not found among 24 patients with AP.

Conclusion

We report the ultrasound features from a series of 24 CaW. The use of MFI in addition to B‐mode imaging improved the detection rate of CaW.
A financial frontier model with bankers' susceptibility under uncertainty
Authors: Hyun Hans D. G.
Published: July 2022

This article aims to refine the Post Keynesianlong runfinancial frontier models under anintermediate runcalled the ‘implementation period,’ the time horizon tofinanceandimplementlong run strategic plans. During this period, the availability of debt finance is crucial to bridge the time gap before future free cash flows validate the investment. Therefore, firms' long run investment plans may be modified or suspended during this time horizon subject to bankers' uncertainty perception and state of confidence, which constrain debt capacity and firms' investment decisions. Uncertainty and the measures to enhance confidence, such as banking convention, mimetic behaviours, and bankers' spontaneous optimism, are critical to determining the financial frontier because they affect the lending amount,tenor, andrefinancingpotential. The proposed model focussing on bankers' convention and susceptibility explains the volatile nature of the financial frontier, investment instability,downwardsloping effective loan supply and credit rationing under new perspectives.
Comparison of samples of blister fluid and scales in the diagnosis of dermatomycosis
Authors: Xia Hui , Mo Xiao Hui , Yang Lian Juan , Yang Hong , Tan Jing Wen , Yu Qian , Zhang Peng Fei , Tan Fei
Published: July 2022

Background

The successful diagnosis of dermatomycosis depends on specimen collection. Dermatomycosis is sampled mainly for scales, but there is a lack of research on specimens of blister fluid.

Objectives

To explore whether blister fluid can diagnose dermatomycosis and compare blister fluid and scale specimens for dermatomycosis diagnosis.

Methods

From April to July 2021, we prospectively gathered 34 patients who needed to meet all inclusion criteria simultaneously and collected their blister fluid and scales as specimens. The two samples were tested by fluorescent stain microscopy, fungal culture and PCR, and the diagnosis results were compared.

Results

The blister fluid sample's sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 90%, 100% and 94.1%, respectively, whereas the scales sample were 60%, 100% and 76.5%, respectively. The positive likelihood ratios were >10 for both blister fluid and scales specimen, and the negative likelihood ratios were not <0.1. On the Youden's index, the blister fluid specimen was 90%, and the scales specimen was 60%. As for the diagnostic odds ratio, both of them were >1. By fungal culture, we detected 14 cases of fungi in blister fluid and eight in scales. On PCR, 22 cases of fungi in blister fluid and ten in scales were identified.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that a sample of blister fluid had better sensitivity, accuracy and Youden's index in diagnosing dermatomycosis with blister fluid. Collection of blister fluid might compensate for the inadequacy of collecting only scales specimens for mycological testing.
Critical care nurses' perception of patient involvement in care: A qualitative focus group
Authors: Egelund Hansen Anja , Lehmkuhl Lene , Højager Nielsen Anne
Published: July 2022

Background

Patient involvement in care in the intensive care unit (ICU) is complex. Knowledge about the nature and extent of patient involvement in the Intensive care unit is scarce.

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore the critical care nursing staff's perception of patient involvement in their care in the ICU.

Study Design

A phenomenological, hermeneutic research study was carried out using qualitative data. Data were collected in two focus group interviews analysed using Ricoeur's theory of interpretation. The study was conducted in a level 2 medical‐surgical 8‐bed ICU in a regional hospital in Southern Denmark.

Results

Critical care nurses found it important to maintain involvement in intensive care. Depending on the patient's ability to partake in care, approaches for patient involvement ranged from (1) continually adjusting care activities according to the patient's bodily responses, (2) formation of a relationship with the patient to enable personalized care and (3) making room for self‐determined care progressing with the patient's recovery.

Conclusion

Critical care nurses' perception of patient involvement depended on the patient's level of consciousness. When unconscious, patient involvement was possible but took a physical approach. However, the power inequality in the nurse–patient relationship must be expressed if patient involvement in the ICU is to take place.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Results suggest that nurses' perception of patient involvement in the ICU depends on the patient's level of consciousness. Patient involvement may be possible even when the patient is unconscious but it takes a more physical approach. It is essential that the power inequality in the nurse–patient relationship must be expressed if patient involvement in the ICU is to take place.
The Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology study: Research opportunities national and worldwide
Authors: Jan Tack , Drossman Douglas A.
Published: July 2022

The Rome Foundation embarked on an ambitious multi‐year, multinational population‐based study to evaluate the prevalence of Rome IV‐defined DGBI and their biopsychosocial impact on a worldwide scale. The consistency of the study findings attests to the scientific rigor of this effort, as evident in the publications that resulted from this international study. Dr. Sperber and colleagues report a subanalysis on the Rome IV Global Epidemiology internet survey of the 2012 adults in Israel. These data determined the national prevalence of Rome IV‐defined DGBIs, and their associated healthcare utilization and sociodemographic and psychosocial variables. Importantly, they also permitted seamless comparison of the data in the rest of the world. The Israeli study highlights some of the strengths of the Global Epidemiology Study: the 2 respondents had a geographical spread representative of the country. The questionnaire in Israel was available to the participants online in four different languages used by the population in Israel: The database of the study is now available through the Rome Foundation Research Institute for use by academic and industry researchers. This unique gift from the Rome Foundation to the scientific community no doubt will further enhance our understanding of disorders of gut‐brain interaction.
Hemiepiphytic figs kill their host trees: acquiring phosphorus is a driving factor
Authors: Mo Yu‐Xuan , Corlett Richard T. , Wang Gang , Song Liang , Lu Hua‐Zheng , Wu Yi , Hao Guang‐You , Ma Ren‐Yi , Men Shi‐Zheng , Li Yuan , Liu Wen‐Yao
Published: July 2022

Hemiepiphytic figs killing their host trees is an ecological process unique to the tropics. Yet the benefits and adaptive strategies of their special life history remain poorly understood.

We compared leaf phosphorus (P) content data of figs and palms worldwide, and functional traits and substrate P content of hemiepiphytic figs (Ficus tinctoria), their host palm and nonhemiepiphytic conspecifics at different growth stages in a common garden.

We found that leaf P content of hemiepiphytic figs and their host palms significantly decreased when they were competing for soil resources, but that of hemiepiphytic figs recovered after host death. P availability in the canopy humus and soil decreased significantly with the growth of hemiepiphytic figs. Functional trait trade‐offs of hemiepiphytic figs enabled them to adapt to the P shortage while competing with their hosts. From the common garden to a global scale, the P competition caused by high P demand of figs may be a general phenomenon.

Our results suggest that P competition is an important factor causing host death, except for mechanically damaging and shading hosts. Killing hosts benefits hemiepiphytic figs by reducing interspecific P competition and better acquiring P resources in the P‐deficient tropics, thereby linking the life history strategy of hemiepiphytic figs to the widespread P shortage in tropical soils.
Sexually antagonistic selection on educational attainment and body size in Estonian children
Authors: Valge Markus , Meitern Richard , Hõrak Peeter
Published: July 2022

Natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution, which results from the differential reproduction of phenotypes. We describe fecundity selection at different parity transitions on 15 anthropometric traits and educational attainment in Estonian children sampled in the middle of 20th century. The direction of selection on educational attainment and bodily traits was sexually antagonistic, and it occurred via different parity transitions in boys and girls. Compared to boys with primary education, obtaining tertiary education was associated with 3.5 times and secondary education two times higher odds of becoming a father. Transition to motherhood was not related to educational attainment, while education above primary was associated with lower odds (OR = 0.5–0.7) to progression to parities above one and two. Selection on anthropometric traits occurred almost exclusively via childlessness in boys, while among the girls, most of the traits that were associated with becoming a mother were additionally associated with a transition from one child to higher parities. Male (but not female) fitness was thus primarily determined by traits related to mating success. Selection favored stronger and larger boys and smaller girls. Selection on girls favored some traits that associate with perceived femininity, while other feminine traits were selected against.
The German guidelines for medication safety in pediatric emergencies
Authors: Kaufmann Jost , Engelhardt Thomas ,   The Expert Group coordinated by the German “Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF)”
Published: July 2022

Medication errors are a significant threat to the safety of patients of all ages. These errors are more common in children than in adults due to age‐specific drug dosages, drug dilutions, and individual dose calculation based on body weight. In addition, it may be necessary to rapidly administer several potentially harmful or even life‐threatening drugs during the emergency situation. It is not possible to provide specialized pediatric emergency teams for every prehospital or intrahospital emergency and technical resources are frequently not identical to those of a specialized facility further increasing the risk of medication errors. This narrative review of the German Guidelines for Medication Safety in Pediatric Emergencies introduces the main principles for medication safety in pediatric emergencies and the highlights its most important pragmatic measures and recommendations.
Physical activity, quality of life and parenting stress in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Yoon Mi‐Jeong , Choi Hyehoon , Kim Joon‐Sung , Lim Seong Hoon , Yoo Yeun‐Jie , Hong Bo Young
Published: July 2022

Abstracts

Background

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are less physically active than their typically developing peers. The effects of decreased physical activity on children's quality of life (QOL) or caregiver's lives are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity, QOL, and parenting stress in children with CP.

Methods

A prospective cross‐sectional study was done in children with CP. Daily physical activity was measured over 7 days using an accelerometer (ActiGraph™). Caregivers completed the Child Health Questionnaire – Parent Form 50 and Parenting Stress Index – Short Form. Multiple regression analysis was used.

Results

In total, data from 65 children with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I–V, aged 4–13 years, were analyzed. Non‐ambulatory (GMFCS IV–V) children had significantly lower activity counts and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in comparison with ambulatory (GMFCS I–II) and marginally ambulatory (GMFCS III) children. The ambulatory group had better physical QOL than the non‐ambulatory group. Caregivers of the non‐ambulatory or marginally ambulatory children with CP reported higher parenting stress levels than those of the ambulatory group. Time spent in MVPA and activity counts were positively associated with physical QOL in children with CP. Low activity counts and low amounts of MVPA of children with CP were significant predictors of high parenting stress.

Conclusions

Physical activity in children with CP is associated with children's QOL and parenting stress. These results suggest that clinicians should conduct physical activity assessment and counseling to promote physical activity.
Diabetes management in people living with dementia in Japan: a qualitative exploration
Authors: KM Saif‐Ur‐Rahman , Hirano Yukiko , Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Yatsuya Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

Background

Dementia and diabetes are highly prevalent among the older society in Japan. People living with dementia (PLWD) often face hurdles in managing diabetes. This study explored the perspectives of healthcare providers in Japan regarding diabetes management in PLWD.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study using in‐depth interviews as a data collection method. A total of 15 physicians and nurses were interviewed. A qualitative content analysis of the codes was performed to generate the themes.

Results

The major themes focused on the management of medications/therapeutic regimen, difficulties of continuing health care, emotional aspects of PLWD for adherence to lifestyle modification, and varying direction and degree of family support for diabetes care.

Conclusion

PLWD in Japan face challenges in medication management, food restriction, and lifestyle modification. Policies to engage home visit care workers in medication management, consideration of the emotional aspect of PLWD, and utilisation of social support might help in the proper management of diabetes in PLWD.
Governance reforms and public acceptance of regulatory decisions: Cross‐national evidence from linked survey experiments on pesticides authorization in the European Union
Authors: Zeitlin Jonathan , van der Duin David , Kuhn Theresa , Weimer Maria , Jensen Martin Dybdahl
Published: July 2022

Do governance reforms affect public acceptance of regulatory decisions, and if so, how? We tackled this critical but under‐studied question through a pair of linked survey experiments on public attitudes toward the reform of European Union (EU) pesticides regulation among a representative sample of the adult population in six EU member states. We tested the expectation that citizens are more likely to accept a regulatory decision that runs counter to their prior policy preferences if it is taken under a procedure they support. We first conducted a conjoint experiment to study whether the specific design of decision‐making procedures impacts public support for EU pesticide regulation. In a second linked experiment, we asked respondents whether farmers should be allowed to use glyphosate, the best known and most controversial pesticide. We then asked respondents if they would accept an authorization decision on glyphosate contrary to their prior expressed preference if it were taken under a decision‐making procedure they supported. The results demonstrate that a regulatory decision‐making procedure respondents support increases their willingness to accept a hypothetical authorization decision contrary to their prior expressed preference. Contrary to the findings of previous research, our study thus provides strong evidence that governance reforms supported by citizens can enhance acceptance of controversial regulatory decisions, even on politicized issues such as pesticides authorization.
Atomoxetine and fesoterodine combination improves obstructive sleep apnoea severity in patients with milder upper airway collapsibility
Authors: Messineo Ludovico , Taranto‐Montemurro Luigi , Calianese Nicole , Gell Laura K. , Azarbarzin Ali , Labarca Gonzalo , Vena Dan , Yang Hyung Chae , Wang Tsai‐Yu , Wellman Andrew , Sands Scott A.
Published: July 2022

Background and objective

The combination of the noradrenergic atomoxetine plus the anti‐muscarinic oxybutynin acutely increased genioglossus activity and reduced obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) severity. However, oxybutynin has shorter half‐life than atomoxetine and side effects that might discourage long‐term usage. Accordingly, we aimed to test the combination of atomoxetine and fesoterodine (Ato‐Feso), a newer anti‐muscarinic with extended release formulation, on OSA severity and endotypes.

Methods

Twelve subjects with OSA underwent a randomized, double‐blind, crossover trial comparing one night of atomoxetine plus fesoterodine (80–4 mg) to placebo. Parameters of OSA severity (e.g., apnoea–hypopnoea index [AHI], nadir oxygen desaturation and hypoxic burden) were calculated from two clinical, in‐lab polysomnographic studies. OSA endotypes (including collapsibility per VMIN and arousal threshold) were derived from validated algorithms.

Results

Compared to placebo, Ato‐Feso did not reduce the AHI (34.2 ± 19.1 vs. 30.1 ± 28.2 events/h, p = 0.493), but reduced the apnoea index (12.9 [28.8] vs. 1.8 [9.1] events/h, median [interquartile range], p = 0.027) and increased nadir desaturation (76.8 [8.0] vs. 82.2 [8.8] %, p = 0.003); a non‐significant trend for improved hypoxic burden was observed (52.4 [50.5] vs. 29.7 [78.9] %min/h, p = 0.093). Ato‐Feso lowered collapsibility (raised VMIN; 43.7 [29.8–55.7] vs. 56.8 [43.8–69.8] %VEUPNOEA, mean [CI], p = 0.002), but reduced the arousal threshold (129.3 [120.1–138.6] vs. 116.7 [107.5–126] %VEUPNOEA, p = 0.038). In post hoc analysis, 6/6 patients with milder collapsibility (VMIN > 43%) exhibited OSA resolution (drop in AHI > 50% and residual AHI < 10 events/h) and improved hypoxaemia.

Conclusion

While inefficacious in unselected patients, Ato‐Feso administered for one night suppressed OSA in patients with milder collapsibility. Ato‐Feso may hold some promise as an alternative OSA treatment in certain subgroups of individuals.
High-dimensional Changepoint Estimation with Heterogeneous Missingness
Authors: Follain Bertille , Wang Tengyao , Samworth Richard J.
Published: July 2022

We propose a new method for changepoint estimation in partially observed, high-dimensional time series that undergo a simultaneous change in mean in a sparse subset of coordinates. Our first methodological contribution is to introduce a ‘MissCUSUM’ transformation (a generalisation of the popular cumulative sum statistics), that captures the interaction between the signal strength and the level of missingness in each coordinate. In order to borrow strength across the coordinates, we propose to project these MissCUSUM statistics along a direction found as the solution to a penalised optimisation problem tailored to the specific sparsity structure. The changepoint can then be estimated as the location of the peak of the absolute value of the projected univariate series. In a model that allows different missingness probabilities in different component series, we identify that the key interaction between the missingness and the signal is a weighted sum of squares of the signal change in each coordinate, with weights given by the observation probabilities. More specifically, we prove that the angle between the estimated and oracle projection directions, as well as the changepoint location error, are controlled with high probability by the sum of two terms, both involving this weighted sum of squares, and representing the error incurred due to noise and the error due to missingness respectively. A lower bound confirms that our changepoint estimator, which we call MissInspect, is optimal up to a logarithmic factor. The striking effectiveness of the MissInspect methodology is further demonstrated both on simulated data, and on an oceanographic data set covering the Neogene period.
A seed‐specific transcription factor, HSFA9, anticipates UV‐B light responses by mimicking the activation of the UV‐B receptor in tobacco
Authors: Carranco Raúl , Prieto‐Dapena Pilar , Almoguera Concepción , Jordano Juan
Published: July 2022

Sunflower heat shock factor A9 (HSFA9, hereafter A9) is a transcription factor involved in seed desiccation tolerance and longevity. A9 also links the regulation of seed maturation with that of seedling photomorphogenesis through visible light receptors. Analyses in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) indicated that A9 also affects responses mediated by NtUVR8, the receptor of ultraviolet light B (UV‐B). We compared the effects of A9 and UV‐B illumination on the nuclear localization of GFP‐NtUVR8 in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. We also used co‐immunoprecipitation and limited proteolysis for analyzing the interaction between A9 and NtUVR8. We found that A9, by binding to NtUVR8, induced structural changes that resulted in enhancing the nuclear localization of NtUVR8 by hindering its nuclear export. The localization of UVR8 is crucial for receptor activation and function in Arabidopsis, where UV‐B‐activated nuclear UVR8 binds the E3 ubiquitin ligase COP1, leading to enhanced UV‐B responses and photoprotection. A9 similarly activated NtUVR8 by enhancing COP1 binding without UV‐B light. Seedlings and dark‐germinated seeds that overexpress A9 showed primed UV‐B light stress protection. Our results unveil a UV‐B‐independent activation mechanism and a role for UVR8 in plant seeds that might contribute to early stress protection, facilitating seedling establishment.
Placing the more‐than‐human in environmental gentrification
Authors: March Loren , Bunce Susannah
Published: July 2022

This paper considers the more‐than‐human implications of environmental gentrification in cities. Through a synthesis of existing environmental gentrification literature, we highlight gentrification scholarship that has emphasised natural ecologies, animals, or other non‐human actors in its processes. We propose the concept of (un)commons as a conceptual basis that offers generative pathways forward for centring a more‐than‐human politics in environmental gentrification scholarship as well as ways to interpret the everyday impacts of environmental gentrification on more‐than‐human beings and spaces in cities.
Passive order auditing associated with reductions in red blood cell utilization: National blood shortage experience
Authors: Ondrasik Regina M. , Khan Jenna , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M. , Levy Joshua J. , Dunbar Nancy M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Decreased blood collection during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic resulted in long‐term red blood cell (RBC) shortages in the United States. In an effort to conserve RBCs, the existing passive alert system for auditing inpatient transfusions was modified to activate at a lower hemoglobin threshold (6.5 g/dL instead of 7.0 g/dL for stable, nonbleeding inpatients) during a 9‐month shortage at an academic medical center. Hemoglobin levels prior to RBC transfusions were compared for inpatients receiving RBC transfusions to determine whether RBC utilization changed during the intervention.

Study Design and Methods

This retrospective study compared the number of single‐unit RBC transfusions and hemoglobin levels prior to RBC transfusion among inpatients during the 9 months of the intervention (Period 2, 06/01/2021–2/28/2022) to the same period of the previous year (Period 1, 06/01/2020–2/28/2021).

Results

Overall full unit RBC transfusions to inpatients decreased by 15% from 5182 to 4421. Of all transfusions, 50.3% and 49.8% were single‐unit RBC transfusions in Period 1 and Period 2, respectively. The incidence rate difference and incidence rate ratio of single RBC units transfused per 1000 patient days were significantly decreased (p = 0.0007). The average pre‐transfusion hemoglobin level significantly decreased from 7.18 g/dL to 7.05 g/dL (p = 0.0002), largely due to significant decreases in hemoglobin transfusion triggers for adult inpatient ward transfusions.

Discussion

Modification of the passive alert system was associated with significantly decreased RBC utilization during a long‐term RBC shortage. Modification of transfusion criteria recommended by passive alerts may be a feasible option to decrease RBC utilization at centers during long‐term RBC shortages.
Comprender la religión
Authors: Durán Casas Vicente
Published: July 2022

Este ensayo quiere aplaudir y recoger esa tradición crítico-reflexiva y también, muy modestamente, impulsarla, pero yendo algo más allá de las fronteras de una religión particular y de un entorno cultural concreto. Nuestro objeto de reflexión es la religión en cuanto tal, eso que los filósofos tienen en mente cuando hablan de filosofía de la religión, que a mi juicio es lo que más auténticamente puede desarrollar esa inteligencia religiosa. En lo que sigue, por tanto, trataré de desmontar algunos de los numerosos obstáculos que a muchos les impiden comprender la religión como fenómeno humano que deba ser tomado en serio. Pero también me mueve la intención de poner a pensar a aquellas personas religiosas que no creen que comprender la religión, en abstracto, pueda ser importante para su propia fe religiosa. Cuando Kant, hacia 1770, se dio a la tarea de escribir la Crítica de la razón pura, era muy consciente de que se enfrentaba a dos posiciones filosóficas contrarias: el dogmatismo y el escepticismo, y más que tratar de conciliarlas a la fuerza, lo que se propuso fue construir un nuevo punto de vista, un método distinto para preguntar “¿qué puedo saber?”. Muy lejos de pretender comparar este modesto ensayo con la monumental obra del prusiano, sí puedo decir, o mejor, confesar, que quisiera ofrecer aquí una vía de comprensión de la religión que ofrezca un punto de vista que pueda evitar, por un lado, el escepticismo de quienes creen que es imposible conciliar la razón y las necesidades humanas con la religión, y, por el otro, el dogmatismo de quienes piensan que eso es innecesario porque ya se tiene o se practica una religión.
A product picture for quantum electrodynamics
Authors: Kay Bernard S.
Published: July 2022

We present a short account of our work to provide quantum electrodynamics (QED) with a product picture. We aim to complement the longer exposition in a recent paper in Foundations of Physics and to help to make that work more accessible. The product picture is a formulation of QED, equivalent to standard Coulomb gauge QED, in which the Hilbert space arises as (a certain physical subspace of) a product of a Hilbert space for the electromagnetic field and a Hilbert space for charged matter (i.e., the Dirac field) and the Hamiltonian arises as the sum of an electromagnetic Hamiltonian, a charged matter Hamiltonian, and an interaction term. (The Coulomb gauge formulation of QED is not a product picture because, in it, the longitudinal part of the electromagnetic field is made out of charged matter operators.) We also recall a “Contradictory Commutator Theorem” for QED, which exposes flaws in previous attempts at temporal gauge quantization of QED, and we explain how our product picture appears to offer a way to overcome those flaws. Additionally, we discuss the extent to which that theorem may be generalized to Yang–Mills fields. We also develop a product picture for nonrelativistic charged particles in interaction with the electromagnetic field and point out how this leads to a novel way of thinking about the theory of many nonrelativistic electrically charged particles with Coulomb interactions. In an afterword, we explain how the provision of a product picture for QED gives hope that one will be able likewise to have a product picture for (Yang Mills and for) quantum gravity—the latter being needed to make sense of the author's matter-gravity entanglement hypothesis. Also, we briefly discuss some similarities and differences between that hypothesis and its predictions and ideas of Roger Penrose related to a possible role of gravity in quantum state reduction and related to cosmological entropy.
2021 ISB World Athletics Award for Biomechanics: The Subtalar Joint Maintains “Spring-Like” Function While Running in Footwear That Perturbs Foot Pronation
Authors: Asmussen Michael J. , Lichtwark Glen A. , Maharaj Jayishni N.
Published: July 2022

Humans have the remarkable ability to run over variable terrains. During locomotion, however, humans are unstable in the mediolateral direction and this instability must be controlled actively—a goal that could be achieved in more ways than one. Walking research indicates that the subtalar joint absorbs energy in early stance and returns it in late stance, an attribute that is credited to the tibialis posterior muscle-tendon unit. The purpose of this study was to determine how humans (n = 11) adapt to mediolateral perturbations induced by custom-made 3D-printed “footwear” that either enhanced or reduced pronation of the subtalar joint (modeled as motion in 3 planes) while running (3 m/s). In all conditions, the subtalar joint absorbed energy (ie, negative mechanical work) in early stance followed by an immediate return of energy (ie, positive mechanical work) in late stance, demonstrating a “spring-like” behavior. These effects increased and decreased in footwear conditions that enhanced or reduced pronation (P ≤ .05), respectively. Of the recorded muscles, the tibialis posterior (P ≤ .05) appeared to actively change its activation in concert with the changes in joint energetics. We suggest that the “spring-like” behavior of the subtalar joint may be an inherent function that enables the lower limb to respond to mediolateral instabilities during running.
Hinokiflavone Attenuates the Virulence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Targeting Caseinolytic Protease P
Authors: Kong Xiangri , Wang Bingmei , Chen Xiaoyu , Wang Li , Wang Xingye , Hou Juan , Wei Lin , Sui Liyan , Zhang Chi , Guan Jiyu , Luan Yanhe , Wang Wei , Song Wu , Zhao Yicheng
Published: July 2022

Drug-resistant bacteria was the third leading cause of death worldwide in 2019, which sounds like a cautionary note for global public health. Therefore, developing novel strategies to combat Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) infections is the need of the hour.
The Evolution of a Specialized, Highly Virulent Fish Pathogen through Gene Loss and Acquisition of Host-Specific Survival Mechanisms
Authors: Baseggio Laura , Silayeva Oleksandra , Engelstädter Jan , Barnes Andrew C.
Published: July 2022

Photobacterium damselae
subsp.
damselae
is a ubiquitous marine bacterium and opportunistic pathogen of compromised hosts of diverse taxa. In contrast, its sister subspecies
P. damselae
subsp.
piscicida
(
Pdp
) is highly virulent in fish.
Pdp
has evolved from a single subclade of
Pdd
through gene loss and acquisition.
Burkholderia pseudomallei JW270 Is Lethal in the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Infection Model and Can Be Utilized at Biosafety Level 2 to Identify Putative Virulence Factors
Authors: Chua Jennifer , Nguyenkhoa Ethan , Mou Sherry , Tobery Steven A. , Friedlander Arthur M. , DeShazer David
Published: July 2022

Burkholderia pseudomallei
, the causative agent of melioidosis, is classified by the CDC as a tier 1 select agent, and work involving it must be performed in a biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory. Three BSL-2 surrogate strains derived from
B. pseudomallei
1026b, a virulent clinical isolate, have been removed from the CDC select agent list.
HU Knew? Bacillus subtilis HBsu Is Required for DNA Replication Initiation
Authors: Schramm Frederic D. , Murray Heath
Published: July 2022

The prokaryotic nucleoid-associated protein (NAP) HU is both highly conserved and ubiquitous. Deletion of HU causes pleiotropic phenotypes, making it difficult to uncover the critical functions of HU within a bacterial cell.
BmNPV Orf 65 (Bm65) Is Identified as an Endonuclease Directly Facilitating UV-Induced DNA Damage Repair
Authors: Tang Qi , Liu Yutong , Tang Jingjing , Chen Fangying , Qi Xinyu , Zhu Feifei , Yu Qian , Chen Huiqing , Wu Peng , Chen Liang , Guo Zhongjian , Hu Zhaoyang , Ma Shangshang , Chen Keping , Li Guohui
Published: July 2022

Baculovirus biopesticides are environmentally friendly insecticides and specifically infect invertebrates. UV radiation from the sunlight greatly reduces the activity of baculovirus biopesticides.
Dabie bandavirus
Nonstructural Protein Interacts with Actin to Induce F-Actin Rearrangement and Inhibit Viral Adsorption and Entry
Authors: Liu Hongyun , Liu Sihua , Liu Zixiang , Gao Xiaoning , Xu Leling , Huang Mengqian , Su Yazhi , Wang Zhiyun , Wang Tao
Published: July 2022

Dabie bandavirus
(DBV), a member of the
Phenuiviridae
family, is a newly emerging tick-borne pathogen that causes multifunctional organ failure and even death in humans. The actin cytoskeleton is involved in various crucial cellular processes and plays an important role in viral life activities.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Helicobacter
sp. Strain CaF467b, Isolated from a Pig Manure Storage Tank
Authors: Guo Galen , Chen Wen , Cloutier Michel , Chmara John , Gerdis Suzanne , Chapados Julie , Dettman Jeremy , Khan Izhar U. H.
Published: July 2022

In this report, we present the draft genome sequence of an unclassified
Helicobacter
strain, CaF467b. This bacterial isolate was recovered from a pig manure storage tank. The draft genome sequence is 1,655,514 bp in length with 1,709 predicted genes and a G+C content of 34.07%.
Complete Genomic Sequence of the Thermophilic Hydrogen-Oxidizing Methanogen Methanothermobacter tenebrarum Strain RMAS
T
Authors: Nakamura Kohei , Oshima Kenshiro , Hattori Masahira , Kamagata Yoichi , Takamizawa Kazuhiro
Published: July 2022

Methanothermobacter tenebrarum
strain RMAS
T
has a complete genomic length of 1,472,762 bp, a GC content of 42.1%, 1,599 coding DNA sequences (CDSs), 1 CRISPR array, 3 rRNAs, and 38 tRNAs.
Draft Genome Sequences of 278 Salmonella enterica Isolates from Poultry Litter in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Gutierrez Alan , Bell Rebecca , Schneider Keith R.
Published: July 2022

Salmonella enterica
continues to be a pervasive food safety concern in the poultry industry, contributing to the annual burden of foodborne illnesses in the United States. Poultry litter is a known environmental source for the transmission of
Salmonella
among broiler flocks. Here, we describe the draft genome sequences of 278
S. enterica
isolates collected from poultry litter in Florida.
FluG and FluG-like FlrA Coregulate Manifold Gene Sets Vital for Fungal Insect-Pathogenic Lifestyle but Not Involved in Asexual Development
Authors: Guo Chong-Tao , Luo Xin-Cheng , Tong Sen-Miao , Zhou Yan , Ying Sheng-Hua , Feng Ming-Guang
Published: July 2022

FluG is a core regulator upstream of central developmental pathway (CDP) in
Aspergillus nidulans
but multiple FluG-like regulators (FLRs) remain functionally uncharacterized in ascomycetes. Our previous study revealed no role for FluG in the CDP activation and an existence of sole FLR (FlrA) in an insect-pathogenic fungus.
Culture-Free Phylogenetic Analysis of Legionella pneumophila Using Targeted CRISPR/Cas9 Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Domazetovska Ana , Jensen Slade O. , Gray Matthew , Radzieta Michael , Maley Michael
Published: July 2022

The bacterium
Legionella pneumophila
is responsible for outbreaks of serious and life-threatening pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease. There is a need for new molecular methods that allow investigation of
Legionella
outbreaks directly from patient samples, without the need for prior microbiological culture, which causes delays.
Transcription of the Alginate Operon in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Is Regulated by c-di-GMP
Authors: Liang Ziwei , Rybtke Morten , Kragh Kasper Nørskov , Johnson Owen , Schicketanz Muriel , Zhang Yong Everett , Andersen Jens Bo , Tolker-Nielsen Tim
Published: July 2022

The proliferation of alginate-overproducing
P. aeruginosa
variants in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients often leads to chronic infection. The alginate functions as a biofilm matrix that protects the bacteria against host immune defenses and antibiotic treatment.
Effects of Sublethally Injured Campylobacter jejuni in Mice
Authors: Weerasooriya Gayani , McWhorter Andrea R. , Khan Samiullah , Chousalkar Kapil K.
Published: July 2022

Campylobacter
is the most common cause of bacterial gastrointestinal disease, and consumption of contaminated poultry is frequently identified as the source of bacteria. The survivability and virulence potential of sublethally injured
Campylobacter
following exposure to chemicals which are commonly used to eliminate
Campylobacter
during the poultry meat processing are of concern to the food industry, government health officials, and consumers.
Taxonomic and Functional Shifts in the Perinatal Gut Microbiome of Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Rhoades Nicholas S. , Cinco Isaac R. , Hendrickson Sara M. , Slifka Mark K. , Messaoudi Ilhem
Published: July 2022

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are characterized by a myriad of metabolic and physiological adaptations needed to support fetal growth and maternal health. The maternal gut microbiome is believed to play a key role during this period but remains underexplored.
Changes in Biomarkers and Hemodynamics According to Antibiotic Susceptibility in a Model of Bacteremia
Authors: Park Inwon , Kim Dongsung , Lee Jae Hyuk , Park Sung Jin , Jeong Hwain , Baek Sumin , Kim Seonghye , Kim Serin , Hwang Ji Eun , Kwon Hyuksool , Kang Joo H. , Jo You Hwan
Published: July 2022

Early and appropriate antibiotic treatment is a keystone in treating patients with sepsis. Despite its importance, blood culture which requires a few days remains as a pillar of diagnostic method for microorganisms and their antibiotic susceptibility.
Infected Ixodes scapularis Nymphs Maintained in Prolonged Questing under Optimal Environmental Conditions for One Year Can Transmit Borrelia burgdorferi (
Borreliella genus novum
) to Uninfected Hosts
Authors: Samanta Kamalika , Azevedo Jose F. , Nair Nisha , Kundu Suman , Gomes-Solecki Maria
Published: July 2022

Lyme disease is rapidly spreading from its usual endemic areas in the Northeast, Midwest, and Midatlantic states into neighboring areas, which could be due to changing climate patterns. Our study shows that unfed
I. scapularis
nymphal ticks kept under optimal environmental conditions in the laboratory survived for a year while exhibiting aggressive host-seeking behavior, and they maintained a
B. burgdorferi
infection prevalence which was sufficient to infect naive reservoir hosts after tick challenge.
Interaction of Liberibacter Solanacearum with Host Psyllid Vitellogenin and Its Association with Autophagy
Authors: Sarkar Poulami , Ghanim Murad
Published: July 2022

Pathogen transmission by vectors involves multiple levels of interactions, and for the transmission of liberibacter species by psyllid vectors, much of these interactions are yet to be explored.
Candidatus
Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso) haplotype D inflicts severe economic losses to the carrot industry. Understanding the specific interactions at different stages of infection is hence fundamental and could lead to the development of better management strategies to disrupt the transmission of the bacteria to new host plants.
An absolutely dated record of climate change over the last three glacial–interglacial cycles from Chinese loess deposits
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Hao Qingzhen , Li Sheng-Hua
Published: July 2022

Chinese loess-paleosol sequences have long been regarded as the continental counterpart of deep-sea sediments in terms of their record of the Quaternary glacial–interglacial cycles. However, absolute chronologies for loess-paleosol sequences older than ca. 130 ka on the Chinese Loess Plateau are scarce. We conducted the first high-resolution luminescence dating, extending back to 350 ka, of the classical Luochuan loess section of the central Chinese Loess Plateau. Bacon age-depth modeling of the luminescence ages was used to obtain an age framework. The results indicate that on orbital timescales, loess accumulation at Luochuan was continuous over the last three glacial–interglacial cycles. The new age framework resolves discrepancies between orbitally tuned age models at several boundaries and provides new evidence supporting the reassignment of the Marine Isotope Stage 8/9 boundary age from 300 ka to ca. 280 ka. Our results also suggest that published astronomical timescales for the loess deposits of the Chinese Loess Plateau over the last ~2.6 m.y. are probably broadly reliable, as are the related regional and global climatic interpretations.
Acute portal venous thrombosis as an extrahepatic manifestation of acute hepatitis A infection
Authors: Abulawi Ahmad , AL-Tarbsheh Ali , Tageldin Omar , Batool Asra
Published: July 2022

Among the many potential causes and risk factors for acute portal venous thrombosis, viral hepatitis has been regarded as a rare associated condition. We present the first case in the literature of a 30-year-old previously healthy male who presented with acute portal venous thrombosis associated with acute hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, describing the probable pathophysiology mechanism, work-up and treatment pursued. We encourage that hepatitis A serological markers should be routinely included in the investigation for acute portal venous thrombosis of unknown aetiology, in unvaccinated patients with risk factors of a recent HAV exposure.
Acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late restricted diffusion temporally associated with human bocavirus infection
Authors: Randhawa Manjinder Singh , Randhawa Tarlochan Singh , Angurana Suresh Kumar , Ratho Radha Kanta
Published: July 2022

Acute encephalitis is a syndromic diagnosis. In the last two decades, a unique clinico-radiological entity, named acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late restricted diffusion (AESD), has been reported in children from Asia. It is characterised by an acute febrile illness with seizures and encephalopathy, with some initial improvement followed by a second flurry of seizures and deep encephalopathy, 3–4 days later. MRI may show a pattern of ‘bright tree appearance’. An aetiological agent may not always be identified but an infectious trigger is proposed. Immunomodulatory therapy has been tried with variable results. The prognosis is variable, and children are usually left with neurological sequelae including epilepsy and cognitive impairment. We describe a female infant who presented with the typical clinico-radiological syndrome of AESD and human bocavirus was identified in the stool. She received steroids and antiepileptic drugs. She has persistent cognitive impairment at follow-up but remained seizure free.