bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Risk Factors for Stroke After Combined Heart‐Kidney and Heart‐Liver Transplantation
Authors: Akbar Armaan F. , Rokui Sorush , Zhou Alice L. , Kilic Ahmet , King Elizabeth , Cho Sung‐Min
Published: June 2024

Objective

While stroke is a well‐recognized complication of isolated heart transplantation, stroke in patients undergoing simultaneous heart‐liver (HLT) and heart‐kidney transplantation (HKT) has not been explored. This study assessed postoperative stroke incidence, risk factors, and outcomes in HLT and HKT compared with isolated heart transplant.

Methods

The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried for adult patients undergoing HLT, HKT, and isolated heart transplants between 1994 and 2022. Patients were stratified by presence of in‐hospital stroke after transplant. Post‐transplant survival at 1‐year was assessed using Kaplan‐Meier analysis and log‐rank tests. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to identify risk factors for stroke after HKT and HLT.

Results

Of 2326 HKT recipients, 85 experienced stroke, and of 442 HLT recipients, 19 experienced stroke. Stroke was more common after HKT and HLT than after an isolated heart transplant (3.7% vs. 4.3% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.01). One‐year post‐transplant survival was lower in those with stroke among both HKT recipients (64.5% vs. 88.7%, p(log‐rank) < 0.001) and HLT recipients (43.8% vs. 87.4%, p(log‐rank) < 0.001. Pre‐transplant pVAD, prior stroke, postoperative dialysis, diabetes, prior cardiac surgery, and heart cold ischemic time were independent risk factors for stroke after HKT, after adjusting for age, sex, and need for blood transfusion on the waitlist. For HLT, postoperative dialysis was a significant risk factor.

Conclusions

Stroke is more common after HKT and HLT than after isolated heart transplant, and results in poor survival. Independent risk factors for stroke include pre‐transplant percutaneous VAD (HKT) and postoperative dialysis (HKT and HLT).
Diagnosis of Cutaneous Acute Graft‑Versus‑Host Disease Through Circulating Plasma miR‐638, miR‐6511b‐5p, miR‐3613‐5p, miR‐455‐3p, miR‐5787, and miR‐548a‐3p as Prospective Noninvasive Biomarkers Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Izadifard Marzieh , Ahmadvand Mohammad , Pashaiefar Hossein , Alimoghadam Kamran , Kasaeian Amir , Barkhordar Maryam , Seghatoleslami Ghazal , Vaezi Mohammad , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir , Yaghmaie Marjan
Published: June 2024

Background

There are currently no laboratory tests that can accurately predict the likelihood of developing acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD), a patient's response to treatment, or their survival chance. This research aimed to establish circulating miRNAs as diagnostic, prognostic, or predictive biomarkers of aGVHD.

Methods

In a prospective cohort, we studied the incidence of cutaneous aGVHD in AML patients undergoing allo‐HSCT at Shariati Hospital in Tehran, Iran during 2020–2023. Patients with cutaneous aGVHD were labeled as the case group, while patients without cutaneous aGVHD were selected as the control group. Accordingly, the expression levels of six significant miRNAs (miR‐638, miR‐6511b‐5p, miR‐3613‐5p, miR‐455‐3p, miR‐5787, miR‐548a‐3p) were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RTqPCR) in three different time‐points: before transplantation, on day 14 and day 21 after transplantation.

Results

The levels of plasma miR‐455‐3p, miR‐5787, miR‐638, and miR‐3613‐5p were significantly downregulated, while miR‐548a‐3p, and miR‐6511b‐5p were significantly upregulated in individuals with cutaneous aGVHD in comparison to patients without GVHD. Additionally, the possibility for great diagnostic accuracy for cutaneous aGVHD was revealed by ROC curve analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs).

Conclusion

The study findings encourage us to hypothesize that the aforementioned miRNAs may contribute to the predominance of aGVHD, particularly low‐grade cutaneous aGVHD.
Clinical and Economic Impact of CMV Infection in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Perspectives from a Middle‐Income Nation
Authors: Gan Gin Gin , Iyadorai Thevambiga , Sulaiman Noor Yuhyi , Hussein Najihah , Ariffin Hany
Published: June 2024

Background

Cytomegalovirus infection (CMV) is a common complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). CMV infection increases transplantation costs; however, the extent of the financial burden may vary in different countries. This study aims to determine the clinical and economic impact of CMV infection in patients undergoing AHSCT in a middle‐income country.

Methods

A total of 150 adult and pediatric patients post‐AHSCT were included for analysis. In addition to incidence of CMV infections, data on graft versus host disease (GVHD) were also collected. Standard hospital charges for AHSCT and any additional transplantation‐related expenditure within 12 months were also retrieved in 104 patients.

Results

CMV infection, acute GVHD and chronic GVHD occurred in 38.7%, 60.7%, and 22.0% of patients, respectively. Patients with CMV infections had higher readmission rates compared to those who did not (67.2% vs. 47.8%; p = 0.020). Additional expenditure was seen in HLA‐haploidentical AHSCT and CMV infection (MYR11 712.25/USD2 504.49; p < 0.0001 and MYR5 807.24/USD1 241.79; p = 0.036), respectively.

Conclusion

This single‐center study demonstrated that patients who underwent HLA‐haploidentical AHSCT and subsequently developed CMV infection had higher transplantation expenditures compared to those who had matched‐related transplantation. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate if primary prophylaxis against CMV is cost‐effective, especially in patients who undergo HLA‐haploidentical AHSCT.
Early Tapering of Cyclosporine Is Feasible in Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Yaman Samet , Başci Semih , Bozan Ersin , Seçilmiş Sema , Candir Burcu Aslan , Yiğenoğlu Tuğçe Nur , Çakar Merih Kızıl , Dal Mehmet Sinan , Altuntaş Fevzi
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Cyclosporine‐A (CsA) and post transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) are common agents used for graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in Haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo‐HCT). However, the impact of CsA cessation timing in the posttransplant setting on clinical outcomes is uncertain. We aimed to investigate the impact of a novel approach that integrated early CsA cessation with PTCy utilization.

Patients and Methods

This study was a single arm retrospective study carried out at a tertiary referral hospital hematology and bone marrow transplantation center between 2009 and 2022. The patients who received haplo‐HCT with ATG, PTCy and CsA as GVHD prophylaxis were included. CsA was planned for cessation starting at day 45 to day 60. Acute and chronic GVHD were evaluated and graded. CsA blood concentrations and its impact on acute and chronic GVHD was evaluated.

Results

Thirty‐one patients composed of 19 (61.3%) male and 12 (38.7%) female patients with a median age of 31 years (20–58). Busulfan and TBI based conditioning regimens were the most utilized regimens. The majority of donors were first degree relatives. Stem cell origin was peripheral blood for all patients. GVHD prophylaxis consisted of ATG, CsA and PTCy. Acute GVHD was observed in 9 (29%) cases, whereas chronic GVHD was seen in 3 (9.7%) cases, with 2 of them having overlapping GVHD. Age, gender, number of chemotherapy lines, transplant characteristics, infused CD34 cell count, and engraftment durations were similar among patients with and without GVHD. Patients with GVHD had similar 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th week CsA concentrations compared to patients without GVHD (p > 0.05). The presence of GVHD was not associated with worse progression free survival and overall survival (p = 0.6, p = 0.5, respectively). CMV reactivation was more common in the GVHD group.

Conclusion

In the current study, we did not find an impact of CsA concentration on GVHD and post‐transplant outcomes in Haplo‐HCT setting. Therefore, together with the use of PTCy, early CsA cessation can be an option; further studies are needed to understand all aspects of this approach.
Comparative clinical feasibility of antireflux mucosectomy and antireflux mucosal ablation in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Ah Young , Kim Seong Hwan , Cho Joo Young
Published: June 2024

Objectives

No definitive treatment has been established for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Antireflux mucosectomy (ARMS) and antireflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) using argon plasma coagulation are promising methods. However, no study has compared these two. This study compared the efficacy and safety of the two procedures.

Methods

This multicenter, retrospective, observational study included 274 patients; 96 and 178 patients underwent ARMA and ARMS, respectively. The primary outcome was subjective symptom improvement based on GERD questionnaire (GERDQ) scores. The secondary outcomes included changes in the presence of Barrett's esophagus, Los Angeles grade for reflux esophagitis, flap valve grade, and proton pump inhibitor withdrawal rates.

Results

The ARMS group had higher baseline GERDQ scores (10.0 vs. 8.0, P < 0.001) and a greater median postprocedure improvement than the ARMA group (4.0 vs. 2.0, P = 0.002), and even after propensity score matching adjustment, these findings remained. ARMS significantly improved reflux esophagitis compared with ARMA, with notable changes in Los Angeles grade (P < 0.001) and flap valve grade scores (P < 0.001). Improvement in Barrett's esophagus was comparable between the groups (P = 0.337), with resolution rates of 94.7% and 77.8% in the ARMS and ARMA groups, respectively. Compared with the ARMA group, the ARMS group experienced higher bleeding rates (P = 0.034), comparable stricture rates (P = 0.957), and more proton pump inhibitor withdrawals (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Both ARMS and ARMA showed improvements in GERDQ scores, endoscopic esophagitis, flap valve grade, and the presence of Barrett's esophagus after the procedures. However, ARMS demonstrated better outcomes than ARMA in terms of both subjective and objective indicators.
Longitudinal links from attachment with mothers and fathers to adolescent substance use: Internalizing and externalizing pathways
Authors: Clinchard Claudia , Deater‐Deckard Kirby , Casas Brooks , Kim‐Spoon Jungmeen
Published: June 2024

The present study examined whether internalizing and externalizing symptoms may mediate the association between adolescent–mother and adolescent–father attachment and substance use. The sample included 167 adolescents (47% girls) who were assessed at five time points with approximately 1 year between each assessment, beginning in middle adolescence (Mage = 14.07) and ending in the transition to young adulthood (Mage = 18.39). The adolescents reported their perceived attachment with both their mother and father during middle adolescence (Times 1 and 2), their internalizing and externalizing symptoms during late adolescence (Times 3 and 4), and their alcohol use during the transition to young adulthood (Time 5). The results showed that less secure adolescent–father attachment, but not adolescent–mother attachment, was predictive of heightened externalizing and internalizing symptoms. In turn, heightened externalizing symptoms were predictive of heightened alcohol use. Despite the nonsignificant direct association between adolescent–father attachment and alcohol use, less secure adolescent–father attachment was indirectly predictive of greater alcohol use, mediated through heightened externalizing symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of close and trusting father–adolescent relationships in the development of psychopathology and substance use behaviors. The developmental cascade from a less secure adolescent–father attachment to greater externalizing symptoms and heightened substance use, as well as implications for prevention and intervention of young adult substance use, are discussed.

Research Highlights

The differential pathways from adolescent–mother and adolescent–father attachment to substance use during the transition to young adulthood are not well known.

Longitudinal data were used to test whether internalizing and externalizing symptoms may mediate the association between adolescent–mother and adolescent–father attachment and substance use.

Less secure adolescent–father attachment predicted heightened internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and less secure adolescent–father attachment predicted greater alcohol use, mediated through heightened externalizing symptoms.

The findings suggest that addressing insecure attachment with fathers during adolescence may reduce unhealthy substance use during the transition to young adulthood.
Validation and clinical application of implantable loop recorders for diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in horses
Authors: Kjeldsen Sofie Troest , Nissen Sarah D. , Christensen Nina C. , Haugaard Simon L. , Schneider Mélodie J. , Vinther Zenta , Sattler Stefan M. , Carstensen Helena , Jøns Christian , Hopster‐Iversen Charlotte , Buhl Rikke
Published: June 2024

Background

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF) occurs sporadically and can impair athletic performance. Gold standard for diagnosis is surface electrocardiography (ECG), however, this requires AF to be sustained. Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) are routinely used for AF detection in human medicine. While ILR placement has been studied in horses, its AF detection performance is unknown.

Objectives

(I) Validation of ILRs for AF detection in horses. (II) Determining pAF incidence using ILRs and estimate the positive predictive value (PPV).

Study design

(I) Experimental study; (II) Longitudinal observational study.

Methods

(I) Implantation of ILRs in 15 horses with AF and 13 horses in sinus rhythm. Holter ECGs were recorded at: 1, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of AF. The ILR ECGs were compared with surface ECGs to assess diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. (II) Eighty horses (43 Warmbloods, 37 Standardbreds) with ILRs were monitored for 367 days [IQR 208–621].

Results

(I) ILRs detected AF on all recording days, in horses with AF, with a sensitivity of 66.1% (95% CI: 65.8–66.5) and a specificity of 99.99% (95% CI: 99.97–99.99). The sensitivity remained consistent across all time points. (II) The incidence of pAF was 6.3% (5/80). In horses with pAF, the PPV ranged from 8% to 87%. Increased body condition score (BCS > 6/9) was associated with an increased number of false positive episodes (p = 0.005).

Main limitations

(I) Horses were stabled during the ECG recordings, and AF was induced, rather than naturally occurring pAF. (II) Integrated algorithm in this ILR is optimised for AF detection in humans using remote monitors. Additionally, sensing is affected by motion artefacts.

Conclusion

The ILR reliably detected AF in resting horses, particularly in horses with normal BCS (6/9). The ILR proved useful to detect pAF and is recommended alongside Holter monitoring for diagnostic workup of horses with suspected pAF.
Endodontic sequelae associated with repetitive impacts to the dentofacial region during boxing activities
Authors: McCarthy Sally , Gulabivala Kishor , St. George Geoffrey , Harvey Simon , Ng Yuan‐Ling
Published: June 2024

Aim

To explore self‐reported dentofacial trauma and their potential endodontic sequelae in boxers using a questionnaire, followed by clinical and radiographic assessment to (1) compare the nature and number of self‐reported dentofacial injuries with physical evidence of injury sequelae; and (2) investigate potential risk factors influencing dentofacial trauma and their endodontic sequelae.

Methodology

A focus group validated questionnaire was completed by 176 boxers recruited from 16 London boxing clubs; 61 boxers from this cohort then attended a London dental hospital, for a clinical and radiographic assessment. Data from the questionnaire and clinical assessments were then collated and analysed using Chi‐squared or t‐tests.

Results

Questionnaire data revealed 87.5% of boxers reported a history of dentofacial trauma during boxing activity. The clinical and radiographic assessment detected evidence of dentofacial trauma in 91.8% of boxers and dental injury or endodontic‐related injury sequelae in 68.9% of boxers. There was a significant association between dentofacial trauma and boxers who did not participate in weekly neck weight sessions (p < .001), and there was a significant association between trauma‐related endodontic sequelae and: boxer age (p = .01); competitions per month (p = .002); and defensive skill (p = .007).

Conclusions

A majority of the cohort had suffered dentofacial injuries and endodontic sequelae. The questionnaire data under‐reported musculoskeletal injuries and endodontic sequelae, suggesting that some hard‐tissue injuries following repetitive dentofacial trauma may have a subclinical presentation. Injury risk may be related to increased boxer age, defensive skills, frequency of participation in competitions, and frequency of neck weight sessions per week.
Variables that predict nurses' job stress and intention to leave during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Turkey
Authors: Bingöl Ümran , Bilgin Nurcan , Çetinkaya Aynur , Kutlu Adalet
Published: June 2024

Aim

To investigate the variables predicting job stress and intention to leave the job among nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Turkey.

Design

This research was designed as an analytical cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The population of the study consisted of 450 nurses working in a training and research hospital (N = 450). The study sample consisted of 178 nurses who worked in that hospital between February and July 2021. The Nurse Information Form, Job Stress Scale, and Intention to Leave Scale were used as data collection tools. The independent‐sample t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analysis were applied for univariate analysis while multiple regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis.

Results

It was determined that the main factors predicting nurses’ job stress levels were their Intention to Leave Scale scores, level of organizational satisfaction. The main factors predicting intention to leave were their Job Stress Scale scores, working conditions, and job satisfaction. A positive moderate correlation was found between job stress and intention to leave.

Conclusion

This study demostares that among nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic, the predictors of job stress were intention to leave and organizational satisfaction, while the predictors of turnover intention included job stress, working conditions, and job satisfaction. Hospital managers, especially nursing services managers, should develop strategies for extraordinary situations such as pandemics and evaluate the professional satisfaction of nurses while providing a healthy working environment.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contributions.
Psychological distress symptoms in nurses and their intention to leave: A cross‐sectional secondary data analysis
Authors: Edwin Hephzibah Sophie , Trinkoff Alison M. , Mills Mary Etta , Zhu Shijun
Published: June 2024

Aim

This study aimed to examine the psychological symptoms of distress among nurses in relation to their intention to leave.

Design

This study was a secondary data analysis of a cross‐sectional survey collected between November 2020 and March 2021.

Methods

Chi‐square was used to examine the associations between the demographic characteristics and intention to leave and psychological distress symptoms—feeling depressed, anxious and worried. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine if work settings, position (staff, charge, administrators, educators/researchers and advanced practice registered nurses) and years of experience were associated with psychological distress and intention to leave. A mediation analysis examined if psychological distress mediated the relationship between years of experience and intention to leave.

Results

Overall, psychological distress was significantly positively associated with intention to leave and negatively associated with years of experience. Nurses with less than 2 years of experience had increased psychological distress, while nurses with >25 years of experience had decreased psychological distress. Both groups of nurses had increased intention to leave compared to those with 16–25 years of experience. Psychological distress partially mediated intention to leave in nurses with less than 2 years of experience and more so among nurses with >25 years of experience.

Conclusions

This study suggests that nurses encounter psychological distress symptoms, such as feeling anxious, depressed and worried, that contribute to an increased intention to leave. Among the workplace locations, nurses practicing in nursing homes had the highest intention to leave.

Impact

The study emphasizes that organizations need to focus on mitigating distress across all levels of nurses to promote retention efforts and intention to stay.

Reporting Method

The authors adhered to the STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient contribution. Completion of the survey in the original study (NWWS) implied consent from the participating nurses.
Inter‐observer reliability and anatomical landmarks for arm circumference to determine cuff size for blood pressure measurement
Authors: Oguaju Bonaventure , Lau Darren , Padwal Raj , Ringrose Jennifer
Published: June 2024

Accurate arm circumference (AC) measurement is required for accurate blood pressure (BP) readings. Standards stipulate measuring arm circumference at the midpoint between the acromion process (AP) and the olecranon process. However, which part of the AP to use is not stipulated. Furthermore, BP is measured sitting but arm circumference is measured standing. We sought to understand how landmarking during AC measurement and body position affect cuff size selection. Two variations in measurement procedure were studied. First, AC was measured at the top of the acromion (TOA) and compared to the spine of the acromion (SOA). Second, standing versus seated measurements using each landmark were compared. AC was measured to the nearest 0.1 cm at the mid‐point of the upper arm by two independent observers, blinded from each other's measurements. In 51 participants, the mean (±SD) mid‐AC measurement using the anchoring landmarks TOA and SOA in the standing position were 32.4 cm (±6.18) and 32.1 cm (±6.07), respectively (mean difference of 0.3 cm). In the seated position, mean arm circumference was 32.2 (±6.10) using TOA and 31.1 (±6.03) using SOA (mean difference 1.1 cm). Kappa agreement for cuff selection in the standing position between TOA and SOA was 0.94 (p < 0.001). The landmark on the acromion process can change the cuff selection in a small percentage of cases. The overall impact of this landmark selection is small. However, standardizing landmark selection and body position for AC measurement could further reduce variability in cuff size selection during BP measurement and validation studies.
Deletion of Fbxw7 in oocytes causes follicle loss and premature ovarian insufficiency in mice
Authors: Zhao Huihui , Zhang Hanbin , Zhou Yuxia , Shuai Ling , Chen Zhenguo , Wang Liping
Published: June 2024

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one of the important causes of female infertility. Yet the aetiology for POI is still elusive. FBXW7 (F‐box with 7 tandem WD) is one of the important components of the Skp1‐Cullin1‐F‐box (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase. FBXW7 can regulate cell growth, survival and pluripotency through mediating ubiquitylation and degradation of target proteins via triggering the ubiquitin‐proteasome system, and is associated with tumorigenesis, haematopoiesis and testis development. However, evidence establishing the function of FBXW7 in ovary is still lacking. Here, we showed that FBXW7 protein level was significantly decreased in the ovaries of the cisplatin‐induced POI mouse model. We further showed that mice with oocyte‐specific deletion of Fbxw7 demonstrated POI, characterized with folliculogenic defects, early depletion of follicle reserve, disordered hormonal secretion, ovarian dysfunction and female infertility. Impaired oocyte‐GCs communication, manifested as down‐regulation of connexin 37, may contribute to follicular development failure in the Fbxw7‐mutant mice. Furthermore, single‐cell RNA sequencing and in situ hybridization results indicated an accumulation of Clu and Ccl2 transcripts, which may alter follicle microenvironment deleterious to oocyte development and accelerate POI. Our results establish the important role of Fbxw7 in folliculogenesis and ovarian function, and might provide valuable information for understanding POI and female infertility.
What Do Politicians Think of Technocratic Institutions? Attitudes in the European Parliament Towards the European Central Bank
Authors: Ferrara Federico M. , Masciandaro Donato , Moschella Manuela , Romelli Davide
Published: June 2024

Technocracy has come to be increasingly regarded as a threat to representative democracy. Significant attention has thus been recently devoted to exploring public preferences towards technocratic institutions. Elected policy‐makers' attitudes have instead not been investigated as systematically. This article fills this gap by examining politicians' views on central banks. Based on an original elite survey of the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), we gauged elected policy‐makers' attitudes towards the mandate and policy conduct of the European Central Bank (ECB). Our findings show that the political orientation of politicians largely drives attitudes towards the ECB's institutional mandate. Interestingly, the findings from two experiments embedded in the survey also show that the attitudes of MEPs are not as static as ideological orientations would lead us to expect. The information set to which politicians are exposed significantly shapes their views on both the ECB's mandate and its policy conduct, but less on ECB independence.
Overdose of angiotensin II receptor blocker in the third trimester of pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Takahashi Ken , Kobayashi Ryota , Morikawa Kazuhiko , Maeda Miku , Samura Osamu , Okamoto Aikou
Published: June 2024

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are contraindicated during pregnancy because of fetal toxicity. All previous reports on adverse fetal outcomes involved women who continued to take low‐dose ARBs for hypertension and were unaware of the adverse effects. Herein, we report the case of a 23‐year‐old pregnant woman in her third trimester who experienced an ARB overdose after an argument with her partner. Pregnancy was complicated by transient oligohydramnios, and fetal magnetic resonance imaging suggested renal failure. Despite these concerns, the newborn had no morphological abnormalities or abnormal neurological findings. Renal impairment improved over time, and the infant grew well. A single overdose of ARBs in the third trimester can lead to fetal renal failure, similar to long‐term low‐dose ARB administration; however, favorable outcomes are possible. An overdose of ARBs may transiently cause renal failure, which may improve. The study findings may inform counseling for women who are unexpectedly exposed to an overdose of ARBs.
Chemical and sensory profile of nonconventional white wines from two different grape clones
Authors: Mazon‐Freitas Luiza , Assumpção Thalita Isabel , Arcari Stevan Grützmann , Burin Vivian Maria
Published: June 2024

The present study aimed to characterize chemical and sensorial composition of Goethe wines from Goethe Grape's Valley Geographical Indication, Brazil. The wine samples were made from Goethe Clássica grape and its spontaneous clone, Goethe Primo, grown in two different micro‐regions located in the GI territory (2022 and 2023 vintages). Samples were produced by microvinification process and evaluated for classic oenological parameters, antioxidant activity, total polyphenol, organic acids, and sensory descriptive analysis. The results demonstrated that Goethe Clássica wines presented highest browning index, total acidity, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content in both consecutive vintages. Moreover, in both vintages, the major organic acid in all Goethe wines was malic acid. The wine sensory analysis allowed the accomplishment of the sensorial attributes and its intensities previously unknown in the literature. The overall data afford new insights related to the impact of grape's genetic differences on wine sensorial and chemical characteristics.

Practical Applications

This research supports evidence for the relationship between chemical and sensory properties of wine and the sensorial differences in wines due to grape clonal variation. Moreover, the present study detailed the chemical and sensory profiles of wines derived from two different Goethe grape clones, a variety considered nonconventional for winemakers. Overall, the results of this research might be beneficial not only for the producers who are exploring novel or less prevalent wine grape varieties but also to the beverage industry more comprehension through genetic differences influencing wine quality and sensory perceptions.
Learning Unacceptability: Repeated Exposure to Acceptable Sentences Improves Adult Learners’ Recognition of Unacceptable Sentences
Authors: Tachihara Karina , Goldberg Adele E.
Published: June 2024

Adults learning a new language tend to judge unconventional utterances more leniently than fluent speakers do; ratings on acceptable utterances, however, tend to align more closely with fluent speakers. This asymmetry raises a question as to whether unconventional utterances can be statistically preempted by conventional utterances for adult learners. We report a preregistered study that provided undergraduates in Spanish classes with three days of exposure to conventional Spanish sentences without feedback. Judgment data reveal a significant effect of statistical preemption, particularly on intermediate learners, as predicted: Repeatedly witnessing conventional sentences led learners to subsequently judge as significantly lower the corresponding unconventional formulations in comparison to unrelated unconventional sentences. Current findings indicate that adult learners can take advantage of statistical preemption to learn the unacceptability of unconventional sentences from repeated exposure to acceptable alternatives, without explicit instruction or feedback.
The effect of external flow on 3D orientation of a microscopic sessile suspension feeder, Vorticella convallaria
Authors: Böttger Tia , Klaassen van Oorschot Brett , Pepper Rachel E.
Published: June 2024

Vorticella convallaria are microscopic sessile suspension feeders that live attached to substrates in aquatic environments. They feed using a self‐generated current and help maintain the health of aquatic ecosystems and wastewater treatment facilities by consuming bacteria and detritus. Their environmental impact is mediated by their feeding rate. In ambient flow, feeding rates are highly dependent on an individual's orientation relative to the substrate and the flow. Here, we investigate how this orientation is impacted by flow speed. Furthermore, we examined whether individuals actively avoid orientations unfavorable for feeding. We exposed individuals to unidirectional laminar flow at shear rates of 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 s−1, and recorded their 3D orientation using a custom biplanar microscope. We determined that V. convallaria orientation became progressively tilted downstream as the shear rate increased, but individuals were still able to actively reorient. Additionally, at higher shear rates, individuals spent a larger fraction of their time in orientations with reduced feeding rates. Our shear rates correspond to freestream flows on the scale of mm s−1 to cm s−1 in natural environments.
The governing instruments for resilience in the neo‐Weberian state: The challenge of integrating Ukrainian war refugees
Authors: Lindholst Andrej Christian , Klausen Kurt Klaudi , Hansen Morten Balle , Sørensen Peter
Published: June 2024

The unsettling conditions of contemporary society, marked by recurrent transboundary crises and turbulence, stimulate discussions about the resilience of different governing models. Public bureaucracy and its governing instruments are confronted with the virtues and vices of models dominated by markets and networks. We present a case study demonstrating how the governing instruments within a system resembling a neo‐Weberian state model with a reformed and modernized bureaucracy effectively facilitated the seamless integration of Ukrainian war refugees arriving unexpectedly in 2022. The findings show that the model's short‐term resilience is rooted in a combined and adaptive utilization of legal and financial provisions, expertise embedded within existing bureaucratic structures, ad hoc coordinative organizational structures, and active collaboration with and support from civil society. These findings support arguments on the relative virtues and the resilience of the neo‐Weberian state model. Normative caveats, however, indicate several long‐term challenges.
Hypertension increases sympathetic neuron activity by enhancing intraganglionic cholinergic collateral connections
Authors: Li Minghua , Sorensen Michelle , Johnson Morgan A. , Ingram Susan L. , Andresen Michael C. , Habecker Beth A.
Published: June 2024

Autonomic dysregulation, including sympathetic hyperactivity, is a common feature of hypertension (HT) and other cardiovascular diseases. The CNS plays a role in driving chronic sympathetic activation in disease, but several lines of evidence suggest that neuroplasticity in the periphery may also contribute. The potential contribution of postganglionic sympathetic neurons to sustained sympathetic hyperactivity is not well understood. We recently discovered that noradrenergic sympathetic neurons in the stellate ganglion (SG) have excitatory cholinergic collateral connections to other neurons within the ganglion. We hypothesize that remodelling of these neurons and increased cholinergic collateral transmission contributes to sustained sympathetic hyperactivity in cardiovascular diseases, including HT. To test that hypothesis, we examined the activity of sympathetic neurons in isolated SG under control conditions and after 1 week of HT induced by peripheral angiotensin II infusion, using whole‐cell patch clamp recordings. Despite the absence of central inputs, we observed elevated spontaneous activity and synaptic transmission in sympathetic SG neurons from hypertensive mice that required generation of action potentials. Genetically disrupting cholinergic transmission in noradrenergic neurons decreased basal neuronal activity and prevented angiotensin II‐mediated enhancement of activity. Similar changes in activity, driven by increased collateral transmission, were identified in cardiac projecting neurons and neurons projecting to brown adipose tissue. These changes were not driven by altered A‐type K+ currents. This suggests that HT stimulates increased activity throughout the intraganglionic network of collateral connections, contributing to the sustained sympathetic hyperactivity characteristic in cardiovascular disease.

image

Key points

Sympathetic neurons in ganglia isolated from angiotensin II‐treated hypertensive mice are more active than neurons from control mice despite the absence of central activation.

The enhanced activity is the result of a ganglionic network of cholinergic collaterals, rather than altered intrinsic excitability.

Increased neuronal activity was observed in both cardiac neurons and brown adipose tissue‐projecting neurons, which are not involved in cardiovascular homeostasis.
A Two-Sample Examination of the Relationship Between Trait Emotional Intelligence, Burnout, and Coping Strategies in Athletes
Authors: Zajonz Pia , Vaughan Robert S. , Laborde Sylvain
Published: June 2024

Competitive sport has the potential to increase chronic stress and, hence, the risk of burnout. The aim of this paper was, first, to examine the relationship between athlete burnout and trait emotional intelligence (TEI) and, second, to look at the mediating role of coping strategies between TEI and athlete burnout. In two samples of athletes (N1 = 290; N2 = 144), we conducted correlation analyses linking dimensions of TEI with athlete burnout and found negative correlations. We then tested a structural equation model in the second sample, hypothesizing an indirect link between TEI and athlete burnout via coping strategies. Results showed a mediation effect of emotion-focused to problem-focused coping between TEI and athlete burnout. Avoidance coping showed a positive direct effect on athlete burnout. Further research should investigate effective coping strategies and clarify whether emotional intelligence training may be used to protect athletes from developing burnout.
MAIT cells monitor intestinal dysbiosis and contribute to host protection during colitis
Authors: El Morr Yara , Fürstenheim Mariela , Mestdagh Martin , Franciszkiewicz Katarzyna , Salou Marion , Morvan Claire , Dupré Thierry , Vorobev Alexey , Jneid Bakhos , Premel Virginie , Darbois Aurélie , Perrin Laetitia , Mondot Stanislas , Colombeau Ludovic , Bugaut Hélène , du Halgouet Anastasia , Richon Sophie , Procopio Emanuele , Maurin Mathieu , Philippe Catherine , Rodriguez Raphael , Lantz Olivier , Legoux François
Published: June 2024

Intestinal inflammation shifts microbiota composition and metabolism. How the host monitors and responds to such changes remains unclear. Here, we describe a protective mechanism by which mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells detect microbiota metabolites produced upon intestinal inflammation and promote tissue repair. At steady state, MAIT ligands derived from the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway were produced by aerotolerant bacteria residing in the colonic mucosa. Experimental colitis triggered luminal expansion of riboflavin-producing bacteria, leading to increased production of MAIT ligands. Modulation of intestinal oxygen levels suggested a role for oxygen in inducing MAIT ligand production. MAIT ligands produced in the colon rapidly crossed the intestinal barrier and activated MAIT cells, which expressed tissue-repair genes and produced barrier-promoting mediators during colitis. Mice lacking MAIT cells were more susceptible to colitis and colitis-driven colorectal cancer. Thus, MAIT cells are sensitive to a bacterial metabolic pathway indicative of intestinal inflammation.
IS
1
-mediated chromosomal amplification of the
arn
operon leads to polymyxin B resistance in
Escherichia coli
B strains
Authors: Maybin Michael , Ranade Aditi M. , Schombel Ursula , Gisch Nicolas , Mamat Uwe , Meredith Timothy C.
Published: June 2024

Polymyxins [colistin and polymyxin B (PMB)] comprise an important class of natural product lipopeptide antibiotics used to treat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. These positively charged lipopeptides interact with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) located in the outer membrane and disrupt the permeability barrier, leading to increased uptake and bacterial cell death. Many bacteria counter polymyxins by upregulating genes involved in the biosynthesis and transfer of amine-containing moieties to increase positively charged residues on LPS. Although 4-deoxy-
l
-aminoarabinose (Ara4N) and phosphoethanolamine (PEtN) are highly conserved LPS modifications in
Escherichia coli
, different lineages exhibit variable PMB susceptibilities and frequencies of resistance for reasons that are poorly understood. Herein, we describe a mechanism prevalent in
E. coli
B strains that depends on specific insertion sequence 1 (IS
1
) elements that flank genes involved in the biosynthesis and transfer of Ara4N to LPS. Spontaneous and transient chromosomal amplifications mediated by IS
1
raise the frequency of PMB resistance by 10- to 100-fold in comparison to strains where a single IS
1
element located 90 kb away from the end of the
arn
operon has been deleted. Amplification involving IS
1
becomes the dominant resistance mechanism in the absence of PEtN modification. Isolates with amplified
arn
operons gradually lose their PMB-resistant phenotype with passaging, consistent with classical PMB heteroresistance behavior. Analysis of the whole genome transcriptome profile showed altered expression of genes residing both within and outside of the duplicated chromosomal segment, suggesting complex phenotypes including PMB resistance can result from tandem amplification events.

IMPORTANCE

Phenotypic variation in susceptibility and the emergence of resistant subpopulations are major challenges to the clinical use of polymyxins. While a large database of genes and alleles that can confer polymyxin resistance has been compiled, this report demonstrates that the chromosomal insertion sequence (IS) content and distribution warrant consideration as well. Amplification of large chromosomal segments containing the
arn
operon by IS
1
increases the Ara4N content of the lipopolysaccharide layer in
Escherichia coli
B lineages using a mechanism that is orthogonal to transcriptional upregulation through two-component regulatory systems. Altogether, our work highlights the importance of IS elements in modulating gene expression and generating diverse subpopulations that can contribute to phenotypic polymyxin B heteroresistance.
Community interactions among microbes give rise to host-microbiome mutualisms in an aquatic plant
Authors: Laurich Jason R. , Lash Emma , O'Brien Anna M. , Pogoutse Oxana , Frederickson Megan E.
Published: June 2024

Microbiomes often benefit plants, conferring resistance to pathogens, improving stress tolerance, or promoting plant growth. As potential plant mutualists, however, microbiomes are not a single organism but a community of species with complex interactions among microbial taxa and between microbes and their shared host. The nature of ecological interactions among microbes in the microbiome can have important consequences for the net effects of microbiomes on hosts. Here, we compared the effects of individual microbial strains and 10-strain synthetic communities on microbial productivity and host growth using the common duckweed
Lemna minor
and a synthetic, simplified version of its native microbiome. Except for
Pseudomonas protegens
, which was a mutualist when tested alone, all of the single strains we tested were commensals on hosts, benefiting from plant presence but not increasing host growth relative to uninoculated controls. However, 10-strain synthetic microbial communities increased both microbial productivity and duckweed growth more than the average single-strain inoculation and uninoculated controls, meaning that host-microbiome mutualisms can emerge from community interactions among microbes on hosts. The effects of community inoculation were sub-additive, suggesting at least some competition among microbes in the duckweed microbiome. We also investigated the relationship between
L. minor
fitness and that of its microbes, providing some of the first empirical estimates of broad fitness alignment between plants and members of their microbiomes; hosts grew faster with more productive microbes or microbiomes.

IMPORTANCE

There is currently substantial interest in engineering synthetic microbiomes for health or agricultural applications. One key question is how multi-strain microbial communities differ from single microbial strains in their productivity and effects on hosts. We tested 20 single bacterial strains and 2 distinct 10-strain synthetic communities on plant hosts and found that 10-strain communities led to faster host growth and greater microbial productivity than the average, but not the best, single strain. Furthermore, the microbial strains or communities that achieved the greatest cell densities were also the most beneficial to their hosts, showing that both specific single strains and multi-strain synthetic communities can engage in high-quality mutualisms with their hosts. Our results suggest that ~5% of single strains, as well as multi-strain synthetic communities comprised largely of commensal microbes, can benefit hosts and result in effective host-microbe mutualisms.
Dynamic antimicrobial resistance and phylogenomic structure of
Salmonella
Typhimurium from 2007 to 2019 in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhang Zengfeng , Hu Mengjun , Xu Xuebin , Lv Chao , Shi Chunlei
Published: June 2024

Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium is an important foodborne pathogen associated with human salmonellosis worldwide. A retrospective screening was performed to elucidate the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and phylogenomic characterization of this pathogen in Shanghai, China.
S
. Typhimurium isolates were selected from 2,211 serotyped
Salmonella
isolates collected during 2007–2019. Two hundred and seventy-seven
S
. Typhimurium isolates were detected in 15 of 16 districts in Shanghai. It was noted that 214 (77.3%) isolates were multi-drug resistant and 32 (11.6%) isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and 5 (1.8%) isolates were further resistant to ceftriaxone. Poisson generalized linear mixed model results showed that the multi-drug resistance (MDR) in 2017 and 2018 was significantly higher than that in 2010 (
P
＜0.05), highlighting an increase in the risk of MDR. Phylogenetic results showed that a global data set of 401 sequenced
S
. Typhimurium isolates was classified into four clones (ST36, ST313, ST19, and ST34), which appeared in international clonal dissemination. The ST34 isolates from China fell into two clades, ST34C1 and ST34C2, the latter of which might originate from Shanghai, and then expanded nationally, accompanied by extended-spectrum β-lactamase gene
bla
CTX-M-14
and a mutation in quinolone resistance-determining region of the
gyr
A 87 site. Furthermore,
bla
CTX-M-14
linking to IS
Ecp1
upstream and ΔIS
903B
downstream was found in IncI (Gamma)-like plasmids, and the plasmid conjugation contributed to its horizontal transmission. To our knowledge, it is the first report of the epidemiological and phylogenetic characterization for
S
. Typhimurium including the emerged clade ST34C2 in Shanghai, warranting the necessity of surveillance for this high-risk pathogen.

IMPORTANCE

Our study uncovered a widespread distribution of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium isolates in Shanghai accompanied by the increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) especially MDR during a 10-year period, which filled in the gap about a long period of continuous monitoring of AMR in this pathogen in Shanghai. Meanwhile, we identified a new clade ST34C2 of
S
. Typhimurium with the acquisition of IncI (Gamma)-like plasmids mediated by extended-spectrum β-lactamase gene
bla
CTX-M-14
as well as
gyr
A 87 mutation, which had not been reported before. It was noted that IncI (Gamma)-like plasmids were reported in
S
. Typhimurium for the first time and conjugation could accelerate the spread of antimicrobial resistance gene
bla
CTX-M-14
. These findings on the epidemic, antimicrobial resistance, and phylogenomic characterization for
S
. Typhimurium provide valuable insights into its potential risk to public health and also the basis for AMR prevention and control strategies in Shanghai in the future.