bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SAUSAGE ASPHYXIA
Authors: Enwo ON , Wright M
Published: May 2023

A foreign body causing obstruction of the larynx is usually removed by coughing, blows to the back, chest thrusts, abdominal compression or finger sweep manoeuvres on the unconscious victim. In extremis, crichothyroidotomy or emergency tracheostomy may be the only life‐saving option. Direct laryngoscopy may permit the removal of a foreign body from the larynx of an unconscious victim. Problems arise if the victim is semiconscious and not able to tolerate instruments in the mouth without sedative medication, which might result in the inhalation of the foreign body. A case of supraglottic impaction of the larynx by a piece of sausage occurred in our hospital; the patient was semiconscious. It was managed successfully by a carefully timed laryngoscope blade being inserted into the mouth without the aid of sedative drugs.
TRUE ANEURYSM OF A FEMOROPOPLITEAL VEIN GRAFT
Authors: Bohra AK , Doyle T , Harvey C
Published: May 2023

Aneurysmal dilatation of saphenous vein grafts mostly represent thin‐walled pseudoaneurysms at anastomotic sites. True aneurysmal dilatation of femoropopliteal bypass vein grafts is rare. We report this unusual case, which was repaired with a prosthetic graft.
Financial Expectations and Household Consumption: Does Middle‐Inflation Matter?
Authors: BROWN SARAH , HARRIS MARK N. , SPENCER CHRISTOPHER , TAYLOR KARL
Published: May 2023

We explore the finding that households often expect their financial position to remain unchanged compared to other alternatives. A generalized middle inflated ordered probit (GMIOP) model is used to account for the tendency of individuals to choose “neutral” responses when faced with opinion‐based questions. Our analysis supports the use of a GMIOP model to account for this response pattern. Expectation indices based on competing discrete choice models are also explored. While financial optimism is significantly associated with increased consumption at both the intensive and extensive margin, indices which fail to take into account middle‐inflation overestimate the impact of financial expectations.
Effects of melatonin on cardiac metabolic reprogramming in doxorubicin‐induced heart failure rats: A metabolomics study for potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Thonusin Chanisa , Nawara Wichwara , Arinno Apiwan , Khuanjing Thawatchai , Prathumsup Nanthip , Ongnok Benjamin , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: May 2023

Using mass spectrometry‐based targeted metabolomics, we aimed to determine the pattern of cardiac metabolic reprogramming and energetics in doxorubicin‐induced heart failure. More importantly, we aimed to identify the potential effects of melatonin on cardiac metabolic reprogramming and energetics in doxorubicin‐induced heart failure. Male Wistar rats (n = 18) were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6/group) to receive either (1) normal saline solution as a control, (2) 3 mg/kg/day of doxorubicin on Days 0, 4, 8, 15, 22, and 29, or (3) 3 mg/kg/day of doxorubicin on Days 0, 4, 8, 15, 22, and 29 plus 10 mg/kg/day of melatonin on Days 0–29. On Day 30, echocardiography was carried out and heart rate variability was analyzed for the evaluation of cardiac function. The rats were euthanized on the following day to enable the collection of ventricular cardiac tissue. Compared to the control group, the hearts of rats treated with doxorubicin alone exhibited impaired cardiac function, increased glucose and ketone body utilization, decreased fat utilization, decreased succinate oxidation, and decreased production of adenosine triphosphate. The cotreatment with melatonin could restore cardiac function, glucose and ketone body utilization, and adenosine triphosphate production in the heart. Interestingly, the cotreatment with melatonin led to an increase in cardiac fatty acid oxidation, branched‐chain amino acid catabolism, and anaplerosis. All of these findings highlighted the potential efficacy of melatonin with regard to cardiac metabolic reprogramming and energetics. Our findings also suggested that melatonin could be considered as an adjunctive treatment for doxorubicin‐induced heart failure in clinical practice.
Serum cobalamin and methylmalonic acid concentrations in juvenile dogs with parvoviral enteritis or other acute enteropathies
Authors: Hung Michael , Heinz Justin , Steiner Jӧrg M. , Suchodolski Jan , Lidbury Jonathan
Published: May 2023

Background

Low serum cobalamin concentrations have been associated with ileal malabsorption in dogs with chronic enteropathy. Increased serum methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations indicate cobalamin deficiency on a cellular level. Few studies have evaluated serum cobalamin concentrations or methylmalonic acid concentrations in juvenile dogs with parvoviral enteritis or nonparvoviral acute enteropathies.

Objectives

Evaluate serum cobalamin and methylmalonic acid concentrations in juvenile dogs (6 weeks to 10 months old) with parvoviral enteritis or nonparvoviral acute enteropathy.

Animals

Thirty‐one juvenile dogs with parvoviral enteritis, 29 dogs with nonparvoviral acute diarrhea (NPVAD), and 40 healthy juvenile control dogs.

Methods

Single‐center, prospective, observational, cross‐sectional study. Serum cobalamin and, when sufficient serum was available, MMA concentrations were measured.

Results

Most serum cobalamin concentrations were within the adult reference interval. Serum cobalamin concentrations in healthy dogs (median, 848 ng/L; range, 293‐1912 ng/L) were significantly higher than in dogs with parvoviral enteritis (P = .0002; median, 463 ng/L; range, <150‐10 000 ng/L) or dogs with NPVAD (P = .02; median, 528 ng/L; range, 160‐8998 ng/L). Serum MMA concentrations were not significantly different between groups (healthy dogs: median, 796 nmol/L; range, 427‐1933 nmol/L; parvoviral enteritis: median, 858 nmol/L; range, 554‐3424 nmol/L; NPVAD: median, 764 nmol/L; range, 392‐1222 nmol/L;P = .1).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Juvenile dogs with parvoviral enteritis or NPVAD had lower serum cobalamin concentrations than healthy juvenile dogs. However, based on serum MMA concentrations cellular cobalamin deficiency was not apparent.
Knowledge production through legal mobilization: Environmental activism against the U.S. military bases in East Asia
Authors: Kim Claudia Junghyun , Arrington Celeste L.
Published: May 2023

There is growing interest in social movement actors as knowledge producers, but many movements have limited ability to access or produce credible, authoritative information. Building on sociolegal scholarship and social movement studies, we show how movements can overcome knowledge gaps they have via-à-vis state authorities and contribute to public knowledge through institutional tactics. We argue that features of theprocessof legal mobilization activate mechanisms that bolster movements' credibility, reveal or generate information, and thereby facilitate social movement knowledge production. We theorize these dynamics by analyzing environmental activism against U.S. military bases in Japan and South Korea, which allows us to leverage most similar legal contexts and types of claims to identify and illustrate the mechanisms.
Mirabegron is better tolerated than solifenacin in Sjogren's syndrome patients with overactive bladder symptoms—A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Hao Xiang , Chang Shih‐Hsin , Chen Der‐Yuan , Lan Joung‐Liang , Yeo Kai‐Jieh , Huang Po‐Hao , Huang Chung‐Ming , Huang Chi‐Ping , Chou Eric Chieh‐Lung , Wu Po‐Chang
Published: May 2023

Objectives

This study investigates the efficacy and adverse events of beta‐3 agonists and antimuscarinic agents for managing overactive bladder syndrome in Sjogren syndrome.

Methods

Sjogren's syndrome patients with an Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) >5 were enrolled and were randomly assigned to mirabegron 50 mg/day or solifenacin 5 mg/day. Patients were evaluated on the recruitment day and reassessed at Week 1, 2, 4, and 12. The study's primary endpoint was to have a significant change in OABSS at Week 12. The secondary endpoint was the adverse event and crossover rate.

Results

A total of 41 patients were included in the final analysis, with 24 in the mirabegron group and 17 in the solifenacin group. The study's primary outcome was a change of the OABSS at Week 12. We found that both mirabegron and solifenacin significantly reduce patients' OABSS after 12 weeks of treatment. The evolution of the OABSS was −3.08 for mirabegron and −3.71 for solifenacin (p = .56). Six out of 17 patients from the solifenacin group crossed over to the mirabegron arm due to severe dry mouth or constipation, while none from the mirabegron arm crossed over to the solifenacin group. Sjogren's syndrome‐related pain was also improved in the mirabegron group (4.96–1.67, p = .008) compared to the solifenacin group (4.39–3.4, p = .49).

Conclusions

Our study showed that mirabegron is equally effective as solifenacin in treating Sjogren's syndrome patients with overactive bladder. Mirabegron is superior to solifenacin in terms of treatment‐related adverse events.
Revisiting the Gow Lake impact structure, Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Osinski Gordon R. , Coulter Adam B. , Flemming Roberta L. , Ozaruk Alexandra , Pickersgill Annemarie E. , Singleton Alaura C.
Published: May 2023

The ~5 km diameter Gow Lake impact structure formed in the Canadian Shield of northern Saskatchewan approximately 197 Myr ago. This structure has not been studied in detail since its discovery during a regional gravity survey in the early 1970s. We report here on field observations from a 2011 expedition that, when combined with subsequent laboratory studies, have revealed a wealth of new information about this poorly studied Canadian impact structure. Initially considered to be a prototypical central peak (i.e., a complex) impact structure, our observations demonstrate that Gow Lake is actually a transitional impact structure, making it one of only two identified on Earth. Despite its age, a well‐preserved sequence of crater‐fill impactites is preserved on Calder Island in the middle of Gow Lake. From the base upward, this stratigraphy is parautochthonous target rock, lithic impact breccia, clast‐rich impact melt rock, red clast‐poor impact melt rock, and green clast‐poor impact melt rocks. Discontinuous lenses of impact melt‐bearing breccia also occur near the top of the red impact melt rocks and in the uppermost green impact melt rocks. The vitric particles in these breccias display irregular and contorted outlines. This, together with their setting within crater‐fill melt rocks, is indicative of an origin as flows within the transient cavity and not an airborne mode of origin. Following impact, a hydrothermal system was initiated, which resulted in alteration of the crater‐fill impactites. Major alteration phases are nontronite clay, K‐feldspar, and quartz.
Reconstructing the colonization history of Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Northwestern Australia
Authors: Wittwer Samuel , Gerber Livia , Allen Simon J. , Willems Erik P. , Marfurt Svenja M. , Krützen Michael
Published: May 2023

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) are found in waters around Australia, with T. truncatus typically occupying deeper, more oceanic habitat, while T. aduncus occur in shallower, coastal waters. Little is known about the colonization history of T. aduncus along the Western Australian coastline; however, it has been hypothesized that extant populations are the result of an expansion along the coastline originating from a source in the north of Australia. To investigate the history of coastal T. aduncus populations in the area, we generated a genomic SNP dataset using a double‐digest restriction‐site‐associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing approach. The resulting dataset consisted of 103,201 biallelic SNPs for 112 individuals which were sampled from eleven coastal and two offshore sites between Shark Bay and Cygnet Bay, Western Australia. Our population genomic analyses showed a pattern consistent with the proposed source in the north with significant isolation by distance along the coastline, as well as a reduction in genomic diversity measures along the coastline with Shark Bay showing the most pronounced reduction. Our demographic analysis indicated that the expansion of T. aduncus along the coastline began around the last glacial maximum and progressed southwards with the Shark Bay population being founded only 13 kya. Our results are in line with coastal colonization histories inferred for Tursiops globally, highlighting the ability of delphinids to rapidly colonize novel coastal niches as habitat is released during glacial cycle‐related global sea level and temperature changes.
Physiological changes in advanced Parkinson's disease: Altered motor cortical plasticity and its significance in pathophysiology and clinical symptoms
Authors: Shimizu Takahiro , Hanajima Ritsuko
Published: May 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra. Dopamine plays an important role in the induction of synaptic plasticity, and plastic changes in the brain have been broadly investigated in PD. In humans, non‐invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been widely used for plasticity induction in the motor cortex. In this review, we will discuss how dopamine receptors are involved in the induction of neuroplasticity, changes in corticostriatal plasticity in PD model animals, effects of dopamine on motor cortical plasticity in healthy humans, changes in motor cortical plasticity in PD patients including its relationship to motor symptoms, and, finally, altered plasticity in levodopa‐induced dyskinesia.
A multifaceted approach to reveal the very‐fine root's response of Fagus sylvatica seedlings to different drought intensities
Authors: Domingo Guido , Vannini Candida , Marsoni Milena , Costantini Elena , Bracale Marcella , Di Iorio Antonino
Published: May 2023

How temperate trees respond to drier summers strongly depends on the drought susceptibility and the starch reserve of the very‐fine roots (<0.5 mm in diameter). We performed morphological, physiological, chemical, and proteomic analyses on very‐fine roots of Fagus sylvatica seedlings grown under moderate‐ and severe drought conditions. Moreover, to reveal the role of the starch reserves, a girdling approach was adopted to interrupt the flux of photosynthates toward the downstream sinks. Results show a seasonal sigmoidal growth pattern without evident mortality under moderate drought. After the severe‐drought period, intact plants showed lower starch concentration and higher growth than those subjected to moderate drought, highlighting that very‐fine roots rely on their starch reserves to resume growth. This behavior caused them to die with the onset of autumn, which was not observed under moderate drought. These findings indicated that extreme dry soil conditions are needed for significant root death in beech seedlings and that mortality mechanisms are defined within individual compartments. The girdling treatment showed that the physiological responses of very‐fine roots to severe drought stress are critically related to the altered load or the reduced transport velocity of the phloem and that the changes in starch allocation critically alter the distribution of biomass. Proteomic evidence revealed that the phloem flux‐dependent response was characterized by the decrease of carbon enzymes and the establishment of mechanisms to avoid the reduction of the osmotic potential. The response independent from the aboveground mainly involved the alteration of primary metabolic processes and cell wall‐related enzymes.
Evaluation of carboxylated poly‐l‐lysine for cryopreservation of Labeo rohita sperm
Authors: Bibi Shaista , Awan Muhammad Amjad , Rakha Bushra Allah , Ejaz Rabea , Qadeer Saima , Arshad Javeria , Anjum Muhammad Zubair , Akhter Shamim
Published: May 2023

Carboxylated poly‐l‐lysine (CPLL) is an anti‐freeze agent having pronounced non‐permeating yet membrane stabilizing cryoprotective capabilities. The objective was to evaluate the CPLL supplementation in extender in terms of post‐thaw quality (sperm), total anti‐oxidant activity (milt) and fertilization potential of cryopreserved Labeo rohita sperm. For this purpose, male brood fish reared at a fish seed hatchery, Rawal Town Islamabad, Pakistan were captured from different rearing ponds and acclimatized in hatchery ponds for 6 h. The brooder was injected with Ovaprim (0.2 mL/kg), and milt was collected after 8 h in cooled sterilized falcon tubes, maintained at 4°C and evaluated for sperm motility. The milt collected from three brooders (n = 3) was diluted in extenders viz., modified Kurokura‐2 extender having 10% methanol (control); experimental extenders with CPLL supplementation at the rate of 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%. Diluted milt was filled in 0.5 mL straws, exposed to liquid nitrogen vapours and cryopreserved. Cryopreserved milt was thawed at 25°C and assessed for post‐thaw sperm quality. Sperm motility, motility duration, viability, total anti‐oxidant capacity and DNA integrity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the extender having 1.5% CPLL than control. To evaluate the fertilization rates, male and female brooders were injected with Ovaprim at 0.2 mL/Kg and 0.5 mL/Kg body weight respectively. Fresh eggs and milt were collected through abdominal stripping. Batches of 10 g of eggs from each female (n = 2) were fertilized with one straw, each from frozen sperm with KE + methanol (control), KE + methanol + 1.5% CPLL and 50 μL fresh milt (negative control). After 1.5 h of fertilization, eggs were collected from all jars and a total of 200 eggs were counted. The fertilized eggs appeared clear and transparent while unfertilized eggs looked opaque with disintegrated nuclei. Sperm fertilization rate (%) was higher (p < 0.05) in extender KE + methanol + 1.5% CPLL (78.7 ± 0.5) compared to control (KE + methanol) (52.0 ± 0.4) however, it was lower compared to that of negative control, the fresh milt (85.2 ± 0.6). In conclusion, supplementation of carboxylated poly‐l‐lysine (1.5%) to modified Kurokura‐2 extender having 10% methanol improves post‐thaw motility, motility duration, viability, DNA integrity, anti‐oxidant capacity (milt) and fertilizing ability of cryopreserved L. rohita sperm.
Oral flora and functional dysbiosis of cleft lip and palate patients: A scoping review
Authors: Alansari Nadia , Abed Hassan , Abid Mushriq
Published: May 2023

Aims

This scoping review aimed to conduct an assessment of the current literature on specific ecological changes in the oral microbiota of individuals living with cleft lip and/or palate.

Methods

All studies that assess oral microbiota and ecological changes distinct of individuals living with cleft lip and/or palate were included. Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were used, using planned search keywords. Included articles were grouped into cohort, cross‐sectional, case‐control, and retrospective reviews.

Results

A total of 164 eligible title articles were recognized. Of these, 32 full‐text studies were included in the present review. All the included articles were published between 1992 and 2022. These studies were two retrospective studies, two review studies, and the remaining (n = 28) were observational studies.

Conclusion

The oral flora of cleft lip and/or palate patients has been shown in scientific studies to have an increased frequency of potentially pathogenic fungal and bacterial colonization, particularly Candida species, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacili and Streptococci mutans. This may influence oral diseases and post‐operative repair complications, potentially necessitating further surgical intervention.
Educational and personal burnout and burnout regarding collaborating with fellow university nursing students during COVID‐19 in 2020–2021
Authors: Svavarsdottir Erla Kolbrun , Flygenring Birna Gudrun , Bernhardsdottir Johanna , Thorsrteinsson Hrund Sch , Svavarsdottir Margret Hronn , Kristofersson Gisli Kort , Sveinsdóttir Herdís
Published: May 2023

Background

Knowledge is lacking about the effects of COVID‐19 on nursing students' burnout symptoms. Burnout can lead to negative feelings and behaviours towards learning and poor mental health.

Aims

To describe and compare nursing/midwifery students' burnout, explore differences and detect predictors at two time points through COVID‐19.

Methods

Students were offered participation in the spring semesters of 2020 and 2021 (N = 2046), during COVID‐19. The response rate was 30–33%. By using reliable and valid instruments, the students’ stress and burnout were analysed as well as the students’ health and perceived support.

Results

Symptoms of academic burnout were higher among 1st and 2nd year BSc students in 2021. On the contrary, 3rd and 4th year students had higher academic and personal burnout than graduate students as well as than 1st and 2nd year students. Regarding academic burnout, 47% of the variability was explained by educational level, support, stress and the interactional effect of stress and support. Collaborational burnout, predicted by the students' educational level and support, explained 7% of the variability in the outcome. Additionally, educational level, and stress, predicted 52% of the variability in personal burnout.

Conclusion

Educators or student counsellors need to facilitate effective learning practices and offer academic support, specifically during 3rd and 4th year to boost helpful coping strategies and handle uncertainty and stressors related to crises such as COVID‐19.
A mechanistic approach for interpreting hydroclimate from halite‐bearing sediments
Authors: Sirota Ido , Armon Moshe , Ben Dor Yoav , Morin Efrat , Lensky Nadav G. , Enzel Yehouda
Published: May 2023

Establishing accurate palaeo‐hydroclimatic reconstructions from lacustrine and marine archives is a long‐standing challenge in palaeoenvironment studies. Closed‐basin evaporites, and especially halite, record episodes of extremely arid conditions during rapid climate change. However, the complex limnological behaviour of deep hypersaline water bodies and the stochastic nature of the hydroclimatic regime and its variations limit detailed palaeo‐hydroclimatic interpretations from such records. Therefore, a mass‐balance model was developed to explore hydrology–limnology–sedimentology relationships in hypersaline environments under both deterministic and stochastic approaches that generates synthetic halite–mud sequences. Applying the model to the Holocene Dead Sea halites yields novel insights into palaeoenvironmental conditions in the Levant. The deterministic framework indicates that: (i) under a series of similar hydroclimatic cycles, the thickness of each subsequent halite interval decreases, due to the depletion of dissolved‐ions storage in the brine; (ii) halite deposition requires lake levels to drop below the minimal lake level of the preceding cycle; (iii) the time interval between halite deposition and the hydrological minimum is increasingly longer in subsequent cycles. Thus, counter‐intuitively, halite deposition mostly takes place as water discharge increases, providing that the water balance is still negative. The stochastic approach produced random sequences comparable to the observed Dead Sea sedimentary record. It demonstrates that some hydrological minima are not represented by halite deposition at all. Furthermore, the thickness and number of halite beds at each hydrological cycle vary substantially, depending on the specific hydrological conditions realized. Finally, these results imply that the major Dead Sea level drop at the pre‐Holocene deglaciation (ca 14 ka bp), previously assumed to be a record minimum, could not have been as pronounced as suggested, and must have been milder than the subsequent drop at the early Holocene (ca 11–10 ka bp).
A tale of two inverses
Authors: Oxford Will
Published: May 2023

The functional‐typological literature distinguishes two kinds of inverse constructions: inverse voice, in which the patient becomes the subject, and inverse alignment, in which the patient is agreed with like a canonical subject. In this literature, Algonquian languages are held to be the prototypical example of a system in which the two kinds of inverses coexist: the inverse is a “deep” voice construction in clauses with two third‐person arguments and a “shallow” alignment pattern in clauses in which a third person acts on a speech‐act participant. This article argues that that conclusion is correct and attempts to reconcile it with formal models of voice and agreement. It is proposed that despite their distinct syntactic underpinnings, both inverse constructions result in a derivation in which Voice lacks phi features and Infl indexes only the patient. This shared outcome explains why the inverse appears to be a unified phenomenon from a morphological perspective even though its syntactic correlates differ in third‐person and speech‐act‐participant contexts.
‘They should show them love even if their status of beingHIVpositive is known’: Youth and caregiver stigma experience and strategies to endHIVstigma in schools
Authors: Njuguna Irene , Moraa Hellen , Mugo Cyrus , Mbwayo Anne , Nyapara Florence , Aballa Calvins , Wagner Anjuli D. , Wamalwa Dalton , John‐Stewart Grace , Inwani Irene , O'Malley Gabrielle
Published: May 2023

Objective

HIV stigma and discrimination is widespread in sub‐Saharan Africa and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Schools play a critical role in the life of youth and have been identified as a potentially stigmatising environment. We sought to explore school HIV stigma drivers, facilitators, manifestations and outcomes among youth living with HIV (YLH) as well as potential stigma reduction interventions in Kenya.

Methods

Semi‐structured in‐depth qualitative interviews with 28 school‐attending YLH aged 14–19 years and 24 caregivers of YLH were analysed using directed content analysis. Results were summarised using the Health and Stigma Framework.

Results

Drivers and facilitators of HIV stigma in the school environment included misconceptions about HIV transmission, HIV treatment outcomes and long‐term overall health of people living with HIV. HIV stigma manifested largely as gossip, isolation and loss of friendships. Fear of HIV stigma or experienced stigma resulted in poor adherence to antiretroviral treatment—particularly among YLH in boarding schools—and poor mental health. Stigma also impacted school choice (boarding vs. day school) and prevented HIV disclosure to schools which was necessary for optimal support for care. Proposed interventions to address HIV stigma in schools included HIV education, psychosocial support for YLH, support for HIV disclosure to schools while ensuring confidentiality and building YLH resilience.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need to develop interventions to address HIV stigma in schools to ensure optimised health and social outcomes for YLH. Future studies to understand the most effective and efficient interventions are needed.
Zinc deficiency‐induced defensin‐like proteins are involved in the inhibition of root growth in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kimura Sachie , Vaattovaara Aleksia , Ohshita Tomoya , Yokoyama Kotomi , Yoshida Kota , Hui Agnes , Kaya Hidetaka , Ozawa Ai , Kobayashi Mami , Mori Izumi C. , Ogata Yoshiyuki , Ishino Yoko , Sugano Shigeo S. , Nagano Minoru , Fukao Yoichiro
Published: May 2023

The depletion of cellular zinc (Zn) adversely affects plant growth. Plants have adaptation mechanisms for Zn‐deficient conditions, inhibiting growth through the action of transcription factors and metal transporters. We previously identified three defensin‐like (DEFL) proteins (DEFL203, DEFL206 and DEFL208) that were induced in Arabidopsis thaliana roots under Zn‐depleted conditions. DEFLs are small cysteine‐rich peptides involved in defense responses, development and excess metal stress in plants. However, the functions of DEFLs in the Zn‐deficiency response are largely unknown. Here, phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that seven DEFLs (DEFL202–DEFL208) were categorized into one subgroup. Among the seven DEFLs, the transcripts of five (not DEFL204 and DEFL205) were upregulated by Zn deficiency, consistent with the presence of cis‐elements for basic‐region leucine‐zipper 19 (bZIP19) or bZIP23 in their promoter regions. Microscopic observation of GFP‐tagged DEFL203 showed that DEFL203‐sGFP was localized to the apoplast and plasma membrane. Whereas a single mutation of the DEFL202 or DEFL203 genes only slightly affected root growth, defl202 defl203 double mutants showed enhanced root growth under all growth conditions. We also showed that the size of the root meristem was increased in the double mutants compared with the wild type. Our results suggest that DEFL202 and DEFL203 are redundantly involved in the inhibition of root growth under Zn‐deficient conditions through a reduction in root meristem length and cell number.
Immunoglobulin E‐specific allergens against leaf in serum of dogs with clinical features of grass leaf allergy
Authors: Mason Ken , Davies Janet , Ruutu Merja
Published: May 2023

Background

Grass leaf has been suspected of causing immunoglobulin (Ig)E‐mediated immediate hypersensitivity reactions in humans and dogs. However, most studies in this area are case‐control studies without in vitro data showing the involvement of IgE in the reaction. Laboratory studies have demonstrated the reactivity to a 50–55 kDa protein with clinical signs immediately after contact with grass leaf material. The clinical findings of dogs with atopic‐like dermatitis immediately after contact with grass leaf material suggest the involvement of grass leaves as the allergen source.

Objectives

This study was designed to test the IgE‐reactivity of grass leaf proteins in dogs with clinical signs and positive scratch test results against grass leaf material.

Materials and Methods

The serum of 41 patients with a history of allergy and suspected to grass leaf material was immunoblotted against grass leaf extracts from five suspected grass species. The IgE‐positive blots were separated with 2D gel electrophoresis and analysed with mass spectrometry (MS). Commercially supplied proteins were used to validate immunoblot activity.

Results

The serum of 25 dogs diagnosed with grass dermatitis had positive IgE‐specific immunoblot against one or more grass leaf extracts. The MS data indicated a reactive band at 55 kDa to be beta‐amylase or RuBisCO (ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) large subunit (RbLS). All tested dog sera showed IgE‐reactivity with beta‐amylase and some with RbLS.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Canines with clinical signs of grass‐related dermatitis had IgE‐reactivity against grass leaf proteins. Serum IgE‐reactivity to beta‐amylase and RuBisCO large subunit may indicate that these proteins act as allergens, possibly causing pruritus and skin lesions.
Two cases of Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis infection transmitted through transfusion of platelet concentrate derived from separate blood donations by the same donor
Authors: Kozakai Moe , Matsumoto Mami , Takakura Akiko , Furuta Rika A. , Matsubayashi Keiji , Goto Naoko , Satake Masahiro
Published: May 2023

Background

Transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infections (TTBIs) in Japan have been largely prevented due to a short shelf life of 3.5 days after blood collection for platelet concentrate (PC) and washed PCs (WPCs; PC in which 95% plasma is replaced by platelet additive solution).

Case Presentation

Case 1: In January 2018, a woman in her 50s with aplastic anaemia who received WPC transfusion and developed a fever the next day and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) was detected in the residual WPC. Case 2: In May 2018, a man in his 60s with a haematologic malignancy who received PC transfusion and developed chills during the transfusion. SDSE was detected in the patient's blood and residual PC.

The contaminated platelet products were both manufactured from blood donated by the same donor. The multi‐locus sequencing typing revealed that SDSE detected in case 1 was identical to that from case 2; however, whole blood subsequently obtained from the donor was culture negative.

Conclusion

WPC and PC produced from two blood donated 106 days apart by the same donor were contaminated with SDSE of the same strain and both caused TTBIs. Safety measures should be considered regarding blood collection from a donor with a history of bacterial contamination.
Constitutive Relation Development for Fused Deposition Modeling Three-Dimensional Printing Materials and Simulation of Printing Direction Combination
Authors: Li Meng , Sun Bo-Hua
Published: May 2023

Due to the forming or curing process, the materials of three-dimensional (3D) printing have periodic meso-defects, which result in complex constitutive relations and anisotropy. Fused deposition modeling (FDM), which is a typical 3D printing process, inevitably introduces stacking pore defects due to the three-dimensional stacking of materials along the printing direction. At present, research focuses on the mechanical properties of materials printed along only one single direction. To consider the possibility of changing the mechanical properties of materials by adjusting the printing direction, the change in the properties of printing materials along the multiple printing direction combinations was analyzed in this paper. First, based on a continuous medium model, the constitutive model proposed by Garzon-Hernandez et al. was considered, and then to improve the prediction accuracy of the model in the plastic stage, a model describing the porosity change rate of porous materials was introduced to obtain better prediction results. Then, the finite element method (FEM) was developed using the new constitutive relation model implemented by the user defined material subroutine (USERMAT) into ansys software. Second, through the finite element subroutine, the mechanical response of the FDM 3D printing plate with two different printing direction combinations was simulated. The results show that by adjusting the print direction combination of the double-layer FDM 3D printing materials, the materials show a different anisotropy, maximum bearing capacity of tension and shear and buckling resistance.
Effectiveness of 448-kHz Capacitive Resistive Monopolar Radiofrequency Therapy After Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage to Restore Muscle Strength and Contractile Parameters
Authors: Šimunič Boštjan , Doles Monika , Kelc Robi , Švent Andrej
Published: May 2023

Context: Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is prevalent especially in sports and rehabilitation. It causes loss in skeletal muscle function and soreness. As there are no firm preventive strategies, we aimed to evaluate the preventive efficacy of nonthermal 448-kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (CRMRF) therapy after eccentric bouts of EIMD response in knee flexors. Design: Twenty-nine healthy males (age: 25.2 [4.6] y) were randomized in control group (CG; n = 15) and experimental group (EG; n = 14) where EG followed 5 daily 448-kHz CRMRF therapies. All assessments were performed at baseline and post EIMD (EIMD + 1, EIMD + 2, EIMD + 5, and EIMD + 9 d). We measured tensiomyography of biceps femoris and semitendinosus to calculate contraction time, the maximal displacement and the radial velocity of contraction, unilateral isometric knee flexors maximal voluntary contraction torque, and rate of torque development in first 100 milliseconds. Results: Maximal voluntary contraction torque and rate of torque development in first 100 milliseconds decreased more in CG than in EG and recovered only in EG. Biceps femoris contraction time increased only in CG (without recovery), whereas in semitendinosus contraction time increased in EG (only at EIMD + 1) and in CG (without recovery). In both muscles, tensiomyographic maximal displacement decreased in EG (in EIMD + 1 and EIMD + 2) and in CG (without recovery). Furthermore, in both muscles, radial velocity of contraction decreased in EG (from EIMD + 1 until EIMD + 5) and in CG (without recovery). Conclusion: The study shows beneficial effect of CRMRF therapy after inducing EIMD in skeletal muscle strength and contractile parameters in knee flexors.
Novel Gene Clusters for Natural Product Synthesis Are Abundant in the Mangrove Swamp Microbiome
Authors: Zhang Jia-Wei , Wang Ran , Liang Xia , Han Ping , Zheng Yan-Ling , Li Xiao-Fei , Gao Deng-Zhou , Liu Min , Hou Li-Jun , Dong Hong-Po
Published: May 2023

At present, the majority of known clinical drugs originated from cultivated species of a few bacterial lineages. It is vital for the development of new pharmaceuticals to explore the biosynthetic potential of naturally uncultivable microorganisms using new techniques.
Structural Insights into the Assembly of the African Swine Fever Virus Inner Capsid
Authors: Li Haining , Liu Qi , Shao Luyuan , Xiang Ye
Published: May 2023

African swine fever virus has caused catastrophic destruction to the pork industry worldwide since it was first discovered in Kenya in 1921. The architecture of ASFV is complicated, with two protein shells and two membrane envelopes.
Complete Genome Assembly and Annotation of Escherichia coli Bacteriophage 107
Authors: Schwarz Joshua C. , Chan Benjamin K. , Turner Paul E. , Burmeister Alita R.
Published: May 2023

We present the annotated genome sequence of
Escherichia coli
bacteriophage 107, a T4-like bacteriophage. Phage 107 has a genome length of 167,509 bp and 287 predicted genes.
Perillaldehyde Functions as a Potential Antifungal Agent by Triggering Metacaspase-Independent Apoptosis in Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Wang Guanbo , Wang Yadi , Wang Kunchun , Zhao Haonan , Liu Mengjie , Liang Wenxing , Li Delong
Published: May 2023

Botrytis cinerea
causes gray mold disease, is considered one of the most important dangerous pathogens worldwide, and leads to severe economic losses worldwide. Due to the lack of resistant varieties of
B. cinerea
, gray mold control has mainly relied on application of synthetic fungicides.
Identification of
Salmonella
Pullorum Factors Affecting Immune Reaction in Macrophages from the Avian Host
Authors: Fei Xiao , Li Qiuchun , Jiao Xinan , Olsen John Elmerdahl
Published: May 2023

Salmonella
Pullorum is host specific to avian species, where it causes life-threatening infection in young birds. It is unknown why it is host restricted and causes systemic disease, rather than gastroenteritis normally seen with
Salmonella
.
Antibody Response to the BA.5 Bivalent Vaccine Shot: a Two-Year Follow-Up Study following Initial COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination
Authors: Hirotsu Yosuke , Sugiura Hiroki , Takatori Mika , Mochizuki Hitoshi , Omata Masao
Published: May 2023

A COVID-19 bivalent mRNA vaccine was developed and administered to health care workers. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccine induces a robust antibody response.
Bacterial Communities Vary from Different Scleractinian Coral Species and between Bleached and Non-Bleached Corals
Authors: Xu Meiting , Cheng Keke , Xiao Baohua , Tong Mengmeng , Cai Zhonghua , Jong Mui-Choo , Chen Guofu , Zhou Jin
Published: May 2023

Accumulating evidence indicates that coral-associated bacteria play an important role in the health of holobionts. However, the variability of the symbiotic bacterial community structure among coral species with different coral health statuses remains largely unknown.
Study on the application effect of the family doctor contract service mode of ‘basic package+personalised package’ in elderly hypertension management in Chengdu, China: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Du Qiujing , Ye Jiayi , Feng Jinhua , Gao Shilin , Li Ka
Published: May 2023

Objectives

We conducted this study to assess the application effect of the family doctor contract service mode of ‘basic package+personalised package’ in the management of hypertension patients.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

The study was conducted at a community health centre in Southwest China. Data were collected from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020.

Participants

From 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020, hypertensive patients (age ≥65 years) who participated in the contract services of family doctors at a community health service centre in Chengdu, Southwest China, were selected as the study subjects.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcomes included mean blood pressure (systolic, diastolic) and the rate of blood pressure control, secondary outcomes included the level of cardiovascular disease risk and self-management ability. Assessments of baseline and 6 months after signing up were conducted on all outcomes. The major statistical analysis methods included two independent sample t-tests, paired t-tests, Pearson’s χ2test, McNemar’s test, two independent sample Mann-Whitney U tests and paired sample marginal homogeneity tests.

Results

Of the 10 970 patients screened for eligibility, 968 (8.8%) were separated into an observation group (receiving ‘basic package+personalised package (hypertension)’ service) (n=403) and a control group (receiving ‘basic package’ service) (n=565) according to the type of service package they received. In comparison to the control group, the observation group had lower mean systolic blood pressure (p=0.023), higher blood pressure control rate (p<0.001), lower cardiovascular disease risk level (p<0.001) and higher self-management ability level (p<0.001) at 6 months after signing up. The mean diastolic blood pressure of the two groups was not significantly different (p=0.735).

Conclusions

The family doctor contract service model of ‘basic package+personalised package (hypertension)’ has a good application effect in the management of elderly hypertension, which can improve the average blood pressure, the rate of blood pressure control, the level of cardiovascular disease risk and self-management ability of the elderly with hypertension.
Effect of body image perception and skin-lightening practices on mental health of Filipino emerging adults: a mixed-methods approach protocol
Authors: Regencia Zypher Jude G , Gouin Jean-Philippe , Ladia Mary Ann J , Montoya Jaime C , Baja Emmanuel S
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The rampant distribution of idealised images on the internet may lead the general public to improve their body appearance in a way that is sometimes excessive, compulsive or detrimental to other aspects of their lives. There is a decreasing appreciation of body image among emerging adults and an increasing trend on skin-lightening practices linked with psychological distress. This protocol describes the mixed-method approach to assess the relationships among body image perception, skin-lightening practices and mental well-being of Filipino emerging adults and determine the factors that influence them.

Methods and analysis

An explanatory sequential mixed-method approach will be used. A cross-sectional study design will involve an online self-administered questionnaire of 1258 participants, while a case study design will involve in-depth interviews with 25 participants. Data analysis will use generalised linear models and structural equation modelling with a Bayesian network for the quantitative data. Moreover, the qualitative data will use an inductive approach in thematic analysis. A contiguous narrative approach will integrate the quantitative and qualitative data.

Ethics and dissemination

The University of the Philippines Manila Review Ethics Board has approved this protocol (UPMREB 2022-0407-01). The study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed articles and conference presentations.
Clinical characteristics of locomotive syndrome categorised by the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale: a systematic review
Authors: Kobayashi Takaomi , Morimoto Tadatsugu , Shimanoe Chisato , Ono Rei , Otani Koji , Mawatari Masaaki
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compile the currently available evidence on the clinical characteristics of the locomotive syndrome (LS) categorised by the 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25) and clarify its clinical usefulness for assessing mobility function.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

The PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for the relevant studies on 20 March 2022.

Eligibility criteria

We included relevant peer-reviewed articles, available in English language, on clinical LS characteristics categorised with the GLFS-25.

Data extraction and synthesis

Pooled ORs or mean differences (MDs) of the LS groups were calculated and compared with the non-LS groups for each clinical characteristic.

Results

In total, 27 studies that involve 13 281 participants (LS, n=3385; non-LS, n=9896) were examined in this analysis. Older age (MD 4.71; 95% (CI) 3.97 to 5.44; p<0.00001), female gender (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.38 to 1.71; p<0.00001), higher body mass index (MD 0.78; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.99; p<0.00001), osteoporosis (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.32 to 2.13; p<0.0001), depression (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.81 to 5.44; p<0.0001), lower lumbar lordosis angle (MD −7.91; 95% CI −10.08 to −5.74; p<0.00001), higher spinal inclination angle (MD 2.70; 95% CI 1.76 to 3.65; p<0.00001), lower grip strength (MD −4.04; 95% CI −5.25 to −2.83; p<0.00001), lower back muscle strength (MD −15.32; 95% CI −23.83 to −6.81; p=0.0004), lower maximum stride (MD −19.36; 95% CI −23.25 to −15.47; p<0.00001), higher timed up-and-go (MD 1.36; 95% CI 0.92 to 1.79; p<0.00001), lower one-leg standing time (MD −19.13; 95% CI −23.29 to −14.97; p<0.0001) and slower normal gait speed (MD −0.20; 95% CI −0.22 to −0.18; p<0.0001) were found to be associated with LS. No significant differences were noted in other clinical characteristics between the two groups.

Conclusions

GLFS-25 is clinically useful for assessing mobility function according to the evidence available on the clinical characteristics of LS categorised by the GLFS-25 questionnaire items until.
Impact of polyethylene glycol loxenatide on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes: study protocol for a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (BALANCE-3)
Authors: Xie Yun , Kuang Jian , Li Quanmin , Hong Tianpei , Ji Linong , Kong Yuanyuan , Duan Yale , Chen Liming
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Recent cardiovascular outcomes trials have demonstrated that glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) decreases the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Polyethylene glycol loxenatide (PEG-Loxe) is a once-weekly GLP-1RA obtained by modifying exendin-4. No clinical trials have been designed to assess the impact of PEG-Loxe on cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in individuals with T2DM. This trial aims to test the hypothesis that compared with placebo, PEG-Loxe treatment does not result in an unacceptable increase in CV risk in individuals with T2DM.

Methods and analysis

This study is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients with T2DM who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomly divided to receive weekly administration of either PEG-Loxe 0.2 mg or placebo (1:1 ratio). The randomisation was stratified according to utilisation of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, history of CV disease and body mass index. The research period is expected to be 3 years, with a 1-year recruitment period and a 2-year follow-up period. The primary outcome is the occurrence of the first MACE, described as CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke. The statistical analyses were undertaken on the intent-to-treat patient. The primary outcome was evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model with treatment and randomisation strata as the covariates.

Ethics and dissemination

The current research has been authorised by the Ethics Committee of Tianjin Medical University Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital (approval number: ZXYJNYYhMEC2022-2). Researchers must acquire informed consent from every participant before conducting any protocol-associated procedures. The findings of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200056410.