bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secukinumab‐induced oral lichen planus in a psoriatic arthritis patient ameliorated after a switch to risankizumab
Authors: Fujita Yasuyuki , Sugai Tatsuro , Maya Yuka , Inamura Emi , Hirano Yoko , Shimizu Satoko
Published: January 2023

Lichen planus is a chronic T‐cell‐mediated disorder in which lymphocytes, including Th17 cells, react toward the dermo‐epidermal junction, which shows interface changes. Recently, IL‐17‐mediated changes in the oral mycobiome, including the proliferation of Candida and Aspergillus fungi, have been proposed as a possible pathomechanism of oral lichen planus (OLP). We treated a 54‐year‐old male who had been suffering from psoriatic arthritis. Secukinumab rapidly improved the skin and joint symptoms, but a painful erosion on the lip and thrush on the buccal mucosa appeared within 4 weeks. The erosion was histopathologically diagnosed as OLP. Although the candidiasis was successfully treated with topical miconazole nitrate, the labial OLP worsened during the secukinumab administration, despite the application of various topical agents. We finally switched from secukinumab to risankizumab, an anti‐IL‐23p19 agent, which dramatically improved the patient's OLP lesion in 4 weeks without candidiasis recurrence. Anti‐IL‐23p19 agents do not affect the oral mycobiome, and they are a potential therapeutic option for refractory OLP, including OLP induced by biologics.
Historical Data, Comparison, and Systematisation. Some Thoughts on the Challenges and Possibilities of Synthesising Historical and Social Scientific Approaches in the Study of Religion
Authors: Krech Volkhard
Published: January 2023

This article discusses the introductory remarks to this special issue by Mattias Brand, as well as the two articles written by the Mattias Brand and Gerard Wiegers, respectively. It includes my own reflections in the commentary on the three contributions. First, the article deals with the challenges mentioned by Mattias Brand in his introduction, namely with “questioning of some of the most central concepts in the historical study of religion” and “the increasing fragmentation of the discipline.” Second, it addresses the solution provided by Mattias Brand in his article, namely combining history with comparison and systematic considerations. Third, it comments on the case study by Gerard Wiegers. Finally, it offers some reflections on the “relational religion” paradigm.
Clinical characteristics and endoscopic treatment of pancreatitis caused by pancreaticobiliary malformation in Chinese children
Authors: Zhang Jia Yu , Deng Zhao Hui , Gong Biao
Published: January 2023

Objectives

We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with pancreatitis caused by pancreaticobiliary malformation and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the diagnosis of the disease.

Methods

Medical records of pediatric patients with pancreatitis related to pancreaticobiliary malformation diagnosed by ERCP and treated in our hospital between April 2008 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical manifestations, laboratory indicators, genetic testing results and imaging findings including MRCP were collected.

Results

Of the 148 patients with pancreaticobiliary malformation‐related pancreatitis, 90 (60.8%) had pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM), 52 (35.1%) had pancreatic divisum (PD), and six (4.1%) had annular pancreas (AnnP). Compared with the PD group, patients with PBM were younger (P < 0.001), and were more likely to have jaundice (P < 0.001) and fever (P = 0.034). Genetic mutation was found in 51.6% of patients with PD, 50.0% with AnnP, and 15.0% with PBM. Diagnostic rate of PBM, PD, and AnnP using MRCP was 46.7%, 15.4%, and 100%, respectively. In total, 87.8% of patients had symptomatic improvement after endoscopic treatment. ERCP‐related complications were observed in 28 out of the 260 procedures, including post‐ERCP pancreatitis (7.7%), infection (2.3%), and gastrointestinal bleeding (0.8%).

Conclusions

PBM should be considered when jaundice and fever occur in pediatric patients. Genetic testing is recommended for those with PD and AnnP. The role of MRCP is limited in identifying pancreaticobiliary malformation in children. ERCP is effective and safe for the diagnosis and treatment for pediatric pancreatitis caused by pancreaticobiliary malformation.
Blood eosinophils during bronchiolitis: Associations with atopy, asthma and lung function in young adults
Authors: Sørensen Karen Galta , Øymar Knut , Dalen Ingvild , Halvorsen Thomas , Bruun Mikalsen Ingvild
Published: January 2023

Aim

To study if blood eosinophils during bronchiolitis were associated with atopy, asthma and lung function in young adults and if these associations differed between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis and non‐RSV bronchiolitis.

Methods

This historical cohort enrolled 225 subjects. Blood eosinophils were measured during bronchiolitis in infancy, and the subjects were invited to a follow‐up at 17–20 years of age including questionnaires for asthma and examinations of lung function and atopy.

Results

The level of eosinophils was positively associated with subsequent atopy in the unadjusted analysis, but not in the adjusted analysis, and not with asthma. There was a negative association between the level of eosinophils and forced vital capacity (FVC) (−0.11; −0.19, −0.02) and forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) (−0.12; −0.21, −0.03) (regression coefficient; 95% confidence interval). The non‐RSV group had higher levels of eosinophils during bronchiolitis, but there was no interaction between the level of eosinophils and RSV status for any outcome.

Conclusions

The level of eosinophils during bronchiolitis was negatively associated with lung function in young adult age, but we found no associations with atopy or asthma. These associations were not different after RSV bronchiolitis compared to non‐RSV bronchiolitis.
Penalized optimal scaling for ordinal variables with an application to international classification of functioning core sets
Authors: Hoshiyar Aisouda , Kiers Henk A. L. , Gertheiss Jan
Published: January 2023

Ordinal data occur frequently in the social sciences. When applying principal component analysis (PCA), however, those data are often treated as numeric, implying linear relationships between the variables at hand; alternatively, non‐linear PCA is applied where the obtained quantifications are sometimes hard to interpret. Non‐linear PCA for categorical data, also called optimal scoring/scaling, constructs new variables by assigning numerical values to categories such that the proportion of variance in those new variables that is explained by a predefined number of principal components (PCs) is maximized. We propose a penalized version of non‐linear PCA for ordinal variables that is a smoothed intermediate between standard PCA on category labels and non‐linear PCA as used so far. The new approach is by no means limited to monotonic effects and offers both better interpretability of the non‐linear transformation of the category labels and better performance on validation data than unpenalized non‐linear PCA and/or standard linear PCA. In particular, an application of penalized optimal scaling to ordinal data as given with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is provided.
High‐stakes examinations and educational inequality: Evidence from transitory exposure to air pollution
Authors: Deng Hui , Du Rui , Guo Dongmei , Sun Weizeng , Xia Yuhuan
Published: January 2023

We study the impact of transitory random disturbances to cognitive performance and a minimum‐passing‐score policy on access to graduate education among students who took a series of high‐stakes exams. Exploiting thermal inversions and individual fixed effects, we document significant adverse cognitive effects of transitory exposure to air pollution during the exam. The harmful cognitive effects permanently reduce students' chances of getting into graduate school, especially for marginal students who scored just below the cutoff score. Marginal students would be less affected by random disturbances and have more equal access to graduate education had such an exam policy not been adopted.
Mental, physical and sexual health in sexual minority third‐level students: Findings from My World Survey 2
Authors: Mahon Ciara , Fitzgerald Amanda , O'Reilly Aileen , Dooley Barbara
Published: January 2023

Aims

Sexual minority youth experience health disparities across mental, physical and sexual domains. However, little is known about the extent to which mental health overlaps with sexual and physical health to compound health problems among sexual minority youth. This study examined risky health behaviours, adverse health outcomes, and their overlap across mental, physical and sexual domains, in lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning (LGBQ) and heterosexual third‐level students in Ireland.

Method

Cross‐sectional data from the My World Survey 2‐Post Second Level (MWS2‐PSL) were used. Analyses were conducted on data from N = 7950 18–25‐year‐old students, of which 6204 (78%) identified as heterosexual, 910 (11.4%) bisexual, 412 (5.2%) lesbian/gay and 424 (5.3%) questioning. Risky health behaviours (e.g., self‐harm), adverse outcomes (e.g., mental health difficulties, physical health conditions) and their overlap across mental, physical and sexual domains were compared across heterosexual and LGBQ students using Chi‐square tests. Clustering of health behaviours/outcomes within and between domains were examined.

Results

LGBQ students were more likely to exhibit a greater number of risky mental and sexual health behaviours and outcomes. Sexual, physical and mental health behaviours and outcomes overlapped to a greater extent in LGBQ versus heterosexual students. Distinct health outcomes were observed across sexual minority subgroups (e.g., bisexual women reported greater mental health difficulties).

Conclusion

Findings demonstrate health inequalities experienced by LGBQ students, particularly across mental and sexual domains. Holistic integrated approaches that consider multiple health domains simultaneously and the distinct health needs of sexual minority subgroups are needed to promote greater health equity.
Primary hyperparathyroidism in horses: What can we learn from human medicine?
Authors: Johnson Philip J. , Townsend Kile S.
Published: January 2023

Equine primary hyperparathyroidism is rare compared with the condition in human medicine where it is often encountered and represents the most common explanation for hypercalcemia in the outpatient setting. Primary hyperparathyroidism results from a hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland and surgical treatment (parathyroidectomy) is typically curative. Successful surgical removal of a diseased parathyroid gland can be challenging in horses as both normal and hyperfunctioning glands are difficult to localise. Identification of surgical targets using ultrasonography and/or Technetium‐99 m sestimibi scintigraphy are useful for this purpose in both the human and equine contexts. However, these localisation approaches are not always effective. Moreover, not all patients are candidates for general anaesthesia and surgery and the costs associated with diagnostic localisation and parathyroidectomy may be prohibitive for some owners. This commentary presents information about primary hyperparathyroidism in the event that it is not treated and strives to review aspects of the disease when left untreated from the human medical context.
Divergent clinical presentations and outcomes among children and adolescents with Kaposi sarcoma in Malawi and Tanzania
Authors: Campbell Liane R. , Silverstein Allison , Peckham‐Gregory Erin , Kamiyango William , Villiera Jimmy , McAtee Casey L. , Bacha Jason M. , Kovarik Carrie L. , Mehta Parth S. , Chanroo Toni , Kapesa Asulwisye , Malingoti Beatrice , Mzikamanda Rizine , Ozuah Nmazuo W. , Allen Carl E. , Scheurer Michael E. , El‐Mallawany Nader K.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The Kaposi sarcoma (KS) T0 versus T1 staging classification does not address the unique clinical features of paediatric KS in human gammaherpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) endemic regions of Africa. This study seeks to define patterns of childhood KS using a paediatric‐specific approach.

Methods

The Lilongwe paediatric KS staging classification categorizes disease based on clinical phenotype: stage 1 = mild/moderate KS limited to cutaneous/oral involvement, stage 2 = primarily lymphadenopathic disease, stage 3 = woody edema KS, stage 4 = visceral and/or severe/disseminated mucocutaneous disease. Characteristics and outcomes were evaluated from paediatric referral centres in Lilongwe, Malawi, and Mbeya, Tanzania.

Results

Among 171 patients, the median age was 9.3 years, 37% (n = 63) were female, and 87% (n = 149) had HIV. Breakdown by stage was as follows: 18% (n = 31) stage 1, 33% (n = 56) stage 2, 19% (n = 33) stage 3, and 30% (n = 51) stage 4. Age (younger stage 2 and older stage 3), severe CD4 count suppression (lower CD4 for stages 1 and 4), and presence of severe anaemia and thrombocytopenia (worse for stages 2 and 4) differed across stages. Estimated 2‐year event‐free survival/progression‐free survival/overall survival by stage was as follows: stage 1, 81%/81%/87%; stage 2, 50%/50%/63%; stage 3, 24%/49%/81%; and stage 4, 29%/34%/54%. Sub‐analysis of stage 2 lymphadenopathic KS demonstrated superior long‐term 6‐year event‐free survival of 70% (95% confidence interval [CI] 49–83) for younger children (aged <7 years) versus 27% (95% CI 8–51) for older children.

Conclusions

This paediatric‐specific staging classification categorizes patients with distinct characteristics and patterns of treatment response. This platform may guide clinicians to provide risk‐stratified treatment with the hope of improving survival among children with KS.
The effect of adherence therapy on medication adherence, health beliefs, self‐efficacy, and depressive symptoms among patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder
Authors: Khalifeh Anas Husam , Alhalaiqa Fadwa Naji , Hamaideh Shaher Hamad , Horne Robert , Hamdan‐Mansour Ayman Mohammad
Published: January 2023

Medication adherence is a crucial health issue in major depressive disorder (MDD) that requires regular monitoring and attention. Hence, there are multiple reasons for medication non‐adherence among them. This study aimed to examine the effect of adherence therapy (AT) on medication adherence, health beliefs, self‐efficacy, and depressive symptoms among patients diagnosed with MDD. One group pretest‐posttest, repeated measures time‐series design was conducted. A sample of 32 patients was recruited conveniently; they received eight weekly sessions of AT. A self‐reported questionnaire was used to measure variables. The analysis showed that the mean scores of the baseline indicated non‐adherence, moderate general benefits beliefs about the medication, high beliefs that medication is harmful, high beliefs that doctors overuse medication, high beliefs about potential adverse effects from medication, low perception of MDD severity, and high threatening perception regarding MDD, a moderate degree of confidence in the ability to taking medications, and patients had moderately severe depressive symptoms (M = 16, 3.2, 3.1, 4.1, 3.8, 50, 3, 16 respectively). Over four measurement points, adherence therapy enhanced positive beliefs towards taking medication and illness, increased medication adherence self‐efficacy, improved medication adherence, and decreased depressive symptoms (F = 68.57–379.2, P < 0.001). These improvements were clinically significant in all variables immediately post‐AT but declined minimally over time. The study indicated that integrating AT as part of the pre‐discharge protocol is one core component to sustaining positive healthcare outcomes. Continuous efforts should be paid in terms of the long‐term sustainability of an intervention to enhance adherence and clinical outcomes.
Learning with the Natural Environment: How Walking with Nature Can Actively Shape Creativity and Contribute to Holistic Learning
Authors: Mäkelä Maarit , Aktaş Bilge Merve
Published: January 2023

Learning takes place in various spaces through human and nonhuman interactions. Considering the urgent need for rethinking how humans relate to nature, in this article we present a MA level course in the context of art, craft and design to discuss how learning with the natural environment approach can impact learning experiences. We introduce walking with nature as a creative method that fosters students’ ability to let the environment actively shape their creative events. The encounter with nature‐based materials in their different forms and following the material's flow provides students with a foundation for their creative processes. This study proposes that walking can facilitate the entanglement between the student's knowledge and encountered materials, generating an emotional and dialogical relationship with the natural environment that contributes to a holistic learning experience. We propose that such an experience can help in comprehending the importance of the caring actions we need to take and maintain towards the nonhuman world.
Approaches to minimize tooth staining associated with silver diamine fluoride: A systematic review
Authors: Asghar Mehmood , Omar Ros Anita , Yahya Rosiyah , Yap Adrian Ujin , Shaikh Muhammad Saad
Published: January 2023

Objective

To the effectiveness of different strategies to overcome silver diamine fluoride (SDF)‐mediated tooth staining.

Materials and Methods

Four online databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched using different MeSH terms and Boolean Operators to retrieve the articles (until June 2021), followed by a hand‐search of the reference list of the included articles. All full‐text, original studies in English that evaluated SDF staining and at least one SDF modification/alternative were included.

Results

Among the assessed studies, nine studies explored the stain‐minimization effect of potassium iodide (KI) post‐application following SDF treatment. Among these, eight concluded that KI application after SDF treatment significantly reduced tooth staining, while one showed marginal staining following glass ionomer restoration of the SDF‐treated dentine. Additionally, one study applied potassium fluoride (KF) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) concurrently to mitigate SDF‐mediated staining. One study compared SDF staining with polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐coated nanoparticles containing sodium fluoride (NaF), and another used nanosilver fluoride (NSF) for staining comparison with SDF.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, the addition of different materials to SDF has proven to be a beneficial strategy for overcoming tooth staining associated with SDF. Future studies are warranted, particularly clinical trials, to validate these findings.

Clinical Significance

SDF‐mediated tooth staining is a serious concern that limits its clinical use. A review of various strategies to overcome this problem will help clinicians enhance its clinical use and patient acceptance.
Short‐term intra‐individual variation of urinary biomarkers in dogs with stable chronic kidney disease
Authors: Chen Hilla , Maron Lotem , Segev Gilad
Published: January 2023

Background

Active‐ongoing kidney damage is present in animals with stable chronic kidney disease (CKD), as reflected by biomarkers in urine. Interpretation of serial messurements of biomarkers requires knowledge of its intra‐individual variation.

Aims

To evaluate the short‐term intra‐individual variation of urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule‐1 (uNGAL, uKIM‐1, respectively) in dogs with stable CKD, and to determine whether normalization to urinary creatinine (uCr) decreases variation.

Animals

Twenty‐five dogs with naturally‐occurring stable CKD.

Methods

Prospective, observational study. Dogs were diagnosed with CKD based on the International Renal Interest Society guidelines. Dogs were included only if the variation in serum creatinine concentration was <25% on at least 2 measurements during the 3 months preceding inclusion, and only if serum creatinine variation was <20% during the 14‐day study period. Urine samples were collected on days 0, 4, 10 and 14. uNGAL and uKIM‐1 were measured using ELISA.

Results

The median coefficients of variation (CV) of uNGAL and uNGAL/uCr were 42% (range, 7%‐127%), and 44% (range, 8%‐100%), respectively, and the CV 90th percentiles were 97% and 83%, respectively. The median CV of uKIM‐1 and uKIM‐1/uCr were 29% (range, 16%‐91%), and 23% (range, 6%‐76%), respectively, and the CV 90th percentiles were 56% and 52%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Changes of >100% and >60% for uNGAL and uKIM‐1, respectively, in serial measurements are higher than the normal expected variation and therefore might indicate need for further investigation for underlying causes of kidney damage.
Optimal investment with correlated stochastic volatility factors
Authors: Bichuch Maxim , Fouque Jean‐Pierre
Published: January 2023

The problem of portfolio allocation in the context of stocks evolving in random environments, that is with volatility and returns depending on random factors, has attracted a lot of attention. The problem of maximizing a power utility at a terminal time with only one random factor can be linearized thanks to a classical distortion transformation. In the present paper, we address the situation with several factors using a perturbation technique around the case where these factors are perfectly correlated reducing the problem to the case with a single factor. Our proposed approximation requires to solve numerically two linear equations in lower dimension instead of a fully nonlinear HJB equation. A rigorous accuracy result is derived by constructing sub‐ and super‐solutions so that their difference is at the desired order of accuracy. We illustrate our result with a particular model for which we have explicit formulas for the approximation. In order to keep the notations as explicit as possible, we treat the case with one stock and two factors and we describe an extension to the case with two stocks and two factors.
Specific preadaptations of Rhodococcus equi cooperate with its Virulence‐associated protein A during macrophage infection
Authors: Haubenthal Thomas , Hansen Philipp , Krämer Ina , Gindt Mélanie , Jünger‐Leif Alexandra , Utermöhlen Olaf , Haas Albert
Published: January 2023

Gram‐positive Rhodococcus equi (Prescotella equi) is a lung pathogen of foals and immunocompromised humans. Intra‐macrophage multiplication requires production of the bacterial Virulence‐associated protein A (VapA) which is released into the phagosome lumen. VapA pH‐neutralizes intracellular compartments allowing R. equi to multiply in an atypical macrophage phagolysosome. Here, we show that VapA does not support intra‐macrophage growth of several other bacterial species demonstrating that only few bacteria have the specific preadaptations needed to profit from VapA. We show that the closest relative of R. equi, environmental Rhodococcus defluvii (Prescotella defluvii), does not multiply in macrophages at 37°C even when VapA is present because of its thermosensitivity but it does so once the infection temperature is lowered providing rare experimental evidence for ‘thermal restriction’. Using growth experiments with isolated macrophage lysosomes and modified infection schemes we provide evidence that R. equi resists the attack by phagolysosome contents at low pH for several hours. During this time, R. equi produces and secretes VapA which enables it to grow at the expense of lysosome constituents. We present arguments that, under natural infection conditions, R. equi is VapA‐less during the initial encounter with the host. This has important implications for vaccine development.
Rhein induces bone regeneration via alleviating inflammation in murine periodontitis model
Authors: Huang Xi , Zhu Lifang , Gong Yin
Published: January 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effect of rhein on eliminating the inflammation and promoting bone regeneration of periodontitis after local administration.

Materials and Methods

In vivo, periodontitis model was established in murine mandibular first molar by using ligature for 7 days, followed by ligature removal and local administration of rhein/vehicle for 7 consecutive days. In vitro, periodontal ligament fibroblasts were treated by LPS, along with the applications of rhein/vehicle. Histology and molecular biology approaches were applied for analysis.

Results

In vivo, rhein alleviated periodontitis inflammation through downregulating the inflammatory index and promoted the osteogenic potential of PDL fibroblasts in a dosage‐dependent manner. The result of micro‐CT validated this phenomenon. In vitro, rhein administration inhibited the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of P65, along with the arose runx2 level of PDL fibroblasts with the stimulus of LPS in mimicking periodontitis.

Conclusion

Rhein played its inhibitory role on inflammation via curbing the activation of P65 but uprising the activities of Runx2 in PDL fibroblasts in periodontitis microenvironment. These data suggested that rhein could be an effective and potential clinical choice for the treatment of periodontitis.
Severity of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) in patients with and without mucocutaneous findings
Authors: Rao Megana , Bond Caitlin , Haggstrom Anita , Bhumbra Samina
Published: January 2023

Background

There are few studies comparing severity of MIS‐C disease with mucocutaneous symptoms, age, race, and ethnicity.

Objective

To describe the mucocutaneous symptoms present on admission and evaluate whether these symptoms are correlated with a more severe MIS‐C disease course.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients with suspected MIS‐C between May 13, 2020 to April 21, 2021.

Results

Of the 66 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 84.8% (56/66) exhibited mucocutaneous findings. The most common mucocutaneous symptoms were rash, conjunctivitis, cracked lips, and sore throat. Children with mucocutaneous symptoms were younger (median 9.8 years) compared to those without (11.4 years), p = .39. The groups had similar proportions of pediatric intensive care unit admission, abnormal cardiology studies, and necessity of pressors. The presence of mucocutaneous findings on admission was associated with a lower troponin level on admission (median 0.08 ng/ml vs. 0.52, p = .003). Black children had higher odds of severe MIS‐C compared to White children (odds ratio [95% CI]: 3.30 [1.02, 10.72], p = .047). Children ≥5 years of age had greater odds of severe MIS‐C compared to children <5 years of age (odds ratio [95% CI]: 5.43 [1.39, 21.23], p = .02).

Limitations

The sample size was relatively small, there was no dermatologist present on admission, initial diagnostic testing and management varied if patients presented at outside hospitals, and the CDC case definition for MIS‐C was highly sensitive.

Conclusion

The presence of mucocutaneous symptoms negatively correlated with troponin levels, but there was no significant association between these symptoms and other markers of cardiac involvement (echocardiogram, ejection fraction, electrocardiogram).
Non‐chlorophyllous and crypto‐chlorophyllous fern spores differ in their mobilisation of fatty acids during priming
Authors: Pedrero‐López Luis V. , Flores‐Ortiz César M. , Pérez‐García Blanca , Cruz‐Ortega Rocío , Mehltreter Klaus , Sánchez‐Coronado María E. , Hernández‐Portilla Luis Barbo , Contreras‐Jiménez Gastón , Orozco‐Segovia Alma
Published: January 2023

During fern spore germination, lipid hydrolysis primarily provides the energy to activate their metabolism. In this research, fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic) were quantified in the spores exposed or not to priming (hydration–dehydration treatments). Five fern species were investigated, two from xerophilous shrubland and three from a cloud forest. We hypothesised that during the priming hydration phase, the fatty acids profile would change in concentration, depending on the spore type (non‐chlorophyllous and crypto‐chlorophyllous). The fatty acid concentration was determined by gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer. Chlorophyll in spores was vizualised by epifluorescence microscopy and quantified by high‐resolution liquid chromatography with a DAD‐UV/Vis detector. Considering all five species and all the treatments, the oleic acid was the most catabolised. After priming, we identified two patterns in the fatty acid metabolism: (1) in non‐chlorophyllous species, oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids were catabolised during imbibition and (2) in crypto‐chlorophyllous species, these fatty acids increased in concentration. These patterns suggest that crypto‐chlorophyllous spores with homoiochlorophylly (chlorophyll retained after drying) might not require the assembly of new photosynthetic apparatus during dark imbibition. Thus, these spores might require less energy from pre‐existing lipids and less fatty acids as ‘building blocks’ for cell membranes than non‐chlorophyllous spores, which require de novo synthesis and structuring of the photosynthetic apparatus.
Melatonin production by rhizobacteria native strains: Towards sustainable plant growth promotion strategies
Authors: Jofre María Florencia , Mammana Sabrina B. , Appiolaza Martín Lopez , Silva María Fernanda , Gomez Federico José Vicente , Cohen Ana Carmen
Published: January 2023

In the current context of climate change and water deficit, the selection of native beneficial microorganisms, such as plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), has become a trend for sustainable agriculture due to their ability to improve plant–bacteria interaction with a minimal adverse effect on the soil microbiota compared to commercial PGPR. Until now, the production of phytohormones like melatonin (MT) by native PGPR and their effect on endogenous MT levels in plants have been poorly studied. MT is a ubiquitous phytohormone that protects plants against biotic and abiotic stress by improving the tolerance of stressed plants. In this work, the production of MT by two native PGPR, Enterobacter 64S1 and Pseudomonas 42P4, was evaluated and both PGPR were applied in Arabidopsis thaliana plants grown under drought conditions to assess the inoculation effects. Parameters such as plant growth, leaf cellular membrane damage, leaf protective compounds, and endogenous MT levels under drought and irrigation conditions were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the native strains Pseudomonas 42P4 and Enterobacter 64S1 produce MT and increase the content of endogenous MT in A. thaliana plants under drought. These native strains improved the tolerance of arabidopsis plants to drought by preventing oxidative and membrane damages and improving plant growth. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on MT production by native PGPR and their effects on endogenous MT levels in arabidopsis plants, setting the bases to elucidate the role of native PGPR on water deficit conditions.
Cortical, muscular, and kinetic activity underpinning attentional focus strategies during visuomotor control
Authors: Parr Johnny V. V. , Gallicchio Germano , Canales‐Johnson Andrés , Uiga Liis , Wood Greg
Published: January 2023

Focusing internally on movement control or bodily sensations is frequently shown to disrupt the effectiveness and efficiency of motor control when compared to focusing externally on the outcome of movement. Whilst the behavioral consequences of these attentional strategies are well‐documented, it is unclear how they are explained at the corticomuscular level. The aim of the present study was to investigate how attentional focus strategies affect kinetic, cortical, muscular, and corticomuscular activity during an isometric force precision task. In a repeated measures design, we measured force, EEG and EMG activity from twenty‐seven participants who performed isometric contractions of the right hand whilst encouraged to adopt either an internal or external focus through a combination of instructions, secondary tasks, and self‐report evaluations. Results indicated that focusing internally led to poorer force accuracy and steadiness compared to an external focus. An internal focus also increased muscle activity of the forearm flexor, increased EEG alpha activity across the parieto‐occipital cortex, lowered frontal midline EEG theta activity, and lowered beta corticomuscular coherence between the forearm flexor and contralateral motor cortex. The results of this study provide a holistic understanding of how attentional focus strategies alter corticomuscular control during an isometric force precision task, paving the way for exploring how the behavioral consequences of attentional strategies can be explained at the corticomuscular levels across a wide range of motor tasks and contexts.
Beltrami fields and knotted vortex structures in incompressible fluid flows
Authors: Enciso Alberto , Peralta‐Salas Daniel
Published: January 2023

This paper gives a survey on recent results about the existence of knotted vortex structures in incompressible fluids. This includes the proof of Lord Kelvin's conjecture on the existence of knotted vortex tubes in steady Euler flows and a new probabilistic approach to address Arnold's speculation that typical Beltrami fields should exhibit vortex lines of arbitrary topological complexity. We review the key tools to establish these results: the global approximation properties of Beltrami fields, the inverse localization principle in spectral theory, and the theory of Gaussian random Beltrami fields, which permits the introduction of probabilistic considerations in the picture. Finally, we include some applications of these techniques to other problems, such as the existence of vortex reconnections for smooth solutions of the 3D Navier–Stokes equation and the evolution of local hot spots under the heat equation.
On the structure of rotation sets in hyperbolic surfaces
Authors: Alonso Juan , Brum Joaquín , Passeggi Alejandro
Published: January 2023

Searching for a relation between the genus of a closed oriented surface and the possible geometries for homological rotation sets of its maps, we prove that this invariant for Smale diffeomorphisms is given by a union of at most convex sets, all of them containing zero. The classical theory of hyperbolic dynamics allows then to extend this bound to a ‐open and dense set of homeomorphisms, suggesting this to be a general fact. Examples showing the sharpness for this asymptotic order are provided.
Analysis and Optimization of Heat Dissipation Module in the Motor Grader Engine Compartment
Authors: Guo Lei , Hu Jing
Published: January 2023

To solve the problem of heat reflow in the fan rotation center of the forced convection cooling system in the engine compartment, this study established a calculation model of the external flow field of the engine compartment’s cooling module. It then used the CFD numerical simulation method to calculate and analyze the heat flow characteristics of the existing radiator and compared these with the experimental results. Accordingly, the region where the heat reflux occurred and the reason for the heat reflow were found. The existing heat dissipation scheme was recalculated by using the secondary heat dissipation model, and an optimized and improved scheme was proposed to introduce a deflector cone structure to eliminate heat reflow. The research results showed that the secondary heat dissipation model could more accurately describe the heat reflow problem of the engine compartment, the heat flow organization of the improved structure was more reasonable, and the temperature distribution was more uniform. Moreover, the theoretical heat dissipation effect of the improved structure was more than 10% higher than that of the existing structure.
Designing and identifying β-hairpin peptide macrocycles with antibiotic potential
Authors: Randall Justin R. , DuPai Cory D. , Cole T. Jeffrey , Davidson Gillian , Groover Kyra E. , Slater Sabrina L. , Mavridou Despoina A. I. , Wilke Claus O. , Davies Bryan W.
Published: January 2023

Peptide macrocycles are a rapidly emerging class of therapeutic, yet the design of their structure and activity remains challenging. This is especially true for those with β-hairpin structure due to weak folding properties and a propensity for aggregation. Here, we use proteomic analysis and common antimicrobial features to design a large peptide library with macrocyclic β-hairpin structure. Using an activity-driven high-throughput screen, we identify dozens of peptides killing bacteria through selective membrane disruption and analyze their biochemical features via machine learning. Active peptides contain a unique constrained structure and are highly enriched for cationic charge with arginine in their turn region. Our results provide a synthetic strategy for structured macrocyclic peptide design and discovery while also elucidating characteristics important for β-hairpin antimicrobial peptide activity.
Understanding uncertainties in contemporary and future extreme wave events for broad-scale impact and adaptation planning
Authors: Morim Joao , Wahl Thomas , Vitousek Sean , Santamaria-Aguilar Sara , Young Ian , Hemer Mark
Published: January 2023

Understanding uncertainties in extreme wind-wave events is essential for offshore/coastal risk and adaptation estimates. Despite this, uncertainties in contemporary extreme wave events have not been assessed, and projections are still limited. Here, we quantify, at global scale, the uncertainties in contemporary extreme wave estimates across an ensemble of widely used global wave reanalyses/hindcasts supported by observations. We find that contemporary uncertainties in 50-year return period wave heights (

H
s
50

) reach (on average) ~2.5 m in regions adjacent to coastlines and are primarily driven by atmospheric forcing. Furthermore, we show that uncertainties in contemporary

H
s
50

estimates dominate projected 21st-century changes in

H
s
50

across ~80% of global ocean and coastlines. When translated into broad-scale coastal risk analysis, these uncertainties are comparable to those from storm surges and projected sea level rise. Thus, uncertainties in contemporary extreme wave events need to be combined with those of projections to fully assess potential impacts.
Tissue-preferential recruitment of electron transfer chains for cytochrome P450-catalyzed phenolic biosynthesis
Authors: Zhao Xianhai , Zhao Yunjun , Gou Mingyue , Liu Chang-Jun
Published: January 2023

Cytochrome P450 system consists of P450 monooxygenase and redox pattern(s). While the importance of monooxygenases in plant metabolism is well documented, the metabolic roles of the related redox components have been largely overlooked. Here, we show that distinct electron transfer chains are recruited in phenylpropanoid-monolignol P450 systems to support the synthesis and distribution of different classes of phenolics in different plant tissues. While
Arabidopsis
cinnamate 4-hydroxylase adopts conventional NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CPR) electron transfer chain for its
para
-hydroxylation reaction, ferulate 5-hydroxylase uses both NADPH-CPR-cytochrome

b
5

(CB5) and NADH–cytochrome

b
5

reductase–CB5 chains to support benzene ring 5-hydroxylation, in which the former route is primarily recruited in the stem for syringyl lignin synthesis, while the latter dominates in the syntheses of 5-hydroxylated phenolics in seeds and seed coat suberin. Our study unveils an additional layer of complexity and versatility of P450 system that the plants evolved for diversifying phenolic repertoires.
Experience-dependent plasticity of gustatory insular cortex circuits and taste preferences
Authors: Schiff Hillary C. , Kogan Joshua F. , Isaac Maria , Czarnecki Lindsey A. , Fontanini Alfredo , Maffei Arianna
Published: January 2023

Early experience with food influences taste preference in adulthood. How gustatory experience influences development of taste preferences and refinement of cortical circuits has not been investigated. Here, we exposed weanling mice to an array of taste solutions and determined the effects on the preference for sweet in adulthood. We demonstrate an experience-dependent shift in sucrose preference persisting several weeks following the termination of exposure. A shift in sucrose palatability, altered neural responsiveness to sucrose, and inhibitory synaptic plasticity in the gustatory portion of the insular cortex (GC) were also induced. The modulation of sweet preference occurred within a restricted developmental window, but restoration of the capacity for inhibitory plasticity in adult GC reactivated the sensitivity of sucrose preference to taste experience. Our results establish a fundamental link between gustatory experience, sweet preference, inhibitory plasticity, and cortical circuit function and highlight the importance of early life nutrition in setting taste preferences.
Catheterization of mice triggers resurgent urinary tract infection seeded by a bladder reservoir ofAcinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Hazen Jennie E. , Di Venanzio Gisela , Hultgren Scott J. , Feldman Mario F.
Published: January 2023

The antibiotic-resistant bacteriumAcinetobacter baumanniiis a leading cause of hospital-associated infections. Despite surveillance and infection control efforts, newA. baumanniistrains are regularly isolated from health care facilities worldwide. In a mouse model of urinary tract infection, we found that mice infected withA. baumanniidisplayed high bacterial burdens in urine for several weeks. Two months after the resolution ofA. baumanniiinfection, inserting a catheter into the bladder of mice with resolved infection led to the resurgence of a same-strain urinary tract infection in ~53% of the mice within 24 hours. We identified intracellularA. baumanniibacteria in the bladder epithelial cells of mice with resolved infection, which we propose could act as a host reservoir that was activated upon insertion of a catheter, leading to a resurgent secondary infection.
Duplicated Flagellins in Pseudomonas Divergently Contribute to Motility and Plant Immune Elicitation
Authors: Luo Yuan , Wang Jing , Gu Yi-Lin , Zhang Li-Qun , Wei Hai-Lei
Published: January 2023

Flagellins have emerged as important microbial patterns. This work focuses on flagellin duplication in some plant-associated
Pseudomonas
. Our findings on the divergence of duplicated flagellins provide a conceptual framework for better understanding the functional determinant flagellin and its peptide in multiple-flagellin plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria.
Sterol-Sensing Domain (SSD)-Containing Proteins in Sterol Auxotrophic
Phytophthora capsici
Mediate Sterol Signaling and Play a Role in Asexual Reproduction and Pathogenicity
Authors: Wang Weizhen , Xue Zhaolin , Xie Linfang , Zhou Xin , Zhang Fan , Zhang Sicong , Govers Francine , Liu Xili
Published: January 2023

Phytophthora
is an important genus of oomycetes that comprises many destructive plant pathogens. Due to the incompleteness of the sterol synthesis pathway,
Phytophthora
spp. do not possess the ability to produce sterols.
Loss of Flagella-Related Genes Enables a Nonflagellated, Fungal-Predating Bacterium To Strengthen the Synthesis of an Antifungal Weapon
Authors: Xiong Dan , Yang Zixiang , He Xueting , He Weimei , Shen Danyu , Wang Lu , Lin Long , Murero Aprodisia , Minamino Tohru , Shao Xiaolong , Qian Guoliang
Published: January 2023

It is generally recognized that flagellar genes are commonly responsible for the flagella-driven bacterial motility. Thus, finding nonflagellated bacteria partially or fully lost flagellar genes is not a surprise.
Cardiac sarcoidosis
Authors: Sohn Dae-Won , Park Jun-Bean
Published: January 2023

The diagnostic yield of endomyocardial biopsy in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is quite low because of the patchy involvement, and for the diagnosis of CS, existing guidelines required histological confirmation. Therefore, especially for isolated CS, diagnosis consistent with the guidelines cannot be made in a large number of patients. With recent developments in imaging modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance and 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, diagnosing CS has become easier and diagnostic criteria for CS not compulsorily requiring histological confirmation have been suggested. Despite significant advances in diagnostic tools, large-scale studies that can guide treatment plans are still lacking, and treatment has relied on the experience accumulated over the past years and the consensus of experts. However, opinions vary, depending on the situation, which is quite puzzling for the physician treating CS. Moreover, with the advent of new immunosuppressant agents, these new drugs have been applied under the assumption that the effect of immunosuppression is not much different from that of other well-known autoimmune diseases that require immunosuppression. However, we should wait to see the beneficial effects of these new immunosuppressants before we attempt to apply these agents in our clinical practice. This review summarises the widely used diagnostic criteria, current diagnostic modalities and recommended treatments for sarcoidosis. We have added our opinions on selecting or modifying diagnostic and treatment plans from the diverse current recommendations.
Lupus spectrum ambiguity has long-term negative implications for patients
Authors: Bruce Ian N , Buie Joy , Bloch Lauren , Bae Sang-Cheol , Costenbader Karen , Levy Roger A , Werth Victoria P , Marion Ashley , Sangodkar Sanjyot , Manzi Susan
Published: January 2023

Lupus is a complex disease that is often difficult to diagnose. Risks of diagnostic delays include non-specific signs and symptoms that mimic other diseases and a lack of diagnostic criteria and referral pathways for non-specialists. To address these issues, we convened a series of virtual meetings with members of our Addressing Lupus Pillars for Health Advancement clinical care team. Meeting participants included lupus physicians, treatment developers from biotechnology, patient advocacy group representatives from the Lupus Foundation of America and advocacy/government consultants. Causes and consequences of ambiguity in diagnosis and diagnostic delays were evaluated through historical, experiential and evidence-based accounts (survey data, literature reviews and patient testimonials). Discussions highlighted the need for a clearer understanding of the definition of lupus, the natural history of the disease and the need for advancements in biotechnology to support an accurate and timely diagnosis with the potential development of a lupus spectrum.