bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure, cooperativity and inhibition of the inosine 5′‐monophosphate‐specific phosphatase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Byun Sujeong , Park Changkon , Suh Jeong‐Yong , Witte Claus‐Peter , Rhee Sangkee
Published: February 2024

The nucleoside inosine is a main intermediate of purine nucleotide catabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is produced via the dephosphorylation of inosine monophosphate (IMP) by IMP‐specific 5′‐nucleotidase 1 (ISN1), which is present in many eukaryotic organisms. Upon transition of yeast from oxidative to fermentative growth, ISN1 is important for intermediate inosine accumulation as purine storage, but details of ISN1 regulation are unknown. We characterized structural and kinetic behavior of ISN1 from S. cerevisiae (ScISN1) and showed that tetrameric ScISN1 is negatively regulated by inosine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Regulation involves an inosine‐binding allosteric site along with IMP‐induced local and global conformational changes in the monomer and a tetrameric re‐arrangement, respectively. A proposed interaction network propagates local conformational changes in the active site to the intersubunit interface, modulating the allosteric features of ScISN1. Via ATP and inosine, ScISN1 activity is likely fine‐tuned to regulate IMP and inosine homeostasis. These regulatory and catalytic features of ScISN1 contrast with those of the structurally homologous ISN1 from Plasmodium falciparum, indicating that ISN1 enzymes may serve different biological purposes in different organisms.
Two New Successive Addition Arguments
Authors: Dagher Ibrahim
Published: February 2024

One of William Lane Craig's key arguments for the finitude of the past is the Successive Addition Argument (SAA). Malpass (2021) has recently developed a novel challenge to the SAA, utilising a thought experiment from the work of Fred Dretske, which is meant to show that it is possible to count to infinity, to argue that there is a counterexample to the SAA's second premise. In this paper, I contend that the Malpass‐Dretske counterexample should not worry advocates of the SAA. First, I argue that one objection Malpass considers—the Potential Infinite Objection—reveals an interesting fact: the SAA's second premise is unnecessarily strong and can be weakened whilst still yielding the same conclusion. Second, I show how another one of the objections considered by Malpass—the Accumulation Objection—is successful, provided some clarification to the SAA's premises. The upshot of both analyses is that we generate two ‘new’ Successive Addition arguments that not only move the dialectic forward, but shed light on deeper assumptions and motivating intuitions concerning the Kalām.
Migration mortality in birds
Authors: Newton Ian
Published: February 2024

Bird migration is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles, producing massive global changes in the distributions of birds twice each year. To understand the evolution of this phenomenon, it is important to know the costs of these journeys in terms of the mortality they impose. The use of mark/re‐sighting and tracking studies has now made it possible, for some bird species, to separate mortality during migration from mortality during stationary periods. This paper aims to assess this information, based mainly on 31 published studies, most of which concern long‐distance migrations of passerines, large waterfowl and raptors. Most of these studies revealed that mortality rates were greater during migration than at other times – in some species more than 20 times greater. Overall, on the basis of median values, mortality per unit time during autumn journeys was about 3.0 times greater than mortality during stationary periods, during spring journeys about 6.3 times greater, and during autumn and spring journeys combined 4.4 times greater. The greater overall mortality on spring journeys was largely associated with more adverse wind conditions in spring than in autumn. High mortality rates were especially evident in birds crossing large ecological barriers, such as the Sahara Desert or the Gulf of Mexico, and were higher in that part of their journey than when crossing more benign terrain. There was no increase in mortality during migration in the adults of some long‐lived species with high annual survival and predominantly overland journeys; for these birds, much larger samples of year‐round tracked individuals will be needed to reveal any seasonal variations in mortality. Within certain species, birds that travelled long distances experienced greater mortality over the journey than those that travelled short distances, but in other species no such relationship was found. In species in which adults and juveniles were followed over the same journey, juveniles showed greater mortality. To judge from other studies, this difference could be attributed to the inexperience of juveniles, their lower feeding rates and flight efficiency, greater vulnerability to hazards such as weather and predation, or more frequent navigational errors. Broadly speaking, the risks of migration vary with features of the birds themselves, with the terrain to be crossed and with weather at the time. It may be assumed that migration persists in the long term because the costs (in terms of associated mortality) are more than offset by the benefits of breeding and wintering in different areas (in terms of improved overall survival and breeding success). To provide further understanding of migration mortality, suggestions are made on the types of studies required and on how they could best be conducted.
A rapidly growing nodule on the face during pregnancy
Authors: Lai Michela , Piana Simonetta , Mirra Marica , Raucci Margherita , Pampena Riccardo , Longo Caterina
Published: February 2024

It is well known that adnexal skin tumors can simulate other cutaneous neoplasia and that various types of benign and malignant skin tumors can develop or modify during pregnancy. Here, we report a case of trichoblastoma mimicking a keratoacanthoma arising in a nevus sebaceous during pregnancy. Given its unique clinical and dermoscopic features, this case highlights the pivotal role of clinicopathological correlation in the diagnosis of adnexal tumors with an atypical clinical presentation.
Enhancing ice cream qualities with novel rice husk cellulose nanocrystal applications
Authors: Samsalee Namfon , Meerasri Jitrawadee , Sothornvit Rungsinee
Published: February 2024

Cellulose nanocrystals derived from rice husk (CNC) using a chemical method combined with high‐pressure homogenisation, were investigated for their application in ice cream formulations. The physicochemical and sensory properties of ice cream with CNC at three different concentrations (0%, 0.15%, and 0.30% wt.) and two levels of whipping cream as fat content (5% and 10% wt.) were studied. The results indicate that increased CNC concentration enhanced the overrun and viscosity of the ice cream samples. Furthermore, 10% fat ice cream with 0.30% CNC exhibited higher total phenolic content and antioxidant activity compared to the others. The hardness and melting rate of the ice cream samples tended to decrease with higher fat levels and CNC concentrations. Moreover, CNC helped to improve the quality of low‐fat ice cream while still maintaining satisfactory sensory properties. Therefore, CNC has the potential as a stabiliser for ice cream to improve its overall properties.
Avocado leaf‐waste management: drying technology and quality of leaf herbal teas of different varieties cultivated in the Mediterranean area
Authors: Cincotta Fabrizio , Merlino Maria , Condurso Concetta , Miller Anthea , Torre Marco , Verzera Antonella
Published: February 2024

Avocado production is globally increasing, and wastes and by‐products are becoming an emergent problem for its sustainability. The research aims to valorise the avocado waste leaves, giving them new challenges and opportunities in the herbal tea sector. In this regard, leaves of different avocado varieties cultivated in the Mediterranean area and different drying technologies were considered for the preparation of herbal teas; chemical and sensory analyses have been carried out. The results demonstrated differences in the composition, antioxidant activity, aroma volatiles, sensory features, and thus on the consumers' acceptability of the avocado herbal teas in relation to the variety and the drying technology. Herbal teas prepared with microwave‐dried leaves of Fuerte and Bacon varieties were the most appreciated by consumers for their sweet taste and anise‐like odour. The data showed the possibility of using avocado leaf waste for new herbal teas, evidencing the influence of the drying technology and variety on the functional and sensory features of the developed product. In this context, the approach here applied resulted fundamental to orientate the development of new sustainable and healthy herbal tea that meets consumers' demands.
Improving the encapsulation of β‐carotene by nanoliposomes via potato starch/whey protein coating
Authors: Gu Jinhui , Xu Tao , Pan Min‐hsiung , Chiou Yi‐shiou , Ding Baomiao
Published: February 2024

The ability of nanoliposomes (NLs) to encapsulate β‐carotene synergistically improved via the potato starch (PS)/whey protein (WP) coating was investigated. The encapsulation efficiency of PS‐/WP‐coated NL (SP‐NL) increased to above 80% compared to that of NL, PS‐coated NL, and WP‐coated NL. It manifested that the ability of NL to encapsulate β‐carotene was significantly enhanced after coating with PS/WP. The encapsulation ability of SP‐NL was also influenced by environmental factors (pH, temperature, and ionic strength). Moreover, the storage stability of NL after complexation with PS/WP was effectively enhanced compared to that of NL, PS‐coated NL, and WP‐coated NL. TEM images showed that SP‐NL was fairly spherical, and SP‐NL mainly ranged between 100 nm and 500 nm in size. Zeta‐potential and particle size indicated that the dispersion of SP‐NL was highly stable, and electrostatic forces played a vital role in the stability. Furthermore, the fluorescence polarisation of DPH demonstrated that the decrease in membrane fluidity of NL after PS/WP coating was more obvious from 5.28 to 4.05 compared with that of NL after PS or WP coating, indicating that PS/WP was more effective in increasing the rigidity of the phospholipid layer and improving the structure of the bilayer. The present study suggests that PS/WP coating on NL can be an effective strategy to improve the ability of NL to encapsulate β‐carotene and may provide some theoretical support for the development of an effective delivery system for bioactive substances.
Functional properties and anti‐hyperglycaemia capacity of Satureja essential oil: stabilisation of essential oil in gelatin and physico‐chemical properties characterisation
Authors: Obeidnejad Elham , Kavoosi Gholamreza , Saharkhiz Mohammad Jamal , Niakousari Mehrdad
Published: February 2024

This work presents the impact of Satureja essential oil (SEO) on the mRNA generation of NFR2, NF‐kB, and NOX (NADH oxidase) in the macrophage stimulated with hyperglycaemia. Furthermore, SEO incorporated into gelatin particles and physico‐chemical properties were investigated. The major variation between different constituents of SEO was found in carvacrol (35.9%–87.6%) and γ‐terpinene (0.43%–33.9%). Different SEO with different constituents exhibited comparable antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 0.170–0.215 mg mL−1), anti‐linoleic acid oxidation (IC50 = 0.137–0.195 mg mL−1), anti‐lecithin oxidation (IC50 = 0.126–0.134 mg mL−1), anti‐starch oxidation (IC50 = 0.155–0.199 mg mL−1), anti‐protein oxidation (IC50 = 0.166–0.211 mg mL−1), anti‐amylase capacity (IC50 = 0.202–0.230 mg mL−1), and anti‐lipase capacity (IC50 = 0.24–0.260 mg mL−1). Hyperglycaemia stimulates NOX, NFR2, NF‐kB, and hydrogen peroxide in macrophages. SEO (at 0.03 and 0.06 mg mL−1) decreased NOX and NF‐kB activity and hydrogen peroxide and increased NFR2 in hyperglycaemia‐stimulated macrophages. The physio‐chemical parameters of gelatin dispersion were electrical conductivity (1095 microsiemens cm−1), osmolarity (176 milliosmol kg−1), surface tension (42 mN m−1), zeta potential (−40 mV), particle size (123 nm), particle size distribution (0.18), and viscosity (3.47 mPa.s). The techno‐functional parameters of gelatin particles were water content (10.4%), water solubility (83%), water swelling (138%), hygroscopicity (35%), hydrophobicity (6.8 μg g−1), emulsification activity (62%), emulsification stability (52%), foam activity (49%), foam stability (42%), water‐holding capacity (4.5 g g−1), and oil‐holding capacity (2.4 g g−1). SEO causes minor changes in the techno‐functional and physico‐chemical properties of gelatin. The current investigation introduces gelatin/SEO as a possible functional ingredient for bioactive food products for the treatment of diabetes, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
Effect of ingredients on cooking quality, textural properties, and microstructure of fresh mung bean by‐product gluten‐free pasta
Authors: Adiba Iffadhiya Fathin , Sae‐tan Sudathip , Katekhong Wattinee , Ritthiruangdej Pitiporn , Chaveesuk Ravipim , Ratanasumawong Savitree
Published: February 2024

Mung bean by‐product (MBB), containing high protein and dietary fibre, was selected as the main ingredient to make fresh gluten‐free pasta. Effects of MBB flour, egg white powder (EWP) and water on pasta quality were investigated by extreme vertices mixture design. Seven formulations of MBB pasta were evaluated for colour, protein content, dietary fibre, cooking quality and textural properties. All MBB pasta formulations had significantly higher protein content and dietary fibre than semolina pasta. Higher EWP content increased optimum cooking time, firmness, tensile strength and elongation (P ≤ 0.05) and decreased cooking loss. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the EWP created a strongly continuous protein network. An increase in water reduced cooking time and firmness but increased cooking loss (P ≤ 0.05). Firm and elastic cooked MBB pasta was obtained under conditions of high EWP and low moisture content.
“Do the right thing”: Immigrant perspectives of social worker support in the United States
Authors: Rai Abha , Held Mary Lehman , Huslage Melody , Galvez Eliza , Ayalew Yigermal Demissie , Siksay Leia
Published: February 2024

Social workers play a distinctive role in serving all communities, especially immigrants. Heightened immigrant stress and deteriorating well‐being have been reported amid recent anti‐immigrant socio‐political climate. Given the unique challenges of immigrants, they have distinct needs. In our study, we utilize data from a larger study including a sample of first‐ and second‐generation immigrants, to understand “How can social workers support immigrant communities?” In total, N = 265 participants responded to this prompt. We employed a content analysis approach to analyze participant responses. Our analysis yielded four main themes: (1) Resources for immigrants, (2) Doing right by immigrants, (3) Advocacy, and (4) Understanding immigrants. Our findings are timely in highlighting the diverse perspectives about immigrant needs in the current socio‐political climate. Study findings have implications for social workers as well as service providers/agencies that engage with immigrants.
Pla2g5 contributes to viral‐like‐induced lung inflammation through macrophage proliferation and LA/Ffar1 lung cell recruitment
Authors: Koganesawa Masaya , Dwyer Daniel F. , Alhallak Kinan , Nagai Jun , Zaleski Kendall , Samuchiwal Sachin , Hiroaki Hayashi , Nishida Airi , Hirsch Thomas I. , Brennan Patrick J. , Puder Mark , Balestrieri Barbara
Published: February 2024

Macrophages expressing group V phospholipase A2 (Pla2g5) release the free fatty acid (FFA) linoleic acid (LA), potentiating lung type 2 inflammation. Although Pla2g5 and LA increase in viral infections, their role remains obscure. We generated Pla2g5flox/flox mice, deleted Pla2g5 by using the Cx3cr1cre transgene, and activated bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BM‐Macs) with poly:IC, a synthetic double‐stranded RNA that triggers a viral‐like immune response, known Pla2g5‐dependent stimuli (IL‐4, LPS + IFNγ, IL‐33 + IL‐4 + GM‐CSF) and poly:IC + LA followed by lipidomic and transcriptomic analysis. Poly:IC‐activated Pla2g5flox/flox;Cx3cr1cre/+ BM‐Macs had downregulation of major bioactive lipids and critical enzymes producing those bioactive lipids. In addition, AKT phosphorylation was lower in poly:IC‐stimulated Pla2g5flox/flox;Cx3cr1cre/+ BM‐Macs, which was not restored by adding LA to poly:IC‐stimulated BM‐Macs. Consistently, Pla2g5flox/flox;Cx3cr1cre/+ mice had diminished poly:IC‐induced lung inflammation, including inflammatory macrophage proliferation, while challenging Pla2g5flox/flox;Cx3cr1cre/+ mice with poly:IC + LA partially restored lung inflammation and inflammatory macrophage proliferation. Finally, mice lacking FFA receptor‐1 (Ffar1)‐null mice had reduced poly:IC‐induced lung cell recruitment and tissue macrophage proliferation, not corrected by LA. Thus, Pla2g5 contributes to poly:IC‐induced lung inflammation by regulating inflammatory macrophage proliferation and LA/Ffar1‐mediated lung cell recruitment and tissue macrophage proliferation.
Cardiac implantable electronic devices in female patients: Esthetic, breast implant, and anatomic considerations
Authors: Salinas Cristina A. , Ezzeddine Fatima M. , Mulpuru Siva K. , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Sharaf Basel A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The implantation of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) can have esthetic and psychological consequences on patients. We explore a heart team model for care coordination and discuss esthetic approaches for improved cosmetic outcomes in patients undergoing (CIED)‐related procedures or de novo implantation.

Methods

Patients undergoing CIED surgery for approved indications between June 2015 and June 2022 were identified. Patients were included when surgical care was provided by a collaborative relationship between the primary electrophysiologist and the plastic surgeon. Patient demographics, details of the surgical procedure, information on breast implants, complications, and outcomes related to cosmesis were recorded.

Results

Twenty‐two female patients were included in this study. The mean age was 50.2 ± 18.2 years. The mean follow‐up duration was 2.2 ± 5.5 months. The top two indications for the procedure included CIED generator change (n = 9, 41%) and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) implantation (n = 7, 32%). The most common reasons for involving plastic surgery in the procedure included surgery near breast implants (n = 10, 45%) and device displacement or discomfort (n = 8, 36%). CIED pocket position was prepectoral in 10 cases (45%), subpectoral in 11 patients (50%), and intramuscular in one patient (4.5%). The majority of the patients (20, 91%) had cosmetically acceptable results postprocedure. One patient (4.5%) had breast asymmetry on the CIED side, and another continued to have skin erosion over the CIED and leads.

Conclusion

A heart team approach incorporating the expertize of cardiac electrophysiology and plastic surgery is essential for providing optimal care for patients with breast implants and patients requesting esthetic appeal.
EU Geoeconomic Power in the Clean Energy Transition
Authors: Jerzyniak Tomasz , Herranz‐Surrallés Anna
Published: February 2024

The energy transition is affected by a ‘double geopoliticisation’: global competition for hydrocarbons has increased, due to the sudden turmoil in the energy markets, whilst the urgency to clean energy transition has exacerbated competition for green technological leadership. This article investigates whether the EU has adapted its goals and instruments to these intertwined geopoliticisation pressures and, if so, under what conditions has it been able to wield geoeconomic power. Using Barnett and Duvall's taxonomy of power, this article argues that geoeconomic power presupposes a shift from diffuse to direct forms of power and theorises the factors that facilitate or constrain the EU's ability to exercise this type of power. This article finds that the EU has significantly transformed the goals and instruments of its external energy policy. Yet the extent of its geoeconomic power depends on a combination of often‐overlooked domestic enabling factors and the external geopolitical environment.
Truncated GPNMB, a microglial transmembrane protein, serves as a scavenger receptor for oligomeric β‐amyloid peptide1‐42 in primary type 1 microglia
Authors: Kawahara Kohichi , Hasegawa Takuya , Hasegawa Noa , Izumi Taisei , Sato Koji , Sakamaki Toshiyuki , Ando Masayuki , Maeda Takehiko
Published: February 2024

Glycoprotein non‐metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) is up‐regulated in one subtype of microglia (MG) surrounding senile plaque depositions of amyloid‐beta (Aβ) peptides. However, whether the microglial GPNMB can recognize the fibrous Aβ peptides as ligands remains unknown. In this study, we report that the truncated form of GPNMB, the antigen for 9F5, serves as a scavenger receptor for oligomeric Aβ1‐42 (o‐Aβ1‐42) in rat primary type 1 MG. 125I‐labeled o‐Aβ1‐42 exhibited specific and saturable endosomal/lysosomal degradation in primary‐cultured type 1 MG from GPNMB‐expressing wild‐type mice, whereas the degradation activity was markedly reduced in cells from Gpnmb‐knockout mice. The Gpnmb‐siRNA significantly inhibits the degradation of 125I‐o‐Aβ1‐42 by murine microglial MG5 cells. Therefore, GPNMB contributes to mouse MG's o‐Aβ1‐42 clearance. In rat primary type 1 MG, the cell surface expression of truncated GPNMB was confirmed by a flow cytometric analysis using a previously established 9F5 antibody. 125I‐labeled o‐Aβ1‐42 underwent endosomal/lysosomal degradation by rat primary type 1 MG in a dose‐dependent fashion, while the 9F5 antibody inhibited the degradation. The binding of 125I‐o‐Aβ1‐42 to the rat primary type 1 MG was inhibited by 42% by excess unlabeled o‐Aβ1‐42, and by 52% by the 9F5 antibody. Interestingly, the 125I‐o‐Aβ1‐42 degradations by MG‐like cells from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells was inhibited by the 9F5 antibody, suggesting that truncated GPNMB also serve as a scavenger receptor for o‐Aβ1‐42 in human MG. Our study demonstrates that the truncated GPNMB (the antigen for 9F5) binds to oligomeric form of Aβ1‐42 and functions as a scavenger receptor on MG, and 9F5 antibody can act as a blocking antibody for the truncated GPNMB.

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Geographic disparities in late HIV diagnoses in Tennessee: Opportunities for interventions in the rural Southeast
Authors: Gibas Kevin M. , Rebeiro Peter F. , Brantley Meredith , Mathieson Samantha , Maurer Laurie , Pettit April C.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Incident HIV remains an important public health issue in the US South, the region leading the nation in HIV incidence, rural HIV cases, and HIV‐related deaths. Late diagnoses drive incident HIV and understanding factors driving late diagnoses is critical for developing locally relevant HIV testing and prevention interventions, decreasing HIV transmission, and ending the HIV epidemic.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study utilizing Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) surveillance data and US Census Bureau data. Adults of ≥18‐year old with a new HIV diagnosis between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019 identified in the TDH electronic HIV/AIDS Reporting System were included. Individuals were followed from initial HIV diagnosis until death, 90 days of follow‐up for outcome assessment, or administrative censoring 90 days after study enrollment closed.

Findings

We included 3652 newly HIV‐diagnosed individuals; median age was 31 years (IQR: 25, 42), 2909 (79.7%) were male, 2057 (56.3%) were Black, 246 (6.7%) were Hispanic, 408 (11.2%) were residing in majority‐rural areas at diagnosis, and 642 (17.6%) individuals received a late HIV diagnosis. Residents of majority‐rural counties (adjusted risk ratios [aRR] = 1.39, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.16–1.67) and Hispanic individuals (aRR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.50–2.33) had an increased likelihood of receiving a late diagnosis after controlling for race/ethnicity, age, and year of HIV diagnosis.

Conclusions

Rural residence and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with an increased risk of receiving a late HIV diagnosis in Tennessee. Future HIV testing and prevention efforts should be adapted to the needs of these vulnerable populations.
When I say …. Planetary Health
Authors: McLean Michelle
Published: February 2024

Thought you knew what 'planetary health' meant? Professor Michelle McLean wants to make sure we are all on the same page to advance an urgent agenda.
Diagnostic yield of left‐sided colonic manometry in identifying colonic dysmotility in pediatric patients
Authors: Dorfman Lev , El‐Chammas Khalil , Brijawi Omar , Fei Lin , Mansi Sherief , Kaul Ajay
Published: February 2024

Background

Colonic manometry (CM) is a diagnostic procedure utilized in the evaluation of intractable constipation and involves endoscopic insertion of a manometry catheter with the tip placed in the cecum. Difficulty in advancing the colonic manometry catheter to the right colon and/or distal displacement of the catheter after appropriate placement can result in partial evaluation of the colon. Our study aimed to assess the value of limited left CM in identifying motility disorders.

Methods

We evaluated CM studies conducted at a tertiary pediatric center (2019–2022). Abnormal CM studies with catheter tips located in the cecum or ascending colon were included.

Key Results

Of 161 CM studied, 68 with abnormal CM studies met inclusion criteria (29 [42.7%] females, median age 10.3 years). Pan‐colonic dysmotility was noted in 29 (42.7%) studies and segmental dysmotility in 39 (57.4%) studies. Dysmotility of the descending and/or sigmoid colon was the most common segmental dysmotility (30, 76.9%). Isolated dysmotility of the ascending colon was noted only in patients with a cecostomy (6/13, 46.2%). The diagnostic sensitivity for dysmotility by left CM was 91.2%, which increased to 100% when excluding patients with cecostomy.

Conclusions and Inferences

Left CM is a valuable and sensitive diagnostic tool for identifying abnormal colonic motility in most pediatric patients with constipation without cecostomy. Our study results provide reassurance when the manometry catheter becomes dislodged from the cecum and moves distally. Those with cecostomy have a high prevalence of dysmotility in the ascending colon and need a complete CM to identify it.
Effect of Iberogast (STW5) on tolerance to colonic gas in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo control clinical trial
Authors: Aguilar Ariadna , Benslaiman Bouchra , Serra Jordi
Published: February 2024

Background

STW5 is an herbal medicinal product that, in previous studies, reduced abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The effect of STW5 on gas‐related abdominal symptoms is unknown.

Aim

To determine the effects of STW5, compared to placebo, on the responses to colonic gas in IBS.

Methods

Using a cross‐over design, two gas challenge tests were performed in 10 patients with IBS and bloating after 2‐weeks treatment with (a) STW5 and (b) placebo. The challenge test consisted in continuous infusion of gas into the colon (24 mL/min for 60 min), followed by a 30‐min free evacuation period. Gas evacuation, symptom perception, and abdominal distension were continuously registered.

Results

Colonic gas filling was associated to a significant rise in abdominal symptom perception, that was significantly greater when patients were on‐placebo (score increment 4.0 ± 0.3) compared with on‐STW5 (score increment 3.2 ± 0.4; p = 0.035). Gas filling was associated to a progressive abdominal distension that was similar with both treatments. Opening of the rectal cannula produced a massive gas evacuation, similar after both treatments, associated to a return of abdominal perception and distension to basal levels when patients were on‐STW5 (score increment −0.1 ± 0.4; distension 0.3 ± 0.2 cm; p = 0.399, and p = 0.112 vs. basal), whereas both remained increased on‐placebo (score increment 0.5 ± 0.3; distension 0.8 ± 0.3 cm; p = 0.048, and p = 0.016 vs. infusion start).

Conclusions

STW5 improves colonic gas tolerance in IBS patients with bloating without a significant effect on gas retention and evacuation. This medicinal product can be beneficious for treatment of gas‐related abdominal symptoms in patients with bloating. EudraCT: 2019‐003976‐38.
Placebo response to sham electroacupuncture in patients with chronic functional constipation: A secondary analysis
Authors: Xiong Zhiyi , Ma Peihong , Zhang Haoran , Liu Cunzhi , Liu Baoyan , Liu Zhishun , Yan Shiyan
Published: February 2024

Background

Chronic severe functional constipation is a common disease that requires novel and effective treatment strategies. Acupuncture might constitute a promising therapeutic approach for chronic constipation, but it reportedly engenders an enhanced placebo response. Herein, we aimed to determine the magnitude of the placebo responses to electroacupuncture for constipation and identify its influencing factors.

Methods

In this secondary analysis of a multicenter randomized trial, patients were randomized to a sham electroacupuncture group, which was administered for 8 weeks in 24 sessions of superficial needling at nonacupoints. The placebo response rates were assessed using three responder criteria: ≥3 complete spontaneous bowel movements per week (CSBMs/week), overall CSBM, and sustained CSBM. Logistic regression with backward selection method was employed to identify the potential factors that affected the placebo response.

Key Results

Overall, 539 patients were included in the study. The placebo response rate was 10.58%, 9.46%, and 9.09% according to the three aforementioned criteria, respectively. Those who exhibited more CSBMs/week at baseline were more likely to respond to sham electroacupuncture. Among patients with more than one CSBM per week at baseline, the response rates for achieving the criteria of ≥3 CSBMs per week, overall CSBM, and sustained CSBM were 25.40%, 30.16%, and 22.22%.

Conclusions and Inference

Electroacupuncture did not demonstrate a large placebo response in functional constipation treatment. The number of CSBMs at baseline may be a moderator of the placebo response to sham electroacupuncture. Thus, superficial needling sham acupuncture may be considered an ideal sham control for clinical trials of chronic constipation.
The ETI‐dependent receptor‐like kinase 1 positively regulates effector‐triggered immunity by stabilizing NLR‐required for cell death 4 in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Sun Yujing , Liu Fan , Zeng Mengzhu , Zhang Xinjie , Cui Ying , Chen Zhaodan , Wang Lei , Xu Yuanpeng , Wu Jinbin , Guo Shengya , Dong Xian , Dong Suomeng , Wang Yan , Wang Yuanchao
Published: February 2024

Leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinases (LRR‐RLKs) comprise the largest class of membrane‐localized receptor‐like kinases in plants. Leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinases are key immune sectors contributing to pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI), but whether LRR‐RLK mediates effector‐triggered immunity (ETI) in plants remains unclear.

In this study, we evaluated the function of LRR‐RLKs in regulating ETI by using a virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS)‐based reverse genetic screening assay, and identified a LRR‐RLK named ETI‐dependent receptor‐like kinase 1 (EDK1) required for ETI triggered by the avirulence effector AVRblb2 secreted by Phytophthora infestans and its cognate receptor Rpi‐blb2. Silencing or knockout of EDK1 compromised immunity mediated by Rpi‐blb2 and the cell death triggered by recognition of AVRblb2.

NLR‐required for cell death 4 (NRC4), a signaling component acts downstream of Rpi‐blb2, was identified that interacts with EDK1 using the LC–MS analysis and the interaction was further evaluated by co‐immunoprecipitation. EDK1 promotes protein accumulation of NRC4 in a kinase‐dependent manner and positively regulates resistance to P. infestans in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Our study revealed that EDK1 positively regulates plant ETI through modulating accumulation of the NLR signaling component NRC4, representing a new regulatory role of the membrane‐localized LRR‐RLKs in plant immunity.
Adherence and dropout in exercise‐based interventions in childhood obesity: A systematic review of randomized trials
Authors: Guijo Jaddy Antunes , do Prado Wagner Luiz , de Araújo Rodrigo Cappato , dos Santos Ellem Eduarda Pinheiro , Malik Neal , Lofrano‐Prado Mara C. , Botero Joao Paulo
Published: February 2024

Our objective was to systematically examine the characteristics of exercise interventions on adherence and dropout in children and adolescents with obesity. PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Lilacs, Scielo, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and reference lists of relevant articles were searched. We included randomized controlled trials with exercise interventions for pediatric patients with obesity presenting data on dropout and/or adherence. Two reviewers screened the records independently for eligibility with disagreements being resolved by a third reviewer. Twenty‐seven studies with 1268 participants were included. Because of high heterogeneity and poor reporting of adherence, it was not possible to perform a meta‐analysis. Dropout prevalence was calculated, and subgroup analyses comparing different types of exercise and a meta‐regression with potential moderators were performed. We found a dropout rate of 13%. Subgroup analyses did not identify significant differences. The duration of the exercise presented a moderating effect on dropout, suggesting that longer exercise sessions may lead to higher dropout in children and adolescents with obesity. Because of the poor adherence data, it is not clear which exercise characteristics may moderate adherence. To improve the quality of childhood obesity care, it is mandatory that future studies present adherence data. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021290700.
Forged soft tissues revealed in the oldest fossil reptile from the early Permian of the Alps
Authors: Rossi Valentina , Bernardi Massimo , Fornasiero Mariagabriella , Nestola Fabrizio , Unitt Richard , Castelli Stefano , Kustatscher Evelyn
Published: February 2024

Tridentinosaurus antiquus represents one of the oldest fossil reptiles and one of the very few skeletal specimens with evidence of soft tissue preservation from the Cisuralian (Early Permian) of the Italian Alps. The preservation and appearance of the fossil have puzzled palaeontologists for decades and its taphonomy and phylogenetic position have remained unresolved. We reanalysed T. antiquus using ultraviolet light (UV), 3D surface modelling, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), micro x‐ray diffraction (μ‐XRD), Raman and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transformed infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy to determine the origin of the body outline and test whether this represents the remains of organically preserved soft tissues which in turn could reveal important anatomical details about this enigmatic protorosaur. The results reveal, however, that the material forming the body outline is not fossilized soft tissues but a manufactured pigment indicating that the body outline is a forgery. Our discovery poses new questions about the validity of this enigmatic taxon.
The legitimacy of local government in the Australian federation
Authors: Brenton Scott , Stein Jonas
Published: February 2024

Australian local government does not enjoy the status of its counterparts in comparable democracies and has long sought acknowledgment in the federal constitution. As these campaigns have consistently failed, this study considers how, and in which forms, local government obtains its own political legitimacy within a governance system centered on the citizen–state relationship, in addition to evaluating the relationships between the different forms of legitimacy. We find that positive perceptions of local government effectiveness are associated with higher levels of support for constitutional change, but that local governments need to pay more attention to systems of accountability and oversight, how building and planning issues are handled, and how they communicate with residents. Generally, and unsurprisingly, local government is appreciated more by those who rely on their services yet who are not always the loudest voices in public debates. Constitutional legitimacy is more likely when other sources of legitimacy are enhanced.

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Cardiovascular reactivity to acute psychological stress is associated with generalized self‐efficacy and self‐efficacy outcomes during adventure challenges
Authors: Tyne William P. , Fletcher David , Stevinson Clare , Paine Nicola J.
Published: February 2024

Outdoor adventure challenges are commonly used to enhance self‐efficacy, but the physiological mechanisms involved remain unexplored. Additionally, while studies have documented the influence of self‐efficacy on stress management, general self‐efficacy has yet to be fully understood in the context of cardiovascular stress reactivity (CVR). This study investigated the influence of self‐efficacy beliefs on CVR during acute psychological stress tasks. Additionally, it explored whether CVR serves as a novel mechanism underlying the outcomes of outdoor adventure challenges. As part of a wider randomized controlled trial, participants (n = 55) were invited to complete a laboratory session to assess CVR to an active (paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT)) and a passive (cold pressor test (CPT)) stress task. Randomized participants (n = 33) to the experimental condition also engaged in a high ropes challenge course after the laboratory session. It was found that greater self‐reported self‐efficacy was associated with larger CVR during the CPT and positively associated with perceived engagement and performance during the PASAT. Secondly, participants reporting positive change in self‐efficacy post‐intervention were associated with greater CVR and greater CVR was associated with higher ratings of intervention engagement and perceived challenge. This study provides preliminary evidence suggesting that greater efficacy beliefs may heighten CVR to passive acute psychological stressors. Habitual stress reactivity may represent a novel mechanism involved in outdoor and adventure‐based interventions. Future research should continue to explore the impact of psychological variables on stress physiology and examine CVR as a potential mechanism in adventure experiences.
Fermentation in aquafeed processing: Achieving sustainability in feeds for global aquaculture production
Authors: Siddik Muhammad A. B. , Julien Billie B. , Islam S. M. Majharul , Francis David S.
Published: February 2024

Improving feed suitability and bolstering the global upsurge in fish production is a strategic challenge for aquaculture. The utilization of plant and animal derived ingredients in aquafeed for achieving sustainable in finfish aquaculture is affected by various factors, including the presence of antinutritional factors, lowered nutrient bioavailability, indigestible particles and microbial contaminants. Applying fermentation to overcome these problems in aquafeed ingredients has received considerable attention in recent years as fermentation provides health‐promoting probiotic benefits to host organisms. Fermentation has also been shown in many studies to improve nutrient availability and bioavailability of feed, increased palatability and digestibility and eliminate anti‐nutritional compounds in dietary feed ingredients, making them more easily digestible which eventually improve growth and health performance of fish. Therefore, it is imperative to accelerate the use of fermented feedstuffs as aquafeed if sustainable aquaculture is to be achieved. This review reported the various methods of fermentation, characteristics of fermented feed ingredients, factors that are considered during fermentation and overall nutritional quality of fermented feed ingredients for aquaculture production. The role of fermented feed ingredients for various farmed species in terms of growth, feed utilization, gut microbiota composition, immunity and disease resistance in fish is thoroughly discussed. The possible drawbacks associated with the fermentation process are also discussed in the article.
Enduring education and employment: Examining motivation and mechanisms of psychological resilience
Authors: Seidel Laura , Cawley Elizabeth Irene , Blanchard Céline
Published: February 2024

Resilience, the ability to bounce back from difficult events, is critical for an individual to negotiate stressors and adversity. Despite being widely studied, little is known about the processes involved in the development of resilience. The goal of the studies are to investigate the relationship between motivation orientation, emotional intelligence, cognitive appraisals, and psychological resilience. Two studies, using self‐report questionnaires were conducted with employed young adults also enrolled in post‐secondary studies (pre‐ and during the pandemic) to test the tenability of our proposed models. Study 1 and Study 2 showed that emotional intelligence and challenge appraisals were mediators of autonomous motivation and resilience. Study 2 revealed statistically significant differences in mean scores of autonomous motivation and emotional intelligence between non‐pandemic students and pandemic students. Based on the findings, it is suggested that autonomous motivation, emotional intelligence, and challenge appraisals are important aptitudes for the development of resilience. Furthermore, findings suggest that social isolation caused by the pandemic may have affected levels of emotional intelligence. Ultimately, the research expands the literature on both self‐determination theory and resilience by offering a unique multiple mediation model for predicting the development of resilience within the employed undergraduate population.
Fluoroscopically measured bronchial collapse in healthy dogs during cough exceeds 25%, and a cutoff of 60% bronchial collapse can be used to distinguish healthy from chronically coughing dogs
Authors: Blank Carolyn , Granger L. Abbigail , Gaschen Lorrie , Liu Chin‐Chi , Gaschen Frederic
Published: February 2024

Bronchomalacia, the weakening of bronchial cartilage, is a common cause of cough in dogs. The gold standard for diagnosis of bronchomalacia is bronchoscopy; however, fluoroscopy is often used as a preliminary diagnostic test due to its noninvasiveness. The normal amount of bronchial collapse in healthy dogs using fluoroscopy has not been previously established, with some authors citing <25%. The aims of this prospective and retrospective analytical observational study were to determine the normal amount of airway collapse in healthy animals, the amount of airway collapse in dogs with chronic cough and presumed bronchomalacia, and cut‐off values of airway collapse during expiration and cough to distinguish between the two groups. Thoracic fluoroscopy was performed in right and left lateral recumbency during inspiration, expiration, and cough to evaluate the percentage collapse of the trachea and lobar bronchi in 45 healthy and 76 chronically coughing dogs. The bronchi of chronically coughing dogs exhibited a significantly greater amount of collapse during both expiration and cough compared with healthy dogs. Chronically coughing dogs exhibited up to 31.7 ± 26.6% collapse in expiration and 87.5 ± 23.7% collapse during cough, whereas healthy dogs exhibited 14.9 ± 6.1% collapse in expiration and 35.0 ± 13.7% collapse during cough. Based on ROC curves, the authors suggest using cut‐off values of 30% during expiration and 60% during cough to distinguish between healthy dogs and those with presumed bronchomalacia. Findings suggest that though healthy dogs can exhibit a greater degree of airway collapse than previously thought, fluoroscopy can be used to distinguish between healthy and presumed bronchomalacic dogs.
Quantitative studies on B‐mode ultrasound and point shear wave elastography of kidneys in nonazotemic dogs
Authors: Jena Biswadeep , Mohindroo Jitender , Gupta Kuldip , Singh Navdeep
Published: February 2024

Renal diseases in dogs can be diagnosed effectively using B‐mode ultrasound. Point shear wave elastography (pSWE) has demonstrated usefulness in diagnosing renal diseases in human medicine. However, its application in veterinary medicine is in its nascent stage. It was hypothesized that establishing pSWE reference values in nonazotemic dogs would prove valuable in differentiating renal diseases. In light of this, a single‐center, quantitative study with an objective to normalize B‐mode ultrasound parameters and pSWE values of the kidney in nonazotemic dogs was conducted. A total of 198 animals presented with clinical signs of anorexia, vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration were enrolled in the study spanning 2 years. Among them, 52 nonazotemic dogs were included as subjects for the study. B‐mode ultrasound quantitative parameters, including length (L), breadth (B), height (H), cortical thickness (RCT), and medulla thickness (RMT) of the kidneys, as well as the diameter of the aorta (Ao), were normalized. Additionally, calculated parameters such as L:Ao, B:Ao, H:Ao, RCT:Ao, and corticomedullary ratios were worked out. Point shear wave elastography values were obtained from the cranial and caudal poles of renal cortices using ElastPQ stiffness software. The pSWE values of kidneys in nonazotemic dogs were normalized. The mean ± standard error values were 1.04 ± 0.08 m/s (95% confidence interval: 0.88–1.19 m/s) and 4.18 ± 0.62 kPa (95% confidence interval: 2.93–5.42 kPa). In conclusion, B‐mode ultrasound quantitative parameters, ratios, and pSWE values were normalized in nonazotemic dogs, which may prove valuable in differentiating renal pathologies in canine patients.
Impact of electrical aging on x-ray image quality and dose rate with vertically aligned carbon nanotube based cold cathode electron beam (C-beam)
Authors: Bhotkar Ketan , Yu Yi Yin , Sawant Jaydip , Park Kyu Chang
Published: February 2024

The adoption of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) as electron emitters in x-ray generation has opened a new path for medical imaging technology advancement. With their outstanding electron emission capabilities, VACNTs provide a distinct advantage in miniaturizing and improving the performance of x-ray devices. This research focuses on the effect of electrical aging on x-ray imaging quality and the dose rate while using VACNTs as the electron source. The study includes a thorough examination of the electrical aging effects on VACNT-based x-ray systems, with an emphasis on changes in emission characteristics, beam stability, and the resulting variations in x-ray output. Experiment results show that electrical aging has a considerable impact on the performance of VACNT-based x-ray sources, with visible changes in electron emission parameters and subsequent consequences on x-ray imaging quality. Furthermore, the study investigates the relationship between electrical aging and the x-ray dose rate, providing vital insights into radiation exposure optimization in medical diagnostics.