bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concentration and heritability of immunoglobulin G and natural antibody immunoglobulin M in dairy and beef colostrum along with serum total protein in their calves
Authors: Altvater-Hughes Tess E , Hodgins Douglas C , Wagter-Lesperance Lauraine , Beard Shannon C , Cartwright Shannon L , Mallard Bonnie A
Published: January 2022

Immunoglobulin (Ig) G and natural antibody (NAb) IgM are passively transferred to the neonatal calf through bovine colostrum. Maternal IgG provides pathogen- or vaccine-specific protection and comprises about 85% of colostral Ig. NAb-IgM is less abundant but provides broad and nonspecific reactivity, potentially contributing to protection against the dissemination of pathogens in the blood (septicemia) in a calf’s first days of life. In the dairy and beef industries, failure of passive transfer (FPT) of colostral Ig (serum total protein [STP] <5.2 g/dL) is still a common concern. The objectives of this study were to: (1) compare colostral IgG concentrations and NAb-IgM titers between dairy and beef cows; (2) assess the effect of beef breed on colostral IgG; (3) compare passive transfer of colostral Ig in dairy and beef calves; and (4) estimate the heritability of colostral IgG and NAb-IgM. Colostrum was collected from Holstein dairy (n = 282) and crossbred beef (n = 168) cows at the University of Guelph dairy and beef research centers. Colostral IgG was quantified by radial immunodiffusion and NAb-IgM was quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In dairy (n = 308) and beef (n = 169) calves, STP was estimated by digital refractometry. Beef cows had significantly greater colostral IgG (146.5 ± 9.5 standard error of the mean [SEM] g/L) than dairy cows (92.4 ± 5.2 g/L, P <0.01). Beef cows with a higher proportion of Angus ancestry had significantly lower colostral IgG (125.5 ± 5.8 g/L) than cows grouped as “Other” (142.5 ± 4.9 g/L, P = 0.02). Using the FPT cutoff, 13% of dairy and 16% of beef calves had FPT; still, beef calves had a significantly larger proportion with excellent passive transfer (STP ≥6.2 g/dL, P <0.01). The heritability of colostral IgG was 0.04 (±0.14) in dairy and 0.14 (±0.32) in beef. Colostral NAb-IgM titers in dairy (12.12 ± 0.22, log2 [reciprocal of titer]) and beef cows (12.03 ± 0.19) did not differ significantly (P = 0.71). The range of NAb-IgM titers was 9.18–14.60, equivalent to a 42-fold range in antibody concentration. The heritability of colostral NAb was 0.24 (±0.16) in dairy and 0.11 (±0.19) in beef cows. This study is the first to compare colostral NAb-IgM between dairy and beef cows. Based on the range in NAb-IgM titers and the heritability, selective breeding may improve colostrum quality and protection for neonatal calves in the early days of life.
Correlations of gestational hemoglobin level, placental trace elements content, and reproductive performances in pregnant sows
Authors: Guo Liu , Zhang Dongming , Tang Wenjie , Dong Zhenglin , Zhang Yawei , Wang Shangchu , Yin Yulong , Wan Dan
Published: January 2022

The iron status of sows has a great influence on reproductive performance. Iron deficiency reduces reproductive performance and newborn piglet survival rate of sow. The hemoglobin is a potential predictor for the iron status of sows and is convenient for rapid detection in pig farms. However, the relationship between iron status, hemoglobin, placental trace elements, and reproductive performance remains unclear. In this study, the hemoglobin and reproductive performance of more than 500 sows with first to sixth parities at different gestation stages (25, 55, 75, 95, and 110 d of gestation) in two large-scale sow farms were collected, and the content of placental Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu was analyzed. The results show that hemoglobin levels of sows during pregnancy (days 75, 95, and 110) decreased significantly (P < 0.001). As the parity increases, the hemoglobin levels of sows at days 25 and 55 of gestation and placental mineral element contents including Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu at delivery decreased (P < 0.05), while the litter size, birth alive, and litter weights increased gradually (P < 0.001). Furthermore, hemoglobin during pregnancy had a negative linear correlation with litter weight and average weight (P < 0.05), and higher hemoglobin at day 25 of gestation may reduce the number of stillbirths (P = 0.05), but higher hemoglobin at day 110 of gestation may tend to be a benefit for the birth (P = 0.01). And there was a significant positive linear correlation between hemoglobin at day 110 of gestation and placental Fe and Mn levels (P = 0.002, P = 0.013). There was also a significant positive linear correlation among Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu in the placenta (P < 0.001). The levels of Fe, Zn, and Mn in the placental at delivery were positively related to the average weight of the fetus (P = 0.048, P = 0.027, P = 0.047), and placental Cu was linearly correlated with litter size (P = 0.029). Our research revealed that the requirements for iron during gestation were varied in different gestation periods and parities. The feeds should be adjusted according to the gestation periods, parities, or iron status to meet the iron requirements of sows and fetal pigs.
Modifying the National Research Council weight gain model to estimate daily gain for stockers grazing bermudagrass in the southern United States
Authors: Woli Prem , Rouquette Francis M , Long Charles R , Tedeschi Luis O , Scaglia Guillermo
Published: January 2022

The energy requirements, feed intake, and performance of grazing animals vary daily due to changes in weather conditions, forage nutritive values, and plant and animal maturity throughout the grazing season. Hence, realistic simulations of daily animal performance can be made only by the models that can address these changes. Given the dearth of simple, user-friendly models of this kind, especially for pastures, we developed a daily gain model for large-frame stockers grazing bermudagrass sCynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], a widely used warm-season perennial grass in the southern United States. For model development, we first assembled some of the classic works in forage-beef modeling in the last 50 yr into the National Research Council (NRC) weight gain model. Then, we tested it using the average daily gain (ADG) data obtained from several locations in the southern United States. The evaluation results showed that the performance of the NRC model was poor as it consistently underpredicted ADG throughout the grazing season. To improve the predictive accuracy of the NRC model to make it perform under bermudagrass grazing conditions, we made an adjustment to the model by adding the daily departures of the modeled values from the data trendline. Subsequently, we tested the revised model against an independent set of ADG data obtained from eight research locations in the region involving about 4,800 animals, using 30 yr (1991–2020) of daily weather data. The values of the various measures of fit used, namely the Willmott index of 0.92, the modeling efficiency of 0.75, the R2 of 0.76, the root mean square error of 0.13 kg d−1, and the prediction error relative to the mean observed data of 24%, demonstrated that the revised model mimicked the pattern of observed ADG data satisfactorily. Unlike the original model, the revised model predicted more closely the ADG value throughout the grazing season. The revised model may be useful to accurately reflect the impacts of daily weather conditions, forage nutritive values, seasonality, and plant and animal maturity on animal performance.
Measurement of Perceived Importance and Urgency of Email: An Employees’ Perspective
Authors: Lanctot Andre , Duxbury Linda
Published: January 2022

This article was motivated by the lack of research, and research instruments, informing academics and practitioners on the email factors used by knowledge workers when triaging their email. This article reports on the development and validation of two measures that categorize the types of emails employees send/receive into two different constructs based on the perceived importance and importance and urgency. The measures were developed using Buss and Craik’s Act Frequency Approach. Analysis determined that our six-item important email and our eight-item important and urgent email scales were both reliable and valid measures of the constructs. Construct validity was demonstrated by embedding our measures in a nomological network linking email demands to employee well-being. The measures were found to be significant predictors of work-role overload, even when the more traditional measures used to quantify the demands imposed on employees by email were taken into account.

Lay Summary

This article presents two scales that can be used to measure the extent to which an employee perceives an email to be: (a) important and (b) both important and urgent. As expected by theory, both measures were found to predict employees’ feelings of being overloaded by their work. The interesting findings from this study are the following. First, employees seem to consider urgent emails to be important, perhaps without consideration to the email’s actual importance to the employee. Second, emails that are both important and urgent usually involve a key stakeholder being impacted if the email is not acted on quickly. Third, important emails are not necessarily considered urgent. To make an email urgent the sender has to explicitly state how the contents of the email will negatively impact key stakeholders. Finally, our findings suggest that reducing the volume of email someone has to process may not, on its own, lead to reduced employee stress. Rather, employers who seek to improve employee well-being should focus their efforts on reducing the volume of emails employees consider to be important and both important and urgent.
Pyrethroid Susceptibility inCulex quinquefasciatusSay. (Diptera: Culicidae) Populations from Delta State, Niger-Delta Region, Nigeria
Authors: Ojianwuna Chioma C , Omotayo Ahmed I , Enwemiwe Victor N , Adetoro Fouad A , Eyeboka Destiny N , Adesalu Kemi , Egedegbe Allan , Esiwo Eric , Oyeniyi Tolulope A
Published: January 2022

The development of insecticide resistance in different species of mosquitoes to Pyrethroids is a major challenge for vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. Failure of Pyrethroids in control of mosquitoes would impact negatively on the gains recorded in control of mosquito-borne diseases in previous years. In anticipation of a country-wide deployment of Pyrethroid-treated nets for control of mosquito-borne diseases in Nigeria, this study assessed susceptibility of Culex quinquefasciatus Say. (Diptera: Culicidae) to Pyrethroids in Owhelogbo, Ejeme and Oria-Abraka communities in Delta State, Niger-Delta, Nigeria. Three to five day old Cx. quinquefasciatus were exposed to Deltamethrin (0.05%), Permethrin (0.75%), and Alphacypermethrin (0.05%) using World Health Organization bioassay method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed in characterization of species and knockdown mutation. Results revealed that Cx. quinquefasciatus were generally susceptible (98-100%) to Deltamethrin, Permethrin, and Alphacypermethrin in the three communities with the exception of Owhelogbo where resistance to Deltamethrin (97%) was suspected. Knockdown time to Deltamethrin (11.51, 11.23, and 12.68 min), Permethrin (28.75, 13.26, and 14.49 min), and Alphacypermethrin (15.07, 12.50, and 13.03 min) were considerably low for Owhelogbo, Ejeme, and Oria-Abraka Cx. quinquefasciatus populations, respectively. Species identification result showed that all amplified samples were Cx. quinquefasciatus; however, no kdr allele was found in the three populations. Deployment of pyrethroid-treated nets for control of mosquito-borne diseases in Niger-Delta region of Nigeria is capable of reducing burden of diseases transmitted by Cx. quinquefasciatus as well as addressing nuisance value of the vector; however, caution must be entertained so as not to increase selection pressure thereby aiding resistance development.
Causes of fever in returning travelers: a European multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Camprubí-Ferrer Daniel , Cobuccio Ludovico , Van Den Broucke Steven , Genton Blaise , Bottieau Emmanuel , d'Acremont Valérie , Rodriguez-Valero Natalia , Almuedo-Riera Alex , Balerdi-Sarasola Leire , Subirà Carme , Fernandez-Pardos Marc , Martinez Miguel J , Navero-Castillejos Jessica , Vera Isabel , Llenas-Garcia Jara , Rothe Camilla , Cadar Dániel , Van Esbroeck Marjan , Foque Nikki , Muñoz Jose
Published: January 2022

Background

Etiological diagnosis of febrile illnesses in returning travelers is a great challenge, particularly when presenting with no focal symptoms [acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses (AUFI)], but is crucial to guide clinical decisions and public health policies. In this study, we describe the frequencies and predictors of the main causes of fever in travelers.

Methods

Prospective European multicenter cohort study of febrile international travelers (November 2017–November 2019). A predefined diagnostic algorithm was used ensuring a systematic evaluation of all participants. After ruling out malaria, PCRs and serologies for dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses were performed in all patients presenting with AUFI ≤ 14 days after return. Clinical suspicion guided further microbiological investigations.

Results

Among 765 enrolled participants, 310/765 (40.5%) had a clear source of infection (mainly traveler’s diarrhea or respiratory infections), and 455/765 (59.5%) were categorized as AUFI. AUFI presented longer duration of fever (p < 0.001), higher hospitalization (p < 0.001) and ICU admission rates (p < 0.001). Among travelers with AUFI, 132/455 (29.0%) had viral infections, including 108 arboviruses, 96/455 (21.1%) malaria and 82/455 (18.0%) bacterial infections. The majority of arboviral cases (80/108, 74.1%) was diagnosed between May and November. Dengue was the most frequent arbovirosis (92/108, 85.2%). After 1 month of follow-up, 136/455 (29.9%) patients with AUFI remained undiagnosed using standard diagnostic methods. No relevant differences in laboratory presentation were observed between undiagnosed and bacterial AUFI.

Conclusions

Over 40% of returning travelers with AUFI were diagnosed with malaria or dengue, infections that can be easily diagnosed by rapid diagnostic tests. Arboviruses were the most common cause of AUFI (above malaria) and most cases were diagnosed during Aedes spp. high season. This is particularly relevant for those areas at risk of introduction of these pathogens. Empirical antibiotic regimens including doxycycline or azithromycin should be considered in patients with AUFI, after ruling out malaria and arboviruses.
Application limit of the photocentre displacement to fundamental stellar parameters of fast rotators – illustration on the edge-on fast rotator Regulus
Authors: Hadjara M , Petrov R G , Jankov S , Cruzalèbes P , Boskri A , Spang A , Lagarde S , He J , Chen X , Nitschelm C , de Almeida E S G , Pereira G , Michael E A , Gao Q , Wang W , Reyes I , Arcos C , Araya I , Curé M
Published: January 2022

Differential Interferometry allows to obtain the differential visibility and phase, in addition to the spectrum. The differential phase contains important information about the structure and motion of stellar photosphere such as stellar spots and non-radial pulsations, and particularly the rotation. Thus, this interferometric observable strongly helps to constrain the stellar fundamental parameters of fast rotators. The spectroastrometry mainly uses the photocentre displacements, which is a first approximation of the differential phase, and is applicable only for unresolved or marginally objects. We study here the sensitivity of relevant stellar parameters to the simulated photocentres using the scirocco code: a semi-analytical algorithm dedicated to fast rotators, applied to two theoretical modelling stars based on Achernar and Regulus, in order to classify the importance of these parameters and their impact on the modelling. We compare our simulations with published VLTI/AMBER data. This work sets the limits of application of photocentre displacements to fast rotators, and under which conditions we can use the photocentres and/or the differential phase, through a pre-established physical criterion. To validate our theoretical study, we apply our method of analysis on observed data of the edge-on fast rotator Regulus. For unresolved targets, with a visibility V ∼ 1, the photocentre can constrain the main stellar fundamental parameters of fast rotators, whereas from marginally resolved objects (0.8 ≤ V < 1), mainly the rotation axis position angle ($\rm PA_{\rm rot}$) can be directly deduced from the vectorial photocentre displacement, which is very important for young cluster studies.
Study of changes in the pulsation period of 148 Galactic Cepheid variables
Authors: Csörnyei G , Szabados L , Molnár L , Cseh B , Egei N , Kalup Cs , Kecskeméthy V , Könyves-Tóth R , Sárneczky K , Szakáts R
Published: January 2022

Investigating period changes of classical Cepheids through the framework of O − C diagrams provides a unique insight to the evolution and nature of these variable stars. In this work, the new or extended O − C diagrams for 148 Galactic classical Cepheids are presented. By correlating the calculated period change rates with the Gaia EDR3 colours, we obtain observational indications for the non-negligible dependence of the period change rate on the horizontal position within the instability strip. We find period fluctuations in 59 Cepheids with a confidence level of 99 per cent, which are distributed uniformly over the inspected period range. Correlating the fluctuation amplitude with the pulsation period yields a clear dependence, similar to the one valid for longer period pulsating variable stars. The non-negligible amount of Cepheids showing changes in their O − C diagrams that are not or not only of evolutionary origin points towards the need for further studies for the complete understanding of these effects. One such peculiar behaviour is the large amplitude period fluctuation in short period Cepheids, which occurs in a significant fraction of the investigated stars. The period dependence of the fluctuation strength and its minimum at the bump Cepheid region suggests a stability enhancing mechanism for this period range, which agrees with current pulsation models.
Impact of guanidine-containing backbone linkages on stereopure antisense oligonucleotides in the CNS
Authors: Kandasamy Pachamuthu , Liu Yuanjing , Aduda Vincent , Akare Sandheep , Alam Rowshon , Andreucci Amy , Boulay David , Bowman Keith , Byrne Michael , Cannon Megan , Chivatakarn Onanong , Shelke Juili Dilip , Iwamoto Naoki , Kawamoto Tomomi , Kumarasamy Jayakanthan , Lamore Sarah , Lemaitre Muriel , Lin Xuena , Longo Kenneth , Looby Richard , Marappan Subramanian , Metterville Jake , Mohapatra Susovan , Newman Bridget , Paik Ik-Hyeon , Patil Saurabh , Purcell-Estabrook Erin , Shimizu Mamoru , Shum Pochi , Standley Stephany , Taborn Kris , Tripathi Snehlata , Yang Hailin , Yin Yuan , Zhao Xiansi , Dale Elena , Vargeese Chandra
Published: January 2022

Attaining sufficient tissue exposure at the site of action to achieve the desired pharmacodynamic effect on a target is an important determinant for any drug discovery program, and this can be particularly challenging for oligonucleotides in deep tissues of the CNS. Herein, we report the synthesis and impact of stereopure phosphoryl guanidine-containing backbone linkages (PN linkages) to oligonucleotides acting through an RNase H-mediated mechanism, using Malat1 and C9orf72 as benchmarks. We found that the incorporation of various types of PN linkages to a stereopure oligonucleotide backbone can increase potency of silencing in cultured neurons under free-uptake conditions 10-fold compared with similarly modified stereopure phosphorothioate (PS) and phosphodiester (PO)-based molecules. One of these backbone types, called PN-1, also yielded profound silencing benefits throughout the mouse brain and spinal cord at low doses, improving both the potency and durability of response, especially in difficult to reach brain tissues. Given these benefits in preclinical models, the incorporation of PN linkages into stereopure oligonucleotides with chimeric backbone modifications has the potential to render regions of the brain beyond the spinal cord more accessible to oligonucleotides and, consequently, may also expand the scope of neurological indications amenable to oligonucleotide therapeutics.
Preferences or expectations: understanding the gender gap in major choice
Authors: Dasgupta Aparajita , Sharma Anisha
Published: January 2022

How do students decide what major to study and what explains the low enrolment of women in science and economics? Using data on the subjective expectations of undergraduate students who are in the process of selecting a major, we model major choice as a function of major-specific and job-specific attributes. We identify significant gender differences in the preferences for different attributes as well as in the expectations of future outcomes, especially of grades. Women are willing to pay twice as much as men for course enjoyment and higher grades, even as they expect lower grades in science and economics. This suggests that in addition to gender differences in preferences being shaped by pervasive norms about which subjects are considered more suitable for women, women also suffer from a relative confidence gap in their major-specific abilities.
Non-Exonuclease Domain POLE Mutations Associated with Immunotherapy Benefit
Authors: Dong Sharlene , Zakaria Heba , Hsiehchen David
Published: January 2022

Inactivating mutations in the exonuclease domain of POLE induce somatic hypermutation resulting in a high tumor mutation burden (TMB) and are associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) benefit. POLE mutations outside the exonuclease domain predicted to be deleterious are also observed in cancers, but it is unknown whether they are similarly associated with response to ICIs. We present a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma with a rare POLE mutation (V1368M) outside the exonuclease-domain predicted to be deleterious, a low TMB (1 mut/Mb), and microsatellite stability, who demonstrated an exceptional response to pembrolizumab. To support the generalizability of this finding, an analysis of 1278 patients with advanced cancers harboring low or intermediate TMB treated with ICIs showed that missense non-exonuclease domain POLE mutations were associated with greater overall survival. In contrast, among patients with advanced cancers without ICI exposure, POLE mutations were not associated with overall survival. These results demonstrate that a subset of missense POLE mutations may represent predictive biomarkers independent of TMB. Pathogenic POLE mutations outside the exonuclease domain may result in altered functions beyond DNA replication and proofreading which render cancers sensitive to ICIs.
Relative forelimb–hindlimb investment is associated with flight style, foraging strategy, and nestling period, but not nest type
Authors: Kotnour Jess , McPeek Sarah J , Wedig Hannah , Dominguez Jonah , Wright Natalie A
Published: January 2022

We investigated Dial’s 2003 hypothesis that birds that rely more heavily on flight as their primary mode of locomotion and thus invest more in their forelimbs than hindlimbs will experience selection for smaller body sizes, greater altriciality, and more complex nests. To test this hypothesis, we examined the skeletons of over 2,000 individuals from 313 species representing the majority of avian families and all major branches of the avian tree. We used the lengths of the sternal keel and long bones of the wing relative to the lengths of the leg long bones as an index of relative locomotor investment. We found that locomotor investment was predicted by flight style, foraging method, and length of nestling period, supporting Dial’s hypothesis. Soaring birds and birds with more acrobatic flight styles, birds whose foraging methods were heavily reliant upon flight, and birds whose young spent more time in the nest tended to invest more in their forelimbs relative to hindlimbs. Nest type and body size were not significant predictors of relative forelimb–hindlimb investment, however, suggesting that the relationships among flight style, locomotor investment, and life history are not as tightly intertwined as Dial originally hypothesized.
Renal mTORC1 activation is associated with disease activity and prognosis in lupus nephritis
Authors: Mao Zhaomin , Tan Ying , Tao Juan , Li Linlin , Wang Hui , Yu Feng , Perl Andras , Zhao Minghui
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study was initiated to evaluate mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation in renal tissue of LN patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 187 LN patients, 20 diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients, 10 minimal change disease (MCD) patients and 10 normal controls (NCs). Seven of 187 LN patients had repeated renal biopsies. mTORC1/2 activation was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and multiplexed immunofluorescence. The association of mTORC1/2 activation with the clinicopathologic indices and prognostic outcomes was analysed among 187 LN patients. Proteomics was performed in renal biopsies of 20 LN patients. Proteomics was employed to comprehensively evaluate the impact of mTOR activation on intrarenal gene expression.

Results

mTORC1/2 was significantly activated in podocytes, mesangial cells, endothelial cells and tubular epithelial cells of LN patients as compared with those with MCD or NC. The glomerular mTORC1 activation was higher in LN patients compared with DN patients. mTORC1, but not mTORC2, activation strongly correlated with serum albumin, complement C3, proteinuria and the following pathological biomarkers of LN: crescent formation, interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, mTORC1 activation was identified as a prognostic marker in LN patients. Bioinformatic analyses of proteomics and immunohistochemical data unveiled increased complement activation, antigen presentation and phagocytosis in LN patients with mTORC1 activation.

Conclusion

Renal mTORC1 activation could be a biomarker to reveal disease activity and predict clinical prognosis in LN patients.
Rethinking the Roles of Pathogens and Mutualists: Exploring the Continuum of Symbiosis in the Context of Microbial Ecology and Evolution
Authors: Stengel Ashley , Drijber Rhae A. , Carr Erin , Egreja Thais , Hillman Edward , Krause Timothy , Reese Samantha , Herr Joshua R.
Published: January 2022

Systems of classification are important for guiding research activities and providing a common platform for discussion and investigation. One such system is assigning microbial taxa to the roles of mutualists and pathogens. However, there are often challenges and even inconsistencies in reports of research findings when microbial taxa display behaviors outside of these two static conditions (e.g., commensal). Over the last two decades, there has been some effort to highlight a continuum of symbiosis, wherein certain microbial taxa may exhibit mutualistic or pathogenic traits depending on environmental contexts, life stages, and plant host associations. However, gaps remain in understanding how to apply the continuum approach to host–microbe pairs across a range of environmental and ecological factors. This commentary presents an alternative framework for evaluating the continuum of symbiosis using dominant archetypes that define symbiotic ranges. We focus particularly on fungi and bacteria, though we recognize that archaea and other microeukaryotes play important roles in host–microbe interactions that may be described by this approach. This framework is centered in eco-evolutionary theory and aims to enhance communication among researchers, as well as prioritize holistic consideration of the factors shaping microbial life strategies. We discuss the influence of plant-mediated factors, habitat constraints, coevolutionary forces, and the genetic contributions which shape different microbial lifestyles. Looking to the future, using a continuum-of-symbiosis paradigm will enable greater flexibility in defining the roles of target microbes and facilitate a more holistic view of the complex and dynamic relationship between microbes and plants.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
Identification of Pathogenic Fusarium spp. Responsible for Root Rot of Angelica sinensis and Characterization of Their Biological Enemies in Dingxi, China
Authors: Liu Yang , Tian Yuan , Zhao Xia , Yue Liang , Uwaremwe Constantine , Zhou Qin , Wang Yun , Zhang Yubao , Dun Zhiheng , Cui Zengtuan , Wang Ruoyu
Published: January 2022

Root rot is a serious disease in plantations of Angelica sinensis, severely reducing yield and quality and threatening sustainable production. Fusarium isolates (n = 32) were obtained from field samples of root rot tissue, leaves, and infected soil. Isolates were identified by comparison of the sequences of their internal transcribed spacer region and translation elongation factor 1-α to sequences of known species in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. These Fusarium isolates include Fusarium tricinctum (43.75%), F. equiseti (31.25%), F. solani (9.37%), F. oxysporum (6.25%), F. acuminatum (6.25%), and F. incarnatum (3.12%). For pathogenicity testing under greenhouse conditions, seven isolates were selected based on a phylogenetic analysis, including four strains of F. tricinctum and one strain each of F. solani, F. oxysporum, and F. acuminatum. The seven isolates were all pathogenic but differed in their ability to infect: The four F. tricinctum strains were capable of causing root rot in A. sinensis at 100% incidence and were highly aggressive. Furthermore, the symptoms of root rot induced by those seven isolates were consistent with typical root rot cases in the field, but their disease severity varied. Observed histopathological preparations of F. tricinctum-infected seedlings and tissue slide results showed that this fungal species can penetrate epidermal cells and colonize the cortical cells where it induces necrosis and severe plasmolysis. Plate confrontation experiments showed that isolated rhizosphere bacteria inhibited the Fusarium pathogens that cause root rot in A. sinensis. Our results provide timely information about the use of biocontrol agents for suppression of root rot disease.
Titer and Distribution of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni’ in Prunus avium
Authors: Wright A. A. , Shires M. , Molnar C. , Bishop G. , Johnson A. , Frias C. , Harper S. J.
Published: January 2022

‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni’ infection in cherries causes small, misshapen fruit with poor color and taste, rendering the fruit unmarketable. However, this is a disease with a long development cycle and a scattered, nonuniform symptom distribution in the early stages. To better understand the biology as well as the relationship between pathogen titer and disease expression, we carried out seasonal, spatial, and temporal examinations of ‘Ca. P. pruni’ titer and distribution in infected orchard-grown trees. Sequential sampling of heavily infected trees revealed marked seasonal patterns, with differential accumulation in woody stem and leaf tissues and, most notably, within fruit in the early stages of development from bloom to pit hardening. Furthermore, mapping phytoplasma distribution and titer in trees at different stages of infection indicated that infection proceeds through a series of stages. Initially, infection spreads basipetally and accumulates in the roots before populating aerial parts of the trees from the trunk upward, with infection of specific tissues and limbs followed by an increasing phytoplasma titer. Finally, we observed a correlation between phytoplasma titer and symptom severity, with severe symptom onset associated with three to four orders of magnitude more phytoplasma than mild symptoms. Cumulatively, these data aid in accurate sampling and management decision-making and furthers our understanding of disease development.
Estimating Skeletal Maturity by Segmented Linear Modeling of Key AP Knee Radiographic Parameters
Authors: Yuan Joshua T. , Furdock Ryan J. , Benedick Alex , Liu Raymond W.
Published: January 2022

Background:

The recently described Modified Fels knee system allows for accurate skeletal maturity estimation using a single anteroposterior knee radiograph but requires evaluation of 7 parameters. A faster method may have clinical utility in the outpatient setting.

Methods:

Seven anteroposterior knee radiographic parameters associated with 90% of the final height (an enhanced skeletal maturity standard compared with peak height velocity) were analyzed in 78 children. Segmented linear regression and generalized estimating equation analyses were used to identify the subsets of parameters most important for accurate skeletal maturity estimation for different patient demographics and parameter scores. This process produced abbreviated skeletal maturity systems, which include fewer parameters and are quicker to use. The accuracy of the resulting abbreviated skeletal maturity systems was evaluated and compared with the full 7-parameter Modified Fels knee system and with the Greulich and Pyle (GP) left-hand bone age.

Results:

A total of 326 left knee radiographs from 41 girls (range, 7 to 15 y) and 37 boys (range, 9 to 17 y) were included. Models generated by segmented regression and generalized estimating equation analysis required fewer parameters (range, 1 to 5 parameters) than the full Modified Fels knee system (7 parameters). Skeletal age estimates produced by segmented regression models were more accurate than GP (P<0.05) and not significantly different from the full Modified Fels system (P>0.05). The percentage of outlier estimations (estimations >1 y off from actual skeletal age) made by segmented regression models was not significantly different from GP (P>0.05) or the Modified Fels knee system (P>0.05).

Conclusion:

An abbreviated version of the Modified Fels knee system estimates skeletal maturity more accurately than the GP system with just 2 to 3 radiographic knee parameters.

Clinical Relevance:

The abbreviated Modified Fels knee system may allow for rapid skeletal age estimation (~30 s) appropriate for routine outpatient practice.
Neuromuscular Patients Are 40% More Likely to Get a Cast Injury
Authors: Lin Adrian J. , Cao Lisa A. , Lightdale-Miric Nina , Bent Melissa A.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Cast injuries can occur during application, throughout immobilization, and during removal, with common morbidities being pressure ulcers and cast saw burns. The incidence rate of cast injuries in generalized and diagnosis specific pediatric populations is not known. The goal of this study is to accurately quantify the rate of incidence of cast injuries at a large pediatric orthopaedic practice and identify potentially modifiable risk factors to guide quality of care improvement.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed at our institution between July 2019 and October 2020. Inclusion criteria was all pediatric patients (below 21 y old) with an orthopaedic diagnosis that was treated with casting. The child’s diagnosis, specific type of cast, and training level of the person applying the cast was recorded. Patient injuries were identified through cast technicians’ documentation regarding cast removal. The primary outcome was the incidence of casting injuries from July 2019 through October 2020. Additional outcomes included the association between diagnosis of neuromuscular disease and training level of individual applying the cast with casting injuries. χ2 tests were used to compare categorical variables and post hoc comparisons using Bonferroni correction. Injury incidence rates were calculated as number of injuries per 1000 casts.

Results:

There were 2239 casts placed on children at this institution between July 2019 and October 2020 and a total of 28 injuries for an incidence rate of 12.5 per 1000. Of the 28 total injuries reported, there were 5 cast saw burns (2.2 per 1000) and 23 pressure ulcers (10.3 per 1000). Incidence of cast injury was not significantly correlated with timing of application during the academic year or training level of the individual applying the cast (P=0.21 and 0.86). Notably, there was a significantly higher incidence of cast injuries in individuals with a diagnosis of a neuromuscular disorder (37.4 per 1000) than those without (7.5 per 1000) (P<0.01).

Conclusion:

The incidence of cast injuries is 12.5 per 1000 children at our level I trauma tertiary referral pediatric clinic. Training level of the individual applying the cast or timing during the academic year did not correlate with cast injuries. Patients with neuromuscular disorders are at significantly higher risk for experiencing cast injuries.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Deficiency of two-pore segment channel 2 contributes to systemic lupus erythematosus via regulation of apoptosis and cell cycle
Authors: Li Keke , Xu Jingkai , Xue Ke , Yu Ruixing , Li Chengxu , Fei Wenmin , Ning Xiaoli , Han Yang , Wang Ziyi , Shu Jun , Cui Yong
Published: January 2022

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease, and the mechanism of SLE is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the role of two-pore segment channel 2 (TPCN2) in SLE pathogenesis.

Methods:

Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of TPCN2 in SLE. We performed a loss-of-function assay by lentiviral construct in Jurkat and THP-1 cell. Knockdown of TPCN2 were confirmed at the RNA level by qRT-PCR and protein level by Western blotting. Cell Count Kit-8 and flow cytometry were used to analyze the cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of TPCN2-deficient cells. In addition, gene expression profile of TPCN2-deficient cells was analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq).

Results:

TPCN2 knockdown with short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated lentiviruses inhibited cell proliferation, and induced apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest of G2/M phase in both Jurkat and THP-1 cells. We analyzed the transcriptome of knockdown-TPCN2-Jurkat cells, and screened the differential genes, which were enriched for the G2/M checkpoint, complement, and interleukin-6-Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathways, as well as changes in levels of forkhead box O, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin, and T cell receptor pathways; moreover, TPCN2 significantly influenced cellular processes and biological regulation.

Conclusion:

TPCN2 might be a potential protective factor against SLE.
Vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women or infants for preventing allergic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Luo Chao , Sun Yaning , Zeng Zuojing , Liu Ying , Peng Shunlin
Published: January 2022

Background:

It is still unclear if and to what extent antenatal or infant or childhood vitamin D supplementation would affect the development of allergy diseases later in life. This study aimed to review the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women, infants, or children for the prevention of allergies.

Methods:

MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE (OVID), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to March 1, 2020. We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis for vitamin D supplementation in primary allergy prevention. These trials were assessed for risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration domains and the consensus was reached via discussion with the full study group. We descriptively summarized and quantitatively synthesized original data to evaluate vitamin D supplementation in primary allergy prevention by using Review Manager software for meta-analysis.

Results:

The search yielded 1251 studies. Seven RCTs were included in this analysis. A meta-analysis revealed that vitamin D supplementation for pregnant women or infants may not decrease the risk of developing allergic diseases, such as asthma or wheezing (supplementation for pregnant women, risk ratio [RR]: 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81–1.26, P = 0.90, I

2
 = 47%; supplementation for infants, RR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.70–1.43, P = 0.99, I

2
 = 0%; supplementation for pregnant women and infants, RR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.10–1.25, P = 0.11), eczema (supplementation for pregnant women, RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.80–1.13, P = 0.77, I

2
 = 0%; supplementation for infants, RR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.64–1.11, P = 0.19, I

2
 = 42%), allergic rhinitis (supplementation for pregnant women, RR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.78–1.11, P = 0.15, I

2
 = 47%), lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) (supplementation for pregnant women, RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.85–1.11, P = 0.59, I

2
 = 0%), or food allergy.

Conclusions:

Supplementation of vitamin D in pregnant women or infants does not have an effect on the primary prevention of allergic diseases.

Systematic Review Registration:

PROSPERO (CRD42020167747)
Institutional Adherence to Current Mohs Surgery Appropriate Use Criteria With Reasons for Nonadherence and Recommendations for Future Versions
Authors: Stancut Eugen , Melvin Olivia G. , Griffin Russell L. , Phillips Carlton B. , Huang Conway C.
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

The appropriate use criteria (AUC) were established to optimize the use of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and confer the highest possible clinical benefit to the patient.

OBJECTIVE

We documented our adherence to AUC and review reasons for nonadherence regarding lesions classified as inappropriate, in the hopes of informing future versions of the AUC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 1,000 consecutive patients who underwent MMS at a single institution. A total of 1,318 biopsy-proven nonmelanoma skin cancers were treated with MMS, and each skin cancer that underwent MMS was classified as appropriate, uncertain, or inappropriate based on the AUC.

RESULTS

Data were collected on 1,318 lesions with 1,237 (93.9%) categorized as appropriate, 59 (4.5%) uncertain, and 22 (1.7%) not appropriate. The primary variables that determined appropriateness were type of cancer (p = .001), size (p < .001), and area of body (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Institutional adherence to AUC was high, with 93.9% of treated tumors classified as appropriate, 4.5% as uncertain and 1.7% as inappropriate. By far the most commonly reported reason for performing MMS on an inappropriate lesion in our review was the treatment of adjacent lesions in 1 session.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus screening rates in racial and ethnic minority groups
Authors: Joy Alexa J. , Duckworth Laurie , Scarton Lisa
Published: January 2022

Background:

More than 7 million Americans aged 18 years and older have undiagnosed diabetes. As primary health care moves toward preventative medicine, it is important that diabetes screening deficits are addressed.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to identify current screening rates among racial and ethnic minorities who are considered at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methodology:

Data were collected through an IRB-approved i2b2 database from previously consented patients who had been treated at a large academic health center and outpatient facilities. Patients who were included in this study were those seen in outpatient settings between June 2011 and June 2019, aged 18–39 years at high risk for developing T2DM, defined as those of a racial and ethnic minority background, obese, and with a family history of T2DM.

Results:

Approximately 1,476 ± 3 individuals were identified as high risk, and of those, only 106 ± 3 (13.9%) were screened for T2DM between June 2011 and June 2019. Following the American Diabetes Association guidelines of including body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, approximately 1,263 ± 3 of the original 1,476 patients were identified as overweight with high risk, and of those patients, only 90 ± 3 (13.8%) were screened.

Conclusions:

Findings indicate that less than 14% of patients at high risk for developing T2DM in their lifetime are being screened.

Implementations:

Screening strategies need to be developed and implemented to better identify individuals at high risk of developing T2DM, which may lead to earlier diagnosis, treatment, and decreased disease burden.
Effects of Gaze Cues on Distributive Behavior of the Ultimatum Game in Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Ikuse Daisuke , Hayashi Wakaho , Hanawa Youichi , Nakamura Dan , Arai Gousuke , Saga Nobuyuki , Iwanami Akira
Published: January 2022

Adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have difficulty in social decision-making. The ultimatum game (UG) is a popular economic game used to evaluate social decision-making. This study aimed to examine the effects of schematically depicted eyes and ADHD symptoms on UG performance. Thirty adults with ADHD were recruited. The computer screen background was changed among the “eyespots,” “neutral,” and “flowers” conditions among 30 trials of UG. Through all trials, task performances were recorded, and then compared with 30 typical adults and 30 adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The reaction time was not affected by the background in any group. Although typical adults distributed more money in the “eyespots” condition, a nonsignificant background effect was observed in adults with ADHD or ASD. These results may be associated with reduced attention to social cues in individuals with ADHD, and this ADHD characteristic might lead to difficulty in social decision-making.
Outcomes-Based Nurse Staffing During Times of Crisis and Beyond
Authors: Dempsey Christina , Batten Peter
Published: January 2022

Nurse staffing is linked to safety, quality, and experience outcomes. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing has become more critical as overwhelming demand has met diminishing supply of healthy nurses, capacity for care, and the innovation necessary to deliver optimal quality and experience to patients and the people who care for them. Press Ganey data scientists, along with industry experts, sought to evaluate staffing before the pandemic and its effects on clinical quality, experience, and nurse engagement. Furthermore, interviews with expert nurse researchers and nursing leaders helped to identify the kind of innovation necessary to accommodate the variable demand in patient volumes, acuity, nurse availability, and teamwork. Valuable insights from this work will help healthcare leaders in their quest to optimize nursing care.
Effectiveness of Formal Mentoring on Novice Nurse Retention
Authors: Djiovanis Sotos G.
Published: January 2022

Turnover of nurses within the first year of employment in American hospitals is high. Data indicate that 30% turnover is common, with significant associated costs for onboarding and training of replacements. Although most novice nurses have preceptors, presently only 40% are formally mentored. A comprehensive literature review found that mentoring unanimously reduced novice nurse turnover in all relevant studies. Savings to employers was realized through reduced turnover, and overall employee satisfaction was found to benefit.
Task-Layered Clinical Orientation for New Graduate Registered Nurses
Authors: Cantrell Faith L. , McKenzie Kris , Hessler Karen
Published: January 2022

New nurse residency programs focus on the professional transition from student nurse to clinical nurse. In some facilities, the way in which new graduate nurses are oriented to the fast-paced clinical setting is based on tradition rather than theory, research, or available evidence. This article offers a theory-based approach to clinical practice orientation of new graduate nurses termed task-layered clinical orientation and offers an innovative approach for consideration.