bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Limb Position for the Stress Ultrasound Evaluation of Elbow Valgus Laxity in Baseball Players
Authors: Michinobu Ryuhei , Ogawa Takeshi , Yoshii Yuichi , Ikumi Akira , Ikeda Kazuhiro , Tsuge Hiromitsu , Teruya Shotaro , Hara Yuki , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: February 2024

Background:

The optimal limb position during stress ultrasound (SUS) evaluation of elbow valgus laxity has not been standardized.

Purpose:

To compare 2 elbow positions (at 90° and 30° of flexion) and report which position method better represents the increased valgus laxity characteristics of baseball players.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Eighteen college baseball players with no history of elbow pain or elbow disorders who belonged to a college baseball club between April and November 2021 participated in this study. The medial elbow joint space (MEJS) was recorded by ultrasonography at rest and under valgus stress, and the difference in MEJS between the conditions was considered the valgus laxity. For all participants, the MEJS was recorded at 90° and 30° of elbow flexion. In the 90° of flexion position, the participant was positioned in the supine position with abduction and external rotation of the shoulder, and 2.5 kgf of valgus stress was applied proximally to the wrist. In the 30° of flexion position, the participant was positioned in the sitting position with abduction and external rotation of the shoulder, and 3.0 kgf of valgus stress was applied to the ulnar head. Valgus laxity on the throwing and nonthrowing sides was compared between the 2 elbow positions using paired t tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests after checking the normality.

Results:

There was a significant difference in valgus laxity on the throwing side between the 90° and 30° of flexion positions (1.9 vs 1.1 mm, respectively; P = .002), whereas no significant difference between positions was seen on the nonthrowing side ( P = .06).

Conclusion:

SUS with the elbow flexed at 90° more clearly detected valgus laxity in the study participants than the 30° of flexion position.

Clinical Relevance:

The quantitative evaluation of valgus laxity is important for baseball players to assess the risk of ulnar collateral ligament injury.
Public Preschool Predicts Stronger Third-Grade Academic Skills
Authors: Johnson Anna D. , Partika Anne , Martin Anne , Lyons Ian , Castle Sherri , Phillips Deborah A.
Published: February 2024

Public preschool boosts academic skills in kindergarten, but little is known about whether that boost lasts to third grade because many studies stop directly assessing children after kindergarten. The current study tests for sustained associations between preschool attendance and an array of repeatedly measured, directly assessed language and math skills; we do this separately for public pre-K and Head Start, the two major publicly funded preschool programs. We draw on a large, racially diverse sample of children from families with low incomes in Tulsa, OK (N = 689, Mage at 3rd = 8.5 years). Using propensity score weighting, we compare children who attended school-based pre-K or Head Start to those who did not attend preschool. Both school-based pre-K and Head Start attenders outperformed preschool nonattenders on numeracy in third grade. There was weaker evidence of a sustained preschool advantage on language and literacy skills, and no evidence that associations differed by preschool program.
Studying Travel Networks Using Establishment Covisit Networks in Online Review Data
Authors: Kovács Balázs
Published: February 2024

Whenever someone posts an online review of a restaurant, museum, or barbershop, they also leave a trace of where they traveled. The author visualizes travel patterns in 11 North American metropolitan areas using geolocated review data. The data are based on approximately 7 million online Yelp.com reviews posted by 2 million reviewers between 2005 and 2020. First, the author demonstrates how individual travel patterns can be mapped using the review data and discusses the potential applications of such individual-level data. The author then turns to aggregate-level maps, creating establishment covisit networks in which two establishments are linked if multiple reviewers visit both. Maps of establishment covisits reveal various intriguing patterns related to consumption and geography, such as the connections between neighborhoods and the centralization and segregation within a metropolitan area. Establishment covisit maps can also inform researchers about the diffusion of ideas and practices, trends in crime, and gentrification.
Visual Intelligence Education as a Tool for Enhancing Medical Students’ Self-Perception of Communication Skills
Authors: Jammes Chloé , Ward Madeleine , Geng Xue , Burke Amy , Langley Julia
Published: February 2024

Objective

Visual arts-based exposure and training are effective tools to enhance medical education. The visual arts can increase emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills. This study, conducted at Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSoM) and the National Gallery of Art (NGA) in Washington, DC, was designed to measure the effect of a visual arts elective course on medical students’ self-perception of their communication skills.

Methods

This 6-week course involved lessons at the NGA and GUSoM for16 second-year medical students. The intervention students were age and gender-matched to14 second-year medical student control participants who took different elective courses. Prior to and following the intervention, the participants completed the Communication Skills Attitude Scale (CSAS). Statistical analysis was performed with either the 2-sided t-test or 2-sided Wilcoxon rank-sum test.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the presurvey scores between the groups. However, there were 6 CSAS questions in the postsurveys that had statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. Within each group, there were also numerous statistically significant differences between their presurvey and postsurvey responses, with positive changes occurring in the intervention group (IG) and primarily negative changes occurring in the control group (CG). The NGA course improved the self-perception of communication skills, with students reporting stronger views on the importance of communication skills in teamwork and patient rapport. The CG, on the other hand, did not have as many improved perceptions of communication skills and had stronger opinions regarding not needing the ability to communicate well to be a good physician.

Conclusion

This study indicates that medical student communication skills can benefit from exposure to visual arts activities and experiences. Future physicians must become effective communicators, and this study paves the way for research investigating the relationship between visual arts education and the development of a physician's communication skills.
Sustaining Natural Dye Plants with Post-Consumer Textile Waste
Authors: Trejo Helen X , Trejo Nidia K , Lewis Tasha L
Published: February 2024

Aligned with the circular economy framework, this study aims to address pertinent research gaps regarding material and chemical properties of clothing and suitability for closed-loop applications. Primary research questions include: (1) what are the material and chemical properties of post-consumer textile waste from a sustainable fashion take-back program; (2) which natural post-consumer textile waste is most suitable to support the growth of natural dye plants in a hydroponics system; and (3) can the use of post-consumer textile waste in a hydroponics system be scaled to support a circular fashion supply chain? This study focuses on wool, cotton, linen, silk, rayon, and Tencel® lyocell as substrates to nurture the growth of purple basil, a natural dye plant. Vertical hydroponics is a farming method that uses nutrient water to grow plants in place of soil throughout the year. The system can be indoors, making resourceful use of limited space available and the water is recirculated. Standard hydroponic substrates, like peat moss and rockwool, have good porosity for oxygen transport and suitable moisture holding capacity for nutrient delivery. In this study, we compared the performance of the standard hydroponic substrates with various textiles. The impact on water quality, color release, moisture wicking, stability against degradation, and survival rate of the plants was used to evaluate suitability in the application. Wool, silk, and Tencel lyocell demonstrated good durability in the hydroponic system, like peat moss and rockwool, during the first growth cycle. During the second growth cycle, protein fibers—wool and silk—supported plant survival at a greater capacity than Tencel lyocell. Future research can confirm that wool and silk can support the growth of natural dye plants with a larger sample size. This research aligns with several circular economy objectives and provides a model for future research to support circular fashion supply chains.
Synergistic Effect of an Antisense Oligonucleotide and Small Molecule on Splicing Correction of the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Gene
Authors: Ottesen Eric W , Singh Ravindra N
Published: February 2024

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is treated by increasing the level of Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein through correction of SMN2 exon 7 skipping or exogenous expression of SMN through gene therapy. Currently available therapies have multiple shortcomings, including poor body-wide distribution, invasive delivery, and potential negative consequences due to high doses needed for clinical efficacy. Here we test the effects of a combination treatment of a splice-correcting antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) Anti-N1 with the small compounds risdiplam and branaplam. We show that a low-dose treatment of Anti-N1 with either compound produces a synergistic effect on the inclusion of SMN2 exon 7 in SMA patient fibroblasts. Using RNA-Seq, we characterize the transcriptomes of cells treated with each compound as well as in combination. Although high doses of each individual treatment trigger widespread perturbations of the transcriptome, combination treatment of Anti-N1 with risdiplam and branaplam results in minimal disruption of gene expression. For individual genes targeted by the 3 compounds, we observe little to no additive effects of combination treatment. Overall, we conclude that the combination treatment of a splice-correcting ASO with small compounds represents a promising strategy for achieving a high level of SMN expression while minimizing the risk of off-target effects.
Branchial Arch Remnants in the Pediatric Patient Under Local Anesthesia
Authors: Othman Sammy , Hazkour Nissim , Palacios Jose , Bastidas Nicholas
Published: February 2024

Objective: Branchial arch remnants are a well-encountered pathology in pediatric patients. In the majority of cases, these vestiges are superficial and benign, save for minor cosmetic deformity or discomfort. Although branchial arch remnants in the form of skin vestiges are commonly removed, there remains a lack of in-depth study regarding appropriate protocol and experience under local anesthesia. Design: A retrospective review of subjects undergoing first branchial arch vestige excision utilizing local anesthesia was conducted (2017-2021). Demographics were recorded, including age, sex, comorbidities, vestige location, presence of tracts, post-operative complications, and significant associations. Results: A total of 178 subjects were identified for inclusion. The mean patient age during the procedure was 18.4 ± 38.3 months. A total of 34 patients presented with a current or prior comorbidity (24.7%). The most common location of the branchial remnant was the preauricular region (79.2%). Most patients were without complication (96.1%). Secondarily developed branchial anomalies were significantly associated with complications as compared to congenital anomalies (22.2% vs 3.0%, P < .042). Additionally, patients with a past medical history were significantly more likely to develop a post-operative complication (71.4% vs 22.6%, P < .13). Conclusion: In-office branchial remnant removal is a safe procedure in the young pediatric patient. Complication rates are low; patients with a significant past medical history may be more likely to incur postoperative complications. Additionally, patients with secondary vestige development may also be more likely to develop complications. Further in-office procedures are encouraged.
Investigating the sensitivity of losses to time-dependent components of seismic risk modeling
Authors: Iacoletti Salvatore , Cremen Gemma , Galasso Carmine
Published: February 2024

Conventional earthquake risk modeling involves several notable simplifications, which neglect: (1) the effects on seismicity of interactions between adjacent faults and the long-term elastic rebound behavior of faults; (2) short-term hazard increases associated with aftershocks; and (3) the accumulation of damage in assets due to the occurrence of multiple earthquakes in a short time window, without repairs. Several recent earthquake events (e.g. 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes, New Zealand; 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes, USA; and 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes) have emphasized the need for risk models to account for the aforementioned short- and long-term time-dependent characteristics of earthquake risk. This study specifically investigates the sensitivity of monetary loss (i.e. a possible earthquake-risk-model output) to these time dependencies, for a case-study portfolio in Central Italy. The investigation is intended to provide important insights for the catastrophe risk insurance and reinsurance industry. In addition to salient catastrophe risk insurance features, the end-to-end approach for time-dependent earthquake risk modeling used in this study incorporates recent updates in long-term time-dependent fault modeling, aftershock forecasting, and vulnerability modeling that accounts for damage accumulation. The sensitivity analysis approach presented may provide valuable guidance on the importance and appropriate treatment of time dependencies in regional (i.e. portfolio) earthquake risk models. We find that the long-term fault and aftershock occurrence models are the most crucial features of a time-dependent seismic risk model to constrain, at least for the monetary loss metrics examined in this study. Accounting for damage accumulation is also found to be important, if there is a high insurance deductible associated with portfolio assets.
Lipopolysaccharide, VE-cadherin, HMGB1, and HIF-1α levels are elevated in the systemic circulation in chronic migraine patients with medication overuse headache: evidence of leaky gut and inflammation
Authors: Vuralli Doga , Ceren Akgor Merve , Gok Dagidir Hale , Gulbahar Ozlem , Yalinay Meltem , Bolay Hayrunnisa
Published: February 2024

Objective

Medication overuse headache (MOH) was recently shown to be associated with leaky gut in rodents. We aimed to investigate whether chronic migraine (CM) patients with MOH have elevated lipopolysaccharide levels and inflammatory molecules in blood circulation.

Materials and methods

The study included women participants (40 CM patients with NSAID overuse headache, 35 episodic migraine (EM) patients, and 20 healthy non-headache sufferers). Migraine duration, monthly migraine headache days, MigSCog, HADS-D, HADS-A, and HIT-6 scores were recorded. Serum samples were collected to measure circulating LPS, LPS binding protein (LBP), tight junction protein occludin, adherens junction protein vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), CGRP, HMGB1, HIF-1α, IL-6, and IL-17 levels.

Results

Serum LPS, VE-Cadherin, CGRP, HIF-1α, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the CM + MOH group compared to the EM group and healthy controls while serum LBP and HMGB1 were higher in the CM + MOH group compared to healthy controls. IL-17 and occludin levels were comparable between the three groups. Serum HMGB1 levels in EM patients were higher compared to the control group. Mig-SCog and HIT-6 scores were higher in the CM + MOH group compared to EM patients. HADS-A and HADS-D scores were significantly higher in the CM + MOH group compared to EM patients and healthy controls, and they were also higher in EM patients compared to healthy subjects. LPS levels were correlated with VE-cadherin and occludin levels. The number of monthly migraine headache days was positively correlated with serum LPS, HIF-1α, VE-cadherin, and IL-6 levels, HADS-A, HADS-D, HIT-6, and MigSCog scores.

Conclusion

We have evidence for the first time that CM + MOH is associated with elevated serum LPS and LBP levels suggestive of LPS leak into the systemic circulation. Higher levels of nociceptive and/or pro-inflammatory molecules such as HMGB1, HIF-1α, IL-6, and CGRP may play a role in trigeminal sensitization and neurobiology of MOH. Intestinal hyperpermeability and consequent inflammatory response should be considered as a potential contributory factor in patients with MOH.

Graphical Abstract
Review of sustainable, eco-friendly, and conductive polymer nanocomposites for electronic and thermal applications: current status and future prospects
Authors: Tamjid Elnaz , Najafi Parvin , Khalili Mohammad Amin , Shokouhnejad Negar , Karimi Mahsa , Sepahdoost Nafise
Published: February 2024

Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites (BPNCs) are advanced materials that have gained significant attention over the past 20 years due to their advantages over conventional polymers. BPNCs are eco-friendly, cost-effective, contamination-resistant, and tailorable for specific applications. Nevertheless, their usage is limited due to their unsatisfactory physical and mechanical properties. To improve these properties, nanofillers are incorporated into natural polymer matrices, to enhance mechanical durability, biodegradability, electrical conductivity, dielectric, and thermal properties. Despite the significant advances in the development of BPNCs over the last decades, our understanding of their dielectric, thermal, and electrical conductivity is still far from complete. This review paper aims to provide comprehensive insights into the fundamental principles behind these properties, the main synthesis, and characterization methods, and their functionality and performance. Moreover, the role of nanofillers in strength, permeability, thermal stability, biodegradability, heat transport, and electrical conductivity is discussed. Additionally, the paper explores the applications, challenges, and opportunities of BPNCs for electronic devices, thermal management, and food packaging. Finally, this paper highlights the benefits of BPNCs as biodegradable and biodecomposable functional materials to replace traditional plastics. Finally, the contemporary industrial advances based on an overview of the main stakeholders and recently commercialized products are addressed.
Comparative genomics and host range analysis of four Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum strains isolated from sunflower reveals genomic and phenotypic differences
Authors: Ding Shanwen , Ma Zijun , Yu Lin , Lan Guobing , Tang Yafei , Li Zhenggang , He Zifu , She Xiaoman
Published: February 2024

Background

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) is one of the devastating diseases in crop production, seriously reducing the yield of crops. R. pseudosolanacearum, is known for its broad infrasubspecific diversity and comprises 36 sequevars that are currently known. Previous studies found that R. pseudosolanacearum contained four sequevars (13, 14, 17 and 54) isolated from sunflowers sown in the same field.

Results

Here, we provided the complete genomes and the results of genome comparison of the four sequevars strains (RS639, RS642, RS647, and RS650). Four strains showed different pathogenicities to the same cultivars and different host ranges. Their genome sizes were about 5.84 ~ 5.94 Mb, encoding 5002 ~ 5079 genes and the average G + C content of 66.85% ~ 67%. Among the coding genes, 146 ~ 159 specific gene families (contained 150 ~ 160 genes) were found in the chromosomes and 34 ~ 77 specific gene families (contained 34 ~ 78 genes) in the megaplasmids from four strains. The average nucleotide identify (ANI) values between any two strains ranged from 99.05% ~ 99.71%, and the proportion of the total base length of collinear blocks accounts for the total gene length of corresponding genome was all more than 93.82%. Then, we performed a search for genomic islands, prophage sequences, the gene clusters macromolecular secretion systems, type III secreted effectors and other virulence factors in these strains, which provided detailed comparison results of their presence and distinctive features compared to the reference strain GMI1000. Among them, the number and types of T2SS gene clusters were different in the four strains, among which RS650 included all five types. T4SS gene cluster of RS639 and RS647 were missed. In the T6SS gene cluster, several genes were inserted in the RS639, RS647, and RS650, and gene deletion was also detected in the RS642. A total of 78 kinds of type III secreted effectors were found, which included 52 core and 9 specific effectors in four strains.

Conclusion

This study not only provided the complete genomes of multiple R. pseudosolanacearum strains isolated from a new host, but also revealed the differences in their genomic levels through comparative genomics. Furthermore, these findings expand human knowledge about the range of hosts that Ralstonia can infect, and potentially contribute to exploring rules and factors of the genetic evolution and analyzing its pathogenic mechanism.
The dynamic landscape of chromatin accessibility and active regulatory elements in the mediobasal hypothalamus influences the seasonal activation of the reproductive axis in the male quail under long light exposure
Authors: Chang Jianye , Xu Yanglong , Fu Yuting , Liu Jiaxin , Jiang Danli , Pan Jianqiu , Ouyang Hongjia , Liu Wenjun , Xu Jin , Tian Yunbo , Huang Yunmao , Ruan Jue , Shen Xu
Published: February 2024

Background

In cold and temperate zones, seasonal reproduction plays a crucial role in the survival and reproductive success of species. The photoperiod influences reproductive processes in seasonal breeders through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, in which the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) serves as the central region responsible for transmitting light information to the endocrine system. However, the cis-regulatory elements and the transcriptional activation mechanisms related to seasonal activation of the reproductive axis in MBH remain largely unclear. In this study, an artificial photoperiod program was used to induce the HPG axis activation in male quails, and we compared changes in chromatin accessibility changes during the seasonal activation of the HPG axis.

Results

Alterations in chromatin accessibility occurred in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) and stabilized at LD7 during the activation of the HPG axis. Most open chromatin regions (OCRs) are enriched mainly in introns and distal intergenic regions. The differentially accessible regions (DARs) showed enrichment of binding motifs of the RFX, NKX, and MEF family of transcription factors that gained-loss accessibility under long-day conditions, while the binding motifs of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily and BZIP family gained-open accessibility. Retinoic acid signaling and GTPase-mediated signal transduction are involved in adaptation to long days and maintenance of the HPG axis activation. According to our footprint analysis, three clock-output genes (TEF, DBP, and HLF) and the THRA were the first responders to long days in LD3. THRB, NR3C2, AR, and NR3C1 are the key players associated with the initiation and maintenance of the activation of the HPG axis, which appeared at LD7 and tended to be stable under long-day conditions. By integrating chromatin and the transcriptome, three genes (DIO2, SLC16A2, and PDE6H) involved in thyroid hormone signaling showed differential chromatin accessibility and expression levels during the seasonal activation of the HPG axis. TRPA1, a target of THRB identified by DAP-seq, was sensitive to photoactivation and exhibited differential expression levels between short- and long-day conditions.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that trans effects were the main factors affecting gene expression during the seasonal activation of the HPG axis. This study could lead to further research on the seasonal reproductive behavior of birds, particularly the role of MBH in controlling seasonal reproductive behavior.
Effects of the alpine meadow in different phenological periods on rumen fermentation and gastrointestinal tract bacteria community in grazing yak on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Guo Tongqing , Wang Xungang , Zhang Qian , Jia Yuna , Wang Yalin , Wei Lin , Li Na , Xu Xianli , Liu Hongjin , Hu Linyong , Zhao Na , Xu Shixiao
Published: February 2024

Background

In this study, we investigated the effects of alpine meadow in different phenological periods on ruminal fermentation, serum biochemical indices, and gastrointestinal tract microbes in grazing yak on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. A total of eighteen female freely grazing yaks with an average age of 3 years old and a body weight of 130 ± 19 kg were selected. According to the plant phenological periods, yaks were randomly allocated to one of three treatments: (1) regreen periods group (RP, n = 6); (2) grassy periods group (GP, n = 6); and (3) hay periods group (HP, n = 6). At the end of the experiment, the blood, rumen fluids, and rectal contents were collected to perform further analysis.

Results

The concentrations of total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), acetate, glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHO), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were higher in the GP group than in the HP group (P < 0.05). However, compared with the RP and GP groups, the HP group had higher concentrations of isobutyrate, isovalerate, valerate, and creatinine (CREA) (P < 0.05). The abundance of Prevotella in the rumen, and the abundances of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, and Prevotellaceae_UCG-004 in the gut were higher in the GP group compared with the HP group (P < 0.05). The HP had higher abundance of Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group in the rumen as well as the abundances of Romboutsia and Arthrobacter in the gut compared with the RP and GP groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Based on the results of rumen fermentation, serum biochemical, differential biomarkers, and function prediction, the carbohydrate digestion of grazing yak would be higher with the alpine meadow regreen and grassy due to the gastrointestinal tract microbes. However, the risk of microbe disorders and host inflammation in grazing yak were higher with the alpine meadow wither.
Development of a novel mycobiome diagnostic for fungal infection
Authors: Weaver Danielle , Novak-Frazer Lilyann , Palmer Maisie , Richardson Malcolm , Bromley Mike , Bowyer Paul
Published: February 2024

Background

Amplicon-based mycobiome analysis has the potential to identify all fungal species within a sample and hence could provide a valuable diagnostic assay for use in clinical mycology settings. In the last decade, the mycobiome has been increasingly characterised by targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Although ITS targets give broad coverage and high sensitivity, they fail to provide accurate quantitation as the copy number of ITS regions in fungal genomes is highly variable even within species. To address these issues, this study aimed to develop a novel NGS fungal diagnostic assay using an alternative amplicon target.

Methods

Novel universal primers were designed to amplify a highly diverse single copy and uniformly sized DNA target (Tef1) to enable mycobiome analysis on the Illumina iSeq100 which is a low cost, small footprint and simple to use next-generation sequencing platform. To enable automated analysis and rapid results, a streamlined bioinformatics workflow and sequence database were also developed. Sequencing of mock fungal communities was performed to compare the Tef1 assay and established ITS1-based method. The assay was further evaluated using clinical respiratory samples and the feasibility of using internal spike-in quantitative controls was assessed.

Results

The Tef1 assay successfully identified and quantified Aspergillus, Penicillium, Candida, Cryptococcus, Rhizopus, Fusarium and Lomentospora species from mock communities. The Tef1 assay was also capable of differentiating closely related species such as A. fumigatus and A. fischeri. In addition, it outperformed ITS1 at identifying A. fumigatus and other filamentous pathogens in mixed fungal communities (in the presence or absence of background human DNA). The assay could detect as few as 2 haploid genome equivalents of A. fumigatus from clinical respiratory samples. Lastly, spike-in controls were demonstrated to enable semi-quantitation of A. fumigatus load in clinical respiratory samples using sequencing data.

Conclusions

This study has developed and tested a novel metabarcoding target and found the assay outperforms ITS1 at identifying clinically relevant filamentous fungi. The assay is a promising diagnostic candidate that could provide affordable NGS analysis to clinical mycology laboratories.
Prohexadione-calcium improves grape quality by regulating endogenous hormones, sugar and acid metabolism and related enzyme activities in grape berries
Authors: Li Dou , Yang Jiangshan , Dai Zibo , Chen Yajuan , Shao Zhang , Wang Chunheng , Jin Xin , Wang Yuhang , Feng Lidan
Published: February 2024

Prohexadione-Calcium (Pro-Ca) plays key roles in improving fruit quality and yield by regulating various aspects of plant growth. However, the effects of how Pro-Ca regulates the regulation of sugar and acid balance and its impact on the production of volatile aroma substances during fruit growth and development are poorly understood. In this study, the Pro-Ca solutions developed at concentrations of 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg·L-1 were sprayed on the entire “Chardonnay” grape tree 22, 42, 62 and 82 days after initial flowering. The values of endogenous hormones, sugar and acid content, enzyme activities and flavor content were then measured in grapes 45, 65, 85 and 105 days (ripeness stage) after the initial flowering. The results showed that Pro-Ca had significant effects on fruits during development, including reducing ABA content, increasing ZT, GA3 and IAA levels, promoting fruit ripening and enhancing enzymes, which are involved in sugar and acid synthesis. Consequently, these effects led to an increase in sugar and acid content in the berries. Particularly during the ripening phase, the application of 600 mg L-1 Pro-Ca resulted in an increase in soluble sugar content of 11.28% and a significant increase in citric acid and malic acid content of 97.80% and 68.86%, respectively. Additionally, Pro-Ca treatment enhanced both the variety and quantity of aroma compounds present in the berries, with the 600 mg·L-1 Pro-Ca treatment showcasing the most favorable impact on volatile aroma compounds in ‘Chardonnay’ grapes. The levels of aldehydes, esters, alcohols, phenols, acids, ketones, and terpenes were significantly higher under the 600 mg·L-1 Pro-Ca treatment compared to those of control with 51.46 − 423.85% increase. In conclusion, Pro-Ca can regulate the content of endogenous hormones and the activities of enzymes related to sugar and acid metabolism in fruit, thereby increasing the content of soluble sugar and organic acid in fruit and the diversity and concentration of fruit aroma substances. Among them, foliar spraying 600 mg · L-1 Pro-Ca has the best effect. In the future, we need to further understand the molecular mechanism of Pro-Ca in grape fruit to lay a solid foundation for quality improvement breeding.
Contrasting plant transcriptome responses between a pierce-sucking and a chewing herbivore go beyond the infestation site
Authors: Montesinos Álvaro , Sacristán Soledad , del Prado-Polonio Palmira , Arnaiz Ana , Díaz-González Sandra , Diaz Isabel , Santamaria M. Estrella
Published: February 2024

Background

Plants have acquired a repertoire of mechanisms to combat biotic stressors, which may vary depending on the feeding strategies of herbivores and the plant species. Hormonal regulation crucially modulates this malleable defense response. Jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) stand out as pivotal regulators of defense, while other hormones like abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ET), gibberellic acid (GA) or auxin also play a role in modulating plant-pest interactions. The plant defense response has been described to elicit effects in distal tissues, whereby aboveground herbivory can influence belowground response, and vice versa. This impact on distal tissues may be contingent upon the feeding guild, even affecting both the recovery of infested tissues and those that have not suffered active infestation.

Results

To study how phytophagous with distinct feeding strategies may differently trigger the plant defense response during and after infestation in both infested and distal tissues, Arabidopsis thaliana L. rosettes were infested separately with the chewing herbivore Pieris brassicae L. and the piercing-sucker Tetranychus urticae Koch. Moderate infestation conditions were selected for both pests, though no quantitative control of damage levels was carried out. Feeding mode did distinctly influence the transcriptomic response of the plant under these conditions. Though overall affected processes were similar under either infestation, their magnitude differed significantly. Plants infested with P. brassicae exhibited a short-term response, involving stress-related genes, JA and ABA regulation and suppressing growth-related genes. In contrast, T. urticae elicited a longer transcriptomic response in plants, albeit with a lower degree of differential expression, in particular influencing SA regulation. These distinct defense responses transcended beyond infestation and through the roots, where hormonal response, flavonoid regulation or cell wall reorganization were differentially affected.

Conclusion

These outcomes confirm that the existent divergent transcriptomic responses elicited by herbivores employing distinct feeding strategies possess the capacity to extend beyond infestation and even affect tissues that have not been directly infested. This remarks the importance of considering the entire plant’s response to localized biotic stresses.
Impact of glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides on phyllospheric Methylobacterium
Authors: Palberg Daniel , Kaszecki Emma , Dhanjal Chetan , Kisiała Anna , Morrison Erin N. , Stock Naomi , Emery R. J. Neil
Published: February 2024

Symbiotic Methylobacterium comprise a significant portion of the phyllospheric microbiome, and are known to benefit host plant growth, development, and confer tolerance to stress factors. The near ubiquitous use of the broad-spectrum herbicide, glyphosate, in farming operations globally has necessitated a more expansive evaluation of the impacts of the agent itself and formulations containing glyphosate on important components of the plant phyllosphere, including Methylobacterium.

This study provides an investigation of the sensitivity of 18 strains of Methylobacterium to glyphosate and two commercially available glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH). Nearly all strains of Methylobacterium showed signs of sensitivity to the popular GBH formulations WeatherMax® and Transorb® in a modified Kirby Bauer experiment. However, exposure to pure forms of glyphosate did not show a significant effect on growth for any strain in both the Kirby Bauer test and in liquid broth, until polysorbate-20 (Tween20) was added as a surfactant. Artificially increasing membrane permeability through the introduction of polysorbate-20 caused a 78–84% reduction in bacterial cell biomass relative to controls containing glyphosate or high levels of surfactant only (0–9% and 6–37% reduction respectively). Concentrations of glyphosate as low as 0.05% w/v (500 µg/L) from both commercial formulations tested, inhibited the culturability of Methylobacterium on fresh nutrient-rich medium.

To better understand the compatibility of important phyllospheric bacteria with commercial glyphosate-based herbicides, this study endeavours to characterize sensitivity in multiple strains of Methylobacterium, and explore possible mechanisms by which toxicity may be induced.
How health risk factors affect inpatient costs among adults with stroke in China: the mediating role of length of stay
Authors: Cao Xin , Li Ruyu , Tang Weiwei , Wang Wenjun , Ji Jingya , Yin Chengjie , Niu Luyao , Gao Yuexia , Ma Qiang
Published: February 2024

Background

As stroke has become the leading cause of death and disability in China, it has induced a heavy disease burden on society, families, and patients. Despite much attention within the literature, the effect of multiple risk factors on length of stay (LOS) and inpatient costs in China is still not fully understood.

Aim

To analyse the association between the number of risk factors combined and inpatient costs among adults with stroke and explore the mediating effect of LOS on inpatient costs.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among stroke patients in a tertiary hospital in Nantong City from January 2018 to December 2019. Lifestyle factors (smoking status, exercise), personal disease history (overweight, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation), family history of stroke, and demographic characteristics were interviewed by trained nurses. Inpatient costs and LOS were extracted from electronic medical records. Hierarchical multiple linear regression models and mediation analysis were used to examine the direct and indirect effects of the number of risk factors combined for stroke on inpatient costs.

Results

A total of 620 individuals were included, comprising 391 ischaemic stroke patients and 229 haemorrhagic stroke patients, and the mean age was 63.2 years, with 60.32% being male. The overall mean cost for stroke inpatients was 30730.78 CNY ($ 4444.91), and the average length of stay (LOS) was 12.50 days. Mediation analysis indicated that the greater number of risk factors was not only directly related to higher inpatient costs (direct effect = 0.16, 95%CI:[0.11,0.22]), but also indirectly associated with inpatient cost through longer LOS (indirect effect = 0.08, 95% CI: [0.04,0.11]). Furthermore, patients with high risk of stroke had longer LOS than those in low-risk patients, which in turn led to heavier hospitalization expenses.

Conclusions

Both the greater number of risk factors and high-risk rating among stroke patients increased the length of stay and inpatient costs. Preventing and controlling risk behaviors of stroke should be strengthened.
Health conditions in spousal caregivers of people with dementia and their relationships with stress, caregiving experiences, and social networks: longitudinal findings from the IDEAL programme
Authors: Sabatini Serena , Martyr Anthony , Hunt Anna , Gamble Laura D. , Matthews Fiona E. , Thom Jeanette M. , Jones Roy W. , Allan Louise , Knapp Martin , Quinn Catherine , Victor Christina , Pentecost Claire , Rusted Jennifer M. , Morris Robin G. , Clare Linda
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Longitudinal evidence documenting health conditions in spousal caregivers of people with dementia and whether these influence caregivers’ outcomes is scarce. This study explores type and number of health conditions over two years in caregivers of people with dementia and subgroups based on age, sex, education, hours of care, informant-rated functional ability, neuropsychiatric symptoms, cognition of the person with dementia, and length of diagnosis in the person with dementia. It also explores whether over time the number of health conditions is associated with caregivers’ stress, positive experiences of caregiving, and social networks

Methods

Longitudinal data from the IDEAL (Improving the experience of Dementia and Enhancing Active Life) cohort were used. Participants comprised spousal caregivers (n = 977) of people with dementia. Self-reported health conditions using the Charlson Comorbidity Index, stress, positive experiences of caregiving, and social network were assessed over two years. Mixed effect models were used

Results

On average participants had 1.5 health conditions at baseline; increasing to 2.1 conditions over two years. More health conditions were reported by caregivers who were older, had no formal education, provided 10 + hours of care per day, and/or cared for a person with more neuropsychiatric symptoms at baseline. More baseline health conditions were associated with greater stress at baseline but not with stress over time. Over two years, when caregivers’ health conditions increased, their stress increased whereas their social network diminished

Discussion

Findings highlight that most caregivers have their own health problems which require management to avoid increased stress and shrinking of social networks
Susceptibility to eye diseases in relation to age and kidney failure among Taiwanese adults
Authors: Chiu Shin-Lin , Nfor Oswald Ndi , Chen Chiu-Liang , Tantoh Disline Manli , Lu Wen Yu , Chen Pei-Hsin , Liaw Yung-Po
Published: February 2024

Background

The kidney and eyes share common pathways and are thought to be closely connected. Chronic kidney disease and major eye diseases, such as cataract and glaucoma, are strongly associated with age. However, further investigation is needed to understand the joint impact of age and kidney diseases on eye diseases. In this study, we assessed the risk of eye diseases in relation to age and kidney failure in Taiwanese adults.

Methods

Our study included 127,561 cancer-free volunteers aged 30 to 70 years who participated in the Taiwan Biobank (TWB) project from 2008 to 2020. Information on the main exposures (kidney failure and age) and the outcome (eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataract, xerophthalmia, and retinal detachment) was collected through questionnaires.

Results

In general, kidney failure and older age were independently associated with a higher risk of eye, particularly cataract and retinal detachment: prevalence odds ratio (POR); 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.480; 1.635–3.761 for cataract and 3.885; 1.968–7.666 for retinal detachment. A significant interaction between kidney failure and age on cataract was observed (p-value = 0.0002). Age-stratified analysis revealed a higher risk of cataract among patients with kidney failure aged below 50 (POR = 6.534; 95% CI = 2.493–17.124) and between 50 and 60 years (POR = 3.957; 95%CI = 1.986–7.881). Combining kidney failure and age (reference: no kidney failure and age < 50 years), kidney failure in all age groups was associated with a higher risk of cataract. The PORs; 95% CIs were 10.725; 4.227–27.211 for patients below 50 years, 28.487; 14.270-56.866 for those aged 50–60 years, and 43.183; 24.434–72.824 for those > 60 years. Combining cataract and age (reference: no cataract and age < 50 years), patients below 50 years had the highest risk of kidney failure (POR; 95% CI = 9.510; 3.722–24.297).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that age and kidney failure may jointly contribute to eye diseases, particularly cataract. The association between cataract and kidney failure could be bidirectional, especially in individuals below 50 years. This significant bidirectional relationship underscores the need for screening patients with cataract for kidney failure and vice versa, particularly in younger adults.
Evaluation of a pharmacist-led intervention to reduce drug-related problems in patients included in a home healthcare program: study protocol for a pragmatic randomized clinical trial
Authors: Salom-Garrigues Clara , Aragonès Enric , Giralt Montse , Campabadal Prats Cecília , Bejarano-Romero Ferran , Canadell Laura
Published: February 2024

Background

ATDOM is the Catalan home healthcare program at primary care level. Patients in the home care program are usually frail, elderly people with multiple comorbidities. They are often polymedicated, leading to a high risk of drug-related problems (DRPs). Our hypothesis is that the pharmacist-led individualized review of the pharmacotherapeutic plans of ATDOM patients will be effective in improving the quality of treatments by reducing DRPs in terms of indication, adequacy, effectiveness, and safety.

Methods

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of a standardized pharmaceutical intervention for the review and optimization of pharmacological treatments in ATDOM patients with usual management practice.

Design: Pragmatic randomized clinical trial with a comparable control group, with prospective follow-up regarding the intervention on the adequacy of the pharmacological treatment of patients in the ATDOM program.

Setting: Primary care teams in the Camp de Tarragona Primary Care Area, Tarragona, Spain.

Participants: Four hundred and thirty-two ATDOM patients will be recruited, those who are over 65 years old and who are currently undergoing pharmacological treatment.

Measures: Effectiveness of a six-month long intervention in reducing DRPs per patient and polypharmacy. Additionally, in the intervention group we will evaluate the implementation of the proposals for change or improvement made by the responsible physician.

Analysis: The outcomes will be analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis and the analysis units will be the individual patients. Logistic regression and linear regression models will be used to evaluate the effects of the intervention on dichotomous and continuous variables versus the control arm.

Ethics: The protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Jordi Gol Primary Care Research Institute (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, (19/141-P).

Discussion

If the results of the pharmaceutical intervention are favorable, widespread implementation of the program could be possible. It could be extended to all ATDOM patients or outpatients in general. Interdisciplinary teamwork could be strengthened as a result, which would improve the healthcare continuum.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05820945; Registered 21 March, 2023.