bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MDP25 mediates the fine‐tuning of microtubule organization in response to salt stress
Authors: Yang Peizhi , Jin Jingwei , Zhang Jingru , Wang Dan , Bai Xuechun , Xie Wenfei , Hu Tianming , Zhao Xuan , Mao Tonglin , Qin Tao
Published: April 2022

Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeleton structures playing fundamental roles in plant responses to salt stress. The precise mechanisms by which microtubule organization is regulated under salt stress are largely unknown. Here, we report that Arabidopsis thaliana MICROTUBULE‐DESTABILIZING PROTEIN 25 (MDP25; also known as PLASMA MEMBRANE‐ASSOCIATED CATION‐BINDING PROTEIN 1 (PCaP1)) helps regulate microtubule organization. Under salt treatment, elevated cytosolic Ca2+ concentration caused MDP25 to partially dissociate from the plasma membrane, promoting microtubule depolymerization. When Ca2+ signaling was blocked by BAPTA‐AM or LaCl3, microtubule depolymerization in wild‐type and MDP25‐overexpressing cells was slower, while there was no obvious change in mdp25 cells. Knockout of MDP25 improved microtubule reassembly and was conducive to microtubule integrity under long‐term salt treatment and microtubule recovery after salt stress. Moreover, mdp25 seedlings exhibited a higher survival rate under salt stress. The presence microtubule‐disrupting reagent oryzalin or microtubule‐stabilizing reagent paclitaxel differentially affected the survival rates of different genotypes under salt stress. MDP25 promoted microtubule instability by affecting the catastrophe and rescue frequencies, shrinkage rate and time in pause phase at the microtubule plus‐end and the depolymerization rate at the microtubule minus‐end. These findings reveal a role for MDP25 in regulating microtubule organization under salt treatment by affecting microtubule dynamics.
The controls on the thermal evolution of continental mountain ranges
Authors: Copley Alex , Weller Owen
Published: April 2022

This paper examines the controls on the thermal evolution of continental mountain ranges and investigates how pressure (P) and temperature (T) estimates from metamorphic rocks can be used to reconstruct the thermal histories of orogenic belts. We show that one‐dimensional models can approximate the temperature structure of most continental mountain belts, and find that the metamorphic conditions typical of such tectonic settings can most easily be achieved by thickening of the mid‐ to upper‐crust above a rigid lower crustal substrate. Homogeneous thickening of the entire lithosphere can only result in these conditions under unusual circumstances. This result implies that thickening above rigid lower crust has been the dominant mode of mountain‐building preserved in the rock record. In this situation, modest rates of vertically distributed internal radiogenic heating (1±0.5 μW/m3) are able to produce typical metamorphic conditions and timescales, without the requirement for an external source of heat. In a given model, peak temperature conditions for rocks originally positioned closely in depth (e.g. 5 km apart) occur at times that can be separated by over 10 Myr, highlighting the spectrum of ages and conditions that can be produced by a single geometrically simple mountain‐building event. The direction of approach in P–T space towards the highest‐T conditions experienced by a rock (i.e. the curvature of the P–T loop) is the most diagnostic feature that allows the thermal and tectonic history of a mountain belt to be estimated, highlighting the importance of determining prograde P–T paths. Combining estimates of the peak‐T conditions with multiple other sources of information (e.g. the timescales of metamorphism or the initial crustal thickness) can also allow the reconstruction of the mountain range evolution under most circumstances. Many configurations of continental mountain‐building result in rocks transiently passing through regions with low average thermal gradients (e.g. 10–15°C/km), suggesting that such gradients should not be used to infer the presence of subduction. Analysis of existing P–T loops from the 3.2 Ga metamorphism in the Barberton terrane suggests that mountain‐building processes at that time and place were similar to those in present‐day mountain ranges, implying that large regions of rigid continental lithosphere were already in existence, and were underthrusting the margins of mountain ranges.
Ozonized glycerin (OG)‐based cosmetic products lighten age spots on human facial skin
Authors: Hanada Keigo , Okuda Daiki , Ogi Ryuhei , Kojima Sayaka , Tsuruoka Risa , Shiota Gotaro
Published: April 2022

Background

Few cosmetic ingredients are shown to be able to safely remove or lighten facial dark spots once they have formed. OG has been reported to possess oxidation power and exhibit various biological activities such as antibacterial, antiviral, and wound healing promotion.

Aims

This study aimed to clarify the effects of OG on human skin, especially on age spots on the face.

Methods

OG formulations (80 and 800 ppm) were mixed with synthetic melanin in vitro for 4 weeks and then assessed for its ability to degrade the melanin. OG also investigated its effect on gene expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers in vitro to explore the cell maturation. In clinical study for the evaluation of effects of OG formulations on age spots on facial skin, 48 women were measured for the melanin content of them by a Mexameter at 4 and 8 weeks after daily twice application of OG formulations. Adverse events were monitored during the study.

Results

Both OG formulations showed direct melanin degradation in a time‐dependent manner, with significant effects observed as early as 6 h. OG formulation at 800 ppm showed higher activity than OG formulation at 80 ppm, and the amount of melanin was decreased by about 40% on Day 14 of the mixing reaction. Differentiation marker studies using human keratinocytes showed that the gene expression of involucrin and serine palmitoyltransferase was upregulated by OG, which was almost equivalent concentration to OG formulation 80 ppm, suggesting that OGs can enhance turnover of the skin epidermis. In clinical study, OG formulations 80 and 800 ppm showed larger decreases in melanin contents at 8 weeks compared with those at 4 weeks and their mean values of △melanin index were −16.7 and −15.2, respectively. Statistically significant differences were detected against respective controls. Number of subjects with a decrease in melanin index from baseline to 4 or 8 weeks increased in both OG formulations 80 and 800 ppm, especially prominent at 8 weeks. There were no adverse events related to treatments of OG 80 and 800 ppm during the study.

Conclusion

The result indicated that applications of OG formulations are safe and effective in lightening age spots on the facial skin.
Moisturizing effectiveness of immediate compared with delayed moisturization
Authors: Nguyen Kim Han , Pham Le Duy , Nguyen Thi Thu Thao , Chu Hien , Nguyen Thanh Dat , Ngo Dang Khoa , Nguyen Quoc Cuong , Le Thai Van Thanh
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Moisturizers play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier by increasing stratum corneum hydration (SCH) and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). According to dermatology and allergy guidelines, moisturizers should be applied on the skin within 3 min after bathing or showering. However, there is very little evidence supporting this recommendation. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of immediate and delayed moisturizing after bathing/washing on the improvement of SCH and TEWL.

Methods

This was a crossover study of 60 healthy Vietnamese volunteers aged 18–25 years. In each subject, SCH and TEWL levels were measured at three areas: non‐moisturized, immediate moisturizing after washing, and delayed moisturizing at 30 min after washing.

Results

In non‐moisturized skin, SCH and TEWL levels were significantly different from the baseline at 60 min after washing, while significantly decreased TEWL levels were observed immediately after moisturizing. In addition, moisturized skin had significantly higher SCH and lower TEWL levels compared with non‐moisturized areas at every time point (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the percentage changes of SCH and TEWL levels from baseline did not differ between immediately and delayed moisturized areas.

Conclusions

Tested moisturizer helped increase SCH and decrease TEWL; however, there was no difference in moisturizing effectiveness between immediate and delayed moisturizing in healthy skin. The recommendation of immediate application of moisturizers after bathing/washing should be reconsidered, and more studies are needed to establish a stronger recommendation.
Is Modified Early Warning Score associated with clinical outcomes of patients admitted to a university internal medicine ward?
Authors: Saba Amanda , Nunes Maria do Patrocínio Tenório
Published: April 2022

Objective

To assess the MEWS association with the clinical outcomes (CO) of patients admitted to an internal medicine ward (IMW) at a Brazilian university hospital (UH).

Introduction

It is important to quickly identify patients with clinical deterioration, especially in wards. The health team must recognize and act before the situation becomes an adverse event. In Brazil, nurses’ work to overcome performance myths and the application of standardized predictive scales for patients in wards is still limited.

Design

An observational cohort study designed and developed by a registered nurse that followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist.

Methods

Data were collected from the IMW of a UH located in the city of São Paulo, Brazil (2017). An ROC curve was calculated to strengthen the use of a MEWS of < or ≥ 4 as a cutoff. CO of the two subgroups were compared.

Results

Three hundred patients completed the study; their vital signs were recorded consecutively throughout hospitalization in the IMW. The highest MEWS value each day was considered for analysis. Scores < 4 were significantly associated with a higher probability of hospital discharge, a lower chance of transfer to the ICU, a lower total number of days of hospitalization, and a lower risk of death. Score ≥ 4 had worse CO (orotracheal intubation and cardiac monitoring), transfer to the ICU, and increased risk of death.

Conclusion

Scores < 4 were associated with positive outcomes, while scores ≥ 4 were associated with negative outcomes. MEWS can help prioritize interventions, increase certainty in decision‐making, and improve patient safety, especially in a teaching IMW with medical teams undergoing professional development, thereby ensuring the central role of the nursing team in Brazil.

Relevance for clinical practice

MEWS aid nurses in identifying and managing patients, prioritizing interventions through assertive decision‐making.
Ethnic entrepreneurship, assimilation, and integration policy
Authors: Horváth Gergely , Zhang Rui
Published: April 2022

This paper studies the assimilation of ethnic minority individuals to the native labor market and the impact of integration policies on assimilation. In our theoretical model, ethnic individuals choose, depending on their productivity level, among: entrepreneurship, assimilating to the native labor market, and being employed by coethnic entrepreneurs. We find that when integration policies increase the returns of assimilation to the native labor market, there will be more ethnic entrepreneurs and more workers hired in the ethnic sector. This counter‐intuitive result is due to wage adjustment in the ethnic sector. In terms of social welfare, we find that the social planner prefers that more ethnic individuals assimilate to the native labor market relative to the decentralized equilibrium. We propose a policy mix that restores the efficiency of the equilibrium.
Single‐cell transcriptomic analysis reveals circadian rhythm disruption associated with poor prognosis and drug‐resistance in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: He Lei , Fan Yixian , Zhang Yue , Tu Tongtao , Zhang Quan , Yuan Fahu , Cheng Chao
Published: April 2022

Circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) represents a major contributor to tumor proliferation. Nonetheless, the role of CRD in the clinical prediction of cancer outcomes has not been well studied. In this study, we developed a computational algorithm, which was implemented in an open‐source R package CRDscore, to define the intratumoral status of circadian disruption in three representative single‐cell RNA‐seq data sets of lung adenocarcinoma. We found that the malignant cells with high CRDscore were characterized by activation of glycolysis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition pathways. Furthermore, cell communication analysis indicated that CRD played a pivotal role in T cell exhaustion, which may be responsible for the poor prognosis of the malignancy. We then validated the findings with public bulk transcriptome datasets involving 22 cancer types. Cox regression analysis revealed that the CRDscore was a valuable prognostic biomarker. A model containing 23 circadian‐related genes performed well in predicting immunotherapeutic outcomes in 14 independent cohorts. Importantly, decreased CRDscore was detect by RNA sequencing on H1299 cells with melatonin treatment. Meanwhile, the cells downregulated the expression level of SNAIL and TWIST, which contributed to an invasive phenotype. In conclusion, this study provides a novel computational framework for characterizing CRD status using single‐cell transcriptomic data and further confirmed the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic reprogramming and T cell exhaustion under CRD. The better understanding of the mechanisms may provide new possibilities for incorporating “anticancer approaches based on circadian clocks” into the treatment protocols of precision medicine.
Periodontitis exacerbates endothelial dysfunctions partly via endothelial‐mesenchymal transition in streptozotocin‐induced diabetes rats
Authors: Yang Shurong , Cheng Rui , Xu Xiaojiang , Zhang Ran , Zhao Yong , Shi Xuexue , Gao Jinhua , Yu Feiyan , Ren Xiuyun
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Periodontal infections are related to the expansion of diabetes cardiovascular problems. However, the pathological process and probable mechanism remain unexplained. This study investigated the impact of periodontitis on streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes rats' carotid artery.

Methods

We randomized 24 Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats into four groups: control, chronic periodontitis (CP), diabetes mellitus (DM), and DM +CP groups. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and hemoglobin A1c (HBA1c) were measured to verify the establishment of the DM model. After euthanasia, the maxillary was collected for further studies like hematoxylin‐eosin (HE), Masson staining, and micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) analysis. Immunofluorescence (IF) staining was used to detect endothelial‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT)‐related markers in carotid artery wall. We further used ELISA and quantitative real‐time PCR to investigate the effect of high glucose (HG) and Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P.g‐LPS) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Results

Compared with DM and CP groups, bone resorption and pathological changes of the vascular wall were the most serious in the DM+CP group. The vascular wall of the DM+CP group had a higher level of interleukin (IL)‐6 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1). The carotid artery vascular wall of the DM+CP group contained more cells that expressed both mesenchymal and endothelial cell markers, along with elevated transcription factor levels. Furthermore, P.g‐LPS and HG upregulated the inflammatory cytokines expression and caused phenotypic changes of HUVECs in vitro.

Conclusion

Periodontitis exacerbates endothelial dysfunctions partly via endothelial‐mesenchymal transition in STZ‐induced diabetes rats.
Introduction: Investigating Explicit L2 Grammar Instruction Through Multiple Theoretical and Methodological Lenses
Authors: Toth Paul D.
Published: April 2022

The articles in this special issue apply a variety of theoretical and methodological perspectives to quantitative and qualitative data gathered in eight third‐year, intermediate second‐language (L2) Spanish classes at three U.S. high schools (N = 195). The goal of this research was to document grammatical development through two forms of explicit instruction on the pronoun se: one involving deductive rule presentations, and the other involving an inductive “co‐construction” of grammatical rules with learners (Adair‐Hauck et al., 2005). After reviewing cognitive and social approaches to explicit instruction, I present the context and procedures for data gathering, followed by an overview of the main findings in each article. While quantitative results suggest a somewhat stronger performance for the deductive group, qualitative evidence suggests a more challenging task for teachers implementing co‐construction. I conclude emphasizing the value of high‐quality explicit instruction to L2 development and the importance of teachers in making that happen.
The innocuousness of folieism and the need of intentionality where transduction fails: Replies to Adger and to Stainton & Viger
Authors: Rey Georges
Published: April 2022

I reply to Stainton and Viger by pointing out that my “folieist” claim—that standard linguistic entities (“SLEs”) such as words and phonemes are illusions—would not have the calamitous consequences for linguistics that they fear. Talk of “a language” need only be understood as talk of an I‐language precisely as Chomskyans have proposed; and I reply to Adger by pointing out that, since SLEs are not generally describable as real, local physical phenomena, perception of them cannot be explained as any sort of “transduction.” An intentionalist understanding of “representation of” is needed where mere transduction fails.
NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor ameliorates ischemic stroke by reprogramming the phenotype of microglia/macrophage in a murine model of distal middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Jia Hongning , Qi Xiaoyuan , Fu Lan , Wu Huijun , Shang Jinxing , Qu Mingwei , Yang Chaoping , Wang Jianping
Published: April 2022

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. NLRP3 inflammasome has an essential role in the neuropathology of stroke. Recent studies report that shifting the microglial M1 phenotype to the M2 phenotype protects against ischemic stroke. In the present study, the precise effects of Tranilast, a NLPR3 inflammasome inhibitor, on stroke were evaluated. We established a murine model of distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) and administered Tranilast to dMCAO‐induced stroke mice. The NLRP3 level, caspase 1 activity, and infarct volume stroke mice were measured. The sensorimotor function, pro‐inflammatory cytokine production, and M1/M2 marker expression were measured. The M1 phenotype was induced by treatment of BV2 microglia with lipopolysacharide and interferon γ, and these BV‐2 cells were further treated with Tranilast. The expression of CD16 and CD206 was monitored. dMCAO increased the NLRP3 expression and enhanced caspase 1 activity. Tranilast treatment significantly decreased the infarct volume, improved sensorimotor function, and suppressed the production of inflammatory cytokines in stroke mice. Moreover, Tranilast decreased the M1 marker level while promoting the expression of M2 markers. In summary, our findings suggest that Tranilast ameliorates ischemic stroke through stimulating M2 polarization of microglia.
Parity, moral options, and the weights of reasons
Authors: Tucker Chris
Published: April 2022

The (moral) permissibility of an act is determined by the relative weights of reasons, or so I assume. But how many weights does a reason have? Weight Monism is the idea that reasons have a single weight value. There is just the weight of reasons. The simplest versions hold that the weight of each reason is either weightier than, less weighty than, or equal to every other reason. We'll see that this simple view leads to paradox in at least two ways. We must complicate the picture somehow. I consider two candidate complications. The first, Parity Monism, is inspired by Ruth Chang's suggestion that parity is a fourth comparative beyond the traditional three (>, <, =). This view complicates the single weight relation by allowing that the weights of reasons can be on a par. Unfortunately, Parity Monism resolves only one of the two paradoxes that afflict simple versions of Weight Monism. To resolve both paradoxes, we need our second candidate complication, Weight Pluralism. This view holds that reasons have at least two weight values (e.g., justifying weight and requiring weight) and these two values aren't always equivalent. Parity is no substitute for Pluralism.
Fourth‐Generation Ceramic‐on‐Ceramic THA in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Minimum 10‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Li Liangliang , Fu Jun , Xu Chi , Ni Ming , Chai Wei , Hao Libo , Zhou Yonggang , Chen Jiying
Published: April 2022

Objective

To report the long‐term outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) with fourth‐generation ceramic‐on‐ceramic (CoC) bearing in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

We retrospectively identified 180 primary THAs performed in 110 patients with AS, including 100 (90.9%) men and 10 women (9.1%), from 2009 to 2011.The mean age of the patients at surgery was 33 years (range, 16 to 65 years). Cementless prostheses with fourth‐generation CoC bearings were used in all patients. Survivorship of the implants and postoperative complications were calculated. Functional improvement was assessed by the hip flexion‐extension range of motion (ROM) and Harris hip score (HHS). A special noise assessment questionnaire was performed at the last follow‐up. The cumulative incidence of noise was calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Clinical characteristics and functional outcomes were compared in the hips with noise to those without noise.

Results

The mean follow‐up was 11 years (range, 10 to 12 years), and survivorship of the implants was 99.4% at the most recent follow‐up. The complications included dislocation (one hip, 0.6%), periprosthetic joint infection (one hip, 0.6%), mild to moderate pain (five hips, 2.8%), heterotopic ossification (12 hips, 6.7%), and noise (52 hips, 28.9%). The flexion‐extension ROM improved significantly with a median from 10° (range, 0 ~ 130°) to 100° (30 ~ 130°) after THA (p < 0.001), and the HHS increased significantly from 41 ± 20 to 90 ± 8 (p < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of noise at 0.5, 5, and 10 years was 6.1% (95% CI, 2.6 ~ 9.6), 16.7% (95% CI, 11.2 ~ 22.1), and 28.9% (95% CI, 22.2 ~ 35.5), respectively, and that of squeaking at 0.5, 5, and 10 years was 4.4% (95% CI, 1.4 ~ 7.4), 13.3% (95% CI, 8.4 ~ 18.3), and 23.9% (95% CI, 17.6 ~ 30.1), respectively. None of the patients with noise generation in the hip reported it affecting daily activities or causing dissatisfaction. No differences in age, sex, BMI, disease duration, bilateral THA, the frequency of bony ankylosis, the proportion of using a 36‐mm‐diameter femoral head, pre/postoperative flexion‐extension ROM, or pre/postoperative HHS were found between hips with noise and those without noise (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

THAs with fourth‐generation CoC bearings exhibit excellent long‐term survival and clinical outcomes in patients with AS, with a very low dislocation rate. The incidence of noise associated with CoC bearings in THA performed in patients increases over time, but it does not affect postoperative hip function or daily activities.
IgE mediated legume allergy in east Mediterranean children: A reflection of multiple food allergies
Authors: Soyak Aytekin Elif , Unsal Hilal , Sahiner Umit Murat , Soyer Ozge , Sekerel Bulent Enis
Published: April 2022

Background

Legumes are nutritionally valuable as an inexpensive protein source, but may cause severe allergic reactions. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of legume allergies (LAs) in Turkish children.

Methods

A total of 87 children (4.9 (3.1–7.0) years) with LAs confirmed by either oral food challenge (OFC) or consistent history were reviewed.

Results

The median age of onset was 19 (12–38) months. The most frequent LA was lentil (n = 57, 66%), followed by peanut (n = 53, 61%), chickpea (n = 24, 28%), pea (n = 21, 24%), bean (n = 7, 8%), and soybean (n = 1, 1%). From these, it was observed that 60% had multilegume (≥2) allergies and the age of onset occurred earlier compared with the single LA subgroup (18 (11–30) vs. 28 (17–42) months, p = .042). Single LA was present in peanut (51%) and lentil (16%) allergies, but not chickpea, pea, and bean. Fifteen patients had tolerated lentils before their first allergic reaction. The majority of children with LA (91.9%) were allergic to multiple foods including tree nuts (71%), hen's egg (66%), and cow's milk (49%). Seventy‐eight patients (89.7%) also presented with atopic comorbidities concerning atopic dermatitis (70%), asthma (40%), and allergic rhinitis (30%). Patients with anaphylactic type of reaction (20%) had higher frequency of aeroallergen sensitization (p = .001). Lip dose challenge with legume paste predicted the result of OFC with a diagnostic accuracy of 81.82% and a positive likelihood ratio of 10.8.

Conclusion

In Turkey, LA is a reflection of multiple food allergies and the presence of allergy to a least frequently encountered legume is a sign of multiple LA.
Dexmedetomidine as a sole sedative for procedural sedation in preterm and neonate infants: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Leister Nicolas , Yücetepe Sirin , Ulrichs Christoph , Pietsch Steffi , Schink Ullrich , Kilian Janine , Menzel Christoph , Trieschmann Uwe
Published: April 2022

Background

Many different sedation concepts for magnetic resonance imaging have been described for prematurely and term‐born infants, ranging from “no sedation” to general anesthesia. Dexmedetomidine is an alpha‐2 receptor agonist that is frequently used to sedate older children, because the anesthesiologist can easily adjust sedation depth, the patient maintains spontaneous breathing, and awakens rapidly afterwards.

Aims

The present study evaluates whether dexmedetomidine could safely be used as the sole sedative for prematurely and term‐born infants less than 60 weeks postconceptional age undergoing diagnostic procedures.

Methods

We performed a retrospective monocentric analysis of n = 39 prematurely and term‐born infants (<60 weeks postconceptional age or a body weight <5 kg) who were sedated with dexmedetomidine for an MRI at a German university hospital from August 2016 to November 2018.

Results

Successful imaging was achieved in all cases. The median initial bolus of dexmedetomidine administered over 10 min was 1.39 μg kg−1 body weight (range 0.34–3.64 μg kg−1), followed with a continuous infusion at a median rate of 1.00 μg kg−1 h−1 (range 0.5–3.5 μg kg−1 h−1); however, 3 patients (7%) needed some additional sedation (ketamine or propofol). All patients, including 10 infants who had previously required respiratory support, underwent the procedure without any relevant desaturation or apnea. Bradycardia was observed in up to 15 out of 39 cases (38.5%), but only four (10.3% in total and 26.7% of bradycardia) required atropine.

Conclusions

These results indicate that dexmedetomidine can be safely used for procedural sedation in the high‐risk cohort of prematurely and term‐born infants less than 60 weeks postconceptional age. Apnea during procedural sedation and subsequent stay in the recovery room is avoided, but bradycardia remains a relevant risk that may require treatment.
Gallstones in patients with severe motor and intellectual disability
Authors: Zuo Shogo , Sawai Toshio , Kanehiro Hiromichi , Kuroda Yasuhiro , Sho Masayuki
Published: April 2022

Background

Asymptomatic gallbladder stones may be detected with ultrasound; some gallstones produce symptomatic diseases, such as cholecystitis, cholangitis, or pancreatitis. Identifying the clinical features of symptomatic gallstones may help prevent severe complications by providing intervention for asymptomatic gallstones. We aimed to investigate risk factors associated with developing symptomatic disease in pediatric patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID).

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 30 patients with SMID who were treated at the Nara Medical University between March 2016 and March 2019. We examined the prevalence of gallstones, and the rate at which associated symptoms of gallstones were observed in patients. Furthermore, we compared the clinical features of patients with and without gallstones.

Results

Among 30 patients with SMID, 7 (23%) had gallstones, with 6 (86%) of them being symptomatic: 3 patients had acute pancreatitis and 3 had cholecystitis or cholangitis. Among 23 patients without gallstones, 2 had acute pancreatitis and 2 had biliary sludge. Patients with gallstones had significantly lower daily calorie intake than those without gallstones (P = 0.042). Furthermore, the incidence of gallstones was higher in patients who received total parenteral nutrition than in those who did not (P = 0.031). Comparative analysis between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients was not performed because almost all cases were symptomatic.

Conclusion

Gallstones were detected in 23% of patients with SMID. The gallstones were symptomatic at a very high rate. Considering this fact, patients with SMID should be surveyed for gallstones; careful management may be needed in such patients.
Interaction of blood calcium with luteal activity, energy metabolites and somatic cells count in post‐partum dairy cows
Authors: Shoukat Farhad , Khan Rifat Ullah , De Marzo Davide , Mazzei Domenico , Laudadio Vito , Tufarelli Vincenzo
Published: April 2022

The aim of the research was to assess whether there was a link between serum calcium (Ca) after calving and serum progesterone, milk somatic cells count and Ca, and other blood metabolites in Achai and crossbred cows. Based on blood calcium level shortly after calving, thirty cows from both breeds were divided into a moderate group (≤10.0 mg/dl of Ca) and a high group (>10.0 mg/dl of Ca), with samples collected at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days post‐partum, respectively. On day 35 of the post‐partum, crossbred and Achai cows with high blood Ca recorded significantly (p < .01) higher serum progesterone, glucose, triglyceride and milk Ca compared with moderate blood Ca group; however, serum cholesterol was significantly (p < .01) higher in both breeds under high blood Ca. Incidence of subclinical mastitis was significantly (p < .01) higher in crossbred and Achai cows under high blood Ca. The results showed that blood progesterone (OR=2.095), glucose (OR=1.024), triglyceride (OR=4.571), cholesterol (OR=1.111) and milk Ca (OR=1.141) resulted in a greater concentration in crossbred compared to Achai cows. A significant (p < .01) correlation was found between blood Ca and other blood metabolites (progesterone, glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol) in both breeds. In conclusion, greater serum Ca concentration after calving is associated with greater serum progesterone, glucose, triglyceride and milk Ca in crossbred cows; however, the incidence of subclinical mastitis increased.
Discrimination of tectonic influence from volcano‐sedimentary successions: An example from the Janggi Basin, south‐eastern part of the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Gihm Yong Sik , Kim Min‐Cheol , Chae Yong‐Un , Hwang In Gul , Son Moon
Published: April 2022

In extensional and transtensional basins, the dual action of basin‐forming tectonism and explosive volcanic activity results in deposition of complex volcano‐sedimentary successions. Since both aspects contemporaneously affect sediment‐dispersal systems, it is difficult to distinguish one from the other by analyzing volcano‐sedimentary successions. To discriminate tectonic influence, basin fills of the Miocene, pull‐apart Janggi Basin were investigated. Here, the contemporaneous influence of tectonic subsidence and explosive volcanism formed <966 m thick, conformable volcano‐sedimentary successions composed of laterally extensive, pumice‐bearing, unwelded pyroclastic deposits and nonmarine sedimentary rocks formed under humid climatic conditions. Based on Laser Ablation – Multiple Collector – Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry zircon U–Pb age data, these successions were deposited from 21.1 ± 0.2 to 20.1 ± 0.1 Ma. After deposition of basinwide, tens of metres thick, and unwelded pyroclastic deposits, the directly overlying facies successions (FS‐1 and FS‐2) show contrasting depositional features to the classical model of volcaniclastic sedimentation. Facies succession‐1 is represented by fluvial conglomerates composed mostly of (sub)rounded pebble and cobble sourced from basement. The supply of basement‐derived clasts through fluvial systems resulted from development of physiographic relief during or soon after the eruption by syndepositional tectonic subsidence. Facies succession‐2 occurs directly on pyroclastic deposits that cover FS‐1 and show coarsening‐upward trends, and is composed of basal lacustrine mudstones and overlying resedimented volcaniclastic sandstones showing a progradational geometry, interpreted as a result of progressive filling of the lake by remobilized volcaniclastic sediments. Occurrence of basal lacustrine laminated mudstones indicates that syndepositional creation of the accommodation by tectonic subsidence exceeded forceful input of pyroclastic and remobilized volcaniclastic sediments, resulting in a delayed sedimentary response to explosive volcanic eruptions. This study shows that, despite voluminous production of volcaniclastic sediments, tectonic activity controlled sediment type and stacking patterns. Therefore, these depositional features allow to discriminate tectonic effects from complex volcano‐sedimentary successions, enabling to reconstruct basin evolution.
Association between alexithymia and substance use: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Honkalampi Kirsi , Jokela Markus , Lehto Soili M. , Kivimäki Mika , Virtanen Marianna
Published: April 2022

Alexithymia has been associated with substance use, but the magnitude of the association has not been evaluated and sub‐group differences, if any, are unknown. The aim of this meta‐analysis is to systematically review the association between alexithymia and substance use (alcohol or illicit drugs). We identified studies through a systematic review of PubMed and Web of Science and obtained a total of 52 publications using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale‐20 scale. Random effects meta‐analysis was used to evaluate the overall and sub‐group associations. Of the studies, 50 were cross‐sectional and two longitudinal. Alexithymia was associated with any substance use (Cohen’s d = 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–0.76), with little difference between estimates for use of alcohol or illicit drugs. A stronger association was observed for the alexithymia dimension “Difficulty in Identifying Feelings” (d = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.47–0.81) and “Difficulty in Describing Feelings” (d = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.32–0.55) than for “Externally Oriented Thinking” (d = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.09–0.28). The association was stronger in studies with clinical patient populations (d = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.62–1.05) than in those investigating general or student populations, and in studies with a majority of male rather than female participants. These findings suggest a strong overall association between alexithymia and substance use and a very strong association among clinical patient populations. The association may be stronger with the emotion‐related dimensions than with the cognition‐related dimension of alexithymia. As nearly all the studies were cross‐sectional, more longitudinal studies are needed.
Boosting prosocial career aspirations: Loving‐kindness meditation relates to higher communal career goals in youth
Authors: Tellhed Una , Sollvén Annie , Tamas Alexandru , Hägerklint Emma
Published: April 2022

Wanting to help others and benefit society in one's future career are examples of communal career goals. Raising these goals in youth should increase interest in HEED‐occupations (Healthcare, Early Education, Domestic, and the Domestic fields) which are strongly gender‐skewed and face labor shortage. Research has yet to find ways to increase communal career goals. In this study, we test the novel hypothesis that after listening to a brief loving‐kindness meditation, participants will rate stronger communal career goals, as compared to controls. In three experimental studies, volunteering high‐school students (Study 1 and 3) and university students (Study 2) listened to a 12‐min recording of the meditation with the explicit purpose of investigating its effect on stress. They thereafter filled out an apparently unrelated career goal survey. We compared the results with a control group that just rated the career goals (Studies 1–3) and a control group that listened to calm music before filling out the survey (Study 2 and 3). The results showed that the high‐school students rated higher communal career goals after listening to the meditation, as compared to controls. We did not replicate the result in the sample of university students, which could relate to adults having less flexible career goals than youth, or to a ceiling effect in communal goals. This is the first study that has demonstrated a method with the potential of increasing communal career goals in youth. In addition to increasing interest in HEED, raising communal goals could benefit society, since they are intrinsically prosocial.
Investigating preservice teachers' assessment skills: Relating aspects of teacher noticing and content knowledge for assessing student thinking in written work
Authors: Namakshi Nama , Warshauer Hiroko K. , Strickland Sharon , McMahon Lauren
Published: April 2022

This mixed methods study explored the development of elementary and middle school preservice teachers' (PSTs) learning to assess student thinking through analysis of students' written work. Six sections of the first mathematics content course for teaching implemented two writing assignments focused on analysis of student work aligned to the mathematics topics covered in the PSTs' classes. Using quantitative methodology, we examined the PSTs' (n = 99) change in their noticing and assessment skills of attending to and interpreting students' thinking. We also documented their mathematical content knowledge (MKT) as measured by the Learning for Mathematics Teaching in the domains of specialized content knowledge and knowledge of content and students. Findings show that the PSTs increased in their assessment skills and in their MKT. Using a qualitative methodology on interview data of a subset of eight PSTs, we found they acknowledged that having a firm grasp of mathematical content is essential to understanding and explaining student thinking. Findings indicate that engaging PSTs in the real work of teaching such as noticing and assessing students' thinking through written work at the early stages of their teacher preparation may motivate PSTs to learn mathematics more deeply with an eye towards strengthening their assessment skills.
Identification of a novel HLA‐C*08 allele, HLA‐C*08:242 in a Chinese individual
Authors: Luo Chen , Ji Xin , Liu Zhong , Chen Qiang , Wang Jue
Published: April 2022

The novel HLA‐C*08:242 allele was identified in an individual from the Sichuan province of China.
Sorting Nexin1 negatively modulates phosphate uptake by facilitating Phosphate Transporter1;1 degradation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Lin‐Feng , Han Shu‐Yue , Ren Feng , Liu Wen‐Cheng
Published: April 2022

High‐affinity phosphate (Pi) transporters (PHTs) PHT1;1 and PHT1;4 are necessary for plant root Pi uptake especially under Pi‐deficient conditions, but how their protein stability is modulated remains elusive. Here, we identified a Ttransfer DNA insertion mutant of Sorting Nexin1 (SNX1), which had more Pi content and less anthocyanin accumulation than the wild type under deficient Pi. By contrast, the snx1‐2 mutant displayed higher sensitivity to exogenous arsenate in terms of seed germination and root elongation, revealing higher Pi uptake rates. Further study showed that SNX1 could co‐localize and interact with PHT1;1 and PHT1;4 in vesicles and at the plasma membrane. Genetic analysis showed that increased Pi content in the snx1‐2 mutant under low Pi conditions could be extensively compromised by mutating PHT1;1 in the double mutant snx1‐2 pht1;1, revealing that SNX1 is epistatic to PHT1;1. In addition, SNX1 negatively controls PHT1;1 protein stability; therefore, PHT1;1 protein abundance in the plasma membrane was increased in the snx1‐2 mutant compared with the wild type under either sufficient or deficient Pi. Together, our study (i) identifies SNX1 as a key modulator of the plant response to low Pi and (ii) unravels its role in the modulation of PHT1;1 protein stability, PHT1;1 accumulation at the plasma membrane, and root Pi uptake.
A split green fluorescent protein system to enhance spatial and temporal sensitivity of translating ribosome affinity purification
Authors: Dinkeloo Kasia , Pelly Zoe , McDowell John M. , Pilot Guillaume
Published: April 2022

Translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) utilizes transgenic plants expressing a ribosomal protein fused to a tag for affinity co‐purification of ribosomes and the mRNAs that they are translating. This population of actively translated mRNAs (translatome) can be interrogated by quantitative PCR or RNA sequencing. Condition‐ or cell‐specific promoters can be utilized to isolate the translatome of specific cell types, at different growth stages and/or in response to environmental variables. While advantageous for revealing differential expression, this approach may not provide sufficient sensitivity when activity of the condition/cell‐specific promoter is weak, when ribosome turnover is low in the cells of interest, or when the targeted cells are ephemeral. In these situations, expressing tagged ribosomes under the control of these specific promoters may not yield sufficient polysomes for downstream analysis. Here, we describe a new TRAP system that employs two transgenes: One is constitutively expressed and encodes a ribosomal protein fused to one fragment of a split green fluorescent protein (GFP); the second is controlled by a stimulus‐specific promoter and encodes the second GFP fragment fused to an affinity purification tag. In cells where both transgenes are active, the purification tag is attached to ribosomes by bi‐molecular folding and assembly of the split GFP fragments. This approach provides increased sensitivity and better temporal resolution because it labels pre‐existing ribosomes and does not depend on rapid ribosome turnover. We describe the optimization and key parameters of this system, and then apply it to a plant–pathogen interaction in which spatial and temporal resolution are difficult to achieve with current technologies.
Heat shock‐induced cold acclimation in cucumber through CsHSFA1d‐activated JA biosynthesis and signaling
Authors: Qi Chuandong , Dong Danhui , Li Yafei , Wang Xuewei , Guo Luqin , Liu Lun , Dong Xiaonan , Li Xingsheng , Yuan Xiaowei , Ren Shuxin , Zhang Na , Guo Yang‐Dong
Published: April 2022

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) originated in tropical areas and is very sensitive to low temperatures. Cold acclimation is a universal strategy that improves plant resistance to cold stress. In this study, we report that heat shock induces cold acclimation in cucumber seedlings, via a process involving the heat‐shock transcription factor HSFA1d. CsHSFA1d expression was improved by both heat shock and cold treatment. Moreover, CsHSFA1d transcripts accumulated more under cold treatment after a heat‐shock pre‐treatment than with either heat shock or cold treatment alone. After exposure to cold, cucumber lines overexpressing CsHSFA1d displayed stronger tolerance for cold stress than the wild type, whereas CsHSFA1d knockdown lines obtained by RNA interference were more sensitive to cold stress. Furthermore, both the overexpression of CsHSFA1d and heat‐shock pre‐treatment increased the endogenous jasmonic acid (JA) content in cucumber seedlings after cold treatment. Exogenous application of JA rescued the cold‐sensitive phenotype of CsHSFA1d knockdown lines, underscoring that JA biosynthesis is key for CsHSFA1d‐mediated cold tolerance. Higher JA content is likely to lead to the degradation of CsJAZ5, a repressor protein of the JA pathway. We also established that CsJAZ5 interacts with CsICE1. JA‐induced degradation of CsJAZ5 would be expected to release CsICE1, which would then activate the ICE–CBF–COR pathway. After cold treatment, the relative expression levels of ICE–CBF–COR signaling pathway genes, such as CsICE1, CsCBF1, CsCBF2 and CsCOR1, in CsHSFA1d overexpression lines were significantly higher than in the wild type and knockdown lines. Taken together, our results help to reveal the mechanism underlying heat shock‐induced cold acclimation in cucumber.
Genome‐wide loss of CHH methylation with limited transcriptome changes in Setaria viridis DOMAINS REARRANGED METHYLTRANSFERASE (DRM) mutants
Authors: Read Andrew , Weiss Trevor , Crisp Peter A. , Liang Zhikai , Noshay Jaclyn , Menard Claire C. , Wang Chunfang , Song Meredith , Hirsch Candice N. , Springer Nathan M. , Zhang Feng
Published: April 2022

The DOMAINS REARRANGED METHYLTRANSFERASEs (DRMs) are crucial for RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM) in plant species. Setaria viridis is a model monocot species with a relatively compact genome that has limited transposable element (TE) content. CRISPR‐based genome editing approaches were used to create loss‐of‐function alleles for the two putative functional DRM genes in S. viridis to probe the role of RdDM. Double mutant (drm1ab) plants exhibit some morphological abnormalities but are fully viable. Whole‐genome methylation profiling provided evidence for the widespread loss of methylation in CHH sequence contexts, particularly in regions with high CHH methylation in wild‐type plants. Evidence was also found for the locus‐specific loss of CG and CHG methylation, even in some regions that lack CHH methylation. Transcriptome profiling identified genes with altered expression in the drm1ab mutants. However, the majority of genes with high levels of CHH methylation directly surrounding the transcription start site or in nearby promoter regions in wild‐type plants do not have altered expression in the drm1ab mutant, even when this methylation is lost, suggesting limited regulation of gene expression by RdDM. Detailed analysis of the expression of TEs identified several transposons that are transcriptionally activated in drm1ab mutants. These transposons are likely to require active RdDM for the maintenance of transcriptional repression.