bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RNA silencing: From discovery and elucidation to application and perspectives
Authors: Zhao Jian‐Hua , Guo Hui‐Shan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRNA silencing (or RNA interference, RNAi) is a conserved mechanism for regulating gene expression in eukaryotes. The discovery of natural trans‐kingdom RNAi indicated that small RNAs act as signaling molecules and enable communication between organisms in different kingdoms. The phenomenon and potential mechanisms of trans‐kingdom RNAi are among the most exciting research topics. To better understand trans‐kingdom RNAi, we review the history of the discovery and elucidation of RNAi mechanisms. Based on canonical RNAi mechanisms, we summarize the major points of divergence around RNAi pathways in the main eukaryotes’ kingdoms, including plants, animals, and fungi. We review the representative incidents associated with the mechanisms and applications of trans‐kingdom RNAi in crop protection, and discuss the critical factors that should be considered to develop successful trans‐kingdom RNAi‐based crop protection strategies.
Recent exploration of nanoemulsions for drugs and cosmeceuticals delivery
Authors: Abu‐Huwaij Rana , Al‐Assaf Sarah F. , Hamed Rania 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundNanoemulsions (NEs) have been explored as nanocarriers for the delivery of many drugs and cosmeceuticals. The extraordinary expansion of using NEs is due to their capability to conquer the main challenges of conventional delivery systems such as short residence time with low patient acceptance, poor stability, low aqueous solubility, permeability, and hence bioavailability.MethodsThis review recapitulated the most recent pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications of NEs as effective delivery nanocarriers. The outputs of our research studies and the literature review on the latest NEs applications were assessed to highlight the NEs components, preparations, applications, and the improved quality and elegance of the used product.ResultsNEs are stable submicronic translucent dispersions with narrow droplet size distribution. They exhibited excellent ability to efficiently encapsulate therapeutics of diverse nature of drugs and cosmeceuticals. NE formulations showed superiority over conventional delivery approaches with overabundances of advantages through different routes of administration. This novel technology exhibited better aesthetic appeal, higher bioavailability, and a longer duration compared to the conventional delivery systems.ConclusionThis novel technology holds promise for different therapeutics fields. However, the success of NEs use advocated the development of robust formulations, proper choice of equipment, ample process characterization, and assurance of their efficacy, stability, safety and cosmetic appeal.
A prospective study examining the expression of STAT 1, 3, 6 in prurigo nodularis lesions with its immunopathogenic and therapeutic implications
Authors: Agrawal Diksha , Sardana Kabir , Mathachan Sinu Rose , Bhardwaj Minakshi , Ahuja Arvind , Jain Swasti 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic dermatologic condition manifesting as multiple papulonodular lesions occurring on the background of intense pruritus. PN could be primary or secondary. The exact immune pathogenesis of PN is not yet clear, and multiple pathways are proposed with the JAK‐STAT pathway rarely being investigated.AimsIn this study, our aim was to assess the role of Th cells in PN by comparing the expression of STAT 1, 3, and 6 in involved and normal skin of primary prurigo nodularis.MethodsA total of 49 clinico‐histopathologically proven cases of primary prurigo nodularis were included. Two skin biopsies for each patient from lesional and non‐lesional skin were stained with STAT 1, 3, and 6, and the nuclear staining pattern in the epidermis was graded as strong, moderate, weak, or none.ResultsStatistically significant expression of STAT 3 and STAT 6 staining was seen in the epidermis of the lesional skin as compared to non‐lesional skin.ConclusionOur study showed a marked dominance of STAT 3 and STAT 6 staining in the epidermis which signifies that the keratinocytes play an important role in PN and suggest that Th2, Th17, and Th22 cytokines mediate the tissue response in PN.
Thalamic altered spontaneous activity and connectivity in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Santarnecchi Emiliano , Sprugnoli Giulia , Sicilia Isabella , Dukart Juergen , Neri Francesco , Romanella Sara M. , Cerase Alfonso , Vatti Giampaolo , Rocchi Raffaele , Rossi Alessandro 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTBackground and PurposeObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive snoring, repetitive apneas, and nocturnal arousals, that leads to fragmented sleep and intermittent nocturnal hypoxemia. Morphometric and functional brain alterations in cortical and subcortical structures have been documented in these patients via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), even if correlational data between the alterations in the brain and cognitive and clinical indexes are still not reported.MethodsWe examined the impact of OSA on brain spontaneous activity by measuring the fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (fALFF) in resting‐state functional MRI data of 20 drug‐naïve patients with OSA syndrome and 20 healthy controls matched for age, gender, and body mass index.ResultsPatients showed a pattern of significantly abnormal subcortical functional activity as compared to controls, with increased activity selectively involving the thalami, specifically their intrinsic nuclei connected to somatosensory and motor‐premotor cortical regions. Using these nuclei as seed regions, the subsequent functional connectivity analysis highlighted an increase in patients’ thalamocortical connectivity at rest. Additionally, the correlation between fALFF and polysomnographic data revealed a possible link between OSA severity and fALFF of regions belonging to the central autonomic network.ConclusionsOur results suggest a hyperactivation in thalamic diurnal activity in patients with OSA syndrome, which we interpret as a possible consequence of increased thalamocortical circuitry activation during nighttime due to repeated arousals.
Brain myelin water fraction is associated with APOE4 allele status in patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Park Mina , Lee Hong Pyo , Kim Junghyeob , Kim Dong Hyun , Moon Yeonsil , Moon Won‐Jin 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground and PurposeApolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) is a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. However, the effect of APOE4 status on myelin remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of APOE4 on myelin content in cognitively impaired individuals using T2* gradient echo (GRE)‐based myelin water fraction (MWF) imaging.MethodsBetween August 2017 and January 2019, we evaluated 39 cognitively impaired patients (median age, 75 years; male:female = 8:31; Alzheimer's disease: mild cognitive impairment = 11:28). We obtained brain MWF values from white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM). Linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the APOE4 status and MWF and cognitive function and MWF.ResultsAmong the 39 cognitively impaired patients, nine (23.1%) were APOE4 carriers and 30 (76.9%) were noncarriers. APOE4 carriers had a lower hippocampal volume than noncarriers (p = .045), but other brain volume parameters were not differed. After age adjustment, the APOE4 status was significantly associated with reduced MWF in NAWM (β = –0.310 per allele; p = .049) but not in WMH (β = –0.258 per allele; p = .113). After age adjustment, MWF in NAWM was significantly associated with Mini‐Mental State Examination score (β = 0.313, p = .031).ConclusionsT2* GRE‐based MWF imaging can reveal myelin loss, particularly in NAWM, in cognitively impaired patients among APOE4 carriers. In vivo MWF in NAWM might be a novel imaging marker of Alzheimer's disease, for clarifying the interactions between the white matter and cognitive dysfunction with respect to the APOE4 status.
User experience design approaches for accommodating high “need for touch” consumers in ecommerce
Authors: Løkke‐Andersen Christian Bruun , Wang Qian Janice , Giacalone Davide 
Published: December 2021

AbstractInability to touch physical products when shopping online may be an issue for consumers with a high “need for touch” (NFT), defined as preference for the extraction and use of haptic information. This study explores the inclusion of congruent auditory and visual haptic information in online product presentation videos as a user experience (UX)–design approach to compensate for the lack of touch in e‐commerce. A between‐subjects online experiment was conducted where participants (N = 183) evaluated variants in two product categories—kitchen knives and sweaters—in three conditions: static images, videos containing natural audio from the product interaction, and the same videos with a musical background. Product presentation was found to significantly affect perceived haptic properties (weight for the knives, softness for sweaters), perceived overall quality, perceptual discrimination and experienced task difficulty. Importantly, interactions between NFT and product category were identified: specifically, natural auditory haptic information improved the user experience of high NFT consumers in one product category (knives), but not the other (sweaters).Practical applicationsOverall, the present study demonstrates that auditory haptic information congruent with visual haptic information can improve the user experience of high NFT consumers in an online shopping context. However, the effectiveness of this UX‐design approach may be dependent on the product characteristics, in particular the salience of the instrumental (vs. autotelic) dimension of touch.
Characterization and pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia solani AG‐5 isolates obtained from chickpea in Turkey
Authors: Basbagci Gurkan , Dolar Fatma Sara 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSeventy‐three isolates of Rhizoctonia were obtained from chickpea‐growing areas of Uşak, Kütahya, Isparta and Denizli provinces in Turkey. All the isolates were multinucleate (MN) and 50 of them showed hyphal fusion with the reference isolate of Rhizoctonia solani anastomosis group 5 (AG‐5). To confirm the identification, ITS gene regions of the isolates were sequenced with the ITS1 and ITS4 primers and they were found to be most similar to R. solani AG‐5 to 91.0–100.0% identity. The isolates were examined for their cultural characteristics. All the isolates were found to be highly virulent on chickpea, and the disease severity values of them were between 56.1–99.0% under in vitro conditions. In the pot trial, IS23, one of the most virulent isolates, caused pre‐emerged damping‐off with the value of 98.0% disease severity. This is the first study in which morphological and pathogenic variabilities of R. solani AG‐5 isolates were determined in chickpea in Turkey.
Escherichia coli SymE is a DNA‐binding protein that can condense the nucleoid
Authors: Thompson Mary K. , Nocedal Isabel , Culviner Peter H. , Zhang Tong , Gozzi Kevin R. , Laub Michael T. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractType I toxin‐antitoxin (TA) systems typically consist of a protein toxin that imbeds in the inner membrane where it can oligomerize and form pores that change membrane permeability, and an RNA antitoxin that interacts directly with toxin mRNA to inhibit its translation. In Escherichia coli, symE/symR is annotated as a type I TA system with a non‐canonical toxin. SymE was initially suggested to be an endoribonuclease, but has predicted structural similarity to DNA binding proteins. To better understand SymE function, we used RNA‐seq to examine cells ectopically producing it. Although SymE drives major changes in gene expression, we do not find strong evidence of endoribonucleolytic activity. Instead, our biochemical and cell biological studies indicate that SymE binds DNA. We demonstrate that the toxicity of symE overexpression likely stems from its ability to drive severe nucleoid condensation, which disrupts DNA and RNA synthesis and leads to DNA damage, similar to the effects of overproducing the nucleoid‐associated protein H‐NS. Collectively, our results suggest that SymE represents a new class of nucleoid‐associated proteins that is widely distributed in bacteria.
High rate episodes in a dual chamber pacemaker: What is the mechanism?
Authors: Shekar P Vijay , Vignesh Rangaswamy Vickram , Subramanian Muthiah , Atreya Auras R. , Yalagudri Sachin , Chennapragada Sridevi , Saggu Daljeet Kaur , Narasimhan Calambur 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDetection of high rate episodes can potentially result from oversensing of physiological or nonphysiological signals. Assessment of lead integrity, lead connection and analysis of noise characteristics on electrograms are decisive steps in the evaluation of oversensing. We report a case of high atrial and ventricular rate episodes due to minute ventilation oversensing in the presence of lead connector issues.
The missing link: Unlocking the power of cardiac rhythm monitoring device based QT interval detection
Authors: Chu Antony F. , Rajagopal Gautham , Sarkar Shantanu 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe QT interval is of high clinical value as QT prolongation can lead to Torsades de Pointes (TdP) and sudden cardiac death. Insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) have the capability of detecting both absolute and relative changes in QT interval. In order to determine feasibility for long‐term ICM based QT detection, we developed and validated an algorithm for continuous long‐term QT monitoring in patients with ICM.MethodsThe QT detection algorithm, intended for use in ICMs, is designed to detect T‐waves and determine the beat‐to‐beat QT and QTc intervals. The algorithm was developed and validated using real‐world ICM data. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated by comparing the algorithm detected QT interval with the manually annotated QT interval using Pearson's correlation coefficient and Bland Altman plot.ResultsThe QT detection algorithm was developed using 144 ICM ECG episodes from 46 patients and obtained a Pearson's coefficient of 0.89. The validation data set consisted of 136 ICM recorded ECG segments from 76 patients with unexplained syncope and 104 ICM recorded nightly ECG segments from 10 patients with diabetes and Long QT syndrome. The QT estimated by the algorithm was highly correlated with the truth data with a Pearson's coefficient of 0.93 (p < .001), with the mean difference between annotated and algorithm computed QT intervals of −7 ms.ConclusionsLong‐term monitoring of QT intervals using ICM is feasible. Proof of concept development and validation of an ICM QT algorithm reveals a high degree of accuracy between algorithm and manually derived QT intervals.
Early intervention for psychosomatic symptoms of adolescents in school checkup
Authors: Habukawa Chizu , Nagamitsu Shinichiro , Koyanagi Kenshi , Nishikii Yumi , Yanagimoto Yoshitoki , Yoshida Seiji , Suzuki Yuichi , Murakami Katsumi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early medical intervention for psychosocial problems detected in adolescents in a school health checkup, with the broader goal of prevention of these problems in adolescents.MethodsThe Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items score and scores for five subscales (physical symptoms, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, self‐efficacy, and family function), and an investigation of lifestyle were determined in a school health checkup for 5th grade elementary to 3rd grade junior high school students. Forty‐three children were found to be at high risk for psychosomatic disorder, of whom 18 then received a medical intervention (early intervention group) and 25 did not (non‐intervention group). Fifty‐seven children (outpatient group) treated for psychosomatic disorder for ≤3 months were also included in the study. The Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items (QTA30) was completed by all participants every 3 months for 1 year and scores were compared among the groups.ResultsIn the early intervention group, total Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items scores; physical, depression, and anxiety symptoms; and unstable relationships with friends and teachers at school all significantly improved after 1 year compared to the first survey. None of these items improved in the non‐intervention group, while the outpatient group had gradual improvement in all scores. Family function scores in the early intervention group improved over time, whereas those in the non‐intervention group worsened.ConclusionsEarly detection of children at high risk for psychosomatic disorder at a school health checkup and early medical intervention were useful for prevention of psychosomatic disorder in adolescents.
Household pesticide exposures and infant gross motor development in the MADRES cohort
Authors: Hernandez‐Castro Ixel , Eckel Sandrah P. , Chavez Thomas , Johnson Mark , Lerner Deborah , Grubbs Brendan , Toledo‐Corral Claudia M. , Farzan Shohreh F. , Habre Rima , Dunton Genevieve F. , Breton Carrie V. , Bastain Theresa M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe development of motor skills in infancy is a vital neurodevelopmental milestone. Although previous studies have explored the neurotoxic effects of agricultural pesticides on infants’ motor development, limited research has examined early postnatal household pesticide use on infants’ motor development, particularly among urban communities.ObjectiveThis study examined the association between early postnatal household pesticide use and infants’ gross and fine motor development at 6 months of age.MethodsQuestionnaires were administered via telephone to 296 mother–infant dyads in the Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors (MADRES) pregnancy cohort. Early life household pesticide use was assessed via questionnaire administered when infants turned 3 months old and gross and fine motor development was assessed by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ‐3) at 6 months old. Infant gross motor scores were reverse coded so that higher scores indicated lower gross motor performance. Negative binomial regressions were performed to assess the relationship between household pesticide use and infant gross motor development.ResultsInfants were predominantly Hispanic (78.7%) and full term (gestational age at birth: 39.0 ± 1.9 weeks), with 22.3% of maternal participants reporting household use of rodent and insect pesticides. Adjusting for recruitment site, maternal age, ethnicity, household income, education, infant corrected age, infant sex, and home type, infants with maternal‐reported household use of rodent and insect pesticides had 1.30 times higher expected gross motor scores (95% confiidence interval 1.05, 1.61) than infants with no reported use of household pesticides, with higher scores indicating reduced gross motor performance.ConclusionsOur results suggest household use of rodent and insect pesticides may harm infants’ gross motor development in early childhood. Future research should evaluate the impact of specific household chemicals in infant biospecimens and their associations with infant motor development to confirm these findings.
Comparison of 2% mepivacaine and a solution of 2% lidocaine/epinephrine administered for median and ulnar nerve blocks in horses with naturally occurring forelimb lameness
Authors: Boorman Sophie , DeGraves Fred , Schumacher John , Hanson Russel Reid , Boone Lindsey H. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo compare a 2% lidocaine solution containing 5 μg/ml (1:200 000) epinephrine with 2% mepivacaine for reducing lameness in horses after use in proximal nerve blocks.Study designExperimental randomized crossover.AnimalsSix adult horses with naturally occurring forelimb lameness.MethodsHorses were evaluated using an inertial gait sensor system. Lameness was measured as a vector sum (VS). Following baseline lameness examination, median and ulnar nerve blocks were performed with lidocaine/epinephrine (0.5 mg epinephrine added to 50 ml of 2% lidocaine immediately prior to administration) or an equal volume of 2% mepivacaine. Horses were trotted at 5 min and then at 30 min intervals for 150 min. After 24 h, nerve blocks were repeated using the other local anesthetic. Data were evaluated using linear models.ResultsThe reduction in the VS did not differ after nerve blocks with lidocaine/epinephrine or mepivacaine (P = .791). Mean time to VS <8.5 mm (n = 5) was 5 and 9.6 min for lidocaine/epinephrine and mepivacaine, respectively. For one horse, VS was not reduced to <8.5 mm with either treatment (this horse had the highest VS before treatments were administered). The decrease in VS to <8.5 mm lasted for 150 min in both treatment groups.ConclusionThe outcomes of the median and ulnar nerve blocks performed with 2% lidocaine with epinephrine did not differ from blocks performed with 2% mepivacaine.Clinical relevanceTwo percent lidocaine with epinephrine may serve as an adequate replacement for proximal nerve blocks when mepivacaine is unavailable.
Statins do not commonly cause muscle pain and stiffness
Authors: Saul Helen , Gursul Deniz , Cassidy Samantha , Smeeth Liam , Perkins Alexander 
Published: December 2021

The studyHerrett E, Williamson E, Brack K, et al. The effect of statins on muscle symptoms in primary care: the StatinWISE series of 200 N-of-1 RCTs.Health Technol Assess2021;25:16.To read the full NIHR Alert, go to:https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/statins-not-likely-to-cause-muscle-pain-stiffness/
Correlation between Reduced FEF25-75% and a Positive Methacholine Challenge Test in Adults with Nonobstructive Baseline Spirometry
Authors: Shafiq Irfan , Uzbeck Mateen Haider , Zoumot Zaid , Abuzakouk Mohamed , Parappurath Niyas , Wahla Ali Saeed 
Published: December 2021

Rationale. FEF25-75% is routinely reported on spirometry and is thought to be a marker of small airway obstruction. It is reduced in children with asthma, but its significance in adults and especially those without asthma diagnosis remains unclear. Objective. To clarify whether in adults with a nonobstructive spirometry a reduced FEF25-75% is associated with a positive methacholine challenge test (MCT). Methods. Data was collected for all the patients who had a MCT done between April 2014 and January 2020 but had nonobstructive baseline spirometry. Logistic regression was utilized to estimate the log odds of a positive methacholine test as a function of FEF25-75% and also for age, gender, BMI, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC. Results. Out of 496 patients, 187 (38%) had a positive MCT. Baseline characteristics in two groups were similar except that patients with positive MCT were younger (

32
±
11.57

vs.

38
±
13.25

years, respectively,

p
<
0.001

). Mean FEF25-75% was lower in MCT positive (

3.12
±
0.99

L/s) vs. MCT negative (

3.39
±
0.97

L/s) patients,

p
=
0.003

. Logistic regression results suggest that MCT outcome is inversely related to FEF25-75%, age, and gender. Specifically, as FEF25-75% percentage of predicted value increases, the log odds of a positive MCT decrease (

odds

ratio

OR

=
0.90

, 95% confidence

intervals

CI

=
0.84
‐
0.96

,

p
=
0.002

). Also, as age increases, the log odds of a positive MCT decrease (

OR
=
0.95

,

95
%
CI
=
0.94
‐
0.97

,

p
<
0.001

). Conclusions. Reduced FEF25-75% in adults with nonobstructive spirometry can predict a positive response to MCT in younger patients. However, this relationship becomes weaker with increasing age.