bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin reduces nanoplastic uptake, translocation, and toxicity in wheat
Authors: Li Shuxin , Guo Junhong , Wang Tianya , Gong Lei , Liu Fulai , Brestic Marian , Liu Shengqun , Song Fengbin , Li Xiangnan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWith increasing plastic production and consumption, large amounts of polystyrene nanoplastics are accumulated in soil due to improper disposal causing pollution and deleterious effects to environment. However, little information is available about how to alleviate the adverse impacts of nanoplastics on crops. In this study, the involvement of melatonin in modulating nanoplastic uptake, translocation, and toxicity in wheat plant was investigated. The results demonstrated that exogenous melatonin application reduced the nanoplastic uptake by roots and their translocation to shoots via regulating the expression of genes associated with aquaporin, including the upregulation of the TIP2‐9, PIP2, PIP3, and PIP1.2 in leaves and TIP2‐9, PIP1‐5, PIP2, and PIP1.2 in roots. Melatonin activated the ROS scavenging system to maintain a better redox homeostasis and ameliorated the negative effects of nanoplastics on carbohydrate metabolism, hence ameliorated the plant growth and enhanced the tolerance to nanoplastics toxicity. This process was closely related to the exogenous melatonin application induced melatonin accumulation in leave. These results suggest that melatonin could alleviate the adverse effects of nanoplastics on wheat, and exogenous melatonin application might be used as a promising management strategy to sustain crop production in the nanoplastic‐polluted soils.
Hepatocellular carcinoma risk in hepatitis C stage‐3 fibrosis after sustained virological response with direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Sánchez‐Azofra María , Fernández Inmaculada , García‐Buey María L. , Domínguez‐Domínguez Lourdes , Fernández‐Rodríguez Conrado M. , Mancebo Antonio , Bonet Lucía , Ryan Pablo , Gea Francisco , Díaz‐Sánchez Antonio , García‐Mayor Marian , Martín‐Carbonero Luz , Castillo Pilar , Manzano María L. , González‐Moreno Leticia , Pulido Federico , Gutiérrez María L. , Moreno José M. , García‐Amengual Irene M. , Cuevas Guillermo , Guerrero Antonio , Rivero‐Fernández Miguel , Portales María E. , Montes María L. , Olveira Antonio 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground & AimsPatients with chronic hepatitis C and stage 3 fibrosis are thought to remain at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma after sustained virological response. We investigated this risk in a large cohort of patients with well‐defined stage 3 fibrosis.MethodsWe performed a multicentre, ambispective, observational study of chronic hepatitis C patients with sustained virological response after treatment with direct‐acting antivirals started between January and December 2015. Baseline stage 3 was defined in a two‐step procedure: we selected patients with transient elastography values of 9.5‐14.5 kPa and subsequently excluded those with nodular liver surface, splenomegaly, ascites or collaterals on imaging, thrombopenia or esophago‐gastric varices. Patients were screened twice‐yearly using ultrasound.ResultsThe final sample comprised 506 patients (median age, 57.4 years; males, 59.9%; diabetes, 17.2%; overweight, 44.1%; genotype 3, 8.9%; HIV coinfection, 18.4%; altered liver values, 15.2%). Median follow‐up was 33.7 (22.1‐39.1) months. Five hepatocellular carcinomas and 1 cholangiocarcinoma were detected after a median of 29.4 months (95% CI: 26.8‐39.3), with an incidence of 0.47/100 patients/year (95% CI: 0.17‐1.01). In the multivariate analysis, only males older than 55 years had a significant higher risk (hazard ratio 7.2 [95% CI: 1.2‐41.7; P = .029]) with an incidence of 1.1/100 patients/year (95% CI: 0.3‐2.8).ConclusionsIn a large, well‐defined cohort of patients with baseline hepatitis C stage‐3 fibrosis, the incidence of primary liver tumours was low after sustained virological response and far from the threshold for cost‐effectiveness of screening, except in males older than 55 years.
Management, outcomes and survival of an Australian IgG4‐SC cohort: The MOSAIC study
Authors: Kemp William , Majeed Ammar , Mitchell Joanne , Majumdar Avik , Tse Edmund , Skoien Richard , Croagh Daniel , Dev Anouk , Gao Hugh , Weltman Martin , Craig Philip , Stuart Katherine , Cheng Wendy , Edmunds Simon , Lee Eric , Sood Siddharth , Metz Andrew , Thompson Alexander , Sinclair Marie , Beswick Lauren , Nicoll Amanda , Riordan Stephen , Braund Alicia , Muller Kate , MacQuillan Gerry , Sandanayake Neomal , Shackel Nicholas , Roberts Stuart Keith 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsIgG4 sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC) is the biliary component of the multisystem IgG4‐related disease. We aimed to investigate the clinical features, demographics, treatment response and outcomes of IgG4‐SC in a large Australian cohort.MethodsWe conducted nationwide retrospective cohort via the Australian Liver Association Clinical Trials Network (ALA‐CRN). 39 sites were invited to participate. IgG4‐SC was defined by the clinical diagnostic criteria established by the Japanese Biliary Association in 2012. Data were collected on patient demographic, clinical and laboratory information, presenting features, response to therapy and clinical outcomes.Results67 patients meet inclusion criteria from 22 sites. 76% were male with mean age of 63.3 ± 14.5 years and a median IgG4 level of 3.6 g/L [0.09‐67.1]. The most frequent presenting symptom was jaundice (62%) and abdominal pain (42%) and Type 1 biliary stricturing (52%) at the distal common bile duct was the most frequent biliary tract finding. Prednisolone was used as a primary treatment in 61 (91%) and partial or complete response occurred in 95% of subjects. Relapse was common (42%) in those who ceased medical therapy. After a median follow up of 3.9 years there was one hepatocellular carcinoma and no cholangiocarcinomas.ConclusionsOur study confirms the preponderance of IgG4‐SC in males and highlights the steroid response nature of this condition although relapse is common after steroid cessation. Progression to malignancy was uncommon.
Population structure, genomic diversity and demographic history of Komodo dragons inferred from whole‐genome sequencing
Authors: Iannucci Alessio , Benazzo Andrea , Natali Chiara , Arida Evy Ayu , Zein Moch Samsul Arifin , Jessop Tim S. , Bertorelle Giorgio , Ciofi Claudio 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPopulation and conservation genetics studies have greatly benefited from the development of new techniques and bioinformatic tools associated with next‐generation sequencing. Analysis of extensive data sets from whole‐genome sequencing of even a few individuals allows the detection of patterns of fine‐scale population structure and detailed reconstruction of demographic dynamics through time. In this study, we investigated the population structure, genomic diversity and demographic history of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), the world's largest lizard, by sequencing the whole genomes of 24 individuals from the five main Indonesian islands comprising the entire range of the species. Three main genomic groups were observed. The populations of the Island of Komodo and the northern coast of Flores, in particular, were identified as two distinct conservation units. Degrees of genomic divergence among island populations were interpreted as a result of changes in sea level affecting connectivity across islands. Demographic inference suggested that Komodo dragons probably experienced a relatively steep population decline over the last million years, reaching a relatively stable Ne during the Saalian glacial cycle (400–150 thousand years ago) followed by a rapid Ne decrease. Genomic diversity of Komodo dragons was similar to that found in endangered or already extinct reptile species. Overall, this study provides an example of how whole‐genome analysis of a few individuals per population can help define population structure and intraspecific demographic dynamics. This is particularly important when applying population genomics data to conservation of rare or elusive endangered species.
Circadian and circatidal rhythms of protein abundance in the California mussel (Mytilus californianus)
Authors: Elowe Cory , Tomanek Lars 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCoastal habitats fluctuate with the 12.4 h tidal and 24 h light/dark cycle to predictably alter conditions such as air exposure, temperature, and food availability. Intertidal sessile bivalves exhibit behavioural and physiological adjustments to minimize the challenges of this environment. We investigated a high‐resolution time course of the changes in protein abundance in the gill tissue of the intertidal mussel Mytilus californianus in a simulated tidal environment of 12:12 h light:dark cycles and a matching 6:6 h high:low tide cycle within each 12 h period. Approximately 38% of detected proteins showed significant rhythms in their abundances, with diversity in the phases of rhythmic isoforms. The circadian rhythm was dominant in protein abundance changes, particularly with oxidative metabolism. A tidal cycle elicited changes within functional groups, including in cytoskeletal proteins, chaperones, and oxidative stress proteins. In addition to protein abundance changes, we found the possibility for post‐translational modifications driving rhythms, including methylation, mitochondrial peptide processing (proteolysis), and acylation. Dynamic changes in the proteome across functional categories demonstrate the importance of the tidal environment in entraining cellular processes, confirming that differential expression studies should not assume a static baseline of cellular conditions in intertidal organisms.
Hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase genes underlying protocatechuic acid production in Valsa mali are required for full pathogenicity in apple trees
Authors: Meng Lulu , Sun Cuicui , Gao Liyong , Saleem Muhammad , Li Baohua , Wang Caixia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractValsa mali is the causative agent of apple tree valsa canker, which causes significant losses in apple production. It produces various toxic compounds that kill plant cells, facilitating infection. Among these, protocatechuic acid exhibits the highest phytotoxic activity. However, those genes involved in toxin production have not been studied. In this study we identified four hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase genes (VmHbh1, VmHbh2, VmHbh3, and VmHbh4) from the transcriptome of V. mali. The VmHbh protein had high enzymatic activities of hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase, which could convert 4‐hydroxybenzoate to protocatechuic acid. These four VmHbh genes all had highly elevated transcript levels during the V. mali infection process, especially VmHbh1 and VmHbh4, with 26.0‐ and 53.4‐fold increases, respectively. Mutants of the four genes were generated to study whether VmHbhs are required for V. mali pathogenicity. Of the four genes, the VmHbh1 and VmHbh4 deletion mutants considerably attenuated V. mali virulence in apple leaves and in twigs, coupled with much reduced toxin levels. The VmHbh2 and VmHbh3 deletion mutants promoted the transcript levels of the other VmHbhs, suggesting functional redundancies of VmHbhs in V. mali virulence. The results provide insights into the functions of VmHbhs in the production of protocatechuic acid by V. mali during its infection of apple trees.
Treatment preferences for primary membranous nephropathy: Results of a multinational survey among nephrologists in the South Asia Pacific region
Authors: Bose Bhadran , Badve Sunil V. , Johnson David W. , Hawley Carmel , Jha Vivekanand , Reidlinger Donna , Peh Chen Au 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimThere is no clear consensus on how best to treat primary membranous nephropathy (PMN). This study aimed to ascertain prevailing views among nephrologists on their choice of immunosuppressive agents to treat this disease.MethodsThe Australasian Kidney Trials Network conducted a multinational online survey among nephrologists from the South Asia‐Pacific region to identify prescribing practices to treat PMN. Survey questions focused on the types of immunosuppressive therapies used, preferred first‐line and second‐line therapies, indications for starting immunosuppressive therapy, the preferred mode of combining corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide, the use of serum phospholipase A2 receptor antibody testing in clinical practice, indications for anticoagulation, and interest in participating in future clinical trials in PMN.ResultsOne hundered fifty‐five nephrologists from eight countries responded to the online survey. The majority of them were senior nephrologists from Australia and India with significant experience managing patients with PMN. The combination of cyclophosphamide and corticosteroid was the preferred first‐line therapy. Of those who used this combination, only 34.8% followed the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2012 guidelines by adding intravenous methylprednisolone. The combination of calcineurin inhibitor with corticosteroid was the most common second‐line therapy. Most respondents considered prophylactic anticoagulation if serum albumin was less than 25 g/L. Most nephrologists were keen to participate in a clinical trial with a control arm consisting of cyclophosphamide and corticosteroids.ConclusionThe combination of corticosteroid with cyclophosphamide (without intravenous methylprednisolone) is the most commonly reported first‐line immunosuppressive therapy for the management of PMN.
Oral/oesophageal candidiasis is a risk factor for severe infection after kidney transplantation
Authors: Abe Tetsuya , Futamura Kenta , Goto Norihiko , Ohara Kiyomi , Ogasa Taiki , Tomosugi Toshihide , Okada Manabu , Hiramitsu Takahisa , Narumi Shunji , Watarai Yoshihiko 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimBacterial and fungal infections are serious, life‐threatening conditions after kidney transplantation. The development of oral/oesophageal candidiasis after kidney transplantation is not a reported risk factor for subsequent severe infection. This study was performed to investigate the relationship between oral/oesophageal candidiasis after kidney transplantation and the development of subsequent infection requiring hospitalization.MethodsThis retrospective study included 522 consecutive patients who underwent kidney transplantation at Japanese Red Cross Aichi Medical Center Nagoya Daini Hospital from 1 January 2010 to 1 February 2019. Ninety‐five percentage of patients were living donor transplant recipients. Visual examination was performed to detect oral candidiasis, beginning immediately after kidney transplantation; upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed 8–10 months after kidney transplantation. Twenty‐five patients developed candidiasis (Candida‐onset group) and 497 did not (non‐Candida‐onset group). The follow‐up periods were 67 (37–86) months in the Candida‐onset group and 55 (34–89) months in the non‐Candida‐onset group. Severe infection was defined as bacterial or fungal infection requiring hospitalization; viral infections were excluded.ResultsSevere infection developed in 9/25 (36%) patients in the Candida‐onset group and in 77/497 (15%) patients in the non‐Candida‐onset group (p = .006). Binomial logistic analysis revealed that Candida infection (odds ratio [OR] 2.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–6.06; p = .037) and use of rituximab (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.12–2.93; p = .016) were significant predictors of subsequent severe infection.ConclusionOral/oesophageal candidiasis is a risk factor for severe infection after kidney transplantation and suggests an over‐immunosuppressive state, which should prompt evaluation of immunosuppression.
Patient experience of virtual consultations in Oral Medicine during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Murthy Vignesh , Herbert Cameron , Bains Davinder , Escudier Michael , Carey Barbara , Ormond Martyn 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in a rapid shift to the use of virtual consultations in both primary and secondary care. The aim of this study was to assess patient experience of virtual consultations (telephone and video) in the Oral Medicine department during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsA validated survey was developed with the Patient Experience Team in Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. A combination of previously validated questions and newly validated psychometric questions were used to design the patient feedback questionnaire. The survey was administered to all patients following their virtual (telephone or video) consultation. Data were synthesised and electronically analysed. Qualitative data were thematically analysed.ResultsA total of 115 surveys were completed. Over 82% rated their experience as good or very good and 69% preferred a virtual consultation for their next consultation. Thematic analysis of individual comments identified positive themes including convenience and positive/helpful clinical experience. Areas for development identified from thematic analysis included accessibility and clinical limitations in not undertaking a physical examination.ConclusionOverall, the patient experience of virtual consultations in Oral Medicine was positive.
Psychometric properties of the Dutch version Adult Strabismus‐20 Questionnaire (AS‐20)
Authors: Burggraaf Fenna , Elsman Ellen BM , van Nispen Ruth MA , Tjon‐Fo‐Sang Martha J , Spek Bea , Jellema Hinke Marijke 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeStrabismus often has an impact on a patient's quality of life (QoL). The Adult Strabismus‐20 questionnaire (AS‐20) is an instrument developed to assess the strabismus‐specific QoL. The aim was to investigate several psychometric properties of the Dutch‐AS‐20 among adult patients with strabismus.MethodsPatients with any type of strabismus completed the Dutch‐AS‐20, the EuroQol five‐dimensional questionnaire (EQ‐5D‐5L) and the Amblyopia and Strabismus Questionnaire (A&SQ) (N = 286). Psychometric properties were evaluated with the use of item response theory (IRT) analysis (graded response model) and by determining the internal consistency, test‐retest reliability after two weeks, targeting and measurement precision. Construct validity of the AS‐20 was tested against the EQ‐5D‐5L and the A&SQ.ResultsPrincipal component analysis indicated a psychosocial and function subscale. After collapsing underutilised response options for 10 items, subsequent fit analysis showed that the function subscale benefitted from removal of two items. Differential item functioning (DIF) was detected on four items for age and gender subgroups, but with minimal impact on the total score. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.93 psychosocial and 0.87 function subscale) and test‐retest reliability (ICC 0.91 psychosocial and 0.88 function subscale) were sufficient. Targeting and measurement precision of both subscales was appropriate for patients with low to moderate levels of visual and psychosocial functioning but suboptimal for patients with high levels of visual and psychosocial functioning. Correlations were between 0.4 and 0.7 for (subscales of) the Dutch‐AS‐20 and the A&SQ or EQ‐5D‐5L, confirming expected construct validity.ConclusionsThe 18‐item Dutch‐AS‐20 has sound psychometric properties to assess the strabismus‐specific QoL among Dutch adult patients with low to moderate levels of visual and psychosocial functioning. Care must be taken when interpreting the results due to lower measurement precision at the higher end of both subscales. In future longitudinal studies, properties to assess treatment effects should be evaluated.
Error traps in pediatric regional anesthesia
Authors: Masaracchia Melissa M. , Sunder Rani A. , Polaner David M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractUltrasound‐guided nerve blocks have revolutionized the way we provide regional anesthesia. By providing effective perioperative pain control, regional anesthesia reduces opioid consumption, decreases length of stay, and increases patient/parental satisfaction. However, error traps (circumstances that lead to erroneous actions) can defeat its inherent benefits and may result in adverse outcomes. This article focuses on promoting a culture of safety by highlighting five common avoidable error traps encountered while providing regional anesthesia for pediatric patients. They include failure to confirm intended block site, failure to optimize ultrasound images and identify artifacts, failure to recognize when regional anesthesia is an acceptable option, failure to implement alternative imaging techniques when anatomy is challenging, and failure to recognize disease states with abnormal anatomy that may require alternative blocks. These issues are easily addressed if the pediatric regionalist is cognizant of the appropriate ways to mitigate them, and, as such, we review strategies to avoid them.
A group respite pilot project for children with special needs
Authors: McGrane Christine , Masson Natalie , Martins Diane C. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractProviding ongoing care for a family member or loved one with special needs is challenging. It is estimated that about 21% of the adult population in the United States are providing unpaid care for loved ones at home. Of that group, 5.7% are caring for children with special needs. Special needs can range from developmental delay to the provision of complex medical treatments. Family caregivers take on numerous roles to coordinate activities of daily living, therapies, in‐home services, school, and appointments. This is often a great source of stress on family caregivers. Providing the proper support for care to remain at home reduces the disruption to children and families’ lives (Carter et al., 2012). A pilot project was developed for children with physical, cognitive, and/or developmental impairment. This project was coordinated by nursing and physical therapy faculty and their students. Parents as well as nursing and physical therapy students benefited mutually. Our preliminary responses from families indicated stress relief from caregiving and benefiting from the ability to talk to other parents in similar circumstances.
Where and Why Immigrants Intend to Naturalize: The Interplay Between Acculturation Strategies and Integration Policies
Authors: Politi Emanuele , Bennour Salomon , Lüders Adrian , Manatschal Anita , Green Eva G. T. 
Published: August 2021

Via naturalization procedures, immigrants have the opportunity to acquire rights and duties limited to nationals. Yet little is known about acculturative contexts and naturalization motives underlying immigrants' naturalization intentions. Employing a large sample of first‐generation immigrants in Switzerland (N = 3928) and a multilevel approach, we articulated individual acculturation strategies and cantonal integration policies to explain naturalization intentions and underlying motives. Results at the individual level showed that assimilated immigrants report the highest intentions to naturalize, followed by integrated, and lastly by separated immigrants. Motives underlying naturalization intentions also differed as a function of acculturation strategies. Whereas integrated and assimilated immigrants reported higher symbolic motives than separated immigrants, the latter reported the highest level of instrumental motives. A cross‐level interaction qualified results at the individual level. Indeed, the gap between integrated and separated immigrants was more pronounced under inclusive integration policies. Accordingly, integrated immigrants' naturalization intentions increased the more integration policies were inclusive, whereas this was not the case among assimilated and separated immigrants. Overall, our findings cast a positive light on inclusive integration policies as contextual affordances to overcome barriers to naturalization and encourage migration scholars to consider the broader political context in which immigrant acculturation is embedded.