bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exposure to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis affects chemical defences in two anuran amphibians, Rana dalmatina and Bufo bufo
Authors: Ujszegi János , Ludányi Krisztina , Móricz Ágnes M. , Krüzselyi Dániel , Drahos László , Drexler Tamás , Németh Márk Z. , Vörös Judit , Garner Trenton W. J. , Hettyey Attila 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is the causative agent of chytridiomycosis, one of the major causes of worldwide amphibian biodiversity loss. Many amphibians exhibit skin-based chemical defences, which may play an important role against invading pathogens, but whether the synthesis of these chemical compounds is enhanced or suppressed in the presence of pathogens is largely unknown. Here we investigated direct and indirect effects of larval exposure to the globally distributed and highly virulent Bd-GPL strain on skin secreted chemical defences and life history traits during early ontogeny of agile frogs (Rana dalmatina) and common toads (Bufo bufo).

Results
Exposure to Bd during the larval stage did not result in enhanced synthesis of the antimicrobial peptide Brevinin-1 Da in R. dalmatina tadpoles or in increased production of bufadienolides in B. bufo tadpoles. However, exposure to Bd during the larval stage had a carry-over effect reaching beyond metamorphosis: both R. dalmatina and B. bufo froglets contained smaller quantities of defensive chemicals than their Bd-naïve conspecifics in the control treatment. Prevalence of Bd and infection intensities were very low in both larvae and metamorphs of R. dalmatina, while in B. bufo we observed high Bd prevalence and infection intensities, especially in metamorphs. At the same time, we did not find a significant effect of Bd-exposure on body mass or development rate in larvae or metamorphs in either species.

Conclusions
The lack of detrimental effect of Bd-exposure on life history traits, even parallel with high infection intensities in the case of B. bufo individuals, is surprising and suggests high tolerance of local populations of these two species against Bd. However, the lowered quantity of defensive chemicals may compromise antimicrobial and antipredatory defences of froglets, which may ultimately contribute to population declines also in the absence of conspicuous mass-mortality events.
Transcriptome and metabolomic analysis to reveal the browning spot formation of ‘Huangguan’ pear
Authors: Wang Qi , Wu Xinyi , Liu Li , Yao Daozhi , Li Jinchao , Fang Jie , Chen Xiaonan , Zhu Liwu , Liu Pu , Ye Zhenfeng , Jia Bing , Heng Wei 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Browning spot (BS) disorders seriously affect the appearance quality of ‘Huangguan’ pear and cause economic losses. Many studies on BS have mainly focused on physiological and biochemical aspects, and the molecular mechanism remains unclear.

Results
In the present study, the structural characteristics of ‘Huangguan’ pear with BS were observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the water loss and brown spots were evaluated, and transcriptomic and metabolomics analyses were conducted to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying ‘Huangguan’ pear skin browning disorder. The results showed that the occurrence of BS was accompanied by a decrease in the wax layer and an increase in lignified cells. Genes related to wax biosynthesis were downregulated in BS, resulting in a decrease in the wax layer in BS. Genes related to lignin were upregulated at the transcriptional level, resulting in upregulation of metabolites related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Expression of calcium-related genes were upregulated in BS. Cold-induced genes may represent the key genes that induce the formation of BS. In addition, the results demonstrated that exogenous NaH2PO4·2H2O and ABA treatment could inhibit the incidence of BS during harvest and storage time by increasing wax-related genes and calcium-related genes expression and increasing plant resistance, whereas the transcriptomics results indicated that GA3 may accelerate the incidence and index of BS.

Conclusions
The results of this study indicate a molecular mechanism that could explain BS formation and elucidate the effects of different treatments on the incidence and molecular regulation of BS.
Stablization of ACOs by NatB mediated N-terminal acetylation is required for ethylene homeostasis
Authors: Liu Hai-qing , Zou Ya-jie , Li Xiao-feng , Wu Lei , Guo Guang-qin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractN-terminal acetylation (NTA) is a highly abundant protein modification catalyzed by N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs) in eukaryotes. However, the plant NATs and their biological functions have been poorly explored. Here we reveal that loss of function of CKRC3 and NBC-1, the auxiliary subunit (Naa25) and catalytic subunit (Naa20) of Arabidopsis NatB, respectively, led to defects in skotomorphogenesis and triple responses of ethylene. Proteome profiling and WB test revealed that the 1-amincyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO, catalyzing the last step of ethylene biosynthesis pathway) activity was significantly down-regulated in natb mutants, leading to reduced endogenous ethylene content. The defective phenotypes could be fully rescued by application of exogenous ethylene, but less by its precursor ACC. The present results reveal a previously unknown regulation mechanism at the co-translational protein level for ethylene homeostasis, in which the NatB-mediated NTA of ACOs render them an intracellular stability to maintain ethylene homeostasis for normal growth and responses.
Managerial challenges faced by Swedish nurse managers in perioperative settings– a qualitative study
Authors: Arakelian Erebouni , Rudolfsson Gudrun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Nurse managers need to create cultures that are worthy, not only of the commitment of everyone who comes to work but also of the trust of everyone who comes to be served. The aim of our study was to describe the challenges faced by Swedish nurse managers in a perioperative setting.

Methods
A qualitative study was conducted. The participants were chosen by convenience sampling, and individual in-depth interviews were conducted. Data were analysed by Systematic Text Condensation. The COREQ checklist was consulted throughout the study to optimise the quality.

Results
Nineteen nurse managers (all women) participated. Six themes were identified: “striving to treat employees with consideration and solicitude”; “the obligation to take care of each employee’s individual needs”; “convincing others was an uphill battle”, “finding solutions when things seem impossible”; “staff recruitment, allocation, and management”; “working with constantly changing planning”.

Conclusions
The nurse managers faced challenges because of the overwhelming amount of work tasks, with almost no time for reflection. Having carefully chosen tasks and a realistic time schedule for each work task, plus time to find one’s own path to inner peace, are essential for nurse managers. Organisations that provide these prerequisites show that they care about their nurse managers. The results of this study indicate the need for time to reflect, as well as support from superior managers and from the human resources department.
Community health volunteers challenges and preferred income generating activities for sustainability: a qualitative case study of rural Kilifi, Kenya
Authors: Lusambili Adelaide M , Nyanja Njeri , Chabeda Sophie Vusha , Temmerman Marleen , Nyaga Lucy , Obure Jerim , Ngugi Anthony 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
There is a global emphasis on engaging community health volunteers (CHVs) in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs) to reach to the vast underserved populations that live in rural areas. Retention of CHVs in most countries has however been difficult and turnover in many settings has been reported to be high with profound negative effects on continuity of community health services. In rural Kenya, high attrition among CHVs remains a concern. Understanding challenges faced by CHVs in rural settings and how to reduce attrition rates with sustainable income-generating activities (IGAs) is key to informing the implementation of contextual measures that can minimise high turnover. This paper presents findings on the challenges of volunteerism in community health and the preferred IGAs in rural Kilifi county, Kenya.

Methods
The study employed qualitative methods. We conducted 8 key informant interviews (KIIs) with a variety of stakeholders and 10 focus group discussions (FGDs) with CHVs. NVIVO software was used to organise and analyse our data thematically.

Results
Community Health Volunteers work is not remunerated and it conflicts with their economic activities, child care and other community expectations. In addition, lack of supervision, work plans and relevant training is a barrier to delivering CHVs’ work to the communities. There is a need to remunerate CHVs work as well as provide support in the form of basic training and capital on entrepreneurship to implement the identified income generating activities such as farming and events management.

Conclusions
Strategies to support the livelihoods of CHVs through context relevant income generating activities should be identified and co-developed by the ministry of health and other stakeholders in consultation with the CHVs.
Effectiveness of long-lasting insecticidal nets in prevention of malaria among individuals visiting health centres in Ziway-Dugda District, Ethiopia: matched case–control study
Authors: Wubishet Mesfin Kelkile , Berhe Gebretsadik , Adissu Alefech , Tafa Mesfin Segni 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundMalaria is a major health problem in Ethiopia. Sleeping under long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) is its major control strategy. Despite high LLINs use (84%) in Ziway-Dugda District, malaria remained a public health problem, raising concern on its effectiveness. Understanding the effectiveness of malaria control interventions is vital. This study evaluated the effectiveness of LLINs and determinants of malaria in Ziway-Dugda District, Arsi Zone Ethiopia.MethodsA matched case–control study was conducted among 284 study participants (71 cases and 213 controls) in Ziway-Dugda District, Arsi Zone, Ethiopia from March to May, 2017. Three health centers were selected randomly, and enrolled individuals newly diagnosed for malaria proportionally. Cases and controls were individuals testing positive and negative for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests. Each case was matched to three controls using the age of (5 years), gender and village of residence. The information was collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires through face to face interviews and observation. Data were entered into Epi-Info version 3.5, and analysed using Stata version-12.Conditional logistic regression was performed, and odds of LLINs use were compared using matched Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR), 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value of < 0.05.ResultsOne hundred twenty-three (61.2%) of the controls and 22 (32.8%) of cases had regularly slept under LLINs in the past two weeks. Using multivariate analysis, sleeping under LLINs for the past two weeks (AOR = 0.23, 95%CI = 0.11–0.45); living in houses sprayed with indoor residual spray (IRS) (AOR = 0.23, 95%CI: 0.10–0.52); and staying late outdoors at night in the past two-weeks (AOR = 2.99, 95%CI = 1.44–6.19) were determinant factors.ConclusionsSleeping under LLINs is effective for malaria prevention in the district. IRS and staying late outdoors at night were determinants of malaria. It is recommended to increase attention on strengthening LLINs use and IRS in the area.
Combined IFN-γ and IL-2 release assay for detect active pulmonary tuberculosis: a prospective multicentre diagnostic study in China
Authors: Tan Yaoju , Tan Yunhong , Li Junlian , Hu Pengnan , Guan Ping , Kuang Haobin , Liang Qide , Yu Yanyan , Chen Zhongnan , Wang Quan , Yang Zhenping , AiKeReMu DiLiNaZi , Pang Yu , Liu Jianxiong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
We performed a prospective multicentre diagnostic study to evaluate the combined interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) release assay for detect active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in China.

Methods
Adult patients presenting symptoms suggestive of pulmonary TB were consecutively enrolled in three TB-specialized hospitals. Sputum specimens and blood sample and were collected from each participant at enrolment. The levels of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-specific antigen-stimulated IFN-γ and IL-2 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results
Between July 2017 and December 2018, a total of 3245 patients with symptoms suggestive of pulmonary TB were included in final analysis. Of 3245 patients, 2536 were diagnosed as active TB, consisting of 1092 definite TB and 1444 clinically diagnosed TB. The overall sensitivity and specificity of IFN-γ were 83.8% and 81.5%, respectively. In addition, compared with IFN-γ, the specificity of IL-2 increased to 94.3%, while the sensitivity decreased to 72.6%. In addition, the highest sensitivity was achieved with parallel combination of IFN-γ/IL-2, with a sensitivity of 87.9%, and its overall specificity was 79.8%. The sensitivity of series combination test was 68.5%. Notably, the sensitivity of series combination test in definite TB (72.1%) was significantly higher than that in clinically diagnosed TB (65.8%).

Conclusion
In conclusion, we develop a new immunological method that can differentiate between active TB and other pulmonary diseases. Our data demonstrates that the various IFN-γ/IL-2 combinations provides promising alternatives for diagnosing active TB cases in different settings. Additionally, the diagnostic accuracy of series combination correlates with severity of disease in our cohort.
Width of pubic symphysis relating to age and sex in Koreans
Authors: Hwang Kun , Wu Xiajing , Park Chan Yong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionDiastasis of the pubic symphysis has been reported to occur in 13–16% of pelvic ring injuries. In Asians, there are only a few data showing the width of the pubic symphysis. The aim of this study is to see the width of pubic symphysis relating to age and sex in Koreans.MethodsWidth of pubic symphysis was measured in pelvis AP and pelvic CT of 784 peoples (392 males, 392 females).ResultsIn supine AP, the width at the upper end was 4.8±2.5 mm (males; 3.46±1.38 mm, females; 4.04±2.76 mm). The width at the midpoint was 4.7±2.0 mm (males; 4.64±1.58 mm, females; 4.75±2.29 mm). The width at the lower end was 4.8±2.5 mm (males; 4.58±2.19 mm, females; 5.08±2.76 mm). In abducted AP, the width at the upper end was 3.8±2.9 mm (males; 3.65±1.50 mm, females; 3.97±3.85 mm). The width at the midpoint was 4.6±2.3 mm (males; 4.45±2.16 mm, females; 5.18±3.79 mm). The width at the lower end was 4.8±3.1 mm (males; 4.55±1.30 mm, females; 4.74±3.06 mm). In axial CT, the width at the anterior border was 15.0±6.2 mm (males; 14.50±6.62 mm, females; 16.44±6.22 mm). The width at the narrowest point was 3.1±1.5 mm (males; 3.19±1.53 mm, females; 3.09±1.50 mm). The width at the widest point was 4.1±1.6 mm (males; 4.27±1.60 mm, females; 4.00±1.50 mm). The width at the posterior border was 2.3±1.3 mm (males: 2.20±1.30 mm, females; 2.44±1.40 mm). Axial thickness was 27.1±5.3 mm (males; 29.48±4.60 mm, females; 24.70±4.82 mm). In coronal CT, the width at the upper end was 3.1±4.1 mm (males; 2.28±1.26 mm, females; 3.83±5.48 mm). The width at beginning of widening was 3.6±4.5 mm (males; 2.68±1.63 mm, females; 4.54±6.08 mm). The width at the lower end was 20.5±8.2 mm (males; 17.49±4.53 mm, females; 23.60±9.86 mm). Coronal thickness was 20.4±7.1 mm (males; 24.50±5.98 mm, females; 16.23±5.61 mm). In supine film, width significantly increased with age at the upper end (p=0.022) and midpoint (p< 0.001); however, it decreased at the lower end (p< 0.001). In abduction film, width at midpoint increased with age (p=0.003).ConclusionPelvic malunion should be defined according to the population and age. These results could be a reference in assessing the quality of reduction after internal fixation of the patients with traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis.
Modeling land use change and forest carbon stock changes in temperate forests in the United States
Authors: Fitts Lucia A. , Russell Matthew B. , Domke Grant M. , Knight Joseph K. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundForests provide the largest terrestrial sink of carbon (C). However, these C stocks are threatened by forest land conversion. Land use change has global impacts and is a critical component when studying C fluxes, but it is not always fully considered in C accounting despite being a major contributor to emissions. An urgent need exists among decision-makers to identify the likelihood of forest conversion to other land uses and factors affecting C loss. To help address this issue, we conducted our research in California, Colorado, Georgia, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin. The objectives were to (1) model the probability of forest conversion and C stocks dynamics using USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data and (2) create wall-to-wall maps showing estimates of the risk of areas to convert from forest to non-forest. We used two modeling approaches: a machine learning algorithm (random forest) and generalized mixed-effects models. Explanatory variables for the models included ecological attributes, topography, census data, forest disturbances, and forest conditions. Model predictions and Landsat spectral information were used to produce wall-to-wall probability maps of forest change using Google Earth Engine.ResultsDuring the study period (2000–2017), 3.4% of the analyzed FIA plots transitioned from forest to mixed or non-forested conditions. Results indicate that the change in land use from forests is more likely with increasing human population and housing growth rates. Furthermore, non-public forests showed a higher probability of forest change compared to public forests. Areas closer to cities and coastal areas showed a higher risk of transition to non-forests. Out of the six states analyzed, Colorado had the highest risk of conversion and the largest amount of aboveground C lost. Natural forest disturbances were not a major predictor of land use change.ConclusionsLand use change is accelerating globally, causing a large increase in C emissions. Our results will help policy-makers prioritize forest management activities and land use planning by providing a quantitative framework that can enhance forest health and productivity. This work will also inform climate change mitigation strategies by understanding the role that land use change plays in C emissions.
Clinical relevance of targeted exome sequencing in patients with rare syndromic short stature
Authors: Kamil Gilyazetdinov , Yoon Ju Young , Yoo Sukdong , Cheon Chong Kun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Large-scale genomic analyses have provided insight into the genetic complexity of short stature (SS); however, only a portion of genetic causes have been identified. In this study, we identified disease-causing mutations in a cohort of Korean patients with suspected syndromic SS by targeted exome sequencing (TES).

Methods
Thirty-four patients in South Korea with suspected syndromic disorders based on abnormal growth and dysmorphic facial features, developmental delay, or accompanying anomalies were enrolled in 2018–2020 and evaluated by TES.

Results
For 17 of 34 patients with suspected syndromic SS, a genetic diagnosis was obtained by TES. The mean SDS values for height, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 for these 17 patients were − 3.27 ± 1.25, − 0.42 ± 1.15, and 0.36 ± 1.31, respectively. Most patients displayed distinct facial features (16/17) and developmental delay or intellectual disability (12/17). In 17 patients, 19 genetic variants were identified, including 13 novel heterozygous variants, associated with 15 different genetic diseases, including many inherited rare skeletal disorders and connective tissue diseases (e.g., cleidocranial dysplasia, Hajdu–Cheney syndrome, Sheldon–Hall, acromesomelic dysplasia Maroteaux type, and microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II). After re-classification by clinical reassessment, including family member testing and segregation studies, 42.1% of variants were pathogenic, 42.1% were likely pathogenic variant, and 15.7% were variants of uncertain significance. Ultra-rare diseases accounted for 12 out of 15 genetic diseases (80%).

Conclusions
A high positive result from genetic testing suggests that TES may be an effective diagnostic approach for patients with syndromic SS, with implications for genetic counseling. These results expand the mutation spectrum for rare genetic diseases related to SS in Korea.
A dual inhibitor overcomes drug-resistant FLT3-ITD acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Wang Peihong , Xiao Xinhua , Zhang Yuyin , Zhang Baoyuan , Li Donghe , Liu Mingzhu , Xie Xi , Liu Chenxuan , Liu Ping , Ren Ruibao 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFLT3 mutations are the most frequently identified genetic alterations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and are associated with poor prognosis. Multiple FLT3 inhibitors are in various stages of clinical evaluation. However, resistance to FLT3 inhibitors resulting from acquired point mutations in tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) have limited the sustained efficacy of treatments, and a “gatekeeper” mutation (F691L) is resistant to most available FLT3 inhibitors. Thus, new FLT3 inhibitors against both FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) and FLT3-TKD mutations (including F691L) are urgently sought. Herein, we identified KX2-391 as a dual FLT3 and tubulin inhibitor and investigated its efficacy and mechanisms in overcoming drug-resistant FLT3-ITD-TKD mutations in AML. KX2-391 exhibited potent growth inhibitory and apoptosis promoting effects on diverse AML cell lines harboring FLT3-ITD mutations and AC220-resistant mutations at the D835 and F691 residues in TKD and inhibited FLT3 phosphorylation and its downstream signaling targets. Orally administered KX2-391 significantly prolonged the survival of a murine leukemia model induced by FLT3-ITD-F691L. KX2-391 also significantly inhibited the growth of 4 primary AML cells expressing FLT3-ITD and 2 primary AML cells expressing FLT3-ITD-D835Y. Our preclinical data highlight KX2-391 as a promising FLT3 inhibitor for the treatment of AML patients harboring FLT3 mutations, especially refractory/relapsed patients with F691L and other FLT3-TKD mutations.