bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A somatic piRNA pathway regulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of chick neural crest cells
Authors: Galton Riley , Fejes-Toth Katalin , Bronner Marianne E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn the metazoan germline, Piwi proteins play an essential regulatory role in maintenance of stemness and self-renewal by piRNA-mediated repression of transposable elements. To date, the activity of Piwi proteins and the piRNA pathway in vertebrates was believed to be confined to the gonads. Our results reveal expression of Piwil1 in a vertebrate somatic cell type, the neural crest–a migratory embryonic stem cell population. We show that Piwil1 is expressed at low levels throughout chick neural crest development, peaking just before neural crest cells undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition to leave the neural tube and migrate into the periphery. Importantly, loss of Piwil1 impedes neural crest emigration. Small RNA sequencing reveals somatic piRNAs with sequence signatures of an active ping pong loop. Coupled with Piwil1 knockout RNA-seq, our data suggest that Piwil1 regulates expression of the transposon derived gene ERNI in the chick dorsal neural tube, which in turn suppresses Sox2 expression to precisely control the timing of neural crest specification and emigration. Our work provides mechanistic insight into a novel function of the piRNA pathway as a regulator of somatic development in vertebrates.
Antibacterial potential of selected phytomolecules: An experimental study
Authors: Jhanji Rishabh , Singh Arti , Kumar Anoop 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAntibiotic resistance is a snowballing international threat. Some of the antibiotics have lost their effectiveness due to overuse and underuse. Thus, there is an urgent need to tackle this global challenge, either by inhibiting the resistance mechanisms or by the development of new chemical entities. Thus, in the current study, the antibacterial activity of selected phytomolecules was investigated against bacterial strains, alone and in combination, with standard drugs. The antibacterial potential of these phytomolecules was explored using in vitro assays (microtiter assay, bacterial growth kinetics, percentage retardation of growth, and antimicrobial synergy study) and in vivo studies (zebrafish infection model). In vitro and in vivo studies have shown promising antibacterial effects against, both, Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Moreover, a cell viability assay also indicated the cytoprotective effect of these phytomolecules in combination with standard antibiotics (SABX). Thus, these phytomolecules could be a promising broad‐spectrum antibacterial agent in combination with standard antibiotics.
Multi‐dimensionality as a path forward in plant‐soil feedback research
Authors: J. Gundale Michael , Kardol Paul 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Feedback between plants and their associated soil biota is an important driver of plant distribution, abundance and community composition with consequences for ecosystem functioning. The field of plant‐soil feedback (PSF) research has become an integral subdiscipline of terrestrial ecosystem ecology, and in recent decades has rapidly evolved by deepening and broadening its scope.

We review the major developments in the field, discuss methodological considerations and present a way forward for new approaches to PSF research that will lead to a more generalized and predictive understanding of PSFs. We illustrate that the field of PSF research has pursued multiple dimensions, including temporal scales, biogeographic perspectives, environmental context and the level of biological resolution.

Plant‐soil feedbacks have been related to successional species turnover, but our inferences are often constrained by experimental time‐scales, and anthropogenic impacts can alter or disrupt the temporal interactions between plants and soil biota. Plant‐soil feedbacks also have been used to explain spatial patterns of plant recruitment, coexistence and diversity, and have increasingly been linked to the patterns of spread and abundance of non‐native and invasive plants.

In recent years, more consideration also has been given to the sensitivity of PSF to environmental context, in particularly to gradients of resource availability and changing climatic conditions (including extreme events). Here, of particular interest are the differential responses of mutualistic and antagonistic soil biota. How plants interact with different groups of soil biota has further been predicted from species' phylogenetic relatedness and increasingly also from plant chemical and morphological shoot, root and litter traits.

Synthesis. In moving the field forward, future PSF research should take a multidimensional approach by explicitly considering cross‐connections between dimensions, including, for example, spatio‐temporal variation in resource availability, and trait–environment relationships across taxonomic and functional groups of plants and soil organisms. This forward movement will be accelerated by further methodological advances utilizing new types of experiments in the laboratory and in the field, as well as establishing global collaborative networks.
Multiresidue determination of antibiotics in ready‐to‐eat duck eggs marketed through e‐commerce stores in China and subsequent assessment of dietary risks to consumers
Authors: Ji Xiaofeng , Xu Yan , Wang Jianmei , Lyu Wentao , Li Rui , Tan Simin , Xiao Yingping , Tang Biao , Yang Hua , Qian Mingrong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this work, the occurrence of 34 common antibiotic (15 sulfonamides and 19 quinolones) residues were evaluated in 236 ready‐to‐eat duck eggs (salted and preserved duck eggs) marketed through e‐commerce stores by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, and subsequent dietary risk assessments for Chinese consumers were conducted. Among violated positives in duck egg samples, 11 analytes were found including sulfamethazine, sulfaquinoxaline, sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine, sulfamonomethoxine, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, ofloxacin, flumequine, sarafloxacin, and nalidixic acid. A higher number of antibiotics were detected in salted duck eggs (five sulfonamides and six quinolones) than in preserved duck eggs (one sulfonamide and two quinolones). The maximum contamination of sulfonamides and quniolones was 448.0 µg/kg (sulfaquinoxaline) and 563.7 µg/kg (enrofloxacin) in salted duck eggs, respectively. Dietary exposure was evaluated through the estimated daily intake (EDI) of risky antibiotics (sulfamethazine, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin) and hazard quotients (HQs). The results showed that EDIs and HQs were in the range of 0.0004 to 0.0099 µg/kg bw/day and 0.0009 to 0.1594%, respectively. The risk was low since HQs obtained were less than 100%. However, a special attention should be paid to ready‐to‐eat duck egg products high percentile consumers with the prosperity of e‐commerce market in China.Practical ApplicationThe present analytical method could be used for multiresidue determination of antibiotics in ready‐to‐eat duck eggs, and dietary risk assessments of risky antibiotics provided a support for the work of regulatory bodies to conduct surveillance programs regarding food safety evaluation of ready‐to‐eat foods.
Anti‐hepatic fibrosis effects of AD‐2 affecting the Raf–MEK signaling pathway and inflammatory factors in thioacetamide‐induced liver injury
Authors: Li Tao , Su GuangYue , Zhao YuQing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract25‐Hydroxylprotopanaxadiol‐3β, 12β, 20‐triol (25‐OH‐PPD or AD‐2) belongs to dammarane ginsenoside, and is commonly obtained from the acidic hydrolysate of total ginsensides of Panax ginseng. This study investigated the potential mechanism of AD‐2 toward improving thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. Mice were divided into seven groups: control group, TAA model group, TAA + AD‐2 (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) groups, TAA + silymarin (100 mg/kg) group, and TAA + Fu Fang Biejia (FFBj; 300 mg/kg) group. All mice were treated to intraperitoneal TAA injection to establish a hepatic fibrosis model, and drugs were administered orally. The mechanism and related pathways underlying the AD‐2‐mediated action against hepatic fibrosis were explored by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. After AD‐2 treatment, the expression levels of Lipin‐1, SREBP1, and F4/80 significantly decreased, meanwhile the protein expressions levels of IL1β, IL1R1, IL18, Bax, Bid, Bcl‐2, and cFlips also decreased. Furthermore, AD‐2 inhibited RAF and MEK pathways. The results demonstrate that AD‐2 can alleviate hepatic fibrosis. The mechanism is likely related to the regulation of lipid accumulation, inflammatory response, apoptosis pathway, and Raf–MEK signaling pathways, which provide a basis for clinical research for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.Practical ApplicationGinsenoside is one of the main active ingredients of ginseng, and can alleviate the symptoms of various diseases, for example, hepatic fibrosis. This paper mainly used Western blotting to explore its possible mechanism of action. The goal was to provide a reference for the development of traditional Chinese medicines for hepatic fibrosis.
Improvement of serum lipid parameters in consumers of Mexican Wagyu‐Cross beef: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vela‐Vásquez Diana A. , Sifuentes‐Rincón Ana M. , Delgado‐Enciso Ivan , Delgado‐Enciso Osiris G. , Ordaz‐Pichardo Cynthia , Arellano‐Vera Williams , Treviño‐Alvarado Víctor 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBeef is considered an excellent source of high‐quality protein and micronutrients. The high saturated fatty acid (SFA) composition of beef has been associated with cardiovascular diseases; however, this is a controversial issue because at present, no evidence has scientifically proven such an association. Wagyu cattle have been used as an option to generate high‐quality fatty acids (FAs) in beef and have been crossed with local beef cattle (Wagyu‐Cross). In Mexico, Wagyu‐Cross is marketed assuming the same quality as purebred Wagyu meat without scientific support. This study aimed to determine whether the differences in the FA composition of Wagyu‐Cross and commercial beef affected lipid metabolism in frequent consumers of beef. The study is a randomized, controlled, double‐blinded phase IV clinical trial. Thirty‐four volunteers completed treatments in which 120 g ground beef was consumed 3 days per week for 2 weeks. Volunteers were randomized to the “A” (commercial meat) or “B” (Wagyu‐Cross meat) groups. The beef fat content was 87% higher, the SFA content was 2.3% lower, and the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) C18:1 n‐9 concentrations were higher in Wagyu‐Cross beef than in commercial beef. The B group exhibited a significantly larger change from baseline in the serum lipid profile in total cholesterol (TC) (−4.7% versus +6.9%), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) (−4.1% versus +10.0%), nonhigh‐density lipoprotein (non‐HDL) (−6.1% versus +4.9%), and the ratio of three atherogenic indexes—TC/HDL (−3.5% versus +6.4%), LDL/HDL (−2.8% versus +14.6%), and non‐HDL/HDL (−4.7% versus +9.3%)—than the A group. This result confirms that meat FA composition is a key point for redirecting cattle breeding strategies and promotes beef as a healthful protein source.Practical ApplicationHere, we found new evidence based on a clinical trial that beef with a favorable fatty acid composition (i.e., monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid content) is a key factor in improving parameters associated with consumer health. This information will support the design of cattle breeding strategies as an option to promote beef consumption as a healthier protein source and create opportunities for the development of the functional food industry.
Quantitative proteomics provides an insight into germination‐related proteins in the obligate biotrophic plant pathogen Spongospora subterranea
Authors: Balotf Sadegh , Wilson Richard , Tegg Robert S. , Nichols David S. , Wilson Calum R. 
Published: April 2021

SummaryThe soil‐borne and obligate plant‐associated nature of S. subterranea has hindered a detailed study of this pathogen and in particular, the regulatory pathways driving the germination of S. subterranea remain unknown. To better understand the mechanisms that control the transition from dormancy to germination, protein profiles between dormant and germination stimulant‐treated resting spores were compared using label‐free quantitative proteomics. Among the ~680 proteins identified 20 proteins were found to be differentially expressed during the germination of S. subterranea resting spores. Elongation factor Tu, histones (H2A and H15), proteasome and DJ‐1_PfpI, involved in transcription and translation, were upregulated during the germination of resting spores. Downregulation of both actin and beta‐tubulin proteins occurred in the germinating spores, indicating that the changes in the cell wall cytoskeleton may be necessary for the morphological changes during the germination of the resting spore in S. subterranea. Our findings provide new approaches for the study of these and similar recalcitrant micro‐organisms provide the first insights into the basic protein components of S. subterranea spores. A better understanding of S. subterranea biology may lead to the development of novel approaches for the management of persistent soil inoculum.
Tail risk in the fossil fuel industry: an option implied analysis around the unburnable carbon news
Authors: Neudorfer Pablo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper studies the option implied tail risk in the oil and gas industry around the unburnable carbon news of April 2009. It was arguably the first science news amplified by the media that stated that the value of the oil and gas industry is stranded. After controlling for the level of proved fossil fuel reserves and the return drop on the event day, I find that large and small companies are perceived as equally exposed to carbon risk. However, the risk persists only in some oil and gas firms. As expected, the level of fossil fuel reserves increases risk.
The frequency and effects of distractions in operating theatres
Authors: Roberts Emilie R. , Hider Phillip N. , Wells Jonathan M. , Beasley Spencer W. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundOperating theatres (OTs) are complex environments where team members complete difficult tasks under stress. Distractions in these environments can lead to errors that compromise patient safety. A range of potential distractions exist in OTs and previous research suggests they are common. This study assesses the nature, frequency and impact of distracting events in the OT at a tertiary New Zealand hospital.MethodsProspective observational study of the frequency, type and impact of OT distractions during a 3‐month period. Two observational methods – the frequency of door openings and a validated tool – were used to categorize OT distractions for a range of acute and elective, paediatric and adult surgical procedures according to their cause and effect.ResultsThere were 57 procedures (2037 intraoperative minutes) observed. During this time, 721 door openings and 1152 other distracting events were recorded. On average, either a door opening or other distracting event was recorded 56 times per hour of intraoperative time. The frequency of distractions did not vary in relation to acute versus elective or paediatric versus adult procedures but were more common in the morning. Communication unrelated to the case was the most common distracting event: these and equipment issues had the greatest effect on the entire surgical team, usually by causing some interruption to operative flow.ConclusionDistractions in OTs were common, occurring nearly every minute. Most were trivial, but some had the potential to disrupt the operative procedure and result in patient harm. Reducing distractions in surgery could reduce patient harm and improve resource use.
Development of a new pharmacokinetic model for target‐concentration controlled infusion of cefoxitin as a prophylactic antibiotic in colorectal surgical patients
Authors: Kim Kyung Mi , Kim Sung‐Hoon , Yun Ho‐Yong , Jung Jiwon , Bang Ji‐Yeon , Lee Eun‐Kyung , Choi Byung‐Moon , Noh Gyu‐Jeong 
Published: April 2021

AimsThere are several limitations to the existing method of administering cefoxitin as a prophylactic antibiotic, and the limitations may be overcome by applying the target‐concentration controlled infusion (TCI) method. Population pharmacokinetic parameters are required to administer cefoxitin by the TCI method. The aim of this study was to construct a new pharmacokinetic model of cefoxitin for the TCI method in colorectal surgical patients.MethodsIn patients undergoing colorectal surgery, 2 g of cefoxitin was dissolved in 50 mL of saline and administered for 10 minutes prior to skin incision. Arterial blood samples were obtained at preset intervals to measure the total and free plasma concentrations of cefoxitin. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using NONMEM software (ICON Development Solutions, Dublin, Ireland). Additionally, stochastic simulation was used to indirectly evaluate the effectiveness of the two administration methods (standard method vs TCI).ResultsIn total, 297 plasma concentration measurements from 31 patients were used to characterize the pharmacokinetics of cefoxitin. A three‐compartment mammillary model described the pharmacokinetics of cefoxitin. Body weight and creatinine clearance were significant covariates for clearance. The stochastic simulation showed that when compared with the standard method, the TCI method has a significantly higher fraction of time that the free concentration of cefoxitin is maintained above the minimum inhibitory concentration (P < .001).ConclusionsTCI has the potential to become a new infusion method for patient‐tailored dosing in surgical patients. To administer cefoxitin via TCI in clinical practice, the newly constructed pharmacokinetic model should undergo proper external validation.
The evolving role of allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation in the era of chimaeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy
Authors: Dholaria Bhagirathbhai , Savani Bipin N. , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Nagler Arnon , Perales Miguel‐Angel , Mohty Mohamad 
Published: April 2021

SummaryChimaeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR T) therapy has revolutionized the management of many haematological malignancies. It is associated with impressive disease responses in relapsed or refractory high‐grade B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B‐ALL) with durable remissions in a subset of patients. Historically, haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has been the standard consolidation strategy for many of these patients who are now being treated with CAR T. Relapses are frequent after CD19 CAR T therapy in B‐ALL and consolidation with allogeneic HCT (allo‐HCT) may improve survival of patients with high‐risk disease. There appears to be a clear difference in B‐ALL outcomes between paediatric and adult patients, with the latter having a much higher risk of relapse after CAR T therapy. Late relapses are infrequent in patients with B‐NHL and consolidation with allo‐HCT may not be needed in patients who achieve a complete remission after CAR T therapy. Future registry‐based and prospective studies will hopefully provide the needed data in the future to risk‐stratify the recipients of CAR T therapy. Meanwhile, we provide guidance on patient selection and practical issues with performing allo‐HCT after CAR T therapy.
Quality of life improvement in children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder reduces family's strain: A structural equation model approach
Authors: Rocco Ilaria , Bonati Maurizio , Corso Barbara , Minicuci Nadia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of the study is to analyse how the quality of life of children diagnosed with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) impacts the relationship between disease severity and family burden.MethodThe data collected by a longitudinal, observational study involving 1478 children with ADHD residing in 10 European countries (aged 6 to 18 years) were analysed to evaluate the relationships between ADHD severity, the children's quality of life and family burden.ResultsThe disorder's severity directly and indirectly affected the children's health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and family burden. The degree of family burden was modulated by the children's HRQoL.ConclusionsOne of the primary causes of the stress experienced by parents of children with ADHD is their perception of the child's reduced HRQoL and not the symptom severity itself. Efforts to minimize symptom severity cannot alone reduce family burden.
Prenatal Neighborhood Ethnocultural Context and the Mental Health of Mothers and Children in Low‐Income Mexican American Families
Authors: Curci Sarah G. , Luecken Linda J. , Perez Marisol , White Rebecca M.B. 
Published: April 2021

Socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods increase the risk for poor mental health among residents, yet protective factors may operate alongside risk. This study evaluated the influence of the prenatal neighborhood ethnocultural context on child behavior problems and maternal depressive symptoms. Prenatal maternal role expectations, prenatal culture‐specific stress, and postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms were evaluated as mediators. Participants included 322 low‐income, Mexican American mother‐child dyads. Women (Mage = 27.8) reported on proposed mediators, maternal depressive symptoms, and child behavior problems at 4.5 years. Neighborhood Latinx concentration was obtained from census data. Higher Latinx concentration predicted fewer maternal depressive symptoms and child behavior problems, mediated through role expectations and PPD symptoms. Results suggest prenatal neighborhood context to impact later maternal and child mental health.
Epidemiology and outcome of status epilepticus in children: a Scottish population cohort study
Authors: Mitchell Clodagh , Chatterton Dickson Libby , Ramsay Ailidh , Mesalles‐Naranjo Oscar , Leonard Paul , Brand Celia , Mclellan Ailsa , Shetty Jay 
Published: April 2021

AimTo describe the epidemiology and outcomes of convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) since the introduction of buccal midazolam and the change in International League Against Epilepsy definition of CSE to include seizures of at least 5 minutes.MethodAll children presenting to paediatric emergency departments with CSE (2011–2017) in Lothian, Scotland, were identified. Data, collated from electronic health records, included patient demographics, clinical characteristics, acute seizure management, and adverse outcomes (for example admission to intensive care).ResultsSix hundred and sixty‐five children were admitted with CSE who had 1228 seizure episodes (381 males, 284 females; median age 3y 8mo; age range 0–20y 11mo). CSE accounted for 0.38% (95% confidence interval 0.34–0.42) of annual attendances at emergency departments. Annual prevalence was 0.8 per 1000 children aged 0 to 14 years. Thirty‐four per cent of children had recurrent CSE. Sixty‐nine per cent of seizures lasted 5 to 29 minutes (median duration 10min). Buccal midazolam was given to 30% of children with CSE and had no effect on need for ventilatory support. Seventy per cent of children with CSE required hospital admission. Four per cent resulted in adverse outcome and there were only two deaths. Recurrent seizures, longer duration, and unprovoked seizures increased the odds of adverse outcome.InterpretationAdverse outcomes have decreased and the use of buccal midazolam is promising. Identifying high‐risk groups provides an opportunity for early intervention. These data form the basis for an extensive evaluation of acute seizure management and monitoring long‐term outcomes.
What this paper adds

The annual prevalence of convulsive status epilepticus in Lothian, Scotland, was 0.8 per 1000 children.

There was a decrease in case‐fatality proportion from 3–9% to 0.2%.

Use of buccal midazolam has increased, with no increase in adverse outcomes.