bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Herpes simplex virus DNA testing by a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification method for accurate clinical diagnosis and detection of mucosal viral shedding
Authors: Miyachi Motoko , Imamura‐Ichigatani Tomomi , Ihara Honoka , Ohga Yasunori , Nishimura Miku , Sato Emi , Hoashi Shogo , Imafuku Shinichi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHerpes simplex virus (HSV) periodically forms characteristic blisters in the perioral and genital areas in a subset of people. Because of the lack of accurate tests for this common virus, various types of perioral/anogenital lesions are often misdiagnosed as herpes. Also, though asymptomatic HSV‐positive people shed virus, the precise time course of symptoms and viral shedding is unclear. The loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method amplifies target DNA sequences without thermal cycles, simpler and faster than polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To investigate clinico‐laboratorial correlation and whether HSV can be detected in the oral cavity during symptom occurrence, we collected 445 specimens from 211 patients who visited our clinic with suspected herpetic lesions or non‐symptomatic volunteers. DNA was extracted from swabs simultaneously taken from lesions (n = 219) and seemingly asymptomatic oral mucosa (n = 226). HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 DNA sequences were amplified by LAMP and validated by quantitative real‐time PCR. The LAMP method detected HSV DNA almost as sensitively (97%) as PCR. Positivity for HSV DNA was found in 54% (40/74) of specimens from the perioral/oral area. Review of clinical images of recurrent herpes labialis revealed that HSV DNA was detected only from lesions located on the perioral skin and/or the dry, vermillion part of the lip; no HSV DNA was found in immunocompetent patients with lesions confined to the oral mucosa except primary infection. This observation may be an important principle for clinical diagnosis of recurrent herpes. HSV was detected in the oral mucosa in 2.7% (6/226) of samples; all of these patients had either primary infection or were immunosuppressed. Virus shedding in the mucosa was apparently tightly regulated by the immune system. Patients with suppressed or no immunity (naïve cases) did shed virus in the mucosa. LAMP is a simple method to reliably distinguish recurrent/primary herpes from other conditions.
Seasonal diet and microbiome shifts in wild rhesus macaques are better correlated at the level of nutrient components than food items
Authors: CUI Zhenwei , HOLMES Andrew J. , ZHANG Wenjuan , HU Dalong , SHAO Qi , WANG Zhenlong , LU Jiqi , RAUBENHEIMER David 
Published: November 2021

AbstractFood supply is one of the major drivers of animal behavior, and the gut microbiome is an important mediator between food supply and its effects on physiology. However, predicting the outcome of diet change on microbiome and consequences for the animal has proven extremely challenging. We propose this reflects processes occurring at different scales. Inadequate accounting for the multi‐level complexity of nutrition (nutrients, foods, diets) obscures the diet influence on microbiome and subsequently animal. Here, we present a detailed year‐round, multi‐level analysis of diet and microbiome changes in a wild population of a temperate primate, the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta). Total daily food and nutrient intake of 6 male and 6 female macaques was monitored in each of the 4 seasons (total 120 days observations). For each individual, we found significant variation in the microbiome between all 4 seasons. This response was more strongly correlated with changes in macronutrient intake than with food items and much of the response could be explained at the level of 6 ecological guilds—sets of taxa sharing similar responses to nutrient intake. We conclude that study of diet, microbiome, and animal performance in ecology will more effectively identify patterns if diet is recorded at the level of nutrient intake. Although microbiome response to diet does show variation in species‐level taxa in response to food items, there is greater commonality in response at the level of guilds. A goal for microbiome researchers should be to identify genes encoding microbial attributes that can define such guilds.
Preparation and physicochemical stability of tomato seed oil microemulsions
Authors: Song Qiufeng , Guan Weiliang , Liu Wenyu , Liu Lingzhen , Wei Changqing , Cai Luyun 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this study, microemulsions were fabricated using tomato seed oil, water, Tween 80 and citric acid, and then the physicochemical characteristics and the influence of environmental stress were investigated. The physicochemical properties of the microemulsions were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), mean particle diameter, polydispersity index (PDI) and conductivity. The phase diagrams of tomato seed oil/Tween 80/citric acid/water microemulsions were constructed under different pHs and ionic strengths. Storage stability of the systems was investigated at 4, 37 and 65°C, and changes in turbidity and lipid oxidation products were monitored. Nano‐size zeta potential analyzer results demonstrated that the mean particle diameter and polydispersity index of tomato seed oil microemulsions were 14 nm and 0.014. The transition from W/O to O/W could be detected from electrical conductivity and viscosity data with the increasing of water content. The results showed that the microemulsion areas decreased with increasing pH and NaCl concentrations. What is more, the study proved that tomato seed oil microemulsions exhibited a good storage stability.Practical ApplicationIn this study, the preparation of tomato seed oil microemulsion can not only make full use of the nutritional value of tomato seed oil, but also ensure the effective protection of the nutrients contained in it, and improve the problem of adding difficult. By using microemulsion as delivery carrier of tomato seed oil, the application of tomato seed oil in food, cosmetics and other fields could be enhanced. Therefore, the preparation of tomato seed oil microemulsion provides a theoretical basis for production practice.
The end of hunger: fertilizers, microbes and plant productivity
Authors: Hu Hang‐Wei , Chen Qing‐Lin , He Ji‐Zheng 
Published: November 2021

SummaryIt is a grand challenge to ensure the food security for a predicted world population of exceeding 9.7 billion by 2050, especially in an era of global climate change, land degradation and biodiversity loss. Current agricultural productions are mainly relying on synthetic chemical fertilisers to boost plant productivity but have undesirable effects on the environment and soil biodiversity. A promising direction in sustainable agriculture is to harness naturally occurring processes of beneficial plant‐associated microbiomes to ensure sustained crop production and global food security. Despite the significant progress made in the development of beneficial microbes as inoculants to enhance plant performance, challenges remain with the translation of knowledge of plant and soil microbiomes to successful microbial products in the agricultural sector. Here, we highlight how fertilizer technology should be renovated by harnessing microbiome‐based innovations to promote plant productivity and contribute to the end of hunger.
Soluble human leukocyte antigen‐G is a potential embryo viability biomarker and a positive predictor of live‐births in humans
Authors: Vani Venkatappa , Vasan Satya S. , Adiga Satish K. , Varsha Samson Roy , Sachdeva Geetanjali , Kumar Pratap , Seshagiri Polani B. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractProblemHuman infertility affects 15–20% of reproductive‐age couples and it is mitigated by assisted reproductive technology (ART) approaches. Poor biological viability of embryos contributes to implantation failure and live birth rate (LBR). This study is aimed to examine whether or not embryo‐secreted soluble human leukocyte antigen‐G (sHLA‐G) is (i) associated with developing embryos and (ii) able to predict successful pregnancy outcome.Method of studyA retrospective, multicentric study using 539 human embryo spent medium samples (E‐SMs), analysed for sHLA‐G levels by ELISA. Correlation analysis was performed on sHLA‐G levels with developing embryonic stages, their quality scores and pregnancy outcome in terms of LBR.ResultsOf 539 E‐SMs analysed, 445 had detectable sHLA‐G (83%) with levels varying within and across clinics and, between stages of embryonic development. Levels of sHLA‐G (ng/mL) were significantly (P < .05) different in E‐SMs of cleavage‐stage embryos versus blastocysts. There was an insignificant correlation between the sHLA‐G levels and morphology scores of embryos. But, sHLA‐G levels showed a positive correlation with grades of blastocysts and importantly, its levels were significantly (P < .05) higher in live‐birth vis‐a‐vis no‐birth cases. Also, levels were higher in live‐births out of blastocysts‐ETs versus cleavage‐stage‐embryo transfers. Altered levels were observed with embryos, which resulted in miscarriages. Overall, a significant (P < .0001) association of sHLA‐G with live births was observed.ConclusionEmbryo‐derived sHLA‐G can be a valuable embryo viability, independent, biomarker, which can predict live‐birth outcome and it could be useful as an adjunct to existing criteria for elective single embryo transfer.
A sudden change in pacing rate: Normal or malfunction?
Authors: Han Yiru , Zhang Yubin , Liu Tong , Zheng Liangrong 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA woman with a dual‐chamber pacemaker was examined for recurrent chest discomfort and palpitations at our hospital. The Holter monitor test recorded recurrent episodes of a sudden increase in pacing rate from 60 to 105 bpm, which corresponded to the symptoms. Orthodromic pacemaker‐mediated arrhythmia (OPMA), caused by ventricular lead dislodgement and atrial far‐field sensing, caused the recurrent episodes of a sudden change in pacing rate. The occurrence of OPMA may represent a rare but noteworthy pacemaker problem. To our knowledge, our study reports the first case of PMA that only occurs, and is maintained, in the DDI mode.
Glucosylsphingosine evokes pruritus via activation of 5‐HT2A receptor and TRPV4 in sensory neurons
Authors: Sanjel Babina , Kim Bo‐Hyun , Song Myung‐Hyun , Carstens Earl , Shim Won‐Sik 
Published: November 2021

Background and purposeGlucosylsphingosine (GS), an endogenous sphingolipid, is highly accumulated in the epidermis of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) due to abnormal ceramide metabolism. More importantly, GS can evoke scratching behaviours. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which GS induces pruritus has been elusive. Thus, the present study aimed to elucidate the molecular signalling pathway of GS, especially at the peripheral sensory neuronal levels.Experimental approachCalcium imaging was used to investigate the responses of HEK293T cells or mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to application of GS. Scratching behaviour tests were also performed with wild‐type and Trpv4 knockout mice.Key resultsGS activated DRG neurons in a manner involving both the 5‐HT2A receptor and TRPV4. Furthermore, GS‐induced responses were significantly suppressed by various inhibitors, including ketanserin (5‐HT2A receptor antagonist), YM254890 (Gαq/11 inhibitor), gallein (Gβγ complex inhibitor), U73122 (phospholipase C inhibitor), bisindolylmaleimide I (PKC inhibitor) and HC067047 (TRPV4 antagonist). Moreover, DRG neurons from Trpv4 knockout mice exhibited significantly reduced responses to GS. Additionally, GS‐evoked scratching behaviours were greatly decreased by pretreatment with inhibitors of either 5‐HT2A receptor or TRPV4. As expected, GS‐evoked scratching behaviour was also significantly decreased in Trpv4 knockout mice.Conclusion and implicationsOverall, the present study provides evidence for a novel molecular signalling pathway for GS‐evoked pruritus, which utilizes both 5‐HT2A receptor and TRPV4 in mouse sensory neurons. Considering the high accumulation of GS in the epidermis of patients with AD, GS could be another pruritogen in patients with AD.
A qualitative investigation of the impact that therapeutic recreational camps have on the psychological wellbeing of siblings of individuals with health conditions
Authors: Samuels Jessica , Keenan Joseph , Jolly Allan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe siblings of individuals with health conditions are often overlooked, despite being at risk of experiencing psychological difficulties. There is a lack of literature investigating interventions which could promote siblings' psychological wellbeing. Therapeutic recreational (TR) camps promote self‐perception and self‐worth, yet there are currently no UK studies qualitatively investigating siblings' experiences of TR camps.AimsThis study aims to understand siblings' lived experiences of attending TR camps, providing a greater depth of understanding of whether these camps have a positive impact on siblings' wellbeing.MethodDue to the paucity of qualitative research regarding individuals' experiences of TR camps, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with eight individuals who had attended TR sibling camps. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).ResultsAnalysis revealed three superordinate themes. The first, an environment that facilitates autonomous challenge, demonstrated the importance of siblings having a place where they felt autonomous in a fun, care‐free environment. This encouraged participants to engage in challenges, feeling determined to overcome them. The second, an inclusive and supportive environment, highlighted the importance of connectedness. Facing challenges and reflecting on this within a supportive team, encouraged a sense of belonging. The final superordinate theme, a transformational journey, revealed that siblings gained determination and a positive outlook to facing challenges in daily life. Additionally, they gained self‐acceptance and a positive self‐image, becoming more confident with, and accepting of, their identity.ConclusionsThis study presents a novel contribution to the existing literature and highlights the importance of camp providers ensuring their TR model incorporates autonomous challenge, success and reflection. These encourage positive youth development and self‐determination in young people. In addition, recommendations include implementing teams, promoting positive volunteer‐camper relationships and implementing reflective sessions. These recommendations could potentially enhance the positive impact that TR camps have on siblings' psychological wellbeing.
The immunomodulatory effect of microglia on ECM neuroinflammation via the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway
Authors: Shen Yan , Li Yinghui , Zhu Qinghao , Wang Jun , Huang Yuxiao , Liang Jiao , Wu Xingan , Zhao Ya 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) model in C57BL/6 mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) has revealed microglia are involved in the ECM immune microenvironment. However, the regulation of microglia in the ECM immune response is not clear, and there is no safe and efficient treatment clinically for the protection of the nerve cells.AimsTo elucidate the negative regulation mechanism in the ECM brain mediated by microglia. Furthermore, to investigate protective effect of the appropriate enhancement of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway in the brain against ECM through the intrathecal injection of the adenovirus expressing PDL1‐IgG1Fc fusion protein.ResultsThe PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway was induced in the ECM brain and showed an upregulation in the microglia. Deep single‐cell analysis of immune niches in the ECM brainstem indicated that the microglia showed obvious heterogeneity and activation characteristics. Intrathecal injection of recombinant adenovirus expressing PD‐L1 repressed the neuroinflammation and alleviated ECM symptoms. In addition, the synergistic effect of artemisinin and intracranial immunosuppression mediated by PD‐L1 was more efficacious than either treatment alone.ConclusionThe appropriate enhancement of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway in the early stage of ECM has an obvious protective effect on the maintenance of immune microenvironment homeostasis in the brain. Regulating microglia and the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway could be considered as a promising approach for protection against human cerebral malaria in the future.
A novel LGI1 mutation causing autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy confirmed by a precise knock‐in mouse model
Authors: Hu Ping , Wu Dan , Zang Yan‐Yu , Wang Yan , Zhou Ya‐Ping , Qiao Fengchang , Teng Xiao‐Yu , Chen Jiang , Li Qing‐Qing , Sun Jia‐Hui , Liu TingTing , Feng Hao‐Yang , Zhou Qi‐Gang , Shi Yun Stone , Xu Zhengfeng 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to explore the pathomechanism of a mutation on the leucine‐rich glioma inactivated 1 gene (LGI1) identified in a family having autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy (ADLTE), using a precise knock‐in mouse model.Methods and ResultsA novel LGI1 mutation, c.152A>G; p. Asp51Gly, was identified by whole exome sequencing in a Chinese family with ADLTE. The pathomechanism of the mutation was explored by generating Lgi1D51G knock‐in mice that precisely phenocopied the epileptic symptoms of human patients. The Lgi1D51G/D51G mice showed spontaneous recurrent generalized seizures and premature death. The Lgi1D51G/+ mice had partial epilepsy, with half of them displaying epileptiform discharges on electroencephalography. They also showed enhanced sensitivity to the convulsant agent pentylenetetrazole. Mechanistically, the secretion of Lgi1 was impaired in the brain of the D51G knock‐in mice and the protein level was drastically reduced. Moreover, the antiepileptic drugs, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and sodium valproate, could prolong the survival time of Lgi1D51G/D51G mice, and oxcarbazepine appeared to be the most effective.ConclusionsWe identified a novel epilepsy‐causing mutation of LGI1 in humans. The Lgi1D51G/+ mouse model, precisely phenocopying epileptic symptoms of human patients, could be a useful tool in future studies on the pathogenesis and potential therapies for epilepsy.
Patient perspectives of the influence of severe and non‐severe asthma on their quality of life: A national survey of asthma patients in Spain
Authors: Chiner Eusebi , Hernández Carme , Blanco‐Aparicio Marina , Funenga‐Fitas Eunice , Jiménez‐Ruiz Carlos 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionLittle is known about adult asthma patients' perspective of their disease burden. This study aimed to obtain a comprehensive picture of patient needs, evaluate their knowledge, source of information, and perception of the severity of their asthma, and compare these variables between severe (SA) and non‐severe (NSA) asthma patients.MethodsWe conducted an online cross‐sectional survey in Spain among asthma patients aged ≥18 years. A bespoke questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, asthma characteristics, treatments, disease burden, patient's perception of disease severity, and asthma information sources. Patients were classified as SA and NSA according to GINA 2020 treatment steps recommendations. To compare populations, 600 participants (200 SA and 400 NSA) were randomly selected to complete the survey.ResultsParticipants were mostly women, mean age >38 years. SA patients underestimated the severity of their asthma; 52% judged it as mild, and only 2% considered their asthma severe. Overall, 50% of NSA and 96% of SA patients had experienced ≥1 exacerbation the previous year (p < 0.001). Fewer asthma exacerbations (SA) and improved quality of life (QoL) (NSA) were the most frequently expected therapy outcomes. NSA patients believe that asthma impacts their daily life (37%) and worsens QoL (34%) to a lesser degree than SA (67% and 59%, respectively; p < 0.001). Patient‐preferred sources of information were specialists (NSA:42%; SA: 38%) and primary care physicians (NSA: 41%; SA: 33%).ConclusionsDespite the effective therapies currently available, the results of this study still show a significant emotional burden and QoL impairment in patients with severe asthma.
Correlates of deviance detection in auditory brainstem responses of bats
Authors: Wetekam Johannes , Hechavarría Julio , López‐Jury Luciana , Kössl Manfred 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIdentifying unexpected acoustic inputs, which allows to react appropriately to new situations, is of major importance for animals. Neural deviance detection describes a change of neural response strength to a stimulus solely caused by the stimulus' probability of occurrence. In the present study, we searched for correlates of deviance detection in auditory brainstem responses obtained in anaesthetised bats (Carollia perspicillata). In an oddball paradigm, we used two pure tone stimuli that represented the main frequencies used by the animal during echolocation (60 kHz) and communication (20 kHz). For both stimuli, we could demonstrate significant differences of response strength between deviant and standard response in slow and fast components of the auditory brainstem response. The data suggest the presence of correlates of deviance detection in brain stations below the inferior colliculus (IC), at the level of the cochlea nucleus and lateral lemniscus. Additionally, our results suggest that deviance detection is mainly driven by repetition suppression in the echolocation frequency band, while in the communication band, a deviant‐related enhancement of the response plays a more important role. This finding suggests a contextual dependence of the mechanisms underlying subcortical deviance detection. The present study demonstrates the value of auditory brainstem responses for studying deviance detection and suggests that auditory specialists, such as bats, use different frequency‐specific strategies to ensure an appropriate sensation of unexpected sounds.
Intertap interval dependence of the subdivision effect in auditory‐synchronised tapping
Authors: Ono Kentaro , Hashimoto Junya , Sasaoka Takafumi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPrecise temporal synchronisation between action and perception is crucial in daily life. Interestingly, synchronised tapping for every other tone or more (1:n tapping) is more precise than that for each tone (1:1 tapping), and this phenomenon is called ‘subdivision benefit’. One hypothesis to explain this phenomenon is that there is a tendency to underestimate an empty interval, but the subdivision is used as an additional temporal reference and causes an illusionary longer intertap interval (ITI). The other hypothesis is based on strong/weak beats in a tone sequence made by subdivision. Because the strong beat improves the sensitivity of duration perception, synchronisation with strong beats should be better compared with other beats. Instead, the first hypothesis suggests that the subdivision benefit occurs irrespective of beat strength. The present study aimed to clarify this discrepancy using a 1:3 tapping task for a sequence of three‐tone patterns and a 1:1 tapping task for a sequence of a single tone repetition. A further aim was to clarify the effect of musical experience. When the ITI was 900 ms or more, the variability of tapping showed the subdivision benefit, irrespective of beat strength. This result supports the first hypothesis, and musicians obtained more benefits than non‐musicians. Instead, the timing of tap did not shorten by subdivision, except for the ITI of 900 ms. The findings implicate that the subdivision benefit is due to the additional temporal reference by the subdivided tones, and the benefit is dependent on the ITI length.