bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct and insect‐mediated effects of pathogens on plant growth and fitness
Authors: van Dijk Laura J. A. , Ehrlén Johan , Tack Ayco J. M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Plants are attacked by a large diversity of pathogens. These pathogens can affect plant growth and fitness directly but also indirectly by inducing changes in the host plant that affect interactions with beneficial and antagonistic insects. Yet, we lack insights into the relative importance of direct and indirect effects of pathogens on their host plants, and how these effects differ among pathogen species.

In this study, we examined four fungal pathogens on the wood anemone Anemone nemorosa. We used field observations to record the impacts of each pathogen species on plant growth and fitness throughout the season, and experimental hand pollination and insect feeding trials to assess whether fitness impacts were mediated by pathogen‐induced changes in plant–pollinator and plant–herbivore interactions.

Three out of four pathogens negatively affected plant size, and pathogens differed strongly in their effect on plant architecture. Infected plants had lower fitness, but this effect was not mediated by pollinators or herbivores. Even so, two out of four pathogens reduced herbivory on anemones in the field, and we found negative effects of pathogen infection on herbivore preference and performance in feeding trials.

Synthesis. Our results are of broader significance in two main respects. First, we demonstrated that pathogens negatively affected plant growth and fitness, and that the magnitude of these effects varied among pathogen species, suggesting that pathogens constitute important selective agents that differ in strength. Second, direct effects on plant fitness were more important than effects mediated by beneficial and antagonistic insects. In addition, although we did not detect insect‐mediated effects on plant fitness, the negative effects of some pathogens on herbivore preference and performance indicate that pathogen communities influence the distribution and abundance of herbivores.
Do nonpharmacological services offset opioids in pain treatment for soldiers?
Authors: Hodgkin Dominic , Adams Rachel Sayko , Ritter Grant , Lee Sue , Highland Krista Beth , Larson Mary Jo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the relationships between nonpharmacological treatment (NPT) utilization and opioid prescriptions and doses and whether these relationships vary according to the type of NPT service received.Data SourceSecondary data from the US Military Health System, nationwide.Study DesignPatterns of NPT utilization and opioid prescriptions were analyzed over the 23 months after initial pain treatment (index visit). Regression models were used to examine the relationship between opioid prescription use in a given month and NPT service utilization in the three preceding months, using person fixed effects to control for time‐invariant patient characteristics, as well as time fixed effects. Analyses were stratified by whether the patient filled an opioid prescription in the first 30 days post index visit.Data Extraction MethodsAdministrative data on health care utilization were extracted from the US Military Health System Data Repository for Army service members who returned from deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq that ended in fiscal years 2008 to 2014 and had at least one outpatient visit with a primary diagnosis of musculoskeletal pain in the subsequent year.Principal FindingsUtilization of any NPT service in the past 3 months was positively associated with filling an opioid prescription in the given month, regardless of whether the patient was initially prescribed opioids (percentage point difference [PP] =2.87, P < 0.01) or not (PP = 0.83, P < 0.01). However, for those not initially prescribed opioids, use of any NPT service in the past 3 months was negatively associated with mean daily opioid dose in the given month (morphine milligram equivalent dose = −0.4017, P < 0.01). For those initially prescribed opioids, NPT was not associated with opioid dose.ConclusionsNPT only reduced the prescription opioid daily dose for some patients, whereas the probability of receiving an opioid prescription was positively associated with NPT. Future research should assess whether recent system‐level policies and program changes influence referral and opioid prescribing patterns.
Quantitative input restriction and farmers’ economic performance: Evidence from Denmark's yellow card initiative on antibiotics
Authors: Belay Dagim G. , Jensen Jørgen D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn response to growing concerns about public health risks of antibiotic resistance from food production, a range of regulations have been implemented on agricultural antibiotic use worldwide. Although the Danish yellow card initiative, antibiotic quantitative restriction, is considered as the most sophisticated latest addition, no rigorous empirical research has been conducted yet. This article provides the first empirical estimates of the effect of the yellow card initiative on the economic performance of farmers. The results show that the initiative has reduced gross profit and increased operating expenses of farmers. As such, farmers have spent more labour hours and costs performing biosecurity, increased spending on veterinary medical services and feed, which might have driven the reduction in profit.
Technological properties of chickpea (Cicer arietinum): Production of snacks and health benefits related to type‐2 diabetes
Authors: Acevedo Martinez Karla A. , Yang Mary M. , Gonzalez de Mejia Elvira 
Published: May 2021

AbstractChickpea (Cicer arietinum) is one of the most consumed pulses worldwide (over 2.3 million tons enter the world market annually). Some chickpea components have shown, in preclinical and clinical studies, several health benefits, including antioxidant capacity, and antifungal, antibacterial, analgesic, anticancer, antiinflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic properties, as well as angiotensin I‐converting enzyme inhibition. In the United States, chickpea is consumed mostly in the form of hummus. However, the development of new products with value‐added bioactivity is creating new opportunities for research and food applications. Information about bioactive compounds and functional properties of chickpea ingredients in the development of new products is needed. The objective of this review was to summarize available scientific information, from the last 15 years, on chickpea production, consumption trends, applications in the food industry in the elaboration of plant‐based snacks, and on its bioactive compounds related to type 2 diabetes (T2D). Areas of opportunity for future research and new applications of specific bioactive compounds as novel food ingredients are highlighted. Research is key to overcome the main processing obstacles and sensory challenges for the application of chickpea as ingredient in snack preparations. The use of chickpea bioactive compounds as ingredient in food products is also a promising area for accessibility of their health benefits, such as the management of T2D.
Knockin of the G275E mutation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α6 confers high levels of resistance to spinosyns in Spodoptera exigua
Authors: Zuo Ya‐Yun , Xue Yu‐Xin , Wang Ze‐Yu , Ren Xuan , Aioub Ahmed A. A. , Wu Yi‐Dong , Yang Yi‐Hua , Hu Zhao‐Nong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSpinosyns, including spinosad and spinetoram, act on the insect central nervous system, gradually paralyzing or destroying the target insect. Spinosad resistance is associated with loss‐of‐function mutations in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α6 subunit in a number of agricultural pests. Using gene editing, nAChR α6 has been verified as a target for spinosyns in five insect species. Recently, a point mutation (G275E) in exon 9 of nAChR α6 was identified in spinosad‐resistant strains of Thrips palmi and Tuta absoluta. To date, no in vivo functional evidence has been obtained to support that this mutation is involved in spinosyn resistance in lepidopteran pests. In this study, the G275E mutation was introduced into the nAChR of Spodoptera exigua using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene‐editing technology. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and sequencing confirmed that this mutation was present in exon 9 of the nAChR transcripts in the edited 275E strain. The results of bioassays showed that the 275E strain was highly resistant to spinosad (230‐fold) and spinetoram (792‐fold) compared to the unedited background strain, directly confirming that the G275E mutation of the nAChR α6 subunit confers high levels of spinosyn resistance in S. exigua. Inheritance analysis showed that the resistance trait is autosomal and incompletely recessive. This study employs a reverse genetics approach to validate the functional role played by the G275E mutation in nAChR α6 of S. exigua in spinosyns resistance and provides another example of the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene‐editing technology to confirm the role played by candidate target site mutations in insecticide resistance.
Pneumoperitoneum needle vs. introducer needle: Comparison of complications and short‐term outcomes in percutaneously inserted peritoneal dialysis catheters in naïve abdomens
Authors: Dogra Pavitra Manu , Nair Ranjith K. , Sood Vivek , Datt Bhaskar , Katyal Amit , Jairam Ananthram , Hooda Ashok , Mendonca Satish , Mukherjee Debabrata , Chauhan Parikshit , Murari Tomala 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPercutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) insertion for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) entails a higher risk of complications such as bowel injury, vascular injury, and catheter migration compared to the surgical insertions. We conducted a comparative analysis of two techniques of peritoneal entry for PDC insertion by Seldinger technique. We performed a retrospective review of 426 percutaneously inserted PDCs in nonobese naïve abdomens for CAPD at two tertiary care teaching hospitals in India over 6 years. Comparison of various mechanical complications, and short‐term catheter survival was done between use of introducer needle (Group “I”) and spring‐loaded pneumoperitoneum (Veress) needle (Group “V”). Group “I” to “V” patient ratio was 277:149. Group “I” had heavier patients (p = 0.03) whereas “V” group had a dominance of diabetes (p = 0.009) and prior hemodialysis patients (p = 0.03). At 3 months, the odds of mechanical complications (OR = 0.27,p = 0.004), PDC migration (OR = 0.18,p = 0.02), and omental wrapping (OR = 0.13,p = 0.04) were less in “V” group. No bowel injury occurred with Veress needle use. At 6 months, “V” group had higher odds of event‐free sustained PDC tip position (OR = 0.39,p = 0.003), and catheter survival (p = 0.03), and the cumulative events were lesser too (p = 0.002). Refractory peritonitis and deaths with functioning catheter were comparable between both the groups. In this first‐of‐its‐kind study, spring‐loaded Veress pneumoperitoneum needle use was safer, entrusted sustained PDC tip position in pelvis, and had a better catheter survival compared to use of introducer needle for peritoneal entry in percutaneously inserted PDCs. These findings should be confirmed by a randomized controlled study.
Role of phenazine‐enzyme physiology for current generation in a bioelectrochemical system
Authors: Chukwubuikem Anthony , Berger Carola , Mady Ahmed , Rosenbaum Miriam A. 
Published: May 2021

SummaryPseudomonas aeruginosa produces phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid (PCA) and pyocyanin (PYO), which aid its anaerobic survival by mediating electron transfer to distant oxygen. These natural secondary metabolites are being explored in biotechnology to mediate electron transfer to the anode of bioelectrochemical systems. A major challenge is that only a small fraction of electrons from microbial substrate conversion is recovered. It remained unclear whether phenazines can re‐enter the cell and thus, if the electrons accessed by the phenazines arise mainly from cytoplasmic or periplasmic pathways. Here, we prove that the periplasmic glucose dehydrogenase (Gcd) of P. aeruginosa and P. putida is involved in the reduction of natural phenazines. PYO displayed a 60‐fold faster enzymatic reduction than PCA; PCA was, however, more stable for long‐term electron shuttling to the anode. Evaluation of a Gcd knockout and overexpression strain showed that up to 9% of the anodic current can be designated to this enzymatic reaction. We further assessed phenazine uptake with the aid of two molecular biosensors, which experimentally confirm the phenazines’ ability to re‐enter the cytoplasm. These findings significantly advance the understanding of the (electro) physiology of phenazines for future tailoring of phenazine electron discharge in biotechnological applications.
Monitoring for myocarditis during treatment initiation with clozapine
Authors: Sandarsh Surya , Bishnoi Ram J. , Shashank Reddy Beesam , Miller Brian J. , Freudenreich Oliver , McEvoy Joseph P. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveClozapine use is associated with myocarditis. In this study, we investigated what clinical signs and symptoms, and/or laboratory test(s), alert clinicians to presumptive myocarditis (PrMy) most accurately and at the earliest time point. We also investigated the incidence of PrMy during the initial exposure to clozapine versus in patients restarted on clozapine after extended interruption of prior prolonged treatment.Methods100 patients admitted to state psychiatric hospital started on clozapine were recruited into the study. 76 patients were treated with clozapine for the first time and 24 patients were restarts. Creatine kinase (CK), troponin I (TROP), eosinophil count (EOS), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were obtained at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4. Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographic and clinical variables. Student's t test and chi‐squared test were used to compare means and proportions between initial exposure and restart groups.ResultsClinical features and laboratory tests suggestive of PrMy were seen in 4 patients (5.3%) in initial exposure group and none in restart group. 3.5% of TROP levels were abnormal in initial exposure group and no abnormal levels were found in the restart group. 30% and 46% of CK, 23% and 39% of CRP, and 14% and 23% of EOS were abnormal in initial exposure group and restart groups, respectively.ConclusionsPrMy was common (5.3%) during clozapine initiation. Prospective management through serial laboratory monitoring with weekly TROP levels was sensitive enough to allow for timely clozapine discontinuation.
Illegal drug market responses to state recreational cannabis laws
Authors: Meinhofer Angélica , Rubli Adrian 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsIn the United States, 15 states and the District of Columbia have implemented recreational cannabis laws (RCLs) legalizing recreational cannabis use. We aimed to estimate the association between RCLs and street prices, potency, quality and law enforcement seizures of illegal cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, amphetamine and alprazolam.DesignWe pooled crowdsourced data from 2010–19 Price of Weed and 2010–19 StreetRx, and administrative data from the 2006–19 System to Retrieve Information from Drug Evidence (STRIDE) and the 2007–19 National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS). We employed a difference‐in‐differences design that exploited the staggered implementation of RCLs to compare changes in outcomes between RCL and non‐RCL states.Setting and casesEleven RCL and 40 non‐RCL US states.MeasuresThe primary outcome was the natural log of prices per gram, overall and by self‐reported quality. The primary policy was an indicator of RCL implementation, defined using effective dates.FindingsThe street price of cannabis decreased by 9.2% [β = −0.092; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.15–, –0.03] in RCL states after RCL implementation, with largest declines among low‐quality purchases (β = −0.195; 95% CI = –0.282, –0.108). Price declines were accompanied by a 93% (β = −0.93; 95% CI = –1.51, –0.36) reduction in law enforcement seizures of cannabis in RCL states. Among illegal opioids, including heroin, oxycodone and hydrocodone, street prices increased and law enforcement seizures decreased in RCL states.ConclusionsRecreational cannabis laws in US states appear to be associated with illegal drug market responses in those states, including reductions in the street price of cannabis. Changes in the street prices of illegal opioids analyzed may suggest that in states with recreational cannabis laws the markets for other illegal drugs are not independent of legal cannabis market regulation.
Causal mechanisms proposed for the alcohol harm paradox—a systematic review
Authors: Boyd Jennifer , Sexton Olivia , Angus Colin , Meier Petra , Purshouse Robin C. , Holmes John 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsThe alcohol harm paradox (AHP) posits that disadvantaged groups suffer from higher rates of alcohol‐related harm compared with advantaged groups, despite reporting similar or lower levels of consumption on average. The causes of this relationship remain unclear. This study aimed to identify explanations proposed for the AHP. Secondary aims were to review the existing evidence for those explanations and investigate whether authors linked explanations to one another.MethodsThis was a systematic review. We searched MEDLINE (1946–January 2021), EMBASE (1974–January 2021) and PsycINFO (1967–January 2021), supplemented with manual searching of grey literature. Included papers either explored the causes of the AHP or investigated the relationship between alcohol consumption, alcohol‐related harm and socio‐economic position. Papers were set in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development high‐income countries. Explanations extracted for analysis could be evidenced in the empirical results or suggested by researchers in their narrative. Inductive thematic analysis was applied to group explanations.ResultsSeventy‐nine papers met the inclusion criteria and initial coding revealed that these papers contained 41 distinct explanations for the AHP. Following inductive thematic analysis, these explanations were grouped into 16 themes within six broad domains: individual, life‐style, contextual, disadvantage, upstream and artefactual. Explanations related to risk behaviours, which fitted within the life‐style domain, were the most frequently proposed (n = 51) and analysed (n = 21).ConclusionsWhile there are many potential explanations for the alcohol harm paradox, most research focuses on risk behaviours while other explanations lack empirical testing.
The role of allergen‐specific IgE, IgG and IgA in allergic disease
Authors: Shamji Mohamed H. , Valenta Rudolf , Jardetzky Theodore , Verhasselt Valerie , Durham Stephen R. , Würtzen Peter A. , van Neerven R.J. Joost 
Published: May 2021

AbstractImmunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated allergy is the most common hypersensitivity disease affecting more than 30% of the population. Exposure to even minute quantities of allergens can lead to the production of IgE antibodies in atopic individuals. This is termed allergic sensitization, which occurs mainly in early childhood. Allergen‐specific IgE then binds to the high (FcεRI) and low‐affinity receptors (FcεRII, also called CD23) for IgE on effector cells and antigen‐presenting cells. Subsequent and repeated allergen exposure increases allergen‐specific IgE levels and, by receptor cross‐linking, triggers immediate release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells and basophils whereas IgE‐facilitated allergen presentation perpetuates T cell–mediated allergic inflammation. Due to engagement of receptors which are highly selective for IgE, even tiny amounts of allergens can induce massive inflammation. Naturally occurring allergen‐specific IgG and IgA antibodies usually recognize different epitopes on allergens compared with IgE and do not efficiently interfere with allergen‐induced inflammation. However, IgG and IgA antibodies to these important IgE epitopes can be induced by allergen‐specific immunotherapy or by passive immunization. These will lead to competition with IgE for binding with the allergen and prevent allergic responses. Similarly, anti‐IgE treatment does the same by preventing IgE from binding to its receptor on mast cells and basophils. Here, we review the complex interplay of allergen‐specific IgE, IgG and IgA and the corresponding cell receptors in allergic diseases and its relevance for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of allergy.
Factors affecting intracellular calcium influx in response to calcium ionophore A23187 in equine sperm
Authors: Sampaio Breno , Ortiz Isabel , Resende Hélène , Felix Matheus , Varner Dickson , Hinrichs Katrin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundExposure to the calcium ionophore A23187 may present a “universal” sperm treatment for IVF, as it bypasses capacitation pathways. However, success in utilizing A23187 is variable, especially in equine spermatozoa. Notably, albumin is used during A23187 treatment but paradoxically is thought to suppress A23187 action. Essentially no critical data are available on the effects of A23187 and albumin concentrations, ratios, or addition protocols on changes in intracellular calcium ([Ca]i) in any cell type.ObjectiveTo determine factors that affect the action of A23187 on [Ca]iin equine and murine spermatozoa.MethodsSpermatozoa were loaded with Fluo‐4 and changes in fluorescence after A23187 treatment were measured under various conditions using a microplate reader.ResultsConcentrations of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and A23187, type of BSA, makeup of A23187 stock solutions (i.e., 1° stock (DMSO) or 2° stock made with medium, water or DMSO), order of addition of spermatozoa and A23187, incubation of media before sperm addition, species of spermatozoa, and time of addition of BSA all affected [Ca]iin response to A23187 treatment. In equine spermatozoa already exposed to 10 µM A23187, addition of BSA to 33 mg/ml to “quench” the A23187 did not affect [Ca]i. When this concentration of BSA was added to spermatozoa exposed to 1 µM A23187, [Ca]iin murine spermatozoa returned to baseline, however, equine spermatozoa continued to exhibit increased [Ca]i. Addition of BSA to 33 mg/ml to media containing 1 µM A23187, prior to addition of spermatozoa, completely inhibited change in [Ca]iin both murine and equine spermatozoa.ConclusionThese results represent some of the first critical data on the effects of albumin and other procedural factors on A23187‐induced changes in [Ca]iin any cell type. Our findings help to explain the variability in reported response of spermatozoa to A23187 among species and among laboratories.