bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pushing the Limits of In Situ Split Liver Procurement to Overcome Donor Distance and Graft Size Challenges for 8‐Week‐Old Pediatric Recipient
Authors: Kwon Yong K. , Valentino Pamela L. , Saarela Katelyn M. , Wendel Danielle R. , Hsu Evelyn K. , Kaufman Daniel M. , Dick Andre A. S. , Healey Patrick J. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPediatric liver transplantation for small recipients presents significant challenges, particularly in securing suitably sized donor organs. This case report illustrates the feasibility of performing an in situ split procurement in an 18.5‐kg toddler, the smallest recorded case in the OPTN database to date, for a critically ill 8‐week‐old infant recipient.Case PresentationAn 8‐week‐old infant with severe hepatitis of unknown etiology was urgently listed as Status 1A. An organ offer from a 3.5‐year‐old donor, requiring a reduction procedure, became available 1939 nautical miles away. Instead of a back‐table reduction procedure, we performed an in situ split to reduce cold ischemic time given the distance. The recipient surgery was started ahead of the organ's arrival, and the recipient was ready for graft implantation upon the organ's arrival, resulting in a total of 510 min of cold ischemic time. Post‐operatively, the graft did not show signs of significant injury or dysfunction, which expedited recovery from her other medical conditions.ConclusionsIn situ split liver procurement is an invaluable tool for pediatric centers as it effectively provides more graft options for pediatric patients on the waitlist. Additionally, in situ split can offer significant benefits in optimizing recipient surgery, especially when the donor is located at an extreme distance. Despite these benefits, in situ split is not currently widely utilized across transplant centers. Addressing the logistical challenges associated with this technique is crucial for broader implementation and improved patient outcomes.
A salicylic acid‐associated plant‐microbe interaction attracts beneficial Flavobacterium sp. to the Arabidopsis thaliana phyllosphere
Authors: Sommer Anna , Wenig Marion , Knappe Claudia , Kublik Susanne , Foesel Bärbel U. , Schloter Michael , Vlot A. Corina 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBoth above‐ and below‐ground parts of plants are constantly challenged with microbes and interact closely with them. Many plant‐growth‐promoting rhizobacteria, mostly interacting with the plant's root system, enhance the immunity of plants in a process described as induced systemic resistance (ISR). Here, we characterized local induced resistance (IR) triggered by the model PGPR Pseudomonas simiae WCS417r (WCS417) in Arabidopsis thaliana. Hydroponic application of WCS417 to Arabidopsis roots resulted in propagation of WCS417 in/on leaves and the establishment of local IR. WCS417‐triggered local IR was dependent on salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis and signalling and on functional biosynthesis of pipecolic acid and monoterpenes, which are classically associated with systemic acquired resistance (SAR). WCS417‐triggered local IR was further associated with a priming of gene expression changes related to SA signalling and SAR. A metabarcoding approach applied to the leaf microbiome revealed a significant local IR‐associated enrichment of Flavobacterium sp.. Co‐inoculation experiments using WCS417 and At‐LSPHERE Flavobacterium sp. Leaf82 suggest that the proliferation of these bacteria is influenced by both microbial and immunity‐related, plant‐derived factors. Furthermore, application of Flavobacterium Leaf82 to Arabidopsis leaves induced SAR in an NPR1‐dependent manner, suggesting that recruitment of this bacterium to the phyllosphere resulted in propagation of IR. Together, the data highlight the importance of plant‐microbe‐microbe interactions in the phyllosphere and reveal Flavobacterium sp. Leaf82 as a new beneficial promoter of plant health.
DNA methylation impacts soybean early development by modulating hormones and metabolic pathways
Authors: Coelho Fernanda Silva , Miranda Sara Sangi , Moraes Juliana Lopes , Hemerly Adriana Silva , Ballesteros Helkin Giovani Forero , Santa‐Catarina Claudete , dos Santos Renan Carrari , de Almeida Felipe Astolpho , Silveira Vanildo , Macedo Amanda , Floh Eny Iochevet Segal , de Oliveira Alves Sena Edinaldo , de Oliveira Jurandi Gonçalves , Viccini Lyderson Facio , de Matos Elyabe Monteiro , Grativol Clícia 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGenomic DNA methylation patterns play a crucial role in the developmental processes of plants and mammals. In this study, we aimed to investigate the significant effects of epigenetic mechanisms on the development of soybean seedlings and metabolic pathways. Our analyses show that 5‐azaC‐treatment affects radicle development from two Days After Imbibition (DAI), as well as both shoot and root development. We examined the expression levels of key genes related to DNA methylation and demethylation pathways, such as DRM2, which encodes RNA‐directed DNA Methylation (RdDM) pathway, SAM synthase, responsible for methyl group donation, and ROS1, a DNA demethylase. In treated seedling roots, we observed an increase in DRM2 expression and a decrease in ROS1 expression. Additionally, 5‐azaC treatment altered protein accumulation, indicating epigenetic control over stress response while inhibiting nitrogen assimilation, urea cycle, and glycolysis‐related proteins. Furthermore, it influenced the levels of various phytohormones and metabolites crucial for seedling growth, such as ABA, IAA, ethylene, polyamines (PUT and Cad), and free amino acids, suggesting that epigenetic changes may shape soybean responses to pathogens, abiotic stress, and nutrient absorption. Our results assist in understanding how hypomethylation shapes soybean responses to pathogens, abiotic stress, and nutrient absorption crucial for seedling growth, suggesting that the plant's assimilation of carbon and nitrogen, along with hormone pathways, may be influenced by epigenetic changes.
Does regime type matter for economic institutions in non‐democracies?
Authors: Bakhshiani Reza , Nili Masoud , Barakchian S. Mahdi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe provide evidence that the quality of economic institutions in non‐democracies is not uniform, and differences in the type of political regimes lead to such variations. By dividing non‐democracies into four groups of monarchies, personal dictatorships, party dictatorships, and military dictatorships, we argue that monarchies perform better than the others due to their structural characteristics. Using a broad sample of non‐democracies, we empirically find that the performance of economic institutions is better in monarchies compared to other forms of dictatorships. Moreover, no significant difference is observed between the performance of personal, party, and military dictatorships.
Reduced Body Flexibility Is Associated With Poor Survival in Middle‐Aged Men and Women: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Araújo Claudio Gil S. , de Souza e Silva Christina G. , Kunutsor Setor K. , Franklin Barry A. , Laukkanen Jari A. , Myers Jonathan , Fiatarone Singh Maria A. , Franca João Felipe , Castro Claudia Lucia B. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesFlexibility is recognized as one of the components of physical fitness and commonly included as part of exercise prescriptions for all ages. However, limited data exist regarding the relationship between flexibility and survival. We evaluated the sex‐specific nature and magnitude of the associations between body flexibility and natural and non‐COVID‐19 mortality in a middle‐aged cohort of men and women.DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsAnthropometric, health and vital data from 3139 (66% men) individuals aged 46–65 years spanning from March 1994 to October 2022 were available. A body flexibility score, termed Flexindex, was derived from a combination of 20 movements (scored 0–4) involving seven different joints, resulting in a score range of 0–80. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were obtained, and unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality estimated.ResultsDuring a mean follow‐up of 12.9 years, 302 individuals (9.6%) comprising 224 men/78 women died. Flexindex was 35% higher in women compared to men (mean ± SD: 41.1 ± 9.4 vs. 30.5 ± 8.7; p < 0.001) and exhibited an inverse relationship with mortality risk in both sexes (p < 0.001). Following adjustment for age, body mass index, and health status, the HR (95% CI) for mortality comparing upper and bottom of distributions of Flexindex were 1.87 (1.50–2.33; p < 0.001) for men and 4.78 (1.23–31.71; p = 0.047) for women.ConclusionsA component of physical fitness—body flexibility—as assessed by the Flexindex is strongly and inversely associated with natural and non‐COVID‐19 mortality risk in middle‐aged men and women. Future studies should assess whether training‐induced flexibility gains are related to longer survival.
Micronutrient Status During Military Training and Associations With Musculoskeletal Health, Injury, and Readiness Outcomes
Authors: Sekel Nicole M. , Lovalekar Mita , Koltun Kristen J. , Bird Matthew B. , Forse Jennifer N. , Martin Brian J. , Nindl Bradley C. 
Published: August 2024

Objective: Micronutrient status, specifically vitamin D and iron, represent modifiable factors for optimizing military readiness. The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine associations between micronutrient deficiency (i.e., iron status and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D]) and operationally relevant outcomes (i.e., skeletal health, musculoskeletal injury) at baseline and post-10 weeks of arduous military training. Methods: A total of 227 (177 men, 50 women) Marine Officer Candidates School (OCS) candidates who completed OCS training with complete data sets were included in this analysis. Vitamin D and iron status indicators were collected at two timepoints, pre (baseline) and post OCS. Musculoskeletal outcomes at the mid- and proximal tibial diaphysis were assessed via peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Results: Micronutrient status declined following OCS training in men and women and was associated with musculoskeletal outcomes including greater bone strength (strength strain index) at the mid-diaphysis site in those with optimal status (M = 38.26 mm3, SE = 15.59) versus those without (M = −8.03 mm3, SE = 17.27). In women (p = .037), endosteal circumference was greater in the deficient group (M = 53.26 mm, SE = 1.19) compared with the optimal group (M = 49.47 mm, SE = 1.31) at the proximal diaphysis. In men, greater baseline hepcidin concentrations were associated with an increased likelihood of suffering musculoskeletal injury during training. Conclusions: Vitamin D and iron status declined over the course of training, suggesting impaired micronutrient status. Differences in musculoskeletal outcomes by micronutrient group suggests optimal vitamin D and ferritin concentrations may exert beneficial effects on bone fatigability and fracture reduction during military training.
Glycerol metabolism contributes to competition by oral streptococci through production of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Taylor Zachary A. , Chen Ping , Noeparvar Payam , Pham Danniel N. , Walker Alejandro R. , Kitten Todd , Zeng Lin 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

As a biological byproduct from both humans and microbes, glycerol’s contribution to microbial homeostasis in the oral cavity remains understudied. In this study, we examined glycerol metabolism by
Streptococcus sanguinis,
a commensal associated with oral health. Genetic mutants of glucose-PTS enzyme II (
manL
), glycerol metabolism (
glp
and
dha
pathways), and transcriptional regulators were characterized with regard to glycerol catabolism, growth, production of hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
), transcription, and competition with
Streptococcus mutans
. Biochemical assays identified the
glp
pathway as a novel source for H
2
O
2
production by
S. sanguinis
that is independent of pyruvate oxidase (SpxB). Genetic analysis indicated that the
glp
pathway requires glycerol and a transcriptional regulator, GlpR, for expression and is negatively regulated by PTS, but not the catabolite control protein, CcpA. Conversely, deletion of either
manL
or
ccpA
increased the expression of
spxB
and a second, H
2
O
2
-non-producing glycerol metabolic pathway (
dha
), indicative of a mode of regulation consistent with conventional carbon catabolite repression (CCR). In a plate-based antagonism assay and competition assays performed with planktonic and biofilm-grown cells, glycerol greatly benefited the competitive fitness of
S. sanguinis
against
S. mutans
. The
glp
pathway appears to be conserved in several commensal streptococci and actively expressed in caries-free plaque samples. Our study suggests that glycerol metabolism plays a more significant role in the ecology of the oral cavity than previously understood. Commensal streptococci, though not able to use glycerol as a sole carbohydrate source for growth, benefit from the catabolism of glycerol through production of both ATP and H
2
O
2
.

IMPORTANCE

Glycerol is an abundant carbohydrate in the oral cavity. However, little is understood regarding the metabolism of glycerol by commensal streptococci, some of the most abundant oral bacteria. This was in part because most streptococci cannot grow on glycerol as the sole carbon source. In this study, we show that
Streptococcus sanguinis
, a commensal associated with dental health, can degrade glycerol for persistence and competition through two pathways, one of which generates hydrogen peroxide at levels capable of inhibiting
Streptococcus mutans
. Preliminary studies suggest that several additional commensal streptococci are also able to catabolize glycerol, and glycerol-related genes are actively expressed in human dental plaque samples. Our findings reveal the potential of glycerol to significantly impact microbial homeostasis, which warrants further exploration.
Factors governing attachment of
Rhizobium leguminosarum
to legume roots at acid, neutral, and alkaline pHs
Authors: Parsons Jack D. , Cocker Clare R. , East Alison K. , Wheatley Rachel M. , Ramachandran Vinoy K. , Kaschani Farnusch , Kaiser Markus , Poole Philip S. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Rhizobial attachment to host legume roots is the first physical interaction of bacteria and plants in symbiotic nitrogen fixation. The pH-dependent primary attachment of
Rhizobium leguminosarum
biovar viciae 3841 to
Pisum sativum
(pea) roots was investigated by genome-wide insertion sequencing, luminescence-based attachment assays, and proteomic analysis. Under acid, neutral, or alkaline pH, a total of 115 genes are needed for primary attachment under one or more environmental pH, with 22 genes required for all. These include components of cell surfaces and membranes, together with enzymes that construct and modify them. Mechanisms of dealing with stress also play a part; however, exact requirements vary depending on environmental pH. RNASeq showed that knocking out the two transcriptional regulators required for attachment causes massive changes in the bacterial cell surface. Approximately half of the 54 proteins required for attachment at pH 7.0 have a role in the later stages of nodule formation. We found no evidence for a single rhicadhesin responsible for alkaline attachment, although sonicated cell surface fractions inhibited root attachment at alkaline pH. Our results demonstrate the complexity of primary root attachment and illustrate the diversity of mechanisms involved.

IMPORTANCE
The first step by which bacteria interact with plant roots is by attachment. In this study, we use a combination of insertion sequencing and biochemical analysis to determine how bacteria attach to pea roots and how this is influenced by pH. We identify several key adhesins, which are molecules that enable bacteria to stick to roots. This includes a novel filamentous hemagglutinin which is needed at all pHs for attachment. Overall, 115 proteins are required for attachment at one or more pHs.
Multivariate time series approaches to extract predictive asthma biomarkers from prospectively patient-collected diary data: a systematic review
Authors: Clemeno Franz Aaron Apritado , Quek Eleanor , Richardson Matthew , Siddiqui Salman 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesLongitudinal data are common in asthma studies, to assess asthma progression in patients and identify predictors of future outcomes, including asthma exacerbations and asthma control. Different methods can quantify temporal behaviour in prospective patient-collected diary variables to obtain predictive biomarkers of asthma outcomes. The aims of this systematic review were to evaluate methods for extracting biomarkers from longitudinally collected diary data in asthma and investigate associations between them and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of patients with asthma.DesignSystematic review and narrative synthesis.Data sourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published between January 2000 and July 2023.Eligibility criteriaIncluded studies generated biomarkers from prospective patient-collected peak expiratory flow, symptom scores, reliever use and nocturnal awakenings, and evaluated their associations with asthma PROs, namely asthma exacerbations, asthma control, asthma-related quality of life and asthma severity.Data extraction and synthesisTwo independent reviewers used standardised methods to screen and extract data from included studies. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) and the Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASessment Tool (PROBAST), respectively.Results24 full-text articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Generally, higher levels of variability in the diary variables were associated with poorer outcomes, especially increased asthma exacerbation risk, and poor asthma control. There was increasing interest in non-parametric methods to quantify complex behaviour of diary variables (6/24). TRIPOD and PROBAST highlighted a lack of consistent reporting of model performance measures and potential for model bias.ConclusionProspectively patient-collected diary variables aid in generating asthma assessment tools, including surrogate endpoints, for clinical trials and predictive biomarkers of adverse outcomes, warranting remote monitoring. Studies consistently lacked robust reporting of model performance. Future research should use diary variable-derived biomarkers.
Management and outcomes among patients with hard-to-heal ulcers in Sweden: a national mapping of data from medical records, focusing on diagnoses, ulcer healing, ulcer treatment time, pain and prescription of analgesics and antibiotics
Authors: Öien Rut Frank , Roxenius Jenny , Boström Maria , Wickström Hanna Linnea 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate whether patients with hard-to-heal ulcers in Sweden were treated according to an aetiological diagnosis and to explore ulcer healing, treatment time, ulcer-related pain and the prescription of analgesics and antibiotics.DesignA national mapping of data from the patients’ medical records, between April 2021 and March 2023.SettingData from medical records for patients with hard-to-heal ulcers from a randomised clustered sample of two units per level of care and region.ParticipantsPatients with hard-to-heal ulcers treated in primary, community and specialist care, public or private, within units covering all 21 regions in Sweden.Outcome measuresDescriptive analysis of data from the patients’ medical records.ResultsA total of 2470 patients from 168 units were included, of which 39% were treated in primary care, 24% in community care and 37% in specialist care. A total of 49% of patients were treated without an aetiological diagnosis. Healing occurred in 37% of patients and ulcer-related pain was experienced by 1224 patients (50%). Antibiotics were given to 56% of the patients. Amputation occurred in 5% and 11% were deceased.ConclusionOnly 51% of patients with hard-to-heal ulcers had a documented aetiological ulcer diagnosis, which means that approximately 20 000 patients in Sweden might receive suboptimal treatment. Future research needs to explore why so many patients are undiagnosed and how to improve diagnosis, which could lead to faster healing and shorter treatment times.
Scoping review protocol: what is the state of evidence for the use of communication apps with immigrant seniors in long-term care and community settings?
Authors: Yoon Rosanra , Wong Josephine Pui-Hing , Chung-Lee Leinic , Akbarian Abdolreza , Abdulai Abdul-Fatawu , Hou Rui , Ho Mabel , Zinaic Rade , Anoushka Anoushka 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionFirst language care is critical for older immigrant adults with limited English proficiency, especially in long-term care settings where most residents require staff assistance and experience complex chronic conditions, resulting in multiple communication interactions where language poses a barrier. Although there are a myriad of cultural-language translation apps and devices available, there is a gap in both research and practice on the acceptability and feasibility of these digital resources within the context of long-term care and community settings for older immigrant adults, from a cultural relevance and digital health equity perspective. Our paper outlines a scoping review protocol to examine the state of the literature on the extent to which cultural-language translation apps are used in long-term care settings and community-based elder care. We will also examine the extent to which such apps bridge or further gaps in equitable, accessible and acceptable care for older immigrant adults with limited English language proficiency.Methods and analysisThis scoping review protocol will employ an adapted five-stage framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley guided by enhancements recommended by Levacet aland Colquhounet al. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s population, concept and context framework, we defined the scope of the scoping review by identifying the target population, concepts for investigation and the context within which the research is situated. We will conduct a search of the literature from 2005 to 2024 using five bibliographic databases from health sciences (Healthstar OVID, MEDLINE OVID and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) EBSCO), engineering (Engineering Village Elsevier) and a cross-disciplinary database (Web of Science Clarivate). The research team will adopt a critical, equity-focused approach for the scoping review by integrating Richardsonet al’s framework for Digital Health Equity into our analysis of the findings. This will ensure that health and social equity perspectives are integrated within our methodology and analytical lens. Our analysis will specifically examine selected studies for their engagement with health equity and their ability to address issues such as ageism, ableism and the digital divide within geriatric care.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required for this scoping review as it involves secondary analysis of published works and no primary data collection involving human subjects. Findings of the review will be shared with community partners and disseminated through publications, conferences and peer-reviewed publications.