bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of portable respiratory polygraphy for assessing sleep bruxism in adults
Authors: Martynowicz Helena , Michalek‐Zrabkowska Monika , Gac Pawel , Blaszczyk Bartlomiej , Fulek Michal , Frosztega Weronika , Wojakowska Anna , Poreba Rafal , Mazur Grzegorz , Wieckiewicz Mieszko 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPolysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for sleep bruxism (SB) assessment, it is expensive, not widely accessible, and time‐consuming.ObjectiveGiven the increasing prevalence of SB, there is a growing need for an alternative, readily available, reliable and cost‐effective diagnostic method. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic validity of portable respiratory polygraphy (PRPG) compared with PSG for SB diagnosis.MethodsOne hundred and three subjects underwent simultaneous examinations using PRPG (NOX T3, NOX Medical) and PSG (NOX A1, NOX Medical) in a sleep laboratory.ResultsThe mean Bruxism Episodes Index (BEI) measured by PRPG was 4.70 ± 3.98, whereas PSG yielded a mean BEI of 3.79 ± 3.08. The sensitivity for detecting sleep bruxism (BEI >2) by PRPG was 48.3%, with a specificity of 81.2%. The positive predictive value was estimated at 51.9%, and the negative predictive value at 78.9%. However, when distinguishing between mild bruxism (BEI >2 < 4) and severe bruxism (BEI >4), PRPG demonstrated a sensitivity of 77.8% and 68.3% and a specificity of 48.6% and 71.4%, respectively.ConclusionPolysomnography continues to be the SB diagnostic gold standard tool, as the sensitivity and specificity of PRPG are significantly lower when compared with PSG. Nevertheless, PRPG could serve as an alternative tool for SB screening or diagnosis, despite its limitations. Furthermore, our data indicate that comorbidities such as sleep apnea and sleep quality do not influence the diagnostic accuracy of PSG, suggesting its potential as a screening instrument in individuals with other sleep disorders.
Positioning adolescence in the developmental timeline
Authors: Chaku Natasha , Davis‐Kean Pamela E. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAdolescence, the second decade of life, bridges childhood and adulthood, but also represents a host of unique experiences that impact health and well‐being. Lifespan theories often emphasize the continuity of individual characteristics and their contexts from childhood to adolescence, underscoring the distal influence of childhood experiences. Yet, adolescence is marked by transitions that may provoke discontinuities, particularly within individuals, their contexts, and their interactions within those contexts. These discontinuities occur at varied times, orders, and intensities for individual youth, suggesting that adolescence may be a developmental turning point where earlier life experiences may be mediated, reversed, or transformed by proximal events. This perspective piece emphasizes the importance of considering transitions, discontinuities, and developmental turning points in adolescence as well as their potential to explain heterogeneity in adolescent and adult outcomes. We explore one biological and one contextual transition in adolescence and highlight innovative theories and methods for investigating continuity and discontinuity dynamics across development, which could lead to new insights related to the adolescent period and its importance in shaping future life trajectories.
Melatonin in energy control: Circadian time‐giver and homeostatic monitor
Authors: Challet Etienne , Pévet Paul 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMelatonin is a neurohormone synthesized from dietary tryptophan in various organs, including the pineal gland and the retina. In the pineal gland, melatonin is produced at night under the control of the master clock located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Under physiological conditions, the pineal gland seems to constitute the unique source of circulating melatonin. Melatonin is involved in cellular metabolism in different ways. First, the circadian rhythm of melatonin helps the maintenance of proper internal timing, the disruption of which has deleterious effects on metabolic health. Second, melatonin modulates lipid metabolism, notably through diminished lipogenesis, and it has an antidiabetic effect, at least in several animal models. Third, pharmacological doses of melatonin have antioxidative, free radical‐scavenging, and anti‐inflammatory properties in various in vitro cellular models. As a result, melatonin can be considered both a circadian time‐giver and a homeostatic monitor of cellular metabolism, via multiple mechanisms of action that are not all fully characterized. Aging, circadian disruption, and artificial light at night are conditions combining increased metabolic risks with diminished circulating levels of melatonin. Accordingly, melatonin supplementation could be of potential therapeutic value in the treatment or prevention of metabolic disorders. More clinical trials in controlled conditions are needed, notably taking greater account of circadian rhythmicity.
Placement of an artificial urethral sphincter in 8 male dogs with urethral diverticulum
Authors: Neumann Geoffrey , Vachon Catherine , Culp William T.N. , Palm Carrie , Byron Julie K. , Pogue Joanna , Dunn Marilyn 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundUrethral diverticulum (UD) is a poorly defined anomaly consisting of an outpouching of the urethra. Management without surgical resection is not previously reported in dogs.Hypothesis/ObjectivesReport the outcome of male dogs presented for urinary incontinence with UD treated with an artificial urethral sphincter (AUS).AnimalsEight client‐owned dogs with UD treated with an AUS.MethodsMulticenter retrospective study. Medical records from male dogs with urinary incontinence were reviewed. Inclusion criteria: diagnosis of a UD by retrograde cystourethrography, cystoscopy, abdominal ultrasonography or contrast computed tomodensitometry (CT) or a combination of these modalities, AUS placement, and at least 1 follow‐up. Urinary continence score (UCS) was attributed retrospectively.ResultsMedian UCS at presentation was 1/5. A contrast cystourethrogram was diagnostic in 8/8 dogs. All diverticula were saccular, and 7/8 were within the prostatic urethra and 1/8 extended up to the membranous urethra. A congenital origin was suspected in 7 dogs and acquired in 1. Concurrent anomalies included renal dysplasia or chronic pyelonephritis (n = 4), bilateral cryptorchidism (n = 3), and pelvic urinary bladder (n = 3). All dogs were poorly/moderately responsive to phenylpropanolamine. Artificial urethral sphincter placement resulted in improvement in continence in all dogs with a median UCS of 4/5 (5/5 in 2/8 dogs, 4/5 in 5/8 dogs, 3/5 in 1/8 dogs).ConclusionUrethral diverticulum should be considered in male dogs with persistent urinary incontinence not responding to medical management. Artificial urethral sphincter placement is an effective therapeutic option that improved continence scores in all dogs.
Glycosyl transferase GT2 genes mediate the biosynthesis of an unusual (1,3;1,4)‐β‐glucan exopolysaccharide in the bacterium Sarcina ventriculi
Authors: Lampugnani Edwin R. , Ford Kris , Ho Yin Ying , van de Meene Allison , Lahnstein Jelle , Tan Hwei‐Ting , Burton Rachel A. , Fincher Geoffrey B. , Shafee Thomas , Bacic Antony , Zimmer Jochen , Xing Xiaohui , Bulone Vincent , Doblin Monika S. , Roberts Eric M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLinear, unbranched (1,3;1,4)‐β‐glucans (mixed‐linkage glucans or MLGs) are commonly found in the cell walls of grasses, but have also been detected in basal land plants, algae, fungi and bacteria. Here we show that two family GT2 glycosyltransferases from the Gram‐positive bacterium Sarcina ventriculi are capable of synthesizing MLGs. Immunotransmission electron microscopy demonstrates that MLG is secreted as an exopolysaccharide, where it may play a role in organizing individual cells into packets that are characteristic of Sarcina species. Heterologous expression of these two genes shows that they are capable of producing MLGs in planta, including an MLG that is chemically identical to the MLG secreted from S. ventriculi cells but which has regularly spaced (1,3)‐β‐linkages in a structure not reported previously for MLGs. The tandemly arranged, paralogous pair of genes are designated SvBmlgs1 and SvBmlgs2. The data indicate that MLG synthases have evolved different enzymic mechanisms for the incorporation of (1,3)‐β‐ and (1,4)‐β‐glucosyl residues into a single polysaccharide chain. Amino acid variants associated with the evolutionary switch from (1,4)‐β‐glucan (cellulose) to MLG synthesis have been identified in the active site regions of the enzymes. The presence of MLG synthesis in bacteria could prove valuable for large‐scale production of MLG for medical, food and beverage applications.
Genetically encoded Boolean logic operators to sense and integrate phenylpropanoid metabolite levels in plants
Authors: Ferreira Savio S. , Antunes Mauricio S. 
Published: May 2024

Summary

Synthetic biology has the potential to revolutionize biotechnology, public health, and agriculture. Recent studies have shown the enormous potential of plants as chassis for synthetic biology applications. However, tools to precisely manipulate metabolic pathways for bioproduction in plants are still needed.

We used bacterial allosteric transcription factors (aTFs) that control gene expression in a ligand‐specific manner and tested their ability to repress semi‐synthetic promoters in plants. We also tested the modulation of their repression activity in response to specific plant metabolites, especially phenylpropanoid‐related molecules. Using these aTFs, we also designed synthetic genetic circuits capable of computing Boolean logic operations.

Three aTFs, CouR, FapR, and TtgR, achieved c. 95% repression of their respective target promoters. For TtgR, a sixfold de‐repression could be triggered by inducing its ligand accumulation, showing its use as biosensor. Moreover, we designed synthetic genetic circuits that use AND, NAND, IMPLY, and NIMPLY Boolean logic operations and integrate metabolite levels as input to the circuit.

We showed that biosensors can be implemented in plants to detect phenylpropanoid‐related metabolites and activate a genetic circuit that follows a predefined logic, demonstrating their potential as tools for exerting control over plant metabolic pathways and facilitating the bioproduction of natural products.
Stomatal response to VPD in C4 plants with different biochemical sub‐pathways
Authors: Gan Shu Han , Sage Rowan F. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractC4 NAD‐malic enzyme (NAD‐ME) species occurs in drier regions and exhibit different drought responses compared to C4 NADP‐malic enzyme (NADP‐ME) species. However, a physiological mechanism explaining the geographical discrepancies remains uncertain. This study examined gas exchange patterns that might explain different distributions observed between two subtypes of C4 photosynthesis. We measured the response of leaf gas exchange to vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and CO2 in plants from six distinct C4 clades having closely related NAD‐ME and NADP‐ME species using a Li‐Cor 6400 gas exchange system. We found that NAD‐ME species exhibited greater relative reductions in stomatal conductance with increases in VPD than NADP‐ME species but observed no consistent subtype differences in C4 cycle activity as indicated by the initial slope of the A response to intercellular CO2 concentration. Based on these results, we hypothesise the greater response of gs to increasing VPD may enable NAD‐ME plants to outperform NADP‐ME plants in hot, dry environments where VPD is normally high.
Measurement of lead, mercury, and cadmium in blood donors in Canada
Authors: Hadjesfandiari Narges , Serrano Katherine , Richardson‐Sanchez Tomas , Barakauskas Vilte E. , Yi Qi‐Long , Murphy Michael , Devine Dana V. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundFetal and neonatal exposure to lead is associated with irreversible adverse effects on neural development. There is no reliable threshold for lead effect, so limiting exposure is recommended. A significant correlation has been reported between post‐transfusion blood lead level (BLL) in infants and lead levels in transfused RBC units. We measured levels of lead, mercury, and cadmium, in Canadian donor blood to investigate if concerning levels for neonatal transfusion exist.Study Design and MethodsWhole blood samples from blood donors (n = 2529) were shipped cold within 7 days of donation. All permanent blood donation clinics across Canada were sampled. Twelve of these permanent clinics and 8 mobile clinics with a greater potential for having higher lead or mercury levels were oversampled. Heavy metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.ResultsOf all donations, 2.2% (lead) and 0.4% (mercury) had levels higher than the recommended thresholds for safe neonatal transfusion. BLLs were higher in males but there was no significant difference in the blood mercury levels of males versus females. Cadmium levels were higher in females. There was a positive correlation between donor age and levels of heavy metals, with lead having the strongest correlation (r = 0.47, p < .0001). Three clinics in close proximity to two lead‐producing mines were among the clinics with the highest BLLs. Significantly higher blood mercury levels were observed in coastal clinics.ConclusionOur data on donor blood heavy metal levels supports considering blood transfusion as an exposure source to heavy metals and encourages informed selection of blood units for transfusion to vulnerable groups.
Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of the Film Cooling Characteristics of the Multicavity Tip With Inclined Film Holes
Authors: Jia Zhe , Li Feng , Zhang Weixin , Liu Zhao , Feng Zhenping 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Due to the complex flow field and the considerable heat load on the turbine blade tip, film cooling is essential to protect the tip from being overheated. In this paper, an experimental work was conducted to compare the film cooling distributions of four tip structures (cavity numbers are one, two, three, and four) with two film hole configurations (perpendicular and 45 degrees inclined to the cavity floor) under three coolant blowing ratios (M = 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5). By using pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) technique, the distributions of film cooling effectiveness were measured. Moreover, a computation with careful validation was executed to obtain the cooling traces in the tip region and compare the aerodynamic performance of these multicavity tips. The results showed that the value and uniformity of film cooling effectiveness were improved by the inclined configuration. The tip film cooling was enhanced when using the multicavity tips. The aerodynamic loss of the tested tips was compared as well.
Effect of Protein Supplementation Combined With Resistance Training in Gait Speed in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Juan , Wang Yahai , Liu Fang , Miao Yu 
Published: May 2024

Background: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of protein supplementation and resistance training (RT), compared with RT alone or combined with a placebo, in improving gait speed. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus databases, and 18 randomized controlled trials with 1,147 older participants were included for meta-analysis. Data were pooled as the effect sizes (Hedges’ g) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of the gait speed (in meters per second). The random-effect meta-analysis, subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were conducted. Results: The combination of protein supplementation and RT significantly improved gait speed (Hedges’ g: 0.52 m/s, 95% confidence interval [0.17, 0.86], p = .005; I2 = 86.5%) compared with the RT alone. The subgroup analyses revealed that the significant improvement in gait speed postprotein intervention plus RT was observed only in participants who consumed protein after RT (Hedges’ g: 0.90 m/s, 95% confidence interval [0.46, 1.33], p = .001; I2 = 79.6%). The pooled result did not significantly change after excluding any single study at one time or excluding smaller studies with large effect sizes. Conclusions: Protein supplementation combined with RT could significantly improve the gait speed of older adults compared with RT alone. This positive effect is more pronounced in people who consume protein after RT.
“Now I Am Walking Toward Health”: A Qualitative Study About the Outcomes of Physical Activity Participation That Matter to Older Adults
Authors: Young Peter J. , Wallsworth Christine , Gosal Hitika , Mackey Dawn C. 
Published: May 2024

Background/Objectives: Randomized controlled trials that deliver physical activity interventions have demonstrated benefits for older adults across numerous health outcomes. However, too little attention has been directed to ensuring that such trials are measuring patient-relevant outcomes. To support outcome selection for future trials, the objective of this study was to understand what outcomes related to their physical activity participation older adults find important. Methods: We conducted 12 semistructured interviews with adults aged 65 years and older and analyzed interview transcripts with a reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Older adults desired diverse outcomes from their physical activity participation, ranging from generic (e.g., quality of life) to specific (e.g., leg strength). Relevant outcomes were classified under five themes: physical, clinical, social, psychological, and overarching, each with respective subthemes. Conclusions: The outcomes that older adults found important were plentiful and rooted in a desire to improve their quality of life. Some of the outcome themes have been reported frequently in past trials (e.g., physical), but others have not (e.g., social). Future researchers should be aware of, and responsive to, the priorities of older adults when designing trials and defining outcomes. Significance/Implications: This study will help to improve outcome selection for future trials of physical activity with older adults. In alignment with a patient-oriented research philosophy, this study will also ground future outcome selection in the priorities of older adults.
The genes
mgtE
and
spoVG
are involved in zinc tolerance of
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Schürmann Jacqueline , Fischer Martin A. , Herzberg Martin , Reemtsma Thorsten , Strommenger Birgit , Werner Guido , Schuster Christopher F. , Layer-Nicolaou Franziska 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Metals are essential for all living organisms, but the type of metal and its concentration determines its action. Even low concentrations of metals may have toxic effects on organisms and therefore exhibit antimicrobial activities. In this study, we investigate the evolutionary adaptation processes of
Staphylococcus aureus
to metals and common genes for metal tolerance. Laboratory and clinical isolates were treated with manganese, cobalt, zinc, or nickel metal salts to generate growth-adapted mutants. After growth in medium supplemented with zinc, whole-genome sequencing identified, among others, two genes,
mgtE
(SAUSA300_0910)

,

a putative magnesium transporter and
spoVG
(SAUSA300_0475), a global transcriptional regulator, as hot spots for stress-induced single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). SNPs in
mgtE
were also detected in mutants treated with high levels of cobalt or nickel salts. To investigate the effect of these genes on metal tolerance, deletion mutants and complementation strains in an
S. aureus
USA300 LAC* laboratory strain were generated. Both, the
mgtE
and
spoVG
deletion strains were more tolerant to cobalt, manganese, and zinc. The
mgtE
mutant was also more tolerant to nickel exposure. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that the
mgtE
deletion mutant accumulated less intracellular zinc than the wild type, explaining increased tolerance. From these results, we conclude that
mgtE
gene inactivation increases zinc tolerance presumably due to reduced uptake of zinc. For the SpoVG mutant, no direct effect on the intracellular zinc concentration was detected, indicating toward different pathways to increase tolerance. Importantly, inactivation of these genes offers a growth advantage in environments containing certain metals, pointing toward a common tolerance mechanism.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureus
is an opportunistic pathogen causing tremendous public health burden and high mortality in invasive infections. Treatment is becoming increasingly difficult due to antimicrobial resistances. The use of metals in animal husbandry and aquaculture to reduce bacterial growth and subsequent acquisition of metal resistances has been shown to co-select for antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, understanding adaptive mechanisms that help
S. aureus
to survive metal exposure is essential. Using a screening approach, we were able to identify two genes encoding the transporter MgtE and the transcriptional regulator SpoVG, which conferred increased tolerance to specific metals such as zinc when inactivated. Further testing showed that the deletion of
mgtE
leads to reduced intracellular zinc levels, suggesting a role in zinc uptake. The accumulation of mutations in these genes when exposed to other metals suggests that inactivation of these genes could be a common mechanism for intrinsic tolerance to certain metals.
Enterovirus A71 crosses a human blood–brain barrier model through infected immune cells
Authors: Gaume Léa , Chabrolles Hélène , Bisseux Maxime , Lopez-Coqueiro Igor , Dehouck Lucie , Mirand Audrey , Henquell Cécile , Gosselet Fabien , Archimbaud Christine , Bailly Jean-Luc 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is associated with neurological conditions such as acute meningitis and encephalitis. The virus is detected in the bloodstream, and high blood viral loads are associated with central nervous system (CNS) manifestations. We used an
in vitro
blood–brain barrier (BBB) model made up of human brain-like endothelial cells (hBLECs) and brain pericytes grown in transwell systems to investigate whether three genetically distinct EV-A71 strains (subgenogroups C1, C1-like, and C4) can cross the human BBB. EV-A71 poorly replicated in hBLECs, which released moderate amounts of infectious viruses from their luminal side and trace amounts of infectious viruses from their basolateral side. The barrier properties of hBLECs were not impaired by EV-A71 infection. We investigated the passage through hBLECs of EV-A71-infected white blood cells. EV-A71 strains efficiently replicated in immune cells, including monocytes, neutrophils, and NK/T cells. Attachment to hBLECs of immune cells infected with the C1-like virus was higher than attachment of cells infected with C1-06. EV-A71 infection did not impair the transmigration of immune cells through hBLECs. Overall, EV-A71 targets different white blood cell populations that have the potential to be used as a Trojan horse to cross hBLECs more efficiently than cell-free EV-A71 particles.

IMPORTANCE
Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) was first reported in the USA, and numerous outbreaks have since occurred in Asia and Europe. EV-A71 re-emerged as a new multirecombinant strain in 2015 in Europe and is now widespread. The virus causes hand-foot-and-mouth disease in young children and is involved in nervous system infections. How the virus spreads to the nervous system is unclear. We investigated whether white blood cells could be infected by EV-A71 and transmit it across human endothelial cells mimicking the blood–brain barrier protecting the brain from adverse effects. We found that endothelial cells provide a strong roadblock to prevent the passage of free virus particles but allow the migration of infected immune cells, including monocytes, neutrophils, and NK/T cells. Our data are consistent with the potential role of immune cells in the pathogenesis of EV-A71 infections by spreading the virus in the blood and across the human blood–brain barrier.