bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gradients in embolism resistance within stems driven by secondary growth in herbs
Authors: Haverroth Eduardo J. , Rimer Ian M. , Oliveira Leonardo A. , de Lima Leydson G. A. , Cesarino Igor , Martins Samuel C. V. , McAdam Scott A. M. , Cardoso Amanda A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe stems of some herbaceous species can undergo basal secondary growth, leading to a continuum in the degree of woodiness along the stem. Whether the formation of secondary growth in the stem base results in differences in embolism resistance between the base and the upper portions of stems is unknown. We assessed the embolism resistance of leaves and the basal and upper portions of stems simultaneously within the same individuals of two divergent herbaceous species that undergo secondary growth in the mature stem bases. The species were Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and Senecio minimus (fireweed). Basal stem in mature plants of both species displayed advanced secondary growth and greater resistance to embolism than the upper stem. This also resulted in significant vulnerability segmentation between the basal stem and the leaves in both species. Greater embolism resistance in the woodier stem base was found alongside decreases in the pith‐to‐xylem ratio, increases in the proportion of secondary xylem, and increases in lignin content. We show that there can be considerable variation in embolism resistance across the stem in herbs and that this variation is linked to the degree of secondary growth present. A gradient in embolism resistance across the stem in herbaceous plants could be an adaptation to ensure reproduction or basal resprouting during episodes of drought late in the lifecycle.
Comparative analysis of antioxidant enzyme activity and defence responses in root‐knot nematode resistant and susceptible carrot cultivars
Authors: Jahanbazian Leila , Mahdikhani‐Moghadam Esmat , Charehgani Habiballah , Afsharifar Alireza 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRoot‐knot nematodes (RKNs) are one of the most serious pests of carrot plants. Resistance cultivars are a cost‐effective and ecofriendly management strategy for nematodes. To develop these, it is essential to understand the genetic, molecular and biochemical aspects underpinning RKN infection. Here, Meloidogyne javanica penetration and development, defence reactions and antioxidant enzyme activity were investigated in a resistant carrot cultivar (TN‐99‐129) compared to the susceptible cultivar TN‐99‐62. No significant difference was found in the number of J2s penetrating the roots of both cultivars. At 2 days post‐inoculation (DPI), necrosis symptoms were observed around the head of penetrated nematodes. Cell death also increased in the roots of the nematode‐infected TN‐99‐129 cultivar. Callose deposition happened at 6 DPI, and lignin content increased with delay (21 DPI) in the inoculated resistant cultivar. In addition, the reactive oxygen species metabolism process in resistant and susceptible cultivars was significantly different. In TN‐99‐129, catalase activity inhibition was observed at the early (2 DPI) phases of infection, and increasing superoxide dismutase activity and a relative decrease in catalase activity during nematode development. The activity of guaiacol peroxidase also increased significantly in the resistant cultivar, but no significant difference was observed in the activity of ascorbate peroxidase. This study explains the process of defence reactions in the TN‐99‐129 carrot cultivar during RKN penetration and development. The exhaustive characterization of the defence mechanism of a novel source of resistance to RKN in carrots constitutes a significant step toward their use in crop breeding.
Sexual health variation among gang‐involved youth in Washington state: Social ecological implications for research and practice
Authors: Bishop Asia S. , Nurius Paula S. , Walker Sarah C. , Oxford Monica L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionGang‐involved youth experience greater disparities in sexual health compared to non‐gang‐involved youth. Yet, little is known about how and why sexual behaviors vary within the youth gang population. Developing relevant and effective service approaches requires an understanding of this variation and the environmental factors that influence patterns of sexual health risk.Methodology and ResultsUsing latent class analysis, we identified four sexual behavior classes within a school‐based sample of gang‐involved youth in Washington State (N = 2060): Non‐Sexually Active (54%), Limited Partners with Condom Use (14%), Multiple Partner with Sexting (19%), and High Sexual Vulnerability (13%). These classes were distinguished by age at sexual debut, number of sexual partners, condom use, and sexting. Interpersonal and macrosocial factors differentiated the classes, including multiform violence exposures, limited social support, and socioeconomic instability. We also found differences according to sexual identity and substance use.DiscussionFindings highlight the need for service approaches that are responsive to both the individual needs of gang‐involved youth and the factors that shape their living environments. We discuss the implications for research and practice, including the potential utility of a harm reduction framework to promote sexual health and reduce disparities in the youth gang population.
Abortion needs expressed on Reddit after the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision in the United States
Authors: John Jennifer Neda , Martin Zelly C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractContextWomen, transgender men, and gender non‐binary individuals facing unwanted pregnancy use online resources for abortion information. We sought to determine the informational and emotional needs that those seeking abortion information on Reddit expressed immediately following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (Dobbs) decision in the United States. Furthermore, we aimed to understand how the Reddit community addressed these needs.MethodsWe collected posts on Reddit in the subreddit r/abortion that expressed informational or emotional needs related to the Dobbs decision created between June 24, 2022 and July 24, 2022. We identified posts using keywords including “roe,” “rvw,” and “trigger law” and then manually reviewed them to ensure relevance. We analyzed posts and their comments using qualitative descriptive analysis.ResultsOne hundred and ten posts met inclusion criteria. Original posters expressed needs for legal and medical information. Posters also expressed need for logistical support, including help accessing medication abortion, traveling out of state, and financing abortion care, and emotional support in general and resulting from fear of parental disapproval and shame relating to abortion stigma. Although responders to these comments addressed these needs by offering general support, accurate information, and reliable resources, intersecting and emotional needs sometimes went unaddressed.ConclusionThe Dobbs decision caused confusion and panic among abortion seekers requesting guidance on r/abortion, resulting in informational and emotional needs. While the r/abortion community actively addressed needs, inherent limitations of an online forum prevented some original posters from receiving the multifaceted support they needed.
No additive effect of creatine, caffeine, and sodium bicarbonate on intense exercise performance in endurance‐trained individuals
Authors: Moesgaard Lukas , Jessen Søren , Christensen Peter Møller , Bangsbo Jens , Hostrup Morten 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundAthletes commonly use creatine, caffeine, and sodium bicarbonate for performance enhancement. While their isolated effects are well‐described, less is known about their potential additive effects.MethodsFollowing a baseline trial, we randomized 12 endurance‐trained males (age: 25 ± 5 years, VO2max: 56.7 ± 4.6 mL kg−1 min−1; mean ± SD) and 11 females (age: 25 ± 3 years, VO2max: 50.2 ± 3.4 mL kg−1 min−1) to 5 days of creatine monohydrate (0.3 g kg−1 per day) or placebo loading, followed by a daily maintenance dose (0.04 g kg−1) throughout the study. After the loading period, subjects completed four trials in randomized order where they ingested caffeine (3 mg kg−1), sodium bicarbonate (0.3 g kg−1), placebo, or both caffeine and sodium bicarbonate before a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), 15‐s sprint, and 6‐min time trial.ResultsCompared to placebo, mean power output during 15‐s sprint was higher following loading with creatine than placebo (+34 W, 95% CI: 10 to 58, p = 0.008), but with no additional effect of caffeine (+10 W, 95% CI: −7 to 24, p = 0.156) or sodium bicarbonate (+5 W, 95% CI: −4 to 13, p = 0.397). Mean power output during 6‐min time trial was higher with caffeine (+12 W, 95% CI: 5 to 18, p = 0.001) and caffeine + sodium bicarbonate (+8 W, 95% CI: 0 to 15, p = 0.038), whereas sodium bicarbonate (–1 W, 95% CI: −7 to 6, p = 0.851) and creatine (–6 W, 95% CI: −15 to 4, p = 0.250) had no effects.ConclusionWhile creatine and caffeine can enhance sprint‐ and time trial performance, respectively, these effects do not seem additive. Therefore, supplementing with either creatine or caffeine appears sufficient to enhance sprint or short intense exercise performance.
Surgical patients' perception about risks related to blood transfusion: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Dev Kapeel , Ahmed Aliya 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the perception of surgical patients at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) about the risks related to blood transfusion. The ultimate aim was to influence patients' acceptability of blood transfusion by reducing their fears through effective counselling.BackgroundAKUH has a hospital‐based blood bank with more than 90% family replacement donation. Many patients perceive blood transfusion as a risky procedure. This survey will help healthcare practitioners in addressing patients' concerns more effectively while counselling them about blood transfusion.Methods/materialsIt was a cross‐sectional survey of patients attending anaesthesia clinic at AKUH during the study period. It assessed patients' perception about adverse effects associated with blood transfusion.ResultsA total of 363 patients were included. Among the participants, 18% considered blood transfusion to be very often or always risky. Blood transfusion related infections were considered most frequently occurring adverse events. Female patients were more concerned about the risks (p = 0.046).ConclusionMany patients consider blood transfusion as a high‐risk procedure. Healthcare professionals need to understand patient's perceptions and conduct patient counselling accordingly. This will help physicians in addressing patient‐specific concerns related to blood transfusion. Improved knowledge is hoped to translate into improvement in transfusion practices at the national level.
A robust high‐throughput functional screening assay for plant pathogen effectors using the TMV‐GFP vector
Authors: Cao Peng , Shi Haotian , Zhang Shuangxi , Chen Jialan , Wang Rongbo , Liu Peiqing , Zhu Yingfang , An Yuyan , Zhang Meixiang 
Published: April 2024

SUMMARYUncovering the function of phytopathogen effectors is crucial for understanding mechanisms of pathogen pathogenicity and for improving our ability to protect plants from diseases. An increasing number of effectors have been predicted in various plant pathogens. Functional characterization of these effectors has become a major focus in the study of plant–pathogen interactions. In this study, we designed a novel screening system that combines the TMV (tobacco mosaic virus)‐GFP vector and Agrobacterium‐mediated transient expression in the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana. This system enables the rapid identification of effectors that interfere with plant immunity. The biological function of these effectors can be easily evaluated by observing the GFP fluorescence signal using a UV lamp within just a few days. To evaluate the TMV‐GFP system, we initially tested it with well‐described virulence and avirulence type III effectors from the bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. After proving the accuracy and efficiency of the TMV‐GFP system, we successfully screened a novel virulence effector, RipS1, using this approach. Furthermore, using the TMV‐GFP system, we reproduced consistent results with previously known cytoplasmic effectors from a diverse array of pathogens. Additionally, we demonstrated the effectiveness of the TMV‐GFP system in identifying apoplastic effectors. The easy operation, time‐saving nature, broad effectiveness, and low technical requirements of the TMV‐GFP system make it a promising approach for high‐throughput screening of effectors with immune interference activity from various pathogens.
Characterization of a novel mouse platelet transfusion model
Authors: Gordy Dominique , Swayne Theresa , Berry Gregory J. , Thomas Tiffany A. , Hudson Krystalyn E. , Stone Elizabeth F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPlatelet transfusions are increasing with medical advances. Based on FDA criteria, platelet units are assessed by in vitro measures; however, it is not known how platelet processing and storage duration affect function in vivo. Our study's aim was to develop a novel platelet transfusion model stored in mouse plasma that meets FDA criteria adapted to mice, and transfused fresh and stored platelets are detectable in clots in vivo.Study Design and MethodsPlatelet units stored in mouse plasma were prepared using a modified platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) collection protocol. Characteristics of fresh and stored units, including pH, cell count, in vitro measures of activity, including activation and aggregation, and post‐transfusion recovery (PTR), were determined. Lastly, a tail transection assay was conducted using mice transfused with fresh or stored units, and transfused platelets were identified by confocal imaging.ResultsPlatelet units had acceptable platelet and white cell counts and were negative for bacterial contamination. Fresh and 1‐day stored units had acceptable pH; the platelets were activatable by thrombin and adenosine diphosphate, agreeable with thrombin, had acceptable PTR, and were present in vivo in clots of recipients after tail transection. In contrast, 2‐day stored units had clinically unacceptable quality.ConclusionWe developed mouse platelets for transfusion analogous to human platelet units using a modified PRP collection protocol with maximum storage of 1 day for an ‘old’ unit. This provides a powerful tool to test how process modifications and storage conditions affect transfused platelet function in vivo.
Novel factors potentially initiating acute antibody‐mediated rejection in pig kidney xenografts despite an efficient immunosuppressive regimen
Authors: Kinoshita Kohei , Maenaka Akihiro , Rosales Ivy A. , Karadagi Ahmad , Tomosugi Toshihide , Ayares David , Lederman Seth , Colvin Robert B. , Kawai Tatsuo , Pierson Richard N. , Kobayashi Takaaki , Cooper David K. C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAntibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) is a common cause of graft failure after pig‐to‐nonhuman primate organ transplantation, even when the graft is from a pig with multiple genetic modifications. The specific factors that initiate AMR are often uncertain. We report two cases of pig kidney transplantation into immunosuppressed baboons in which we identify novel factors associated with the initiation of AMR. In the first, membranous nephropathy was the initiating factor that was then associated with the apparent loss of the therapeutic anti‐CD154 monoclonal antibody in the urine when severe proteinuria was present. This observation suggests that proteinuria may be associated with the loss of any therapeutic monoclonal antibody, for example, anti‐CD154 or eculizumab, in the urine, resulting in xenograft rejection. In the second case, the sequence of events and histopathology tentatively suggested that pyelonephritis may have initiated acute‐onset AMR. The association of a urinary infection with graft rejection has been well‐documented in ABO‐incompatible kidney allotransplantation based on the expression of an antigen on the invading microorganism shared with the kidney graft, generating an immune response to the graft. To our knowledge, these potential initiating factors of AMR in pig xenografts have not been highlighted previously.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of EVER206, a novel polymyxin antimicrobial, in healthy Chinese subjects
Authors: Li Size , Zhu Xu , Cao Guoying , Shen Jufang , Zhu Xu , Yu Jicheng , Wu Xiaojie , Wu Jufang , Yang Haijing , Li Nanyang , Hu Yingying , Wang Jingjing , Huang Haihui , Zhang Jing 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

EVER206 (also known as SPR206) is a novel polymyxin analog that has shown
in vitro
potency and
in vivo
efficacy against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative pathogens. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, Phase I study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of EVER206 in healthy Chinese subjects. After single administration of 50–300 mg EVER206, the C
max
ranged from 3.94 to 25.82 mg/L, and the AUC
0-inf
ranged from 12.42 to 101.67 h·mg/L. The plasma exposure displayed a linear relationship with the dose administered. After administration of 75 and 100 mg of EVER206 every 8 hours (q8 hour), a steady state was achieved on Day 2. The accumulation ratios of C
max
and AUC from Day 1 to Day 7 were in the range of 1.12 to 1.3. The elimination half-lives ranged from 2.86 to 4.32 hours in the single-ascending-dose (SAD) study and 4.71 to 6.18 hours in the multiple-ascending-dose (MAD) study. The urinary excretion of unchanged EVER206 increased with the dose, with the mean cumulative fraction ranging from 23.70% to 47.10%. EVER206 was safe and well-tolerated in Chinese healthy subjects. No severe treatment emerging adverse events (TEAEs), serious adverse events, or TEAEs leading to discontinuation were reported. The results of the present study demonstrated a similar safety profile of EVER206 with data reported in an earlier study on SPR206-101. The exposure of EVER206 in Chinese healthy subjects was higher than that in Australian healthy subjects. These results could enable further clinical development of EVER206 in Chinese patients with severe MDR Gram-negative pathogen infections.

CLINICAL TRIALS

This study was registered at the

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry
under identifier
ChiCTR2200056692

.
A tetravalent dengue virus-like particle vaccine induces high levels of neutralizing antibodies and reduces dengue replication in non-human primates
Authors: Thoresen Daniel , Matsuda Kenta , Urakami Akane , Ngwe Tun Mya Myat , Nomura Takushi , Moi Meng Ling , Watanabe Yuri , Ishikawa Momoko , Hau Trang Thi Thu , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Suzaki Yuriko , Ami Yasushi , Smith Jonathan F. , Matano Tetsuro , Morita Kouichi , Akahata Wataru 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Dengue virus (DENV) represents a significant global health burden, with 50% of the world’s population at risk of infection, and there is an urgent need for next-generation vaccines. Virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines, which mimic the antigenic structure of the virus but lack the viral genome, are an attractive approach. Here, we describe a dengue VLP (DENVLP) vaccine which generates a neutralizing antibody response against all four DENV serotypes in 100% of immunized non-human primates for up to 1 year. Additionally, DENVLP vaccination produced no ADE response against any of four DENV serotypes
in vitro
. DENVLP vaccination reduces viral replication in a non-human primate challenge model. We also show that transfer of purified IgG from immunized monkeys into immunodeficient mice protects against subsequent lethal DENV challenge, indicating a humoral mechanism of protection. These results indicate that this DENVLP vaccine is immunogenic and can be considered for clinical evaluation. Immunization of non-human primates with a tetravalent DENVLP vaccine induces high levels of neutralizing antibodies and reduces the severity of infection for all four dengue serotypes.

IMPORTANCE
Dengue is a viral disease that infects nearly 400 million people worldwide and causes dengue hemorrhagic fever, which is responsible for 10,000 deaths each year. Currently, there is no therapeutic drug licensed to treat dengue infection, which makes the development of an effective vaccine essential. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are a safe and highly immunogenic platform that can be used in young children, immunocompromised individuals, as well as healthy adults. In this study, we describe the development of a dengue VLP vaccine and demonstrate that it induces a robust immune response against the dengue virus for over 1 year in monkeys. The immunity induced by this vaccine reduced live dengue infection in both murine and non-human primate models. These results indicate that our dengue VLP vaccine is a promising vaccine candidate.
Both viable
Bifidobacterium longum
subsp.
infantis
B8762 and heat-killed cells alleviate the intestinal inflammation of DSS-induced IBD rats
Authors: Li Zhaojie , Peng Chuantao , Sun Yaru , Zhang Tao , Feng Cuijiao , Zhang Weiqin , Huang Tian , Yao Guoqiang , Zhang Heping , He Qiuwen 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

In view of the safety concerns of probiotics, more and more attention is paid to the beneficial effects of dead probiotics cells. Herein, we investigated and compared the alleviation effects of viable
Bifidobacterium longum
subsp.
infantis
B8762 (
B. infantis
B8762) and its heat-killed cells on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) rats. Four groups of rats (
n
= 12 per group) were included: normal control, DSS-induced colitis rats without bacterial administration (DSS), DSS-induced colitis rats with viable
B. infantis
B8762 administration (VB8762), and DSS-induced colitis rats with dead
B. infantis
B8762 administration (DB8762). Our results showed that both VB8762 and DB8762 administration exerted significant protective effects on DSS-induced IBD rats, as evidenced by a reduction in mortality, disease activity index score, body weight loss, as well as decreased histology score, which were companied by a significant decrease in serum pro-inflammatory factors compared with DSS group, and a stronger effect on modulating the fecal microbiota alpha-diversity and beta-diversity compared with DSS group. Additionally, the fecal metabolome results showed that both VB8762 and DB8762 interventions indeed altered the fecal metabolome profile and related metabolic pathways of DSS-induced IBD rats. Therefore, given the alleviation effects on colitis, the DB8762 can be confirmed to be a postbiotic. Overall, our findings suggested that VB8762 and DB8762 had similar ability to alleviate IBD although with some differences. Due to the minimal safety concern of postbiotics, we propose that the postbiotic DB8762 could be a promising alternative to probiotics to be applied in the prevention and treatment of IBDs.

IMPORTANCE

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has emerged as a global disease because of the worldwide spread of western diets and lifestyles during industrialization. Up to now, many probiotic strains are used as a modulator of gut microbiota or an enhancer of gut barrier to alleviate or cure IBD. However, there are still many issues of using probiotics, which were needed to be concerned about, for instance, safety issues in certain groups like neonates and vulnerable populations, and the functional differences between viable and dead microorganisms. Therefore, it is of interest to investigate the beneficial effects of dead probiotics cells. The present study proved that both viable
Bifidobacterium longum
subsp.
infantis
B8762 and heat-killed cells could alleviate dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in rats. The findings help to support that some heat-killed probiotics cells can also exert relevant biological functions and can be used as a postbiotic.