bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ca
2+
affects the hyphal differentiation to sclerotia formation of
Athelia rolfsii
Authors: Pan Kuan-Yu , Liu Hsien-Hao , Tseng Min-Nan , Chang Hao-Xun 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) and transcriptomic analyses have become powerful tools to study the developmental stages of fungal structures scuh as sclerotia. While RNA-Seq experiments have been set up for many important sclerotia- and microsclerotia-forming fungi, it has not been implemented to study
Athelia rolfsii
, which is one of the earliest fungi used in literature to uncover the roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in stimulating sclerotia formation. This study applied RNA-Seq to profile gene expression in four developmental stages of
A. rolfsii
sclerotia. Surprisingly, gene ontology and expression patterns suggested that most ROS-scavenging genes were not up-regulated in the stages from hyphal differentiation to the initial sclerotia stage. Using antioxidant and oxidant-amended culture assay, the results suggested none of the ascorbic acid, dithiothreitol (DTT), H
2
O
2
, or superoxide dismutase inhibitors [diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC), NaN
3
, and sodium dodecyl sulfate] affected the sclerotia number. Instead, only glutathione reduced the sclerotia number. Because glutathione has also been suggested to facilitate Ca
2+
influx, therefore, glutathione culture assays with the combination of CaCl
2
, Ca
2+
–chelator egtazic acid, DETC, and H
2
O
2
were tested on
A. rolfsii
, as well as two other fungi (
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
and
Macrophomina phaseolina
) for comparison. Although the addition of CaCl
2
caused sclerotia or microsclerotia reduction for all three fungi, the CaCl
2
–ROS interaction was only observed for
S. sclerotiorum
and
M. phaseolina
, but not
A. rolfsi
. Collectively, this study not only pointed out a conserved function of Ca
2+
in suppressing fungal sclerotia and microsclerotia formation but also highlighted sclerotia formation of
A. rolfsii
being only sensitive to Ca
2+
and independent of ROS stimuli.

IMPORTANCE

Management for plant diseases caused by soil-borne fungal pathogens is challenging because many soil-borne fungal pathogens form sclerotia for long-term survival. Advanced understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of sclerotia formation may provide novel insights to prevent these fungal residues in fields. This study discovered that Ca
2+
acts as a negative signal cue to suppress sclerotia and microsclerotia formation in three economically important fungal pathogens. Moreover, the southern blight fungus
Athelia rolfsii
appears to be only regulated by Ca
2+
but not reactive oxygen species. Accordingly,
A. rolfsii
can be a useful system for studying the detailed mechanism of Ca
2+
, and the applicability of Ca
2+
in reducing sclerotia could be further assessed for disease management.
Genomic investigation of
Lactococcus formosensis
,
Lactococcus garvieae
, and
Lactococcus petauri
reveals differences in species distribution by human and animal sources
Authors: Chan You-Xiang , Cao Huiluo , Jiang Shuo , Li Xin , Fung Ka-Kin , Lee Chung-Ho , Sridhar Siddharth , Chen Jonathan Hon-Kwan , Ho Pak-Leung 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Lactococcus garvieae
is a fish pathogen that can cause diseases in humans and cows. Two genetically related species,
Lactococcus formosensis
and
Lactococcus petauri
, may be misidentified as
L. garvieae
. It is unclear if these species differ in host specificity and virulence genes. This study analyzed the genomes of 120
L
.
petauri
, 53
L
.
formosensis
, and 39
L
.
garvieae
isolates from various sources. The genetic diversity and virulence gene content of these isolates were compared. The results showed that 77 isolates previously reported as
L. garvieae
were actually
L. formosensis
or
L. petauri
. The distribution of the three species varied across different collection sources, with
L. petauri
being predominant in human infections, human fecal sources, and rainbow trout, while
L. formosensis
was more common in bovine isolates. The genetic diversity of isolates within each species was high and similar. Using a genomic clustering method,
L. petauri
,
L. formosensis
, and
L. garvieae
were divided into 45, 22, and 13 clusters, respectively. Most rainbow trout and human isolates of
L. petauri
belonged to different clusters, while
L. formosensis
isolates from bovine and human sources were also segregated into separate clusters. In
L. garvieae
, most human isolates were grouped into three clusters that also included isolates from food or other sources. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination revealed the differential association of 15 virulence genes, including 14 adherence genes and a bile salt hydrolase gene, with bacterial species and certain collection sources. In conclusion, this work provides evidence of host specificity among the three species.

IMPORTANCE

Lactococcus formosensis
and
Lactococcus petauri
are two newly discovered bacteria, which are closely related to
Lactococcus
garvieae, a pathogen that affects farmed rainbow trout, as well as causes cow mastitis and human infections. It is unclear whether the three bacteria differ in their host preference and the presence of genes that contribute to the development of disease. This study shows that
L. formosensis
and
L. petauri
were commonly misidentified as
L. garvieae
. The three bacteria showed different distribution patterns across various sources.
L. petauri
was predominantly found in human infections and rainbow trout, while
L. formosensis
was more commonly detected in cow mastitis. Fifteen genes displayed a differential distribution among the three bacteria from certain sources, indicating a genetic basis for the observed host preference. This work indicates the importance of differentiating the three bacteria in diagnostic laboratories for surveillance and outbreak investigation purposes.
Novel multiplex-PCR test for
Escherichia coli
detection
Authors: Zimoń Bogumił , Psujek Michał , Matczak Justyna , Guziński Arkadiusz , Wójcik Ewelina , Dastych Jarosław 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli
is a diverse and ubiquitous strain of both commensal and pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we propose the use of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using amplification of three genes (
cydA, lacY
, and
ydiV
), as a method for determining the affiliation of the tested strains to the
E. coli
species. The novelty of the method lies in the small number of steps needed to perform the diagnosis and, consequently, in the small amount of time needed to obtain it. This method, like any other, has some limitations, but its advantage is fast, cheap, and reliable identification of the presence of
E. coli
. Sequences of the indicated genes from 1,171 complete
E. coli
genomes in the NCBI database were used to prepare the primers. The developed multiplex PCR was tested on 47,370 different
Enterobacteriaceae
genomes using
in silico
PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of the developed test were 95.76% and 99.49%, respectively. Wet laboratory analyses confirmed the high specificity, repeatability, reproducibility, and reliability of the proposed test. Because of the detection of three genes, this method is very cost and labor-effective, yet still highly accurate, specific, and sensitive in comparison to similar methods.

IMPORTANCE

Detection of
E. coli
from environmental or clinical samples is important due to the common occurrence of this species of bacteria in all human and animal environments. As commonly known, these bacteria strains can be commensal and pathogenic, causing numerous infections of clinical importance, including infections of the digestive system, urinary, respiratory, and even meninges, particularly dangerous for newborns. The developed multiplex polymerase chain reaction test, confirming the presence of
E. coli
in samples, can be used in many laboratories. The test provides new opportunities for quick and cheap analyses, detecting
E. coli
using only three pairs of primers (analysis of the presence of three genes) responsible for metabolism and distinguishing
E. coli
from other pathogens from the Enterobacteriaceae family. Compared to other tests previously described in the literature, our method is characterized by high specificity and sensitivity.
Auditory Temporal Discrimination from the Perspective of Gap
Authors: Mori Shuji , Cho Hyunsoo , Wong Willy 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Gap detection refers to the perceptual ability to detect brief silences in auditory stimuli. This study investigates temporal discrimination in relation to the perception and processing of gaps. Experiments were conducted to measure gap discrimination thresholds using markers of different frequencies. The results reveal that the threshold for gap discrimination varies depending on the frequency separation between the leading and trailing markers. Notably, when the markers have identical frequencies, the threshold increases monotonically up to the study limit of 100 ms, with a slope that deviates from Weber’s law. To better comprehend these findings, a previously proposed neural model of gap detection was expanded to account for discrimination. This model shows good compatibility with the experimental results and is able to unify gap detection with temporal discrimination. The model also provides a possible mechanism for the pacemaker in the internal clock hypothesis.
Left atrium volume and function changes during stress in patients with primary mitral regurgitation and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Dirsienė Rūta , Martinaitytė Rugilė , Tamulėnaitė Eglė , Montvilaitė Aistė , Karčiauskas Dainius , Ereminienė Eglė , Vaškelytė Justina Jolanta 
Published: April 2024

Introduction Patients with primary mitral regurgitation (MR) usually remain asymptomatic for a long time due to compensatory mechanisms and an adequate treatment could be delayed. Stress echocardiography and speckle-tracking analysis could help to evaluate impaired left atrium (LA) function before the manifestation of clinically significant myocardial changes in asymptomatic patients with primary MR and preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF). Methods This study prospectively enrolled 91 patients with preserved LV EF (≥60%) at rest, of which 60 patients had moderate-to-severe MR and 31 were healthy controls. Rest and stress (bicycle ergometry) echocardiography and speckle-tracking offline analysis were performed. Results In MR group LA volume indices were higher at rest and during stress, while LA reservoir, conduit, and contractile fractions were decreased ( p < .005). LA deformation parameters at rest were similar in both groups. During maximum stress LA conduit, contractile fractions and reservoir strain were lower ( p < .05) in patients with MR. Indices of LA volume were related to SPAP at rest and during stress. Higher NT–proBNP concentrations was associated with higher LA volume indices, decreased contractile and reservoir functions during peak stress ( p < .05). LA volume indices, LA EF, and filling index at rest could predict exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (EIPH) ( p < .05). Conclusions In patients with primary MR and preserved LV EF, LA parameters are related to SPAP and NT-pro-BNP concentration. LA volume indices, LA EF and LA filling index are predictors of EIPH.
Effectiveness of Motor Imagery in the Rehabilitation of People With Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Singer Tabitha , Fahey Paul , Liu Karen P. Y. 
Published: April 2024

Background and Objective With more research completed using Motor imagery (MI) in people with Parkinson’s disease, this study gathered and synthesized evidence on the use of MI for Parkinson’s disease in improving rehabilitation outcomes. Methods Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Embase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Scopus were searched from inception to May 2023. We included randomized controlled trials that examine the effects of MI on individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Two reviewers selected articles and extracted study characteristics and results independently. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale was used to assess the methodological quality. Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Results Thirteen articles with 12 studies were included, involving 320 individuals with Parkinson’s disease, with moderate to high methodological quality (mean = 6.62/10). Compared with the control group, 3 articles reported significant greater improvements in cognitive function, 7 reported significant greater improvement in motor function, 1 article reported significant greater improvement in quality of life, and 1 reported significant greater confidence in daily task performance. No statistically significant effects were found in the meta-analyses. Conclusion. Results of individual articles were in favor of the MI intervention. No statistically significant results were found in the meta-analyses. This might be due to the small number of studies and the heterogeneity of interventions and outcome measures used. MI may be effective in improving some rehabilitation outcomes, but meta-analytic evidence is lacking. More research with larger sample size and less heterogeneous samples, interventions, and outcome measures, is warranted. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration number CRD42021230556.
IgA nephropathy in a child with X-linked agammaglobulinemia: a case report
Authors: Song Yuanjin , Sun Lili , Feng Dongning , Sun Qing , Wang Yibing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a primary immunodeficiency disease caused by mutations in the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) gene. Individuals diagnosed with XLA are at an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases. However, renal involvement are rare in cases of XLA.

Case presentation
In this report, we discussed a specific case involving a 6-year-old boy with XLA who experienced recurrent upper respiratory tract infections since the age of one. He presented with symptoms of hematuria and proteinuria, and renal pathology confirmed the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig) A nephropathy. Treatment comprised glucocorticoids, mycophenolate mofetil, and intermittent intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Consequently, there was a remission of proteinuria and a partial improvement in hematuria.

Conclusions
In this study, we describe the first case of IgA nephropathy associated with XLA. This is an interesting phenotype found in XLA, and it provides valuable insights into the process of autoimmunity and the regulation of immune function in individuals with XLA. Based on our findings, we recommend the evaluation of immunoglobulin levels in patients diagnosed with IgA nephropathy.
Composition of breast milk from mothers of premature and full-term infants and its influence in Z-Scores for infant physical growth
Authors: Chen Guixia , Xu Rongxian , Zhang Jiyong , Yang Meifeng , Fan Jianxia , Huang Yinying , Sun Xiaoling 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Breast milk contains various crucial nutrients and biologically active substances and is ideal for newborns. This study aimed to analyze the composition of breast milk from mothers of premature and full-term infants and its influences on the growth of infants.

Methods
Infant-mother dyads examined at our Hospital (March 2016 to May 2017) were included. Milk was collected at 0–1 month, 2–3 months, and 5–6 months and analyzed using a MIRIS human milk analyzer. Z-scores of weight-for-length (WLZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and length-for-age (LAZ) were calculated.

Results
This study included full-term (> 37 weeks of gestation, n = 177) and premature (< 37 weeks, n = 94) infant-mother dyads. The premature infants showed higher ΔWAZ, ΔLAZ, and ΔWLZ from infancy to toddlerhood for the physical growth speed, compared with term infants (P < 0.001). All proteins and true protein components of breast milk decreased with infants’ age (P < 0.001). For premature and full-term infants, differences in ΔWAZ and ΔLAZ from birth to infancy and the difference in ΔLAZ, WAZ, and LAZ in toddlerhood were positively associated with non-protein nitrogen (NPN) (all P < 0.05), while the Z-score differences in ΔWLZ from birth to infancy were negatively associated with NPN (all P < 0.05). For premature babies, from birth to infancy stage, ΔWAZ was positively correlated with NPN and carbohydrates while negatively correlated with dry matter (all P < 0.05), and ΔLAZ correlated with NPN (β = 0.428, P = 0.005).

Conclusion
Breastfeeding helped premature infants compensatory growth when compared to term infants. Whileduring early infancy stage ΔWLZ gain was negatively associated with increased amounts of NPN in breast milk. This might mean although NPN increase the Z-scores of weight-for-age and length-for-age, with no rise in adipose tissue mass.
Patterns of sedentary behavior among older women with urinary incontinence and urinary symptoms: a scoping review
Authors: Leung Wilson Kin Chung , Cheung Jasmine , Wong Vivian Chin Ching , Tse Kelly Ka Lee , Lee Ruby Wing Yin , Lam Simon Ching , Suen Lorna Kwai Ping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Independent of physical activity, sedentary behavior has emerged as a significant risk factor for health. Particularly, older adults spent as high as 13 h daily on sedentary activities, which account for 98% of their awake times. Although there is growing evidence revealing the potential association between sedentary behavior and urinary incontinence (UI) across populations of different ages, the relationship between sedentary behavior and urinary symptoms in older women, who are twice as likely to have UI than older men, has not been reviewed. This scoping review aimed to synthesize available evidence of the relationship between sedentary behavior and urinary symptoms in noninstitutionalized older women.

Methods
Six electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Ovid Nursing Database, EMBASE, and MEDLINE) were searched from their inception to April 2023. Observational and experimental studies that measured sedentary behavior using objective and/or self-reported methods in older women aged 60 + years having any type of UI, with English full texts available, were included. Relevant data, including sedentary patterns (types, definitions, measurements, and daily patterns) and UI types were tabulated. A narrative synthesis of the findings was also conducted.

Results
A total of seven studies (n = 1,822) were included for review and reporting. Objective measurement showed that older women with UI were engaged in > 8 h sedentary activities daily (493.3–509.4 min/day), which accounted for 73% of their awake times. The duration of self-reported sedentary behavior was lower than the time measured objectively, and the average weekday sitting time was 300–380 min/day. With or without adjustment for confounding factors (e.g., age and number of vaginal deliveries), the daily proportion of sedentary time and average duration of sedentary bouts were positively associated with the prevalence of urgency UI. Notably, sedentary patients with UI were more likely to have lower urinary tract symptoms, including bothersome incontinence, to use incontinence products, and to have nocturia episodes, than their age-matched counterparts who were less sedentary.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest a potential relationship between sedentary behavior and UI in older women, but the causality of the relationship remains unclear. To further inform the clinical role of sedentary behavior in the context of UI, a greater number of rigorous studies with a prospective study design is urgently needed.
A novel method of tunneling retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy: a prospective study
Authors: Zhang Pengcheng , Pei Yuhan , Zhi Yunlai , Sun Fanghu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
To introduce the surgical technique and our team’s extensive experience with tunnel method in laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Methods
From July 2019 to June 2022, we independently designed and conducted 83 cases of " Tunnel Method Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy,” a prospective study. There were 45 male and 38 female patients, ages ranged from 25 to 73 years(mean: 44.6 years).The cases included 59 adrenal cortical adenomas, 9 pheochromocytomas, 6 cysts, 4 myelolipomas, 1 ganglioneuroma, and 4 cases of adrenal cortical hyperplasia. In terms of anatomical location, there were 39 cases on the left side, 42 on the right side, and 2 bilateral cases. Tumor diameters ranged from 0.6 to 5.9 cm(mean: 2.9 cm). Utilizing ultrasound monitoring, percutaneous puncture was made either directly to the target organ or its vicinity, and the puncture path was manually marked. Then, under the direct view of a single-port single-channel laparoscope, the path to the target organ in the retroperitoneum or its vicinity was further delineated and separated. This approach allowed for the insertion of the laparoscope and surgical instruments through the affected adrenal gland, thereby separating the surface of the target organ to create sufficient operational space for the adrenalectomy.

Results
All 83 surgeries were successfully completed. A breakdown of the surgical approach reveals that 51 surgeries were done using one puncture hole, 25 with two puncture holes, and 7 with three puncture holes. The operation time ranged from 31 to 105 min (mean: 47 min), with a blood loss of 10 to 220mL (mean: 40 mL). Notably, there were no conversions to open surgery and no intraoperative complications. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 to 28 months, during which after re-examination using ultrasound, CT, and other imaging methods, there were no recurrences or other complications detected.

Conclusions
The completion of the tunnel method laparoscopic adrenalectomy represents a breakthrough, transitioning from the traditional step-by-step separation of retroperitoneal tissues to reach the target organ in conventional retroperitoneoscopic surgery. This method directly accesses the target organ, substantially reducing the damage and complications associated with tissue separation in retroperitoneoscopic surgery, As a result, it provides a new option for minimally invasive surgery of retroperitoneal organs and introduces innovative concepts to retroperitoneoscopic surgery.
Ropinirole suppresses LPS-induced periodontal inflammation by inhibiting the NAT10 in an ac4C-dependent manner
Authors: Liao Haiqing , Ma Huabing , Meng Hongying , Kang Na , Wang Lufei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Periodontitis is a chronic osteolytic inflammatory disease, where anti-inflammatory intervention is critical for restricting periodontal damage and regenerating alveolar bone. Ropinirole, a dopamine D2 receptor agonist, has previously shown therapeutic potential for periodontitis but the underlying mechanism is still unclear.

Methods
Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) treated with LPS were considered to mimic periodontitis in vitro. The dosage of Ropinirole was selected through the cell viability of HGFs evaluation. The protective effects of Ropinirole on HGFs were evaluated by detecting cell viability, cell apoptosis, and pro-inflammatory factor levels. The molecular docking between NAT10 and Ropinirole was performed. The interaction relationship between NAT10 and KLF6 was verified by ac4C Acetylated RNA Immunoprecipitation followed by qPCR (acRIP-qPCR) and dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results
Ropinirole alleviates LPS-induced damage of HGFs by promoting cell viability, inhibiting cell apoptosis and the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α. Overexpression of NAT10 weakens the effects of Ropinirole on protecting HGFs. Meanwhile, NAT10-mediated ac4C RNA acetylation promotes KLF6 mRNA stability. Upregulation of KLF6 reversed the effects of NAT10 inhibition on HGFs.

Conclusions
Taken together, Ropinirole protected HGFs through inhibiting the NAT10 ac4C RNA acetylation to decrease the KLF6 mRNA stability from LPS injury. The discovery of this pharmacological and molecular mechanism of Ropinirole further strengthens its therapeutic potential for periodontitis.