bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence and risk factors of reflux esophagitis after peroral endoscopic myotomy
Authors: Wessels Elise M. , Masclee Gwen M. C. , Bastiaansen Barbara A. J. , Fockens Paul , Bredenoord Albert J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundPeroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an effective and safe treatment for achalasia, but often leads to posttreatment gastroesophageal reflux disease. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and severity of reflux esophagitis after POEM and to identify associated predictive factors.MethodsPatients who underwent POEM between August 2011 and December 2022 were included. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess predictive factors for reflux esophagitis after POEM.Key ResultsIn total, 252 patients were included; of which, 46% were female and age ranged between 18 and 87 years. Reflux esophagitis within 1 year after POEM was observed in 131 patients (52%), which was severe in 29 patients (LA grade C/D, 12%). Length of full‐thickness myotomy (cm; OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02–1.21), Eckardt scores before POEM (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74–0.96), previous pneumatic dilation (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29–0.91), and previous laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM; OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.23–0.86) were associated with reflux esophagitis after POEM. Alcohol use (none vs > 7 units per week; OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.35–9.11) and overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2; OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.17–6.09) were positive predictive factors and previous LHM (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02–0.95) was a negative predictive factor for severe reflux esophagitis after POEM (LA grade C/D).ConclusionAbout half of the patients develop reflux esophagitis after POEM and 12% is graded as severe. Recognizing predictive factors of reflux esophagitis after POEM treatment leads to better patient selection before POEM and provides an opportunity to take preventive measures or start preemptive treatment.
Activating plant immunity: the hidden dance of intracellular Ca2+ stores
Authors: Wang Qi , Cang Xiaoyan , Yan Haiqiao , Zhang Zilu , Li Wei , He Jinyu , Zhang Meixiang , Lou Laiqing , Wang Ran , Chang Ming 
Published: April 2024

SummaryCalcium ion (Ca2+) serves as a versatile and conserved second messenger in orchestrating immune responses. In plants, plasma membrane‐localized Ca2+‐permeable channels can be activated to induce Ca2+ influx from extracellular space to cytosol upon pathogen infection. Notably, different immune elicitors can induce dynamic Ca2+ signatures in the cytosol. During pattern‐triggered immunity, there is a rapid and transient increase in cytosolic Ca2+, whereas in effector‐triggered immunity, the elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ is strong and sustained. Numerous Ca2+ sensors are localized in the cytosol or different intracellular organelles, which are responsible for detecting and converting Ca2+ signals. In fact, Ca2+ signaling coordinated by cytosol and subcellular compartments plays a crucial role in activating plant immune responses. However, the complete Ca2+ signaling network in plant cells is still largely ambiguous. This review offers a comprehensive insight into the collaborative role of intracellular Ca2+ stores in shaping the Ca2+ signaling network during plant immunity, and several intriguing questions for future research are highlighted.
ACL5 acquired strict thermospermine synthesis activity during the emergence of vascular plants
Authors: Takahashi Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2024

Summary
Norspermine (Nspm), one of the uncommon polyamines (PAs), was detected in bryophytes and lycophytes; therefore, the aminopropyltransferases involved in the synthesis of Nspm were investigated.
The enzymatic activity was evaluated by the transient high expression of various aminopropyltransferase genes in Nicotiana benthamiana, followed by quantification of PA distribution in the leaves using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry.
The bryophyte orthologues of ACL5, which is known to synthesise thermospermine (Tspm) in flowering plants, were found to have strong Nspm synthesis activity. In addition, two ACL5 orthologous with different substrate specificities were conserved in Selaginella moellendorffii, one of which was involved in Tspm synthesis and the other in Nspm synthesis. Therefore, further detailed analysis using these two factors revealed that the β‐hairpin structural region consisting of β‐strands 1 and 2 at the N‐terminus of ACL5 is involved in substrate specificity.
Through functional analysis of a total of 40 ACL5 genes in 33 organisms, including algae, it was shown that ACL5 has changed its substrate specificity several times during plant evolution and diversification. Furthermore, it was strongly suggested that ACL5 acquired strict Tspm synthesis activity during the emergence of vascular plants, especially through major changes around the β‐hairpin structural region.
Isoform‐resolved genome annotation enables mapping of tissue‐specific betalain regulation in amaranth
Authors: Winkler Tom S. , Vollmer Susanne K. , Dyballa‐Rukes Nadine , Metzger Sabine , Stetter Markus G. 
Published: April 2024

Summary

Betalains are coloring pigments produced in some families of the order Caryophyllales, where they replace anthocyanins as coloring pigments. While the betalain pathway itself is well studied, the tissue‐specific regulation of the pathway remains mostly unknown.

We enhance the high‐quality Amaranthus hypochondriacus reference genome and produce a substantially more complete genome annotation, incorporating isoform details. We annotate betalain and anthocyanin pathway genes along with their regulators in amaranth and map the genetic control and tissue‐specific regulation of the betalain pathway.

Our improved genome annotation allowed us to identify causal mutations that lead to a knock‐out of red betacyanins in natural accessions of amaranth. We reveal the tissue‐specific regulation of flower color via a previously uncharacterized MYB transcription factor, AhMYB2. Downregulation of AhMYB2 in the flower leads to reduced expression of key betalain enzyme genes and loss of red flower color.

Our improved amaranth reference genome represents the most complete genome of amaranth to date and is a valuable resource for betalain and amaranth research. High similarity of the flower betalain regulator AhMYB2 to anthocyanin regulators and a partially conserved interaction motif support the co‐option of anthocyanin regulators for the betalain pathway as a possible reason for the mutual exclusiveness of the two pigments.
Is RNA editing truly absent in the complex thalloid liverworts (Marchantiopsida)? Evidence of extensive RNA editing from Cyathodium cavernarum
Authors: Shen Chao , Xu Hao , Huang Wen‐Zhuan , Zhao Qiong , Zhu Rui‐Liang 
Published: April 2024

Summary
RNA editing is a crucial modification in plants' organellar transcripts that converts cytidine to uridine (C‐to‐U; and sometimes uridine to cytidine) in RNA molecules. This post‐transcriptional process is controlled by the PLS‐class protein with a DYW domain, which belongs to the pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein family. RNA editing is widespread in land plants; however, complex thalloid liverworts (Marchantiopsida) are the only group reported to lack both RNA editing and DYW‐PPR protein.
The liverwort Cyathodium cavernarum (Marchantiopsida, Cyathodiaceae), typically found in cave habitats, was newly found to have 129 C‐to‐U RNA editing sites in its chloroplast and 172 sites in its mitochondria.
The Cyathodium genus, specifically C. cavernarum, has a large number of PPR editing factor genes, including 251 DYW‐type PPR proteins. These DYW‐type PPR proteins may be responsible for C‐to‐U RNA editing in C. cavernarum.
Cyathodium cavernarum possesses both PPR DYW proteins and RNA editing. Our analysis suggests that the remarkable RNA editing capability of C. cavernarum may have been acquired alongside the emergence of DYW‐type PPR editing factors. These findings provide insight into the evolutionary pattern of RNA editing in land plants.
Job analysis of vaccination health workers at public health centers and sub‐centers
Authors: Park No‐Yai , Cho Chung‐Min , Lee Eun‐Hyun , Park Jeong‐Mo , Lee Young‐Ran , Hong Jeong‐Ik , Kwon Geun‐Yong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze duties, tasks, and task elements of health workers in charge of vaccination at public health centers in South Korea.DesignDescriptive study using a survey.SampleHealth workers in charge of vaccination for more than 1 year at 254 public health centers in South Korea. Of 631 health workers, 401 responded to the questionnaire, and 379 responses were included in the analysis after excluding 22 incomplete responses.MeasurementsThe Developing A Curriculum (DACUM) workshop was conducted to identify the frequency, importance, and difficulty of duties, tasks, and task elements.ResultsFour duties (vaccination promotion, vaccination administration and symptom management, execution of vaccination, and vaccination education), 18 tasks, and 81 task elements were identified. “Execution of vaccination” exhibited the highest determinant coefficient. “Implementing the budget” exhibited the highest determinant coefficient among tasks, and “dealing with an emergency in the case of adverse events” exhibited the highest determinant coefficient among task elements.ConclusionsDuty, task, and task elements with high determinant coefficients have high educational needs. Education demands was higher for administrative work than for direct vaccination. Developing an educational curriculum based on DACUM results could contribute to the professional education of vaccine workers.
Antibody response to malaria vaccine candidates in pregnant women with Plasmodium falciparum and Schistosoma haematobium infections
Authors: Frempong Naa Adjeley , Mama Atikatou , Adu Bright , Kusi Kwadwo Asamoah , Ofori Michael F. , Ahiabor Charity , Anyan William K. , Debrah Alex Yaw , Anang Abraham A. , Ndam Nicaise T. , Courtin David 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMalaria in pregnancy has severe consequences for the mother and foetus. Antibody response to specific malaria vaccine candidates (MVC) has been associated with a decreased risk of clinical malaria and its outcomes. We studied Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and Schistosoma haematobium (Sh) infections and factors that could influence antibody responses to MVC in pregnant women. A total of 337 pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) and 139 for delivery participated in this study. Pf infection was detected by qPCR and Sh infection using urine filtration method. Antibody levels against CSP, AMA‐1, GLURP‐R0, VAR2CSA and Pfs48/45 MVC were quantified by ELISA. Multivariable linear regression models identified factors associated with the modulation of antibody responses. The prevalence of Pf and Sh infections was 27% and 4% at ANC and 7% and 4% at delivery. Pf infection, residing in Adidome and multigravidae were positively associated with specific IgG response to CSP, AMA‐1, GLURP‐R0 and VAR2CSA. ITN use and IPTp were negatively associated with specific IgG response to GLURP‐R0 and Pfs48/45. There was no association between Sh infection and antibody response to MVC at ANC or delivery. Pf infections in pregnant women were positively associated with antibody response to CSP, GLURP‐R0 and AMA‐1. Antibody response to GLURP‐R0 and Pfs48/45 was low for IPTp and ITN users. This could indicate a lower exposure to Pf infection and low malaria prevalence observed at delivery.
Effect of poly‐L‐lactic acid and polydioxanone biostimulators on type I and III collagen biosynthesis
Authors: Bernardo Rachel Thacyana Rorato , Oliveira Renata Cristina Gobbi de , Freitas Karina Maria Salvatore de , Albergaria‐Barbosa José Ricardo de , Rizzatti‐Barbosa Célia Marisa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveSafe, effective, and biocompatible minimally invasive procedures with the potential to stimulate collagen production have been made to recover dermal thickness and skin quality. The main of this animal model experiment was to observe the effect of poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) and polydioxanone (PDO) biostimulators in collagen I and III after hypodermal injection.MethodologySixteen adult female rats (Wistar) were randomized into four groups and had dorsal treatment with: G1: hypodermic subcision (HS) only; G2: HS and PLLA hypodermic injection (HI), G3: HS and PDO HI; G4: Control, with no treatment.ResultsIn histochemical, it was observed hypodermal and dermal tissue in more organized thickness in G3 and in G4 when compared to G1 and G2. There was few difference in G1 compared to G4. The tissue of G2 showed irregularities in the arrangement of collagen fibers, less defined structure and lower distribution of type I collagen compared to the other groups. There is a greater tendency for the proportions of type III collagen among tissues treated with both biostimulators (G2 and G3). PLLA and PDO had relatively similar percentages of collagen when compared to G4. The amount of type I collagen was higher in tissues treated with subcision, while type III collagen was higher in tissues treated with both biostimulators.ConclusionG3 showed better performance in collagen production, although small, when compared with G2.
Differential responses of photosynthesis, yield and soil properties 4 years after a single application of zeolites and biochar in a rainfed olive orchard
Authors: Martins Sandra , Brito Cátia , Gonçalves Alexandre , Moutinho‐Pereira José , Pereira Ermelinda , Arrobas Margarida , Rodrigues Manuel Â. , Nunes Fernando , Correia Carlos M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOlive orchards represent a key agricultural system in the Mediterranean Basin. Soil degradation processes associated with unsustainable agronomic practices and climate change could severely impact the sustainability of Mediterranean rainfed olive orchards. In this context, soil amendments are important tools that can be used to enhance soil fertility for sustained environmental quality and plant performance. In this study, a field trial was conducted for 4 years in olive tree (Olea europaea L.) to assess the effects of a mineral fertilizer compound and the combination with a single application of zeolites or biochar on the physiological and biochemical performance, tree nutritional status, crop yield and soil chemical and biological properties to gain knowledge towards more sustainable management. Our results showed that the addition of zeolites and biochar to mineral fertilizer ameliorated the physiological and biochemical performance, as evidenced by consistent increments of relative water content, stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis and by lower signs of oxidative stress during the periods of greater climate adversity. However, crop yield was not significantly different among soil treatments. On the other hand, soil chemical and biological traits at the surface layer (0–10 cm) have shown different and relevant responses after 4 years of soil amendment application. In fact, zeolite supply stood out as increased pH, extractable K, cation exchange capacity, microbial biomass carbon and microbial biomass quotient and reduced extractable Cu. Furthermore, zeolites induced positive changes in soil enzymatic activity, leading to increases in 10 enzymes involved in C, N and P cycles. In contrast, the effects of biochar on soil properties were much more reduced, given that it decreased the microbial biomass nitrogen and enhanced the activities of three P‐cycle enzymes. In summary, our data demonstrated that both soil amendments can be an interesting complement to mineral fertilization, in order to increase trees' resilience under rainfed conditions and to promote soil health, although the use of zeolites appears to be a more promising strategy because of the induction of higher soil sustainability.
The phylogeny of ceutorhynchine weevils (Ceutorhynchinae, Curculionidae): Mitogenome data improve the resolution of tribal relationships
Authors: Letsch Harald , Vukotić Sonja , Gottsberger Brigitte , Friedman Ariel Leib Leonid , Wanat Marek , Beran Franziska , Fiedler Konrad , Riedel Alexander 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCeutorhynchinae Gistel are a diverse weevil subfamily of almost worldwide distribution and considerable economic importance. Nevertheless, the classification of Ceutorhynchinae and their phylogenetic relationships are not yet fully resolved. Here, we sequenced the mitogenomes of 54 ceutorhynchine species. Phylogenetic analyses by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference were performed on a dataset of 13 protein‐coding and two ribosomal genes. All analyses recovered three well supported clades A–C. A principal component analysis shows that codon usage differs considerably between these clades, indicating a compositional asymmetry in ceutorhynchine mitogenomes. This increased the challenge of resolving the early relationships among the three clades. The resolution of the later diversification was more robust, and the resulting topologies were largely compatible with each other and with the current taxonomic classification. Exceptions are the genera Micrelus Thomson, which is transferred from the tribe Ceutorhynchini to Egriini Pajni and Kohli (new position) and Amalus Schoenherr, which is transferred to Phytobiini Gistel (new position). Amalini Wagner 1936 is a junior synonym of Phytobiini Gistel 1848 (syn. n.). Coeliodini Lacordaire (new status), a tribe previously regarded as junior synonym of Ceutorhynchini, is re‐established. Our analyses also clarified the difficult assignments of taxa to the tribes Scleropterini Schultze and Phytobiini. All taxa with the ability to jump as adult beetles belong to clade B, which comprises the tribes Cnemogonini Colonnelli, Hypurini Schultze, Mecysmoderini Wagner and Phytobiini. With dense taxon sampling and appropriate analytical methods, mitogenome data provide a phylogeny well suited to improve the traditional classification of this neglected and species‐rich taxon.
Low‐temperature thermochronology and the timing of motion on detachment faults
Authors: Lister Gordon , Forster Marnie 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIos (an island in the Cycladic archipelago, Greece) was the first recognized Aegean metamorphic core complex. There is a paradoxical absence of an age jump in low‐temperature geochronology transects across the Ios Detachment Fault. This paper explains why this is so, by modelling the conductive response to detachment faulting. We demonstrate that transects across detachment faults consistently record age jumps only at shallow palaeodepths. Conductive relaxation of the perturbed geotherm keeps pace with fault movement, so the hangingwall heats just as fast as the footwall cools. Key variables are the fractional depth to the partial resetting zone, d [0.0.1], and the magnitude and rate of slip on the detachment. At shallow palaeodepths (d < 0.3, 10–50 km slip), significant age jumps occur across the actual fault contact. At deeper levels of exposure, this is no longer the case, and the effects of a ‘stewing zone’ readily become evident.
An intervention to improve lumbar puncture rates for meningitis surveillance in children at four secondary health facilities in Malawi: A before/after analysis
Authors: Zulu Madalitso D. , Msuku Harrison , Stanley Christopher C. , Phiri Vincent S. , Topazian Hillary M. , Chinkhumba Jobiba , Hoffman Irving F. , Juliano Jonathan J. , Mathanga Don P. , Mvalo Tisungane 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesA lumbar puncture (LP) procedure plays a key role in meningitis diagnosis. In Malawi and other sub‐Saharan African countries, LP completion rates are sometimes poor, making meningitis surveillance challenging. Our objective was to measure LP rates following an intervention to improve these during a sentinel hospital meningitis surveillance exercise in Malawi.MethodsWe conducted a before/after intervention analysis among under‐five children admitted to paediatric wards at four secondary health facilities in Malawi. We used local and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to determine indications for LP, as these are widely used in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC). The intervention comprised of refresher trainings for facility staff on LP indications and procedure, use of automated reminders to perform LP in real time in the wards, with an electronic data management system, and addition of surveillance‐specific clinical officers to support existing health facility staff with performing LPs. Due to the low numbers in the before/after analysis, we also performed a during/after analysis to supplement the findings.ResultsA total of 13,375 under‐five children were hospitalised over the 21 months window for this analysis. The LP rate was 10.4% (12/115) and 60.4% (32/53) in the before/after analysis, respectively, and 43.8% (441/1006) and 72.5% (424/599) in the supplemental during/after analysis, respectively. In our intervention‐specific analysis among the three individual components, there were improvements in the LP rate by 48% (p < 0.001) following the introduction of surveillance‐specific clinical officers, 10% (p < 0.001) following the introduction of automated reminders to perform an LP and 13% following refresher training.ConclusionsThis analysis demonstrated a rise in LP rates following our intervention. This intervention package may be considered for planning future facility‐based meningitis surveillances in similar low‐resource settings.
The use of intracellular dyes to create a multiplexed flow cytometry‐based red blood cell phenotyping assay
Authors: Liwski Robert , Greenshields Anna , Grace Ian , Rourke Craig , Cheng Calvino , Quinn Jason George 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesFlow cytometry can be used to phenotype red blood cell antigens, allowing for high‐throughput testing while using low reagent volumes. This article utilizes intracellular dyes to pre‐label red blood cells to further multiplex flow cytometry‐based red blood cell antigen phenotyping.Materials and MethodsRed blood cells were pre‐labelled using the intracellular dyes V450 and Oregon Green. These dyes are detected fluorescently via flow cytometry. Four combinations of intracellular staining were used to allow four patient or donor red blood cells to be analysed in a single test well. Antigen phenotyping was then performed via flow cytometry using a previously described method.ResultsThe intracellular dyes showed uniform staining when measured in mean fluorescence intensity and allowed the red blood cells to be clearly distinguished from one another. The presence or absence of red blood cell antigens was determined with 100% accuracy.ConclusionThe use of intracellular dyes allowed a fourfold increase in the throughput of our previously described flow cytometry‐based red blood cell antigen phenotyping method. The described method allows up to 48 patients to be simultaneously phenotyped using a single 96‐well microplate. Furthermore, additional fluorescent dyes could potentially increase the throughput exponentially.