bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Birthing hostages: Haitian women's stories of maternal medicine, debt, and hospital detention
Authors: Jordan Alissa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWhat does it mean that hospitals in Haiti have become widespread sites of “kidnapping” for mothers and babies? In at least 46 countries, including Haiti, indebted patients are extralegally held prisoner in hospitals until family members, kin, outside groups, or charities pay their outstanding bills. The majority of those detained globally are women following complicated births. This article introduces and situates the global problem of “hospital detention” as it is practiced in Haiti, tying it to transnational architectures that target Black reproduction in global health. In this piece, Senisha and Mari share their experiences of detention, revealing the practice as continuous with other forms of coercion, neglect, and violence they face in seeking safe births, and highlighting the communal care, refusals, and acts of self‐liberation that oppose these oppressions.
Distinct members of the Caenorhabditis elegans CeMbio reference microbiota exert cryptic virulence that is masked by host defense
Authors: Gonzalez Xavier , Irazoqui Javier E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMicrobiotas are complex microbial communities that colonize specific niches in the host and provide essential organismal functions that are important in health and disease. Understanding the ability of each distinct community member to promote or impair host health, alone or in the context of the community, is imperative for understanding how differences in community structure affect host health and vice versa. Recently, a reference 12‐member microbiota for the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, known as CeMbio, was defined. Here, we show the differential ability of each CeMbio bacterial species to activate innate immunity through the conserved PMK‐1/p38 MAPK, ACh‐WNT, and HLH‐30/TFEB pathways. Although distinct CeMbio members differed in their ability to activate the PMK‐1/p38 pathway, the ability to do so did not correlate with bacterial‐induced lifespan reduction in wild‐type or immunodeficient animals. In contrast, most species activated HLH‐30/TFEB and showed virulence toward hlh‐30‐deficient animals. These results suggest that the microbiota of C. elegans is rife with bacteria that can shorten the host's lifespan if host defense is compromised and that HLH‐30/TFEB is a fundamental and key host protective factor.
A case of thoracic epidural angiolipoma with intracranial hypertension
Authors: Kinoshita Akinori , Sato Kota , Shinohara Yoshimi , Ohtonari Tatsuya , Terasawa Yuka , Shimoe Yutaka , Kohriyama Tatsuo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSpinal cord tumors sometimes present with intracranial hypertension and can be difficult to diagnose at the initial presentation without symptoms due to spinal cord compression. Here, we report a case of a patient with thoracic epidural angiolipoma complicated by increased intracranial pressure and normal protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). His neurological symptoms improved immediately after partial removal of the core part of epidural angiolipoma. Spinal cord lesions should be ruled out in cases with intracranial hypertension, even if the CSF protein levels are normal.
Quality of life in ICU survivors and their relatives with post‐intensive care syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Gravante Francesco , Trotta Francesca , Latina Salvatore , Simeone Silvio , Alvaro Rosaria , Vellone Ercole , Pucciarelli Gianluca 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundPost‐intensive care syndrome (PICS) is characterized by all three adverse survivorship dimensions: physical function, cognitive function and mental health status.AimThis review aimed to describe the quality of life (QoL) of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors with PICS after discharge and of their relatives with Family Post‐intensive care syndrome (PICS‐F) and to report anxiety, depression and Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) in studies investigating PICS.Study DesignA systematic review was carried out. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. This review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022382123).ResultsWe included 19 studies of PICS and PICS‐F in this systematic review. Fourteen observational studies report the effects of PICS on depression, 12 studies on anxiety and nine on post‐traumatic stress disorder and 10 on QoL. Mobility, personal care, usual activities and pain/discomfort in QoL were the domains most affected by PICS. A significant association was demonstrated between a high level of ICU survivors' anxiety and high levels of ICU relatives' burden. Strain‐related symptoms and sleep disorders were problems encountered by ICU relatives with PICS‐F.ConclusionPICS and PICS‐F were widespread experiences among ICU survivors and their ICU relatives, respectively. The results of this review showed the adverse effects of PICS and PICS‐F on QoL.Relevance to Clinical PracticePICS and PICS‐F strongly impact the rehabilitation process and are measured in terms of health costs, financial stress and potentially preventable readmission.
Exploring the influence of a single‐nucleotide mutation in EIN4 on tomato fruit firmness diversity through fruit pericarp microstructure
Authors: Zhang Shiwen , Wu Shengqing , Jia Zhiqi , Zhang Junhong , Li Ying , Ma Xingyun , Fan Bingli , Wang Panqiao , Gao Yanna , Ye Zhibiao , Wang Wei 
Published: April 2024

SummaryTomato (Solanum lycopersicum) stands as one of the most valuable vegetable crops globally, and fruit firmness significantly impacts storage and transportation. To identify genes governing tomato firmness, we scrutinized the firmness of 266 accessions from core collections. Our study pinpointed an ethylene receptor gene, SlEIN4, located on chromosome 4 through a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of fruit firmness in the 266 tomato core accessions. A single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (A → G) of SlEIN4 distinguished lower (AA) and higher (GG) fruit firmness genotypes. Through experiments, we observed that overexpression of SlEIN4AA significantly delayed tomato fruit ripening and dramatically reduced fruit firmness at the red ripe stage compared with the control. Conversely, gene editing of SlEIN4AA with CRISPR/Cas9 notably accelerated fruit ripening and significantly increased fruit firmness at the red ripe stage compared with the control. Further investigations revealed that fruit firmness is associated with alterations in the microstructure of the fruit pericarp. Additionally, SlEIN4AA positively regulates pectinase activity. The transient transformation assay verified that the SNP (A → G) on SlEIN4 caused different genetic effects, as overexpression of SlEIN4GG increased fruit firmness. Moreover, SlEIN4 exerts a negative regulatory role in tomato ripening by impacting ethylene evolution through the abundant expression of ethylene pathway regulatory genes. This study presents the first evidence of the role of ethylene receptor genes in regulating fruit firmness. These significant findings will facilitate the effective utilization of firmness and ripening traits in tomato improvement, offering promising opportunities for enhancing tomato storage and transportation capabilities.
The diagnostic difficulties of juvenile vulvar pemphigoid
Authors: Gart Sophie , Swali Ritu , Lee Erica B. , Harter Nicole 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMucous membrane pemphigoid is a rare autoimmune disease affecting mucosal surfaces. Pediatric cases are exceptionally rare, one subtype being vulvar pemphigoid. Juvenile vulvar pemphigoid can be challenging to diagnose due to its rarity and subtle initial symptoms. We present a case of an 8‐year‐old girl successfully diagnosed early in the disease course via histopathology, and immunofluorescence. Detecting MMP can be complex due to variations in epitope binding typically not included in commercial ELISA assays, necessitating comprehensive workup. Missed diagnosis may lead to progression to systemic involvement with severe consequences; thus, timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Approach for defining human adenovirus infection and disease for central review adjudication in clinical studies
Authors: Fisher Brian T. , Blumenstock Jesse , Boge Craig L. K. , Shuster Sydney , Seif Alix E. , Green Michael , Michaels Marian G. , Alexander Jessie L. , Ardura Monica I. , Miller Tamara P. , Hijano Diego R. , Muller William J. , Schuster Jennifer E. , Green Abby M. , Dulek Daniel E. , Kajon Adriana E. , Danziger‐Isakov Lara 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundPediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo‐HCT) recipients are at risk for morbidity and mortality from human adenovirus (HAdV). HAdV can be detected in an asymptomatic state, referred to as infection or with signs or symptoms of illness, referred to as disease. Standardized case definitions are needed to distinguish infection from disease and allow for consistent reporting in both observational cohort studies and therapeutic clinical trials.MethodsA working group of experts in virology, transplant infectious disease, and HCT was assembled to develop HAdV infection and disease definitions with the degree of certainty (i.e., possible, probable, and proven). Definitions were further refined through an iterative process and independently applied by two central review committees (CRCs) to 20 pediatric allo‐HCT recipients with at least one HAdV‐positive PCR.ResultsInitial HAdV infection and disease definitions were developed and updated through an iterative process after reviewing clinical and virological details for 81 subjects with at least one positive HAdV PCR detected in a clinical specimen. Independent application of final definitions to 20 HAdV positive allo‐HCT recipients by two CRCs yielded similar number of HAdV infection or disease events but with variation of degree of certainty for some events.ConclusionsApplication of definitions by a CRC for a study of HAdV infection and disease is feasible and can provide consistency in the assignment of outcomes. Definitions need further refinement to improve reproducibility and to provide guidance on determining clinical improvement or worsening after initial diagnosis of HAdV infection or disease.
Predictors for pathological bone fractures in children undergoing liver transplantation: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Astolfi Damiano , Rock Nathalie , Ceroni Dimitri , Wildhaber Barbara E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundHepatic osteodystrophy refers to bone disorders associated with chronic liver disease, including children undergoing liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence of pathological fractures (PF) in children before and after LT and to identify associated factors for their occurrence.MethodsChildren aged 0–18 years who underwent LT from 1/2005 to 12/2020 were included in this retrospective study. Data on patient demographics, types and anatomical locations of fracture and biological workups were extracted. Variables were assessed at 3 time points: T − 1 at the moment of listing for LT; T0 at the moment of LT and T + 1 at 1‐year post‐LT.ResultsA total of 105 children (49 [47%] females) were included in this study. Median age at LT was 19 months (range 0–203). Twenty‐two patients (21%) experienced 65 PF, 11 children before LT, 10 after LT, and 1 before and after LT. The following variables were observed as associated with PF: At T − 1, low weight and height z‐scores, and delayed bone age; at T0, low weight and height z‐scores, high total and conjugated bilirubin; at T + 1, persistent low height z‐score. Patients in the PF‐group were significantly more under calcium supplementation and/or nutritional support at T − 1, T0 and T + 1.ConclusionMore than one in five children needing LT sustain a PF before or after LT. Patients with low weight and height z‐scores and delayed bone age are at increased risk for PF. Nutritional support remains important, even if to date it cannot fully counteract the risks of PF.
The fusion of light and immunity: Advancements in photoimmunotherapy for melanoma
Authors: Volety Pranav , Shirley Carl A. , Chhabra Gagan , Ahmad Nihal 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMetastatic melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with high mortality and recurrence rates. Despite the clinical success of recent immunotherapy approaches, prevailing resistance rates necessitate the continued development of novel therapeutic options. Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) is emerging as a promising immunotherapy strategy that uses photodynamic therapy (PDT) to unleash systemic immune responses against tumor sites while maintaining the superior tumor‐specificity and minimally invasive nature of traditional PDT. In this review, we discuss recent advances in PIT and strategies for the management of melanoma using PIT. PIT can strongly induce immunogenic cell death, inviting the concomitant application of immune checkpoint blockade or adoptive cell therapies. PIT can also be leveraged to selectively remove the suppressive immune populations associated with immunotherapy resistance. The modular nature of PIT therapy design combined with the potential for patient‐specific antigen selection or drug co‐delivery makes PIT an alluring option for future personalized melanoma care.
Double‐stranded RNA uptake for the control of the maize pathogen Cercospora zeina
Authors: Marais Ingrid , Buitendag Carla , Duong Tuan A. , Crampton Bridget G. , Theron Jacques , Kidanemariam Dawit , Berger Dave K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) using double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) against fungal pathogens is an emerging field of crop disease control. We aimed to evaluate RNAi against the fungus Cercospora zeina causing grey leaf spot (GLS) disease on maize. Orthologues of Dicer‐like 1, Dicer‐like 2, RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase and two copies of Argonaute were identified in the C. zeina genome and were shown to be expressed in vitro and in planta. Confocal microscopy showed that C. zeina took up exogenously applied dsRNA labelled with fluorescein. GFP‐transgenic C. zeina was treated with GFP‐specific dsRNA, and GFP mRNA expression and protein fluorescence were reduced by 57% and 61%, respectively. A Cz3‐dsRNA targeting C. zeina chitin synthase D (CHSD), phosphatidylserine decarboxylase proenzyme 3 (PSD3) and extracellular protein 2 (ECP2) was constructed. Treatment of C. zeina cultures with the Cz3‐dsRNA reduced CHSD expression by 47% and reduced cell viability by 34%. Maize leaves were inoculated with C. zeina conidia, and Cz3‐dsRNA was applied either with the conidia or 16 h later. GLS disease was significantly reduced compared to the water control for the 16 h post‐inoculation (hpi) treatment with Cz3‐dsRNA, but not for the GFP‐dsRNA specificity control or treatments at 0 hpi. We hypothesized that germination of C. zeina conidia was required for effective dsRNA‐mediated control, and this was borne out by microscopy observations that most of the C. zeina conidia (70%) germinated successfully on the maize leaf surface within 16 hpi. This work lays the groundwork for a dsRNA‐based fungicide against this foliar pathogen.
A review and analysis of outcomes in randomized clinical trials of plasma transfusion in patients with bleeding or for the prevention of bleeding: The BEST collaborative study
Authors: Apelseth Torunn O. , Raza Sheharyar , Callum Jeannie , Ipe Tina , Blackwood Bronagh , Akhtar Adeel , Hess John R. , Marks Denese C. , Brown Bethany , Delaney Meghan , Wendel Silvano , Stanworth Simon J. ,   for the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion Collaborative
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundPrevious systematic reviews have revealed an inconsistency of outcome definitions as a major barrier in providing evidence‐based guidance for the use of plasma transfusion to prevent or treat bleeding. We reviewed and analyzed outcomes in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to provide a methodology for describing and classifying outcomes.Study Design and MethodsRCTs involving transfusion of plasma published after 2000 were identified from a prior review (Yang 2012) and combined with an updated systematic literature search of multiple databases (July 1, 2011 to January 17, 2023). Inclusion of publications, data extraction, and risk of bias assessments were performed in duplicate. (PROSPERO registration number is: CRD42020158581).ResultsIn total, 5579 citations were identified in the new systematic search and 22 were included. Six additional trials were identified from the previous review, resulting in a total of 28 trials: 23 therapeutic and five prophylactic studies. An increasing number of studies in the setting of major bleeding such as in cardiovascular surgery and trauma were identified. Eighty‐seven outcomes were reported with a mean of 11 (min–max. 4–32) per study. There was substantial variation in outcomes used with a preponderance of surrogate measures for clinical effect such as laboratory parameters and blood usage.ConclusionThere is an expanding literature on plasma transfusion to inform guidelines. However, considerable heterogeneity of reported outcomes constrains comparisons. A core outcome set should be developed for plasma transfusion studies. Standardization of outcomes will motivate better study design, facilitate comparison, and improve clinical relevance for future trials of plasma transfusion.
Presumed pseudo‐Pelger–Huët anomaly and basophilia secondary to chronic lymphocytic leukemia in a dog
Authors: Martínez‐Caro Javier , Agulla Beatriz , Viñeta Clàudia , Roura Xavier , Mesalles Montse , Pastor Josep 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA 10‐year‐old neutered male Maltese dog was presented for an investigation of lymphocytosis. The dog was up‐to‐date on vaccinations and deworming. Physical examination did not reveal any significant abnormalities. A complete blood cell count (CBC) showed mild leukocytosis with moderate lymphocytosis, basophilia, and moderate neutropenia, but no significant left shift or toxic change. Serum biochemistry and urinalysis were unremarkable. All performed tests for infectious agents common in this geographical region were negative. No significant abnormalities were found on abdominal ultrasound examination. Multiparametric flow cytometry of peripheral blood showed a CD8+ T‐cell lymphocytosis, and PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement revealed a clonal expansion of the T‐cell receptor gamma chain genes. A clinical diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was made, and follow‐up was recommended. On Day 48 post‐presentation, the CBC showed mild non‐regenerative anemia (NRA), moderate leucocytosis due to moderate to marked lymphocytosis, basophilia, and a marked increase in hyposegmented neutrophils with mild toxic change in the absence of neutrophilia or neutropenia. Treatment with chlorambucil and prednisolone was initiated. On Days 87 and 197 post‐presentation, the CBC showed mild NRA, with progressively decreasing numbers of hyposegmented neutrophils. The dog remained without clinical signs. Basophilia and probable pseudo‐Pelger–Huët anomaly were possibly secondary to CLL. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of these two hematologic conditions secondary to CLL in dogs. Recognition of a pseudo‐Pelger–Huët anomaly is clinically relevant to avoid misinterpretation as a marked left shift due to severe inflammation and prevent unnecessary urgent therapeutic actions.
Identification and enzymatic properties of arginine decarboxylase from
Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Murakami Yui , Ikuta Soichiro , Fukuda Wakao , Akasaka Naoki , Maruyama Jun-ichi , Shinma Shuichi , Fukusaki Eiichiro , Fujiwara Shinsuke 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Aspergillus oryzae
spores, when sprinkled onto steamed rice and allowed to propagate, are referred to as rice
“koji
.” Agmatine, a natural polyamine derived from arginine through the action of arginine decarboxylase (ADC), is abundantly produced by solid state-cultivated rice
koji
of
A. oryzae
RIB40 under low pH conditions, despite the apparent absence of ADC orthologs in its genome. Mass spectrometry imaging revealed that agmatine was accumulated inside rice
koji
at low pH conditions, where arginine was distributed. ADC activity was predominantly observed in substrate mycelia and minimally in aerial mycelia. Natural ADC was isolated from solid state-cultivated
A. oryzae
rice
koji
containing substrate mycelia, using ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion exchange, and gel-filtration chromatography. The purified protein was subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and the detected peptide band was digested for identification by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The gene AO090102000327 of strain RIB40 was identified, previously annotated as phosphatidylserine decarboxylase (PSD), and encoded a 483-amino acid peptide. Recombinant protein encoded by AO090102000327 was expressed in
Escherichia coli
cells cultivated at 20°C, resulting in the detection of 49 kDa and 5 kDa peptides. The protein exhibited pyruvoyl-dependent decarboxylase activity, favoring arginine over ornithine and showing no activity with phosphatidylserine. The gene was designated
Ao-adc1. Ao
-ADC1 expression in rice
koji
at pH 4–6 was confirmed through western blotting using the anti-
Ao
-ADC1 serum. These findings indicate that
Ao-adc1
encodes arginine decarboxylase involved in agmatine production.

IMPORTANCE

Gene AO090102000327 in
A. oryzae
RIB40, previously annotated as a PSD, falls into a distinct clade when examining the phylogenetic distribution of PSDs. Contrary to the initial PSD annotation, our analysis indicates that the protein encoded by AO090102000327 is expressed in the substrate mycelia area of solid state-cultivated
A. oryzae
rice
koji
and functions as an arginine decarboxylase (ADC). The clade to which
Ao-
ADC1 belongs includes three other
Ao-
ADC1 paralogs (AO090103000445, AO090701000800, and AO090701000802) that presumably encode ADC rather than PSDs. Regarding PSD, AO090012000733 and AO090005001124 were speculated to be nonmitochondrial and mitochondrial PSDs in
A. oryzae
RIB40, respectively.