bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the role of biotic factors in regulating the spatial variability in land surface phenology across four temperate forest sites
Authors: Zhao Yingyi , Wang Zhihui , Yan Zhengbing , Moon Minkyu , Yang Dedi , Meng Lin , Bucher Solveig Franziska , Wang Jing , Song Guangqin , Guo Zhengfei , Su Yanjun , Wu Jin 
Published: April 2024

Summary

Land surface phenology (LSP), the characterization of plant phenology with satellite data, is essential for understanding the effects of climate change on ecosystem functions. Considerable LSP variation is observed within local landscapes, and the role of biotic factors in regulating such variation remains underexplored.

In this study, we selected four National Ecological Observatory Network terrestrial sites with minor topographic relief to investigate how biotic factors regulate intra‐site LSP variability. We utilized plant functional type (PFT) maps, functional traits, and LSP data to assess the explanatory power of biotic factors for the start and end of season (SOS and EOS) variability.

Our results indicate that PFTs alone explain only 0.8–23.4% of intra‐site SOS and EOS variation, whereas including functional traits significantly improves explanatory power, with cross‐validation correlations ranging from 0.50 to 0.85. While functional traits exhibited diverse effects on SOS and EOS across different sites, traits related to competitive ability and productivity were important for explaining both SOS and EOS variation at these sites.

These findings reveal that plants exhibit diverse phenological responses to comparable environmental conditions, and functional traits significantly contribute to intra‐site LSP variability, highlighting the importance of intrinsic biotic properties in regulating plant phenology.
Methylated chalcones are required for rhizobial nod gene induction in the Medicago truncatula rhizosphere
Authors: Wu Wenjuan , Zhuang Yuxin , Chen Dasong , Ruan Yiting , Li Fuyu , Jackson Kirsty , Liu Cheng‐Wu , East Alison , Wen Jiangqi , Tatsis Evangelos , Poole Philip S. , Xu Ping , Murray Jeremy D. 
Published: April 2024

Summary

Legume nodulation requires the detection of flavonoids in the rhizosphere by rhizobia to activate their production of Nod factor countersignals. Here we investigated the flavonoids involved in nodulation of Medicago truncatula.

We biochemically characterized five flavonoid‐O‐methyltransferases (OMTs) and a lux‐based nod gene reporter was used to investigate the response of Sinorhizobium medicae NodD1 to various flavonoids.

We found that chalcone‐OMT 1 (ChOMT1) and ChOMT3, but not OMT2, 4, and 5, were able to produce 4,4′‐dihydroxy‐2′‐methoxychalcone (DHMC). The bioreporter responded most strongly to DHMC, while isoflavones important for nodulation of soybean (Glycine max) showed no activity. Mutant analysis revealed that loss of ChOMT1 strongly reduced DHMC levels. Furthermore, chomt1 and omt2 showed strongly reduced bioreporter luminescence in their rhizospheres. In addition, loss of both ChOMT1 and ChOMT3 reduced nodulation, and this phenotype was strengthened by the further loss of OMT2.

We conclude that: the loss of ChOMT1 greatly reduces root DHMC levels; ChOMT1 or OMT2 are important for nod gene activation in the rhizosphere; and ChOMT1/3 and OMT2 promote nodulation. Our findings suggest a degree of exclusivity in the flavonoids used for nodulation in M. truncatula compared to soybean, supporting a role for flavonoids in rhizobial host range.
Prevalence of obesity in religious clergy in the United States: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Eagle David , Holleman Anna , Olvera Brianda Barrera , Blackwood Elizabeth 
Published: April 2024

SummaryObjectiveThis systematic review aims to summarize the current body of evidence concerning the prevalence of obesity among clergy (i.e., the officially designated leaders of a religious group) in the United States.MethodFrom November 2022 to February 2023, five databases, one data repository, and gray matter were searched for articles and data sources. The search was restricted to articles published or raw data collected from 2001 to 2021. Study quality was assessed with a template, and heterogeneity was assessed using the
statistic. The protocol for this review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022376592).ResultsForty‐seven studies of clergy obesity involving 35,064 individuals were eligible. The pooled prevalence estimate of obesity across studies was 34.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32.5–37.2). Obesity prevalence was found to be increasing over time and to vary considerably between clergy from different religious traditions. Compared to national estimates, from 2005 onwards, obesity prevalence was higher than in the US adult population.
Lidocaine patch as noninvasive alternative treatment option in children with anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome: A retrospective case series
Authors: ten Have Tom , Zwaans Willem A. R. , Scheltinga Marc R. M. , Roumen Rudi M. H. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundChronic abdominal pain in children is occasionally caused by anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES). Diagnosing and treating this typical peripheral abdominal wall neuropathy is challenging. Management usually starts with minimally invasive tender point injections. Nevertheless, these injections can be burdensome and might even be refused by children or their parents. However, a surgical neurectomy is far more invasive. Treatment with a Lidocaine 5% medicated patch is successfully used in a variety of peripheral neuropathies.AimsThis single center retrospective case series aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of lidocaine patches in children with ACNES.MethodsChildren aged under 18 diagnosed with ACNES who were treated with a 10 day lidocaine patch treatment between December 2021 and December 2022 were studied. Patient record files were used to collect treatment outcomes including pain reduction based on NRS and complications.ResultsTwelve of sixteen children (mean age 13 years; F:M ratio 3:1) diagnosed with ACNES started the lidocaine patch treatment. Two patients achieved a pain free status and remained pain free during a 4 and 7 months follow‐up. A third child reported a lasting pain reduction, but discontinued treatment due to a temporary local skin rash. Five additional patients reported pain reduction only during application of the patch. The remaining four children experienced no pain relief. No adverse effects were reported.ConclusionLidocaine patches provides pain relief in a substantial portion of children with ACNES.
Facial adult female acne in China: An analysis based on artificial intelligence over one million
Authors: Li Tian‐Hao , Ma Xu‐Da , Li Zi‐Ming , Yu Nan‐Ze , Song Jin‐Yan , Ma Zi‐Tao , Ying Han‐Ting , Zhou Beibei , Huang Jiu‐Zuo , Wu Liang , Long Xiao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo further clarify the acne profile of Chinese adult women, we included 1,156,703 adult women. An artificial intelligence algorithm was used to analyze images taken by high‐resolution mobile phones to further explore acne levels in Chinese adult women.MethodIn this study, we assessed the severity of acne by evaluating patients' selfies through a smartphone application. Furthermore, we gathered basic user information through a questionnaire, including details such as age, gender, skin sensitivity, and dietary habits.ResultsThis study showed a gradual decrease in acne severity from the age of 25 years. A trough was reached between the ages of 40 and 44, followed by a gradual increase in acne severity. In terms of skin problems and acne severity, we have found that oily skin, hypersensitive skin, frequent makeup application and unhealthy dietary habits can affect the severity of acne. For environment and acne severity, we observed that developed city levels, cold seasons and high altitude and strong radiation affect acne severity in adult women. For the results of the AI analyses, the severity of blackheads, pores, dark circles and skin roughness were positively associated with acne severity in adult women.ConclusionsAI analysis of high‐res phone images in Chinese adult women reveals acne severity trends. Severity decreases after 25, hits a low at 40–44, then gradually rises. Skin type, sensitivity, makeup, diet, urbanization, seasons, altitude, and radiation impact acne. Blackheads, pores, dark circles, and skin roughness are linked to acne severity. These findings inform personalized skincare and public health strategies for adult women.
SUPPRESSOR CELLS (MDSC) REGULATE THE T-CELL RESPONSE IN OLD MICE IMMUNIZED WITH THE WHOLE-VIRION SARS-CoV-2 VACCINE
Authors: Perfilyeva Y.V. , Abdolla N. , Kali A. , Tleulieva R. , Aben D. , Abdusattarova Y. , Lushova A. , Ostapchuk Ye. , Karalnik B. , Belyaev N. 
Published: April 2024

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are an immunosuppressive population involved in pathological processes associated with chronic inflammation. In recent years, the role of these cells in the regulation of a number of non-pathological processes, in particular, in the development of vaccine-induced immune response, has been actively discussed. This work was aimed at investigating the role of MDSC in the development of an immune response in old mice immunized with an inactivated whole virion SARS-CoV-2. Immunization of old animals induced an increase in the relative content of B cells and the production of specific antibodies to S1 and N proteins of SARS-CoV-2 in titers comparable to those of young animals. At the same time, elevated MDSC levels in aged animals negatively correlated with the level of CD8+ T cells. Splenic MDSCs in old animals were characterized by increased production of reactive oxygen species compared to young animals. In vitro experiments showed that MDSC depletion increased antigen-specific production of IFNγ by CD4+ T cells. The data obtained suggest a negative role for MDSC in regulating the T-cell vaccine-induced response to inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and encourage further studies in this direction, which may be a key to developing approaches to increase the efficacy of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in at-risk groups.
Comparison of methods proposed for monitoring cefotaxime-resistant
Escherichia coli
in the water environment
Authors: Calarco Jeanette , Pruden Amy , Harwood Valerie J. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli
is a promising subject for globally coordinated surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in water environments due to its clinical relevance and widespread use as an indicator of fecal contamination. Cefotaxime-resistant
E. coli
was recently evaluated favorably for this purpose by the World Health Organization TriCycle Protocol, which specifies tryptone bile x-glucuronide (TBX) medium and incubation at 35°C. We assessed comparability with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved method for
E. coli
quantification, which uses membrane-thermotolerant
E. coli
(mTEC) agar and incubation at 44.5°C, in terms of recovery of
E. coli
and cefotaxime-resistant
E. coli
from wastewater influent and surface waters. Total
E. coli
concentrations in wastewater influent were 10
6
–10
8
CFU/100 mL, while cefotaxime-resistant
E. coli
were ~100-fold lower. Total
E. coli
in surface waters were ~10
2
CFU/100 mL, and cefotaxime-resistant isolates were near the limit of detection (0.4 CFU/100 mL). Total and putative cefotaxime-resistant
E. coli
concentrations did not differ significantly between media or by incubation method; however, colonies isolated on mTEC were more frequently confirmed to species (97.1%) compared to those from TBX (92.5%). Incubation in a water bath at 44.5°C significantly decreased non-specific background growth and improved confirmation frequency on both media (97.4%) compared to incubation at 35°C (92.3%). This study helps to advance globally coordinated AMR in water environments and suggests that the TriCycle Protocol is adaptable to other standard methods that may be required in different locales, while also offering a means to improve specificity by decreasing the frequency of false-positive identification of cefotaxime-resistant
E. coli
by modifying incubation conditions.

IMPORTANCE

As antibiotic-resistant bacteria in water environments are increasingly recognized as contributors to the global antibiotic resistance crisis, the need for a monitoring subject that captures antibiotic resistance trends on a global scale increases. The World Health Organization TriCycle Protocol proposes the use of cefotaxime-resistant
Escherichia coli
isolated on tryptone bile x-glucuronide agar. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) criteria for safe recreational waters also use
E. coli
as an indicator but specify the use of mTEC agar at a higher incubation temperature (44.5°C vs 35°C). We assessed the comparability of these methods for isolating total and cefotaxime-resistant
E. coli
, finding overall good agreement and performance, but significantly higher specificity toward
E. coli
selection with the use of the USEPA incubation protocol and mTEC agar. This study is the first to directly compare these methods and provides evidence that the methods may be used interchangeably for global surveillance of antibiotic resistance in the environment.
Development and evaluation of an artificial intelligence for bacterial growth monitoring in clinical bacteriology
Authors: Jacot Damien , Gizha Shklqim , Orny Cedrick , Fernandes Mathieu , Tricoli Carmelo , Marcelpoil Raphael , Prod'hom Guy , Volle Jean-Marc , Greub Gilbert , Croxatto Antony 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

In clinical bacteriology laboratories, reading and processing of sterile plates remain a significant part of the routine workload (30%–40% of the plates). Here, an algorithm was developed for bacterial growth detection starting with any type of specimens and using the most common media in bacteriology. The growth prediction performance of the algorithm for automatic processing of sterile plates was evaluated not only at 18–24 h and 48 h but also at earlier timepoints toward the development of an early growth monitoring system. A total of 3,844 plates inoculated with representative clinical specimens were used. The plates were imaged 15 times, and two different microbiologists read the images randomly and independently, creating 99,944 human ground truths. The algorithm was able, at 48 h, to discriminate growth from no growth with a sensitivity of 99.80% (five false-negative [FN] plates out of 3,844) and a specificity of 91.97%. At 24 h, sensitivity and specificity reached 99.08% and 93.37%, respectively. Interestingly, during human truth reading, growth was reported as early as 4 h, while at 6 h, half of the positive plates were already showing some growth. In this context, automated early growth monitoring in case of normally sterile samples is envisioned to provide added value to the microbiologists, enabling them to prioritize reading and to communicate early detection of bacterial growth to the clinicians.
Femtosecond laser-assisted astigmatic keratotomy versus toric IOL implantation for correcting astigmatism in cataract patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Yen Wei-Ting , Weng Tzu-Heng , Lin Ting-Yi , Tai Ming-Cheng , Chen Yi-Hao , Chang Yu-Min 
Published: April 2024

AimsTo compare the refractive and visual outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted astigmatic keratotomy (FSAK) and toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for correcting astigmatism in cataract patients.MethodsStudies were retrieved from the Ovid-Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Scopus which compared FSAK and toric IOL for astigmatism correction in cataract patients. Outcome measures included postoperative refractive cylinder, correction index, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), the proportion of patients achieving a residual refractive cylinder of 1.00 dioptre or less, target-induced astigmatism (TIA) and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA). The trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used to collect firm evidence supporting our conclusion.Results9 studies encompassing 590 participants were analysed. The meta-analysis revealed that toric IOLs could result in less postoperative refractive cylinder and provide better UDVA compared with FSAK. The TSA disclosed strong evidence of lower postoperative refractive cylinder in the toric IOL group compared with that of the FSAK group. FSAK showed a smaller correction index and lower mean TIA and SIA compared with toric IOLs.ConclusionsFor cataract patients, both FSAK and toric IOLs are effective methods for correcting astigmatism. However, toric IOLs offer less postoperative astigmatism and result in better postoperative UDVA compared with FSAK. In vector analysis of astigmatism, toric IOLs can also produce higher TIA and SIA. Additionally, neither method is associated with severe untreatable complications. Therefore, the conclusion is that toric IOLs are the preferred choice for astigmatism correction in cataract patients and FSAK serves as a viable alternative when toric IOLs are contraindicated.
Role of kidney function on Nrf2 mRNA levels in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Spoto Belinda , Politi Cristina , Postorino Maurizio , Parlongo Rosa Maria , Testa Alessandra , Tripepi Giovanni Luigi , Mallamaci Francesca , Zoccali Carmine 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major complication in patients with diabetes and the main contributor to the chronic kidney disease (CKD) global burden. Oxidative stress is a crucial factor in DKD pathogenesis but the role of the antioxidant nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its molecular regulators has been poorly investigated in man.Research design and methodsIn this case-control study, we analyzed the roles of Nrf2, a transcription factor shielding cells from oxidative stress, its repressor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and six microRNAs (miRNAs) that potentially suppress Nrf2. We categorized 99 participants into 3 groups: 33 non-dialysis patients with type 2 diabetes with DKD, 33 patients with type 2 diabetes without DKD and 33 control subjects and quantified the gene expression (messenger RNA (mRNA)) levels of Nrf2, Keap1 and 6 miRNAs. Moreover, we studied the correlation between gene expression levels and clinical indicators of kidney health.ResultsIn patients with diabetes with DKD, Nrf2 mRNA levels were significantly lower than in patients without DKD (p=0.01) and controls (p=0.02), whereas no difference in Nrf2 expression levels existed between patients without DKD and controls. Conversely, in patients with and without DKD, Keap1 expression levels were significantly higher than in controls. Of the six miRNAs studied, miRNA 30e-5p showed differential expression, being markedly reduced in patients with DKD (p=0.007). Nrf2 mRNA levels directly correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with DKD (r=0.34, p=0.05) and in a formal mediation analysis the eGFR emerged as the first factor in rank for explaining the difference in Nrf2 mRNA levels between patients with and without DKD.ConclusionsThe observed dysregulation in the Nrf2-Keap1 axis and the unique expression pattern of miRNA30e-5p in DKD underscore the need for more focused research in this domain that can help identify novel intervention strategies for DKD in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Evaluating the real-world effectiveness of belimumab in patients with SLE using SLE-related laboratory values and rheumatoid arthritis-derived disease activity measures: RAPID3, swollen joint count and tender joint count
Authors: Germain Guillaume , Worley Karen , MacKnight Sean D , Rubin Bernard , Bell Christopher F , Laliberté François , Urosevic Ana , Sheng Duh Mei , Concoff Andrew 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the real-world impact of intravenous belimumab treatment among patients with SLE using rheumatoid arthritis-derived disease activity measures and SLE-related laboratory values.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used US electronic medical record data from the United Rheumatology Normalised Integrated Community Evidence (UR-NICE) database. Adult patients with SLE who initiated intravenous belimumab between 1 January 2012 and 3 December 2019 (index), had 12 months of pre-index and 24 months of post-index clinical activity, and had ≥6 infusions of belimumab during the 24 months post-index were included. The primary outcome measure was time to first improvement of minimally important difference (MID) for Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3), Patient Pain Index (PPI), swollen joint count, tender joint count (TJC), complement C3 and C4 and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies during the on-treatment follow-up period of up to 24 months. The secondary outcome measure evaluated the trajectories of these outcome measures for up to 24 months of belimumab treatment.ResultsOf 495 patients included, between 21.0% and 52.1% had ≥1 record for each of the disease activity measures or laboratory values in the pre-index and post-index periods and were included in analyses for that measure. The proportion of patients achieving MID for each measure increased rapidly within 3 months, with continued gradual improvement throughout the remaining on-treatment period, up to 24 months. After 6 months, 52.3% and 55.3% of patients had achieved MID in RAPID3 and PPI, respectively. Outcome measure trajectories indicated improved disease activity with belimumab treatment, particularly in RAPID3, TJC and laboratory values.ConclusionsIn this real-world effectiveness study, belimumab therapy for SLE resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in rheumatoid arthritis-derived disease activity measures within 3 months of treatment, with patients who remained on belimumab therapy experiencing improvement even up to 24 months of observation.
The $$B^0 \rightarrow J/\psi f_0(1370,1500,1710)$$ decays: an opportunity for scalar glueball hunting
Authors: Ren Jia-Le , Li Min-Qi , Liu Xin , Zou Zhi-Tian , Li Ying , Xiao Zhen-Jun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe scalars $$f_0$$

f
0

closest to 1.5 GeV contain the mesons $$f_0(1370)$$

f
0

(
1370
)

, $$f_0(1500)$$

f
0

(
1500
)

and $$f_0(1710)$$

f
0

(
1710
)

, and the latter two ones are usually viewed as the potential candidates for the scalar glueballs. In this work, by including the important contributions from the vertex corrections, we study the decays $$B^0 \rightarrow J/\psi f_0$$

B
0

→
J
/
ψ

f
0

within the improved perturbative QCD approach and analyze the possible scalar glueball hunting. Together with the two mixing models, namely, $$f_0(1500) (f_0(1710))$$

f
0

(
1500
)

(

f
0

(
1710
)

)

being the primary scalar glueball in model I (II), and two classification scenarios, namely, $$f_0$$

f
0

being the $$q\bar{q}$$

q

q

¯

excited (ground) states in scenario 1 (2), the branching fractions associated with their ratios for $$B^0 \rightarrow J/\psi f_0$$

B
0

→
J
/
ψ

f
0

are evaluated comprehensively. The predictions with still large uncertainties in the considered two mixing models are roughly consistent with currently limited data, which indicates that both more rich data and more precise predictions are urgently demanded to figure out the scalar glueball clearly in the future. Moreover, several interesting ratios between the branching fractions of $$B^0 \rightarrow J/\psi f_0(\rightarrow \pi ^+ \pi ^-/K^+ K^-)$$

B
0

→
J
/
ψ

f
0

(
→

π
+

π
-

/

K
+

K
-

)

and $$B^0 \rightarrow J/\psi \rho ^0/\phi (\rightarrow \pi ^+ \pi ^-/ K^+ K^-)$$

B
0

→
J
/
ψ

ρ
0

/
ϕ

(
→

π
+

π
-

/

K
+

K
-

)

that could help us to understand the nature of scalar $$f_0$$

f
0

are defined and predicted theoretically. These ratios should be examined in future experiments.