bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of natural transformation in the evolution of small cryptic plasmids in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Nies Fabian , Wein Tanita , Hanke Dustin M. , Springstein Benjamin L. , Alcorta Jaime , Taubenheim Claudia , Dagan Tal 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSmall cryptic plasmids have no clear effect on the host fitness and their functional repertoire remains obscure. The naturally competent cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 harbours several small cryptic plasmids; whether their evolution with this species is supported by horizontal transfer remains understudied. Here, we show that the small cryptic plasmid DNA is transferred in the population exclusively by natural transformation, where the transfer frequency of plasmid‐encoded genes is similar to that of chromosome‐encoded genes. Establishing a system to follow gene transfer, we compared the transfer frequency of genes encoded in cryptic plasmids pCA2.4 (2378 bp) and pCB2.4 (2345 bp) within and between populations of two Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 labtypes (termed Kiel and Sevilla). Our results reveal that plasmid gene transfer frequency depends on the recipient labtype. Furthermore, gene transfer via whole plasmid uptake in the Sevilla labtype ranged among the lowest detected transfer rates in our experiments. Our study indicates that horizontal DNA transfer via natural transformation is frequent in the evolution of small cryptic plasmids that reside in naturally competent organisms. Furthermore, we suggest that the contribution of natural transformation to cryptic plasmid persistence in Synechocystis is limited.
Robotic enucleation & uncinectomy of complex lesions of the proximal pancreas
Authors: Bell‐Allen Nicholas , McKay Bartholomew , Kilburn Daniel , Waters Peadar , Cavallucci David 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundMalignant tumours within the proximal pancreas traditionally require pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for cure. For smaller lesions with borderline malignant potential the risk/benefit of PD becomes difficult to justify. Robotic approaches to these lesions allow for parenchymal preserving resection with reduced complication profile without oncological compromise.MethodsA review of a single surgeons prospectively collated database across two institutions of consecutive robotic enucleations or parenchyma preserving resections of the proximal pancreas was performed between July 2018 and October 2021. Standard demographic data, preoperative variables, intraoperative parameters, post‐operative outcomes, morbidity and mortality were recorded.ResultsThirteen patients (8 female and 5 male) underwent robotic enucleation (EN) (8) and/or uncinectomy (UN) (5) in the proximal pancreas. Mean BMI was 32(kg/m2). Three patients (21%) underwent preoperative prophylactic pancreatic duct stenting. One patient required conversion to open. The median operative time in the EN group was 170 min (108–224 min) and the UN group was 160 min (110–204 min). The majority (8) of lesions were pNETs. Three lesions were IPMNs, with 1 solitary fibrous tumour and a serous cystic neoplasm (SCN) respectively. Median tumour size was 23 mm (11–58 mm) in the EN group, and 27 mm (17–38 mm) in the UN group. Ten of 13 patients had an R0 resection. There was no mortality in our series. Four (31%) patients across both groups developed clinically relevant POPF while none developed new endocrine or exocrine insufficiency. Average outpatient follow‐up has been 6 months (1–18 months).ConclusionA robotic approach in proximal parenchymal preserving pancreatectomy is expanding, safe and feasible.
From the Food Mail Program to Nutrition North Canada: The impact on food insecurity among Indigenous and non‐Indigenous families with children
Authors: Daley Angela , Pandey Sujita , Phipps Shelley , Watson Barry 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFood insecurity is prevalent in northern Canada, especially among Indigenous peoples. As one approach to address this issue, the federal government subsidizes the shipping of necessities to remote northern communities, initially through the Food Mail Program and then Nutrition North Canada as of April 2011. We use the Canadian Community Health Survey (2007 to 2016) and a difference‐in‐differences model to estimate the impact of the policy change on food insecurity, testing for heterogeneity between Indigenous and non‐Indigenous families. Our results, which withstand several robustness checks, indicate that the policy change increased the likelihood of overall food insecurity by 8.9 percentage points (77.3% relative to the sample mean) and moderate/severe food insecurity by 7.1 percentage points (89.3% relative to the sample mean). It also increased severe food insecurity among Indigenous families by 7.3 percentage points (more than three times the sample mean). There was, however, variation across regions and subsamples of families with children. Specifically, the policy change was particularly harmful to Indigenous families in the territories and Inuit Nunangat. The detrimental impact was also heightened in the presence of children, especially when considering severe food insecurity among Indigenous families.
Eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin levels in early childhood and association with preschool asthma – A prospective observational study
Authors: Färdig Martin , Lie Anine , Borres Magnus P. , Ekenkrantz Tina , Granum Berit , Haugen Guttorm , Jonassen Christine M. , Movérare Robert , Rehbinder Eva Maria , Skjerven Håvard O. , Staff Anne Cathrine , Vettukattil Riyas , Lødrup Carlsen Karin C. , Söderhäll Cilla , Nordlund Björn 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntroductionEosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EDN) is related to childhood asthma, while normal values are lacking. We aimed to document serum EDN levels at 1 and 3 years in general and in non‐atopic children, and explore if EDN levels differed by sex or were associated with preschool asthma at 3 years.MethodsFrom the PreventADALL birth cohort, we included 1233 children with EDN analysed using ImmunoCAP at 1 and/or 3 years. Non‐atopic children had no history of wheeze, asthma, allergic sensitization or atopic dermatitis. Preschool asthma was defined as having ≥3 episodes of bronchial obstruction between 2 and 3 years, plus doctor diagnosed asthma and/or asthma medication use by 3 years. The upper limit of normal (ULN) of EDN was defined as the 95th percentile. With Youden Index we calculated EDN cut‐off levels for risk of preschool asthma.ResultsThe overall median (ULN) EDN levels were 27.4 (121) μg/L at 1 year (n = 787), and 20.1 (87.8) μg/L at 3 years (n = 857). Non‐atopic children had EDN levels of 24.0 (107) μg/L at 1 year (n = 147), and 17.3 (84.6) μg/L at 3 years (n = 173). EDN levels were higher in boys compared to girls; 32.0 (133) versus 24.5 (97.0) μg/L at 1 year, and 20.9 (96.3) versus 19.0 (72.4) μg/L at 3 years. Preschool asthma was observed in 109/892 (12.2%) children. Higher EDN levels at 1 (>26.7 μg/L) and 3 (≥20.5 μg/L) years were associated with preschool asthma; adjusted OR (95% CI) 2.20 (1.09, 4.41) and 4.68 (2.29, 9.55), respectively.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceWe report EDN values in early childhood, demonstrating higher levels at 1 compared to 3 years and in boys compared to girls at both ages. Higher EDN levels at both ages were associated with preschool asthma. However, EDN cut‐off levels for preschool asthma were overall lower than the ULN of non‐atopic children, limiting translation into clinical practice.
Determinants of myocardial work indices in women
Authors: Jasaityte Ruta , Bajraktarevic Rija , Blaschke‐Waluga Daniela , Seeland Ute , Regitz‐Zagrosek Vera , Landmesser Ulf , Stangl Karl , Knebel Fabian , Stangl Verena , Brand Anna 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveBy incorporating myocardial deformation and afterload, novel echocardiographic myocardial work indices appear to be advantageous compared to load‐dependent left ventricular (LV) deformation analyses. As such, these indices may provide a more accurate and, above all, load‐independent estimation of LV function in patients with chronically increased afterload. To date however, data on the relation of these indices to clinical and conventional echocardiographic parameters are scarce.PurposeOur aim was to evaluate the relationship between myocardial work indices and age, body mass index (BMI), NTproBNP, the clinical history of arterial hypertension and diastolic dysfunction as well as selected conventional echocardiographic parameters in women.MethodsWe analyzed echocardiographic data of women included in the Berlin Female Risk Evaluation (BEFRI) trial. Global Work Index (GWI), Global Constructive Work (GCW), Global Wasted Work (GWW) and Global Work Efficiency (GWE) were calculated using commercially available software based on noninvasive pressure‐strain loops. The impact of selected clinical and echocardiographic characteristics on myocardial work parameters was investigated by uni‐ and multivariate regression analyses.ResultsA total of 224 women were included in the final analysis. 155 of them were normotensive and 69 had a history of arterial hypertension. Diastolic dysfunction was more prevalent in subjects with arterial hypertension. Study participants with arterial hypertension showed higher GWI and GCW whereas GWW and GWE did not significantly differ between groups. GCW and GWW were lower and GWE higher in the presence of normal diastolic function. In multivariate regression analyses, arterial hypertension, LV GLS, and interventricular septal thickness were significantly associated with GWI. GCW showed significant associations with the clinical history of arterial hypertension, LV GLS, age and IVRT. Similarly, LV GLS, IVRT and mitral inflow E wave deceleration time were identified to be significant determinants of GWW and GWE.ConclusionOur data confirm that, in a randomly selected sample of the general urban female population, myocardial work parameters are predominantly determined by LV GLS. In addition, the presence of arterial hypertension was identified to be a significant determinant of GWI and GCW, but not for GWW and GWE. Finally, a prolonged LV relaxation time was significantly associated with GWW and GWE, suggesting more wasted myocardial work and lower GWE values with increasing LV relaxation time.
A duplex real‐time PCR with TaqMan probes for the distinction of Anoplophora chinensis (Forster) and Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) on different biological matrices
Authors: Rizzo Domenico , Da Lio Daniele , Zubieta Claudia Gabriela , Ranaldi Chiara , Marrucci Andrea , Stabile Igor , d'Agostino Andrea , Bartolini Linda , Rapisarda Carmelo , Pennacchio Fabrizio , Rossi Elisabetta 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAnoplophora chinensis (Forster, 1771), the citrus longhorned beetle, and Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky, 1853), the Asian longhorned beetle, are wood borers of great economic importance, infesting a wide range of ornamental trees and shrubs. Native to Asia, their presence has been detected in several countries on different continents. Both are included in the EPPO A2 list of pests recommended for regulation as quarantine pests. A duplex molecular test based on TaqMan probe technology for the identification of the two species has been set up, using specimens (adults and larvae) of the two species. To test the duplex real‐time PCR on frass, an artificial frass (‘manufactured sawdust’) has been created using wood chips from healthy branches of Acer negundo, spiked with a known amount of DNA from larvae of the species. The analytical specificity, analytical sensitivity, repeatability and reproducibility of the duplex real‐time PCR test were evaluated according to EPPO Standards. This new molecular tool allows distinction, with only one test, between these two Anoplophora species using DNA isolated from the adult, larvae and/or frass.
Short‐term resilience to climate‐induced temperature increases for equatorial sea turtle populations
Authors: Staines Melissa N. , Versace Hayley , Laloë Jacques‐Olivier , Smith Caitlin E. , Madden Hof Christine A. , Booth David T. , Tibbetts Ian R. , Hays Graeme C. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractProjection models are being increasingly used to manage threatened taxa by estimating their responses to climate change. Sea turtles are particularly susceptible to climate change as they have temperature‐dependent sex determination and increased sand temperatures on nesting beaches could result in the ‘feminisation’ of hatchling sex ratios for some populations. This study modelled likely long‐term trends in sand temperatures and hatchling sex ratios at an equatorial nesting site for endangered green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and critically endangered hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). A total of 1078 days of sand temperature data were collected from 28 logger deployments at nest depth between 2018 and 2022 in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Long‐term trends in sand temperature were generated from a model using air temperature as an environmental proxy. The influence of rainfall and seasonal variation on sand temperature was also investigated. Between 1960 and 2019, we estimated that sand temperature increased by ~0.6°C and the average hatchling sex ratio was relatively balanced (46.2% female, SD = 10.7). No trends were observed in historical rainfall anomalies and projections indicated no further changes to rainfall until 2100. Therefore, the sex ratio models were unlikely to be influenced by changing rainfall patterns. A relatively balanced sex ratio such as this is starkly different to the extremely female‐skewed hatchling sex ratio (>99% female) reported for another Coral Sea nesting site, Raine Island (~850 km West). This PNG nesting site is likely rare in the global context, as it is less threatened by climate‐induced feminisation. Although there is no current need for ‘cooling’ interventions, the mean projected sex ratios for 2020–2100 were estimated 76%–87% female, so future interventions may be required to increase male production. Our use of long‐term sand temperature and rainfall trends has advanced our understanding of climate change impacts on sea turtles.
Migraine and air pollution: A systematic review
Authors: Portt Andrea E. , Orchard Christa , Chen Hong , Ge Erjia , Lay Christine , Smith Peter M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically synthesize evidence from a broad range of studies on the association between air pollution and migraine.BackgroundAir pollution is a ubiquitous exposure that may trigger migraine attacks. There has been no systematic review of this possible association.MethodsWe searched for empirical studies assessing outdoor air pollution and any quantified migraine outcomes. We included short‐ and long‐term studies with quantified air pollution exposures. We excluded studies of indoor air pollution, perfume, or tobacco smoke. We assessed the risk of bias with the World Health Organization's bias assessment instrument for air quality guidelines.ResultsThe final review included 12 studies with over 4,000,000 participants. Designs included case‐crossover, case–control, time series, and non‐randomized pre–post intervention. Outcomes included migraine‐related diagnoses, diary records, medical visits, and prescriptions. Rather than pooling the wide variety of exposures and outcomes into a meta‐analysis, we tabulated the results.Point estimates above 1.00 reflected associations of increased risk. In single‐pollutant models, the percent of point estimates above 1.00 were carbon monoxide 5/5 (100%), nitrogen dioxide 10/13 (78%), ozone 7/8 (88%), PM2.5 13/15 (87%), PM10 2/2 (100%), black carbon 0/1 (0%), methane 4/6 (75%), sulfur dioxide 3/5 (60%), industrial toxic waste 1/1 (100%), and proximity to oil and gas wells 6/13 (46%). In two‐pollutant models, 16/17 (94%) of associations with nitrogen dioxide were above 1.00; however, more than 75% of the confidence intervals included the null value.Most studies had low to moderate risks of bias. Where differences were observed, stronger quality articles generally reported weaker associations.ConclusionsBalancing the generally strong methodologies with the small number of studies, point estimates were mainly above 1.00 for associations of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter with migraine. These results were most consistent for nitrogen dioxide.
Headache and psychological variables as predictors of disability in individuals with primary headache disorders
Authors: McCracken Halle T. , Lee Aaron A. , Smitherman Todd A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the relative contribution of headache symptoms and psychological factors to headache‐related disability.BackgroundBoth headache symptoms and comorbid psychological factors (psychiatric symptoms and transdiagnostic constructs) negatively impact functioning among individuals with migraine and tension‐type headache, but few studies have explored their relative contribution to headache‐related disability. We hypothesized that psychiatric symptoms and transdiagnostic variables would afford incremental contribution to disability beyond headache symptoms, and we investigated the moderating role of headache diagnosis on these relationships.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study examined data from a southern U.S. university online sample of 1818 young adults (mean [SD] age 19.0 [5.1] years; 74.6% female) who met the International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition criteria for primary headache disorders (46.6% episodic migraine, 11.6% chronic migraine, 38.3% episodic tension‐type headache, 3.5% chronic tension‐type headache) and completed measures assessing psychological factors and headache‐related disability. Headache, psychiatric symptoms, and transdiagnostic factors were examined in relation to headache‐related disability, after controlling for sex. Moderation analyses examined the conditional effect of diagnosis on disability.ResultsAs predicted, both psychiatric and transdiagnostic symptoms accounted for unique variance in headache‐related disability beyond headache symptoms (R2 changes of 2.7% and 2.3%, respectively). Significant three‐way interactions revealed the relationship between psychiatric symptoms and disability (b = −3.16, p = 0.002), and between transdiagnostic variables and disability (b = −2.37, p = 0.034). Tests of simple slopes showed greater psychiatric symptoms and transdiagnostic variables were associated with higher levels of disability. However, the associations of these variables with disability were strongest among individuals with chronic tension‐type headache (B = 3.93 for psychiatric symptoms and B = 4.62 for transdiagnostic symptoms, both p < 0.001).ConclusionPsychiatric and transdiagnostic factors contribute uniquely to headache‐related functional impairment, which may be important for expanding targeted assessment and behavioral interventions.
Effects of caffeine on intracranial pressure and pain perception in freely moving rats
Authors: Israelsen Ida Marchen Egerod , Westgate Connar Stanley James , Kamp‐Jensen Christina , Jensen Rigmor H. , Eftekhari Sajedeh 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveCaffeine, a non‐selective adenosine receptor (AR) antagonist, is the most consumed psychostimulant in the world. Caffeine has been suggested to regulate cerebrospinal fluid secretion and is known both to alleviate and to trigger headache; however, its effect on the regulation of intracranial pressure (ICP) is not known. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of caffeine on ICP and nociceptive responses.MethodsFemale Sprague–Dawley rats were implanted with a novel telemetric device for continuous ICP recordings, which allowed for continuous recordings in freely moving rats. A single dose of caffeine (30 or 120 mg/kg intraperitoneally) was given. In a second group (non‐implanted), the acute effects of 30 mg/kg caffeine on periorbital threshold using Von Frey testing and spontaneous behavior were utilized using an automated behavioral registration platform (Laboratory, Animal, Behavior, Observation, Registration and Analysis System) in a randomized cross‐over study. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence were used to localize ARs in the choroid plexus.ResultsA single dose of 30 mg/kg caffeine lowered the ICP by 35% at 165 min after administration (saline: 0.16 ± 0.9 vs caffeine: −1.18 ± 0.9 ΔmmHg,p = 0.0098) and lasted up to 12 h. Administration of 120 mg/kg caffeine showed a faster onset of decrease in ICP within 15 min by 50% (p = 0.0018) and lasted up to 12 h. The periorbital pain thresholds were higher after 1 h (saline: 224.6 ± 15.1 vs caffeine: 289.5 ± 8.7 g,p = 0.005) and lasted up to 5 h. Caffeine‐treated rats had increased locomotor activity, speed, and changed grooming behavior. Expression of AR1was found in the choroid plexus.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that caffeine has a lowering effect on ICP as an acute treatment. Interestingly, caffeine acutely caused an increased response in cephalic thresholds supporting hypoalgesic effects. Future studies investigating the beneficial effects of caffeine for elevated ICP are warranted.
Synergistic effect of egg white protein particles and rhamnolipid on improving the bioavailability of curcumin carried in high internal phase emulsions
Authors: Chang Cuihua , Shen Xinyang , Su Yujie , Gu Luping , Yang Yanjun , Li Junhua 
Published: October 2023

SummaryHigh internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) are potential carriers of fat‐soluble nutrients due to their high loading capacity. In this study, egg white protein particles (EWPP) and rhamnolipid (Rha) were used to co‐emulsify oil/water HIPEs to carry curcumin (Cur). The results showed that the Cur loading efficiency, microstructure, protein composition, molecular distribution of protein hydrolysates, protein interfacial adsorption rate and Cur bioavailability were measured. The results showed that, incorporation with Rha was unhelpful for improving loading efficiency of Cur, which decreased from 80.8% to 73.7% at pH 3.8 after incorporation with Rha, due to the decreased viscosity and destroyed continuous interface membrane, while beneficial for restricting coalescence of oil droplets. As studied, Rha could effectively reduce the droplet size to slow down the speed of coalescence and form EWPP–Rha complex to inhibit proteolysis. Finally, Cur bioavailability in EWPP–Rha co‐emulsified HIPE was the highest (40.3%), indicating the synergistic effect of EWPP and Rha promoting the effective adsorption of Cur, related to the increased coalescence stability during digestion and participation of Rha in the micellisation reaction. In comparison, fibrous (pH 3.8) and granular (pH 7.0) EWPP stabilised HIPEs, showed no obvious difference in Cur bioavailability, due to the balance between the interfacial adsorption ability and the digestion resistance of EWPP with various morphologies. This study has important significance for the construction of lipid soluble nutrient ‘carriers’ with high load and high bioavailability.