bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
α7 nicotinic receptors play a role in regulation of cardiac hemodynamics
Authors: Targosova Katarina , Kucera Matej , Fazekas Tomas , Kilianova Zuzana , Stankovicova Tatiana , Hrabovska Anna 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe α7 nicotinic receptors (NR) have been confirmed in the heart but their role in cardiac functions has been contradictory. To address these contradictory findings, we analyzed cardiac functions in α7 NR knockout mice (α7−/−) in vivo and ex vivo in isolated hearts. A standard limb leads electrocardiogram was used, and the pressure curves were recorded in vivo, in Arteria carotis and in the left ventricle, or ex vivo, in the left ventricle of the spontaneously beating isolated hearts perfused following Langedorff's method. Experiments were performed under basic conditions, hypercholinergic conditions, and adrenergic stress. The relative expression levels of α and β NR subunits, muscarinic receptors, β1 adrenergic receptors, and acetylcholine life cycle markers were determined using RT‐qPCR. Our results revealed a prolonged QT interval in α7−/− mice. All in vivo hemodynamic parameters were preserved under all studied conditions. The only difference in ex vivo heart rate between genotypes was the loss of bradycardia in prolonged incubation of isoproterenol‐pretreated hearts with high doses of acetylcholine. In contrast, left ventricular systolic pressure was lower under basal conditions and showed a significantly higher increase during adrenergic stimulation. No changes in mRNA expression were observed. In conclusion, α7 NR has no major effect on heart rate, except when stressed hearts are exposed to a prolonged hypercholinergic state, suggesting a role in acetylcholine spillover control. In the absence of extracardiac regulatory mechanisms, left ventricular systolic impairment is revealed.image
Measures for pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 at the National University Hospital: 34th National University Perinatal Medical Center Conference
Authors: Mukai Yurika , Kudo Yoshiki , Sugiyama Takashi , Kato Kiyoko 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAs 2 years have passed since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), we had an examination of the measures taken at the perinatal medical and child centers during this period at 42 National University Hospital. The first questionnaire survey was conducted during March 17–25, 2022 and the second questionnaire survey was conducted during April 4–30, 2022. For the treatment of pregnant women with COVID‐19, a public health center‐coordinated triage system had been created and implemented in each region and prefecture. The issues related to the hospital management of pregnant women with COVID‐19 include the hindrances to the normal functioning of the center, the limited number of hospital beds and medical care systems as the beds were dedicated to patients with COVID‐19, and the problems associated with the mode of delivery. There were no set rules regarding the management of mothers and babies at delivery and thereafter. Initially, cesarean delivery was allowed in almost all cases to reduce the risk of exposure to medical staff. Furthermore, many institutions did not permit expressed breast milk feeding and direct breastfeeding during the quarantine period. The COVID‐19 pandemic has been created a shortage of healthcare delivery systems. It is expected that the emergence of new infectious diseases and pandemics will cause the same pressure on systems providing healthcare in the future.
Workload assessment: Time to emanate from accurate conclusions instead of preconceived notions
Authors: Hasson Dan , Okazawa Susumu , Villaume Karin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTraditionally, assessments in psychosocial work environment research and practice utilize unidimensional response formats. This presupposes that higher or lower values are better or worse. Using unidimensional questions to assess multidimensional variables such as workload can be misleading. Two‐dimensional assessments using completing questions that indicate different aspects of the same construct may increase assessment precision and correctness. The current study aims to elucidate if and how two‐dimensional assessments of workload, that is, consistent ratings of high or low workload and level of satisfaction with it in repeated assessments, are related to outcomes in indicators of health, stress, well‐being and the psychosocial work environment, both cross‐sectionally and over time. 1284 study participants were followed for over 2 years. The results clearly and systematically demonstrated that often or rarely having too much to do, is not a reliable nor valid indicator of health, stress, well‐being and psychosocial work environment‐related outcomes. In contrast, the satisfaction dimension is systematically and consistently related to statistically significant and more pronounced differences in these outcomes. To properly help individuals at risk, both aspects of workload need to be assessed and accounted for. Whereas satisfaction is a better indicator of outcomes, the perceived workload magnitude is needed to intervene properly.
Paediatric actinomycosis: A 16‐year, single‐institution retrospective review of cases
Authors: Chew Siu‐Jun , Low Kelly BB , Chong Chia‐Yin , Maiwald Matthias , Thoon Koh‐Cheng , Ong Rina YL , Yung Chee‐Fu , Li Jiahui , Nadua Karen D , Kam Kai‐Qian , Tan Henry KK , Lian Derrick WQ , Tan Leon YR , Tan Natalie WH 
Published: April 2023

AimActinomycosis is a rare subacute to chronic granulomatous infection which can mimic other infectious or malignant diseases. This study examined the epidemiology and treatment outcome of actinomycosis in children.MethodsA retrospective study on children admitted for actinomycosis in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Singapore, from January 2004 to December 2020. Clinical profile, therapeutic interventions and outcomes were examined.ResultsA total of 10 patients were identified; 7 were female. The median age at first presentation was 9.8 years (range 4.7–15.7). The most common presenting symptom was fever (n = 6, 60%), followed by facial or neck swelling (n = 3, 30%) and ear pain (n = 3, 30%). Actinomycosis occurred predominantly in the orocervicofacial region (n = 6, 60%). Four patients (40%) had preceding dental infections in the form of dental caries or gingivitis. One patient had poorly controlled insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus. Actinomycosis was confirmed via culture in four patients, histopathology in four patients and both methods in two patients. All except one patient (n = 9, 90%) underwent surgical procedures. All patients received ampicillin or amoxicillin/clavulanate or other beta‐lactams, for a median duration of 6.5 months (range 1.5–14). Complications included osteomyelitis (n = 4, 40%), mastoiditis (n = 2, 20%), brain abscess (n = 1, 10%) and recurrent neck abscess (n = 1, 10%). There was no mortality and all patients achieved complete resolution.ConclusionsPaediatric actinomycosis was rare in our 16‐year review, but had a high complication rate. It can occur in immunocompetent patients, and dental infection was the predominant risk factor identified. Prognosis was excellent after surgical intervention and appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Feeding effects of the keystone deposit feeder Ilyanassa obsoleta (Neogastropoda, Gastropoda) on sedimentary diatoms
Authors: Plante Craig J. , Hill‐Spanik Kristina M. , Emerson Rowan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMicrophytobenthos (MPB), typically comprised mainly of diatoms, is a key contributor to nearshore energy flow and nutrient cycles. Deposit‐feeding invertebrates are known to alter the structure and activity of MPB. The eastern mud snail Ilyanassa obsoleta can reach extremely high densities in estuaries of the northwestern Atlantic, and their deposit‐feeding and locomotion strongly influence other invertebrates and microbes. Our objective was to explore quantitative and qualitative effects of this keystone deposit‐feeder on diatoms of intertidal sediments. We gathered snails from mudflat and sandflat habitats and collected their fresh fecal pellets in the laboratory. DNA metabarcoding allowed us to characterize diatom assemblages of ingested sediments and feces. We noted selective feeding such that reduction in MPB biomass with gut passage was difficult to quantify. Diatom α‐diversity was reduced with gut passage in snails from both sedimentary regimes. Mudflat and sandflat diatom assemblages were distinct and differed markedly between feces and sediment in mud‐feeding snails, whereas the difference in sand‐feeding snails was minor. The sandy habitat was dominated by a mix of epipelic and epipsammic diatoms. In contrast, mudflat samples were dominated by epipelic and planktonic diatoms. Compositional differences between sediment and feces reflected preferential removal of planktonic taxa. Our results suggest the importance of phytodetritus to the mud snail diet, particularly in hydrodynamically quiescent environments. Due to the natural spatial patchiness of the snails and the capacity for rapid microbial recolonization, field experiments are recommended to determine whether MPB community changes attributed to gut passage are manifested at the landscape scale.
Emerging anti‐HDV drugs and HBV cure strategies with anti‐HDV activity
Authors: Roca Suarez Armando A. , Batbold Enkhtuul , Bartosch Birke , Dashdorj Naranjargal , Testoni Barbara , Zoulim Fabien 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite RNA virus that requires the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) for its replication. HDV/HBV co‐infection is often associated with a faster disease progression of chronic hepatitis in comparison to HBV mono‐infection. Therefore, the development of novel antiviral therapies targeting HDV represents a high priority and an urgent medical need. In this review, we summarize the ongoing efforts to evaluate promising HDV‐specific drugs, such as lonafarnib (LNF), pegylated interferon lambda (PEG‐IFN‐λ) and their use as a combination therapy. Furthermore, we review the most recent developments in the area of anti‐HBV drugs with potential effects against HDV, including therapeutic agents targeting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) expression, secretion and function. Finally, we consider the important insights that have emerged from the development of these potential antiviral strategies, as well as the intriguing questions that remain to be elucidated in this rapidly changing field.
Hepatic triglyceride content is intricately associated with numerous metabolites and biochemical pathways
Authors: Faquih Tariq O. , van Klinken Jan Bert , Li‐Gao Ruifang , Noordam Raymond , van Heemst Diana , Boone Sebastiaan , Sheridan Patricia A. , Michelotti Gregory , Lamb Hildo , de Mutsert Renée , Rosendaal Frits R. , van Hylckama Vlieg Astrid , van Dijk Ko Willems , Mook‐Kanamori Dennis O. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the pathological accumulation of triglycerides in hepatocytes and is associated with insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidaemia and cardiometabolic diseases. Thus far, the extent of metabolic dysregulation associated with hepatic triglyceride accumulation has not been fully addressed. In this study, we aimed to identify metabolites associated with hepatic triglyceride content (HTGC) and map these associations using network analysis.MethodsTo gain insight in the spectrum of metabolites associated with hepatic triglyceride accumulation, we performed a comprehensive plasma metabolomics screening of 1363 metabolites in apparently healthy middle aged (age 45–65) individuals (N = 496) in whom HTGC was measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. An atlas of metabolite–HTGC associations, based on univariate results, was created using correlation‐based Gaussian graphical model (GGM) and genome scale metabolic model network analyses. Pathways associated with the clinical prognosis marker fibrosis 4 (FIB‐4) index were tested using a closed global test.ResultsOur analyses revealed that 118 metabolites were univariately associated with HTGC (p‐value <6.59 × 10−5), including 106 endogenous, 1 xenobiotic and 11 partially characterized/uncharacterized metabolites. These associations were mapped to several biological pathways including branched amino acids (BCAA), diglycerols, sphingomyelin, glucosyl‐ceramide and lactosyl‐ceramide. We also identified a novel possible HTGC‐related pathway connecting glutamate, metabolonic lactone sulphate and X‐15245 using the GGM network. These pathways were confirmed to be associated with the FIB‐4 index as well. The full interactive metabolite‐HTGC atlas is provided online: https://tofaquih.github.io/AtlasLiver/.ConclusionsThe combined network and pathway analyses indicated extensive associations between BCAA and the lipids pathways with HTGC and the FIB‐4 index. Moreover, we report a novel pathway glutamate‐metabolonic lactone sulphate‐X‐15245 with a potential strong association with HTGC. These findings can aid elucidating HTGC metabolomic profiles and provide insight into novel drug targets for fibrosis‐related outcomes.
Cryptic marine barriers to gene flow in a vulnerable coastal species, the dugong (Dugong dugon)
Authors: McGowan Alexandra M. , Lanyon Janet M. , Clark Nicholas , Blair David , Marsh Helene , Wolanski Eric , Seddon Jennifer M. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDespite the lack of obvious physical barriers and their ability to travel significant distances, many marine mammals exhibit substantial population structuring over relatively short geographical distances. The dugong (Dugong dugon), the only extant representative of family Dugongidae, is listed as Vulnerable to Extinction globally. We investigated the genetic population structure of dugongs in the shallow coastal waters along >2,000 km of the eastern Queensland coast, including the Great Barrier Reef region. Microsatellite genotypes for 22 loci in 293 dugongs, SNP genotypes based on 10,690 loci in 43 dugongs, and 410 bp mitochondrial control‐region sequences from 639 dugongs were analyzed. Clustering analysis techniques consistently identified an abrupt genetic break in the Whitsunday Islands region (20.3°S), which interrupts an overall pattern of isolation‐by‐distance. Geographic distance was relatively more important than sea‐surface temperature and seagrass distribution in explaining pairwise microsatellite genetic distances. The cause of reduced dispersal across this region is unknown but might relate to an unusual tidal and current mix, termed the “sticky‐water” effect, and/or a break in the geographical distribution of off‐shore seagrass meadows. The genetic structure suggests distinct breeding units north and south of the Whitsunday Islands region for consideration in further developing management plans for Queensland dugongs.
Molecular identification of Culicoides oxystoma and Culicoides actoni vectors of bluetongue virus
Authors: Kar Surajit , Mondal Biswajit , Pal Arjun , Mazumdar Abhijit 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBluetongue is a non‐contagious viral disease causing significant economic losses throughout the world. The bluetongue vectors Culicoides oxystoma and Culicoides actoni, which play a significant role in the transmission of various pathogens, are distributed across different geographical realms. Adults are minute in size with wide phenotypic variation, so morphology‐based species identification is severely constrained by preparatory time and shortage of taxonomic expertise. To make the identification process rapid and effective, a specific primer was designed for the identification of C. actoni based on the multiple sequence alignment of ITS1 sequences of 11 Culicoides species. Along with this, a refined version of existing C. oxystoma specific primer was proposed. The primer sets distinguished C. oxystoma and C. actoni from a pooled sample consisting of other Culicoides species as well as closely related genera such as Forcipomyia and Alluaudomyia. Our findings suggest that the primers were species specific, sensitive and have potential to discriminate vector species C. oxystoma and C. actoni from pooled samples. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first ITS1 sequences generated and submitted in GenBank for Culicoides innoxius, Culicoides shortti, Culicoides palpifer and Culicoides anophelis and the first for Culicoides peregrinus, Culicoides fulvus and C. actoni from India.
Urgency at work: Trains, time and technology
Authors: Pritchard Katrina , Symon Gillian 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn contemporary workplaces, urgency is symbolic of workers' experience of time as accelerated, and often associated with use of digital technologies. Yet we know little about how urgency is constructed at work, including the agentic roles of technology and other materialities. Based on interviews with railway workers, we extend Rosa's conceptualisation of temporal junctures to explain how urgency as a temporal framing is sociomaterially constituted, sustained and challenged across and between workers and their managers, particularly through smartphone‐use. Our analysis extends existing thinking on temporality at work by demonstrating how urgency narratives at sociomaterially complex configurations of temporal junctures shield workers, managers and the organisation against the temporal fragility of the rail infrastructure, such that each narration of urgency carries forward an illusion of temporal control.
The impact of school‐based social media and online technology on oral health education for individuals with disability
Authors: Mifsud Silvana , Attard Nikolai , Gatt Gabriella 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAimTo evaluate the impact of school‐based online communication methods on the oral health‐related behavirs of individuals with disability.MethodA prospective interventional study was conducted on 154 students (age 3–22 years) with various disabilities attending educational centers. A clinical examination was carried out before and after a school‐based online educational program. Online in‐person sessions were held for the participants, and educational videos were shared with parents and teachers over social media. The clinical examination included the Special Olympics HAS form, (1) Oral Hygiene Index—Simplified (OHI‐S) (2) and the Modified Frankl Behavior Index. (3) Dietary and oral hygiene habits were collected via parent‐administered questionnaires.ResultsImprovements in behavior in a dental setting (p < .001), oral hygiene levels (p < .001) and dietary choices (p < .001) were observed throughout the study.ConclusionOral health education online modalities can be used effectively by dental professionals to educate individuals with disabilities and their carers regularly, thus helping improve oral health and rapport with dental professionals.
Duration of partial melting in the lower crust of the Limpopo collisional belt
Authors: Nicoli Gautier , Mukherjee Shreya , van Schijndel Valby , Stevens Gary 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn convergent settings, the duration of partial melting in the lower continental crust dictates how lateral shortening is accommodated by the colliding plates. Here we use the example of the ca. 2700 Ma Southern Marginal Zone of the Limpopo Belt, South Africa, to accurately time the different steps of the granulite facies metamorphic event. We date garnet crystallisation in K‐poor leucosomes using Sm–Nd garnet isotopic data to have occurred at 2734 ± 9 Ma. Following deposition of the protolith and rapid burial, the crust remained molten for 17 ± 14 Ma. This estimate is within error similar to the 24 ± 12 Ma proposed for rocks that have evolved along a Barrovian P–T path. Our results suggest that the Southern Marginal Zone is the result of a collision between a large island arc or a continent with the Kaapvaal Craton, at a time global of geodynamic changes.
Acute adaptation of central and peripheral motor unit features to exercise‐induced fatigue differs with concentric and eccentric loading
Authors: Jones Eleanor J. , Guo Yuxiao , Martinez‐Valdes Eduardo , Negro Francesco , Stashuk Daniel W. , Atherton Philip J. , Phillips Bethan E. , Piasecki Mathew 
Published: April 2023

AbstractForce output of muscle is partly mediated by the adjustment of motor unit (MU) firing rate (FR). Disparities in MU features in response to fatigue may be influenced by contraction type, as concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) contractions demand variable amounts of neural input, which alters the response to fatigue. This study aimed to determine the effects of fatigue following CON and ECC loading on MU features of the vastus lateralis (VL). High‐density surface (HD‐sEMG) and intramuscular (iEMG) electromyography were used to record MU potentials (MUPs) from bilateral VLs of 12 young volunteers (six females) during sustained isometric contractions at 25% and 40% of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), before and after completing CON and ECC weighted stepping exercise. Multi‐level mixed effects linear regression models were performed with significance assumed as P < 0.05. MVC decreased in both CON and ECC legs post‐exercise (P < 0.0001), as did force steadiness at both 25% and 40% MVC (P < 0.004). MU FR increased in ECC at both contraction levels (P < 0.001) but did not change in CON. FR variability increased in both legs at 25% and 40% MVC following fatigue (P < 0.01). From iEMG measures at 25% MVC, MUP shape did not change (P > 0.1) but neuromuscular junction transmission instability increased in both legs (P < 0.04), and markers of fibre membrane excitability increased following CON only (P = 0.018). These data demonstrate that central and peripheral MU features are altered following exercise‐induced fatigue and differ according to exercise modality. This is important when considering interventional strategies targeting MU function.
Design and Kinematics of Origami Inspired Non-Prismatic Foldable Truss Modules
Authors: Sharma Hemant , Banerjee Arnab 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Origami inspired deployable structures have received significant attention due to their exceptional kinematic and mechanical characteristics. Specifically, the cylindrical Kresling origami pattern has been extensively investigated for its multi-stable properties in past studies. This study presents the design and analysis of a novel non-prismatic foldable/deployable truss module inspired from the conical Kresling origami pattern. The intrinsic relationship between the kinematics and mechanics of non-prismatic foldable truss (NPFT) modules is investigated. First, the geometric design and the analytical modeling of the motion behavior of NPFT modules are presented, followed by the development of design maps considering a range of design parameters to demarcate the domains of qualitatively different deployment behavior. The numerical simulations were performed to validate the findings of analytical investigations. Later, the comparative analysis is presented to highlight the advancements of the proposed NPFT modules over conical Kresling truss structures. The programability of the deployment characteristics of NPFT modules is investigated considering different design parameters and the influence of scaling. The outcomes demonstrate that the proposed design of NPFT modules offers enhanced deployable and tunable properties along with ease of manufacturing for reconfigurable truss structures.