bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Black motherhood and the dual pandemics: The protective role of stable income on mental wellbeing
Authors: Ibekwe‐Okafor Nneka , Sims Jacqueline , Curenton Stephanie M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe dual pandemic (racial discrimination and COVID‐19) has contributed to mental health disparities across various social identities. Black mothers, in particular, have shouldered the heightened stresses of being Black and female during a time of immense anti‐Black racism and societal pressures to assume caretaking roles at the expense of, or in addition to, other financial obligations. Thus, this study examines the relationship between COVID‐19 related financial difficulties, racial discrimination, and the protective role of stable income on Black mothers’ (N = 949) mental wellbeing (i.e., anxiety, depression, loneliness, and stress). Using regression analyses, we find that financial difficulties and experiences of racial discrimination along with related concerns for children are associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and stress. Moderation analyses suggest that at the highest level of financial difficulties, stable income can serve as a protective factor for anxiety. However, the study found no significant interactions between financial difficulties and experiences of racial discrimination or related concern for children. Implications for short‐and long‐term social policies are discussed.
Misdiagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Avcu Gulhadiye , Arslan Asli , Arslan Sema Y , Sahbudak Bal Zumrut , Turan Caner , Ersayoglu Irem , Cebeci Kubra , Kurugol Zafer , Ozkinay Ferda 
Published: February 2023

AimsAs the COVID‐19 pandemic continues, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) maintains its importance in the differential diagnosis of common febrile diseases. MIS‐C should be promptly diagnosed because corticosteroid and/or intravenous immunoglobulin treatment can prevent severe clinical outcomes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate clinical presentation, diagnostic parameters and management of MIS‐C and compare its clinical features to those of common febrile disease.MethodsThis study was conducted at a tertiary‐level university hospital between December 2020 and October 2022. One hundred and six children who were initially considered to have MIS‐C disease were included in the study. During the follow‐up period in the hospital, when the clinical and laboratory findings were re‐evaluated, 38 out of 106 children were diagnosed differently. The clinical and laboratory findings of 68 children followed up with the diagnosis of MIS‐C and 38 children who were initially misdiagnosed as MIS‐C but with different final diagnoses were retrospectively compared.ResultsWe identified 68 patients with MIS‐C and 38 patients misdiagnosed as MIS‐C during the study period. Infectious causes (71%), predominantly bacterial origin, were the most frequently confused conditions with MIS‐C. Patients with MIS‐C were older and had a more severe clinical course with high rates of respiratory distress, shock, and paediatric intensive care unit admission. While rash and conjunctivitis were more common among patients with MIS‐C, cough, abdominal pain and diarrhoea were observed more frequently in patients misdiagnosed as MIS‐C. Lower absolute lymphocyte counts, platelet counts and higher C‐reactive protein and fibrinogen levels, pathological findings on echocardiography were the distinctive laboratory parameters for MIS‐C. Multivariate analysis showed that older age, presence of conjunctivitis, high level of serum CRP and lower platelets were the most discriminative predictors for the diagnosis of MIS‐C.ConclusionThere are still no specific findings to diagnose MIS‐C, which therefore can be confused with different clinical conditions. Further data are needed to assist the clinician in the differential diagnosis of MIS‐C and the diagnostic criteria should be updated over time.
Discovery of canine drug toceranib phosphate as a repurposed agent against human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Qiao Ling , Qin Siyuan , Weng Ningna , Li Bowen , Luo Maochao , Zhang Zhe , Zhou Li , Wang Dong , Huang Canhua 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsHuman hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor clinical outcomes. There are limited therapeutic options for those diagnosed with terminal HCC and therefore incorporating novel agents into standard‐of‐care regimens is urgently needed. In contrast to de novo drug discovery, the strategy of repurposing compounds initially designed to treat animals might yield substantial advantages in terms of efficacy and safety. Given the evidence for the clinical efficacy of toceranib phosphate (TOC) against canine carcinomas, we aimed to investigate its therapeutic effect on human HCC.MethodsThe antitumor effects of TOC were evaluated using human HCC cell lines and cell‐line‐derived xenograft models. Changes in autophagic response upon TOC exposure were quantified through immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analysis. The role of TOC‐triggered autophagy was addressed via pharmacological and genetic inhibition.ResultsWe demonstrated TOC exhibited potent antitumor activity against human HCC cells by stimulating apoptosis in vitro and in vivo by a concomitant increase in autophagic flux. Blocking the TOC‐triggered autophagy inhibited cellular proliferation and decreased tumour burden, indicating a protective role of autophagy against TOC‐mediated HCC cell death. This role played by TOC‐induced autophagy was further linked to the inactivation of the Akt/mTOR pathway that could be attributed to the upregulation of Cyr61. Moreover, treatment with sorafenib plus TOC resulted in pronounced synergistic effects on HCC cells.ConclusionOur results elucidate a newly identified therapeutic potential of TOC in treating HCC, sparking a growing interest in repurposing such canine drugs for human use.
The invasion of tilapia in South China freshwater systems: A review
Authors: Yongo Edwine , Zhang Pengfei , Mutethya Eunice , Zhao Tian , Guo Zhiqiang 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTilapia invasion has become a significant concern to ecologists and conservationists, posing severe threat to freshwater biodiversity. Many tilapia species have been introduced to China since 1957, with some having invaded freshwater ecosystems in South China. Accordingly, the present review examined the driving factors for successful tilapia invasion and their ecological impacts, information essential for practical management purposes. This review identified aquaculture as the main pathway spreading tilapias into the wild freshwater systems through their escape and release. Their biological and life history traits, including flexible habitat requirements, environmental tolerance, and generalist feeding are essential factors facilitating their ability to inhabit varying habitats. Biodiversity loss and habitat degradation further promote tilapia invasions by creating exploitable habitats for them, noting their considerable tolerance to degraded ecosystems. Regarding ecological effects, tilapias stimulate phytoplankton growth by increasing nutrient concentrations in the water column through excretion and bioturbation. Tilapias also depress benthic algal growth by promoting sediment resuspension, deteriorating water quality, and enhancing eutrophication. Moreover, tilapias cause the decline of native fish species biomass through competition and may threaten fish biodiversity. The findings in the present review suggest direct removal of tilapias can be a useful practice for controlling them. Furthermore, imposing regulations on tilapias introductions, efficient aquaculture management, and biodiversity conservation should also be considered in controlling and preventing the invasion and spread of tilapias.
Input price discrimination and strategic inventory
Authors: Matsuoka Toshiki 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWe consider a two‐period model with strategic inventory and explore the welfare implications of banning input price discrimination. We find that inventory incentive is stronger under input price discrimination. Under uniform pricing, an increase in an inventory of a firm equally lowers the rival's wholesale price. It expands the rival's production, suppresses the firm's output, and weakens the incentive. We also find that the weak incentive leads to higher quantity‐weighted average wholesale and retail prices. Therefore, allowing input price discrimination alleviates double marginalization and leads to higher consumer surplus and social welfare.
Lysine 27 of histone H3.3 is a fine modulator of developmental gene expression and stands as an epigenetic checkpoint for lignin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Fal Kateryna , Berr Alexandre , Le Masson Marie , Faigenboim Adi , Pano Emeline , Ishkhneli Nickolay , Moyal Netta‐Lee , Villette Claire , Tomkova Denisa , Chabouté Marie‐Edith , Williams Leor Eshed , Carles Cristel C. 
Published: February 2023

Summary
Chromatin is a dynamic platform within which gene expression is controlled by epigenetic modifications, notably targeting amino acid residues of histone H3. Among them is lysine 27 of H3 (H3K27), the trimethylation of which by the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) is instrumental in regulating spatiotemporal patterns of key developmental genes. H3K27 is also subjected to acetylation and is found at sites of active transcription. Most information on the function of histone residues and their associated modifications in plants was obtained from studies of loss‐of‐function mutants for the complexes that modify them.
To decrypt the genuine function of H3K27, we expressed a non‐modifiable variant of H3 at residue K27 (H3.3K27A) in Arabidopsis, and developed a multi‐scale approach combining in‐depth phenotypical and cytological analyses, with transcriptomics and metabolomics.
We uncovered that the H3.3K27A variant causes severe developmental defects, part of them are reminiscent of PRC2 mutants, part of them are new. They include early flowering, increased callus formation and short stems with thicker xylem cell layer. This latest phenotype correlates with mis‐regulation of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis.
Overall, our results reveal novel roles of H3K27 in plant cell fates and metabolic pathways, and highlight an epigenetic control point for elongation and lignin composition of the stem.
vicR overexpression in Streptococcus mutans causes aggregation and affects interspecies competition
Authors: Yan Jiangchuan , Gong Tao , Ma Qizhao , Zheng Ting , Chen Jiamin , Li Jing , Jing Meiling , Lin Yongwang , Wang Xiaowan , Lei Lei , Wang Shida , Zeng Jumei , Li Yuqing 
Published: February 2023

AbstractStreptococcus mutans is considered to be a major causative agent of dental caries. VicRK is a two‐component signal transduction system (TCSTS) of S. mutans, which can regulate the virulence of S. mutans, such as biofilm formation, exopolysaccharide production, acid production, and acid resistance. Meanwhile, it can also regulate the production of mutacins (nlmC) through the TCSTS ComDE. In this study, we found that the vicR‐overexpressing strain was more likely to aggregate to form cell clusters, leading to the formation of abnormal biofilm; the overexpression of vicR increased the length of the chain of S. mutans. Furthermore, the expression of the mutacins in the vicR overexpression strain was increased under aerobic conditions. Compared with the control strain and the parental strain, the vicR overexpression strain was more competitive against Streptococcus gordonii. But there was no significant difference against Streptococcus sanguinis. In clinical strains, the expression level of vicR was positively correlated with their competitive ability against S. gordonii. Transcriptional profiling revealed 24 significantly upregulated genes in the vicR‐overexpressing strain, including nlmA, nlmB, nlmC, and nlmD encoding mutacins. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and DNase I footprinting assays confirmed that VicR can directly bind to the promoter sequence of nlmD. Taken together, our findings further demonstrate that VicRK, an important TCSTS of S. mutans, is involved in S. mutans cell morphology and biofilm formation. VicRK regulates the production of more mutacins in S. mutans in response to oxygen stimulation. VicR can bind to the promoter sequence of nlmD, thereby directly regulating the production of mutacins NlmD.
The outdoor environment affects retinal and choroidal thickness
Authors: Lou Linjiang , Ostrin Lisa A. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPurposeAccumulating evidence suggests that time outdoors is protective against myopia development and that the choroid may be involved in this effect. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of 2 h of time outdoors in sunlight on retinal and choroidal thickness in adults.MethodsTwenty adults, ages 23–46 years, each participated in three experimental sessions on different days, consisting of 2 h of exposure to (1) indoor illumination (350 lux), (2) darkness (<0.1 lux) or (3) outdoor environment (6000–50,000 lux). Spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) imaging was conducted at baseline, after 1 and 2 h of exposure, and after 1 and 2 h of follow‐up. Choroidal, total retinal, photoreceptor outer segment + retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor inner segment thicknesses were determined.ResultsAt 2 h, the choroid was significantly thinner during the outdoor compared with the indoor and dark conditions (p < 0.01) but was not significantly different at follow‐up. Total retinal thickness was significantly thicker during and after the outdoor compared with the indoor and dark conditions. The outer segment + RPE was significantly thinner during the outdoor compared with the indoor condition but was not significantly different at follow‐up. The inner segment was significantly thicker during the outdoor compared with the indoor and dark conditions during exposure and follow‐up.ConclusionsSpending 2 h outdoors under high‐intensity sunlight resulted in an unexpected thinning of the choroid, which recovered post‐exposure. Retinal thickness showed different responses to the outdoor and indoor environments and was sensitive to the duration of exposure.
Nitric oxide, calmodulin and calcium protein kinase interactions in the response of Brassica napus to salinity stress
Authors: Rezayian M. , Zarinkamar F. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in plant metabolism and its connection with phytohormones has not been fully described, thus information about the role of this molecule in signalling pathways remains fragmented. In this study, the effects of NO on calmodulin (CAM), calcium protein kinase (CPK), content of phytohormones and secondary metabolites in canola plants under salinity stress were investigated.

We applied 100 μM sodium nitroprusside as an NO source to canola plants grown under saline (100 mM NaCl) and non‐saline conditions at the vegetative stage.

Plant growth was negatively affected by salinity, but exogenous NO treatment improved growth. NO caused a significant increase in activity of CAT, SOD and POX through their enhanced gene expression in stressed canola. Salinity‐responsive genes, namely CAM and CPK, were induced by NO in plants grown under salinity. NO application enhanced phenolic compounds, such as gallic acid and coumaric acid and flavonoid compound,s catechin, diadzein and kaempferol, in plants subjected to salinity. NO treatment enhanced abscisic acid and brassinosteroids but decreased auxin and gibberellin in stressed canola plants.

The impacts of NO in improving stress tolerance in canola required CAM and CPK. Also, NO signalling re‐established the phytohormone balance and resulted in enhanced tolerance to salt stress. Furthermore, NO improved salinity tolerance in canola by increasing enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidant content.
Evaluating the potential of environmentally friendly compounds to deactivate different life stages of Phytophthora species
Authors: De Zoysa Gayan H. , Schwendenmann Luitgard , Waipara Nick , Sarojini Vijayalekshmi 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPhytophthora species are a genus in the oomycete class and are destructive plant pathogens. The ability to inhibit all stages in the life cycle of these aggressive Phytophthora pathogens is essential for the long‐term protection of native trees, plantation forests and horticultural crops that they threaten. Compounds having this ability are currently scarce. In this study, antifungal compounds of natural and synthetic origin were screened against the mycelial, zoospore and oospore life stages of Phytophthora agathidicida (P. agathidicida 18406), P. multivora (P. multivora 20280) and P. cinnamomi (P. cinnamomi 20276, 3910 and 21050). An antifungal lipopeptide showed promising (25–200 μg/mL) antimycelial activity against all the tested Phytophthora species, rapid (c. 30 s) inhibition of P. agathidicida, P. multivora and P. cinnamomi 3910 zoospore motility, inhibition of zoospore germination at 12.5–50 μg/mL and reduced the viability of P. agathidicida and P. multivora oospores at 1000 μg/mL. Polygodial extracted from New Zealand horopito leaves showed more potent (5–50 μg/mL) antimycelial activity and inhibited zoospore motility of P. agathidicida, P. multivora and P. cinnamomi 3910, although at a slightly slower rate; however, it was inactive against oospores. Polygodial and lipopeptide protected kauri and avocado leaves from Phytophthora infection and did not show symptoms of phytotoxicity. Polygodial also inhibited the growth of P. agathidicida in soil. This study demonstrates for the first time the promising antioomycete potential of compounds ranging from small molecule natural products to larger biomolecules such as lipopeptides, which can be developed as compounds to deactivate the different life stages of aggressive Phytophthora species.
Effects of drought, subsequent waterlogging and redrying on growth, physiology and metabolism of wheat
Authors: Schweiger Rabea , Maidel Alena‐Maria , Renziehausen Tilo , Schmidt‐Schippers Romy , Müller Caroline 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWith climate change, longer periods without precipitation but also heavy rains will become more frequent. Thus, understanding and predicting the implications of drought–waterlogging–redrying cycles for plants is essential. We examined the effects of such events on wheat (Triticum aestivum). We measured the impacts of subsequent water treatments (drought–waterlogging–redrying) on plant shoot and root biomass, photosynthesis and transpiration, as well as on primary metabolites and transcripts of leaves. Drought and drought followed by waterlogging severely reduced shoot and root biomass. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and the CO2 assimilation rate per unit leaf area were not affected by the treatments but, after the redrying phase, plants grown under the stress treatments showed a higher transpiration rate per unit leaf area and a lower instantaneous water use efficiency. Many organic acids of the citrate cycle were less concentrated in leaves of stressed plants, while most amino acids were more concentrated. Transcript analysis of genes involved in signalling and metabolism revealed different expression patterns. While some genes responded only to drought or drought followed by waterlogging, several genes were induced upon both treatments and some were still upregulated at the end of the redrying phase. We provide insights into how wheat responds to changes in water regimes, with some of the changes probably allowing the plants to cope with these stressors, at least to a certain degree.
Flexible patient‐reported outcome‐based telehealth follow‐up for type 1 diabetes: A qualitative study
Authors: Jensen Annesofie L. , Schougaard Liv Marit Valen , Laurberg Tinne , Hansen Troels Krarup , Lomborg Kirsten 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundSuccessful diabetes management requires collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals and should be aligned with an individual's condition and resources. We developed a flexible, individualised, patient‐reported outcome (PRO)‐based telehealth intervention called “DiabetesFlex Care” in which patients completed an annual self‐reported questionnaire from home, one required face‐to‐face appointment, and two optional outpatient consultations. In this study, we investigated patients' experiences using DiabetesFlex Care.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative, interpretive descriptive (ID) study based on semi‐structured interviews with a purposeful sample of 36 patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who had used DiabetesFlex Care. Recorded audio data were transcribed and analysed inductively using the constant comparative method.ResultsDiabetesFlex Care changed participants' perspectives on living with diabetes. Patients became more involved in their own care and found that DiabetesFlex Care helped to make their conversations with healthcare professionals more relevant. Furthermore, participants appreciated the ability to both choose the format of their appointments (face‐to‐face vs. phone call) and cancel unnecessary appointments.ConclusionDiabetesFlex Care was a flexible and inclusive health service that enabled patients to take more responsibility for their own diabetes management. The questionnaire‐based approach in DiabetesFlex Care can help healthcare professionals systematically account for patients' perspectives and support user involvement and self‐management. By extension, this approach can also help minimise healthcare‐related disruptions in patients' lives. Further studies are needed to determine whether flexible PRO‐based telehealth is an acceptable solution for all patients.
Combined handgrip strength and walking pace, genetic susceptibility, and incident hypertension: A prospective study in UK Biobank
Authors: He Panpan , Gan Xiaoqin , Ye Ziliang , Liu Mengyi , Zhou Chun , Wu Qimeng , Zhang Yanjun , Yang Sisi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Qin Xianhui 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionWe aimed to investigate the relations of handgrip strength, walking pace and the combination of handgrip strength and walking pace with incident hypertension, and to explore whether this association was modified by the genetic risk of hypertension.Methods214 214 participants without prior hypertension in the UK Biobank were included. Handgrip strength was assessed by dynamometer. Walking pace was self‐defined as slow, average, or brisk. The study outcome was incident hypertension. A genetic risk score for hypertension was generated using a Bayesian approach applied to meta‐analyzed summary statistics GWAS data.ResultsOver a median follow‐up of 11.9 years, 13 344 (6.2%) participants developed incident hypertension. When handgrip strength was assessed as sex‐specific quartiles, compared with those with the lowest handgrip strength (quartile 1), the adjusted HRs (95% CI) of incident hypertension in quartile 2, quartile 3, and quartile 4 were 0.80 (0.69, 0.93), 0.74 (0.64, 0.86), and 0.72 (0.61, 0.84), respectively. Compared with those with slow walking pace, participants with average (HR, 0.52; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.67) or brisk (HR, 0.43; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.56) walking pace had significantly lower risks of hypertension. Moreover, compared with those with both lower handgrip strength (quartile 1) and slow walking pace, the lowest risk of incident hypertension was observed in participants with both high handgrip strength (quartiles 2–4) and fast (average or brisk) walking pace (HR, 0.36; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.52). Genetic risks of hypertension did not significantly modify the association (p‐interaction = 0.300).ConclusionBoth higher handgrip strength and faster walking pace were significantly associated with a lower risk of incident hypertension, independent of genetic risks of hypertension.