bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concurrent infections of Streptococcus iniae and Aeromonas veronii in farmed Giant snakehead (Channa micropeltes)
Authors: Pulpipat Theeraporn , Heckman Taylor I. , Boonyawiwat Visanu , Kerddee Pattarawit , Phatthanakunanan Sakuna , Soto Esteban , Surachetpong Win 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe giant snakehead, Channa micropeltes, is an increasingly important economic freshwater fish in Thailand and other regions of Asia. Presently, giant snakehead are cultured under intensive aquaculture conditions, leading to high stress and conditions favouring disease. In this study, we reported a disease outbreak in farmed giant snakehead with a cumulative mortality of 52.5%, continuing for 2 months. The affected fish exhibited signs of lethargy, anorexia and haemorrhage of the skin and eyes. Further bacterial isolations revealed two different types of colonies on tryptic soy agar: small white, punctate colonies of gram‐positive cocci and cream‐coloured, round and convex colonies of rod‐shaped gram‐negative bacteria. Additional biochemical and species‐specific PCR analysis based on 16S rRNA confirmed the isolates as Streptococcus iniae and Aeromonas veronii. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) placed the S. iniae isolate into a large clade of strains from clinically infected fish worldwide. Gross necropsy findings showed liver congestion, pericarditis and white nodules in the kidney and liver. Histologically, the affected fish showed focal to multifocal granulomas with inflammatory cell infiltration in kidney and liver, enlarged blood vessels with mild congestion within the meninges of the brain and severe necrotizing and suppurative pericarditis with myocardial infarction. Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed that S. iniae was sensitive to amoxicillin, erythromycin, enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, doxycycline and resistant to sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim, while the A. veronii was susceptible to erythromycin, enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim and resistant to amoxicillin. Conclusively, our findings highlighted the natural concurrent bacterial infections in cultured giant snakehead, which support the implementation of appropriate treatment and control strategies.
Spray drying of phytosterols: An alternative to improve the solubility of bioactive ingredients, with application in food matrices
Authors: Alvarez‐Henao Maria Victoria , León Daniel Esteban , Londoño‐Londoño Julian , Jimenez‐Cartagena Claudio 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPhytosterols (PS) are bioactive compounds widely distributed in nature and are similar to cholesterol in structure and function. They contribute to the decrease of cardiovascular diseases, which are associated with high‐cholesterol consumption. Plant sterols are lipophilic and need to be encapsulated to improve their solubility to be applied in foods. For this reason, this work found the optimum mixture for the encapsulation of PS, with soy protein isolate, maltodextrin, and Arabic gum used as encapsulating agents. Characterization of the design was evaluated in terms of the encapsulation yield, efficiency, water activity (aw), moisture, and water solubility. The drying process was undertaken at an inlet temperature of 165°C, 80% aspiration, and a PS/encapsulating agent ratio of 1:3. The optimal formulation corresponded to the soy protein isolate: Arabic gum: maltodextrin ratio of 21:78:1, respectively, which improved all the properties evaluated. The morphology and x‐ray diffraction results of this formulation also determined that the solubility and particle size were improved.Practical ApplicationPhytosterols are functional ingredients that contribute to reducing cholesterol levels in blood. However, its incorporation in different fields has been somewhat affected due to its crystalline structure. Therefore, to improve its application, different methods have been studied, but spray drying is one of the least evaluated. This study highlights the importance of phytosterols as bioactive compounds, their protection and solubility, achieved through technologies such as the spray drying and various encapsulating agents; which proportionate an open window to allow the future be applied in different sectors of the food industry, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, especially in products that have a high‐water content and with the purpose of giving importance to health properties.
An ARF24‐ZmArf2 module influences kernel size in different maize haplotypes
Authors: Gao Jie , Zhang Long , Du Haonan , Dong Yongbin , Zhen Sihan , Wang Chen , Wang Qilei , Yang Jingyu , Zhang Paifeng , Zheng Xu , Li Yuling 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTMembers of the ADP‐ribosylation factor family, which are GTP‐binding proteins, are involved in metabolite transport, cell division, and expansion. Although there has been a significant amount of research on small GTP‐binding proteins, their roles and functions in regulating maize kernel size remain elusive. Here, we identified ZmArf2 as a maize ADP‐ribosylation factor‐like family member that is highly conserved during evolution. Maize zmarf2 mutants showed a characteristic smaller kernel size. Conversely, ZmArf2 overexpression increased maize kernel size. Furthermore, heterologous expression of ZmArf2 dramatically elevated Arabidopsis and yeast growth by promoting cell division. Using expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis, we determined that ZmArf2 expression levels in various lines were mainly associated with variation at the gene locus. The promoters of ZmArf2 genes could be divided into two types, pS and pL, that were significantly associated with both ZmArf2 expression levels and kernel size. In yeast‐one‐hybrid screening, maize Auxin Response Factor 24 (ARF24) is directly bound to the ZmArf2 promoter region and negatively regulated ZmArf2 expression. Notably, the pS and pL promoter types each contained an ARF24 binding element: an auxin response element (AuxRE) in pS and an auxin response region (AuxRR) in pL, respectively. ARF24 binding affinity to AuxRR was much higher compared with AuxRE. Overall, our results establish that the small G‐protein ZmArf2 positively regulates maize kernel size and reveals the mechanism of its expression regulation.
Effects of oxytocin ablation on pup rescue, nursing behaviors and response to pup separation in early‐to‐mid postpartum mice
Authors: Ng Hannah , Ohmura Nami , Miyazawa Eri , Yoshihara Chihiro , Okuma Lana , Kuroda Kumi O. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOxytocin, a neuropeptide hormone, is indispensable for milk ejection during nursing and is important for uterine contractions during parturition. The exact functions of oxytocin in postpartum maternal behaviors and motivations require further investigation. To this end, we characterized the role of oxytocin in components of maternal motivations during the mid‐postpartum period, which has not been previously studied. To maintain suckling stimuli, postpartum oxytocin knockout (Oxt−/−) and heterozygous (Oxt+/−) littermates were co‐housed with a wild‐type lactating mother and its litter, and were examined for their ability to retrieve pups under standard or high‐risk conditions, nursing behavior, maternal aggression towards an unfamiliar intruder, and motivation to regain contact with separated pups. One‐third of Oxt−/− mothers exhibited prolonged parturition but were otherwise grossly healthy. Despite their inability to eject milk, Oxt−/− mothers displayed nursing behaviors for similar durations to Oxt+/− mothers during the second postpartum week. In addition, Oxt−/− mothers were essentially intact for pup retrieval under standard conditions and were motivated to stay close to pups, although they showed a mild decrease in maternal care under high‐risk conditions and increased anxiety‐like behaviors in pup‐related contexts. The present findings indicate that oxytocin is dispensable for nursing behavior and maternal motivations, yet suggest that oxytocin may be relevant for stress resilience in the postpartum period.
Identifying risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome in women with epilepsy: A comprehensive analysis of 248 patients
Authors: Lai Wanlin , Shen Ning , Zhu Huili , He Shixu , Yang Ximeng , Lai Qi , Li Rui , Ji Shuming , Chen Lei 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTo assess the risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women with epilepsy (WWE) and develop a practical approach for PCOS screening based on clinical characteristic, blood indicator, and anti‐seizure medication (ASM) profiles. This cross‐sectional study was conducted with 248 WWE who were consecutively enrolled from the Epilepsy Center of West China Hospital between April 2021 and March 2022. The epilepsy characteristics, blood indicators, and use of ASMs were compared between WWE with and without PCOS. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the factors independently associated with PCOS. The differential analysis showed that younger age at onset of epilepsy (<13 years), a history of birth hypoxia, obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2), use of levetiracetam (LEV) (≥1 year), higher levels of cholesterol, luteinizing hormone (LH) and anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH), and lower levels of sex hormone‐binding globulin were associated with PCOS (p < .05). Multivariate logistic regression identified that obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2), use of LEV (≥1 year), and higher levels of AMH and LH were independently associated with PCOS in WWE (p < .05). Obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2), LEV use (≥1 year), and elevated AMH and LH levels suggest an increased in the probability of occurrence of PCOS in WWE. The combination of these profiles provides a practical approach for screening PCOS in WWE.
Loneliness During the School Years: How It Affects Learning and How Schools Can Help*
Authors: Jefferson Rebecca , Barreto Manuela , Verity Lily , Qualter Pamela 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSubstantial evidence links loneliness to poor academic outcomes and poor employment prospects. Schools have been shown to be places that mitigate or aggravate loneliness, suggesting a need to consider how schools can better support youth experiencing loneliness.METHODSWe conducted a narrative review on loneliness in childhood and adolescence to examine the literature on how loneliness changes over the school years and how it influences learning. We also examined whether there were increases in loneliness because of the COVID‐19 pandemic and associated school closures, and whether schools can be places for loneliness interventions/prevention.FINDINGSStudies describe how loneliness becomes more prevalent during the adolescent years and why that is the case. Loneliness is associated with poor academic outcomes and poor health behaviors that impact learning or turn students away from education. Research shows that loneliness increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Evidence suggests that creating positive social classroom environments, where teacher and classmate support are available, is crucial in combatting youth loneliness.CONCLUSIONSAdaptations to the school climate can be made to meet the needs of all students, reducing loneliness. Investigation of the impacts of school‐based loneliness prevention/intervention is crucial.
Using the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Model to Support Mental Health in Schools
Authors: Lever Nancy , Orenstein Shawn , Jaspers Lea , Bohnenkamp Jill , Chung Joyce , Hager Erin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic increased already high rates of student mental health concerns and further underscored inequities and disparities in access to services and care. As schools continue to address the effects of the pandemic, they must prioritize student mental health and well‐being. In this commentary, using feedback from the Maryland School Health Council, we present the connection between mental health in school and the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model, a school health model commonly employed by schools and school districts. In doing so, we aim to highlight how school districts can use this model to address child mental health needs across a multi‐tiered system of support.
Melatonin‐mediated malic enzyme 2 orchestrates mitochondrial fusion and respiratory functions to promote odontoblastic differentiation during tooth development
Authors: Zhang Fuping , Yang Shengyan , Jiang Liulin , Liu Jiawei , He Yifan , Sheng Xinyue , Chen Haoling , Kang Jun , Jia Shilin , Fan Wenguo , Huang Fang , He Hongwen 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTooth development is a complex process that is tightly controlled by circadian rhythm. Melatonin (MT) is a major hormonal regulator of the circadian rhythm, and influences dentin formation and odontoblastic differentiation during tooth development; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study investigated how MT regulates odontoblastic differentiation, with a special focus on its regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. In rat dental papilla cells (DPCs), we found that MT promotes odontoblastic differentiation concurrently with enhanced mitochondrial fusion, while disruption of mitochondrial fusion by depleting optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) impairs MT‐mediated differentiation and mitochondrial respiratory functions. Through RNA sequencing, we discovered that MT significantly upregulated malic enzyme 2 (ME2), a mitochondrial NAD(P)+‐dependent enzyme, and identified ME2 as a critical MT downstream effector that orchestrates odontoblastic differentiation, mitochondrial fusion, and respiration functions. By detecting the spatiotemporal expression of ME2 in developing tooth germs, and using tooth germ reconstituted organoids, we also provided in vivo and ex vivo evidence that ME2 promotes dentin formation, indicating a possible involvement of ME2 in MT‐modulated tooth development. Collectively, our findings offer novel understandings regarding the molecular mechanism by which MT affects cell differentiation and organogenesis, meanwhile, the critical role of ME2 in MT‐regulated mitochondrial functions is also highlighted.
COVID‐19 vaccination willingness and uptake among rural Black/African American, Latino, and White adults
Authors: Strassle Paula D. , Green Alexis L. , Colbert Caleb A. , Stewart Anita L. , Nápoles Anna M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess differences in COVID‐19 vaccine willingness and uptake between rural and nonrural adults, and within rural racial‐ethnic groups.MethodsWe utilized data from the COVID‐19's Unequal Racial Burden online survey, which included 1,500 Black/African American, Latino, and White rural adults (n = 500 each). Baseline (12/2020‐2/2021) and 6‐month follow‐up (8/2021‐9/2021) surveys were administered. A cohort of nonrural Black/African American, Latino, and White adults (n = 2,277) was created to compare differences between rural and nonrural communities. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess associations between rurality, race‐ethnicity, and vaccine willingness and uptake.FindingsAt baseline, only 24.9% of rural adults were extremely willing to be vaccinated and 28.4% were not at all willing. Rural White adults were least willing to be vaccinated, compared to nonrural White adults (extremely willing: aOR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.30‐0.64). At follow‐up, 69.3% of rural adults were vaccinated; however, only 25.3% of rural adults who reported being unwilling to vaccinate were vaccinated at follow‐up, compared to 95.6% of adults who were extremely willing to be vaccinated and 76.3% who were unsure. Among those unwilling to vaccinate at follow‐up, almost half reported distrust in the government (52.3%) and drug companies (46.2%); 80% reported that nothing would change their minds regarding vaccination.ConclusionsBy August 2021, almost 70% of rural adults were vaccinated. However, distrust and misinformation were prevalent among those unwilling to vaccinate at follow‐up. To continue to effectively combat COVID‐19 in rural communities, we need to address misinformation to increase COVID‐19 vaccination rates.
Towards resorbable 3D‐printed scaffolds for craniofacial bone regeneration
Authors: Karanth Divakar , Song Kaidong , Martin Macey L. , Meyer Delaney R. , Dolce Calogero , Huang Yong , Holliday L. Shannon 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis review will briefly examine the development of 3D‐printed scaffolds for craniofacial bone regeneration. We will, in particular, highlight our work using Poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and collagen‐based bio‐inks. This paper is a narrative review of the materials used for scaffold fabrication by 3D printing. We have also reviewed two types of scaffolds that we designed and fabricated. Poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds were printed using fused deposition modelling technology. Collagen‐based scaffolds were printed using a bioprinting technique. These scaffolds were tested for their physical properties and biocompatibility. Work in the emerging field of 3D‐printed scaffolds for bone repair is briefly reviewed. Our work provides an example of PLLA scaffolds that were successfully 3D‐printed with optimal porosity, pore size and fibre thickness. The compressive modulus was similar to, or better than, the trabecular bone of the mandible. PLLA scaffolds generated an electric potential upon cyclic/repeated loading. The crystallinity was reduced during the 3D printing. The hydrolytic degradation was relatively slow. Osteoblast‐like cells did not attach to uncoated scaffolds but attached well and proliferated after coating the scaffold with fibrinogen. Collagen‐based bio‐ink scaffolds were also printed successfully. Osteoclast‐like cells adhered, differentiated, and survived well on the scaffold. Efforts are underway to identify means to improve the structural stability of the collagen‐based scaffolds, perhaps through mineralization by the polymer‐induced liquid precursor process. 3D‐printing technology is promising for constructing next‐generation bone regeneration scaffolds. We describe our efforts to test PLLA and collagen scaffolds produced by 3D printing. The 3D‐printed PLLA scaffolds showed promising properties akin to natural bone. Collagen scaffolds need further work to improve structural integrity. Ideally, such biological scaffolds will be mineralized to produce true bone biomimetics. These scaffolds warrant further investigation for bone regeneration.
Changes in alveolar bone structure during orthodontic tooth movement in adolescent and adult rats: A microcomputed tomography study
Authors: Xu Bowen , Yang Kai 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing number of adults are willing to seek orthodontic treatment, but treatment duration for them is commonly longer. Although there have been studies on molecular biological changes during tooth movement, few have focused on microstructural changes in alveolar bone.ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the microstructural changes in alveolar bone during orthodontic tooth movement in adolescent and adult rats.Methods25 6‐week‐old and 25 8‐month‐old male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were used to build orthodontic tooth‐movement models. On Days 0, 1, 3, 7 and 14, the rats were sacrificed. Microcomputed tomography was used to evaluate tooth movement, alveolar crest height loss and microstructural parameters of alveolar bone (bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, trabecular separation and trabecular number).ResultsTooth movement in the adult group was slower than in the adolescent group. Alveolar bone crest height in adults was lower than it was in adolescents on Day 0. Under orthodontic force, the alveolar crest in both groups decreased and the degree of decrease are higher at early stage in adolescents. The microstructural parameters indicated that the alveolar bone was originally denser in the adult rats. With orthodontic force, it tended to be looser.ConclusionsUnder orthodontic force, changes in alveolar bone differ between adolescent and adult rats. Tooth movements in adults are slower, and the decrease in alveolar bone density are more severe.
Successful treatment of malakoplakia of the liver and skin in a pediatric liver transplant patient
Authors: Gerard Andrew , Mesa Hector , Danziger‐Isakov Lara , Barros Kathryn L. , Alali Muayad 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundMalakoplakia occurs uncommonly at any age, but pediatric reports are exceptionally limited. Malakoplakia appears primarily in the urinary tract, although involvement of essentially all organs has been reported, cutaneous malakoplakia is very uncommon and liver involvement is the rarest.MethodWe report the first pediatric case of concurrent hepatic and cutaneous malakoplakia in a pediatric liver transplant recipient. We also provide a literature review for cutaneous malakoplakia cases in children.ResultA 16‐year‐old male received a deceased‐donor liver transplant for autoimmune hepatitis, present with the persistence of the liver mass of unknown etiology and cutaneous plaque‐like lesions around the surgical scar. Core biopsies taken from the skin and abdominal wall lesions demonstrated histiocytes containing Michaelis‐Gutmann bodies (MGB) revealing the diagnosis. The patient successfully was treated with antibiotics alone for 9 months without surgical intervention or a decrease in immunosuppressive therapy.ConclusionThis case demonstrates the need to include malakoplakia in the differential diagnosis of mass‐forming lesions after solid transplantation and increase awareness of this very rare entity in pediatrics.
Inorganic nanoparticles for use in aquaculture
Authors: Vijayaram Seerengaraj , Tsigkou Konstantina , Zuorro Antonio , Sun Yun‐Zhang , Rabetafika Holy , Razafindralambo Hary 
Published: March 2023

AbstractNanotechnology is a rising technology dealing with nanoparticle‐based (1–100 nm) organic and inorganic materials. Such technology has a vital role in various industrial sectors, including pharmaceuticals, nuclear energy, fuel and energy, electronics, and bioengineering, while having potential applications to human, animal, plant, and environmental health. Even though nanomaterial applications can cover multi‐areas of biological and natural fields, limited information are available in the aquaculture sector. Nowadays, the aquaculture sector is the most imperative field to meet animal protein requirements for human nutrition, and aquaculture disease outbreaks as well as the aquatic environment pollutants are significant hindrances in producing healthy aquatic products. The current review aims to enlighten the direction of nanotechnology in the aquaculture industry while providing more specific information about inorganic forms of nanoparticles used to develop several types of applications such as antimicrobial, antibiofilm and photocatalytic agents, as well as aquatic animal nutrition in the domain of aquaculture. A large number of inorganic nanoparticles and their use as animal feed and for water treatment are extensively described. Their potential risks in aquaculture are also presented and discussed. The aquaculture nanotechnology applications are expected to contribute to fish health improvement, harmful microbes control, and aquatic products nano‐delivery in the forthcoming years.