bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Boxwood phyllosphere fungal and bacterial communities and their differential responses to film-forming anti-desiccants
Authors: Li Xiaoping , Omolehin Olanike , Hemmings Ginger , Tseng Hsien Tzer , Taylor Amanda , Taylor Chad , Kong Ping , Daughtrey Margery , Luster Douglas , Gouker Fred , Hong Chuanxue 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundAnti-desiccant is a class of agrochemicals widely used to protect plants from water stresses, rapid temperature variations, heat and sunburn, frost and freeze damages, transplant shock, and pathogen and pest attack. Although anti-desiccants are generally considered non-toxic to organisms, it is unclear whether they may impact the phyllosphere microbial communities. In this study, three film-forming anti-desiccant products, TransFilm, Vapor Gard, and Wilt-Pruf were applied to the canopy of two boxwood cultivars ‘Vardar Valley’ and ‘Justin Brouwers’ on April 13 and August 26, 2021. Shoot samples were collected from boxwood plants treated with each of the three products, as well as nontreated control on June 16, August 26 (before the second treatment), and October 18. Microbial and plant genomic DNA was isolated together and 16S rRNA gene and the extended internal transcribed spacer regions were amplified with PCR and sequenced on a Nanopore MinION platform for bacterial and fungal identification.ResultsBacterial communities were more diverse than fungal communities. At the phylum level, the boxwood phyllosphere was dominated byProteobacteriaandAscomycota; at the genus level,MethylobacteriumandShiraiawere the most abundant bacteria and fungi, respectively. Among the three film-forming anti-desiccants, Vapor Gard and Wilt-Pruf had more impact than TransFilm on the microbial communities. Specifically, broader impacts were observed on fungal than bacterial community composition and structure, with most affected fungi being suppressed while bacteria promoted.ConclusionThis study addressed several major knowledge gaps regarding boxwood phyllosphere microbiota and the impact of anti-desiccants on plant microbiome. We identified diverse microbial communities of boxwood, a major evergreen woody crop and an iconic landscape plant. We also found differential effects of three film-forming anti-desiccants on the composition and structure of bacterial and fungal communities. These findings advanced our understanding of the associated microbiome of this landmark plant, enabling growers to fully utilize the potentials of microbiome and three anti-desiccants in improving boxwood health and productivity.
A five year descriptive analysis of potentially preventable hospitalisations for Ear, Nose, and Throat conditions in regional Victoria, Australia, from 2015 to 2020
Authors: O’Neill Susan , Begg Stephen , Spelten Evelien 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Potentially preventable hospitalisations of ear, nose, and throat conditions in the Murray Primary Health Network region have been found to be higher than the state average of Victoria, Australia. This study aimed to examine the association between selected patient-level characteristics and the likelihood of residing in a Murray PHN postcode with higher than expected numbers of potentially preventable ENT hospitalisations.

Methods
Unit record hospital separation data were obtained from the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset. Postcodes were classified as having higher than expected numbers of potentially preventable hospitalisations across three subgroups of ENT using indirect standardisation techniques. Differences between patients from ‘higher than expected’ postcodes and ‘other’ postcodes with respect to the distribution of demographic and other patient characteristics were determined using chi-squared tests for each ENT subgroup. The results were confirmed by logistic regression analyses using resident of a postcode with higher than expected hospitalisations as the outcome variable.

Results
Of the 169 postcodes located in the catchment area, 15 were identified as having higher than expected numbers of upper respiratory tract infection hospitalisations, 14 were identified for acute tonsillitis, and 12 were identified for otitis media. Patients from postcodes with ‘higher than expected’ hospitalisations for these conditions were more likely than others to be aged between 0 and 9 years, Indigenous, or from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.

Conclusion
Further investigation of the identified postcodes is warranted to determine access to and utilisation of primary healthcare services in the management of PPH ENT conditions in the region.
Exploring patient treatment decision making for osteoarthritis in the UAE: a cross-sectional adaptive choice-based conjoint study
Authors: Al-Omari Basem , Farhat Joviana , Khan Mumtaz , Grancharov Hristo , Zahr Zaki Abu , Hanna Sammy , Alrahoomi Abdulla 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective
To assess osteoarthritis (OA) patients’ preferences for pharmaceutical treatment via Adaptive Choice-Based Conjoint (ACBC) method.

Methods
A United Arab Emirates (UAE) based Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group designed the ACBC questionnaire with 10 attributes and 34 levels. The questionnaire was developed using Sawtooth Software and analyzed through Hierarchical Bayesian (HB). Results were standardized using Z-score via SPSS.

Results
Study participants were 1030 OA patients, 83.6% aged 50 or older and 83.4% female. The avoidance of medication’s side effects accounted for 66% relative importance compared to 6% relative importance for the medication’s benefits. The “way of taking the medicine” attribute had the highest coefficient of variation (70%) and the four side effect attributes “risk of gastric ulcer, addiction, kidney and liver impairment, and heart attacks and strokes” had a coefficient of variation from 18 to 21%.

Conclusions
Arab OA patients are similar to other ethnic groups in trading-off benefits and side effects and consistently prioritizing the avoidance of medications’ side effects. Although the “Way of taking medicine” was the least important attribute it was associated with the highest variation amongst patients. OA patients also prefer prescribed medications to internet-purchased and over-the-counter options.
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw using periodontitis-induced rat before tooth extraction
Authors: Park Kyeong-Mee , Cheong Jieun , Pang Nan-Sim , Kim Kee-Deog , Lee Jung-Seok , Park Wonse 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) after tooth extraction due to periodontitis in ovariectomized rats.

Methods
Twenty-four osteoporosis-induced rats were administered with zoledronic acid (ZA; ZA group) or saline (CONT group). In both groups, tooth extraction was performed after inducing periodontitis, and all animals were sacrificed 8-week after tooth extraction.

Results
Micro-CT of the tibia showed that the bone volume fraction, bone surface density, trabecular number, and bone mineral density were significantly higher in the ZA group than in the CONT group. Histologically, the proliferative zone on the growth plate was thicker in the ZA group than in the CONT group. Micro-CT of the extraction sites revealed that the bone volume fraction was significantly higher in the ZA group than in the CONT group. Radiologically, the ZA group showed partial healing and delayed healing. Histological analysis revealed normal bone healing status with completely healed epithelium in the extraction sites of the CONT group, whereas abnormal empty osteocytes in the necrotic bone and inflammatory infiltration were observed in the ZA group.

Conclusion
The incidence of MRONJ increased in the rats administered with ZA.
Psychometric evaluation of the Japanese version of the fear of pain questionnaire-III and its association with dental anxiety: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ogawa Mika , Sago Teppei , Furukawa Hirokazu , Saito Akihiro 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundFear of pain is a significant concern related to chronic pain and its impact on daily functioning. It is also associated with dental anxiety, highlighting its relevance in dental practice. This study aimed to validate the Japanese version of the Fear of Pain Questionnaire-III (FPQ-III) and explore its relationship with dental anxiety.Methods400 participants completed the Japanese version of the FPQ-III, with 100 participants re-evaluated after one month. Convergent validity was tested against dental anxiety and pain catastrophizing, while discriminant validity was assessed by examining general anxiety and depression correlations. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine the factorial validity of the FPQ-III and a shortened version of the FPQ-III (FPQ-9). Item response theory was applied for each subscale to estimate the discriminative power of each item and draw a test information curve. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to investigate the relationship between fear of pain and dental anxiety.ResultsData from 400 participants (200 women, 44.9 ± 14.5 years) were analyzed. The FPQ-III showed good internal validity, intra-examiner reliability, discriminant validity, and convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis results supported a three-factor structure, and the FPQ-9 showed a good fit. Test information curves demonstrated that the FPQ-9 maintained high accuracy over a similarly wide range as the FPQ-III. SEM revealed that fear of minor pain was associated with dental anxiety via fear of medical pain even in individuals without painful medical or dental experiences (indirect effect 0.48 [95% CI: 0.32–0.81]). Fear of severe pain tended to be higher in individuals with chronic pain compared to those without (latent mean values 0 vs. 0.27, p = 0.002) and was also associated with dental anxiety via fear of medical pain in women (indirect effect 0.15 [95% CI: 0.01–0.34]).ConclusionThe Japanese version of the FPQ-9 demonstrated high reliability and validity, making it a valuable tool in dental clinical and research settings. It provides insights into the fear of pain among individuals with chronic pain and dental anxiety, informing potential intervention strategies.
Effects of home visiting programmes on community-dwelling older adults with chronic multimorbidity: a scoping review
Authors: Chica-Pérez Anabel , Dobarrio-Sanz Iria , Ruiz-Fernández María Dolores , Correa-Casado Matías , Fernández-Medina Isabel María , Hernández-Padilla José Manuel 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Chronic ultimorbidity is the most frequent and serious health problem in older adults. Home visiting programmes could be a strategy with potential benefits. However, there are no scoping reviews to date that examine the effects of home visiting programmes on community-dwelling older adults with chronic multimorbidity.

Objective
To examine the effects of home visiting programmes on community-dwelling older adults with chronic multimorbidity.

Methods
A scoping review was carried out following PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. The search was conducted in six databases (PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE) between October 2021 and April 2022.

Results
Four RCTs with 560 patients were included. The visits were carried out by nurses, nursing students, volunteers, and other healthcare professionals. The interventions varied in the number of visits, frequency, duration of follow-up, and whether or not they were combined with other strategies such as telephone calls. Discrepancies were found in the effects of the interventions on quality of life, self-efficacy, self-rated health, and use and cost of health and social services.

Conclusion
This review shows that home visiting programmes could have potential benefits for older adults with chronic multimorbidity. However, its results have been inconclusive. There is a need for high quality studies involving a larger number of patients, in which home visits are the main intervention.
Race-specific spirometry equations may overestimate asthma control in Black children and adolescents
Authors: Burbank Allison J. , Atkinson Claire E. , Espaillat Andre E. , Schworer Stephen A. , Mills Katherine , Rooney Jennifer , Loughlin Ceila E. , Phipatanakul Wanda , Hernandez Michelle L. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
A growing body of evidence suggests that use of race terms in spirometry reference equations underestimates disease burden in Black populations, which may lead to disparities in pulmonary disease outcomes. Data on asthma-specific health consequences of using race-adjusted spirometry are lacking.

Methods
We performed a secondary analysis of 163 children from two observational asthma studies to determine the frequencies of participants with ppFEV1 < 80% (consistent with uncontrolled asthma) or ppFEV1 ≥ 80% using race-specific (GLI-African American or Caucasian) vs. race-neutral (GLI-Global) spirometry and their alignment with indicators of asthma control (Asthma Control Test™, ACT). Comparisons of mean ppFEV1 values were conducted using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests. Two group comparisons were conducted using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.

Results
Data from 163 children (100 Black, 63 White) were analyzed. Mean ppFEV1 was 95.4% (SD 15.8) using race-specific spirometry and 90.4% (16.3) using race-neutral spirometry (p < 0.0001). Among 54 Black children with uncontrolled asthma (ACT ≤ 19), 20% had ppFEV1 < 80% using race-specific spirometry compared to 40% using race-neutral spirometry. In Black children with controlled asthma (ACT > 19), 87% had ppFEV1 ≥ 80% using race-specific compared to 67% using race-neutral spirometry. Children whose ppFEV1 changed to ≤ 80% with race-neutral spirometry had lower FEV1/FVC compared to those whose ppFEV1 remained ≥ 80% [0.83 (0.07) vs. 0.77 (0.05), respectively; p = 0.04], suggesting greater airway obstruction. Minimal changes in alignment of ppFEV1 with ACT score were observed for White children.

Conclusions
Use of race-specific reference equations in Black children may increase the risk of inappropriately labeling asthma as controlled.
Apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM)/CD5L is involved in the pathogenesis of COPD
Authors: Takimoto-Sato Michiko , Suzuki Masaru , Kimura Hiroki , Ge Haiyan , Matsumoto Munehiro , Makita Hironi , Arai Satoko , Miyazaki Toru , Nishimura Masaharu , Konno Satoshi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Alveolar macrophages (AMs) and AM-produced matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-12 are known to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The apoptosis inhibitor of the macrophages (AIM)/CD5 molecule-like (CD5L) is a multifunctional protein secreted by the macrophages that mainly exists in the blood in a combined form with the immunoglobulin (Ig)M pentamer. Although AIM has both facilitative and suppressive roles in various diseases, its role in COPD remains unclear.

Methods
We investigated the role of AIM in COPD pathogenesis using porcine pancreas elastase (PPE)-induced and cigarette smoke-induced emphysema mouse models and an in vitro model using AMs. We also analyzed the differences in the blood AIM/IgM ratio among nonsmokers, healthy smokers, and patients with COPD and investigated the association between the blood AIM/IgM ratio and COPD exacerbations and mortality in patients with COPD.

Results
Emphysema formation, inflammation, and cell death in the lungs were attenuated in AIM−/− mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice in both PPE- and cigarette smoke-induced emphysema models. The PPE-induced increase in MMP-12 was attenuated in AIM−/− mice at both the mRNA and protein levels. According to in vitro experiments using AMs stimulated with cigarette smoke extract, the MMP-12 level was decreased in AIM−/− mice compared with WT mice. This decrease was reversed by the addition of recombinant AIM. Furthermore, an analysis of clinical samples showed that patients with COPD had a higher blood AIM/IgM ratio than healthy smokers. Additionally, the blood AIM/IgM ratio was positively associated with disease severity in patients with COPD. A higher AIM/IgM ratio was also associated with a shorter time to the first COPD exacerbation and higher all-cause and respiratory mortality.

Conclusions
AIM facilitates the development of COPD by upregulating MMP-12. Additionally, a higher blood AIM/IgM ratio was associated with poor prognosis in patients with COPD.

Trial Registration
This clinical study, which included nonsmokers, healthy smokers, and smokers with COPD, was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hokkaido University Hospital (012–0075, date of registration: September 5, 2012). The Hokkaido COPD cohort study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hokkaido University School of Medicine (med02-001, date of registration: December 25, 2002).
Copper biosorption by Bacillus pumilus OQ931870 and Bacillus subtilis OQ931871 isolated from Wadi Nakheil, Red Sea, Egypt
Authors: Danial Amal William , Dardir Fatma Mohamed 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Despite being necessary, copper is a toxic heavy metal that, at high concentrations, harms the life system. The parameters that affect the bioreduction and biosorption of copper are highly copper-resistant bacteria.

Results
In this work, the ability of the bacterial biomass, isolated from black shale, Wadi Nakheil, Red Sea, Egypt, for Cu2+ attachment, was investigated. Two Cu2+ resistance Bacillus species were isolated; Bacillus pumilus OQ931870 and Bacillus subtilis OQ931871. The most tolerant bacterial isolate to Cu2+ was B. pumilus. Different factors on Cu2+ biosorption were analyzed to estimate the maximum conditions for Cu biosorption. The qmax for Cu2+ by B. pumilus and B. subtilis determined from the Langmuir adsorption isotherm was 11.876 and 19.88 mg. g−1, respectively. According to r2, the biosorption equilibrium isotherms close-fitting with Langmuir and Freundlich model isotherm. Temkin isotherm fitted better to the equilibrium data of B. pumilus and B. subtilis adsorption. Additionally, the Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm suggested that adsorption mechanism of Cu2+ is predominately physisorption.

Conclusion
Therefore, the present work indicated that the biomass of two bacterial strains is an effective adsorbent for Cu2+ removal from aqueous solutions.
STAT3/LKB1 controls metastatic prostate cancer by regulating mTORC1/CREB pathway
Authors: Pencik Jan , Philippe Cecile , Schlederer Michaela , Atas Emine , Pecoraro Matteo , Grund-Gröschke Sandra , Li Wen , Tracz Amanda , Heidegger Isabel , Lagger Sabine , Trachtová Karolína , Oberhuber Monika , Heitzer Ellen , Aksoy Osman , Neubauer Heidi A. , Wingelhofer Bettina , Orlova Anna , Witzeneder Nadine , Dillinger Thomas , Redl Elisa , Greiner Georg , D’Andrea David , Östman Johnny R. , Tangermann Simone , Hermanova Ivana , Schäfer Georg , Sternberg Felix , Pohl Elena E. , Sternberg Christina , Varady Adam , Horvath Jaqueline , Stoiber Dagmar , Malcolm Tim I. , Turner Suzanne D. , Parkes Eileen E. , Hantusch Brigitte , Egger Gerda , Rose-John Stefan , Poli Valeria , Jain Suneil , Armstrong Chris W. D. , Hoermann Gregor , Goffin Vincent , Aberger Fritz , Moriggl Richard , Carracedo Arkaitz , McKinney Cathal , Kennedy Richard D. , Klocker Helmut , Speicher Michael R. , Tang Dean G. , Moazzami Ali A. , Heery David M. , Hacker Marcus , Kenner Lukas 
Published: August 2023

AbstractProstate cancer (PCa) is a common and fatal type of cancer in men. Metastatic PCa (mPCa) is a major factor contributing to its lethality, although the mechanisms remain poorly understood. PTEN is one of the most frequently deleted genes in mPCa. Here we show a frequent genomic co-deletion of PTEN and STAT3 in liquid biopsies of patients with mPCa. Loss of Stat3 in a Pten-null mouse prostate model leads to a reduction of LKB1/pAMPK with simultaneous activation of mTOR/CREB, resulting in metastatic disease. However, constitutive activation of Stat3 led to high LKB1/pAMPK levels and suppressed mTORC1/CREB pathway, preventing mPCa development. Metformin, one of the most widely prescribed therapeutics against type 2 diabetes, inhibits mTORC1 in liver and requires LKB1 to mediate glucose homeostasis. We find that metformin treatment of STAT3/AR-expressing PCa xenografts resulted in significantly reduced tumor growth accompanied by diminished mTORC1/CREB, AR and PSA levels. PCa xenografts with deletion of STAT3/AR nearly completely abrogated mTORC1/CREB inhibition mediated by metformin. Moreover, metformin treatment of PCa patients with high Gleason grade and type 2 diabetes resulted in undetectable mTORC1 levels and upregulated STAT3 expression. Furthermore, PCa patients with high CREB expression have worse clinical outcomes and a significantly increased risk of PCa relapse and metastatic recurrence. In summary, we have shown that STAT3 controls mPCa via LKB1/pAMPK/mTORC1/CREB signaling, which we have identified as a promising novel downstream target for the treatment of lethal mPCa.
Is myocardial fibrosis appropriately assessed by calibrated and 2D strain derived integrated backscatter?
Authors: Lima Maria Rita , Abecasis João , Santos Rita Reis , Maltês Sérgio , Lopes Pedro , Ferreira António , Ribeiras Regina , Andrade Maria João , Abecasis Miguel , Gil Victor , Ramos Sância , Cardim Nuno 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Aims
Increased collagen content of the myocardium modifies tissue reflectivity and integrated backscatter (IBS) indexes are suggested as markers of myocardial fibrosis (MF). We sought to assess the correlation between calibrated (c) IBS and bidimensional (2D) strain derived IBS with left ventricular (LV) MF in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods and results
We made a prospective observational cohort study including 157 patients with severe AS referred for surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR), with complete preoperative transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) obtained from the anterior basal septum at the time of surgery. Two groups of 30 patients were specifically evaluated, with and without late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) at CMR. IBS was obtained at QRS peak from both parasternal long axis (PLAX) and apical-three-chamber (AP3C) views and measured in decibels (dB). Whole-cardiac cycle IBS at basal anterior septum was obtained from 2D longitudinal strain. Correlation analysis of reflectivity indexes was performed with global and segmental (anterior basal septum) values of native T1 and extracellular volume (ECV), and EMB collagen volume fraction (CVF) (Masson´s Trichrome). IBS values were compared in both group of patients (LGE + vs. LGE –). 60 patients (74 [36–74] years, 45% male) with high gradient (mean gradient: 63 ± 20mmHg), normal flow (45 ± 10mL/m2) AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (60 ± 9%) were included. Basal septum cIBS was − 17.45 (–31.2–10.95) and − 9.17 ± 9.45dB from PLAX and A3C views, respectively. No significant correlations were found between IBS and both non-invasive CMR tissue characterization and CVF: median MF of 9.7(2.1–79.9)%. Acoustic indexes were not significantly different according to the presence of pre-operative LGE.

Conclusion
In this group of patients with classical severe AS, IBS reflectivity indexes are of no added value to discriminate the presence of MF.

Graphical Abstract