bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemical Biology of αGalCer: A Chemist's Toolbox for the Stimulation of Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) Cells
Authors: Romanò Cecilia , Clausen Mads H. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractOften referred to as the “Swiss Army knife” of the immune system, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a subpopulation of T lymphocytes stimulated by the synthetic glycolipid α‐galactosylceramide (αGalCer) when in complex with the CD1d receptor of antigen presenting cells. Through their ability to produce TH1 and TH2 cytokines and co‐stimulate several other lymphocytes, iNKT cells have emerged as central players in directing the immune response in a range of physiological processes, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Over the years, synthetic chemistry has advanced the field of iNKT cell stimulation with the development of more efficient approaches to prepare αGalCer, and, additionally, with the chemical synthesis of αGalCer analogs in the search of better TH1/TH2 cytokine skewing compounds for therapeutic applications. Here, we review the strategies for the synthesis of αGalCer and its analogs, including synthetic probes, together with the most important advances in the understanding of the mechanism of action of these compounds, as a guide to the available tools for interrogating the iNKT cell−αGalCer−CD1d complex and inspiration for future research.
The population of Saudi Arabia's willingness to pay for improved level of access to healthcare services: A contingent valuation study
Authors: Al Mustanyir Salem , Turner Brian , Mulcahy Mark 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and aimsThe Saudi Ministry of Health budget has surged since 2006 to put a strain on government finances at a time when the economy slowed as a result of plummeting oil prices. This study investigated the population of Saudi Arabia's willingness to pay for the healthcare services that are currently provided for free by the Saudi Ministry of Health, in return for improving their level of access.MethodsQuestionnaires were used to collect data from 600 individuals in the Riyadh region. The data were elicited using payment scale format and a two‐part model was employed for data analyses.ResultsThe empirical analyses showed that the majority of the sample were willing to pay and found nine factors influenced people's willingness to pay—age, gender, education, employment status, nationality, marital status, current eligibility for healthcare services, possession of private health insurance, and having a chronic disease.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that policymakers in Saudi Arabia could reduce the burden on the Ministry of Health budget, while enabling people to improve their access to healthcare services. They might be of use to policymakers to help with fund allocation and priority setting.
Risk factors and risk nomogram model of reoperation for hemorrhages after severe traumatic brain injury craniotomy
Authors: Yang Tao , Yu Jie , Shen Hao , Yang Chao‐Zhi , Zhang Ping , Li Yi , Wu Hai‐Tao 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the risk factors associated with reoperation for postoperative hemorrhages after severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) craniotomy and establish a risk nomogram model.MethodsA retrospective case‐control study was performed. Overall, 367 patients who were diagnosed with sTBI and fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled from the Department of Neurosurgery of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University between January 2015 and December 2020. They were divided into a reoperation group and a non‐reoperation group according to whether they underwent reoperation for hemorrhages. Using univariate binary logistic regression analysis, the possible risk factors were screened. Subsequently, the independent risk factors of reoperation for postoperative hemorrhages were screened using the forward step method of multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, and a corresponding nomogram model was constructed. The receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the reliability of the model. Finally, 30% of the data were randomly selected for internal verification of the model.ResultsThe reoperation rate for hemorrhage after sTBI emergency craniotomy was 14.71% (54/367); multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that multiple hemorrhages (odds ratio [OR] = 4.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.815–10.587, p = 0.001), day or night surgery (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.119–0.547, p < 0.001), operation duration (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.119–0.547, p < 0.025), and abnormal intraoperative blood pressure fluctuation (OR = 4.15, 95% CI: 2.090–8.245, p < 0.001) were statistically significant. The sensitivity and specificity of the nomogram model were 0.815 and 0.661, respectively, and the area under ROC curve was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.705–0.833). Internal verification showed that the area under the ROC curve was 0.783 (95% CI: 0.683–0.883).ConclusionsTaken together, the results of our study reveal that multiple preoperative intracranial hemorrhages, day and night operation, operation duration, and abnormal fluctuation of intraoperative blood pressure were independent risk factors for postoperative bleeding and reoperation for sTBI. Through the analysis of the influencing factors, a prediction model for the risk of bleeding and reoperation after craniocerebral trauma was developed. Compared with other relevant studies, this prediction model has good prediction efficiency and can be used to predict the occurrence of bleeding and reoperation after sTBI in patients.
The impact of bank opacity on bank risk‐taking behavior
Authors: Tran Dung Viet , Hassan M Kabir , Houston Reza , Rabbani Mustafa Raza 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe examine the impact of opacity on bank stability using a large US bank sample from 2001 to 2021. We observe that increasing opacity erodes bank stability. Our results indicate that the spillover effects of opacity induce greater price synchronicity and consequently increase systematic risk. These stability‐destroying effects of bank opacity are transferred via reduced profitability, deteriorated asset quality, and increased earnings volatility. The negative effects of opacity on bank stability are more pronounced in financially stronger and larger banks. They are muted in dividend‐paying banks. This study supports the concerns of prior researchers over too‐big‐to‐fail institutions and should be of interest to policymakers and other bank stakeholders.
Blocking PARP activity with the inhibitor veliparib enhances radiotherapy sensitivity in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jing , Xing Weizhen , Lin Yanling , Uskenbayeva Nuray , Yan Hongchao , Xu Yang , Fang Lisha 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveOur study aimed to investigate the potential clinical utility of a poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, veliparib (ABT‐888), as a radiosensitizer in the medication of endometrial carcinoma (EC).MethodsHuman Ishikawa endometrial adenocarcinoma cells were treated with veliparib, radiotherapy (RT), or combination treatment. The viabilities, radiosensitivity enhancement ratio (sensitizer enhancement ratio (SER), and apoptosis of Ishikawa cells were, respectively, evaluated by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), colony formation experiment, and flow cytometry. The tumor growth was assessed by xenograft mice models. Western blot assay investigated the expression of DNA damage and apoptosis‐related proteins in vivo and in vitro.ResultsCell Counting Kit‐8 revealed that the 10% inhibition concentration (IC10) and 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) values of veliparib‐treated Ishikawa cells were 1.7 and 133.5 µM, respectively. The SER of veliparib combined with RT was 1.229 in vitro. Flow cytometry analysis results indicated that the apoptosis rate of the veliparib + RT group was markedly higher than that of the RT group in vitro (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in vivo data revealed that veliparib + RT treatment significantly decreased tumor growth compared with single treatments of veliparib or RT and with the control group (p < 0.05). Then western blot confirmed the levels of anti‐phospho‐histone (γH2AX), caspase‐3, and B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) associated protein X (Bax) were significantly higher in the veliparib + RT group, while the level of Bcl‐2 was lower compared with that of the RT group (p < 0.05), both in vivo and in vitro.ConclusionOur results indicate that veliparib in combination with RT markedly improved the therapeutic efficiency in human endometrial carcinoma.
Morphological and anatomical traits during development: Highlighting extrafloral nectaries in Passiflora organensis
Authors: Moraes Tatiana S. , Rossi Mônica Lanzoni , Martinelli Adriana P. , Dornelas Marcelo C. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPassiflora organensis is a small herbaceous vine with characteristic morphological variations throughout its development. The plant bears button‐shaped extrafloral nectaries exclusively in adult leaves. Extrafloral nectaries are structures that secrete nectar and play an important role in plant–animal interactions as a strategy for protecting plants against herbivory. In this work, we performed anatomical and ultrastructural studies to characterize P. organensis extrafloral nectaries during their secretory phase. We showed extrafloral nectaries in Passiflora organensis are composed of three distinct regions: nectary epidermis, nectariferous parenchyma, and subnectariferous parenchyma. Our data suggests that all nectary regions constitute a functional unit involved in nectar production and release. The high metabolic activity in the nectary cells is characterized by the juxtaposition of organelles such as mitochondria and plastids together plasmalemma. In addition, calcium oxalate crystals are frequently associated to the nectaries. An increasing concentration of calcium during leaf development and nectary differentiation was observed, corresponding to the calcium deposition as calcium oxalate crystals. This is the first description of extrafloral nectaries in Passiflora organensis that is a promising tropical model species for several studies.Research HighlightsThe anatomical and ultrastructural characteristics and the presence of calcium oxalate crystals in the nectary tissue suggest novel strategies against herbivory in the genus Passiflora.
COVID‐19 and acute pancreatitis: A systematic review
Authors: Babajide Oyedotun Ikechukwu , Ogbon Ekwevugbe Ochuko , Adelodun Anuoluwapo , Agbalajobi Olufunso , Ogunsesan Yetunde 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe aimed to systematically review the relationship between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and acute pancreatitis (AP). The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection causes respiratory symptoms and notably also affects the gastrointestinal (GI) system. A systematic review of the available literature on the topic was performed with a search key using the terms “SARS COV 2,” “Pancreatitis,” “COVID‐19” and synonyms. The search was conducted on 27 December 2020 using PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus. A meta‐analysis was not conducted due to the low quality and poor comparability of the studies. We reviewed 66 studies that reported data on patients with polymerase chain reaction‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and AP using the Atlanta Criteria. Our evaluation revealed a wide age range and diverse clinical presentation of COVID‐19 with or without symptoms of AP, some of which preceded typical COVID‐19 symptoms. We observed a myriad of complications and one study revealed that patients with both conditions were more likely to require mechanical ventilation and had longer lengths of hospital stay compared with patients with AP without COVID‐19. Treatment for AP was mostly supportive, with varied therapies employed for COVID‐19. Most cases were considered idiopathic and presumed to be SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced as established etiological factors were not reported. AP should be considered in COVID‐19 patients, especially in those exhibiting GI symptoms. Evidence to establish a causal relationship between SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and AP is currently lacking.
Weight gain during the dolutegravir transition in the African Cohort Study
Authors: Esber Allahna L. , Chang David , Iroezindu Michael , Bahemana Emmanuel , Kibuuka Hannah , Owuoth John , Singoei Valentine , Maswai Jonah , Dear Nicole F. , Crowell Trevor A. , Polyak Christina S. , Ake Julie A. ,   the AFRICOS Study Group
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionDolutegravir (DTG) has become a preferred component of first‐line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in many settings but may be associated with excess weight gain. We evaluated changes in weight and body mass index (BMI) after switch to single‐tablet tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir (TLD) by people living with HIV (PLWH) in four African countries.MethodsThe African Cohort Study (AFRICOS) prospectively follows adults with and without HIV in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Nigeria. Demographics, ART regimen, weight, BMI and waist‐to‐hip ratio were collected every 6 months. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with developing a BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Linear mixed effects models with random effects were used to examine the average change in BMI, weight and waist‐to‐hip ratio.ResultsFrom 23 January 2013 to 1 December 2020, 2950 PLWH were enrolled in AFRICOS and 1474 transitioned to TLD. In adjusted models, PLWH on TLD had 1.77 times the hazard of developing a high BMI (95% CI: 1.22–2.55) compared to PLWH on non‐TLD ART. Examining change in weight among all PLWH on ART, participants on TLD gained an average of 0.68 kg (95% CI: 0.32–1.04) more than PLWH on other regimens after adjusting for duration on ART, sex, age, study site and CD4 nadir. Among participants who switched to TLD, the average change in weight prior to TLD switch was 0.35 kg/year (95% CI: 0.25–0.46) and average change in weight was 1.46 kg/year (95% CI: 1.18–1.75) in the year following transition to TLD after adjustment for confounders.ConclusionsElevated BMI and weight gain among PLWH on TLD are concerning safety signals. Implications for the development of metabolic comorbidities should be monitored, particularly if annual weight gain persists during continued follow‐up after transitioning to TLD.
Meaningfulness and selecting clinical mental health counseling as a career: A cross‐sectional pilot study of master's students and recent graduates
Authors: McLean Rebecca A. (Newgent) , McLean Donald J. , Kress Victoria E. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMaster's students and graduates in two Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) clinical mental health counseling programs participated in the Role of Meaningfulness Survey. The results indicated that a sense of meaningfulness and being true to yourself may particularly be important for those who choose a high “burnout profession,” as it can contribute to their resiliency.
Combining in vitro and in vivo screening to identify efficient Pseudomonas biocontrol strains against the phytopathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Clough Sophie E. , Jousset Alexandre , Elphinstone John G. , Friman Ville‐Petri 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAlthough plant pathogens are traditionally controlled using synthetic agrochemicals, the availability of commercial bactericides is still limited. One potential control strategy could be the use of plant growth‐promoting bacteria (PGPB) to suppress pathogens via resource competition or the production of antimicrobial compounds. This study aimed to conduct in vitro and in vivo screening of eight Pseudomonas strains against Ralstonia solanacearum (the causative agent of bacterial wilt) and to investigate underlying mechanisms of potential pathogen suppression. We found that inhibitory effects were Pseudomonas strain‐specific, with strain CHA0 showing the highest pathogen suppression. Genomic screening identified 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol, pyoluteorin, and orfamides A and B secondary metabolite clusters in the genomes of the most inhibitory strains, which were investigated further. Although all these compounds suppressed R. solanacearum growth, only orfamide A was produced in the growth media based on mass spectrometry. Moreover, orfamide variants extracted from Pseudomonas cultures showed high pathogen suppression. Using the “Micro‐Tom” tomato cultivar, it was found that CHA0 could reduce bacterial wilt disease incidence with one of the two tested pathogen strains. Together, these findings suggest that a better understanding of Pseudomonas–Ralstonia interactions in the rhizosphere is required to successfully translate in vitro findings into agricultural applications.
The results of three times repeated filling cystometry and pressure flow studies in children with non‐neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction
Authors: Ergun Raziye , Sekerci Cagri Akin , Tanidir Yiloren , Ozturk Naime İpek , Tarcan Tufan , Yucel Selcuk 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimWe previously reported that some urodynamic parameters change with repetitive filling in children with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). In this study, we aimed to search if three‐times repeated filling cystometries (FC) and pressure‐flow studies (PFS) would change the urodynamics parameters in children with non‐neurogenic LUTD.Materials and MethodsAll children with three repeated FC and PFS between June 2017 and December 2018 were included in the study. Urodynamic reports and charts were evaluated retrospectively. The first sensation of bladder filling (FSBF), maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), detrusor pressure at the FSBF (Pdet.first.sens), maximum detrusor pressure during filling (Pdet.fill.max), presence of detrusor over activity, compliance, maximum urine flow (Qmax), detrusor pressure at the maximum urine flow (PdetQmax), residual urine and presence of detrusor sphincter dyssynergy (DSD) were compared among three‐times repeated urodynamic studies.ResultsForty children were included in the study. 27 (67.5%) were girls and 13 (32.5%) were boys. Median age was 9 (3.4–17) years. Indications were LUTD with low grade vesicoureteral reflux in 19 (47.5%), LUTD refractory to conservative management in 13 (32.5%), urinary tract infection with LUTD in 6 (15%) and secondary enuresis in 2 (5%). Pdet.first.sens, presence of DO, MCC, Qmax, PdetQmax, residual urine, flow pattern, and presence of DSD were comparable in all three repeated tests. The third FC may show decreased filling detrusor pressures and increased compliance with no change on capacity.ConclusionIn children with non‐neurogenic LUTD, three‐times repeated FC and PFS present comparable results except FSBF, Pdet.fill.max, and compliance at the third test.
Analysis of resistance risk and resistance‐related point mutations in Cyt b of QioI fungicide ametoctradin in Phytophthora litchii
Authors: Gao Xuheng , Hu Shiping , Liu Zeqi , Zhu Hongwei , Yang Jikun , Han Qingyu , Fu Yixin , Miao Jianqiang , Gu Biao , Liu Xili 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDLitchi downy blight, caused by Phytophthora litchii, is one of the most important diseases of litchi. Ametoctradin, as the only QioI (quinone inside and outside inhibitor) fungicide, has been registered in China in 2019. However, the ametoctradin‐resistance risk and molecular basis in Phytophthora litchii have not been reported.RESULTSIn this study, the sensitivity profile of 144 Phytophthora litchii strains to ametoctradin was determined, with a mean median effective concentration (EC50) value of 0.1706 ± 0.091 μg mL−1. Nine stable resistant Phytophthora litchii mutants [resistance factor (RF) > 400] were derived from sensitive isolates using fungicide adaption. The compound fitness index of three resistant‐mutants (HN10‐1‐1, HN10‐1‐2 and HN10‐2‐1) was similar or higher than that of their parental isolates in vitro. All these ametoctradin‐resistant mutants were sensitive to metalaxyl, dimethomorph, oxathiapiprolin and cyazofamid. Two point mutations, leading to the S33L and D228N changes in PlCyt b (cytochrome b) were found in ametoctradin‐resistant mutants. Eight ametoctradin‐resistant mutants containing S33L showed increased sensitivity to azoxystrobin and amisulbrom, and one mutant containing D228N exhibited increased sensitivity to cyazofamid. In vitro enzyme activity test showed that ametoctradin could not inhibit the activity of cytochrome bc1 complex with S33L and D228N point mutation. AS‐PCR primers were designed based on the S33L change to detect the ametoctradin‐resistant strains in the future.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that Phytophthora litchii has a medium to high resistance risk to ametoctradin in the laboratory. Two changes, S33L and D228N, in PlCyt b are likely to be associated with the observed ametoctradin resistance. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Chemical seed treatment and mycorrhizal inoculation provide better development and nutrition of common bean plants
Authors: de Souza Buzo Fernando , Garé Lucas Martins , Garcia Nayara Fernanda Siviero , de Andrade da Silva Maura Santos Reis , da Silva Pedro Henrique Giova , de Souza Morita Pamela Roberta , Correa Juliana Barboza , Martins Juliana Trindade , Rigobelo Everlon Cid , Nogales Amaia , Arf Orivaldo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDChemical seed treatment is an established practice in agriculture to protect crops from soil‐borne pathogens and pests. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) benefit plants by extending soil exploration as well as water and nutrient uptake. The objective of this work was to analyze the effects of combinations of seed treatments with doses of inoculant containing Rhizoglomus intraradices on vegetative development, root colonization and nutrition of Phaseolus vulgaris plants and soil microbiota.RESULTSSeed treatment benefited the vegetative development and nutrition of beans, with the treatments metalaxyl + fludioxonil + tiabendazole and pyraclostrobin + thiophanate methyl + fipronil standing out regarding the contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) of the aerial parts. Mycorrhizal inoculation linearly increased dehydrogenase activity, root biomass and total plant biomass, with increments reaching 27%. There was an interaction between seed treatment and inoculation dose for aboveground biomass and the contents of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), manganese (Mn) and root colonization, with expressive results for the combination of the two highest doses of inoculant with metalaxyl + fludioxonil + tiabendazole or pyraclostrobin + methylthiophanate + fipronil in the seeds.CONCLUSIONChemical seed treatment and mycorrhizal inoculation benefited bean plants and their nutritional status. The best combinations for the bean crop were metalaxyl + fludioxonil + tiabendazole with 41.4 mg of the inoculant per 100 seeds and pyraclostrobin + thiophanate methyl + fipronil with 62.1 mg of the inoculant per 100 seeds. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.