bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pirfenidone prevents esophageal stricture by inhibiting nucleotide binding oligomerization domain like receptor protein 3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Hirano Shinji , Higashimori Akira , Nagami Yasuaki , Nadatani Yuji , Tanigawa Tetsuya , Ominami Masaki , Fukunaga Shusei , Otani Koji , Hosomi Shuhei , Tanaka Fumio , Kamata Noriko , Taira Koichi , Watanabe Toshio , Fujiwara Yasuhiro 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and AimEsophageal injury often results in a scar, leading to refractory strictures. The NLRP3 inflammasome activates caspase‐1, causing the maturation of interleukin (IL)‐1β. Here, we aimed to investigate the preventive effect of pirfenidone (PFD), an antifibrotic drug, on esophageal stricture after ulcer healing and studied its mechanism by focusing on the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.MethodsEsophageal ulcers were induced in rats via the local application of acetic acid in the serosa. PFD was intraperitoneally administered to the rats 3 days after ulcer induction. The effect of PFD on esophageal stricture after ulcer healing was assessed by esophagography on day 9. The protein levels of mature caspase‐1 and IL‐1β were assessed by western blotting.ResultsThe ulcers fully developed 3 days after induction and were almost scarred by day 9 with severe strictures. PFD promoted ulcer healing and attenuated fibrotic collagen in the submucosa by suppressing the increase in NLRP3, cleaved caspase‐1, and mature IL‐1β expression, improving stricture rate (PFD vs vehicle = 55% vs 81%). Exogenous IL‐1β abolished the therapeutic effects of PFD on ulcer healing and stricture formation. Furthermore, NLRP3 and caspase‐1 inhibitors mimicked the effects of PFD on ulcer healing and stricture formation, with suppression of the increase in cleaved caspase‐1 and mature IL‐1β proteins and expression of fibrosis‐related molecules including transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1.ConclusionThe NLRP3 inflammasome promotes esophageal stricture formation following ulcer healing, and PFD exerts potential prophylactic activity against strictures, possibly via the inhibition of the NLRP3/IL‐1β/TGF‐β1 axis.
Oral health problems and risk of incident disability in two studies of older adults in the United Kingdom and the United States
Authors: Kotronia Eftychia , Brown Heather , Papacosta Olia , Lennon Lucy T. , Weyant Robert J. , Whincup Peter H. , Wannamethee Sasiwarang Goya , Ramsay Sheena E. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundPreventing oral health problems can be crucial for maintaining physical independence in older adults. We aimed to examine the associations of a range of oral health problems with incidence of disability in older adults.MethodsWe used prospective data from the British Regional Health Study (BRHS) (N = 2147, 71–92 years), and the Health, Aging and Body Composition (HABC) study (USA) (N = 3075, 71–80 years). Oral health measures included tooth loss, periodontal disease, self‐rated oral health, and self‐reported dry mouth. Participants were followed for onset of disability over a follow‐up period of 3 years. Onset of disability was assessed through new cases of mobility limitations, activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Logistic regression was performed to calculate the odds of incident disability.ResultsIn the BRHS, tooth loss was associated with greater odds of mobility limitations and ADL difficulties. Periodontal disease was associated with greater incidence of mobility limitations. Self‐report of ≥3 dry mouth symptoms was associated with increased odds of incident mobility limitations and ADL difficulties (OR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.27–3.42; OR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.03–2.90). Fair/poor self‐rated oral health was associated with greater incidence of IADL difficulties. In the HABC study, complete tooth loss was associated with greater incidence of mobility limitations (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.13–3.06), and fair/poor self‐rated oral health was associated with increased odds of incident ADL difficulties (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.04–1.94).ConclusionsOral health problems in older adults, particularly tooth loss, self‐reported dry mouth and self‐rated oral health were associated with greater incidence of disability. Poor oral health plays a potentially important role in the development of disability in older populations, which in turn is an essential part of quality of life and healthy aging.
Efficacy and safety of carbohydrate counting versus other forms of dietary advice in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised clinical trials
Authors: Builes‐Montaño Carlos E. , Ortiz‐Cano Natalia A. , Ramirez‐Rincón Alex , Rojas‐Henao Natalia A. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and aimsDiabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic noncommunicable diseases globally, and the only way to reduce its complications is good glycaemic control. Insulin remains the only approved treatment for type 1 DM (T1DM) and is used by many with type 2 DM (T2DM). Carbohydrate counting is considered the ideal way to calculate meal‐related insulin doses as it allows greater flexibility in diet and could, in some people, reduce the burden of the disease. The primary objective of this systematic review was to assess carbohydrate counting efficacy in reducing glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and safety by not increasing hypoglycaemia risk, inducing an increase in body weight or blood lipids, or reducing the quality of life of people with T1DM.MethodsWe included randomised controlled clinical trials with a parallel‐group design comparing any carbohydrate counting forms with standard care or other forms of dietary advice or insulin dose calculation in people with T1DM with a follow up period of at least 3 months and with no restrictions in language, age or settings. As a primary outcome, we consider the change of HbA1c levels within at least 3 months. Secondary outcomes were hypoglycaemia events, body weight changes, blood lipids levels, and the total daily insulin dose. We also evaluated health‐related quality‐of‐life changes and questionnaires on satisfaction with treatment of diabetes.ResultsData from 11 studies with 899 patients were retrieved with a mean follow‐up of 52 ± 35.5 weeks. Carbohydrate counting is not better in reducing HbA1clevels (SMD‐0.24%, 95% CI −0.68 to 0.21) than all dietary advice forms. However, this finding was highly heterogeneous. We identified three studies that account for most of the heterogeneity using clustering algorithms. A second analysis excluding these studies shows a meaningful reduction in HbA1c levels (SMD‐0.52%, 95% CI −0.82 to −0.23) with low heterogeneity. In the subgroup analysis, carbohydrate counting significantly reduces HbA1c levels compared with usual diabetes education. Carbohydrate counting does not relate to any substantial change in blood lipids, body weight, hypoglycaemia risk or daily insulin dose. Finally, we analysed the effect of trial duration on reduction in HbA1c levels and found no significant change related to time.ConclusionsCarbohydrate counting is an efficacious technique to safely reduce the levels of HbA1c in adults and children compared with standard diabetes education, and its effect does not appear to change with prolonged time. Standardisation in reporting important outcomes such as hypoglycaemia and quality of life are vital to produce comparable evidence in carbohydrate counting clinical trials. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO under code: CRD42020218499.
How is hydration assessed and managed in acute stroke? A qualitative study of healthcare staff’s knowledge, attitudes and experiences
Authors: Miller Colette , Gibson Josephine M. E. , Jones Stephanie , Timoroska Anne‐Marie , Maley Alex , Romagnoli Elisa , Chesworth Brigit M. , Watkins Caroline L. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAims and objectivesTo explore healthcare staff's experiences of how dehydration is identified and managed in hospitalised patients after acute stroke, and facilitators and challenges to optimising hydration.BackgroundOptimal hydration post‐stroke reduces the risk of neurological deterioration and other complications. Patients are at risk of dehydration in acute stroke, particularly those with dysphagia.DesignA descriptive qualitative study reported following the COREQ guidelines.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews, utilising patient vignettes, were conducted in 2018 (Apr–Oct) with a purposive sample of 30 multidisciplinary staff members from two UK stroke units. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis identified common themes which were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Behaviour Change Wheel.ResultsThe themes were mapped to twelve of the fourteen domains in the Theoretical Domains Framework. Participants believed that inadequate hydration management had potentially serious consequences, and described complex knowledge, skills and cognitive elements to effective hydration care. Participants felt that maintaining hydration was a multidisciplinary responsibility requiring good communication. Although the performance of initial dysphagia screening was reinforced by external audit, other areas of post‐stroke hydration management were not; notably, there was no established method of assessing hydration. Barriers to maintaining good hydration included lack of staff, out‐of‐hours working patterns, low priority given to hydration, patients’ comorbidities and complex post‐stroke disabilities such as dysphagia, aphasia, inattention and hemiparesis.ConclusionFindings highlighted the importance of assessing and maintaining hydration but identified barriers to, and variation in, clinical practice. To provide optimal care, barriers to the prevention and treatment of dehydration after stroke must be further understood and addressed.Relevance to clinical practiceMultidisciplinary teamwork is important in hydration care after stroke, but clarity is required about the specific contributions of each team member. Without this, hydration care becomes ‘everybody's and nobody's job’.
Melatonin prevents experimental central serous chorioretinopathy in rats
Authors: Yu Shanshan , Cui Kaixuan , Wu Peiqi , Wu Benjuan , Lu Xi , Huang Rong , Tang Xiaoyu , Lin Jianqiang , Yang Boyu , Zhao Jinfeng , He Qingjing , Liang Xiaoling , Xu Yue 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCentral serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a vision‐threatening disease with no validated treatment and unclear pathogenesis. It is characterized by dilation and leakage of choroidal vasculature, resulting in the accumulation of subretinal fluid, and serous detachment of the neurosensory retina. Numerous studies have demonstrated that melatonin had multiple protective effects against endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and blood–retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown. However, the effect of melatonin on CSC, and its exact pathogenesis, is not well understood thus far. In this study, an experimental model was established by intravitreal injection of aldosterone in rats, which mimicked the features of CSC. Our results found that melatonin administration in advance significantly inhibited aldosterone‐induced choroidal thickening and vasodilation by reducing the expression of calcium‐activated potassium channel KCa2.3, and attenuated tortuosity of choroid vessels. Moreover, melatonin protected the BRB integrity and prevented the decrease in tight junction protein (ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐1) levels in the rat model induced by aldosterone. Additionally, the data also showed that intraperitoneal injection of melatonin in advance inhibited aldosterone‐induced macrophage/microglia infiltration, and remarkably diminished the levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin‐6 [IL‐6], IL‐1β, and cyclooxygenase‐2), chemokines (chemokine C–C motif ligand 3, and C–X–C motif ligand 1), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐2 and MMP‐9). Luzindole, as the nonselective MT1 and MT2 antagonist, and 4‐phenyl‐2‐propionamidotetraline, as the selective MT2 antagonist, neutralized the melatonin‐induced inhibition of choroidal thickening and choroidal vasodilation, indicating that melatonin might exert the effects via binding to its receptors. Furthermore, the IL‐17A/nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathway was activated by intravitreal administration of aldosterone, while it was suppressed in melatonin‐treated in advance rat eyes. This study indicates that melatonin could serve as a promising safe therapeutic strategy for CSC patients.
Mutational meltdown or controlled chain reaction: The dynamics of rapid plastome evolution in the hyperdiversity of Poaceae
Authors: Wang Jie , Fu Gao‐Fei , Tembrock Luke R. , Liao Xue‐Zhu , Ge Song , Wu Zhi‐Qiang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe study of genomic structural evolution associated with accelerated evolutionary rates that result in avoidance of meltdown and increase biodiversity is becoming ever more possible as the number of available plastomes increases. To more comprehensively analyze rate heterogeneity among monocots and within Poaceae, we sequenced plastomes from four Poaceae species, combined them with publicly available data from ~200 plastomes, and conducted comparative analyses to quantify the pattern of rate heterogeneity between different lineages, functional groups, and periods of evolutionary time. We compared structural differences across the Poaceae to quantify how changes in plastome size correspond to different genomic subunits and the evolution of IR–SC junction boundaries. The substitution rates among ancestral Poaceae were inferred to be exceptionally rapid compared to other monocots but slowed after divergence into extant lineages, which could not be sufficiently explained by positive selection. As such, rapid rates in the ancestral lineage leading to Poaceae might be more closely linked to large‐scale structural changes like the loss of ycf1 and ycf2. The total increase in plastome size across Poaceae was positively correlated with the total length of intergenic spacers, tandem repeats, and dispersed repeats as well as large single copy, and inverted repeats (IRs). The continuous evolution of IR–SC junction boundaries was asynchronous with sizes of total genome and subunits across Poaceae. Future work is needed to better understand what factors in ancestral Poaceae evolved to harness such rapid rates of plastome evolution, avoid a mutational meltdown, and escape the stagnation of strong purifying selection as well as if these factors could be utilized to synthetically control rates.
A comprehensive analysis of higher‐level phylogenetic relationships of Hemiptera based on transcriptome data
Authors: Song Nan , Zhang Heng 
Published: April 2022

AbstractHemiptera is the largest order of non‐holometabolous insects. Recent phylogenetic studies have contributed greatly to our understanding of the phylogeny of the group. However, parts of the hemipteran tree remain unclear. In this study, we have sequenced transcriptomes from five sternorrhynchan species, four exemplars from Aphididae, and one from Monophlebidae. The addition of published transcriptome data produced alignments of >105 000 amino acids from 224 hemipteran taxa in 30 superfamilies covering all suborder and infraorder clades. The data confirmed the Sternorrhyncha superfamily relationship of Aleyrodoidea + (Psylloidea + [Coccoidea + Aphidoidea]). In addition, phylogenomic analyses supported a basal split of Sternorrhyncha and the remaining hemipteran lineages. The Fulgoromorpha formed a sister clade to Cicadomorpha, with strong support. Therefore, our results supported the monophyly of Auchenorrhyncha. The Coleorrhyncha was robustly resolved as a sister group of Auchenorrhyncha, contrary to the concept of the Heteropterodea. Within Heteroptera, the Enicocephalomorpha, Dipsocoromorpha, and Gerromorpha were resolved as the earliest branching groups, while the Nepomorpha, Leptopodomorpha, Cimicomorpha, and Pentatomomorpha were the successive sister groups to the remaining clades in the series. The Cimicomorpha and Pentatomomorpha were sister groups that occupied the most apical branches of the heteropteran tree. Although some phylogenetic estimates yielded conflicting hypotheses for superfamily relationships of Cicadomorpha, Four‐cluster Likelihood Mapping (FcLM) analyses revealed a greater phylogenetic signal for the relationship of Membracoidea + (Cicadoidea + Cercopoidea).
Optimization by uniform design U8(83) approach for enhanced caffeine degradation in synthetic wastewater in bioreactor
Authors: Shanmugam M.K. , Gummadi S.N. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Coffee wastewater contains large amounts of caffeine which affects microflora and seed development to great extent. Although several physio-chemical methods available for caffeine degradation, they are not preferred for large-scale treatment. In this study, we optimized induced cell concentration, aeration and agitation rate for maximizing caffeine degradation rate in bioreactor using Uniform design. Maximum caffeine degradation rate of 23·59 mg L−1 h−1 was achieved. The reduction in chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand and total organic carbon removal were found to be 72, 78 and 72% respectively. Mathematical model was developed through regression analysis and predicted maximum caffeine degradation rate of 24·2 mg L−1 h−1 under optimal conditions of 0·35 g L−1 biomass, 395 rev min−1 and 1·62 vvm. Experimental validation at optimum condition resulted in 22 mg L−1 h−1 of caffeine degradation rate. This is the first-ever bioreactor study showing highest caffeine degradation rate in synthetic coffee wastewater with limited experimental runs.
Dysfunctional presenteeism: Effects of physical and mental health on work performance
Authors: Bryan Mark L. , Bryce Andrew M. , Roberts Jennifer 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPoor health in the workforce is costly to employers and the economy. This is partly due to health problems causing people to spend less time at work but is also due to people being less productive while at work. In this paper, we investigate the causes of dysfunctional presenteeism, defined as reduced productivity at work due to health problems. We find that both physical and mental health significantly predict the probability of dysfunctional presenteeism, and the effects of mental health problems seem to be worse than physical health. In comparison, changes to most other characteristics have little or no effect.
Contributions of F‐specific subunits to the F plasmid‐encoded type IV secretion system and F pilus
Authors: Kishida Kouhei , Bosserman Rachel E. , Harb Laith , Khara Pratick , Song Liqiang , Hu Bo , Zeng Lanying , Christie Peter J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractF plasmids circulate widely among the Enterobacteriaceae through encoded type IV secretion systems (T4SSFs). Assembly of T4SSFs and associated F pili requires 10 VirB/VirD4‐like Tra subunits and eight or more F‐specific subunits. Recently, we presented evidence using in situ cryoelectron tomography (cryoET) that T4SSFs undergo structural transitions when activated for pilus production, and that assembled pili are deposited onto alternative basal platforms at the cell surface. Here, we deleted eight conserved F‐specific genes from the MOBF12C plasmid pED208 and quantitated effects on plasmid transfer, pilus production by fluorescence microscopy, and elaboration of T4SSF structures by in situ cryoET. Mutant phenotypes supported the assignment of F‐specific subunits into three functional Classes: (i) TraF, TraH, and TraW are required for all T4SSF‐associated activities, (ii) TraU, TraN, and TrbC are nonessential but contribute significantly to distinct T4SSF functions, and (iii) TrbB is essential for F pilus production but not for plasmid transfer. Equivalent mutations in a phylogenetically distantly related MOB12A F plasmid conferred similar phenotypes and generally supported these Class assignments. We present a new structure‐driven model in which F‐specific subunits contribute to distinct steps of T4SSF assembly or activation to regulate DNA transfer and F pilus dynamics and deposition onto alternative platforms.
Core Decompression Prevents Progression of Asymptomatic Type C Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head According to the Japanese Investigation Committee Classification: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Qiu‐ru , An Jing‐jing , Zhang Wan‐li , Yang Zhou‐yuan , Zhao Xin , Kang Peng‐de 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether core decompression could prevent progression of asymptomatic type C osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) according to the Japanese Investigation Committee (JIC) classification.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 124 hips (117 patients) with asymptomatic type C ONFH. Seventy‐one hips (67 patients) received core decompression (core decompression group) and 53 hips (50 patients) received no surgical treatment (control group). Clinical and radiological follow‐up was conducted at 6 and 12 months, then annually until 5 years. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of the Oxford hip score and UCLA Activity Level rating. Radiological outcomes were evaluated using X‐ray and magnetic resonance imaging. Survival analysis was performed based on collapse of the femoral head as the first endpoint and total hip arthroplasty (THA) as the second endpoint.ResultsThere were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the core decompression group and the control group within 2 years after surgery. Patients in the core decompression group had significantly better Oxford hip score and UCLA Activity Level from year 3 to the end of follow‐up (P < 0.05). In year 5, the absolute difference in Oxford hip score (5.3 points) exceeded the reported minimal clinically important difference (MCID, 5.2 points). In years 3–5, the absolute difference in UCLA Activity Level rating (0.95 points, 0.95 points, and 0.99 points, respectively) exceeded the reported MCID (0.92 points). By 5‐year follow‐up, significantly fewer patients in the core decompression group had experienced femoral head collapse (40.8% vs 62.3%, P = 0.011) or received THA (26.8% vs 45.3%, p = 0.022).ConclusionsCore decompression can prevent progression of asymptomatic type C ONFH according to the JIC classification, leading to better medium‐term hip function and activity levels than no surgical treatment. Core decompression is recommended for early intervention against asymptomatic type C ONFH.
Safety of dupilumab in a 5‐month‐old infant with severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Havele Sonia A. , Khurana Michele C. , McMahon Patrick , Murthy Aditi S. , Perman Marissa J. , Treat James R. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDupilumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that suppresses Th2‐mediated inflammation by inhibiting signaling of interleukin‐4 and interleukin‐13 through the interleukin‐4 alpha receptor subunit, and is approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in children 6 years of age and older. While initial data from phase 2 trials in children less than 6 years are promising, dupilumab use in children less than 6 months of age is not well studied. Here we present a case of a 5‐month‐old boy with severe primary AD, eosinophilia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and poor weight gain, who was successfully treated with dupilumab and experienced no serious adverse effects. To our knowledge, this is the youngest patient to receive dupilumab to date.