bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melanin protects Cryptococcus neoformans from spaceflight effects
Authors: Cordero Radames J. B. , Dragotakes Quigly , Friello Phyllis J. , Casadevall Arturo 
Published: July 2022

SummaryAs human activity in space continues to increase, understanding how biological assets respond to spaceflight conditions is becoming more important. Spaceflight conditions include exposure to ionizing radiation, microgravity, spacecraft vibrations and hypervelocity; all of which can affect the viability of biological organisms. Previous studies have shown that melanin‐producing fungi are capable of surviving the vacuum of space and Mars‐simulated conditions in Low Earth Orbit. This survival has been associated in part with the protective effects of melanin, but a comparison of fungal viability in the presence or absence of melanin following spaceflight has never been tested. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of melanin by comparing the viability of melanized and non‐melanized clones of Cryptococcus neoformans yeasts following a roundtrip to the International Space Station. Yeast colonies were placed inside two MixStix silicone tubes; one stayed on Earth and the other was transported inside for 29 days before returning to Earth. Post‐flight analysis based on colony‐forming unit numbers shows that melanized yeast viability was 50% higher than non‐melanized yeasts, while no difference was observed between the Earth‐bound control samples. The results suggest that fungal melanin could increase the lifespan of biological assets in space.
Characterization of BbKlf1 as a novel transcription factor vital for asexual and infection cycles of Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Mohamed Rehab Abdelmonem , Guo Chong‐Tao , Xu Si‐Yuan , Ying Sheng‐Hua , Feng Ming‐Guang 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe large family of C2H2‐type zinc finger transcription factors (TFs) comprise the Kruppel‐like factors (KLFs) that evolved relatively late in eukaryotes but remain unexplored in filamentous fungi. Here, we report that an orthologue (BbKlf1) of yeast Klf1 mediating cell wall integrity (CWI) is a wide‐spectrum TF evidently localized in nucleus and cytoplasm in Beauveria bassiana. BbKlf1 features conserved domains and multiple DNA‐binding motifs predicted to bind multiple promoter DNA fragments of target genes across asexual developmental and stress‐responsive pathways. Despite limited impact on normal colony growth, deletion of Bbklf1 resulted in impaired CWI and hypersensitivity to Congo red‐induced cell wall stress. Also, the deletion mutant was severely compromised in tolerance to oxidative and osmotic stresses, hyphal septation and differentiation, conidiation capacity (reduced by 95%), conidial quality (viability and hydrocarbon epitope pattern) and virulence. Importantly, these phenotypes correlated well with sharply repressed or nearly abolished expressions of those genes required for or involved in chitin biosynthesis, antioxidant activity, cell division and differentiation, aerial conidiation and conidial maturation. These findings indicate an essentiality of BbKlf1 for the asexual and insect‐pathogenic lifecycles of B. bassiana and a novel scenario much beyond the yeast orthologue‐mediated CWI, suggesting important roles of its orthologues in filamentous fungi.
Alterations in white matter microstructure in alcohol and alcohol‐polydrug dependence: Associations with lifetime alcohol and nicotine exposure
Authors: Agunbiade Kofoworola , Fonville Leon , McGonigle John , Elliott Rebecca , Ersche Karen D. , Flechais Remy , Orban Csaba , Murphy Anna , Smith Dana G. , Suckling John , Taylor Eleanor M. , Deakin Bill , Robbins Trevor W. , Nutt David J. , Lingford‐Hughes Anne R. , Paterson Louise M. ,   ICCAM Consortium
Published: July 2022

AbstractEvidence suggests that alcohol dependence (AD) is associated with microstructural deficits in white matter, but the relationship with lifetime alcohol exposure and the impact of polydrug dependence is not well understood. Using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, we examined white matter microstructure in relation to alcohol and polydrug dependence using data from the Imperial College Cambridge Manchester (ICCAM) platform study. Tract‐based spatial statistics were used to examine fractional anisotropy (FA) in a cohort of abstinent AD participants, most of whom had a lifetime history of dependence to nicotine. A further subgroup also had a lifetime history of dependence to cocaine and/or opiates. Individuals with AD had lower FA throughout the corpus callosum, and negative associations with alcohol and nicotine exposure were found. A group‐by‐age interaction effect was found showing greater reductions with age in the alcohol‐dependent group within corpus callosum, overlapping with the group difference. We found no evidence of recovery with abstinence. A comparison of alcohol‐only‐ and alcohol‐polydrug‐dependent groups found no differences in FA. Overall, our findings show that AD is associated with lower FA and suggest that these alterations are primarily driven by lifetime alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, showing no relationship with exposure to other substances such as cocaine, opiates or cannabis. Reductions in FA across the adult lifespan are more pronounced in AD and offer further support for the notion of accelerated ageing in relation to alcohol dependence. These findings highlight there may be lasting structural differences in white matter in alcohol dependence, despite continued abstinence.
Impact of wine bottle and glass sizes on wine consumption at home: a within‐ and between‐ households randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mantzari Eleni , Ventsel Minna , Ferrar Jennifer , Pilling Mark A. , Hollands Gareth J. , Marteau Theresa M. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackground and aimsReducing alcohol consumption across populations would decrease the risk of a range of diseases, including many cancers, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. The aim of the current study was to estimate the impact of using smaller bottles (37.5‐ versus 75‐cl) and glasses (290 versus 370 ml) on consuming wine at home.DesignRandomized controlled trial of households with cross‐over randomization to bottle size and parallel randomization to glass size.SettingUK households.ParticipantsA total of 260 households consuming at least two 75‐cl bottles of wine each week, recruited from the general population through a research agency. The majority consisted of adults who were white and of higher socio‐economic position.InterventionHouseholds were randomized to the order in which they purchased wine in 37.5‐ or 75‐cl bottles, to consume during two 14‐day intervention periods, and further randomized to receive smaller (290 ml) or larger (350 ml) glasses to use during both intervention periods.MeasurementsVolume (ml) of study wine consumed at the end of each 14‐day intervention period, measured using photographs of purchased bottles, weighed on study scales.FindingsOf the randomized households, 217 of 260 (83%) completed the study as per protocol and were included in the primary analysis. There was weak evidence that smaller bottles reduced consumption: after accounting for pre‐specified covariates, households consumed on average 145.7 ml (3.6%) less wine when drinking from smaller bottles than from larger bottles [95% confidence intervals (CI) = –335.5 to 43. ml; −8.3 to 1.1%; P = 0.137; Bayes factor (BF) = 2.00]. The evidence for the effect of smaller glasses was stronger: households consumed on average 253.3 ml (6.5%) less wine when drinking from smaller glasses than from larger glasses (95% CI = –517 to 10 ml; −13.2 to 0.3%; P = 0.065; BF = 2.96).ConclusionsUsing smaller glasses to drink wine at home may reduce consumption. Greater uncertainty remains around the possible effect of drinking from smaller bottles.
Understanding root fenestration: A systematic scoping review of prevalence and clinical factors
Authors: Kalaitzoglou Maria‐Elpida , Lambrianidis Theodoros 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe aim of this systematic scoping review is to explore the literature on root fenestration prevalence and its possible etiologic, aggravating and predisposing clinical factors. A systematic search was conducted in 5 electronic databases, by two independent reviewers, without any language and date restrictions. Forty‐six full‐text records were included in the study, out of which 27 were used for prevalence analysis and 42 for clinical factor analysis. The results suggest that the literature is heterogenous, with major differences in the study protocols and results' presentation, providing limited information regarding root fenestration prevalence and possible racial distribution patterns. Further documentation is also required regarding clinical parameters that may affect root fenestration's presence and severity. Despite their few limitations, retrospective cone beam computed tomography studies with high‐resolution protocols, as well as open flap studies for direct observation of possible root fenestration sites, seem the most reliable methods to better comprehend its presence and possible distribution patterns.
Evaluation of the removal of 2‐Hydroxyisocaproic acid from the root canal and its effect on the bond strength of MTA
Authors: Usta Sıla Nur , Eymirli Ayhan , Arias‐Moliz Maria Teresa 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the removal of 2‐hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA) from the root canal system and its effect on the bond strength of the mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). 126 single‐rooted teeth were divided into 3 experimental groups (n = 36) that were treated with double antibiotic paste (DAP), HICA and calcium hydroxide (CH) and one control group (n = 18). In the first part, 18 teeth from each experimental group (n = 54) were examined to remove HICA from the root canal. In the second part, 72 teeth (3 experimental groups (n = 54) and one control group (n = 18)) were used for the evaluation of the push‐out bond strength of MTA. There was no statistically significant difference between HICA, DAP and CH residues (p > 0.05). HICA group showed significantly less push‐out bond strength (p < 0.05). DAP, HICA and CH could not be removed entirely from the root canal. HICA significantly reduced the bond strength of the MTA.
Posttraumatic growth in people affected by an occupational accident: A longitudinal multilevel model of change
Authors: García Felipe E. , Cova Félix , Vázquez Carmelo , Páez Darío 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThis study analyzed a predictive model of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in a cohort of 244 workers affected by an occupational accident. A longitudinal design with three points in time (i.e., 1, 6, and 12 months after the accident) was used. PTG, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), subjective severity of the event, deliberate rumination, and seeking social support were evaluated. In addition, time since the accident, age, and gender were included as predictors in our model. Deliberate rumination and seeking social support significantly predicted PTG trajectory in a multilevel model. Practical conclusions from the results suggest that work accident victims should be encouraged to seek social support and to positively reframe their experience.
Quality of life in mothers and fathers of children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Sweden, Finland and Denmark
Authors: Mogensen Nina , Saaranen Ella , Olsson Erik , Klug Albertsen Birgitte , Lähteenmäki Päivi M. , Kreicbergs Ulrika , Heyman Mats , Harila‐Saari Arja 
Published: July 2022

SummaryAcute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) has a high survival rate, but treatment is lengthy with risk of severe side‐effects, which may also impact parents' health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). We present data on 526 parents of 310 children treated for ALL according to the NOPHO ALL2008‐protocol, in Sweden, Finland and Denmark. Parents were asked to complete the 36‐Item Short Form Survey (SF‐36) at least 6 months after end of treatment and data were compared with Norwegian reference data. Parental background factors were collected via a study‐specific questionnaire. Participating parents scored significantly lower than the reference population on both physical and mental summary indexes, but only surpassed a minimal clinically important difference for the mental summary index (Mental Component Summary [MCS]). Mothers scored lower than fathers in the MCS and stopped working and took care of the affected child more often than the fathers. Higher mental HRQOL was associated with male gender and living in Finland or Denmark (compared to Sweden). Correlations within spouses in physical and mental scores were weak to moderate. In conclusion, ALL negatively affects parental HRQOL, especially the mental domains, even after treatment. Findings suggest that mothers are more affected than fathers and may require extra support.
Paediatric urology inSub‐SaharanAfrica: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Coyle David , Nidaw Ephrem , Getachew Hanna , Payne Stephen R. , Subramaniam Ramnath 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe need for paediatric urological care in low‐ and middle‐income countries in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) is enormous due to a burgeoning paediatric‐aged population and a disproportionate burden of congenital malformations. There are formidable challenges in the provision of a skilled workforce and appropriate infrastructure, resulting in a huge unmet need with consequent effects on the long‐term health and prosperity of the population. Constraints of funding, geography, culture, surgical and anaesthetic skills, and instrumentation means that many conditions present late and with complications that could have been avoided by an earlier attendance. It also means that the management of congenital malformations, e.g., bladder exstrophy and congenital obstructive posterior urethral membrane, differ substantially from that seen in the developed world, with the outlook for children with renal failure being particularly bleak. Collaborations between paediatric urologists from high‐ and low‐income countries are beginning to help with the development of a surgical infrastructure customised to paediatric care, and with the training of specific paediatric urological knowledge and skills. These collaborations, whilst welcome, still require substantial expansion to achieve more equitable access to appropriate paediatric urological care for children in SSA. Future efforts have to focus on the creation of sustainable and equal partnerships between urologists from low‐ and high‐income healthcare environments, with an emphasis on providing sustainable management, appropriate to local need and available resources. The provision of shared learning, utilising the benefits of global digital communication, will improve mutual understanding of needs in a resource‐poor environment and the involvement of trainees from both income settings can help perpetuate long‐term collaborations.
Ezrin and CD44 participate in the internalization process of Coxiella burnetii into non‐phagocytic cells
Authors: Distel Jesús S. , Ortiz Flores Rodolfo M. , Bienvenu Arthur , Aguilera Milton O. , Bonazzi Matteo , Berón Walter 
Published: July 2022

AbstractEzrin protein is involved in the interaction of actin cytoskeleton with membrane receptors such as CD44. It regulates plasma membrane dynamics and intracellular signaling. Coxiella burnetii, the etiologic agent of Q fever, is internalized into host cell through a poorly characterized molecular mechanism. Here we analyzed the role of ezrin and CD44 in the C. burnetii internalization by HeLa cells. The knockdown of ezrin and CD44 inhibited the bacterial uptake. Interestingly, at early stages of C. burnetii internalization, ezrin was recruited to the cell membrane fraction and phosphorylated. Moreover, the overexpression of non‐phosphorylatable and phosphomimetic ezrin mutants decreased and increased the bacterial entry, respectively. A decrease in the internalization of C. burnetii was observed by the overexpression of CD44 truncated forms containing the intracellular or the extracellular domains. Interestingly, the CD44 mutant was unable to interact with ERM proteins decreased the bacterial internalization. These findings demonstrate the participation of ezrin in the internalization process of C. burnetii in non‐phagocytic cells. Additionally, we present evidence that CD44 receptor would be involved in that process.
Efficacy of combined chemical and electrochemical decontamination treatments on contaminated healing abutments and their effect on surface topography: An in vitro study
Authors: Kyaw Thiha Tin , Abdou Ahmed , Nakata Hidemi , Pimkhaokham Atiphan 
Published: July 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of four decontamination protocols on contaminated healing abutments (HAs) and their effects on surface topography.MethodsEighty contaminated single‐use HA samples collected from human participants were stained with phloxine B and examined microscopically. The retrieved HAs were randomly divided into four test groups: (1) Autoclaving only (AU), (2) 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) + AU, (3) Electrochemical treatment (EC) + AU, (4) NaOCl + EC + AU, and positive control (contaminated without any treatment). Four new unused HAs served as negative controls (NC). The surface features were analyzed using stereo microscopy (SM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and optical profilometry.ResultsThe lowest decontamination efficacy was observed for the AU group. The NaOCl + AU and EC + AU groups effectively removed residual contamination, whereas EC + AU showed better decontamination results than NaOCl + AU. SM, SEM, and EDS analyses revealed the best decontamination efficacy in the combined NaOCl + EC + AU group compared to the other groups. Surface roughness (Sa), developed surface area ratio (Sdr), and texture‐aspect ratio (Str) in AU, NaOCl + AU, EC + AU, and NaOCl + EC + AU groups were not statistically significant compared to the NC group.ConclusionsThe combination of NaOCl with subsequent EC can remove soft and hard deposits from the surface of HAs compared to NaOCl alone and EC alone, without altering the surface topography of HAs.
Telitacicept following plasma exchange in the treatment of subjects with recurrent neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: A single‐center, single‐arm, open‐label study
Authors: Ding Jie , Jiang Xianguo , Cai Yu , Pan Shuting , Deng Ye , Gao Meichun , Lin Yan , Zhao Nan , Wang Ze , Yu Haojun , Qiu Huiying , Jin Yuyan , Xue Jiahui , Guo Quan , Ni Liping , Zhang Ying , Hao Yong , Guan Yangtai 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIntroductionNeuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), mainly mediated by B cells and AQP4 antibody, has a high rate of recurrence. Telitacicept is a novel drug specifically targeting the upstream signaling for the activation of B cell with its following production of autoimmune antibodies. Thus, it may be a promising approach. Our study preliminarily explored the potential safety and effectiveness of Telitacicept following plasma exchange in the treatment of recurrent NMOSD.MethodsThis was a single‐center, single‐arm, open‐label study enrolling eight patients with recurrent NMOSD in China. All patients received plasma exchange three times, followed by Telitacicept 240 mg every week for 46 times. The primary endpoint was the time of first recurrence after enrollment. Secondary end points included: changes in Expanded Disability Status Scale score, Optic Spinal Impairment Scale score, Hauser Ambulation Index, number of lesions on MRI, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measured by optical coherence tomography, latency and amplitude of visual evoked potential, titer of AQP4 antibody, and immune parameters of blood. Safety was also assessed. The study was registered with Chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1800019427).ResultsEight eligible patients were enrolled. Relapse occurred in two patients (25%) and five patients (63%) remained relapse free after 48 weeks of treatment. The time to first recurrence was prolonged and the number of recurrences was reduced (p < 0.001, power of test = 1). One patient withdrew from the study due to low neutrophil count. No serious adverse events occurred.ConclusionsIn this small, uncontrolled study, Telitacicept following plasma exchange has the potential to be a safe treatment for patients with recurrent NMOSD. It may prolong the recurrence interval and reduces the annual count of recurrences. A multicenter randomized controlled study with a larger sample is thus feasible and needed to further assess its safety and efficacy.
Putting conservation efforts in Central Africa on the right track for interventions that last
Authors: Nana Eric Djomo , Njabo Kevin Yana , Tarla Francis Nchembi , Tah Eric Kaba , Mavakala Krossy , Iponga Donald Midoko , Demetrio Bocuma Meñe , Kinzonzi Lude , Embolo Luc Evouna , Mpouam Serge 
Published: July 2022

AbstractInterventions in Africa designed to stop biodiversity decline have often failed because they were based on a top‐down approach to management and focused on enforcing restrictive rules and imposing bans. They were equally misaligned with the values and needs of local actors. This paper presents an African perspective on the discourse regarding the bushmeat crisis and shows that bushmeat in Africa goes beyond being a source of livelihood, having a multifaceted use that must be considered when designing interventions. We show that current conservation initiatives often do not address the right issues, by neglecting nonmonetary dimensions of bushmeat use, inadequately planning interventions, failing to align wildlife laws with realities on the ground, and carrying out ineffective law enforcement characterized by poor governance and corruption. We recommend a revision of current legal frameworks to enhance local ownership, tenure rights, and the sustainable economic empowerment of local communities to reduce hunting. We also call for development of regionally led innovative programs that invest in nature‐based solutions and payments for environmental services. Finally, we identify where more research is needed to understand why wildlife use in Africa is overlooked in national development policies and not considered in national accounting.
The detectability of intraepidermal melanocytes—A narrative review of immunohistochemical studies
Authors: Kuźbicki Łukasz , Brożyna Anna A. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSome intraepidermal lesions, even the nonmelanocytic ones, may mimic melanoma in situ. The cytoplasmic clarity in atypical basal cells, architectural disorder with cell aggregates or nest‐like structures within the epidermis often cause challenge particularly in sun‐damaged skin. The aim of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of the most often used immunohistochemical melanocyte markers in the diagnosis of intraepidermal lesions. All the analyzed markers can be useful in detection of intraepidermal melanocytes that occur more densely in lentigo maligna than in solar lentigo or sun‐damaged skin. However, the number of these cells is underestimated by HMB‐45 and Mel‐5. The cytoplasmic Melan‐A staining may overestimate melanocyte number and highlight the dendritic process. Atypical melanized keratinocytes in actinic keratoses and nest‐like structures in lichenoid dermatoses may mimic atypical melanocytes in melanomas in situ. S‐100 remains a marker of high sensitivity but low specificity. The nuclear localization of MITF, SOX‐10, and PRAME overcomes the problem of melanosome transfer to cells of other types. Neither MITF nor SOX‐10 is detectable in keratinocytes, which makes them useful in distinguishing actinic keratoses from melanomas in situ. The use of markers considered as melanocyte specific suggests that lichenoid dermatoses constitute a heterogeneous group of lesions.