bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal Relationship Between Gut Microbiota, Metabolites, and Sarcopenia: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhang Xiangyu , Yang Guang , Jiang Shide , Ji Bingzhou , Xie Wenqing , Li Hengzhen , Sun Jianfeng , Li Yusheng
Published: July 2024

Background

Gut microbiota imbalance and sarcopenia are frequently observed in older adults. Gut microbiota and their metabolites are considered risk factors contributing to the heightened risk of sarcopenia, but whether these associations are causal remains unclear.

Methods

We conducted linkage disequilibrium score regression and 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) methods with single-nucleotide polymorphisms sourced from large-scale genome-wide association studies as instrumental variables to examine the causal associations linking gut microbiota with their metabolites to the sarcopenia. Following the MR analysis, subsequent sensitivity analyses were conducted to reinforce the robustness and credibility of the obtained results.

Results

MR analysis yielded compelling evidence demonstrating the correlation between genetically predicted gut microbiota and metabolites and the risk of sarcopenia. The abundance of Porphyromonadaceae, Rikenellaceae, Terrisporobacter, and Victivallis was found to be associated with walking pace. Our study also found suggestive associations of 12 intestinal bacteria with appendicular lean mass, and of Streptococcaceae, Intestinibacter, Paraprevotella, Ruminococcaceae UCG009, and Sutterella with grip strength. Specifically, we identified 21 gut microbiota-derived metabolites that may be associated with the risk of sarcopenia.

Conclusions

Utilizing a 2-sample MR approach, our study elucidates the causal interplay among gut microbiota, gut microbiota-derived metabolites, and the occurrence of sarcopenia. These findings suggest that gut microbiota and metabolites may represent a potential underlying risk factor for sarcopenia, and offer the promise of novel therapeutic focal points.
Chondroitin sulfate glycan sulfation patterns influence histochemical labeling of perineuronal nets: a comparative study of interregional distribution in human and mouse brain
Authors: Belliveau Claudia , Théberge Stéphanie , Netto Stefanie , Rahimian Reza , Fakhfouri Gohar , Hosdey Clémentine , Davoli Maria Antonietta , Hendrickson Aarun , Hao Kathryn , Giros Bruno , Turecki Gustavo , Alonge Kimberly M , Mechawar Naguib
Published: July 2024

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are a condensed subtype of extracellular matrix that form a net-like coverings around certain neurons in the brain. PNNs are primarily composed of chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycans from the lectican family that consist of CS-glycosaminoglycan side chains attached to a core protein. CS disaccharides can exist in various isoforms with different sulfation patterns. Literature suggests that CS disaccharide sulfation patterns can influence the function of PNNs as well as their labeling. This study was conducted to characterize such interregional CS disaccharide sulfation pattern differences in adult human (n = 81) and mouse (n = 19) brains. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify five different CS disaccharide sulfation patterns, which were then compared to immunolabeling of PNNs using Wisteria Floribunda Lectin (WFL) to identify CS-glycosaminoglycans and anti-aggrecan to identify CS proteoglycans. In healthy brains, significant regional and species-specific differences in CS disaccharide sulfation and single versus double-labeling pattern were identified. A secondary analysis to investigate how early-life stress impacts these PNN features discovered that although early-life stress increases WFL+ PNN density, the CS-glycosaminoglycan sulfation code and single versus double PNN-labeling distributions remained unaffected in both species. These results underscore PNN complexity in traditional research, emphasizing the need to consider their heterogeneity in future experiments.
Acquisition of polymorphism in the chordate doliolids
Authors: Pickett C J , Ryan Joseph , Davidson Bradley
Published: July 2024

Synopsis

In polymorphic organisms, a single genome is deployed to program numerous, morphologically distinct body plans within a colony. This complex life history trait has evolved independently within a limited subset of animal taxa. Reconstructing the underlying genetic, cellular, and developmental changes that drove the emergence of polymorphic colonies represents a promising avenue for exploring diversifying selection and resulting impacts on developmental gene regulatory networks. Doliolids are the only polymorphic chordate, deploying a single genome to program distinct morphs specialized for locomotion, feeding, asexual, or sexual reproduction. In this review, we provide a detailed summary of doliolid anatomy, development, taxonomy, ecology, life history, and the cellular basis for doliolid polymorphism. In order to frame the potential evolutionary and developmental insights that could be gained by studying doliolids, we provide a broader overview of polymorphism. We then discuss how comparative studies of polymorphic cnidarians have begun to illuminate the genetic basis of this unusual and complex life history strategy. We then provide a summary of life history divergence in the chordates, particularly among doliolids and their polymorphic cousins, the salps and pyrosomes.
In Hot Water: Current Thermal Threshold Methods Unlikely to Predict Invasive Species Shifts in NW Atlantic
Authors: Lancaster Emily R , Brady Damian C , Frederich Markus
Published: July 2024

Synopsis

As global temperatures continue to rise, accurate predicted species distribution models will be important for forecasting the movement of range-shifting species. These predictions rely on measurements of organismal thermal tolerance, which can be measured using classical threshold concepts such as Arrhenius break temperatures and critical thermal temperatures, or through ecologically relevant measurements such as the temperature at which reproduction and growth occur. Many species, including invasive species, exhibit thermal plasticity, so these thresholds may change based on ambient temperature, life stage, and measurement techniques. Here, we review thermal thresholds for 15 invertebrate species invasive to the Gulf of Maine. The high degree of variability within a species and between applied conceptual frameworks suggests that modeling the future distribution of these species in all ecosystems, but especially in the rapidly warming northwest Atlantic and Gulf of Maine, will be challenging. While each of these measurement techniques is valid, we suggest contextualization and integration of threshold measurements for accurate modeling.
Does Migration Constrain Glucocorticoid Phenotypes? Testing Corticosterone Levels during Breeding in Migratory Versus Resident Birds
Authors: Uehling Jennifer J , Regnier Emma , Vitousek Maren N
Published: July 2024

Synopsis

Corticosterone, the main glucocorticoid in birds, is a major mediator of the incredible physiological feat of migration. Corticosterone plays important roles in migration, from preparation to in-flight energy mobilization to refueling, and corticosterone levels often show distinct elevations or depressions during certain stages of the migratory process. Here, we ask whether corticosterone's role in migration shapes its modulation during other life-history stages, as is the case with some other phenotypically flexible traits involved in migration. Specifically, we use a global dataset of corticosterone measures to test whether birds’ migratory status (migrant versus resident) predicts corticosterone levels during breeding. Our results indicate that migratory status predicts neither baseline nor stress-induced corticosterone levels in breeding birds; despite corticosterone’s role in migration, we find no evidence that migratory corticosterone phenotypes carry over to breeding. We encourage future studies to continue to explore corticosterone in migrants versus residents across the annual cycle. Additionally, future efforts should aim to disentangle the possible effects of environmental conditions and migratory status on corticosterone phenotypes; potentially fruitful avenues include focusing on regions where migrants and residents overlap during breeding. Overall, insights from work in this area could demonstrate whether migration shapes traits during other important life stages, identify tradeoffs or limitations associated with the migratory lifestyle, and ultimately shed light on the evolution of flexible traits and migration.
Are we focusing on the right parameters? Insights from Global Sensitivity Analysis of a Functional-Structural Plant Model
Authors: Rutjens Rik J L , Evers Jochem B , Band Leah R , Jones Matthew D , Owen Markus R
Published: July 2024

Performing global sensitivity analysis on functional-structural plant models (FSP models) can greatly benefit both model development and analysis by identifying the relevance of parameters for specific model outputs. Setting unimportant parameters to a fixed value decreases dimensionality of the typically large model parameter space. Efforts can then be concentrated on accurately estimating the most important input parameters. In this work, we apply the Elementary Effects method for dimensional models with arbitrary input types, adapting the method to models with inherent randomness. Our FSP model simulated a maize stand for 160 days of growth, considering three outputs, namely yield, peak biomass and peak leaf area index (LAI). Of 52 input parameters, 12 were identified as important for yield and peak biomass and 14 for LAI. Over 70 % of parameters were deemed unimportant for the outputs under consideration, including most parameters relating to crop architecture. Parameters governing shade avoidance response and leaf appearance rate (phyllochron) were also unimportant; variations in these physiological and developmental parameters do lead to visible changes in plant architecture but not to significant changes in yield, biomass or LAI. Some inputs identified as unimportant due to their low sensitivity index have a relatively high standard deviation of effects, with high fluctuations around a low mean, which could indicate non-linearity or interaction effects. Consequently, parameters with low sensitivity index but high standard deviation should be investigated further. Our study demonstrates that global sensitivity analysis can reveal which parameter values have the most influence on key outputs, predicting specific parameter estimates that need to be carefully characterized.
In vitro fermentation potential of gut endogenous protein losses of growing pigs
Authors: Zhang Hanlu , Cone John W , Kies Arie K , Dijkstra Jan , Hendriks Wouter H , van der Wielen Nikkie
Published: July 2024

Fermentation of dietary and endogenous protein in the hindgut is generally considered detrimental to the health of pigs. We investigated the in vitro fermentation potential of porcine endogenous protein in ileal digesta and colonic mucus, using a N-free buffer with an excess of fermentable carbohydrates. Urea, whey protein isolate (WPI, positive control), WPI hydrolysate (WPIH), and combinations of the latter two were used to validate the assay. A new biphasic model, including a linear end simulation, fitted to the gas production data over a 48-h period identified the time point when substrate fermentation ended. A higher degree of hydrolysis of WPI resulted in a higher maximum gas production rate (Rmax, P < 0.01). Differences in Rmax and the time required to reach Rmax were observed among ileal digesta samples, with Rmax increasing with the insoluble protein content, and the highest Rmax occurring with colonic mucus samples (P < 0.05). The endogenous proteins entering the large intestine of pigs can ferment more rapidly compared to highly soluble and digestible protein sources, with Rmax positively correlated with decreasing solubility of endogenous nitrogenous components.
Effects of reduced levels of organic trace minerals in proteinate forms and selenium yeast in the mineral mix on lactation performance, milk fatty acid composition, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant status in dairy goats
Authors: Song Yongxi , Weng Yunan , Liu Shimin , Usman Muhammad , Loor Juan J , Lin Gang , Hu Qingyong , Luo Jun , Wang Ping
Published: July 2024

The objective was to evaluate the effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with reduced levels of organic trace minerals (OTM) in proteinate forms and selenium yeast (Se-yeast) in the mineral premix of prepartal and lactating dairy goats on lactation performance, milk fatty acid (FA) composition, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant status. Xinong Saanen dairy goats (n = 40) were blocked by parity and body weight, and randomly assigned to either ITM or OTM treatments from 4 wk prepartum to 8 mo of lactation. Both groups received the same basal diet except for the trace mineral supplement. The ITM supplement included Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn as sulfates, and Se as selenite to meet the recommendations. The OTM supplement included Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn as proteinates at 50% of ITM supplement levels, and Se as Se-yeast at 100% of ITM supplement level. Sampling and measurements were performed in the first, second, fourth, and eighth month of lactation. Data were summarized by month and treatment, and analyzed using the Mixed Model of SPSS with repeated measures. OTM group showed lower milk fat (P = 0.02) and higher milk Se (P = 0.03) with no compromised effects on milk yield and milk protein compared to ITM group. Furthermore, OTM decreased the content of C6:0, C8:0, and C10:0 (P < 0.05) and increased the content of odd- and branched-chain FAs in milk fat due to greater content of C15:0 (P = 0.01) and anteiso C15:0 (P = 0.07). OTM led to greater total tract digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.03), crude protein (P = 0.07), ether extract (P = 0.03), and acid detergent fiber (P = 0.05). OTM goats showed less fecal excretion of Fe (P = 0.01), Cu (P < 0.01), and Zn (P = 0.08) compared to ITM goats. There was a tendency for greater serum GSH-Px activity (P = 0.09) with OTM. Overall, the long-term substitution of reduced levels of OTM for ITM can change milk fat and FA composition while maintaining milk yield, digestibility, and antioxidant status.
Estimation of genotype by environmental interaction for litter traits by reaction norm model in Taiwan Landrace sows
Authors: Lin Kai-Hsiang , Flowers Billy , Knauer Mark , Lin En-Chung
Published: July 2024

The negative effects of heat stress on swine reproduction have been well documented and the recent global warming trend caused by climate change is leading to more days with high temperatures every year. This has caused a reduction in litter trait performance of Landrace sows in Taiwan, a country extending across tropical and subtropical oceanic zones. Therefore, this study developed a modified model to determine which stages of pregnancy, before, early, middle, and late, had the largest impacts of heat stress on litter traits. A reaction norm model (RNM) was used to identify sows with high resilience to heat stress for litter traits followed by analysis of the modified model. Data from Landrace sows were collected from 2 farms in Taiwan between 2008 and 2021. A total of 11,059 records were collected for total number born (TNB), number born alive (NBA), and stillborn rate (STBR). The results showed that the heritabilities of TNB, NBA, and STBR were 0.170, 0.115, and 0.077, respectively. These results were similar between the conventional model and the modified model. In the modified model, the before and early stages of sow pregnancy were the significant periods for TNB and NBA (P < 0.05), while the early and middle stages were significant for STBR (P < 0.05). According to the RNM results, the heritability estimates for TNB, NBA, and STBR were 0.23 to 0.11, 0.18 to 0.08, and 0.10 to 0.04, respectively, showing a decrease from low temperature-humidity index (THI) to high THI. The minimum genetic correlations between the highest and the lowest THI for TNB, NBA, and STBR were 0.85, 0.64, and 0.80, respectively. The results of the RNM for breeding value showed re-ranking across THI values. In conclusion, similar results were obtained for heritability when the model was modified for heat stress estimation. Yet re-ranking of breeding values across THI could help farmers to select not only for improved litter trait performance but also for heat stress resilience of Landrace sows in Taiwan.
High physical activity is associated with greater cortical bone size, better physical function, and with lower risk of incident fractures independently of clinical risk factors in older women from the SUPERB study
Authors: Johansson Lisa , Litsne Henrik , Axelsson Kristian F , Lorentzon Mattias
Published: July 2024

The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) is a validated test to assess physical activity in older people. It has not been investigated if physical activity, according to PASE, is associated with fracture risk independently from the clinical risk factors (CRFs) in FRAX, bone mineral density (BMD), comorbidity, and if such an association is due to differences in physical performance or bone parameters. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if PASE score is associated with bone characteristics, physical function, and independently predicts incident fracture in 3014 75–80-yr-old women from the population-based cross-sectional SUPERB study. At baseline, participants answered questionnaires and underwent physical function tests, detailed bone phenotyping with DXA, and high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT. Incident fractures were X-ray verified. Cox regression models were used to assess the association between PASE score and incident fractures, with adjustments for CRFs, femoral neck (FN) BMD, and Charlson comorbidity index. Women were divided into quartiles according to PASE score. Quartile differences in bone parameters (1.56% for cortical volumetric BMD and 4.08% for cortical area, Q4 vs Q1, p = .007 and p = .022, respectively) were smaller than quartile differences in physical performance (27% shorter timed up and go test, 52% longer one leg standing time, Q4 vs Q1). During 8 yr (median, range 0.20–9.9) of follow-up, 1077 women had any fracture, 806 a major osteoporotic fracture (MOF; spine, hip, forearm, humerus), and 236 a hip fracture. Women in Q4 vs. Q1 had 30% lower risk of any fracture, 32% lower risk of MOF, and 54% lower risk of hip fracture. These associations remained in fully adjusted models. In conclusion, high physical activity was associated with substantially better physical function and a lower risk of any fracture, MOF and hip fracture, independently of risk factors used in FRAX, FN BMD, and comorbidity.
Biopsies from patients with sacral insufficiency fracture are characterized by low bone matrix mineralization and high turnover
Authors: Delsmann Maximilian M , Leonhardt Leon-Gordian , Alimy Assil-Ramin , Hoenig Tim , Beil Frank Timo , Püschel Klaus , von Brackel Felix N , Amling Michael , Viezens Lennart , Thiesen Darius M , Rolvien Tim
Published: July 2024

Sacral insufficiency fractures are known to occur primarily in older women without adequate trauma. While an association with low bone mineral density (ie, osteoporosis) has been reported, more detailed information on local bone quality properties in affected patients is not available. In the present study, core biopsies were obtained from the S1 sacral ala in patients with a bilateral sacral insufficiency fracture (type IV according to the fragility fractures of the pelvis classification) who required surgical stabilization. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and laboratory bone metabolism analyses were performed. For comparison, control biopsies were acquired from skeletally intact age- and sex-matched donors during autopsy. A total of 31 biopsies (fracture: n = 19; control: n = 12) were evaluated by micro-computed tomography, histomorphometry on undecalcified sections, and quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI). DXA measurements showed mean T-scores in the range of osteoporosis in the fracture cohort (T-scoremin −2.6 ± 0.8). Biochemical analysis of bone metabolism parameters revealed high serum alkaline phosphatase and urinary deoxypyridinoline/creatinine levels. In the biopsies, a loss of trabecular microstructure along with increased osteoid values were detected in the fracture patients compared with controls (osteoid volume per bone volume 5.9 ± 3.5 vs. 0.9 ± 0.5%, p <.001). We also found evidence of microfractures with chronic healing processes (ie, microcallus) as well as pronounced hypomineralization in the biopsies of the fracture cohort compared with the controls as evidenced by lower CaMean measured by qBEI (22.5 ± 1.6 vs. 24.2 ± 0.5 wt%, p =.003). In conclusion, this high-resolution biopsy study provides evidence of local hypomineralization in patients with sacral insufficiency fractures, pointing to reduced fracture resistance but also a distinct phenotype other than the predominant loss of trabeculae as in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Our data highlight the importance of therapies that promote bone mineralization to optimally treat and prevent sacral insufficiency fractures.
Withdrawal from the Rome Statute
Authors: Tan Yudan
Published: July 2024

This article examines the implications of a state party’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute, with a particular focus on its impact on the continuity of International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings in an ongoing situation, especially during the preliminary examination phase. It begins by scrutinizing three distinct ways of addressing the implications of a state party withdrawal employed by the ICC, drawing insights from key decisions in the Burundi and Philippines situations, as well as scholarly viewpoints on the issue. It then analyses the legal consequences of withdrawal on ICC proceedings, both in situations where the investigation is initiated by the Office of the Prosecutor and those triggered by state party referral. This article argues that the authorization of an investigation in the Philippines situation may have exceeded the bounds set by the Rome Statute.
Paleophylogeography of Notiosorex desert shrews with description of a new species
Authors: Camargo Issac , Polly P David , Álvarez-Castañeda Sergio Ticul , Stuhler John D
Published: July 2024

The genus Notiosorex is the only group of shrews in North America with adaptations to arid or semiarid zones. The genus was described with a single variable species, Notiosorex crawfordi, from which 5 new species have since been distinguished. To date, the phylogenetic relationships of Notiosorex species have only been partially analyzed and it is possible that there are still distinct species included within the catch-all of N. crawfordi. Here, we use geometric morphometrics on cranial and mandibular characters of the described extant species, 3 fossil species, and a distinctive population of N. crawfordi as a proxy for an integrated assessment of phylogenetic relationships of all Notiosorex species. Our results indicate that the population from the Altiplano Mexicano is more similar to, yet distinct from, N. villai than it is to N. crawfordi—we describe it as a new species. We also used the resulting tree to reconstruct phylogeographic history within the genus, which suggests that Notiosorex sp. nov., N. villai, N. evotis, and N. tataticuli all diverged allopatrically as populations from the ancestral area that is currently occupied by N. crawfordi (and in the deeper past by the fossil species N. harrisi), and pushed south into the Gulf Coast, the Altiplano, and Baja California within the last 5 million years following the end of the Miocene.
Life history data of four populations of Triatoma mexicana (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) from Central Mexico
Authors: Nogueda-Torres Benjamín , Meraz-Medina Tzintli , Cervantes-Hernández Fernando , Villagrán-Herrera María Elena , de Diego-Cabrera José Antonio , Martínez-Ibarra José Alejandro
Published: July 2024

Triatomine bugs are vectors for the Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas parasites, the etiological agent for Chagas disease. This study evaluated 6 epidemiologically significant behaviors (development time, number of blood meals required for molting to the next instar, mortality rate, aggressiveness, feeding duration, and defecation delay) across 4 populations of Triatoma mexicana Herrich-Schaeffer (Heteroptera: Reduviidae), a major T. cruzi vector in Central Mexico. We collected triatomines from areas characterized by high (HP), medium (MP), medium-high (MHP), and low (LP) prevalence of human T. cruzi infection. The MHP population had the shortest development time, <290 days. Both the HP and MP populations required the most blood meals to molt to the next instar, with a median of 13. Mortality rates varied across all populations, ranging from 44% to 52%. All of the tested populations showed aggressive behavior during feeding. All populations shared similar feeding durations, with most exceeding 13 min and increasing with each instar. Quick defecation, during feeding, immediately after or less than 1 min after feeding, was observed in most nymphs (78%–90%) from the MP and MHP populations and adults (74%–92%) from HP, MP, and MHP populations. Though most parameters suggest a low potential for T. mexicana to transmit T. cruzi, unique feeding and defecation behaviors in 3 populations (excluding the LP group) could elevate their epidemiological importance. These population-specific differences may contribute to the varying prevalence rates of T. cruzi infection in areas where T. mexicana is found.
Supporting healthy sleep: a qualitative assessment of adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their parents
Authors: Bowen Anne E , Holtman Sydney , Reich Jennifer , Simon Stacey L
Published: July 2024

Objective

Poor sleep health is common in adolescence due to a combination of physiological, psychosocial, and environmental factors. Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may be at increased risk for poor sleep health due to physiological and behavioral aspects of diabetes and its management. This article describes a qualitative analysis of interviews with adolescents with T1D and their parents about facilitators and barriers to sleep health and family strategies to balance teens’ sleep with competing demands.

Methods

Separate interviews were conducted with 20 adolescents with T1D and 20 parents. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Participants were on average 15.8 ± 1.2 years old, 45% female, and 85% non-Hispanic White.

Results

Overnight diabetes management was the most frequently reported barrier to sleep. Families reported different strategies for taking responsibility of overnight diabetes management, which differentially impacted sleep. Families worked to balance diabetes management and sleep with other aspects of adolescent life, including school demands, social activities, and electronics use. Facilitators to healthy sleep identified by families included diabetes assistive technology and maintaining a consistent sleep/wake schedule. Both adolescents and parents voiced beliefs that their diabetes care team is not able to help with sleep health.

Conclusions

Pediatric psychologists should be aware of the specific sleep barriers experienced by adolescents with T1D and their parents. A focus on overnight diabetes management strategies may facilitate psychologists’ support of families in the adolescent’s transition to independent diabetes management. Research is needed on the impact of optimizing sleep health in adolescents with T1D.
Navigating digital health: perspectives of Australian community pharmacists—a short communication
Authors: Hareem Amina , Stupans Ieva , Park Joon Soo , Stevens Julie E , Wang Kate
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study explores the perspectives of Australian community pharmacists regarding digital health interventions, examining adoption rates, advantages, and barriers.

Methods

A national voluntary online survey was conducted with Australian community pharmacists from September 2022 to June 2023.

Results

Of the 120 responses received, 118 were analysed. The main benefits identified included improved access to health records and patient care quality while major concerns included technical issues and data security. Suggestions for increased digital health adoption included digital health education and regulation.

Conclusions

Australian community pharmacists play a crucial role in adopting digital health yet face significant challenges. Despite the potential of telehealth, community pharmacists have not widely embraced its adoption in their practice. The digital healthcare transformation necessitates collaborative efforts and strict guideline adherence for effective integration.
Passive Immunization Strategies to Prevent Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Among Newborns and Young Infants
Authors: Suryadevara Manika
Published: July 2024

Newborns and young infants are at risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infection. Passive immunity is the mainstay of infection prevention in this cohort. Transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies provides the newborn with immediate protection from life-threatening infections, however, is dependent upon gestational age, birth weight, mother’s age, recent maternal vaccination, maternal nutritional status, maternal immunocompetence and medical conditions, and placental integrity. Efficient transplacental transfer of RSV-neutralizing antibodies have led to the development and approval of maternal RSV immunization for the protection of the newborn. Additionally, administration of RSV-specific antibodies to infants leads to high serum titers of RSV-neutralizing antibodies and further protection from severe disease.
A rare presentation of a rare entity: giant condyloma (Buschke–Löwenstein) tumor
Authors: Serpa-Irizarry Miguel , Tiru-Vega Marilee , Vazquez-Rivera Carolina , Torres-Rivera Brandon , Rivera-Roman Keila , Rodriguez-Quilichini Segundo
Published: July 2024

Giant condyloma accuminata or Buschke–Lowenstein tumor is a rare entity characterized by a large verrucous or cauliflower-shaped lesion primarily affecting the anogenital region. It forms part of a disease spectrum between classic condyloma accuminata and squamous cell carcinoma. Classically, it is thought to arise from previous human papilloma virus infection. Surgical management is usually the treatment of choice despite their high rate of soft tissue infiltration and recurrence. We herein describe a case of a 40-year-old male patient with cystic fibrosis diagnosed with giant condyloma accuminata without human papilloma virus or other paradigmatic risk factors that was treated with near-total surgical resection.
Bow-shock structure of Sgr-B molecular-cloud complex in the Galactic Centre inferred from 3D CO-line kinematics
Authors: Sofue Yoshiaki
Published: July 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) bubble structure of the Sgr-B molecular-cloud complex is derived by a kinematical analysis of CO-line archival cube data of the Galactic Centre (GC) observed with the Nobeyama 45-m telescope. The line-of-sight depth is estimated by applying the face-on transformation method of radial velocity to the projected distance on the Galactic plane considering the Galactic rotation of the central molecular zone (CMZ). The 3D complex exhibits a conical-horn structure with the Sgr-B2 cloud located in the farthest end on the line of sight at radial velocity $v_{\rm lsr} \sim 70$ km s$^{-1}$, and the entire complex composes a lopsided bubble opening toward the Sun at $v_{\rm lsr}\sim 50$ to 30 km s$^{-1}$. The line-of-sight extent of the complex is $\sim 100$ pc according to the large velocity extent for several tens of km s$^{-1}$ from Sgr-B2 to the outskirts. The entire complex exhibits a flattened conical bubble with full sizes $\sim 40 \ {\rm pc} \times 20 \ {\rm pc} \times 100 \ {\rm pc}$ in the l, b and line-of-sight directions, respectively. Based on the 3D analysis, we propose a formation scenario of the giant molecular bubble structure due to a galactic bow shock, and suggest that the star formation in Sgr-B2 was enhanced by dual-side compression (DSC) of the B2 cloud by the Galactic shock wave from up-stream and expanding H ii region from the down-stream side of the GC Arm I in Galactic rotation.
Otocolobus manul (Carnivora: Felidae)
Authors: Noonan Paula , Baker Zoe , Hayssen Virginia
Published: July 2024

Otocolobus manul (Pallas, 1776) is a small, solitary, terrestrial felid commonly called the Manul and is the sole species of its genus. It occurs in Afghanistan, Armenia, Bhutan, China, India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, and Turkmenistan. Otocolobus manul might still occur in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan but might be extinct in Azerbaijan. As assessed in 2020, O. manul is listed as “Least Concern” (LC) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red List of Threatened Species, with an estimate of 58,000 adults, although the population might be decreasing.
EcCas6e-based antisense crRNA for gene repression and RNA editing in microorganisms
Authors: Li Mutong , Cai Zhaohui , Song Shucheng , Yue Xinmin , Lu Wenyu , Rao Shuquan , Zhang Chuanbo , Xue Chaoyou
Published: July 2024

Precise gene regulation and programmable RNA editing are vital RNA-level regulatory mechanisms. Gene repression tools grounded in small non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, and CRISPR-dCas proteins, along with RNA editing tools anchored in Adenosine Deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs), have found extensive application in molecular biology and cellular engineering. Here, we introduced a novel approach wherein we developed an EcCas6e mediated crRNA–mRNA annealing system for gene repression in Escherichia coli and RNA editing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found that EcCas6e possesses inherent RNA annealing ability attributed to a secondary positively charged cleft, enhancing crRNA–mRNA hybridization and stability. Based on this, we demonstrated that EcCas6e, along with its cognate crRNA repeat containing a complementary region to the ribosome binding site of a target mRNA, effectively represses gene expression up to 25-fold. Furthermore, we demonstrated that multiple crRNAs can be easily assembled and can simultaneously target up to 13 genes. Lastly, the EcCas6e–crRNA system was developed as an RNA editing tool by fusing it with the ADAR2 deaminase domain. The EcCas6e–crRNA mediated gene repression and RNA editing tools hold broad applications for research and biotechnology.
Automated segmentation of brain metastases with deep learning: A multi-center, randomized crossover, multi-reader evaluation study
Authors: Luo Xiao , Yang Yadi , Yin Shaohan , Li Hui , Shao Ying , Zheng Dechun , Li Xinchun , Li Jianpeng , Fan Weixiong , Li Jing , Ban Xiaohua , Lian Shanshan , Zhang Yun , Yang Qiuxia , Zhang Weijing , Zhang Cheng , Ma Lidi , Luo Yingwei , Zhou Fan , Wang Shiyuan , Lin Cuiping , Li Jiao , Luo Ma , He Jianxun , Xu Guixiao , Gao Yaozong , Shen Dinggang , Sun Ying , Mou Yonggao , Zhang Rong , Xie Chuanmiao
Published: July 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence has been proposed for brain metastasis (BM) segmentation but it has not been fully clinically validated. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a system for BM segmentation.

Methods

A deep-learning-based BM segmentation system (BMSS) was developed using contrast-enhanced MR images from 488 patients with 10338 brain metastases. A randomized crossover, multi-reader study was then conducted to evaluate the performance of the BMSS for BM segmentation using data prospectively collected from 50 patients with 203 metastases at 5 centers. Five radiology residents and 5 attending radiologists were randomly assigned to contour the same prospective set in assisted and unassisted modes. Aided and unaided Dice similarity coefficients (DSCs) and contouring times per lesion were compared.

Results

The BMSS alone yielded a median DSC of 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.90–0.92) in the multi-center set and showed comparable performance between the internal and external sets (P = .67). With BMSS assistance, the readers increased the median DSC from 0.87 (0.87–0.88) to 0.92 (0.92–0.92) (P < .001) with a median time saving of 42% (40–45%) per lesion. Resident readers showed a greater improvement than attending readers in contouring accuracy (improved median DSC, 0.05 [0.05–0.05] vs 0.03 [0.03–0.03]; P < .001), but a similar time reduction (reduced median time, 44% [40–47%] vs 40% [37–44%]; P = .92) with BMSS assistance.

Conclusions

The BMSS can be optimally applied to improve the efficiency of brain metastasis delineation in clinical practice.
RNA N6-adenine methylation dynamics impact Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis resistance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Furci Leonardo , Berthelier Jérémy , Saze Hidetoshi
Published: July 2024

In plants, epitranscriptomic mark N6-adenine methylation (m6A) is dynamically regulated in response to environmental cues. However, little is known about m6A dynamics under biotic stresses and their role in environmental adaptation. Additionally, current methodologies limit the investigation of m6A dynamics at single-nucleotide resolution on specific RNA molecules. Using Oxford Nanopore Technology direct RNA sequencing and a neural network model, we show transcript-specific dynamics of m6A modification at single-nucleotide resolution during Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis (Hpa) infection in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). In wild-type seedlings, pathogen infection causes a significant reduction in global m6A ratios, which corresponds with the activation of m6A-modified transcripts. Defect of m6A deposition in the m6A mutant hakai-1 mimics m6A reduction from Hpa infection at ∼70% of sites, resulting in constitutive overexpression of basal defense genes and enhanced resistance against the pathogen. Our results demonstrate that m6A dynamics impact defense response against Hpa, providing a promising target for future crop improvement strategies.
STOP-Bang questionnaire in patients hospitalized with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism
Authors: Briceño Winnifer , Barbero Esther , Mañas Eva , González Sara , García-Ortega Alberto , Oscullo Grace , García-Sánchez Aldara , Cano-Pumarega Irene , Martinez-Garcia Miguel Ángel , Jimenez David
Published: July 2024

Study Objectives

The STOP-Bang questionnaire is a validated screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We conducted this study to validate it among patients hospitalized with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods

This prospective cohort study enrolled consecutive stable patients with acute PE who underwent an overnight sleep study within 7 days after diagnosis. Our outcomes were: (1) the STOP-Bang questionnaire’s utility for risk stratification, (2) the discrimination of the STOP-Bang questionnaire categories, (3) the false negative rate of STOP-Bang questionnaire prediction, and (4) the clinical utility of the STOP-Bang questionnaire to exclude OSA. We also calculated the test performance characteristics to predict OSA.

Results

During the study period, 268 patients completed a sleep study. OSA was found in 47% of patients. OSA incidence in low-, moderate-, and high-risk STOP-Bang groups was 22.4%, 48.2%, and 61.5%, respectively (p < .001). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of the STOP-Bang questionnaire for risk of OSA was 0.65. The false negative rate of a low-risk STOP-Bang questionnaire result to rule out OSA was 22.4% and the clinical utility was 21.6%. The sensitivity was 89.8% (97.2% for men and 80.4% for women).

Conclusions

The STOP-Bang questionnaire showed poor discrimination for the risk of OSA in hospitalized patients with acute symptomatic PE. It had a high false negative rate and a low clinical utility. The STOP-Bang questionnaire had a good sensitivity in men, and might be used to rule out OSA in this population.
Airline insolvencies and environmental concerns: a comparative legal perspective
Authors: Das Ishita
Published: July 2024

Airline insolvencies can be economically stressful for the countries concerned. One of the significant challenges associated with such insolvencies is the grounding of the aircraft over an extended period due to the pendency of the legal proceedings. The ease with which the lessors can regain possession of the aircraft, triggered by the default of the insolvency company, determines the efficacy of the regulatory climate. Leaving aside the financial troubles the insolvent company faces, it may be additionally expected to match its environmental obligations. Therefore, the push for ‘green insolvencies’ is slowly gaining momentum within the international community. The Cape Town Convention stipulates a sui generis process of seeking possession of an aircraft without undue delay. The countries incorporating the Convention into their domestic setups stand to gain a tremendous regulatory edge over those that are yet to align their national laws with this international instrument. While focusing on developing an efficient insolvency framework is not enough in light of the Sustainable Development Goals, it is possible to address environmental concerns by incorporating more climate-sensitive insolvency frameworks at the national level. The countries may continue to turn to their domestic environmental norms in this regard. This research study aims to throw light on how airline insolvencies need to be more considerate towards environmental interests. It seeks to fill the gaps in the current literature regarding this interface and explore this rather tenuous relationship from a comparative legal lens. The first section of the paper provides an overview of the study. The second section considers the applicability of the Cape Town Convention and discusses the relevant insolvency frameworks in the USA, the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and Nigeria. The last section of the study provides the concluding remarks and suggestions.
State subsidies and aircraft financing in the EU, USA, and China: a balancing act
Authors: Truxal Steven
Published: July 2024

In the past, the discourse on State subsidies involving commercial aircraft was dominated by allegations of the support granted to aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing, and the respective disputes brought before the Dispute Settlement Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO). While the focus has until now been narrowly confined to Airbus and Boeing and, thus, the European Union (EU) and the USA and the competition between the two, new large commercial aircraft manufacturers have entered the market—notably, those based in China, Russia, and Japan. This article examines the semi-recent ‘truce’ between Airbus and Boeing and what has followed—namely, the introduction of State investment mechanisms and strategies in the EU, USA, and China for commercial airlines seeking to ‘green’ their aircraft fleets. Against the backdrop of airlines purchasing aircraft and operating services on a global market, this article exposes the lack of harmonization in approach to State subsidies globally and questions the extent to which the State and the market—and, indeed, States or groups of States—perform a balancing act in aircraft financing, an area fraught with complex political and commercial realities.
Field Evaluations of Plant Defense Activators and Sulfur as Alternatives to Copper Bactericides for the Management of Cabbage Black Rot in Florida
Authors: Ramirez Roger R. , Dufault Nicholas S. , Paret Mathews L. , Vallad Gary E.
Published: July 2024

The bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris causes black rot, one of the most important diseases affecting brassica production worldwide. Typically, the foliar application of copper-based bactericides is used to manage the disease. However, reports of copper tolerance among xanthomonads, expanded production of diverse brassica crops, and inherent climate challenges have motivated the brassica industry in Florida to evaluate alternatives to copper for improved black rot management. Across nine cabbage trials conducted in 2021 and 2022 in Florida, 12 alternatives were evaluated individually or as tank mixtures within a program. Each trial included a copper hydroxide standard (Kocide 3000) and a nontreated control. Based on the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), solo applications of the plant defense activators Actigard 50WG (acibenzolar- S-methyl), Howler ( Pseudomonas chlororaphis), Regalia ( Reynoutria sachalinensis extract), ReyZox ( Reynoutria sachalinensis extract + azoxystrobin), Theia ( Bacillus subtilis), and Vacciplant (laminarin) reduced disease severity compared with the nontreated control and performed equivalent to or better than the Kocide 3000 standard across trials. Howler, Regalia, and Kocide 3000 increased cabbage yields compared with the nontreated control in at least one trial, while Actigard 50WG failed to improve yield in any trial. Applications of Microthiol Disperss (sulfur), either alone or as a tank mixture, failed to reduce disease severity or improve yield. Regardless of the program, maximum disease control at the final rating was limited to 8% compared with the nontreated control, indicating a need to improve integrated approaches for black rot management.
Unveiling the role of circRBBP7 in myoblast proliferation and differentiation: A novel regulator of muscle development
Authors: Yang Yufeng , Huang Kongwei , Jiang Hancai , Wang Shuwan , Xu Xiaoxian , Liu Yang , Liu Qingyou , Wei Mingsong , Li Zhipeng
Published: July 2024

Muscle development is a multistep process regulated by diverse gene networks, and circRNAs are considered novel regulators mediating myogenesis. Here, we systematically analyzed the role and underlying regulatory mechanisms of circRBBP7 in myoblast proliferation and differentiation. Results showed that circRBBP7 has a typical circular structure and encodes a 13 ‐kDa protein. By performing circRBBP7 overexpression and RNA interference, we found that the function of circRBBP7 was positively correlated with the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. Using RNA sequencing, we identified 1633 and 532 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during myoblast proliferation or differentiation, respectively. The DEGs were found mainly enriched in cell cycle‐ and skeletal muscle development‐related pathways, such as the MDM2/p53 and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathways. Further co‐IP and IF co‐localization analysis revealed that VEGFR‐1 is a target of circRBBP7 in myoblasts. qRT‐PCR and WB analysis further confirmed the positive correlation between VEGFR‐1 and circRBBP7. Moreover, we found that in vivo transfection of circRBBP7 into injured muscle tissues significantly promoted the regeneration and repair of myofibers in mice. Therefore, we speculate that circRBBP7 may affect the activity of MDM2 by targeting VEGFR‐1, altering the expression of muscle development‐related genes by mediating p53 degradation, and ultimately promoting myoblast development and muscle regeneration. This study provides essential evidence that circRBBP7 can serve as a potential target for myogenesis regulation and a reference for the application of circRBBP7 in cattle genetic breeding and muscle injury treatment.