bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a novel feeding method for Japanese black calves with thermophile probiotics at postweaning
Authors: Inabu Yudai , Taguchi Yutaka , Miyamoto Hirokuni , Etoh Tetsuji , Shiotsuka Yuji , Fujino Ryoichi , Okada Toru , Udagawa Motoaki , Tsuji Naoko , Matsuura Makiko , Tsuboi Arisa , Kato Tamotsu , Kodama Hiroaki , Ohno Hiroshi , Takahashi Hideyuki
Published: March 2022

Aims

Probiotic effects of compost containing thermophiles on productivity have been reported in domestic animals, although not cattle. We evaluated the effects of administering Caldibacillus hisashii, a thermophile contained in compost, on growth, blood components, faecal organic acid concentrations and microbiota population in Japanese black calves.

Methods and results

Calves were administered C. hisashii from 3 to 5 months of age. Administering C. hisashii decreased feed intake without affecting body weight, indicating that feed efficiency is improved by administration. Administering C. hisashii decreased plasma insulin concentration without affecting glucose and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations. Chao1 was decreased by exposure at 5 months of age. Similarly, weighted and unweighted UniFrac distances were affected by treatment at 5 months of age. Faecal abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes tended to be increased by exposure. Faecal propionic acid concentration was correlated positively with faecal abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes but negatively with that of Firmicutes. Interestingly, the population of the genus Methanobrevibacter, representing the majority of methanogens, was lowered by exposure and was negatively correlated with faecal propionic acid concentration.

Conclusion

Administration of C. hisashii has the potential to improve growth performance of Japanese black calves and to contribute to reducing environmental load, which may be associated with altered endocrine kinetics and gut microbial populations.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study revealed that isolated thermophiles included in compost may exert probiotic effects on calves.
Reactive oxygen species‐induced SIAH1 promotes granulosa cells' senescence in premature ovarian failure
Authors: Lin Li , Gao Wujiang , Chen Yumei , Li Taoqiong , Sha Chunli , Chen Lu , Yang Meiling , Wei Hong , Chen Yunpeng , Zhu Xiaolan
Published: March 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) exposure triggers granulosa cells' (GCs) senescence, which is an important causal factor for premature ovarian failure (POF). However, underlying mechanism in this process remains unknown. In our study, we observed increased ROS levels in POF ovarian tissues, POF patient follicular GCs and cyclophosphamide (CTX) pretreated GCs. Correspondingly, increased SIAH1, reduced TRF2 and GC senescence were also found in these cases. Silencing of SIAH1 rescued ROS‐induced TRF2 reduction and cell senescence in GCs. Moreover, SIAH1 co‐localized with TRF2 in the cytoplasm, facilitating its ubiquitination degradation, further leading to telomere abnormalities in GCs. In conclusion, our findings indicate that ROS induces telomere abnormalities by augmenting SIAH1‐mediated TRF2 degradation, leading to cell senescence in GCs in POF processing.
Naturalized Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris complement the resident parasitoid complex of Tuta absoluta in North‐eastern Spain
Authors: Denis Carmen , Riudavets Jordi , Alomar Oscar , Agustí Nuria , Gonzalez‐Valero Helena , Cubí Martina , Matas Montserrat , Rodríguez David , van Achterberg Kees , Arnó Judit
Published: March 2022

Our work reports on the establishment of the neotropical parasitoid Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris Marsh (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) for the first time in Europe. This larval parasitoid has been recorded in samples collected in commercial tomato crops in Catalonia (North‐eastern Spain) from 2016 to the present. Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris is considered to be a new biocontrol agent among the resident parasitoid complex of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae).
Faecal immunochemical test mitigates risk of delayed colonoscopy in people with elevated risk of colorectal neoplasia
Authors: Wassie Molla M , Young Graeme P , Cock Charles , Bampton Peter , Winter Jean M , Simpson Kalindra , Saluja Hariti , Chuang Anthony , Fraser Robert J , Symonds Erin L
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim

Surveillance colonoscopies may be delayed because of pressure on resources, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study aimed to determine whether delayed surveillance colonoscopy increases the risk for advanced neoplasia and whether interval screening with faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) and other known risk factors can mitigate this risk.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of individuals undergoing surveillance colonoscopy for personal or family history of colorectal neoplasia was being provided with FIT between colonoscopies. Colonoscopy ≥ 6 months after the guideline‐recommended interval was considered “delayed.” Individuals were stratified based on prime colonoscopy findings to nonneoplastic findings, non‐advanced adenoma, and advanced adenoma. The relative risk (RR) for developing advanced neoplasia was determined using a robust multivariable modified Poisson regression.

Results

Of 2548 surveillance colonoscopies, 1457 (57.18%) were delayed. Prior advanced adenoma, older age (> 60 years) and nonparticipation in interval FIT were associated with increased risk for advanced neoplasia (P < 0.05). There was a trend to increased risk in those with prior advanced adenoma with an increasing colonoscopy delay (P trend = 0.01). In participants who did not complete interval FIT and having advanced adenoma in the prime colonoscopy, risk of advanced neoplasia was 2.48 times higher (RR = 2.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.20–5.13) in participants who had beyond 2 years of delayed colonoscopy compared with those with on‐time colonoscopy. Colonoscopy delay did not increase the risk of advanced neoplasia in participants with negative interval FIT results.

Conclusion

Surveillance colonoscopy can be safely extended beyond 6 months in elevated colorectal cancer risk patients who do not have prior advanced adenoma diagnosis, particularly if interval FIT is negative.
Who Represents the Constituency? Online Political Communication by Members of Parliament in the German Mixed‐Member Electoral System
Authors: Schürmann Lennart , Stier Sebastian
Published: March 2022

Members of parliament (MPs) are elected via two different tiers in mixed‐member electoral systems—as winners of a seat in a constituency or as party candidates under proportional rules. While previous research has identified important consequences of this “mandate divide” in parliaments, questions remain how this institutional setup affects MPs' political behavior in other arenas. Analyzing more than one million social media posts, this article investigates regional representation in the online communication of German MPs. The results show that MPs elected under a direct mandate refer approximately twice as often to their constituencies by using regionalized wording and geographic references than MPs elected under the proportional tier. The substantive findings provide new evidence for the benefits of mixed‐member electoral systems for political representation while the methodological approach demonstrates the added value of social media data for analyzing the political behavior of elites.
Association between higher variability in kidney function and long‐term mortality
Authors: Ryu Jiwon , Park Yujin , Kim Hye Won , Kim Nak‐Hyun , Kim Su Hwan , Lee Seung Min , Bae Ye Seul , Yoon Hyung‐Jin
Published: March 2022

Aim

We evaluated whether estimated glomerular filtration rate variability in the general population could be associated with all‐cause mortality.

Methods

Health examination data from 7842 individuals aged >20 years who visited for health check‐ups at least thrice at ≥6‐month intervals between May 1, 1995 and November 30, 2010 were collected. Estimated glomerular filtration rate variability was defined as the coefficient of variation of the estimated glomerular filtration rate, that is, standard deviation/mean value multiplied by 100. The study population was divided into three groups based on the coefficient of variation tertiles, and the mortality risks were compared across groups.

Results

The mean duration from the final visit to the outcome was 10.3 ± 2.9 years. The mean coefficient of variations of estimated glomerular filtration rate variability from the lowest to the highest variability group were 5.1 ± 1.8%, 9.0 ± 1.0%, and 14.4 ± 3.9%, respectively. There was a 1.3 times higher risk of mortality in the group with the highest variability (hazard ratio: 1.300, 95% confidence interval: 1.013–1.669) after adjustment. The findings were similar in patients with diabetes and those >60 years old (hazard ratio: 1.635, 95% confidence interval: 1.076–2.483; hazard ratio: 1.585, 95% confidence interval: 1.107–2.269).

Conclusion

Higher estimated glomerular filtration rate variability was associated with increased 10‐year mortality in the general population. This variability was very small, but considering the patients' long‐term prognoses, it was significant.
Free to escape? Economic freedoms, growth and poverty traps
Authors: Saccone Donatella , Migheli Matteo
Published: March 2022

New evidence on the relationships between economic freedoms and poverty traps is provided. Methodologically, a new way to classify countries into clusters is used, which stresses the relative position of economies with respect to each other. The paper investigates whether economic freedoms have any impact on shifts from one cluster to another, towards either better or worse situations. Moreover, it analyzes the contribution of economic freedoms to avoid falling into a poverty trap. The impacts of the five macro‐components of the index are studied separately. The results show that economic freedoms help economies to grow and to avoid poverty traps.
Assessing Trends in Multidimensional Poverty During the MDGs
Authors: Burchi Francesco , Malerba Daniele , Montenegro Claudio E. , Rippin Nicole
Published: March 2022

While we have extensive information on the trends in income poverty, little is known about the trends in multidimensional poverty. The paper tries to fill this gap by assessing the changes in multidimensional poverty in 54 countries since 2000. The analysis relies on two individual‐based indices, the G‐CSPI and the G‐M0, which combine three dimensions: education, health, and employment, derived through the constitutional approach. The G‐CSPI is a distribution‐sensitive index, while the G‐M0 allows decomposition by dimension. The results reveal that more than 80 percent of the countries have reduced multidimensional poverty. However, progress was very limited in sub‐Saharan Africa. Different decomposition analyses indicate that poverty alleviation was mainly driven by a reduction in the incidence of poverty and a decline in health deprivations. A comparison with changes in income poverty suggests that the correlation is not strong and that multidimensional poverty has decreased significantly less.
Genomics‐based higher classification of the species‐rich hairstreaks (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Eumaeini)
Authors: Robbins Robert K. , Cong Qian , Zhang Jing , Shen Jinhui , Busby Robert C. , Faynel Christophe , Duarte Marcelo , Martins Ananda R. P. , Prieto Carlos , Lamas Gerardo , Grishin Nick V.
Published: March 2022

We propose a higher classification of the lycaenid hairstreak tribe Eumaeini – one of the youngest and most species‐rich butterfly tribes – based on autosome, Lepidopteran Z sex chromosome and mitochondrial protein‐coding genes. The subtribe Neolycaenina Korb is asynonymof Callophryidina Tutt and subtribe Tmolusina Bálint is asynonymof Strephonotina K. Johnson, Austin, Le Crom, & Salazar. Proposed names are Rhammina Prieto & Busby,new subtribe; Timaetina Busby & Prieto,new subtribe; Atlidina Martins & Duarte,new subtribe; Evenina Faynel & Grishin,new subtribe; Jantheclina Robbins & Faynel,new subtribe; Paiwarriina Lamas & Robbins,new subtribe; Cupatheclina Lamas & Grishin,new subtribe; Parrhasiina Busby & Robbins,new subtribe; Ipideclina Martins & Grishin,new subtribe; and Trichonidina Duarte & Faynel,new subtribe. Phylogenetic results from the autosome and Z sex chromosome analyses are similar. Future analyses of datasets with hundreds of terminal taxa may be more practical time‐wise by focussing on the smaller number of sex chromosome sequences (2.6% of nuclear protein‐coding sequences). The phylogenetic classification and biological summaries for each subtribe suggest that a variety of factors affected Eumaeini diversification. About a dozen kinds of male secondary sexual organs with frequent evolutionary gains and losses occur in Atlidina, Evenina and Jantheclina (141 species combined). Females have been shown to use these organs to discriminate between conspecific and nonconspecific males, facilitating sympatry among close relatives. Eumaeina, Rhammina and Timaetina (140 species combined) are overwhelmingly montane with some evidence for a higher incidence of sympatric diversification. Seven Neotropical lineages in five subtribes invaded the temperate parts of the Nearctic Region with a diversification increase in the Callophryidina (262 species). North AmericanSatyriumandCallophrysthen invaded the Palearctic at least once each, with a major species‐richness increase inSatyrium. The evolution of litter‐feeding detritivores within Calycopidina (172 species) resulted in an increase in diversification rate compared with its flower‐feeding sister lineage. Atlidina, Strephonotina, Parrhasiina and Strymonina (562 species combined) each contain a mixture of genera that specialize on one or two caterpillar food plant families and genera that are polyphagous. These would be appropriate subtribes to assess how the breadth of caterpillar food plants and the frequency of host shifts affected diversification.
Flat Physicalism
Authors: Hemmo Meir , Shenker Orly
Published: March 2022

This paper describes a version of type identity physicalism, which we callFlat Physicalism, and shows how it meets several objections often raised against identity theories. This identity theory is informed by recent results in the conceptual foundations of physics, and in particular clarifies the notion of ‘physical kinds' in light of a conceptual analysis of the paradigmatic case of reducing thermodynamics to statistical mechanics. We show how Flat Physicalism is compatible with the appearance of multiple realisation in the special sciences, and how and in what sense the special sciences laws are autonomous from the laws of physics, despite the full reductive picture of Flat Physicalism. We compare our view with a recent proposal by William Bechtel that accounts for the appearance of levels in mechanistic explanations.
Confirmed non‐invasive prenatal testing for foetal Rh blood group genotyping along with bi‐allelic short insertion/deletion polymorphisms as a positive internal control
Authors: Armstrong‐Fisher Sylvia , Koushki Khadijeh , Mashayekhi Kazem , Urbaniak Stanislaw J. , van der Schoot Ellen , Varzi Ali Mohammad
Published: March 2022

Background

Determination of foetus rhesus blood group at risk of hemolytic disease has potential application for early non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). There are several challenges in developing NIPT rhesus blood group genotyping assays by using cell‐free foetal DNA (cff‐DNA) in plasma of RhD‐negative pregnant women. So, the aim of this study was optimization of Real‐time PCR assay for NIPT rhesus genotyping and development of Bi‐allelic short insertion/deletion polymorphisms (INDELs) as internal control to optimise and validate rhesus genotyping based on Real‐time PCR to avoid false or negative results.

Material and Methods

NIPT Rhesus genotyping including RHD (exon 7), RHCc, and RHEe genes were performed by TaqMan Real‐time PCR on 104 maternal samples at different gestation ages (12 to ≥40 weeks) from 51 alloimmunized pregnant women. The sensitivity protocol was confirmed with standard DNA samples. Eight selected INDELs were designed and used to detectable cff‐DNA in maternal plasma. INDELs frequency and inheritance were determined on 6 family and 61 unrelated individuals. Finally, multiplex Real‐time PCR was performed for each sample with INDELs pairs and Rh probes.

Results

The results showed 100% accuracy rhesus typing for RHD, RHC and RHE assays and 95.7% accuracy for RHc. Also, eight selected INDELs as internal control for NIPT were 100% concordance for typed samples.

Conclusion

The Real‐time PCR assay is a suitable method with high sensitivity and specificity for rhesus typing as NIPT for prediction of hemolytic disease in foetuses. The INDELs described here are suitable internal control for confirmation of NIPT on cff‐DNA.
Altered voltage‐dependence of slowly activating chloride‐proton antiport by late endosomal ClC‐6 explains distinct neurological disorders
Authors: Zifarelli Giovanni , Pusch Michael , Fong Peying
Published: March 2022

ClC‐6 is an intracellularly localised member of the CLC family of chloride transport proteins. It presumably functions in the endolysosomal compartment as a chloride‐proton antiporter, despite a paucity of biophysical studies in direct support. Observations of lysosomal storage disease, as well as neurodegenerative disorders, emerge with its disruption by knockout or mutation, respectively. An incomplete understanding of wild‐type ClC‐6 function obscures clear mechanistic insight into disease aetiology. Here, high‐resolution recording protocols that incorporate extreme voltage pulses permit detailed biophysical measurement and analysis of transient capacitive, as well as ionic transport currents. This approach reveals that wild‐type ClC‐6 activation and transport require depolarisation to voltages beyond 140 mV. Mutant Y553C associated with early‐onset neurodegeneration exerts gain‐of‐function by shifting the half‐maximal voltage for activation to less depolarised voltages. Moreover, we show that the E267A proton glutamate mutant conserves transport currents, albeit reduced. Lastly, the positive shift in activation voltage shown by V580M, a mutant identified in a patient with late‐onset lysosomal storage disease, can explain loss‐of‐function leading to disease.

Key points

Ionic composition and pH within intracellular compartments, such as endolysosomes, rely on the activity of chloride/proton transporters including ClC‐6.

Distinct CLCN6 mutations were previously found in individuals with neurodegenerative disease, and also putatively associated with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.

Limited knowledge of wild‐type ClC‐6 transport function impedes understanding of mechanisms underlying these conditions.

We resolved transient and transport currents that permit measurement of voltage‐ and pH‐dependences, as well as kinetics, for wild‐type and disease‐associated mutant ClC‐6s.

These findings define wild‐type ClC‐6 function robustly, and reveal how alterations of the slow activation gating of the transporter cause different kinds of neurological diseases.
Optical properties of Mo and amorphous MoOx, and application to antireflection coatings for metals
Authors: Tsu David V. , Muehle Matthias , Köstenbauer Harald , Linke Christian , Winkler Jörg
Published: March 2022

To form antireflection (AR) coatings to hide metal architecture in display technologies, we deposited thin films of metal Mo and oxide MoOx by sputtering targets of various compositions using pure Ar sputter gas. The optical constants [n,k] of these samples were measured by the direct numerical solution of reflectance and transmittance at each wavelength point measured. We find that 50 nm films are uniform in the growth direction, but for thicker 100 nm samples, evidence exists for nonuniform growth, where the top 20 nm appears to be metal rich. From these [n,k], negative Tauc bandgap energies show these oxides are semi-metals. We then identified the specific composition (x) that optimizes the AR response for a host of metals (Al, Cu, Ag, Au). Finally, two methods were used to understand why these MoOx materials function well as AR media, including (i) using phasor rays and (ii) developing a universal expression for the AR condition that applies to both dielectric and metal substrates. In (i), we find two characteristics for AR of metals: (a) its optical thickness should be roughly π3, not the π2 for dielectrics, since for MoOx, their [r^ij,t^ij] Fresnel phases differ from the usual [180°, 0°] of dielectrics; and (b) the medium incorporates a k-dominant strategy whose function is to absorb the energy that is reflected at the AR/metal interface. In (ii), the universal AR condition is found to be r^01+r^12z^=0. For dielectrics, this reduces to the well-known nAR=nairnsub condition. However, for metals, a concise analytic expression is lacking since this expression is highly nonlinear but is easily solved by numerical methods.
Investigation of near-surface chemical explosions effects using seismo-acoustic and synthetic aperture radar analyses
Authors: Hamama Islam , Yamamoto Masa-yuki , ElGabry Mohamed N. , Medhat Noha Ismail , Elbehiri Hany S. , Othman Adel Sami , Abdelazim Mona , Lethy Ahmed , El-hady Sherif M. , Hussein Hesham
Published: March 2022

Chemical explosions are ground truth events that provide data, which, in turn, can enhance the understanding of wave propagation, damage assessment, and yield estimation. On 4 August 2020, Beirut, Lebanon was shocked by a catastrophic explosion, which caused devastating damage to the Mediterranean city. A second strong chemical explosion took place at the Xiangshui, China chemical plant on 21 March 2019. Both events generated shock waves that transitioned to infrasound waves, seismic waves, as well as hydroacoustic signals with accompanying T-phases in the case of the Beirut event. In this work, the seismo-acoustic signatures, yields, and associated damage of the two events are investigated. The differentiainterferometry synthetic aperture radar analysis quantified the surface damage and the estimated yield range, equivalent to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene [C7H5(NO2)3] (TNT), through a “boom” relation of the peak overpressure was evaluated. Infrasound propagation modeling identified a strong duct in the stratosphere with the propagation to the west in the case of the Beirut-Port explosion. In the case of the Xiangshui explosion, the modeling supports the tropospheric propagation toward the Kochi University of Technology (KUT) sensor network in Japan. Although the Beirut yield (202–270 ± 100 tons) was slightly larger than the Xiangshui yield (201 ± 83.5 tons), the near-source damage areas are almost the same based on the distribution of damaged buildings surrounding the explosions.
Mediobasal hypothalamic FKBP51 acts as a molecular switch linking autophagy to whole-body metabolism
Authors: Häusl Alexander S. , Bajaj Thomas , Brix Lea M. , Pöhlmann Max L. , Hafner Kathrin , De Angelis Meri , Nagler Joachim , Dethloff Frederik , Balsevich Georgia , Schramm Karl-Werner , Giavalisco Patrick , Chen Alon , Schmidt Mathias V. , Gassen Nils C.
Published: March 2022

The mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) is the central region in the physiological response to metabolic stress. The FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP51) is a major modulator of the stress response and has recently emerged as a scaffolder regulating metabolic and autophagy pathways. However, the detailed protein-protein interactions linking FKBP51 to autophagy upon metabolic challenges remain elusive. We performed mass spectrometry–based metabolomics of FKBP51 knockout (KO) cells revealing an increased amino acid and polyamine metabolism. We identified FKBP51 as a central nexus for the recruitment of the LKB1/AMPK complex to WIPI4 and TSC2 to WIPI3, thereby regulating the balance between autophagy and mTOR signaling in response to metabolic challenges. Furthermore, we demonstrated that MBH FKBP51 deletion strongly induces obesity, while its overexpression protects against high-fat diet (HFD)–induced obesity. Our study provides an important novel regulatory function of MBH FKBP51 within the stress-adapted autophagy response to metabolic challenges.
Motor cortical output for skilled forelimb movement is selectively distributed across projection neuron classes
Authors: Park Junchol , Phillips James W. , Guo Jian-Zhong , Martin Kathleen A. , Hantman Adam W. , Dudman Joshua T.
Published: March 2022

The interaction of descending neocortical outputs and subcortical premotor circuits is critical for shaping skilled movements. Two broad classes of motor cortical output projection neurons provide input to many subcortical motor areas: pyramidal tract (PT) neurons, which project throughout the neuraxis, and intratelencephalic (IT) neurons, which project within the cortex and subcortical striatum. It is unclear whether these classes are functionally in series or whether each class carries distinct components of descending motor control signals. Here, we combine large-scale neural recordings across all layers of motor cortex with cell type–specific perturbations to study cortically dependent mouse motor behaviors: kinematically variable manipulation of a joystick and a kinematically precise reach-to-grasp. We find that striatum-projecting IT neuron activity preferentially represents amplitude, whereas pons-projecting PT neurons preferentially represent the variable direction of forelimb movements. Thus, separable components of descending motor cortical commands are distributed across motor cortical projection cell classes.
Nutrients and pheromones promote insulin release to inhibit courtship drive
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Guo Xuan , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2022

Food and reproduction are the fundamental needs for all animals. However, the neural mechanisms that orchestrate nutrient intake and sexual behaviors are not well understood. Here, we find that sugar feeding immediately suppresses sexual drive of male
Drosophila
, a regulation mediated by insulin that acts on insulin receptors on the courtship-promoting P1 neurons. The same pathway was co-opted by anaphrodisiac pheromones to suppress sexual hyperactivity to suboptimal mates. Activated by repulsive pheromones, male-specific PPK23 neurons on the leg tarsus release crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) that acts on CCAP receptor on the insulin-producing cells in the brain to trigger insulin release, which then inhibits P1 neurons. Our results reveal how male flies avoid promiscuity by balancing the weight between aphrodisiac and anaphrodisiac inputs from multiple peripheral sensory pathways and nutritional states. Such a regulation enables male animals to make an appropriate mating decision under fluctuating feeding conditions.
Biomineralization: Integrating mechanism and evolutionary history
Authors: Gilbert Pupa U. P. A. , Bergmann Kristin D. , Boekelheide Nicholas , Tambutté Sylvie , Mass Tali , Marin Frédéric , Adkins Jess F. , Erez Jonathan , Gilbert Benjamin , Knutson Vanessa , Cantine Marjorie , Hernández Javier Ortega , Knoll Andrew H.
Published: March 2022

Calcium carbonate (CaCO
3
) biomineralizing organisms have played major roles in the history of life and the global carbon cycle during the past 541 Ma. Both marine diversification and mass extinctions reflect physiological responses to environmental changes through time. An integrated understanding of carbonate biomineralization is necessary to illuminate this evolutionary record and to understand how modern organisms will respond to 21st century global change. Biomineralization evolved independently but convergently across phyla, suggesting a unity of mechanism that transcends biological differences. In this review, we combine CaCO
3
skeleton formation mechanisms with constraints from evolutionary history, omics, and a meta-analysis of isotopic data to develop a plausible model for CaCO
3
biomineralization applicable to all phyla. The model provides a framework for understanding the environmental sensitivity of marine calcifiers, past mass extinctions, and resilience in 21st century acidifying oceans. Thus, it frames questions about the past, present, and future of CaCO
3
biomineralizing organisms.
Genomic consequences of domestication of the Siamese fighting fish
Authors: Kwon Young Mi , Vranken Nathan , Hoge Carla , Lichak Madison R. , Norovich Amy L. , Francis Kerel X. , Camacho-Garcia Julia , Bista Iliana , Wood Jonathan , McCarthy Shane , Chow William , Tan Heok Hui , Howe Kerstin , Bandara Sepalika , von Lintig Johannes , Rüber Lukas , Durbin Richard , Svardal Hannes , Bendesky Andres
Published: March 2022

Siamese fighting (betta) fish are among the most popular and morphologically diverse pet fish, but the genetic bases of their domestication and phenotypic diversification are largely unknown. We assembled de novo the genome of a wild
Betta splendens
and whole-genome sequenced 98 individuals across five closely related species. We find evidence of bidirectional hybridization between domesticated ornamental betta and other wild
Betta
species. We discover
dmrt1
as the main sex determination gene in ornamental betta and that it has lower penetrance in wild
B. splendens
. Furthermore, we find genes with signatures of recent, strong selection that have large effects on color in specific parts of the body or on the shape of individual fins and that most are unlinked. Our results demonstrate how simple genetic architectures paired with anatomical modularity can lead to vast phenotypic diversity generated during animal domestication and launch betta as a powerful new system for evolutionary genetics.
COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma and Clinical Trials: Understanding Conflicting Outcomes
Authors: Focosi Daniele , Franchini Massimo , Pirofski Liise-anne , Burnouf Thierry , Paneth Nigel , Joyner Michael J. , Casadevall Arturo
Published: March 2022

Convalescent plasma (CP) recurs as a frontline treatment in epidemics because it is available as soon as there are survivors. The COVID-19 pandemic represented the first large-scale opportunity to shed light on the mechanisms of action, safety, and efficacy of CP using modern evidence-based medicine approaches. Studies ranging from observational case series to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported highly variable efficacy results for COVID-19 CP (CCP), resulting in uncertainty.
Vaccine-Induced Antibody Responses against SARS-CoV-2 Variants-Of-Concern Six Months after the BNT162b2 COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination
Authors: Jalkanen Pinja , Kolehmainen Pekka , Haveri Anu , Huttunen Moona , Laine Larissa , Österlund Pamela , Tähtinen Paula A. , Ivaska Lauri , Maljanen Sari , Reinholm Arttu , Belik Milja , Smura Teemu , Häkkinen Hanni K. , Ortamo Eeva , Kantele Anu , Julkunen Ilkka , Lempainen Johanna , Kakkola Laura
Published: March 2022

A decrease in vaccine efficacy against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants has increased the importance of assessing the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific antibodies and neutralizing antibodies. Our data show that after 6 months post two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine, antibody levels decrease yet remain detectable and capable of neutralizing emerging variants. By monitoring the vaccine-induced antibody responses, vaccination strategies and administration of booster doses can be optimized.
Molecular Diagnosis of Cat Scratch Disease: a 25-Year Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Various Clinical Specimens and Different PCR Assays
Authors: Goaz Sher , Rasis Michal , Binsky Ehrenreich Inbal , Shapira Lev , Halutz Ora , Graidy-Varon Merav , Leibovitch Cecilia , Maisler Noam , Glikman Daniel , Ephros Moshe , Giladi Michael
Published: March 2022

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of
Bartonella henselae
is an important tool for the diagnosis of cat scratch disease (CSD); however, clinical sensitivity varies greatly between studies. The current study shows that the specimen type, with pus aspiration, fine needle aspiration, and primary inoculation lesion having significantly higher sensitivity than fresh or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lymph node biopsy specimen, rather than the type of the PCR assay, whether a conventional or a real-time assay, has a major impact on the performance of diagnostic PCR for CSD.
Dust Acoustic Solitons in Saturn’s Dust-Filled Magnetosphere
Authors: Kopnin S. I. , Shokhrin D. V. , Popel S. I.
Published: March 2022

The possibility is considered of propagation of localized wave structures, such as dust acoustic solitons, in the plasma of the dust-filled Saturn’s magnetosphere, which contains electrons of two sorts (hot and cold) subject to kappa distribution, ions, and charged dust grains. The ranges of possible velocities and amplitudes of the solitons are determined. Soliton solutions for different sizes and concentrations of dust grains in the dust-filled Saturn’s magnetosphere are found.
Neonatal thyrotoxicosis with maternal hypothyroidism
Authors: Ravindra Shruthi , Shetty Sahana
Published: March 2022

Neonatal Graves’ is uncommon, but a potentially fatal condition caused by transplacental transfer of thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI). It is seen in 1%–5% of infants born to a mother with Graves’ disease. Here, we report a unique case of transient neonatal thyrotoxicosis with positive TSI in a premature neonate born to the mother with primary hypothyroidism. A short course of antithyroid drug treatment leads to significant clinical and biochemical improvement followed by complete recovery.
Eagle syndrome and carotid artery dissection: a rare skull base cause of stroke
Authors: Selvadurai Shaun , Williamson Andrew , Virk Jagdeep S , Clarke Peter
Published: March 2022

Eagle’s syndrome is a rare collection of symptoms that occur secondary to an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament irritating its surrounding structures. Classically, this presents as unilateral throat pain or rarely, as acute neurological symptoms secondary to compression of the internal carotid artery: so called ‘stylocarotid syndrome’. Significant neurological events in teenagers, secondary to Eagle syndrome have not been reported. We discuss the rare case of a teenage boy, diagnosed with right internal carotid artery dissection and middle cerebral artery infarction, with no cause initially identified. Following further admission with a transient neurological episode, he was noted to have elongated styloid processes with the right abutting the site of carotid dissection. He underwent styloidectomy and has since remained symptom free. This case highlights the importance of considering anatomical variants when assessing young patients with neurological symptoms, and the potential morbidity and mortality benefit that early surgical intervention may have.
Refractory peroneal spastic flat foot successfully treated with a cast in a girl
Authors: Hadano Yuka , Kimura Tadashi , Kubota Makoto , Saito Mitsuru
Published: March 2022

An 11-year-old girl presented with pain in the sinus tarsi and a foot deformity after spraining her left foot. She had flat foot due to spasticity of the peroneal tendon, which was difficult to correct manually. An imaging study revealed an accessory anterolateral talar facet (AALTF) and bone marrow oedema at the lateral aspect of the posterior talocalcaneal joint. We diagnosed peroneal spastic flat foot with possible involvement of sinus tarsi syndrome and AALTF. When conservative therapy failed, we applied a cast with the foot in full plantar flexion and an inverted position. After 4 weeks, the patient had a normal range of motion in the foot, the pain had resolved completely and the peroneal spasticity had disappeared. Orthopaedic treatment with a cast may be worth attempting before surgery in such cases.
‘Refbin’ an online platform to extract and classify large-scale information: a pilot study of COVID-19 related papers
Authors: Lunna Shania , Flinn Isabelle , Prytherch James , Torfs-Leibman Camille , Robtoy Sarah , Bansak Matt , Krag David
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The number of new biomedical manuscripts published on important topics exceeds the capacity of single persons to read. Integration of literature is an even more elusive task. This article describes a pilot study of a scalable online system to integrate data from 1000 articles on COVID-19.

Methods

Articles were imported from PubMed using the query ‘COVID-19’. The full text of articles reporting new data was obtained and the results extracted manually. An online software system was used to enter the results. Similar results were bundled using note fields in parent–child order. Each extracted result was linked to the source article. Each new data entry comprised at least four note fields: (1) result, (2) population or sample, (3) description of the result and (4) topic. Articles underwent iterative rounds of group review over remote sessions.

Results

Screening 4126 COVID-19 articles resulted in a selection of 1000 publications presenting new data. The results were extracted and manually entered in note fields. Integration from multiple publications was achieved by sharing parent note fields by child entries. The total number of extracted primary results was 12 209. The mean number of results per article was 15.1 (SD 12.0). The average number of parent note fields for each result note field was 6.8 (SD 1.4). The total number of all note fields was 28 809. Without sharing of parent note fields, there would have been a total of 94 986 note fields.

Conclusion

This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of a scalable online system to extract results from 1000 manuscripts. Using four types of notes to describe each result provided standardisation of data entry and information integration. There was substantial reduction in complexity and reduction in total note fields by sharing of parent note fields. We conclude that this system provides a method to scale up extraction of information on very large topics.
Listen Carefully protocol: an exploratory case–control study of the association between listening effort and cognitive function
Authors: Feldman Alix , Patou François , Baumann Monika , Stockmarr Anders , Waldemar Gunhild , Maier Anja M , Vogel Asmus
Published: March 2022

Introduction

A growing body of evidence suggests that hearing loss is a significant and potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive impairment. Although the mechanisms underlying the associations between cognitive decline and hearing loss are unclear, listening effort has been posited as one of the mechanisms involved with cognitive decline in older age. To date, there has been a lack of research investigating this association, particularly among adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods and analysis

15–25 cognitively healthy participants and 15–25 patients with MCI (age 40–85 years) will be recruited to participate in an exploratory study investigating the association between cognitive functioning and listening effort. Both behavioural and objective measures of listening effort will be investigated. The sentence-final word identification and recall (SWIR) test will be administered with single talker non-intelligible speech background noise while monitoring pupil dilation. Evaluation of cognitive function will be carried out in a clinical setting using a battery of neuropsychological tests. This study is considered exploratory and proof of concept, with information taken to help decide the validity of larger-scale trials.

Ethics and dissemination

Written approval exemption was obtained by the Scientific Ethics Committee in the central region of Denmark (De Videnskabsetiske Komiteer i Region Hovedstaden), reference 19042404, and the project is registered pre-results at clinicaltrials.gov, referenceNCT04593290, Protocol ID 19042404. Study results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
Identifying priorities for research on financial risk protection to achieve universal health coverage: a scoping overview of reviews
Authors: Bhatia Dominika , Mishra Sujata , Kirubarajan Abirami , Yanful Bernice , Allin Sara , Di Ruggiero Erica
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Financial risk protection (FRP) is an indicator of the Sustainable Development Goal 3 universal health coverage (UHC) target. We sought to characterise what is known about FRP in the UHC context and to identify evidence gaps to prioritise in future research.

Design

Scoping overview of reviews using the Arksey & O’Malley and Levac & Colquhoun framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews reporting guidelines.

Data sources

MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL-Plus and PAIS Index were systematically searched for studies published between 1 January 1995 and 20 July 2021.

Eligibility criteria

Records were screened by two independent reviewers in duplicate using the following criteria: (1) literature review; (2) focus on UHC achievement through FRP; (3) English or French language; (4) published after 1995 and (5) peer-reviewed.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers extracted data using a standard form and descriptive content analysis was performed to synthesise findings.

Results

50 studies were included. Most studies were systematic reviews focusing on low-income and middle-income countries. Study periods spanned 1990 and 2020. While FRP was recognised as a dimension of UHC, it was rarely defined as a concept. Out-of-pocket, catastrophic and impoverishing health expenditures were most commonly used to measure FRP. Pooling arrangements, expansion of insurance coverage and financial incentives were the main interventions for achieving FRP. Evidence gaps pertained to the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and equity implications of efforts aimed at increasing FRP. Methodological gaps related to trade-offs between single-country and multicountry analyses; lack of process evaluations; inadequate mixed-methods evidence, disaggregated by relevant characteristics; lack of comparable and standardised measurement and short follow-up periods.

Conclusions

This scoping overview of reviews characterised what is known about FRP as a UHC dimension and found evidence gaps related to the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and equity implications of FRP interventions. Theory-informed mixed-methods research using high-quality, longitudinal and disaggregated data is needed to address these objectives.
Which outcomes should be used in future bronchiolitis trials? Developing a bronchiolitis core outcome set using a systematic review, Delphi survey and a consensus workshop
Authors: Rosala-Hallas A , Jones Ashley P , Williamson Paula R , Bedson Emma , Compton Vanessa , Fernandes Ricardo M , Lacy David , Lyttle Mark David , Peak Matthew , Thorburn Kentigern , Woolfall Kerry , Van Miert Clare , McNamara Paul S
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The objective of this study was to develop a core outcome set (COS) for use in future clinical trials in bronchiolitis. We wanted to find out which outcomes are important to healthcare professionals (HCPs) and to parents and which outcomes should be prioritised for use in future clinical trials.

Design and setting

The study used a systematic review, workshops and interviews, a Delphi survey and a final consensus workshop.

Results

Thirteen parents and 45 HCPs took part in 5 workshops; 15 other parents were also separately interviewed. Fifty-six items were identified from the systematic review, workshops and interviews. Rounds one and two of the Delphi survey involved 299 and 194 participants, respectively. Sixteen outcomes met the criteria for inclusion within the COS. The consensus meeting was attended by 10 participants, with representation from all three stakeholder groups. Nine outcomes were added, totalling 25 outcomes to be included in the COS.

Conclusion

We have developed the first parent and HCP consensus on a COS for bronchiolitis in a hospital setting. The use of this COS will ensure outcomes in future bronchiolitis trials are important and relevant, and will enable the trial results to be compared and combined.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN75766048.
Disease knowledge, medical experience, health-related quality of life and health-care costs among patients with advanced colorectal cancer in China: protocol for a nationwide multicentre survey
Authors: Liu Yin , Xu Hui-Fang , Zhang Xi , Yu Yan-Qin , Zhao Yu-Qian , Zhang Shao-Kai , Qiao You-Lin
Published: March 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in China. Most patients have developed advanced stage at diagnosis, leading to a low 5-year survival rate. To optimise prevention strategies, we planned a survey to evaluate the disease knowledge, medical experience and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) before and after the treatment of CRC, and healthcare costs among patients with advanced CRC in China.

Methods and analysis

This is a nationwide, hospital-based, multicentre survey. Nineteen hospitals in seven cities were selected by multistage stratified sampling. Mainland China is divided into seven regions according to the traditional administrative district definition; two cities of each region were selected through simple random sampling, and then one tertiary cancer hospital and one general hospital were selected for each city. More than 4445 patients with CRC in the selected hospitals with stage III or IV will be enrolled in this study. The trained interviewers will collect information through patients’ self-report and/or medical records, including demographics and medical history; knowledge about CRC high-risk factors, screening procedure and treatment methods; medical experience on CRC screening, diagnosis and treatment; HRQOL before and after CRC treatment; and costs of CRC. All data will be input by two independent staff and verified using Epidata V.3.1 software. Data validation plan will be made to guide data checking. All statistical analyses will be conducted using SAS V.9.4 and SPSS V.24.0 software.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the ethics committees of Henan Cancer Hospital, the leading participant hospital. Findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed open-access journals and presented as posters and/or oral sections in national and international conferences. Results will also be popularised to the public via media or the internet.