bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bee functional traits and their relationship to pollination services depend on many factors: A meta‐regression analysis
Authors: Chase Marissa H. , Fraterrigo Jennifer M. , Harmon‐Threatt Alexandra
Published: April 2023

Understanding relationships between organisms and the ecosystem services they provide is crucial for predicting the impacts of continued biodiversity changes. Functional traits of organisms can affect ecosystem properties and are thus increasingly used to predict long‐term ecosystem functioning.

Bees are ideal taxa for using functional approaches given their role in pollination for many plant species and wide diversity of traits. Although distributions of bee functional traits are being documented in the literature, there is a clear lack of understanding of how they relate to ecosystem functioning (i.e. pollination).

To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a meta‐regression analysis with the following objectives: (1) quantify the effects of bee functional traits on pollination and (2) assess sources of heterogeneity to identify variables that might explain variation across studies. Seventeen studies met our criteria for inclusion, yielding 45 individual effect sizes for six traits (body size, tongue length, diet breadth, nesting, parasitism, and sociality).

Overall, bee functional traits had a significant effect on pollination; however, effect sizes were weak with high variability across studies. Sources of heterogeneity included the metrics used to quantify pollination, the number of bee genera analysed in a study, and whether traits were measured categorically or continuously. These results indicate a need for more research to improve understanding of trait–pollination relationships. For some bee traits, effects on pollination may be dependent on other factors like bee abundance, environmental context, and the plant species evaluated in studies.
Investigating the effect of the pH of foot care product formulations on pedal skin in diabetic and non‐diabetic subjects
Authors: Fitzner Andreas , Knuhr Katrin , Brandt Marianne , Bielfeldt Stephan
Published: April 2023

Objective

The use of skin care formulations with acidic pHs is seen as an effective method to maintain the acidic mantel of the skin; however, because the skin pH varies depending on the area of the body and as data are lacking for the skin pH of the feet, there was a need to examine whether this assumption holds true for skin care formulations designed for the foot. Thus, three foot creams formulated with a neutral, acidic or alkaline pH were compared with each other as well as to an untreated control group in order to analyse their impact on skin pH, hydration and general skin condition.

Methods

An exploratory clinical investigation with 60 enrolled subjects, half of whom had a diagnosis of diabetes (type 1 or type 2), was undertaken. The investigation followed a randomized, double‐blind, balanced incomplete block design (BIBD) including intra‐individual comparison (before and after treatment). Evaluations of skin pH and hydration were carried out using a pH meter and a Corneometer respectively. Objective evaluation of skin condition for efficacy assessment was performed by a trained grader. For tolerability evaluation, objective and subjective dermatological assessments were performed.

Results

At the end of the treatment period, the skin pH was largely unchanged at five out of six of the test areas, with the mean value for each treatment group using test products showing similar fluctuations as the untreated control group. Furthermore, the skin condition parameters studied all improved by a comparable magnitude for each of the treatment groups using the test products, whereas the untreated control group experienced a worsening of the skin condition parameters.

Conclusions

The results of this investigation suggest that where the skin of the foot is concerned, the pH of skin care formulations has no (physiologically) relevant influence on the skin's pH in either diabetic or non‐diabetic subjects. Furthermore, the expectation that acidic formulations would be more beneficial for the skin's condition was not found to hold true for the skin of the foot, as no significant difference was observed between the performance of the three test products investigated in this study.
Research of numerical simulation for HVAF thermal spraying process on rotational roll
Authors: Li Chang , Chen Xinxue , Han Xing , Jiang Haisheng , Liu Zhaotai
Published: April 2023

HVAF thermal spraying has the characteristics of low spraying temperature, high coating density, and strong corrosion resistance. It is widely used in the aerospace, iron–steel metallurgy, national defense and military industry, petrochemical industry, and other fields for manufacturing protection and repair strengthening, which has achieved significant economic benefits. In this study, a numerical model of HVAF thermal spraying on a circular roll was established by the computational fluid dynamics method. The characteristics of the spraying flame, evolution of the gas composition mass fraction, and influence of the spraying parameters on particle flight behaviors were calculated and revealed. Based on the dynamic mesh method, the effect of roll speed on the spraying flame characteristics and particle flight behaviors was analyzed. Calculations show that the spraying flame is extruded at the Laval nozzle and the speed rapidly increases to 805 m/s, which increases to a supersonic speed through the barrel. The flame flow rises rapidly reaching the surface of the roll, which is 780 m/s. The highest temperature is in the combustion chamber, and the flame temperature of the airshed is a damped vibration. The flame covers the surface of the roll to preheat it, and the flame temperature there decreases layer by layer from the inside to outside. The particle diameter significantly effects the powder flight behavior. The flame velocity increases with the barrel length increasing. The flame temperature up to the peak when the barrel length is 190 mm. As the rotation speed of the roll increases, the temperature, velocity, and pressure of the flame flow on the roll surface change in a certain extent. The particle spatter will be increased with the rotational speed increasing of the roll, which little affects the particle temperature.
Towards an integrated debiasing framework for consumer financial decisions: A reflection on debiasing research
Authors: Jugnandan Shreeya , Willows Gizelle D.
Published: April 2023

Consumers are subject to cognitive biases, which impede the rationality of their financial decisions. This is problematic, given the onus on the individual to make investment and savings decisions. Thus, there is an impetus for research to identify mitigation strategies. This qualitative review surveys the debiasing literature to identify the prevalent debiasing approaches and proposes an integrated model towards debiasing. The identified core debiasing strategies (education and training, decision support systems, information aspects, experience, and financial advice) are organized and integrated into a single model using the ‘Antecedents, Decisions, Outcomes’ format developed by Paul and Benito. We also propose an agenda for future debiasing research.
Multi‐trait genomic prediction in pigs using single and multistep methods based on the absorption of ungenotyped animals
Authors: Luan Tu , Nordbø Øyvind , Andersen‐Ranberg Ina , Meuwissen Theo H. E.
Published: April 2023

Many quantitative traits measured in breeding programs are genetically correlated. The genetic correlations between the traits indicate that the measurement of one trait carries information on others. To benefit from this information, multi‐trait genomic prediction (MTGP) is preferable to use. However, MTGP is more difficult to implement compared to single‐trait genomic prediction (STGP), and even more challenging for the goal to exploit not only the information on other traits but also the information on ungenotyped animals. This could be accomplished using both single and multistep methods. The single‐step method was achieved by implementing a single‐step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP) approach using a multi‐trait model. Here, we examined a multistep analysis based on an approach called “Absorption” to achieve this goal. The Absorption approach absorbed all available information including the phenotypic information on ungenotyped animals as well as the information on other traits if applicable, into mixed model equations of genotyped animals. The multistep analysis included (1) to apply the Absorption approach that exploits all available information and (2) to implement genomic BLUP (GBLUP) prediction on the absorbed dataset. In this study, the ssGBLUP and multistep analysis were applied to 5 traits in Duroc pigs, which were slaughter percentage, feed consumption from 40 to 120 kg (FC40_120), days of growth from 40 to 120 kg (D40_120), age at 40 kg (A40) and lean meat percentage. The results showed that MTGP yielded higher accuracy than STGP, which on average was 0.057 higher for the multistep method and 0.045 higher for ssGBLUP. The multistep method achieved similar prediction accuracy as ssGBLUP. However, the prediction bias of the multistep method was in general lower than that of ssGBLUP.
The F‐box protein SHORT PRIMARY ROOT modulates primary root meristem activity by targeting SEUSS‐LIKE protein for degradation in rice
Authors: Ma Nini , Li Nian , Yu Zhongmao , Chen Chunli , Zhou Dao‐Xiu , Zhao Yu
Published: April 2023

Root meristem activity is essential for root morphogenesis and adaptation, but the molecular mechanism regulating root meristem activity is not fully understood. Here, we identify an F‐box family E3 ubiquitin ligase named SHORT PRIMARY ROOT (SHPR) that regulates primary root (PR) meristem activity and cell proliferation in rice. SHPR loss‐of‐function mutations impair PR elongation in rice. SHPR is involved in the formation of an SCF complex with the Oryza sativa SKP1‐like protein OSK1/20. We show that SHPR interacts with Oryza sativa SEUSS‐LIKE (OsSLK) in the nucleus and is required for OsSLK polyubiquitination and degradation by the ubiquitin 26S‐proteasome system (UPS). Transgenic plants overexpressing OsSLK display a shorter PR phenotype, which is similar to the SHPR loss‐of‐function mutants. Genetic analysis suggests that SHPR promotes PR elongation in an OsSLK‐dependent manner. Collectively, our study establishes SHPR as an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets OsSLK for degradation, and uncovers a protein ubiquitination pathway as a mechanism for modulating root meristem activity in rice.
From Right to Responsibility: Resonance and Radicalism in Feminist‐Led Reproductive Control Movements, 1905‐1942
Authors: Eby Margaret R.
Published: April 2023

How do leaders of social movements leverage resonance and radicalism to achieve movement goals? As eugenics gained prominence from the end of the 19th century through World War II, feminist leaders of contraceptive access movements pushed for the acceptance of birth control simultaneously as a right for women and as a tool to further racist, ableist and ethnonationalist eugenic interventions. This paper analyzes the trajectories of two feminist birth control activists in the United States and Germany to trace the development and divergence of their movements alongside eugenics through three general framings over the first half of the 20th century: advocating the individual, advancing humanity, and augmenting the state. This research uses personal papers and social movement records to show that these cases present a kind of double resonance through which movement leaders could reframe reproductive control as a solution not only to the problems of their audiences, but also legitimize their politics and identities. By contextualizing eugenics alongside neo‐Malthusianism, birth control, abortion, and reproductive governance, this analysis helps to map reproductive control as a device historically wielded by white feminists to organize broader political support to fit varying and contradictory ideological projects.
Sleep restriction between consecutive days of exercise impairs sprint and endurance cycling performance
Authors: Dean Blake , Hartmann Tegan , Wingfield Georgia , Larsen Penelope , Skein Melissa
Published: April 2023

The study aim was to determine the effect of sleep restriction (3 h) between consecutive days of exercise on sprint and endurance cycling performance, wellness, and mood. A total of 10 well‐trained males performed 2 consecutive‐day trials separated by a normal night sleep (control [CONT]; mean [SD] sleep duration 3.0 [0.2] h) or sleep restriction (RES; mean [SD] sleep duration 3.0 [0.2] h). Experimental trials included a 90‐min fixed‐paced cycling bout and the respective sleep conditions on Day 1, followed by two 6‐s peak power (6‐s PP) tests, a 4‐ and 20‐min time trial (TT) on Day 2. Profile of Mood States (POMS) and wellness questionnaires were recorded on Day 1 and Day 2. Blood lactate and glucose, heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion were recorded throughout Day 2. Power output (PO) was significantly reduced for RES in the 6‐s PP trial (mean [SD] 1159 [127] W for RES versus 1250 [186] W for CONT; p = 0.04) and mean PO during the 20‐min TT (mean [SD] 237 [59] W for RES versus 255 [58] W for CONT; p = 0.03). There were no differences for HR, lactate and glucose, or POMS between CONT and RES in all experimental trials (p = 0.05–0.89). Participants reported a reduction in overall wellness prior to exercise on Day 2 following RES (mean [SD] 14.5 [1.6] au) compared to CONT (mean [SD] 16 [3.0] au; p = 0.034). Sleep restriction and the associated reductions in wellness, reduce cycling performance during consecutive days of exercise in a range of cycling tests that are relevant to both track and road cyclists.
Analysis of the physiological responses of Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) to various stressors to identify a suitable stress indicator
Authors: Lee Hyo Bin , Jang Hyun Seok , Oh Young Dae , Lee Yun Ho , Lim Han Kyu
Published: April 2023

The Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) is the most economically valuable shellfish species in Northeast Asia, accounting for most of the shellfish production in South Korea. Despite the continuous improvement in the productivity of domestic abalone aquaculture, rapid seawater temperature changes caused by global warming have led to mass mortality in coastal abalone farms. Therefore, research on environmental stressors is urgently needed to prevent abalone production losses. This study analyzed the expression of heat shock protein (HSP) genes in foot muscles of H. discus hannai and metabolic parameters including glucose, lysozyme, catalase, D‐lactate, and trehalose levels in the hemolymph under acute high temperature, low temperature, low salinity, and air exposure. Quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that HSP20 expression was downregulated in all experimental groups, whereas HSP70 expression increased immediately in all experimental groups except for the low‐temperature stress group. Hemolymph analysis showed that glucose and lysozyme levels increased significantly immediately after treatment in all groups, and decreased during the recovery period. Together, the results indicate that low water temperature stress had the smallest effect on abalone among the treatments. We conclude that the other treatments acted as stressors of abalone and that HSP genes, glucose, and lysozyme can be used as stress indicators in H. discus hannai.
Unsupervised defect segmentation with pose priors
Authors: Midwinter Max , Al‐Sabbag Zaid Abbas , Yeum Chul Min
Published: April 2023

Single shot, semantic bounding box detectors, trained in a supervised manner are popular in computer vision‐aided visual inspections. These methods have several key limitations: (1) bounding boxes capture too much background, especially when images experience perspective transformation; (2) insufficient domain‐specific data and cost to label; and (3) redundant or incorrect detection results on videos or multi‐frame data; where it is a nontrivial task to select the best detection and check for outliers. Recent developments in commercial augmented reality and robotic hardware can be leveraged to support inspection tasks. A common capability of the previous is the ability to obtain image sequences and camera poses. In this work, the authors leverage pose information as “prior” to address the limitations of existing supervised learned, single‐shot, semantic detectors for the application of visual inspection. The authors propose an unsupervised semantic segmentation method (USP), based on unsupervised learning for image segmentation inspired by differentiable feature clustering coupled with a novel outlier rejection and stochastic consensus mechanism for mask refinement. USP was experimentally validated for a spalling quantification task using a mixed reality headset (Microsoft HoloLens 2). Also, a sensitivity study was conducted to evaluate the performance of USP under environmental or operational variations.
Anchor‐adaptive railway track detection from unmanned aerial vehicle images
Authors: Tong Lei , Jia Limin , Geng Yixuan , Liu Keyan , Qin Yong , Wang Zhipeng
Published: April 2023

Autonomous railway inspection with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has huge advantages over traditional inspection methods. As a prerequisite for UAV‐based autonomous following of railway lines, it is quite essential to develop intelligent railway track detection algorithms. However, there are no existing algorithms currently that can efficiently adapt to the demand for the various forms and changing inclination angles of railway tracks in the UAV aerial images. To address the challenge, this paper proposes a novel anchor‐adaptive railway track detection network (ARTNet), which constructs a dual‐branch architecture based on projection length discrimination to realize full‐angle railway track detection for the UAV aerial images taken from arbitrary viewing angles. Considering the potential capacity imbalance of the two branches that can be caused by the uneven distribution of railway tracks in the dataset, a balanced transpose co‐training strategy is proposed to train the two branches coordinately. Moreover, an extra customized transposed consistency loss is designed to guide the training of the network without increasing any computational complexity. A set of experiments have been conducted to verify the feasibility and superiority of the ARTNet. It is demonstrated that our approach can effectively realize full‐angle railway track detection and outperform other popular algorithms greatly in terms of both detection accuracy and reasoning efficiency. ARTNet can achieve a mean F1 of 76.12 and run at a speed of 50 more frames per second.
Does improving sleep for the critically ill reduce the incidence and duration of delirium? An evidence‐based review
Authors: Elliott Rosalind , Delaney Lori
Published: April 2023

Delirium is associated with poor patient outcome. Critical‐care nurses maintain that patients with disrupted sleep appear to develop delirium. We sought to explore whether improving sleep in the critically ill patients reduced the incidence and duration of delirium. Our review of five relevant studies suggests that there is low‐quality evidence that improving sleep may reduce the incidence of delirium. The bidirectional association between delirium and sleep stymies research in this area, and thus, establishing cause and effect, is difficult. Research exploring other patient‐centred outcomes, such as pain intensity, suggests that enhancing sleep may improve these outcomes.
Imagination as a generative source of justification
Authors: Miyazono Kengo , Tooming Uku
Published: April 2023

One of the most exciting debates in philosophy of imagination in recent years has been over the epistemic use of imagination where imagination epistemically contributes to justifying beliefs and acquiring knowledge. This paper defends “generationism about imagination” according to which imagination is a generative source, rather than a preservative source, of justification. In other words, imagination generates new justification above and beyond prior justification provided by other sources. After clarifying the generation/preservation distinction (Section 2), we present an argument for generationism about imagination, which can be divided into two parts; the philosophical part and the empirical part. In the philosophical part of our argument (Section 3), we claim that generationism about imagination follows from what we call “INACCESSIBILITY”. According to INACCESSIBILITY, imagination is properly constrained by the imaginative constrainers (i.e., the prior representations that constrain the development of a scenario in imagination) to which non‐imaginative belief‐forming processes do not have access. In the empirical part of our argument (Section 4), we claim that INACCESSIBILITY is plausible in light of relevant studies and theories in the empirical literature, especially the literature on mental simulation (Section 4.1), core cognition (Section 4.2), and intuitive physics (Section 4.3).
Non‐species‐specific pollen transfer and double‐reward production in euglossine‐pollinated Vanilla
Authors: Pansarin E. R.
Published: April 2023

Commonly attributed to orchids, the pollen movement in Vanilla has been associated with food deception and specific plant–pollinator relationships.

This study investigated the role of flower rewards and pollinator specificity in the pollen transfer of a widely distributed member to the euglossinophilous Vanilla clade, V. pompona Schiede using data collected from Brazilian populations. These included investigations on morphology, light microscopy and histochemistry, and analysis of flowers scent using GC–MS. The pollinators and the mechanisms of pollination were recorded through focal observations.

The yellow flowers of V. pompona are fragrant and offer nectar as reward. The major volatile compound of the V. pompona scent, carvone oxide, shows convergent evolution in Eulaema‐pollinated Angiosperms. The pollination system of V. pompona is not species‐specific, but its flowers are strongly adapted to pollination by large Eulaema males. Pollination mechanism is based in a combination of perfume collection and nectar seeking.

The dogma of a species‐specific pollination system based on food deception in Vanilla has been broken with the increase in studies on this Pantropical orchid genus. Here, least three bee species and dual reward‐offering are involved in pollen transfer in V. pompona. Visitation frequency of bees collecting perfumes, used in courtship by male euglossines, is higher than in searching for food, as short‐lived young euglossine males seem to be more interested in sex than food. A pollination system based on offering both nectar and perfumes as resources is described for the first time in orchids.
Molecular and physiochemical evaluation of buck semen cryopreserved with antioxidants
Authors: Ghanem Nasser , Nasr Norhan Hamdy , Abu Elnaga Nehal Ali , Abou‐Hashim Fatma , Kamel Shaimaa , Warda Mohamad , Dessouki Sherif M. , AbdRabou Mervat Ahmed , Mehaisen Gamal M.K.
Published: April 2023

The current study evaluated the physiochemical quality and gene expression profile of post‐thawed buck semen after supplementation with antioxidants [melatonin (M), L‐carnitine (LC), cysteine (Cys), LC + M, M + Cys, LC + Cys, LC + Cys + M] in comparison with the non‐treated control group. Physical and biochemical characteristics of semen were evaluated following freezing and thawing. Transcript abundance of six selected candidate genes was profile using quantitative real‐time PCR. The data demonstrated significant enhancement of post‐freezing total motility, progressive motility, percentage of live sperm, CASA parameters, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity in all groups supplemented with Cys, LC, M + Cys and LC + Cys compared with the control group. The biochemical analysis of semen indicated that semen groups supplemented with LC and LC + Cys recorded increased levels of GPX and SOD that were coupled with up‐regulation of antioxidant genes (SOD1, GPX1 and NRF2) and mitochondrial transcripts (CPT2 and ATP5F1A). Moreover, H2O2 level and DNA fragmentation percentage were reduced compared with other groups. In conclusion, supplementation of Cys alone or in combination with LC positively improved the post‐thaw physiochemical properties of rabbit semen through activation of bioenergetics‐related mitochondrial genes and cellular antioxidant defence mechanism.
Demographics and social determinants of oral health for baby boomers
Authors: Ettinger Ronald L. , Marchini Leonardo
Published: April 2023

Objective

Age cohorts such as the baby boomers are influenced by historical experiences and the socio‐dental events during their lifespan. These events/experiences have impacted their health behavior and consequently, their systemic and oral health. As the baby boomer population is aging, and the majority of them are retaining some of their natural teeth for longer, only fewer are becoming edentulous. This paper discusses the demographics and the social determinants of health of the early baby boomers (1945—1955), as well as the late boomers (1956–1964).

Methods

We have used data from the literature to describe the events which might have impacted these cohorts’ attitudes and expectations towards the utilization of health care and dental services.

Results

There are variations in the way different age groups perceive dentistry and use dental and other healthcare services, known as cohort differences. Nonetheless, because people are now keeping more of their natural teeth as they age, there is a greater demand for oral healthcare among the baby boomer generation. In order to provide specialized care that addresses their unique needs, there is a need for expanded training programs at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Conclusion

A cohort is composed of numerous individuals whose attitudes and behaviors are shaped by their personal life experiences and broader societal trends. Consequently, any information about a particular cohort can only offer generalizations. As healthcare providers, it is important to be aware of the general characteristics of a cohort, but also exercise caution when applying them to individual patients. We should interpret these characteristics in light of each patient's unique circumstances.
Convergence of the gradient flow of renormalized volume to convex cores with totally geodesic boundary
Authors: Bridgeman Martin , Bromberg Kenneth , Vargas Pallete Franco
Published: April 2023

We consider the Weil–Petersson gradient vector field of renormalized volume on the deformation space of convex cocompact hyperbolic structures on (relatively) acylindrical manifolds. In this paper we prove the conjecture that the flow has a global attracting fixed point at the unique structure $M_{\rm geod}$ with minimum convex core volume.
Vitamin D status in healthy populations worldwide: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Dunlop Eleanor , Pham Ngoc Minh , Van Hoang Dong , Kalmpourtzidou Aliki , Black Lucinda J
Published: April 2023

Objective:

The objective of this systematic review is to report on circulating concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and the prevalence of 25(OH)D concentrations below commonly used cut points for vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency in healthy populations worldwide.

Introduction:

Vitamin D sufficiency is important for optimal bone health and has been identified as being protective against a range of adverse health outcomes. Poor vitamin D status is considered a global public health concern. This review will provide up-to-date data on 25(OH)D concentrations in healthy populations worldwide.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider data from publications that include measurements of circulating 25(OH)D concentrations in healthy people of all ages across all global geographical regions.

Methods:

MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Global Index Medicus will be searched for relevant studies published from March 1, 2011. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts using Research Screener, review relevant full-text articles for quality and eligibility, and extract data. Studies will, where possible, be pooled with statistical meta-analysis, while heterogeneity will be statistically tested. If relevant data are available, subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be conducted to investigate latitude, sex, age, season of blood collection, supplement use, 25(OH)D assay used (and whether it’s certified to Reference Measurement Procedures developed under the Vitamin D Standardization Program), as well as study quality.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42021242466
Graft–host coupling changes can lead to engraftment arrhythmia: a computational study
Authors: Gibbs Chelsea E. , Marchianó Silvia , Zhang Kelly , Yang Xiulan , Murry Charles E. , Boyle Patrick M.
Published: April 2023

After myocardial infarction (MI), a significant portion of heart muscle is replaced with scar tissue, progressively leading to heart failure. Human pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC‐CM) offer a promising option for improving cardiac function after MI. However, hPSC‐CM transplantation can lead to engraftment arrhythmia (EA). EA is a transient phenomenon arising shortly after transplantation then spontaneously resolving after a few weeks. The underlying mechanism of EA is unknown. We hypothesize that EA may be explained partially by time‐varying, spatially heterogeneous, graft–host electrical coupling. Here, we created computational slice models derived from histological images that reflect different configuration of grafts in the infarcted ventricle. We ran simulations with varying degrees of connection imposed upon the graft–host perimeter to assess how heterogeneous electrical coupling affected EA with non‐conductive scar, slow‐conducting scar and scar replaced by host myocardium. We also quantified the effect of variation in intrinsic graft conductivity. Susceptibility to EA initially increased and subsequently decreased with increasing graft–host coupling, suggesting the waxing and waning of EA is regulated by progressive increases in graft–host coupling. Different spatial distributions of graft, host and scar yielded markedly different susceptibility curves. Computationally replacing non‐conductive scar with host myocardium or slow‐conducting scar, and increasing intrinsic graft conductivity both demonstrated potential means to blunt EA vulnerability. These data show how graft location, especially relative to scar, along with its dynamic electrical coupling to host, can influence EA burden; moreover, they offer a rational base for further studies aimed to define the optimal delivery of hPSC‐CM injection.

image

Key points

Human pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC‐CM) hold great cardiac regenerative potential but can also cause engraftment arrhythmias (EA).

Spatiotemporal evolution in the pattern of electrical coupling between injected hPSC‐CMs and surrounding host myocardium may explain the dynamics of EA observed in large animal models.

We conducted simulations in histology‐derived 2D slice computational models to assess the effects of heterogeneous graft–host electrical coupling on EA propensity, with or without scar tissue.

Our findings suggest spatiotemporally heterogeneous graft–host coupling can create an electrophysiological milieu that favours graft‐initiated host excitation, a surrogate metric of EA susceptibility. Removing scar from our models reduced but did not abolish the propensity for this phenomenon. Conversely, reduced intra‐graft electrical connectedness increased the incidence of graft‐initiated host excitation.

The computational framework created for this study can be used to generate new hypotheses, targeted delivery of hPSC‐CMs.
Acute exercise increases the contact between lipid droplets and mitochondria independently of obesity and type 2 diabetes
Authors: de Almeida Martin Eisemann , Ørtenblad Niels , Petersen Maria Houborg , Schjerning Ann‐Sofie Nybøle , Wentorf Emil Kleis , Jensen Kurt , Højlund Kurt , Nielsen Joachim
Published: April 2023

Intramuscular lipid droplets (LDs) and mitochondria are essential organelles in cellular communication and metabolism, supporting local energy demands during muscle contractions. While insulin resistance impacts cellular functions and systems within the skeletal muscle, it remains unclear whether the interaction of LDs and mitochondria is affected by exercise and the role of obesity and type 2 diabetes. By employing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we aimed to investigate the effects of 1 h of ergometry cycling on LD morphology, subcellular distribution and mitochondrial contact in skeletal muscle fibres of patients with type 2 diabetes and glucose‐tolerant lean and obese controls, matched for equal exercise intensities. Exercise did not change LD volumetric density, numerical density, profile size or subcellular distribution. However, evaluated as the magnitude of inter‐organelle contact, exercise increased the contact between LDs and mitochondria with no differences between the three groups. This effect was most profound in the subsarcolemmal space of type 1 muscle fibres, and here the absolute contact length increased on average from ∼275 to ∼420 nm. Furthermore, the absolute contact length before exercise (ranging from ∼140 to ∼430 nm) was positively associated with the fat oxidation rate during exercise. In conclusion, we showed that acute exercise did not mediate changes in the LD volume fractions, numbers or size but increased the contact between LDs and mitochondria, irrespective of obesity or type 2 diabetes. These data suggest that the increased LD–mitochondria contact with exercise is not disturbed in obesity or type 2 diabetes.

image

Key points

Type 2 diabetes is associated with altered interactivity between lipid droplets (LDs) and mitochondria in the skeletal muscle.

Physical contact between the surface of LDs and the surrounding mitochondrial network is considered favourable for fat oxidation.

We show that 1 h of acute exercise increases the length of contact between LDs and mitochondria, irrespective of obesity or type 2 diabetes.

This contact length between LDs and mitochondria is not associated with a net decrease in the LD volumetric density after the acute exercise. However, it correlates with the fat oxidation rate during exercise.

Our data establish that exercise mediates contact between LDs and the mitochondrial network and that this effect is not impaired in individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity.
Metagenomes and Metagenome-Assembled Genome Sequences from Nitrogen-Fixing Alder Nodules
Authors: Taş Neslihan , Conejo Nancy , Salmon Verity G.
Published: April 2023

Bacterial nitrogen (N) fixation in alder nodules is a key process providing nitrogen to nutrient-limited arctic biomes. Here, 45 prokaryotic metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) sequences from root nodules of arctic alder are reported.
Metagenome-Assembled Genomes from Appalachian Acid Mine Drainage Sites
Authors: Williams Caden , Macalady Jennifer , Grettenberger Christen
Published: April 2023

Here, we report 7 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) isolated from acid mine drainage sites in the eastern United States. Three genomes are
Archaea
, including two from the phylum
Thermoproteota
and one from
Euryarchaeota
. Four genomes are bacterial, with one from the phylum
Candidatus
Eremiobacteraeota (formerly WPS-2), one from
Acidimicrobiales
(
Actinobacteria
), and two from
Gallionellaceae
(
Proteobacteria
).
OmpC-Dependent Bile Tolerance Contributes to E. coli Colonization of the Mammalian Intestine
Authors: Doranga Sudhir , Conway Tyrrell
Published: April 2023

Every mammalian intestine is colonized with
Escherichia coli
. Although
E. coli
is one of the most studied model organisms, how it colonizes the intestine is not fully understood.
Supplemental Material: Physicochemical evolution and mechanism of a skarn system: Insights from the world-class Mazraeh Cu deposit, NW Iran
Authors: Rajabpour Shahrokh , al. et
Published: April 2023

Table S1: Representative EPMA analyses (in wt%) of garnet and the molecular proportions of its end-members. Table S2: Representative EPMA analyses (in wt%) of pyroxene and the molecular proportions of its end-members. Table S3: Bulk-rock major and trace elements composition of selected granodiorite samples. Table S4: Types of fluid inclusions in minerals from various hydrothermal assemblages of the Mazraeh deposit and their microthermometry results for 49 FIAs. Table S5: Oxygen, hydrogen and sulfur isotope compositions of different minerals and their calculated equilibrium fluids.
Reversible blindness with macrophage activation syndrome: an unusual presentation of secondary antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Sengupta Debroop , Poddar Kamal , Bag Upamanyu , Ghosh Sandip
Published: April 2023

Blindness due to retinal vascular thrombosis is a dreadful complication of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The latter may be present in isolation (ie, primary) or may occur secondary to other connective tissue diseases like lupus. Here we present an adolescent girl with bilateral painless loss of vision as a result of central retinal vessel thrombosis due to secondary APS. Her condition was further complicated by the presence of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and the development of macrophage activation syndrome while being evaluated for her blindness. Prompt treatment with glucocorticoids and anticoagulants could halt the devastating disease process.
Homozygous mild beta-thalassaemia promoter transversion −71 C>T HBB:c.-121 C>T
Authors: Hassan Suha Mustafa , Alrawas Abdulhakim , Al Khanbashi Laila , Wali Yasser
Published: April 2023

Beta-thalassaemia is one of the most common genetic disorders worldwide, which is caused by absent or decreased synthesis of beta-globin chain subunits. Beta-thalassaemias are diverse groups of disease with a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes. The clinical phenotypes can include asymptomatic forms of beta-thalassaemia minor, intermediate and severe transfusion dependent beta-thalassaemia major. Clinical severity varies depending on the underlying β globin gene mutation. There are a number of mild β-thalassaemia gene defects that could be referred as a ‘silent carrier’. Identifying the underlying molecular defect is essential to predict phenotype severity for optimal management, tailored treatment and improved quality of life.

We report the first identification of a homozygous point mutation located within the promoter region of the β‐globin gene at position −71 (C>T). The patient was a female child, who was referred to our clinic after she was found to have hypochromic microcytic anaemia with low haemoglobin (Hb) (67 g/L) and an Hb A2level at the upper limit of the normal value (3.7%). This observation is a new example of homozygous mild β-thalassaemia with a borderline Hb A2level, and illustrates a potential source of pitfall in the diagnosis of β-thalassaemia disease.
Particularly severe form of refractory gastrointestinal involvement in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Bento da Silva Ana , Lourenço Maria Helena , Cunha-Branco Jaime , Gonçalves Maria João
Published: April 2023

A woman with systemic sclerosis presents with a severe and rapidly progressive form of gastrointestinal involvement, mainly marked by recurrent refractory episodes of pseudo-obstruction, culminating in severe malnutrition and dependence of parenteral nutrition. The impact on her quality of life was extremely significant. As a last resort, she started intravenous immunoglobulin with progressive improvement of her symptoms, allowing for the reinstitution of oral diet and removal of parenteral nutrition. After more than 1 year, she maintains clinical stability. Systemic sclerosis has a heterogeneous phenotype, but gastrointestinal involvement is one of the most frequent. Severe manifestations are rare, but can lead to severe malnutrition and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Their management is challenging, as the available treatments are still very limited. A better understanding of its pathophysiology, which seems to be unique, is essential to provide more effective treatments and improving quality of life.
Factors affecting physicians’ attitudes towards patient-centred care: a cross-sectional survey in Beijing
Authors: Liang Haiying , Reiss Michael J , Isaacs Talia
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Patient-centred care has been raised as an important component in providing high-quality healthcare services. This research aims to measure physicians’ attitudes towards patient-centred care in Chinese healthcare settings and to identify the sociodemographic predictors of their attitudes using an exploratory research design.

Design

A cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Twelve hospitals in Beijing, China.

Participants

1290 physicians from 12 hospitals in Beijing were invited to take part in the survey using snowball sampling methods. There was a response rate of 84% (n=1084), of which 1053 responses (82%) were valid and included in this research.

Methods

This research used a survey containing a previously validated 6-point Likert scale called ‘Chinese-revised Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale’ (CR-PPOS). Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to measure participants’ attitudes and to identify the sociodemographic predictors of Chinese physicians’ attitudes towards patient-centred care.

Results

Gender, professional title (ie, seniority) and hospital type influence Chinese physicians’ attitudes towards patient-centred care. Female physicians, physicians with intermediate titles and those who work in tertiary (ie, top-level) hospitals tend to have higher patient-centred attitudes (OR=1.532, 95% CI 1.160 to 2.022; OR=2.089, 95% CI 1.206 to 3.618; OR=2.198, 95% CI 1.465 to 3.297) than male physicians with other titles, and than those who work in first, secondary or private hospitals. Physicians working in non-surgical departments, those who have received training in doctor–patient communication, and those who are satisfied with their income obtained high patient-centred scores, both on the overall CR-PPOS and its two subscales.

Conclusions

This research identified sociodemographic predictors of Chinese physicians’ attitudes towards patient-centred care. The findings contribute to knowledge of factors to be considered in reforming medical education and the Chinese healthcare system to improve physician–patient relationships and provide high-quality healthcare to patients. However, these findings are exploratory in nature and require further investigation to establish their validity and generalisability.
Elderly man with mandibular pain
Authors: Lee Kevin C , Ferguson Bridget M
Published: April 2023

Clinical introduction

A 77-year-old man presented to the ED with a history of fevers, purulent drainage and right mandibular pain. He had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma 2 years previously and was receiving treatment with pamidronate. On presentation, the lower right lip and chin were anaesthetic, tooth number 31 had grade 2 mobility and a 15 mm long ulceration was present on the lingual aspect of the mandible (figure 1). Antibiotics were administered, and a maxillofacial CT without contrast was performed (figure 2).

Figure 1

Clinical examination revealing a 15 mm long ulceration (arrow mark) associated with the lingual aspect of tooth number 31.

Figure 2

CT maxillofacial (coronal) demonstrating osseous destruction (arrow mark) of the right mandibular body.

Question

What is your diagnosis?

Odontogenic abscess

Benign fibro-osseous lesion

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)

Metastatic malignancy
Paediatric shoulder injury: don’t get sucked in!
Authors: Kilgour Peter Michael , Watson Lesley , Williams Marc
Published: April 2023

Clinical introduction

A healthy 8-year-old boy presented to the ED with acute left shoulder pain. He had been playing football and his left arm was pulled by an opposition team member. He fell to the ground and landed on his left shoulder causing pain. On examination after analgesia, active and passive movement of the shoulder joint was possible in all directions but range of motion was limited by pain. There was no visible swelling or bruising throughout the shoulder girdle. A radiograph of the shoulder was obtained (figure 1).

Figure 1

Plain radiograph of the left shoulder.

Question

What radiographic finding is seen for this patient?

Glenohumeral lipohaemarthrosis.

Acromioclavicular joint disruption.

Intra-articular gas.

Intra-articular loose body.
BET 1: Oseltamivir use for quicker alleviation of symptoms, fewer hospital admissions and lower mortality in adult patients with influenza B
Authors: Bromley Claire , Reynard Charles
Published: April 2023

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether Oseltamivir leads to faster alleviation of symptoms, fewer hospital admissions and lower mortality in adult patients with confirmed influenza B presenting to the Emergency Department. Two studies were directly relevant to the question using the described search methodology on Ovid Medline and Embase. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line: there is no good evidence that oseltamivir results in quicker alleviation of symptoms, fewer hospital admissions or lower mortality in adult patients with influenza B.
BET 1: cervical spine immobilisation in the management of drowning victims
Authors: Jones Tom , Rennie Alistair
Published: April 2023

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether patients presenting to the emergency department after a near drowning should have cervical spine immobilisation. A search of the literature found only three studies directly relevant to the question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is that cervical spine injuries are rare in drowning and near drowning unless there is a history of diving or a fall or signs of trauma. Cervical spine immobilisation should be reserved for cases where there is a reasonable suspicion of a spinal injury.
BET 2: CT head in investigation of near drowning
Authors: Jones Tom , Rennie Alistair
Published: April 2023

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether patients presenting to the emergency department after a near drowning should have a CT head scan as part of their initial assessment. A search of the literature found only three studies directly relevant to the question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is that anyone with GCS≤4 should have a CT head as an abnormal scan at this stage heralds a very poor prognosis.